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jelam0721's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
r_santabarbara's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
jprody's review
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
cjwitch's review
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
I greatly enjoyed this book. It's not quite "slice of life" cozy, but it's something adjacent to the genre. Life and love and enjoyment take precedence over any kind of plot, which does give it a bit of a "slice of life" vibe. It's low stakes, adorable, with great banter that had me laughing out loud and grinning wide enough to make my cheeks hurt.
There are aspects that I wish that the book delved deeper into and I definitely wish we had gotten to see more of Spencer's personality (his aversion to talking made him a difficult character to really get to know)...but that aside, this book was just an easy and enjoyable read that left me feeling happy.
I was invested in the characters and the way they interacted and the little family they were creating and I enjoyed every minute of the time I spent with them.
There are aspects that I wish that the book delved deeper into and I definitely wish we had gotten to see more of Spencer's personality (his aversion to talking made him a difficult character to really get to know)...but that aside, this book was just an easy and enjoyable read that left me feeling happy.
I was invested in the characters and the way they interacted and the little family they were creating and I enjoyed every minute of the time I spent with them.
badhorsebinks's review
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
melanysocorro's review
3.0
Lucky Bounce was a lighthearted, tender read about an elementary school teacher and his budding relationship with his favorite hockey player.
If you're looking for any kind of angst or a structured plot, this is not it. Lucky Bounce is 100% in the "vibes over plot" category, be warned. Usually, if the vibes prove to be immaculate, I can get down with a single-character POV that leans hard into a stream-of-consciousness writing style. And to be honest, I was enthralled by the first 60% of the book. I love a relationship that develops from weirdly coincidental, semi-embarrassing roots.
Plus, Spencer bodying a player into the glass just because Zeke told him to, brought on a visceral reaction.
After the first 60%, I got progressively more disengaged. Issues between the characters seem to gloss themselves over. The same goes for Zeke's internal turmoil which dissolved the second Spencer looked his way. I wish we saw Spencer's supposed moodiness in more than just him saying "whatever" every time he spoke. The ending was rather abrupt but it came after a couple chapters of aimless wandering so I can forgive it.
I think these tidbits can be looked over, especially considering it's meant to be a lighthearted read (and it definitely is). I would put this novel next to Rachel Reid's Time to Shine because it's undeniably a warm, light, holiday read.
If you're looking for any kind of angst or a structured plot, this is not it. Lucky Bounce is 100% in the "vibes over plot" category, be warned. Usually, if the vibes prove to be immaculate, I can get down with a single-character POV that leans hard into a stream-of-consciousness writing style. And to be honest, I was enthralled by the first 60% of the book. I love a relationship that develops from weirdly coincidental, semi-embarrassing roots.
Plus, Spencer bodying a player into the glass just because Zeke told him to, brought on a visceral reaction.
After the first 60%, I got progressively more disengaged. Issues between the characters seem to gloss themselves over. The same goes for Zeke's internal turmoil which dissolved the second Spencer looked his way. I wish we saw Spencer's supposed moodiness in more than just him saying "whatever" every time he spoke. The ending was rather abrupt but it came after a couple chapters of aimless wandering so I can forgive it.
I think these tidbits can be looked over, especially considering it's meant to be a lighthearted read (and it definitely is). I would put this novel next to Rachel Reid's Time to Shine because it's undeniably a warm, light, holiday read.
gkepps's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
glitterghoul's review
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Well, I’m biased, because (as a Philadelphia Flyers fan) I am connecting some dots. But this book is genuinely such a fun time I think it holds up even beyond that :)