The Lucky Escape was the contemporary romance that I didn’t know I needed – and now I can’t get enough.
Have you started planning your summer reading list yet? I know, I know it’s not even technically spring, but I’ve got the perfect beach or poolside novel for you to check out!
Last year, I fell in love with Laura Jane Williams’ writing when I listened to the audiobook of Our Stop. It was cute and lighthearted and best of all, it made me laugh! I was thrilled when NetGalley approved me for an advanced reader copy of her latest title, The Lucky Escape. This book will be released on June 10, 2021, and I can’t wait for everyone to get their hands on it.
I couldn’t put this book down! I found myself distracted while I was working because all I wanted to do was get back to reading. If I’m honest, I can probably count on one hand the number of times this has happened. So, needless to say, it was great! But I bet you’d like to know a little more about it, so keep scrolling to check out why I thought The Lucky Escape was so spectacular (and why you need to read it too)!
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Why You Should Read The Lucky Escape
If you could just put yourself at the centre of your own world for one second you’d see how much you deserve to be there.
The Lucky Escape
A huge thank-you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for this e-arc of The Lucky Escape by Laura Jane Williams.
“ONE CANCELLED WEDDING
When the day finally comes for Annie to marry Alexander, the last thing she expects is to be left standing at the altar. She was so sure he was Mr Right. Now, she has no idea how she could have got it so wrong.
ONE UNEXPECTED ENCOUNTER
After a chance meeting with Paddy, an old friend who reminds her of who she used to be, Annie takes a vow of her own: sheβll say yes to every opportunity that comes her way from now on.
ONE SPARE TICKET FOR THE HONEYMOON
Could a spontaneous trip with Paddy be the way to mend Annieβs heart? Sheβs about to find out as she embarks on her honeymoon β with a man whoβs not her husband⦔ (Goodreads Synopsis)
Below you can find my full and honest review of The Lucky Escape by Laura Jane Williams.
Over the years, I’ve developed a love-hate relationship with contemporary romance. On the one hand, it’s nice to have something light and fluffy to read when you need a mood-booster. On the other hand, I tend to feel frustrated that most of these books lack substance or originality. I’ve begun to pick up the genre with the assumption that I’ll be somewhat disappointed or left wanting more.
So naturally, you can understand my excitement over the fact that The Lucky Escape had the perfect blend of everything a good rom-com should possess. Some chapters caused me to bubble over with deep belly-laughs. Others incited inspiration (note: I was very thankful that I read a digital copy of this novel because I do not like marking my physical books and this way, I was able to highlight to my heart’s content). A few times, I even shed tears. I found myself quickly becoming wrapped up in Annie’s story and loving every second of it!
There was less predictability in this plot than I originally expected, which I loved. I kept having moments where I would begin to cringe, thinking I knew what would come next, only to be pleasantly surprised!
I appreciated that The Lucky Escape focused a lot on the importance of friendships and sibling relationships. There was as much – if not more – emphasis on this as there was on the romance element. The sweet nicknames Annie and Freddie had for each other warmed my heart and I loved the serious support system that the Core Four provided.
If you find me sitting in a corner, writing sonnets for Patrick, don’t be surprised. This cinnamon roll of a man has to be one of my favorite love interests of all time. Truthfully, I could spend forever telling you about how phenomenal he is – and he’s not even an unrealistic “dream guy” sort of character. He has depth and soul and a seriously inspirational perspective on life.
This book is currently living rent-free in my mind. Every time I put it down to do my work or run errands, etc., I immediately missed it and wanted to pick it back up again to continue reading. It took virtually no time at all to make it on my list of favorite contemporary romance novels! I will certainly be reading it again and again.
pre-order the book (release date: June 10, 2021)
The Lucky Escape – Amazon | Book Depository | Bookshop | Target
Will you be reading The Lucky Escape when it’s released in June?
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Lindsey says
I am totally stalking your blog these days for sure – I love everything you come out with! This review is no exception – I’m like you in that I’m always dubious with contemporary romance and being worried about just being let down by them but this sounds like it has it all. I really want to read to find out more about Patrick now! Great review!
Stephanie Whitman says
That makes me so happy! Thank you very much π Contemporary romance can definitely be hit-or-miss, and usually, I don’t end up giving the book more than a 3-star rating… 4 if it really wowed me. The fact that this one got 5 stars absolutely SHOCKS me, but in the best way possible. I already pre-ordered the book so I can have the fully finished copy forever hehe.
Alexandra says
The Lucky Escape sounds like a great read! I haven’t read a book with a storyline in so long! This one actually sounds so cute! Thanks for sharing!!
Stephanie Whitman says
It was the perfect contemporary romance! Part of me wishes I read it in February – but after a ton of fantasy novels, it was great to break it up with this sweet story π
Amie says
Oooh this book sounds right up my street! I am going to check this book out right now!
Love, Amie β€
The Curvaceous Vegan
Stephanie Whitman says
I hope you do end up reading it when it comes out. It was exceptional! Sweet and cute but not over-the-top or cheesy. It had the right amount of depth and I loved that about it.
Mariah says
Ooo this sounds so interesting! One, love NetGalley. Two, I totally agree about the genre. I love it, but also hate that sometimes the plots are sooo predictable. This one sounds like a good palette cleanser for the genre. Thanks for sharing!
Stephanie Whitman says
NetGalley is something that was only introduced to me after I launched my bookstagram, but I’m forever grateful for it. I only recently began to receive these ARCs and it feels so special! I’m glad I get to share my thoughts about books before they are released. It’s cool to be part of building the hype!
happyhourthoughts says
omg we love to read and this is going straight into my amazon basket! thankyou for sharing x
Stephanie Whitman says
I love hearing that! I can’t wait for you to get a chance to read it when it comes out in June! π
Lee says
It sounds so good! I love that it’s a rom com but with a bit more depth to it. We’re going on our honeymoon (Hopefully, covid-rules dependant) end of summer/ early fall so this sounds like the perfect book to pack to read!
Stephanie Whitman says
Oooh this book would really be perfect for that! It’s such a great summer-y love story. I hope you do get a chance to pick it up π
Della Driscoll says
Brilliant review! I think I’d like this book; I’m like you and find contemporary romance hit ans miss x
Stephanie Whitman says
It can be tough to find contemporary romance books that tick all the boxes. I can name 3 of them off the top of my head that have done that for me in the past and received 5-star reviews. But typically, I give around 3 stars because they just don’t floor me. This one was an exception for sure. It was fantastic!
Sarah Mark says
This sounds like such a great book! I will definitely be getting myself a copy.
Stephanie Whitman says
I’m so glad to hear that! You’ll have to let me know what you think once you read it in June π
Jennifer Prince says
I LOVE it when you can’t stop thinking about a book. That’s such a great sign! I’ve even mourned a book’s ending b/c it was so good and I was so attached to the characters. I need to check this one out!!
Stephanie Whitman says
Right? It takes a special book to make that happen. When I finished this one, I found it really hard to get into another book because I was dealing with what I’ve heard called a “book hangover” from how good this was haha! I already pre-ordered it so I could have a finished copy when it comes out π I can’t wait to read it again and again!
Margot says
Oh this books sounds really nice. I’m adding it up to my list of next books to read.
xx
Margot
https://troughthepasturesofthesky.com
Stephanie Whitman says
That’s fantastic to hear! I hope you enjoy it when it comes out this summer π
Jessica Eishow says
this sounds like a wonderful book! thank you for this recommendation!! I’m adding it to my ‘to read’ list asap!!
jessica | http://www.overdressedblogger.com
Stephanie Whitman says
That’s awesome to hear! It’s definitely the perfect summer read, so when it comes out in June, you’ll need to get yourself a copy!
Neely Moldovan says
Oh I want to read this! Its been in my TBR for a bit!
Stephanie Whitman says
Oh really??? I hope you love it! When it comes out in June, let me know if you read it and enjoy it π
TheQuietGirl (Anissa) says
This sounds like a lovely book! I love a book about romance but it’s nice to hear that it’s rom-com too. You can really tell that you enjoyed the book, great review!
Stephanie Whitman says
It definitely had some great laughs! I loved that it was sweet and funny, but also had tons of depth. I found myself highlighting quotes over and over again on my Kindle copy!
Rach says
I am sold!!! Totally adding this book onto my reading list!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Stephanie Whitman says
YESS! I love hearing that! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did π
Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication says
I usually cringe away from contemporary romances too, but you’re selling me on this one!
Stephanie Whitman says
I wouldn’t say I cringe away from them. Contemporary romance is my second-favorite genre after fantasy, but I just find that it can feel repetitive or a bit lacking in the depth department. I’m always happy when I find a rom-com that has just as much to teach me as it does to make me laugh!
Freya says
I want a Patrick and Iβve not read the book yet! Great review and photos, as always!
Stephanie Whitman says
Patrick was SUCH a sweetie! I loved everything about him. In fact, I think I loved him so much because he reminded me of my husband haha!
Ashley Beth says
Always excited to see another book blog! Great review, the book sounds like a lot of fun.
Stephanie Whitman says
Cozy bookish and lifestyle blogger, at your service π Thanks for reading!
Caitlin says
Romantic comedies in book form are one of my favorite genres because you always feel GOOD when the book is over! This is a great review, thanks for sharing!
Stephanie Whitman says
Exactly! But sometimes I feel like I laughed a lot and didn’t learn anything and it makes me EXTRA happy when I discover a bit of depth to a story that I wasn’t expecting π This book had a lot of that.
Sacha says
Wow, yes this definitely sounds like a great read, especially for when Summer comes along!
Stephanie Whitman says
It really is the perfect summer read! I keep stopping myself from saying it because of the title, but the book itself was a great escape haha!
Yolanda says
Honestly – this book sounds just like what I need right now. Belly laughs and inspiration – yes please! I will definitely be giving it a read this summer. Can’t wait to read it outside in the sun after a long winter!
Stephanie Whitman says
It really was such a great story, overall. Cheerful but meaningful too. It’d be awesome to read by the pool or at the beach – and while I’m NOT a summer person in the slightest, it somehow had me craving sunshine anyways!
Jennifer Passmore says
This sounds like a wonderful read! I will be looking for this book!
Stephanie Whitman says
That’s awesome to hear! It comes out in June, so let me know if you pick it up or pre-order it! I’ve already ordered my copy hehe.
Emily Wilkinson says
This book sounds great! Thanks for the thoughtful review!
Lizzie says
Oooo this sounds like a great book! And it comes out on my birthday! Birthday gift to myself? I think so haha!
Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
Stephanie Whitman says
OMG no way! That would be the perfect gift to yourself hehe
Nayomi says
I absolutely feel the same way about romance books – I like the light fluffiness they tend to be to perfect and therefore predictable. This book sound like the perfect balance of heart-warming and depth.
Stephanie Whitman says
It can be hard to find a happy medium, but I will say this is exactly that: a happy medium! Cute and fluffy, but tons of inspiration and depth as well!
Daniela says
I really enjoyed reading this review, and I think I might add this book to my TBR too! Thank you so much for sharing.
Stephanie Whitman says
I’m glad to hear it! I definitely want more people to read this book because it was awesome!
Jenny in Neverland says
This sounds GREAT. Thank you for this review. I’ll definitely be looking out for this book in June. Sounds exactly what I need right now! x
Stephanie Whitman says
I can’t wait to hear what you think of it if you end up grabbing it in June π
Molly says
This sounds like a cute one! I tend to read more thrillers and mystery novels, but lately I’ve been going for lighter, easy read. This might have to go on my summer reading list!
Laura Leigh says
okay this sounds right up my alley! a really great summer read – will be preordering this and dreaming of sitting by the pool reading it until it arrives. thanks for sharing girl friend!
xo Laura Leigh
https:/louellareese.com
Jessica Khater says
First of all, I want to say that the title by itself is catchy and your review is even catchier. I’d love to read it. Second, I thought only few people did a summer reading list. I’m one of them by the way π . Third, my birthday is on June 9 so this book would be the perfect gift for me this year.
Kristina says
I see where you’re coming from where a lot of these books can feel really similar, but the juicy drama is always a plus!
Darleen says
I love books that are always so hard to put down, and keeps you on your toes. This sounds like a good summer read.
Lauren says
This sounds like a very interesting book. I like a bit of drama in a book. You have shared your honest experience. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Lauren
Nailil says
I had not heard of this title yet. After reading your review, I feel like it’s on I could read once released.
Xx, Nailil
thirtyminusone.com