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Light in the Dark #4

When Constellations Form

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First came marriage…
Then came love…
Now comes baby in a baby carriage.
So, at least we did one thing in order, right?

It’s been three years since Xander and Thea’s impromptu Vegas wedding. Since then, they’ve dealt with family drama, his grueling NFL schedule, and her college classes. Now that Thea’s graduated from college, it’s finally time for them to move out and start their life together.

Things couldn’t be any more perfect.

And then a curveball is thrown their way.

Midnight feedings and a screaming infant wasn’t a part of Thea’s five-year plan, but, suddenly, it’s very much her soon-to-be reality. Xander is thrilled at the prospect of parenthood while Thea can’t wrap her head around it.

But, ready or not, here comes baby.

Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 2017

78 people are currently reading
817 people want to read

About the author

Micalea Smeltzer

82 books6,672 followers
Micalea Smeltzer is an author from Northern Virginia. Her two dogs, Ollie and Remy, are her constant companions. As a kidney transplant recipient she's dedicated to raising awareness around the effects of kidney disease, dialysis, and transplant as well as educating people on living donation. When she's not writing you can catch her with her nose buried in a book.

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5 stars
216 (42%)
4 stars
186 (36%)
3 stars
78 (15%)
2 stars
17 (3%)
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10 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
Profile Image for Anna Doe.
Author 38 books1,928 followers
April 10, 2017
* 4 lemon stars *

When Constellations Form is book #4 in Light in the Dark series. It's the second book about Thea and Xander, so at least you should read When Stars Collide before you start with this one.
Other books:
1. Rae of Sunshine: review
2. When Stars Collide: review
3. Dark Hearts: review.

Like I said before, this is the 2nd book about Thea and Xander. We got a time jump in the future. Fast forward 3 years after the end of Dark Hearts and girls are graduating from college, Cade & Rae, Xander & Thea are all moving out of the house they shared to live separate, adult lives. Everything is changing in their lives and it worries Thea a lot. Living alone, Xander being away because of the job, her finding a job etc. is making Thea go hysterical. Add to the mix unexpected pregnancy and you have recipe for disaster.

This was funny, "light" read.

I can really relate to most of Thea's worries, especially concerning her future as an individual. Finishing college and entering adult life is hard and stressful. What I didn't quite like is that she wasn't happy about having a baby. I get it, it wasn't exactly planned, but hello girl, you have been married for 3 years, you've known each other your whole lives, how much longer did you plan to wait? That's what confuses me. With time she overcomes her fear and is happy that she's having a baby. There is a lot of crazy-so-Thea-like situations in the book. Her cravings and demands are funny. My favorite scene was Thea asking Jace to go out with her because everybody else was busy. Another thing I didn't quite like is that she decides, in the end, she wants to be stay at home mom. She was so independent and wanted to work, I expected her to work at least part time in the shop she worked during her pregnancy, but I guess it's different for me. In Europe, it's so normal that moms (and dads) work full time while kids are in kindergarten.

Xander was Xander. He was so good and sweet and he did everything to make it easy on Thea and help her with her overcome her fears. Like, if there is some manual with the perfect husband, Xander's picture is probably next to the definition.

I think this was really sweet conclusion to the Thea and Xander's story. I can totally imagine them having five kids, all of them girls (because, why not?), and living happily in their big house with Prue.

Now I'm impatiently waiting for the last book in the series, the 2nd book for Nova and Jace. There was a blurb at the end of When Constellations Form and it broke my heart. Who will be able to sit still until Broken Hearts and my favorite couple are live?!?!


Profile Image for Heather andrews.
9,520 reviews161 followers
April 9, 2017
Xander knows when he needs to butter up his woman, "he chuckles. “A very cute—” I glare. “Sexy,” he amends, “smart, psycho.” Xander takes care of his girl when she's being carried caveman style in a dress, “don’t worry, I’ll make sure the goods are covered.” He then uses his very large hand to cover my crotch and butt." I loved this book, I loved Xander and Thea and was so excited to get another book about them.
Profile Image for Brina.
407 reviews87 followers
May 18, 2017
2 - 2.5 Stars

This review may contain potential SPOILERS


I love Micalea and her books, I seriously do but When Constellations Form was a let-down, unfortunately.
I'm totally in love with Rae of Sunshine (book 1) and Dark Hearts (book 3) in this series, but not with When Stars Collide (book 2) and this one here.

The plot itself was nice but nothing too special. Thea gets unexpectedly pregnant and we follow her and her husband Xander on their pregnancy journey. The story takes a little while until it is revealed that she is pregnant, tho. Besides the pregnancy reveal nothing else exciting happens.

We first get to know Thea in Rae of Sunshine and she was already a handful there. She is even worse in When Stars Collide and in When Constellations Form, at least that's my personal opinion. She's a total fashionista, which is fine, but does she have to say/think that so often? Why does she need to get dressed and have to paint her face for two hours only to go out shopping?! And why is wearing a dress with flats blasphemy?! -.-
I also think that Thea is very snobby and likes to brag about it. I know that she and Xander have lots and lots of money but does she need to give snarky comments from her? Her comment or rather thought toward Cade and Rae's smaller and cozier apartment was uncalled for. What is so bad about having a smaller apartment? Even Xander's comment toward Thea "I'm glad we have a real home" shocked me. Why is an apartment not a "Home"? Only because it has no front or backyard and is not two stories high?! The majority of the people on earth can't afford a mansion in the suburbs, a second mansion in the mountains and three vehicles!
Thea is also very childish and annoying. I know she's only 23 and I'm pretty sure that I was very childish with 23, too but some comments were too much. Her behavior got old very quick. And I didn't like how she always got the last word in every single conversation or disagreement. And she always told Xander he was a freak for prefering M&M McFlurry's instead of her Oreo McFlurry. So what?! Everyone should eat what they want without being judged by it. And also her comments to Rae about Cade. She asked her at least 4 times in this novel "Are you sure you want to marry that stupid brother of mine? It's still time to leave!" Gosh! I know it's supposed go be funny and all but it was only annoying.
And she's so overly dramatic... Man...
I seriously don't get why Xander is married to this girl. What does he see in her? I am totally on Jace's side. He thinks she's totally annoying and he is right about that!

The story also contains a lot of sentences that were repeated over and over again in this book. Thea often said stuff like "I'm pregnant so I get to do it" or "And I'm crying, because hormones!" or "I'm carrying a human inside me after all!" And also sentences like "That's us, we are crazy, but I wouldn't have it any other way!" and "Shopping is my therapy ". All those repetitions made me think: did Micalea even know she was repeating all those sentences in every few chapters in one way or the other?

The only positive thing about the story were Nova, Jace but especially Rae and Cade. I love those two and I was glad to catch up with them.

The more I think about the novel, the more I dislike it. I feel really bad for giving this book only 2 - 2.5 stars but Micalea can do so much better!!
This book is definitely for Micalea fans only!
Profile Image for Angie McGuire.
1,126 reviews13 followers
April 1, 2017
Amazing read

Ohhh Xander... You bring the best out of BBFs. I love to read about men in love. I mean truly soul clenching love, which is what Xander feels for Thea. You can feel it with every word. I loved reading about this next chapter in their lives!!!

With Cade, Rae, Nova, and Jace how can a book be boring. But throw in highly anal Thea, with a loving Xander and you get a spellbinding book. They had me cracking up a lot, especially with everyone pitching in with the laughter. It was great to have them all together; However, Thea pregnant???? That is a story in itself. It was wonderful to see her transform throughout this book. I loved that part the most.

This book is 100 perfect recommended. If I could give out more stars I would, but I implore you to read this book.
Profile Image for Livros A Go-Go ~Joyci ~.
470 reviews25 followers
April 23, 2017
2,5
É sequencia de um dos casais dessa série, e por esse fato já indica que é desnecessário mais um livrodeles.
Para quem gosta de ler sobre todas as gerações possíveis de determinado casal é bom, mas foi sem graça. Aquio casal comemora 3 anos de casados e descobrem que estão grávidos logo após a graduação dela...o livro é pequeno e a maioria dos capítulos são acontecimentos triviais e o avanço da gravidez até o parto...
"boringgg"
Profile Image for Ashley Holbert.
614 reviews53 followers
September 29, 2020
Overall Opinion: Let me preface this with I don't think this book was right for me. I really enjoyed Thea and Xander's first book, so of course I wanted to find out what happened next. However, domestic books are not it for me. The only plot in this book was that Thea and Xander were expecting a baby, and I found that boring. Don't get me wrong, there were some parts that I found cute and fun to read.

Rating: 2.5/5 stars
Profile Image for Elsie.
573 reviews
April 2, 2017
I loved this book. It's impossible not to fall in love with Xander and Xander woth a baby... Just swoon. Thea is her funny, crazy self a little more now with a baby. Sometimes she went a little overboard but hormones, what can we do.

This nice group of people is awesome and you can't help falling for them. There are moments in this book where you laugh and others you can't help crying but beautiful all the way.

I'd still like more of Rae and Cade cause I miss them and fell they're a little left out and I can't wait for Jace and Nova's next story.
Profile Image for Karen.
323 reviews7 followers
April 19, 2017
Just OK

My least favorite in the series. First of all, I find Thea a bit annoying. For instance: she complains about Xander spending money (because he won't be in the NFL forever and they need to save their money wisely), yet she has a shopping addiction. Several things are repeated over and over: Thea's love of Oreo mcflurries over the m&m ones Xander prefers. Thea crying over everything because of her hormones. Thea being scared she won't be a good mother. We get these things - why did they need to be said constantly? I liked seeing the other characters again but sadly, I found Thea more and more irritating as time went on.
Profile Image for Virna.
3,175 reviews4 followers
April 6, 2017
I wanted this one to be so much better than it ended up being. There are parts of the book I love and parts I hate. The heroine was awful, a little immature, her indecisiveness wasn't an adorable character trait, not her jokes to her brother or dramatic about everything he do. Everything is about a plan and staying on that path. However, her life comes crashing down around her when she find out she is pregnant, she whine a lot, cry all the time and her therapy is shopping all the time and bother her family. She eventually calmed down and began a life she and Xander could share and be happy about, but this was not good.
1,072 reviews8 followers
April 3, 2017
Ok

This was just ok for me. Thea has never been my favorite character so it kind of makes sense that I would still find her frustrating. I was hoping that she would have matured since three years had passed. It was a sweet book and I think those who loved this couple in their first book will really love it. I found it a little boring.
Profile Image for Kendall {Book Crazy}.
1,475 reviews
July 28, 2017
I read Xander and Thea’s book quite a while ago! I loved it and couldn't wait to read more on them! I could remember some of what happened in their book as it was the second book in this series, but luckily I had just read the third book before this one and they made plenty of appearances in that book lol, so it brought their story up-to-date! After reading, I can say that I loved this book! It continued the characters story perfectly and I obviously knew what was going to happen in it because of the cover and synopsis lol! It tells you that there's a new addition for the main characters, and this made me even more excited to read it! The plot also developed at the perfect pace and had me desperate to read on! It only took me a few sittings to read and I was reading a few more chapters every chance I had! There also wasn't any suspense or action in the plot, but the romance was definitely enough to make me want to read on! There were a few seriously hot scenes in the plot too! The characters were again amazing and made this book even better! Thea was the main female character, and she went through quite a shock in this book when she found out she was pregnant! She felt she wasn't ready for a baby, so she did have doubts and was scared! I'd be scared too, so I could understand where she was coming from! Thea came a long way in this book though and she grew more confident and ready for a baby! I just loved Thea and she was very easy for me to connect with! I loved the way she was with her love interest too! She loved him so much and they were perfect for each other! Xander was the main male character and love interest of Thea! I loved Xander a lot in this book and he was seriously hot! Xander did so much for Thea in this book too lol! My heart did go out to him because Thea was slightly crazy lol, but he did everything for her without complaint! He was just so in love with her and he treated her like she was his world! It was seriously cute! Xander was also excited about the prospect of being a father, and he helped Thea come to terms with a baby! This made me love him even more! I loved that this book was written from both Xander and Thea's point of views! I was expecting it to be because the other books in this series have been written from dual point of view, so I was hoping that this book was going to be too! It helped me connect more with both characters and it allowed for more things to happen in the plot! I also can't wait to read the next book in this series! I know that it's going to focus on the main characters from the third book, so I can't wait to see how their story is going to end! They also made appearances in this book, which continued their story a bit! I also have an ARC of the next book, so I'm definitely going to be making it my next read! The cover for this book is also stunning! I love it a lot and it would definitely make me want to pick the book up! I also didn't think that it had the same models on it as the ones that appear on the cover for the second book, but it does! The image is also just perfect for the book and is so cute!
Profile Image for Erika Maki.
1,232 reviews24 followers
February 26, 2022
I liked this novel, but it was just okay for me. This is the second novel about Xander and Thea. It’s now been three years since Xander and Thea got married in Vegas, and Cade and Rae and Xander and Thea are moving out of the house they shared during college to start their separate, adult lives. Circumstances are changing in their lives, and it worries Thea a lot. She lives alone most of the time since Xander is away due to his career in the NFL and trying to find a job post college is making her go crazy. Add an unexpected pregnancy, and things could get insane.

Xander is thrilled to be a dad, but it takes Thea a long time to adjust to the idea of wanting the baby. She wanted to have a child someday, she just didn’t expect it to happen so soon before she had the chance to get her life together. Thea being pregnant was too funny. She was a little annoying, but her cravings and demands were crazy and a little out there. My main problem was the fact that she ultimately decided to be a stay-at-home mom. She was so independent and had an idea of what work she wanted to do in the future, but then she just gave up on the idea once she became a mother. Mothers have the power to work while taking care of children, so I upset that Thea didn’t choose that.

Xander was incredible in this story. He was the main reason why I pushed myself to read this story since an unexpected pregnancy is the trope I hate the most in romance novels. He was such a sweet and caring husband who did everything he could to help Thea overcome her fears about becoming a mom. The story was just okay for me. While Thea was funny, she was also high maintenance and a lot to take sometimes.

I’m nervous about Jace and Nova’s follow-up instalment Broken Hearts. The first novel about them was emotional and somewhat heartbreaking, so I’m expecting to be emotionally eviscerated by this novel. I really hope everything turns out okay for them. It looks like they might have a difficult road ahead. I just want to wrap them up tight. They’ve both already experienced their fair share of challenges from their pasts. I don’t want anything bad to happen to my favourite couple in this series, but I’m curious to see where this upcoming novel takes their story. Despite Xander and Thea being my least favourite, I really like this friend group. I could see myself reading more by Micalea Smeltzer in the future.
Profile Image for Arceli.
1,554 reviews10 followers
November 4, 2017
You can see this review at Soaring Up High

This book is such a sweet sequel to When Stars Collide! It is just as steamy and just so much more adorable.

When Constellations Form takes place three years after When Stars Collide. Xander is in the NFL and Thea is going to graduate college. Things seem great until: bam the baby.

This book was a really nice addition. It was really awesome to see one of my favorite couples have a family and all grown up. There are a lot of changes between them, but they are so much nicer and sweeter.

I really loved Thea and Xander in this novel. Thea is so snarky and has such a potty mouth. I love that she is a girly girl, however, it does not make her shallow. Thea was a hilarious character in this novel. She and her quirks. I loved so many scenes. When she annoys certain characters just for the heck of it, it is so funny. My favorite part is seeing pregnant Thea. Her cravings and pregnancy stuff hahaha! Xander is extremely sweet in this novel. I love that he is a family man and just loves Thea. He is not a wimp, but is focused on his career and taking care of Thea. His constant belief in Thea makes him one of my top book boyfriends in this entire series . When Thea has her self doubts about being a mother, man his constant belief in her just blew me away.

The secondary characters were really awesome. We get to visit other character from the series. I love getting glimpses of Rae, Cade, Jace, and Nova. Also, they are just such an awesome gang! In addition, the parents are just such sweet hearhearts.

Plotwise, this book was quiet fast paced. It was divided into the stages of pregnancy. I liked that it did this, but I felt that all we did get was glimpses of moments. I felt that it made the book quiet choppy. We were in one scene, and then I was left wondering what happened.

Romance wise, though, I really loved that Thea and Xander have grown so much. It is still steamy and sweet, however, it is very realistic. Smeltzer does a really good job portraying young parents.

Overall, this book is extremely sweet . It felt more of an epilogue, but it’s a great closure for those who ship Thea and Xander! Great job, Smeltzer!
59 reviews1 follower
April 12, 2024
Oh my god this was so boring. We didn’t need a whole book about these 2 having a kid. Seriously this could have been a novella or even just mentioned in one of the other books that they had a surprise pregnancy.
I kept reading cause I thought maybe the story was going to start eventually, but no. Literally a whole book about being pregnant.
I cannot believe what they named their baby.
Shocked that they bathed the baby right after it came out. Ours didn’t get bathed until a few days after, is that just an Aussie thing?
Also I have never heard of anyone leaving their 2 week old baby to go out for dinner. Especially your first baby.
It also annoyed me how everything was just perfect for them. They really just annoyed me.
Thea is a snob. She’s mad at Xander for going and buying a new car but she is always shopping. She judged Rae and Cade on the size of their apartment.
I’m looking forward to reading the next one as Jace and Nova are actually interesting characters. Here’s hoping it’s not a snooze-fest like this one.

Side note: were these books proofread? There are so many grammatical errors and spelling mistakes!
Profile Image for Just Another Perfectionist .
117 reviews366 followers
June 16, 2017
rating
I really love the "Light in the dark" series, so I was VERY excited to read the second book about Xander & Thea.

"First came marriage…
Then came love…
Now comes baby in a baby carriage.
So, at least we did one thing in order, right?"

Story: 5/5 - I really loved the way it was unfolding, that unique mix between sweet and funny. Micalea did an amazing job again! (Duh, wouldn't expect anything else!)
Characters: 5/5 - Xander and Thea are definitely among my favourite couples, they have this way of always keeping things interesting.
For me, this story proved once again how perfect are Xander and Thea for each other!! #fangirl
quote
If you're a fan of sweet, funny and hot reads, I would highly recommend this one to you!
3,768 reviews7 followers
June 30, 2017
This is the 4th book in the series and the 2nd book that tells Xander and Thea's story. This time, Thea is pregnant. And not happy about it.

I felt like this story was ok, but it really could have been a novella and not a whole novel. I found myself skimming some of it because it was repetitious, but then I felt that way about Xander and Thea's first book. Their books so far are my least favorite in the series. Maybe I just don't really like Thea that much. She's too obnoxious for me. And Xander is just too good to be true, it's almost annoying.

I really liked Cade and Rea's story and Jace and Nova's. I see that the next book is Jace and Nova's 2nd book and it will probably deal with them trying to have kids. I am looking forward to that. I feel like Cade and Rea are almost a non entity at this point in the story, so who knows if they will get a second book also. I hope so because I find their characters very interesting, both of them damaged. I would like to see how Cade feels about being a Dad since he was physically abused by his own Dad.

Profile Image for Keely.
26 reviews2 followers
April 18, 2024
Absolutely loved this book. This has all of the same characters that have been in the other books of this series. Was such a light and good read. I love the way this author writes. Easy to get into and follow along.

“because when you love someone you stand beside them and hold them up, you don’t fight them.”
Profile Image for Cori Mcgowen.
235 reviews
January 18, 2020
💕 Xander and Thea

I really enjoyed catching up with Xander and Thea, it was fun to watch them go through the pregnancy. I would have loved and epilogue and few years in the future to see what they were up to then, though.
Profile Image for SGLovesReading.
580 reviews30 followers
September 17, 2020
4.5 Xael stars!!!

I loved this book so much, so sensitive, heartwarming and funny. The banter was pure fun, I couldn't stop smiling! And Xander was such a sweetheart, loved him!

DEFINITELY RECOMMEND!!!
Profile Image for Bobby Jo.
167 reviews4 followers
November 10, 2021
Love

I love how what they are both feeling and what they go through is similar to what I felt becoming a parent for the first time. I felt connected to the characters and felt like they were someone who I would know in my personal life
Profile Image for Becca Whaley.
1,643 reviews5 followers
July 18, 2018
I love how Xander is always there and always puts Thea first. Not that she would have it any other way lol. I love their whole relationship and the closeness of family with all these friends
27 reviews
March 18, 2019
Great story!

I loved reading more about Thea and Xander! I’m really hoping for another book about Rae and Cade though! Loved the entire series thus far.
114 reviews1 follower
September 10, 2024
beautiful

Thea and Xander as parents is just a beautiful story and I know that little girl is going to have them wrapped around her finger
Profile Image for Deanna.
3,669 reviews56 followers
August 20, 2025
It was fun catching up with Thea and Xander, but Thea was too much for me in this book. she was so over the top. I don't remember her being this bad in the other books. I would have gone nuts if I was Xander.
Profile Image for Jordan.
684 reviews
May 10, 2017
A perfect blend of sweet, sexy and funny.

Thea & Xander have gone through a lot over the years. Friends, marriage, admitting their feelings for each other, they went a little backwards in their love story. They went down a crazy road of a quick marriage and then having to sort out all the feelings and decisions about their lives after being married. This next step in their journey is a surprise. They had the next few years planned out. And a baby wasn't in the cards right now. While Xander is over the moon happy, and ready. Thea fears what being a mother will be like. She doesn't want to fail. But the more she thinks about a baby with Xander, and how the future will change for them, she just knows together they can make it. That they will be amazing parents. Because anything Thea & Xander face, they face together, with their love, and with their family.

Micalea Smletzer knows how to keep you entertained through out the whole story. Their is never a dull moment with Thea & Xander. Thea is one of the funniest, says it like it is, no filter, kinda of character, I have ever read. I love her! And Xander, Swoon! Xander is the perfect match for Thea. He is a great balance to her crazy. Together these two will make you laugh at their antics, and witty banter. Fall in love with their beautiful love story, and the love they share for one another. And even tear up a little. When Constellations Form was a fantastic story.

*JordansBookReveiws*
Profile Image for Becca.
687 reviews54 followers
March 31, 2017
Micalea Smeltzer serves up the next installment in Xander and Thea’s story with When Constellations Form. This sassy, sweet and totally addictive read is the perfect ending for this inimitable couple. Micalea Smeltzer had me falling in love with Xander and Thea all over again, and as much as I wanted to devour this novel, I also never wanted it to end. Xander and Thea’s chemistry is as potent as ever, sizzling from the pages and keeping me grinning from start to finish. I absolutely adored seeing them settled into their happily ever after and ready to take on the next chapter in their lives, however unexpected it may have been.

Xander and Thea were as charming as ever, but with the challenge of impending parenthood before them, readers got to discover entirely new sides to both characters. Xander’s excitement at the prospect of becoming a father and his devotion to Thea and determination to help her see what an incredible mom she would be just about slayed me. He had me swooning with his sensitivity, thoughtfulness, and numerous displays of unconditional love. While so much of this novel captured the typical, crazy Thea I had come to adore, Micalea Smeltzer further developed this character, giving her a depth that was both surprising and completely satisfying. The self-doubt she exhibited captured my heart. However, it was Thea’s resolve to give her child everything she never had that really stuck with me. This fierce and serious side to Thea absolutely blew me away and in the end, left me totally smitten with this lovable heroine.

I loved every moment of Xander and Thea’s journey in this novel, laughing my way through Thea’s pregnancy and shedding a few tears as they grew into amazing parents. To make matters even sweeter, we get plenty more of Rae, Cade, Nova and Jace too. By the time all was said and done, I was bursting with the love I have for this fictional little family. When Constellations Form was smart, hilarious, incredibly heartfelt and uniquely Xander and Thea. Micalea Smeltzer is unquestionably at her best with this novel, delivering the final piece of this couple’s unforgettable journey with plenty of raw emotion, sparkling wit, and delightful banter. When Constellations Form is a fantastic addition to the Light in the Dark series and the perfect conclusion to Xander and Thea’s beautifully unique story.
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