Lauren Layne is one of my favorite authors. This one is a cutesy, kind of 90s rom-com…(think “You’ve Got Mail” type vibe.) A grumpy artist, a physicist who decides to follow her horoscope and a lot of fun banter make this a sweet love story. I liked it but I didn’t love it. Admittedly, this is not my favorite Lauren Layne. This one lacked the depth of her other books and felt kind of predictable and rushed. Thank you for the ARC!

Thank you Lauren Layne and Netgalley for the e-arc. All opinions are my own and are being left voluntarily.

You’d enjoy this book if you like:
-forced proximity
-horoscopes
-women in stem
-grumpy/sunshine
-love triangles

Miranda Reed takes a sabbatical after she doesn’t get the job she’s been working towards her adult life. She tries to follow her horoscope/astral chart instead of science/what she’s always believed in.

I enjoyed this book! While this one wasn’t a fave of mine written by her, Lauren Layne will forever be an auto buy author for me.

I think the only reason why this book wasn’t for me was because I am just not a huge lover of science-y & astral things 🙈

Thank you netgalley for the ARC of this book!
We all know I love Lauren Layne so I was so excited to dive into this one.
This is a low steam love triangle romance that is a slow burn. I really liked the heroine and found myself surprisingly interested in her journey with astrology in this book! I mean, I say that having zero clue what my birth sign is in life 😂
I think the stand out was the MMC in this- he was very likable and I could understand his struggles with the FMC. I was rooting for them and excited for every scene they shared together.

3.75-4stars
1 steam

Love triangle

Lauren Layne is one of the most underrated authors of contemporary romance, and that’s a shame. I’m always eager to read a LL book, but I wasn’t sure what to expect out of this one. And that doubt continued until the first 15% ish of the book. But in Lauren I should trust and by that point, I was charmed and completely hooked to Miranda’s journey and rooting for her HEA, in life and in love.

This is as much a journey of Miranda getting to know herself and her true desires as much as the romance, and as she learning and growing, she’s also learning that what she thinks she wants is not always what she truly wants or needs. She maybe a genius but girl does not have her shit together, giving her relatability.

This one is for the no spice girlies, and I wasn’t mad about it, because LL is one of the few I trust to do that well, a low slow build with simmering glances and heavy pining, tempered with a dose of her signature snappy banter. They have so much chemistry in their loaded exchanges that you won’t even find in some open door romances (I say this as a lover of all spice levels). It has a very 90s romcom vibe, with a pseudo triangle and a kiss at the end closing out the story. The quick resolution followed immediately by the book ending did leave me wanting a little more romance, and I did feel like we didn’t get to know our MMC all that well (keeping the name undisclosed even though it’s fairly obvious once you start reading), except through Miranda’s eyes.

But the longing and butterflies and the reluctant friends to lovers opposites attract dynamic is pitch perfect. This is a love letter to both science and the more pseudoscientific branches of study, and the belief that not all the answers can be found in either of these.

⭐️: 4
🌶️: 1

🌃 opposites attract
🌃 friends to lovers
🌃 forced proximity
🌃 astrology

If you’re looking for a quick paced, sweet and relatable romance read, this is the one. I consistently recommend Lauren Layne’s books to my friends and coworkers, and this one is no different.

Miranda is a hard working woman in STEM and academia that finds her career in limbo. When her best friend introduces her to following her horoscope, she grabbed on with both hands and made it her entire personality.
This was extremely relatable to me as there was a moment in my life when I was a bit lost and I turned to astrology and learning my natal chart to get me through, just as Miranda did.

The love story was fun and kept me on my toes. I wasn’t sure if it was going to be Christian or Archer. I guessed the ending but that’s totally OK, I was more shocked that I was right!

🌶️ = closed door

♥︎ Thank you NetGalley, Gallery Books and Lauren Layne for the ARC of Miranda in Retrograde!

Unabashedly, I am a massive fan of The Big Bang Theory, so when I heard about a story involving a physicist who doesn't receive tenure despite being a superstar in her field (reminiscent of Sheldon) and hosts Jeopardy (similar to Amy, IRL), I was immediately intrigued. However, the main character, Miranda, is much more than a caricature. She is curious, insightful, and willing to challenge her firmly held beliefs by delving into astrology, a departure from her astronomy roots. Her decision to explore astrology and let her daily horoscope guide her through a year is a courageous leap into the unknown, inspiring her to consider new possibilities and take chances she wouldn't usually take. Her journey is initially challenged by her new next-door neighbor, an artist who starts as her nemesis but eventually becomes a friend. As Miranda reevaluates her beliefs about her identity, she receives support from her best friend, aunt, and a new love interest. The story is touching, heartwarming, and relatable, especially for romantics. I couldn't put the book down and wholeheartedly give it five stars. I highly recommend it!

I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for this honest and fair review.

3.5 stars

I really enjoyed this book. It was cutesy and funny and I adore both Miranda and Archer.
I just didn't get the love vibe from either of them. I did not believe in the he fell first, not even for a second. I did however love their their friendship and their banter.
Also I could've done with a little less of the horoscope gibberish.

Overall this was a fun, light and face paced story that I truly enjoyed. If you love hallmark movies, you'll definitely enjoy this one.

Thanks to Gallery Books and NetGalley for the ARC

Lauren Layne is an auto-buy author for me and this book didn't disappoint! In the beginning of the book, we're introduced to two male characters - Christian and Archer - and I was worried this would involve a love triangle. I really hate love triangles, so I was pleasantly surprised that this love triangle didn't seem to last long and it was blatantly obvious where Miranda's heart lied. The whole astrology-centric storyline was very unique and different than any contemporary romance books I've read and was an interesting dichotomy for such a scientific professor. I am looking forward to more books by LL soon!

If you’re in need of a heartwarming pick-me-up, this book is just what the doctor ordered! Miranda’s tenure dreams have crumbled, and after a forced sabbatical, she’s ended up on her aunt’s roof, dodging a cranky neighbor who insists she “get off his lawn.” With her life in limbo, Miranda starts letting her horoscope call the shots.

This read is pure joy. It’s like watching Miranda’s personal growth unfold as she navigates what she truly wants versus what she’s always been told to want. Archer’s dry wit and begrudging help are the perfect comedic touch to Miranda’s journey. As an astrology girlie with an Aquarius heart, I absolutely loved this!

Thanks for the earc, NetGalley!

Miranda in Retrograde is a delightful blend of science, self-discovery, and a touch of astrology that will leave you smiling by the end. The book starts off a bit slow, as the protagonist, Miranda Reed, a meticulous physics professor, finds her life upended after being denied tenure. The initial chapters focus heavily on her methodical approach to life, which, while important for setting up her character, made the early pacing feel a little sluggish.

However, about a third of the way in, the story truly picks up. As Miranda begins to let her horoscope guide her decisions, her once predictable world becomes a whirlwind of unexpected events and charming characters. The shift in pace not only brings excitement but also adds layers to Miranda's journey of self-discovery. Her interactions with the quirky artist next door and the seemingly perfect father of her student add just the right amount of tension and intrigue.

By the end, the novel beautifully balances the realms of science and astrology, leaving readers with a heartwarming reminder that not everything in life can be calculated—and sometimes, you just have to trust the stars. If you’re willing to stick through the slower start, this is a rewarding read that captures the unpredictability of life and love.

I think LL books feel like a nice warm hug and I am always up for a grumpy/sunshine book. Miranda doesn't know what she wants to do with her life. After being denied tenure at her university, she takes some time off to focus on her and does whatever her horoscope tells her to do that day. When she moves in to her aunt's townhouse and meets her grumpy neighbor she is not sure what to expect from her astrology project.
As time goes on, she wonders if she really wants to go back to the life planned for her or if there is more in store for her than she ever could have dreamed.
This book was a SLOW burn romance and I am not going to lie, I would have loved at least a little bit of this book to be from Archer's POV if only to calm my nerves. You could tell that he was smitten with her, but I would have liked to known just how long it was going on for him before the ending explained everything. It was like I was able to let the breath out I was holding when he finally opened up.
Thank you to Gallery, Netgalley and Lauren Layne for an early copy.

I swear! Lauren Layne can do no wrong by me. She is on a short list of authors who I trust to bring happiness to my day via their stories, and she has done it once again with Miranda in Retrograde.

Miranda was a professor of astronomy at a prestigious university where she was well loved and known for her ability to bring science to the masses. Think Carl Sagan, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Michael Faraday, and her star was rising. But after being denied tenure and forced to take a one year sabbatical by the university, Miranda believed her future in academia had hit a dead end. She was struggling with her personal identity and a lot of self doubt. So, she changed tack and decided to put her trust in the stars.

What started out as a rather disappointing year turned into something life changing for Miranda. She began her sabbatical shrouded in disappointment and confusion, but her year ended on a high note after a lot of self discovery and introspection.

One thing that made a difference in Miranda's life was the friendship she formed with the artist next door who seemed to be your typical brooding artist There was a less than friendly beginning to their relationship, but it slowly grew into something wonderful. It seemed to have happened by accident with simple gestures that were not grand but meaningful. Their shared meals and nights on the roof were some of my favorite moments along with getting to know Archer better. Like all great characters, he had layers, and I loved peeling them back to find that heart of gold.

My undergraduate degree is in chemical engineering, and thus, I adored any and all science incorporated into this story in addition. I loved that Miranda wanted to make science accessible to all and used her position and platform to share her love of the universe. As much as I enjoyed that aspect of this tale, I found my interest piqued by the astrology bits. I never knew much beyond the signs of the zodiac, and learning a little more about how people believe their lives are influenced by the stars and planets was sort of fun.

Overall, this was another incredible book from Layne! Filled with wit, humor, and sparkling banter, it was delightful to spend this sabbatical with Miranda as she learned to trust herself again, found her focus, and fell in love.

Another winner from Lauren Layne. I was skeptical about how much I would enjoy this book because I don't really care for astrology or astronomy but I fell in love with the man characters. And really the astrology was just a means to try something new and break out of old habits and ruts for Miranda. I love that Miranda found a way to integrate the various versions of herself to create a more fulfilling life. Layne continues to be an auto-read for me!

This book was such a unique premise and I enjoyed it immensely! I adored the dynamic between Miranda and Archer, it was fun and silly and I laughed out loud many times. A quick, captivating read, Miranda in Retrograde is a wonderful rom-com and super fascinating with the science and astrology elements.

This was my first time reading anything by Lauren Layne and I loved her writing style! Definitely look forward to reading more of her books.

I will admit, Layne is hit or miss for me. I love her premises, but her characters don’t always resonate. This is not one of those times. I loved Miranda and Archer and their easy interactions. The astronomy angle is fresh, though it won’t be for everyone. Overall a fun read for a summer afternoon.

In Miranda in Retrograde, Miranda did not receive tenure for her position as an astronomy professor so on the advice of her aunt, during a forced sabbatical, she decides to live her life by her astrological chart. This book was really cute. Miranda was highly intelligent and logical and I liked seeing how she faced the challenges in her life, balancing what was rational vs. what was emotional. She had big and small decisions to make and was pulled in both directions, follow the chart or follow your heart. Nothing was impetuous but well thought out and analyzed. Overall, it was sweet romcom about a strong woman in STEM that was a quick, heartwarming read.

🤍Book review 🤍

Miranda in Retrograde
by Lauren Layne


Miranda in Retrograde by Lauren Layne is a delightful rom-com that blends science with astrology in an entertaining way. After being denied tenure, Miranda, a physics professor, decides to live by her horoscope for a year. This leads to a journey of self-discovery, where she learns to embrace change and trust her heart.
The romance between Miranda and her grumpy artist neighbor, Archer, is sweet and slow-burning, with great chemistry and enjoyable banter. The story is engaging, with well-crafted characters and a steady, realistic progression of Miranda’s personal growth. I especially enjoyed the chapter titles aligned with zodiac seasons and daily horoscope predictions, adding a fun touch.
While I wished for a bit more depth in Archer’s backstory and more complexity in Miranda’s family relationships, the book still provides a satisfying and heartwarming read. The epilogue ties everything together nicely, offering a perfect happy ending.

Very grateful to the publisher for my copy, opinions are my own

This was such a well done, quick romance. The characters were great. I loved the main female character having a career in science. I loved the grumpy artist male neighbor. The chemistry was great and their banter was so fun to read. Just enjoyable from page one.

Thank you NetGalley for my advanced reader copy.

4 Stars
One Liner: An enjoyable story

Miranda comes from a family of toppers and achievers. She is the face of physics and the youngest physics professor in the university. However, her world turns upside down when she is passed over for tenure. Her life no longer follows a plan.
Dejected, Miranda decides to take her bestie’s advice and use the sabbatical to live life without rules and science. Instead, she decides to make decisions based on the stars and astrology. Things have already gone wrong. They couldn’t get worse, right?
What does this sabbatical teach Miranda? Will it help her find some love too?
The story comes in Miranda’s first-person POV.

My Thoughts:
Well, the cover and the premise were cute enough to make me want to grab this book. Unlike Miranda, I love astronomy and astrology equally and believe that both can co-exist. I hoped it would be fun to see how the FMC realizes the same, and it was.
Miranda’s character is well crafted. The transition from someone who follows rigid rules to someone who embraces change by replacing the rules with another set to finally a person who learns to trust her gut and heart, the progress is steady and unhurried. This feels realistic without being drawn out too long.
I knew there would be a love triangle of sorts. Thankfully, it doesn’t get messy or awkward (or annoying). While I think the other track could have been a little shorter, I also see why it was necessary to go as far as it did. It plays a part in the FMC’s journey.
Archer is an adorable grumpy artist. I wish we had more of him in the book and his backstory came out a little more detailed. He is the king of grump you’d want to love!
Some side characters like Lillian, Daphne, and Kylee make a strong impression. While the other guy was good enough, I didn’t feel anything for him.
The chapters were titled according to months and zodiac seasons. Each chapter began with a horoscope prediction for the day and aligned with the events that take place in it. I loved this approach and had a great time reading those little nuggets of ‘wisdom’.
The romance was pretty mild with only a wee bit of steam. However, the relationship between the FMC and MMC was great to read. It started with a not-a-meet-cute and progressed slowly, so that made sense. I wouldn’t have minded a little more spice, though.
While the track of Miranda’s relationship with her family started realistically, it got resolved a bit too easily, IMO. I wish it continued to be realistic and bittersweet.
There’s an epilogue (my favorite) that gives us a proper HEA and all.
The author’s note was delightful and gave a glimpse into the research and work she put into the book. I always love reading such details.

To summarize, Miranda in Retrograde is a light and steady-paced book (not fast) you can finish in a couple of sittings. It works as a summer read or a starry night read on the rooftop. You don’t need to know anything about astrology to understand the contents.
My thanks to NetGalley, and Gallery Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

"Miranda in Retrograde" is one of those books that straddles the line between romance and "women's fiction" (I hate that term). While the plot is primarily romance, it's far more focused on Miranda's personal development than the development of the couple. Without spoiling anything, the plot structure isn't my favorite romance plot structure. But I think that's a personal problem. Overall, I enjoyed the book.

I loved Miranda and seeing her development throughout the book. As an aspiring astrology girlie (I can never seem to get the hang of it...) I also loved getting a crash course along with Miranda. One of my favorite things in romance novels is when the two leads' stories balance each other out, which this has albeit it's not explored all that much.

I do think that Archer was a little underdeveloped. However, like I said, the book was mainly focused on Miranda rather than him. I feel like I knew very little about him, even at the end of the book, and he didn't go through much character development. It almost felt like he was an NPC waiting for Miranda to complete certain plot advancing actions. But don't think I didn't notice that he's literally named after one of the Zodiac constellations. That was cute.

Overall, this was a fun read but just not my personal favorite romance structure.

3.5 stars

Thank you NetGalley and Gallery Books for the eARC. All opinions are my own.