Publishers Weekly
06/03/2024
This grumpy sunshine contemporary from Layne (Passion on Park Avenue) brims with wit and warmth. Astronomer Miranda Reed is approaching Neil Degrasse Tyson levels of fame thanks to her approachable and entertaining teaching style, so it’s a big shock when she’s denied tenure at the fictional Nova University. Forced into taking a one-year sabbatical and crashing at her aunt’s Manhattan townhouse, she throws herself into an entirely unscientific endeavor: astrology. Since she no longer trusts her own judgment, she’ll allow her horoscope to make her decisions for her. Meanwhile, she takes on tutoring clients, including astronomy-obsessed Kylee, and meets her new neighbor Archer, a reclusive artist who enjoys painting by night on their buildings’ shared roof. As Miranda and Archer form a tentative, bickering friendship, she begins dating Christian, Kylee’s knight in shining armor of a father. But is their relationship really written in the stars? What begins as a bog-standard rom-com quickly develops subtleties and nuances as Miranda undergoes some serious personal growth. The result is a rich tale of self-discovery and empowerment, complete with a romance that readers will root for. Agent: Nicole Resciniti, Seymour Agency (Aug.)
Alexis Daria
"Crackling with humor and sizzling with romantic tension, this charming modern fairy tale sparkles like the best champagne. I couldn’t put it down!"
Booklist
"Layne updates the Nora Ephron 1998 rom-com, You've Got Mail, for digital-age Manhattan...Sweet and full of humor... readers will be rooting for Gracie to find her Prince Charming."
USA Today
Praise for Made in Manhattan
"This lighthearted read includes witty banter, a "phew, that’s hot" romance, and the author's adept ability to bring her characters and their experiences off the page and into your life. New York’s never felt more real than it does in Layne’s Made in Manhattan."
Bookpage *starred review*
“Lauren Layne proves once again that she’s the queen of contemporary New York City romance. Her breezy dialogue and delightful characters will fully immerse readers in this dreamy and sophisticated love story... a wonderfully satisfying romance.
Cosmopolitan.com
Remember the movie You've Got Mail? Think of this novel as an updated version, Tinder and all....It's the perfect read while sipping a Mai Tai on the sand.
K.L. Walther
With a charming cast, snappy dialogue, and a romance written in the New York City stars, Lauren Layne’s Miranda in Retrograde will call to all the Nora Ephron fans out there (is it too late to cast Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks?). This Leo sun loved and laughed her way through it!
Beth O'Leary
"To Sir, with Love is a delight—as sweet and bubbly as a glass of champagne. I loved Gracie's fairytale take on the world, her wonderful friends and family, and her highly unusual romantic situation! Such a warm, lovely read."
