Scan barcode
meghan_plethoraofpages's review against another edition
3.0
The Lucky Escape by Laura Jane Williams
This book sounds so full of rom-com promise! We have Annie, left at the altar by her long-term boyfriend, life as she knows it in shambles. We have Patrick, an old (preteen times old) friend who is cute, charming and easy to talk to. And we have an all expenses paid luxury honeymoon, thanks to her ex’s parents, ready to be taken - alone, or perhaps with a new old friend?
The ingredients were all there, but unfortunately this one didn’t quite come out a masterpiece for me. Annie was a fickle character who’s personality and decisions were never quite clear. Patrick was a gem in the beginning and throughout most of the trip, but then became oddly possessive and serious once back in London. Both characters didn’t seem to be true to themselves or the storyline. It felt like reading two different novels - the first half and then after the trip. Similarly, the whole Antwerp experience was just off, didn’t enjoy that segment at all.
Parts were very enjoyable - I really liked picturing all the Australian spots they visited on the trip. The chemistry between Annie and Patrick was fantastic, as was the build up to them getting together. I liked Freddie and the Core Four, they were great secondary characters.
Overall, a fun read with strong elements but missing cohesiveness for me. I would be open to reading more from this author in the future. Thank you to Avon Books and Netgalley for free access to an e-copy of this book! All opinions are my own. It publishes June 10, 2021!
This book sounds so full of rom-com promise! We have Annie, left at the altar by her long-term boyfriend, life as she knows it in shambles. We have Patrick, an old (preteen times old) friend who is cute, charming and easy to talk to. And we have an all expenses paid luxury honeymoon, thanks to her ex’s parents, ready to be taken - alone, or perhaps with a new old friend?
The ingredients were all there, but unfortunately this one didn’t quite come out a masterpiece for me. Annie was a fickle character who’s personality and decisions were never quite clear. Patrick was a gem in the beginning and throughout most of the trip, but then became oddly possessive and serious once back in London. Both characters didn’t seem to be true to themselves or the storyline. It felt like reading two different novels - the first half and then after the trip. Similarly, the whole Antwerp experience was just off, didn’t enjoy that segment at all.
Parts were very enjoyable - I really liked picturing all the Australian spots they visited on the trip. The chemistry between Annie and Patrick was fantastic, as was the build up to them getting together. I liked Freddie and the Core Four, they were great secondary characters.
Overall, a fun read with strong elements but missing cohesiveness for me. I would be open to reading more from this author in the future. Thank you to Avon Books and Netgalley for free access to an e-copy of this book! All opinions are my own. It publishes June 10, 2021!
evarano's review against another edition
1.0
1.5 ⭐️
I didn’t like this one. It started off strong! But I became bored quite quickly, I found the story predictable and the steamy scenes were very cringey. I didn’t feel overly connected to the characters, Annie was bland and naive. I skimmed through about 75%. Not for me! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the free preview in exchange for an honest review.
I didn’t like this one. It started off strong! But I became bored quite quickly, I found the story predictable and the steamy scenes were very cringey. I didn’t feel overly connected to the characters, Annie was bland and naive. I skimmed through about 75%. Not for me! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the free preview in exchange for an honest review.
cobaltbookshelf's review against another edition
2.0
I liked cover and beginning was fine but somewhere in middle with slow pacing and characters I didn't cared about it completely lost me.
beck1301's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
jinxei's review against another edition
3.0
The Lucky Escape is a well written and fun romantic comedy about second chances and finding your happy ever after, even if it isn't the one that you thought you would have.
Annie had thought the next chapter in her life was beginning as the days counted down to her wedding day to Alexander. However, after being left at the alter, Annie's world and future seems to be crumbling in front of her. Pushing through, Annie begins to drown her sorrows by throwing herself into working out at the gym where she bumps into her old friend, Patrick. Patrick brings a spark back into her life and a sense of who she once was. With her new outlook on life, Annie continues on with her planned honeymoon--with Patrick.
While Patrick and Annie's younger sister stole the show for me, Annie seemed to fall a little short. While I understand not being in the best state of mind after being left by your now-former-fiance, her morals and standards seemed to be all over. Between being body positive, but also ashamed of her own body and appearance, there were several things like this that made her seem not to take a stance on something and stick to it. I was also incredibly excited to get to the fun honeymoon part, but it seemed to take a while and didn't last as long as I wanted.
Despite these small issues I had, it was a fun and entertaining story of someone finding themselves and a second chance at love. Their romance was cute and believable, if a little rushed after just coming out of a horrific break up.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of The Lucky Escape!
Annie had thought the next chapter in her life was beginning as the days counted down to her wedding day to Alexander. However, after being left at the alter, Annie's world and future seems to be crumbling in front of her. Pushing through, Annie begins to drown her sorrows by throwing herself into working out at the gym where she bumps into her old friend, Patrick. Patrick brings a spark back into her life and a sense of who she once was. With her new outlook on life, Annie continues on with her planned honeymoon--with Patrick.
While Patrick and Annie's younger sister stole the show for me, Annie seemed to fall a little short. While I understand not being in the best state of mind after being left by your now-former-fiance, her morals and standards seemed to be all over. Between being body positive, but also ashamed of her own body and appearance, there were several things like this that made her seem not to take a stance on something and stick to it. I was also incredibly excited to get to the fun honeymoon part, but it seemed to take a while and didn't last as long as I wanted.
Despite these small issues I had, it was a fun and entertaining story of someone finding themselves and a second chance at love. Their romance was cute and believable, if a little rushed after just coming out of a horrific break up.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of The Lucky Escape!
bookish_withsky's review against another edition
4.0
I was up until 2 in the morning to finish this book. It was fun and cute and sweet. You always hear of the bride running away, never the groom, so that was an interesting twist to it. Patrick's character was full of depth and intriguing. I believe this story nicely balances grief, difficult familial relationships, pacing of a new relationship, and heartbreak.
anna_s1's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
farhana101's review against another edition
3.0
This book had the perfect premise for a romcom read. I loved the secondary characters in this book and the first half was quite engaging. I did find it hard to connect with Annie as she was sort of wish-washy at times and pretty immature. I didnt feel the chemistry so much between her and Patrick. I really enjoyed reading about Annies relationship with her sister and loved her friends so much!