Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Story was really cute. Quick read.

What I really enjoyed about this book was how detailed it was and not ending with just the honeymoon. Keeping it going with talking about what happens when they return back to normal day to day life

What happens when you’re jilted just before the altar on your wedding day? You wallow for days until you run into a friend from a lifetime ago. What happens when your ex future in-laws insist you go on the magical honeymoon they planned for you? You take your new old friend along for the ride. What happens when real life comes crashing back after three weeks of heaven on earth? You get to it.

The Lucky Escape is very reminiscent of The Holiday for me and it is everything I want a romance novel to be: lighthearted and fun and full of laughs. I identify so deeply with Annie’s flashes of self doubt. I aspire to be as adventurous as Patrick. I’ve known a few too many guys like Alexander. I would die for a sister like Freddie and friends like Adzo and The Core Four.

Some books get five stars because of the way they make me feel. Giddy, hopeful, enraged, grief, giggly, envious, adventurous.

This was a really cute story with just a few minor flaws! Annie jilted by her Fiancé and left at the Alter who later runs into an old high school friend, Patrick, that she invites to go on her paid Honeymoon with.

It had a slow start for me. The first 25% was about being left at the alter and it started to get boring, but I hung in there and glad I did because it improved after that.

Once Patrick is introduced and they head off on the Honeymoon things get much better ❤️ I loved the first half of the Honeymoon with the beautiful scenery descriptions, funny moments, angst/build up, and fun times. The honeymoon seemed a tad bit rushed once they got together. The First half was so well done (a large part of the story) and after they hook up the second half of the trip was summarized in one single paragraph. I wanted more of them on the Honeymoon as a couple.

Patrick was sweet and sexy, and had a story of his own. My heart broke over what he suffered through. Lots of feels there! Annie had a few issues. Her character sometimes had major contradictions (like not wanting to be called a lady by Patrick, but later feeling like she was unladylike for slurping her drink) She was always sacrificing her happiness to make others happy. I could definitely relate with that. Lots of self doubt too, but something I think we all relate to (plus her mother mainly caused that)

There where great secondary characters (except Annie’s Mom) She was a toxic mess and it all got glossed over for the sake of the HEA. This is one of my worst pet peeve, so I took a star off for that. I still really enjoyed this story. I just had few gripes noted above.

*Thank you to Netgalley and for this ARC in exchange for my honest Review*

DNF @ 16% ….. lost interest the pacing was a but strange and the romance didn’t seem promising … maybe I’ll come back to this maybe not

Likes:
This romance story was pretty cut and dry – bride gets left at the altar, she meets an old friend from camp, and takes him on the honeymoon. They fall for one another but will her ex pull her back into their old relationship?

Annie seems like the girl who never made a fuss, not even in her relationship with her fiance who decides to leave her at the altar. She hooks up again with an old acquaintance, Patrick and they have a really good time being friends. She decides to bring him on the honeymoon she is supposed to have with Alexander and that’s when things get physical. Annie and Patrick are alike – they are easy going people, both have a connection through theater camp and they have both had a bad event happen to them. Patrick is much more of a free spirit than Annie, who basically likes a life with plans – but personality wise, they mesh well together. They become really good friends and then lovers. I like how light their relationship was, they were always joking and having a good time.

There is a happily ever after between them after Annie has to evaluate some things about herself and Alexander. She learns to make some big decisions on her own and that was nice to see.

Random Notes:
This one is a light-hearted read and quick to get through. Felt a bit boring and predictable at times, maybe because I like tension between my lovers but if you like friends to lovers, this is perfect for you.

I didn’t quite connect to the characters so I wasn’t very invested in the outcome – I kind of knew they’d end up together anyway.

FINAL THOUGHTS ~
Why you should read it:

*light hearted romance
*Annie and Patrick are fun and funny together
*Annie gets her happily ever after

Why you might not want to read it:

*predictable
*wasn’t really invested in the characters

My Thoughts:

It was nice to see Annie get her happy ending after being jilted at the altar. She gets to let go and have with Patrick, and on a vacation her ex’s parents paid for which is a good deal to me! If you want to read something light hearted, you will enjoy this one.

Fun and easy read. The storyline was predictable but it was still enjoyable. I would recommend as a great beach read.

"The Lucky Escape" is the first book I've read by author Laura Jane Williams. In "The Lucky Escape", Annie arrives at her long-dreamed-of wedding day only to find out that the groom has taken off. Embarrassed and confused, Annie spends the next few weeks trying to understand how her life ended up this way. When she runs into her childhood friend, Patrick, at the gym, they renew their friendship. Deciding that she needs to make some major life changes, Annie decided to go on her luxury honeymoon and invites Patrick to come along. While traveling the world, Annie and Patrick grow closer and he reveals that he is a widower. They both start to develop feelings, which Patrick pushes away since he is still grieving and Annie doesn't understand since she's never known what a healthy relationship is.

There were parts of this book that moved a little slowly, but overall, I enjoyed the storyline and the sweet relationship that grew between Annie and Patrick. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

This book surprised me! This was a light hearted read about Annie who was stood up by her fiancé on her wedding day! But with an all expense paid honeymoon and a new rekindled friendship, Annie decides to take a leap of faith and enjoy her time being single after 9 years.

This book had me wanting more and I could not put it down.

I loved this book! It was witty and unique and beautiful. I felt as though each of the characters were fleshed out and real and multidimensional. There were a lot of really hard topics that were handled really well. I also really appreciated that you really weren’t sure if the characters would get their happy ending you hoped for. I knew they would both grow and and up happy, but I still wasn’t sure they would end up together, which is what I really hoped for.

I have four stars because I felt the middle slowed down a little, but it was a really amazing read! I can’t wait to read more from this author!

DNF not a fan of this book stopped reading at 7%


****************I received an ARC for my honest opinion. from Net Galley.****************

Annie is about to marry the man she is sure is Mr. Right, but when she gets left at the altar, she is very wrong. She then meets up with an old friend and reconnects and vows to say yes to everything that comes along.

This book was funny and entertaining, I couldn't put it down

This book surprised me! This was a light hearted read about Annie who was stood up by her fiancé on her wedding day! But with an all expense paid honeymoon and a new rekindled friendship, Annie decides to take a leap of faith and enjoy her time being single after 9 years.
This book had me wanting more and I could not put it down. 4.5 stars if this was able to give half stars.

This book seems like it’s going to be a book sensation. From the cover to the storyline to the superb writing.

The only issue I had was feeling mildly uncomfortable with the talk of “pubes in the shape of a heart”. I mean I’m all for body representation and women being open about talking about their bodies but that was just kind of cringey and overly detailed.

The Lucky Escape was such an unexpected surprise. It was heartbreaking, sweet, and hopeful. It’s a story about learning to love yourself and allowing yourself to be loved.

Annie was such a relatable character. She was so fragile at times, but still tried to find her strength. However, one thing I noticed was she doubted herself too much, which at times made her indecisive.
Patrick was such a charmer. He got along with literally every single person he met. He contradicts the belief that all “nice guys finish last”. He was so sure of himself and I admired that the most about his character. There were a couple times he could be bit harsh, but it was because he knew what he wanted.

Overall it was a really good story. Williams has a great talent for weaving a tender-hearted story.

Four star rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Plot: I thought the plot of this one was really unique! Annie going on her honeymoon anyway, and taking Patrick with her, was a fun set up, and I really liked how it played out!

Characters: Annie was a great main character, and I loved reading her journey to finding her voice and her confidence. Patrick was a great love interest! And I really liked all the supporting characters! (Except her ex, who was awful.)

The Cover: It's really cute!

Overall: This was a great Adult Romance, with a fantastic voice. I loved reading it, and I would highly recommend this book!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper 360, Avon for letting me review an e-book copy.

Left in front of the church doors on her wedding day, Annie takes the would-have-been Australian honeymoon paid for her by her former soon-to-be-in-laws and invites her reunited childhood camp friend Patrick. That's a lot of words for an interesting, challenging, "what about" premise. I was very intrigued at how this would go down and would it be a matter of the instalove trope. I'm happy to report it wasn't!

Annie and Patrick take things very slow, and as we read the story, we find out why - both need a break from their own worlds and the ability to give themselves permission to move forward.

There were a few things that seemed a bit impossible to believe in real life - can someone who had been jilted on her wedding day by her nearly decade-long fiancé immediately be attracted to someone else? Had she REALLY given herself grieving time before finding someone new?

Annie was not looking for someone new and when you know, you know as the kids say. Alas, there would be no story if Annie had not been open to letting her explore things with Patrick. I also thought Annie made too many personality/life-changing decisions in a short time.

However, I thought the author did a good job of setting a slow pace for the romance. I think this will be a fun beach setting book for the chilly November weekends when the book is published.

3.5 ⭐⭐⭐

To be honest, I kinda have mixed feelings about this book. I have to admit, there are some parts that are adorable and interesting which makes it really enjoyable. However, I felt like the pace of the story is just too slow for me. Because of that reason alone, it kinda distracts me into doing other things since I lost my interest in continuing reading the book. Even so, I'm kinda glad that I didn't DNF it since I got to read the scene that I was waiting for. Overall, it was a good read for me but I'm pretty sure I'm gonna forget about it in a few days. If you're in the mood for a cute romance, then this book is probably good for you.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was the first Laura Jane Williams novel I’ve read, but it will not be the last! What an adorable, hilarious and charmingly witty rom-com. I won’t be able to recommend this gem fast enough or to too many friends. I was unable to set this book down and could honestly start rereading it already. Such a winner that instantly brings a smile to your face that stays the whole way through. My only critique would be the development in the beginning was a bit of a slow start but not enough of a negative to skip it even in the slightest. Enjoy!

Thank you Net Galley and Harper Collins 360 for this digital ARC.

Pub date: November 2021

Adorable cover and cute premise. The book read like three separate parts: before the wedding, the wedding, and the honeymoon. My favorite part was the honeymoon - it's where I felt the characters really came into their own. Felt a bit slow, but likable characters helped!