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michalice's review against another edition
1.0
When I first read the synopsis for When the Stars Align, I knew it was something I wanted to read, and could not wait to crack this book open
When I began reading I did initially like the protagonist, Jo. She was strong and determined, and would not let anyone tell her what she could and couldn't do. This determination and perseverance landed her a coveted spot in a summer internship at Arecibo, Puerto Rico, doing research at the biggest radio telescope in the world. But after the brief introduction my opinion of Jo quickly changed.When Adam makes an appearance, I thought he would be someone who I would like, that he would be the good for Jo's bad. But as we get to know him I felt like he was just as bad as Jo.
For me Adam and Jo held no appeal for me, they came across as arrogant and wanting the focus on themselves. To make it harder for me to read, it took over half the book for anything really interesting to happen, which for me took far too long. I also expected a lot more astronomy stuff in this. If you are writing a book with the setting being the worlds biggest satellite dish, at least have some focus on this, rather than the scenic view and brief moments of them calculating things.
I really struggled to read this book, and I only kept reading expecting something good to happen, and for me the only part I liked the best was the final chapters. I finished this book feeling disappointed about the lack of astronomy, and the amount of time it takes to get anywhere.
Final Verdict
When the Stars Align lacked a lot of things for me. I felt no appeal towards the protagonist, and it took far too long for anything interesting to happen. I feel like my time could have been better spent on anther book.
When I began reading I did initially like the protagonist, Jo. She was strong and determined, and would not let anyone tell her what she could and couldn't do. This determination and perseverance landed her a coveted spot in a summer internship at Arecibo, Puerto Rico, doing research at the biggest radio telescope in the world. But after the brief introduction my opinion of Jo quickly changed.When Adam makes an appearance, I thought he would be someone who I would like, that he would be the good for Jo's bad. But as we get to know him I felt like he was just as bad as Jo.
For me Adam and Jo held no appeal for me, they came across as arrogant and wanting the focus on themselves. To make it harder for me to read, it took over half the book for anything really interesting to happen, which for me took far too long. I also expected a lot more astronomy stuff in this. If you are writing a book with the setting being the worlds biggest satellite dish, at least have some focus on this, rather than the scenic view and brief moments of them calculating things.
I really struggled to read this book, and I only kept reading expecting something good to happen, and for me the only part I liked the best was the final chapters. I finished this book feeling disappointed about the lack of astronomy, and the amount of time it takes to get anywhere.
Final Verdict
When the Stars Align lacked a lot of things for me. I felt no appeal towards the protagonist, and it took far too long for anything interesting to happen. I feel like my time could have been better spent on anther book.
sherleymarie's review against another edition
4.0
**I was gifted with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review**
[bc:When the Stars Align|26169226|When the Stars Align|Jeanette Grey|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1440600209s/26169226.jpg|43981588] BY [ai:Jeanette Grey|4507045|Jeanette Grey|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1381284639p2/4507045.jpg]
This book was outstanding... The characters were very complex and totally opposite of each other and i loved that. Jo is so tough on the outside and in fact voulnerable and Adam is like a nerdy Rico Suave. The fact that they are both so goal driven really made me sink into this story even more. The character development was everything & more. I gave it 4 stars not 5 because sometimes it took me a few sentences to understand whose point of view I was reading from and then it would totally switch half way through it. It wasn't anything that took away from the book necessarily it was just more that once I was clued into whose POV I was reading I would reread that section just to make sure I got the whole feel of it. Otherwise amazing story. Thank you for this!
[bc:When the Stars Align|26169226|When the Stars Align|Jeanette Grey|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1440600209s/26169226.jpg|43981588] BY [ai:Jeanette Grey|4507045|Jeanette Grey|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1381284639p2/4507045.jpg]
This book was outstanding... The characters were very complex and totally opposite of each other and i loved that. Jo is so tough on the outside and in fact voulnerable and Adam is like a nerdy Rico Suave. The fact that they are both so goal driven really made me sink into this story even more. The character development was everything & more. I gave it 4 stars not 5 because sometimes it took me a few sentences to understand whose point of view I was reading from and then it would totally switch half way through it. It wasn't anything that took away from the book necessarily it was just more that once I was clued into whose POV I was reading I would reread that section just to make sure I got the whole feel of it. Otherwise amazing story. Thank you for this!
catiinha's review against another edition
4.0
*I was provided an eARC by Forever Romance via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
I started this book really not knowing what to expect but I actually enjoyed it. This book takes place in Puerto Rico where the main characters are spending a summer there, doing an internship in a famous astronomical science facility. With me being a science girl I knew that I wanted to read this book (I actually thought of studying Astronomy before choosing Marine Biology and Biotechnology so it’s something that interests me a lot :D ).
I actually started this book by not liking the main character Jo. The way she acted would make me really mad but through out the book we find out why she is like this. Now let’s talk about Adam. I really liked him from the beginning and I loved the way that he helped Jo during the book. Every time that she needed him he was there even if said that she didn’t want him there (when she wanted). Their interactions after the middle of the book sometimes were extremely cute and you could see how much Adam cared about Jo. Another thing I loved about this book was how they both changes for better because they were with each other, especially Jo. This was a super cute read but let me tell you that it has some mature content so it’s not something that everyone would like to read. My only problem with this book was that the beginning was a little bit slow but after a few chapters it was in the right pace and I was able to fly through the book. One thing that I absolutely loves was the epilogue. I’m sucker for epilogues and I love them so it was great to see where the characters were one year later.
Overall, this book was even better than I was expecting and it really surprised. While I know that this book is not for everyone I think that everyone that loves new adult contemporary should try this out. It will probably surprise you :) !
I started this book really not knowing what to expect but I actually enjoyed it. This book takes place in Puerto Rico where the main characters are spending a summer there, doing an internship in a famous astronomical science facility. With me being a science girl I knew that I wanted to read this book (I actually thought of studying Astronomy before choosing Marine Biology and Biotechnology so it’s something that interests me a lot :D ).
I actually started this book by not liking the main character Jo. The way she acted would make me really mad but through out the book we find out why she is like this. Now let’s talk about Adam. I really liked him from the beginning and I loved the way that he helped Jo during the book. Every time that she needed him he was there even if said that she didn’t want him there (when she wanted). Their interactions after the middle of the book sometimes were extremely cute and you could see how much Adam cared about Jo. Another thing I loved about this book was how they both changes for better because they were with each other, especially Jo. This was a super cute read but let me tell you that it has some mature content so it’s not something that everyone would like to read. My only problem with this book was that the beginning was a little bit slow but after a few chapters it was in the right pace and I was able to fly through the book. One thing that I absolutely loves was the epilogue. I’m sucker for epilogues and I love them so it was great to see where the characters were one year later.
Overall, this book was even better than I was expecting and it really surprised. While I know that this book is not for everyone I think that everyone that loves new adult contemporary should try this out. It will probably surprise you :) !
debbiesilkserif's review against another edition
3.0
Received via NetGalley and Forever Romance (a branch of Grand Central Publishing) in exchange for an completely unbiased review.
Also posted on Silk & Serif
When The Stars Align is a beautifully written novel following the well-trodden route girl-meets-boy. Jo has landed a summer internship in Puerto Rico with a well known astrology observatory. A summer of telescopes, stars and hard work awaits. It’s during this internship Jo meets Adam, her new work partner. Jo doesn’t make the best impression – causing Adam to literally flip at their first meeting. In time, the unavoidable attraction draws them together making this the most memorable and transformative summer of their lives.
The novel grabs you from the very beginning with a story that is young adult in spirit but updated for adult audiences. It is a beautifully written story and features some of the most beautiful places on earth. Grey has an unique skill with the written word that causes her writing to be extremely emotionally charged. Her romance is realistic with extremely tender moments. I can only hope to have a relationship as caring and sweet as Jo and Adam (but with a quarter of the sex, damn).
However, I cant shake the feeling that this book was not written for me. I grew up in a very difficult home environment with very little affection from my parents. I suppose coming from this background and seeing Jo constantly make herself into a victim irked me. Instead of using her background to make her a better person, Jo wants everyone to treat her like she’s special because she wasn’t loved. I personally disliked Jo and felt she was a selfish and self-involved person. She is constantly complaining that others should be doing special tasks for her. Instead of letting the observatory know she’s a vegetarian she complains they aren’t feeding her and even harasses the organizer of the internship because she doesn’t get her way. Jo also complains that the other interns have had help from their connections to get them the internship, but never actually pays attention to how her coworkers are intelligent and skilled in their own rights. She bemoans never asking her father anything when, I assume, he foot the bill to Puerto Rico – a place many people could never afford to visit. I felt Jo needed a serious reality check and even after she begins to grow up I still hated her.
Regardless of my distaste for Jo, When The Stars Align was a magical novel about young love in a time of great change in life. Grey takes us to beautiful beaches, develops some unique characters and weaves a beautiful tale about coming of age. When The Stars Align had some really amazing moments that took my breath away.
My three star review is based on the fact that this novel is a beautiful, artistic work with real feelings. I think if I didn’t dislike Jo this book would have been pretty amazing.
This book would appeal to readers who enjoy romance, new adult, young love, stories about heroines coming into their own and tales about learning to forgive. I wouldn’t suggest this novel to lovers of clean romance or those who like their sex scenes to a minimum: this book is dancing a fine line between romance and erotica.
Also posted on Silk & Serif
When The Stars Align is a beautifully written novel following the well-trodden route girl-meets-boy. Jo has landed a summer internship in Puerto Rico with a well known astrology observatory. A summer of telescopes, stars and hard work awaits. It’s during this internship Jo meets Adam, her new work partner. Jo doesn’t make the best impression – causing Adam to literally flip at their first meeting. In time, the unavoidable attraction draws them together making this the most memorable and transformative summer of their lives.
The novel grabs you from the very beginning with a story that is young adult in spirit but updated for adult audiences. It is a beautifully written story and features some of the most beautiful places on earth. Grey has an unique skill with the written word that causes her writing to be extremely emotionally charged. Her romance is realistic with extremely tender moments. I can only hope to have a relationship as caring and sweet as Jo and Adam (but with a quarter of the sex, damn).
However, I cant shake the feeling that this book was not written for me. I grew up in a very difficult home environment with very little affection from my parents. I suppose coming from this background and seeing Jo constantly make herself into a victim irked me. Instead of using her background to make her a better person, Jo wants everyone to treat her like she’s special because she wasn’t loved. I personally disliked Jo and felt she was a selfish and self-involved person. She is constantly complaining that others should be doing special tasks for her. Instead of letting the observatory know she’s a vegetarian she complains they aren’t feeding her and even harasses the organizer of the internship because she doesn’t get her way. Jo also complains that the other interns have had help from their connections to get them the internship, but never actually pays attention to how her coworkers are intelligent and skilled in their own rights. She bemoans never asking her father anything when, I assume, he foot the bill to Puerto Rico – a place many people could never afford to visit. I felt Jo needed a serious reality check and even after she begins to grow up I still hated her.
Regardless of my distaste for Jo, When The Stars Align was a magical novel about young love in a time of great change in life. Grey takes us to beautiful beaches, develops some unique characters and weaves a beautiful tale about coming of age. When The Stars Align had some really amazing moments that took my breath away.
My three star review is based on the fact that this novel is a beautiful, artistic work with real feelings. I think if I didn’t dislike Jo this book would have been pretty amazing.
This book would appeal to readers who enjoy romance, new adult, young love, stories about heroines coming into their own and tales about learning to forgive. I wouldn’t suggest this novel to lovers of clean romance or those who like their sex scenes to a minimum: this book is dancing a fine line between romance and erotica.
chroniclesofabookreader's review against another edition
3.0
**3.5 Stars**
Jo Kramer is like a lot of women out there: always off to the side, never comfortable in her skin, and unsure of herself. Sure, she has a knack for science, and she’s intelligent, but she grew up without reassurance. She wants to be invisible, is skilled at being so, but also craves interaction and acceptance. I felt that she was a completely relatable character who possessed all she needed to be comfortable, but wasn’t self-assured enough to use those tools. Her summer in Puerto Rico solidified who she is, and how she deserved everything she wanted.
Adam McCay is a guy every woman needs in her life. For a college-aged guy, he was incredibly sweet and insightful. He saw Jo for who she was on the inside, and accepted her wholeheartedly. He was her path to self assurance, and he gladly held her hand the entire time. The guy who falls too fast, loves too deeply, and cares too much was exactly what Jo needed to feel whole, special, wanted. And he’s more than willing to bare himself to her in the meantime, regardless of if she pushes him away.
Jeanette Grey writes beautifully. She encompasses you within these characters and you can feel them as you read. You can relate to and enjoy and know them. At times it was a little slow and drawn out in some areas where I ended up skimming or skipping paragraphs, but it was still a good and enjoyable read. It was sexy and re-affirming and inspiring. Jo is the Every Woman, and no amount of fight could have prepared her for the handsome and persistent Adam.
**Received an early copy in exchange for an honest review**
Jo Kramer is like a lot of women out there: always off to the side, never comfortable in her skin, and unsure of herself. Sure, she has a knack for science, and she’s intelligent, but she grew up without reassurance. She wants to be invisible, is skilled at being so, but also craves interaction and acceptance. I felt that she was a completely relatable character who possessed all she needed to be comfortable, but wasn’t self-assured enough to use those tools. Her summer in Puerto Rico solidified who she is, and how she deserved everything she wanted.
Adam McCay is a guy every woman needs in her life. For a college-aged guy, he was incredibly sweet and insightful. He saw Jo for who she was on the inside, and accepted her wholeheartedly. He was her path to self assurance, and he gladly held her hand the entire time. The guy who falls too fast, loves too deeply, and cares too much was exactly what Jo needed to feel whole, special, wanted. And he’s more than willing to bare himself to her in the meantime, regardless of if she pushes him away.
Jeanette Grey writes beautifully. She encompasses you within these characters and you can feel them as you read. You can relate to and enjoy and know them. At times it was a little slow and drawn out in some areas where I ended up skimming or skipping paragraphs, but it was still a good and enjoyable read. It was sexy and re-affirming and inspiring. Jo is the Every Woman, and no amount of fight could have prepared her for the handsome and persistent Adam.
**Received an early copy in exchange for an honest review**
carleneinspired's review against another edition
5.0
I'm not even sure I can form a proper review at this point, because I am just so in love with this book, I think I might start it over and read it again. I wanted to read this book, because the cover and the summary held my attention and I'm so thankful I got to.
"For Josephine "Jo" Kramer, nothing has ever been easy. When she earns a summer internship in Puerto Rico, working at one of the world's preeminent scientific facilities, she'll let nothing distract her. Not her own insecurities, not the arrogant scientists, and definitely not her tall, chiseled research partner, Adam.
For Adam McCay, physics is simple-it's women who are complicated. Especially brilliant, beautiful ones like Jo. From the moment they meet, he can feel the heat smoldering deep beneath her icy exterior. And Adam knows just what it will take to make Jo melt . . ."
Jo is not my type of character, I understand the bad boys or the minor characters that are brooding, but never the main character. I don't understand the mentality of brooding, I don't get changing an appearance to push people away, or being so defensive you don't let anyone in. Jo was a treat however, her brooding came with a cause, she was beyond brilliant, she grew over time, and I rooted for her from start to finish. Adam is exactly the type of guy a girl really does dream about, he wasn't just looks, he had the smarts and cared in ways a guy on a summer fling rarely do. I enjoyed reading from both perspectives, because they had depth, history, brains, and finally their relationship to focus on. That's what makes an amazing character for me, that they aren't so focused in the now that "real life" in a book doesn't exist. Plus, the minor characters brought the story to life even more, with drunken nights, meals, and trips in Puerto Rico when they weren't working. I felt like I was there, I could see the differences between all the characters, and how they fell into friendships and relationships during their 10 week interning at the world's largest telescope.
"She was a star. Maybe they both were. A binary system, two points of light circling around each other and spiraling closer. Drawn in by gravity, fueled by a fire as old as the universe itself."
The growth of the characters was incredible, Jeanette Grey could have easily been watching two young adults and just writing what she saw, it was that on point. The time spent focusing on the actual work being done as astronomers wasn't dull, I understood the setting, the character's goals, and how it all fit together in the end. I genuinely enjoyed every part of this, from start to finish. There was no insta-love or pure smut, it was a relationship between two people that grew like one naturally does. The writing was done very well and flowed perfectly for a multi-perspective book. I highly recommend this book, especially to my friends who enjoy New Adult like I do.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Forever Yours for providing an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.
"For Josephine "Jo" Kramer, nothing has ever been easy. When she earns a summer internship in Puerto Rico, working at one of the world's preeminent scientific facilities, she'll let nothing distract her. Not her own insecurities, not the arrogant scientists, and definitely not her tall, chiseled research partner, Adam.
For Adam McCay, physics is simple-it's women who are complicated. Especially brilliant, beautiful ones like Jo. From the moment they meet, he can feel the heat smoldering deep beneath her icy exterior. And Adam knows just what it will take to make Jo melt . . ."
Jo is not my type of character, I understand the bad boys or the minor characters that are brooding, but never the main character. I don't understand the mentality of brooding, I don't get changing an appearance to push people away, or being so defensive you don't let anyone in. Jo was a treat however, her brooding came with a cause, she was beyond brilliant, she grew over time, and I rooted for her from start to finish. Adam is exactly the type of guy a girl really does dream about, he wasn't just looks, he had the smarts and cared in ways a guy on a summer fling rarely do. I enjoyed reading from both perspectives, because they had depth, history, brains, and finally their relationship to focus on. That's what makes an amazing character for me, that they aren't so focused in the now that "real life" in a book doesn't exist. Plus, the minor characters brought the story to life even more, with drunken nights, meals, and trips in Puerto Rico when they weren't working. I felt like I was there, I could see the differences between all the characters, and how they fell into friendships and relationships during their 10 week interning at the world's largest telescope.
"She was a star. Maybe they both were. A binary system, two points of light circling around each other and spiraling closer. Drawn in by gravity, fueled by a fire as old as the universe itself."
The growth of the characters was incredible, Jeanette Grey could have easily been watching two young adults and just writing what she saw, it was that on point. The time spent focusing on the actual work being done as astronomers wasn't dull, I understood the setting, the character's goals, and how it all fit together in the end. I genuinely enjoyed every part of this, from start to finish. There was no insta-love or pure smut, it was a relationship between two people that grew like one naturally does. The writing was done very well and flowed perfectly for a multi-perspective book. I highly recommend this book, especially to my friends who enjoy New Adult like I do.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Forever Yours for providing an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.
aprilbooksandwine's review against another edition
3.0
3.5
Overall, I enjoyed When The Stars Align by Jeanette Grey. Certain parts did drag out for me and felt a bit redundant.Read the rest of my review here
Overall, I enjoyed When The Stars Align by Jeanette Grey. Certain parts did drag out for me and felt a bit redundant.Read the rest of my review here
whisperingchapters's review
3.0
This 2.5 stars review was originally published on Latte Nights Reviews.
Jo thrives to do better, to be better. When an opportunity arises for her to travel to Arecibo, Puerto Rico to do research on the biggest radio-telescope in the world, she jumps at the chance. Her focus is only on doing research, not making friends and certainly not a fling, who comes in the form of Adam.
I saw this cute cover on Netgalley, read “Puerto Rico” in the description and I immediately requested it. I mean, I live in Puerto Rico and this is the first time I find a book where it’s setting is Puerto Rico so I was very pumped and excited. Sadly, I was disappointed. Instead of talking about all of the wonderful things that Puerto Rico has, all the author mentioned was how hot it was over and over and over again. I did liked that the author really embraced and explained very well how the radio-telescope looks. I had never been and it is like… Probably an hour from my home so I had to search for pictures online and ask my friends that have been to it before so I could really picture it. The author also mentioned Mosquito Bay, Vieques, which has a bioluminescent bay that is so gorgeous! I really loved that she incorporated this into the story.
But what truly frustrated me is our main character, Jo. She made me want to stop reading this book a lot of times. I couldn’t connect with her at all—there was no way. I mostly kept reading for Adam and the other research students because they really were entertaining. But Jo acted like an ignorant woman for the most part of the book and would act childish at times. She was doing research along with other students. The girl Jo was rooming with always tried to be nice to her and went out of her length to invite her to their activities and Jo always kept saying she was better off not spending time with them… People who really were genuine and kind. As you can see, I was very frustrated and irritated by Jo. I just wish Jo hadn’t been so unlikable to begin with. There was some character development but I would have loved if she had gone through more development because it was needed. Adam was a sweetheart and a very down-to-earth guy. He really tried to help Jo in changing for the better and would motivate her 24/7.
I think the story was focused solely on Jo, instead of branching out more in her friendships and relationship with her father. I would have loved for the author to explore Jo’s relationship with her dad. Now this is a very big deal throughout the book but it is only mentioned by Jo. She doesn’t spend time with her dad or anything until near the end and it wasn’t much. Even with my rating, I would recommend this book. Just because I didn’t connect with Jo, doesn’t mean others won’t. I stated my reasons for why not liking her but others love characters like Jo so I still would recommend it. And I would still give this author a chance because her writing is really good and the way she describes a scenery is wonderful.
Jo thrives to do better, to be better. When an opportunity arises for her to travel to Arecibo, Puerto Rico to do research on the biggest radio-telescope in the world, she jumps at the chance. Her focus is only on doing research, not making friends and certainly not a fling, who comes in the form of Adam.
I saw this cute cover on Netgalley, read “Puerto Rico” in the description and I immediately requested it. I mean, I live in Puerto Rico and this is the first time I find a book where it’s setting is Puerto Rico so I was very pumped and excited. Sadly, I was disappointed. Instead of talking about all of the wonderful things that Puerto Rico has, all the author mentioned was how hot it was over and over and over again. I did liked that the author really embraced and explained very well how the radio-telescope looks. I had never been and it is like… Probably an hour from my home so I had to search for pictures online and ask my friends that have been to it before so I could really picture it. The author also mentioned Mosquito Bay, Vieques, which has a bioluminescent bay that is so gorgeous! I really loved that she incorporated this into the story.
But what truly frustrated me is our main character, Jo. She made me want to stop reading this book a lot of times. I couldn’t connect with her at all—there was no way. I mostly kept reading for Adam and the other research students because they really were entertaining. But Jo acted like an ignorant woman for the most part of the book and would act childish at times. She was doing research along with other students. The girl Jo was rooming with always tried to be nice to her and went out of her length to invite her to their activities and Jo always kept saying she was better off not spending time with them… People who really were genuine and kind. As you can see, I was very frustrated and irritated by Jo. I just wish Jo hadn’t been so unlikable to begin with. There was some character development but I would have loved if she had gone through more development because it was needed. Adam was a sweetheart and a very down-to-earth guy. He really tried to help Jo in changing for the better and would motivate her 24/7.
I think the story was focused solely on Jo, instead of branching out more in her friendships and relationship with her father. I would have loved for the author to explore Jo’s relationship with her dad. Now this is a very big deal throughout the book but it is only mentioned by Jo. She doesn’t spend time with her dad or anything until near the end and it wasn’t much. Even with my rating, I would recommend this book. Just because I didn’t connect with Jo, doesn’t mean others won’t. I stated my reasons for why not liking her but others love characters like Jo so I still would recommend it. And I would still give this author a chance because her writing is really good and the way she describes a scenery is wonderful.
bookbriefs's review against another edition
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**
When the Stars Align is a new adult contemporary romance by Jeanette Grey. It follow Jo and Adam, as they travel to Puerto Rico for the summer to take part in a prestigious astronomy program. I loved that Jo and Adam at first glance seem like total opposites, but as we get to know them they are really very similar. I thought they balanced each other out in all the best ways. I really enjoyed their story. I should note that my content warning up above should be strongly bolded. This is a very racy new adult book. I loved the summer time romance between Jo and Adam and I thought the sizzle between them was excellent. (I just wanted to point it out for YA readers out there.)
Jo is very guarded girl. I am kind of split when it comes to my opinion on Jo. She instantly rubbed me the wrong way because of the assumption she made, but I was also almost instantly gratified when the author had her feeling chastised in the same instance. I loved that the author used Jo to make the example that she made. It was brilliant, in my opinion. Jo puts on a very hard front, for her own reasons which are later revealed, but as a result she can often rub other characters, and even readers the wrong way. I had my moments where Jo ruffled my feathers, but overall watching Adam peel back layer after layer around her softened her in my eyes. I found myself liking her more as the story went on.
And Adam. My sweet awesome Adam. I have so much respect for him. He came into the story with an "it's complicated" relationship, and shocker of all shockers- he waited until he dealt with his mess back home before pursuing anything with Jo. How awesome and refreshing is that? Adam and Jo's love of astronomy made them adorable in my eyes. I loved watching them stargaze at night and do their experiments. One of the strange things about When the Stars Align to me was the makeup of the summer program. And I don't mean the fact that they all seemed to be model pretty, because that would just be rude to science majors. ::winkwink:: I am talking about the fact that so many of the students didn't actually seem to be all that interested in the study of astronomy. That was a little bizarre to me. But at least Adam and Jo did love the study of stars.
Bottom Line: When the Stars Align is a great new adult read for people who like the racier and edgier side of new adult. Jo had her annoying moments, but overall this was a really great romance.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
When the Stars Align is a new adult contemporary romance by Jeanette Grey. It follow Jo and Adam, as they travel to Puerto Rico for the summer to take part in a prestigious astronomy program. I loved that Jo and Adam at first glance seem like total opposites, but as we get to know them they are really very similar. I thought they balanced each other out in all the best ways. I really enjoyed their story. I should note that my content warning up above should be strongly bolded. This is a very racy new adult book. I loved the summer time romance between Jo and Adam and I thought the sizzle between them was excellent. (I just wanted to point it out for YA readers out there.)
Jo is very guarded girl. I am kind of split when it comes to my opinion on Jo. She instantly rubbed me the wrong way because of the assumption she made, but I was also almost instantly gratified when the author had her feeling chastised in the same instance. I loved that the author used Jo to make the example that she made. It was brilliant, in my opinion. Jo puts on a very hard front, for her own reasons which are later revealed, but as a result she can often rub other characters, and even readers the wrong way. I had my moments where Jo ruffled my feathers, but overall watching Adam peel back layer after layer around her softened her in my eyes. I found myself liking her more as the story went on.
And Adam. My sweet awesome Adam. I have so much respect for him. He came into the story with an "it's complicated" relationship, and shocker of all shockers- he waited until he dealt with his mess back home before pursuing anything with Jo. How awesome and refreshing is that? Adam and Jo's love of astronomy made them adorable in my eyes. I loved watching them stargaze at night and do their experiments. One of the strange things about When the Stars Align to me was the makeup of the summer program. And I don't mean the fact that they all seemed to be model pretty, because that would just be rude to science majors. ::winkwink:: I am talking about the fact that so many of the students didn't actually seem to be all that interested in the study of astronomy. That was a little bizarre to me. But at least Adam and Jo did love the study of stars.
Bottom Line: When the Stars Align is a great new adult read for people who like the racier and edgier side of new adult. Jo had her annoying moments, but overall this was a really great romance.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
jaimearkin's review against another edition
5.0
I am a huge fan of Jeanette Grey having read a lot of her earlier stuff, so when I saw this up on Netgalley I couldn’t grab it fast enough.
We first meet Jo on her way to Puerto Rico where she’s earned a summer internship working in a prominent science facility. She’s determined to prove her worth to those that matter… she doesn’t have time for anything else. She’s prickly and disagreeable on the outside but there is this amazing vulnerability below the surface and Grey does an amazing job with her. I distinctly remember starting the book with the thought of “man, what a bitch.” But here’s the kicker – once you get to know her story, it makes sense… her strive to be good at this, her desire to keep everyone at a distance… and I promise you’ll end the story wanting to hug her!
Adam McCay is almost the exact opposite though. He cares about people and he’s not afraid to show it. He and his estranged girlfriend/ex-girlfriend are in two separate worlds right now, but she’s the first one he wants to tell about the amazing things happening in his life… but when Jo has him on his back in the dirt, he can’t help but be intrigued by her and he can’t deny the simmering attraction between them. I just have to say that Adam is probably one of the sweetest guys I’ve read in a long time… not like cheesy sweet or too much of a good guy, just exactly the kind of boy you wish you could have met while in college. The perfect mix of good and bad if you know what I mean.
The differences between Jo & Adam may seem vast while you’re reading, especially from the very beginning, but as Grey weaves her story, and we learn more about them both, you can see the things that will bring Adam and Jo together… and when it happens, you’ll absolutely fall in love.
I really loved the setting that Grey used here – and while this is most definitely NA I like that it wasn’t the typical college backdrop for once! The setting definitely helps in making this stand out as something different in the genre, and the writing itself is wonderful! Grey knows her stuff and she can tell a story that flows amazingly well.
If you are a fan of New Adult and are looking for a fresh new voice in the genre, you definitely need to grab this title when it releases in September. In the meantime go check out her other titles, they are still among my favorites! In the meantime I'll be waiting for whatever she's got next!
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
We first meet Jo on her way to Puerto Rico where she’s earned a summer internship working in a prominent science facility. She’s determined to prove her worth to those that matter… she doesn’t have time for anything else. She’s prickly and disagreeable on the outside but there is this amazing vulnerability below the surface and Grey does an amazing job with her. I distinctly remember starting the book with the thought of “man, what a bitch.” But here’s the kicker – once you get to know her story, it makes sense… her strive to be good at this, her desire to keep everyone at a distance… and I promise you’ll end the story wanting to hug her!
Adam McCay is almost the exact opposite though. He cares about people and he’s not afraid to show it. He and his estranged girlfriend/ex-girlfriend are in two separate worlds right now, but she’s the first one he wants to tell about the amazing things happening in his life… but when Jo has him on his back in the dirt, he can’t help but be intrigued by her and he can’t deny the simmering attraction between them. I just have to say that Adam is probably one of the sweetest guys I’ve read in a long time… not like cheesy sweet or too much of a good guy, just exactly the kind of boy you wish you could have met while in college. The perfect mix of good and bad if you know what I mean.
The differences between Jo & Adam may seem vast while you’re reading, especially from the very beginning, but as Grey weaves her story, and we learn more about them both, you can see the things that will bring Adam and Jo together… and when it happens, you’ll absolutely fall in love.
I really loved the setting that Grey used here – and while this is most definitely NA I like that it wasn’t the typical college backdrop for once! The setting definitely helps in making this stand out as something different in the genre, and the writing itself is wonderful! Grey knows her stuff and she can tell a story that flows amazingly well.
If you are a fan of New Adult and are looking for a fresh new voice in the genre, you definitely need to grab this title when it releases in September. In the meantime go check out her other titles, they are still among my favorites! In the meantime I'll be waiting for whatever she's got next!
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.