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Written in the Stars #2
Hang the Moon
In a delightful follow-up to Written in the Stars , Alexandria Bellefleur delivers another queer rom-com about a hopeless romantic who vows to show his childhood crush that romance isn’t dead by recreating iconic dates from his favorite films... Brendon Lowell loves love. It’s why he created a dating app to help people find their one true pairing and why he’s convinced “the one” is out there, even if he hasn’t met her yet. Or... has he? When his sister's best friend turns up in Seattle unexpectedly, Brendon jumps at the chance to hang out with her. He’s crushed on Annie since they were kids, and the stars have finally aligned, putting them in the same city at the same time. Annie booked a spur-of-the-moment trip to Seattle to spend time with friends before moving across the globe. She’s not looking for love, especially with her best friend’s brother. Annie remembers Brendon as a sweet, dorky kid. Except, the 6-foot-4 man who shows up at her door is a certified Hot Nerd and Annie... wants him? Oh yes. Getting involved would be a terrible idea—her stay is temporary and he wants forever—but when Brendon learns Annie has given up on dating, he’s determined to prove that romance is real. Taking cues from his favorite rom-coms, Brendon plans to woo her with elaborate dates straight out of Nora Ephron’s playbook. The clock is ticking on Annie’s time in Seattle, and Brendon’s starting to realize romance isn’t just flowers and chocolate. But maybe real love doesn’t need to be as perfect as the movies... as long as you think your partner hung the moon.
384 pages, Paperback
First published May 25, 2021
About the author
Alexandria Bellefleur
8 books2,501 followersAlexandria Bellefleur is a bestselling and award-winning author of swoony contemporary romance often featuring loveable grumps and the sunshine characters who bring them to their knees. A Pacific Northwesterner at heart, Alexandria has a weakness for good coffee, Pike IPA, and Voodoo Doughnuts. Her special skills include finding the best Pad Thai in every city she visits, remembering faces but not names, falling asleep in movie theaters, and keeping cool while reading smutty books in public. Her debut novel, Written in the Stars, was a 2021 Lambda Literary Award winner and a 2020 winner of The Ripped Bodice Awards for Excellence in Romantic Fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,336 reviews
March 18, 2022
I read this book at the perfect time, this book takes place in Seattle and I actually bought this book in Seattle at Elliot Bay Book Company. I also read this book the day I visited Pike Place Market for the first time, I've lived in Washington 6 years now and have never been, and it couldn't have been more perfect. In this book they have so many cute scenes at Pike Place and at the Gum Wall and it was so fun to read because I had just been there that day! I absolutely adore this romance series, it's one of my favorites ever! Not only because it all takes place in Seattle, which is so cool, but also because of the astrology and astronomy aspects of these books too. Plus, I absolutely adore all of these characters and I appreciate that these are queer ownvoices stories!
Here's the reading vlog where I read it: https://youtu.be/RuO1Ip26H-I
Here's the reading vlog where I read it: https://youtu.be/RuO1Ip26H-I
September 11, 2021
↠ 4 stars
Upon hearing the sound of "there was only one bed" trope, ten years were added to my life. In this charming companion novel to Written in the Stars, we head back to Seattle with Annie, Darcy's long time best friend intent on surprising her for the weekend. Upon learning that Darcy is out of town with Elle, Annie spends the weekend with Darcy's brother Brendon, successful app creator and believer in true love, Annie is the exact opposite, sick of the modern dating scene and tired of trying. In just two weeks, Brendon will try to show her that there's more to love than holding on, and that maybe it has even been there all along.
Sometimes no plot just vibes really works, and in the case of this novel I didn't mind it one bit. After reading Bellefleur's first novel Written in the Stars, I couldn't wait to read it's follow up centered around Annie and Brendon. If there is anything I love, it's a friends to lovers romance where one person has completely given up on love and the other person has to show them what they are missing. Add to the fact that this included cute dates all over Seattle and I was completely sold. Admittedly there was more of a focus on these two characters overcoming emotional barriers and building a relationship, than there was plot, but as this is something the author does incredibly well, it didn't really bother me. Both Annie and Brendon are strong complex characters that you just can't help but root for. I mean Brendon, what can I say, he compared Annie to a potato chip, but made it sound romantic. I just love him so much. What I really did appreciate in this one, was the lack of an unnecessary third act breakup. Nothing against the use of them as a whole, it just definitely was not needed here. These characters were more on a journey towards finding a way to be together, than dealing with an unneeded break up. Bellefleur has once again grabbed my attention with the way she writes romance and showcases queer love. There was so much page time devoted to Elle and Darcy. I loved every moment we got with them. Hang the Moon may have not been up on the exact same level as the previous book, but it was wholesome, cute, and tons of fun. Looking forward to reading more by this author in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this arc in exchange for an honest review
Trigger warnings: none that I caught during reading initially, if anything changes on my reread after publication I will update
Upon hearing the sound of "there was only one bed" trope, ten years were added to my life. In this charming companion novel to Written in the Stars, we head back to Seattle with Annie, Darcy's long time best friend intent on surprising her for the weekend. Upon learning that Darcy is out of town with Elle, Annie spends the weekend with Darcy's brother Brendon, successful app creator and believer in true love, Annie is the exact opposite, sick of the modern dating scene and tired of trying. In just two weeks, Brendon will try to show her that there's more to love than holding on, and that maybe it has even been there all along.
Sometimes no plot just vibes really works, and in the case of this novel I didn't mind it one bit. After reading Bellefleur's first novel Written in the Stars, I couldn't wait to read it's follow up centered around Annie and Brendon. If there is anything I love, it's a friends to lovers romance where one person has completely given up on love and the other person has to show them what they are missing. Add to the fact that this included cute dates all over Seattle and I was completely sold. Admittedly there was more of a focus on these two characters overcoming emotional barriers and building a relationship, than there was plot, but as this is something the author does incredibly well, it didn't really bother me. Both Annie and Brendon are strong complex characters that you just can't help but root for. I mean Brendon, what can I say, he compared Annie to a potato chip, but made it sound romantic. I just love him so much. What I really did appreciate in this one, was the lack of an unnecessary third act breakup. Nothing against the use of them as a whole, it just definitely was not needed here. These characters were more on a journey towards finding a way to be together, than dealing with an unneeded break up. Bellefleur has once again grabbed my attention with the way she writes romance and showcases queer love. There was so much page time devoted to Elle and Darcy. I loved every moment we got with them. Hang the Moon may have not been up on the exact same level as the previous book, but it was wholesome, cute, and tons of fun. Looking forward to reading more by this author in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this arc in exchange for an honest review
Trigger warnings: none that I caught during reading initially, if anything changes on my reread after publication I will update
May 21, 2021
Who says romance is dead?!
This was such a delightful rom com that captured me right from the start and held my heart through the final chapters.
Brandon is a strong believer in romance. He has developed an app to help people find their true love. Only he is still looking for his.
When his sister’s best friend Annie shows up in Seattle. He is instantly smitten. Well it’s not a new crush. He has always been infatuated with her… since they were teenagers. And now the very beautiful adult Annie is right in front of him and he instantly knows she is The One.
Only Annie isn’t a believer in love and romance. Can Brandon win her heart in just the few weeks of her visit? Will love conquer all?
Set in the backdrop of Seattle, Brandon shows Annie all the beauty of living in the Pacific Northwest. And having just recently visited Seattle I couldn’t agree more. It was fun to revisit all the touristy highlights with Brandon and Annie.
This is book two of the Written in the Stars series. And though I just jumped straight into book two, there is absolutely enough background information that I didn’t feel like I missed anything.
If you enjoy your rom coms slightly 🌶 🌶. This is the perfect read for you!
Posted to: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend...
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for an ARC to read and review.
This was such a delightful rom com that captured me right from the start and held my heart through the final chapters.
Brandon is a strong believer in romance. He has developed an app to help people find their true love. Only he is still looking for his.
When his sister’s best friend Annie shows up in Seattle. He is instantly smitten. Well it’s not a new crush. He has always been infatuated with her… since they were teenagers. And now the very beautiful adult Annie is right in front of him and he instantly knows she is The One.
Only Annie isn’t a believer in love and romance. Can Brandon win her heart in just the few weeks of her visit? Will love conquer all?
Set in the backdrop of Seattle, Brandon shows Annie all the beauty of living in the Pacific Northwest. And having just recently visited Seattle I couldn’t agree more. It was fun to revisit all the touristy highlights with Brandon and Annie.
This is book two of the Written in the Stars series. And though I just jumped straight into book two, there is absolutely enough background information that I didn’t feel like I missed anything.
If you enjoy your rom coms slightly 🌶 🌶. This is the perfect read for you!
Posted to: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend...
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for an ARC to read and review.
November 9, 2021
What a delightful romance!!!!! A+ steam mixed with cute 90s rom-com vibes. We stan!
May 14, 2021
This was such a sweet book, and I related to our female characters exhaustion with dating and inconsistencies in effort so much. I also loved that the male character was the more hopeless romantic in this case, as we don’t see that often. The conflict made sense, and I pulled for this couple throughout.
December 21, 2021
their boring vanilla asses are perfect for each other and it works 💘
March 30, 2021
Review also posted on blog: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend...
A Sweet Rom-Com!
Brendon Lowell has always been a romantic, ever since he was a little kid. It’s why, as an adult, he created a dating app to help people find love. A few months ago, he even helped bring his sister Darcy and her girlfriend, Elle together. Unfortunately for Brendon however, he’s always been kind of unlucky in the love department himself.
The moment Darcy’s best friend Annie arrives from out of town, however, the sparks fly.
Though Annie is a few years older, Brendon has always had a crush on her. Annie however, has always seen him as a little kid, until now.
Annie is a successful young woman who has traveled to Seattle on the spur of the moment to surprise Darcy. She has big news to share.
The surprise however is on Annie, the moment she sets her eyes on Brendon again.
Tall, Dark, Handsome, and Sexy... she simply cannot resist Brendon’s charm, kindness, or sarcastic wit.
Annie doesn’t have time for a man in her life and frankly doesn’t want one and yet, Brendon is irresistible.
The friendship between Annie and Brendon has always been there and the chemistry that is developing can’t be ignored.
A seriously sweet, warmhearted, sexy romance that warmed this girl’s heart. Though it was a tad too steamy for me, it was a fabulous romance and a great follow-up to Alexandria Bellefleur’s “Written in the Stars.” Although this is a sequel, “Hang the Moon” works well as a standalone for those who didn’t read Darcy and Elle’s story (which I also loved and recommend).
Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
Published on Goodreads, Twitter, and Instagram.
A Sweet Rom-Com!
Brendon Lowell has always been a romantic, ever since he was a little kid. It’s why, as an adult, he created a dating app to help people find love. A few months ago, he even helped bring his sister Darcy and her girlfriend, Elle together. Unfortunately for Brendon however, he’s always been kind of unlucky in the love department himself.
The moment Darcy’s best friend Annie arrives from out of town, however, the sparks fly.
Though Annie is a few years older, Brendon has always had a crush on her. Annie however, has always seen him as a little kid, until now.
Annie is a successful young woman who has traveled to Seattle on the spur of the moment to surprise Darcy. She has big news to share.
The surprise however is on Annie, the moment she sets her eyes on Brendon again.
Tall, Dark, Handsome, and Sexy... she simply cannot resist Brendon’s charm, kindness, or sarcastic wit.
Annie doesn’t have time for a man in her life and frankly doesn’t want one and yet, Brendon is irresistible.
The friendship between Annie and Brendon has always been there and the chemistry that is developing can’t be ignored.
A seriously sweet, warmhearted, sexy romance that warmed this girl’s heart. Though it was a tad too steamy for me, it was a fabulous romance and a great follow-up to Alexandria Bellefleur’s “Written in the Stars.” Although this is a sequel, “Hang the Moon” works well as a standalone for those who didn’t read Darcy and Elle’s story (which I also loved and recommend).
Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
Published on Goodreads, Twitter, and Instagram.
August 23, 2021
I finally had the chance to read Alexandria Bellefleur this year and what a delight her books have been. I enjoyed her debut, Written in the Stars, and was so looking forward to the sequel, Hang the Moon. Brendon was a total sweetheart of a guy in book one and I couldn’t wait for him to finally fall in love! He’s they type of hero who’s lovely and nice, and wears his heart on his sleeve. His romance with Annie is pure sweetness!
Annie is best friends with Brendon’s older sister, Darcy, and shows up in Seattle out of the blue to hang out with Darcy one last time before she moves across the world for a new job. Unfortunately for Annie, Darcy is out of town, but luckily her brother isn’t. When Annie sees Brendon for the first time in years, she’s shocked by how this dorky kid turned into someone… hot. But nothing can happen between them, mostly because of how opposite these two are. Annie doesn’t want love or a long term relationship at the moment, and Brendon wants to find the love of his life.
Did I mention how sweet Brendon is? Pretty much as soon as he sees Annie again, he knows she’s it for him. He had a crush on her when he was younger but now he has the chance to show her they can have something real. He’s determined to break Annie out of her cynical shell by taking her on all these little dates around the city rom-com/Nora Ephron style. But as they slowly start to fall for each other, the countdown to Annie leaving the country grows closer.
My heart was so happy when I read this book. Brendon and Annie made for an adorable couple and the dates they went on were too cute. Brendon had me swooning! If you love a hero who loves love, he’s perfect for you. What he did in the epilogue? I DIED. It was so freaking cute. I highly recommend this read if you’re looking for something sweet and heartwarming!
Annie is best friends with Brendon’s older sister, Darcy, and shows up in Seattle out of the blue to hang out with Darcy one last time before she moves across the world for a new job. Unfortunately for Annie, Darcy is out of town, but luckily her brother isn’t. When Annie sees Brendon for the first time in years, she’s shocked by how this dorky kid turned into someone… hot. But nothing can happen between them, mostly because of how opposite these two are. Annie doesn’t want love or a long term relationship at the moment, and Brendon wants to find the love of his life.
Did I mention how sweet Brendon is? Pretty much as soon as he sees Annie again, he knows she’s it for him. He had a crush on her when he was younger but now he has the chance to show her they can have something real. He’s determined to break Annie out of her cynical shell by taking her on all these little dates around the city rom-com/Nora Ephron style. But as they slowly start to fall for each other, the countdown to Annie leaving the country grows closer.
My heart was so happy when I read this book. Brendon and Annie made for an adorable couple and the dates they went on were too cute. Brendon had me swooning! If you love a hero who loves love, he’s perfect for you. What he did in the epilogue? I DIED. It was so freaking cute. I highly recommend this read if you’re looking for something sweet and heartwarming!
March 7, 2022
Can a man who believes in romance and true love convince someone who doesn’t? That's the question at the core of Alexandria Bellefleur's
Hang the Moon
.
Why did I wait so long to pick up this follow-up to Written in the Stars ? And as much as I enjoyed that one, this one had me crying on an airplane!!
Brendon is a hopeless romantic, so much so that he created a dating app to help people find “the one.” He has yet to find his, though, but he knows she’s out there. And then Annie, his sister’s best friend and his teenage crush, comes to town.
The chemistry between the two is immediate. (Annie can’t believe Brendon went from a gangly teenager to someone so hot!) But Annie is only visiting Seattle for two weeks before she starts a new job in London. Plus, she doesn’t believe in true love, and isn’t a fan of the grand romantic gestures that Brendon lives for. He wants forever and she can’t think that far ahead.
Can a rom-com lover convince someone who doesn’t believe there’s necessarily the right one for everyone that he’s right for her? Can someone who thinks she’s got it all figured out realize she might be making a mistake if she doesn’t open her eyes to the possibilities?
Hang the Moon was funny, emotional, sexy, and just so freaking romantic. I love these characters and look forward to Count Your Lucky Stars , the third book in the series, featuring Brendon’s best friend, Margot. If you’re a rom-com fan, get these books!
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2021 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2022/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2021.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
Why did I wait so long to pick up this follow-up to Written in the Stars ? And as much as I enjoyed that one, this one had me crying on an airplane!!
Brendon is a hopeless romantic, so much so that he created a dating app to help people find “the one.” He has yet to find his, though, but he knows she’s out there. And then Annie, his sister’s best friend and his teenage crush, comes to town.
The chemistry between the two is immediate. (Annie can’t believe Brendon went from a gangly teenager to someone so hot!) But Annie is only visiting Seattle for two weeks before she starts a new job in London. Plus, she doesn’t believe in true love, and isn’t a fan of the grand romantic gestures that Brendon lives for. He wants forever and she can’t think that far ahead.
Can a rom-com lover convince someone who doesn’t believe there’s necessarily the right one for everyone that he’s right for her? Can someone who thinks she’s got it all figured out realize she might be making a mistake if she doesn’t open her eyes to the possibilities?
Hang the Moon was funny, emotional, sexy, and just so freaking romantic. I love these characters and look forward to Count Your Lucky Stars , the third book in the series, featuring Brendon’s best friend, Margot. If you’re a rom-com fan, get these books!
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2021 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2022/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2021.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
June 30, 2021
3 Stars
This is the second in the Written in the Stars series. The first book, “Written in the Stars” was a f/f romance and I enjoyed that one. “Hang the Moon” didn’t hold up quite as well, unfortunately. This is a m/f romance, which admittedly, I don’t read very often or at all really. I wanted to read this one because I wanted to be able to follow Elle and Darcy’s story.
Annie, Darcy’s best friend, has unexpectedly shown up in Seattle on a two-week vacation. However, Darcy and Elle are on a vacation of their own so Brendon, Darcy’s brother, is tasked with entertaining her while they’re gone. Brendon had a childhood crush on Annie and it quickly reestablishes itself. Their attraction is immediate and Brendon uses his time to woo Annie and get her to believe in romance again.
This is a steamy romance with high sexual interest. Unfortunately, the emotional connection just wasn’t there. They spend all their time thirsting after the other and then once they get together, all of their time together is spent in bed or on the floor or on the couch or maybe a counter…you get my drift. I don’t mind some steam but if there isn’t an emotional connection then it just doesn’t do much for me and I found myself skimming ahead. Surface interest without any substance ends up boring me after a while.
My main reason for being disappointed with this was Darcy. In “Written in the Stars” Brendon ignored all of Darcy’s boundaries and meddled and Darcy is the meddling one this time. I couldn’t believe she did exactly what she complained so much about Brendon and then she’s kind of shitty to Annie at one point. She was trying to make a point but she could’ve gone about it in a different way and I found it to be so out of character for her.
While this didn’t really work out for me, I do think there’s an audience for this. This is full of fluff and flirty banter; also, as I’ve mentioned there are plenty of varied steamy scenes. With the lack of angst this would be a perfect summer read for a fun, hot read.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Avon in exchange for an honest review.
This is the second in the Written in the Stars series. The first book, “Written in the Stars” was a f/f romance and I enjoyed that one. “Hang the Moon” didn’t hold up quite as well, unfortunately. This is a m/f romance, which admittedly, I don’t read very often or at all really. I wanted to read this one because I wanted to be able to follow Elle and Darcy’s story.
Annie, Darcy’s best friend, has unexpectedly shown up in Seattle on a two-week vacation. However, Darcy and Elle are on a vacation of their own so Brendon, Darcy’s brother, is tasked with entertaining her while they’re gone. Brendon had a childhood crush on Annie and it quickly reestablishes itself. Their attraction is immediate and Brendon uses his time to woo Annie and get her to believe in romance again.
This is a steamy romance with high sexual interest. Unfortunately, the emotional connection just wasn’t there. They spend all their time thirsting after the other and then once they get together, all of their time together is spent in bed or on the floor or on the couch or maybe a counter…you get my drift. I don’t mind some steam but if there isn’t an emotional connection then it just doesn’t do much for me and I found myself skimming ahead. Surface interest without any substance ends up boring me after a while.
My main reason for being disappointed with this was Darcy. In “Written in the Stars” Brendon ignored all of Darcy’s boundaries and meddled and Darcy is the meddling one this time. I couldn’t believe she did exactly what she complained so much about Brendon and then she’s kind of shitty to Annie at one point. She was trying to make a point but she could’ve gone about it in a different way and I found it to be so out of character for her.
While this didn’t really work out for me, I do think there’s an audience for this. This is full of fluff and flirty banter; also, as I’ve mentioned there are plenty of varied steamy scenes. With the lack of angst this would be a perfect summer read for a fun, hot read.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Avon in exchange for an honest review.
March 10, 2021
Thank you to Avon & NetGalley for this advance review copy—all opinions are my own!
Brendon believes in your One True Love. Annie's sick of the revolving door that many who date in the digital age are far too familiar with. Do two people coming at love from truly opposite ends of the emotional spectrum have a chance at love?
The answer—thank goodness—is yes! This was a joy to read, to return to the ensemble cast I've come to love, to get inside the mind of people-pleaser, fix-your-problems Brendon, and to meet Darcy's elusive best friend, Annie. HANG THE MOON explored different themes and backstories than its predecessor WRITTEN IN THE STARS but it was no less RomCom pitch-perfect and oh-so-swoony.
I love Alexandria's gift for writing emotionally complex characters without miring a plot in overwrought angst or melodrama. Her conflict feels believable, her characters' flaws realistic, and yet this still feels so deliciously decadent because she hits those romance beats without fail. Yes, we have realistic characters but we're surrounded by the whimsy and wonder, the joy and butterflies of romance that is such a lovely counterpoint to the obstacles woven throughout her narrative.
In short, HANG THE MOON, like WRITTEN IN THE STARS is truly your quintessential feel-good, swoony, endearing RomCom. I love the diversity and inclusion of this story (and series) in its representation of queer love and its bold love for the romance genre within its own pages. Lovers of RomCom movies, grand gestures, and countless nods to the hope & big heart of the romance genre will be delighted with this next installment, out Spring 2021!
Brendon believes in your One True Love. Annie's sick of the revolving door that many who date in the digital age are far too familiar with. Do two people coming at love from truly opposite ends of the emotional spectrum have a chance at love?
The answer—thank goodness—is yes! This was a joy to read, to return to the ensemble cast I've come to love, to get inside the mind of people-pleaser, fix-your-problems Brendon, and to meet Darcy's elusive best friend, Annie. HANG THE MOON explored different themes and backstories than its predecessor WRITTEN IN THE STARS but it was no less RomCom pitch-perfect and oh-so-swoony.
I love Alexandria's gift for writing emotionally complex characters without miring a plot in overwrought angst or melodrama. Her conflict feels believable, her characters' flaws realistic, and yet this still feels so deliciously decadent because she hits those romance beats without fail. Yes, we have realistic characters but we're surrounded by the whimsy and wonder, the joy and butterflies of romance that is such a lovely counterpoint to the obstacles woven throughout her narrative.
In short, HANG THE MOON, like WRITTEN IN THE STARS is truly your quintessential feel-good, swoony, endearing RomCom. I love the diversity and inclusion of this story (and series) in its representation of queer love and its bold love for the romance genre within its own pages. Lovers of RomCom movies, grand gestures, and countless nods to the hope & big heart of the romance genre will be delighted with this next installment, out Spring 2021!
May 31, 2021
As good as the first one I Guess? But I could resonant with Darcy and Elle more.
The writing style is equally good!
The characters are great too.
A very sweet rom-com which you would want to read this year.
The writing style is equally good!
The characters are great too.
A very sweet rom-com which you would want to read this year.
September 25, 2022
me, a professional book reviewer: the pee scene really took me out no i will not elaborate further
June 6, 2021
Find more of my reviews at The Infinite Limits of Love
It’s going to be incredibly difficult for me to review what is possibly my favorite swoony read of 2021. Hang the Moon is a joyful and romantic breath of fresh air. If you’ve read Written in the Stars, then you already know that Alexandria Bellefleur is one of the most gifted debut romance authors of 2020, and with this book, she basically takes romance to a whole other level. I sincerely believe that this book is romance perfection. So, this will be a gushy raving review and I hope I’ll succeed in convincing you to give this book a read.
A HOPELESSLY ROMANTIC SIMP
I’ll be honest and tell you that the main reason I devoured this book was Brendon, the male MC. Over the years of reading romance, I’ve come to realize that my perfect fictional romantic interest is the cinnamon roll archetype. Brendon is most certainly a cinnamon roll and what’s more, he is a hopelessly romantic cinnamon roll. *swoons* He grew up loving love and the idea of romance – this is a man who loves his love stories, could recite romcom dialogues by heart, and has even gone on to create a successful dating app. He’s a complete simp, as the kids say, and he’s utterly charming. Therefore, there was no better person to show Annie, his older sister’s best friend, and his childhood crush, all about love and romance.
A GUARDED & VULNERABLE WOMAN WHO LEARNS TO OPEN UP
Annie isn’t sure if she believes Brendon. How could she when she has been burned too many times in the past? She’s just a bit guarded with her heart and her feelings because relationships haven’t always panned out for her because of her jet-setting career. I loved Annie’s character just as much I loved Brendon. Initially, I was a bit concerned that she would spend most of Hang the Moon actively resisting his wooing, but she proved me wrong by opening up to Brendon. She allows him in to her heart and shows glimpses of her vulnerability. I felt Annie’s fears and burdens so deeply it hurt at times.
A REALISTIC PORTRAYAL OF FRIENDSHIP
Her uneasiness about the growing physical distance in her friendship with Darcy felt uncomfortably real. It’s not easy having those conversations with friends, especially when they seem to be moving on with their adult lives and growing families, but they are important conversations to be had. I love how frankly Alexandria Bellefleur wrote the friendship between Annie and Darcy here. These two women harbor a deep love for each other. Though it may not have been the friendship they had years ago, they knew they could 110% count on each other.
THE LOW-ANGST ROMANCE IS THE STAR
If the friendship is that perfect, can you imagine just how flawlessly the romance is written in Hang the Moon? I appreciated that the romance remained optimistic and low-angst throughout most of the book. Brendon, being the sappy romantic that he is, wants to prove to Annie that romance is well and alive. He shows her all the romantic spots in Seattle and helps her discover the romantic in her. Gosh, I loved every single one of their dates and was basically a puddle of goo anytime Brendon declared any sort of romantic affection for Annie. After all of that, Annie simply couldn’t resist him and I’m so glad she went with his flow because she deserved to be loved as wholeheartedly as Brendon loved her.
I swear, I highlighted something on almost every page of Hang the Moon! Most importantly, I smiled my entire way through this book and wanted to hug it in the end. Even the conflict in this book felt authentic and fitting and not overblown just for the sake of a third-act breakup.
READ THIS BOOK, FRIENDS
In conclusion, I need you all to pick up Hang the Moon. It’s one of my top books of the year and I think we all deserve happy, serotonin-inducing, and swoony romantic reads. 🙂
CWs: mention of parental abandonment
Relationship disclosure: Alexandria Bellefleur and I are mutuals on social media
Find more of my reviews at The Infinite Limits of Love
May 30, 2021
3.7 stars
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
His teeth sank into his bottom lip, a smile flirting at the edges of his mouth. On anyone else, that smile would’ve been dangerous. The sort of smile that got Annie to do ill-advised acts after a first date. But this wasn’t a date and this was Brendon, her best friend’s baby brother. He was harmless.
Brendon Lowell's childhood dream was to be Hugh Grant, he loves rom-coms and he loves matching people with their One True Pairing. So much so, he developed a dating app, OTP, to help people find their perfect person. While his app is helping, the new data shows that people are feeling disillusioned with apps and online dating, not believing in romance is possible anymore, hurting his bottom line and his heart.
Annie Kyriakos is one of those disillusioned people and just so happens to be Brendon's childhood crush. Annie has been friends with Brendon's sister Darcy since they were kids and she decides to make a surprise visit to Darcy in Seattle before she breaks the news that she accepted a promotion and job in London. Annie hasn't seen Brendon in eight years and is surprised and a little flustered at how well he grew-up.
Brendon and Annie are a little bit of opposites attract, a little bit of second-chance, a little bit friends-to-lovers, and a whole lot of romantic heat.
“And I’m going to change your mind. Romance isn’t dead, and I’m going to prove it.”
Laughter burst from between her lips. “You can try.”
His mouth twitched. “Do or do not, Annie.”
Alexandria Bellefleur's Written in the Stars, was my favorite contemporary last year and I was highly anticipating this one. We met Darcy's brother Brendon in the first of the series and had brief mentions of her bestfriend Annie, here they end up spending time together as Annie's surprise visit is badly timed as Darcy is on vacation and Brendon steps-up to show Annie around Seattle until Darcy is back. As with the first, Bellefleur highlights Seattle and gives us a setting that we can feel and appreciate, adding to the ambiance of the story. She also gives our leads friends and lets us sit in that friendship. Here, she also gives a look at how friendships evolve over time and how that can be a good thing and something makes us mourn for what was. I admired how it was shown that Darcy getting caught up in her new romantic relationship made Annie feel a little sad for losing a part of her friendship with Darcy and how it was changing. This gave depth to Annie and added even more emotion to the story, creating a more filled out world. Brendon's friendship with Margot (friend of Darcy's significant other, Elle) also was an enjoyable additive.
A fun day with a funny, attractive guy. It didn’t change the fact that she wasn’t looking for love. Not with anyone; certainly not with her best friend’s baby brother who didn’t know her.
This story had a very sweet vibe (don't worry, there was a very hot sex scene) and was pretty low angst. There's a set-up of Brendon trying to recreate rom-com movie scenes to convince Annie that romance isn't dead. He thinks of Annie as a representative of the data he received saying people are disillusioned with online dating and romance. For the most part, though, he is just spending time with Annie and they are bonding, there was no feeling of him manufacturing moments. Annie has the issue of not wanting to start anything with Brendon because of her relocating to London and being burned for being the only one all-in in previous relationships. Brendon trying to show her, he's all-in and Annie scared to believe it, is the most angst you'll get here. I wouldn't call this cotton candy sweet though, more like a candy apple, it's sweet but there is substance underneath. The emotions and feelings will have you thinking about these relationships.
Because letting Brendon get to know her meant letting him in. It meant trusting him with a million little facts, all the haphazard pieces of herself, and hoping he’d remember them all.
The majority of this book takes place over two weeks but the quality of the interactions the author writes for her characters, gives them a solid connection that will have you believing in the decision Annie is struggling with. To further go along with and help with the low angst feel of this, I welcomed how Brendon just came right out, told and showed, Annie how he felt; miscommunication or not talking is not this couple's problem. There were a couple times that I felt like the writing style felt reminiscent of Judith McNaught's contemporaries, the descriptions of clothing, work, and general infusion of time period; just think less drama and more sweet. Whatever comparisons you want to make, this author and series needs to be on your read list. Brendon with his love and Annie with her vulnerability provides the sweet substance that fills hearts.
“He looks at you like you hung the moon.”
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
His teeth sank into his bottom lip, a smile flirting at the edges of his mouth. On anyone else, that smile would’ve been dangerous. The sort of smile that got Annie to do ill-advised acts after a first date. But this wasn’t a date and this was Brendon, her best friend’s baby brother. He was harmless.
Brendon Lowell's childhood dream was to be Hugh Grant, he loves rom-coms and he loves matching people with their One True Pairing. So much so, he developed a dating app, OTP, to help people find their perfect person. While his app is helping, the new data shows that people are feeling disillusioned with apps and online dating, not believing in romance is possible anymore, hurting his bottom line and his heart.
Annie Kyriakos is one of those disillusioned people and just so happens to be Brendon's childhood crush. Annie has been friends with Brendon's sister Darcy since they were kids and she decides to make a surprise visit to Darcy in Seattle before she breaks the news that she accepted a promotion and job in London. Annie hasn't seen Brendon in eight years and is surprised and a little flustered at how well he grew-up.
Brendon and Annie are a little bit of opposites attract, a little bit of second-chance, a little bit friends-to-lovers, and a whole lot of romantic heat.
“And I’m going to change your mind. Romance isn’t dead, and I’m going to prove it.”
Laughter burst from between her lips. “You can try.”
His mouth twitched. “Do or do not, Annie.”
Alexandria Bellefleur's Written in the Stars, was my favorite contemporary last year and I was highly anticipating this one. We met Darcy's brother Brendon in the first of the series and had brief mentions of her bestfriend Annie, here they end up spending time together as Annie's surprise visit is badly timed as Darcy is on vacation and Brendon steps-up to show Annie around Seattle until Darcy is back. As with the first, Bellefleur highlights Seattle and gives us a setting that we can feel and appreciate, adding to the ambiance of the story. She also gives our leads friends and lets us sit in that friendship. Here, she also gives a look at how friendships evolve over time and how that can be a good thing and something makes us mourn for what was. I admired how it was shown that Darcy getting caught up in her new romantic relationship made Annie feel a little sad for losing a part of her friendship with Darcy and how it was changing. This gave depth to Annie and added even more emotion to the story, creating a more filled out world. Brendon's friendship with Margot (friend of Darcy's significant other, Elle) also was an enjoyable additive.
A fun day with a funny, attractive guy. It didn’t change the fact that she wasn’t looking for love. Not with anyone; certainly not with her best friend’s baby brother who didn’t know her.
This story had a very sweet vibe (don't worry, there was a very hot sex scene) and was pretty low angst. There's a set-up of Brendon trying to recreate rom-com movie scenes to convince Annie that romance isn't dead. He thinks of Annie as a representative of the data he received saying people are disillusioned with online dating and romance. For the most part, though, he is just spending time with Annie and they are bonding, there was no feeling of him manufacturing moments. Annie has the issue of not wanting to start anything with Brendon because of her relocating to London and being burned for being the only one all-in in previous relationships. Brendon trying to show her, he's all-in and Annie scared to believe it, is the most angst you'll get here. I wouldn't call this cotton candy sweet though, more like a candy apple, it's sweet but there is substance underneath. The emotions and feelings will have you thinking about these relationships.
Because letting Brendon get to know her meant letting him in. It meant trusting him with a million little facts, all the haphazard pieces of herself, and hoping he’d remember them all.
The majority of this book takes place over two weeks but the quality of the interactions the author writes for her characters, gives them a solid connection that will have you believing in the decision Annie is struggling with. To further go along with and help with the low angst feel of this, I welcomed how Brendon just came right out, told and showed, Annie how he felt; miscommunication or not talking is not this couple's problem. There were a couple times that I felt like the writing style felt reminiscent of Judith McNaught's contemporaries, the descriptions of clothing, work, and general infusion of time period; just think less drama and more sweet. Whatever comparisons you want to make, this author and series needs to be on your read list. Brendon with his love and Annie with her vulnerability provides the sweet substance that fills hearts.
“He looks at you like you hung the moon.”
October 26, 2022
i read this months ago but somehow the only thing i remember is the fact that the female mc peed in a cup IN FRONT OF HER LOVE INTEREST (?????) because they were stuck on a ferris wheel and she really needed to go… why is no one talking about this
June 24, 2021
Oh my god, what a follow-up to 2020's Written in the Stars.
I was super intrigued by Brendon in Bellefleur's first book, and I'm so smitten with the fact he gets to win over his childhood crush in this story. I do so adore a good glow-up moment when our older love interest returns and is completely like holy heck how did you get those biceps and wow I want to now climb you like a tree, what do I do with these feelings?!
Brendon being the true romantic who is out to convince Sagittarius Annie that romance not only exists but that she deserves those moments was so delicious.
I'm also just in love with the way Bellefleur builds tension that makes for the natural "break" moment. She takes such care of her characters and oh, these two.
I've got more words but I need a re-read to better wrap my head around them.
*Annie is bisexual, Brendon is straight.
I listened to the audiobook of Hang the Moon, and it had the same narrator as Written in the Stars, who I found delightful and chirpy. She brought the characters to life, and I enjoyed this second read through just as much as the first.
Thank you to HarperCollins audio for the ALC.
I was super intrigued by Brendon in Bellefleur's first book, and I'm so smitten with the fact he gets to win over his childhood crush in this story. I do so adore a good glow-up moment when our older love interest returns and is completely like holy heck how did you get those biceps and wow I want to now climb you like a tree, what do I do with these feelings?!
Brendon being the true romantic who is out to convince Sagittarius Annie that romance not only exists but that she deserves those moments was so delicious.
I'm also just in love with the way Bellefleur builds tension that makes for the natural "break" moment. She takes such care of her characters and oh, these two.
I've got more words but I need a re-read to better wrap my head around them.
*Annie is bisexual, Brendon is straight.
I listened to the audiobook of Hang the Moon, and it had the same narrator as Written in the Stars, who I found delightful and chirpy. She brought the characters to life, and I enjoyed this second read through just as much as the first.
Thank you to HarperCollins audio for the ALC.
Read
March 26, 2023this was SO soft :')
Read
June 14, 2022I liked the last chapters of this book and I prefer the first story (Written in the Stars) This one felt like a long drag and a lot of repetition of “romance is dead or not dead”
I did however like the whole idea of the storyline.
I did however like the whole idea of the storyline.
July 27, 2021
LIKE 4.5 STARS THAT WAS SO CUTE SO CUTE (my smile is so wide and i look positively clownish LOL).
oh my god but to fall in love with a guy like brendon adsljkasd man is the BIGGEST simp and im all HERE FOR IT.
annie and brendon's romance was SO cute and for a moment i was SO SCAREd that it was going to be 'the one that got away' trope and my heart SHATTERS at the thought of an unhappy ending.
i am mush. to have that connection with someone and to love them enough to uproot your entire life for them is crazy but that's when you know that the love is real and true and i-udhasjdhasjdh :(
a total fucking loser for contemporary romance and this might be one of my favourites yet :^)
oh my god but to fall in love with a guy like brendon adsljkasd man is the BIGGEST simp and im all HERE FOR IT.
annie and brendon's romance was SO cute and for a moment i was SO SCAREd that it was going to be 'the one that got away' trope and my heart SHATTERS at the thought of an unhappy ending.
i am mush. to have that connection with someone and to love them enough to uproot your entire life for them is crazy but that's when you know that the love is real and true and i-udhasjdhasjdh :(
a total fucking loser for contemporary romance and this might be one of my favourites yet :^)
May 18, 2021
A hopeful and winning romance
This companion to WRITTEN IN THE STARS focuses on Darcy's brother Brendon, creator of the dating app OTP and a hopeless romantic. Brendon feels stressed out when the latest research numbers show that perhaps not everyone using dating apps believes as deeply in true love as he does. This includes, Annie, Darcy's best friend and Brendon's long ago crush. Annie arrives in Seattle to surprise Darcy, who just happens to be on a little getaway with her girlfriend, Elle. So Brendon steps up, delivering the keys to Darcy's place and... a series of dates designed to show Annie romance still exists. As for Annie, well she doesn't protest too much. After all, despite swearing off love, she discovers that Darcy's brother has grown up into a pretty handsome and funny guy. She's enjoying their time together. But she's only in Seattle for a few weeks, so Brendon has his work cut out for him.
"You couldn't be disappointed when someone stopped caring if you never expected them to in the first place."
I really enjoyed WRITTEN IN THE STARS and Darcy and Elle's story, so I was excited to read the next book in the series. I liked Brendon's tale, but not quite as much as Darcy and Elle's, mostly because I'm from the LGBTQIA community, and it was so refreshing to have a f/f story in Darcy and Elle. Still, Brendon is such a cutie, and his unyielding faith in love is pretty sweet (and Annie is bisexual, so that's cool).
Annie is a good addition to the group--she shows up a bit in book one. She is, of course, the complete opposite of Brendon: completely apathetic about love. But when she arrives in Seattle for a two-week vacation, with some life-changing news for Darcy, and her best friend isn't there, she can't help but enjoy her time with Brendon. Brendon resolves to use his favorite romantic films as a blueprint to woo Annie, but it turns into a comedy of errors, with nothing really turning out the way he planned.
"'Let's say that I needed to prove to someone that romance isn't dead.'"
Many of their interactions are humorous and the banter witty and funny, though I felt the "optimist" versus "pessimist," "will she stay or will she go" storyline was rehashed a bit much, as the plot gets hung up and stagnates for a bit until things pick up again. But, Brendon's sweet personality and Annie's willingness to give new things a try carry the book, along with its overall humor. It's nice to get some appearances from Darcy and Elle, though it severely lacks enough Margo (thank goodness she's the focus of book three).
Overall, this is a cute romance featuring winning leads. It's repetitive in places, but also flirty and fun. 3.5 stars, rounded up here.
I received a copy of this book from Avon / Harper Voyager and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review. Look for HANG THE MOON on 5/25/2021!
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This companion to WRITTEN IN THE STARS focuses on Darcy's brother Brendon, creator of the dating app OTP and a hopeless romantic. Brendon feels stressed out when the latest research numbers show that perhaps not everyone using dating apps believes as deeply in true love as he does. This includes, Annie, Darcy's best friend and Brendon's long ago crush. Annie arrives in Seattle to surprise Darcy, who just happens to be on a little getaway with her girlfriend, Elle. So Brendon steps up, delivering the keys to Darcy's place and... a series of dates designed to show Annie romance still exists. As for Annie, well she doesn't protest too much. After all, despite swearing off love, she discovers that Darcy's brother has grown up into a pretty handsome and funny guy. She's enjoying their time together. But she's only in Seattle for a few weeks, so Brendon has his work cut out for him.
"You couldn't be disappointed when someone stopped caring if you never expected them to in the first place."
I really enjoyed WRITTEN IN THE STARS and Darcy and Elle's story, so I was excited to read the next book in the series. I liked Brendon's tale, but not quite as much as Darcy and Elle's, mostly because I'm from the LGBTQIA community, and it was so refreshing to have a f/f story in Darcy and Elle. Still, Brendon is such a cutie, and his unyielding faith in love is pretty sweet (and Annie is bisexual, so that's cool).
Annie is a good addition to the group--she shows up a bit in book one. She is, of course, the complete opposite of Brendon: completely apathetic about love. But when she arrives in Seattle for a two-week vacation, with some life-changing news for Darcy, and her best friend isn't there, she can't help but enjoy her time with Brendon. Brendon resolves to use his favorite romantic films as a blueprint to woo Annie, but it turns into a comedy of errors, with nothing really turning out the way he planned.
"'Let's say that I needed to prove to someone that romance isn't dead.'"
Many of their interactions are humorous and the banter witty and funny, though I felt the "optimist" versus "pessimist," "will she stay or will she go" storyline was rehashed a bit much, as the plot gets hung up and stagnates for a bit until things pick up again. But, Brendon's sweet personality and Annie's willingness to give new things a try carry the book, along with its overall humor. It's nice to get some appearances from Darcy and Elle, though it severely lacks enough Margo (thank goodness she's the focus of book three).
Overall, this is a cute romance featuring winning leads. It's repetitive in places, but also flirty and fun. 3.5 stars, rounded up here.
I received a copy of this book from Avon / Harper Voyager and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review. Look for HANG THE MOON on 5/25/2021!
Blog ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ PaperBackSwap ~ Smashbomb
June 16, 2021
Uhh so disappointed, but at least I finished it
January 5, 2023
3.75 out of 5 stars.
It was my second time reading this book. My first time was in English and I had no idea it was a part of a series or had a first companion novel. Hence me reading this for a second time and it was in Dutch.
Luckily, both times that I read this book, I gave it 4 stars, even though my second time reading it went differently.
I consider Annie to be the most relatable character in this series, Olivia from the third book comes as second.
Annie in the first book (in my opinion) had different personality than in her book, we as readers don't really get to meet her in the 'Written in the Stars' only via phone calls and etc, but it felt like she was a different and more bold person. In this book she was more shy a pushover, but I liked her way of thinking and reasonings. I can say the same thing about Darcy too, her characters also felt different from book 1.
The only thing I didn't like in this book for a while was how everyone was pressuring Annie to move to Seattle permanently, them doing that to her didn't sit well with me despite the fact that I get why they were convincing her
I recommend this series for those who love Friends the tv. show! Brendon and Annie's love story was so much like Ross and Rachel's season 3 situation.
It was my second time reading this book. My first time was in English and I had no idea it was a part of a series or had a first companion novel. Hence me reading this for a second time and it was in Dutch.
Luckily, both times that I read this book, I gave it 4 stars, even though my second time reading it went differently.
I consider Annie to be the most relatable character in this series, Olivia from the third book comes as second.
Annie in the first book (in my opinion) had different personality than in her book, we as readers don't really get to meet her in the 'Written in the Stars' only via phone calls and etc, but it felt like she was a different and more bold person. In this book she was more shy a pushover, but I liked her way of thinking and reasonings. I can say the same thing about Darcy too, her characters also felt different from book 1.
The only thing I didn't like in this book for a while was how everyone was pressuring Annie to move to Seattle permanently, them doing that to her didn't sit well with me despite the fact that I get why they were convincing her
I recommend this series for those who love Friends the tv. show! Brendon and Annie's love story was so much like Ross and Rachel's season 3 situation.
May 22, 2021
I'm in love with this book! Brendon and Annie just continued to make my day better with each chapter I read. If you're looking for a soft, adorable, happy book, this one is it, my friends. Alexandria Bellefleur just creates beautiful stories with incredible characters you just want to meet.
Hang the Moon is about Annie and Brendon, two people who have known each other for years, since children practically because Annie's best friend is Brendon's sister. She's back in Seattle to see Darcy but Darcy is going on vacation with her girlfriend so now Annie is all alone... except Darcy asks her brother Brendon to keep Annie company until she gets back.
Brendon works at a dating app that makes happily ever afters happen. He is all about romance and the first time you meet him, he's crying over watching public proposals on Youtube (same, Brendon, same!). When he reunites with Annie and finds out she doesn't really believe in the forever romance, he takes matter into his own hands to show her to it is real! He's going to show her romance is alive through his favorite rom-com movies and reenacting scenes from them.
I related so much to Annie, because same, I give so much love and get nothing in returned most of the time. So you get tired and don't really expect the best when it comes to relationships. Annie is like that, she has always texted more, been there more, and her partners don't really give as much as she gives. You just want to know someone is thinking about you, a good morning text or maybe someone remembered you and got you something you like! Like your favorite snack, it doesn't have to be something big. But you know, someone is thinking and listening to you when you talk.
Brendon and Annie's romance is amazing and I love the development of it. It's sort of slow-burn because it does take Annie a bit to go after her heart instead of listening to her head lol. Brendon was all in since the very first time which I love. But they do kiss really early on and then are like "this won't happen again" but *whistles inocently* lmao I really, really love them.
Also I would categorize this as a romcom tbh? It's hilarious and I laughed so MUCH while reading it. There are some funny scenes that you won't be able to stop reading. Bellefleur will give you everything and your attention will be captured pretty early on.
Hang the Moon is about Annie and Brendon, two people who have known each other for years, since children practically because Annie's best friend is Brendon's sister. She's back in Seattle to see Darcy but Darcy is going on vacation with her girlfriend so now Annie is all alone... except Darcy asks her brother Brendon to keep Annie company until she gets back.
Brendon works at a dating app that makes happily ever afters happen. He is all about romance and the first time you meet him, he's crying over watching public proposals on Youtube (same, Brendon, same!). When he reunites with Annie and finds out she doesn't really believe in the forever romance, he takes matter into his own hands to show her to it is real! He's going to show her romance is alive through his favorite rom-com movies and reenacting scenes from them.
I related so much to Annie, because same, I give so much love and get nothing in returned most of the time. So you get tired and don't really expect the best when it comes to relationships. Annie is like that, she has always texted more, been there more, and her partners don't really give as much as she gives. You just want to know someone is thinking about you, a good morning text or maybe someone remembered you and got you something you like! Like your favorite snack, it doesn't have to be something big. But you know, someone is thinking and listening to you when you talk.
Brendon and Annie's romance is amazing and I love the development of it. It's sort of slow-burn because it does take Annie a bit to go after her heart instead of listening to her head lol. Brendon was all in since the very first time which I love. But they do kiss really early on and then are like "this won't happen again" but *whistles inocently* lmao I really, really love them.
Also I would categorize this as a romcom tbh? It's hilarious and I laughed so MUCH while reading it. There are some funny scenes that you won't be able to stop reading. Bellefleur will give you everything and your attention will be captured pretty early on.
May 18, 2022
Written in the Stars - ★★★★
Our matchmaking meddler is back. Brendon Lowell loves love – it’s why he created his super successful dating app. It’s also why he’s never given up on finding the one, even when he’s never truly clicked with anyone.
Annie Kyriakos, Darcy’s childhood best friend and Brendon’s childhood crush, books a spur-of-the-moment trip to Seattle to spend time with her best friend before moving across the globe. She’s not looking for love, but when Brendon learns Annie has given up on dating, he’s determined to prove that romance is still alive.
Hang the Moon is a very sweet, and occasionally steamy, rom-com. As with the prequel, the writing style is well done and Seattle makes for a fun setting. All the characters are amazing. While Brendon and Annie have the main narrative, we still get time with Elle and Darcy as well as sassy Margot content.
I think the reason this sequel was a stepdown from Written in the Stars in terms of enjoyment was because I didn’t resonate with Brendon’s or Annie’s life dilemmas the way I did with Elle or Darcy. The main conflict felt a little flimsy to me. That being said, I do love their characters, especially Brendon – it’s rare to see a male character who’s obsessed with romance. The grand gesture at the end was so well done and the epilogue was adorable overload.
Last but not least, on to Count Your Lucky Stars. I’ve loved Margot since the very beginning of book one, so I’m excited she’s getting her own story.
Our matchmaking meddler is back. Brendon Lowell loves love – it’s why he created his super successful dating app. It’s also why he’s never given up on finding the one, even when he’s never truly clicked with anyone.
Annie Kyriakos, Darcy’s childhood best friend and Brendon’s childhood crush, books a spur-of-the-moment trip to Seattle to spend time with her best friend before moving across the globe. She’s not looking for love, but when Brendon learns Annie has given up on dating, he’s determined to prove that romance is still alive.
Hang the Moon is a very sweet, and occasionally steamy, rom-com. As with the prequel, the writing style is well done and Seattle makes for a fun setting. All the characters are amazing. While Brendon and Annie have the main narrative, we still get time with Elle and Darcy as well as sassy Margot content.
I think the reason this sequel was a stepdown from Written in the Stars in terms of enjoyment was because I didn’t resonate with Brendon’s or Annie’s life dilemmas the way I did with Elle or Darcy. The main conflict felt a little flimsy to me. That being said, I do love their characters, especially Brendon – it’s rare to see a male character who’s obsessed with romance. The grand gesture at the end was so well done and the epilogue was adorable overload.
Last but not least, on to Count Your Lucky Stars. I’ve loved Margot since the very beginning of book one, so I’m excited she’s getting her own story.
January 25, 2022
genre : adult contemporary romanceBrendon is just so precious I love him.
MCs : 29yo white, cis, bisexual woman + 27yo white, cishet man
POV : dual 3rd-person
location: Seattle, WA, USA
indie? : no
I read Hang the Moon not because I wanted glimpses of Elle and Darcy, though those were nice. Instead, I wanted to see the hopeless romantic Brendon Lowell (27) find love while also preparing myself for the next book, Count Your Lucky Stars.
And I had forgotten how hilarious Bellefleur writes! Yes, it is over-the-top whimsical and I absolutely adore the style. It takes a lot for me to ditch reality and enjoy a book with pretty unbelievable events, but Bellefleur has done it twice now.
The romance is between Brendon and his sister Darcy’s best friend Annie Kyriakos (29, bisexual), who he had a crush on. When Annie declares that romance is dead for her, Brendon makes it a mission to show Annie that movie-level romance exists and works in real life. It helps that Darcy is in on indirectly making Annie stay in Seattle and not move to London.
I guess I never really got why Darcy didn’t want Annie to move to London. It also felt like Darcy was using Brendon to plot against Annie sometimes. Annie has her own life and the whole Darcy panicking that Annie is going to move from Philly to London is just inconceivable to me. Maybe it’s because most of my friends are scattered hundreds of miles away from me that I find it odd to try and stop friends from moving away.
Anyway, that is honestly the only thing that I wasn’t satisfied with, but it played a big part in the story. (There were also some body movements that weren’t clearly described that I could not fathom how they got from position A to position B. And I don’t mean sex scenes, but... that, too.) I love Brendon and Annie’s chemistry and their ridiculousness. All the little moments they spent together were so cute! Give me a romance with lots of cute dates and I’ll be very happy.
This is probably my first m/f adult contemporary romance with explicit scenes. The sex was really sweet and not what I imagined most m/f romance to be. Brendon centering on both their enjoyment and not just his is the kind of intimacy I like reading about.
Maybe I’ll reread Hang the Moon some time. It genuinely made me so happy, and I cannot wait for Count Your Lucky Stars!
content warnings: graphic sex, manipulation, alcohol (recreation)
Buddy read with Gabriella!
May 7, 2022
i was NOT planning on reading this, since brendan is one of my least favorite characters from written in the stars, and honestly no m/f romance could ever live up to the sapphic glory of the first book in the series.
but... i love the premise of this one. romance tropes are so fun, especially when they're explored with the clever awareness that i know bellefleur is capable of. so i had to check this one out!
i really don't care for either of the main characters (they're kinda boring??), but i loved to see more of elle, darcy, and margot. it's really fun to check on familiar characters from a different perspective, and see how they've grown since we've seen them last.
but it seems that the plot sort of mirrors that of written in the stars. there's extreme sexual tension, there's denial about deeper feelings, there's tropey romance, then there's an exaggerated emotional reason why the two can't be together. then there's angst and a big romantic finish. it's a sensible formula, but obviously written in the stars did it better. and the reasons for the angst feel more contrived this time around.
still, it's an entertaining read, and i can understand why it's so popular. it really feels like fanfic at some points; there's so much flirty fluff, sexual tension and smut, angst and cheesy romance. all that good lovey dovey stuff.
but... i love the premise of this one. romance tropes are so fun, especially when they're explored with the clever awareness that i know bellefleur is capable of. so i had to check this one out!
i really don't care for either of the main characters (they're kinda boring??), but i loved to see more of elle, darcy, and margot. it's really fun to check on familiar characters from a different perspective, and see how they've grown since we've seen them last.
but it seems that the plot sort of mirrors that of written in the stars. there's extreme sexual tension, there's denial about deeper feelings, there's tropey romance, then there's an exaggerated emotional reason why the two can't be together. then there's angst and a big romantic finish. it's a sensible formula, but obviously written in the stars did it better. and the reasons for the angst feel more contrived this time around.
still, it's an entertaining read, and i can understand why it's so popular. it really feels like fanfic at some points; there's so much flirty fluff, sexual tension and smut, angst and cheesy romance. all that good lovey dovey stuff.
December 21, 2020
Hang the Moon is a truly charming sequel to Written In The Stars. It centers on Annie, Darcy's best friend who lives in Philadelphia but recently got a big promotion and will be moving to London. She decides to surprise Darcy with a visit -- only to find out that Darcy is out of town for the weekend with her girlfriend Elle. Annie ends up spending the weekend with Darcy's brother, Brendon, who is the creator of the dating app One True Pairing. He is a diehard romantic who believes in grand gestures and true love. He is appalled that Annie has given up on dating and makes it his mission to make her believe in love again. Surprise, surprise, they end up developing feelings for each other and Annie has to decide if she'll follow her plan and move to London or follow her heart and move to Seattle.
Admittedly there's not a ton of plot in this book -- but sometimes you don't need it! The book is mostly Annie and Brendon bopping around on various cute dates and trying to pretend they're not wildly attracted to each other (before they give in and starting hooking up *cue the steam*). But it's a charming read and Annie and Brendon are likeable characters who are easy to root for. I also really liked the developments in Annie and Darcy's friendship, as Darcy realizes she's been a mediocre friend to Annie, and Annie realizes how much she values true friendship -- and the degree to which she lacks that in Philadelphia. All in all, it's a very cute read and I'd highly recommend to anyone looking for a fun (and steamy!) romance!
Admittedly there's not a ton of plot in this book -- but sometimes you don't need it! The book is mostly Annie and Brendon bopping around on various cute dates and trying to pretend they're not wildly attracted to each other (before they give in and starting hooking up *cue the steam*). But it's a charming read and Annie and Brendon are likeable characters who are easy to root for. I also really liked the developments in Annie and Darcy's friendship, as Darcy realizes she's been a mediocre friend to Annie, and Annie realizes how much she values true friendship -- and the degree to which she lacks that in Philadelphia. All in all, it's a very cute read and I'd highly recommend to anyone looking for a fun (and steamy!) romance!
June 9, 2021
oh im weeping i loved this one
September 21, 2022
I read book 1 in this series (Written in the Stars) forever ago and while I really liked it, I was never super motivated to pick up book 2 in the series. Weird, because I love a ton of the tropes in it: childhood friends to adult lovers... friends to lovers... best friends sibling... older woman (2 years, but still)... long standing crush...
Once I jumped in, it was easy to fall back into the world and the story. Annie is jaded, practical, and doesn't believe in love; Brendan thinks everyone deserves a HEA. She shows him how little things add up to being what matters, he proclaims his love of grand gestures.
The problem? She's just in town to visit her best friend (his sister) for 2 weeks before moving across the world to London.
I liked a lot of this book. The characters and their friendship group, the easy and fun hangouts between them. Similar to Written in the Stars, I felt the third act conflict was just a tad too late, and the epilogue left me cringing just slightly. Still, it's a cute contemporary I wouldn't hesitate to recommend.
Once I jumped in, it was easy to fall back into the world and the story. Annie is jaded, practical, and doesn't believe in love; Brendan thinks everyone deserves a HEA. She shows him how little things add up to being what matters, he proclaims his love of grand gestures.
The problem? She's just in town to visit her best friend (his sister) for 2 weeks before moving across the world to London.
I liked a lot of this book. The characters and their friendship group, the easy and fun hangouts between them. Similar to Written in the Stars, I felt the third act conflict was just a tad too late, and the epilogue left me cringing just slightly. Still, it's a cute contemporary I wouldn't hesitate to recommend.
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