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Winging It
‘Laugh out loud funny. I raced through it.’ Janice Okoh, writer and creator of BBC’s Just Act Normal.
‘Funny and warm with flawed loveable characters. It gave me Pam Ann meets Dinnerladies vibes.’ Emily Want, author.
‘I laughed then cried. I’ll never look at cabin crew the same way again.’ Cynthia Anderson, author.
‘It has the spice of Heated Rivalry and the heart of Chosen Family.’ Kraken
After flight attendant Callum is abruptly dumped, he’s left to reckon with the wreckage of his self-esteem and nosedives into a slipstream of duty-free vodka, unpromising Grindr dates and awkward hookups. When a particularly disastrous night out leaves him at rock bottom, Callum swears off men for good.
Distracting himself with life at 40,000ft, Callum and his crew plot party after party, drinking and sexting from Manchester to Manhattan.
Then along comes Olly, the new aircraft engineer. He’s kind, affectionate, and currently holding the title of "Hottest Onboard" according to the crew’s highly scientific group chat. More importantly, he makes Callum believe he might be worthy of love again. But as Callum learns, baggage doesn't just disappear, and he’ll have to decide if he's ready to fly through the turbulence of his past to find the blue skies ahead.
‘Funny and warm with flawed loveable characters. It gave me Pam Ann meets Dinnerladies vibes.’ Emily Want, author.
‘I laughed then cried. I’ll never look at cabin crew the same way again.’ Cynthia Anderson, author.
‘It has the spice of Heated Rivalry and the heart of Chosen Family.’ Kraken
After flight attendant Callum is abruptly dumped, he’s left to reckon with the wreckage of his self-esteem and nosedives into a slipstream of duty-free vodka, unpromising Grindr dates and awkward hookups. When a particularly disastrous night out leaves him at rock bottom, Callum swears off men for good.
Distracting himself with life at 40,000ft, Callum and his crew plot party after party, drinking and sexting from Manchester to Manhattan.
Then along comes Olly, the new aircraft engineer. He’s kind, affectionate, and currently holding the title of "Hottest Onboard" according to the crew’s highly scientific group chat. More importantly, he makes Callum believe he might be worthy of love again. But as Callum learns, baggage doesn't just disappear, and he’ll have to decide if he's ready to fly through the turbulence of his past to find the blue skies ahead.
356 pages, Paperback
Published May 28, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was lucky enough to have an advance copy of this book... and WOW! I totally fell in love with the characters and laughed out loud so many times. But it's not just a fun read: I also learnt a lot about male gay relationships - particularly the pitfalls and joys of dating - which sometimes shocked me as well as fascinating me, and made me realise how naive I am in this field. My favourite part was learning what can happen behind the scenes on a flight. Since reading Winging It, I look at the cabin crew in a different way. Winging It is a highly amusing read with authentic depths that don't shy away from the truth.
May 31, 2026
Following author Mike on Facebook I was looking forward to his debut novel being released. I also come from a cabin crew background and have a bit of a penchant for MM romance fiction.
Growing up as a gay lad in the early 90s came with too many challenges and too little representation and I drew comfort in reading the main characters own experiences. Although I’m far too old to have experienced app dating (and blessed to live with my man for the last 25 years), Callum’s trials and tribulations were familiar to me at a time when I was flying as cabin crew which I found was a lifestyle more than a job. Being away from home so much, crew were a chosen family and I loved how each character in the book had their own time in the spotlight too. We’ve all had a Liam in our lives at some point but that helps us recognise when an Olly comes along!
Winging It will make you laugh, smile, and hope for a HEA and stay up far too late reading to find out.
Get your copy and find out that love can be found in the clouds too. ✈️ 👬👨❤️👨
Growing up as a gay lad in the early 90s came with too many challenges and too little representation and I drew comfort in reading the main characters own experiences. Although I’m far too old to have experienced app dating (and blessed to live with my man for the last 25 years), Callum’s trials and tribulations were familiar to me at a time when I was flying as cabin crew which I found was a lifestyle more than a job. Being away from home so much, crew were a chosen family and I loved how each character in the book had their own time in the spotlight too. We’ve all had a Liam in our lives at some point but that helps us recognise when an Olly comes along!
Winging It will make you laugh, smile, and hope for a HEA and stay up far too late reading to find out.
Get your copy and find out that love can be found in the clouds too. ✈️ 👬👨❤️👨
May 28, 2026
Full disclosure: I had the privilege of getting to read Winging It before publication, and I’ve been thinking about the characters ever since.
There’s a specificity to the world of cabin crew here that you couldn’t fake. It’s in the banter, the little humiliations and dangers they have to deal with, the hierarchies, the coping mechanisms and dark humour that helps keep the crew sane at 40,000 feet. It feels like you can live in it, because Mike has.
The characters are the biggest draw though. Right from the opening pages, I was rooting for Callum to break free. It’s quite a ride watching him find his way through to his happy ending. The cast are genuine, flawed and funny, and observed with a sharp eye. You’re going to fall in love with these guys. I'm genuinely looking forward to finishing the full published version.
There’s a specificity to the world of cabin crew here that you couldn’t fake. It’s in the banter, the little humiliations and dangers they have to deal with, the hierarchies, the coping mechanisms and dark humour that helps keep the crew sane at 40,000 feet. It feels like you can live in it, because Mike has.
The characters are the biggest draw though. Right from the opening pages, I was rooting for Callum to break free. It’s quite a ride watching him find his way through to his happy ending. The cast are genuine, flawed and funny, and observed with a sharp eye. You’re going to fall in love with these guys. I'm genuinely looking forward to finishing the full published version.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2026
Such a fun read! Eye-opening, romantic and a page-turner.
April 25, 2026
4 ⭐️
3🌶️
I went into Winging It not entirely sure what to expect, and ended up flying through it (pun absolutely intended)! ✈️
This was the perfect Rom-Com with just enough emotion weaved into it. It delivers a fun, engaging ride with characters that feel real, messy, and easy to root for. The charm of the writing made this the kind of book that’s easy to sink into, perfect when you want something entertaining with heart.
Callum is such a relatable MMC, and from the very beginning you’re rooting for his HEA. The chemistry between Callum and Otto is evident right from the start. And the banter? Sharp, witty, and kept me hooked the entire time. I especially loved the gaggle of side characters! Each one had their own personality and mini-storyline playing out throughout the book, but in the end they all showed the importance of finding your people.
As for the spice, there isn’t much, but it is definitely a quality over quantity situation. Some will make you laugh, some will make you angry, and one in particular will make you blush. 🚽👀
✨Tropes:
• Workplace Romance
• Opposites Attract
• Self Growth
• Found Family
• Hurt/Comfort
This one is definitely worth adding to your TBR.
3🌶️
I went into Winging It not entirely sure what to expect, and ended up flying through it (pun absolutely intended)! ✈️
This was the perfect Rom-Com with just enough emotion weaved into it. It delivers a fun, engaging ride with characters that feel real, messy, and easy to root for. The charm of the writing made this the kind of book that’s easy to sink into, perfect when you want something entertaining with heart.
Callum is such a relatable MMC, and from the very beginning you’re rooting for his HEA. The chemistry between Callum and Otto is evident right from the start. And the banter? Sharp, witty, and kept me hooked the entire time. I especially loved the gaggle of side characters! Each one had their own personality and mini-storyline playing out throughout the book, but in the end they all showed the importance of finding your people.
As for the spice, there isn’t much, but it is definitely a quality over quantity situation. Some will make you laugh, some will make you angry, and one in particular will make you blush. 🚽👀
✨Tropes:
• Workplace Romance
• Opposites Attract
• Self Growth
• Found Family
• Hurt/Comfort
This one is definitely worth adding to your TBR.
June 5, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I absolutely loved this book.
As someone who normally reads psychological thrillers, this was a complete change of genre for me, and honestly, I’m so glad I took a chance on it. Winging It completely won me over.
From the very first chapter, I was hooked and couldn’t put it down. Mike Lawson somehow managed to make me laugh out loud, want to bawl my eyes out, and then have me cheering for the characters all within a few pages of each other.
Callum felt so real. His heartbreak, self-doubt, messy decisions and gradual journey back to believing he deserved happiness made me incredibly invested in his story. There were moments where I wanted to hug him, moments where I wanted to shake some sense into him, and moments where I was grinning from ear to ear because I was so happy for him.
The romance between Callum and Olly was beautiful. It felt genuine, emotional and earned, and I found myself rooting for them every step of the way. I also loved the cabin crew setting and the found-family dynamic, which added so much warmth, humour and heart to the story.
What surprised me most was how emotionally invested I became. This wasn’t just a romance; it was a story about healing, self-worth, friendship and learning to open your heart again after it’s been broken. It hit me in all the right places.
I laughed, I nearly cried, I cheered, and I genuinely didn’t want it to end.
An easy 5 stars from me and one of my favourite reads of the year. I really hope this isn’t the last I’ve read from Mike Lawson because I’ll definitely be picking up whatever he writes next.
I absolutely loved this book.
As someone who normally reads psychological thrillers, this was a complete change of genre for me, and honestly, I’m so glad I took a chance on it. Winging It completely won me over.
From the very first chapter, I was hooked and couldn’t put it down. Mike Lawson somehow managed to make me laugh out loud, want to bawl my eyes out, and then have me cheering for the characters all within a few pages of each other.
Callum felt so real. His heartbreak, self-doubt, messy decisions and gradual journey back to believing he deserved happiness made me incredibly invested in his story. There were moments where I wanted to hug him, moments where I wanted to shake some sense into him, and moments where I was grinning from ear to ear because I was so happy for him.
The romance between Callum and Olly was beautiful. It felt genuine, emotional and earned, and I found myself rooting for them every step of the way. I also loved the cabin crew setting and the found-family dynamic, which added so much warmth, humour and heart to the story.
What surprised me most was how emotionally invested I became. This wasn’t just a romance; it was a story about healing, self-worth, friendship and learning to open your heart again after it’s been broken. It hit me in all the right places.
I laughed, I nearly cried, I cheered, and I genuinely didn’t want it to end.
An easy 5 stars from me and one of my favourite reads of the year. I really hope this isn’t the last I’ve read from Mike Lawson because I’ll definitely be picking up whatever he writes next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2026
I really enjoyed this book, which felt like such a great insight into the world of flight attendants. Callum starts this book a complete mess, has the worst possible ex ever, but a wonderful support around him. Olly is a great guy that seems perfect for Callum, but he keeps messing it up.
Really enjoyed all the supporting characters and their storylines. There's some great spicy scenes and some good laughs. A great read.
Really enjoyed all the supporting characters and their storylines. There's some great spicy scenes and some good laughs. A great read.
June 14, 2026
Utterly Perfect!!
I loved loved loved this book and highly recommend it.
It’s a full on romp filled with laugh out loud moments as well as sad elements and one particular towards the end where I was screaming No Callum don’t you dare!!!
I was expecting the laugh out loud moments only Mike can write, I was NOT ready for the spicy sections but I am definitely not mad about it 🤭
I cannot wait for the next book! An absolute triumph and I loved every word!!!
I loved loved loved this book and highly recommend it.
It’s a full on romp filled with laugh out loud moments as well as sad elements and one particular towards the end where I was screaming No Callum don’t you dare!!!
I was expecting the laugh out loud moments only Mike can write, I was NOT ready for the spicy sections but I am definitely not mad about it 🤭
I cannot wait for the next book! An absolute triumph and I loved every word!!!
June 7, 2026
Absolutely amazing book from start to finish. I was routing for Callum he was such a likeable character I felt like I was on a journey with him. The book is beautifully written, it made me laugh and cry right until the very end. Would love a sequel to see how these characters lives develop. Brilliant 5 stars from me
June 4, 2026
It is often the kiss of death when a book's cover promises you will laugh out loud.....but not in this case. This was a genuinely hilarious read, which still has me chuckling days later when I think back to MC Callum and the rest of the crew at Tiny World Airlines. Flying will never be quite the same again.
June 16, 2026
A laugh out loud book sprinkled with vulnerability, insights from cabin crew and the story of important friendships
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews