The Lucky Escape

What a cute romantic comedy book! I absolutely adore this. It’s very girl meets boy in a destination spot but with a ring of truth. I highly recommend it I think a lot of people who enjoy this one

I love Laura Jane Williams’ books! The Love Square got me hooked first and now The Lucky Escape. The character development in this book was so incredibly good, I found myself constantly rooting for Annie and for the happiness that she truly deserved! 4 stars!

How nice it would have been to have read The Lucky Escape on a sunny beach abroad instead of in a miserable UK lockdown! It’s a classic beach read, particularly with a great deal of the novel being set in Australia, and a romantic plot with a lovely protagonist you can root for. While I always appreciate when genre fiction reaches beyond patriarchal traditional tropes, I did feel like this was trying to hard to be diverse, with lots of pointed references to friends and colleagues of the (white straight cis) protagonist who are Black, or gay, or use non-cis pronouns. I just think it could have been subtler, but I really do enjoy a romance novel, like this one, that I can be sure has a good heart!

I absolutely loved this book and found the main character Annie very real. A lot of the book happens in Australia which was lovely to read on cold winter days during lockdown - lifted my mood no end.

A light hearted, fun read which I would highly recommend.

I loved it so much that I'm going to get the author's previous book The Love Square.

A great wee escape.

Absolutely loved this! Laura is fast becoming my fave “chick lit” author. Loved seeing Annie’s “awakening” and realising her self worth and absolutely loved the chemistry between her and Patrick, it quite literally leapt off the page. Every book I’ve read by Laura has been a pleasure and this was no difference. Thanks to Avon, the author and Netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I received a digital ARC from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.


The first thing that crossed my mind after finishing this novel is that I should definitely read the author’s other books. I believe if they are as good as this one then I’ll be hooked for life because at this moment I’m over the moon because of this read. It is comforting, romantic, and dreamy, and everything I wanted my last 2020 read to be.

The Lucky escape is a coming of age narrative that tackles womanhood and healthy relationships through its protagonist Annie Wiig. Annie is a self-conscious woman. She’s a victim of her proud, superficial, perfectionist mother who always criticized her for everything she did, and made her feel not good enough. That ingrained self-worthlessness and low self-esteem accompanied Annie to her adulthood, and made her stay in a toxic relationship merely for fear of being alone. Her relationship with Alexander had imbalanced power dynamics where she actively tried to earn his approval, and does everything right in order to keep him in her life. It ticks all of the elements of unhealthy relationships. However, things change when he leaves her at the altar, and she realizes that it’s about time she figured her life out and changed for the better.
In finding love and enjoying adventure, she metamorphoses into an incredible autonomous self-asserted woman. Through the whole of her journey, we get to grasp the little steps she takes to achieve her transformation, the fears brewing in her as a thirty years old woman, and how societal norms shape them.


Annie’s connection to her friends offers an insight into good friendships. The core four are tentative, supportive, and great listeners. They help her out figuring out her emotions, but not too much, they overstep their boundaries or try to overwhelm her with their opinions. As for her love interest, Patrick, he’s just the perfect person for her; he’s perfect in general (ugh! I am biased I know!). He’s funny, carefree, and sensitive. He’s confident, and compassionate, and they fit perfectly together. There is no beating around the bush with him. He communicates his emotion, and responds rather than reacts when she rocks the boat. It is obvious that his attachment style is secure, and he, sure, knows how to navigate relationships unlike Annie whose attachment style is anxious. Patrick is good for her because he inspires her to be herself and seize the moment. Gradually, Annie builds a backbone and learns to express herself authentically.


As women it feels like life ends once we hit thirty, and that only through marriage and family that we can truly worth something in this life, but the author subverts such a misogynistic ideology and lays out alternatives to such stereotypical gender roles.
In The Lucky Escape, we have different narratives that tackle female adulthood. Every friend symbolizes a variant definition of happiness, yet all of them contribute to the belief that there isn’t a single way to find it. We do make our own choices, and we’re allowed to pursue whatever serves us best, and makes our lives fulfilling. There is no right way to do it; whether through marriage, adoption, singlehood, work, or love. Every choice is valid, and as long as it stems from self-actualization and individual happiness.
I love the feminist undertone of the novel, and I do appreciate the author for delivering such a message because we need to constantly be reminded of that.


All in all, I love the plotline, and the characterization. It’s fluffy and romantic, and it warms my heart thinking that there is more to life than we think, that good things can happen out of the blue, that sometimes, bad things are just a blessing in disguise. Annie’s story gives me hope about love and self-growth. The author’s portrayal of her characters is well-crafted. They are flawed, interesting, multi-faceted, emotionally intelligent, and safe. They are a token of healthy relationships, and mature, dependent individuals

I enjoyed this book. It tells the story of Annie, jilted on her wedding day to her longtime university boyfriend.
The story looks at how Annie moves on from this, throwing herself into exercise and meeting an old friend in the process.
I liked the character of Patrick and found this a really enjoyable escape.

Great book! The perfect book to end 2020 and start 2021 with. I loved reading about Annie’s adventures in Australia. I have to be honest - I was quite cynical at the start of the book (for the first half really....). I was thinking:

‘This idiot definitely somehow knew she got jilted and has set himself up for a free holiday.’

‘I’m 30% of the way through and she still hasn’t gone to australia.’

‘WHY would she take him and not her best single friend ? “The core four were not convinced by the whole Patrick shebang” - I bet they werent!’

But. It redeemed itself. Annie is a likeable character (even if I’m not 100% persuaded by Patrick - there’s something weird about him). It made my want to find a personal trainer / bootcamp class to kick myself up the bum for the new year. I am also dying to visit Australia - maybe on a cheaper budget though!

Most of all, the book makes you question what changes you might need to make in your own life - and how you might find the courage to make those changes. Making it the perfect book for the new year.

I’ve now read three of Laura Jane Williams’ books and this is the best one yet. While ‘Our Stop’ and ‘The Love Square’, were perfectly lovely, something about ‘The Lucky Escape’ made my heart hurt the best way.

It might have been the funny and sweet protagonist I really connected with, or her sweet relationship with her sister, or wonderful Patrick, or the slow build relationship... all these things really worked for me and made this book a wonderful, heartwarming story.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Such a cute romantic comedy. Lighthearted and heartwarming. I love the storyline of the cancelled wedding and extra honeymoon ticket, and this book delivered on that!

Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.

Sometimes life just doesn't work out the way you thought it was going to, and that is exactly what The Lucky Escape by Lauren Jane Williams is all about! Shout out to Annie for saying yes to everything after being left at the altar!

This was a fun story with great characters. The plot was a bit different than many popular tropes. Great story nevertheless.

I absolutely adore Laura Jane Williams' books - and I think that this may be my favourite one yet.

Annie is a strong character -- one who is flawed, yet believable, and who honestly feels like she could be your BFF. I also loved the way that the reader got to see her through different lenses: the Annie who was out with the Core Four, the Annie around her mum, the Annie around Freddie, the Annie at work and the Annie with Patrick.

It all begins when she's set to marry Alexander, but she's left standing at the altar by her 'Mr. Right'. Unsure about how she got things so wrong, Annie runs into an old friend - Patrick. He reminders her of how she used to be, and she makes a big decision to say yes to every opportunity from then onwards. Which makes things a bit more complicated when he offers to come with her on her not-a-honeymoon-honeymoon -- after all, there's a spare ticket now, right? And she did promise she'd say yes to everything...

The story between Patrick and Annie developed in a way that actually seemed very realistic, given the circumstances that they found themselves in. I loved the way that the characters grew - both as individuals and as a couple - and absolutely flew through this in a day. It's the kind of warm, comforting read that we definitely need.

This book is going to be a huge summer hit. I devoured it so fast. As you have come to expect from a Laura Jane Williams book it’s full of action, emotions and a cracking plot. 100% recommended.

Fab quick read about a girl who is jilted at the altar. This is a lovely piece of escapism, set mainly in Australia as she heads there on her honeymoon (without the groom).

I found it really enjoyable, fun and with the perfect happy ever after.

I would recommend, thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Annie has been left jilted at the altar by Alexander and weeks later, has a chance encounter with Patrick, an old friend from summer camp. When her ex-in-laws embarrassed by their son's behaviour, encourage her to take the honeymoon, she takes Patrick along in an effort to let go and have some fun and possibly mend her broken heart.

I am a huge Laura Jane Williams fan - Our Stop and The Love Square were brilliant and this is her best yet. These characters are so incredibly likeable and I found myself rooting for them all the way through. This was funny, cute and soppy. A perfect read.

When Annie is jilted on her wedding day she is lost and doesn't know what to do. Off work, she joins the local boot camp, where she bumps in to Patrick, an old friend from their childhood drama camps. They soon become friends again and he joins her on her honeymoon in Australia so she doesn't have to travel on her own. They are havin a great time, but will they become more than friends?

The lucky escape is just what it entitles! A perfect way to escape the madness of Christmas and get lost in a book. Annie is a wonderful girl who is relatable to most, she spends all her time and efforts trying to please other people and be who they want her to be. That is until Patrick comes along and fills her world with colour. I love Patrick and I think if you don’t fall a little bit in love with him yourself, there is something wrong! He is charming and kind hearted, which is a lovely to see the male stereotype challenged! I would definitely recommend this book! I read it in one day!

Fun, clever, witty and wonderful... there's a reassuring warmth and wisdom to LJW's story-telling that enfolds you from the onset one and carries you throughout. She has done it again! Absolutely brilliant. Highly recommended.

Out June 24, this will make the perfect summer read! The Lucky Escape is funny, sweet, romantic and is all about second chances! I haven’t read anything else by Laura Jane Williams, but I loved her writing!!

I really loved the main character, Annie, and her willingness to start over and take chances, even though her life was turned upside down. She was really relatable and I was rooting for her throughout the whole story!

I thought Annie found her perfect match in Patrick. While his past was heartbreaking, it helped explain who he was and his outlook on life. I loved how he challenged Annie and made her look at life differently than she ever had. I loved the way the author developed their relationship. It didn’t feel forced or cheap, as is often the case in most romance novels.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book! It was a really quick read and I’ll definitely be checking out more books from this author!

Four heartfelt + wanderlust + darling stars to this novel by Laura Jane Williams. I loved her previous book, Our Stop, and was thrilled to receive the advance reader copy of her latest work. Due out next summer, this sweet and smart novel is the perfect escape! Annie, a London scientist, is due to marry her uni sweetheart, Alexander, when he leaves her at the altar....crying in her wedding dress and all. Her life is turned upside down as she reevaluates all the choices she’s made and things she thought she knew. By chance, she runs into an old friend from high school, Patrick, and on a whim, invites him to accompany her on her dream 3 week honeymoon in Australia. Patrick is suffering from his own losses and together the two help each other heal by recognizing the joy, wonder and beauty of new experiences and travel. They each embrace that hope can exist simultaneously with grief- a poignant message that really resonated with me given our current world.

I flew through this one- loved the messy, imperfect characters, the personal growth they experienced, the chemistry between them, and the gorgeous descriptions of Australia. This book filled my heart and made me yearn for travel!

Put this on your TBR list and check out the author’s other books too- you won’t be disappointed! Thank you to Netgalley + Avon Books UK for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Lucky Escape was a quick, easy read that was somewhat predictable, but that I actually really enjoyed. It was a breath of fresh air from what I normally read, and it kept my attention throughout the whole story. I liked the characters and found myself rooting for them from the beginning. Definitely would recommend!

The Lucky Escape by Laura Jane Williams was a truly lovely book! This book starts out when Annie is left almost at the alter on her wedding day. I cannot imagine how you would begin to cope, but Annie gets out from under the duvet and through a workout class reconnects with a friend from camp, Patrick. When the world's sweetest almost mother-in-law insists Annie go on the paid for honeymoon, she does with Patrick. The two set off as just friends on an extravagant Australian honeymoon washing away all the cold and wet of Autumn in London. If this was a different type of book or Williams was a different author it would end on the glorious honeymoon. What I enjoy about this book is that it doesn't. We travel back to London with Annie and get to see her sorting her life out. While The Lucky Escape is a love story, it feels so much more modern. Annie prioritizes relationships with friends and family and we see her grow into her own! It also includes a blossoming relationship and plenty of romcom elements, but it has depth for even the least romcom inclined!

The Lucky Escape is a journey of self-discovery after the end of a relationship. Laura Jane Williams writes beautifully and tells a story of personal growth beautifully.

I was given a NetGalley Arc in exchange for review.

The Lucky Escape by Laura Jane Williams was at first glance a fluffy chick lit book. But, at the true heart of the book were great truths shared that we all need to hear. Annie was on the brink of finding her happily ever after with her boyfriend of nine years, Alexander. He changes his mind and Annie falls to pieces.

This leads Annie to take a literal journey far from home, but also to undergo deep reflection. Annie examines everything about herself from where she works, lives, exercises, and even her relationship with her mother. She wonders about her nature as a people pleaser and decides to not let her fears stop her from finding love again. I know my default is to prove my worth by how well I look after those in my care and often on the list of priorities I come in last. Annie’s courage rubbed off a bit on me and I have moved my needs way up on my long to-do list.

I also loved this advice from her grandmother about how “life’s lows are so entwined, the happiness and sorrow is so interconnected that it’s impossible to be totally happy or totally sad....we can’t outrun the crappy, awful, horrible stuff. So the job of our lives is to let it exist alongside the good stuff, making the good stuff so much sweeter.”

This book had an enjoyable cast of characters with sometimes laughable and sometimes heart wrenching side storylines. I enjoyed seeing how her friends and family grew and changed throughout the story. Her friends and family were true to life and reminded me of people I have known and loved. They all had satisfying character arcs, and were very well written.

At the end of the book I felt almost as if I had attended a few counseling sessions as the struggles Annie has are relatable to most women. But, the book at its true core was entertaining and a fun read, not a preachy self-help book. It was another excellent book from the author of Our Stop and The Love Square. Laura Jane Williams will become one of your favorite new authors also.

I was provided a free advance reader copy from Avon Books UK in exchange for my honest review on Net Galley. The opinions shared in this review are my own.

This book was a very lighthearted read, with a plot that was easy to follow and enjoyable. Although the plot was kind of unrealistic, I still enjoyed the book. Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.

I read an ARC of The Love Square recently and it didn't do it for me. This one, however, was adorable and a lot deeper than I anticipated. The current synopsis made it sound like a light frothy fun read, and while there is definitely a lot of that to be had, there were also deeper themes about loving yourself and being present in the moment.

Kindly received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Lucky Escape by Laura Jane Williams a five-star read that you should run away with. This was exactly what I needed, we just seem to have been living in a never-ending year this year, it brightened my day no end, I have been one of the lucky ones who has stayed in work all during the year as I am one of those annoying people that keep the health care wheel moving. I have been so much luckier than lots of people but still it has taken a toll, this story just gave me the oomph I needed to realise that you can only say yes and be the helpful person for so long, sometimes you need to say yes for you and you only. My goodness what I would wish to run away to Australia, I even tried to persuade my hubby it is a good idea, we didn’t get a proper honeymoon all those years ago so who knows maybe next year we will have our moment. If you need something light and life affirming, then you need this story in your life. If you just want funny and entertaining then you also need this in your life, basically if you are looking for something amazing pick it up. I didn't think you could get better that Our stop, but this proved me wrong.

This book was a very quick and easy read and I really enjoyed it. I loved the concept of the story and I really liked the characters too. It was amazing how all the people in the spa said their pronouns that they wanted to be used, very current and I’m so glad it was included.

It was nice to read an adult genre story that still focused on putting yourself first, no matter your age. It was lovely to see the main characters story evolve and gradually learn to overcome their fears with one another. A very sweet read!

Thanks for the early copy. I’m a huge Laura Jane Williams fan and always love her books for a must pack when going on holiday. This book would be perfect to read on a sun lounger but I enjoyed it just as much for some escapism in this mad time we are in just now.

It was such a feel good, page turning romance with some hot scenes, laugh out moments and the brilliant set of characters that come with each of LJW’s books. Loved it! 5*

Wow. This was SO sweet. 3.5 stars rounded to 4 because I* fell in love with Patrick. Just stupidly in love with him. This was such a breath of fresh air. WE LOVE OPEN COMMUNICATION. Pacing was great, the love and the squishy heart moments were great, I smiled so much reading this.

Thank you a BILLION to the publisher for this advanced copy 🖤

The Lucky Escape by Laura Jane Williams
*This ARC was provided by Netgalley for free review*
It’s Annie’s wedding day! All the planning, coordinating, friends and family gathered, makeup and hair done...she is ready to get out of the limo and make her way down the aisle! When she gets out, her wedding planner tells her that she received a text from the groom and he isn’t coming. Annie picks up the pieces of her shattered life. She starts working out to get out her aggressions and bumps into an old acquaintance from theater camp. Patrick reminds Annie of who she used to be before she changed to fit how her ex-finance wanted her to be. She remembers it’s nice to laugh and not plan every detail of your life once in a while. Her ex-in-laws insist she takes the all expenses paid honeymoon they had arranged to Australia. She only has one problem, there is a spare ticket. She talks Patrick into going with her as friends. They have so many fun adventures and laugh out loud moments it had me wishing for a vacation! Is she imagining it or is she starting to like who she is again and the side of her that Patrick brings out? This book was just adorable. I loved Annie and really connected with her.

This book had everything which I look for in my bedtime reading....warm and likeable characters, humour, love and a perfect ending. I didn’t even mind the somewhat unbelievable plot....it’s escapism and fun so who cares?! The main character, Annie, is on a journey of self discovery throughout this book and I particularly liked the way her own personal story unfolded. An easy and enjoyable read...I’d definitely recommend it.

Absolutely LOVED this book. Love Laura Jane Williams writing after following her for years, have been on one of writing courses and read all of her previous titles and The Lucky Escape was another fantastic read. I started a few days ago and just couldn't put it down. I loved the characters and I loved how relatable the issues of the main characters were, the exploration of family dynamics and the way the book took lots of twists and turns. I really enjoyed the concept of going on your honeymoon after being dumped too!

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Honestly, I LOVED this! Having read Our Stop and The Love Square, I knew I would at least like this novel from Laura Jane Williams.

It just felt so refreshing and so NOW. The characters went on a journey, the self-reflection was open and honest, and the inclusive nature of the characters in the book didn’t feel forced or like a box ticking exercise (the staff at the spa simply introduced themselves using their chosen pronouns for example). The book felt like it was split into 3 sections and I definitely loved the first 2./3 more but I knew a rockier last third was coming - as obviously things can't be all roses!

It did take me a little while to fall into reading it - but purely because the formatting for the kindle app meant sentences didn't fill the complete line and were broken up - I assume this will be fixed for when it is published!

I have to say, I fell I love with Patrick myself and although his character took a step off the path with his reactions towards the end - we could at least understand why due to what we find out about him. He definitely has taken over my love for Leon from The Flatshare

READ READ READ THIS!

A Raucous Romp....
Some heart warming and wholly entertaining escapism in this fluffy, fun Romcom that you just cannot help but enjoy. A likeable protagonist and a colourful cast of supporting characters populate the plot. A raucous romp with some armchair travel included. A great stress buster.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. Annie is left at the altar. After a few devastating weeks, she is finally able to come out of her hole. At her local bootcamp, she runs into a long, lost, summer camp buddy. They hit it off immediately. Her ex in-laws gift her the honeymoon she was supposed to go on, saying it was non-refundable and it was the least they could do! Annie and her new reunion decide to head off together for the non-honeymoon for 3 weeks in Australia. What happens next is anyone's guess. This was a really cute book! #theluckyescape #laurajanewilliams #june2021

This was a fun British/Australian rom-com with some female empowerment included. I loved reading about the trips to Australia and Antwerp - such beautiful settings!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

This story was just so sweet and charming and a lovely surprise. While I had the pleasure of reading Laura Jane William's last book, 'Our Stop', I wasn't sure what to expect from this one and, in summary, I loved it. Williams did a great job of creating dynamic characters with whom audiences could connect. Annie served as a smart and well-rounded heroine whose development throughout was both natural and empowering. I will definitely be seeking out Williams' further novels, as she has found the right formula for creating a sweet and engaging story.

Annie is having a good day, it is, after all, her wedding day. So why is the wedding planner outside the church? Alexander , the groom, texted the wedding planner to say he wasn't coming. Annie was left at the altar. As she tries to get through the days she joins an exercise class and reconnects with Patrick who she sort of knew at summer camp years before. Patrick convinces Annie that he would be the perfect person to join her on her paid for honeymoon in Australia. Annie discovers things about herself and what she really wants. But is the new Annie the real Annie. A story of love and loss and being the person you really want to be.

Wonderful author absolutely loved this story,Was involved from the first pages the setting characters that came alive.Will be recommending,#netgalley#avonbooksuk

Absolutely loved this! Laura Jane Williams writing is like talking to a best friend. I gel with her style so well.

Even though I could predict what was going to happen from very early on, I found this didn’t matter as I was more interested in seeing the journey and how the characters got there.

The character of Annie was brilliant, and I fell in love with her relationship with her sister.

Annie is left standing at the alter, devastated and bewildered. She meets an old school friend and decides to take the chance of a lifetime by going on her ‘honeymoon’ to Australia with him. A quick little love story where you are definitely hoping for the best for Annie. I enjoyed this light hearted, feel good story and would recommend.

Loved getting to read Annie's story and see how everything turned out for her. Definitely think this will resonate with a lot of people as I'm sure many people have felt how she did throughout the book. Couldn't stop reading it once I started! Definitely recommend reading this book!

This book was a quick and fun read that I really enjoyed. The story line was quirky and the characters were entertaining. I loved the inclusion of pronouns. I was hooked from the beginning. I connected with Annie as a character and hated how Alexander left her at the alter. Annie is admirable for turning her life around by evaluating and figuring out from the horrible betrayal. Annie really grows in understanding herself after Alexander and learns to love herself through Patrick's eyes. This book made me want to read the backlog of the authors other works.

This was such a sweet little romance! It's a fast read and I really enjoyed the characters. The story was predictable but I still loved it and would recommend.

A heartwarming romantic read perfect for an escape whether on a summer holiday or relaxing by a cosy fire. Maybe a little drawn out and predictable in places but nonetheless a good lighthearted, fun and entertaining read. There was also a more serious of being true to oneself and not pleasing everyone else and learning to live for the moment. Lighthearted, fun and entertaining read with good characters who developed throughout. Good relatable characters who developed over the course of the book .

Really enjoyed this story and everything it brought to me. The will they wont they is beautifully written and leaves you questioning it right till the crucial moment!

This was good? I don’t know why, but I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop the entire time I was reading this. I kept thinking this is so cute, but then wondering when Patrick would turn out to be horrible. Spoiler, he never does. Sadly, I think that took away a bit of my enjoyment. But I did enjoy the growth our heroine went through; it seemed both realistic and positive.

This was a wonderful weekend read! I enjoyed getting transported to Australia with the little details in the book. The characters had great chemistry and the story unfolded at a pace that kept you wanting to read the next chapter! I would like to read. sequel about these characters to see what happens next!

The Lucky Escape was a cute romantic comedy with a little bit of escapism! It felt a little like I was on a tropical vacation to Australia along with Annie and Patrick (which would be SO nice right now). I very much enjoyed reading the love story, as well as Annie's journey to become more "herself", more like the freer Annie that Patrick had previously known.

I really enjoyed this book! I almost gave up on it because it wasn't formatted for Kindle and that made it super hard to get into. But then the story took over, and I got lost in it. It was fun to escape to new countries while being treated at home during a pandemic, and I loved that Patrick was able to refer to himself as the manic pixie dream girl. The romance felt very believable and didn't have that insta quality that you offered have to overcome. I fully recommend this as an enjoyable, escapist read.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for allowing me to read a copy of this book!

Annie has been left at the alter by her long term boyfriend, Alexander. She is left uncertain and confused, wondering how she managed to get it so wrong.

After a chance meeting with a man from her past, Annie makes a spontaneous decision to take him on her honeymoon. Annie and Patrick spend their trip together in Australia, both committing to moving forward with their lives and leaving their pasts behind. Will they move forward... Together?

Annie and Patrick are my favourite! I loved that they're both struggling with events in their past, albeit very different events. This is a gorgeous story where the characters are battling with the concept of being happy, and not letting age impact their decisions. This book makes you question your decisions in life, and check in with yourself and your well-being.

I did feel as though the first half could have been slightly more condensed, and the second half could have been slowed down and more descriptive. Overall, a fantastic book and I would definitely read more Annie and Patrick in the future!

One cancelled wedding.. One unexpected encounter.. One spare ticket for the honeymoon..

This was enjoyable read.
I haven't read anything else by this author and I must say that I like her writing, especially I like the main idea of the book. It was nice to stop and think a little bit what would you do if you were in the shoes of both characters.
Let's say it was original in its own way.

But also i must say that I found the book little bit long, like it was dragged little bit more than it should be.
Also I wished there was a bit more development of the relationships she had with some characters.
I guess my main problem was that there wasn't sparkle.. the magic.. still I kinda like it.
Definitely going to recommend it for summer reading.

Big thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for my advanced copy.

Oh, Laura Jane Williams, you've done it again! I finished off 2020 with The Love Square as, somehow, it's publication had fallen under my radar and I've started 2021 with The Lucky Escape. Both are five-star reads but this one felt personal. Jilted by her university sweetheart on their wedding day, Annie Wiig is convinced to go on her honeymoon anyway and takes with her an old friend that she'd very recently become reacquainted with at the gym. My nerves were in tatters with the will they, won't they of it all until I realised that that wasn't what this book was about at all. It was about dusting yourself off and finding your feet at thirty-something, reeling from heartbreak but managing to find the positives in starting again. And it was exactly what I needed. I love Laura's style of writing, I believe in every character she creates and I can't wait for the next book!

Annie has been jilted by her boyfriend Alexander at the altar after being in a relationship for over a decade. She was devastated, the world collapsed around her but it’s a blessing in disguise. Soon, she bumps into an old friend Patrick, and takes off for her honeymoon with him which has been paid for by Alexander’s parents.

Annie is admirable for turning her life around by evaluating and figuring out from the horrible betrayal. Since childhood, she has molded herself to meet expectations of people around him even though it’s not her real persona. First time, she gets a chance to see herself through her own eyes rather than through other people’ lens.

Patrick is charming, content, with a YOLO attitude. He helps Annie by making her realize to be true to herself, do whatever she wanted and not to be a pushover. The big takeaway for me is the pearls of wisdom incorporated though Annie’s journey of enlightenment without making the reader feel it’s preachy. This sets this book apart from the usual fluffy romances.

Apart from Annie and Patrick, her gang of four friends and colleague Azdo are all awesome and provide a strong support system to her. Her sister Freddie is also sweet, and loved the delightful sisterhood of these. It was good to be transported to beautiful Australia through Williams's vivid descriptions.

Overall, this is a charming, delightful, emotional in parts, and feel-good romantic book.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Avon books UK for providing me an advanced copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

Having read the authors previous work I was very excited to be given the chance to read this and it did not disappoint. A great, if slightly predictable story that has heart, makes you laugh (and cry) and a fantastic cast of characters! I would strongly recommend reading this for sheer escapism in this weird world.

This book was everything I needed at the moment. I have to admit I was not expecting to like it as much as I did. Such a light and easy read and I loved the characters. Definitely recommend this one.

The title of this book and the writing inside provided me with exactly what I needed...an escape. This is the first book I’ve read by Laura Jane Williams and she has earned a new fan!
William’ authentic storytelling was charming and heartwarming. Not just a love story, this novel focused on respecting oneself and the journey Annie takes to discover true happiness. The friendships, family dynamic, and romance worked together to provide a witty and thought provoking escape from reality!

Thank you NetGalley, Avon Books, and Laura Jane Williams for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!

Every one of Laura's books is the perfect escapism, and The Lucy Escape is no different. I devoured this in two days and it was a much needed break from the January 21 lockdown.

So endearing & packed with swoons! I loved every moment of Lucky Escape. Annie and her problems felt so realistic, the friendship groups were fantastic & I couldn't help but smile my way through every page. Fans of Lia Louis & Beach Read will adore Lucky Escape

As a wedding photographer for almost 15 years I've seen a lot but I've yet to have someone get jilted at the altar (a few close calls though!) so the premise of this book immediately sucked me in. From the first few pages I was immediately hooked in.

While you have to suspend a bit of disbelief for the main part of the story, I really rather enjoyed it and wished there was another whole section of more of the honeymoon fun and adventures. That's by far the best part of this book and shows the best of Annie and Patrick.

However, once the honeymoon is over the book almost completely does an about face and it gets a bit mucked up. While the ending brings it back together again I feel there was a bit of a misstep there in the final third of the book.

Overall it was still an enjoyable read and it was a fun break from the doom and gloom of early 2021!

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for an eARC copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

This is very much a "sweet" story, the characters and their relationships are adorable and the plot is charming!
I enjoyed this and found that I flew through reading it as I was so invested in Annie and her story.

If you're a fan of the genre, or any of Laura Jane William's previous work, i think you'll really enjoy reading this.

I really didn't want this book to finish, I really loved it.
Maybe it took me away from what is happening in the world and took me into someone's life that needed changing for the better.
I connected so much with Annie, feeling you always had do things in a certain way and was really stuck in a life that pleasing others first is easy, but your not truly happy.
It excited me when she got jilted and realised she was going to turn it around into a good thing.
This is my first book to read from this author book won't be the last. 5 stars deserved.
Thank you for the opportunity

Annie is headed down the aisle when she learns that her soon to be husband has called off the wedding. Her "should be" in-laws encourage her to go on the luxury honeymoon they planned for them and Annie decides to go with her camp friend Patrick. They haven't seen each other in many many years, but decide to live in the moment and take this trip together. Throughout the "honeymoon," they learn about each other and begin to fall in love. A sweet romance that I would definitely recommend!

4.5 stars. A story about love and loss in many different forms. Learning to love yourself as well as learning about the love you deserve.

This was a great read- quick and engaging, but still pulls at the heartstrings. I enjoyed the characters and their stories.

Thank you for the ARC, NetGalley.

I'm starting to really love this author, and this is the sort of story that really appeals to me.

Of course all my favourite bits involved the honeymoon, which given even the destination hasn't been revealed in the blurb, I don't feel right in saying it here.

Let's just say it's a long haul flight, a three week trip of a lifetime and I was open mouthed at the luxurious nature of it, especially given it was paid for by the in-laws that weren't actually in-laws due to their son jilting Annie at the altar.

I loved the descriptions and trips that were taken on this honeymoon, not always the most expected of destinations, and sometimes not solidly on the tourist trail which was really nice to see. As a travel lover I was I really happy with how it was depicted, and made me long to get on a plane to join Annie and Patrick out there.

But there is more to this book than just the travel element, it's a story of how Annie learns a lot about herself in the aftermath of her jilting. There is her brand night light hearted friendship with Patrick who she knew briefly as a teenager, and I loved her relationship with her much younger sister.

Annie's mother was so familiar to me, the various comments she made, it felt like she could have been my mum, for the majority of the book.

I really did enjoy everything about this book, from the first few pages where Annie is all excited getting ready for her wedding, to the aftermath where she is frustrated with her family around her, and her attempts to regain control with a boot camp. And all that before the honeymoon which wasn't a honeymoon as such.

Her dynamic with Patrick was so fun to read, and I would love a Patrick in my life!

Having enjoyed the books I've now read by Laura Jane Williams I really should go back and read Our Stop, and I will definitely keep an eager eye out for future releases.

Thank you to Avon and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

A joy in the grey days of January!! Annie gets jilted at the alter....decides she will go on honeymoon..with an old school friend Patrick that she meets again by chance. Adventures and finding the real Annie and Patrick ensue. They both have issues to address and in doing so find themselves and each other. A lovely but of much needed escapism which I thoroughly enjoyed. Likeable characters, realistic setting and satisfactory ending..

Pure escapism. The start of the book was ok but after a few chapters it really took off, and not just to Australia... the fun that Annie and Patrick share is so uplifting. Just a bit jealous of the Australian honeymoon.
Laura Jane Williams is a great fun writer, she makes me smile and we need that at the moment.
Thank you NetGalley

I want to start by saying I loved this book - yup I said it - I loved it. It was an utter joy to read and the perfect book to escape with. Having visited both Perth and Margaret River in Australia, I found myself right back by the sea sipping wine and eating cheese with my friends and now husband.

Having read Our Stop and The Love Square by Laura Jane Williams I knew I would enjoy this novel - but in my opinion, this was Laura's best work yet. It was so nice to drift away to the summer sun in Australia - especially after the current ways of the world - and I loved going back to places I had visited. I'm still determined to make my way over to Sydney.

It was a quick and easy read with enjoyable characters. I liked that you saw Annie re-discover who she was and what she wanted from life.

I gave it 5 stars as I simply loved the escape. It was lovely and fresh and I really enjoyed it!

Annie has been with her fiancee for 10 years and the book begins on their wedding day, however he has had second thoughts and leaves it to the wedding planner to inform her he's not turning up. Annie, with the help of her friends and sister, goes on a journey to rediscover herself.
A well written book with some really relatable characters. I loved the relationship she had with her sister and her friends.
I received this book from Netgalley and publishers in exchange for an honest review

Annie is jilted on her wedding day, and her world is turned completely upside down. A chance meeting leads to her being reunited with childhood friend Patrick, and in a twist of events, ends up taking him on her honeymoon.

There were some really nice relationships in this book. Annie's friendship with her Core Four as well as Adzo, just felt so real. I adored her and her little sister Freddie, too. My favourite of all though, was Patrick. What an actual dream.

The descriptions of Australia were stunning and I loved reading about all of the places Annie and Patrick visited. Seeing Annie go from being such a people pleaser scared to do what she really wanted, to actually putting herself first was so refreshing.
Overall this was the perfect summer read, with fantastic characters and I found it hard to put down. This was my favourite book of Laura's yet, and I'll definitely be reading more!

A massive thank you to Netgalley and Avon for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Really enjoyed this book. Slightly predictable but still a great read. Scenes were set brilliantly. Plot flowed and never got boring

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. Really enjoyed this book, liked the storyline, liked the characters, basically liked everything. Worth a read.

A fairly enjoyable read, with some inconsistencies.

Annie and Alexander were meant to be, or so Annie thought. They had been together for most of their adult lives after all. So she's completely taken by surprise when he doesn't show up for their wedding.

With her entire belief system uprooted, Annie is unsure what to do next. She was supposed to be in Australia for her honeymoon. But now she has been in bed for day(s), and is unsure about what to do next. Should she go back to work, where she has to deal with her colleagues who will definitely have heard all about it? Or maybe she can stay in bed for the upcoming 3 weeks?

Instead, she runs into her old friend Patrick, who convinces her to go on her honeymoon. Why waste a trip to Australia? And maybe he can go with her?

The story (felt like it was) almost divided into 3 parts;
1. Being left at the alter
2. Australia
3. After Australia

The first two parts were great, the flow was completely believable, and Patrick's introduction back into Annie's life is the cherry on top.

I was however, disappointed in the third part of the story as I felt like Annie's character in the third book did not match the strong, working woman she was described as from the beginning.
Sure, it makes sense that her self-esteem would be shattered after being left at the alter, but it seemed that her decision making skills were also affected, and I found it slightly inconsistent towards the end.

Overall, The Lucky Escape was an entertaining romance; a perfect light beach read.

I received this ARC from the publisher in return for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an advanced readers e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

I unabashedly love this book for being so soft and real about Annie and her indecisive mind, her broken relationship with her mother and how she heals and grows over the course of a book. It's also such a superior friends to lovers story. Patrick is a friend you WANT even if he weren't attractive to you and despite a weird start where he goes "I'm a good guy" it goes very well. And then not. Like real life. I love how realistic and grounded it remains- despite it being set on a luxurious (not)honeymoon- holiday.

Truly the stuff of escapist dreams.

I was absolutely thrilled when I got an ARC of The Lucky Escape, because I adore Laura Jane Williams' work. Our Stop and The Love Square are two of my favourite contemporary romance novels so I knew this one would be just as fulfilling.

I can honestly say this is my new favourite out of the three books. It was the perfect escapism, full of funny moments, sweet moments, heartbreaking moments and everything in between. I loved the entire sequence down under, and every conversation between Annie and Patrick. Annie's relationship with him felt so true and I loved how they both bounced of each other in such a genuine way. The pacing of the story overall was perfect, and given the disastrous circumstances at the beginning, I liked that we didn't have to dwell on it for too long before the fun really began, but it wasn't just swept under the carpet either.

I also loved the side characters, especially Annie's sister Freddie. Everyone could do with a sister like her!

One of the reasons I love Laura's stories is that they always feel so realistic and so current. Like I could be reading about her friends, not some fictional characters. This book was no different and I can't wait to purchase a copy for my shelves when it's released in the summer.

A strange book at first. . I could not see where it was going. You knew Patrick and Annie would end up together. A pleasant read. I did love the descriptions of Australia and Annie's love for her sister. Annie's mother was a character and a half, we knew she loved Annie deep down. The ending was good

Told ultimately in three stages - pre-honeymoon, the honeymoon, and post-honeymoon, this story follows the life of Annie, a recently jilted bride. Uncertain how to proceed after being left by long-term partner Alexander, Annie decides to takes a chance on an old friend she becomes reacquainted with. She packs her suitcase and passport, and the pair set off on her honeymoon, reminiscing about their youth together in a theatre group. Ultimately this is a story of the newly single Annie figuring out what she wants from life going forward.

Much like a cute romantic-comedy blockbuster, there are moments of hilarity - most notably a naked spa retreat - but also themes of touching sincerity including the loss of a spouse. This story is a retrospective look at womanhood and what constitutes a healthy relationship - whether romantically or platonically. This story of love and adventure has a much deeper thread than you'd imagine which I was pleasantly surprised by. Kudos too for the representation of non-binary characters at the spa Annie visits too.

Annie's journey to becoming a self-assured woman was fun to follow along with, but at times I felt there were unnecessary lapses including Jules and then her considering doing her current job in Belgium despite wanting a career change which is why I hadn't rated this higher.

This is fluffy and romantic much like Laura Jane Williams' other work, and I am a fan. If you're looking for something that doesn't take itself too seriously, this feel-good frolic is a perfect beach read (or a slice of escapism in the middle of January).

*Huge thanks to Netgalley and Avon Books for this review copy, I literally SQUEALED when I got send the ARC before Christmas!

In the midst of lockdown and the pandemic, this was just what my heart needed. I loved the protagonist, Annie, and felt she was extremely funny and relatable. This book was just a consistently enjoyable and light read. I felt like I was right there on the beach enjoying a cocktail. I would definitely recommend if you're looking for a fun and light-hearted story to put a smile on your face!

A fun quick read. When Annie is left at the altar by her college sweetheart, who called the wedding planner instead of her to let them know the wedding was off, she doesn't know what to do. Luckily, a run-in with Patrick, an old camp friend, paired with a set of would-be inlaws who insist Annie still take her honeymoon to Australia, leads to an adventure for two Down Under. Sparks fly, but can, and should, two brokenhearted people find love? To nitpick, I couldn't believe that Annie's ex's parents would be so good to her -- treating her to the first class all the way trip -- even after the wedding was off. But it was fun to indulge the fantasy. There's a tinge of depth and exploring what it means to be an adult that makes this a bit more than your typical beach book but it is still a page turner and a good escape.

NOTE: Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.

Firstly, I love Laura Jane and secondly I love her books! Thank you Avon!
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this book might seem like any other romance novel, where the protagonists come together in an unlikely situation and end up getting together. However, this book doesn't end there and that's what I love about it. It teaches you so many things about adulting, of how your problems aren't less than anyone else's, how your friends can still be there for you regardless of where they are in their lives, how there is no age to start over,
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it also talks about second chances and how "what people will say" can come between your own feelings. Never let someone else dictate your life with their thoughts, do what feels right!
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can't wait to get my hands on the actual book, so that I can mark my favorite lines!
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The Lucky Escape is a classic beach read with a romantic lift, but laced with a beautifully inspiring coming-of-age element that makes it my favourite Laura Jane Williams novel yet.

Annie Wiig was abandoned by her ex, Alexander, on her wedding day. Nearing 30, single, and now more insecure than ever, she feels as if she has lost her grip on life. So she decides to make a promise to herself: stop trying to be perfect and just say yes. At a spin class she meets, or rather becomes reacquainted with, Patrick. He's an old friend from her childhood theatre camp, and a refreshing reminder of the simpler times. When Annie gets the opportunity to take her honeymoon sans ex-fiancé, she decides to take the chance. And while she's at it, she takes a chance on Patrick too.

This book is nice and light, the perfect story to relax and enjoy. Laura Jane Williams has a quality to her writing that's friendly, humorous, and effortlessly charming. But in contrast to Our Stop and The Love Square, The Lucky Escape has a deeper, heavier layer added that is explored through the protagonist’s expressions and development.

Annie has plenty of humour and wit, even though she has spent much of her life living to please others. She is easily the most complex character I have met in Williams’ novels. I loved how human and authentic her personality felt, especially when it came to comparing her past with her present and future. She has inner conflicts with herself, she says the wrong thing, she makes realistic mistakes, she has genuine timidities, and she has imperfect reasoning. Her development is the best part of this story. While the plot has some cringe rather than swoon moments, Annie's character is strong and compelling as she leans to love exactly who she is. Additionally, the loyalty in her friendship group and the bond with her sister is wonderfully uplifting.

Patrick really is a breath of fresh air. He's naturally adventurous and confident. And he brings a nice stream of maturity to this novel. I love that he has a completely different approach to life compared to Annie. Their romance is sweet, and their adventure is engaging, but sadly not the most memorable. The pacing was a little slow, especially in the beginning of the book. It takes a while for momentum to build, and I did actually consider giving up around 30% of the way through. But I’m glad I stuck with Annie and her courageous advance to another year of adulthood.

Overall, I liked reading The Lucky Escape. It’s light-hearted mixed with the right amount of depth without straying too far from the romance. It has plenty of laughs, truthful heartbreak, colourful characters, and a gratifying journey to self-acceptance.

A light- hearted, feel good read that I really enjoyed. Yes there was heartache but there were also plenty of laughs along the way!

Amazing book!! You will fall in love with the main character! She is so spunky and sweet. This book was perfect beginning to end.

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Release Date: Expected 10th June 2021 (Avon Books)


Annie is getting married today. After nine years of being with her university sweetheart Alexander, she's now finally a "Strong Independent Woman Who Just Happens To Be Committing Her Life To Someone". She's in her beautiful dress, and stepping out of the car to the chapel to meet her Wedding Planner ... who just recieved a text from the Groom who isn't coming.

Along with her best friend Azdo; a fellow theoretical scientist who's pretty handy with a countour stick, her wickedly clever little sister Freddie and her eternally supportive Dad, they all manage to escape the ceremony before the guests can even realise what's going on. Everything has changed. Her home, her plan, her future ... they're all so very different and she doesn't even know why. So when her feiry former-mother-in-law-to-be calls and insists she takes the all expenses paid honeymoon to try and relax, she can't say no. Along with her newly found Confidant and recent broken heart, former theatre school friend Paddy, they set off for a strange adventure of self-discovery and heartbreak.

Full of a cast of colourful, beautifully vibrant and unapologetically real women who I fell in love with right away - this book was full of everything. Hilarity, heartbreak, rage and romance all wrapped into one. Every single character had a whole life of their own and came to life on the pages in front of me.

This was honestly a feminist dream of indulging in a devilishly dramatic romance without having to deal with the age-old cliches and stereotypes of perfect women whose personalities exist solely based on their boyfriends.

Absolutely refreshing and hilarious charming, this was such an easy read that I finished in one sitting.

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


Thank you to NetGalley and Laura Jane Williams for this ARC.

Annie gets jilted on her wedding day. Her future in laws gave them a gift of a honeymoon to Australia and urged her to still go. Anni decided that she was changing her life and when she met Patrick whom she'd known years ago she asked him to go with her on o non honeymoon. Great book

The Lucky Escape follows the story of Annie who having been left standing at the altar, realises Alexander might not have been the right man for her. After a chance meeting with an old friend, Patrick at the gym, Annie decides to head off on her would be honeymoon. She has a spare ticket, could embarking on this trip with Patrick help mend her broken heart or will spending three weeks with a man who’s not her husband be a mistake?

I enjoyed this book, found the characters to be both likeable and relatable and thought the book progressed at a steady pace. Thank you to NetGalley, Avon Books UK and the author for the chance to review.

I received this eBook on @netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was one of the books I was most looking forward to reading in 2021 and it has 100% exceeded my expectations.

I absolutely loved the storyline and the fact that there was just as many downs as ups. It is hilarious and sad all in one, I laughed and cried throughout and then laughed a little more and cried from laughing. My favourite part has to be Willy-gate, I literally died of laughter.

The concept of the story is mortifying and you can only feel so sorry for Annie, and I loved that there was a very ‘Will they/ won’t they” throughout the story. What an amazing non-honeymoon, I would be lying if I said I wasn’t a little jealous!

Publication Day - 10th June 2021

I really recommend this book!

I loved Our stop so was really pleased to get the ARC of this one- i thought it would be such a lovely light hearted read and it was just that and more! With likeable characters driven by a predictable yet one of kind plot at the same time, The Lucky Escape left my heart warm whilst also covering some deeper topics like loss and lack of self esteem. I really enjoyed this book and lapped it up over a few winter evenings and will definitely purchase it upon release as a feel good read!

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

This is a perfect chic lit beach read. The story kept me interested. Who doesn't love a story about starting over and embracing your inner badass self.

Annie was about to be married when her fiance tells the wedding planner it's not happening. Annie is left broken hearted. Her not quite in laws urge her to take the honeymoon trip. Annie decides to go with Patrick, a man she has run in to that she knew from when she was a kid.

I won't give away anymore. Definitely worth the read!

#LuckyEscape #NetGalley

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I always struggle when starting new ones, but this had me hooked immediately. It’s totally predictable, but I enjoyed the escapism. The characters were great and the settings amazing (I had to look them up and the images didn’t disappoint). I’d recommend this book for some well deserved positivity right now.

The Lucky Escape is a sweet rom-com about a woman named, Annie who is jilted at the altar. Heartbroken she decides to go on her Australian honeymoon with a newly re-connected friend from childhood, a single man named Patrick. I loved that the relationship builds from Annie and Patrick's friendship. They had chemistry from the very beginning.

I Laura Jane Williams has done it again. The Lucky Escape is funny, romantic, heartbreaking, and sweet.

ARC generously supplied by the publisher Harper Collins and NetGalley, this review is my honest opinion and completely unbiased.

When Annie arrives at the church ready to marry Alexander she receives the news that he's cancelled the wedding and has disappeared. Confused and heartbroken Annie has no idea what caused Alexander's change of heart.

Deciding not to waste the honeymoon, she suggests that Patrick, an old friend, accompany her instead of her missing ex-fiancé. Leaving for a two week, luxury non-honeymoon in Australia they agree to be merely friends sharing a trip of a lifetime. After all Annie has just been jilted and Patrick insists he doesn't want a permanent relationship.

I didn't mind that the plot was foreseeable, reading about sunny Australia during a winter lockdown was a delight and a means to ignore the cold rain outside.

An enjoyable, easy to read romance, with likeable characters.

TW: challenging parental relationship, self-doubt, controlling behaviour.

I really enjoyed this. Like it's predecessor Our Stop, it is charming and romantic.

Annie is all set to marry her collage sweetheart, when she finds he's left her at the altar and disappeared.
Her would be in laws offer her the all paid Australian honeymoon she would have gone on as a sort of apology, and she goes off with an old friend to get a break.
What follows is Annie questioning her whole life. Ever decision she has made sense she was young. Were any of them for her, or to please others?
Can her old friend Patrick, bring some new wisdom into her life, and possible show her how to whole again.
Set in 3 parts,
The would be Wedding
The Honeymoon
The Reality.

On the surface this is a beach read of a woman Eat, Pray, Loving and rebooting her life. In fact EPL is mentioned, as are many other cultural references.
But underneath that i found Annie's questioning and self-doubt to be very true to life. She has grown up trying to be the version of herself that she thought others wanted. Not being a true partner, just a version of one to not annoy her fiancé. Almost disappearing as not to aggravate people. Living her life to please others and now she is breaking out of that.

Like her other books, Laura Jane Williams writes flawed women, far from perfect and not man can fix them. Sure a love interest helps them along the way, but ultimately it is up to them to fix their problems.

The Lucky Escape was the perfect “escape” from a snowy January day.

Annie is left at the alter by her college sweetheart. Devastated, embarrassed and heartbroken she sinks into the pits of depression. Until one day she discovers a workout class that begins to pour back the life into her. At said workout class, she reconnects with a childhood friend, Patrick. Her would be in-laws insist she take the honeymoon to Australia that they has already paid for. At first she refuses, but before she knows it she’s on a first class plane ride to paradise with Patrick by her side.

The book is a little bit like a Hallmark movie in that you just know that Annie and Patrick will end up together. Patrick is the male lead that every woman drools over. He’s funny, charismatic, chivalrous, and the perfect travel companion.

The Australian setting made me jealous and itching to travel. I know I’ve added Sydney to my travel bucket list after this read.

The novel read a bit differently for me because it was London based leading roles. I liked hearing from a different perspective than the American one.

A joyful easy read that follows the story of Annie who unwillingly escapes a longstanding relationship with her childhood sweetheart Alexander. Annie rediscovers herself and the joy of living life on her terms coupled with an unexpected new relationship, flat and reflections on her chosen career.

Laura Jane Williams portrays the importance of always putting your happiness first, letting go of self-doubt and fears to live your best life.

This was a quick read for me. Thank you to Netgalley for this advanced reader copy- loved it!

The Lucky Escape by Laura Jane Williams is a masterpiece of a novel. I haven’t spent an all-nighter reading a book in a while, but I found that I just couldn’t put this one down. From the emotional struggles and self-discovery arc, I was captivated. I even found that the storyline was not as predictable as I find a lot of contemporary romances and was not able to figure out what was going to happen until the very end. There were a few things that made me a bit skeptical, but without getting into any spoiler territory, they seemed to be resolved and explained. Overall, this book is one of the first five star reads I’ve had in a while and helped me get back out of a reading slump.

Thank you to NetGalley for the copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Fun, sad, heartwarming and laugh out loud till you cry , this book was all of these things. A delight to read about love, loss and friendship with some travel as well.
Highly recommended for these troubled times.
Thank you for the opportunity to read this book.

The Lucky Escape
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

“ONE CANCELLED WEDDING

When the day finally comes for Annie to marry Alexander, the last thing she expects is to be left standing at the altar. She was so sure he was Mr Right. Now, she has no idea how she could have got it so wrong.

ONE UNEXPECTED ENCOUNTER

After a chance meeting with Patrick, an old friend who reminds her of who she used to be, Annie takes a vow of her own: she’ll say yes to every opportunity that comes her way from now on.

ONE SPARE TICKET FOR THE HONEYMOON

Could a spontaneous trip with Patrick be the way to mend Annie’s heart? She’s about to find out as she embarks on her honeymoon – with a man who’s not her husband…”

I was in two minds about reading this, The Love Square was my first read of the year and I loved it so I was worried this might not live up to its predecessor.

I needn’t have worried. I adored it!

I have this pre ordered on @amazonuk and can’t wait to gift it to some friends.

A miserable humiliation becomes the best thing that ever happened to Annie, the thirty-two year old brilliant but woefully lacking in self-confidence heroine in this charming story. The novel traces her gradual coming back to life as she journeys to Australia on the honeymoon paid for by her prospective in-laws that she was meant to be taking with the long-term lover who ditched her almost at the altar.
Having recently become re-acquainted with a happy-go-lucky old friend from her youthful days in summer theatre, she takes him along as her “plus-one” on the once-in-a-lifetime trip. While readers may predict the happy ending, the adventures and epiphanies that come in between make the novel an enjoyable read. The tone is light-hearted and witty, but there are also some very relatable family relationships, particularly Annie’s with her mother, that pack a more serious punch. Readers will cheer as Annie learns self-acceptance, forgiveness, and the joys of living in the present moment in this warm and life-affirming story. If Nora Ephron-style rom coms are your thing, I definitely recommend that you look for The Lucky Escape when it comes out in June 2021.

Every book at the moment is claiming to be escapist, but this read is next level. It transported me straight to the golden sands of Australia and it was heaven.

After being jilted at the alter, Annie finds herself the recipient of an all-expenses-paid, luxury holiday in Australia. There’s no way she’s going; she can barely pull herself out of bed, let alone half way across the world. Until she finds a really intense circuits class at her local gym and it gives her an outlet for her aggression and the unanswered questions that her ex-fiance, Alexander, left her with. It’s there that she meets Patrick, the man she used to know from theatre camp. With him, taking the trip seems possible and they both jet off.

I adored ‘visiting’ all the luxury places in Australia. From the amazing beaches, the road trips, the vineyard. It was like feeling the warmth of the sun on my skin and I had a great time reading this book as a distraction to the storm clouds outside my window. It gave me inspiration for future trips and definitely secured this location as a must visit!

The first half of this book is set in Australia, but there’s also a lot that happens after they return home, which shows the reality after a perfect holiday romance. Usually the flight home would be the end of the book and we’d be left pondering their happy-ever-after, but I actually really enjoyed the second half in London too. Life and relationships aren’t perfect and this often isn’t reflected in women’s fiction, but this showed us exactly how real life can have be both challenging and brilliant.

One thing I love to see is progress: before the honeymoon and meeting Patrick, Annie did what other people wanted her to. She never stood up to her Mum, she was practically grateful for Alexander for wanting to marry her and her job wasn’t fulfilling her. The trip, and Patrick, forces her to re-evaluate everything and she returns to the UK with a renewed sense of purpose about how her life is going to be lived. She makes huge career and life decisions and she is born into a new woman that I was strangely proud of!

Patrick is the best kind of man. Holly Bourne recently wrote it perfectly on Instagram, saying that Patrick is a great love interest because he has already done the work; he is not a bad boy that our leading lady has to work to ‘fix’ before he can fully love her. Not only is he lovely, honest and vulnerable, but he pushes Annie to be the best version of herself. For me, that is absolutely the definition of love, choosing someone who makes you a better you.

This book felt like sunshine and happiness and it was exactly what I needed on a dreary January weekend.

I loved Our Stop so had very high hopes for this and Laura didn't disappoint!!
This was such an adorable book and I could have kept reading for hours (housework ceased for the day in this house!!)
It was the perfect book to escape with and I just loved the scene setting it really transported me!
Cant wait to read more from Laura and her witty sense of humour!

Laura Jane Williams does it again! I adored Out Stop and equally love The Lucky Escape. As Laura says in her acknowledgements, it really is the perfect book for escapism. Commercial but has nuggets of wisdom and life advice tucked in there. It’s the book I’ll be telling people to read in 2021 because we all need some love and lightness like this.

The build-up to actually getting to the vacation took longer than expected, but I understood why the author did wrote it that way. It did help with establishing their relationship and characteristics and made it different than a traditional romance book to me. However, I felt there was a lot of repetitiveness in both of their behaviors which got to be annoying at points.

Having enjoyed the authors books before, I was very intrigued by this book. Jilted on her wedding day, Annie is devastated. She mopes for a little while before deciding to try and get back out there, bumping into old friend Patrick when she does.

Her in laws are ashamed about how their son treated her and tell her to go on the honeymoon regardless - and Patrick ends up going along for the ride! Now these must be very understanding in laws because even though their son was a piece of garbage, I doubt many people would allow another man to go on the holiday that they technically paid for!

It was nice to see Annie rekindle an old friendship and I loved the relationship between Annie and her little sister. Her mum was a little infuriating, overbearing and judgemental but it was nice to see them finally find some common ground.

I think the ending could have been a little stronger but overall this was a fantastic read.

*gifted in exchange for an honest review*

I love Laura Jane Williams books! Annie is a loveable character, and we instantly fell for her after she was left outside the church on her wedding day, by Alexander (who we instantly don't like). Patrick however, is an old friend of Annie's and when they catch up at boot camp, she knows he's not the type of man who would leaver her at the altar.

I loved following Annie's empowerment after losing her university love. She was strong and Patrick was the perfect example of a man to help her. It was a little predictable in the second half but that's ok.

My heart broke for Annie but being able to watch to flourish was lovely. She held back from making herself happy for so long and as she became more confined it was great to see the decisions she made for herself

Annie Wiig never expected to be left at the altar. She also never expected her ex-in-laws to force her to go on a lavish 3 week honeymoon to Australia either, but after 2 weeks of laying in bed and venturing to Barry’s Bootcamp, she realizes an Australian holiday might be what she needs. She also doesn’t expect to be reunited with Patrick Hummingbird from her days at theater camp, or to have him join her on her not-honeymoon. As Annie navigates the unexpected, she also navigates through self-discovery and realizes she made a lucky escape being left at the altar. Annie throws caution to the wind and starts to realize that she must expect the unexpected, and she must start living her life the way she wants. Starting with a possible romance in Australia with Patrick Hummingbird.

Let me preface this by saying I ADORED Our Stop, so I was over the moon to see another romance release from Laura Jane Williams. The Lucky Escape is a tender and sweet story with an overarching female empowerment message, and it was meaningful without taking itself too seriously. Fans of Beth O’Leary, Emily Henry and Christina Lauren will enjoy.

When Annie is dumped at the alter she is broken, she never saw it coming and was devastated. Throwing herself into trying a new bootcamp she meets an old acquaintance, Patrick, soon their friendship evolves into a security blanket she needs. When her ex’s mother suggests she still goes on the honeymoon with a friend she takes Patrick. His refreshing outlook on life is exactly what Annie needs to reevaluate her own life.
I really did love this book. It was funny, romantic and perfect to read during these strange times! Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

The Lucky Escape is just the dose of sweet and romantic escapism in you seek out in contemporary romcom. When Annie is jilted at the altar, her old friend Patrick comes to the rescue and over the course of an already paid for honeymoon, Annie comes to terms with truths about her ex, herself and her friend Patrick, who is obviously more than just a friend.
This story didn’t break any barriers or new ground, but it’s exactly the beach read you’re in search of for an assured HEA and an uncomplicated read.

How gorgeous is the cover of this book? Drew me right in!

As far as stories go, this is one of the more heartfelt romance books I've read and has one of the most independent characters I've read in a while! Annie, after being jilted at the alter is left to pick up the pieces of what went wrong with her almost marriage and ends up going on a honeymoon with a man she used to know. And that man is Patrick Hummingbird (I can't get over his surname, it's the sweetest!).

I loved Patrick, he's all you could want in a book boyfriend, seriously. Sweet, handsome, caring. Checks all the boxes.

This book wasn't all cupcakes and rainbows though, and I think that's what sets it apart. It deals with subjects such as love, loss and moving forward. The importance of finding oneself. The importance of not letting a relationship define you and of not letting a relationship take over you. We all know that someone who isn't treated fairly in a relationship, letting their own self worth slip away. This book really showed how one deals with discovering how they were treated in a relationship that didn't seem toxic while in it, but was found to be toxic when looking at it from a different perspective.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for the earc in return for an honest review.

Review based on an ARC provided by the publishers.

Another wonderful story from Laura Jane Williams.

After being jilted at the altar, Annie grieves the loss of her long term relationship to Alexander. She tries to get back on her feet, which leads to her meeting an old friend from her teenage years, Patrick. One wine-fueled evening out and Annie and Patrick travel to Australia together for Annie's three week holiday.

Of course sparks fly. However, just because Annie promised herself to say "yes" to opportunities coming her way from now on, doesn't mean this holiday fling would work out back in London. Especially not when Annie is faced with even more "yes-worthy" opportunities.

As mentioned above, I read an ARC of this book. I thought the last 20% were a bit rushed, but this might be smoothed out before the book hits the market. I'm looking forward to close my talons around a final copy of this book and adding it to my hoard - I mean shelves.

‘The Lucky Escape’ was the first book I’ve read by author Laura Jane Williams I will say it did not disappoint. I enjoyed Annie as a lead character and fell in love with Patrick’s free spirit, honesty and boy next door wholesome vibe. I think it’s important that the author shows that even when Annie gets her heart crushed she is able to pick herself back up and find herself again, and not just from a dating standpoint, but all the way around. I enjoy that it includes family, work and friends as well as her finding her way around her love life again.

This book was soooo good! OMG, I was laughing so hard in some parts I snorted, that’s how good this hook was!

I received an ARC copy of The Lucky Escape and I am oh so glad I did! I have not read any of Laura Jane Williams’ other books and I loved coming into this with a completely open mind. This is heartwarming story of bouncing back and finding love after feeling like you’ve lost it all. I loved everything about Annie’s character and in some ways I could directly relate. I couldn’t quite get on board with Patrick (I found him annoying), but their relationship evolved effortlessly, and I think he was exactly what Annie needed. Overall, it was a light hearted and enjoyable romantic comedy that will be at the top of summer beach read lists!

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.

What do you do after you are left standing at the alter? That is the question Annie finds herself trying to answer. After a chance meeting with Patrick, an old friend, Annie realizes that maybe she is not leading the life she really wants to. She decides that she is going to start saying Yes to chances that come along. One of those chances is going on what would have been her honeymoon in Australia with Patrick. This is her chance to find herself and possibly Mr. Right.

Publishing 6/10
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#NetGalley #TheLuckyEscape
#2021reads #readinginohio #bookstagram #booknerd #reading #readinglife

I received an advance copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. This is the first book I've read y Laura Jane Williams and I promise to read more as this was such a fun read! I personally loved this book. It was a great "beach" read in the middle of a snowstorm for me so It was a great escape to Australia. I loved the storyline and how hard Annie worked to find happiness after being left at the alter. I highly recommend this book!

When Annie is left standing at the altar on her wedding day she thinks that she has lost everything that matters. A chance encounter with an old friend and a honeymoon to take are impulsively seeming like a good idea. The holiday most people could only dream about in Australia turns into something more magical as friends become more. Can this become real when they get back home to England, or was it really just a holiday romance?

I was so glad to get approved for Laura's third book as I really enjoyed the previous pair; and I must admit to not being disappointed with The Lucky Escape.

Jilted outside the church, with her groom letting the wedding planner break the news, Annie is understandably devestated and struggling to piece her life together without Alexander, her college sweetheart and The One. When she finally tracks him down, Annie realises that things may not have been as perfect as she'd first thought and she starts moving on with her life. When she meets Patrick, a man from her past life as a theatre kid, Annie throws caution to the wind and drunkenly invites him on the honeymoon her not quite mother in law has insisted she still goes on.

Armed with the persona she thinks people want to see, Annie starts to come out of her shell, the more time that she spends with Patrick, the more she realises that she has been hiding her true self away.

This book was funny, heartwarming and at times a tad cringe but it was afantastic read. The second hand embarrassment was real several times haha. Definitely recommend this one, it is the perfect holiday read!

Oh my goodness - what a lovely book. It takes you from the emotional lows of being left at the altar to the beautiful skies of a honeymoon without a husband. The book is well told, with a witty input of humour as the trip around Australia puts the couple into new and awkward situations. The happy ever after in romantic terms is never guaranteed and it almost doesn't matter! The journey that Annie goes on, ably assisted by mad friends and an adorable little sister is worth it whatever happens to Annie and Patrick!

Another wonderfully charming romance from Laura Jane Williams. I absolutely adored this and ended up reading it in two sittings!

The Lucky Escape was an unexpected favorite. While I generally have a hard time connecting with characters living across the pond, I felt an immediate pull from Annie and Patrick. Who hasn’t been dumped or felt they needed a drastic change in their lives? While most of us haven’t dealt with a tragic end to a relationship, I connected with Patrick’s calm demeanour and quiet optimism. His apprehension diving into a new romance was relatable. I thoroughly enjoyed the easy banter, Australian honeymoon and blossoming romance. I found the story uplifting and heartwarming. A good 4 star read.

This was exactly the type of book I was needing to read! I loved every single page of it, and the characters completely pulled me in. Patrick is an absolute dream, and I found myself getting frustrated with Annie when she was doubting everything around her. I love Laura Jane Williams as an author, and this has just made me love her books even more!!

5/5!!!

Vacation in Australia with a hot new man friend? Sign me up! I only wish I had been summering in Australia while reading!

The Lucky Escape captured my attention from the start, and I flew through it. I personally enjoy romance novels with some depth past just the romance and The Lucky Escape delivered. The characters have different traumatic experiences in each of their pasts, but each learned to grow as a human and move forward with their lives and each other.

The only reason this was a 4 star for me was that I found Patrick to be whiny and annoying towards the end. He was doing SO well, but his attitude toward Annie and the things in her life about 75% of the way through was frustrating. But that definitely could just be me and my strong-willed, not-to-be controlled attitude.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this book to all my romance lovers!

Thanks to NetGalley and Avon for this ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.

I just loved this book. So what ...it was predictable?! That did not take away from the story but rather allowed me to sit back and enjoy the goings on. Thoroughly recommended

This was such a cute quick easy book! I will say it was bit predictable but that never took anything away from the book.
I love the story of this book! The characters were also a favorite of mine! The way they grew.
Overall this book is a must read!

I’ve read both of Laura Jane Williams’ other books and enjoyed them but this was my favourite of the the three. It made me feel like I’d had a holiday! I warmed to the main characters and really enjoyed their travels in Australia. Sure it was quite predictable but that’s what I wanted when I picked this up, a nice easy feel good read!

On the day that Annie is meant to marry her university sweetheart, Alexander, she is left at the alter and left wondering if her relationship wasn't as perfect as it seemed. She can't seem to see a way out of the pain and is questioning her life choices. Whilst trying to cope with what happened, she meets an old theatre friend, Patrick, at a bootcamp session and suddenly she is trying to be as carefree as he is. She vows to take life by the horns and do what actually makes her happy.

Annie decides to go on the honeymoon to Australia after persistence from Alexander's parents and after a drunken decision she takes Patrick along for the ride. Along the way, she discovers that there is more to Patrick than meets the eye and he is struggling with his own pain. Will they help each other to move on or will the holiday make things more complicated for when they get back home?!

I really felt for Annie and I cannot imagine how humiliating it must be to have been left at the alter. I thought Alexander was spineless and definitely not the star in the relationship. She was quite an indecisive character but I think she is so lost and unsure of herself that she doesn't want to make the wrong decision. It's hard knowing what is the right decision and making changes when you are settled in your life can be tricky. I also really wanted to steal Annie's dog Carol, I absolutely adore King Charles Spaniels and it made me want one even more. Patrick was an incredibly patient guy and very mature for a male character. He was supportive, cheesy and cracked me up at times.

I loved Freddie who is Annie's little sister and am secretly hoping that Laura Jane Williams will write a book about her, she sounds like she is going to be a force of nature and definitely a handful as an adult. I definitely feel there is a story there and it would be nice to see Annie again down the line. Annie's mum was a piece of work and I was jumping with joy when she finally stood up to her!

I really enjoyed reading The Lucky Escape, it was an easy-read and I got swept up in the story. It was all very Sex and The City like and the perfect escape from reality. It was an entertaining romance story and it will be a lovely beach read in the summer.

A good light read which would be ideal when on holiday. Annie is jilted on her wedding day and reacts like you would expect, however I was surprised at the amount of time between the wedding day and the planned honeymoon. Were the newlyweds going back to work between the two? I can only imagine they were as Annie was given extra leave on top of the planned time off for going away. The idea of her (should have been) future in-laws telling her she should still go and paying for the first class airline ticket name change for another man to go with her did seem rather unbelievable but then if the were rich enough to do so, why not.
The honeymoon was good and enjoyable to read about with the characters easy to empathise with.

So cute! I laughed out loud during several parts and had a goofy smile on my face during a lot of this book! It is the perfect pick me up book! Light fun easy read highly recommend!

I always love a good Williams book and this one certainly did not disappoint. I am a sap for vacation romances which is what led me here to begin with, but I am definitely glad I stayed.

Annie ends up being dumped at her own wedding and left not knowing what to do with her life. When she bumps into an old friend, Patrick, she decides to be a bit more spontaneous. Annie’s would be in laws are adamant that she should go on the honeymoon anyway and has no problems with her taking Patrick with her.

This book had such a fun idea behind it. I imagine that if I had been in Annie’s situation then I would like to think that I’d take up the honeymoon as well, rather than it go to waste. It was nice that there was a bit of a lead up to this part of the story though instead of it just being rushed into.

I loved the Australian setting but I wanted more. Some parts, Sydney in particular, seemed really rushed. Certain parts of the story could have been fleshed out a little more, just so it didn’t seem like some parts were skipped.

I also thought that there was a bit too much emphasis on the diversity of characters. Everything seemed a bit overkill for me. Some things could have been added in a more subtle way without it seeming like something was being forced.

However, although I had a few niggles, I did really enjoy this book. It was a fun read,

I loved this book! It was heartwarming and strong. It was exactly what I needed with everything going on in the world! A happy little escape!

Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Annie was excited about marrying Alexander, but was shocked when he left her at the alter. Annie decides to say to every opportunity she is offered. I enjoyed the chemistry between Annie and her friend Patrick.

The Path Of True Love Never Did Run Smooth❣️

Annie is jilted on her wedding day, her now ex contacts the wedding planner to give his excuses. After trying to come to terms with what's happened, memories of how she and Alexander met, their past, Annie needs to decide what's next... After bumping into a face from her past, Patrick whom she knew from her childhood, a night of free flowing conversation and alcohol, Annie agreed to take Patrick on her non honeymoon. With a start of the new day and a clear head, Annie's not so sure this is a good idea. After much deliberation, Annie decided to go with it, and the story unfolds from here...

The Lucky Escape is full of highs and lows for Annie, events over time eventually making her take a look at her life and stand up for herself, where the old Annie would've let it go. A great read with humour, romance and heartbreak, a book you can lose yourself in. For me this is my favourite book from Laura Jane Williams so far, would be good to read a sequel to this to see where the main characters go. Look forward to reading more from this author.

What a fun read! I started reading The Lucky Escape in the days surrounding my decision to postpone my own upcoming wedding due to the ongoing pandemic - and what a welcome relief it has been from that stress! The Lucky Escape has excellent character building, and transported me from the same four walls I’ve seen nothing other than for the last 11 months in the snowy UK to the heat of Australia. I felt I was on my own luxury holiday with Annie, experiencing the wider world again - such a treat. A little slow to pick up, it took me a while to get into, but once Annie got on the plane, everything fell into place and began to race along (something I recall feeling when reading Our Stop a few years ago too). The Lucky Escape is perfect reading for a pandemic year, and one I’m certain people are going to find a lot of comfort in. Would definitely recommend.

This was a fun read. I really liked the situation that Annie is put in right at the start, it leads to a great character arc through the course of the novel. I also enjoyed her moments with Patrick and found myself smiling through reading them.

Funny and sarcastic, full of love and friendship, the Split is the book you’ll need on a grey day, believe me. The story is about Ally, she goes to stay with her dad in Sheffield after her girlfriend Emily broke up with her, so she decides that she will take Emily’s cat… Because this is the only way Ally thinks that her ex will talk to her again. But, in Sheffield Ally will reconnect with Jeremy, an old friend who will convince her to make a marathon together to make their exes a little bit jealous. Their friendship will help them to recover from their breakups and see things in a new perspective; and maybe find some new love?
This is a sweet and emotive story, easy to fall in love with the characters and understand Ally’s bitterness. Because in a relationship there are a lot of things that can go wrong, is not something linear and both parts of the couple have their guilt for the break up.
I had some good laughs during this read and I loved that the story is full of LGBT characters, it’s time that we can find good books with all type of characters! Ready for “The Split”?

A wonderful romcom telling the story is a jilted bride that decides that instead of moping, she is going to change her life around. Highly recommended!

I haven't read much till I started this book and it's given me the push to read again it's brill and the characters really are set out in this.

Cant wait to read more.

The Lucky Escape had The Unhoneymooners vibes but set on the opposite side of the world.

When we first meet Annie, she's in absolute shock after being left at the altar. Not too long after reconnecting with an old camp friend, Patrick, she's given the opportunity to take her three week honeymoon anyway. Of course, she takes Patrick as her plus one. And the rest is history.

What I liked most about The Lucky Escape was Annie's character development. Over the course of the story, she learns to love herself for who she is and she learns to stand up for herself and what she wants. She learns to advocate for her wants and needs, instead of constantly submitting to everyone around her.

While I liked the relationship between Annie and Patrick, Annie's inner dialogue when they first got together was a bit juvenile. It just didn't seem to fit with the rest of the book.

Overall, though, this was an enjoyable read and my favorite so far by Laura Jane Williams.

THE LUCKY ESCAPE - LAURA JANE WILLIAMS 3.5/5 ⭐️

When the day comes for her to marry her longtime sweetheart, Alexander, Annie gets unexpectedly heartbroken when she is left at the altar with little more than an email sent to the wedding planner by way of explanation.

After reuniting with a friend from long ago, Patrick reminds her of how she used to be: more carefree, less calculated. She makes a vow to herself that she will say yes to every opportunity that comes her way, including her honeymoon. Patrick convinces her to allow him the extra ticket to Australia, where they slowly but surely seek solace in the heartbreak that they have endured.

Could this “yes” be the change Annie has been looking for her whole life, or is she setting herself up to suffer through another broken heart?

It took a while for my attention to be grabbed when I started this book. The first third of the book is mostly Annie discussing her heartbreak with her close friends and sister, the second part is the honeymoon, and the last part is when they return. The first part of the book was pretty boring and repetitive, but when I got to the honeymoon is when things started getting interesting. When they got home from Australia, the book fell really flat unfortunately. The sweet and bubbly relationship that formed between the couple suddenly becomes flighty. I was happy with the ending, besides feeling that it was abrupt and we didn’t really get to see anything bloom.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Avon books, and Laura Jane Williams for an ARC!

I loved loved loved this book! The setting of Australia, Annie finding her. True self, and Patrick learning how to respect his past while moving on in the future just made the story brilliant! I laughed out loud, I felt sad, and most of all I smiled with glee. This will become one of my most recommended rom coms!

The Lucky Escape by Laura Jane Williams was just what I needed after two months of snow, a lockdown winter, and a struggle to focus on reading. The story is everything I've come to expect from Laura's take on modern romance, with a bit of a twist: Annie is stood up at the altar by her parter of 10 years, but in the aftermath decides to go on the five star honeymoon to Australia anyway – with an old friend she’s recently reconnected with. There are family, friendship, and career storylines interwoven around the central romance too, and overall this really was the fun, lighthearted virtual "escape" to the sun I needed!

This was a fast, fun read. I loved how both the characters grew separately and together. I would hope for it to resonate with some readers who find themselves in Annie's spot to see things can be changed anytime. Also Patrick sounds dreamy!!

Thanks to #netgalley and #avonbooksUK for this #arc of The Lucky Escape. After her wedding gets cancelled Annie has a chance meeting with Patrick, a friend from her past. They decide to go on her pre-planned honeymoon together. What follows is a lovely book about second chances, true love, and finding our true paths.
I enjoyed this book, but honestly felt like Williams took a bit too long to get to the actual honeymoon part, and then it was over a little too soon. Parts of the book felt a bit out of place, Annie's job was important in the plot, but needed to be fleshed out a bit more. All in all, I enjoyed this book and would read more of Williams's books.

I loved this book! If you are a fan of Laura Jane Williams you will love this book or if you're into RomComs.

I loved the slowish burn of Annie and Patrick and how the book kept me guessing until the end about whether of not they'd end up together. Usually with a romcom you can tell from the very begging however not this one!

I also really enjoyed Annies journey of self discovery throughout. By the end she is putting herself first and it is truly the love story of this book!

I usually get gripped by Laura Jane Williams' writing in the first few pages, on this occasion it took me a few chapters. I'm SO glad I never gave up on it though.

From chapter 20 onwards, I was gripped. Seeing romance blossom between two friends was exactly how things happen in real life and I think LJW put it perfectly. With the Honeymoon being set in Australia, that made me even more interested as I love it there and knew most of the places which were visited - good job!

Just one final thing to add, I love Patrick!

Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for this ARC - Loved it!

Annie and Alexander have been together for 10 years, and on the day of their wedding Alexander doesn’t show up. Weeks later Annie is trying to move on when she bumps into an old friend from her childhood. After meeting up with Patrick and his ‘grab life by the balls’ attitude, Annie decides to go on her honeymoon taking Patrick with her.

This is a journey of self discovery and moving on from the life you always expected to have.

This was a lighthearted read perfect for the beach or, in my case, after reading a heavy book to help lighten the mood. Although I didn't get too attached to the characters, I did like Patrick and how he and Annie's relationship grew. This book had a very Sex and the City vibe to it, so if you like that you'll probably enjoy this as well.

***Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me an advanced copy of this book!

I loved this book. It starts sad for Annie as she is jilted at the isle after being with who she thought was the love of her life after 10 years together. But not to be, after a few weeks of hiding from the world. Annie decides to start running again, one morning she sees a book camp session and decides to join. She begins to enjoy the hard work and the stress relief. After one session, a man shouts her name. Not wanting to engage she hastily leaves. But at the next session he says hi again and after a little chat she realises he is a happy reminder of her past. Patrick has an aura about him that makes Annie feel safe, understood and generally liked. On a drunken afternoon she asks Patrick to accompany her on her “not”, honeymoon. Over the weeks away they become closer and realise they have feelings for each other. But is it too soon??

I thought this was such a cute romance book! Without spoiling too much, it is a cute destination romance with some fun uses of the setting. I thought the characters and dialogue were great, and the writing style was easy to digest and read. What a great book!

Firstly, Laura Jane Williams is one of my favourite authors. I have read other books from her and loved them, she has me hooked all the time and this was no different.

Annie is one of the unluckiest brides, being jilted at the alter is one of the worst things I can think of when emotions are already high on what is meant to be the happiest day of Annie's life. The book takes you through the stages of what I can only imagine being Annie accepting she's been left at the alter and how she moves on with her life, accepting what's happened - she's one strong woman!

Thank you so much Laura and Netgalley for allowing me to read this ARC. It was one of the most exciting emails I've had all year!

Annie has one of the most humiliating things happen: she’s jilted on her wedding day. Bolstered by her close friends, she embarks on the honeymoon with someone from her past and a new romance is kindled. I liked Annie. I thought there was a lot of growth for her during the story. . There are several really good showdown scenes that aren’t to be missed. I cheered her on as she found her backbone. I winced at some parts when I didn’t think she was being fair to Patrick. The person who almost stole the entire book was Freddie. Although only 13, she had more sense than the adults. The cover is great.

Ooo y'all I loved this book! Seriously kept my attention the whole way through. Loved the main character, she was very relatable. Great writing as well. Cannot wait for the next read from Laura Jane Williams!

When Annie is left at the alter on her wedding day she is broken hearted. In the end she decides to go on her honeymoon and take Patrick, an old friend she is reacquainted with at the gym. The story is reasonably predictable but not in a bad read. This would be a perfect holiday read.

I found The Lucky Escape to be a very cute, light hearted read. If we’re being honest, I think we are all ready for an escape right now, so this book was perfect. If you're looking for a read that is packed with adventure, seeking self-love, a free honeymoon to Australia, and a handsome man that brings out the best side in you, then I recommend this one for you! Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC!

Hilariously entertaining and super enjoyable. This book is the very best brain candy meant to be devoured in one sitting.

The Lucky Escape by Laura Jane Williams was a bit of a slow start for me. I couldn't really get into it and the story line of the jilted bride left at the alter felt flat and cliche. But when Annie goes on the honeymoon without her husband and learns how to truly be herself - the plot quickly became much more interesting (and romantic!). The rest of the book flew by and I couldn't wait to see what happened to Annie at the end. If you like romantic stories with a HEA, this is a cute story. I would definitely try other books by this author!

Laura Jane Williams never disappoints. Romantic and charming but still real, the best book to disappear into during the pandemic.. a lucky escape.

This was a delightful “beach read”. It was the perfect mix of fun and flirty mixed with heartbreak and self discovery.

This was the first book I’ve read by this author. I’ll definitely read more in the future.

Thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for allowing me to read this e-book.

Review of The Lucky escape

Really enjoyed this book. Great characters and character development along with a good story arc. Recommended

The Lucky Escape would be the perfect beach read! Annie finds herself left at the altar by her fiancé Alexander. When the opportunity arises to go on their honeymoon anyway, she finds the she really does want to go. It would be a nice escape from the reality of her situation at home. When she unexpectedly runs into an old childhood friend, she decides to give him the spare ticket and together they embark on the "not a honeymoon-honeymoon."

Annie has lived her entire life pleasing others, making sure not to rock the boat, and sacrificing her own wants in order to keep the peace around her. She's finally realizing that she hasn't been developing authentic relationships because she hasn't been presenting her true self. Most of her life has been an act of pleasing others and trying to fit into a particular mold instead of going after what would truly make her happy.

Laura Jane Williams does an excellent job of developing Annie's character. I could feel Annie struggling to find her bearings but she never seemed whiny or wishy-washy to me. It was a genuine growth and process of maturing that took place. The Lucky Escape covered some deeper issues, but still kept the tone light and would make for an enjoyable summer read!

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was such a sweet book.. I loved that it was just as much about friendship and family, as it was about romance. I found Annie, the main character, and her friends and family very likable and Patrick, the new boyfriend, seems like the perfect guy. It made me wish I could go on a honeymoon to Australia just like them!

First off, what a beautiful cover, it enraptures the warmth of the book perfectly and gravitated me towards it.

It would have been wonderful to read to escape dreary Ireland and fly across the world to somewhere exotic under the sun to read this book, it was a light read that had smiling from ear to ear, there was no unnecessary drama which I lode in books and the romance was the sweetest thing!

It's definitely a book I will read time and time again but giving 4 stars because it didn't give me that "Wow-Factor" that most books (for me) cannot reach.

A predictable yet enjoyable destination romance story that starts with a bride being jilted, re-uniting with an old friend, and a nice love story developing throughout.

I want to thank the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me a digital ARC in exchange of my honest review.

I loved this book!
A classic rom-com with a twist of self "awakening", perfect beach read too.
I found myself relating to Annie a lot throughout the book, from the start to very end i could feel how she felt perfecly, thanks to the author's amazing writing.
I fell in love with the character's development and Patrick's part too. Their chemistry was something else, something beyond everything.

Friendship, family and love are the center of this piece, how we build this relationships, deal with them and how they become healthier or the complete opposite. It is definitely a book about self improvement and discover.

I have read all of Laura’s books and can confirm this is my favourite. A blast of summer romance which we all need after a rough 12 months

As always she is very conscious of inclusivity and all of her books have an air of modern life - touching on relevant topics for the times.
I loved Annie, and watching her journey of self discovery after being jilted on her wedding day. She is a likeable character and her internal understandings of her own sense of worth and how they have been tied to her romantic relationships is something a lot of people will be able to relate to. I also loved the dynamics of her friendship group - different friends for different roles but united in one thing - their strong love for Annie. Where can I find myself a Patrick... !

Thank you for the advanced copy. I throughly enjoyed this!

I received this as an arc from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you!

I really enjoyed this books. I found the author's writing easy to follow and had a good flow. The beginning of the book was a little slow, just waiting for some more action to happen. However, it wasn't boring for me.

Annie gets left at the alter when her long time boyfriend Alexander decides to call it off via a text to the wedding planner. Annie is devastated and lost. Her almost-were in-laws convice her to go on the nonrefundable honeymoon anyways. Annie meets an old friend from childhood camp, Patrick and he convinces her to go on the honeymoon- and bring him with! Australia here they come! They find themselves and each other on the beaches of Australia. But can they keep it going back in London?

I loved reading Annie and Patrick's time in Australia and wanted more of that and less of the beginning half of the story after Annie was left at the alter. It was fun to grow along with Annie as she rediscovered herself and realized the break-up wasn't the end of the world.

It was hard seeing Annie and Patrick become so distanced when they got back to the reality of life in London. They went from being amazing at communication and discussion to completely not communicating to one another at all. They just dropped the ball and that was incredibly frustrating. It took a 13 year old to kick Annie in gear and realize that she loved Patrick and she was okay with moving on so quickly.

One of the hardest parts of this book for me was Annie and her mom's relationship, and that her dad really didn't do anything to try and help. Annie's mom was so hard on her and unreasonably so. The dad would just clam up and not try and defend Annie or say anything to the mom about her behavior. I thought the way the mom came around in the end was too quick and unrealistic. There were years and years worth of hurtful words and feelings from her to just suddenly turn around the way that she did.

All in all, I would have loved more Annie and Patrick on vacation and less sad, ditched Annie in the beginning. Overall I give this a 4/5.

This was such a fun lighthearted story that i managed to read in one day. I wasn’t sure about Patrick to begin with as i thought Annie wasn’t in the right head space to go away with him but he soon grew on me.!

Highly recommend!

A huge thank-you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for this e-arc of The Lucky Escape by Laura Jane Williams.

"If you could just put yourself at the centre of your own world for one second you'd see how much you deserve to be there."

Over the years, I've developed a love-hate relationship with contemporary romance. On the one hand, it's nice to have something light and fluffy to read when you need a mood-booster. On the other hand, I tend to feel frustrated that most of these books lack substance or originality. I've begun to pick up the genre with the assumption that I'll be somewhat disappointed or left wanting more.

So naturally, you can understand my excitement over the fact that The Lucky Escape had the perfect blend of everything a good rom-com should possess. Some chapters caused me to bubble over with deep belly-laughs. Others incited inspiration (note: I was very thankful that I read a digital copy of this novel because I do not like marking my physical books and this way, I was able to highlight to my heart's content). A few times, I even shed tears. I found myself quickly becoming wrapped up in Annie's story and loving every second of it!

There was less predictability in this plot than I originally expected, which I loved. I kept having moments where I would begin to cringe, thinking I knew what would come next, only to be pleasantly surprised!

I appreciated that The Lucky Escape focused a lot on the importance of friendships and sibling relationships. There was as much - if not more - emphasis on this as there was on the romance element. The sweet nicknames Annie and Freddie had for each other warmed my heart and I loved the serious support system that the Core Four provided.

If you find me sitting in a corner, writing sonnets for Patrick, don't be surprised. This cinnamon roll of a man has to be one of my favorite love interests of all time. Truthfully, I could spend forever telling you about how phenomenal he is - and he's not even an unrealistic "dream guy" sort of character. He has depth and soul and a seriously inspirational perspective on life.

This book is currently living rent-free in my mind. Every time I put it down to do my work or run errands, etc., I immediately missed it and wanted to pick it back up again to continue reading. It took virtually no time at all to make it on my list of favorite contemporary romance novels! I will certainly be reading it again and again.

I loved this book! The characters were nice, the story was fun and light without being too fluffy, and some of the scenes actually made me laugh out loud!

When I read what this one was about, I knew it would be up my alley. I have really been loving romances lately and I did enjoy this one!

I loved the first two thirds of this book. The last third did lose me a bit.

I will start with the things I loved. Annie’s initial shock after the wedding getting called off was super real. I felt her emotions and sadness while reading it. I thought her meeting Patrick felt natural and it was nice to read about.

I loved the entire portion of them being in Australia. I couldn’t put the book down at this point. I loved Annie and Patrick’s banter. I also really enjoyed the side characters of this book. They added just enough to the book but it didn’t over do it.

Where I started to lose interest was when they left Australia. I felt like Annie and Patrick both changed and were acting very different from how they were in the first chunk of the book. I also felt like it was just dragging on. I felt myself skimming the highly descriptive paragraphs that I didn’t think were super necessary.

Overall, I would still recommend this if you are looking for a nice light read with a bit of an escape. Thank you to Netgalley and Avon books UK for the ARC in exchange for a review.

3.5 Stars Rounded up to 4

Now that I’ve read two books by Laura can I officially call her one of my favorite authors? Her writing style is like being carried along a river. Effortless. Beautiful. I so enjoyed the characters and desperately wish I was at a beach now.

Sometimes you pick up a book and know from the first few lines that you are going to love it and that’s what I felt with this one. I was actually quite sad when it ended as I had really invested in Annie and Patrick. When Annie gets dumped at the alter a chance meeting of an old friend from summer camp spirals into her going on what should have been her dream honeymoon with him. Even though things are not as she had planned them Annie and Patrick find that maybe everyone needs some space and time to realise life is for the taking and in each other find themselves again. Loved it!!

This book is such a feel good story! Although I knew right at the beginning what was going to happen at the end, I still really enjoyed the story; if not that is why I enjoyed it so much. I felt like I was Annie’s friend and was going on the emotional journey with her; she was such a greatly written character. Laura Jane Williams is such an amazing author, she writes so well and I have loved every single one of her books that I have read; can’t wait for the next.

I read this book through an ARC from NetGalley and Avon UK, so thank you!

Having read and enjoyed “Our Stop” I was excited to read this new book and it did not disappoint! It is a romance and light reading, so don’t expect something else, but I quite enjoyed it!

The beginning of the boom is a bit slower than I had expected, but well done. I liked Annie and adored Freddie and most of the other characters!

The Australia bit was great and I certainly feel Wanderlust!

Overall a great book, already looking forward to Laura’s next one!

𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘆𝗺𝗼𝗼𝗻.
𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗴𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝗻.
𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺... 𝗵𝗲’𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗵𝘂𝘀𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗱..

Annie and Alexander were uni sweethearts, after being together for 10 years it’s finally time to make it official and tie the knot! But Alexander gets cold feet. After being jilted at the alter and festering in misery, Annie decides to still take the honeymoon.

I loved Annie’s journey of self discovery, opening up to new experiences and vowing to do what she wants to do rather than what other people expect of her. The bond with her sister is adorable, her friends are the best and I want to cuddle Patrick.

I loved the diversity of characters and I loved Willy gate.

This book was a cute, witty, modern romance which I found pretty predictable but still really enjoyable.

I really liked this book. It grabbed my attention from the beginning and kept it until the end. It tugs at all the emotions. It went a bit deeper than the typical rom com. While it was an easy, light read this story really makes you feel. I enjoyed watching how Annie and Patrick’s characters developed throughout the book. They had to work through a lot and rediscover themselves on many levels. I would definitely like to read an update on them in the future.

Thank you Avon Books UK for the ARC.

Annie is a fairytale bride - and her life is the picture of perfection. College sweethearts about to be wed, it's the perfect life.
Except it's not.
Especially when she arrives at the wedding venue with her 13yr old little sister and father only to have the wedding planner tell her that today....was not going to go as planned...and he had texted the wedding planner that he wasn't coming. But the honeymoon in Australia has already been booked and paid for, so when her 'no longer about to be in-laws' insist Annie still take the trip, she does.
But just like the wedding, it's not the honeymoon she imagined.

The Lucky Escape is Annie's journey back to herself - finding out who she is when she stops living her life based on the expectations of others. It's witty, fun, romantic, engaging, and real. A chick-lit read that goes beyond the fluff that you expect from the genre, it a heat-warming and uplifting way.

This was such a lovely book to read. I enjoyed that it was just as much about friendship and family, as it was about romance. The romance between Annie and Patrick was exciting and the side characters in the book added really well to the story (Freddie and Adzo were my favourites). Would recommend this as the perfect beach book.

I adored The Lucky Escape: it was the perfect escapist read during a miserable third lockdown and gave me exactly the excitement and travel I was craving. Australia was amazing, and the characters were three-dimensional and believable.

I really enjoyed the relationship between main character Annie and her little sister, and also her best friends. The budding love between her and Patrick during their trip was just lovely, and I was rooting for them to get together. What a dude Patrick is! Annie’s character arc was very satisfying - I loved the way she developed through the course of this story.

Our Stop - by the same author - was one of my favourite reads of 2019, and I must admit that I didn’t take to her follow up The Love Square in the same way, but The Lucky Escape is definitely a 5 star read and I think it might have just become my favourite Laura Jane Williams book. It was such a JOY to read.

With thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and author for this ARC.

The Lucky Escape, by Laura Jane Williams, is escapist fiction at its finest. When Annie is left at the alter, she decides to go on her honeymoon anyway -- bringing along a childhood friend she hasn't seen in years. What follows is a lovely exploration of love and loss, set against the gorgeous backdrop of a fantastic vacation in Australia.

The best part of The Lucky Escape is surely the descriptions of the luxurious vacation the main characters experience. After a year stuck at home, it was an absolute pleasure to read all about expensive air travel, gorgeous hotels, and fancy resorts. A close second, however, is the relationship between Annie and childhood friend Patrick, who are funny and charming, and very real.

The book dives into some heavy topics, and handles them deftly. Annie's family feel fleshed out and important, and her friends are a truly charming group of people, all of whom it is easy to believe are having all sorts of adventures just off page. Overall, The Lucky Escape is, in fact, a wonderful escape -- and a great read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for the ARC!

CW: spousal death

Clever, an easy way to pass the day. I’d recommend to anyone who wants an authentic, entertaining book to read for any occasion. A bit of unexpected romance isn’t a bad thing.

I was kindly gifted an ARC of this book via NetGalley and I am so pleased to have been able to read it early! After enjoying Laura’s previous books and seeing a Q&A with her via Beth’s Book Club I was excited to read The Lucky Escape.

Like the author’s other books, this was an easy, light hearted read. I genuinely laughed out loud whilst reading at times and loved the setting of Australia.

I liked most of the characters including the side characters (mainly Annie’s little sister) and appreciated the inclusiveness of people from different cultures, races, sexualities without it being forced or a ‘thing’ - just an accurate reflection on the variety of people we meet in every day life.

It took a little while to warm to Annie but I loved Patrick from the offset - I predicted pretty much straight away something genuinely heartbreaking was going to be revealed to have happened to him but I think it added depth to his character and didn’t feel like a forced part of the story.

I have read some criticism of Annie’s character and her ‘I am strong and don’t need a man’ attitude being contradicted but I personally just saw that as being very real...taking a personal journey of change isn’t smooth sailing and being human means sometimes contradicting yourself so again, I think it just added some realness to the story.

Overall I gave the book 4 stars - looking forward to any future books from Laura Jane Williams!

The Lucky Escape was a great fun light hearted read that had me laughing out loud many times.
When I was reading about the scene in the spa I had tears streaming down my face laughing.

I loved how Annie grew as a person throughout the book, and it felt like a real journey with her.


This is a book I would definitely recommend to others who enjoy this genre.