What a cute romantic comedy book! I absolutely adore this. It’s very girl meets boy in a destination spot but with a ring of truth. I highly recommend it I think a lot of people who enjoy this one

How nice it would have been to have read The Lucky Escape on a sunny beach abroad instead of in a miserable UK lockdown! It’s a classic beach read, particularly with a great deal of the novel being set in Australia, and a romantic plot with a lovely protagonist you can root for. While I always appreciate when genre fiction reaches beyond patriarchal traditional tropes, I did feel like this was trying to hard to be diverse, with lots of pointed references to friends and colleagues of the (white straight cis) protagonist who are Black, or gay, or use non-cis pronouns. I just think it could have been subtler, but I really do enjoy a romance novel, like this one, that I can be sure has a good heart!

I absolutely loved this book and found the main character Annie very real. A lot of the book happens in Australia which was lovely to read on cold winter days during lockdown - lifted my mood no end.

A light hearted, fun read which I would highly recommend.

I loved it so much that I'm going to get the author's previous book The Love Square.

A great wee escape.

Absolutely loved this! Laura is fast becoming my fave “chick lit” author. Loved seeing Annie’s “awakening” and realising her self worth and absolutely loved the chemistry between her and Patrick, it quite literally leapt off the page. Every book I’ve read by Laura has been a pleasure and this was no difference. Thanks to Avon, the author and Netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I received a digital ARC from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.


The first thing that crossed my mind after finishing this novel is that I should definitely read the author’s other books. I believe if they are as good as this one then I’ll be hooked for life because at this moment I’m over the moon because of this read. It is comforting, romantic, and dreamy, and everything I wanted my last 2020 read to be.

The Lucky escape is a coming of age narrative that tackles womanhood and healthy relationships through its protagonist Annie Wiig. Annie is a self-conscious woman. She’s a victim of her proud, superficial, perfectionist mother who always criticized her for everything she did, and made her feel not good enough. That ingrained self-worthlessness and low self-esteem accompanied Annie to her adulthood, and made her stay in a toxic relationship merely for fear of being alone. Her relationship with Alexander had imbalanced power dynamics where she actively tried to earn his approval, and does everything right in order to keep him in her life. It ticks all of the elements of unhealthy relationships. However, things change when he leaves her at the altar, and she realizes that it’s about time she figured her life out and changed for the better.
In finding love and enjoying adventure, she metamorphoses into an incredible autonomous self-asserted woman. Through the whole of her journey, we get to grasp the little steps she takes to achieve her transformation, the fears brewing in her as a thirty years old woman, and how societal norms shape them.


Annie’s connection to her friends offers an insight into good friendships. The core four are tentative, supportive, and great listeners. They help her out figuring out her emotions, but not too much, they overstep their boundaries or try to overwhelm her with their opinions. As for her love interest, Patrick, he’s just the perfect person for her; he’s perfect in general (ugh! I am biased I know!). He’s funny, carefree, and sensitive. He’s confident, and compassionate, and they fit perfectly together. There is no beating around the bush with him. He communicates his emotion, and responds rather than reacts when she rocks the boat. It is obvious that his attachment style is secure, and he, sure, knows how to navigate relationships unlike Annie whose attachment style is anxious. Patrick is good for her because he inspires her to be herself and seize the moment. Gradually, Annie builds a backbone and learns to express herself authentically.


As women it feels like life ends once we hit thirty, and that only through marriage and family that we can truly worth something in this life, but the author subverts such a misogynistic ideology and lays out alternatives to such stereotypical gender roles.
In The Lucky Escape, we have different narratives that tackle female adulthood. Every friend symbolizes a variant definition of happiness, yet all of them contribute to the belief that there isn’t a single way to find it. We do make our own choices, and we’re allowed to pursue whatever serves us best, and makes our lives fulfilling. There is no right way to do it; whether through marriage, adoption, singlehood, work, or love. Every choice is valid, and as long as it stems from self-actualization and individual happiness.
I love the feminist undertone of the novel, and I do appreciate the author for delivering such a message because we need to constantly be reminded of that.


All in all, I love the plotline, and the characterization. It’s fluffy and romantic, and it warms my heart thinking that there is more to life than we think, that good things can happen out of the blue, that sometimes, bad things are just a blessing in disguise. Annie’s story gives me hope about love and self-growth. The author’s portrayal of her characters is well-crafted. They are flawed, interesting, multi-faceted, emotionally intelligent, and safe. They are a token of healthy relationships, and mature, dependent individuals

I enjoyed this book. It tells the story of Annie, jilted on her wedding day to her longtime university boyfriend.
The story looks at how Annie moves on from this, throwing herself into exercise and meeting an old friend in the process.
I liked the character of Patrick and found this a really enjoyable escape.

Great book! The perfect book to end 2020 and start 2021 with. I loved reading about Annie’s adventures in Australia. I have to be honest - I was quite cynical at the start of the book (for the first half really....). I was thinking:

‘This idiot definitely somehow knew she got jilted and has set himself up for a free holiday.’

‘I’m 30% of the way through and she still hasn’t gone to australia.’

‘WHY would she take him and not her best single friend ? “The core four were not convinced by the whole Patrick shebang” - I bet they werent!’

But. It redeemed itself. Annie is a likeable character (even if I’m not 100% persuaded by Patrick - there’s something weird about him). It made my want to find a personal trainer / bootcamp class to kick myself up the bum for the new year. I am also dying to visit Australia - maybe on a cheaper budget though!

Most of all, the book makes you question what changes you might need to make in your own life - and how you might find the courage to make those changes. Making it the perfect book for the new year.

I’ve now read three of Laura Jane Williams’ books and this is the best one yet. While ‘Our Stop’ and ‘The Love Square’, were perfectly lovely, something about ‘The Lucky Escape’ made my heart hurt the best way.

It might have been the funny and sweet protagonist I really connected with, or her sweet relationship with her sister, or wonderful Patrick, or the slow build relationship... all these things really worked for me and made this book a wonderful, heartwarming story.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Such a cute romantic comedy. Lighthearted and heartwarming. I love the storyline of the cancelled wedding and extra honeymoon ticket, and this book delivered on that!

Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.

Sometimes life just doesn't work out the way you thought it was going to, and that is exactly what The Lucky Escape by Lauren Jane Williams is all about! Shout out to Annie for saying yes to everything after being left at the altar!

This was a fun story with great characters. The plot was a bit different than many popular tropes. Great story nevertheless.

I absolutely adore Laura Jane Williams' books - and I think that this may be my favourite one yet.

Annie is a strong character -- one who is flawed, yet believable, and who honestly feels like she could be your BFF. I also loved the way that the reader got to see her through different lenses: the Annie who was out with the Core Four, the Annie around her mum, the Annie around Freddie, the Annie at work and the Annie with Patrick.

It all begins when she's set to marry Alexander, but she's left standing at the altar by her 'Mr. Right'. Unsure about how she got things so wrong, Annie runs into an old friend - Patrick. He reminders her of how she used to be, and she makes a big decision to say yes to every opportunity from then onwards. Which makes things a bit more complicated when he offers to come with her on her not-a-honeymoon-honeymoon -- after all, there's a spare ticket now, right? And she did promise she'd say yes to everything...

The story between Patrick and Annie developed in a way that actually seemed very realistic, given the circumstances that they found themselves in. I loved the way that the characters grew - both as individuals and as a couple - and absolutely flew through this in a day. It's the kind of warm, comforting read that we definitely need.

This book is going to be a huge summer hit. I devoured it so fast. As you have come to expect from a Laura Jane Williams book it’s full of action, emotions and a cracking plot. 100% recommended.

Fab quick read about a girl who is jilted at the altar. This is a lovely piece of escapism, set mainly in Australia as she heads there on her honeymoon (without the groom).

I found it really enjoyable, fun and with the perfect happy ever after.

I would recommend, thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Annie has been left jilted at the altar by Alexander and weeks later, has a chance encounter with Patrick, an old friend from summer camp. When her ex-in-laws embarrassed by their son's behaviour, encourage her to take the honeymoon, she takes Patrick along in an effort to let go and have some fun and possibly mend her broken heart.

I am a huge Laura Jane Williams fan - Our Stop and The Love Square were brilliant and this is her best yet. These characters are so incredibly likeable and I found myself rooting for them all the way through. This was funny, cute and soppy. A perfect read.

When Annie is jilted on her wedding day she is lost and doesn't know what to do. Off work, she joins the local boot camp, where she bumps in to Patrick, an old friend from their childhood drama camps. They soon become friends again and he joins her on her honeymoon in Australia so she doesn't have to travel on her own. They are havin a great time, but will they become more than friends?

The lucky escape is just what it entitles! A perfect way to escape the madness of Christmas and get lost in a book. Annie is a wonderful girl who is relatable to most, she spends all her time and efforts trying to please other people and be who they want her to be. That is until Patrick comes along and fills her world with colour. I love Patrick and I think if you don’t fall a little bit in love with him yourself, there is something wrong! He is charming and kind hearted, which is a lovely to see the male stereotype challenged! I would definitely recommend this book! I read it in one day!

Fun, clever, witty and wonderful... there's a reassuring warmth and wisdom to LJW's story-telling that enfolds you from the onset one and carries you throughout. She has done it again! Absolutely brilliant. Highly recommended.

Out June 24, this will make the perfect summer read! The Lucky Escape is funny, sweet, romantic and is all about second chances! I haven’t read anything else by Laura Jane Williams, but I loved her writing!!

I really loved the main character, Annie, and her willingness to start over and take chances, even though her life was turned upside down. She was really relatable and I was rooting for her throughout the whole story!

I thought Annie found her perfect match in Patrick. While his past was heartbreaking, it helped explain who he was and his outlook on life. I loved how he challenged Annie and made her look at life differently than she ever had. I loved the way the author developed their relationship. It didn’t feel forced or cheap, as is often the case in most romance novels.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book! It was a really quick read and I’ll definitely be checking out more books from this author!

Four heartfelt + wanderlust + darling stars to this novel by Laura Jane Williams. I loved her previous book, Our Stop, and was thrilled to receive the advance reader copy of her latest work. Due out next summer, this sweet and smart novel is the perfect escape! Annie, a London scientist, is due to marry her uni sweetheart, Alexander, when he leaves her at the altar....crying in her wedding dress and all. Her life is turned upside down as she reevaluates all the choices she’s made and things she thought she knew. By chance, she runs into an old friend from high school, Patrick, and on a whim, invites him to accompany her on her dream 3 week honeymoon in Australia. Patrick is suffering from his own losses and together the two help each other heal by recognizing the joy, wonder and beauty of new experiences and travel. They each embrace that hope can exist simultaneously with grief- a poignant message that really resonated with me given our current world.

I flew through this one- loved the messy, imperfect characters, the personal growth they experienced, the chemistry between them, and the gorgeous descriptions of Australia. This book filled my heart and made me yearn for travel!

Put this on your TBR list and check out the author’s other books too- you won’t be disappointed! Thank you to Netgalley + Avon Books UK for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Lucky Escape was a quick, easy read that was somewhat predictable, but that I actually really enjoyed. It was a breath of fresh air from what I normally read, and it kept my attention throughout the whole story. I liked the characters and found myself rooting for them from the beginning. Definitely would recommend!

The Lucky Escape by Laura Jane Williams was a truly lovely book! This book starts out when Annie is left almost at the alter on her wedding day. I cannot imagine how you would begin to cope, but Annie gets out from under the duvet and through a workout class reconnects with a friend from camp, Patrick. When the world's sweetest almost mother-in-law insists Annie go on the paid for honeymoon, she does with Patrick. The two set off as just friends on an extravagant Australian honeymoon washing away all the cold and wet of Autumn in London. If this was a different type of book or Williams was a different author it would end on the glorious honeymoon. What I enjoy about this book is that it doesn't. We travel back to London with Annie and get to see her sorting her life out. While The Lucky Escape is a love story, it feels so much more modern. Annie prioritizes relationships with friends and family and we see her grow into her own! It also includes a blossoming relationship and plenty of romcom elements, but it has depth for even the least romcom inclined!

The Lucky Escape by Laura Jane Williams was at first glance a fluffy chick lit book. But, at the true heart of the book were great truths shared that we all need to hear. Annie was on the brink of finding her happily ever after with her boyfriend of nine years, Alexander. He changes his mind and Annie falls to pieces.

This leads Annie to take a literal journey far from home, but also to undergo deep reflection. Annie examines everything about herself from where she works, lives, exercises, and even her relationship with her mother. She wonders about her nature as a people pleaser and decides to not let her fears stop her from finding love again. I know my default is to prove my worth by how well I look after those in my care and often on the list of priorities I come in last. Annie’s courage rubbed off a bit on me and I have moved my needs way up on my long to-do list.

I also loved this advice from her grandmother about how “life’s lows are so entwined, the happiness and sorrow is so interconnected that it’s impossible to be totally happy or totally sad....we can’t outrun the crappy, awful, horrible stuff. So the job of our lives is to let it exist alongside the good stuff, making the good stuff so much sweeter.”

This book had an enjoyable cast of characters with sometimes laughable and sometimes heart wrenching side storylines. I enjoyed seeing how her friends and family grew and changed throughout the story. Her friends and family were true to life and reminded me of people I have known and loved. They all had satisfying character arcs, and were very well written.

At the end of the book I felt almost as if I had attended a few counseling sessions as the struggles Annie has are relatable to most women. But, the book at its true core was entertaining and a fun read, not a preachy self-help book. It was another excellent book from the author of Our Stop and The Love Square. Laura Jane Williams will become one of your favorite new authors also.

I was provided a free advance reader copy from Avon Books UK in exchange for my honest review on Net Galley. The opinions shared in this review are my own.

This book was a very lighthearted read, with a plot that was easy to follow and enjoyable. Although the plot was kind of unrealistic, I still enjoyed the book. Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.

I read an ARC of The Love Square recently and it didn't do it for me. This one, however, was adorable and a lot deeper than I anticipated. The current synopsis made it sound like a light frothy fun read, and while there is definitely a lot of that to be had, there were also deeper themes about loving yourself and being present in the moment.

Kindly received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Lucky Escape by Laura Jane Williams a five-star read that you should run away with. This was exactly what I needed, we just seem to have been living in a never-ending year this year, it brightened my day no end, I have been one of the lucky ones who has stayed in work all during the year as I am one of those annoying people that keep the health care wheel moving. I have been so much luckier than lots of people but still it has taken a toll, this story just gave me the oomph I needed to realise that you can only say yes and be the helpful person for so long, sometimes you need to say yes for you and you only. My goodness what I would wish to run away to Australia, I even tried to persuade my hubby it is a good idea, we didn’t get a proper honeymoon all those years ago so who knows maybe next year we will have our moment. If you need something light and life affirming, then you need this story in your life. If you just want funny and entertaining then you also need this in your life, basically if you are looking for something amazing pick it up. I didn't think you could get better that Our stop, but this proved me wrong.

This book was a very quick and easy read and I really enjoyed it. I loved the concept of the story and I really liked the characters too. It was amazing how all the people in the spa said their pronouns that they wanted to be used, very current and I’m so glad it was included.

It was nice to read an adult genre story that still focused on putting yourself first, no matter your age. It was lovely to see the main characters story evolve and gradually learn to overcome their fears with one another. A very sweet read!

Thanks for the early copy. I’m a huge Laura Jane Williams fan and always love her books for a must pack when going on holiday. This book would be perfect to read on a sun lounger but I enjoyed it just as much for some escapism in this mad time we are in just now.

It was such a feel good, page turning romance with some hot scenes, laugh out moments and the brilliant set of characters that come with each of LJW’s books. Loved it! 5*

Wow. This was SO sweet. 3.5 stars rounded to 4 because I* fell in love with Patrick. Just stupidly in love with him. This was such a breath of fresh air. WE LOVE OPEN COMMUNICATION. Pacing was great, the love and the squishy heart moments were great, I smiled so much reading this.

Thank you a BILLION to the publisher for this advanced copy 🖤

The Lucky Escape by Laura Jane Williams
*This ARC was provided by Netgalley for free review*
It’s Annie’s wedding day! All the planning, coordinating, friends and family gathered, makeup and hair done...she is ready to get out of the limo and make her way down the aisle! When she gets out, her wedding planner tells her that she received a text from the groom and he isn’t coming. Annie picks up the pieces of her shattered life. She starts working out to get out her aggressions and bumps into an old acquaintance from theater camp. Patrick reminds Annie of who she used to be before she changed to fit how her ex-finance wanted her to be. She remembers it’s nice to laugh and not plan every detail of your life once in a while. Her ex-in-laws insist she takes the all expenses paid honeymoon they had arranged to Australia. She only has one problem, there is a spare ticket. She talks Patrick into going with her as friends. They have so many fun adventures and laugh out loud moments it had me wishing for a vacation! Is she imagining it or is she starting to like who she is again and the side of her that Patrick brings out? This book was just adorable. I loved Annie and really connected with her.

This book had everything which I look for in my bedtime reading....warm and likeable characters, humour, love and a perfect ending. I didn’t even mind the somewhat unbelievable plot....it’s escapism and fun so who cares?! The main character, Annie, is on a journey of self discovery throughout this book and I particularly liked the way her own personal story unfolded. An easy and enjoyable read...I’d definitely recommend it.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Honestly, I LOVED this! Having read Our Stop and The Love Square, I knew I would at least like this novel from Laura Jane Williams.

It just felt so refreshing and so NOW. The characters went on a journey, the self-reflection was open and honest, and the inclusive nature of the characters in the book didn’t feel forced or like a box ticking exercise (the staff at the spa simply introduced themselves using their chosen pronouns for example). The book felt like it was split into 3 sections and I definitely loved the first 2./3 more but I knew a rockier last third was coming - as obviously things can't be all roses!

It did take me a little while to fall into reading it - but purely because the formatting for the kindle app meant sentences didn't fill the complete line and were broken up - I assume this will be fixed for when it is published!

I have to say, I fell I love with Patrick myself and although his character took a step off the path with his reactions towards the end - we could at least understand why due to what we find out about him. He definitely has taken over my love for Leon from The Flatshare

READ READ READ THIS!

A Raucous Romp....
Some heart warming and wholly entertaining escapism in this fluffy, fun Romcom that you just cannot help but enjoy. A likeable protagonist and a colourful cast of supporting characters populate the plot. A raucous romp with some armchair travel included. A great stress buster.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. Annie is left at the altar. After a few devastating weeks, she is finally able to come out of her hole. At her local bootcamp, she runs into a long, lost, summer camp buddy. They hit it off immediately. Her ex in-laws gift her the honeymoon she was supposed to go on, saying it was non-refundable and it was the least they could do! Annie and her new reunion decide to head off together for the non-honeymoon for 3 weeks in Australia. What happens next is anyone's guess. This was a really cute book! #theluckyescape #laurajanewilliams #june2021

This was a fun British/Australian rom-com with some female empowerment included. I loved reading about the trips to Australia and Antwerp - such beautiful settings!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

This story was just so sweet and charming and a lovely surprise. While I had the pleasure of reading Laura Jane William's last book, 'Our Stop', I wasn't sure what to expect from this one and, in summary, I loved it. Williams did a great job of creating dynamic characters with whom audiences could connect. Annie served as a smart and well-rounded heroine whose development throughout was both natural and empowering. I will definitely be seeking out Williams' further novels, as she has found the right formula for creating a sweet and engaging story.

Annie is having a good day, it is, after all, her wedding day. So why is the wedding planner outside the church? Alexander , the groom, texted the wedding planner to say he wasn't coming. Annie was left at the altar. As she tries to get through the days she joins an exercise class and reconnects with Patrick who she sort of knew at summer camp years before. Patrick convinces Annie that he would be the perfect person to join her on her paid for honeymoon in Australia. Annie discovers things about herself and what she really wants. But is the new Annie the real Annie. A story of love and loss and being the person you really want to be.

Wonderful author absolutely loved this story,Was involved from the first pages the setting characters that came alive.Will be recommending,#netgalley#avonbooksuk

Absolutely loved this! Laura Jane Williams writing is like talking to a best friend. I gel with her style so well.

Even though I could predict what was going to happen from very early on, I found this didn’t matter as I was more interested in seeing the journey and how the characters got there.

The character of Annie was brilliant, and I fell in love with her relationship with her sister.

Annie is left standing at the alter, devastated and bewildered. She meets an old school friend and decides to take the chance of a lifetime by going on her ‘honeymoon’ to Australia with him. A quick little love story where you are definitely hoping for the best for Annie. I enjoyed this light hearted, feel good story and would recommend.

Loved getting to read Annie's story and see how everything turned out for her. Definitely think this will resonate with a lot of people as I'm sure many people have felt how she did throughout the book. Couldn't stop reading it once I started! Definitely recommend reading this book!

This was such a sweet little romance! It's a fast read and I really enjoyed the characters. The story was predictable but I still loved it and would recommend.

A heartwarming romantic read perfect for an escape whether on a summer holiday or relaxing by a cosy fire. Maybe a little drawn out and predictable in places but nonetheless a good lighthearted, fun and entertaining read. There was also a more serious of being true to oneself and not pleasing everyone else and learning to live for the moment. Lighthearted, fun and entertaining read with good characters who developed throughout. Good relatable characters who developed over the course of the book .

Really enjoyed this story and everything it brought to me. The will they wont they is beautifully written and leaves you questioning it right till the crucial moment!

This was good? I don’t know why, but I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop the entire time I was reading this. I kept thinking this is so cute, but then wondering when Patrick would turn out to be horrible. Spoiler, he never does. Sadly, I think that took away a bit of my enjoyment. But I did enjoy the growth our heroine went through; it seemed both realistic and positive.

This was a wonderful weekend read! I enjoyed getting transported to Australia with the little details in the book. The characters had great chemistry and the story unfolded at a pace that kept you wanting to read the next chapter! I would like to read. sequel about these characters to see what happens next!

The Lucky Escape was a cute romantic comedy with a little bit of escapism! It felt a little like I was on a tropical vacation to Australia along with Annie and Patrick (which would be SO nice right now). I very much enjoyed reading the love story, as well as Annie's journey to become more "herself", more like the freer Annie that Patrick had previously known.

I really enjoyed this book! I almost gave up on it because it wasn't formatted for Kindle and that made it super hard to get into. But then the story took over, and I got lost in it. It was fun to escape to new countries while being treated at home during a pandemic, and I loved that Patrick was able to refer to himself as the manic pixie dream girl. The romance felt very believable and didn't have that insta quality that you offered have to overcome. I fully recommend this as an enjoyable, escapist read.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for allowing me to read a copy of this book!

Annie has been left at the alter by her long term boyfriend, Alexander. She is left uncertain and confused, wondering how she managed to get it so wrong.

After a chance meeting with a man from her past, Annie makes a spontaneous decision to take him on her honeymoon. Annie and Patrick spend their trip together in Australia, both committing to moving forward with their lives and leaving their pasts behind. Will they move forward... Together?

Annie and Patrick are my favourite! I loved that they're both struggling with events in their past, albeit very different events. This is a gorgeous story where the characters are battling with the concept of being happy, and not letting age impact their decisions. This book makes you question your decisions in life, and check in with yourself and your well-being.

I did feel as though the first half could have been slightly more condensed, and the second half could have been slowed down and more descriptive. Overall, a fantastic book and I would definitely read more Annie and Patrick in the future!

One cancelled wedding.. One unexpected encounter.. One spare ticket for the honeymoon..

This was enjoyable read.
I haven't read anything else by this author and I must say that I like her writing, especially I like the main idea of the book. It was nice to stop and think a little bit what would you do if you were in the shoes of both characters.
Let's say it was original in its own way.

But also i must say that I found the book little bit long, like it was dragged little bit more than it should be.
Also I wished there was a bit more development of the relationships she had with some characters.
I guess my main problem was that there wasn't sparkle.. the magic.. still I kinda like it.
Definitely going to recommend it for summer reading.

Big thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for my advanced copy.