Desert Isle Keeper
Best of Luck

Continuing with the lucky theme that runs throughout the fantastic Chance of a Lifetime series, Best of Luck proves three’s a charm; good things do come in threes; and it’s a magic number.   While all the books are uniformly good, featuring likeable and relatable principal characters, secondary characters that absolutely enhance the story in every way, and settings and situations that feel comfortable and familiar, Best of Luck is the best of the series.  Ms. Clayborn re-introduces Kit Averin’s older brother, Alex, a world-renowned photojournalist with a profound case of wanderlust, who’s flitted in and out the series since Beginner’s Luck.  Alex falls hard for Greer Hawthorne, one of Kit’s best friends, whose roots in Barden (a fictional city in Virginia) run deep.  From the teaser prologue that first appeared in Luck of the Draw, to the note perfect epilogue, everything about this novel sparkles.

Winning the lottery with friends Kit and Zoe changed Greer’s life.  But unlike her co-winners, Greer didn’t struggle with what to do with her winnings.  With Zoe’s legal help, she made arrangements to give much of the money to her family, using what remained to pursue her long-postponed education. Independence from her large and overprotective family and a permanent position as a social worker are finally within her grasp… until her graduation plans abruptly go awry.  Despite her hard work, a miscalculation of the credits needed to graduate threatens to derail all her plans.  A photography class – and the sanctimonious, unsympathetic professor who teaches it – stand between her and a diploma.

When Alex arrives – late – to the rehearsal dinner for his sister’s wedding, Kit happily greets him and pulls him into the celebration, but not before he spots Greer.  Lovely and ever watchful, Greer remains separate, yet clearly an essential part of the friendly chaos around her – and he experiences the same frisson of awareness and attraction he feels whenever she’s near.   When they find themselves together with Zoe, she makes it clear she hasn’t forgiven him for their last meeting when she spotted him on his way out of Barden.   It’s still painful to remember her dismissive “You’re lying,” after he explained he’d been called in for a job.  He’s spent the evening surreptitiously tracking Greer and spending time with Kit and her friends, when he abruptly realizes a panic attack is imminent.  Alex moves out of the room quickly, struggling to contain his nausea and make it outside… but he’s only able to regain control of his breathing and heartbeat after Greer sidles up next to him and reaching for his hand.

After spending a frustrating evening trying and failing to ignore the irresistible pull Alex has on her attention, Greer is watching when he makes his frantic escape… and she follows.  Familiar with panic attacks (her brother had them as a child), she grabs his hand and stays by his side until regains control.  The panic attack – and his subsequent, painful admission that it isn’t the first time he’s had one – subtly changes Greer’s impressions of the seemingly unflappable Alex.  She can’t forget how he fled from Barden two years ago, but witnessing  his panic attack, changes her perspective on his inability to stay in one place for long.  When she checks in with him at the wedding the following day, the comfort and intimacy of the previous night remains, and Greer finds herself making a confession of her own – that she might not graduate on time.  Alex offers to help, but she rebuffs him; Greer is determined to fix it on her own.  But then she realizes they might be able to help each other and the deal they eventually strike reverberates through the rest of the story.

Best of Luck masquerades as a simple (swoony) opposites-attract romance, and then slowly reveals itself as a lovely meditation on what it means to know and understand – and embrace – our truest selves.  And along the way, Alex and Greer slowly discover the freedom that comes in wanting – but not needing – someone with whom to share their secret selves.  On the surface, Alex is easy to love – he’s handsome, clever and kind.  But once his history is revealed, it’s glaringly obvious to Greer (and us) that the panic attacks are rooted in Alex’s adolescent roles as father figure, brother and son. His therapy sessions (a trade-off for Greer allowing him to help her graduate) are alternately hilarious and profoundly moving – and they provide wonderful insight into his mind; these, paired with his superbly rendered PoV (god, it’s so good!), make him absolutely irresistible.  Smart, irreverent, deeply in lust with Greer… he’s a devastating hero and  Ms. Clayborn perfectly captures his vulnerabilities and insecurities, doubts and fears.  Her characterization of this complicated, lovely man, is absolutely perfect, and as the novel slowly progresses, Alex eventually recognizes that home isn’t a place – it’s a person.  And his Person is Greer.

Emotionally intelligent, resilient and often able to see things others miss, Greer is a much more challenging character to unwrap.  (I also don’t want to reveal any of her secrets in this review).  Suffice it to say, being forced to rely on friends and family growing up – spending her formative years watching others make decisions for her – has left Greer desperate to live life on her own terms.  Winning the lottery accelerated her plans for independence, and with three credits to go, she has no intention of giving up on her dreams.  Determined to graduate, she doesn’t want to need Alex’s help.  But she accepts it anyway – on her own terms.  Her feelings for Alex are complicated (he’s Kit’s brother!), but when they FINALLY transition from friends to lovers, Greer reminds herself to enjoy the moment, knowing her time with Alex, however wonderful, is fleeting.  Greer is surprised by the sense of freedom she experiences being with Alex, but her constant worry and doubt over needing him – when he’s destined to eventually leave her behind – prevent her from envisioning a future with him.

From the moment Alex and Greer were first introduced in Beginner’s Luck, it was clear they were destined for each other.  It’s been a delicious tease witnessing the tension between them – the thrum of attraction that’s marked each of their encounters – wondering how the author planned to bring them together.  Ms. Clayborn brilliantly maneuvers the pair into each other’s orbit and everything about their relationship feels natural, right and wonderful.  The novel works for many reasons, not the least of which is the author’s obvious affection for her principal characters and the friends and family that comprise their world, and I was wholly invested in this story from start to finish.  I enjoyed each of the previous Chance of a Lifetime novels, but Ms. Clayborn simply outdoes herself in Best of Luck.  I laughed, I cried, I sighed.  And then I read it again and laughed, cried and sighed all over again.  It’s a tremendous conclusion to an already terrific series.  I’m sad to say goodbye.

This book packs a serious emotional punch. There is an understanding of mental health issues that was dealt with sensitively, without sensationalist overreaction. It was for this reason that I immediately bought the first two books in this series. 
The author may be new, but she writes like a seasoned pro. She has such an authenticity in her writing that I believe she is one to watch. This series is just the beginning of a great career.
Back to the actual book though, I just loved this beautiful love story between Greer and Alex.. Their road wasn't easy or light. There were struggles and tension. There was a clash between someone with too many roots and one with too few. 
If you want a read that will draw you in and capture your heart, then you won't do much better than this book.
Highly recommended.

Best of Luck by Kate Clayborn is out today, and I really loved it. Discovering her books was one of the highlights of my year. I think what makes these books special, as simple as it sounds, it's that they are just really fucking good contemporaries! They aren't truing to subvert or reinvent anything, they just are masterfully crafted novels that read like they were written by someone who is talented but also knows and loves the genre. The characters are recognizable, sure, but they are nuanced and hard to label beyond "real".

This new book has a hero who is dealing with depression and anxiety, and he's sweet and kind and has regrets and I really liked him as a person. Same with the heroine who is focused and kind and brave, and I loved spending time with her. It's a lovely book. My favorite book is still the second one, but that's personal preference. I don't have a general romance conversion kit, but if I had, I would include this series as an example of what the genre is at its core.



I have read a lot of great contemporaries in the past few years and there have been some truly great new voices, but these books are wonderful and unassuming in a way that surprised me.

What I liked:
The writing style
The characters 
Dual POVs 
Part of a series: Chance of a Lifetime
Standalone 
HEA 
Epilogue 

I look forward to reading more from this author.

It is a shame that some insist on putting their best of book lists out in October, because they’ve possibly missed this one. It is one of the best books I have read this year. If you’re looking for a contemporary series, the first in this trilogy is Beginner’s Luck. The first two were great and this was an excellent finale to the trilogy.

Greer is set to graduate when she’s informed that she can’t count her second art history course as her visual arts credit. This is a disaster because she has already lined up a job as a social worker at a hospital and it won’t wait for her; she knows she is incredibly lucky to get it. She may be able to fit in one last course but only if she gets the head of the department’s approval. This is where Alex comes in.

Alex and Greer met two years prior to the start of the book and both were really attracted to each other and did not act on it. This time around, Alex is back for his sister’s wedding. Greer asks him to help her out with getting into the course so she can get the credit for graduation. The attraction is there, the in-jokes start happening, it’s pretty cute. Alex needs a break. He is having panic attacks and Greer makes him a deal; he helps her, she helps him by setting him up with a therapist. So Alex is going to stick around for a bit. He starts therapy and teaching her photography to help with her class. He starts building up his own support system in their town. There’s a will-they-or-won’t-they feel to it until they decide how it’s going to work for them and make it happen.

The question now is, as they fall in love, how will they make it work? Greer is just about to start her new job. Alex’s job takes him all over the world and he’s not known for sticking with anyone since he helped move his sister to college after raising her.

Both characters were a delight, there are several funny moments between them and with their friends and family. They both keep so much hidden from others and work to share it with each other. It’s hard for both of them, as Greer doesn’t want Alex to know something major that could cause him to treat her differently, as her family and childhood friends do. Maybe they can’t have a conversation with each other right now about something but they will get to it. They persevere and keep building their relationship. The theme of luck is also an interesting one to examine; how much of what happens is luck?

Highly recommended. One of the strongest contemporary romances I have read this year.

This series of interconnected novels tells the story of three women- Kit, Zoe, and Greer- who won the lottery and turned their lives around into what they want them to be.  This is Greer's story and she's the one with the biggest physical adversity but she's determined to finish college and become a social worker.  She meets Kit's brother Alex when he comes to town for Kit's wedding and he agrees to help her with the art course she needs to graduate.  He's got some mental health issues but is determined to deal with them.  One of the nicest things about these novels is that they are more than love stories- they are about people moving forward in the most positive way.  Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.  Don't worry if you didn't read the first two books- this is fine as a standalone .  It's good heart warmer.

I've now read all three books in this trilogy, and this one was my favorite. I enjoyed the previous 2 books very much, but thought they slowed down just a bit in the middle, whereas this book kept me racing through, not wanting to put it down. As in both of the previous books, I love how the author is able to create multi-layered, multi-faceted characters who feel like real people. Both Alex and Greer are people I'd like to meet and hang out with. They have faults and blind spots, but there is a genuine decency about them that makes you root for them to get their HEA. Also, I found their quiet interactions believable and could really feel their attraction to each other.

Both are dealing with the fallout from life altering events. In Greer's case, a serious illness in her teen years set her back significantly and caused her family to become very overprotective. She's now finally mostly recovered and at age 27 is trying to obtain her college degree but needs to complete one final photography course. That's where Alex, Kit's brother (from book 1) and a famous photojournalist comes in. He's dealing with severe panic attacks that started several years ago and have worsened to the point that they are threatening his ability to perform the work he loves and lead the lifestyle he has chosen. He is coming to realize that he needs help and is therefore willing to consider starting therapy with someone that Greer recommends after she witnesses him in a full blown attack. Both characters face these challenges as head on and I enjoyed the way the author shows them at different points in their journey (Greer at the end of her recovery, Alex just starting his) yet clearly shows how they parallel and complement each other, and how each makes the other stronger. This isn't a story where love magically conquers all, but rather it shows how love can lift you up and get you over the hump where you are stuck.

What a sweet ending to this series! In reading these books, I'm struck by how thoughtful and endearing Kate Clayborn's writing is. Beyond the romances themselves, the focus on self growth, friendship, and found family is so refreshing to me. I felt it was particularly underscored in this book where we know the two characters, Greer and Alex, since the first book, but we only slowly discover who they are to themselves, and to the world. They have an initial attraction but then truly bond through empathy. I also think Clayborn showed a great amount of care in depicting chronic and mental illness without succumbing to ableist tropes. Greer and Alex are complex and layered individuals who are not defined solely by their lives' struggles and hurdles, and it was absolutely lovely to follow their romance.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Both Alex and Greer were slightly broken and running from their past. They found great comfort in each other, but will that be enough to heal their wounds? 

• Pro: I. Love. Greer. She was probably the biggest mystery of the group, because she was quieter, but I got to know her, layer by layer in this book, and she was one special woman. She was fierce and I wanted her to get everything she set her eyes on - the degree, her freedom, I wanted it all for her, because she deserved it. 

• Pro: Greer's family was fantastic! From their Hollywood homage names to their over-involvement in Greer's life, this colorful group captured my heart. But, I mostly, I appreciated how much love they shared with each other. 

• Pro: Alex was so complicated, and it was wonderful to be there with him, as he worked out his issues and his needs. I especially liked seeing him connecting to others, and recognizing these connections as a good thing. I think it was an important step for him towards his recovery, and oh! How I wanted him to heal. 

• Pro: I am a terrible photographer, but I was captivated by that part of the story. Clayborn did such a wonderful job taking us on shoots, and, at times, I felt like I was looking through the viewfinder myself. 

• Pro: I appreciated the way the mental health and chronic health issues were addressed. It was done in a positive and sensitive manner, and most importantly, without stigma. 

• Pro: Watching Alex and Greer's romance blossom and blaze was a special treat. They had chemistry and connection, and also understood the other's needs. They were beautiful together. 

Overall: I am sad to see this series end, because each book was wonderful, but at least I can say it went out on a high note. I am eagerly anticipating reading more from Clayborn in the future.

This was my second book by Kate Clayborn and I've become such a fan of how character-driven her stories are. With this book I was so appreciative of how fleshed out, complex and interesting both the main characters are. Their respective struggles and what they each have to overcome in order to be able to move forward in a relationship with each other made for a really compelling read. I also loved the small intimacies and really hot chemistry Alex and Greer shared as they spent more and more time together. Another thing that was refreshing was that Alex being Greer's best friend's brother never really came into play as a roadblock for them as they clearly all understood everyone is adults and could make their own choices.

Dayum, Kate Clayborn just writes a book that makes me feel all the ache! Best of Luck is EVERYTHING GOOD wrapped in several thousand words. It delivers FEELS, characters that I just want to know in real life, as much as CONTENTMENT when I finish. 

What I love the most about Best of Luck is the character (and relationship) development. Clayborn is excellent in creating these two characters, Greer and Alex, whom, at first glance might be as different as ever with the way they live their life, but actually sharing something similar, which drawn them to one another.

Greer is the shy heroine, she masters the science of being invisible. Greer yearns of gaining freedom, of being independent. Greer's biggest obstacle is that even if she dreams big, her physical body cannot always support it. The people around her keeps her close, out of love, out of concern, out of fear... Greer is trapped in inability to fly high. 

So close to my freedom, and once again I haven’t been able to see something through, to cross that threshold that gives me my independence


Alex is the handsome - GQ handsome - hero; who seems to be comfortable in his own skin. He's a world renowned photographer, he travels into places. Alex masters the science of never really staying still. But Alex actually keeps a secret too, because even if his physical body lets him do the things he wants to do, his mind sometimes freezes. Alex is trapped in inability to stay grounded.

Despite the unsteadiness I feel, I’m grounded somehow by the lightness in her gaze, a slight sparkle that tells me she knows something I don’t.


I love Greer and Alex as their own, but oh how I LOVE when they're together. Those moments when it's just Greer and Alex, Alex and Greer, like when Alex teaches Greer with photography, being patient and quiet, capturing ladybugs, or Greer making Alex the subject of her photos, when they watch movies together, when they talk about themselves, when they love each other, worship each other's body... SO PRECIOUS! 

Because in Alex, Greer learns that she can get what she wants while still accepting help. Because in Greer, Alex learns that he can settle down while still doing what he does best.

Because Greer and Alex learns that they take care one another.

I guess you can see how passionate I am with this book because I'm trying to make a short essay out of it (laugh). Bottom line, Best in Luck is definitely my favorite book of this series, and one of my favorites of the year.

Every book in this series is better than the last, which I wasn't sure was possible after the last installment.  I loved Greer and Alex and watching them fall in love and learn how to be the partner the other one needed.   Clayborn writes so deftly and packs in so much detail to the development of her stories but never in a heavy handed, obvious way.  Her stories are so emotionally satisfying. We are able to understand how Greer and Alex came to be the people that they are and see them work through their issues in ways that felt real.  

I hate that this is the last book but I will read anything that Clayborn comes out with next.  

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The third/final book of this series, and I was blown away by this first-time author’s writing! 

The stories revolve around three friends who win a lottery...how it affects their lives (and doesn’t). Friendship, family, lovers...insecurities/self-confidence, weaknesses/strengths, stagnation/growth...it’s all here, and it’s all SO REAL. So many times I feel contemporary romances are shallow and repetitive, and being so, I don’t tend to read a lot of them. The seemingly effortless way Clayborn crafts these wonderful, beautiful stories will make you laugh, cry and FEEL. 

So very happy I discovered her and highly recommend. I’ll be watching for more from her!

Thank you to #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for the ARC. The opinions are strictly my own.

Could not finish this. I tried several different times and it would not hold my interest. So sorry, not for me.

This was everything I wanted and more! I have been anxiously awaiting Greer and Alex's story since their first meeting in Beginner's Luck, and this book did not disappoint! This whole series is so layered and emotional, and I loved the friendships and the romances equally in all three. Can't wait to see what Clayborn does next!

In the earlier instalments in this series we met with two winners of the lottery who changed their lives with a little quick cash. Now it is the third winner’s turn, Greer, as she attempts finish her too-long-delayed education and prove herself an independent grownup to her overprotective parents. She’s not too proud to ask for help, though, and when he friend Kit’s photographer brother Alex comes to town, he is just the man she needs. In more ways than one… Funny, sweet, poignant, inspirational, feminist, empowering and just that little bit crazy-making, Best of Luck is perhaps the best of the trilogy (sadly now concluded), which is saying something indeed. – Rachel Hyland

This review appears in Romantic Intentions Quarterly #3 - October 2018

Gorgeously written but was almost painful to read at times due to the lyrically detailed descriptions of Alex and Greer's past and present demons. He's suffering from panic attacks and she's struggling to live a full life despite a childhood of pain and recovery. There's so much emotional weight on Greer and Alex's shoulders that it truly is a miracle that they found love and peace together. 

Kate Clayborn is a true emotional wordsmith because she doles out these descriptive paragraphs that first lull and then club you over the head with feeling. First, the unspooling of Alex's childhood and then his anxiety issues. Then, wham, the revelation of Greer's medical history. So many things were stacked against them that I loved how good luck and hope wove into their struggles:

     My dad took me out one night to see the harvest moon and we saw a shooting star, and for three weeks afterward I didn’t have a single headache. And I got—I got sort of obsessed with good luck charms, good luck omens. I’d play these little games with myself. Don’t look at the clock during the thirteenth minute of every hour. Save the heads-up pennies you find on the ground. Avoid stepping on cracks in the sidewalk... I know they don’t really work. I know it doesn’t make sense. But they made me feel—in control, I guess.

And when Greer challenges Alex that he doesn't believe in luck, I loved his heartfelt response: “I don’t,” he says, simply, a small shrug of his shoulders. “But I believe in you.”

Alex was not likable in the first book or even at the start of this book. But when he starts sharing his life with Greer, the gruff sweetness of this man is so lovely, like in the beach scene. (True story: Alex thanking his sister Kit made me call my brother who did not want to hear about some romance I was reviewing but told me he loved me anyway. Brothers, sheesh.)

    This is supposed to be a cleansing ritual, that’s what Alex said—wash away your bad luck, splash on some good. But when Alex is up to his knees, his lips still dragging across mine, I start to think of this ocean as something else—a vast, endless wishing well. When he dips down, the water swirling around us both now, we’re the coins—plain copper pennies about to be turned into something special and precious and memorable. Maybe he’s making a wish on me, and I’m definitely making one on him. A big, bold, unlikely wish.

In the end, I was fascinated by how the author wove the notion of luck with love, fear, family, pain, and happiness. So glad Alex and Greer got a well-deserved HEA.

Hot damn. This book is full of feels in the best way. Mental health. Chronic illness. Family dynamics. Personal achievements. Solid female friendships. Fire romantic chemistry. In short, another five star, must read novel from Kate Clayborn. 

Best of Luck is a beautifully written love story that rounds out the A Chance of a Lifetime series. It is about two people coming to terms with their own struggles while finding their hearts counterpoint. It’s just so good.

I've enjoyed all the books in this series, but I think Kate Clayborn saved the best for last.  In the story of Greer and Alex, the after-effects of trauma mark each character, but they are far more than what has happened to them.

I appreciated that Greer was introduced as a person first and not a condition.  I got to know her as a complex person before understanding how she got that way.  Alex was hyperaware of Greer from the beginning but he begins to see her as someone who sees the entire him and is not trying to trap him or tie him down.  Greer is quiet but has no problem giving it right back to him.

Art and service to others were central themes her for both characters although they approached it in different and complementary ways.  A beautiful, emotional love story that circled back to family, survival, and finally living a fully human life.  I loved their story.

A few months ago I went through a phase where I only wanted to read about heroines in STEM industries. Beginner's Luck by Kate Clayborn was one that I read and loved. The whole idea of a group of friends winning the lottery and making plans for their new lives was fun. Kit's book introduced her brother Alex and I'll be honest - I wasn't a fan of his. He seemed selfish and I was annoyed with how he treated Kit.

Best of Luck is the third in the series and features Greer and Alex. Greer is an adult college student and one of the friends trio who won the lottery. Alex is Kit's brother and a photojournalist with no home base.

Alex comes back to town for Kit and Ben's wedding. He is struggling with anxiety and panic attacks. Greer has issues of her own including an overprotective family and a missing art credit before she can graduate. The two strike a deal that he will help her learn photography and he will stick around for a month and see a therapist.

I honestly loved everything about this book. My heart ached for both of them. Both characters have experienced so much in their life and are coming to terms with their new selves. "You learn - I guess you learn that watching is helping." I saw myself in both characters. Greer's life has been the best she can make of it and Alex is fighting to find his place in the world. I loved how Greer relaxed by watching cooking shows because that is totally me.

Their love story was realistic and beautiful. They both were not expecting one another and the slow fall into love was a joy to read. "I love you. I don't need you, but I want you, and that's-that's even better. For me, that's-that's the best thing."