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Wish Upon a Rainbow Star

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Two hearts, one unforgettable night, and a love written in the stars.

Celeste Starr is about to begin a career-defining research project in astronomy when she has an overnight layover in Dallas. Full of too much excitement to sleep, Celeste finds herself in the hotel bar.

There, the notoriously single, Celeste meets Esse Perkins who has a sweet southern drawl that enchants Celeste with each sultry syllable. The two unlikely strangers find themselves entwined in a night of passion neither will soon forget.

The next day as Celeste begins a long day of travel to the remote mountains of west Texas, she knows she’ll never see Esse again, but is nonetheless irritated with herself for not at least getting her number.

As the weather turns this never ending day into a treacherous journey Celeste finds herself not thinking of her beloved stars, but wishing she was once again in the arms of Esse Perkins. At times Celeste doubted she’d make it through the blinding snowstorm when she finally arrived at a rural hotel where the manager’s smiling face welcomed her inside the warm haven.

Celeste blinked and couldn’t believe her eyes. Esse Perkins! Here? How could it be?

Come along on this one-night-to-forever, steamy sapphic romance where the universe has put these two unlucky-in-love souls on the same path to happily-ever-after.




328 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 22, 2025

198 people are currently reading
116 people want to read

About the author

Jamey Moody

35 books195 followers
Jamey Moody is a small town Texas girl living her best life with her little terrier Leo, who brings her a toy every time she walks in the house.
When she’s not reading or writing her next sapphic romance you can find her on a bike ride, paddle boarding the lake, or in the middle of an adventure.
Reach out, she’d love to hear from you.

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5 stars
98 (53%)
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62 (34%)
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16 (8%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Lez_be_readin_ya.
348 reviews168 followers
February 12, 2025
Celeste and Esse were destined to be together; the universe orchestrated their meeting due to their incredibly strong connection, and that was all it took for them to fall in love. From the beginning, they were honest with each other, and the trust they share is truly beautiful.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story, from its exciting beginning to the fortuitous reunion at Esse's hotel after their initial, seemingly destined meeting.

This book is a truly remarkable and heartwarming read. I anticipated a fantastic story, and Jamey certainly delivered with this perfect book. I wholeheartedly recommend it and can't await future installments in this series.

Star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating. 🔥🔥🔥

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Vita L. Licari.
918 reviews46 followers
March 16, 2025
Celeste is an astronomer on her way to ado research at an observatory in Texas. Since she's in a layover, she goes to the hotels bar for a drink. While there she sees a beautiful woman at the bar, they see one another and smile. Then the beautiful woman comes over and introduces herself, she's Esse. They talk, then Esse invites Celeste up to her room. They have the most incredible sex, but decide not to exchange numbers. In the morning when they depart they both wish they'd gotten the other phone #.
When Celeste gets to the little town where the observatory is, she has to stay at the local hotel because of a snow storm. When she walks in to get a room, she finds Esse!
This is a beautiful, heartwarming , HOT love story! 5 stars!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Siddie.
549 reviews10 followers
February 6, 2025
Celeste is an astronomer, just about to begin telescope time for some groundbreaking research that she has been investigating for a while. Esse is manager of her family’s hotel in Fort Davis, a small town in Texas. They meet in a hotel in Dallas, and spend the night together, never expecting to see each other again. However, the observatory that Celeste is heading to is not far from Ft Davis, further up the mountain. After a terrible journey in a blizzard trying to get there she ends up at Esse’s hotel looking for a room.
Typically for Jamey Moody, this is a beautiful warm hug of a story, a guaranteed happy-ever-after with minimal angst, some very steamy scenes and a whole load of love…
Obviously a lot of research has gone into this story, with some really interesting explanations about the night sky, and with some extra photos of star groups at the end. Both Esse and Celeste are lovely, as are all the other characters, even the one we start off thinking is the villain in the story. It’s obvious the ground is being prepared for other books in this story, and we can have a good guess who the main characters will be.
There are several tear jerking moments; for me the scene after Esse’s nephew’s wedding party was quite emotional, also at Esse’s art exhibition, as were a few others.
Jamey has a way of using her words, so that the love shines from her characters, not just telling us how in love they are, but showing us in a myriad of ways; small touches, words, looks, giggles, all perfectly expressed by words on a page. She turns basic narrative into three-dimensional love and feelings.
I love the cover. It reminds me of older science fiction books, but here with a sapphic twist!
I was so surprised when I looked up Ft Davis on Google Maps, and found Hotel Limpia, including the coffee house and restaurant (bar and grill), and also the gift shop opposite in Casa Limpia, with the outside steps, and the vacant shopfront beside it. And also the McDonald Observatory about 25 minutes away, and the different domes around the site.
Profile Image for Julie.
90 reviews3 followers
February 11, 2025
Wish upon a rainbow star was beautifully written. Celeste and Esse were lovable characters , meeting for the first time, one night of passion to never meet again and a night they couldn't forget to only be bought back together . Very romantic Heartwarming lesbian romance!
Profile Image for ReadingwithCaz .
214 reviews35 followers
May 15, 2025
A brilliant astronomer, a small town hotel owner, one very heated night. Will the stars align in their favor? A sweet, very low angst, uncomplicated star studded story.

I received an advance copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Celeste Starr loves her stars. As a very promising astronomer she is gearing up for the research project that will launch her career to exceptional heights. Waiting to continue her travels to the observatory in the Texas mountains, she spends the night in Dallas. Alone at the hotel bar her gaze falls on an intriguing woman. Determined to make the most of this opportunity Celeste lets go of all her usual reservations and enjoys a very heated night with Esse. After all, when morning comes the next major project will take over all of her time.

Esse wishes she would have asked Celeste for her number. There was a connection there between the hotel sheets in Dallas. But back behind her own hotel’s desk in tiny Ft. Davis, Esse can only wistfully reminisce about the alluring woman she hooked up with last night. The hotel is fully booked and the weather is getting seriously frosty when the front door slams open and between a flurry of snow none other than Celeste steps into the lobby. Is the universe playing a trick on them?

As I’ve come to expect from a Jamey Moody book, it’s not about the chase but about what it takes to make a relationship work. In this case: how these two separate stars shine even brighter as they come together.

Because Esse and Celeste met under circumstances that neither of them were used to, it made them a little more careless and daring. I love that they continued with that bold honesty even after they met again. Both Esse and Celeste essentially met the most open and unabashed version of the other first. They probably wouldn’t have shown all their cards right away had they met in a more conventional way.

Both Celeste and Esse are strong women that have built a life for themselves they can be proud of. The relationship they built is based on honesty and open communication. I think it’s refreshing to read about this. Maybe it’s a touch too rose colored, but it’s a welcome change when a lot of sapphic romance stories feature often stupid miscommunications between the love interests.

I don’t know what it is, but there is something about a woman having a secret passion for art and being an excellent artist. Esse’s emotions and feelings are perfectly reflected in her paintings and her sharing them with Celeste means she has truly opened her heart. Their shared experience of the wonders of nature both on earth and beyond is a beautiful metaphor for their growing connection which in turn is reflected in Esse’s artwork. I would have loved to see Esse’s interpretation of ‘their’ stars.

Wish Upon A Rainbow Star is a lovely escape into a true happily ever after. It’s the first book in the series and I will gladly return to Ft. Davis, the observatory, the mountains and, of course, the stars.
436 reviews
February 5, 2025
The universe has a way of helping people when they need it most. A statement that Celeste and Esse find to have so much truth to. A great story of two women who cross paths at the right time in their lives. It begins with some spicy scenes and brings you along for their journey.
Profile Image for Lisa.
280 reviews2 followers
June 24, 2025
3.5⭐️

This is a super sweet one night to forever love story.
Two women who get together because the stars aligned. If you want a fated romance without any excessive drama, then you should give this a read.
516 reviews10 followers
July 15, 2025
A great one night stand to forever love story between an accomplished astronomer and a small town business owner. In a typical Jamey Moody style, it is heartwarming, low angst and very relatable. Although it is a love at first sight for the couple, the romance takes a year to fully mature and it is convincing and intimate. There are plenty of communication and both party willing to change and adapt, to keep the relationship long lasting. It is a comfortable read, very enjoyable!
Profile Image for Maz Tucker.
297 reviews7 followers
February 9, 2025
Another great Jamey Moody book.
What’s not to love, a nerdy scientist and a hotelier have a one night stand that leads to forever.
The characters are so well written, you’re cheering them on from page one.
1,179 reviews
March 8, 2025
A True Falling In Love While Learning About The Stars!

If you’re a novice learning about the stars which is a jumble of names that you hopefully will remember one or their origin. For me, I like to look up and recite the iconic “Starlight, Starbright etc.” I make my wish, stare a little and then move on until the next time. What Jamey did here was bring my childhood poem to life and an interest now in what happens above. A love for the stars has her latest protagonist Celeste Starr, heading to an observatory deep in Texas. At her last overnight stop, enjoying a drink at the bar, Celeste notices a beautiful woman glancing at her. Esse comes over to Celeste and after some small talk they head to Esse’s room. Not sharing info for a one night stand, the woman share a magical and unforgettable night and go on there way. But the stars are aligned and magic happens. Jamey’s use of music that plays in the background of our minds during her scenes adds a touch of sentimentality. From the opening pages the chemistry between these two women is hot. There is no other way to say this. But the written “love” scenes are some of the best words Jamey has put down. I think this is the best story Jamey has written. I love this author and highly recommend this book.


256 reviews6 followers
March 1, 2025
This is another wonderful book by Jamey Moody. If you ever need to feel good, read a book by Jamey. The two MC'S have a random meeting in a hotel bar. Celeste and Esse feel an immediate connection. And they decide to spend a spicy, lovely evening together. They go their separate ways in the morning, not even exchanging numbers. But they meet up again in Ft Davis. Their hearts keep drawing them to each other. This is such a warm, uplifting story. But I do enjoy the spicy scenes. I highly recommend this book. Enjoy.
26 reviews
February 22, 2025
Astronomer Celeste and businesswoman Esse find themselves at a hotel bar in Dallas, Texas in the middle of a snowstorm. Esse notices Celeste smiling at her and goes over to meet her. They end up in Esse’s hotel room for what each believes is a one night stand. They both feel a connection to each other. But when morning comes, Celeste walks out of the room and leaves Esse behind; never to see her again, or so they think. Celeste gets to her destination in a remote mountain town in west Texas, where she’ll be doing groundbreaking research and she unknowingly walks into Esse’s hotel! Follow their journey from the scorching beginning to love they find together.

I’ve read every book Jamey has written and I honestly believe that Wish Upon a Rainbow Star is her best book yet! This book is a must read and if you haven’t read any of her other stories this is a great place to start!

I received an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review and I honestly love this book!
308 reviews5 followers
March 1, 2025
This a beautiful story about destiny and what's meant to be. Celeste and Esse meet in a randomly seemingly way but that turns out to not be the case. Sometimes destiny is indeed written in the stars. This book was such a delight to read.
I received an advance review copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Marian.
334 reviews
February 23, 2025
This story is beautiful in more than one aspect. The Stars and the characters. I liked the talking about te stars and the paintings. They both meant a lot to Celeste and Estelle:) The love is a constant in Jamey Moody's book and that gives me warm and pleasant feeling.
Profile Image for Lori.
150 reviews
February 18, 2025
I really enjoyed this story. I'm always a fan of books with characters who have real life relationship issues without a lot of angst. This one delivered exactly that. Celeste and Esse meet in a hotel bar and have a one night stand never expecting to see the other again. Instead, they're both happily surprised to cross paths in a small town, each having regretted not getting the other's contact information. The astronomy in this book is so well researched, I might dig out my childhood telescope some weekend. If you like sapphic romance with very little angst, I recommend this.

I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Rowan.
310 reviews3 followers
February 15, 2025
Another fabulous book from Ms Moody, whose books just get better and better.
Astronomer, Celeste, has a layover on her way to begin a research project in the mountains. She decides to kill time by going to the hotel bar.
There she meets Esse and they hit it off and spend the night together. In the morning they leave each other without getting any contact details, which they both regret.
Celeste then begins to travel to her destination amidst terrible weather. She finally gets there and is met at the hotel by none other than Esse, who is the hotel manager.
They both feel this is more than coincidence, but fate and there starts a lovely romance.
As always with Ms Moody, there is minimum aghast and maximum romance, A lovely read which i would highly recommend.
Profile Image for Sha.
206 reviews1 follower
February 22, 2025
OK, so the first thing you should know is - there's an open-door sex scene right off the bat, in the first chapter. After that, everything falls into place in a "One Night into Forever" trope that is well-written and draws you in as you read.

Now, for the rest of the book :)
This book dares to paint a fantastical picture of a universe that purposefully joins two people together and inspires them both by depicting their journey in the sky for all to see. The stars both mimic and inspire the couple's journey toward each other and they have no choice but to follow.
A true love, one night into forever romance story becomes a declaration of faith. Faith in friends and family that will come through for you, faith that the universe has a plan and people are led to where they should be, faith in the world - as a holistic experience that connects everything and everyone.

I think this is a good (and quite rare) example of how an author can justify insta-love, or "love at first sight," which is a trope I dislike because it is so unbelievable. Jamey Moody takes it up a notch and gives us a well-rounded story about a couple that starts with one night and then circumstances bring them together just after they realize they want more... More of that other person, more of that one night... So when they get the chance to be together again, they both embrace the opportunity and never look back.
I loved it!

(And the constant reference to a certain Billie Eilish song absolutely killed me!
For me, as a reader, it was great fun (and funny!) to watch how Moody used a simple reference to spice things up in an otherwise mostly "clean" romance. )

I read this book in the winter, over a few days that were cold, rainy, and depressing. But this book felt like a warm duvet that wrapped around me, providing emotional cover against the elements, and I don't mean just the weather... This book made me laugh and look differently at the night sky. It was wonderful.
This story shows all the magic of stargazing and astronomy without getting lost in the technical terms. It shows how art and life and science can blend to create moments of pure charm.
This book is like a heated swimming pool on a cold winter night - I encourage you to delve in and swim away. I am sure that like me, you will never look at the night sky the same way.
Embrace it and learn to love the stars!

To conclude: I heartily recommend reading this book, I believe it is one of the best Moody has ever written and it was a wonderful journey to watch her writing evolve in the last few years. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series.

Rating: 4.5 stars
Profile Image for Women Using Words.
483 reviews67 followers
March 18, 2025
Jamey Moody’s Wish Upon a Rainbow Star is a captivating sapphic romance that explores the magic of human connection and the irresistible pull of destiny. At its core, Wish Upon a Rainbow Star is a love story about fate and finding that person that is your perfect fit—your other half. Centered around enchanting characters, Moody crafts a novel that makes readers believe love is truly written in the stars.

At its heart, Wish Upon a Rainbow Star follows two women whose paths were meant to cross. Celeste Starr, a talented and ambitious astronomer, is on the verge of a career-defining breakthrough when a layover in Dallas introduces her to Esse Perkins, a charming Southern woman with a voice that could make anyone swoon. What begins as a casual encounter ignites into a passionate night that neither woman can seem to forget.

Moody excels at scripting romances like these; they are warm and tender with relatable characters. In Wish Upon a Rainbow Star, she manages to capture the essence of Celeste and Esse’s journey, exploring themes of destiny, the pursuit of dreams, and the transformative power of love. As the two women learn to balance their aspirations with their feelings for each other, they discover that sometimes, the stars align in unexpected ways, leading to a love that transcends distance and time.

In addition to capturing a romance that’s heartfelt and tender, Moody skillfully integrates themes of resilience and hope throughout the narrative. The snowstorm that Celeste battles acts as a powerful metaphor for life’s challenges, reflecting the emotional path one must navigate during difficult times. Celeste and Esse’s reunion stands as a testament to the idea that love, despite the seemingly insurmountable obstacles, possesses the ability to reveal new avenues toward joy, happiness, and love.

Final remarks…

Wish Upon a Rainbow Star is a celebration of the magic of love and what happens when the stars align. Penned with care, authenticity, and heart, Moody captures Celeste and Esse’s love story with a sweetness that feels genuine and tenderly relatable. If you’re one that likes your romances steamy and dreamy, then this low angst tale is for you.

Strengths…

A sweet, feel-good romance
Likable, well-developed characters
Low angst
Steamy chemistry
Satisfying HEA
43 reviews2 followers
February 9, 2025
Celeste Starr is a brilliant astronomer on the way to West Texas for a potentially groundbreaking research project. As a child her mom was a free spirit that moved them as the wind blew. That is until her aunt took her in and provided a stable home life. But it seemed that Celeste was destined to roam, as well. Whether it was traveling to another university to teach the next generation of astronomers or to different observatory for a new project, she never quite settled down.

Esse Perkins's family has lived in Ft. Davis for generations and she’s never found a reason to leave, either. Instead, she is the dutiful daughter running the family owned hotel and restaurant.

When the two of them meet in a hotel bar in Dallas, both know it will be a one night stand. But the universe has a plan for them, if only they are willing to believe.

Celeste and Esse are so cute and sweet together. They’re smart. They’re talented. The support they show each other is relationship goals! The friends, especially Esse’s BFF, are the perfect complements. Comic relief—check. Advice—check. Unwavering loyalty—check!

The obvious amount of research that has gone into describing the stars, the constellations and the workings of the galaxy is impressive. And the photos included at the end of the book are awesome!

Wish Upon a Rainbow Star is a low-angst, one night to forever, sapphic romance that is a perfect escape from the crazy of now. Oh, yeah…and the spice is pretty hot! 🔥🔥🔥🔥
79 reviews1 follower
February 23, 2025

I am always excited for a Jamey Moody book because I know I will be entertained by an awesome wlw story and that’s exactly what Wishing on a Rainbow Star is…awesome! I love stories that deal with fate or destiny. Celeste and Esse seem destined for each other and fated for one another. When Celeste & Esse first meet the chemistry is off the charts and the result is smokin hot! They share a toe curling night of passion and it’s clear their connection is special. However, both women believe that their encounter was to be a fleeting night of pleasure but nothing more. Boy were they wrong! And I’m so glad they were! Celeste and Esse meet once again in a surprise encounter at Esse’s family hotel and it’s clear fate has spoken. The rest of the story follows two beautiful women whose love is to be envied.

I absolutely loved this story! The characters were authentic and deep. The story was sweet, so hot, and truly beautiful. Thank you again Jamey Moody for giving me an incredible story that I couldn’t put down and will definitely be re-reading. I couldn’t recommend this story more!! Now comes the hard part…anxiously awaiting the next book.

Received ARC and happily leaving honest review.
Profile Image for Debbie Fahlman.
100 reviews4 followers
February 9, 2025
Another enjoyable book by Jamey Moody and she never fails to deliver!

Celeste & Esse meet in a bar and figure they will never meet again so they have a one-night tryst. However, that one night stayed in the forefront of each of their minds. Celeste is a “star gazer” heading to a conservatory for an astronomy project with her mentor, in Texas and Esse is headed back home to Texas to work at the family hotel.

Esse’s family has been in the area for generations and even though Esse would love to leave, she stays to help her family.

Imagine their surprise when Celeste shows up at the hotel and is greeted by Esse!

Celeste never had a great life growing up, always moving around from one place to the next until she lived with her aunt. She studied hard and was well known in her field.

Join these two women as they determine what each one means to each other, if anything.

I received an ARC from the author
1,270 reviews
February 17, 2025
A heartwarming story from the loving pen of Jamey Moody, Esse, the owner of a hotel with the soul of an artist, and brilliant astronomer Celeste were truly destined for each other. Although the book felt a little steamier than some of her other books, the sex scenes were fun and loving.

I truly loved both characters who brought out the best in each other and opened their hearts to a much bigger universe than either had ever experienced before. I also really enjoyed the secondary characters and hope to meet up with them again one day.

Jamey must have done a great deal of research and preparation to explain the beautiful, and ever changing, night sky without it ever being too technical. This reader can always count on her writing to be warm, tender and full of possibilities - just like the gorgeous cover and pictures at the end of the book.

This is truly a winner. I LOVED it and HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!
205 reviews2 followers
May 11, 2025
Jamey Moody’s Wish Upon a Rainbow Star introduces Esse Perkins, a small city Texas hotelier and avid stargazer, and Celeste Starr, a respected astronomer.

When Celeste flies to Dallas on the first leg of a research trip, the two meet serendipitously at a hotel bar and spend a hot night together, presumably the only time they’ll ever see each other.

But fate and sapphic fiction authors have other plans because Celeste’s project takes her to Esse’s hometown of Ft. Davis. The potentially career-making research project is scheduled at the observatory a short drive outside the tiny rural town.

Before she can reach the observatory, a snowstorm fortuitously traps Celeste in Ft . Davis and at Esse’s hotel specifically, so the pair are able to explore their attraction more fully.

Moody’s created another romantic story that presents likable characters, an enticing storyline, and good reasons to add it to your TBR pile.
57 reviews2 followers
February 25, 2025
This is hopefully the first book in a new series! I enjoyed this book right out the gate and it does not disappoint. Celeste and Esse have a hot one night together thinking they will not see each other again. But fate or the stars had different plans for them. Luckily they cross paths again in a small town and pick up where they left off. This book has all the spice as well as the feels. I enjoyed learning about the MCs and the stars thru this story.

This is another winner and would definitely recommend it to my fellow readers.
I received an ARC and leaving a review voluntarily.
542 reviews3 followers
April 18, 2025
When the world becomes a challenging place and you just need a place to rest, pick up one of Jamey's books - any of them. I love gentle romance, with low angst between the couple but complex characters finding their strengths and weaknesses together - Jamey delivers. This one is no different. A story of two wounded women who appear to be opposites but actually the missing parts of each other. Complete and successful individually but so much more together. Wonderful characters, beautiful backdrop for a very interesting story.
89 reviews1 follower
February 22, 2025
This was a very cute story about how a one-night stand turned into a beautiful love story. One woman was deep into her work about stars and the other woman was a small town hotel owner. However, the cosmos had something else in mind for these two women. Jamey has written an easy-to-read-can’t-put-it-down book. The story flowed easily and I was very happy with how the book ended. I highly recommend this book and I can’t wait for the rest of the books in this series!
304 reviews2 followers
November 24, 2025
I was looking for light and fluffy after the intensity of the previous trilogy I read and this certainly fitted the bill! It’s a simple story of one night leading to forever as astronomer Celeste and would-be artist Esse meet, have one memorable night together and then unexpectedly, but to the pleasure of both of them, meet again in a serendipitous manner. There’s some sex but minimal drama and it all ends as you would hope.
821 reviews19 followers
February 5, 2025
Wow how much swooning can you get in a book the main characters make you fall in love with them they are so connected to each other's needs understanding love and support. They cherish their love aswell as making sure the blossom together it's a beautiful crafted gem a must-read congratulations
Profile Image for Lorraine Rusnack.
1,128 reviews32 followers
February 22, 2025
Stars in their eyes

I am so glad this is going to be a series. I loved learning about the stars with Celeste right along with Esse. The two really heat up the pages from the beginning. They are fated to meet again and even though Esse has been through this with other stargazers things are different with Celeste. A wonderful romance under the stars that I couldn't put down. I look forward to the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews

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