Scan barcode
A review by booksalacarte
Just Our Luck by Denise Williams
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-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
2.5
2.5⭐️3🌶️
Contemporary Romance
Dual POV
De Moines Setting
Fake dating
Plus size FMC
Interracial relationship
Opposites attract
Just My Luck by Denise Williams offers a charming premise but left me with mixed feelings. The female main character’s undiagnosed ADHD is central to the story, but I struggled with the portrayal. She lacked coping or masking skills, which made it difficult to fully connect with her. Her behavior seemed more in line with how ADHD manifests in men, which felt somewhat jarring.
While the topic of adult ADHD is important, I felt the exploration of it was underdeveloped. The narrative also skips over significant time gaps, leaving the plot feeling disjointed and less engaging. The setting of Des Moines was barely mentioned until Chapter 11, and even then, it felt interchangeable.
On a positive note, the plus-size representation was refreshing. The FMC’s body type was portrayed in an empowering way without becoming the focal point of the story. Additionally, the interracial relationship was portrayed effortlessly, without focusing on societal judgment, which made their connection feel natural and genuine.
Ultimately, while the premise had potential, the execution lacked depth, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that the story was missing something to truly make it stand out.
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
Contemporary Romance
Dual POV
De Moines Setting
Fake dating
Plus size FMC
Interracial relationship
Opposites attract
Just My Luck by Denise Williams offers a charming premise but left me with mixed feelings. The female main character’s undiagnosed ADHD is central to the story, but I struggled with the portrayal. She lacked coping or masking skills, which made it difficult to fully connect with her. Her behavior seemed more in line with how ADHD manifests in men, which felt somewhat jarring.
While the topic of adult ADHD is important, I felt the exploration of it was underdeveloped. The narrative also skips over significant time gaps, leaving the plot feeling disjointed and less engaging. The setting of Des Moines was barely mentioned until Chapter 11, and even then, it felt interchangeable.
On a positive note, the plus-size representation was refreshing. The FMC’s body type was portrayed in an empowering way without becoming the focal point of the story. Additionally, the interracial relationship was portrayed effortlessly, without focusing on societal judgment, which made their connection feel natural and genuine.
Ultimately, while the premise had potential, the execution lacked depth, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that the story was missing something to truly make it stand out.
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.