Well this was a surprise! A debut with an okay cover that I probably would’ve scrolled past on any other day, I checked this out solely because it was the best First Reads option for me – and it ended up being one of the better books I’ve read from the program. This is funny and sexy, with plenty of steamy scenes (open door), and a great opposites attract vibe. A true romance novel, with the relationship front and center. The space references were fun, and I loved the adorable cinnamon roll hero. The reverse grumpy/sunshine dynamic was a solid element, even if I didn’t love the heroine. This stays light and playful throughout, and I’d be interested in checking out more from Comfort.
The story follows Reggie, a female astronaut whose sole focus is being the first woman on the moon. She’s a workaholic who only does hookups, and she’s not the best at interacting with other people. So when things take a turn for the unexpected and Reggie finds herself training an actor for a space-themed role, it’s not Reggie’s idea of a good time. But Jon is not the dumb actor she expected; he’s a sweetheart of a man who connects with Reggie despite their differences. Reggie is determined to stay focused on her mission, but that’s easier said than done.
I really didn’t know what to expect going into this, but it was a lot lighter, funnier, and SEXIER than expected. Steamier than any other First Reads selection I’ve read, and the representation was good. Reggie is bisexual, and she’s the one who wants to keep things casual, which was another unique spin on the trope. I loved that Jon is a relationship guy, so it made me dislike Reggie whenever she (frequently) pushed him away or kept things sexual. She really doesn’t take his feelings into consideration. They had great chemistry though, and there’s plenty of banter. The writing itself wasn’t a total win for me; I prefer first person and some elements didn’t completely work, but this was solid for a new author. Overall, not a bad pick this month.
Read this book ONE MONTH EARLY!!!
The Astronaut and the Star releases on March 1st, HOWEVER, it was selected as one of Amazon’s First Reads this month, so it’s available RIGHT NOW! If you’re unfamiliar with the program, it allows Prime readers to get specific books one month early – for FREE! The program is free too, so it’s a no-brainer. And this book was all kinds of fun!
If you’re a Prime member, you can check out the details on the product page: https://amzn.to/3Gy2Dl7
If you’re not a Prime member, you can grab a free 30-day trial here: https://amzn.to/3tlejlF
And since we’re talking about it, you can also get a free trial of Audible Plus at: https://amzn.to/3az9WuS or a free trial of Kindle Unlimited at: https://amzn.to/3rf8UKV.
Blurb:
An out-of-this-world romantic comedy featuring an astronaut tasked with training a Hollywood actor for a space flick.
Astronaut Regina “Reggie” Hayes wants to be the first woman on the moon—it’s all she’s ever dreamed of. But after a PR disaster, Reggie is off the list for a lunar mission. To rehabilitate her reputation with NASA, she agrees to a different kind of assignment: astronaut “training” with a Hollywood action hero.
Jon Leo is a charmer. With credits that include an underperforming sitcom and a campy action flick called Space Dude, his upcoming role in a prestigious movie could prove he’s a star. But Jon isn’t just big muscles and an otherworldly smile—he’s also a total space nerd. He’s pumped about his own personal space camp…until he meets ice-cold Reggie.
Although Reggie and Jon are polar opposites, their mutual attraction is undeniable, and it only takes a few weeks in close quarters for them to give in to its magnetic force. Jon is set on convincing Reggie this is a match made in the heavens, but her future is in space, and his is among stars of the Hollywood kind. The odds of successfully launching a real relationship outside the confines of the training base are anything but optimal.
Reggie, content with keeping things casual, is forced by a sudden turn of events to confront the possibility of losing Jon forever. Now, she’ll do whatever it takes to win both the man and the moon.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Gy2Dl7
About the Author:
Jen Comfort is a Portland, Oregon, native who dabbled in astrophysics before spending a decade working in restaurants in New York City and Portland. Now, she writes romantic comedies about hot nerds with very cool jobs. She spends her free time growing plants destined to die before their time, playing video games, and encouraging her two cats and malamute-husky dog to become internet famous with zero success.
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Jeeves Reads Romance 