I was going to wait until a bit closer to its November, 2020, release date but I can't anymore. I have no self-control and this novel has had me grinning in memory of it for weeks. Written in the Stars is certifiably warm and fuzzy.


Written in the Stars 
by Alexandria Bellefleur 

With nods to Bridget Jones and Pride and Prejudice, a charming #ownvoices queer rom-com debut about a free-spirited social media astrologer who agrees to fake a relationship with an uptight actuary until New Year’s Eve—with results not even the stars could predict!

After a disastrous blind date, Darcy Lowell is desperate to stop her well-meaning brother from playing matchmaker ever again. Love—and the inevitable heartbreak—is the last thing she wants. So she fibs and says her latest set up was a success. Darcy doesn’t expect her lie to bite her in the ass.

Elle Jones, one of the astrologers behind the popular Twitter account, Oh My Stars, dreams of finding her soul mate. But she knows it is most assuredly not Darcy... a no-nonsense stick-in-the-mud, who is way too analytical, punctual, and skeptical for someone as free-spirited as Elle. When Darcy’s brother—and Elle's new business partner—expresses how happy he is that they hit it off, Elle is baffled. Was Darcy on the same date? Because... awkward.

When Darcy begs Elle to play along, she agrees to pretend they’re dating to save face. But with a few conditions: Darcy must help Elle navigate her own overbearing family over the holidays and their arrangement expires on New Year’s Eve. The last thing they expect is to develop real feelings during a fake relationship.

But maybe opposites can attract when true love is written in the stars?

 


Remember last year when I was busy having a series of meltdowns over rom-com's such as Well Met, Red White and Royal Blue, and The Unhoneymooners? Well, I think they've met their match: Written in the Stars was absolutely EVERYTHING I needed in a romantic comedy and then some. Part of me wants to stand up on my desk and sing about it, but I'm pretty sure that would terrify my dogs a bit more than usual.

Regardless, Written in the Stars has been my biggest source of warm and fuzzies in a long time. I am honestly grinning about it here and now. Sure, other novels have given me comfort, but something about this one blew them all out of the water. It genuinely set the standard for how I want all rom-coms to follow for the rest of the year.

Was it the humor? The undeniable angsty chemistry? How easy it was to slip into, and connect with, each of these characters? The swoon-worthy, sizzling romance? Or maybe the use of nearly all my favourite tropes? Or! How about Alexandria Bellefleur's sweet and intrigue prose?

Honestly, I couldn't tell you, but so much of this novel felt like an embrace that I didn't know I needed until I stepped into it. When it comes to romantic comedies, there has to be a balance that sets readers up to fall and yet still be caught. Written in the Stars does this almost instantly; gripping readers with a steady beginning, slowing burning into something more, and then shining brightly in our minds.

From the moment we meet Elle and Darcy, and see their connection as it hits a few bumps, you can't help but to be hooked. You can't help but to be smitten. Of all the romantic comedies that have been released this year, this one is by far the best--because of its instantaneous balancing act. Written in the Stars is brand new, but still has that familiarity of a classic rom-com. It's the kind of WLW novel I finished and said, "Finally."

Because... finally.

Ultimately, Written in the Stars was everything a good rom-com should be. Well-written, full of great characters and steamy romance, and utterly charming. When I say I can't stop smiling, I mean it. A definite favourite of the year--and soon to be, of all time. Catch me, I'm swooning.