DNF: I honestly forgot that I was reading this, lol. I started it one evening and was not connecting to the story at all, then set it down at bedtime. And promptly forgot all about it. That's never a good sign. Unfortunately, there was nothing to pull me in with this one. The characters were annoying, the tone was a little off, and I can't actually remember one thing that I liked about it. So, this one is going to remain unfinished by me, I'm afraid.

This book is the perfect summer romance - loveable characters (including side characters too), a holiday setting enough cuteness and heartbreak to make it realistic despite the plot being too "perfect" at times. It was nothing mind-blowing, but was enjoyable all the same. I would recommend this to anyone looking for an easy holiday read.

So sweet and fun! It caught my attention right from that awesome premise. I loved all the side characters, their support was just lovely. Patrick’s decision at the end to never marry was a little off putting for me! I loved his character and his personality. I will say, I’m a little disappointed at just how less of the book is about the actual honeymoon! I wanted more and more! But it felt like the author wanted to take the book in a different direction and it just didn’t really resonate with me!

Annie has been with Alex for almost ten years and they are due to get married and she is looking forward to the wedding. Unfortunately, Alex does not feel the same and leaves her at the altar. Devastated by the break up of her relationship Annie is encouraged to go on her honeymoon by herself but before she goes she meets an old friend who she decides to invite along on her honeymoon.

I really enjoyed this book. I loved the travel portion as Annie and Patrick explored Australia and went on different excursions. I liked seeing the relationship between the two characters develop throughout the trip. I liked that they started as friends and their feelings developed over time.

Overall I really enjoyed this one. If you are looking for a fun book to read this summer I think this would be a perfect beach read.

I read this ARC for an honest review
All thoughts and opinions are mine

A very light, fun read
If you are looking for a light holiday read this could be for you

A little formulaic but if you are looking for something to read that doesn't rake a lot of concentrating - could be what you are looking for
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Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Lucky Escape was such a good read. I felt very connected to the characters and was constantly rooting for Annie and Patrick. Annie was left at the altar by Alexander, who then disappears. After a nine year relationship, Annie doesn’t understand what could have gone wrong. Alexander’s parents forked out for an expensive honeymoon to Australia, which is non-refundable, and they want Annie to still go. At a morning bootcamp, Annie runs into an old friend, Patrick. He then accompanies her on her non-honeymoon.

I loved the characters in this book, and how it didn’t seem like Annie was rushing into things too much. Patrick is the total opposite to Alexander, and he reminds Annie of how carefree she used to be, and how much she feels she has changed. Both characters are in the process of healing, and help each other get over their heartbreak. The way their relationship developed felt authentic and natural, and I loved reading about the tension between them.

‘I think you’re making a mistake. I think you should be brave and tell him you love him before it’s too late.’

This book felt very real as it dealt with the aftermath of a whirlwind holiday, and showed how the characters had to work at their relationship in the real world, to make it better. The characters were lovable and mature and knew what they wanted out of the other person. The Lucky Escape was an enjoyable read that I was hooked to! I recommend it if you love romance books!

The story follows Annie who was stood up at her wedding by her long term boyfriend . This leads her to reevaluate her life and her relationships. Then she meets Patrick who shows her a very different approach to life and the story then follows these two developing their relationship.
It’s a light hearted beach read with a bit of travel thrown in. I liked it but found it very predictable. If you are looking for something quick and fun to read on vacation then definitely pick this up

This is a fun read, just right for a Summer's weekend. Annie is left reeling at the beginning from a life changing event and much of the book shows her trying to put her life back together. Realising that she is unhappy with the facade she has shown to the world and the sublimation of her own wants and needs, Annie has to discover how she wants to live. Her relationship with her family, especially her mother, is complicated and has had an effect on her view of herself.

When Annie meets Patrick, she meets someone with a completely different approach to life. He has his own reasons for this, as you discover. If you are looking to escape into a light-hearted story with some humorous touches and likeable characters, you will enjoy this novel.

In short: romance and travel- a winning combination.
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book

Actual rating: 4.5/5

The lucky escape is the story of Annie who has been felt by her fiancé right before the wedding. But she is offered to go on her honeymoon to Australia with Patrick, an old friend.
First, I loved the premise and I haven't been disappointed. The plot was great and addictive. I also really enjoyed the travel aspect of the book although it doesn't take place for most of the book.
Second, I adored the characters and their connections. I especially loved Annie's little sister who was awesome. As well as that, I liked the supportiveness of most of the characters who help Annie going through her breakup.
Last but not least, I loved the fact that each of the two main characters has a story that impacts their life. Moreover, their romance started as a friendship which I find truly realistic.
Overall, a great summer read about escapism and focusing on yourself.

This was a very lighthearted predictable story but was still good. A typical romcom that you can just relax and enjoy

This was very refreshing to read. There is just something about reading a story of getting a second chance at life and love. This is the perfect read for this Summer. Loved the self growth of the main character Annie.

This is the first book I have read by this author. Annie is jilted at the alter and we follow her through the heartache of the next few weeks until she meets an old friend from when she was a teenager. I think from then on the story is quite predictable and we know how it is going to end. There are a few trials and tribulations along the way as Annie needs to “find herself”.

I thought it took quite a bit of getting to the Honeymoon, which I have to say sounded fantastic. I wasn’t sure why the Antwerp trip was there, it felt like the book was being padded out to me.

I was a bit confused about the relationship between Annie and her mother as we didn’t really get an explanation as to why it was as it was. The sister, Freddie was a great character and the friends were a great support network.

All in all It’s a nice holiday read.

The Lucky Escape has a good classic rom-com recipe: boy meets girl, girl meets boy, girl gets engaged and is abandoned at the altar, then girl runs into an old friend. Cute, dramatic, exactly what you are expecting until you realize you are still at the beginning of the book. So while it seemed like the plot was going to be all light-hearted and fun, it did dip into some heavier issues and emotions. It had a little bit of a slower pace, which I didn't mind, but it may not be the quick pace that other people want in this genre.

Overall I am giving it 3.5 stars. I loved that Laura Jane Williams allowed Annie to go through this self-discovery stage, I found it to be a nice change of pace. But ultimately I was wishy-washy about the love interest. I liked them when they were together on her honeymoon, but when they got back to London some of his actions were just a little too cringy for my taste. I just kept thinking you've only been together for a few weeks, it hasn't been that long. At the same time, I was like well I guess I am happy for them.

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

Annie is left at the altar by Alexander and ends up going on her honeymoon with an old friend, Patrick. Will she find true love with Patrick?

The premise of the book was exciting, however, it failed to keep my attention and interest. There were many parts of the book where it dragged on for me. Once she got to her honeymoon it was better, but I still ended up feeling disappointed overall.

Right book. Right time!!! 💁🏼‍♀️This is type of book I needed right now. I wanted escapism, some romance and lots of cute banter. I have read all of Laura’s books and I really enjoy her style of writing. Its witty, fun and full of heartfelt moments…yes I did cry 😭 because this is me!😆

The story follows Annie who has a right tough time when she is jilted at the altar by her husband-to-be Alexander. Bozo! 🙄THEN after a chance meeting with Patrick, an old friend from drama camp days, Annie takes a vow to say yes to every opportunity that comes her way from now on. She decides to go on the honeymoon to Australia. Why the hell not?!! 😎 And with a spare ticket going, she decides to take Patrick…as friends…..of course….😉 I sure would! 😏

SPOILER! I LOVE a feel good story (not really a secret) I need a holiday bad 🤣 so while that isn’t happening in real life, this book did just the job. I really loved Annie and I could see traits of me in her character to be fair. Probably why I had a lot of fist pump moments and sobbing sessions. 😅 She goes through a personal journey in the book and I loved that. And Patrick……..🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰 Hmmm…kind of in love with him?!!! 🔥

Anyhoo, I loved the story, the loveable and cute characters, the friendships, the flirty banter and the beautiful settings particularly in Australia.☀️ The hotels they stayed in sounded unreal. At the same time, it has depth, tackles some real life issues and felt authentic. Its super readable and a perfect summer book. Really really enjoyed it. A right charmer! 💃🏼

Unfortunately, this book was just not for me. I am somewhere around a 2.5-3 stars. I thought the premise of the story was very intriguing and something I thought would make for a great story.

Where it went wrong for me:

1. The beginning of this book was painfully slow and at times I would have to put the book down and it took awhile to motivate myself to pick it back up.

2. The two MCs were a bit of a miss for me. I thought Annie was fine and I liked that she was working on herself after being jilted by her fiance, but other than that she just seemed to be a bit wishy washy. However, Patrick was a big no from me. I thought he was fine during the honeymoon portion of the book, but when they get back from the trip his character takes a full 180 turn and he has turned into a possessive, easily angered, man child.

All in all, I think the story had a lot of potential and definitely a beach read style book. I just don't think it was a book for me.

The story took a bit to get going and the premise was good but questionable actions occurred. The friendships and relationships between friends in the story were charming and the whole mother daughter...ugh

Paddy is a sweet character. I think the story would have become more interesting by switching to his perspective. Overall, this book was okay. It's a light tale of self-discovery and, although it's not exactly my favourite I'd recommend it to those wanting a fun, quick read.

The Lucky Escape by Laura Jane Williams was so enjoyable and the most perfect summer read! This was my first time reading a book by Laura and I was not disappointed! I felt so many good emotions when I was reading this book and there were so many moments when I had no idea what was going to happen!

I loved the character development that Annie went through from the beginning to the end of the book! A lot of Annie's doubts and worries about her future were really relatable. The tension between Annie and Patrick was perfect and I found myself reaching for this book all the time because I could not put it down!

Annie is about to walk down the aisle with her boyfriend of over 10 years, Alexander. Except Alexander doesn't turn up. Devastated, her in-laws to-be insist she consider going on the luxury honeymoon to Australia anyway. Then a chance meeting with Patrick, who she hasn't seen since her summer school theatre days as a child, leads her to take chances and start to live her life the way she really wants to, rather than how everyone else, especially her mother, expect her to do.

Its a really fun read, but with undertones - the reader keeps wondering if people are as they seem, if things are as safe as Annie believes, if the romance will work out. In many ways she's a very insecure and rather wet individual - her little sister is much feistier. But she is endearing, and you are willing her to get over this catastrophe in her life and make something of herself.

I enjoyed it very much, even if a few parts were stretching credulity a little. Light hearted and fun.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was so pleasantly surprised by this book! I’m not sure what I was expecting, but this one just hit different, and at the right time. It’s sweet, funny, witty, and relatable.

Annie is caught between two versions of herself, and I found this theme resonated heavily with me. So much of our lives are shaped into the roles we play - for myself: mother, wife, daughter, nurse - but sometimes we get so caught up in “acting” in those positions, that it’s possible to lose sight of the fact that underneath it all, we are an individual too. And we owe it to ourselves to put ourselves first sometimes; to ask ourselves what would make us happy, and to prioritize the decisions that result in that happiness.

Something else that I really enjoyed about this book is that while it was a story about two Caucasian heterosexual people, the author took time to ensure there was visibility to POC, LGBTQ2+ representation, a side character with a near invisible illness, an interaction that brought up the use of pronouns in a very causal nature, the list goes on. It’s an important reminder that it’s just not that hard to offer up some time to showcase diversity.

I think I’m going to have to stop saying that romance isn’t a go-to genre for me, because I find I’m gravitating to it more as a welcome reprieve from heavier reads. And that’s certainly not to say that romance doesn’t tackle some serious topics, but I often finish the book more lighthearted than when I started, and it’s a great feeling.

The Lucky Escape hits shelves on June 29th, 2021, and is a delightful read.
Sincere thanks to @NetGalley and @HarperCollins for this digital advanced readers copy.

~ 👩🏻‍🦰