3.75 rounded up

Miranda’s professional life is upset and she decides to make some changes in her life. Miranda’s changes aren’t *really* changes and we watch her go through the motions of a new normal until everything gets up ended again.

Overall, entertaining, interesting fast paced read that definitely makes you realize Miranda needs to dig deep and ask questions of herself, as we all do.

Advance reader copy provided by Gallery Books and NetGalley but all opinions are my own.

🌕🌌 Miranda in Retrograde by Lauren Layne REVIEW 🌕🌌

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I loved everything about this book. Calling it as my favorite romance of the year, it was quick paced and highly relatable as someone who is somewhat of a cynic and more inclined to the academic, yet also wants to look for answers elsewhere.

Dr. Miranda Reed comes from a long line of professors, and is on the tenure track at her university's physics department. When she is denied tenure because of her status as a "pop culture scientist", and forced into a sabbatical she did not want, she retreats to her elderly Aunt's townhouse while her aunt spends the cold months in Florida. At the urging of her best friend, Daphne, she decides to let another set of stars rule her life for the next year and make her decisions based on a popular astrology app. When a handsome stranger saves her from being run over by a taxi, she thinks he is the knight in shining armor the app foretold, and when they start dating and she finds out his birth information, is thrilled to find out he's a perfect match for her, cosmically speaking. A much better match than the grumpy artist who lives next door to her Aunt's townhouse, Archer, who is as incompatible a match for Miranda as anyone's chart she's read. But as time passes, she realizes that perfect on paper doesn't always translates to sparks, and someone who is supposed to be bad for you can maybe end up being just what you need. The moody artist with a penchant for charcoal drawing by moonlight was a perfect complement to the buttoned up and rigid Miranda, and their slow burn chemistry was worth the payoff in the end. Aunt Lillian was eccentric old lady goals and witchy and ethereal best friend Daphne is the best friend anyone who needs help pushing out of their comfort zone could have. I binged this one in less than 24 hours and was on the hook for the entire time.

Can Miranda figure out her career and romance with astrology?

Physics professor Dr. Miranda Reed had put her entire life into her career at Nova University so being passed over for tenure because of her public appearances explaining physics on the television was devastating. Miranda was forced on a sabbatical while she tried to figure out her next plan for her future. So now she staying at her aunt’s house considering the other kind of stars in her astrology chart and annoying the artist Simon Archer in the house next door.

Miranda wants to use her astrology chart to figure what to do with the career but visiting with the new neighbor while she checked the plants on the roof for her aunt was getting to be the new highlight of her day.

I loved books where sarcasm is the love language between Archer and Miranda because they finally admit to having feelings by the end of the story.

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

I went into this book with no expectations and came out with a big smile on my face. This is a slow burn, unconventional romance with highly likable characters.

The female main character has followed a highly scripted framework to achieve professional success as an academic in the study of astrophysics. When she is denied tenure, she abandons her structured life for one where she allows astrology to determine her decision making.

Along the way, Miranda’s world expands. She meets her neighbor - a recalcitrant artist whose grumpiness doesn’t stop them from forming an unlikely friendship. She lets the stars convince her to start a romantic relationship. Miranda begins to question how she wants the rest of her life to unfold.

Miranda felt entirely human. She followed the path she thought she was supposed to and begins to question if it’s truly what she wants. The uncertainty and insecurities that plague her are all too relatable. I appreciated that the author doesn’t make the resolution seem easy. The characters need to put in the work and so does the reader. It makes the payoff that much sweeter.

Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for the advance copy in exchange for my unbiased review.

I finished reading Miranda in Retrograde and I felt so satisfied with the story.
The main character was well written, but I thought that the love interests lacked depth. They were more like side-characters that just happened to interact with Miranda. There were also many typos and grammar mistakes, but I realize that since it's an ARC that'll be taken care of before publication.
The pacing of the story was good, not too fast that things got confusing, and not too slow that it became boring. It was a nice mix of cozy and romantic.

Enjoyed this as a light read. It wasn’t entirely devoid of problematic things but it was close. A fun ride with sweet characters. Would love to read more about Daphne and Aunt Lillian. Would be ok with never reading about Miranda’s awful family again (minus her dad who seemed nice). The romance was subtle but very sweet.

4-4.5 ⭐️ Have I mentioned how big of a Lauren Layne fan I am? To put it in perspective, of the forty-two books she’s written, I have read all but three (I need to get on this). Not only is she an auto-buy author for me, her books are also comfort reads. So of course the second a new book is announced, I must devour it as quickly as possible.

When I think of romance, I think of Lauren Layne. Her books, including Miranda in Retrograde, always feature the swooniest of romance and the witty banter that the best romances are made of. Her characters are fun and vivacious, while also being relatable and easy to connect to. In fact, I ALWAYS get choked up at the third act breakup, that’s how emotionally invested in her characters I become. And while some of her books get a bit steamy, most are predominantly closed door.

Miranda in Retrograde is no exception. I loved Miranda right out of the gate for both her quirkiness and brains. A PhD in physics, and the coolest, most beloved professor at her university - and yet her inability to earn tenure made her the family disappointment. Her determination to make something out of the rubble of her career, is what ultimately makes her such an endearing character.

I clearly had a favorite among her love interests (ahem Archer) and yet I enjoyed the push and pull each offered her. Although love triangles are not my favorite of the tropes, I think Lauren pulled it off here, and without creating too much stress and anxiety for the reader.

Read if you like:
• women in stem
• horoscopes
• forced proximity
• grumpy x sunshine
• love triangles
• next door neighbors

Thank you Gallery Books for the advanced copy.

I wasn't sure I would finish Miranda in Retrograde before release. I should have known better. I started reading the story and found myself devouring the words. I couldn't put it down. I was rewarded for my devotion with a fantastic ending. I closed the book and just sat in the afterglow.

The story called to the geek in me. Miranda is a brilliant professor, making a name for her university with TV appearances. My word, she was even Jeopardy star numerous times. Towards the end of the school year she finds herself unexpectedly in limbo, not know what she would be doing in the future.

Miranda takes a year sabbatical in an attempt to find herself. Her search is full of drama. Her reliability on a non-science had me giggling. Her lack of confidence in life could be her downfall but it made for really great reading. I was completely hooked.

The slow build romance was a wonderful bonus. At times Miranda seemed so lost, something I can identify with. A high IQ doesn't mean you can master life. Thankfully she has friends and a new neighbor that can pick her. That Ah-Ha moment for her had me happy dancing. The happily ever after was perfection.

After Type A physics professor Miranda Reed is denied tenure, she decides to embrace astrology despite dimissing it as nonsense. Taking a year-long sabbatical, Miranda moves to her aunt's New York flat and, instead of being ruled by her pragmatic side decides to make decisions, including ones about her love life, via a horoscope app. Spending nights on the rooftop she meets brooding artist Archer, a man who she's not astrologically compatible with, but what if the stars have other ideas?

I adored this book and Lauren Layne's move towards women's fiction/rom coms. I loved the focus on Miranda's growth. She's the youngest professor, super smart, but has spent too much time on working towards tenureship at the expense of having a personal life. I adored the chemistry and banter between her and Archer, who was just a sweetheart, slowly revealing his soft side. Lauren Layne also brings Manhattan to life as a character in it's own right.

This was such a fun read I devoured it quickly. I finished it smiling and greedy for more Miranda and Archer.

Thanks to Gallery Books and NetGalley for the ARC.

When a data-driven physicist is denied tenure, she is forced to take a sabbatical. During this time, she decides to lean into astrology and follow her horoscope daily. Little did she know that this is exactly what she’d need to discover who she is and what she wants.

This journey of self discovery was fun to read, especially with the incorporation of horoscopes. I particularly appreciated the sentiment of grappling with what is ideal “on paper” versus what you need in reality. The romance pieces were the cherry on top!

I love all things Lauren Layne! And this book is one of them. It's so cute and make me swoon. This book contains some science, stars, and sarcasm intertwined.

📚 Read if you like: astrology, rom-coms, self-discovery, academic settings, New York vibes, strong female leads.

✨ Miranda in Retrograde by Lauren Layne is an effervescent rom-com that follows the journey of Miranda Reed, the youngest physics professor at her university. Her meticulously planned life is turned upside down when she's denied tenure and finds herself questioning everything. In a delightful twist, she decides to live by her horoscope for a year, navigating life and love through the stars. From avoiding a down payment on a home during Mercury's retrograde to being cautious of a spontaneous dinner party because of Gemini Rising, Miranda's life becomes a cosmic adventure. The story unfolds with humor, emotion, and plenty of swoon-worthy moments, especially as she grapples with her feelings for the charming father of her tutoring pupil and the aloof artist next door.

👨‍👧 Main Characters: Miranda Reed is a practical and precise physics professor whose world is shaken when she's denied tenure. Her journey of self-discovery and embracing astrology brings a fresh perspective to her life. Archer, the aloof artist next door, adds an intriguing dynamic with his mysterious Aries energy, while the charming Sagittarian father of her pupil brings warmth and potential romance into Miranda's life.

💞 Romance: The romantic tension between Miranda and Archer is palpable from the start, with their contrasting personalities creating a delightful push and pull. Meanwhile, the charming father of her tutoring pupil offers a seemingly perfect match, making Miranda's heart and mind race as she navigates her feelings.

👧 Side Characters: The side characters add richness to the story, from Miranda's colleagues at the university to the vibrant individuals she encounters in her astrological journey. Each character brings a unique flavor to the narrative, enhancing the overall experience.

✍️ Writing: Lauren Layne's writing is captivating, blending humor, emotion, and inspiration seamlessly. The narrative is engaging from the first page to the last, making it a perfect weekend read that leaves you craving more.

🌟 Overall: Miranda in Retrograde is a gem in Lauren Layne's collection, offering a comforting and delightful escape. The story is perfectly written and provides just the right amount of everything you're looking for in a rom-com. It’s like indulging in comfort food on a lazy weekend, leaving you with a bittersweet feeling as you reach the final chapter.

I am a years long Lauren Layne fan and have been so excited to read this. However, I almost quit several times in the first half because there is SO much astrology. I loved watching her grow, but found her to be frustrating at times in her stubbornness. The romance was sweet. It was a slow burn that built carefully across the pages. But the payoff was great.

While not my fave LL book, it definitely filled a spot in my heart that needed it.

By the book, script following Miranda has a sudden chance in her work life, being a prominent astronomer, recently being denied tenure. She decides she is going to let the universe decide her next steps. She turns to astrology instead and leaves her life to the universe. As she comes to terms with what she wants with her professional life, she also has to decide what or who she want to be attracted to based on what her star signs say. The budding friendship with the grumpy neighbor and the butterfly inducing relationship with a stranger leave her second guessing how she really wants yo make choices that will lead her to happiness. Loved this book. Happy to read a Lauren Layne book after so long.

4-4.5 stars. This was a super sweet, unique slow burn romance.

Astrology fascinates me, so the journey that Miranda found herself on during her sabbatical was so interesting. I loved the inclusion of the horoscope snippets at the beginning of the chapters and the way they were used (or not used) very intentionally.

Miranda as a character was incredibly nuanced. She was so three dimensional to me. Her intention to shift her science-minded brain toward studying the cosmos was a challenge for herself, even as she struggled to not simply swap out one set of rules as her guide for another, as was called out to her more than once. There was a lot of growth and self-discovery on her path as she figured out what parts of her career were meaningful to her, where she needed to stand up for herself, and how other parts of her life could and should take priority.

Archer was a complicated character. He was so reclusive, it felt hard to really get to know him, and yet it was still easy for me to read him without him saying much. I do wish he’d used his words more, but I also understood how his past had influenced his present. There were some very endearing moments when he grumpily showed his cards and his affections for Miranda. I enjoyed both their antagonistic banter and their softer interactions. I thought their slow fall was fitting and genuine to the heart of both characters.

Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I recently had the pleasure of reading Miranda in Retrograde by Lauren Layne and I must say, I absolutely loved it! This book is a perfect blend of astrology lore, scientific explanation, and romance that had me hooked from the very beginning.

As a fan of astrology, I appreciated the attention to detail and accuracy in the astrological aspects of the story. It was clear that the author did her research and incorporated it seamlessly into the plot. I also enjoyed how Miranda's journey of self-discovery and falling in love was intertwined with her passion for astrology.

One of the things I loved most about this book was Miranda's character development. She starts off as someone who is defined by her job and slowly learns to break free from that identity and discover who she truly is. This journey of self-discovery was both relatable and inspiring.

In addition to the light-hearted romance and astrology elements, the book also delves into some deeper topics such as trauma and self-worth. I appreciated the depth that these themes added to the story and how they were handled with sensitivity and nuance.

Overall, Miranda in Retrograde is a charming and heartwarming read that I would highly recommend to fans of astrology and romantic comedies. Lauren Layne has created a delightful story filled with quirky characters, engaging plot twists, and a swoon-worthy romance that will leave you smiling. I give this book a solid 5 stars and can't wait to read more from this talented author.

Thank you to NetGalley, Gallery Books, and Lauren Layne for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

Review is already up on my Goodreads, and will be posted closer to release date on my Instagram.

Https:/instagram.com/kissandtalewithpattie

A classic Lauren Layne writing with a new and unique story. One thing I love about this author is that NYC is as much of a character as Miranda. Everytime I open one of her books, I feel the city come to life and it feels as if I am in NYC with these characters.

This swoon worthy story doesn’t miss a beat and sucks you in the moment you meet Miranda and Archer. With their lighthearted banter and slow burn romance, my heart was aching because the buildup and tension was just so good. And don’t be deterred by the close door romance plot, because there is more than enough chemistry that lights up these pages.

This story is sweet, charming and an overall feel good book. By the end of the story, you will wish it was longer because you will not be ready to leave this world. Lauren Layne never disappoints me and this book lives up to all the stars given to it.

ARC kindly provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

If you’re a fan horoscopes and astrology, this book is for YOU!! such a cute romcom with some science, stars, and sarcasm intertwined

Thank you, gallerybooks, for the e-arc.

If Lauren Layne writes it, I’ll love it. This book was no exception!

This book was so unique, I just ate it up. Miranda is a physics professor who doesn’t make tenure at her college, so takes a year off to find herself after her life feels upended. To push herself (and science) out of her comfort zone, she decides to take up astrology, and to look at her horoscope every day and live her life based on it. She stays at her aunt’s house and is tasked with watering her plants, and one night when she is on the roof, she meets her aunt’s grumpy neighbor Asher. He’s a quiet artist who doesn’t talk much but observes it all. Slowly a friendship builds between the two of them as Miranda navigates her sabbatical one horoscope at a time!

This book had me checking my costar app every day to see what was going on in my life. I’m not super into astrology, but I think it’s interesting enough to take into consideration, and I’m always blaming retrograde for something :) I’m sure there was so much research into this book and I learned a lot! It felt fun, different, and charming.

3.5 stars - I really liked it! I loved Miranda and Asher’s relationship. The thing that bothered me about this book was how her family was unsupportive and just magically came around at the end all together. There were moments like that which made it feel too predictable, but it’s cute, light and a great story.