A STEM romance, ye please! Thank you NetGalley, Lauren Layne and Gallery Books for this early read. I loved it.

Lauren Layne is one of my all time favorite authors(I'd happily read her grocery list at this point)so I couldn't resist reading the ARC this early even though it releases on 08/13 😂 ⁣
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Miranda Reed has a PhD in astrophysics and is one of the youngest physics professors at her university but when she's denied a tenure position, she's left feeling a bit lost. When she's nudged to take a sabbatical, she decides to use this time to rediscover and try new things and what better way to do this than to look at astrology - something that she doesn't really believe in. But with the help of her aunt and her best friend - who's an astrology enthusiast, she decides to take a leap of faith by living according to some of the predictions - a bit difficult for the ever-practical Miranda but she's up for a challenge!⁣
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This one had everything I love in an LL book - easy-to-love characters, some witty banter and humor along with the romance! Miranda was a bit different from the usual LL heroine but she was also very relatable at times. While the blurb might hint at a love triangle I feel like the love interest was pretty obvious! The romance between Miranda and Archer was a super slow burn(had me feeling like it was a Mariana Zapata book😂) but really amazing with a healthy amount of opposites-attract tension and banter! I love how Asher was so astute in his observations about her and saw her for who she was. I loved pretty much all of the characters in this one and had so much fun reading it. My only complaint is the lack of steam in this one 😩 makes me miss the old LL books. But honestly everything else was perfect and I can't wait for everyone else to fall in love with this story too!❣️✨

"Miranda in Retrograde" by Lauren Layne is a delightful rom-com that follows the story of Miranda Reed, a practical-minded physics professor, and her journey of self-discovery after being denied tenure. When her carefully planned life takes an unexpected turn, Miranda decides to embrace astrology and let her horoscope guide her for a year.

The novel is filled with effervescent charm and humor as Miranda navigates her new approach to life. From avoiding major decisions during Mercury retrograde to hesitating to engage with her intriguing neighbor due to his "wrong" Aries energy, Miranda's adventures in astrology lead to both amusing and heartfelt moments.

Layne skillfully develops Miranda's character, portraying her as a relatable and endearing protagonist who learns to embrace uncertainty and trust in the unknown. Miranda's skepticism towards astrology gradually gives way to a newfound appreciation for the guidance it offers, challenging her to step outside her comfort zone and take risks in love and life.

Simon Archer, the charming artist living next door, adds depth to the story with his intriguing personality and undeniable chemistry with Miranda. Their budding romance is both sweet and engaging, as Miranda learns to let go of her preconceived notions and follow her heart.

Throughout the novel, Layne's writing is witty and engaging, capturing the essence of Miranda's journey with warmth and humor. The exploration of themes such as fate, love, and self-discovery adds depth to the narrative, making it more than just a typical rom-com.

Overall, "Miranda in Retrograde" is a delightful read that will appeal to fans of contemporary romance. With its lovable characters, witty dialogue, and heartfelt moments, it's a feel-good story about embracing life's uncertainties and finding love in unexpected places. I really enjoyed it!

Thank you to the publisher for a gifted copy of this book.

So glad to see another book by Lauren Layne coming out. If you're looking for closed door romance, she's an excellent choice. I loved the astrology tie in as well as the emphasis on women in STEM. It's a cute story with great banter. Consider adding this to your pool/beach bag this summer!

This was a super sweet and enjoyable romantic read. I found Miranda's journey to find herself after losing out on what she thought was her future to be interesting. I don't know much about horoscopes, but they were handled in a way that made sense to someone with no knowledge. Loved the romantic tension and building of a friendship. Thank you netgalley for this arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

After getting passed over for tenure and having her life upended in the process, a physics professor decides to throw caution to the wind and live by her horoscope predictions for a year.

Miranda in Retrograde is a different kind of story and I’m all here for it! The stars aligned in Mother Layne’s new opposites attract rom-com.

This was such a sweet slow burn rom-com with fantastic astrology references. The banter between Miranda and Archer was perfect and the plot was well thought out. An absolutely delightful read of self discovery and finding the universe may have a bigger plan for us.

Thank you Netgalley and Gallery Books for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

After Physics professor Miranda is denied tenure, she decides to use her daily horoscope as a compass during her sabbatical.

The author beautifully fulfills the high concept promise of this romance novel. Miranda makes a great protagonist as she begins to question if her previous life choices were a result of the encouragement of her science-focused family or truly her heart’s desire.

The plot gives her two potential suitors: kind Christian whose daughter reminds Miranda of herself as a kid or Archer, her grumpy and oh-so-hot artist neighbor.

The secondary characters are delightful, especially Miranda’s eccentric aunt Lillian, Miranda’s wonderfully witchy best friend Daphne, Miranda’s microbiologist brother Jamie, Miranda’s sister-in-law Emily, and Christian’s daughter Kylee. I’d love to see this be a series starter to give Daphne and Lillian the opportunity to find love and to further explore the story world. I liked how none of the characters were made out to be villains. For example, Miranda’s family struggles to support her initially, because they can’t fathom Miranda turning to astrology.

While the heat level of the book is low, there’s plenty of sexual tension and banter.

I enjoyed the author’s note that discusses how the book was researched.

MIRANDA IN RETROGRADE makes a super fun and sweet romance read for those who enjoy the grumpy-sunshine trope, STEM heroine stories, low-heat romances, and romantic comedy elements.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thanks to Gallery Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, LLC, for providing an Advance Reader Copy via NetGalley.

Miranda didn’t get the promotion she was hoping for then is encouraged by her university to take a sabbatical. So she decides to make a change and do something out of the norm for her… follow her horoscope for a year.

I absolutely love her new neighbor, Asher. Their friendship is often sarcastic and flirty. So sweet together. I really enjoyed this friendship and neighbors, slow burn romance.

Thanks to @NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. Watch for Miranda in Retrograde to come out August 13, 2024.

What a fun read! Characters and situations that so resonate - real emotions and situations, real self-doubt, and quite the rollercoaster to the end. More substance than the usual romance, no spice for those who will ask - but a great story that carries the day.

Miranda has a PhD in astrophysics and is very well regarded outside here academic career but when she is denied tenure, she begins to question her life path. When given the opportunity to take a years sabbatical, she moves into her aunt’s apartment and begins living her life based on astrology as an experiment. She meets Archer, her artist neighbor who questions her new found belief in astrology, and Christian, the father of a girl she tutors who astrologically may be her perfect match. Throughout the book, Miranda learns about herself and what she wants in love.

This book was a breezy and short read. I love Lauren’s writing style but do wish this book had been more romance and less women’s fiction. The book made it clear who Miranda was going to end up with but for the majority of the book she is actively dating Christian. I really liked both Miranda and Archer and was glad that they were on the page together for the majority of the story even while not romantically involved. I liked the chapter headings give us Miranda’s daily horoscope and dividing the sections of the book into the different zodiac signs as it really brought the theme of the book together. As always, I will happily read whatever Miranda writes next.

Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Book for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Miranda in Retrograde was something so different and so cool from Lauren Layne. 75% women's fiction and 25% romance, it starts with Miranda losing her chance at tenure and setting off on a journey of self-discovery through astrology. While on that journey, she unexpectedly meets the love of her life. Miranda faces a lot of ups and downs and has to make a lot of big decisions while building closer relationships with the people who matter to her. I loved Miranda's journey and how her horoscope fit into it all. It was so fun! I also loved how she fell in love. It was the beautiful slowest of slow burns. This book goes to show that whatever Layne wants to write, I will read and love it.

Physics professor Miranda Reed plans her practical life scientific reasoning. But when she's denied tenure, it seems the path she set out for herself is not as clear as she thought. With her trust in science shaken, Miranda decides to use her time off work to try something new and let the stars be her guide.

<b><I>Thank you to Gallery Books, NetGalley, and author Lauren Layne for the ARC. Book is scheduled for release on August 13, 2024.</I></b>

<b>My Grade: B ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️</b>
A sweet and lighthearted rom-com, that's got some steamy kisses and lots of astrology fun. This was a really easy read, and I really enjoyed it. I do wish it was a bit longer, especially since there were some relationships that could have been fleshed out a bit more.

<b>Spice Level: 🌶️ out of 5.</b>
Only a few steamy kisses, but lots of chemistry between the FMC and MMC. I would have loved a bit more spice.

<I>CW: An over abundance of alcohol is consumed. Like a lot. Just an FYI.</I>

<b>The Good:</b>
-I love a good enemies to lovers trope, and this one didn't disappoint.
-The banter between Miranda and Asher was wonderful. I loved how he challenged her and helped her evolution.
-Women in STEM.
-The astrology theme was great! I really enjoyed the horoscopes at the start of each chapter.
-Daphne is an interesting character and I would have liked more of her.
-So romantic! I really loved the ending.

<b>The Meh:</b>
-The conflict between Miranda and her parents was cleaned up a bit too easily and not completely explored and I feel it needed to be.
-Miranda's relationship with Christian was boring, too dismissive, and didn't bring anything to the story.

Lauren Layne has done it again and this time, I think she has raised the bar for herself. I love love love books where the characters are challenged to grow and this was exactly that and more. I'm in awe of the author's ability, and dare i say, it's one of her best books.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

This was just delightful, the kind of book that makes you grin a little bigger each chapter. The characters were lovable and the banter was great. It had some of my favorite tropes without feeling tired. I would definitely recommend Miranda in Retrograde for fans of Ali Hazelwood, Emily Henry, and Abby Jimenez.

Miranda in Retrograde is a fun romance with good writing and likable main characters. The concept of living according to your daily horoscope is a fun idea. The only hiccup is that the main tension throughout the book is resolved too easily to balance the weight it has taken on through most of the book.
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I absolutely adore Lauren Lay e so I am so happy to see that she has a new book out for readers! I also love the STEM aspect of the novel as well. I love how it shows no matter how smart we are we all go through love issue, but with a little work and some luck along the way we all can find love.

Longtime Lauren Layne reader so I was excited to see a new romance by her! This was a charming read with a fun premise. I’m more on the skeptical side of horoscopes but think they’re fun and I enjoyed seeing how they were presented here. Archer was swoon worthy and I was into their dynamic and chemistry. Here for the banter between the hot artist and the hot scientist.