Member Reviews

Miranda in Retrograde was unique, loveable, fun, and I can’t recommend it enough! This adult slow burn romance pulled us into its orbit with characters that were memorable, a storyline that took us on an emotional journey, and the most wonderful happily ever after!

I adored Miranda right away! Her ex left her, she was denied tenure, and her parents and brother didn’t seem supportive. Yet an adorable meet cute was in her future, where she met her knight in shining armor, Christian. So while she took a sabbatical from her job, I loved watching Miranda find herself. With living in her Aunt’s home, taking care of her plants, letting her horoscope guide her, and having a very interesting neighbor too!

This book felt so unique in that while Miranda didn’t believe in her horoscope, she went all in. She learned everything she could, and allowed it to help her make life decisions. Her experiment during her time off will have you smiling! It not only helped push her into Christian and his adorable daughter, Kylee, but it also led her in other directions too. Yet Miranda still seemed lost to what she truly wanted in life. It felt like the times she was true to herself, was when she was around Archer.

Archer was Miranda’s neighbor, and he could be such a smartass. I loved that he called her Randy! Their first meeting was awful, but just wait because the second one was even worse haha. Archer had no problem invading Miranda’s space, and their banter and openness with one another became everything! But at the same time, he could be so thoughtful. So while he kept his cards close to his chest, just know that Archer was the ultimate book boyfriend. He was sexy, brooding and you’ll fall head over heels in love with him!

With sweet moments between Miranda and Christian, and moments that simmered between Archer and Miranda, I had to know what happened next. Plus I was curious what Miranda would do when her sabbatical was up. So with thoughtful Christmas presents, beautiful talks on the roof at night, a zipper scene, and kitchen dancing, this book had it all! Plus, I cried all the tears later in the story, that moment was so perfect! If you’re looking for a romance that will keep you smiling, while you’re cheering on the heroine to find her own happiness, definitely pick this one up!

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This was so sweet and instantly satisfying. No villains, no heartbreak, no third act break up, just a deeply satisfying unfolding relationship.

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I love Lauren Layne! She's one of my favorite authors. I was very excited for a new story by her. This one did not disappoint. It was really great and I just loved rooting for Miranda.

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those who know me, know that i can never pass on a book written by lauren layne. she's one of the authors whose books radiate comfort for me. this one was no different. i absolutely loved this book and although it's been two days since i've finished it i cannot seem to stop thinking about it or obsessing over it to my friend!

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Lauren Layne has been my go to author for years and Miranda In Retrograde proves why she’s one of the best in the romance genre. Miranda and Archer intrigued me right from the jump. Their chemistry was visible and I loved every scene between these two. I found Miranda to be such a relatable character and she was well developed.

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I apologize for the extremely late review, I thought I sent this months ago. Whoops!!!

LOVE all things Lauren Layne writes, and Miranda in Retrograde is no exception! What a fun, fresh story. I felt for Miranda and was rooting for her, and love, love, loved the character ARC and getting her happy ending. 5/5 stars.

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***ARC Provided by the Publisher via NetGalley***

I love books by this author and, I can't lie, I was excited to see a new title from her.

Miranda didn't disappoint. I loved the story, I loved the way it evolved, and I loved the writing (which is one of my favorite things about Ms. Layne's books) and I loved that this book was just enjoyable from beginning to end.

I enjoyed and recommend this title.

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This was a cute story. The characters and plot were very enjoyable. I gave this book a 4 stars. I would recommend reading this.

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This was a cute romcom! It was a little out of my comfort zone, I’m not super into astrology, but it was still fun! I enjoyed the banter and the overall plot, there’s just a couple things that bumped it down in rating for me.

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I rvcd an eARC from Netgalley. All thoughts are my own.

HUGE Lauren Layne fan here, and this story did not disappoint! I loved the meet cute, even tho it was less than cute. Archer's nickname was Miranda would have grated on my nerves if it were me haha! I found myself growing increasingly annoyed with Archer's dismissal of Miranda, but I know that was all part of it. The way they slowly go to know each other was sweet - and as Archer opened up, little by little, it became apparent that he was head over heels. Miranda was so dense haha

I got a kick out of the chapter headers being Miranda's horoscope, and watching her perfectly folded and creased life getting a little messy as she got out of her comfort zone. As she moves into the dating world (not with Archer), she lets the stars guide her. But of course, those stars lead her to Archer.

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if you know me even a little bit, you’re aware of my big obsession with lauren layne’s stories. with that said, i’m very glad to say this one was quickly added into my long list of LL’s gems.

from the very first page to the very end, i couldn’t help but being hooked into miranda and archer’s journey. it was funny, emotional, inspirational, swoon-worthy…

as i was reading, i caught myself thinking that miranda in retrograde gave me the feeling of eating comfort food in my bed on a weekend. and just like when monday comes, as i reached the final chapter i couldn’t help the bittersweet feeling taking over. i could use a 100 more pages of this story!

as a libra myself, i say that i can be really indecisive, but i am 100% sure i’ll be visiting these characters in the future again and again for a reread.

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I like Lauren Layne as an author but as a female in STE(A)M I am honestly tired of the trope of women getting passed over for tenure and then making somewhat asinine decisions based on that. Other than said mini-rant above which I thought made it hard to connect with the FMC, it is a sweet rom com and an easy read as you would expect from the author.

I read an advanced copy, the above are my own thoughts.

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This was a cute story, but it didn't hit as "true love romance" as I wanted it to. It's great for those who love a good Hallmark romance, but the horoscope main story was a little too sweet for me.

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In this fun and exciting opposites-attract modern romance novel, physics prodigy Miranda Reed has her life entirely planned out until she’s unexpectedly denied tenure and an all-but-guaranteed promotion. Forced onto sabbatical away from the university, Miranda looks to the stars and decides to take up astrology despite her skepticism towards the field as a way to cope with her shaken faith in science and in the precise planning she’s relied on. As she begins her year of life-by-horoscope, Miranda’s new life involves a pet, home improvement, and finding love -- just not with her grumpy artist neighbor, though the father of her new tutoring student might just be the One. Readers will join Miranda as she takes on life from a new perspective while reconsidering everything that has brought her to this point in this immersive and enjoyable new novel. Miranda is a fascinating and complicated protagonist whose struggles with self-image and lifetime benchmarks are incredibly relatable to many readers, and her two new relationships are completely different yet incredibly charming. A fun, emotional, and heartwarming modern romance novel, Miranda is a great modern protagonist looking to own and control her own life according to the stars in more ways than one.

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This is my first Lauren Layne book and lets just say it won't be the last.

Archer and his witty come backs and the slow burn with Miranda was chefs kiss. I loved who they bantered each time and you could just feel the delcious tension. I loved that they pushed each other to want more from life. It was such a fun and easy romcom and defintiely a bit of enemies to lovers as well. I loved that Miranda was in STEM and had such a passion for it no matter what anyone else thought of it, she just had to find where she wanted to fit in. Archer is the perfect grump artist who down plays how amazing he is, his charm was everything, even if he did say little. I loved that it was astrology themed, something different than the typicals story lines. And that aunt of hers defintiely set this up, playing match maker from afar. love.

Thank you Gallery books and Netgalley for the eARC.

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Miranda, a physics professor, has always loved her life by the book, making decisions with reason and logo. But when she’s passed over for tenure, her perfectly curated plan for her life is upended. She decides to try something new, and for a year lives her life according to her horoscope.
Miranda’s growth in this story was heartwarming. To see her open herself up to the unexpected and learn to trust herself and what she wants. I thought the horoscopes at the beginning of each chapter were a fun addition. This was a cute read!
Thank you to Gallery Books and NetGalley for the advance copy.

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Lauren Layne's books are always magical (and filled with gorgeous outfits!). If you love science, horoscopes and astrology paired with a dash of banter and romance, then this book is for you. Miranda and Archer's disdain turned friendship was fun to witness (although I ultimately kept seeing them as just friends, instead of hoping it would turn into more). Despite their natal charts showing their incompatibility, my heart swooned over their Christmas gift exchange.

Throw caution to the wind, read your horoscope and enjoy this book!

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Miranda in Retrograde was an absolutely charming read that featured a woman in STEM. Another winner for Lauren Layne!

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I love Lauren Layne and always feel so happy and good after reading her books. I liked that this one explored a woman with a career in STEM and felt like the relationship was very believable.

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This book was whimsical, unique, and so stinking cute. I don’t know anything about astrology, but it added a unique touch to this sweet romcom that I really enjoyed. While I of course loved the romantic storyline, I also loved Miranda’s journey of self discovery. This was such a sweet, quick read that’s guaranteed to leave you smiling. I highly recommend it!

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