Chasing Lucky | ARC Review

Synopsis

Budding photographer Josie Saint-Martin has spent half her life with her single mother, moving from city to city. When they return to her historical New England hometown years later to run the family bookstore, Josie knows it’s not forever. Her dreams are on the opposite coast, and she has a plan to get there.

What she doesn’t plan for is a run-in with the town bad boy, Lucky Karras. Outsider, rebel…and her former childhood best friend. Lucky makes it clear he wants nothing to do with the newly returned Josie. But everything changes after a disastrous pool party, and a poorly executed act of revenge lands Josie in some big-time trouble—with Lucky unexpectedly taking the blame.

Determined to understand why Lucky was so quick to cover for her, Josie discovers that both of them have changed, and that the good boy she once knew now has a dark sense of humor and a smile that makes her heart race. And maybe, just maybe, he’s not quite the brooding bad boy everyone thinks he is…

Review

How does Bennett manage to slay every rom-com she’s ever written? They just keep getting better and better and this one was no different.

First, I loved getting to experience this story through the eyes of Josie. She was hilarious with her exaggerations, but also extremely relatable. I found myself nodding along or laughing multiple times during the book when she would be overthinking an issue because I’ve done the same thing countless times! Any encounters later into the book with her love interest, Lucky, were picked apart and examined by her and I know I do the same thing.

Speaking of romance, this book was slow-burn central!! Although they are incredibly frustrating, I love slow-burns. They build up the tension and make me root for the couple that much more. Many of Bennett’s other book couples begin their romantic relations early on in the book, but this one didn’t and I appreciated that.

As well, the sub-plots in this book were amazeeeee. They didn’t feel scattered or distracting at all as sub-plots sometimes can. These felt relevant and necessary in getting our main character, Josie, from point A to point B. Plus, it helped me, as the reader, to get to know a few side characters better. I always love an opportunity to learn more about side characters.

And, as per usual, the comparisons and humor in this book were on par. Bennett just has a way of describing things that is very light-hearted but makes complete sense. And, they all fit right in with the quirkiness of the two main characters.

Something that I think set this book apart for me from other similar rom-coms was the family issues that were covered. Josie goes through real challenges during the book and talks about past challenges she’s had in her life. Most of these are family issues and I appreciated that Bennett explored these. While many readers may not go through Josie’s exact experiences, many will still be able to relate to moving frequently, or living on little to no money, or family estrangement. While some family issues aren’t completely solved during the book, there is enough hope and guidance given that things feel okay and I really love that about Bennett’s books.

Overall, I’d definitely recommend checking out this rom-com whether you’re a long time Bennett fan or newcomer. The humor, the life-lessons, and romance are only a few reasons to read this sparkling novel. I promise, you won’t regret it.

Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Rating

To check out my other reviews, click here. Or to check out more books by Jenn Bennett, go to her GoodReads profile or her website.

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