Miranda in Retrograde was something so different and so cool from Lauren Layne. 75% women's fiction and 25% romance, it starts with Miranda losing her chance at tenure and setting off on a journey of self-discovery through astrology. While on that journey, she unexpectedly meets the love of her life. Miranda faces a lot of ups and downs and has to make a lot of big decisions while building closer relationships with the people who matter to her. I loved Miranda's journey and how her horoscope fit into it all. It was so fun! I also loved how she fell in love. It was the beautiful slowest of slow burns. This book goes to show that whatever Layne wants to write, I will read and love it.

I am very excited to be reading this book! My full review to follow.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Physics professor Miranda Reed plans her practical life scientific reasoning. But when she's denied tenure, it seems the path she set out for herself is not as clear as she thought. With her trust in science shaken, Miranda decides to use her time off work to try something new and let the stars be her guide.

<b><I>Thank you to Gallery Books, NetGalley, and author Lauren Layne for the ARC. Book is scheduled for release on August 13, 2024.</I></b>

<b>My Grade: B ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️</b>
A sweet and lighthearted rom-com, that's got some steamy kisses and lots of astrology fun. This was a really easy read, and I really enjoyed it. I do wish it was a bit longer, especially since there were some relationships that could have been fleshed out a bit more.

<b>Spice Level: 🌶️ out of 5.</b>
Only a few steamy kisses, but lots of chemistry between the FMC and MMC. I would have loved a bit more spice.

<I>CW: An over abundance of alcohol is consumed. Like a lot. Just an FYI.</I>

<b>The Good:</b>
-I love a good enemies to lovers trope, and this one didn't disappoint.
-The banter between Miranda and Asher was wonderful. I loved how he challenged her and helped her evolution.
-Women in STEM.
-The astrology theme was great! I really enjoyed the horoscopes at the start of each chapter.
-Daphne is an interesting character and I would have liked more of her.
-So romantic! I really loved the ending.

<b>The Meh:</b>
-The conflict between Miranda and her parents was cleaned up a bit too easily and not completely explored and I feel it needed to be.
-Miranda's relationship with Christian was boring, too dismissive, and didn't bring anything to the story.

Lauren Layne has done it again and this time, I think she has raised the bar for herself. I love love love books where the characters are challenged to grow and this was exactly that and more. I'm in awe of the author's ability, and dare i say, it's one of her best books.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

This was just delightful, the kind of book that makes you grin a little bigger each chapter. The characters were lovable and the banter was great. It had some of my favorite tropes without feeling tired. I would definitely recommend Miranda in Retrograde for fans of Ali Hazelwood, Emily Henry, and Abby Jimenez.

Miranda in Retrograde is a fun romance with good writing and likable main characters. The concept of living according to your daily horoscope is a fun idea. The only hiccup is that the main tension throughout the book is resolved too easily to balance the weight it has taken on through most of the book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I absolutely adore Lauren Lay e so I am so happy to see that she has a new book out for readers! I also love the STEM aspect of the novel as well. I love how it shows no matter how smart we are we all go through love issue, but with a little work and some luck along the way we all can find love.

Longtime Lauren Layne reader so I was excited to see a new romance by her! This was a charming read with a fun premise. I’m more on the skeptical side of horoscopes but think they’re fun and I enjoyed seeing how they were presented here. Archer was swoon worthy and I was into their dynamic and chemistry. Here for the banter between the hot artist and the hot scientist.