At first I was kind of confused with this book, I was really wondering where it was going because it was a bit slow. Overall, I liked this book a lot. I liked the plot and the relationship. I thought the story had a lot of cute moments where I was swooning.

I liked that they shared books, I liked so many little things about this book.

I got an e-arc of this book on NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I am a huge Cat Sebastian fan and thought that We Could Be So Good was easily one of the best MM romances of 2023. I was thrilled that she had set her new one in the same time period and place as the earlier book--and that it features some of the same characters.

Here she focuses on the growing relationship between a writer (and recent widower) for The Chronicle and a professional baseball player, recently traded to the New York Robins (and who is experiencing a batting slump) in 1960. As in the prior book, the necessity of hiding a gay relationship and the costs of exposure are major sources of anxiety. The questions are who knows, how much do people know, and how will they react if and when they find out, and then, for the lovers, how to create a deep and joyful relationship in the pre-Stonewall era. Our two MCs are a variation on the grumpy/sunshine trope with Mark, the writer, the cynical and prickly one, and Eddie, the baseball player, as the open and trusting one with the amazing smile. Eddie can get angry but is just so sweet.

Cat Sebastian's writing is skillful as usual: "He thinks of Eddie's hand on his in the locker room, remembers the look in his eye, and it's like he's caught an English phrase in a foreign bazaar, a bar from a half-forgotten song, and he lets himself remember what it is to want."

I am not a baseball aficionado and certainly not in a position to critique her depiction of baseball in 1960. It all rang true to me--particularly in the form of George Allen, the 80-year-old sports reporter who is close to the heart of the book. Nice work with him as well as with Tony Ardolino and Sam Price, Eddie's manager and his Black teammate. Eddie's mom is also a nice touch.

A couple of thoughts: I found this a sweet, quiet book in which not alot actually happens. There is alot of interior monologue in favor of plot. Despite the time period, angst is low and the steam level was perfect for me--cut to black after it is clear what they are about to do. Thank you! Thank you! I think a reader's imagination beats any extended cringey sex scene. Despite Mark being a challenge to like, you root for the characters--mostly because Eddie fights for him so incredibly hard and because their banter is so fun and says so much about their characters.

A good summer read for baseball season!

Much thanks to NetGalley for this ARC.

You Should Be So Lucky follows the 1960s romance between Eddie, a down on his luck baseball player, and Mark, a journalist who recently lost his loved one. If you want a quick, fluffy queer romance, this is for you. The writing is good, but frustratingly predictable. Nothing ever truly happens, there is no angst or big blowup. At no point did I think the couple wasn't going to make it. This story could have been so much better had there been some sort of conflict/resolution presented. Instead the book spent the entirety making the reader think there was going to be a tropey conflict for there just to never be one at all. I'm not sure if Cat Sebastian just didn't want any bad luck to befall this couple because anything that could have happened would have been world ending for a queer couple in that time and she just didn't know how to circumvent that or if a static plot is what Sebastian normally follows. Whichever the case, the story on the whole was greatly impacted and the last half was a disappointment. I actually ended the book wishing I had more time with the sideline characters than the main couple.
If you're just looking for a good time and you want to read a happy ending queer story, then give this a shot, but it truly is just vibes.

Thanks to Avon and NetGalley for providing an e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I absolutely adored this book. It's so beautifully written and deeply moving, and the characters are utterly charming.

I loved the first book in this series, We Could Be So Good, and was so excited when it was announced there would be a sequel set in the same universe, especially when I found out it was going to be a baseball romance. It felt like two of my favourite things colliding, and the book lived up to every single one of my high expectations.

This book stands alone so you don't need to have read We Could Be So Good, but I would highly recommend that you do just because that's a wonderful book as well.

Both books are grounded with such a historic realism that speaks to volumes of research, and although that realism comes with period accurate homophobia, Cat Sebastian has created pockets of hope within these settings, shining a light on queer joy and giving it space to flourish.

Grief and loss are huge themes in this book too, but somehow the story still manages to feel so tender and sweet. Reading it felt like being wrapped in a warm blanket and I had such a smile on my face as I read.

Eddie's character is pure sunshine. His optimism leaps off the page and he finds the perfect partner in Mark who's grumpiness and biting wit is a mask for deep hurt. They’re perfect for each other and reading their journey towards their happy ending was such a delight. I loved it and can't wait to re-read this book and fall in love with the characters over and over again.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book was just such a heartwarming read that reminded me of why I adore hearing about the love stories of my queer elders. Cat Sebastian does a great job executing a slow burn that doesn't feel like it's leading up to sex, but instead an emotional breakthrough in the relationship. David and Eddie feel like an opposites attract relationship that makes sense because of the ways in which they bring out the best in each other. Eddie helps David to tackle his emotions and connect with others while David helps Eddie see his worth after failure. These two really feel like a couple that will survive far into the future. After reading We Could Be So Good, which is connected to this book, I worried that this story would be too maudlin but I think Eddie's personality prevented that. I think it also helped that I didn't fear these two being outed as David was already out and Eddie seemed perfectly fine with an early retirement as long as he got to be with David. Other than the core relationship I thoroughly enjoyed the exploration of grief through David's perspective. Him learning to move on while still holding close the memories of those that he lost really resonated with me. Finally, I of course loved the bossy lesbians and the needy little dog. If you're looking to try out one of Cat Sebastian's mid century titles this is definitely the one to start with.

Thanks to Avon for providing me an e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

*I received an advanced copy for review.*

I don’t know if Cat Sebastian’s writing style just lends itself really well to this time period or what, but We Could Be So Good was one of my favorite reads last year, and You Should Be So Lucky will be one of my favorites for this year as well. I truly cannot express how much I loved this book. Eddie and Mark are my new favorite black cat x golden retriever couple, with Mark’s acerbic wit and sarcasm combined with Eddie’s eagerness and sweet, if not innocence then something akin to that.

Eddie, as a professional baseball player who publicly made an idiot of himself over being traded, is in a slump. Mark is a grieving, bored former reporter who needs something to do, so when Andy (from WCBSG) asks him to write an article, he reluctantly agrees. The two men become reluctant friends, and following their relationship was such a joy. Because they become friends with other people as well and learn how to navigate each other’s lives and professions and hangups. It’s so beautiful.

HUGE THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY, AVON/HARPER AND CAT SEBASTIAN FOR THIS ARC. I literally dinosaur screeched when I received it.

When I tell you I love this book, I mean I LOVED IT. I laughed, I swooned, I cried, I left feeling warm and fuzzy. I think I highlighted 90% of it.

This is a story about a grieving writer who is kind but sharp edged and closed off, and a baseball player who is optimistic by choice and willing to fight for what he wants with cheerful tenacity. In 1960, Eddie is a ballplayer experiencing a terrible slump in his first year playing with the major leagues in NYC and Mark is a reporter reluctantly assigned to write about him. The following slow burn is tantalizing and perfect.

It’s a romance but it’s also a reflection on life, on the slumps we all face, the bad things that are bound to happen, and the people we need to carry us through those times until our luck changes, as it is bound to eventually. This is a story about the hits we can pull off if we keep trying, the runs we can score as long as we keep swinging.

This is my ideal historical fiction, where the setting is well thought out and clear in the story but the focus is about the people existing in that world. History is made up of actual people, and while this is fiction, I feel like the story genuinely reflects that concept. It doesn’t shy away from the fact that existing as a queer person in 1960 was hard (not that it’s easy now, but things were different) but it also doesn’t get hung up on the tragedy. It shows that of course queer people have always found a way to love one another, and of course queer people can find happiness despite the obstacles stacked against them. The side characters are rich and loveable and help to tell this story of getting back up and trying again, waiting for the tide to finally turn back in our favor, and relying on your team to carry you through until you can do the same for them in turn.

Anyway gonna go cry about baseball as a metaphor for life while you all buy this book okay thanks

really enjoyed this book!! It wasn’t the best book I’ve ever read, but I really enjoyed it. I loved Eddie and Mark both as individuals and as a couple. I do wish we got a little more closure at the end tho and even more of an elaboration on Mark and William. Overall, though, I did really like this book and the romance was so wholesome❤️

I loved this book! Cat Sebastian does this time period so well. The love story is so sweet and tender, I love these two boys so much. This book tackles grief, loss, and navigating society as a queer person so well, I loved the baseball story line, more of the journalism we saw in You Could Be So Good, and the slow burn romance. So good.

Such a cute book! I’ve only read a handful of queer books and I would definitely recommend this one if you are starting out! The story like was adorable following a baseball player and a reporter, Eddie and Mark. These characters were so cute together but I particularly really loved Eddie. He was such a sweetheart and his banter was a highlight for me.
One aspect of this book that I really enjoyed was the time that this was placed. Getting back into a time when it wasn’t necessarily okay to freely be who you were was such an interesting read. Seeing the development of these two characters truly come out of their shell to be together was an amazing story to follow.
The only thing I thought was lacking a bit in was the dramatics. If you are wanting a cute romantic story, that’s what this book is. I was just excepting there to be a big moment that just didn’t really come for me.

Can you believe this is my first Cat Sebastian? I know, I know, I’m shocked too. Queer historical romance is a favorite genre of mine, which makes that factoid absolutely unbelievable. I’ve been eagerly anticipating You Should Be So Lucky (grumpy/sunshine! M/M! Midcentury! Baseball!). It didn’t disappoint in the slightest.
The book follows Mark Bailey, a reporter for the Chronicle, and Eddie O’Leary, a hot-tempered shortstop recently traded from Omaha to New York City. Formerly a rising star in the world of baseball, the recent trade seems to have given Eddie the yips — and Mark is determined to find out why.
You Should Be So Lucky is just a warm, sweet book. I’m reminded of Last Night at the Telegraph Club by way of Newsies (does that comparison even make sense? It does in my head.) Eddie and Mark are absolutely charming leads, and both of them are so charismatic, dynamic, and vibrant. Their relationship feels earned, and it’s a real treat to read a queer historical romance that feels more “realistic” than, say, Bridgerton. It’s a reminder that queer people have always existed, and our stories aren’t always tragedies. Queer people have been carving out happy little lives for ourselves in every place and time throughout history, and we don’t need to hand-wave away the past to be reminded that happy endings existed for us.
If I had one complaint, it’s that the order in which information is presented to the reader feels a bit strange. We learn about Lillian before we learn she’s Mark’s lesbian friend; we learn about William before we learn he’s Mark’s dead ex. Admittedly, some of this works, and certainly feels more nature than a heavy exposition dump in the first few chapters. At the same time, though, there were a few moments when I found myself wondering “wait, did we already know that?” Maybe that’s just a me thing, though. YMMV.
I don’t have very much to say about You Should Be So Lucky. It’s a sweet, charming little book, with incredibly likable characters and a romance to cheer for. Absolutely pick this one up when it comes out.

2.5

I was honestly a little bored with this one. Very predictable. But I did find the relationship between the main characters cute. A lot of this book to me felt very repetitive.

HEADLINE: LOCAL WET CAT ACCIDENTALLY FINDS HIMSELF IN A ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIP WITH BARKY BEAGLE.

The wet cat in question is Mark, a reporter at the Chronicle who is still deeply mourning the loss of his lover while the beagle in question is the famous (for mostly the wrong reasons), Eddie O'Leary, a baseball player who talks too much and maybe isn’t that great at playing baseball…(He’s also very lonely, very stubborn, and very loud about all of it. Typical beagle behavior. We should expect nothing less.)

Holy smokes. Cat Sebastian has rendered me speechless yet again.

Going into this book I expected very low stakes and high reward romance but how I FELT for these characters made this very high stakes and let me tell you, I have never read a book labeled as slow burn and been so STRESSED. I was yelling, I was crying (Not the cute kind. The ugly kind.) and I was pleading for these two stubborn characters who were equal parts desperate yearning and careful compassion in their handling of one another.

This entire book felt so fragile to me and even speaking of it I’m compelled to handle it as gently and as patiently as Eddie did Mark’s grief. (The cherries... I’m crying again.)

I could write an entire essay dissecting this book and the way it handles Mark mourning the loss of someone he'd planned his entire life around and the genius of his dog Lula serving as an outward physical manifestation of his inner journey with grief. My inner college English student is begging to be set free but for the sake of this not turning into a 15-page character study, I will contain myself.

All this to say, I would be doing this book a disservice by telling you this story was a romance and that I enjoyed it. And though there was a good amount of joyful foot-kicking to be had while reading, at its core this book felt like a case study in the role that grief and guilt play in accepting love that you once believed you deserved but no longer feel entitled to and the act of loving someone unconditionally without the expectation of reciprocation (even the unpleasant fussy parts that demand Eddie wake up at the crack of dawn to take the dog for a walk).

Long live Lula, the wire-haired reigning queen of every room she enters!

Special thank you to Netgalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the arc of this book! I am leaving this review voluntarily!

I can’t even say how much I loved this book!
I know even the author says it’s all vibes no plot, but for me it definitely wasn’t.
It’s about giving up the old you and creating a new you, trying to find a way to go on after a huge loss, moving forward. That was such a beautiful story, I think I could have marked nearly every second sentence.
The love story was the absolute sweetest slow burn and these two complimented each other so perfectly. They were the golden retriever black cat couple we all deserve.
For a gay romance story taking place in the 1960s this was surprisingly uplifting, happy and domestic.
Cat Sebastian’s style of writing is really something else. I could have gone on reading for 500 pages more, not even getting bored about these two doing house chores.
If you liked We could be so good you’ll definitely love this!
I can’t wait for the audio to do an immediate reread.

“Call me at ours.” I NEARLY DIED!

Huge thank you to Avon and netgalley for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

I adored this book from start to finish. I instantly loved these characters even though there were times where I felt like maybe I shouldn’t. Things like Eddie’s obvious temper and the fact that Mark writes snarky reviews, things I don’t generally like, were somehow flaws I didn’t even want to overlook, flaws that made these characters more human and well-rounded. Flaws I liked being addressed in ways, in the end, too.

Eddie is such a damn sweetheart. He’s so easy to root for and therefore it’s so easy to be swept up in this idea that the whole of New York is rooting for him too. I love his story, not only of self-acceptance, but of peer-acceptance too. He really is lonely and he deserves the world and I found genuine joy watching him carve a place for himself where he could be happy and loved.

Mark is the perfect grumpy to Eddie’s sunshine. He’s a cynic, he doesn’t like to be thought of as nice, he’s opinionated and brusque and, most importantly, he’s grieving. His grief is so delicately handled throughout this book. The scene with the cherries in particular got me. He frustrated me, of course he did, this stupid stubborn lovely man, but I adored every moment with him.

The supporting cast in this is great too. All flawed, all interesting, all so different from each other. I especially loved George and his friendship with Mark.

I’ve been sleeping on Cat Sebastian largely due to the limited access to her books here in Australia, but I’m gonna have to try a little harder because this book was just SO good.

Set in 1960, baseball player Eddie O'Leary is having a rough year. An unexpected trade to NY (and away from his much loved mother) and a rant that makes his new team strongly dislike him.

Mark Bailey an arts reporter who recently lost his partner, and in turn his will to write, is assigned to write a "diary" weekly about O'Leary to try and improve his reputation.

This is such a sweet story of two very lonely men who find each other. It's a slow burn but it's so sweet getting there. Things get complicated as Mark had to be a secret with his previous deceased partner and doesn't want to live that life again and Eddie cannot be openly out as professional athlete.

I always love a story where queer people find their own family. And I absolutely love Lula the dog. I love how both these men slowly start a relationship with late night phone calls and dog walks to fully trusting each other. I was rooting for both Eddie and Mark to find their happiness and passion throughout the book.

The story did how love for baseball without being overwhelmed by the sport and focusing on Mark and Eddie. I want to put them both in my pocket and keep them safe.

Thank you NetGalley and Avon/Harper Voyager for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

This started off sooooo good. I was really excited to read this. Overall this was a good story and I really enjoyed the premise of it as a whole. My issue is the drama. Yes, without drama what's left, but there is drama that has actual meaning and purpose to progress the story and character ARC, and then there is drama that is forced to convey feelings and conflict. Now, this story didn't go full blown dramallama, but it was skirting that edge and thankfully pulled back.

Mark is grieving and working through the death of his partner. Eddie is young and trying to adjust to being traded to a new team/city away from his family and friends. Because Eddie said some mean things to a reporter when he found out he was being traded, his new team doesn't treat him nice and are very standoffish. This makes Eddie feel even more alone. When Mark shows up, Eddie doesn't feel so alone.

I began to have issues with how Mark and Eddie's relationship developed, as they grew closer. It was cute and fun at first, but then - I'm not sure how to describe it. It just didn't feel real, like this is how their relationship would legit start. I guess what I'm saying is they were too emotionally mature, lol, because they waited and waited, all the while kind of wooing each other. It was bordering on too much, but not all the way. And then Eddie's reaction to Mark writing the stories about him, I don't know why Eddie cared so much what Mark was writing. He wasn't writing anything mean or bad, but still Mark was worried how Eddie would react, and Eddie wasn't sure how he <i>should</i> react.

Then the fan reaction to Eddie not playing well. I don't follow sports - would fans really be so supportive of a newly traded player not doing well? Eddie couldn't hit the ball to save his life, but the fans were supporting him. I didn't get it. And let's not forget how many people didn't care that Mark was gay, or that Eddie was gay, or that they were a couple. I'm not saying people weren't supportive in the 60's, of course there were allies. But in baseball, in the 60's? For gay men? Athletes still don't come out today. Maybe I'm just thinking too hard on it.

This was a good story and they of course find their HEA. I do recommend it because it's not a bad story, it's nice overall and if you <i>like</i> these types of stories you will be in heaven.

3 stars because not bad, but not great.

✨Frankly, I’m amazed you’ve kept your private life secret for as long as you have. I’m telling you, Eddie, when you look at me, it’s obvious.” ✨

To steal a line from my own review of We Could Be So Good…”what do you say about a book that completely rewires how you think and feel about historical romance.” You Should Be So Lucky is a modern marvel. It’s one of those stories that rewrites the very foundation of your soul, so much so that you know it’s changed you on a molecular level. One that becomes an instant favorite and you can’t help but want to devour it again. That is You Should Be So Lucky.

At its core, YSBSL is a story about grief. Both a bone deep mourning over someone you could only love privately, and the very public mourning of an integral part of yourself. Mark Bailey and Eddie O’Leary are deeply lost and lonely - it’s no wonder why they cling to each other so immediately. They are both utter disasters, but somehow they find each other and help one another heal and grow. The friendship, and eventual relationship, that grows between them progresses naturally, full of partial stops and whispered words. Of extreme caution…and of finally choosing one’s happiness over anything. Of being known and accepted for exactly who you are. One of the things I loved most about this story and their relationship was that William’s importance was never minimized. He was a significant part of Mark’s life and their story became part of Mark and Eddie’s future, and I just loved how inclusive it was.

Mark Bailey and Eddie O’Leary are two of the most lovable and endearing characters I’ve ever had the privilege of reading. They’re the black cat/golden retriever, grumpy/sunshine pairing of my dreams and I would die for them. They’re prickly…yet overwhelmingly soft with each other. They fill each other’s cracks and smooth their edges. Outside of Eddie and Mark’s beautiful friendship, are some of the most lovely side characters. Ardolino and Price brought me SO much joy - I think I highlighted half of their conversations. The easy and sly remarks they make to Eddie made me CACKLE. And George Allen. The pseudo-paternal relationship that Mark develops with George is so heart-wrenchingly beautiful. Their story arc was perfect and oh-so satisfying.

There is no doubt that this is Cat Sebastian’s best work. Sebastian excels in this time period, naturally, but this one feels different. I knew from the minute I picked it up that I was reading something special. It’s truly a masterpiece - a work of art. Every other line stopped me in my tracks and took my breath away - I don’t think I’ve ever had as many highlights on my kindle as I do with YSBSL (220 - and that’s me being CONSCIOUS to not over highlight). This became an instant favorite before I even finished the book. I turned the last page and wanted to start again on loop. I’ve already purchased a physical copy and preordered the audio so that I can reread it as soon as it’s publicly available.

There is not one aspect of this story that I didn’t love, or thought could be expanded. It’s well-rounded, achingly beautiful, and laugh-out-loud funny. I started crying around the 70% mark and didn’t stop until I finished and had the inklings of a migraine. But, despite the tears, it’s remarkably hopeful in its quest for acceptance.

Maybe it’s because I grew up in a baseball house, going to my local hometown team games every weekend in the summer, rooting on the Braves and the Orioles; Or maybe it’s just because this book is so objectively good, but it hit me in a way I didn’t expect. It’s one that I haven’t stopped thinking about and hope I never do. It’s special in a way that so few books are and I feel so lucky to have experienced it.

Thank you so much to Avon and Netgalley for the advanced copy. I cannot wait for the world to love this as much as I did.

When I found out there was going to be a sequel to We Could Be So Good, I was so excited. When I found out I was getting an advanced copy, I gasped so loudly it scared people around me. WCBSG was one of my top reads of 2023, and I reread it to prepare myself for this one. I had high hopes, and they were all exceeded!

Nick and Eddie are both cinnamon roles pretending to be grumpy. I love them both. I haven’t read a lot of sports romances, and I am NOT a fan of baseball, but it didn’t feel like I was missing anything.

This book made me feel a lot of feelings, and I loved it. Thank you so much for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review - I cannot wait for the special edition I ordered to arrive!

Baseball fan or no, You Should Be So Lucky by Cat Sebastian is so sweet and charming that you’ll be rooting for everyone in this book like they’re your hometown team in no time.

Mark and Eddie’s love story starts off rocky, but that made reading how their relationship develops that much more satisfying. It was fun to see how the grumpy vs. sunshine trope would play out in these characters, and eventually see their opposing qualities compliment each other instead of causing them to clash. From the beginning (even if they didn’t want to admit it), Mark and Eddie have great chemistry, and their witty banter and funny inner thoughts made it easy to keep reading. While there are a lot of lighthearted moments in this book, I enjoyed that the story was also serious when it needed to be. Mark and Eddie both experience life-changing challenges and setbacks throughout the book, and it felt realistic how slow or confusing it can be to navigate it all. The theme of second chances is perfect for their story.

Besides Mark and Eddie, there were a variety of likable side characters, such as colleagues from Mark’s workplace, The Chronicle, Eddie’s teammates and the Robins’ management team, their friends and family, and more. I loved these side characters just as much as I loved Mark and Eddie, and I was invested in their goals and growth as equally as I was for the two main characters. When I finished the book, I realized that I not only missed Mark and Eddie (and Lula), but also Lilian and Maureen, Tony, Sam, Constance, and Eddie’s teammates, George, Eddie’s mom, and everyone else, too. Every character had unique details and perspectives that helped to flesh out the main characters, the storyline, and the historical setting of that time.

I don’t tend to read historical fiction, but surprisingly that aspect was one of the things that I enjoyed the most about this book. The author’s worldbuilding details and context clues made it easy to slip into the past, without it feeling overwhelming or confusing even if I sometimes didn’t recognize brand or store names, or historical figures or events of the time.

I especially enjoyed learning any details about that time period’s queer lives or queer history. As expected, the queer hardships of that time are numerous, but the book successfully balances it with moments of queer joy so that the hardships don’t dominate the narrative. Although the book mainly focused on queer themes and struggles, which makes sense considering the main characters, it didn’t shy away from also including the adversity of women, BIPOC, and the intersectionality of the three in those times. While progress has been made since then, the emotions and some of the struggles that the characters face still resonate today.

You Should Be So Lucky was a homerun for me! This was my first time reading a book by Cat Sebastian, but I’m looking forward to picking up more books by her. Big thank you to NetGalley, and Avon and Harper Voyager, for sending this book for review consideration! All opinions are my own! 4.25/5 stars.