Birding with Benefits: A Novel BY Sarah T. Dubb

In this delightful rom-com perfect for fans of Christina Lauren and Ali Hazelwood, Celeste, a newly-divorced and nearly empty-nester, is ready to embrace adventure and put herself first, cliches be damned. Her “year of yes” takes an unexpected turn when a friend asks her to "partner" with his buddy John for an event. Celeste eagerly steps into the role of John’s temporary girlfriend, only to discover that John—a quiet, sensitive birdwatcher—isn’t looking for love, but rather for birds. He needs a partner for Tucson’s biggest bird-watching contest to kickstart his dream of launching a guiding business.

Initially tangled in crossed signals, Celeste and John quickly become teammates—and thanks to some meddling friends, a fake couple. Celeste knows nothing about birdwatching, but John proves to be a patient teacher, and their hours spent hiking through the Arizona wilderness feed her thirst for new experiences while giving John the chance to practice his dream job. As their bird count climbs, so does their chemistry, and what starts as an innocent partnership begins to evolve into something deeper.

Committed to staying single, Celeste suggests they upgrade their status to “birders with benefits,” just until the contest ends. But as they spend more time together, it becomes clear that their connection is more than just a temporary arrangement. With the contest winding down, Celeste and John must decide if their newfound love is just for the birds, or if they’re ready to make it last a lifetime.

This charming and heartwarming story explores the joys of unexpected connections, the thrill of new beginnings, and the possibility of finding love when you least expect it.