Love at First Flight

by Sarah T. Dubb

336 pages, Paperback

Expected publication February 2, 2027

About the author

Sarah T. Dubb is a writer, public librarian, parent, and activist living the dream with chickens and desert tortoises in her hometown of Tucson, Arizona. Birding with Benefits is her debut novel; she is currently working on her second romantic comedy. Visit her at SarahTDubb.com.

Reviews

[Kristina Nichole]

OH MY GOSH

I NEED THIS....

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Kat and August have an actual meet cute at a Portland bar, neither of them realize that his reporting job is about to throw them together at her wildlife rehab center. It would be unethical for August to get involved with the subject of his next story, but it’s getting harder and harder to stay away from the passionate, prickly woman who spends her days helping wounded animals.

The chemistry is hot. The friend groups are joyful. There’s a subplot involving giant corporations that own major media outlets, and their shady plans for data centers, that feels all too relevant these days.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for the ARC to review. All opinions are my own.

[Linda Dominick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kat and August were a bit of “wild birds” themselves. She longed to be outdoors away from people, she didn’t like a lot of attention, and when feeling ill, she wanted to be alone in her “nest” or have her BFF bring her some of her favorite things. Family wasn’t great, as they never fully understood Kat and her diagnosis. August was the kind of bird who never stayed in one place too long. He was kind, gentle, and patient, and had one good friend. He didn’t have much of a relationship with his family because of his dad. Although he didn’t feel like he was missing anything by not having a permanent home, when he got to know Kat and her friends he actually could see himself living in Oregon. But, he also had dreams of being in a journalist in Washington DC. Could working for a paper in Oregon be enough for him? But before he headed to DC he had to finish his article on Kat and Free Flight Wildlife Center. What he would uncover while doing research could change everything for Kat and the Center. There’s some decisions he has to make, and getting closer to Kat only made things harder.
One of my favorite parts of was when he went to Kat’s place when she was having a flare up.
If you love slow burn between two introverts who live for their careers you will definitely love this one!

[Christine Merrill · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an honor and privilege to read this ARC. Sarah is a master at what I would call mature romance. She gets to the heart of why connection is challenging and often in conflict. She also writes with such grace and natural authority on topics like data centers and gender equity without it feeling forced or preachy. It is all an important part of the characters and the story. Enjoy the adventures in ethics in journalism and wildlife rehabilitation.