I’ve come to look forward to any new release from Melissa Brayden. No matter what the story is about, Brayden stays true to ensuring her characters are authentic, their journey is relatively angst-free, and the HEA is guaranteed.

Peyton returns to her hometown to open her lingerie store and is remorseful over past mistakes she has paid dearly for. Determined to work hard and show her family she is capable of change; she spends hours building a customer base and getting to know the locals. She is a natural people person, conversation comes easily, and strangers are drawn to her, ensuring she quickly becomes the new celebrity around town.

Juliette on the other hand, has lived in the town her entire life and has maintained a quiet, stress-free life, deeply entrenched in routine and structure. Her new business neighbour is an anomaly she can’t shake, and at the same time, the rest of her world seems to be falling off its axis.
The natural progression into a relationship is smooth and hot, with Peyton and Juliette not fighting the attraction and instead going with the flow and having fun. Until of course, things begin to feel too real, and the idea of long-term commitment rears its head, and Peyton is forced to look beyond her stilted expectations of what she has to offer.

In true Melissa Brayden fashion, we get a fast-paced, character-driven story with chemistry and sexual tension radiating out of the pages. For a book that is sure to put a smile on your face, don’t miss Lucky in Lace.

Lucky in Lace opens on a prologue set three years in the past, with Peyton, a week out of prison, struggling to find a job until a lingerie shop owner takes a chance on her. In the present, Peyton, now the owner herself, moves back to her hometown to try and reconnect with her brother. The shop next to hers belongs to Juliette, who sells stationery and custom-made greeting cards. She just found out that her best friends, one of whom is her ex-husband, have a thing for each other and she’s trying to find her place in the new dynamic of the trio. Juliette is as uptight as Peyton is outgoing and it’s their differences that will bring them together.

This is what the book version of a saucy Hallmark movie would be, with the beautiful and sincerely repentant felon charming the pants off the reserved divorcée and changing her life completely. At the same time, despite being a bit rushed at times (straitlaced Juliette almost immediately embraces the idea of making sexy greeting cards for example), the story feels less formulaic than usual. There is no huge breakup happening for some far-fetched reason. The evolution is organic if, as I wrote above, sometimes quick.

While I liked Juliette with Peyton, I never completely got her as a person. She’s described at first as an introvert but it doesn’t last, and not just when she’s with Peyton. It’s like her personality was written to fit Peyton’s storyline rather than her own. Peyton is definitely the most interesting of the two, the most complex. I have no idea how accurate the depiction of life after prison is, but as a reader, I thought it was handled with sensitivity, and the family arc was touching. There are also a few secondary characters I liked, especially Juliette’s stepmother Dolores, even if (not for the first time) I wish the characters’ voices were more distinct.

Some of Melissa Brayden’s books make more of an impact than others but whether they’ll stay with me or be forgotten quickly, I always enjoy them a lot while reading them. This one is no exception. 3.5⭐️

A very enjoyable read as is expected when you pick up a book by Melissa Brayden. It was very romantic and turned out to be a quick read. I recommend 4.5 stars.



Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for this ARC.

I enjoyed this book as I do all Melissa Brayden books. You can count on her for a great story, good chemistry, flirty banter and always keeps my attention. This is a redemption story. Peyton Lane got herself into trouble in her younger years. She served her time and now is ready to start her life. Unfortunately, very few people are willing to give a felon a chance until she meets Candy who gives her a chance in her lingerie store. Peyton catches on quick and when Candy wants to retire, Peyton buys the store. She wants to go back home and connect with her family. So, she moves her business back home. She ends up in a mall next to an uptight woman who owns the Stationary Store. They, of course, become friends but not without complications. Grab a copy and see what I mean.

Lucky in Lace is a romantic, quick read. Initially, the story started off slow. However, it did pick up pace. Overall, I recommend if you’re a fan contemporary and workplace romance. The story focuses on Juliette (stationary business owner) and Peyton who is given a second chance/opportunity after being released from jail. I enjoyed this unique plot.

Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC.

I loved these two characters and their journeys towards each other. I liked the backstory of Peyton and her road to feeling satisfied with life again. I have it 4 stars buts it’s really more of a 4.5. I felt like there were places that the story dragged a bit which is why I went a little lower. Thank you for a wonderfully sapphic love story!

A absolute wonderful feel good romantic comedy that anyone who is a fan of the genre will fall in love with

The foreword suggests this novel will be less light and flirty than the writers others. Also an unusual main. Great, I hope the writer delivers….. and being Melissa Brayden I am hopeful. For me her last didn’t zing, if this one isn’t meant to it may be better!
Well! Half way through and I am loving it. The dialogue zings off the page and a grin has barely been off my face since I started reading it. I've still to hit break up to make up and the brother situation has still to be resolved but pacing has been spot on so I am looking forward to the rest of the book!
10% in and it is zinging. This feels vintage Brayden. There will be angst I think bot between the mains and also others in their life. Great start tho!
The physical scenes between the mains are well done and I was moved, however the emotional connection, in a scene with no lovemaking, was so so movingly written and I actually found it more moving than the lovemaking scenes.... and I loved them!
I also loved the pivotal scene with the brother. Again movingly written, so movingly written.
I have used movingly so many times in this review and I think that is what "moves" this book to 5 stars. I felt for and with the mains. The bubbly, bright and light banter is Brayden's brand. The depth I hope continues to be on brand. The angst I anticipated does appear but that is why this book is so good!
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Made a mess of Amazon uk link but under franna, same review as above

Why do I always think that her books are going to be a walk on the clouds?... Melissa Brayden always makes me cry, her main characters have to go through fire before reaching the deserved happy ending and I happily cry, root and everything for them
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Peyton was released from jail after serving a four-year sentence for an assault that went wrong. Ready to start her life over and redeem herself if only one person gives her a chance
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Appreciating the opportunity she was given, Peyton manages to excel at her job and when she becomes a successful businesswoman, she decides it's time to go back to her town and try to get closer to her brother, the only family she has left
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But although the town seems to have forgotten her past and is fascinated by the attractive new underwear store, not everyone is ready to open their arms to her, neither is her brother nor the beautiful and sexy introverted owner of the next door stationery store
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But Peyton is willing to go through whatever fate throws at her in order to have a new opportunity, and Juliette begins to realize that having Peyton around is not a bad idea after all seeing her daily is the high light of her days and makes her forget how lonely she feels since her best friend started a relationship with her ex-husband
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I really enjoy Melissa Brayden's books almost as much as I suffer from them, my heart was trapped by Peyton and I hardly ever fall for the extroverted characters
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Thanks to Melissa Brayden and Boldwood Books for give me a copy of this beautiful book in exchange for my honest opinion

5+ star. This is a wonderful story. Its a wonderful romance, a wonderful comeback story, a wonderful feelings story. I liked It!
It is not a typical story and not typical characters. Who would think an ex-con opening a lingerie store next to a stationary store would be a good story.....But you heard me, it's wonderful. The characters are so interesting and very likeable. The dialog is so natural and infused with feelings. In some stories I skim a bit due to fluff or filler dialog. But not this one. Every sentence seemed important and full of meaning.
The angst was clever, not over done and resolved sensibly.
I did cry a bit near the end, but they were sensitive happy tears. This one pushed all my sensitive buttons and funny bones.
I highly recommend this book. It will be one of my favorites by one of my favorite authors. Great job Ms. Brayden. (I don't know how you come up with these very clever storylines)
I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

When I think of romance, one author’s name comes to mind and that is Melissa Brayden. She continually writes solid 4romances which provide several hours of pure enjoyment.

The two main characters in this book are Juliette Jennings and Peyton Lane. Juliette owns and operates a stationery store in a small town. She loves working for herself but does not have the marketing sense to create a successful store. Juliette loves to paint and enjoys creating personalized greeting cards. Although they are beautiful, she does not understand how to promote the creative side of her business.

Peyton Lane is a woman looking for a second chance to prove to herself and everyone in her life that she is a changed woman. As a young adult, she committed some criminal acts and was sent to prison. When she was released, Peyton began working for a woman who sold sexy women’s lingerie. Peyton was like a sponge and soaked up all the woman had to teach her about the business. Fortunately, when the woman decided to retire, she offered Peyton the chance to purchase the store. Peyton does so then returns to her hometown with hopes of reconnecting with family.

Ms. Brayden has the special ability to create interesting characters. Readers will immediately feel connected with the main characters and want to root for their success and happiness. The plot is solid and has an excellent pace.

I rate Lucky in Lace 5 out of 5 stars. Be sure to buy this book for a very pleasant read.

I received this ARC from Bold Strokes Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Maybe because I've been reading YA, but I kept wanting these characters to say or do something instead of thinking about saying or doing something. If Juliette wants to "explore every inch" of Peyton, she can say that. Or she can want to say that but be a little embarrassed to express it out loud, which gives us some character development. And give us something concrete. What does Juliette do with her time, read, go on walks? When Peyton has "voices, memories, and ghosts" keeping her awake, pick one and tell us what it is.

I feel like I know more about the extroverted minor characters, like Lola and Dolores. We know that Lola dances waltz and tango in her off hours, actually more than we know about the main characters.

I really like Peyton and Juliette and I'm happy for them, I just wish I got to know them better. Maybe Ms. Brayden could write a YA novel and pick up some good habits.

Four stars, another mediocre book from Brayden. Peyton and Juliette are both interesting, likeable characters on their own. I liked the premise of their neighbouring businesses, and the bit about saving Juliette's business through sexy illustrations was fun. Yet I wasn't dazzled by their chemistry. Does it stand out? I don't see myself remembering having read it six months from now.

Peyton Lane returns to her hometown to make amends and try to reconnect with her brother. She opens up her lingerie store next to Juliette Jennings stationery store. Juliette isn't exactly welcoming, as she worries this sexy store will drive away her elderly clientele. Peyton can't figure out why the gorgeous, uptight woman next door is so frosty and why she can't stop thinking about her. And Juliette has a hard time resisting the charming lingerie owner.
Melissa Brayden remains one of the writers whose books have meant the most to me since I began my sapphic reading journey. This is a bit of a departure for her but still has the same things I have come to expect from a Brayden book. Peyton and Juliette's relationship evolves from a strong friendship in which they share their mistakes and heartbreaks. They have sizzling chemistry and I wanted nothing more for them than to find the happiness they both deserve. Lucky in Lace is an enjoyable read that I recommend, especially if you're a Brayden fan.

An ARC was received from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley for an honest review.

Netgalley Review:

Lucky in Lace had some new and interesting circumstances. The characters were distinct and likable. Having one of the characters be a returning citizen was interesting but I felt like I kept expecting there to be more incorporation of that into the plot. Lucky in Lace was a solid 3 stars and I would recommend it if you are a Melissa Brayden fan.

Lucky in Lace by Melissa Brayden is an interesting and slightly different romance than some of Ms. Brayden’s other books. This tale is filled with lots of emotion and a fair dose of angst.

The two main characters make the story. Peyton Lane has a checkered past. She made mistakes earlier in life and ended up paying for them with a prison sentence. Now she is hoping for a second chance as the owner of a lingerie store in her hometown. There she meets Juliette Jennings, the owner of a stationary store next door. These two women couldn’t be any more different. Peyton is outgoing and gregarious, always wanting to be friendly and helpful to those around her, maybe in part to make up for her past. Juliette is serious and introverted, wanting control and order in her life. They sound like exact opposites, and I suppose in many ways they are, but in the narrative they end up really complementing each other.

The story has some truly emotional, heart tugging moments as Peyton and Juliette work to make a life together as well as a place with their friends, family, and community. It might be a good idea to have a box of tissues handy as you read…just in case.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.

Review in progress and to come.

I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review

this book had a cute premise and a lot of potential but it fell flat. The character names didn't suit them and the rest of the character development was a bit forced at times. The writing seems forced and awkward at times. i really liked the plot and themes but I don't think it came together at its fullest potential. Juliette seems unworthy and undeveloped compared to peyton and her acceptance of crap behaviour from her own friend was hard to take. Good if you want a mindless romance but I don't think it came together well.

I loved this book.
At first I was a bit taken back by how it established Peyton’s background at the very beginning and left us hanging a bit regarding her past, since we didn’t really find out about what she did until about half a book in, but all in all it seemed not relevant as she managed to reinvent herself and become someone practically brand new.
I was also surprised with the first sex scene, as it wasn’t the typical setting and was a bit unexpected and I loved that.
Juliette was uptight but just right, and it was refreshing how she managed to overcome her initial conclusion by herself and actually was the bigger person and worked towards solving the conflict.
Overall, good read and good book feel afterwards.
Totally recommend.

I know I'm in for a ride when I pick up a Melissa Brayden book. This story was, although different than usual, not different in managing to pick up my interest.

Julliette is a structured woman who likes everything to be predictable and most of all the same. Her world gets turned upside down by the new store next to her store. She was expecting an innocent chocolate shop but it turned out to be a lingerie shop with a tantalizing owner who is quite the charmer.

Peyton is trying to redeem herself after she made some bad choices in the past that ended with her behind bars. Trying to pay her dues by becoming a respected and hardworking business owner she hopes to find happiness in life and most of all to reconnect with her brother. Keeping feelings far away from herself to achiever that goal, in comes Juliette. At first it's all fun and games but turns out Juliette brings out feelings in her that she has buried a long time ago.

These two are quite the pair and I enjoyed how they tried to work on themselves while finding their way to each other and trying to keep their businesses a succes.

An ARC was provided via Netgalley in return of an honest review.