The best way I can think to describe The Stars Too Fondly is that it's like the writers of The Good Place had written Project Hail Mary. This is campy sci-fi for the sci-fi nerds, filled with (what I can only assume are deep-cut) Star Trek episode references, fourth wall breaks that feel self-deprecating and pull the reader in on the joke, and world-building you shouldn't ask a whole lot of questions about. In short, it's exactly as described - a joyful sapphic sci-fi rom-com. Some of the plot twists are fairly predictable - but a few genuinely surprised me - and ultimately, I had a blast spending time with these characters and read this story in one evening.

Also want to note that this fills a GAPING HOLE in the sub-genre of sci-fi and/or fantasy romance: it is an actual stand-alone with a single story arc, clear resolution, and a happily-ever-after. I honestly added a half star just for that alone, because an actually-efficient, sub-350-page tight storyline in sci-fi with a central romance?! Unheard of. Spectacular. Give me more.

If you enjoy overtly silly sci-fi and a romance where one of the main characters is an actual hologram, you're going to love this. I did.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced reader's copy!