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The Astronaut and the Star
An out-of-this-world romantic comedy featuring an astronaut tasked with training a Hollywood actor for a space flick.
Astronaut Regina “Reggie” Hayes wants to be the first woman on the moon—it’s all she’s ever dreamed of. But after a PR disaster, Reggie is off the list for a lunar mission. To rehabilitate her reputation with NASA, she agrees to a different kind of assignment: astronaut “training” with a Hollywood action hero.
Jon Leo is a charmer. With credits that include an underperforming sitcom and a campy action flick called Space Dude, his upcoming role in a prestigious movie could prove he’s a star. But Jon isn’t just big muscles and an otherworldly smile—he’s also a total space nerd. He’s pumped about his own personal space camp…until he meets ice-cold Reggie.
Although Reggie and Jon are polar opposites, their mutual attraction is undeniable, and it only takes a few weeks in close quarters for them to give in to its magnetic force. Jon is set on convincing Reggie this is a match made in the heavens, but her future is in space, and his is among stars of the Hollywood kind. The odds of successfully launching a real relationship outside the confines of the training base are anything but optimal.
Reggie, content with keeping things casual, is forced by a sudden turn of events to confront the possibility of losing Jon forever. Now, she’ll do whatever it takes to win both the man and the moon.
Astronaut Regina “Reggie” Hayes wants to be the first woman on the moon—it’s all she’s ever dreamed of. But after a PR disaster, Reggie is off the list for a lunar mission. To rehabilitate her reputation with NASA, she agrees to a different kind of assignment: astronaut “training” with a Hollywood action hero.
Jon Leo is a charmer. With credits that include an underperforming sitcom and a campy action flick called Space Dude, his upcoming role in a prestigious movie could prove he’s a star. But Jon isn’t just big muscles and an otherworldly smile—he’s also a total space nerd. He’s pumped about his own personal space camp…until he meets ice-cold Reggie.
Although Reggie and Jon are polar opposites, their mutual attraction is undeniable, and it only takes a few weeks in close quarters for them to give in to its magnetic force. Jon is set on convincing Reggie this is a match made in the heavens, but her future is in space, and his is among stars of the Hollywood kind. The odds of successfully launching a real relationship outside the confines of the training base are anything but optimal.
Reggie, content with keeping things casual, is forced by a sudden turn of events to confront the possibility of losing Jon forever. Now, she’ll do whatever it takes to win both the man and the moon.
347 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2022
2062 people are currently reading
6775 people want to read
About the author
Jen Comfort
3 books274 followersJen Comfort is from Portland, OR. She writes nerdy rom-coms and loves animals, gardening, video games, and science-y stuff.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 613 reviews
February 18, 2022
Just not for me
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
February 23, 2022
(Amazon First Read - February 2022)
This book leans towards the ridiculous and unbelievable starring The Two Stooges. The three-dimensional compilation of space travel, female astronaut and an action-hero film star caught my attention – and there wasn’t much else that interested me among Amazon’s February First Read choices. I went for the promise of rom-com but, if it was meant to be lovable and funny, it missed the launch by miles. And the "star" power was nil.
The main characters, Reggie Hayes and Jon Leo, were cast as mid-thirties, well-educated professionals. But they acted like teenagers full of raging hormones and their immature stunts were just plain idiotic behavior. Neither seemed to have a lick of sense and were annoying to say the least. I gave Jon, the actor, a bit of leeway because of the hint that there was more to him than originally surfaced. But even that lacked fulfillment and didn't lend much help to the sad situation.
Not anything near what I expected and disappointing. Laughably awful! I am thankful I didn’t pay for this bizarre book. Enough said.
This book leans towards the ridiculous and unbelievable starring The Two Stooges. The three-dimensional compilation of space travel, female astronaut and an action-hero film star caught my attention – and there wasn’t much else that interested me among Amazon’s February First Read choices. I went for the promise of rom-com but, if it was meant to be lovable and funny, it missed the launch by miles. And the "star" power was nil.
The main characters, Reggie Hayes and Jon Leo, were cast as mid-thirties, well-educated professionals. But they acted like teenagers full of raging hormones and their immature stunts were just plain idiotic behavior. Neither seemed to have a lick of sense and were annoying to say the least. I gave Jon, the actor, a bit of leeway because of the hint that there was more to him than originally surfaced. But even that lacked fulfillment and didn't lend much help to the sad situation.
Not anything near what I expected and disappointing. Laughably awful! I am thankful I didn’t pay for this bizarre book. Enough said.
March 26, 2022
I picked up the audiobook narration for a song, and wow the male narrator sounds a bit like Archer from the cartoon Archer, and that really works for me in a sexy way (lol lol), and the voice REALLY brought Jon's slight himbo-ness to life in a great way. Upon a re-listen, I realize what I love about this book is how slightly campy it is, how much it centers the romance arc despite all the space details, and how much of an asshole Reggie is. A lot of people say she's too mean to Jon, but you know what, I'm fine with it, she apologizes. I'm sure she will again. We let cis men get away with far worse in romance novels so.
Astronaut Regina “Reggie” Hayes has her eyes set on the stars. The real stars, not Hollywood actor Jon Leo who Reggie discovers is distractingly and infuriatingly sexy after she’s assigned to train Jon ahead of his upcoming major film set in space to clean up her PR image. (full review to come in Library Journal).
When you find a new to you author who writes the perfect, utterly sexy rolling boil slow-burn horny romance of your heart, that is such a great feeling. I loved this one so very much. Jon's realization he might have ADHD was an excellent inclusion too.
The ending got a bit rushed and wild, with the inclusion of a Fake Moon Landing zealot who ends up , but all's well that ends well.
My thoughts are sort of jumbled, but I'll definitely be re-reading closer to pub date!
Spoilery content notes
Content notes: slightly embarrassing public situations, kidnapping (of adults), threat with a gun
Thank you to the author for reaching out with the advance copy
Astronaut Regina “Reggie” Hayes has her eyes set on the stars. The real stars, not Hollywood actor Jon Leo who Reggie discovers is distractingly and infuriatingly sexy after she’s assigned to train Jon ahead of his upcoming major film set in space to clean up her PR image. (full review to come in Library Journal).
When you find a new to you author who writes the perfect, utterly sexy rolling boil slow-burn horny romance of your heart, that is such a great feeling. I loved this one so very much. Jon's realization he might have ADHD was an excellent inclusion too.
The ending got a bit rushed and wild, with the inclusion of a Fake Moon Landing zealot who ends up , but all's well that ends well.
My thoughts are sort of jumbled, but I'll definitely be re-reading closer to pub date!
Spoilery content notes
Content notes: slightly embarrassing public situations, kidnapping (of adults), threat with a gun
Thank you to the author for reaching out with the advance copy
January 30, 2022
There are many books out there that claim the title of “romantic comedy” and while I enjoy a wide spectrum of romances, I often find that the “comedy” part of this term is off the mark.
Not in this case.
I’m sure you know the basic plot of The Astronaut and the Star if you’re reading reviews, so I’m not going to get into that here. If you want a brief description of the characters, I would say this: it’s about a badass astronaut heroine who has literally punched a bear in the face and the movie star hero who trails after her like a sweet teddy bear.
What I want to discuss is the vibe of the book, which I can best describe as verging-on-bonkers meets whip-sharp wit and a torturous slow burn. Not to diminish the other attributes, but the humor is what really hooked me. It is rare to find an author who is a skilled writer, possesses a distinct voice, AND is funny. The way in which Jen Comfort explores the nuances of her characters while giving their individual humorous quirks equal attention is extremely refreshing. She reminds me of a modern day P.G. Wodehouse, but add sex.
And speaking of sex … this book is not lacking in horniness. Dirty things may or may not occur on a solar panel. Need I say more?
Not in this case.
I’m sure you know the basic plot of The Astronaut and the Star if you’re reading reviews, so I’m not going to get into that here. If you want a brief description of the characters, I would say this: it’s about a badass astronaut heroine who has literally punched a bear in the face and the movie star hero who trails after her like a sweet teddy bear.
What I want to discuss is the vibe of the book, which I can best describe as verging-on-bonkers meets whip-sharp wit and a torturous slow burn. Not to diminish the other attributes, but the humor is what really hooked me. It is rare to find an author who is a skilled writer, possesses a distinct voice, AND is funny. The way in which Jen Comfort explores the nuances of her characters while giving their individual humorous quirks equal attention is extremely refreshing. She reminds me of a modern day P.G. Wodehouse, but add sex.
And speaking of sex … this book is not lacking in horniness. Dirty things may or may not occur on a solar panel. Need I say more?
February 6, 2022
science, but no chemistry.
I hate to say that I don’t like a book, but I couldn’t find it in me to finish this story. I love romance novels, intelligent heroines, and character driven stories. I read it to the 45% mark, and at that time, I was supposed to believe that the characters were attracted to each other. Reggie came across as unfeeling and cold, without any of the internal development to allow the reader to know that she wasn’t as cold as she portrayed herself. Jon is portrayed as irresponsible, clumsy, and airheaded. As a reader, it seems like he has ADHD, which is totally fine — great even — but the writer’s portrayal of it makes him look dumb rather than the beautiful complexity he could have been.
By almost halfway through the book, I’m supposed to be okay with the fact that Jon hasn’t begun to read the script of the job he’s been hired to do? We’re supposed to be okay with the fact that the astronaut has called him “a head full of rocks” but he’s still inexplicably attracted to her and isn’t offended by her words?
I’ve read several smart heroine novels recently, the The Love Hypothesis, and I know it’s possible to take someone who may miss some social cues and transform them into lovable, romantic characters. I applaud the author’s openness about the bisexual nature of Reggie, unfortunately, it still just didn’t come across that Reggie was a likable person.
Not funny, not sexy, and I need someone to at least have a semblance of emotional attraction rather than “You’re dumb, I don’t care about you, but you have a nice butt. Let’s do it.”
As a side note, gorgeous cover art!
I hate to say that I don’t like a book, but I couldn’t find it in me to finish this story. I love romance novels, intelligent heroines, and character driven stories. I read it to the 45% mark, and at that time, I was supposed to believe that the characters were attracted to each other. Reggie came across as unfeeling and cold, without any of the internal development to allow the reader to know that she wasn’t as cold as she portrayed herself. Jon is portrayed as irresponsible, clumsy, and airheaded. As a reader, it seems like he has ADHD, which is totally fine — great even — but the writer’s portrayal of it makes him look dumb rather than the beautiful complexity he could have been.
By almost halfway through the book, I’m supposed to be okay with the fact that Jon hasn’t begun to read the script of the job he’s been hired to do? We’re supposed to be okay with the fact that the astronaut has called him “a head full of rocks” but he’s still inexplicably attracted to her and isn’t offended by her words?
I’ve read several smart heroine novels recently, the The Love Hypothesis, and I know it’s possible to take someone who may miss some social cues and transform them into lovable, romantic characters. I applaud the author’s openness about the bisexual nature of Reggie, unfortunately, it still just didn’t come across that Reggie was a likable person.
Not funny, not sexy, and I need someone to at least have a semblance of emotional attraction rather than “You’re dumb, I don’t care about you, but you have a nice butt. Let’s do it.”
As a side note, gorgeous cover art!
February 2, 2022
This book was ridiculous. The story wasn't remotely plausible, the character development was a hot mess, and the editing was abysmal. Additionally, Katya was so obviously the female version of the Lev character in Armageddon that I had to fight myself from picturing him each time she spoke. BUT, I was charmed by the silliness, so a solid 3 stars from me.
March 17, 2023
Not for me. It had a great premise and I wanted to try this author work out but the main girl character is simply put- insufferable... I always look forward to grumpy sunshine where heroin is grumpy but sadly here was just bad all around..
She doesn't deserve him and I wasn't even all that crazy about him.
They are supposed to be in their 30's and this was supposed to be rom com.... Shoulda could woulda...
She doesn't deserve him and I wasn't even all that crazy about him.
They are supposed to be in their 30's and this was supposed to be rom com.... Shoulda could woulda...
March 10, 2022
I loved the dynamic between a slightly-dumb/himbo-esque (actually, he has undiagnosed ADHD) hero and the smart goth NASA astronaut. They had great chemistry together and made each other better. The audio was fun too!
February 8, 2022
DNF @ 27%
One of my favorite Disney Original movies of all time is Starstruck featuring Sterling Knight and Danielle Campbell. The concept of a Hollywood big shot falling in love with the girl who could care less about his fame is super interesting to me and I feel all warm and gushy inside when I read about a guy who's helplessly in love with someone who doesn't notice. I thought I would be getting something like this with The Astronaut and the Star , but here we are.
Reggie and Jon both act like they're in high school when they're most likely in their 30s. Their dialogue and inner monologue is so cringe it's the reason I put the book down. I mean... just look at this conversation they have after knowing each other for a few hours:
Reggie: I guess it's my fault. My tits are really excellent in this.
Jon: You are a very accomplished and intelligent woman. With extremely nice breasts.
Like... ew!
This was also feeling very insta-lovey to me and I hate that. Like they were acting like they were in the presence of a God anytime they interacted with one another.
"She could barely breathe for fear of brushing against his stray hand or elbow."
This reaction just feels so out of character for Reggie. She seems like the type that would bump into someone's elbow on purpose, not suffocate over the thought of grazing one! I would've loved to see Jon pining over Reggie and trying to get her to fall for him or something. Instead, they were both finding one another drop dead gorgeous before even meeting one another and I feel like they each put the other persons looks over their personality. Neither of them know anything about the other, yet they act like they're helplessly in love.
There's just too much cringe here to convince myself to read further...
"Space Chef Jon, fuckin' flavor genius in da house."
Kylie officially out of da house
One of my favorite Disney Original movies of all time is Starstruck featuring Sterling Knight and Danielle Campbell. The concept of a Hollywood big shot falling in love with the girl who could care less about his fame is super interesting to me and I feel all warm and gushy inside when I read about a guy who's helplessly in love with someone who doesn't notice. I thought I would be getting something like this with The Astronaut and the Star , but here we are.
Reggie and Jon both act like they're in high school when they're most likely in their 30s. Their dialogue and inner monologue is so cringe it's the reason I put the book down. I mean... just look at this conversation they have after knowing each other for a few hours:
Reggie: I guess it's my fault. My tits are really excellent in this.
Jon: You are a very accomplished and intelligent woman. With extremely nice breasts.
Like... ew!
This was also feeling very insta-lovey to me and I hate that. Like they were acting like they were in the presence of a God anytime they interacted with one another.
"She could barely breathe for fear of brushing against his stray hand or elbow."
This reaction just feels so out of character for Reggie. She seems like the type that would bump into someone's elbow on purpose, not suffocate over the thought of grazing one! I would've loved to see Jon pining over Reggie and trying to get her to fall for him or something. Instead, they were both finding one another drop dead gorgeous before even meeting one another and I feel like they each put the other persons looks over their personality. Neither of them know anything about the other, yet they act like they're helplessly in love.
There's just too much cringe here to convince myself to read further...
"Space Chef Jon, fuckin' flavor genius in da house."
Kylie officially out of da house
August 27, 2022
*I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley, thanks to the author - I’m sorry it took me so long to read it! We are mutuals on social media.
I initially thought Jen Comfort’s debut was going to be an sf romance about an astronaut who fell for an actual star-star (think: Clare Danes in Stardust), so I was kind of bummed when I realised it was a contemporary about an astronaut and a movie star set on boring old Earth. But. I honestly loved this book. It won me over quickly and completely, as evidenced by the way I gobbled it up during one of the busiest weeks of the academic year for me.
Reggie Hayes, our FMC, is a prickly ice-queen with control issues, and her top priority is being chosen for NASA’s Artemis mission. She *is* going to be the first woman to walk on the moon or else. Unfortunately she has a PR problem - she’s rubbish at human contact of any kind, in fact. She doesn’t do social media, she doesn’t do interviews, she doesn’t do relationships. So, in an attempt to rehabilitate her reputation after a particularly foul mouthed encounter with a space conspiracy theorist, she agrees to spend a month in the Arizona desert training an actor in preparation for a blockbuster space movie.
Enter Jon Leo, a golden retriever in man form, with the energy of a supernova and the charm of a big-eyed puppy. He’s taken with Reggie straightaway - the goth science witch of his dreams - and he’s determined to impress her. Except it’s like his personality was calibrated to unimpress her. Cue opposites attract on steroids, with added forced proximity and chemistry for daaaays. Because, man, these two are hot for each other - hormones and pheromones of teenage proportions are heating up that fake moon base in the desert.
The Astronaut and the Star is a wonderful and kind of odd (read: wonderfully odd) mix of high heat, fun banter, adorable mishaps and difficult emotions. It deals with some big issues in the form of Reggie’s horrible, loveless childhood; Jon’s struggles with undiagnosed ADHD; and the coping mechanisms they’ve both developed to manage them. But at the same time it leans into some completely bananas scenarios - one of which, at the very end, I could have done without. What I liked most is that it’s a kind, big hearted book, about two people learning to understand and care for themselves and each other. It’s a great antidote to these times we live in, and to the spate of kind-of-mean-pretending-to-be-soft contemporaries I’ve read in the last 12 months.
I’ve got to say I’m a bit stumped as to why more people haven’t been talking about it, and why so many of the reviews here are critical. Is it because Reggie is a tough FMC to warm to? Believe me, she rewards the investment in the long run. If she was the m in this mf I can’t help but feel everyone would be madly into her cold crushing emotion-denying ways. Anyway, people are missing out! For my own part I’m looking forward to Jen’s next book, which is a Phantom of the Opera retelling and sounds completely awesome.
I initially thought Jen Comfort’s debut was going to be an sf romance about an astronaut who fell for an actual star-star (think: Clare Danes in Stardust), so I was kind of bummed when I realised it was a contemporary about an astronaut and a movie star set on boring old Earth. But. I honestly loved this book. It won me over quickly and completely, as evidenced by the way I gobbled it up during one of the busiest weeks of the academic year for me.
Reggie Hayes, our FMC, is a prickly ice-queen with control issues, and her top priority is being chosen for NASA’s Artemis mission. She *is* going to be the first woman to walk on the moon or else. Unfortunately she has a PR problem - she’s rubbish at human contact of any kind, in fact. She doesn’t do social media, she doesn’t do interviews, she doesn’t do relationships. So, in an attempt to rehabilitate her reputation after a particularly foul mouthed encounter with a space conspiracy theorist, she agrees to spend a month in the Arizona desert training an actor in preparation for a blockbuster space movie.
Enter Jon Leo, a golden retriever in man form, with the energy of a supernova and the charm of a big-eyed puppy. He’s taken with Reggie straightaway - the goth science witch of his dreams - and he’s determined to impress her. Except it’s like his personality was calibrated to unimpress her. Cue opposites attract on steroids, with added forced proximity and chemistry for daaaays. Because, man, these two are hot for each other - hormones and pheromones of teenage proportions are heating up that fake moon base in the desert.
The Astronaut and the Star is a wonderful and kind of odd (read: wonderfully odd) mix of high heat, fun banter, adorable mishaps and difficult emotions. It deals with some big issues in the form of Reggie’s horrible, loveless childhood; Jon’s struggles with undiagnosed ADHD; and the coping mechanisms they’ve both developed to manage them. But at the same time it leans into some completely bananas scenarios - one of which, at the very end, I could have done without. What I liked most is that it’s a kind, big hearted book, about two people learning to understand and care for themselves and each other. It’s a great antidote to these times we live in, and to the spate of kind-of-mean-pretending-to-be-soft contemporaries I’ve read in the last 12 months.
I’ve got to say I’m a bit stumped as to why more people haven’t been talking about it, and why so many of the reviews here are critical. Is it because Reggie is a tough FMC to warm to? Believe me, she rewards the investment in the long run. If she was the m in this mf I can’t help but feel everyone would be madly into her cold crushing emotion-denying ways. Anyway, people are missing out! For my own part I’m looking forward to Jen’s next book, which is a Phantom of the Opera retelling and sounds completely awesome.
September 16, 2021
Out of this World Romance Is Hot and Funny
What you need to know about “The Astronaut and The Star”:
✔ Opposites Attract Romance
✔ Dual Point of View
✔ Celebrity/Astronaut Romance
✔ Regina “Reggie” Hayes, astronaut, wants to be the first woman on the Moon
✔ Jon Leo, actor, trying to make it to the A list
✔ Forced proximity
✔ Grumpy x sunshine
✔ Complete Standalone
Regina “Reggie” Hayes is a tough astronaut who wants to be the first woman on the moon. She’s admittedly cold, emotionally cut-off and singularly focused on her goal. However, after a big mistake on her part, that moon mission isn’t looking too good.
So Reggie volunteers to be the NASA liaison / teacher for an actor looking for an immersive astronaut experience to prepare for a role. She hopes this will convey to NASA that she’s a team player.
She finds out that the actor, Jon Leo, is considered easy to work with and a “nice guy”. Reggie doesn’t like or want to be around nice people.
Reggie: “Was she cursed? Would nice people infiltrate her entire life, forever haunting her like ghosts who hadn’t died right?”
Jon Leo is an actor most known for the cult hit “Space Dude”, who feels a little out of his depth when first introduced. He wanted to be an astronaut when he was a kid (as a lot of kids do) so he’s incredibly excited to meet Reggie. But more than that, “This movie was his big break - a chance to be more than a show pony.”
When Reggie and Jon meet there is so much chemistry and attraction on both sides but neither wants to admit it.
Reggie is terrible in every social situation and on camera and Jon admits to her that it’s pretty much all that he’s good at. So, he offers to help her.
They fight themselves and each other as their attraction grows stronger.
The Astronaut and The Star is such a great romance. It is an opposites attract, grumpy woman, sunshine / cinnamon roll hero story. It’s funny, charming and resonates emotionally on so many levels.
For me, as someone who was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, it really meant a lot to me to have that represented in a romance that I absolutely loved.
It was also gratifying to read about two adults battling their own sometimes negative self-images. These characters were given many facets which made them seem more real. I loved their self-doubt, their strengths, their love, their faults, and their crazy (terrible in Reggie’s case) families.
I absolutely love personal growth in a romance so I adored how Jon and Reggie affected one another and that they learn and grow from that. They are always equals in their treatment of, and responses to, one another.
The Astronaut and The Star is an out of this world romance. It’s hot, funny, emotional and smart. I can’t wait to read more from Jen Comfort.
WRITING STYLE: 5/5
PLOT: 5/5
WORLD-BUILDING: 5/5
PACING: 5/5
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: 5/5
ROMANCE: 5/5
HEAT: 5/5
I received an e-ARC of this book, my opinions are 100% my own.
What you need to know about “The Astronaut and The Star”:
✔ Opposites Attract Romance
✔ Dual Point of View
✔ Celebrity/Astronaut Romance
✔ Regina “Reggie” Hayes, astronaut, wants to be the first woman on the Moon
✔ Jon Leo, actor, trying to make it to the A list
✔ Forced proximity
✔ Grumpy x sunshine
✔ Complete Standalone
Regina “Reggie” Hayes is a tough astronaut who wants to be the first woman on the moon. She’s admittedly cold, emotionally cut-off and singularly focused on her goal. However, after a big mistake on her part, that moon mission isn’t looking too good.
So Reggie volunteers to be the NASA liaison / teacher for an actor looking for an immersive astronaut experience to prepare for a role. She hopes this will convey to NASA that she’s a team player.
She finds out that the actor, Jon Leo, is considered easy to work with and a “nice guy”. Reggie doesn’t like or want to be around nice people.
Reggie: “Was she cursed? Would nice people infiltrate her entire life, forever haunting her like ghosts who hadn’t died right?”
Jon Leo is an actor most known for the cult hit “Space Dude”, who feels a little out of his depth when first introduced. He wanted to be an astronaut when he was a kid (as a lot of kids do) so he’s incredibly excited to meet Reggie. But more than that, “This movie was his big break - a chance to be more than a show pony.”
When Reggie and Jon meet there is so much chemistry and attraction on both sides but neither wants to admit it.
Reggie is terrible in every social situation and on camera and Jon admits to her that it’s pretty much all that he’s good at. So, he offers to help her.
They fight themselves and each other as their attraction grows stronger.
The Astronaut and The Star is such a great romance. It is an opposites attract, grumpy woman, sunshine / cinnamon roll hero story. It’s funny, charming and resonates emotionally on so many levels.
For me, as someone who was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, it really meant a lot to me to have that represented in a romance that I absolutely loved.
It was also gratifying to read about two adults battling their own sometimes negative self-images. These characters were given many facets which made them seem more real. I loved their self-doubt, their strengths, their love, their faults, and their crazy (terrible in Reggie’s case) families.
I absolutely love personal growth in a romance so I adored how Jon and Reggie affected one another and that they learn and grow from that. They are always equals in their treatment of, and responses to, one another.
The Astronaut and The Star is an out of this world romance. It’s hot, funny, emotional and smart. I can’t wait to read more from Jen Comfort.
WRITING STYLE: 5/5
PLOT: 5/5
WORLD-BUILDING: 5/5
PACING: 5/5
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: 5/5
ROMANCE: 5/5
HEAT: 5/5
I received an e-ARC of this book, my opinions are 100% my own.
April 20, 2022
DNF around 30%. I didn’t like either character, she was insufferable and he was immature. In the first chapter I had to double check who the book was about because the FMC was very unlikable from the start.
May 20, 2022
A smart and serious astronaut meets a goofy, handsome actor. The latter is supposed to be trained by the former about astronaut stuff for his upcoming space-themed film role. Sounds like a silly romcom plot? Yes. Is it funny and has a lot of interesting space tidbits? YES!
Full of funny dialogues and some steamy scenes, I had a good laugh reading this - perfect for a light weekend read. I want to read more books featuring "hot nerds" from this author.
Full of funny dialogues and some steamy scenes, I had a good laugh reading this - perfect for a light weekend read. I want to read more books featuring "hot nerds" from this author.
February 2, 2022
Fun and sexy
Well this was a surprise! A debut with an okay cover that I probably would've scrolled past on any other day, I checked this out solely because it was the best First Reads option for me - and it ended up being one of the better books I've read from the program. This is funny and sexy, with plenty of steamy scenes (open door), and a great opposites attract vibe. A true romance novel, with the relationship front and center. The space references were fun, and I loved the adorable cinnamon roll hero. The reverse grumpy/sunshine dynamic was a solid element, even if I didn't love the heroine. This stays light and playful throughout, and I'd be interested in checking out more from Comfort.
The story follows Reggie, a female astronaut whose sole focus is being the first woman on the moon. She's a workaholic who only does hookups, and she's not the best at interacting with other people. So when things take a turn for the unexpected and Reggie finds herself training an actor for a space-themed role, it's not Reggie's idea of a good time. But Jon is not the dumb actor she expected; he's a sweetheart of a man who connects with Reggie despite their differences. Reggie is determined to stay focused on her mission, but that's easier said than done.
I really didn't know what to expect going into this, but it was a lot lighter, funnier, and SEXIER than expected. Steamier than any other First Reads selection I've read, and the representation was good. Reggie is bisexual, and she's the one who wants to keep things casual, which was another unique spin on the trope. I loved that Jon is a relationship guy, so it made me dislike Reggie whenever she (frequently) pushed him away or kept things sexual. She really doesn't take his feelings into consideration. They had great chemistry though, and there's plenty of banter. The writing itself wasn't a total win for me; I prefer first person and some elements didn't completely work, but this was solid for a new author. Overall, not a bad pick this month.
Well this was a surprise! A debut with an okay cover that I probably would've scrolled past on any other day, I checked this out solely because it was the best First Reads option for me - and it ended up being one of the better books I've read from the program. This is funny and sexy, with plenty of steamy scenes (open door), and a great opposites attract vibe. A true romance novel, with the relationship front and center. The space references were fun, and I loved the adorable cinnamon roll hero. The reverse grumpy/sunshine dynamic was a solid element, even if I didn't love the heroine. This stays light and playful throughout, and I'd be interested in checking out more from Comfort.
The story follows Reggie, a female astronaut whose sole focus is being the first woman on the moon. She's a workaholic who only does hookups, and she's not the best at interacting with other people. So when things take a turn for the unexpected and Reggie finds herself training an actor for a space-themed role, it's not Reggie's idea of a good time. But Jon is not the dumb actor she expected; he's a sweetheart of a man who connects with Reggie despite their differences. Reggie is determined to stay focused on her mission, but that's easier said than done.
I really didn't know what to expect going into this, but it was a lot lighter, funnier, and SEXIER than expected. Steamier than any other First Reads selection I've read, and the representation was good. Reggie is bisexual, and she's the one who wants to keep things casual, which was another unique spin on the trope. I loved that Jon is a relationship guy, so it made me dislike Reggie whenever she (frequently) pushed him away or kept things sexual. She really doesn't take his feelings into consideration. They had great chemistry though, and there's plenty of banter. The writing itself wasn't a total win for me; I prefer first person and some elements didn't completely work, but this was solid for a new author. Overall, not a bad pick this month.
December 17, 2021
I knew I had to get my hands on this book as soon as I heard the pitch of grumpy bisexual goth astronaut x ADHD golden retriever himbo actor, and THE ASTRONAUT AND THE STAR delivered everything I was looking for from that premise and more. I was obsessed with the chemistry between Reggie and Jon, an opposites-attract pairing that brought heat and heart (and heat, again 🥵). Both characters are incredibly well-drawn and lovable, but I have a special soft spot for ice queen Reggie, fighting in vain against Jon’s attempts to melt her. I inhaled this book in one sitting, and Jen Comfort’s funny, charming, and distinctive voice has made her an auto-buy author for me.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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August 18, 2023Dnf. Couldn’t get into this at all, just too far fetched for me.
August 27, 2022
What a delightful contemporary romance! Reggie is an antisocial prickly, grump of a Goth Ice Queen. Those are generally magic words for me but I’ll admit I really wasn’t sure if Reggie would stay on the right side of unlikable at first. Luckily, she did. She was an utter badass and…utterly unable to resist Jon’s charms. This made me downright giddy!
Jon was an absolute golden retriever of an MMC. He was so enthusiastic and endearing and wore his heart on his sleeve. And his heart very much wants Reggie, even if she can’t offer more than a fling. These two had chemistry for days and I was amazed by how long they were able to hold off on doing anything about it. This made for some super hot scenes, including secret mutual masturbation where they were sleeping in separate beds in the same room and hoping the other person couldn’t hear what they were getting up to. Whew!
Jon’s undiagnosed ADHD provided an interesting arc, whereas Reggie is working through her control issues and inability to ask for help or collaborate with colleagues. There were a few loose threads—I really wanted Reggie to cut off her parents, for instance, but I was relieved she’s in therapy at the end so hopefully that will come with time. However,
This story showed me that giving someone a rock can be romantic as hell. It was such an enjoyable debut. I’m crossing my fingers that Katya will get a book next!
Characters: Reggie is a 35 year old bisexual white astronaut and a goth prickly Ice Queen. Jon is a 32 year old Jewish white actor with a manbun. This is set in Houston, LA, and Arizona.
Content notes: harassment and stalking by conspiracy theorist, kidnapping, emotionally abusive parents, sexism, social anxiety, MMC is diagnosed with ADHD, MMC is on a diet (actor preparing for role), scorpion sting, MMC’s father was uninvolved (paid his mother off when she got pregnant as he was married at the time; he claimed MMC as his son in adulthood), past infidelity (MMC’s ex didn’t tell him she was married), on page sex, secret mutual masturbation, alcohol, inebriation, marijuana (secondary characters), “lady parts” as euphemism, gendered pejoratives, gender essentialism, ableist language, reference to MMC’s classmates calling him an ableist slur (spaz), reference to Hollywood infidelity, reference to MMC’s mom and her boyfriend doing acid
Disclosure: I received an advanced copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
*Buddy read with Vicky!
Jon was an absolute golden retriever of an MMC. He was so enthusiastic and endearing and wore his heart on his sleeve. And his heart very much wants Reggie, even if she can’t offer more than a fling. These two had chemistry for days and I was amazed by how long they were able to hold off on doing anything about it. This made for some super hot scenes, including secret mutual masturbation where they were sleeping in separate beds in the same room and hoping the other person couldn’t hear what they were getting up to. Whew!
Jon’s undiagnosed ADHD provided an interesting arc, whereas Reggie is working through her control issues and inability to ask for help or collaborate with colleagues. There were a few loose threads—I really wanted Reggie to cut off her parents, for instance, but I was relieved she’s in therapy at the end so hopefully that will come with time. However,
This story showed me that giving someone a rock can be romantic as hell. It was such an enjoyable debut. I’m crossing my fingers that Katya will get a book next!
Characters: Reggie is a 35 year old bisexual white astronaut and a goth prickly Ice Queen. Jon is a 32 year old Jewish white actor with a manbun. This is set in Houston, LA, and Arizona.
Content notes: harassment and stalking by conspiracy theorist, kidnapping, emotionally abusive parents, sexism, social anxiety, MMC is diagnosed with ADHD, MMC is on a diet (actor preparing for role), scorpion sting, MMC’s father was uninvolved (paid his mother off when she got pregnant as he was married at the time; he claimed MMC as his son in adulthood), past infidelity (MMC’s ex didn’t tell him she was married), on page sex, secret mutual masturbation, alcohol, inebriation, marijuana (secondary characters), “lady parts” as euphemism, gendered pejoratives, gender essentialism, ableist language, reference to MMC’s classmates calling him an ableist slur (spaz), reference to Hollywood infidelity, reference to MMC’s mom and her boyfriend doing acid
Disclosure: I received an advanced copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
*Buddy read with Vicky!
January 30, 2023
I finished this, but at what cost? The dialogue and inner monologue of both characters was so cringey. If I wanted to read a high school romance, I would but this book is about 30-somethings - one of whom is a BRILLIANT NASA astronaut - so for Reggie to be speaking the way she does is outrageous to me. She's giving sour barista vibes, sorry.
The male lead (honestly can't even remember what his name was right now and I already removed this from my Kindle) is somehow worse (maybe?). He can't even keep his excitement under control in her presence and of course his jeans are super tight so we see it all. I'm rolling my eyes at the memory of it all.
I would not recommend this book to anyone. Well, I'd recommend it to someone I disliked in an attempt to annoy them, but outside of that absolutely not.
The male lead (honestly can't even remember what his name was right now and I already removed this from my Kindle) is somehow worse (maybe?). He can't even keep his excitement under control in her presence and of course his jeans are super tight so we see it all. I'm rolling my eyes at the memory of it all.
I would not recommend this book to anyone. Well, I'd recommend it to someone I disliked in an attempt to annoy them, but outside of that absolutely not.
February 21, 2022
Whyyyyyy do I do this to myself??
IN MY DEFENSE it was romance month.
And the book had a pretty cover.
And Amazon gave it to me for free.
All of that to say, this was another pointless romance novel that relied on overused tropes and a painfully predictable storyline - all leading up to one three page sex scene.
I came into this one looking for science and substance, but it fell incredibly flat for me. (I'm having a really hard time writing this review without using innuendo, so BEAR WITH ME).
If you are into opposites-attract romance novels, you may enjoy this one. But if you're not into this genre (like me) this won't be the one that changes your mind. 2.5 stars, and one of those is for the gorgeous cover.
IN MY DEFENSE it was romance month.
And the book had a pretty cover.
And Amazon gave it to me for free.
All of that to say, this was another pointless romance novel that relied on overused tropes and a painfully predictable storyline - all leading up to one three page sex scene.
I came into this one looking for science and substance, but it fell incredibly flat for me. (I'm having a really hard time writing this review without using innuendo, so BEAR WITH ME).
If you are into opposites-attract romance novels, you may enjoy this one. But if you're not into this genre (like me) this won't be the one that changes your mind. 2.5 stars, and one of those is for the gorgeous cover.
February 18, 2022
This is a February Amazon Prime Kindle First Reads book which I downloaded for free. I will try to be kind in my review because it was a free download but I struggled to finish this kindle book. I didnt like. It is written like a screenplay with unlikable characters but my biggest criticism is the stupid dialogue that seem to go on for hours about nothing. I will leave it at that since I am trying to be kind.
Read
March 13, 2022An ice-cold, ambitious astronaut needs to prove to her superiors at NASA that she’s a team player in order to get assigned to the first-ever lunar habitat, so she grudgingly agrees to help a sweet, distractible movie star train for his next role as an astronaut. They’re total opposites who are immediately in lust with one another and they have to spend tons of time together, which is a perfect romance premise.
February 7, 2022
Forced romance and cheap, immature comedy. Reggie struggles with social interactions but you can’t empathize with her because she’s constantly thinking and saying the cruelest things. How old is Jon supposed to be? He’s written like a horny, immature pre-teen instead of a whole adult man with an attention disorder.
February 15, 2022
This review is feedback for the author more than advice for other readers
Firstly the author can write well. I'm referring to grammar, spelling and sentence construction. This story had great potential but I felt the female lead character destroyed it all. I left a lot of notes on goodreads through the kindle notes and highlights feature.
Firstly the author can write well. I'm referring to grammar, spelling and sentence construction. This story had great potential but I felt the female lead character destroyed it all. I left a lot of notes on goodreads through the kindle notes and highlights feature.
March 4, 2022
I was tempted to DNF early on - Reggie was a little too mean and Jon was a little too dude-bro/Golden Retriever. But you get used to them and learn why they act the way they do. However, I never did get the attraction between them - it felt more like the author wanted it to happen rather than it being a reality.
Both narrators were terrific.
Both narrators were terrific.
Read
March 6, 2022DNF ~ 70%
This ain’t it, fam. The best part of this book is Kotya. Maybe if I finished the last 30 percent I would warm up to Reggie, but I would rather read a book that didn’t take more than half the book to make me actually cheer for the main character.
This ain’t it, fam. The best part of this book is Kotya. Maybe if I finished the last 30 percent I would warm up to Reggie, but I would rather read a book that didn’t take more than half the book to make me actually cheer for the main character.
May 27, 2022
Jen Comfort’s debut romance, The Astronaut and the Star was delightfully frothy and horny.
Reggie desperately wants to be chosen for an upcoming lunar mission. She wants to be the first woman to walk on the moon, but she is nowhere near the short list. Between a PR gaffe and her perfectionism, the bosses at NASA don’t think she can get along with the other mission astronauts. She needs to prove she can be patient, a team player, and bring in good publicity.
Jon has had some moderate success in comedies and a low brow camp movie called Space Dude and he yearns to be taken seriously. He’s signed on to star in a Serious Film by an “avant garde” director that he thinks will be his ticket to the Oscars. The movie is set in space and the director wants him to train with a real astronaut. Jon is very excited because a) he’s a huge space nerd, and b) he’s a big fan of Reggie Hayes.
Reggie is one of my favorite kinds of women in books. She’s kind of mean. She wants to be the best and has no patience for anyone who interferes with her intended path to success. Her only friend is a Russian cosmonaut named Katya. They bonded when they trained together in Siberia and Reggie punched a bear. Other than that, she is a disaster with people, but she is determined to prove to NASA that she can be personable enough to be put in a small spacecraft with other people for an extended period. Initially, she is unimpressed by Jon as a person, except for his hotness.
What Reggie lacks in emotional intelligence, Jon has in spades. Reggie is truly and sometimes legitimately irritated with Jon, but he also knows that some of those grimaces are hidden smiles. It takes them a while to understand and appreciate each other, but the lust is always there.
There was a side plot I loved (Jon figuring out he has ADHD) and a side plot I didn’t love. Otherwise, this was a delightful way to spend a few hours.
CWs: Attempted kidnapping by conspiracy theorists, guns used in a threatening manner, toxic and belittling parents
Reggie desperately wants to be chosen for an upcoming lunar mission. She wants to be the first woman to walk on the moon, but she is nowhere near the short list. Between a PR gaffe and her perfectionism, the bosses at NASA don’t think she can get along with the other mission astronauts. She needs to prove she can be patient, a team player, and bring in good publicity.
Jon has had some moderate success in comedies and a low brow camp movie called Space Dude and he yearns to be taken seriously. He’s signed on to star in a Serious Film by an “avant garde” director that he thinks will be his ticket to the Oscars. The movie is set in space and the director wants him to train with a real astronaut. Jon is very excited because a) he’s a huge space nerd, and b) he’s a big fan of Reggie Hayes.
Reggie is one of my favorite kinds of women in books. She’s kind of mean. She wants to be the best and has no patience for anyone who interferes with her intended path to success. Her only friend is a Russian cosmonaut named Katya. They bonded when they trained together in Siberia and Reggie punched a bear. Other than that, she is a disaster with people, but she is determined to prove to NASA that she can be personable enough to be put in a small spacecraft with other people for an extended period. Initially, she is unimpressed by Jon as a person, except for his hotness.
A cynical part of her had wondered if Jon’s acting success was merely a product of nepotism (and, in one particular photo, bedroom eyes so potent a single picture could melt a hole in one’s computer screen— not her screen, because she’d immediately closed her browser and lowered the thermostat by two degrees, but it could happen to someone else’s).
What Reggie lacks in emotional intelligence, Jon has in spades. Reggie is truly and sometimes legitimately irritated with Jon, but he also knows that some of those grimaces are hidden smiles. It takes them a while to understand and appreciate each other, but the lust is always there.
There was a side plot I loved (Jon figuring out he has ADHD) and a side plot I didn’t love. Otherwise, this was a delightful way to spend a few hours.
CWs: Attempted kidnapping by conspiracy theorists, guns used in a threatening manner, toxic and belittling parents
September 27, 2023
My first Jen Comfort and now I know why there was so much hype for Midnight Duet (high on my TBR). What a brilliant book.
To start, I normally don’t like grumpy/sunshine, because Sunshine is usually a woman (in MF romances), and being Sunshine to a Grump takes a LOT of emotional labor. (Don’t ask me how I know this.) But yay! The Astronaut and the Star features Mega Grump Reggie, a 37yo bisexual, goth, geologist astronaut who takes no sh!t from anyone. Not a single person.
She lands a job training a rising star for his forthcoming sci-fi movie to try to make herself “likeable” enough to be selected for a trip to the moon. Golden Retriever Jon is a true himbo, a clumsy, distractable, gorgeous specimen of a man. Sparks fly, mostly from Reggie kicking Jon in the butt with her (I assume) steel-toed boots. Too bad for Jon that he has been obsessed (in a non-creepy way) with her since before they even met (he is a BIG fan of her NASA educational films). He falls first, and hard.
I loved this, even the climax, which was a little left-field.
You have to read it for the:
- Solar panel
- Bear punching
- Worst Christmas ever
- Penguin rock
To start, I normally don’t like grumpy/sunshine, because Sunshine is usually a woman (in MF romances), and being Sunshine to a Grump takes a LOT of emotional labor. (Don’t ask me how I know this.) But yay! The Astronaut and the Star features Mega Grump Reggie, a 37yo bisexual, goth, geologist astronaut who takes no sh!t from anyone. Not a single person.
She lands a job training a rising star for his forthcoming sci-fi movie to try to make herself “likeable” enough to be selected for a trip to the moon. Golden Retriever Jon is a true himbo, a clumsy, distractable, gorgeous specimen of a man. Sparks fly, mostly from Reggie kicking Jon in the butt with her (I assume) steel-toed boots. Too bad for Jon that he has been obsessed (in a non-creepy way) with her since before they even met (he is a BIG fan of her NASA educational films). He falls first, and hard.
I loved this, even the climax, which was a little left-field.
You have to read it for the:
- Solar panel
- Bear punching
- Worst Christmas ever
- Penguin rock
Read
September 2, 2022I recommend this book when you're in the mood for a cute, fluffy, humorous, sexy romance. This is not a book that dives deep into social issues, or even the characters really. And sometimes that's just the kind of story you want!
Reggie is a badass astronaut in need of an image boost to help her chances of being selected for a moon mission. She's been single-mindedly striving for this, desperate to be the first woman who walks on the moon. Her people skills are lacking, and her emotional intelligence is rather non-existent. She begrudgingly offers to take part in a publicity stunt where she'll train an actor for his upcoming role.
Jon is the actor about to play an astronaut in a film that could win him an Oscar, catapulting him into stardom and giving him the gravitas he wants. He is super friendly and all heart - basically a big puppy, wanting to please, easily distracted, and always knocking into things.
These two are the ultimate grumpy/sunshine, and it's fun to see them get together!
I received an advanced ebook through Bonkers Romance book club, delivered via NetGalley.
Reggie is a badass astronaut in need of an image boost to help her chances of being selected for a moon mission. She's been single-mindedly striving for this, desperate to be the first woman who walks on the moon. Her people skills are lacking, and her emotional intelligence is rather non-existent. She begrudgingly offers to take part in a publicity stunt where she'll train an actor for his upcoming role.
Jon is the actor about to play an astronaut in a film that could win him an Oscar, catapulting him into stardom and giving him the gravitas he wants. He is super friendly and all heart - basically a big puppy, wanting to please, easily distracted, and always knocking into things.
These two are the ultimate grumpy/sunshine, and it's fun to see them get together!
I received an advanced ebook through Bonkers Romance book club, delivered via NetGalley.
March 17, 2022
Definitely quirky but a fun and science-y romance. I enjoyed the over the top situations, but I understand that others might find their premise silly. What can I say? I love big brains and big muscles in my romance books.
March 5, 2022
Type-A NASA astronaut Reggie Hayes wants to be chosen for a mission to the moon, but her lack of people skills may hold her back. To address this, she volunteers for a high-profile assignment: training a Hollywood movie star, Jon Leo, to realistically play an astronaut in his next movie. While the premise was interesting, the execution was terrible. Both Reggie and Jon were extremely unlikable caricatures, and the writing was made even worse by the constant graphic sex scenes. (I don't mind a sex scene in a book, but these were over the top explicit and needlessly long.) I forced myself to finish reading, even though the ending was of course predictable, and was unfortunately rewarded with an incredibly preposterous kidnapping scene that was resolved in just a few pages... especially ironic given that the novel as a whole is at least three times longer than it needs to be. All in all pretty terrible, and I wish I hadn't wasted my time reading.
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