Member Reviews

Aww this was such a cute book! I love the recent insurgence of rom com books giving a nod to nostalgic rom com movies, it makes me wistful for the movies of my youth. Brendon being the rom com lover was such a sweet flip of the usual gender roles, I’ve read plenty of books where the heroine is obsessed but this is the first one where the hero is the bigger fan and it was adorable and endearing. When I read the first book in this series, Written in the Stars I was so curious about him and was delighted to see him as the lead here. Annie was lovable and fun, I actually felt sorry for her as a big part of the plot here focused on pressuring her to basically give up her entire life to move to Seattle and thought her best friend, Darcy was damn harsh a few times. It just seemed a little over the top to me, but overall this was freaking cute.

The audio was wonderful, this was the first time I listened to a book narrated by Lauren Sweet and she did a great job inflections emotion into her voice that made it incredibly easy for me to get swept away by the story. I’ll definitely be looking for her name the next time I’m browsing a new audiobook to listen to, do you ever do that? If I’m really drawn to a narrator I’ll seek them out and maybe even try a book I wouldn’t normally listen to if I know they have an engaging manner.

Was this review helpful?

I loved this gentle love story between Annie and Brendon. Annie's view of love and dating apps was believable and relatable. Brendon's desire to find everyone their perfect match and people please was well-explained. This slow burn was very slow, but worth it in the end. I wish we had seen more of Annie's tendency to be brave and outrageous, because it was mentioned throughout the story but Annie came across as very cautious. The happily ever after felt deserved.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for an e-ARC of this book!

Guys, I ADORED this!!! There is so much to love about these characters and this storyline:

- BRENDON!! He loves love - a hopeless romantic who is swooning over Annie, who is quite the opposite of him (very cynical towards towards everlasting love). He is such a cinnamon role and at points, had me literally swooning over him. I LOVE HIM.
- Annie and Brendon together had me smiling ear to ear! Their chemistry was great and their playful banter was on point.
- This book literally had me laughing out loud (the charades scene... IYKYK!!!) and also had me almost in tears at one point! ALL OF THE FEELS.
- Loved seeing Elle, Darcy, and Margot again!! They continue to be a big part of the plot and I just can't help but love this group!

Overall, I loved this and would definitely recommend!!

Rating: 4.5 stars!

Was this review helpful?

Annie has made a plan. She's going to move from Philadelphia to London where a career advancement awaits her. But before she does that she decides to spend some quality time with her best friend Darcy in Seattle. Except... Darcy isn't there - she's on vacation with her girlfriend Elle. Darcy decides Annie will have to get to know Seattle better with her brother Brendon! Annie remembers Brendon as a sweet dorky kid - so she doesn't think anything of it. Except Brendon isn't so dorky now - he's actually smoking hot and there is a definite attraction between the two of them.

Brendon is a big fan of love. He loves love and everything that goes along with it. The grand gestures, the romance movies - everything! Annie is the opposite and doesn't see love lasting after the happily ever after. Brendon decides to show Annie that romance is real by taking her on romantic outings in and around Seattle. Will he eventually get her to believe in love and stop her from moving halfway across the globe and settle in Seattle instead?

After reading Written in the Stars last year I couldn't wait to read Hang the Moon ! Annie and Brendon were so cute together. Their scenes either had me laughing out loud or I had hearts in my eyes. I loved how swoony their romance was. And although I'm not a big fan of insta-love, I did believe in the romance between Annie and Brendon.

I loved seeing Darcy, Elle and Margot again too! The easy dynamic between all of the characters really added to the storyline for me. Not only did I love Brendon and Annie together, but I also loved how deep Annie and Darcy's friendship was.

Add Hang the Moon to your TBR if you're looking for a funny, swoony and sweet romance. I would rate Hang the Moon 4.5-5 stars (rounding up).

I can't wait for Margot's story next!

Was this review helpful?

First thing first I want a Brendon he is so 😍😍😍😍❤️❤️❤️❤️ I just love him so much.
This book had me hanging I couldn’t put it down, is so cute and lovely. The character, the characters Development is 😌🥰. I love all the characters and it was cute to see Elle and Darcy again. Margot is definitely one of my favs and I can’t say it enough but Brendon is OMG THE PERFECT MEN I just need one in my life.
Everything in this book is perfect and I’ll be stalking/bullying people to buy it and read it. Also the rep is amazing I love the end and Annie is such a relatable character.
Cant wait to see what Alexandria have next for us 😍❤️ Definitely one of my favorites authors.

Was this review helpful?

Beautiful follow up / next book in the series for written in the stars. All the previous characters are in the book. The main girl Annie is in a job that she hates and about to send her off to London. She surprises Darcy with a 3 week visit in Seattle. Mainly to say goodbye but ends up spending so much time with Brendon Darcy’s brother. Who may I add is a heart throb and always has had a crush on Annie.

This is a solid romcom. Looking forward to the next book showcasing Margot.

Was this review helpful?

RATING: 5/5 STARS

I recently read Alexandria Bellefleur's cute, entertaining, and inclusive debut WRITTEN IN THE STARS. This book was equally adorable! I loved Brendon's character in the first book, so it was great seeing him get his own love story in HANG THE MOON. All of the characters in this series are so loveable, but they have their own unique personalities so this sequel felt fresh and different from Darcy and Elle's story. The dual POV worked really well here, as Annie's practical nature and reluctant attraction to Brendon were just as enjoyable to read as Brendon's rom-com schemes and regard for Annie. The meet-cutes and awkward situations are just so cute. If you need a read that will put a smile on your face for a few hours, definitely check out this book! I'm eagerly anticipating Margot's wlw book next!

A sincere thanks to Avon and Netgalley for providing an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I absolutely loved this just as much as Written In the Stars. The rom-com setting of Seattle served as the perfect backdrop for Annie and Brendon. I was quite literally swooning at how cute everything was and extremely jealous not everyone can have a cute person just drop into their lap. I would definitely recommend this to fans of Written In the Stars as well as anyone looking for a nice summer love story to read.

Was this review helpful?

“‘Ah yes, shit-giving. The lesser-known sixth love language.’”
— 𝐻𝒶𝓃𝑔 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝑀𝑜𝑜𝓃, Alexandria Bellefleur

Rating: 🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸/5

Annie, after receiving a big promotion that will see her moving from Philadelphia to London in a few months, finds herself in Seattle on a surprise visit to see her best friend, Darcy. When she finds out Darcy is in Vancouver on a long weekend with her girlfriend, Darcy sends her brother, Brendon, to Annie’s rescue. Annie remembers Brendon from when they were children, and the last time she saw him, he was an awkward, gawky freshman in college. That was eight years ago, and when Annie sees him again, she finds that Brendon has grown into a seriously hot man. Brendon is the owner of One True Pairing, a dating app designed to help people find their person. Brendon is also on the hunt for his, but is constantly going on first dates waiting for that spark. Then, he sees Annie again and he wonders: could he have already met her? Annie is dead set against dating, especially Brendon when she’s leaving in a few short weeks, but he’s determined to change her mind. As the two grow closer and closer, Annie starts to question everything about her future, including whether or not she wants to take the leap with Brendon.

My favorite thing about this book was that Bellefleur took the typical male is averse to love and female is obsessed with anything romance and flipped it on its head. Annie is a sworn-off-dating-forever cynic and Brendon is a rom-com-loving, grand-gesture-appreciating, die-hard romantic. Together, Annie has to find a way to believe in love again, believe in breaking down her walls and giving herself wholly to another person, and Brendon has to learn to reel in his overly romantic side in order to hold onto who his person.

Annie is so terrified of putting herself out there, ultimately because she always feels more for the other person than they do for her. When she finds herself drawn to Brendon in more ways than one, she has to ask herself if the prospect of getting hurt is worth the sheer happiness and comfort she feels in his presence. Brendon has been searching high and low for that spark with someone, the fireworks that indicate a deeper connection, and he found it in the one person who doesn’t believe in love. He has to find a way to break down her walls and get her to believe in him, in them, before it’s too late.

This book was laugh-out-loud funny, heartwarmingly sweet, sexy and spicy (Brendon’s filthy texts had me 🥵), and altogether super real and relatable. It comes out May 25th, and I highly recommend picking it up when it does!

Was this review helpful?

Do you want to feel happy? Then read this book! I adored Written in the Stars, and absolutely flipped for Darcy's romantically-obsessed brother Brendon -- so I was understandably excited when I saw he'd be the starring hero in his own book.

I adored the history between Brendon and Annie, and seeing them reconnect as adults. This book is just joyful and charming, and I loved their love story. Bellefleur has such a knack for capturing the essence of a beloved romantic trope and making it feel fresh and exciting. Hang the Moon just ticked all my boxes. It's funny, charming, relatable, and just the perfect amount of steam.

Was this review helpful?

This book was cute, I Felt some moments were off and the characters were a bit selfish. It was harder for me to relate to this one than the first one with that in mind. But all in all Alexandria remains a wonderful writer and I love seeing a m/f bisexual pairing!

Was this review helpful?

Annie and Brendon have known each other since they were kids, but Brendon has always had a crush on her. Brendon loves love, while Annie is more skeptical. When Annie comes to visit Brendon’s sister in Seattle, they reunite before Annie moves to London for work. With big romantic gestures inspired from his favorite rom-coms, Brendon is determined to change Annie’s mind about love and staying in Seattle. But what happens if Annie doesn’t stay?

Hang the Moon is as sweet and relaxing as a favorite rom-com that you’ve memorized because you’ve rewatched it so many times. It is delightful to watch Annie and Brendon fall in love, though not quite as neatly as a rom-com movie script. Hang the Moon is a gentle and enchanting romance. Both Annie and Brendon grow along the way, discovering what romance and love truly mean in their own lives. Brendon’s relentless optimism and quest for romance is absolutely adorable.

The cameos from Elle and Darcy were delightful, though you do not need to have read Written in the Stars. If you love friend-to-lovers, there’s only one bed, and cheesy rom-com movies, then you need to check out this book! It will also make you want to rewatch all your favorite rom-com movies! Hang the Moon releases May 25, 2021. Thank you so much to Alexandria Bellefleur, Avon, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

For publisher: My review will be posted on the publication date and I will publish it on Instagram, Goodreads, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble etc

Was this review helpful?

Thanks to Avon for the advanced copy of this book. I loved Written in the Stars and I was excited to continue with this series! I found Brendon and Annie's story to be just as fun and sweet as Elle and Darcy's!

Annie is gearing up for a big move across the world when she stops in to visit her best friend Darcy. She finds herself spending lots of time with Darcy's brother, and hopeless romantic, Brendon. Brendon has one last shot to prove to Annie that romance is real, by re-creating scenes from all his favorite rom-coms.

I loved that Brendon was the romantic, sentimental one, and Annie was a bit more closed off to love. They had great chemistry as a couple, and I flew through this book in what felt like one sitting!

Was this review helpful?

4.5 stars

I did not enjoy this book as much as I enjoyed Written in the Stars, I still adored it! It made me laugh, cry, and feel every emotion in between.

If you loved Brendon in Written in the Stars, this book is for you. If you want to see Darcy and Elle post-Written in the Stars, this book is for you. If you’re looking for “guy who believes in love more than anything but seems to be able to find it for everyone but himself” and “woman who doesn’t believe in love anymore” and add in a dash of “I’m gonna make her believe in love again with the power of rom-coms,” then this book is for you. Also, it has the “there’s only one bed” trope. Who doesn’t love that?

This book isn’t super plot-heavy because the characters are the main focus. Growth, change, and just figuring out life. Finishing this book just after graduating from college made me highly emotional - Annie spends most of the book trying to figure out what to do next. Does she want to move to London, away from everybody she knows, for a steady job? Or take a risk and be around those she loves while doing something she loves? As somebody who is currently trying to figure out her own next steps, Annie’s struggle rang extremely true.

Brendon is incredible - definitely one of the only valid straight white men around. He’s a caring man who wants the best for everybody around him. I loved seeing him interact with the people at OTP and adored him and Margot’s friendship.

Annie is equally incredible. She identifies as bisexual on-page, which I was really afraid wouldn’t happen. For most of the book, you can tell that she is bi by lines here and there that suggest maybe she’s been in relationships with people of varying genders in the past, but it isn’t until the second half of the book that she and Elle talk about bisexuality.

Overall, this book is an excellent follow-up to Written in the Stars but also works as a standalone. I’m incredibly excited to see what Alexandria Bellefleur gives us next!

Huge thank you to Netgalley and Avon for an ARC of this!

Was this review helpful?

I loved Written in the Stars And was excited to read this author's next book!

Admittedly, I wasn't fully on board with loving Brendon in Written in the Stars, but this book turned my opinion around on him around! His and Annie's characters were very enjoyable. This story wasn't flashy, it was soft and explorative of taking risks, following your heart and finding/accepting love and security when it's being offered right in front of you.

There was no unnecessary melodrama and it was so cute throughout. I'm a sucker for both "one bed" and "best friend's sibling" tropes, the author delivered both of these well.

This seemed to be more character driven than plot driven/focused but I didn't mind at all and found it to still be very enjoyable.

This book includes: cute dates around Seattle, a cinnamon role hero, wholesome characters, swoon-worthy moments, a strong female friendship between Annie and Darcy, and sprinkles of our gals Darcy and Elle throughout!

**Thank you to Netgalley and publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review**

Was this review helpful?

Sequels are, as a rule, never as good as the first. But in this case, for this series, Alexandria Bellefleur has gone above and beyond. Hang the Moon had every reason to be a cheesy, predictable rom-com. But I was hooked from the get-go. I myself am a romantic and totally related to Brenden. It made me realize that you shouldn't accept anything less than what someone like him has to offer. I wish I could contract amnesia so I could read this book again for the first time.

Was this review helpful?

This romance made my heart happy. I seriously enjoyed Bellefleur's first book, so as soon as I saw the sequel available on NetGalley, I scooped it up. I was not disappointed. Brendon was adorable in every way, Annie was uncomfortably relatable, and the cast of side characters (looking at you, Elle x Darcy) was just the cherry on top. It was a bit of a love letter to Seattle as well, and I loved that. Definitely worth a read if you have any appreciation for rom-coms.

Was this review helpful?

This is a very sweet and sure to please romcom. It has something I'm often wishing more romcoms have, which is actually going to places and doing things in the setting, which for this book is Seattle. I think for people looking for books with rather low tension and low angst, this is it. The force driving the couple apart is weak, and the two are so compatible that there are hardly bumps at all. I think my personal tastes prefer things a little messier, so this book tipped a bit into saccharine for me, but it was still a very fun and breezy read.

Was this review helpful?

Well, this was everything.

I love love loved Annie and Brendon. I loved their shared history and utter devotion to Darcy. I especially loved how much of a marshmallow Brendon is. Together these two have loads of chemistry, fantastic conversation, and a real organic progression to their relationship.

Plot wise, it was good. The majority of the story takes place over 2 weeks and yet it didn’t feel rushed. I loved seeing Seattle through their eyes and now I’m desperate for another visit. The angst was minimal and I could have easily read 100 more pages of these two.

Overall, I love this cast of characters and the slice of (mostly) fluffy time. I’ll just be over here, waiting for Margot’s book.

**Huge thanks to Avon for providing the arc free of charge**

Was this review helpful?

About the book:
Brendon Lowell believes in true love. So much, in fact, that he's made his life's work building a dating app to help others find their special someone. He, himself? Not so lucky. Until his sister's best friend comes to town to visit, and he's reminded of a. the wicked crush he used to have on her and b. how well they seem to get along. Annie's just in Seattle to drop the news to her best friend that she's moving across the world to London. When her best friend realizes Annie is moving further away from her, she enlists Brendon in a campaign to show Annie the beauty of Seattle, and maybe even Brendon too. When it comes time for Annie to report to London, has Seattle left an impression on her? Has Brendon?

TL;DR:
- 4.5 stars
- Content warnings: none that I can currently think of
- A sweet, witty romance you could likely get through in 1-2 sittings. Would recommend this one for anyone who loves a lead who's stubborn or scared of love, who LOVES a cinnamon roll of a love interest, and who wants to see queer rep!

Loved:
- I have read a LOT of romance. Like, a lot. Bellefleur writes realistic characters so well, it almost hurts. I saw so much of myself in Annie and I felt like she and her flaws and strengths were so wonderfully represented in the book.
- As far as conflicts go, this one didn't hurt as much as I thought it would! It was, again, a really honest representation of a couple with one person who's looking for forever, and another who's looking for happy right now. I love grown up conflicts that don't cause (what I consider) irreparable damage in the relationship! Yay!
- I loved the dialogue so much. I saved a bunch of little notes to myself of dialogue that made me cackle or cry. That's not super common for me: usually I love the story, or I love the characters, but the dialogue is not a focus for me. Not with this one!

Less into:
- It took a while to get into this one, honestly. It started off so funny, witty, and strong, but then it just meandered before getting into the meat of their relationship so I ended up taking an extended break from reading the book (like, a month). If it was a bit quicker paced up front I could easily have spent a single Sunday on this. May not be an issue for anyone else!

Overall a really cute, well written romance. I would definitely read Bellefleur's other work.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?