I haven't read a lot of books that take on the subject of life after prison. Peyton is that character. At the beginning of the story she has gotten out of prison, and, as a felon (I use the term literally not figuratively) she is not having a great time. But, a person takes a chance on her, and, eventually she is moving back to a place she grew up to start a business there, and maybe reconnect with her brother. Her shop is a lingerie shop, and, it is next to Juliette's floundering Stationary store. They start not quite meshing well together, but, do figure each other out and get closer. But, Peyton's past is always hovering nearby. Can they make it through that?

As I said, definitely different from most of the other books I've read recently, but, I think it tackled the topics within it well, and with compassion. I have to say though, while, a lot of times I enjoy whatever the secondary relationship story is, in this case it seemed forced, and I wished it hadn't been in the book. On the whole it was a fun read though.

Lucky in Lace by Melissa Brayden

Juliette Jennings brings the term straight-laced into perfect perspective. She's not exactly happy or fulfilled with how her life is going, but she's stuck in her routine. And it's not helping her stationary store make a big splash. Juliette isn't one to be a risk taker, but when the boisterous Peyton Lane opens her very sexy lingerie shop next storm, things start very quickly to heat up. A little animosity can light quite the fire.
Peyton is starting over and making amends for her past. This is a story of accepting your flaws and taking a chance on allowing yourself to be happy. Those truly willing to embrace the second chance deserve to be seen for who they are, not what they've done.

For a story where one of the main characters is an ex-con, this was surprisingly light and very sweet.
In the beginning, Peyton and Juliette contrast each other so well, I love a good opposites attract romance.
Throughout the book, you get to see Juliette lighten up and really come into herself and you get to see Peyton struggle with the ramifications of her past before she fully lets her walls down. Peyton and Juliette grow both as individuals and as a couple and the way everything works out at the end is heartwarming.
Dolores was such a fun side character and her muffins sounded divine.
To Juliette’s credit, I would cry if someone made me brownies too.

This is a redemption story that still falls into a fun and flirty category. Peyton Lane, the stronger and more interesting character, is a felon. At 19 she serves four years for crime where someone gets injured. After her release, a retail store owner takes a chance on her, giving Peyton a job after rejection from others. Jump forward a few years and Peyton is moving to her hometown in Ohio and opening her own lingerie store. She has perfected the easy going, flirty, extrovert persona that hides her deeper fears. Her biggest reason for returning home is to reconnect with the only family she has left.

A stationary store next to Payton’s is owned and run by Juliette Jennings. She lives in her world of order and predictability. Juliette hangs out weekly with her best friend and ex husband and isn’t sure how much longer she’ll be able to keep her store afloat. She is bowled over by the easy going charm of Payton. They are not opposites, but I think after observing Peyton, Juliette makes herself take baby steps of risk. She is the one rebranding her store (Peyton’s suggestion), speaking up to a bar owner and letting in her delightful stepmother Delores. I see this as a friends to lovers relationship. And I love that while encouraging each other the authors throws in a lot of her trademark friend-speak banter.

Juliette seems like the weaker character only because her story arc isn’t as dramatic. But I love her turning her business around with her art and her interactions with Delores. The BF and ex storyline felt more like filler or a small excuse for an evening of drinking. But you can’t see Payton’s shine without seeing Juliette as the constant strength beside her. You know there is going to be an angst moment and it is predictable only because of Payton’s history. And I’m glad it resolves quickly.

I’m seeing some lower ratings for this book and can understand other readers POVs. But I’m a Brayden fan and this one works for me. I love that Juliette goes all Veronica Mars to get the girl of her dreams. And I enjoyed getting to know these characters as they find their person. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars. Juliette Jennings owns a stationary store in a small town. When a new shop opens up next door, she is annoyed when she thinks it could drive away her customers. Peyton Lane wants a fresh start, after going to jail for a couple years and then working at a lingerie shop, she wants to create her own shop in her hometown. When she meets the owner of the shop next door, she can't keep herself away. They both have to learn to work together to keep. their businesses alive.

I enjoyed this book. This book was an easy read and I always enjoy a Melissa Brayden novel. This was not my favorite of her books, but it was a good one. I would recommend this one as it had pretty good main characters and a goos storyline. The drama in this book was not bad, and I thought it was pretty well written. I liked the whole aspect of one of the characters getting a fresh start, I liked the development of the main characters and how they changed as the book went on.

Melissa Brayden delivers a gritty, heartwarming story about personal redemption and growth with Lucky in Lace. Peyton Lane has served four years in prison for theft that resulted in a felony conviction and a person being seriously hurt. She now wants to turn her life around and begin to enjoy the little things again. When she returns to her hometown of Landonville, Ohio, she meets stationary store business owner, Juliette Jennings. Juliette is organized and lives her life according to a very strict schedule. The chemistry between the two women sizzles and they balance each other quite well. The story focuses on their relationship, Peyton’s assimilation into society, and Peyton’s relationship with her brother and his family. 4.25 stars

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

Second chances is the main focus in Melissa Brayden’s novel about a reformed felon and a suburban small business owner. After working hard the past three years, Peyton finally feels like she’s in a place where she can move back to her hometown and reconnect with her brother. Though everything seems fine on the surface, there are still biases around the mistakes she made as a teenager that haunt her. Juliette is the owner of a struggling stationary and greeting card business who’s been in a rut since her divorce two years ago. Though she’s accepted her sexuality and come to terms with her forever person being more like a forever friend, she’s been hesitant to stray from her mundane routine.

Though the story started off slow, recounting Peyton’s first few years after being released from prison, the moment she arrives back in her hometown of Landonville, the charm and personality of the characters really takes root.

Juliette is awkward and shy in the cutest way and it’s really enjoyable to watch her organically change once Peyton becomes a main stay in her life. It’s easy to feel Peyton’s pain when she struggles with her family and her past, and at one point, I had to put the book down for a moment just to sit with that gut wrenching heartache I think most can relate to.

The story of their relationship has its bumps, but I was happy to note that most of the frustrating miscommunication pitfalls that plague romance novels like this were absent. Instead, the plot relied on the character’s personal issues to bring conflict.

If you can get through some of the slower sections, the story of Juliette and Peyton coming together and overcoming their inner demons is sweet, touching, and a little spicy at times. I wouldn’t have expected anything less.

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

So Lovely!

Juliette is dealing with her ex and best friend falling for one another, as her life appears to start falling apart, but it’s the least of her problems. Peyton has opened a lingerie store next door that is destroying her Stationery store image. As they get to know one another they learn neither of them are who they first thought they were and they might just be good for one another.

Such a great story about unexpected connections and friendships developing into well-deserved happiness and success. Juliette and Peyton had tension from their first meet but when an idea presented itself we really got access to another side of Juliette and one Peyton was keen to encourage. Peyton was so infectious and I adored her but as the layers peeled away and we finally learned more about her appearance and past, I was in awe of her strength and resilience.

They had a connection that lead to heated moments, humorous ones, and some very passionate and sensitive ones. Each one was special and earned for them both. It was cute and fun, encountering all their interactions as they grew both individually and into a comfortable intimate arrangement. They suited each other perfectly, their businesses had a chance to support and complement one another’s, and when we learned the truth, that dedication Juliette had to Peyton was tested but reaffirmed in how amazing she was about everything.

My heart broke for Peyton a few times and I was so glad she had Juliette, but even without her Peyton had survivor’s sprit and amazing dedication to seeking redemption and proving herself. A lot to be learned from both Peyton and Juliette, and their ever so cute and lovely story of falling in love.

I really loved the balance of the chapters in this story and showing that one person's strength is another's weakness but together they can help each other.
The first book I have read of the author but I need to read more because I just love her style in this book

Melissa Brayden has done it again. She has another hit in her hands. This story is all about redemption and growth. The main character Peyton is picking up the pieces from her troubled past, when she she meets Juliette. Juliette is tightly wound and learns to enjoy a fuller life, while Peyton learns that her past doesn’t define her. These two have great chemistry and bring balance to each other as they navigate their new perspectives on life. Brayden, as always, has masterfully crafted these characters and the story that will leave you waiting for her next work.

This is your typical Brayden book. There will be tons of people who will enjoy it because it's well-written but to me, the story and its characters are just missing that something special, it's bland.

I was interested in this book because I was hoping for some emotional layers and a strong character arc for the ex-con Peyton. While we get some of that I do still feel like it's lacking the emotional depth I was hoping for and I know Brayden is capable of.
Is Juliette a character that happens when not exactly an introvert writes one into their story? I can't imagine an introvert, a wound-up right hermit as she is called as well, to get into certain situations this character did. And without abandon. It was interesting, to say the least.
The story is light, maybe too light, and just a little bland. It isn't bad, although I can't say it's good either. It needs a little spicy, not the sexy variety, that it has plenty of (for this book). Those spicy scenes may be the best thing about this book, even if they don't all necessarily match who these characters are supposed to be.

It's a well-written story by Brayden that lacks the emotional depth and character arcs I expected. That might all be on me and there will probably be a lot more out there who enjoyed this book more than I did.
2.5 stars.

Arc provided by Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.

this book had it’s good and bad moments but the biggest problem i had was that a good 30-40% was boring. to quickly state what i really liked; peyton was a great character with an interesting arc and really great development. the romance was very sweet and romantic, and i do love the happy ending.
unfortunately the rest of it just felt very drawn out. the side characters are made to seem extremely influential to the main characters but are barely mentioned and not at all fleshed out. this book had trouble with pacing, and as soon as the love interests got together i was ready for it to be over. also juliette was quite a boring main character, and he development felt very underwhelming compared to peyton’s.
overall, this book had potential but missed the mark for me.

I was provided this book in exchange of an honest review on behalf of NetGalley.


The book follows a stationery store owner, Juliette, who finds out a lingerie store is opening beside her run by the alluring Peyton.

We watch Juliette unravel over the course of the book as she begins to hook up with Peyton, who has recently been released from prison and looking for a fresh start back in her hometown.

I really enjoyed watching this slow burn unravel throughout the book and really felt the chemistry and tension between the two characters, i was desperate to read more lesbian romance and this book ticked all my boxes!

I found myself unable to stop reading and wanting to see how the relationship between Juliette and Peyton played out and developed, i was rooting for them as i turned each page. I really loved their characters and how their opposite personality types shined through.

Overall, it was a light and easy read and i can’t wait to read more from Melissa Brayden!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
👙🎴🎨🍻👩🏻‍🤝‍👩🏼

Ok, but you need to understand that this book had me in tears! In all the BEST ways! It was soul-wrenching, heart-breaking and wonderful in all the ways that made this book beautiful.

This grumpy vs sunshine, opposites attract, enemies-to-lovers beauty is about two wonderful characters named Juliette and Peyton. Juliette is a "hot, uptight stationary lady", who owns a stationery store called The Station that isn't doing as well as she hoped, and Peyton is an ex-con who living life the best she can by moving back to her hometown and start her lingerie business, Cotton Candy.

This book had wonderful moments about redemption, learning to make decisions out of your comfort zone, listening to your heart and feelings and trusting each other. It is beautiful, funny, and sexy and I just loved Peyton and wanted to protect her. So much.

If I have to leave you with anything, I leave you with this quote: "Grab the headboard." Take what you want from that 😉

Thank you to Melissa Brayden for writing such a wonderful story.

I received an eArc from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books. I leave this review voluntarily.

My usual hot/cold feeling with this author's books this time was on the scorching side, so to be clear, I just loved it. The two leads have been simply perfect with their imperfections. Even the one who initially didn't seem like much of a chance for me to like her, Juliette, turned out to be a surprise in the end. Because I discovered a long time ago that characters fresh out of prison touch my heart very easily, so Peyton didn't need to do much for me to like her from the beginning.

And as I got deeper into the story, I was pleasantly surprised, perhaps the fear of waiting for the downturn that never came made me appreciate more what has been happening. Nothing, even the negative, has seemed inappropriate or disappointing to me. On the contrary, everything seemed necessary to me so that in the end things could have been resolved and closed.

The story, due to various circumstances that the two protagonists must suffer, has a somewhat sad background. Each of them copes with her difficulties as her character allows and Juliette is initially not very appreciative of Peyton's positivity. But close contact breeds affection and little by little they discover that they can be much more than simple friends or with benefits. Other circumstances made them get closer too, some more fun than others.

It has been quite a nice and sweet read and I highly recommend it.

Peyton Lane knows appeal. Not just the sex appeal of her lingerie store, Cotton Candy, but social appeal. She lights up every room and is magnetic, attracting acquaintances and friendly encounters left and right. Juliette, the owner of the stationary store next door, is quiet, monotonous, and not a huge fan of taking risks. So when she falls for Peyton’s appeal, her life and her store get a much needed upgrade.

Lucky in lace was such a cute romance that I absolutely flew through. Though they were totally different Peyton and Juliette fit together so well. I love an enemies to lovers but really enjoyed that this wasn’t that - it was a reflection of real life, second chances after a bad day, and apprehension about change. The smut wasn’t gratuitous but was super meaningful. Would definitely recommend!!!

3.25 stars. I always like a good redemption story, so I was happy to see this new book by Brayden starring an ex-con who’s trying to get her life sorted and built a future for herself.
I read the blurb and the acknowledgements, in the latter Brayden indicated to write a different character and story with Peyton and my expectations were influenced by that knowledge. I had been expecting a more raw and perhaps angsty book, which this actually was not. It’s a fairly light and easy read without much conflict angst or deep and heavy emotions. This is excellent if that’s the book you’re looking for, but I was hoping for a book with more complexity to the characters.

The book starts with Peyton just being released from prison and hitting a wall when trying to find a job until someone gives her a chance. This is the start of her career as a lingerie shop owner. She opens a shop in her hometown next door to Juliette’s stationary shop and Juliette, as the uptight character she is, is immediately annoyed by Peyton’s outgoing and extrovert flair. Until she’s not.

The first half of the book is a very typical Brayden book with an extrovert and more uptight introvert character. Their interactions start with annoyance and very quickly move into friendship territory. Because of the speed with which they move to friendship I wouldn’t call this an enemies-to-lovers story, more friends-to-lovers. There are witty dialogues and store names and the storyline was structured and well-paced. There were some colourful, slightly over the top side characters that I enjoyed like Dolores, Candy and Lola.

I had some difficulties, or perhaps better said, higher hopes for the two MCs. I liked Peyton best as a character, she’s more complex than Juliette and seems always happy and positive, but it turns out she’s also guarded and full of regret. Unfortunately, it was a long wait to really see this other side of Peyton. You only get to see this side of her in the second half of the book, and even then I was hoping to see more of her struggles and more depth to her character. For instance, her time in prison and what it did to her are never discussed in much detail, but it has left a mark on her. I think the first half of the book could have been any two people and not specifically the story of an ex-con.
Juliette is structured and described as an introvert, but if I’m honest, her character didn’t feel very consistent to me. Being an introvert myself Juliette’s behaviour puzzled me on many occasions by things she did or said that I would not expect from an introvert. At some point, I would actually describe her as extrovert and that massive change of character was a bit too much for me to be believable.

I find this book hard to rate. The writing is good as can be expected from Brayden and when looking for that light and fun read, this is probably a good pick. Personally, I was hoping for a book that was more complex and heavier, especially during the first half of the book it couldn’t really keep my attention. I have enjoyed other books by Brayden better. It’s all matter of taste and I know others have enjoyed this book very well, so I suggest to read some other reviews as well.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

When Melissa Brayden is ready to tell a story, I naturally sit down and obediently listen because she is one of the most incredible story tellers out there. Over the last few tales she’s told, she’s really expanded her plot lines to incorporate more depth than ever. With Lucky in Lace, she’s woven the story around opposites who over time, bring out the best in one another. Juliette and Peyton’s story is filled with witty banter, sexy lingerie, steamy custom greeting cards, an elusive cat, and vulnerability. It’s a story about looking ahead and not letting your past define you all while putting yourself out there and trying new things. The amount of one liners I highlighted during my read could light up the sky. Thank you Melissa Brayden for another great story!

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

This was cute. Very clean romance almost a little too clean in my opinion.

I adored Peyton even though I the beginning I wanted to smack her. Much like Juliette did hahaha.

The story flowed pretty well and kept me entertained would definitely recommend.

𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲, 𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀.

The story revolves around two women, Peyton and Juliette, both of whom are small business owners. Peyton is an ex con who is determined to turn her life around and through her positive attitude and with a lucky break, she's more or less on the way to a successful career selling sexy lingerie. Juliette is the owner of the stationary shop next door who enjoys order and structure and leads a comparably less complicated life.

For the longest time, this story wasn't able to capture my attention and I wasn't able to pinpoint why. But when I look back at some of the other books that Melissa Brayden has published before, I realise what Brayden does best is to write romances about couples who have a bit more tension or conflict between them and this book isn't it. The romance is generally light and somehow, the spark between Juliette and Peyton just wasn't there for me.

I also felt that the story might have been better if it had been centered more on Peyton who is a far more interesting character than Juliette. Her storyline explores the complexities of love, redemption and forgiveness which I thought were handled well and with sensitivity. Juliette, on the other hand, is a far less interesting girl next door character who is upset about being the third wheel to her ex husband and best friend.

I don't know about this one. I think Peyton's storyline was meaningful but I just couldn't feel the chemistry between the characters.