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jackiehorne's review against another edition
3.0
2.5 I've loved Emma Barry's previous novels, but this one felt mundane and dull by comparison. A historical set during the early 1960s, the story tells of a divorced mother of two who moves in next to and gets the hots for a playboy astronaut. She gives him the cold shoulder, not wanting to worsen her already tarnished reputation. But they keep circling around each other, until their attraction leads to sexy times. But Anne-Marie Smith is wary of becoming more involved; as an astronaut, Kit Campbell is the center of intense media scrutiny, something Anne-Marie is wary of inflicting on her children.
Clearly a lot of research went into creating this book; the story is filled with cultural and social details that evoke the period well. But the book is so short that neither Anne-Marie nor Kit comes across as characters with much of any personality or depth; Anne-Marie's conflict/worries, while historically valid, are not that compelling for a contemporary reader. And the conflict between Kit and Anne-Marie regarding his job was far too easily, and unconvincingly, resolved.
Felt as if I were reading a slightly more progressive category romance, rather than the sophisticated, character-driven stories of Barry's Washington DC contemporaries.
Clearly a lot of research went into creating this book; the story is filled with cultural and social details that evoke the period well. But the book is so short that neither Anne-Marie nor Kit comes across as characters with much of any personality or depth; Anne-Marie's conflict/worries, while historically valid, are not that compelling for a contemporary reader. And the conflict between Kit and Anne-Marie regarding his job was far too easily, and unconvincingly, resolved.
Felt as if I were reading a slightly more progressive category romance, rather than the sophisticated, character-driven stories of Barry's Washington DC contemporaries.
awishman's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
lapon's review
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
That was perfect with my for all mankind induced rocket fever.
I'm not sure if I completely buy that the hero would stop being a playboy just like that but sure ! Why not ! And he cleans and does the dishes - I'll take it !
I'm not sure if I completely buy that the hero would stop being a playboy just like that but sure ! Why not ! And he cleans and does the dishes - I'll take it !
tlovesbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
zeef33's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was a fun HistRom in an era I don’t feel I see all that often. You’ve got the single mom and the playboy astronaut next door who doesn’t make the greatest first impression. It was fun watching these two fall for each other.
brandypainter's review
5.0
This was such a fantastic wonderful break from all the MG books with dead parent/pets/friends I'm reading for the Cybils right now. Reading order matters. I say that a lot, but I think this would be a five star read for me no matter when I read it.
The characters in this are wonderful. All of them. Anne-Marie is a prickly heroine who has every reason to be wary of romance particularly from men like Kit. I liked how her divorce was talked about in the context of the time, and how it was clear she had options other women of the time might not have due to her parents being willing to help her. Kit is, at first appearance, a careless playboy. Really is kind of a socially awkward dork though. I loved watching his true colors out more a he tried to get to Anne Marie. His interactions with her kids and his dog were some of my favorite scenes. The kids were well written and acted the ages they were (something not easily found in many romances with kids). I loved the other astronauts' wives and how instantly and without condemnation they scooped Anne-Marie up into their group and helped her.
The plot of the book mainly focuses on Anne-Marie adjusting to her new life and the romance with Kit. It is a quiet sort of story. While it has conflict, it is of the subtle sort that involves the simple hard realities of making a romantic relationship work. I far prefer these sort of stories to the melodramatic ones so it was perfect for me. I also really like the early sixties setting which is so unique for romance.
I often shy away from collaborations even when they are by two authors I really like. This is one the really worked though. Unlike many I have read, it doesn't feel broken or like two voices are fighting to be heard. It is very cohesive. I am so so so excited for the next book in the series. (THAT TEASER!)
The characters in this are wonderful. All of them. Anne-Marie is a prickly heroine who has every reason to be wary of romance particularly from men like Kit. I liked how her divorce was talked about in the context of the time, and how it was clear she had options other women of the time might not have due to her parents being willing to help her. Kit is, at first appearance, a careless playboy. Really is kind of a socially awkward dork though. I loved watching his true colors out more a he tried to get to Anne Marie. His interactions with her kids and his dog were some of my favorite scenes. The kids were well written and acted the ages they were (something not easily found in many romances with kids). I loved the other astronauts' wives and how instantly and without condemnation they scooped Anne-Marie up into their group and helped her.
The plot of the book mainly focuses on Anne-Marie adjusting to her new life and the romance with Kit. It is a quiet sort of story. While it has conflict, it is of the subtle sort that involves the simple hard realities of making a romantic relationship work. I far prefer these sort of stories to the melodramatic ones so it was perfect for me. I also really like the early sixties setting which is so unique for romance.
I often shy away from collaborations even when they are by two authors I really like. This is one the really worked though. Unlike many I have read, it doesn't feel broken or like two voices are fighting to be heard. It is very cohesive. I am so so so excited for the next book in the series. (THAT TEASER!)
bandherbooks's review
5.0
“Constellations tell a story. Lines connecting points, making a picture. Your freckles do too. Your body does. Anne-Marie, I like your story.” He didn’t look away. He didn’t even blink. He meant it. Every word. And looking in his eyes, she felt it. She nearly shook with need. “Make love to me.” “Yes, ma’am.”
So I've had Stardust languishing on my TBR pile for way too long. Way too long. BUT I guess it was waiting for me when I truly needed it because wow, I absolutely loved it. My entire jam. A golden boy, a scoundrel who is so confident in his looks and merit, is completely bowled over by the jaded divorcee next door.
Not only is the romance absolutely swoonworthy, the 1960s setting was a refreshing change of pace. Commander Kit Campbell's desire to go to space, the mission itself, and the cast of characters at the NASA-esque project, and the exploration of the role of women and the problems they ran against during this time period, all added depth and an immersive reading experience.
maggiemaggio's review
4.0
What a pleasant surprise. Saw this book mentioned on a blog as I was scrolling Twitter and saw I could get it for Kindle for free. Really enjoyed this romance and the look at the space race. I've never really been interested in space, but I found myself drawn into that part of the story almost as much as the romance. I wish the story into what it was like to be a divorcee at that time would have gone a bit deeper, but eventually it did kind of get there. Highly recommend and I'm excited to read the rest of the series.
solaana's review against another edition
These are pretty cute for all that they’re set in the 60s