Something about Connolly’s writing sucks me in every time, and Love in Plane Sight was no different. A determined FMC, “hot pilot” MMC, brother’s best friend trope, and so many lovable side characters made this so special. Even the quirky personality of Grumps and Jet stuck out. The chapters flow so well into each other. And the ladies are going to LOVE George Bunsen. Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this, I already want to read it again.

I would bow down and praise the author with how well written this books is!!
I finished this book in 2 days...and I never wanted it to end! I was loving the back and forth pining and bickering. The love story between the two was so strong.
Lauren started off this story right with a strong hook, capturing readers by the first 2 chapters.
I do wish we got more background into Beth and George's history. Young Beth swooning over George!!!
The protectiveness that George portrays in the story filters off the page so well and gave me legitimate chills.

This book by Lauren Connolly is not what I expected and I feel like it could have been better if lust weren't the centerpiece of the whole book. There really isn't enough plot development to create an organic love story. There are a lot of points that could have been more fully developed. The money struggles Beth was having trying to pay off loans and her mortgage was the one thing that seemed complete in the book. Beth's relationship with her brother was one thing that could have more fully fleshed out. Beth's flying lessons could have been more detailed. It could have been a really good book but it missed the mark by a mile.

Two Stars.

Berkley Publishing provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

I loved this one!! This was such a fun read and I also learned some stuff about piloting and planes which was really cool. The banter and chemistry between Beth and George was really well done. I thought that this book handled the woman in a male dominated field aspect of the story really well. I couldn’t put this book down! Beth is so relatable in so many ways and I really loved her character. All of Beth’s found family were so lovable. Definitely check this one out when it releases!

Thank you Berkley and NetGalley for the advanced copy! All opinions are my own.

This was my first time reading a novel by Lauren Connolly, and I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect—especially after a rather unconventional opening where Beth is... let's say very affected by engine trouble—but I ended up enjoying the journey this story took me on.

From the moment I requested the ARC on NetGalley, the cover and synopsis intrigued me. I was immediately drawn in by the simmering tension between Beth and George, which only deepened as their relationship slowly transitioned from reluctant acquaintances to something much more meaningful. Their banter and emotional development kept me invested throughout.

Beth
Beth is a compelling and relatable protagonist. I admired her fierce loyalty to her family and her determination to pursue her dream of becoming a pilot—something refreshingly unique in the romance genre. Her emotional reserve and unwillingness to fully open up made her feel real, and I appreciated the moments when her strength came through, even in vulnerability.

George
While he initially appears to be the classic grumpy male lead, George soon reveals himself to be much more than that. Thoughtful, respectful, and emotionally self-aware, he was a fantastic counterpart to Beth’s guarded nature. I especially enjoyed how he gently pushed Beth to open up, while also letting his own insecurities show in a way that felt grounded and authentic.

The Romance
The slow-burn dynamic between Beth and George was well, ok. . Although the emphasis on Beth’s physical attraction to George became slightly repetitive early on, the emotional depth between them developed organically, striking a satisfying balance. I especially appreciated George’s quiet, restrained affection—a subtle, unspoken kind of love that added emotional richness to the story.

Final Thoughts
The pacing was smooth, the chapters flowed effortlessly, and the plot moved beyond just the romance to include themes of ambition, identity, and healing. Beth’s journey toward becoming a pilot added a unique layer to the narrative, and I thoroughly enjoyed her training scenes with George. While this may not be the type of book I typically reach for, I’m so glad I gave it a chance. If you enjoy grumpy/sunshine pairings, a touch of humor, and slow-burn romance with genuine emotional payoff, this one is well worth the read.

Thank you Netgalley for thus opportunity. 3.5 stars

I absolutely loved Love in Plane Sight – it’s such a joyful, swoony read that had me giggling and kicking my feet the entire time. Beth Lundberg is a fiery, relatable heroine with big dreams, and George Bunsen is the ultimate grumpy pilot with a heart of gold. From the moment these two are thrown together in the cockpit, their chemistry is electric and absolutely hilarious. Lauren Connolly’s witty banter and the fun premise (flight lessons with her brother’s best friend!) set a playful tone that kept me grinning—laughing at their clever back-and-forth and swooning at their flirty moments.

Their enemies-to-friends-to-lovers journey is perfectly paced. George’s slow reveal of kindness and vulnerability beneath his gruff exterior made me giddy, while Beth’s determination and warmth made her impossible not to root for. The dialogue is snappy and full of humor—I laughed out loud more than once and just couldn’t stop smiling. The unique setting of flying lessons adds an extra twist to the romance, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments in the air and sweet, tender scenes back on the ground. Even the supporting characters (like Beth’s brother’s goofball best friend Shawn and her loyal friend Darla) feel real and add so much charm to the story.

Without giving anything away, the emotional payoff at the end was absolutely delightful. Lauren Connolly balances heat with heart beautifully, and by the final pages my heart felt so full. I closed the book with the biggest grin on my face – I was literally giggling, swooning, and completely enchanted by this couple’s journey. Love in Plane Sight is the kind of feel-good, laugh-out-loud romance that stays with you long after the last page, and I already can’t wait to see what Lauren Connolly does next.

This review is based on an Advance Reader Copy provided by Berkley Publishing Group via NetGalley. All opinions are my own. Five flying stars!

I loved it. Everyone feels real, all the characters are interesting, and their relationships are strong. I liked that Darla and Beth were such good friends, they had each other’s backs. Everyone was very supportive of each other (except the villains, of course). It made me laugh, it made me cry, and I enjoyed myself a lot. Beth is very funny, and though she has her flaws, she was able to work on herself and be better. George comes off as a little standoffish at first, but he becomes a steady presence in Beth’s life, someone she can rely on, and he kinda grew on me as the story progressed. Shawn is very funny, and has Golden retriever energy. Grumps is his own character as well, and kinda funny. Darla was very protective of the people she cared for, and I hope we eventually get her and Shawn’s story (or stories, who says they’ll end up together?). As always, all characters are relatable, likeable, complex people, and that makes the story much more interesting. I couldn’t stop reading.

What do you get when you mix a brother’s best friend with Jason Statham meets Austin Butler vibes (yes, think Masters of the Air intensity), a dash of enemies-to-lovers, second-chance romance, and one steamy dose of forced proximity? You get a romcom that flies straight into your heart—and yes, I’m talking about the kind of romance that makes you grin like a fool, fan your face, and fall in love a little more with every page.

The book starts mid-crisis: engine failure mid-flight. Our heroine Beth Lundberg—24, fiery, determined, broke, and hiding big emotional scars—is stuck in a tiny cockpit with George Bunsen, her brother’s best friend and the infuriatingly hot flight instructor who’s been giving her the cold shoulder for as long as she can remember. George: grumpy, serious, guarded, but with unexpected tenderness beneath the surface. When he calmly takes control of the failing aircraft and lands them safely on a highway, something shifts. Suddenly, Beth’s hatred starts to feel suspiciously like… desire.

She doesn't want to admit it, but she’s crushing hard on the man who never seems to stick around when they’re alone. And things get even more complicated when George starts showing up at the local diner where Beth works—sometimes with her brother Shawn, sometimes not. The diner staff even name a sandwich after him (because of course they do), dubbing him “The Hot Pilot.” Oh, and then he offers her free flying lessons.

Beth is convinced his offer is nothing but pity—charity extended from a sense of obligation as her brother’s friend. And yet, despite her pride, her frustration, and the weight of everything she's juggling (two jobs, sky-high debt, a crumbling house, and an estranged father who refuses to give her the trust fund he owes), she says yes.

And suddenly? She sees a whole new side of George. He’s not just the aloof, unreadable man she’s built up in her head. He’s thoughtful, gentle, warm… and totally, irreversibly into her. Their spark becomes a slow, steady flame—and Beth finds herself navigating more than just flight patterns. She’s wrestling with vulnerability, independence, and the fear of falling in love when everything around her already feels like it’s on the brink.

The emotional stakes in this book are beautifully layered. Beth’s sense of duty to her mother, her financial burdens, and her complicated family history make her fiercely independent—and deeply relatable. And George? He’s a cinnamon roll wrapped in a grumpy pilot exterior. Watching them come together, break down walls, and rewrite their connection is incredibly satisfying.

Overall: I was hooked from page one. This book had me giggling, swooning, and cheering for two messy, loveable characters finding their way back to each other—and toward a future that felt earned and heartfelt. I also loved the supporting characters, especially Shawn and Darla, who deserve their own spin-off (yes, I would devour a novella about them!). Lauren Connolly has made her way onto my auto-read list, and I’ll be watching for everything she writes next.

If you love emotional slow burns with fierce heroines, grumpy-hot heroes, and big-hearted storytelling that balances heat with heart, don’t miss this one!

A big thank-you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the ARC of this beautiful romcom in exchange for my honest thoughts.

Beth dreams of becoming a pilot. The problem? It’s expensive and with her mom’s medical bill and their home mortgage money is not in abundance. George, Beth’s rich half-brother Shawn’s best friend, offers to give her flying lessons for free. Which is crazy because George obviously hates her… But as they spend more time together it seems like he might not hate her after all.

This one was a lot of fun to read. The flying made it pretty adventurous, and I love a sassy FMC. George was a little too aloof for me. I’m more of a golden retriever MMC fan than caveman vibes but he was still a keeper. I really just need the Darla and Shawn sequel asap because I love a black cat x golden retriever. Please tell me it’s in the works?!? The spicy scenes were spicy asf. Damn Lauren you popped off.

Enemies to lovers
Sassy FMC
Hot pilot
Plane crash?

Thanks NetGalley and Berkley romance for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

What a fun read! I've never read a Lauren Connolly book before, but I'm glad I did! I was a little skeptical at first since our main girl Beth here gets a little horny from engine failure, but I ended up really enjoying Beth and George's banter and progression from (slight) enemies to friends to lovers. Beth wanting to be a pilot is a really unique premise, and I enjoyed reading about her learning to fly with George.

One of my favorite tropes is grumpy x sunshine and while Beth maybe wasn't the most sunshiney character of them all, George sure was grumpy. I love my MMC's with a dose of grumpy but pining, and that is definitely what I got with this book (thank you Lauren!!!).

I also really enjoyed all the side characters. Darla, Beth's bestie, and Shawn, her brother, lowkey stole the show for me. I especially loved Beth and Shawn's book clubs! They annotate the book and then trade so they can review each other's annotations. I genuinely think that is the most wholesome thing ever.

I definitely feel like Lauren set up for a sequel for Beth's brother, and let's just say that I am very excited for the golden retriever x black cat book that we are about to get... Until then, I will be checking out Lauren's other romcoms!

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This was an incredibly sweet book that I ate up so fast! I loved being in Beth's head - there was something so recognizable about the way she navigated events and handled herself. She's quirky and funny and passionate. I adored her!
George is a dream-worthy love interest, and I really loved the flight instructor back story. It's clear the author has done a lot of work to weave in all the plane/flying facts and I thought it was so fun!

i really enjoyed this book! i thought this was the cutest little airplane romance, and I definitely would read more from this author.

I enjoyed Love in Plane sight. I thought the plot and the story were interesting and engaging. I also really enjoyed the characters of Beth and George. The story follows Beth as she is trying to achieve her dream of becoming a pilot. Through her connection with her half brother, Beth begins flying lessons with George. As they continue to fly through the air, the feelings between the two grow. But each of them are harboring a secret or a false misconception about the other. These secret(s) threaten to derail Beth's dream and the budding relationship between George and Beth. As the story continues we get to see the change in Beth and George. Beth finding confidence in her ability and proof that her dream to be a pilot isn't as far fetched as she thought. We also get to see her learn how to lean on others and begin to trust her gut when it comes to people. George begins to open up and share about his world and what it is like being 1/3 of the company Beth's and George's dad helped create and run. This gives a little bit grumpy sunshine and enemies to lovers vibes. While George and Beth were never truly enemies, they were set up from the beginning to not like one another. Together they must overcome the lies and deceptions that threaten to tear them apart. Because if they can, they have a chance to find what they each were looking for.

I could not put this book down once I got started. As the story continued I wanted to know more and more about George and Beth. The underlying knowledge that there were secrets kept me hooked. The side characters also added so much to the story. Shawn and Darla and their relationship with both Beth and George was feel good and wholesome. I loved the idea of found family that was in this story. Beth's mom finding her partner and building a relationship and home for Beth felt so beautiful and poignant. Beth's found family in the diner where she worked was adorable and felt so true to life. We as people build our groups and families and surround ourselves with those who see the best in us. And the found families here worked and leaned into that so much. I also loved how Beth's half brother Shawn simply wanted her to be in his life. He never let his dad or mom's opinion of Beth affect the relationship he wanted to build with her. Additionally, Shawn's side story of feeling like the only reason anyone wants to be in life because of money was so heart breaking and I believe is a fear that many with money may have. Some of Shawn's story was heartbreaking and it helped the reader understand the dynamic between Beth and Shawn. It added so many layers to both of the characters. Darla was great. I loved her playfulness and her complete disregard at fitting into the standards that the world wanted to thrust on her. I do wish we had gotten more of her story. The parts that we got made me want to know Darla more and I hope in the future we may get her story. I loved that both Beth and Darla's parents were present for both of them. The 4 mom's created their own friendship and relationship with each other and the girls. Beth's mom's story also helped add a layer to Beth's story and explaining who she was as a character. I do wish we had gotten a bit more between Beth and her mom to add to their story.

One of the things, I wasn't fond of was the opening of the story. I don't mind getting dropped into the story but I felt a little confused by the dynamic between Beth and George initially. The idea that they didn't like each other didn't make sense. I felt like I was missing a big piece of the story at the beginning. And I wish that had been developed a little bit more earlier on. Even developing it early on wouldn't have taken away from the reveal that happens later. I feel like this could have been achieved with dual POV. I would have loved to have George's perspective on the situation. George was very shy and kind of aloof and knowing what was going on in his mind could have added to the story in a way.

Overall, would I recommend this? Absolutely! These characters had some serious depth and they tackled what feels like real world issues. The idea that Beth didn't always know where money was coming from or having to learn to be an electrician or plumber because you may not be able to afford one speaks to what some may experience. The idea that George had to live up to these grandiose expectations of his father, also speaks volumes. I think a lot of readers may see themselves or someone they know in these characters. I think that's what makes a good author and a good story.

Trigger warning there is discussion of mental health issues, cancer, child abandonment.

Absolutely delightful!
This was such a sweet and easy read! I love a good grumpy/sunshine romance, and Beth and George totally nailed that dynamic. She’s determined and full of fire, and he’s reserved and kind of grumbly — but in the most lovable way. Their chemistry felt real from the start.

The flight school setting was a fun twist! It added a little bit of adventure and made their story feel fresh. I liked that the book gave room for Beth to chase her dreams and grow on her own, while also building up this slow, simmering romance with George.

It was romantic, a bit emotional, and had just enough humor to balance things out. Nothing too over-the-top or dramatic, just a lovely, feel-good story with heart.

Definitely recommend if you want a low-angst romance with charm and great character growth!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of this book.

3.5 ⭐️
╰► 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄!

❰ 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐧𝐞𝐭𝐠𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐤𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐜! ❱

lıllılı.ıllı.ılılıılıı.lllııılı.
Now Playing:
[You Are In Love - Taylor Swift]
0:26 ———♡——— 4:27
◁◁▐▐ ▷▷

"𝐈𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐈 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐜𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐡 𝐨𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐡 𝐋𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐠, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐈 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫."

₊˚ʚ ➼➻❥𝙨𝙮𝙣𝙤𝙥𝙨𝙞𝙨📋
╰┈➤ beth never expected to fall for her brother’s grumpy best friend—especially not while learning to fly. but as her dream of becoming a pilot takes off, so does an unexpected connection with george bunsen. with secrets looming and emotions soaring, beth must decide if love is worth the risk.

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷𝙢𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨💭
╰┈➤ in all honesty, i didn’t expect to enjoy this book as much as i did but i thoroughly enjoyed it! when i requested it on netgalley, the cover and description really had me hooked so i was so happy that i received the arc! from the beginning of the book, it’s clear that there’s something simmering beneath the surface between beth and george, and watching that relationship unravel was very interesting.

₊˚ʚ ➼➻❥𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙝🫶
╰┈➤ i think beth is a such an endearing character. i really enjoyed how much she cared for her family and always had a fierce loyalty towards them. i respected how hardworking she was—in her dreams as well as providing for her family. i related to her due to how closed off she was about expressing her feelings and struggles. i like beth a lot because even with all her problems, she still managed to smile.

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷𝙜𝙚𝙤𝙧𝙜𝙚🐻
╰┈➤ i always love a grumpy mmc, but it turns out that george wasn’t as grumpy as he seemed. he was so sweet and supportive of beth in everything she did. he was respectful towards her and i enjoyed how he shared his family life with her even though it was such a sensitive topic. he is such a golden retriever boyfriend and i am here for it. i felt like he was in tune with his emotions and he was confident in them, but when it came to beth, he would get nervous sometimes, and i found that so hot. i love nervous men.

₊˚ʚ ➼➻❥𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 💕
╰┈➤ the tension between beth and george was pretty good in my opinion. however, the repeated focus of beth’s physical attraction to george (how horny she was for him) got a bit repetitive to the point where it felt like there was no emotional connection. but… that emotion did develop throughout the story, making everything feel balanced out. i loved how george loved beth in silence because he couldn’t love her loudly, due to a certain reason…

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙘𝙡𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣🔒
╰┈➤ i am very pleased with my first ever arc, and i enjoyed how the chapters flowed easily, so the story didn’t just focus on one thing for the whole book. usually this wouldn’t be a book i’d pick up, but the plot was fun and i enjoyed it a lot. if you’re into grumpy/sunshine and slow burn, i suggest you should definitely pick this up.


(I am not at all trying to be rude or mean with my feedback, it’s all just my opinion and my preference. If my star rating isn’t the best, or if my words come off as cruel, it’s not targeted at you one bit.)

What I enjoyed:
* It’s pretty clear early on that George is into Beth, even if he tries to hide it behind his grumpy exterior (I liked how that was woven subtly into the text)
* The structure of the book made it really easy to follow, which kept me engaged.
* The writing style is smooth and uncomplicated, which made for a really enjoyable read.
* I really liked how the side characters’ struggles were included because it made the story feel more real and layered.
* Beth and Shawn’s sibling relationship felt super authentic and natural.
* The slow burn between Beth and George, especially the tension and buildup, was absolutely gripping!

What didn’t work as well for me:
* Beth’s attraction to George comes on super strong right from the first chapter and it felt a little fast and didn’t give much time to build up the tension.
* Her physical desire for George is brought up in almost every chapter, which started to feel a bit repetitive. It might make some readers think their connection is more about lust than any emotional depth.
* George is described as hot a lot, and after a while, it started to lose its impact. A little variety in how he's described could make those moments more meaningful.

Brother's best friend, grumpy/sunshine, and so much yearning. Beth is a waitress with dreams of becoming a pilot, and her older half brother Shawn works for a swanky transportation company. His best friend, George, offers to be her flight instructor - even though he allegedly hates her - at no charge and she reluctantly accepts. I enjoyed their dynamic but would have liked a bit more showing and less telling about how much he secretly cares for her. The family dynamics between Beth, her brother, and parents were well fleshed out and I felt these were more impactful than the romantic relationship. Shawn in particular was a delightful character. Love in Plane Sight is a good choice for readers who enjoy an Ali Hazelwood style MMC who has been silently (and secretly) crushing on the FMC for years. Fans of Connolly's previous novel, PS I Hate You, will find much to appreciate here.

A really fun time! If you like Ali Hazelwood type love interests where their personality mainly consists of being grumpy and pathetic with yearning, this is definitely the book for you. My only gripe with this is that everything is really easy - the romance doesn't have any major tensions and the conflicts in the main character's personal life that set up from the beginning don't reallyyyy matter. However, as a fun lighthearted read, this does really hit the spot.

📖 Book Review 📖 Adrenaline can cause some very wild visceral reactions; including catching some pretty intense feelings for your brother’s grumpy best friend. Beth dreams of earning her pilot’s license but life is notorious for throwing those wrenches in the best laid plans. To her good fortune (or dismay depending on if your cup is half full or half empty), George is willing to take her under his wing after one near crash sends their relationship into a tailspin that changes everything. Lauren Connolly brings another stunning love story that envelops the breadth of human emotions, ranging from complex family dynamics to pursuing dreams. Love in Plane Sight is another absolutely cannot miss read by Connolly that brings all the butterflies woven throughout the beautifully written pages.

Super cute read! I loved learning about flying and the steps to becoming a pilot. I really loved Beth and George getting to know one other and falling for each other. The hotel scene was the best!!! Also George being down bad from the jump 🫶

This book swept me away. I was rooting for them from start to finish because this book captures the messy, beautiful dance between ambition and love with so much heart. I can’t seem to get enough of them.