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Aligning Stars #1
Marcus in Retrograde
Dating while demi was a form of damnation. Chase Garcia was sure of it. From people in the LGBTQ+ community who didn't know what 'demi' meant, to the perfect-on-paper dates that sparked nothing, he was just getting tired. He wanted a good night's sleep. But the neighbor's dog would.not.shut.up. Leaving a note for the man sparked a message board war, and still--the dog kept barking. Creating a new life was not easy. Marcus Romano decided it wasn't something he'd recommend to friends--if he had any. From working to afford the insanely expensive Greenwich Village apartment to sussing out if his coworkers even liked him, he was just worn down. He just wanted to be a good neighbor. But Pollux had decided the neighbor's wall was a bark target, and the first notes arrived soon after. When a neighbor is nearly mugged and Pollux does his real duty to help, Chase and Marcus call a truce. A poorly timed peek at Chase's audio book collection, scratching in the walls, and a manic dog throw them together--literally. Chase finds his demi-dud dating life suddenly broken, and Marcus has finally started to settle into his new life as well. Good luck has a half-life, Chase is faced with his past and Marcus finds himself in retrograde... **Aligning Stars is an MM/LGBTQIA series. It contains adult language and sexual situations, and is meant for audiences 18+ ONLY**
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 20, 2019
41 people are currently reading
205 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 19, 2020
Wow this was an amazing find, I had so much fun reading this book and I can't bring myself to give any less then 5 stars. It was perfect for me!
It's got romance, animals, comfort, feel good and so much humor. Also some angst towards the second half but all rather interesting and handled in an amazing way, I really liked how it all worked out in the end and allowed to get to know more of both their history.
The story alternates pov between Marcus and Chase each chapter, which was perfect for getting to know these two and their friends who are amazing. I adored the notes with the drawings they left each other at the start, how they bonded over a mutual interest. Their first meeting is hilarious and so much fun, 301 and 302.
Polux the dog is an amazing character who might bark a lot, but it leads to an important and adorable scene involving kittens and a lovely cat. The pets here are a lot of fun! I enjoyed how it brought Marcus and Chase together. Oh and the audiobooks, just wow... Its certainly interesting and I loved the reveal of that between them.
The cubs date was super adorable for all the misunderstandings and these two just made me smile so much, with all their admiration and thoughts about each other. I just loved their romance and development so much, especially once it gets to their pasts as they have both gone through some awful times.
I am usually not a very forgiving person so I was curious when they brought in Chases family, after what you learn early on and yet I really enjoyed meeting them. The way they'd worked through their history and are trying to be better was so sweet, oh and abuelita is incredible.
Marcus family is amazing from start to finish, they're hilarious and his mother Dawn is a power in her own I adored her but his whole family is great. Those text scenes were hilarious! When we learn more of his history I really felt for Marcus, it was lovely to finally see him recover and have the situation resolved for good.
This book is just so feel good, full of comfort and humor! Along with some life lessons and look at different sexuality which I really enjoyed. Overall this book was just amazing and I loved every moment, the ending was perfect and so fitting to these two. A lovely happy ending!
Im looking forward to reading the rest of the series, as interested to see more of a bunch of the characters here. Felix intrigues me after that ending! But also Nelson Powers looks to be a lot of fun. Not forgetting Kyle and Vincent. There's so many though so it's perfect start to series and introduction to the others, I'm looking forward to Uriahs next xx
It's got romance, animals, comfort, feel good and so much humor. Also some angst towards the second half but all rather interesting and handled in an amazing way, I really liked how it all worked out in the end and allowed to get to know more of both their history.
The story alternates pov between Marcus and Chase each chapter, which was perfect for getting to know these two and their friends who are amazing. I adored the notes with the drawings they left each other at the start, how they bonded over a mutual interest. Their first meeting is hilarious and so much fun, 301 and 302.
Polux the dog is an amazing character who might bark a lot, but it leads to an important and adorable scene involving kittens and a lovely cat. The pets here are a lot of fun! I enjoyed how it brought Marcus and Chase together. Oh and the audiobooks, just wow... Its certainly interesting and I loved the reveal of that between them.
The cubs date was super adorable for all the misunderstandings and these two just made me smile so much, with all their admiration and thoughts about each other. I just loved their romance and development so much, especially once it gets to their pasts as they have both gone through some awful times.
I am usually not a very forgiving person so I was curious when they brought in Chases family, after what you learn early on and yet I really enjoyed meeting them. The way they'd worked through their history and are trying to be better was so sweet, oh and abuelita is incredible.
Marcus family is amazing from start to finish, they're hilarious and his mother Dawn is a power in her own I adored her but his whole family is great. Those text scenes were hilarious! When we learn more of his history I really felt for Marcus, it was lovely to finally see him recover and have the situation resolved for good.
This book is just so feel good, full of comfort and humor! Along with some life lessons and look at different sexuality which I really enjoyed. Overall this book was just amazing and I loved every moment, the ending was perfect and so fitting to these two. A lovely happy ending!
Im looking forward to reading the rest of the series, as interested to see more of a bunch of the characters here. Felix intrigues me after that ending! But also Nelson Powers looks to be a lot of fun. Not forgetting Kyle and Vincent. There's so many though so it's perfect start to series and introduction to the others, I'm looking forward to Uriahs next xx
December 16, 2019
#SpoilerWarrior
This book was okay. There were some parts of it that didn’t really work for me, like how Chase became a billionaire at the end just to fit the plot, but i probably could have ignored it. What I couldn’t ignore was the five week old kittens that they only bottle fed like once every 8 hours. Pro tip: newborn kittens are like newborn babies, they eat every 2-3 hours. And if the mom isn’t around? Then you have to, yes, stimulate them to help them pee. Things you never thought you’d need to know and now you do, you’re welcome.
This book was okay. There were some parts of it that didn’t really work for me, like how Chase became a billionaire at the end just to fit the plot, but i probably could have ignored it. What I couldn’t ignore was the five week old kittens that they only bottle fed like once every 8 hours. Pro tip: newborn kittens are like newborn babies, they eat every 2-3 hours. And if the mom isn’t around? Then you have to, yes, stimulate them to help them pee. Things you never thought you’d need to know and now you do, you’re welcome.
June 25, 2021
This is an enjoyable read. It’s my first book by S.A. Sommers and I’m glad I discovered a new author. I love her writing style. It’s easy and smooth and the prose just flows along.
For the first 75% of the book I considered it a five star read. Unfortunately, I thought the plot got a little silly and never could really understand Ed Robert’s motivation for his actions. Oh well, of course everything turned out fine.
For the first 75% of the book I considered it a five star read. Unfortunately, I thought the plot got a little silly and never could really understand Ed Robert’s motivation for his actions. Oh well, of course everything turned out fine.
November 21, 2021
One of those books you have to keep reading to see if it’s really as bad as you think it is.
so much wrong
I can’t even list all the wrong. The worst is bias against femme gay men.
“Felix’s ostentatious flouncing and flaming bothers me because it makes everyone in the office think that all gay men act like that. And we don’t.”
Seriously, she wrote that in a book. It’s not the only remark either. Not to mention all the ridiculous, unbelievable plot devices out of nowhere, just jammed in to fit the narrative. Badly in need of an editor and proofreader.
so much wrong
I can’t even list all the wrong. The worst is bias against femme gay men.
“Felix’s ostentatious flouncing and flaming bothers me because it makes everyone in the office think that all gay men act like that. And we don’t.”
Seriously, she wrote that in a book. It’s not the only remark either. Not to mention all the ridiculous, unbelievable plot devices out of nowhere, just jammed in to fit the narrative. Badly in need of an editor and proofreader.
May 21, 2020
Could have been good but some serious issues - 2.5* rounded down.
This book started out ok but unfortunately the ending had serious problems. In general there were some pretty pat solutions to things, plus behaviour that was not believable. In particular:
Chase also had a lot of friends, which was great. Unfortunately they could have been eliminated from the book almost entirely and not changed the story. Having characters with no purpose other than to tie into the next book is just annoying. I still might read the next book but right now I can't quite face it.
This book started out ok but unfortunately the ending had serious problems. In general there were some pretty pat solutions to things, plus behaviour that was not believable. In particular:
Chase also had a lot of friends, which was great. Unfortunately they could have been eliminated from the book almost entirely and not changed the story. Having characters with no purpose other than to tie into the next book is just annoying. I still might read the next book but right now I can't quite face it.
May 1, 2020
A great love story
I loved the realness of this story. I’ll be keeping an eye out for this Author’s other works. Now on to book 2
I loved the realness of this story. I’ll be keeping an eye out for this Author’s other works. Now on to book 2
July 3, 2021
And then...and then...wtf
Cw: homophobia (repeated physical violence, outing, being kicked out of home, verbal abuse, threat of conversation therapy & religious bigotry, derogatory remarks about effeminate gay men by other gay men), abusive relationships (physical, emotional, coercive, restraining orders & false accusations of rape), palliative character, cancer.
This book is a mess, and not a hot one. There's so much going on in this book I don't even know where to start except to say that just when you think no other major plot point can possibly be inserted because there are already too many, be ready to double that number and the resulting plot holes put Swiss cheese to shame. Also, if you think this is going to be a cute read about two guys bonding over a dog - come prepared for unnecessary trauma because this book worships at the temple of no queer person can be allowed to be happy or healthy without suffering for it.
Cw: homophobia (repeated physical violence, outing, being kicked out of home, verbal abuse, threat of conversation therapy & religious bigotry, derogatory remarks about effeminate gay men by other gay men), abusive relationships (physical, emotional, coercive, restraining orders & false accusations of rape), palliative character, cancer.
This book is a mess, and not a hot one. There's so much going on in this book I don't even know where to start except to say that just when you think no other major plot point can possibly be inserted because there are already too many, be ready to double that number and the resulting plot holes put Swiss cheese to shame. Also, if you think this is going to be a cute read about two guys bonding over a dog - come prepared for unnecessary trauma because this book worships at the temple of no queer person can be allowed to be happy or healthy without suffering for it.
Want to read
November 27, 20223.78 ⭐
Points for accurate & fun demisexuality rep + neighbors to lovers (I love that shit, lmao), points for sweet kittens, family redemption and supportive friends.
Points dinged for too many typos and for dialogue + writing that was at times hard to follow.
This story was fluffy, yes, but did take a darker turn than I was expecting.
Not a bad read, anyway. I recommend this author's work.
Points for accurate & fun demisexuality rep + neighbors to lovers (I love that shit, lmao), points for sweet kittens, family redemption and supportive friends.
Points dinged for too many typos and for dialogue + writing that was at times hard to follow.
This story was fluffy, yes, but did take a darker turn than I was expecting.
Not a bad read, anyway. I recommend this author's work.
November 23, 2019
A Promising Start
I love reading stories that fit anywhere on the spectrum, and a demi MC is always welcome. I think Chase was developed from and interesting perspective and his love of romance and a certain narrator was well relatable. Marcus was also in interesting character, and I liked the way their relationship unfolded in the first half of the novel.
While I enjoyed the overall story, there was a lot going on. There were the subplots and a lot of characters introduced at once and none aside from MC's were flushed out, and it was a little difficult to keep track of them - but in fairness the side characters didn't have much to do with the plot.
I sincerely enjoyed the romance aspect, but I could have done with less angst. I am looking forward to reading the next book when it comes out though.
I love reading stories that fit anywhere on the spectrum, and a demi MC is always welcome. I think Chase was developed from and interesting perspective and his love of romance and a certain narrator was well relatable. Marcus was also in interesting character, and I liked the way their relationship unfolded in the first half of the novel.
While I enjoyed the overall story, there was a lot going on. There were the subplots and a lot of characters introduced at once and none aside from MC's were flushed out, and it was a little difficult to keep track of them - but in fairness the side characters didn't have much to do with the plot.
I sincerely enjoyed the romance aspect, but I could have done with less angst. I am looking forward to reading the next book when it comes out though.
November 21, 2019
"Marcus in Retrograde" (Aligning Stars Book 1) by S. A. Sommers is a great read. I loved Marcus and Chase's story. This is a fantastic start to this series, packed with romance, humor, close friends, family, drama, and more. I can't wait to see what happens next with this cast of characters in this series. Highly recommend to all fans of MM romance, entertaining characters, and series.
February 9, 2020
Beautiful tail of love that works
When it seems like everything is going wrong, kittens save the day fog a dog bark story and walking in the park. Hose down your hydrants, grab your sound boards, and start recording as the sounds you cannot hear take life in your head and the action on video is better than YouTube. Love is in the Pumpkin Patch.
When it seems like everything is going wrong, kittens save the day fog a dog bark story and walking in the park. Hose down your hydrants, grab your sound boards, and start recording as the sounds you cannot hear take life in your head and the action on video is better than YouTube. Love is in the Pumpkin Patch.
December 24, 2019
I really enjoyed this story. I love the way they met. No excess pining or miscommunication. Two sweet guys, adorable pets, some twists and turns and a couple jackasses to keep it interesting. I'm looking forward to the next book.
dnf
January 19, 2021DNF 16% Started off cute and funny. I considered sticking with it, but I couldn’t get past the “right kind of gay” attitude. Marcus has an internal monologue about knowing “when to let my inner gay man out, and when not to” while on a date with a man who he describes as “the kind of gay that I could only compare to a fire and brimstone southern evangelist preacher” among other things. Earlier, one of his coworkers was introduced as a bitchy stereotype who wears lipgloss and pink thongs (we know because Marcus laughs about it with other coworkers).
January 25, 2021
Marcus in Retrograde
This is the first book I’ve read from this author and I mostly enjoyed it. The characters were great, the story was good with some extra drama thrown in. Drama that came from nowhere and was surprising and unexpected. There are A LOT of characters and it was really hard to keep up with who was who. There were just names thrown around at the end and I had no idea who they were and didn’t remember them being in the story before but it was like I should have known them. But, I’ll still be reading the next story.
This is the first book I’ve read from this author and I mostly enjoyed it. The characters were great, the story was good with some extra drama thrown in. Drama that came from nowhere and was surprising and unexpected. There are A LOT of characters and it was really hard to keep up with who was who. There were just names thrown around at the end and I had no idea who they were and didn’t remember them being in the story before but it was like I should have known them. But, I’ll still be reading the next story.
November 16, 2022
A Very Fun Read
I knew I was going to enjoy this, and I was right. I laughed, I shed a few tears, and I grew so angry at times that I wouldn't have been surprised if steam shot out of my ears. Ed Roberts is the obvious baddie, but Chase's brother is the homophobe you love to hate. Forget about them, they're scum. Read this for the enjoyment of Chase and Marcus's relationship. And enjoy!!
I knew I was going to enjoy this, and I was right. I laughed, I shed a few tears, and I grew so angry at times that I wouldn't have been surprised if steam shot out of my ears. Ed Roberts is the obvious baddie, but Chase's brother is the homophobe you love to hate. Forget about them, they're scum. Read this for the enjoyment of Chase and Marcus's relationship. And enjoy!!
January 24, 2021
4.5 stars - I absolutely LOVE the demi rep in this book! Chase and Marcus' relationship was great, and I loved the pets. Where it fell a bit short for me was with some of the subplots not feeling realistic. That said, I enjoyed that the drama in the book was outside their relationship, not from within it.
May 6, 2020
Oh, this was such a sweet read. It was a perfect mix of sweet and angsty and I loved it. Marcus and Chase were both fun characters, and I loved all the awesome pets too!
Read
July 14, 2020DNF
June 27, 2021
Loved it
I am new to this genre and I'm really enjoying it. The meeting of Marcus and Chase is funny but their problems with family and co-workers is not. Loved this book.
I am new to this genre and I'm really enjoying it. The meeting of Marcus and Chase is funny but their problems with family and co-workers is not. Loved this book.
October 30, 2022
DNF @ 2%.
Jesus, Chase is a miserable shit. The writing would have to be a lot more compelling that it is to put up with such an instantly dislikable character.
Jesus, Chase is a miserable shit. The writing would have to be a lot more compelling that it is to put up with such an instantly dislikable character.
April 5, 2023
Loved the Demi representation and how neatly the storyline was wrapped up! I'm dying to know more about the side characters and will definitely be checking those books out!
dnf
January 28, 2025There were parts of the writing and characters I enjoyed. It seemed like it was going to be a fun meet cute story with a dog. But the bashing of femme guys was was brought out by both MCs. Dnf at 30%
January 31, 2020
I get lots of newsletters because duh, I usually sign up for them.
did-not-finished
December 23, 2019Dnf 54%
A lot is going on. too much, not enough
A lot is going on. too much, not enough
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews