Scan barcode
A review by lyloveslit
Just Our Luck by Denise Williams
funny
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Just Our Luck is a heartfelt romantic comedy that embraces some of my favorite tropes, fake dating and love at first sight. I was fortunate to receive an ARC courtesy of Berkley Romance and Netgalley. I give this novel 3.5 stars. It has both charming highs and a few missteps along the way.
The story follows Sybil, a woman who finds herself down on her luck after losing her job and returning to her parents’ home. In a spontaneous moment, she buys a lottery ticket and treats herself to a donut after a night of drinking. Enter Kiernan who is also facing his own challenges, as he’s had to put med school on hold to care for his sick grandfather while running the family donut shop. Their chance meeting sparks an instant connection that fuels the novel’s romantic energy.
What I enjoyed most about the book was the way it leverages beloved tropes. The fake dating setup and the idea of love at first sight are woven seamlessly into the narrative, creating moments of genuine warmth and humor. The instant chemistry between Sybil and Kiernan forms the emotional core of the story. However, the romance is not without its bumps; Kiernan’s occasionally mean streak and the sudden introduction of a grumpy-sunshine dynamic can feel jarring, detracting from the otherwise sweet connection.
One of the notable challenges in the book is its pacing. For a stretch spanning roughly chapters 21 to 31, the narrative tone shifts to a more contentious tone that almost led me to DNF. This section, with its heavy-handed moments, disrupted the overall flow, making the wait for the lighter, more affectionate romance feel longer than necessary. It isn’t until around the 75% mark that the story regains its footing, delivering the romcom energy that many readers, including myself, crave.
Beyond the romance, Just Our Luck stands out for its thoughtful treatment of real-life issues. The narrative offers a refreshing message on representation, particularly with the inclusion of an adult diagnosis of ADHD. Sybil’s internal struggles and her journey toward accepting help from a supportive community add depth to her character, resonating with readers who might relate to similar experiences. Additionally, the side characters Lila, Marcus, and Grandad are engaging and intriguing, hinting at potential stories of their own.
Overall, Just Our Luck is a mixed bag of sweet, endearing moments and narrative missteps. Despite the uneven pacing and occasional tonal inconsistencies, the genuine connection between its protagonists and the relatable exploration of personal challenges give it a lasting appeal. For fans of contemporary romcoms that aren’t afraid to tackle real-life issues amid humor and heart, this book is well worth a read even if some sections might test your patience.
The story follows Sybil, a woman who finds herself down on her luck after losing her job and returning to her parents’ home. In a spontaneous moment, she buys a lottery ticket and treats herself to a donut after a night of drinking. Enter Kiernan who is also facing his own challenges, as he’s had to put med school on hold to care for his sick grandfather while running the family donut shop. Their chance meeting sparks an instant connection that fuels the novel’s romantic energy.
What I enjoyed most about the book was the way it leverages beloved tropes. The fake dating setup and the idea of love at first sight are woven seamlessly into the narrative, creating moments of genuine warmth and humor. The instant chemistry between Sybil and Kiernan forms the emotional core of the story. However, the romance is not without its bumps; Kiernan’s occasionally mean streak and the sudden introduction of a grumpy-sunshine dynamic can feel jarring, detracting from the otherwise sweet connection.
One of the notable challenges in the book is its pacing. For a stretch spanning roughly chapters 21 to 31, the narrative tone shifts to a more contentious tone that almost led me to DNF. This section, with its heavy-handed moments, disrupted the overall flow, making the wait for the lighter, more affectionate romance feel longer than necessary. It isn’t until around the 75% mark that the story regains its footing, delivering the romcom energy that many readers, including myself, crave.
Beyond the romance, Just Our Luck stands out for its thoughtful treatment of real-life issues. The narrative offers a refreshing message on representation, particularly with the inclusion of an adult diagnosis of ADHD. Sybil’s internal struggles and her journey toward accepting help from a supportive community add depth to her character, resonating with readers who might relate to similar experiences. Additionally, the side characters Lila, Marcus, and Grandad are engaging and intriguing, hinting at potential stories of their own.
Overall, Just Our Luck is a mixed bag of sweet, endearing moments and narrative missteps. Despite the uneven pacing and occasional tonal inconsistencies, the genuine connection between its protagonists and the relatable exploration of personal challenges give it a lasting appeal. For fans of contemporary romcoms that aren’t afraid to tackle real-life issues amid humor and heart, this book is well worth a read even if some sections might test your patience.