Dr. Miranda Reed, university astronomy professor, gets the rug pulled out from under her when the university denies her tenure. She decides to take a sabbatical and commit to a horoscope project, where she lets astrology guide her rather than science. She starts by moving into her aunt’s unoccupied townhouse which happens to have a grumpy neighbor practically sharing the roof.

I enjoyed Miranda’s story arc of self discovery and learning to live by her own guidance rather than relying on science, horoscopes, family, or anything else. The slow burn friendship to lovers between Archer and Miranda reminded me of Lorelei and Luke from Gilmore Girls. Archer was blunt and snarky and Miranda was feisty. I would’ve loved more time with them after they’d admitted their feelings.

Thank you for this arc in exchange for review.

A super easy, quick read perfect for the summer - Miranda in Retrograde was a charming romance novel. I honestly wish it was longer and that more plot points and interactions between the characters were further developed.

I loved this book but it left me wanting more. I felt like the book ended right when it was getting good. I believed the two characters were friends but I didn't believe they were in love based on a couple kisses. Regardless the banter was great and it was a fast paced read.

4.0

I had this book to read before several sequels I was really looking forward to and had to push myself a little. Once I started reading, though, I got into it and could see this being really cute. It was. There are a few things that are annoying and I try to remember that she’s one extreme and he’s another and so as someone more like him, I can’t expect to understand such a strict scientific mind who comes from a family like hers. There’s a moment of rejection that she claims not to understand and continues to tell him the same things even though he says why that’s a problem. You’ll understand later. Other than maybe some flutters low in the belly and planning to sleep with someone, a couple of detailed kisses is as explicit as this romcom gets if you are mindful of that element.

Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for providing me with a free advanced copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.

I love Lauren Layne!!! She is my very favorite romance author, and her newest book instantly becomes one of my most anticipated reads of the year.

I really like that LL writes both clean romances (nothing beyond kissing) and steamer reads. This was a clean romance, but oh my goodness! The tension!!!! The swoons!!! I was swooning for Archer. I loved him so much!

I’m getting ahead of myself…

So this book follows Miranda, a STEM professor who has just been denied tenure at the university where she teaches. She takes a year sabbatical and on the advice of her friend, decides to follow her horoscope rather than the logical, factual life she has always lived. The book follows what happens to her as she during that year’s sabbatical.

I really liked following Miranda and her adventures. It was fun to see her come out of her shell and try new things. Since this book takes place over an entire year, there were many holidays represented. I loved what Miranda and her best friend did for Valentine’s Day! That sounded so fun.

But yes, the best part of the book for me was definitely Archer. He was definitely grumpy at first, but that just added to his charm. I really liked how comfortable they were with each other.

My only real complaint about the book was that some events seemed…glossed over? Particularly the interactions with Miranda and Christian, which weren’t well developed. I understand why, of course, but it made the book feel too brief in spots.

Still, this is 100 percent a book I’d recommend.

I love all things Lauren Layne! Her last few books have been so sweet, light and fun to read. 4.5 Stars… cannot wait to purchase a print copy in August! ⭐️

In a world full of mediocre & overrated romance writers there’s Lauren Layne! I just finished reading and I’m left with a happy heart and a big smile on my face. From the first page to the last I was captivated by Miranda and Archer’s story. It was a growth journey for them. A discovery of finding yourself. It was beautifully written (you can tell Lauren did a lot of research). I’ve always been a big fan of Lauren and I’m even more impressed with her. I don’t know how she can still come up with these fresh ideas and write with so much wit, depth and warmth. A big kudos as well for their first meeting, the rooftop… that’s genius. The last chapter of the book was perfection, and the reference to the title of the book had me swooning. I also love that it’s PG, there’s just not a lot of those out there anymore. It really feels like the classic rom com movies that no one ever makes anymore. I could go on and on about how amazing this book is and how talented and special Lauren Layne is. Such a gem and definitely worth the read and re-read and shouting at the rooftop for everyone to read it.

Thank you to #Net Galley for an advanced copy!

Over the last several months, Lauren Layne has become a new favorite of mine and I was so excited to receive an advanced copy of this. As an aside, if you have not read Emergency Contact by Lauren (and her IRL husband!) do yourself a favor and run to find your nearest copy.

Miranda in Retrograde follows a superstar (no pun intended) astronomy professor on a tenure track, whose years-long plan for her life is thrown off in a single conversation when she is rejected for tenure at her university. Her fun-loving aunt, as well as her new-age best friend, convince her to test out a new path in a field she has publicly declared as nothing more than a farce--astrology.

I don't like to give a lot away in a synopsis because I think it's more fun to watch the story unfold without knowing too much in advance. I will say I had so much fun with these characters and their little world. One thing I loved about Miranda was that she went against the stereotype we so often see with brilliant women, especially in STEM. She was brilliant and confident in her knowledge, but not arrogant. While she wasn't a social butterfly, she wasn't painted as overly aloof either, which I really appreciated. Most of us fall somewhere in the middle, and I like that Miranda was written that way as well. Just become someone is intelligent, doesn't mean they are elitist or socially awkward and Miranda felt very real. I felt she was a really well-rounded heroine and that we had a chance to go on the journey with her of questioning not only astrology, but the choices we make and why we ultimately make them (and opening ourselves up to the idea of changing those choices). I was really pleased with the ending of this story and Miranda's neighbor Archer (a brooding, if not moody, but kind artist) was such a great addition.

If you are looking for a read with endearing characters, self-relflection, and a whole lot of late-night stargazing, you may just have found your perfect cosmic match with "Miranda in Retrograde."

Miranda In Retrograde was a classic Lauren Layne romcom with a unique tilt that felt fresh and different than other romcoms I’ve read. I always enjoy a LL read, this one was no exception.

Miranda and Archer were a perfect sunshine, grump forced proximity pair. They each felt real and distinct and I enjoyed slowly finding out more about each and seeing their relationship to one another evolve.

The story was a fun quick read, and I kind of loved the concept. I myself have never been one for astrology but I learned quite a few things, and in this case it was a fun, unique twist.

I could definitely picture this one as a movie and would love to see it adapted. Lauren Layne really always delivers for me - can’t wait to see what see writes next.

Lauren Layne has always been a top tier author for me. She continues to do so. I actually think this is one of my favorites from her. It feels very unique to her other books. The characters were all such fun and full of life! I loved it!

What an excellent romance! I love that the mfc is finding herself after being unappreciated on academia. Miranda is highly relatable. Archer is so sexy and mysterious. 5 stars all around!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc in exchange for an honest review!

Miranda Reed is an astrophysicist at Nova University and up for tenure. Her perfectly structured life indicates that getting tenure should be a no brainer. When Miranda is denied tenure because of her celebrity status she is thrown for a loop. The university strongly suggests that she takes a year long sabbatical so Miranda heads to the place that has always given her comfort, her Aunt Lillian's townhouse in Hudson Heights. Her best friend Daphne and her Aunt Lillian explain to her that she has run her life by rigid rules and maybe she needs to approach life a different way. They suggest spending her time off by letting her astrological horoscope guide her....reluctantly she agrees. While living at Aunt Lillian's townhouse she meets her next door neighbor Simon Archer, a famous, reclusive artist who is as mysterious as he is gorgeous. They spend many nights together up on the roof of their townhouses talking. In the meantime Miranda is shocked when one of her horoscopes actually happens and she meets Christian Hughes a single, gorgeous guy who has a 9 yr old daughter, Kylee who is interested in the stars. Miranda ends up tutoring Kylee, while getting to know Christian. Miranda ends up finding out that Christian is a perfect match for her according to the stars and they start dating. Everything is going pleasantly, but Miranda finds herself drawn to Archer. When the possibility of a position at another university happens, Miranda must decide between the old, predictable life she has always known, or throw caution to the wind to the life her heart is reaching for. In the end, her entire life is changed around and her heart wins.

I just adored this fun, entertaining sweet romance. I loved how astrology was inter-weaved into everything. All of the characters were fun and I could not put this book down. I am glad how this book ended....it was perfection!

Many thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 ⭐️

This was such a fun read! I really enjoyed the unique premise and was invested from the very beginning. Cute, no spice, romance with all the angst and feels you’re looking for! Definitely a page turner that will keep you up past your bedtime!

I genuinely enjoyed everything about this book. It was so cute. Archer was the perfect broody next-door neighbor and Miranda was the lovable, intelligent, yet clueless (when it came to Archer) main character. How can a nickname like “Randy” come off as swoony and sweet? I’m really not sure the answer to that, but the author pulled it off and made me fall in love with their story. My only critique is that I wish we were able to see them together for longer, but I 10/10 recommend this book!

It’s not that predictable can’t be enjoyable but in this case that’s what happened. As soon as the book started I knew where we were headed and the ride just wasn’t that exciting.

Miranda in Retrograde, by Lauren Layne, is classic LL- fun, fabulous, flirty banter, tons of heart, and absolutely enjoyable from start to finish. I also feel like she stepped up her game with this book- classic LL and yet also deeper and smarter and just somehow more. Longtime fans will be completely satisfied and I bet she will get a whole new wave of readers too. Miranda & Asher are chef's-kiss delicious!!! Highly recommend!!!

4/5⭐️

this was such a cute cozy book!!

after being denied tenure, “Dr. Miranda Reed, PHD,” decides to take a sabbatical and delves into the world of astrology. she moves into her aunt’s old place and meets her neighbor, a grumpy reclusive artist.

!!!

the grumpy skeptical artist and the astrology following physicist!!!

one thing about lauren layne is she KNOWS how to write great banter and even better chemistry!

this was just such a fun feel-good book and i LOVE LOVE LOVEDD archer and miranda!


thank you netgalley for the ARC!

This was my first book by this author and I enjoyed it. The plot was great, I enjoyed the characters and the book was very easy to get into.

This quirky, and cute romance has me smiling like a lunatic! I love Lauren Layne books because they always seem to hit all the right emotions. This story has me feeling refreshed and giddy because Miranda and Archer were perfection!

Miranda and Archer have a hilarious non meet cute that leads into a very tumultuous but hilarious friendship. As Miranda tries to figure out her next step in life, her friendship with her broody artist neighbor starts to take on something more, but neither is ready to lay it all on the line!

The ending of this book reminded me and solidified my love for Lauren Layne books. She really set things in motion that I did not anticipate and omg I love Archer and his love for Miranda. This story is beautifully written and has a stellar cast of characters!

Chance to re-examine life choices
When Dr. Miranda Reed gets passed over for tenure, of course she's very upset. The university offers her a year sabbatical and then a lecturer position. She goes to her Aunt's home to reflect on her life. Her Aunt and best friend talk Miranda into not thinking about science and follow her horoscope for the year. Miranda is intrigued enough to try it. Her has her stay at her house to take care of her plants while she's traveling. Miranda meets the next door neighbor, Archer, up on the roof while watering the plants. They strike up a tenuous friendship. Archer is an artist but won't let Miranda (or Randy as he calls her) to see any of his work. Miranda has met Christian when he saved her from being struck by a vehicle. He asks her to tutor his daughter in astronomy. Miranda does Christian's chart and they are a real match. Archer is annoyed by this since she's relying on astrology. During this year of sabbatical, Miranda finds out a lot about herself. Will she rely on astrology or her heart? I really liked this book especially reading Lauren Layne's note at the end about the research she did in order to make the book accurate. I asked for an early copy from Netgalley to read and review. I'm leaving my honest review.