This would be the perfect beach read - super quick, so easy to read, and just makes you want to keep reading. I was continually surprised by how much I wanted to keep reading this book despite the things that irritated me about it. The writing style was really fun and I would love to read more from Laura Jane Williams.

Personally, I did find the storyline a bit lacking. We follow Annie who has just been left at the altar and is trying to get her life back together. When her ex-fiance's mother insists she still takes the honeymoon, she ends up going with a long-lost friend she bumped into at a fitness bootcamp. So many elements of this story were just a bit too obvious and kind of just made me want to roll my eyes a little. I found both the ex-fiance and the love interest really under-developed as characters which meant that I really didn't understand a lot of decisions that people were making, particularly towards the end of the book.

2.5 stars
When requesting this book I liked the synopsis and was very excited about reading it but I was disappointed. It was inconsistent and I didn't really like any of the characters. Annie' the main character is very weird and I did not feel connected to her. It was very slow and I wished the honeymoon scene came sooner. I did lose interest a couple of times while reading which I did not like. I liked the writing but not the characters and it was very predictable.
Thank you to Netgalley and Avin Books UK for sending me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Jilted at the altar then meeting a friend from the past, Annie moves quickly. Rather than waste her honeymoon she bites the bullet and invites Patrick along. It is clear from the beginning what is going to happen but I feel someone who has just been left at the altar by the love of her life is moving too quickly. Not really as I expected but still enjoyable.

The Lucky Escape is a light-hearted story about the possibility of a second chance at finding love. Annie Wiig is about to get married to her handsome boyfriend, Alexander, who she met at university and have been together over ten years. Everything seems perfect on her wedding day, but everything goes wrong when Alexander does not show up, leaving Annie a jilted bride. On a random chance, she runs into a childhood acquaintance, Patrick, who went to theater camp with her years ago. Patrick has his own past that he is trying to deal with and the two of them end up embarking on a trip together. They have an attraction to each other, but they’ll have to see if maybe more is on the horizon in this story about moving on, healing, and growth.

For me, there is disconnect between the synopsis and the novel as the blurb seems to make it that the honeymoon vacation will be the main focus. While it is present, it only is about a third of the novel with the first third being the lead up and the last third being the aftermath. I expected more from the actual honeymoon portion and for it to at least be half of the novel. For me, the honeymoon middle section was the best part as it had it all from adventure to humor to building the connection between the characters. There is a lot of backstory and depth given to both characters during those moments that made me love this section of the novel. The first third leads up to the honeymoon where the Annie is left at the altar, she is heartbroken and leans on her friends, she randomly meets an old acquaintance from her past, and then the two of them, through a series of events, end up on Annie’s honeymoon together. While important for set-up, I would have preferred this section shortened. Once the two characters return to London for the last third of the book, there is a lot going on with Annie in addition to her conundrum with Patrick. While interesting, it was very rushed as there was a lot to work through even at the 90% mark.

One small detail with Annie that I could not stand is she is amazing at her job, but she does not enjoy it. Yet she is considered one of the most loved there and, for me, it irked me that this person with no passion for the subject is stealing the spotlight from those that may not be as naturally gifted, but at least have passion. It is a very realistic portrayal, but it seemed a little self-centered that this never crossed her mind. To her, she wanted something, so she would take center-stage, even if she did not care. I think it would not have bothered me as much if it was not repeated multiple times throughout the story about how much she had no passion for her job.

The actual writing was very well-written and enjoyable, but, again, the story itself was off balance. I loved Annie’s relationship with her friends and sister and it was well done. Annie’s rocky relationship with her mother was one that I was on the fence for as it had a lot of potential, but I just did not agree with how it turned out. I do not feel that Annie changed a lot as it seemed more surface level compared to the in-depth transformation that I thought it would. To me, if we looked at Annie in the future, I could see her making a lot of the same choices without actually learning much from her mistakes in the past. However, she did have some growth, but it just was not as much as I expected.

Overall, I still greatly enjoyed this novel as a whole, despite my criticisms. It is a fantastic escape read that takes you to the amazing destination of Australia in style. I love that this is a novel that everyone will take away a little something different as some may love some parts that I disliked and vice versa. The secondary characters were entertaining and the romance was sweet. A definite fun beach read to try!

**I want to give a special thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, Avon Books UK, and the author for a review copy of this enjoyable novel. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**

Thank you to the author, Avon Books UK and NetGalley, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this, it was a quick read - but I did have some quibbles with it. I loved the way being jilted at the altar (which must be an absolutely awful experience) gave the heroine the freedom to question herself - although it was not really the long hard look at herself I would have expected - and take steps to climb out of the ruts she was in. The secondary characters, especially her younger sister and her circle of friends, were well-drawn. However, the heroine herself was not particularly likeable - very indecisive and seemingly without any clear life goals, and her portrayal was very contradictory (feminist and the in the next breath completely anti-feminist, body-conscious and not, etc.). Also, I felt that certain aspects were unrealistic (would you really invite someone you haven't seen for 20 years on a luxury vacation for two?) and moved too fast (the love story seemed a bandaid for the jilted bride, rather than a serious relationship).

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.

Chick lit book, moved a little slow for me. The characters didn't jump out at me and I found myself wanting more from the plot.

The Lucky Escape - Laura Jane Williams

Raced through it! Such a great little read, perfect beach read/sunbathing in the garden reading. This type of book can sometimes feel like it has quite a lot of filler material, but I did not find this at all with The Lucky Escape. We were thrown straight into the story with a dramatic beginning (Annie being left at the alter, after being in a relationship with Alexander for so many years) and then got to follow Annie recover from it in a spectacular way. Obviously not all happy endings get straight there so there were a few bumps in the road, but it made me all the more willing of Annie to find her peace in life and with family relationships. Thanks you so much Avon Books and NetGalley for the E-ARC in return for my honest thoughts.

The Lucky Escape was a fun, summertime read! It dealt with some heavier topics (brief mentions of death, heartbreak, and toxic family relationships) but ultimately, kept a positive and upbeat look on life, romance and self-love.

Synopsis: Annie Wiig was not expecting life to go this way. She was supposed to be happily married and on her honeymoon with her college sweetheart, not her childhood friend from camp, Patrick Hummingbird. But beggars can’t be choosers — and Annie is ready to show the world her true self again, starting with her all-expenses-paid “honeymoon” to Australia. But will she get more from the trip than she bargained for?

If we’re being honest, this book had very few surprises for me. That doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy the pretty predictable plot line, which was exactly the thing my brain was craving while I read it. It made me laugh and cringe and cheer for Annie and Patrick, and I finished it in record time because I was enjoying it. I can definitely see this being a great beach or poolside read!

True to its name, this book was a light-hearted travel rom-com that was much-needed amidst such dark times -- a lucky escape indeed. Highly recommend to lovers of rom-coms.

Our protagonist, Annie, experiences a life-altering experience : being left at the altar. She is devastated & confused. Just then, life throws her a lifeline, an opportunity to reinvent herself by embarking on the honeymoon regardless. Except this honeymoon would be with a man who was not her husband. This book follows Annie, not only on her honeymoon, but also her eventful journey towards self-love & self-discovery.

This book transported me to the sandy beaches & iconic wineries of Australia all from the comfort of my bedroom. I loved the escapism of it all. The travel aspect was invigorating, much amplified by the Annie's boundless enthusiasm. Despite being an adult fiction novel, the characters felt very youthful, witty & animated. I loved Annie's relationship with Freddie, her little sister, & also with her friends, Core Four. It gave Annie a lot more depth as a character. I felt Patrick was less interesting. HIs internal conflicts were not developed enough and although he was introduced well, with a strong voice, it did fade as the book went along. In the end, he felt very much like a plain Jane with not much distinctive qualities.

I enjoyed the romance. The meet-cute was to die for. I would argue the slow-burn was better than the actual romance! The writing was so easy to read, fun & fluffy. I really did breeze through the pages!

Overall, I would still recommend this book to lovers of rom-coms (specifically, Sophie Kinsella)! It is a great book to remind us of all the joys that lie beyond this pandemic,.

When she arrives, all dressed in her wedding finery, the last thing Annie Ginn expected was to be told the groom, Alexander, had sent a text to the wedding planner to cancel the wedding. From this inauspicious, devastating beginning comes ‘The Lucky Escape’…..

Annie and her family aren’t the only one upset by Alexander’s behaviour – so are his parents. They insist that she still goes on the dream honeymoon that they’ve paid for – and they’re also happy to change the name on the ‘spare’ ticket. Whilst still considering this, Annie meets someone she hasn’t seen for more than a decade, someone who remembers what she used to be like as a teenager and makes her rethink her options. That’s how he ends up travelling with her, as a friend, on her luxurious honeymoon without a husband and finding out more about herself and her life choices, making the wedding that didn’t happen become a very lucky escape . . .

You’ve just got to love Annie’s young sister and best friends and how they’re always there for her. Patrick is also so inspiring to her, especially when you discover some of his past – no, I’m not saying what, that’d be a spoiler! This is a lovely story of making the most of your opportunities, learning to live a life that makes you happy and not one you spend trying to always keep others happy at your expense. It is a story with plenty of fun and a truly dream holiday of a lifetime as well, of course, as a heartwarming romance.

Thank you to Avon Books and NetGalley for my copy of this book which I have voluntarily read and honestly reviewed.

Having read The Love Square by this author last year I was thoroughly looking forward to this book. The Love Square was by far one of the best reads for me of 2020 and I feel that I held this book up to comparison with that and it didn’t quite match the same standard.

That being said this is an interesting read. The bride jilted at the alter. The honeymoon that her non in-laws insisted she go on. Meeting an old male friend and taking him in the honeymoon. Falling in love with him then all the trouble that ensues.

I liked the characters but didn’t love them. I didn’t really understand the relationships in the family and in the end I wasn’t sure I wanted the happy ending.

Some interesting bit part characters and a good storyline.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

“The Lucky Escape” by Laura Jane Williams
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was a fun ride! I love when authors come up with fun ways to make the boy meets girl romcom fresh!

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC! The book is being released this Thursday 6/10!

Annie imagined her wedding as the best day of her life. She was marrying Alexander her college sweetheart. She did not imagine being told by the wedding planner that Alexander wasn’t coming. He didn’t call or text. He ran.
After a couple weeks of crying and being miserable she was given the opportunity to find herself and enjoy a few weeks vacation. The Honeymoon that wasn’t going to happen or was it? Alexander’s parents spent a ton of money on a luxury honeymoon that was non refundable. They offered it to Annie as a vacation. Annie didn’t want to go alone, but after running into her teenage friend Patrick they came up with a fun idea. Why not go together as friends?

When the day finally comes for Annie to marry Alexander, the last thing she expects is to be left standing at the altar. She was so sure he was Mr Right. Now, she has no idea how she could have got it so wrong.

This was a quick, easy, simple, romantic read. Perfect for reading by the pool or on a beach.

This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop. Thank you very much to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

Thank you to Avon and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is unfortunately a DNF at 40% for me. The blurb really pulled me in for this one but unfortunately it was slow and just not what I was expecting. The MC really found her value and self-worth in her prior relationship and then was suddenly left at the alter. She was very sad about it but we don't ever see her get angry, get over it. Then she seems to start falling in a second chance romance with a guy who she never really connected with before. Instead he reminds her about who she used to be. I just did not feel the connection in this book and would rather have seen the MC work on herself rather than lose herself in another relationship. Once she started improving her mood based on how he seemed to feel about her I could not keep going.

I don't know why I put off reading this for so long. Once I finally picked it up, I was hooked and I read it in one sitting. Annie is jilted on her wedding day, and her ex's parents encourage her to go on the honeymoon to Australia anyway. She ends up reconnecting with an old childhood friend, Patrick, and on a whim they decide to have him tag along on the honeymoon.
This was adorable. Annie was kind of all over the place, I had some mixed feelings there, but I could also relate. Also - can somebody find me a Patrick? I just loved his character.

I really enjoyed this book. It’s well written with great descriptions and you can totally imagine being on the trip along with them. I thought the plot was well thought out with a few turns along the way. I liked both main characters and thought the other characters were believable and realistic. I recommend this book, thank you #netgalley

This book had a little bit of all the things I love. A jilted bride who decides to take that honeymoon anyway, a blast from the past and fate making all the things happen. Annie was left at the alter by Alexander, and if that isn't bad enough, he leaves the country. She has no explaination for why he walked out on a 10 year relationship. No way to get closure. Days after she is jilted, she runs into Patrick, an old friend from drama camp when she was just a teen. They had a connection then, but there is something pulling them together now.
When Annie's ex inlaws encourage her to take the honeymoon she had planned and they paid for, Patrick invites himself along so that he can help Annie find herself again.
If you think this is just an easy love story of finding love after heartache, think again. Both of the characters have trememdous issues to work through. The biggest issue I had with the book was the speed in which they were there one minute and thrown by the wayside the second. I do understand that Annie and Patrick found eachother for a reason and that fate had a hand in all of this, but it felt a little rushed for my taste, even if I adored the plot line. 3.5 stars for this light summer read.

This book was really hard for me to get into but when we met Patrick I fell in love. Their chemistry was incredible and I absolutely loved their relationship. I also loved Annie’s relationship with her sister Freddie, it was very realistic and heartwarming. I liked seeing Annie find herself again after the cancelled wedding, the author dealt with her grief really well; it wasn’t too depressing which I don’t want in a romance. I now want to book a trip to Australia!

Thank you so much to netgalley and Avon for the arc.

Perfect summer reading here. This book is light and quick. The characters and storyline have enough there without seeming too heavy. Enjoyable!