Stargazing with You

by Jacquelynn Harbell

In this heartwarming, best-friends-to-lovers romance, two intertwined souls navigate the delicate balance between pursuing their ambitions and following their hearts.

The night before her first pre-med exam, Diana Richards gets locked out of her dorm room, clad only in a towel. Her misfortune takes a serendipitous turn when the charming and brilliant Javier “Javi” Valenzuela comes to her rescue. Their unexpected and fateful first encounter leads to a profound friendship, stronger than any bond either of them has ever known.

They spend most of their nights lying atop the roof of Butler Library, watching the faded stars above New York City. But as graduation approaches, their careers pull them to opposite coasts. Javi moves to California and travels the world to launch his revolutionary invention, while Diana is left in New York to confront her future in medicine—alone and haunted by doubts about her own capabilities. Though they form relationships with other people during their time apart, they are continually drawn back to each other, unable to deny the gravitational pull they have for each other.

Stargazing with You is a poignant exploration of love, friendship, family and the pursuit of dreams—a story about the journeys we must take to find ourselves, and the people who make those journeys worthwhile. Will Diana and Javi bridge the growing distance between them, or will their connection become another casualty of their dreams?

Genres: Romance

338 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 21, 2025

Reviews

[Kelsey 📖 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book isn’t typically what I read (friends to lovers) but I absolutely devoured this book!

It was so nostalgic for me as I looked at Diana’s first year of undergrad. The nerves before tests. The wanting to lock yourself up to study and do school work. Not knowing where to fit in.

Javi is perfect too…the way he just easily befriended Diana. The way he was so charismatic. Always trying to make her laugh. Bringing her to meet his family. Always being a constant in her life. And I loved how Diana returned that. They were always there for each other. Through Diana’s panic attacks, breakup, match. And Diana being there for Javier’s dad. Leaving everything behind for him to be there. THAT is a friendship.

I adored Blake too lol. She’s the friend every girl needs. One that is no bs type of friend.

I loved the slow burn. But wanted to hit Diana so many times because like I get it, she wants to not ruin her friendship but like CMON! But, when it finally happened it felt so celebratory! I was so worried when she matched in Texas. But, couldn’t believe Javi sold it to be with her. To support her unconditionally.

This was such a sweet romance, that I had a HARD time putting down.

[Melissa Tonche · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow..... that book was amazing. It pulled me in from the moment I opened it and left me not wanting it to end. Two best friends who go through life chasing their dreams and being there to support each other through it all. A great friends to lovers book. And slow burn. Amazing writing.

[Keasha M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely adorable and I loved it!!! Gives off rom-com vibes. He falls first! It's a friends to lovers story about Dianna and Javier he becomes best friends in their first year of college after a chance encounter. They spend the next 7 years being best friends, both of them denying their real feelings for one another not wanting to hold the other back. They keep getting pulled in separate locations as they strive to achieve their goals in life. When they finally get their chance at a happily ever after she's filled with doubt and fears that it will all work out and that they can have a successful long distance relationship.

[Jill Whoberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I bought a copy of this while in Texas at a book fair and so glad I did!

This had a unique plot that immediately engaged me. It effortlessly carried the story and I found myself not only continuing the read to see how the romance developed but also how Diana and Javi develop as individuals; overcoming their personal struggles.

I am absolutely obsessed with the characters

I binged it in just 3 days. Highly recommend! Also made me want to be a doctor… is 34 too late to go back to school?

Would love to see another book from this author!

[Bri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I attended a local book fair a few weeks ago and was intrigued by the title. Romance isn’t my typical genre, but I thought it would be a good fit for our book club… how cool would it be to read a book by a local author? Maybe romance is more my genre than I thought, or maybe she just has a beautiful way with words. I found myself thinking about the characters frequently when I wasn’t reading. Wondering if the next chapter would be “the one.”

[Corinne Volpe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished it in one day because I couldn’t put it down! This friends to lovers romance is cute, cozy and a feel good read. With just enough spice and fully developed characters I feel like this book would appeal to every type of romance reader.

[Courtney E · Rating 4 out of 5]

Friends to lovers rom com. Unfortunately with rom coms, you have to suspend some levels of disbelief. As long as you can, this was a delightful book.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

To have the friendship that Diana and Javi has would be a dream. The encouragement and support they give each other to follow their dreams is wonderful. Not to mention the growth they both did throughout the book.

Well worth the read. I am looking forward to her next book.

[Molly Kargougou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let's just say this was a great book that left me crying at the end!

This book was written so wonderfully, and the editors did an amazing job. Not a single mistake in sight.

Now when you say slow burn this is the slowest a burn can be....

[Andrea Richmond · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story captivated me from the beginning. It follows Diana through college, where she meets her best friend Javi. After graduation, Javi follows his dream, and Diana attends med school. The story follows them through years of being separated and how their relationship evolves. It is heart-wrenching at times and had me yelling at the book. I could not put it down.

[Lindsey’s Library · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stargazing with You

3.5/5⭐️

Read Dates: 3/20 - 3/22

I was very fortunate to have this book as a physical ARC, and would like to say thank you to Jacquelynn Harbell for giving me that opportunity.

Overall this was such a cute little love story and such a cute read. We meet two ambitious young individuals who strive for the a great future. The story overall is set in the medical world which I really like and thought was different. It definitely feels like early 2000s rom-com vibes so I loved that. The story follow Diana and Javi through the years of being separated and how their relationship evolves. I felt like maybe just for me I had a hard time relating to the characters which is why I rated it 3.5 stars. The book and characters really dive into friendship, family, and pursuit of dreams, which I loved. There was definitely some moments where I was kicking my feet and squealing! Oh and the banter, so so good! Stargazing with you is the cutest medical love story yet!

Tropes:
🩺 2000s rom-com vibes
🩺 Friends to Lovers

[B's Book Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Slow burn, friends to lovers, cinnamon roll MMC, anxiety representation. Super sweet book.

The amount of times I squealed and kicked my feet while reading this book! 😂
The banter. The tension. The mental WAR of the FMC trying to fight her feelings for the MMC. The super sweet and thoughtful MMC.

The tension was SO good. I live for a slow burn full of yearning and Jacquelynn delivered. I was getting so frustrated, in the best way, just waiting for these two to decide to be together already.

If you're a romance reader, read this book!

[Debra Harding · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great love story! Diana and Javier met in college and developed an incredible friendship that would span the test of time. They watched each other grow their careers and test new relationships, all while never giving up on each other.

This was indeed a slow burn romance that kept me wanting more. The writing and character development in this book was very well done. I’m excited to read more by this author.

[MINDY FARRAR · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun ARC read. Different from my normal genres. I enjoyed the medical aspect as I am in the medical field myself. A great exploration of love, family, friendships, and the pursuit of dreams. "Just say when I will be waiting"

[Tisha Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

[Stephanie Demco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book!! The sweetest friends to lovers story!! Loved the amount of time that this book covered and how it was done! Would definitely recommend!!

[Aimee Gonzalez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, short and sweet!

[Megan Barclay · Rating 5 out of 5]

such a wonderful read, great chemistry and story of the main characters. can't wait for more from this author!!

[Josie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! It will suck you in right at the first page. This is super well written and the characters are easy to fall in love with. Definitely hoping to read more from this author!

[Jilleighan Boivin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a cute ending!!

[Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! 👏

[Michelle Mann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous friends to lovers book! Seriously loved this one so much. It started out good on the very first page. The characters are so likable and the story had me rooting for them the whole time. Great read!