I really enjoyed this book. It was an easy read and the romance was super sweet. I will for sure read it again when it gets published. I also think my seniors might enjoy it.

Thank you for the arc!!! 3.5 stars rounded up!

4 ⭐️
2 🌶️

<b>“I hope I don’t mess up my hair,” I said.
“I do,” he replied.
“Why?”
“Because then I would have to do it again.”<\b>

TLDR; cutesy low stakes romance read with our neuro-spicy air traffic controller, Pippa, and her fake boyfriend, pilot Andrew.

As with every book, I read the synopsis once and promptly forget it so I end up going in <i>prettyyy</i> blind. So I did <i>not</i> immediately know Pippa was on the spectrum until I saw the signs written in her mannerisms (shoutout to Jo Watson for the canned coke scene, I felt seen). Andrew and Pippa’s chemistry and banter were something you don’t see often in romance reads, and I do think part of that can be attributed to Pippa being on the autism spectrum. It was different but in a good way. The best way. Sometimes I found myself frustrated Andrew wasn’t more straightforward (there’s a very specific scene, post tree climbing I was even like “ok so which way is he going with this?”). Overall, I ended up enjoying this so much more than I initially suspected I would. The last 20% of the book had me so in my feelings.

<b>Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for the chance to read and review this ahead of time!</b>

4.5 Stars

This was overall a super cute book! The romance was heartwarming, and the MMC is an amazing golden retriever bf. However, where this book truly shines is regarding its autism representation. This has to be one of the best portrayals of an autistic individual that I have ever read. Unlike characters such as Sheldon Cooper and The Good Doctor, Pippa felt REAL. She isn't this superhuman being, but a regular girl. It was cool being able to see all the signs before she even flat out said it, such as:

-Tending to go on tangents
-Clumsy due to disconnection from body
-Safe Foods
-Intolerance to certain textures
-Sensory Overload
-Overwhelmed by emotions
-looking up things at random times
-repetition
-"special interests" (which commonly change)

This was also one of the few books that actually made me cry. As someone on the spectrum, I felt so SEEN and understood by this book. I was a mess after the bathroom scene at the wedding (IYKYK). Despite all the times Pippa gave me second-hand embarrassment, I still loved her just as much as Andrew. He accepted and loved her, quirks and all. I would recommend this book to fans of Ali Hazelwood's style of writing.

The plotline was very enticing and captured my interest right away. I loved the airport setting and the “meet cute.” I wanted to love this book so much but I had a hard time connecting with Pippa and her lack of emotions. It felt very robotic and forced with Andrew.

I did enjoy that it was a realistic autism representation and believe it will be well received by others. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review!

I really liked Love at First Flight. It was nice to have two MC’s who have jobs that they love which also play an integral part of the story. In fact, it’s how Pippa “City Tower” Edwards, an air traffic controller, and Andrew “Flightbird Six Zero Zero” Boyce-Jones, a pilot, meet.

I definitely recommend Love at First Flight. It’s equal parts heart and depth. Pippa and Andrew start as fake daters who barely know each other, but the charm is they actually develop a friendship prior to their HEA. Plus Andrew is not only the best book boyfriend he’s the best fake/real boyfriend to Pippa.

Watson is autistic and gave Pippa a lot of her traits. It’s nice to see neurodivergent characters written by neurodivergent authors. I enjoyed Pippa teaching me about her version of autism.

Thank you to Wattpad WEBTOON Book Group for the digital ARC. Love at First Flight will be available on March 18, 2025.

Fake Dating trope went HARD! I was in absolute love with it and the book's neurodivergent FMC. Andrew was a king, I swear.

I really enjoyed this book. Told from the perspective of a neurodivergent air traffic controller, Pippa, it paints a picture of how Pippa navigates the world. After a face to face meeting with a pilot she knows from her ATC, Andrew, the two decide to fake date to help get them both through some upcoming social encounters.

Andrew is a fabulous book boyfriend and truly understands and accommodates Pippa and her needs. The plot also pushes Pippa to go outside of her comfort zone and believe in herself. Watson did a great job and cannot wait to read more of her work.

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC!

Pippa loves her life nice and orderly. She loves her dogs, her job as an air traffic controller, synonyms, tropical fish, and order. Yet, due to her autism, there are a lot of things she doesn't like- sarcasm, meeting new people, tight clothes, loud noises, and repeating patterns. On the way to her dreaded high school reunion, Pippa runs into a pilot named Andrew, a man she's only known by voice over the radios at the airport. Pippa and Andrew soon realize that they are both dreading being confronted with their single status at their upcoming events with family and friends. What better solution than pretend to be in a relationship?

This was a great romance for anyone who's ever felt like they don't fit in and the world doesn't understand them. Pippa is an amazing main character with high-functioning autism and dyspraxia. Her social awkwardness and clumsiness were so relatable to a person like me who also has dyspraxia and social awkwardness. I've also wondered if I'll ever find the right person for me. I've practically given up. I love the friendship/relationship with Andrew and how supportive and understanding he is of Pippa and her quirks. He doesn't judge, just supports. Some of the symptoms of her autism give second-hand embarrassment but are also very real for people with disabilities. I enjoyed her quirky group of friends and all the ways she finds to cope with the world around her. I LOVED this book and would recommend it to everyone who feels different.

*** I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. ***

Sad to report that I DNF this one around the 50% mark. From the start, I couldn’t get into it and it was extremely slow for my liking. I also couldn’t connect to the characters.

THANK YOU!!! I loved the premise of this book so much. It was a great airplane read. I appreciate the early access to a fun travel dating story.

I can't figure out how to read this on my kindle since there is no epub or send to kindle option. Pretty disappointing since this book sounded so good and I was really excited to get approved. :( (not sharing on socials)

Fake dating for a high school reunion? Say less. This was so cute!! Solid 4 star read. I also really appreciated the neurodivergence rep. I haven’t read anything like this in awhile and it was refreshing! Thank you NetGalley!!

I loved this story! And reading the author's note about her own autism diagnosis made the story hit home even more.

It's an awesome meet cute in the airport -- air traffic controller, Pippa has only heard pilot Andrew's voice over the radio, but they meet at a coffee shop in the airport. There they decide to become fake boyfriend/girlfriend to take each other to social events they need a plus one for. I love how gentle and careful Andrew is with Pippa - I think he realized early on that she was on the spectrum and knows how to love her because of it. His family is amazing and it really shows his understanding for diversity. Their story is amazingly beautiful.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review. I'll be looking for more of Jo Watson's books!

I wanted to love this but I was not my favorite at all. I was really hopefully but it was a bit disappointing.

Love at First Flight is a beautifully heartfelt and refreshingly unique fake-dating romance that soars with charm, humor, and emotional depth. Pippa’s neurodiverse perspective adds an authentic and thoughtful layer to the story, making her journey of self-discovery and love incredibly moving.

Set against the vibrant backdrop of South Africa, the chemistry between Pippa and Andrew is undeniable as they navigate their pact, complicated family dynamics, and a growing connection they can’t ignore. Joe Watson masterfully balances laugh-out-loud moments with deeply personal reflections, creating a story that’s as uplifting as it is relatable.

Perfect for fans of Helen Hoang and Rachel Lynn Solomon, this novel will have you cheering for Pippa and Andrew as they find love on their own terms. A must-read for anyone who believes love should celebrate individuality and authenticity!

Love at First Flight is a gem of a book. The fake dating trope is done perfectly. The banter between the main characters is spot on and the storyline is so heartwarming. Also, the pacing of the book is just right. This book made me smile so much. I ended up reading the whole book in one sitting, I just could not put it down.

The neurodivergent FMC, Pippa, is beautifully well written. She’s blunt, caring, and a boss of an air traffic controller. The MMC, Andrew, is patient, kind, and sweet, and also happens to be a pilot. I adored how their fake dating situationship developed into something more. It’s a relationship you want to cheer for.

This book is for anyone that loves a quirky and cute romance with a fake dating trope, and two main characters that just get each other. I just loved this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Wattpad WEBTOON Book Group for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

Got this as an ARC from NetGalley, since it’s not published in the U.S. yet. But my friend had already read and recommended it to me ages ago. Because I guess if it’s a South African author and you live in South Africa, you get the book first. Fair.

Fake dating rom com between an autistic air traffic controller and a pilot. It’s 100% adorable. He’s a sweet golden retriever and we love a neurodivergent heroine. I’d definitely read more from this author. For fans of Chloe Liese and Talia Hibbert.

I really enjoyed this book! The characters were great and very entertaining. The story was very well written and I loved the plot!

Pippa is an air traffic controller, and meets Andrew, a pilot.
They communicate almost daily as she helps to land his planes. Pippa has an upcoming class reunion, that she desperately doesn't want to attend. Her classmates are all engaged, married, or having babies and she doesn't want to deal with the pressure. However, when Andrew recognizes her voice at a coffee shop, he expresses that he doesn't want to hear the nagging from his family about similar issues over the holidays. Together they figure out a way to make it work for both of them.
I loved this; read in under 24 hours! Andrew and Pippa are the best! I love that Pippa is on the autism scale, there needs to be more awareness and understanding about how everyone's brains work differently. But the fact that it's something Andrew loves about Pippa makes it so much better. Their relationship is beautiful, and I absolutely loved reading about it! There's a little bit of spice, but honestly, you don't need it.
It's such a beautiful story. The ending had me oo
*one of my
favorites* There's no third act break up, but a confession and an emergency. There is just so much good in this book, and I truly love all the little things that happen. I don't want to give anything away, but the car...😍
Highly recommend!

4 stars out of 5.

I thought this was a pretty good romantic comedy and I loved the fact it was aviation themed. There are not enough aviation rom coms out there so I am glad I was able to get to read this book. Both the main characters were likable but I found some parts pretty cheesy. It had good pacing and kept my interest throughout the book. Overall, an enjoyable read.

In Love at First Flight, we met Pippa who is an air traffic controller and Andrew, a pilot. Pippa has worked with him on multiple flights and one day she meets him at her favorite coffee shop in the airport. Andrew recognized her voice and they both got to talking. Pippa was going to a 10 year high school reunion but was dreading it since she didn't have a date. Andrew had a similar problem so the two decide to be each others dates when needed. They started faking dating but things seem to be taking a different turn.

Thank you Netgalley and Wattpad WEBTOON Book Group for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.