Fans of Laura Carter will greatly enjoy her latest romance, Catch a Falling Star, which features MMC Guy, a former boyband star and now wedding singer, and FMC Lyra, a wedding photographer who'd had a run in with Guy some years earlier.
This is branded as a romcom, though there's more rom here than com. It's a cozy and sweet read.

**Thank you to NetGalley for an arc of this book**
-Light Spoilers-

Catch a Falling Star by Laura Carter is an sweet second-chance romance that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you rooting for the main characters. The story follows Lyra, a wedding photographer, and Guy, a former rock star, as they navigate their messy pasts, comedic mishaps, and a growing connection that neither of them expected.

The novel opens with a pivotal moment seven years ago in Madrid, where Lyra, a lifelong fan of the rock band The Hand Me Downs, attends a concert. It’s here that she locks eyes with Guy, The bands song writer and guitarist. This fleeting, magical moment sets the stage for a potential meeting, only for Lyra to receive a phone call that alters the course of her life forever. At the same time, Guy has his own life-changing experience. Their paths don’t cross, and both carry the weight of their personal struggles and trauma as they go their separate ways—until, years later, fate brings them back together.

Guy, now at rock bottom, is trying to piece his life back together after the collapse of his career. Meanwhile, Lyra is working hard to carve out her own path in the world. Despite her family's expectations that she follow in their footsteps and become a doctor, Lyra is determined to pursue her true passion as a documentary photographer. Her journey is a balancing act of personal growth and professional aspiration, but when she crosses paths with Guy, things take a turn in the most unexpected ways.

Their reunion is marked by an endless string of hilarious, sometimes awkward, wedding season mishaps. Lyra and Guy’s connection grows amid the chaos. There’s a lovely slow burn to their relationship—one built on humor, vulnerability, and a shared understanding of the pain that both carry from their pasts. As they help each other work through their trauma and learn to embrace the possibilities of the future, their chemistry blossoms, and their love story becomes a beautiful exploration of healing and self-acceptance.

Carter does an excellent job of balancing lighthearted humor with deeper, more poignant themes. Lyra and Guy's relationship develops gradually, with moments of intense emotional depth mixed with laugh-out-loud comedic moments that will have readers grinning. The chemistry between the characters is felt by the reader, even when the romance is kept closed-door.

I really enjoyed the slow burn aspect of this book as well as the second-chance romance trope. Both characters must reckon with their pasts before they can fully embrace their future together. They learn what it means to love and be loved, understanding that happiness isn’t a destination but a journey—one they’ll embark on together.

Overall, Catch a Falling Star is a heartwarming and charming tale about love, forgiveness, and finding your way in life despite the obstacles that stand in your path. With its mix of humor, romance, and emotional depth, Laura Carter has crafted a story that will resonate with anyone who believes in second chances and the power of healing.

Rating: 4/5 stars

This review is based on an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

This review may contain spoilers

This was a 3 -star read for me.

Who doesn't love a second chance romance! Especially with all the banter and build up!

Guy had been through so much and was really struggling but Lyra was there for him, and I loved the slow burn of their relationship. It was great to see Lyra grow and mature throughout the book as well. I enjoyed the mature way that they both helped each other heal and overcome their pasts. They were both so supportive of each other. Lyra was too much of a good girl, so I really liked that Guy pulled some of the bad girl out of her, in the best way possible!

The storyline of their jobs and her sister's wedding added depth and humor to the book. Cows? At a wedding? Hilarious!

Also, can we talk about Guy being a sexy tortured soul of a rockstar please??!!

I would recommend this to anyone looking for a book that includes emotional depth, finding love after tragedy, and some great chemistry!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. #CatchAFallingStar #NetGalley

Everything I have read from this author so far hasn’t disappointed !

I adored Catch a Falling star. When I read the description of the book and seen the grumpy X sunshine trope I knew it was something I would enjoy ! I read this book in two sittings I honestly could not put it down it made me laugh out loud with the witty banter from the two mc and made me feel so many emotions which is usually rare to find from books.

I loved both Guy and Lyra and was rooting for them from the very start. This is my second book from this author and she never fails to disappoint her writing. I can’t wait to read more from Laura.

I enjoyed that the book didn’t just focus on the romance aspect but it focused of grief, self discovery and growth. If you are a fan of grumpy x sunshine, second chance romances or opposites attract then I highly recommend this book to you !

*Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for providing me this Arc in return for an honest review*

This book is a heartwarming, laugh-out-loud second-chance romance. The witty banter, sizzling chemistry, and emotional depth made it hard to put down.
At the heart of the story are Guy and Lyra-two characters with a connection that refuses to fade. Guy, with his charm and rugged appeal, is impossible to resist, while Lyra's fiery personality and sharp wit make her an unforgettable leading fmc. Their dynamic is electric, filled with tension, playful exchanges, and just the right amount of angst to keep readers hooked.
Carter's writing is engaging, weaving in moments of comedy that balance the emotional stakes beautifully. Whether it's awkward run-ins, sarcastic quips, or unexpected situations, the humor never feels forced and adds a refreshing lightness to the story.
Catch a Falling Star is a deeply satisfying romance about forgiveness, growth, and the magic of rekindled love. It had all the feels from the start. Their second-chance romance feels authentic, with just the right amount of obstacles and swoon-worthy moments.
For readers who love a romance that makes them laugh out loud and swoon, this book is a must-read. Laura Carter has crafted a story that's equal parts entertaining and heartfelt, proving that sometimes, love is worth a second shot.
Thankyou to net galley and Laura Carter for letting me arc read this beauty. Absolutely loved it!

A heartwarming, hilarious, and deeply romantic story about second chances and self-discovery. Guy and Lyra are the kind of characters you can’t help but root for, and their banter + emotional moments make for the perfect read.

I especially loved the wedding season setting—it added the best kind of chaos to their love story. My only small complaint is that some plotlines felt a little unresolved, but overall, this book is pure gold.

Highly recommend for anyone who loves rom-coms with a touch of drama and charming, well-written characters!

Thanks author and NetGalley for that opportunity 💖

This was an interesting story and I really enjoyed it.

Boy band star, Guy is performing in Madrid at a show when he first spots Lyra in the crowd and has her invited backstage. She's on her way when she gets an upsetting phone call and leaves without getting to meet him. But cherishes the moment they shared during her favorite song.

Years later, Lyra is working as a wedding photographer and runs into the wedding singer and can't quite figure out why he's so familiar. He's a real grump and it takes all her sweetness to open him up and the whole story comes out.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.

This book is so cute! I loved reading about Lyra and Guy. You could feel their chemistry from the beginning and I loved the honest and hard conversations they had with each other. It’s a definite recommend from me!

Catch a Falling Star

She’s sunshine, he’s broody and guarded. Lyra is determined to prove herself, even while navigating her own challenges, while Guy carries the weight of a heartbreaking past. Their worlds collide in a story filled with emotional depth, healing, and undeniable chemistry — and one electrifying kiss that had me hooked.

I thoroughly enjoyed watching Lyra and Guy’s journey. Lyra’s resilience and optimism were a perfect contrast to Guy’s struggle to open his heart. His path to healing felt authentic and deeply moving, making every moment of their romance all the more rewarding.

If you love grumpy-sunshine dynamics, slow-burn tension, and emotional character growth, this one is a must read. This heartfelt romance left me smiling and swooning, and I can’t wait to see what this author writes next.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Catch a Falling Star is a heartfelt story about love, redemption, and finding the courage to live life on your own terms. The chemistry between Lyra, a wedding photographer carving her own path, and Guy, a former rockstar turned wedding singer, brings plenty of charm to the story. Their emotional connection and the way they help each other heal from past wounds were genuinely moving.

I appreciated the book’s themes of self-discovery and second chances. However, I did find some of the family dynamics difficult to connect with. Guy’s estranged relationship with his family felt unresolved, and Lyra’s toxic sibling dynamic lacked any real growth or accountability, which made those storylines feel unsatisfying. Additionally, while I enjoyed the emotional journey, I felt that the portrayal of certain topics, such as sex work, could have been handled with more sensitivity.

That said, the book still offers an emotional, slow-burn romance with an engaging premise and relatable themes of resilience. Though it didn’t fully hit the mark for me, Catch a Falling Star will likely appeal to readers who enjoy emotional romances about healing and finding love after loss.

Yes, I am old enough to see this title and think of The Princess Diaries. Yes, that made me want to read this book. And yes, I enjoyed it!

Catch a Falling Star is a heartwarming story of grief and self-love. While the story itself feels unrealistic, it's still one that draws us in. I felt the book jumped right into the story, almost a little too fast, but it made my heart feel full by the end. I found myself more invested in the characters than I expected, and wish the story didn't end where it did.

Lyra and Guy are two characters who actually know how to communicate, and maturely. The character flaws are miniscule compared to the characters' growth. The flaws the main characters have are ones we can all relate to. I do however wish we had gotten more of a look into Lyra's life in the years prior to the story taking place, more interaction with other characters, and some more insight and closure to some other topics/situations in the story.

Thank you to Laura Carter, NetGalley, and Boldwood Books for the ARC.

Lyra grew up with the expectation that she would become a doctor and follow in her sister and parents' footsteps. Guy was once a rockstar in a famous band. One night they almost meet, when both of their worlds are shattered and changed forever. Now both of them are leading lives that neither expected. Lyra is a wedding photographer and Guy is a wedding singer, and as their paths cross again, they are both forced to face that Night and decide how they are going to live moving further.

This was such a cute story of two people helping to heal and encourage one another to be their best selves. I loved the storyline and the love story between Lyra and Guy. Their love story was about overcoming their pasts, and learning how to help each other be their best selves in the present. I loved how their stories intertwined with their families and friends adding another dynamic to their characters. Any romance lover will love this book and fall in love with Lyra and Guy! 3.5 Stars from me :)

Catch a Falling Star is a sweet, cozy romcom with a fun premise. Lyra reconnects with her childhood crush, ex-singer Guy, but falls for the man he is now—a wedding singer weighed down by grief and regret. It starts a little slow, but once it picks up, Carter’s writing is grounded and super readable.

I loved the band’s backstory and the strong secondary characters (even if I wanted to shake her mom and sister!). The closed-door romance felt fitting, with more focus on healing and growth.

A cozy, enjoyable read. My first Laura Carter book, but not my last!

Thanks to Laura Carter, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a sweet premise and storyline. Lyra meets her childhood crush, ex-singer and heart throb Guy. But in getting to know him, she falls for who Guy is now, a wedding singer struggling under the weight of regret and grief.

Though a bit slow in the beginning, I did like the overall pace and the closed door romance felt right given the focus on other elements in the story (namely grief, guilt, healing).

My biggest issue that prevented me from connecting with the story was also the crux of the third act breakup. While I appreciate the self-awareness of the author, I still struggled for 75% of the book because the leads had similar issues that didn’t really seem to be progressing and improving upon.

Also, I dislike when books act like a person/love can solve their struggle (when they actually need to work on themselves and could benefit from therapy).

Thank you to Laura Carter, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

My first Laura Carter book, but probably not my last! Catch a Falling Star is a very sweet and cozy romcom where not only are the main characters fun to read but so are the secondary characters. I loved the backstory and reconciliation with the band while simultaneously wanting to punch her mother and sister.

Despite a bit of a slow start, the rest of the book really flowed, lending it to be finished relatively quickly. Carter’s writing is engaging and grounded, just what you want from a romcom.

Most of the tension and problems within the story feel rooted in reality rather than relying on unrealistic, over the top blow ups, which is refreshing.

Definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a cute, cozy, and easy romcom!

If the blurb sounded like an entertaining fluffy piece, I ended up having mixed feelings about it. I really wanted to enjoy this romcom, but my main issue was with the characters's personalities. They sounded immature and hard to relate to. I thought the book would be a better fit for an adult audience on the younger side (say early twenty something readers). I didn't care enough for the characters to enjoy the story fully.

I find this book was funny, sweet and very cute! While it contains heavier topics such as guilt, grief and addiction, the overall story was light and a breeze to read. This was my first Laura Carter book and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

The book is about Guy, a former rockstar turned wedding singer, and Lyra, a wedding photographer. They almost met seven years ago at one of his band’s concerts, but life (unfortunately) had other plans. Fast forward to now and they have an absolutely adorable and funny meet-cute in an elevator! There is plenty of tension between the two, but it takes a while for both of them to fully give into their attraction. And even when they do, Guy still has plenty of walls around his heart. Not only is Lyra able to get through brick by brick, they also help each other heal in ways they could have never predicted and it's beautiful to read on page.

I loved that the story took place during wedding season, because it immediately created a romantic backdrop for the story! I also loved the easy to read and funny writing: there were a couple of spelling mistakes in this version, but nothing major and I’m sure they will be edited/removed before publishing. Lastly, I felt most of the key side characters were fleshed out enough and important to the overall storyline. However, this was not done so much for both Lyra and Guy’s relatives and I would have liked to see more of them and especially their motivations throughout the book.

Overall, this was a great romcom and I would definitely recommend if you’re looking for a light and fun read!

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing me with an ARC for review! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I recently finished reading this book and I must say, it was a captivating and refreshing experience. From the moment I started the book, I was hooked by its grounded and relatable portrayal of romance.
The plot is incredibly realistic, which is something I truly appreciated. The love story unfolds at a pace that feels true to life—there are no unrealistic twists or melodramatic moments that often plague romantic novels. Instead, the characters face real-life challenges, personal growth, and emotional struggles that anyone can relate to. The story touches on themes of trust, vulnerability, and the importance of self-discovery before fully opening up to someone else.
What stood out most to me was the character development. The protagonist evolve throughout the book, and their emotional growth is depicted with such care. Their flaws, strengths, and vulnerabilities are portrayed in a way that makes them feel like real people, not just characters on a page. It’s rare to find a romance where the characters' emotional journeys are as important as their romantic connection, and [Book Title] does this beautifully. Their interactions felt authentic, and the relationship built naturally over time, making it all the more rewarding by the end.
This book made me reflect on my own experiences and left me with a sense of hope that love can grow in the most unexpected ways. It's a novel about finding love not just with someone else, but also with yourself. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a romance that feels real, with characters that are fully realized and a plot that keeps you invested from start to finish.

This book gave me Idea of You/Forget Me Not vibes and it was very cute. I liked the FMC & MMC as individual characters. Lyra’s family was honestly the worst and I don’t think their attitude change was really warranted from what we saw on-page. The other side characters and relationships were good and I liked seeing Guy reconcile with the band and the exploration of guilt and grief that went along with that. The song lyrics I could do without but I don’t like them in any books really.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

This was a really sweet and fun read. I enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it to friends!