In Not Written in the Stars, Ricardo J. Bogaert-Alvarez, PhD, presents a luminous bilingual collection celebrating a love shaped not by fate, but by choice, devotion, and the poetry of everyday life. Written in both English and Spanish, these poems illuminate the journey he shares with his wife, Laura-two souls who built their own destiny through courage, tenderness, humor, and unwavering companionship. From intimate whispers of longing to vivid scenes of farm life, tropical beaches, and the quiet glow of a Denver morning, each poem reflects a relationship strengthened by decades of shared dreams and resilient affection. Whether capturing the soft ache of memory, the fire of passion, or the gentle rituals that define a marriage, Bogaert-Alvarez offers a portrait of love as both anchor and adventure. A tribute to partnership, vulnerability, and the enduring power of language, Not Written in the Stars invites you into a world where love is crafted deliberately-line by line, moment by moment-and cherished as life's most radiant creation. Ricardo J. Bogaert-Alvarez, PhD, is a Dominican-born chemical engineer and award-winning poet whose work has appeared in major journals and anthologies. The author of several bilingual poetry collections, he blends cultural heritage with lyrical intimacy. He lives in Denver, Colorado, where he continues to write and celebrate the art of love.