That First Flight

Firsts in the City, Book 3

By: Jenn McMahon

Narrated by: Alex Kydd, Laurie West

Something tells me that nothing I do can stop myself from falling for my roommate.

I've always wanted to be a chef. But the same day two pink lines showed up on the test, was the day I gave up chasing my own dreams to put my daughter first.

I didn't expect that to lead to a life of being scrutinized by my parents for every single move I made. After years of it, I was done.

I caught the first flight to New York. I was already filled with nerves before we even took off until a stranger with an infectious smile, heartbreaker blue eyes, and a personality that can light up anyone's life, took the seat next to me.

Months later, the same man shows up at my bar in a small town in the mountains. This time he's eager to learn more about me. I thought telling him I have a daughter would make him run back home, except now I find myself as his new roommate in the city.

I told myself I wasn't going to get involved with him. I told myself that I'm here to live out my dream of being a chef. But somewhere along the way, he stole my heart. And if I had to take a guess . . . It was back when we took that first flight.

Contains mature themes.

©2024 Jenn McMahon (P)2024 Tantor

A touch of fate and a whole lot of heart

The first two books in this series were great, and this one is no different. This is her third book, and you can actually see her growth as an author each one is better than the last.

The story
She’s a single mom who gave up her dream of becoming a chef when she found out she was pregnant. Years later, tired of her parents’ constant judgment, she decides to finally put herself first and take a chance.

Her nerves are already sky-high when she boards a flight to New York until a charming stranger with an infectious smile and “heartbreaker” blue eyes takes the seat next to her. Months later, fate throws them together again, and this time she’s his roommate in the city.

She’s determined to focus on her dream, not on the man who makes her heart race. But resisting him? That might have been doomed from the very first flight.

What I loved
✔️ Mackenzie (the FMC’s daughter) is such a well-written character—full of depth and heart for her age. Her conversations with Oliver are honestly some of the best, most touching parts of the book.
✔️ The girl gang in this series continues to be a highlight fun, supportive, and exactly the kind of friend group you wish you had.
✔️ The balance between heartfelt moments, swoony romance, and humor makes this book feel warm and full.
✔️ Seeing Jenn McMahon’s writing evolve her pacing, emotional beats, and character work have leveled up with each release.

🎧 Narration
Laurie West once again delivers an engaging, heartfelt performance, giving both the FMC and Mackenzie real warmth and personality. Alex Kydd’s narration felt consistent with the previous books still not my personal favorite, but it worked for Oliver’s easygoing charm.

Tropes
✔️ Single parent romance
✔️ Roommates to lovers
✔️ Fate / second meeting
✔️ Found family
✔️ Big city dreams
✔️ Slow burn with heartfelt moments

Final thoughts
That First Flight is tender, romantic, and full of charm, with a touch of fate and a whole lot of heart. Mackenzie steals scenes, Oliver steals hearts, and the girl gang makes you smile every time they’re on the page. Jenn McMahon has officially made this series an auto-buy for me and I’m already ready for whatever she writes next.

If I cry it’s 5 stars

I will never forget how amazing this book made me feel. I cannot explain to you the emotions I felt and how this book made me feel seen. I related on another level and cried my eyes out. Thank you Jenn, thank you very much.

Best single mom trope book!

Such a good book! Can’t wait to read book 4. Thank you Jenn for all the feel goods from this book. As a mom I appreciated a single mom trope. You always see single dads but not single mom tropes!

Ollie x Macey + MacKenzie

Ollie x Macey + MacKenzie

x single mom
x close proximity
x golden retriever x black cat
x he falls first
x billionaire

Ok but, can we just talk about how MacKenzie stole the show? The relationship that her and Ollie had - melted.. my.. heart..

I truly loved this audio. Macey & Kenzie's story and what they went through to get to where they landed hurt my heart. Macey is such a good mom. The way Oliver comes to the rescue but makes sure Macey understands that she was 100% capable to do all of this on his own - gosh, be still my heart.

This might be my favorite in the series.

Male narrator

Didn’t like female narrator. Story was just ok. Male narrator was a real standout. I really like Connor.