Written in the Stars was one of my most anticipated reads of 2020 and it didn't disappoint. It's funny and sweet, but there's enough conflict and tension to propel the plot forward. Written in the Stars begins with something of a Meet-Disaster, with a very messy--physically and emotionally--date arranged by Darcy's brother who happens to also be Elle's colleague. It's billed as a retelling, but Pride & Prejudice parallels are limited, however, and the plot is fresh even though the set-up is familiar.
From the outside, Elle and Darcy appear complete opposites. Elle is a free spirit and one half of an astrology company and Darcy is a buttoned-up actuary. (Literally, there is a scene with undoing buttons. *fans self*) But inside are two women who are afraid of relationships. This fear leads them to some fake dating, so it's all good in the end.
Bellefleur's debut is as sparkly as the stars Elle lives by and the glitter in her hair, but it's also grounded by the development of trust and respect. It's not fluff and it's not angst, it's the sweet spot in between.
One note: I read this on audio (courtesy of the publisher) and I would have preferred a different narrator. Since it's one narrator voicing both characters' POV, it takes a certain skill-set to make the characters feel different from one another and I don't think Lauren Sweet pulled it off. Her narration is also very slow, so I listened at a faster speed than usual. That said, the book is good enough to make up for all of this and Bellefleur's writing is clear enough that I could always tell which POV I was in.
If you're looking for a fun, romantic, slightly P&P story, Written in the Stars is a great pick.
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Content Warnings: past cheating, strained family relationship, mentions of past death of very-important grandparent, past death of parents, secondary character is pregnant
I received a (temporary) copy of this audiobook from the publisher for review.
