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. The fact that Andrew fell first made it all the sweeter. When he rattled off all the ways he truly knew her, it was the most beautiful moment of realization that they were meant for one another.

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. Each of them had to learn new steps to the dance in which they were partnered – growing, trusting, and becoming a unit under the pretense of a fake relationship.

As for the ending, I somewhat expected it – come on, you can’t have an entire book about a pilot and an air traffic controller without an emergency! Still, the final wrap-up of the story was simply precious and a perfect way to give these two the ending they so rightfully deserved.

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.