Review

Lucky in Love

Kasie West

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4.5★ – Fun, Sweet and Super Cute
Published by Scholastic July 25, 2017
Genre(s): Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Pages: Hardcover 333
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Maddie doesn’t believe in luck. She’s all about hard work and planning ahead. But one night, on a whim, she buys a lottery ticket. And then, to her astonishment —
She wins!
In a flash, Maddie’s life is unrecognizable. No more stressing about college scholarships. Suddenly, she’s talking about renting a yacht. And being in the spotlight at school is fun… until rumors start flying, and random people ask her for loans. Now, Maddie isn’t sure who she can trust.
Except for Seth Nguyen, her funny, charming coworker at the local zoo. Seth doesn’t seem aware of Maddie’s big news. And, for some reason, she doesn’t want to tell him. But what will happen if he learns her secret?

If you’ve been following me for a while, then you know how much I love cutesy YA contemporary books. Kasie West happens to write REALLY GOOD ones. Thanks to both Uppercasebox and Owlcrate, I received P.S. I Like You last year and ever since then, I’ve been in love with West’s gorgeous writing (Also, I’m so not complaining about having two copies). Her books are a bit predictable, but they are ALWAYS entertaining, adorable, and absolutely swoony. Every single time I finish one of her books, I have this silly smile on my face that just won’t go away and Lucky in Love most definitely did just that.

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I love Maddie and I think she’s such a great MC.  She’s smart, hard-working, down to earth, and very caring. When she wins the lottery, everyone suddenly wants to be her best friend. Some really amazing things happen and some not so great. Through the most exciting highs and the heartbreaking lows, Maddie handles her situation pretty well. She acts way better than how I imagine most teenagers would have with that much money. I admire that she tries to see the good in others and gives them the benefit of the doubt. While she’s a bit naïve given her young age, I think Maddie has a good heart and just wants the best for everyone.

Seth is absolutely charming and you can’t help but fall for him. I love his carefree personality and positive energy. He’s funny, super friendly and so stinkin’ cute. He’s the type of person who can brighten your day and make you smile like a dork. It’s no wonder Maddie couldn’t stay away from him. Not only is he handsome… he’s also just full of life that you want to be around him all the time. Seth’s definitely a great love interest for Maddie and an adorable book boyfriend to add to my list. Oh and he’s Asian too. Love seeing more diversity in books these days so thank you Kasie West! You just became even more awesome!

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While not my favorite (that spot goes to P.S. I Like You and On the Fence), this book is fun and as cute as can be that I had such a difficult time putting it down. The plot is fast-paced, light-hearted and easy to read. The characters are genuine and relatable. There’s humor, a bit of mystery, some drama, great friendships, lessons to be learned and a swoony romance. Speaking of romance, while not the main focus of the story, I thought West depicted Maddie and Seth’s friends to lovers storyline really well. Their relationship is so endearing and definitely gave me the feels. Totally ship those two and oh my gosh that ending — ADORABLE TO THE MAX!

Lucky in Love is a delightful and sweet contemporary book. I love Kasie West’s writing style and her stories always make me feel so darn happy. If you’ve read any of her books, then you’ll definitely enjoy this one. And if you haven’t, then it’s time you change that and pick this one up.

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P.S. When I saw her at the lineup for Yallwest this year, I made it my mission to meet her, get my books signed, and grab Lucky in Love at the ireadya booth. Sooo happy I was able to do all those. West is not only an amazing writer, but she’s also really nice and super sweet! I can’t wait to see her again.

Sincerely Karen Jo

Friday Faves

Anna and the French Kiss Series

Stephanie Perkins

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5 ★ A Must Read Lovely Teen Romance Series

Genre(s): Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Anna and the French Kiss series is hands down one of my favorites. When I read Anna and the French Kiss, I developed a major crush. Then I fell head over heels in love with Lola and the Boy Next door. By the time I finished reading Isla and the Happily Ever After, my heart was in perfect bliss. These books are absolutely swoony and so much fun. Stephanie Perkins is easily one of the best YA Contemporary Romance writer. She makes you smile, laugh and cry in the best possible way.

I really enjoyed Anna and the French Kiss and Isla and the Happily Ever After definitely sealed the deal. But Lola and the Boy Next Door is without a doubt my shining star. I’m soooo in love with that book it hurts…but in the loveliest way. Cricket and Lola are the most imperfect perfect couple ever. I love Lola — she’s cute, weird, quirky, and smart. She’s not perfect and made a lot of mistakes, but she also has this realness about her. Guess that’s why Cricket couldn’t help falling for her. Speaking of Cricket… he’s absolutely one of my favorite book boyfriends.  He’s adorable, inventive, charming, and just an overall great person. He definitely gave me all the FEELS and made me smile to the moon and back. Gosh even just hearing his full name, Cricket Bell, is enough to make me swoon. Oh and their romance… SOOO DARN CUTE. I actually felt the butterflies going crazy and all the sparkly things you feel when you’re falling in love.

Lola and the Boy Next Door is sweet, funny, and full of heart. The characters, the setting, the drama and pretty much everything else about this book is just so delightful. I definitely can’t wait to read this again.

If you’re looking for a cute fun romance that will make you giddy and leave you smiling, then this amazing series is perfect for you.

Sincerely Karen Jo