Cat Sebastian delivers a deeply moving love story in You Could Be So Lucky, set against the rich backdrop of mid-century America. The novel beautifully captures the emotional journey of two men navigating loneliness, grief, and the quiet yearning for a love they can never fully express in a world that refuses to acknowledge it. The historical setting is compelling, and I especially appreciated the well-researched inclusion of 1960’s baseball—the New York Robins were clearly meant to be the New York Mets—which added an extra layer of charm and authenticity to the story.

The romance itself is tender and achingly beautiful, with both characters struggling to find happiness in a society that demands they deny their true selves. Their relationship unfolds with a bittersweet intensity, and Sebastian masterfully portrays their fears, hopes, and the quiet ways they build a life together despite the obstacles. The themes of longing and finding solace in another person are incredibly powerful, making this one of the most emotionally resonant historical romances I've read.

My only issue with the book was its choice of narrative style—third-person present tense. While I understand the intent behind it in high action stories, I found it a poor fit for a historical setting and a Romance. The present tense gave the prose a modern feel that often pulled me out of the otherwise immersive world. It’s a small but significant drawback in an otherwise excellent novel.

That said, You Could Be So Lucky is still a beautifully written, heartfelt story of love and resilience. Fans of historical romance, especially those who appreciate nuanced depictions of queer love in restrictive time periods, will find much to love here.
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Series: Midcentury NYC #2

Setting: New York City, early 1960s

BIPOC Main Characters: No

Steam/Spice Level: open door, in the bed
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ARC Provided by Avon/Harper Voyager.

A queer baseball centric novel written by Cat Sebastian? I knew this book was meant for me from the moment I read the description. This story is super heartwarming and emotional. The entire journey of reading about Mark and Eddie's relationship felt extremely realistic and natural, but in some ways that hindered my overall reading experience of this book. It's an extremely long book and the slow burn between the two main characters was just a tad bit too slow for me. Luckily, that didn't detract too much from my enjoyment of this amazing book!

I really enjoyed this book! It felt authentic to the time period. I loved the characters and their development. I can't wait to check out the book set in the same world that came before this!

Thank you to the author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book.

Arts reporter Mark Bailey wasn’t even supposed to be here today. He’s uncomfortably covering a ball game and interviewing the rookie shortstop for the New York team, the Robins, trying to mask his melancholy and mourning for his previous partner. Ballplayer Eddie O’Leary is struggling to adjust to his new team, while in a slump and on the receiving end of the silent treatment from his teammates, while missing his family and staying firmly in the closet. Each have lost a touchstone: Mark, his lover; Eddie, his family.

Set just ten years later than We Could Be So Good, the 1960s are still a time when homosexuality is categorized as a mental disorder that could lead to institutionalization, and when same sex couples who were out or public display of affection risked jail or death. As Mark interviews Eddie for a new assignment to write a weekly diary of the ballplayer in the paper’s Sunday magazine, and eventually, a feature article, they get to know one another over milkshakes and meals. Mark outs himself with a annotated copy of The Haunting of Hill House, which prompts Eddie to ask Mark what his intentions are. Each recognizes something in the other as they form first a friendship, then a deep bond, that is healing and gives them each a sense of home. They slowly and cautiously widen their circle of supportive allies and long for a time and place where they can openly love one another and not hide who they are. Meanwhile Mark, who has a vicious streak, is writing an article that will provide a 360 degree profile of all of Eddie’s triumphs and despairs, including his slump.

The writing is so perfect–not a misplaced word, sentence or idea; perfectly selected details of Eddie’s mannerisms and Mark’s belongings to really show who they truly are; finely drawn supporting characters, like Eddie’s mom and George, an elderly senior writer on the sports circuit; and Maureen and Lilian, Mark’s dear friends/colleagues who live so openly together they don’t even pretend to have separate bedrooms. Most especially, Sebastian nails the emotions: the longing to connect, the fear of being outed, the slow falling for someone, and joy at being seen, understood, accepted, and loved. The pain of dishonesty of not being able to be your true, queer, out self is gut-wrenching, while Eddie purchasing an apartment in The Village just to be around queer people, even though he cannot out himself as one yet, is a tiny victory.

The narrative writing is richly detailed and set so firmly in time and place that the audio version was a disappointment. Most of the voices sound more British stiff upper lift/upper crust or proper Bostonian than New York queer; Eddie didn’t have a midwestern twang to hint at his Omaha roots. A few of the supporting characters have the slighted dated tone and affections I’d expect of the time period.

I received a free reader’s advance review copy of #YouShouldBeSoLucky via #NetGalley, courtesy of #Avon. This review will post to HLBB on Red Sox opening day: 3/27/2025.

Set in the same world as We Could Be So Good, I think I liked this story just a bit more. The small town to big city baseball player and the newspaper reporter that doesn't mince his words, this sweet fictional story really pulls you into the time period where queer people had to hide themselves, but desired to be able to love freely just like anyone else. And the depiction of Mark's grief over losing a loved one and taking the steps to move on really hit me in the heart. Just overall so cute and sweet! I love Eddie and Mark's relationship so much, I could read about them forever.

Cat Sebastian is one of best romance authors out there in my opinion. She is such a rare talent who brings so much heart, and light, and joy into everything she writes. There are three key undeniable things about this book: it is definitely about sports, it is unquestionably a feel-good rom-com, and it is absolutely 100% about grief. And while it doesn’t seem like all of those things can coincide all at once, Cat Sebastian once again works her magic and really beautifully intertwines all of those elements.

Both Eddie and Mark used to know their place in the world and they knew exactly who they were supposed to be and *how* they were supposed to be in that place, and now they’ve both lost an anchor of some kind and are desperately trying to find a way back to themselves. And they’re realizing that no matter how bad things might get, the other person is gonna keep showing up the next day. They’re gonna keep showing up and putting in the work, not just for each other, but also for themselves.

And also, of course, true to the Cat Sebastian brand, it’s adorable and hilarious in all the ways you would expect *and* all the ways you wouldn’t.

There’s domesticity, there’s self-discovery, there’s healing. Yes, grief is an unmissable part of the story, but it’s also unabashedly joyful and hopeful, which is always a winning combination for me.

CW: grief, homophobia

I have really been into historical stories as of late. It's been something I've yearned for lately and I fully believe that You Should Be So Lucky really hit the spot for me.

The overall theme of grief was done so well. It is constantly present in everything that happens and dealt with in such a tender way. The way Sebastian adds in the little details about what triggers that grief was perfection. It really allows the reader to feel Mark's sadness and his struggles.

Eddie had his own struggles. The constant worry of if his career was ever going to be the same again or not. The loneliness that he struggled with in the new city with the new team.

The story-line does really focus on their each journey with moments of them being together and their relationship forming. The yearning between them was excellent. I loved every bit of the slow burn and yearning between Eddie and Mark. I long for more of it to be a thing.

In it's heart, You Should Be So Lucky is a beautiful story about grief and mourning while also fighting to be who you are in a society that doesn't accept you. It makes this such a warming, heartfelt novel that I couldn't help but feel as if this could be a healing story for a number of people.

Following a baseball player and the reporter meant to cover his story, You Should Be So Lucky is a beautiful queer romance that has so much nuisance and beauty in the writing. I loved the dynamic between the two MMC’s as they are placed into new situations for their careers and how that gave them something so beautiful.

Thank you NetGalley for the Arc!!

This was so good and cute!! It gave me fellow travelers vibes but with happy gays for the most part!! I loved how accurate it felt but that the characters were still brave enough to be themselves!!! Loved every second of it!!!

It was fabulous. Just enough plotlines going beyond the romance to really anchor it into the world. I loved all the detail of the time period and the balance between hope and realism.

big fan of this book and the author, second in a related seiries, the period of time is built very well, loved all the cast of characters throughout

This year was the year of baseball romances and You Should Be So Lucky is at the top of my list. I love historical romances but there's not enough midcentury ones but Cat Sebastian never misses and she provided us with what we needed. This is an instant rec for anyone who loves baseball, journalism, and historical or queer romances.

I don't usually love historical fiction but this book was great! The setting was so fun to be a part of.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publishing Company for this Advanced Readers Copy of You Should Be So Lucky by Cat Sebastian!

The second book in the Midcentury NYC series by Cat Sebastian. You Should Be So Lucky..... and this book could be so much better.

Wow, this is a delightful and heartwarming historical romance that whisks readers back to the vibrant and ever-changing landscape of 1980s London. From the moment I delved into this captivating tale, I was immediately drawn to the charming and endearing characters, Alex and Charlie. Their chemistry is palpable on every page, igniting a spark that keeps the reader engaged from beginning to end.

Sebastian's vivid storytelling brings the era to life, capturing the fashion, music, and social dynamics of the time with stunning accuracy. The author's attention to detail is impeccable, transporting readers to a bygone era while simultaneously exploring timeless themes of love, identity, and social class.

What truly sets this novel apart is its exploration of themes of class, privilege, and the fluidity of sexuality. Sebastian handles these sensitive topics with grace and sensitivity, creating a nuanced and authentic portrayal of the characters' experiences. The author's ability to balance humor, romance, and heartfelt emotion is truly impressive, leaving me with a warm and fuzzy feeling long after I finished the book.

If you're a fan of historical romance with a touch of contemporary flair, You Should Be So Lucky is an absolute must-read. It's a love letter to the 80s, a celebration of love in all its forms, and a reminder that love can conquer all.

This is one of my favorite romances I’ve ever read.
The slowburn
The emotion
The writing
Everything is beautifully well done.
Mark and Eddie absolutely captured my heart and made 400 pages feel like 100. This book could have gone on and on and I would have continued forever. Theres just the right amount of baseball, journalism, and love. I recommend to absolutely anyone.

Cat Sebastian is amazing. Another achingly romantic read with two outstanding characters. Maybe a little on the wordier side, but still so good.

Yet another winner by Cat Sebastian. This book was like a warm hug for my heart!! I couldn't put it down. I loved these characters and the portrayal of grief. It really pulled on my heart and had me longing for these characters to finally be happy.

Absolutely love anything by Cat Sebastian, and this is no exception. Will make you blush, cry, and laugh.