A near-disaster flight. A grumpy instructor. And feelings that refuse to stay grounded.
Sometimes a book hooks you with one wild moment—and then keeps you turning pages because the characters feel real. Love in Plane Sight is that kind of read: equal parts funny, swoony, and surprisingly tender, with an aviation setting that gives the story its own spark.
Book Info
Love in Plane Sight by Lauren Connolly
Series: Standalone
Publish Date: December 16, 2025
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
★ Buy on Amazon | Shop on Bookshop | Find on Goodreads | Read My Review on Goodreads
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Book Description
With her brother’s grumpy best friend—and her longtime nemesis—as Beth’s flight instructor, her pilot lessons could be a plane disaster or their first-class ticket to forever.
Mayday. Mayday. Engine failure.
When flying with George Bunsen, the last thing Beth Lundberg wants is to be horny in the cockpit. But when her first ride-along dives toward disaster, the perpetually stoic George is forced to execute a skillful emergency landing, and Beth is horrified to find herself with an adrenaline-fueled crush on the pilot. She’s even more shocked when her brother’s best friend offers her discounted flight lessons—possibly out of guilt for almost killing them.
And despite George’s annoying habit of departing any room the moment Beth enters, she really wants to accept. No matter that it’s an egregiously expensive hobby, or that her waitressing wages go right toward her mother’s medical bills, or that she’s already in debt up to her eyebrows. Flying is Beth’s dream, and she could use her private license to earn real money.
The more time they spend navigating the sky, the more the turbulence between George and Beth dissipates. But Beth has seen the burning wreckage that comes from mixing business with pleasure—plus, she’s been keeping a secret that, once revealed, will send all her relationships into a tailspin. Can she really take a risk on romance when her pilot career isn’t even off the ground?
Tropes & Vibes
- Brother’s Best Friend
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Forced Proximity (hello, shared time + close quarters)
- Slow Burn
- Found Family Energy
- Chasing a Dream / Personal Reinvention
- “One bed” moment (cleverly done)
My Review
What I loved most about Love in Plane Sight is how grounded it feels even when the setting is literally up in the clouds. Beth isn’t a heroine with unlimited time and money to “find herself.” She’s juggling real life—responsibilities, pressure, and the kind of stress that makes big dreams feel selfish. And that emotional reality gives the romance actual weight.
George is the definition of quiet competence. He’s not flashy, not smooth, not instantly spilling his emotions—and honestly, that made him more believable (and more swoony) for me. The chemistry builds in that delicious slow-burn way where you can feel the shift: irritation turns into understanding, understanding turns into trust, and then suddenly you’re rooting for them like it’s your job.
The aviation angle adds something fresh without overpowering the love story. It’s not just “a cute setting.” Flying becomes part of Beth’s identity—her confidence, her fear, her hope—and watching her claim space in a male-dominated world gave the story a quiet, empowering undercurrent.
If you’re a reader who loves big emotional fireworks on page one, the pacing here may feel more intentional and measured. But if you like romance that earns its payoff—where two people grow as individuals while they fall for each other—this one absolutely delivers.
If you enjoy slow-burn romances with emotional depth, you might also love:
Why You’ll Love This
- You want a romance with a fresh hook: aviation + flight lessons gives this story a fun, different flavor.
- You love a true slow burn: the feelings build naturally, with tension and tenderness in the right places.
- You’re a grumpy/sunshine fan: his steady calm + her determined warmth = a really satisfying balance.
- You like heroines with real-world stakes: Beth’s responsibilities feel relatable, not manufactured drama.
- Found family is your comfort trope: the supporting cast adds heart and makes the world feel lived-in.
Final Thoughts
Love in Plane Sight is swoony without being over-the-top, funny without feeling fluffy, and heartfelt in a way that sneaks up on you. If you’re in the mood for a December romance that feels cozy, character-driven, and just a little bit thrilling, this is a great pick.
Join the Conversation!
Do you love a grumpy hero who shows up in quiet, steady ways? And are you a “slow burn forever” reader—or do you prefer instant sparks?
Tell me your favorite romance trope right now — I’m always building my next TBR pile.
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