Miranda in Retrograde by Lauren Layne offers a delightful mix of slow-burn romance, humour, and self-discovery. As a fan of Layne's work, I was immediately drawn to Miranda, a quirky and intelligent physics professor who’s struggling to rebuild her life after facing setbacks in her career. Her journey is relatable and engaging, and Layne manages to capture the balance between vulnerability and strength in her character, making it easy to connect with Miranda.

One of my favourite aspects of Layne's writing is that she nails the romantic comedy genre. Although the romance between Miranda and Archer is super sweet, there is so much humour in their interactions that you can't help but feel giddy while reading their romance. Although the story is mostly closed-door in terms of intimacy, the connection between the two is evident. I also thought the astrology theme added a fresh twist to the narrative. If you're in the mood for a feel-good, charming romance that blends brains and banter with a touch of cosmic influence, this one is a perfect pick.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Gallery Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

"Miranda in Retrograde" is such a charming read! It’s like a delightful mix of love, laughs, and a sprinkle of cosmic chaos. The main character’s journey through heartbreak and self-discovery is super relatable and totally engaging. You’ll find yourself giggling one moment and feeling all the feels the next. The writing is light and fun, making it easy to dive right in and connect with the characters. If you’re into quirky romances with a dash of astrological flair, this book is a cozy treat you won't want to miss!

When I heard Lauren Layne is releasing a book? You run! And so I did and I m glad I did. The love I have for this author is unmatched maybe only by Julie james? The sex, love, Stiletto series is my baby! It was life! I cannot describe that enough. It's just that her writing style is so freaking unique and I just love it! I have nothing else to say except this is Lauren Layne and you should read this book!

Title: Miranda in Retrograde
Author: Lauren Layne
Length: 288
Format: ebook arc
Pub Date: Aug 13 2024
Genre: General Fiction (Adult) | Romance | Women's Fiction
Rating Out of 5: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Spice Level: closed door
Summary:
Miranda Reed, the youngest physics professor at her university, has her life upended when she's denied tenure. Disillusioned, she turns to astrology—something she's always dismissed—to make sense of it all. Over the course of a year, guided by horoscopes, she embarks on new adventures and navigates potential romance. As she explores both science and the stars, Miranda learns that neither offers all the answers, and sometimes, you just have to trust your heart.

Thoughts:
This book was an absolute delight, a charming blend of romance and self discovery! It's like if a Katherine Center book and an Ali Hazelwood book had a baby, and voilà—you’ve got this little gem. The women in STEM representation had me hooked, and the grumpy/sunshine trope? Classic. But it’s the *friends to lovers* that really hit the sweet spot. Even the little love triangle—which usually makes me roll my eyes—was surprisingly palatable. Apart from the romance aspect of this book, it was also enjoyable delving into the horoscope project with Miranda, and it made me want to learn more about astrology just for funsies.

Special thanks to the @netgalley and @gallerybooks for the arc in exchange for my honest review!

Sweet,romantic and swoonworthy. A geeky heroine and a doll of a hero. Archer, Archer, Archer, you can come and live with me. A lovely slow burn romance where Miranda slowly and steadily navigates what and who she wants in her life. A feel good book.

#netgalley #MirandaInRetrograde

Oh how I've missed Lauren Layne books! I can always count on her books to just be a good read. Nothing too over the top, just good writing, good storyline, good characters. I really don't even know how to describe it, but she is definately an author I will purchase without even reading the summary first. I buy 100% based on her and her writing.
This can reach a range of ages and reading likes- romance but also woman's fiction/literary fiction. Lighter read, so can read when tired or life is just a bit too crazy. Definately recommend, you won't be disappointed.

I can always count on Lauren Layne to bring me out of a reading slump. Miranda in Retrograde was no different with characters you will fall in love with, dialogue that will make you laugh and a love story that will have you rooting for the characters.

Miranda is denied tenure and is forced out on a year long sabbatical in which she decides to reinvent herself by following her horoscope. Her plans are quickly complicated by her neighbor who does not believe in looking to the stars for direction. A quick read that also packs a punch, Miranda in Retrograde is the book every Lauren Layne fans expects to read from her.

I loved this book! I've seen so many people say they're not into astrology and while I'm nowhere near an expert, I've always believed mine to be true and accurate when it comes to describing me. I thought it was such a unique concept for a book and I loved that it was the impetus for Miranda to go on a personal journey that while having unintended effects still led her to where she was meant to be. The chemistry between Miranda and Archer was amazing. Despite this being a slow burn, I could feel their connection pretty quickly and was waiting with bated breath for them to get together. Lauren dropped so many good touchstones to let the reader know that Archer was into Miranda even if she herself didn't realize it. This book also had me laughing out loud a few times. The wait for them to get together combined with Archer's surliness created some great tension that I always love in books. And the reveal with the art and the proposal (my favorite way to say it) in the epilogue. SWOON. All this to say I loved it. So much so that I am planning to buy a physical copy.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for a review.

Absolutely adorable. I've read Lauren Layne before and enjoyed her, and this was not exception. There were no spicy parts like some of her books, so I can suggest it for many adult (and possibly teen) readers. There was nothing new in it (main character's life doesn't go the way she expected, so she decides to change it and the grumpy next door neighbor plays a big part in her life), but I thought it was well executed and written.

What an absolutely delightful book! I have been a LL fan for years- I've read almost her entire backlist (it's a lot of books y'all!), but her most recent books have been some of my absolute favorites. Miranda in Retrograde did NOT disappoint!

I've said it before and I'll say it again- no one does New York Romance better than LL. Her stories paint the city in the most magical light, and her characters always have the best banter and chemistry. This book was everything I was hoping it would be. I loved Miranda- she's quirky, intelligent, and trying her best to live outside of her comfort zone. Archer was the perfect compliment to her- effortlessly cool, a little grumpy, and creative. I loved how their relationship grew over time, starting not quite as enemies, but not exactly friends, to trusted companions. It was a slow burn, but it worked so perfectly for them.

I mean in all honesty, I'm probably not going to be living my life based on decisions made for me by the stars anytime soon, but it worked out for Miranda, so who knows- should I try it?! This cute, quirky romance will be a favorite for so many, and I definitely think it should be on your radar!

In this charming, starry-eyed romance, Miranda, a driven astrology professor, faces an unexpected sabbatical after being denied tenure. Seeking solace and a change of pace, she moves into her aunt’s Manhattan townhouse and vows to let the stars guide her decisions. Her journey of self-discovery is both heartwarming and humorous, particularly as she navigates her budding relationship with her grumpy but endearing artist neighbor, Archer. The chemistry between Miranda and Archer is delightful, filled with witty banter and a slow-burn romance that will keep readers smiling. The story is enhanced by its unique structure, with chapters aligned to zodiac seasons and horoscopes, making it a fun and engaging read for fans of feel-good, opposites-attract romances.

3.5 stars
I thought this was cute! I thought it was interesting to see someone with a scientific mindset analyze something like astrology, I thought it brought a different perspective.

I do think a lot of the zodiac and astrology references did go over my head since I really only (slightly) understand my own sign. I did enjoy the romance parts and loved Archer and Miranda together.

This was very quick so definitely good if you’re looking for something short/lighthearted!

This was a light-hearted romance that was cute but ultimately quite forgettable. I am a fan of the author and would love her to add that extra bit that made her older old books eg the Park Avenue series or the Lawyer series so memorable to these new offerings.

Huge thanks to Gallery Books and NetGalley for the ARC.

Although this was not my type of genre that I read I did enjoy the story
Thank you for the ear;y release copy

I am a fan of this author and enjoyed this romance book. Well written and enjoyed the main character’s profession being unique for romance books.

3.5, rounded to 4. This book was really cute and sweet, albeit quite predictable. As an astrology lover, I loved the concept of this book and really enjoyed Miranda’s character. While Archer felt a bit too stereotypical to me, I still did enjoy his character. I loved Daphne and hope we get to see her have her own story as well! Overall, a fun read

I have been on a book slump then remembered I had a couple TBR’s for review! (End of summer was bananas schedule-wise) This book brought me right out of that slump but is going to leave me with the worst book hangover! I adored it!
Lauren Layne has started writing some closed-door romances and they are flawless. This is an instant favorite of mine. Miranda and Archer…ugh, Archer had me hooked from the very first “Randy”…their story was so great. The banter, the wit, the tension, the romance…goodness, I just loved it all! If you love a good rom-com, do yourself a favor and read this one stat!
And Hollywood—make this into a movie 😄
And Lauren Layne—please write another one of your closed door masterpieces next! 😆❤️

When I saw Lauren was coming out with a new book, I squealed with happiness!!! I'm not kidding when I say I think I've read every single one of her books. She packs the perfect punch of romance x wit x creativity in her books and I had high hopes for Miranda in Retrograde. I wouldn't say I was disappointed, but I'm not a huge fan of astrology so it was just harder for me to get into this one. That's a me problem though, and I'd absolutely still recommend it!

Thank you, NetGalley and Gallery Books for the arc of Miranda in Retrograde!

I adored Miranda! I loved seeing her character from beginning to end. A lot of what she said or did was super relatable, so I felt connected to her character. I found it incredible how much Lauren studied and researched about astrology and everything in relation to get this book out, it definitely showed. I just had trouble connecting to the mmc and their relationship, I found it super cute how the book closed off. This was a nice, cozy read especially if you're into astrology and science-y things.

Lauren Layne's books always bring a smile to my face, and this one was no exception! I absolutely loved the premise: an astronomer decides to leave her life up to her horoscope for a year—such a fun twist! ✨ The banter between her and her grumpy neighbor was adorable, and their chemistry had me rooting for them the whole way through. I adored the ending!