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Love at First Flight
Things Pippa her job, airplanes, synonyms and tropical fish.
Things Pippa does not enjoy: repeating patterns, tight clothes, people asking why she's single and school reunions.
After four months of only speaking over intercom, when air-traffic controller Pippa Edwards finally meets pilot Andrew Boyce-Jones face-to-face, they discover they've got much more in common than simply working at the same airport. In fact . . . they both need a date. Tired of every relationship ending before it's even begun, Pippa wants to evade the inevitable questions at her dreaded ten-year school reunion in Cape Town. And Andrew needs to get his well-meaning family off his back about settling down. The solution seems simple. A pact - a fake dating pact - for as long as it's mutually beneficial. It's perfect.
Or at least it would be if their very real attraction wasn't about to make Pippa question everything she thought she wanted. . .
Things Pippa does not enjoy: repeating patterns, tight clothes, people asking why she's single and school reunions.
After four months of only speaking over intercom, when air-traffic controller Pippa Edwards finally meets pilot Andrew Boyce-Jones face-to-face, they discover they've got much more in common than simply working at the same airport. In fact . . . they both need a date. Tired of every relationship ending before it's even begun, Pippa wants to evade the inevitable questions at her dreaded ten-year school reunion in Cape Town. And Andrew needs to get his well-meaning family off his back about settling down. The solution seems simple. A pact - a fake dating pact - for as long as it's mutually beneficial. It's perfect.
Or at least it would be if their very real attraction wasn't about to make Pippa question everything she thought she wanted. . .
391 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 18, 2024
103 people are currently reading
8072 people want to read
About the author
Jo Watson
33 books1,101 followersBest selling author of romantic comedies and young adult fiction
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December 3, 2023Dear Reader,
When I set out to write this book, I had no intention of writing a character who was on the autism spectrum. But very early on in the book I received my autism diagnosis. In writing the character of Pippa, I gave her many of my specific traits, but I also added ones that I know to be true of others on the spectrum. We all exist on a very large and diverse spectrum, my experience is very different to other's experiences of having autism. I can only write from my perspective, so my experience may not necessarily represent yours, but everyones experience is just as true and valid.
I am very new to my diagnosis and new to my autism journey and writing this book definitely helped me work through many questions I had, and I learned a lot about myself. Although my character is on the spectrum, this is really just a good old fashioned love story at the end of the day, which I hope everyone can relate to.
I sincerely hope you enjoy Pippa and Andrew as much as I enjoyed writing them. (They're cute!)
JOX
When I set out to write this book, I had no intention of writing a character who was on the autism spectrum. But very early on in the book I received my autism diagnosis. In writing the character of Pippa, I gave her many of my specific traits, but I also added ones that I know to be true of others on the spectrum. We all exist on a very large and diverse spectrum, my experience is very different to other's experiences of having autism. I can only write from my perspective, so my experience may not necessarily represent yours, but everyones experience is just as true and valid.
I am very new to my diagnosis and new to my autism journey and writing this book definitely helped me work through many questions I had, and I learned a lot about myself. Although my character is on the spectrum, this is really just a good old fashioned love story at the end of the day, which I hope everyone can relate to.
I sincerely hope you enjoy Pippa and Andrew as much as I enjoyed writing them. (They're cute!)
JOX
February 27, 2025
4 stars! 🌟 Huge thanks to Wattpad WEBTOON Book Group & NetGalley for the ARC! 💌
Okay, fake dating + a pilot + a neurodivergent heroine = the kind of rom-com magic I LIVE FOR. ✈️💕
Pippa & Andrew’s love story? Adorable. Hilarious. Unexpectedly deep. It starts with witty intercom banter (yes, they’ve been talking for months but never met!) and turns into an airport meet-cute that is honestly straight out of a movie. Both of them need a date—Pippa for her dreaded high school reunion and Andrew to stop his family from matchmaking him into oblivion. The fake dating pact? Genius. Until feelings start getting involved (because of course, they do!).
Pippa is a force. Neurodivergent, insanely smart, obsessed with airplanes, and socially awkward in the best way. She blurts out random facts when nervous, has a list of things she hates (school reunions are at the top!), and struggles with change. I LOVED her. Seeing her navigate life, relationships, and self-acceptance was heartwarming and eye-opening.
And Andrew? Absolute golden retriever energy. 💕✨ Patient, charming, and completely in awe of Pippa from the get-go. He respects her quirks, supports her without trying to change her, and falls for her in the most soft and swoony way. Their chemistry? Off the charts. That slow burn tension had me screaming internally more than once.
The rep in this book? So well done. Pippa’s autism is portrayed authentically and with so much heart. Her struggles with social cues, textures, and sensory overload felt real and relatable rather than just a plot device. Seeing her find someone who truly gets her? Pure magic. ✨
Why not 5 stars?
1️⃣ Single POV. I NEEDED to be in Andrew’s head. Desperately. Give me his thoughts, his realizations, his love-sick moments. Please, Jo Watson, drop a bonus chapter from his POV ASAP.
2️⃣ Pippa’s brain = chaotic. Which makes sense, given her character, but whew it was A LOT. Her inner monologue is jam-packed with thoughts, facts, and overanalyzing, which sometimes made my own brain short-circuit.
Tropes & Vibes:
✈️ Fake Dating
💙 Airport Romance
✈️ Neurodivergent Heroine
💙 Golden Retriever x Grumpy
✈️ Slow Burn
💙 One POV Only
Final verdict? If you love fake dating, quirky heroines, cinnamon roll heroes, and airport romance with a side of heartfelt self-discovery, this is YOUR book. It’s funny, charming, and lowkey made me emotional. READ IT.
Okay, fake dating + a pilot + a neurodivergent heroine = the kind of rom-com magic I LIVE FOR. ✈️💕
Pippa & Andrew’s love story? Adorable. Hilarious. Unexpectedly deep. It starts with witty intercom banter (yes, they’ve been talking for months but never met!) and turns into an airport meet-cute that is honestly straight out of a movie. Both of them need a date—Pippa for her dreaded high school reunion and Andrew to stop his family from matchmaking him into oblivion. The fake dating pact? Genius. Until feelings start getting involved (because of course, they do!).
Pippa is a force. Neurodivergent, insanely smart, obsessed with airplanes, and socially awkward in the best way. She blurts out random facts when nervous, has a list of things she hates (school reunions are at the top!), and struggles with change. I LOVED her. Seeing her navigate life, relationships, and self-acceptance was heartwarming and eye-opening.
And Andrew? Absolute golden retriever energy. 💕✨ Patient, charming, and completely in awe of Pippa from the get-go. He respects her quirks, supports her without trying to change her, and falls for her in the most soft and swoony way. Their chemistry? Off the charts. That slow burn tension had me screaming internally more than once.
The rep in this book? So well done. Pippa’s autism is portrayed authentically and with so much heart. Her struggles with social cues, textures, and sensory overload felt real and relatable rather than just a plot device. Seeing her find someone who truly gets her? Pure magic. ✨
Why not 5 stars?
1️⃣ Single POV. I NEEDED to be in Andrew’s head. Desperately. Give me his thoughts, his realizations, his love-sick moments. Please, Jo Watson, drop a bonus chapter from his POV ASAP.
2️⃣ Pippa’s brain = chaotic. Which makes sense, given her character, but whew it was A LOT. Her inner monologue is jam-packed with thoughts, facts, and overanalyzing, which sometimes made my own brain short-circuit.
Tropes & Vibes:
✈️ Fake Dating
💙 Airport Romance
✈️ Neurodivergent Heroine
💙 Golden Retriever x Grumpy
✈️ Slow Burn
💙 One POV Only
Final verdict? If you love fake dating, quirky heroines, cinnamon roll heroes, and airport romance with a side of heartfelt self-discovery, this is YOUR book. It’s funny, charming, and lowkey made me emotional. READ IT.
April 17, 2024
This book gave me a lot of second hand embarrassment. And yet, I couldn’t put it down, five stars!
Let’s start with the cutest meet-cute ever. He’s a pilot, she’s a traffic controller. They’ve been talking on the radio for months but never met until they recognize each other’s voices in a coffee shop. How adorable is that!🫠🫠🫠
One of the most important things about this book is that the heroine is on the autism spectrum. The representation is done amazingly well, the author is on the spectrum herself, so she knows what she’s talking about. Pippa’s astute commentary gives you an idea about what goes on in a neurodivergent mind. It’s written in a brilliant way that’s equally eye-opening and entertaining.
However, since this is a romance, there’s also a perfect book boyfriend to fall for. Andrew is hot, charming and caring and he wears a uniform. 😍
Thanks @Koisty for the recommendation ❤️
Let’s start with the cutest meet-cute ever. He’s a pilot, she’s a traffic controller. They’ve been talking on the radio for months but never met until they recognize each other’s voices in a coffee shop. How adorable is that!🫠🫠🫠
One of the most important things about this book is that the heroine is on the autism spectrum. The representation is done amazingly well, the author is on the spectrum herself, so she knows what she’s talking about. Pippa’s astute commentary gives you an idea about what goes on in a neurodivergent mind. It’s written in a brilliant way that’s equally eye-opening and entertaining.
However, since this is a romance, there’s also a perfect book boyfriend to fall for. Andrew is hot, charming and caring and he wears a uniform. 😍
Thanks @Koisty for the recommendation ❤️
February 18, 2025
i can appreciate what this was trying to do, but it didn't work for me. the setting was fun, there's autism representation, the premise is really great ... but it didn't work.
i actually didn't like either of the characters. i felt like the fmc specifically was just really naive and immature, and it was difficult to read in her pov. especially considering the long inner monologues, which i understand is a part of the autism representation, but when she's so fcking unlikable, i had to skim through so much of it. i also hated the writing. it felt very bland and, again, pretty juvenile.
i don't personally have autism nor do i know anyone on the spectrum, so i can't really speak on the accuracy of the representation in the book, but from what i do know i feel like the author did a pretty good job with it! again, i loved how different this book was from other romances but the execution was, for the most part, just not there.
pre-read:
i don’t even remember having this arc but okay sure let’s read it since it’s on my kindle 👍🏼
thank you to webtoon book group & netgalley for the arc! all opinions are my own <3
i actually didn't like either of the characters. i felt like the fmc specifically was just really naive and immature, and it was difficult to read in her pov. especially considering the long inner monologues, which i understand is a part of the autism representation, but when she's so fcking unlikable, i had to skim through so much of it. i also hated the writing. it felt very bland and, again, pretty juvenile.
i don't personally have autism nor do i know anyone on the spectrum, so i can't really speak on the accuracy of the representation in the book, but from what i do know i feel like the author did a pretty good job with it! again, i loved how different this book was from other romances but the execution was, for the most part, just not there.
pre-read:
i don’t even remember having this arc but okay sure let’s read it since it’s on my kindle 👍🏼
thank you to webtoon book group & netgalley for the arc! all opinions are my own <3
April 14, 2024
4 Flightbird Sex Zero Zero Stars ⭐
Spicy Level: 🌶️🌶️/5
There is just something about any book that gets under your skin and challenges your ideas about life that elevates the book from being good to being great. Love at First Flight is a great book because it challenged my perceptions and ideals about things and made me reframe them. It made me question how easily I had formed an opinion based on what Hollywood portrays about something and how in actual reality, that perception can be completely wrong and on the other side of the perceived spectrum.
This is a first-person POV following Pippa, a Neurodivergent (Autistic) Air Traffic Controller. She is dreading her upcoming high school reunion because of the social expectations the event brings. Through a chance encounter in a coffee shop, Pippa meets Andrew a pilot and voice she has been speaking to over the radio for the last six months. They are both in a situation where their families are constantly hounding them to find a relationship. So they strike up a deal to fake a relationship to help them cope with the social pressure. However (as most of us know who have read a FAKE RELATIONSHIP BOOK BEFORE) things turn complicated, feelings are involved and soon things don't seem so fake anymore.
Pippa is an extremely complicated character, but I have an extreme amount of respect for her. She's not perfect, and if anything, she lets her flaws and opinions of herself hold her back from forming meaningful and proper relationships with people. She lets the label of "autistic" define who she is, hinders her growth and doesn't allow herself to be vulnerable because of how people have reacted to her in the past.
I found myself in a situation where I saw so many similarities between myself and Pippa that it was scary. Believe me, it wasn't just like a passing one or two things that made me say "oh look we have similar personalities" but the fact that I drew up a list and there are 23 things we have in common, and MOST OF THEM ARE THE ARB THINGS I thought no one does but me. Pippa spouts facts randomly in conversations, has a need to google anything and everything, obsesses over words, overthinks and analyses. She is sometimes a little strange and weird and she doesn't have a filter and she loves synonyms - all of these things... and the fact that she travels with her pillow, dislikes certain foods and goes off on 500 tangents - are all me....
This made me think about what I knew about Neurodivergent people and I realised I know nothing really and might suspect based on how Pippa was described that I should maybe think about seeing a specialist for a diagnosis. Jo mentioned at the start of the book that she was recently diagnosed and put a lot of her quirks and behaviours into the character of Pippa. It was eye-opening to see how almost normal these are to me. I was naive at only having had "familiarity" with the Sheldon Coopers and The Good Doctor portrayal, the complete extreme side of the spectrum who cannot form relationships, has no social cues and cannot separate emotion from situations that I never stopped to look at the other side.
Pippa might be flawed but she grows extremely as a character throughout this book. It was humbling and heartwarming to see how she realised her limitations and embraced them but also opened herself up to be vulnerable with Andrew and how she was finally able to let someone into her circle of comfort.
Andrew was such a perfect person for her. He is incredibly sweet and understanding. But he is also patient and kind, forgiving and basically any adjective you could think of to describe the perfect man - he has it. He is a golden retriever and lights up when he looks at her and sees her enter a room or speak. He allows her to be herself and doesn't try to change her. It was beautiful to see how he slowly fell in love with her, even though at the time Pippa might have been blind to it.
There are two things that kept this from 5 stars and both are down to who I am and my preference. First I don't always like first-person POV. I want to see what is going through Andrew's head as he is dealing with Pippa and be in his mind as he was learning to love her. I wanted to see that moment he realised what an amazing person she is and he wanted to spend his life with her. I wanted to see him process how he couldn't live without her. I was also dying to see the ending through his POV, what he was thinking and how he got through the situation. (Jo please give us this Bonus chapter)
The second aspect is Pippa's mind is very busy, often a stream of consciousness of feelings, facts and information. It's utter chaos. The problem is my mind is just as chaotic. I'll see a word I want to highlight because it stood out or I'll hear a phrase and I'll think of a song or I'll think of a situation. Or I will want to Google something or add to my list of growing similarities between Pippa and I. Now when I am already prone to tangentify on normal "nonchaotic" writing the amount this happens in a busy stream exponentially increases. I felt very overwhelmed with the information that I was given and needed to take moments to slow down and parse things together, give myself a moment to breathe before I could move on.
Trope Summary:
▶ Fake Dating
▶ Neurodivergent Rep
▶ One Bed
▶ Air Traffic Controller X Pilot
▶ Workplace Romance
▶ Golden Retriever Hero
Overall I loved Pippa, and Andrew and I loved the well-formed side characters. I want Jennifer to have her own novel. I love that this was set in South Africa and although some aspects were "Internationalised" it still made me proud to be South African. I love that it made me question myself and I am impressed by the fresh writing style. But most of all I love that made me think of my own life and my own quirks and actions and maybe assess that my weirdness is maybe not so weird after all.
Spicy Level: 🌶️🌶️/5
There is just something about any book that gets under your skin and challenges your ideas about life that elevates the book from being good to being great. Love at First Flight is a great book because it challenged my perceptions and ideals about things and made me reframe them. It made me question how easily I had formed an opinion based on what Hollywood portrays about something and how in actual reality, that perception can be completely wrong and on the other side of the perceived spectrum.
This is a first-person POV following Pippa, a Neurodivergent (Autistic) Air Traffic Controller. She is dreading her upcoming high school reunion because of the social expectations the event brings. Through a chance encounter in a coffee shop, Pippa meets Andrew a pilot and voice she has been speaking to over the radio for the last six months. They are both in a situation where their families are constantly hounding them to find a relationship. So they strike up a deal to fake a relationship to help them cope with the social pressure. However (as most of us know who have read a FAKE RELATIONSHIP BOOK BEFORE) things turn complicated, feelings are involved and soon things don't seem so fake anymore.
Pippa is an extremely complicated character, but I have an extreme amount of respect for her. She's not perfect, and if anything, she lets her flaws and opinions of herself hold her back from forming meaningful and proper relationships with people. She lets the label of "autistic" define who she is, hinders her growth and doesn't allow herself to be vulnerable because of how people have reacted to her in the past.
I found myself in a situation where I saw so many similarities between myself and Pippa that it was scary. Believe me, it wasn't just like a passing one or two things that made me say "oh look we have similar personalities" but the fact that I drew up a list and there are 23 things we have in common, and MOST OF THEM ARE THE ARB THINGS I thought no one does but me. Pippa spouts facts randomly in conversations, has a need to google anything and everything, obsesses over words, overthinks and analyses. She is sometimes a little strange and weird and she doesn't have a filter and she loves synonyms - all of these things... and the fact that she travels with her pillow, dislikes certain foods and goes off on 500 tangents - are all me....
This made me think about what I knew about Neurodivergent people and I realised I know nothing really and might suspect based on how Pippa was described that I should maybe think about seeing a specialist for a diagnosis. Jo mentioned at the start of the book that she was recently diagnosed and put a lot of her quirks and behaviours into the character of Pippa. It was eye-opening to see how almost normal these are to me. I was naive at only having had "familiarity" with the Sheldon Coopers and The Good Doctor portrayal, the complete extreme side of the spectrum who cannot form relationships, has no social cues and cannot separate emotion from situations that I never stopped to look at the other side.
Pippa might be flawed but she grows extremely as a character throughout this book. It was humbling and heartwarming to see how she realised her limitations and embraced them but also opened herself up to be vulnerable with Andrew and how she was finally able to let someone into her circle of comfort.
Andrew was such a perfect person for her. He is incredibly sweet and understanding. But he is also patient and kind, forgiving and basically any adjective you could think of to describe the perfect man - he has it. He is a golden retriever and lights up when he looks at her and sees her enter a room or speak. He allows her to be herself and doesn't try to change her. It was beautiful to see how he slowly fell in love with her, even though at the time Pippa might have been blind to it.
There are two things that kept this from 5 stars and both are down to who I am and my preference. First I don't always like first-person POV. I want to see what is going through Andrew's head as he is dealing with Pippa and be in his mind as he was learning to love her. I wanted to see that moment he realised what an amazing person she is and he wanted to spend his life with her. I wanted to see him process how he couldn't live without her. I was also dying to see the ending through his POV, what he was thinking and how he got through the situation. (Jo please give us this Bonus chapter)
The second aspect is Pippa's mind is very busy, often a stream of consciousness of feelings, facts and information. It's utter chaos. The problem is my mind is just as chaotic. I'll see a word I want to highlight because it stood out or I'll hear a phrase and I'll think of a song or I'll think of a situation. Or I will want to Google something or add to my list of growing similarities between Pippa and I. Now when I am already prone to tangentify on normal "nonchaotic" writing the amount this happens in a busy stream exponentially increases. I felt very overwhelmed with the information that I was given and needed to take moments to slow down and parse things together, give myself a moment to breathe before I could move on.
Trope Summary:
▶ Fake Dating
▶ Neurodivergent Rep
▶ One Bed
▶ Air Traffic Controller X Pilot
▶ Workplace Romance
▶ Golden Retriever Hero
Overall I loved Pippa, and Andrew and I loved the well-formed side characters. I want Jennifer to have her own novel. I love that this was set in South Africa and although some aspects were "Internationalised" it still made me proud to be South African. I love that it made me question myself and I am impressed by the fresh writing style. But most of all I love that made me think of my own life and my own quirks and actions and maybe assess that my weirdness is maybe not so weird after all.
November 26, 2023
I adored this book. Synonyms include loved, treasured, thought the world of.
It has so much heart and humour and a beautiful love story between a pilot and an air traffic controller on the autistic spectrum.
This story is told from Pippa’s perspective. She loves fish, planes and synonyms; and is fed up with her family wishing she had a boyfriend. She then strikes up a fake dating plot with “Flightbird Six Zero Zero” - and soon enough the fake dating becomes very real.
I loved Pippa and I loved Andrew and they were so special together. I loved how Andrew made it clear that he treasured everything about her, especially the things that she had been made to believe made her unloveable.
This was also a fascinating insight into the life of someone on the autistic spectrum. On how they think and feel and react.
I couldn’t recommend this story more! 🤍
Thank you NetGalley and Headline Eternal for the DRC!
It has so much heart and humour and a beautiful love story between a pilot and an air traffic controller on the autistic spectrum.
This story is told from Pippa’s perspective. She loves fish, planes and synonyms; and is fed up with her family wishing she had a boyfriend. She then strikes up a fake dating plot with “Flightbird Six Zero Zero” - and soon enough the fake dating becomes very real.
I loved Pippa and I loved Andrew and they were so special together. I loved how Andrew made it clear that he treasured everything about her, especially the things that she had been made to believe made her unloveable.
This was also a fascinating insight into the life of someone on the autistic spectrum. On how they think and feel and react.
I couldn’t recommend this story more! 🤍
Thank you NetGalley and Headline Eternal for the DRC!
May 6, 2024
4.5 Stars
Swoon-worthy, humour-filled and beautifully heartfelt—I literally couldn’t put this down!
Jo Watson’s newest Rom-Com which follows an autistic air traffic controller and a pilot who, (after months of only speaking over intercom) find themselves in a serendipitous meet cute that has them making a pact to fake date.
However it doesn’t take long before real feelings start to interfere with Pippa’s plans, which has her questioning whether the fake relationship she wanted could ever truly be enough.
I read and loved Watson’s previous novel, (What Happens on Vacation) last year and absolutely loved it so was incredibly eager to read her newest book, which explores friendship, identity and love on the spectrum — and I’m glad to say it (unsurprisingly) lived up to all my expectations.
I was initially intrigued by the premise and was genuinely floored by how much I loved the romance. Sizzlingly spectacular and dripping with sexual tension, Pippa and Andrew’s blossoming relationship was well paced, with the right amount of tension to keep all us hopeless romantics hooked.
Pippa, our neurodivergent and in depth protagonist was a delightfully endearing and straightforward character who I absolutely adored! Her insightful and unique observations (which do lead to some very sweet, yet humorous interactions) had me fully invested and rooting for her pretty early on *cough* the mermaid scene *cough*.
But her vulnerabilities (stemming from her self consciousness surrounding being on the spectrum) and journey into learning to embrace and celebrate them was what really had me hooked!
Though, I was also rooting for Andrew, whose adoration of (and feelings for) Pippa are instantly noticeable, (even before their IRL encounter.) Especially as we watch his patient understanding, cinnamon roll- esque kindness and dedication to getting to know Pippa at her own pace; allowing her to call the shots and decide how far she was comfortable going.
I myself am not on the spectrum, but I do have family members who are, which made the glimpse we get into the realities of living with autism all the more impactful for me—as Pippa’s reactions, daily rituals and methods of managing overstimulation were all a pretty familiar sight.
Obviously everyone’s experiences on the spectrum are different so not everyone will connect with Pippa and her experiences, but I loved that Jo Watson chose to share her own experiences (through PIppa) of having autism. It definitely felt a little more personal than her other novels, yet still captured the heart-stoppingly sexy romance Watson is known for.
Overall, a fun and engaging Rom-com that fans of friends to lovers or fake dating tropes should consider checking out.
Also, thank you to Felicia and Headline Eternal for the finished copy.
Swoon-worthy, humour-filled and beautifully heartfelt—I literally couldn’t put this down!
Jo Watson’s newest Rom-Com which follows an autistic air traffic controller and a pilot who, (after months of only speaking over intercom) find themselves in a serendipitous meet cute that has them making a pact to fake date.
However it doesn’t take long before real feelings start to interfere with Pippa’s plans, which has her questioning whether the fake relationship she wanted could ever truly be enough.
I read and loved Watson’s previous novel, (What Happens on Vacation) last year and absolutely loved it so was incredibly eager to read her newest book, which explores friendship, identity and love on the spectrum — and I’m glad to say it (unsurprisingly) lived up to all my expectations.
I was initially intrigued by the premise and was genuinely floored by how much I loved the romance. Sizzlingly spectacular and dripping with sexual tension, Pippa and Andrew’s blossoming relationship was well paced, with the right amount of tension to keep all us hopeless romantics hooked.
Pippa, our neurodivergent and in depth protagonist was a delightfully endearing and straightforward character who I absolutely adored! Her insightful and unique observations (which do lead to some very sweet, yet humorous interactions) had me fully invested and rooting for her pretty early on *cough* the mermaid scene *cough*.
But her vulnerabilities (stemming from her self consciousness surrounding being on the spectrum) and journey into learning to embrace and celebrate them was what really had me hooked!
Though, I was also rooting for Andrew, whose adoration of (and feelings for) Pippa are instantly noticeable, (even before their IRL encounter.) Especially as we watch his patient understanding, cinnamon roll- esque kindness and dedication to getting to know Pippa at her own pace; allowing her to call the shots and decide how far she was comfortable going.
I myself am not on the spectrum, but I do have family members who are, which made the glimpse we get into the realities of living with autism all the more impactful for me—as Pippa’s reactions, daily rituals and methods of managing overstimulation were all a pretty familiar sight.
Obviously everyone’s experiences on the spectrum are different so not everyone will connect with Pippa and her experiences, but I loved that Jo Watson chose to share her own experiences (through PIppa) of having autism. It definitely felt a little more personal than her other novels, yet still captured the heart-stoppingly sexy romance Watson is known for.
Overall, a fun and engaging Rom-com that fans of friends to lovers or fake dating tropes should consider checking out.
Also, thank you to Felicia and Headline Eternal for the finished copy.
September 4, 2025
An absolutely delightful romcom that definitely is not getting the attention it deserves. Pippa is an air traffic controller in South Africa. She is tired of her family bothering her about not being in a relationship, and has a ten year reunion coming up. Andrew is a pilot she knows from work, and he is in the same dilemma with his mother’s big birthday bash. They decide to try fake dating and - naturally- the sparks fly.
If this summary sounds too derivative, now that this is a perfect representation book of someone on the autism spectrum (Pippa). I love a neurodivergent narrator, and in this case she is straightforward and blunt but also quite lovable and intriguing. Andrew is silly and romantic. The situations they come into are so realistic and the characters are incredibly well developed. The grand gesture and climactic ending are feet-kicking sweet. It’s just like watching a hallmark movie.
Light to medium spice (more “fade to black”🌷)
Incredible setting in an airport - why are airports so romantic?
MMC was adopted and has two moms who foster lots of kids
I really enjoyed this! Just what I was in the mood for. Thanks to @beachyybookworm for the recommendation
If this summary sounds too derivative, now that this is a perfect representation book of someone on the autism spectrum (Pippa). I love a neurodivergent narrator, and in this case she is straightforward and blunt but also quite lovable and intriguing. Andrew is silly and romantic. The situations they come into are so realistic and the characters are incredibly well developed. The grand gesture and climactic ending are feet-kicking sweet. It’s just like watching a hallmark movie.
Light to medium spice (more “fade to black”🌷)
Incredible setting in an airport - why are airports so romantic?
MMC was adopted and has two moms who foster lots of kids
I really enjoyed this! Just what I was in the mood for. Thanks to @beachyybookworm for the recommendation
January 24, 2024
‘How’s my favorite ATC today? This is Flightbird Six Zero Zero.’‘You really shouldn’t have favorites,’ I said with a smile , even though he was my favorite pilot too.
In the beginning, the the story was light-hearted and amusing and I was loving the way Pippa spoke so candidly to the people around her. Andrew was also genuinely a very good guy and he was undoubtedly the best fit for Pippa. He understood her and always made her feel good about herself and that's what made him feel very attractive in my eyes. Pippa had autism and the way her character was sketched, she felt like a real person. I could sympathize with her and her monologues were really sad. But I was so glad that she eventually realised her feelings because Andrew really made her see herself in a different light. She was awkward, outspoken and sometimes oblivious but she was perfect the way she was. I really enjoyed reading about her quirks and watching her blurting out random facts whenever she was nervous was so funny. Apart from that, Andrew & Pippa had an insane amount of chemistry and the slow burn was really enjoyable. The writing was good, though I really liked the second half more than the first tbh. Also, the last few chapters were very cute and made me smile! Overall, this was a pretty fine book but it wasn't exceptional, in my opinion it's quite forgettable and mildly entertaining but I'm sure those who really like a quick, light-hearted and quirky read, will be pleased by reading this book. So, I'd raree it a solid 3.5 stars.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review
In the beginning, the the story was light-hearted and amusing and I was loving the way Pippa spoke so candidly to the people around her. Andrew was also genuinely a very good guy and he was undoubtedly the best fit for Pippa. He understood her and always made her feel good about herself and that's what made him feel very attractive in my eyes. Pippa had autism and the way her character was sketched, she felt like a real person. I could sympathize with her and her monologues were really sad. But I was so glad that she eventually realised her feelings because Andrew really made her see herself in a different light. She was awkward, outspoken and sometimes oblivious but she was perfect the way she was. I really enjoyed reading about her quirks and watching her blurting out random facts whenever she was nervous was so funny. Apart from that, Andrew & Pippa had an insane amount of chemistry and the slow burn was really enjoyable. The writing was good, though I really liked the second half more than the first tbh. Also, the last few chapters were very cute and made me smile! Overall, this was a pretty fine book but it wasn't exceptional, in my opinion it's quite forgettable and mildly entertaining but I'm sure those who really like a quick, light-hearted and quirky read, will be pleased by reading this book. So, I'd raree it a solid 3.5 stars.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review
December 22, 2024
4 ⭐️
2 🌶️
“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.”
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 prettyyy blind. So I did not 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.
Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for the chance to read and review this ahead of time!
2 🌶️
“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.”
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 prettyyy blind. So I did not 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.
Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for the chance to read and review this ahead of time!
May 8, 2025
3.5/5
estaba cute pero ni una maravilla
estaba cute pero ni una maravilla
November 9, 2024
I was a little sceptical that I was going to enjoy this. The MC
Is autistic (as is the author) which meant that her inner monologue was quite… specific and long winded about everything. I personally hate large infodumpy prose which is how it reads even if it is accurate to her character and the way her mind works.
After about 50%, I got used to it and ended up enjoying it. Great autism rep, amazing tension and a high stakes ending. 3.75 stars.
Is autistic (as is the author) which meant that her inner monologue was quite… specific and long winded about everything. I personally hate large infodumpy prose which is how it reads even if it is accurate to her character and the way her mind works.
After about 50%, I got used to it and ended up enjoying it. Great autism rep, amazing tension and a high stakes ending. 3.75 stars.
February 16, 2024
In true Pippa fashion,let me begin by saying this book was fantastic - so also, outstanding, remarkable, phenomenal or striking.
Listen when you say fake dating I will jump on that plane. And I did, enthusiastically which I am almost never when knowing I have to fly somewhere. But I put my seatbelt on and was took on the funniest, toe-curling cute adventure with Pippa and Andrew. Now look out your window and picture this- Pippa, an air traffic controller and Andrew a pilot who finally run into each other at a coffee shop. They’ve only spoken over intercom, but it soon become clear that they have on more thing in common than working at the same airport.
They are both single, and both desperately need dates for wedding functions, reunions and mainly to get their parents off their backs and the pitiful ‘you’ll be dying alone’ look out of their relatives eyes.
So a mutually beneficial fake dating pact was formed. So pass the crew juice and beware that it might come splurging out of your nose, because this book was funny, dare I also say massively educational, and seriously everything I love in a great romance book.
But what I loved most is how Pippa is on the autism spectrum, and how beautifully this was written. The representation was heartfelt and I would HIGHLY advise you to read the author’s note- it makes it all the more special!
October 31, 2025
So delightful and it makes me sad that not enough people are reading this book.
I think alongside Pippa, I too have fallen in love with Andrew because let me tell you this man is so perfect (and so fictional 😫 story of my life).
It’s lighthearted, funny and packed with all the heartwarming moments a girl needs.
I think alongside Pippa, I too have fallen in love with Andrew because let me tell you this man is so perfect (and so fictional 😫 story of my life).
It’s lighthearted, funny and packed with all the heartwarming moments a girl needs.
January 16, 2024
Why haven’t I heard of Jo Watson before?!! Such a brilliant read and one that totally and utterly broke my star rating system! Jo Watson is a new author to me and another one I will definitely be looking out for in the future.
Pippa loves being an Air Traffic Controller but hates being hassled constantly about why she isn’t in a relationship! When a high school reunion whatapp group pops up on her phone she isn’t sure about attending. Her best friend Jennifer who went to the same school can’t make the reunion but begs Pippa to go on her behalf and find out what everyone they went to school with is now doing. However when Pippa finds herself sitting in the airport café just before her flight she starts to change her mind about going but then she recognises a voice….. Flightbird Six Zero Zero whom for 6 months within her Air Traffic Control role she has been guiding to safe landings. He has made a good impression on her with his voice being her favourite and she enjoys their brief conversations over the radio. Flightbird Six Zero Zero, who is actually called Andrew, asks if he can join her and they end up talking about how difficult being single is when family and friends keep questioning their single relationship status. Suddenly Pippa comes up with an idea to help them both out- they can be fake boyfriend and girlfriend. Despite Andrew being initially taken aback with the suggestion he quickly warms to the idea and thinks it’s a good idea to solve their respective problems. However, the more time they spend with each other and with each other’s friends and family the more the relationship seems more real than fake especially as neither can deny the sparks that fly when they are together. Will Pippa and Andrew face up to how they both feel about each other and is their fake relationship destined for a smooth flight or will the turbulence be too much for the both of them?!
Wow, wow and wow!! Big statement coming; this book is in the top 3 best reads I have ever had! Honestly, I had a feeling I would enjoy it as I am definitely an airplane geek, so it was right up my street being about planes and air traffic control with some rom com thrown in, and it did not disappoint. However, I didn’t think it would be an all time favourite…. So much so, I have done something I have never done before with a Netgalley ARC and I have ordered the e-book off amazon so I have a proper copy of it, I know I will be re reading this one A LOT! Right from the beginning it was promising as it made me laugh out loud and the laughs didn’t stop, the story made me cackle so much, I don’t think I have ever read a book that was so chuckle inducing, so brilliant job Jo Watson. I absolutely loved Pippa, and I also loved Andrew too, two amazing main characters whom I adored. I absolutely loathed Delia and Tertia, but I won’t say anymore as this is a spoiler free review. I found Pippa being autistic was actually very thought provoking and, as I don’t know anyone in real life who has autism, it was very interesting to see the world the way Pippa did, she was quite hard on herself at times when she definitely shouldn’t have been, she was a lot better with people and situations than she thought she was. I am not sure I have ever slowed down my reading so much, but I really did with this book as I didn’t want it to ever end, I loved how I was completely lost in the story when reading and it made me feel so good whilst reading.
All in all, I honestly can’t rate this book high enough, 6* (and that really breaks my star rating system). Utterly brilliant and I can’t wait to get my paid copy so I can get lost in Pippa and Andrew’s world all over again!
Thank you to NetGalley, Jo Watson and Headline Eternal Publishing for my advanced reading copy. Out 18th January 2024.
Pippa loves being an Air Traffic Controller but hates being hassled constantly about why she isn’t in a relationship! When a high school reunion whatapp group pops up on her phone she isn’t sure about attending. Her best friend Jennifer who went to the same school can’t make the reunion but begs Pippa to go on her behalf and find out what everyone they went to school with is now doing. However when Pippa finds herself sitting in the airport café just before her flight she starts to change her mind about going but then she recognises a voice….. Flightbird Six Zero Zero whom for 6 months within her Air Traffic Control role she has been guiding to safe landings. He has made a good impression on her with his voice being her favourite and she enjoys their brief conversations over the radio. Flightbird Six Zero Zero, who is actually called Andrew, asks if he can join her and they end up talking about how difficult being single is when family and friends keep questioning their single relationship status. Suddenly Pippa comes up with an idea to help them both out- they can be fake boyfriend and girlfriend. Despite Andrew being initially taken aback with the suggestion he quickly warms to the idea and thinks it’s a good idea to solve their respective problems. However, the more time they spend with each other and with each other’s friends and family the more the relationship seems more real than fake especially as neither can deny the sparks that fly when they are together. Will Pippa and Andrew face up to how they both feel about each other and is their fake relationship destined for a smooth flight or will the turbulence be too much for the both of them?!
Wow, wow and wow!! Big statement coming; this book is in the top 3 best reads I have ever had! Honestly, I had a feeling I would enjoy it as I am definitely an airplane geek, so it was right up my street being about planes and air traffic control with some rom com thrown in, and it did not disappoint. However, I didn’t think it would be an all time favourite…. So much so, I have done something I have never done before with a Netgalley ARC and I have ordered the e-book off amazon so I have a proper copy of it, I know I will be re reading this one A LOT! Right from the beginning it was promising as it made me laugh out loud and the laughs didn’t stop, the story made me cackle so much, I don’t think I have ever read a book that was so chuckle inducing, so brilliant job Jo Watson. I absolutely loved Pippa, and I also loved Andrew too, two amazing main characters whom I adored. I absolutely loathed Delia and Tertia, but I won’t say anymore as this is a spoiler free review. I found Pippa being autistic was actually very thought provoking and, as I don’t know anyone in real life who has autism, it was very interesting to see the world the way Pippa did, she was quite hard on herself at times when she definitely shouldn’t have been, she was a lot better with people and situations than she thought she was. I am not sure I have ever slowed down my reading so much, but I really did with this book as I didn’t want it to ever end, I loved how I was completely lost in the story when reading and it made me feel so good whilst reading.
All in all, I honestly can’t rate this book high enough, 6* (and that really breaks my star rating system). Utterly brilliant and I can’t wait to get my paid copy so I can get lost in Pippa and Andrew’s world all over again!
Thank you to NetGalley, Jo Watson and Headline Eternal Publishing for my advanced reading copy. Out 18th January 2024.
April 17, 2024
Love is in the air for Pippa and Andrew in Jo Watson's latest release. Love at First Flight has taken me on a romance adventure and I enjoyed every moment.
This is my first time reading a book featuring an Air Traffic Controller, a pilot and plane terminology, so I was intrigued. From the beginning, I found Pippa's character so relatable, so much so that I was surprised. I kept nodding my head when scenarios were described. Fake dating has lately become one of my favourite tropes and I'm happy to say it's one of the tropes included in this book. There's way more to this book than the romance and the humour, important topics are dealt with, the FMC is on the autism spectrum, which creates awareness and also understanding. The story has a lightness to it that brings joy but at the same time, an important message is conveyed.
Pippa and Andrew are basically strangers, except for talking daily about flight schedules and landing plans, they've never met in person. The catalyst for their first meeting is a high school reunion - just like Pippa, I dreaded the high school reunion and the drama that comes with it. On a positive note, I loved seeing Pippa and Andrew's first interaction. And I agree with Pippa - Coca-Cola does taste different in a tin. :)
The characters are so well written and the story pulls you in. With laugh-out-loud moments and workplace names such as City Tower and Flightbird Six Zero Zero, readers of rom-com will be treated to a romance that will take them to new heights.
Please be sure to read the author's note as this will make you understand Pippa's character more and also bring a new appreciation for the story. I will definitely be reading more of Jo Watson's books. I might just be entering my romance era :)
- First person POV
- Fake Dating
- Autism spectrum
- Laugh-out-loud moments
- Plane terminology
- Air Traffic Controller & a pilot
- Humour
I won a digital copy of this book in a giveaway hosted by the author on TikTok. All opinions are my own.
This is my first time reading a book featuring an Air Traffic Controller, a pilot and plane terminology, so I was intrigued. From the beginning, I found Pippa's character so relatable, so much so that I was surprised. I kept nodding my head when scenarios were described. Fake dating has lately become one of my favourite tropes and I'm happy to say it's one of the tropes included in this book. There's way more to this book than the romance and the humour, important topics are dealt with, the FMC is on the autism spectrum, which creates awareness and also understanding. The story has a lightness to it that brings joy but at the same time, an important message is conveyed.
Pippa and Andrew are basically strangers, except for talking daily about flight schedules and landing plans, they've never met in person. The catalyst for their first meeting is a high school reunion - just like Pippa, I dreaded the high school reunion and the drama that comes with it. On a positive note, I loved seeing Pippa and Andrew's first interaction. And I agree with Pippa - Coca-Cola does taste different in a tin. :)
The characters are so well written and the story pulls you in. With laugh-out-loud moments and workplace names such as City Tower and Flightbird Six Zero Zero, readers of rom-com will be treated to a romance that will take them to new heights.
Please be sure to read the author's note as this will make you understand Pippa's character more and also bring a new appreciation for the story. I will definitely be reading more of Jo Watson's books. I might just be entering my romance era :)
- First person POV
- Fake Dating
- Autism spectrum
- Laugh-out-loud moments
- Plane terminology
- Air Traffic Controller & a pilot
- Humour
I won a digital copy of this book in a giveaway hosted by the author on TikTok. All opinions are my own.
December 28, 2023
I’m obsessed!! I loved this book so much. I was curious from the moment I read the description and it did not disappoint.
I really like planes and find the air traffic controller job fascinating so this setting was perfect for me! The fake dating trope, on the other hand, is trickier but I LOVED it here! I had so much fun following Pippa and Andree as their relationship grew and went from them talking through air traffic control pretty frequently, to fake dating and then very quickly turned into more. They were so cute!🥰
After everything she went through growing up, Pippa was sure her relationships were doomed from the start. But then Andrew came along and pretty much showed her that the problem wasn’t her, but rather the people she’d been with. He loved her for who she was, loved all the parts of her she thought weren’t worthy of love and his feelings only grew stronger the more he got to know her. They were such a great match! The way he understood her and gave her space when she needed was so sweet! He never pressured her, even before he realized she was on the spectrum, and always tried to make tough situations a little bit easier if he could 🥰
Also, not really relevant for this review but I loved that their favorite show was also one of my favorite shows - Mayday: Air Crash Investigation. I want someone to watch it with lol🥲
Overall, this is a great book! If you like the fake dating and workplace romance tropes, and especially if you’re into anything airplanes (or just sexy pilots ahaha) this book is perfect for you!
★ 5/5 stars ★
A big thank you to Headline Eternal for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review
I really like planes and find the air traffic controller job fascinating so this setting was perfect for me! The fake dating trope, on the other hand, is trickier but I LOVED it here! I had so much fun following Pippa and Andree as their relationship grew and went from them talking through air traffic control pretty frequently, to fake dating and then very quickly turned into more. They were so cute!🥰
After everything she went through growing up, Pippa was sure her relationships were doomed from the start. But then Andrew came along and pretty much showed her that the problem wasn’t her, but rather the people she’d been with. He loved her for who she was, loved all the parts of her she thought weren’t worthy of love and his feelings only grew stronger the more he got to know her. They were such a great match! The way he understood her and gave her space when she needed was so sweet! He never pressured her, even before he realized she was on the spectrum, and always tried to make tough situations a little bit easier if he could 🥰
Also, not really relevant for this review but I loved that their favorite show was also one of my favorite shows - Mayday: Air Crash Investigation. I want someone to watch it with lol🥲
Overall, this is a great book! If you like the fake dating and workplace romance tropes, and especially if you’re into anything airplanes (or just sexy pilots ahaha) this book is perfect for you!
★ 5/5 stars ★
A big thank you to Headline Eternal for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review
April 2, 2024
Work is her happy place, she’s damn good at her job directing air traffic but her private life is another story. Her high school reunion is coming up and such social events aren’t her scene especially when she has to go alone. When she bumps into Andrew the pilot she’s been talking to over the intercom for months they make a pact, a fake dating pact.
This one immediately caught my eye, the cover is so cute and the blurb sounds amazing. The fake dating trope is one of my favorites tropes by far and I’m not one to say no to a little spice. They really buried the lead in the blurb, the fmc Pippa is autistic. That may not sound like a big deal but in reality it’s one of if not the most prominent part of the story.
I love the representation, giving the reader insight into what it’s like living with autism. However it almost takes over the entire book. I think it would’ve been a more compelling read if there was a dual pov. Kind of like The bride test by Ana Huang. Andrew could’ve provided another interesting perspective and broken off the repetitive narrative.
The main characters are so good together, they build each other up and have great chemistry. The dates are super fun and I love the conversations between them at work.
It’s a sweet read with lots of representation and funny moments. It gets a bit repetitive but overall it’s a good read.
This one immediately caught my eye, the cover is so cute and the blurb sounds amazing. The fake dating trope is one of my favorites tropes by far and I’m not one to say no to a little spice. They really buried the lead in the blurb, the fmc Pippa is autistic. That may not sound like a big deal but in reality it’s one of if not the most prominent part of the story.
I love the representation, giving the reader insight into what it’s like living with autism. However it almost takes over the entire book. I think it would’ve been a more compelling read if there was a dual pov. Kind of like The bride test by Ana Huang. Andrew could’ve provided another interesting perspective and broken off the repetitive narrative.
The main characters are so good together, they build each other up and have great chemistry. The dates are super fun and I love the conversations between them at work.
It’s a sweet read with lots of representation and funny moments. It gets a bit repetitive but overall it’s a good read.
July 22, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. It's the second one that I've read by South African author Jo Watson and I wasn't disappointed. Pippa is an air traffic controller who one day meets Andrew a pilot who she's often chatted to over the radio. During this serendipitous meeting they decide to get into a fake relationship so that they can keep their respective families and friends from asking questions about their love life.
Pippa is on the autistic spectrum and has never had a relationship that's lasted long, Andrew is a great guy who just hasn't met the right person. They're great together and of course there are sparks. I appreciated that the author wrote Pippa's character based on her own neurodivergent experiences. I loved that Andrew accepted all her 'quirks' and loved and accepted her for who she was. Definitely worth the read!
Pippa is on the autistic spectrum and has never had a relationship that's lasted long, Andrew is a great guy who just hasn't met the right person. They're great together and of course there are sparks. I appreciated that the author wrote Pippa's character based on her own neurodivergent experiences. I loved that Andrew accepted all her 'quirks' and loved and accepted her for who she was. Definitely worth the read!
March 20, 2025
I loved it. I loved it. I loved it!
Okay, to say it being set in Africa was already a win for me because I fell in love with my husband when he and I were in Africa. Which to be fair there wasn’t a whole lot of details for location so much but I still loved it!!
Pippa is an air traffic controller and Andrew is a pilot. They had only ever heard each others voice until the recognized each others voices at a coffee shop in the airport. Pippa is on the spectrum and the what this hook was written was so well done with that in mind. It felt so real to me. But she’s so likable even when she doesn’t think that about herself. Andrew is also just the perfect partner in crime. They get to talking and realize that a fake dating relationship beneficial to them both! We all know how these situations work out and this one just make me so dang happy! The ending and the extra chapters just solidified it for me.
Vibes
✈️ fake dating
🌍 FMC on the spectrum
✈️ pilot & air traffic controller
🌍 set in South Africa
Okay, to say it being set in Africa was already a win for me because I fell in love with my husband when he and I were in Africa. Which to be fair there wasn’t a whole lot of details for location so much but I still loved it!!
Pippa is an air traffic controller and Andrew is a pilot. They had only ever heard each others voice until the recognized each others voices at a coffee shop in the airport. Pippa is on the spectrum and the what this hook was written was so well done with that in mind. It felt so real to me. But she’s so likable even when she doesn’t think that about herself. Andrew is also just the perfect partner in crime. They get to talking and realize that a fake dating relationship beneficial to them both! We all know how these situations work out and this one just make me so dang happy! The ending and the extra chapters just solidified it for me.
Vibes
✈️ fake dating
🌍 FMC on the spectrum
✈️ pilot & air traffic controller
🌍 set in South Africa
June 1, 2025
5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Love at First Flight
Author: Jo Watson
Thank you so much Netgalley and Wattpad books for this copy! I finally decided to dive into this one because I was in the mood for something with aviation in it. This was perfect! Our FMC Pippa is an autistic air traffic controller, who has a friendship with a pilot she talks to on the radio everyday. She ends up accidentally meeting him in person at a coffee shop, and they come up with the idea to fake date to get all of their friends and family to stop bothering them about not being in a relationship. Everything about this book was heartwarming. Pippa was so unique and I honestly adored her character and all of her awkward ways. Andrew, her pilot fake boyfriend, was so patient and understanding with her, and I loved reading their relationship unfold. The ending was intense, and I thought the author did such a good job making us feel everything these characters were going through, and really being able to understand Pippa and her character. Highly recommend this book and I can’t wait to read more by Jo Watson.
Love at First Flight
Author: Jo Watson
Thank you so much Netgalley and Wattpad books for this copy! I finally decided to dive into this one because I was in the mood for something with aviation in it. This was perfect! Our FMC Pippa is an autistic air traffic controller, who has a friendship with a pilot she talks to on the radio everyday. She ends up accidentally meeting him in person at a coffee shop, and they come up with the idea to fake date to get all of their friends and family to stop bothering them about not being in a relationship. Everything about this book was heartwarming. Pippa was so unique and I honestly adored her character and all of her awkward ways. Andrew, her pilot fake boyfriend, was so patient and understanding with her, and I loved reading their relationship unfold. The ending was intense, and I thought the author did such a good job making us feel everything these characters were going through, and really being able to understand Pippa and her character. Highly recommend this book and I can’t wait to read more by Jo Watson.
May 20, 2025
THIS BOOK MADE MY HEART SOAR. I loved absolutely everything about it. No notes. Seriously. I cheered, I laughed, I cried. The way that Pippa was written was truly beautiful, and such a real and loving depiction of someone on the autism spectrum. I think the characters were lovely, and it made me spend time thinking about my own relationships and behaviors in a reflective way that I really appreciated. Quick mention for the spice in this too though, it had no business being so hot!!!! I absolutely loved it. I couldn’t put this book down once I started it, and this is one of those reads that I’m truly grateful for experiencing, because it gave me something truly special.
June 29, 2025
This book is actually fun, indeed a romcom, i love Pippa & Andrew's banter, they're funny, I cannot 🤣 i got this book at random, I thought okay the MMC is a pilot, which i crave at that time I bought it. I love a good strangers, friends to lovers and the FMC is in autism spectrum which I rarely find. Would love to recommend this one of you're into a light romcom with little spice.
April 12, 2025
3.75 review to come eventually!
Overall, this took me a hot second to get into, and it had a bit of a lull 3/4 the way through, but I really had a good time in the end of it all.
Overall, this took me a hot second to get into, and it had a bit of a lull 3/4 the way through, but I really had a good time in the end of it all.
March 20, 2025
3,75 ⭐️'s. Very cute! I normally dont like miscommunication in romance book, but in this one (it was just a little bit), it made so much sence!
November 26, 2023
I really wanted to love this book but unfortunately it just wasn't for me.
I always get excited about FMCs who are neurospicy but this book just didn't hit. As someone who is on the spectrum, it was quite obvious that this book was written by someone neurotypical and I found it really hard to read for that reason. I ended up skim reading and then just gave up and skipped straight to the end.
I loved Andrew and I could have loved Pippa but I just found myself getting more annoyed as the book went on.
That being said, I have read and enjoyed books by this author previously and I hope that any future offerings are as good as previous books.
I always get excited about FMCs who are neurospicy but this book just didn't hit. As someone who is on the spectrum, it was quite obvious that this book was written by someone neurotypical and I found it really hard to read for that reason. I ended up skim reading and then just gave up and skipped straight to the end.
I loved Andrew and I could have loved Pippa but I just found myself getting more annoyed as the book went on.
That being said, I have read and enjoyed books by this author previously and I hope that any future offerings are as good as previous books.
March 17, 2025
Love at First Flight was one of the most distractingly interesting books I’ve ever read. I’ll warn you: don’t read it on an electronic device with internet access because, like me, you might find yourself constantly tempted to Google things like underwater villas in Dubai (gorgeous, by the way), Helios Airways Flight 522 (the tragic plane crash in 2005), and a plethora of other fascinating facts that the main female protagonist casually throws into the story. (I don’t think I’ll ever look at Greek sculptures or think of mermaids the same way again!)
Things that Pippa Edwards liked: fish, patterns, synonyms, and anything aviation-related. Things that Pippa didn’t like: tight clothes, surprises or unpredictable situations, and her upcoming 10-year high school reunion.
Still trying to figure out how her friend Jennifer managed to talk her into it, Pippa reluctantly waits for her flight, challenging the universe to show her three signs to prove that attending the reunion is a bad idea (despite not believing in the concept of semiotics). After three consecutive letdowns, Pippa is convinced to cancel her trip - until a familiar voice in her favorite airport coffee shop, one she’d only ever heard through her headset, sets the stage for an awkward yet intriguing encounter and a potentially flawed but brilliant idea.
As Flightbird Six Zero Zero (now known as Andrew Boyce-Jones) and Pippa discuss their shared frustrations with their families’ well-meaning but relentless harassment about their dating statuses, they come to a mutually beneficial agreement: Andrew will accompany Pippa to her reunion as her fake boyfriend (as well as her cousin’s wedding), and she will join him at his mother’s sixtieth birthday celebration. The arrangement would protect them from unwarranted relationship-status questions and provide them both the breathing room they crave from their intrusive families.
Neither of them wants a relationship - both happily married to their careers - so there’s no risk, no chance, and absolutely no opportunity for this to develop into anything more.
Or so they thought…
The characters spread throughout the book - whether neurotypical or neurodiverse, positive or negative, influential or damaging - created such a vast array of impacts on who Pippa was, how she viewed the world, and how the world viewed her. Then, being able to see that same world through Andrew’s eyes added even more depth and perspective.
As much as you might want to find Pippa’s long rambles annoying, you can’t help but be entranced by them! Initially, I felt like she was a bit long-winded and wasn’t sure where most of her mental dumps were headed, but after reading for a while, I couldn’t help but find them incredibly fascinating. As you continue to read, you adjust to the nuances that make Pippa who she is. There are even moments where her impressive introspection makes her extremely relatable.
Jo Watson elaborates on this in the Author's Note, sharing that many of Pippa’s traits, behaviors, and idiosyncrasies mirror her own, as she was recently diagnosed with Autism. At the same time, Pippa’s experiences might resonate with those who may be introverted, experience social anxiety, or feel easily overstimulated by certain sensory situations (such as how clothing feels, or specific sights and sounds). Watson’s candid explanation allows readers without a diagnosis - or those who may not yet have one - to feel a stronger connection not only to the female protagonist but to the author herself.
This level of relatability and vulnerability - not only from the character but from the author - was delicately balanced by the subtle humor, which keeps you smiling and chuckling throughout. I learned SO much from Pippa’s character that I found myself eagerly awaiting the next interesting fact to come out of her mouth! I challenge you not to catch yourself using synonyms for common, everyday words.
I was surprised to find the book steamy - it even bordered on spicy. The intimacy between the two characters was heightened by the understanding of how connection and emotions affected Pippa. In these moments, she was able to let go, feel, and simply be in the moment - absorbing the intensity for what it was, without a care for the consequences. Her mind shut off, and in those moments, she was free.
Even though this was definitely a love story, I also felt it was a book about self-discovery. Pippa didn’t need to change who she was, but she did need to learn to accept that some people in the world truly believed she was enough exactly as she was.
While I didn’t feel like there was any profound lesson or central focus to the book, I thoroughly enjoyed the natural evolution of Pippa and Andrew’s relationship.
This is my first book by Jo Watson, and I feel like I am walking away more enlightened and open-minded than I had expected. The thought, time, and care she put into creating this story were evident, and I hope those who read it find the same sense of joy and satisfaction that I did.
~ All Spoilers have been removed
Things that Pippa Edwards liked: fish, patterns, synonyms, and anything aviation-related. Things that Pippa didn’t like: tight clothes, surprises or unpredictable situations, and her upcoming 10-year high school reunion.
Still trying to figure out how her friend Jennifer managed to talk her into it, Pippa reluctantly waits for her flight, challenging the universe to show her three signs to prove that attending the reunion is a bad idea (despite not believing in the concept of semiotics). After three consecutive letdowns, Pippa is convinced to cancel her trip - until a familiar voice in her favorite airport coffee shop, one she’d only ever heard through her headset, sets the stage for an awkward yet intriguing encounter and a potentially flawed but brilliant idea.
As Flightbird Six Zero Zero (now known as Andrew Boyce-Jones) and Pippa discuss their shared frustrations with their families’ well-meaning but relentless harassment about their dating statuses, they come to a mutually beneficial agreement: Andrew will accompany Pippa to her reunion as her fake boyfriend (as well as her cousin’s wedding), and she will join him at his mother’s sixtieth birthday celebration. The arrangement would protect them from unwarranted relationship-status questions and provide them both the breathing room they crave from their intrusive families.
Neither of them wants a relationship - both happily married to their careers - so there’s no risk, no chance, and absolutely no opportunity for this to develop into anything more.
Or so they thought…
The characters spread throughout the book - whether neurotypical or neurodiverse, positive or negative, influential or damaging - created such a vast array of impacts on who Pippa was, how she viewed the world, and how the world viewed her. Then, being able to see that same world through Andrew’s eyes added even more depth and perspective.
As much as you might want to find Pippa’s long rambles annoying, you can’t help but be entranced by them! Initially, I felt like she was a bit long-winded and wasn’t sure where most of her mental dumps were headed, but after reading for a while, I couldn’t help but find them incredibly fascinating. As you continue to read, you adjust to the nuances that make Pippa who she is. There are even moments where her impressive introspection makes her extremely relatable.
Jo Watson elaborates on this in the Author's Note, sharing that many of Pippa’s traits, behaviors, and idiosyncrasies mirror her own, as she was recently diagnosed with Autism. At the same time, Pippa’s experiences might resonate with those who may be introverted, experience social anxiety, or feel easily overstimulated by certain sensory situations (such as how clothing feels, or specific sights and sounds). Watson’s candid explanation allows readers without a diagnosis - or those who may not yet have one - to feel a stronger connection not only to the female protagonist but to the author herself.
This level of relatability and vulnerability - not only from the character but from the author - was delicately balanced by the subtle humor, which keeps you smiling and chuckling throughout. I learned SO much from Pippa’s character that I found myself eagerly awaiting the next interesting fact to come out of her mouth! I challenge you not to catch yourself using synonyms for common, everyday words.
I was surprised to find the book steamy - it even bordered on spicy. The intimacy between the two characters was heightened by the understanding of how connection and emotions affected Pippa. In these moments, she was able to let go, feel, and simply be in the moment - absorbing the intensity for what it was, without a care for the consequences. Her mind shut off, and in those moments, she was free.
Even though this was definitely a love story, I also felt it was a book about self-discovery. Pippa didn’t need to change who she was, but she did need to learn to accept that some people in the world truly believed she was enough exactly as she was.
While I didn’t feel like there was any profound lesson or central focus to the book, I thoroughly enjoyed the natural evolution of Pippa and Andrew’s relationship.
This is my first book by Jo Watson, and I feel like I am walking away more enlightened and open-minded than I had expected. The thought, time, and care she put into creating this story were evident, and I hope those who read it find the same sense of joy and satisfaction that I did.
~ All Spoilers have been removed
April 15, 2024
Piacevolissima sorpresa, visto che l'ho preso in super offerta e quasi a caso.
L'ambientazione mi è piaciuta molto, Andrew è un pilota mentre Pippa è un controllore del traffico (non so se in italiano si dica così).
Da sei mesi conoscono benissimo l'uno la voce dell'altra e per puro caso si incontrano in un bar dell'aeroporto, conoscendosi finalmente dal vivo.
L'incontro capita a fagiolo, Pippa deve partire a breve per la reunion del liceo, evento che la mette in ansia perché lei e le situaziono sociali non vanno molto d'accordo.
Con la schiettezza che la contraddistingue, si mette d'accordo con Andrew per far finta di essere una coppia: lei si toglie di dosso le pressioni dei genitori per trovare un fidanzato e ha una spalla su cui contare alla reunion del liceo, mentre Andrew può portarla a qualche evento tra familiari e amici, in modo da mettere a tacere la gente che lo spinge ad accasarsi.
Ovviamente la cosa si complica, visto che i due cominciano a provare sentimenti veri l'uno per l'altra.
Se Andrew sembra accettare con facilità le sfaccettature della personalità di Pippa, lei invece fa molta fatica a lasciarsi andare.
Questo perchè sente che il suo essere autistica sia un ostacolo alle relazioni (amorose e non), purtroppo a causa delle sue passate esperienze: solitamente quando i ragazzi cominciano a conoscere meglio lei e le sue caratteristiche, si dileguano.
Pippa è quindi convinta che con Andrew sarà lo stesso, e perciò preferisce tenere la distanza e non lasciarsi andare.
Mi è piaciuta moltissimo l'evoluzione del personaggio di Pippa, ma anche vedere come funziona una mente neurodivergente. Per questo il punto di vista singolo questa volta non mi ha disturbato, anche se ogni tanto ho avuto la curiosità di entrare anche nella testa di Andrew.
Lo consiglio e credo proprio che leggerò altri libri di questa autrice.
L'ambientazione mi è piaciuta molto, Andrew è un pilota mentre Pippa è un controllore del traffico (non so se in italiano si dica così).
Da sei mesi conoscono benissimo l'uno la voce dell'altra e per puro caso si incontrano in un bar dell'aeroporto, conoscendosi finalmente dal vivo.
L'incontro capita a fagiolo, Pippa deve partire a breve per la reunion del liceo, evento che la mette in ansia perché lei e le situaziono sociali non vanno molto d'accordo.
Con la schiettezza che la contraddistingue, si mette d'accordo con Andrew per far finta di essere una coppia: lei si toglie di dosso le pressioni dei genitori per trovare un fidanzato e ha una spalla su cui contare alla reunion del liceo, mentre Andrew può portarla a qualche evento tra familiari e amici, in modo da mettere a tacere la gente che lo spinge ad accasarsi.
Ovviamente la cosa si complica, visto che i due cominciano a provare sentimenti veri l'uno per l'altra.
Se Andrew sembra accettare con facilità le sfaccettature della personalità di Pippa, lei invece fa molta fatica a lasciarsi andare.
Questo perchè sente che il suo essere autistica sia un ostacolo alle relazioni (amorose e non), purtroppo a causa delle sue passate esperienze: solitamente quando i ragazzi cominciano a conoscere meglio lei e le sue caratteristiche, si dileguano.
Pippa è quindi convinta che con Andrew sarà lo stesso, e perciò preferisce tenere la distanza e non lasciarsi andare.
Mi è piaciuta moltissimo l'evoluzione del personaggio di Pippa, ma anche vedere come funziona una mente neurodivergente. Per questo il punto di vista singolo questa volta non mi ha disturbato, anche se ogni tanto ho avuto la curiosità di entrare anche nella testa di Andrew.
Lo consiglio e credo proprio che leggerò altri libri di questa autrice.
March 31, 2025
DNF. i want a career as a pilot and i listen to live ATC feed to fall asleep. obviously i bought this without thinking. big fucking mistake. i’m actually embarrassed for the author. who greenlit this? one thing you should never do is disappoint me. i felt like i was reading a middle schooler’s first narrative essay. i am not joking. im not convinced a twelve year old didn’t write this because these run-on sentences read like an immature wattpad fantasy
okay so she’s quirky and different because she doesn’t want kids and wants to focus on her career. had this been written any fucking better i would have really related, because im sick of men telling me i should. but she is actually just a bad person lol. no need to degrade other women for wanting that??? let’s bring back writers creating independent female characters with unique interests without also putting down other women because they’re all “vain” and “just like other girls” into 2025 please
what’s worse is that she’s “neurodivergent” but the only thing she does is blurt out really inappropriate questions about masturbation lol what the fuck. i love the literal perversion of stereotypes we’re doing here! it’s so demeaning to play off autism as something so gross. normalize being comfortable in your sexuality but also that’s really private and uncouth stfu. also i love that on the TWENTIETH page they agree to date. sorry what are we doing? yeah so they do just immediately fall in love. where the fuck is the slow burn? disgustingly unrealistic, horribly inaccurate, absolutely ridiculous pacing. this is genuinely, and i mean it when i say this, the worst book i have ever read. i can never rate another book one star again because nothing could ever compare to this dogshit
okay so she’s quirky and different because she doesn’t want kids and wants to focus on her career. had this been written any fucking better i would have really related, because im sick of men telling me i should. but she is actually just a bad person lol. no need to degrade other women for wanting that??? let’s bring back writers creating independent female characters with unique interests without also putting down other women because they’re all “vain” and “just like other girls” into 2025 please
what’s worse is that she’s “neurodivergent” but the only thing she does is blurt out really inappropriate questions about masturbation lol what the fuck. i love the literal perversion of stereotypes we’re doing here! it’s so demeaning to play off autism as something so gross. normalize being comfortable in your sexuality but also that’s really private and uncouth stfu. also i love that on the TWENTIETH page they agree to date. sorry what are we doing? yeah so they do just immediately fall in love. where the fuck is the slow burn? disgustingly unrealistic, horribly inaccurate, absolutely ridiculous pacing. this is genuinely, and i mean it when i say this, the worst book i have ever read. i can never rate another book one star again because nothing could ever compare to this dogshit
March 11, 2025
Air traffic controller Pippa always speaks to pilot Andrew, guiding him while in flight and ensuring his smooth landings. She doesn't ever imagine they will meet but that they do when he recognizes her voice at an airport cafe. As they get talking, they both discover they are single and with their strenuous jobs, they both struggle to maintain relationships despite the pressure from family to settle down. Thus ensues the pair fake dating. Each will accompany the other to their relevant family events, setting their loved ones' minds at ease that they are happy.
Oh my goodness, WHY did I wait so long to read this one? This book was so heartwarming and left me grinning from ear to ear at the end. I've not mentioned it in the brief blurb above but Pippa is on the spectrum and the way the author has portrayed her as such a likable character even with her own challenges was simply amazing. Andrew was so understanding and such a sweetheart the way he knew about her condition and respected that things had to be a certain way. If you like your romances with a bit of autism representation, I highly recommend this one.
Oh my goodness, WHY did I wait so long to read this one? This book was so heartwarming and left me grinning from ear to ear at the end. I've not mentioned it in the brief blurb above but Pippa is on the spectrum and the way the author has portrayed her as such a likable character even with her own challenges was simply amazing. Andrew was so understanding and such a sweetheart the way he knew about her condition and respected that things had to be a certain way. If you like your romances with a bit of autism representation, I highly recommend this one.
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