Perfect for fans of:
- Second-chance romances
- Opposites attract
- “And they were roommates – oh my god, they were roommates”
After Elle and Brandon have gotten their happily-ever-after, Bellefleur returns to the Written in the Stars series with Margot’s second chance at love. Following two childhood best friends, Margot and Olivia, who had one week of romantic spring break bliss until a misinterpreted text led to heartbreak and radio silence for ten years, the both of them unexpectedly run into each other when Olivia is assigned to be the wedding planner for Margot’s best friend’s wedding. When Olivia’s apartment ends up uninhabitable, Margot offers Olivia a place to stay. In close proximity, old feelings resurface and the question is: will these two get their happily-ever after?
Despite not being a big fan of the second chance at love trope, Count Your Lucky Stars turned out to be my favourite installment in Bellefleur’s heartfelt romcom series. This book just had so much going for it and (if the rumours are true) will be a satisfying conclusion for Bellefleur fans!
What I love about Bellefleur’s stories is that, even though the romantic part is at the forefront, we still get extremely well-developed and distinct characters to follow. In alternating POVs, we get to know Olivia and her ambitions as well as her emotion about her failed relationship with her college sweetheart. We also learn more about what makes Margot tick and her feelings about being the odd one out in her friend group which added a lot to the story.
Fans of the series can also rejoice because there are loads of returning characters—since Olivia’s first solo project is Annie and Brandon’s wedding, they as well as Darcy and Elle are very present in this novel and it was such a lovely addition to see their stories develop in the background. Cameos are always a good time and in this, we even get some side conflicts as Margot is starting to feel like the fifth wheel because she’s the only one who isn’t paired up and that tied in so well with the main obstacle between Margot and Olivia’s chance at love.
Speaking of Margot and Olivia, did this book deliver on their chemistry! From their first encounter (ten years after they’ve last spoken, might I add), the chemistry was undeniable. From laugh-out-loud banter to subtle digs to awkward encounters (I’ll mention a cat and a vibrator and you’ll have to read the book to find out more) and eventual steamy times, Margot and Olivia just worked so well together on every level. There’s mutual pining and anxiety because of the way things ended between them in the past, but there’s also so much support and warmth they have for each other that will melt your heart. There are also so many discussions about miscommunication in relationships (romantic and platonic), what it means to grow up and grow apart and how being vulnerable can feel like readying yourself to be stomped on. Honestly, I’m struggling to imagine anyone not falling head over heels for this amazing pairing.
With the perfect combination of charming, funny and steamy moments, Count Your Lucky Stars is a heartfelt, immersive second-chance romcom and a well-rounded addition to the Written in the Stars series. Fans of the estranged-friends to lovers and close-proximity trope won’t want to miss out on this sweet, sexy and sapphic goodness!
Count Your Lucky Stars is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore.
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Synopsis | Goodreads
Following Written in the Stars and Hang the Moon, national bestselling author Alexandria Bellefleur pens another steamy queer rom-com about former best friends who might be each other’s second chance at love…
Margot Cooper doesn’t do relationships. She tried and it blew up in her face, so she’ll stick with casual hookups, thank you very much. But now her entire crew has found “the one” and she’s beginning to feel like a fifth wheel. And then fate (the heartless bitch) intervenes. While touring a wedding venue with her engaged friends, Margot comes face-to-face with Olivia Grant—her childhood friend, her first love, her first… well, everything. It’s been ten years, but the moment they lock eyes, Margot’s cold, dead heart thumps in her chest.
Olivia must be hallucinating. In the decade since she last saw Margot, her life hasn’t gone exactly as planned. At almost thirty, she’s been married… and divorced. However, a wedding planner job in Seattle means a fresh start and a chance to follow her dreams. Never in a million years did she expect her important new client’s Best Woman would be the one that got away.
When a series of unfortunate events leaves Olivia without a place to stay, Margot offers up her spare room because she’s a Very Good Person. Obviously. It has nothing to do with the fact that Olivia is as beautiful as ever and the sparks between them still make Margot tingle. As they spend time in close quarters, Margot starts to question her no-strings stance. Olivia is everything she’s ever wanted, but Margot let her in once and it ended in disaster. Will history repeat itself or should she count her lucky stars that she gets a second chance with her first love?
