A review by tessa_talks_books
Birding with Benefits by Sarah T. Dubb

4.0

Bird watching and romance? Definitely! But you do not need to be a bird enthusiast to enjoy this book. The author cleverly weaves in the hobby of birding, using it as an impetus for the characters' journeys and the beauty they discover in unexpected places. I know little about birds, but that did not impede my reading enjoyment. It made me want to take a moment and notice the beauty of nature in my everyday surroundings. 

One of the most endearing aspects of this book is the relatability of the characters' transitional periods. Life is full of unexpected changes, and the author skillfully captures these moments - from navigating the complexities of single life in your 40s, to the joys and challenges of new motherhood, to the daunting task of career change in your 40s, and even the bittersweet transition of a teen's senior year and the uncertainty of what lies ahead.

The first half of this book may have been a bit slow, but it was merely setting the stage for the unexpected turn of events. Once the flirting and the romance kicked in, the pace picks up and the story becomes unexpectedly spicy - quite a surprise! The romance between Celeste and John was a slow burn, but their chemistry was undeniable, drawing you in with their opposites attract dynamic. 

This was a great debut, and I recommend it if you love - well - love! The author's writing style is engaging and the narrative approach is a mix of introspection and dialogue, which adds depth to the characters and their relationships.