Review of ‘Written in the Stars’ by Alexandria Bellefleur, audiobook narrated by Lauren Sweet
First of all, I have to say that I wouldn’t have listened to this wlw opposites attract audiobook if it wasn’t for the raving review that my friend Lex wrote for this novel. I tend to avoid mainstream publishers and I didn’t know this author either. I’m glad about Lex’s recommendation because I really enjoyed this book.
Elle Jones is an astrologer working for a dating app. When the owner of the app, Brandon Lowell, sets her up on a blind date with his sister, things couldn’t go any worse. Darcy Lowell is a guarded actuary who is tired of her brother’s bind dates and despite this last one was a disaster, she lies to him saying that they hit it off. So, what a better idea than faking a relationship with Elle in order to end Brandon’s matchmaking? What could possibly go wrong?
‘Written in the Stars’ combine the fake romance and opposites-attract tropes with a bit of influence of ‘Pride and Prejudice’ by Jane Austen, as the leads are called Elizabeth (Elle) and Darcy, though the plot is different. This is the epitome of a rom-com including a disastrous meet cute, opposite main characters, funny moments, and a great secondary cast.
Both leads are likable and even though they are complete opposites, Ms. Bellefleur creates a magnetic and sizzling chemistry between them that makes their mutual attraction believable and hot. Considering that lesfic features too many perfect, larger than life characters, it’s great to see two ordinary people fleshed out so well in their strengths and shortcomings. So likable that it’s impossible not to root for them.
I’m happy to see that mainstream media and publishers are increasingly portraying lesbian couples without the heavy baggage of coming out or the effects of social condemnation. This novel is a good addition to this new-ish trend and it delivers beautifully. It’s cute, fun, romantic, entertaining, and has the right amount of angst and tension. I’m glad that the main conflict didn’t feel contrived and its resolution felt credible. My only issue is that the ending seemed a bit rushed but my guess is that we are going to see more of these characters and better development of the story in the sequel ‘Hang the Moon’. However, it’s an m/f romance so I’m not sure if many lesfic readers are going to be tempted to follow up.
The audiobook version was narrated by Lauren Sweet who is a new voice for me but not to the audiobook world as she has narrated more than 100 books. I was really impressed with her work, her voices, and her overall performance. This book puts the characters through a variety of emotions and Ms. Sweet nailed them all. I hope that she’d do more lesbian stories in the future. 5 stars.
Length: 11 hrs and 11 mins
Written in the Stars
First of all, I have to say that I wouldn't have listened to this wlw opposites attract audiobook if it wasn't for the raving review that my friend Lex wrote for this novel. I tend to avoid mainstream publishers and I didn't know this author either. I'm glad about Lex's recommendation because I really enjoyed this book.
URL: 5 stars, Fake relationship, Opposites attract, Retelling of classics
Author: Alexandria Bellefleur
5
One Response