I enjoyed this novel for the same reason i was exasperated by this novel: the incredibly slow burn! However, as a demisexual, I appreciated that the physical attraction between these characters was not instantaneous; instead, it grew as they got to know each other better.

This book just hit all the "feel goods". Serena had a very difficult life with little affection except for her sister. Gabrielle had a good job and a wonderful family. What happens when a poor young lady wins a big lottery? Life changing for sure. Enter Gabrielle who has no time for relationships. Oh, but how does a dog named Lucky steal the show, so to speak, in this book? Well, you know the answer to that------read the book. It is such a sweet story and I found myself very involved with these two ladies and how everything worked out. I highly recommend this one and it will definitely go onto my re-read list. Kris Bryant is such a master of giving the reader a strong emotional attachment with her characters and this is one of her best examples. Thank you so much to the author for sharing this story.

As an animal lover, this cover drew me in immediately! The story tells of two women. Serena, who, with a spur of the moment lottery ticket, has won the lottery, and Gabrielle, an architect that doesn’t exactly see eye-to-eye with Serena’s dream of a pet inn. I found all the characters – main and secondary – to be enjoyable and relatable characters. I also appreciated that this story was told in third person, which I found to be unique and engaging. Overall, I enjoyed this book and its characters.
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

This adorable romance about a lottery winner wanting to make her dream come true and an architect trying to make partner at her firm is sweet and heartwarming.
Serena is selfless and always putting everyone else’s needs before her own. She is so deserving of her change of luck in the form of winning the lottery. She has a habit of closing off emotionally to protect herself from getting hurt. Gabrielle is solely focused on work sacrificing romance for her career. As they try to balance a working relationship where they disagree more often than not and a budding personal relationship the lines blur and tensions are high, can these two find a way into each other’s heart?
I loved the pacing of their relationship. The interest is present right off the bat but there is hesitancy from both parties. I loved seeing them grow closer as they met each other’s friends and family. The fun and flirty interactions are cute and I love the deepening emotional connection they share.
The characters in this story are fantastic. I loved all of their friends and family who can see the chemistry way before Serena or Gabrielle are ready to admit their feelings. Bryant included a pretty heavy cameo in the form of Shaylie and Piper from her earlier story Falling. I love little connections like this and it made me even more excited to go back and read their story.
There are many complications along the way and sometimes things get messy but I never stopped rooting for these two through it all. I loved all of the pet related parts of the story and enjoyed the heavy focus on the adorable fur friends.
This story is cute meets sexy. I loved these characters and the steady and loving progression of the romance. A fun, sweet, and romantic read.

Lucky is shaping up to be another winner for Kris Bryant, earning her closely to 4.5 stars in reviews on both Amazon and Barnes and Noble since its release in June. That’s not a real surprise to anyone familiar with Bryant’s work; she’s a talented writer. She’s garnered quite a readership over the course of her career. Her books not only speak to readers, they earn her a multitude of awards.

I enjoyed Lucky. There are quite a few nice things going on inside its pages. The storyline is an intriguing concept; it’s always fun to imagine winning the lottery and living your days out in your dream life. Serena puts readers right there with this story. No one deserves a cool 42 million more than her. She’s had to pinch and save her whole life, not to mention take care of her younger sister and their sometimes MIA mom. Serena is easy to like; she’s warm and friendly in a girl-next-door kind of way. Readers are drawn to her shy vulnerability and her tender, caring heart.

Readers find Gabrielle to be a good contrast in this sweet romance; she is Serena’s opposite in many ways. Even though they are both hardworking and independent young women, they come from very different backgrounds. Gabrielle has always enjoyed a comfortable life surrounded by a loving, stable family. Growing up with a strong support system has granted her the ability to blossom into a successful and confident woman with a promising career in a competitive architectural firm. Her responsibilities are much different than Serena’s; she needs to only take care of herself and manage her busy career. She has little time for anything else—that is until she meets Serena.

Serena and Gabrielle fit together nicely in this story. Their romance has a natural chemistry. Readers find them sweet and adorable together. However, the secondary characters are what really adds the charm to this romance. They help pull the romance together with their entertaining interruptions and nosey intrusions. It’s all in good spirit and fun, though. In fact Rosie, Gabrielle’s best friend, is one of my favorite meddlesome friends. Her spot-on observations and witty remarks add so much to this story. I wouldn’t have minded more scenes with her; she is a gem.

Bryant is a seasoned romance writer; she knows how to plot and plan a lovely romance. However, there are points in the storytelling that I feel are a bit “thin.” The storyline regarding Serena’s mom leaves readers wondering what happened; they feel left out of the loop. The sub-plot is wrapped up with not much scene time. Considering that her mom is a big part of her backstory and the source of all her invisible wounds and baggage, it seems reasonable that there should have been more of a window into their contentious split. Readers would have no doubt cheered Serena on as she stood up to her mother in a compelling scene. It would have definitely pushed the narrative and shed light on their parting in ways readers weren’t granted access. Now readers are only left to fill in the gaps and imagine how it all played out.

All in all, Lucky is a solid romance. I would recommend it to readers that enjoy comfortable contemporary romances. It’s definitely one lesfic readers can lean back and savor. It’s the perfect read for a lazy day.

Strengths…

-Entertaining
-Delightful secondary characters
-Imaginative story arc
-Likable and engaging leading ladies

This book was bland and repetitive. I choose not to review it on my blog because it seemed better to just leave it be. This just was not that book for me. Thank you.

I love Kris Bryant's books and was really happy to see a new one coming out. This is a lighter story than her last few - after writing about plane crashes and the aftermath of a mass shooting, having your character win the lottery is definitely a switch up.

This is a feel good kind of book - Serena Evans is scraping by and when she wins the lottery and she finally has the chance to live the life she wants. Enter architect Gabrielle Barnes who is assigned to work with a new client who wants to build a Pet Inn - not the best assignment for someone who is afraid of dogs and whose promotion is dependent on the success of the project.

As always, Bryant writes engaging stories and Lucky was a light-hearted romance that didn't rely on insta-love/attract and let the characters develop and the relationship grow.
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Oh ... and bonus points for the dog! :)

Good story, couldn't wait to keep reading all what was going to happen. I look forward to reading more by this author.

Kris Bryant always seems to deliver, and this book is no exception! Even though this was out of the norm for Bryant in that she changed voice from 1st to 3rd, I felt like this story was wonderful from beginning to end.

Lucky tells the story of Serena, who's rough life has suddenly changed when she wins the lottery. When she decides to build her dream pet daycare facility and teams with Gabrielle, the lead architect on the project, sparks fly.

This wasn't my favorite Bryant book, but it was still a delightful read. Give it a go if you're looking for a lighter read. This one has undeniable chemistry between the two mains, and it's an easy, fun read. While I do wish that the mains had a bit more depth, this was still a 4 star read for me.

**Many thank to Bold Strokes for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.**

3.5/4

Serena Evans life changes when she becomes the latest lottery winner. Now she wants to open her dream business, the Pet Posh Inn, a pet daycare. Gabrielle Barnes is assigned the job of designing the space, while she doesn't care about a pet daycare, this is her opportunity to prove herself in the company and make partner. While working on the project Serena and Gabrielle grow closer and they both might get lucky at love.

This book started interesting and I really liked the characters. Individually each character was great. They each had a good back story and they were both interesting. I like the relationships they had with friends and family and I thought those supporting characters added to the story.

However, I thought the chemistry between Serena and Gabrielle was lacking. I thought they started great when they just met but it never took off from there. It was a bit too bland for me.

Overall it was a cute book but it lacked some in the romance/chemistry department.

I received this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Kris Bryant almost never fails to write a story I enjoy. And although maybe it's not her best one, I also like this one very much.It's nice to see that someone who wins so much money stays the same and doesn't get her heads in the cloud or becomes an asshole. Well done!

ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoy Kris Bryant‘s books, and I was looking forward to this because it she first attempt at third person. I liked it, but there were parts that didn’t gel for me, so it’s not on my favourites list.

This features MC Serena, a down on her luck, ‘I have childhood issues’ woman who strikes it lucky by winning the lottery. This allows her to build her life’s dream of a pet daycare/kennel business in Vail. Enter Gabrielle, an architect who is trying to make partner.

Gabrielle doesn’t like dogs (or any pets really) for reasons that are revealed later, this is a bit of a stumbling block when designing a space for animals. She and Serena hit it off anyway, and get to designing the space. The two spend a lot of time together by virtue of the long design/build process, so this is a slow burn romance.

We’re also introduced to a fairly large cast of supporting characters, I loved both Serena’s BFFs, Chloe and Jackie and Gabrielle’s BFF Rosie. Fans of Falling will be pleased to see Piper and Shalie as well, Piper features quite a bit and we get to see where they’re at, which is nice.

Gabrielle has a large group of friends that instantly adopt Serena, and I enjoyed watching her interact with them, especially Piper. I did think a little too much time was spent on Serena’s ‘mommy issues’ considering the storyline essential goes nowhere.

I liked how the romance unfolded and watching the two grow as a result, both together and individually. But there’s an event that happens shortly after they start dating that almost had me putting the book down, it featured something I hate, and it made me uncomfortable. It then becomes a pivotal point at the end, and that’s where the book sort of derailed for me. 1) because I agreed with Serena, and 2) because the time jumps that followed seems a little long and unrealistic given the project they were working on. The resolution also seemed a little too quick and pat.

Overall, I thought this was an ok read, but Jolt and Listenare still my favourites. 3 stars.

I highly enjoyed this new book written by Kris Bryant. As a new puppy owner it was fantastic to read this story. The plot was great and I really liked the characters. Especially the puppy moments and the waterfall were my favourite parts. I liked the different family and friends partys as well, because they show so wonderfully how the characters act with others. Both main characters have thei baggage but they have wonderful friends and family as well as some darker parts. This was crafted very well.

The first person narration was written good too and I really enjoyed the story of Serena and Gabrielle and the doggy daycare. Would love to visit this special place.

This book was fantastic and in a time such as now, it was the escape I sorely needed. I only wish I could have hung around in Serena and Gabrielle’s world a little longer.

I’m not sure if it’s actually the case but this book felt longer than others by Kris Bryant and honestly, I was so ready for that. She’s such a phenomenal writer (and one of my favourites) that she could write War and Peace and I’d be excited.

Lucky is written in the third person narrative which is quite the departure from script for Kris Bryant who writes typically in the first person. In my opinion, she’s one of only a few authors who I can read in the first person and thoroughly enjoy. However, the writing in this book was so tight and insightful that I’d almost only want Kris Bryant to write this way in the future. She nailed the emotion, tension and above all else – attraction, and we needed the third person to understand it all. Beautifully done, Ms Bryant!

I’ve never read a first chapter that captures not only my attention, but set the tone so astutely for a novel! You really enter this book feeling Serena’s anguish and struggle due to her financial situation. So when Serena won the lottery, I burst into tears, knowing how deserving she was and ready for the story to make her dreams come true…

I adored Serena, and she was, without a doubt my favourite character. I really felt a part of her more than anyone else throughout the story and shared in her emotions and reactions. She took me on the most significant journey. Whereas I was crushing on Gabrielle pretty hard from the get-go… what is it with me and crushing on fiction characters in books? *queue my wife’s eye roll*

I think it should be left a mystery until you read the book but look out for a character from a previous novel! I squealed so loud when I realised it and then reread their book.

Y’all know how much I love a good epilogue right? Well, let me tell you this book has a fantastic last chapter and epilogue! In fact, I would have forgiven Kris Bryant for not writing an epilogue because the previous chapter was so good. HOWEVER, the epilogue that does come is incredible and so very delicious! Major swooning for Gabrielle afterwards!

Wowser!!! The connection emotionally and sexually between Gabrielle and Serena was intense and so very sexy! There is much sexiness to enjoy in this book… trust me!

Wonderful book that honestly should be at the top of your reading list for June. Go grab yourself a copy now… you can thank me later!!! Enjoy!

This story follows two women as they dance around their attraction to each other with every single step being talked over and analyzed by their best friends, who show up in interchangeable couples who have nothing better to do than be supportive and wise while simultaneously supporting the heteronormative model of marriage, biological children, bought house and/or dog.

Maybe the other couples are the end result of previous novels? I don’t know, as this is my first read by this author. For most of this book, I felt like that person who is a new addition to an established friends group and I’m left nodding and fake-laughing at all of their in-jokes that I just don’t get.

Honestly, I looked forward to this book a lot, but I felt so left out by a) all the backstory and best friends that I didn’t have and b) the ultra-femme world of high heels, fancy dresses and makeup which even as a self-identified femme, was so alien to me, that I didn’t really invest in this story. You have the predictable misunderstanding at about the 80% mark with ignoring the phone for a while, then BAM it ends happily.

This wasn’t a difficult read. I liked Serena and was rooting for her, but Gabrielle came off as cold and kind of a player who got by on her looks while sporting the “poor me, everybody lusts after me” complex.

The main difficulty I had was a lot of really important conversations happens off-screen and were
only summarized after the fact, while a lot of time and narrative was taken up with events that weren’t important (the endless best friends domestic bliss and advice scenes).

My rating: three stars

Unfortunately not my favorite Kris Bryant book. I did love the idea around the book as a dog lover the idea of winning the lottery and making a animal day care sounds prefect to me. The characters were nice enough Serena being more quiet person used to not having much and Gabrielle being work focused with one goal in mind making partner. What I found was the chemistry just wasn't there for me between the two which made the story fall flat. I didn't love how Serena didn't trust Gabrielle in her job but then said she was doing a great job.

I am a Kris Bryant fan but just found this book didn't have any feeling to it which was disappointing.

This is the first book I have read by this author and it certainly won’t be the last because I really enjoyed this entertaining easy to read romance.
Serena hasn’t had it easy, she has practically raised her younger sister so when a rash decision to buy a lottery ticket turns into a life changing moment she decides its time to do what she wants.....
Gabrielle is the architect hired to design the pet hotel Serena wants to open but this isn’t his dream job and he is left wondering why is it him who left designing an animal daycare....
When Serena and Gabrielle spend time together they realise they have a lot in common even though on the face of it they come from different worlds. I loved my visit to Vail, Colorado and I loved the characters in this easy to read story. This book has the perfect mix of love, humour with a hint of angst and I’m looking forward to playing catch up with Kris Bryant’s previous works.

When I see a book by Kris Bryant, I know I am going to read an exceptionally good romance and this book definitely did not let me down. The setting for this romance is Vail, Colorado and Denver, Colorado. Although the story takes place in two different cities, it works well for this book.

Serena Evans lives in Vail, Colorado and loves everything about her city. She is shy and because she has had her heart broken over the years, she does not trust many people. Serena has only let her sister and her two best friends into her heart. She lives paycheck to paycheck and on a whim, she purchases a lottery ticket. The lottery ticket is a winner and Serena find herself a multi-millionaire. Because she loves animals, she decides to build a pet center in Vail where pet owners can board their pets or get a variety of services for them.

Serena needs to hire an architecture firm to plan and construct her new building. A Denver firm is recommended and there she meets Gabrielle Barnes. Gabrielle is an extraordinarily successful architect and hopes to become a partner at her firm. If she does a good job on the pet center, Gabrielle feels that she will be offered the promotion.

Both Serena and Gabrielle are attracted to each other. However, with Serena’s fear of opening up her heart and Gabrielle’s not wanting to ever be in a relationship, the chance of this attraction leading to a bond is slim.

Ms. Bryant has created an excellent plot. I had a hard time putting it down. It is a fast read. The main characters and the secondary characters are developed wonderfully. Readers will find they are hoping for love and happiness for the characters. I recommend this book for anyone who wants to read a good romance. I give this a rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

I received this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Lucky is a book based on the story of two women, Serena and Gabrielle. Serena is a woman who has grown up in not the most ideal circumstances. Grown up in poverty and never knowing what stupid thing her mother would do next, made her feel responsible for her sister, Faith. Her life as it seems looks as though she is down and out but always caring and being reliable for others, but never getting to do what she truly wants. On the other hand, Gabrielle could be seen to have a better family life compared to Serena. Gabrielle is ruthless and knows what she wants out of life and she isn't afraid to get it, especially with her work, being in the architect business.

When I first read the description of this book, I was definitely intrigued by the concept. A LGBT relationship set in the background of a woman who wins the lottery and using it to make a doggie day-care. Seems perfect right? I really wished it was. In reality it is a very stereotypical relationship which makes me sad. The usual tropes were used and it makes me sad to think that the author shot themselves in the knee trying far too hard to make this a good story. It felt as though the description of the story got me to the door, but once I was welcomed inside the home I was ready to leave.

Was I attached to the characters? Not particularly. But I did admire some of their characteristics. For instance, with Serena's kindness and humility and Gabrielle's tenacity to get what she wants and to not suffer from fools. However, out of all of this, it felt as though the conflict was far too easy to resolve or not highlighted with enough detail to really make it interesting and full of drama. In a way, it is kind of like beans on toast rather than a Sunday roast with all the trimmings. Its good and satisfactory, but it can be way better with a slight change in the recipe choices.

I really did wish that this could have been a good book. Don't get me wrong, it was entertaining for the few hours that I was able to read it. But will I pick this book up again in the future? Probably not very likely. I've given this a three star as there were some promising aspects which were used, but I felt that it could have been utilised more. Then again, I think that I have a problem with seeing some proper drama, which unfortunately this book in question did not fulfil.

This is a straightforward, unpretentious, heartwarming romance.

Serena Evans has had a tough life what with an unpredictable, mostly-disappearing alcoholic mother. As a result Serena had to give up her hope for higher studies and took on the responsibility of her baby sister working multiple jobs to provide for all three of them. Things worsened with a girlfriend who repeated cheated on her. Now free of her girlfriend and working in a bookshop with a boss from hell, every day is a struggle for Serena. On a whim she buys a lottery ticket with prize money of forty-two million and forgets about it. When the draw is announced, there’s a buzz that someone has won the money but no one knows who. Serena has forgotten that she had bought a ticket too and comes across her life-changing ticket when getting her clothes together for laundry.

Gabrielle Barnes is an architect hoping to make partner in her entirely male-skewed organisation, Arnest & Max Architecture. Her decade of hardwork and efficiency is not unnoticed, but the senior partners announce that they’ll see the work of Gabrielle and Tom for six months before making their decision about which of them will make partner. Tom is given a plum project and Gabrielle is handed a mess made by someone else to sort out with a promise of getting the next big project that comes their way.

The next big project happens to be Serena’s Pet Posh Inn. Gabrielle is not exactly an animal person and rather unsuited for the project, but she got to make it rock, even when the client is all indecisive.

Serena is immediately appealing from the first time she makes an appreance in the book. She is written with such care taking into consideration her past and background that she becomes totally real. She is shy, somewhat under-confident and a little fragile. She is also kind, rather brave and definitely not a pushover. Something about Serena worms her into tender places of the heart and nurtures her there. You celebrate her every joy.

Gabrielle, carrying her own baggage and ambition, is also very real. She starts off pretty okay but as the relationship between her and Serena develops and progresses she becomes more and more likeable for all the massive effort she makes for love.

The chemistry between Serena and Gabrielle pulsates each time they are together. The sex scenes are super-hot. Loved them.

There are quite a group of secondary (and even tertiary) characters including wonderful friends (and some family), adorable dogs and one tiny scene-let with a super-cute kid.

We definitely recommend this one.