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Review of Lucky in Love

07.19.2017 by Jen Ryland // 22 Comments

Review: Lucky in Love - original photo of the book cover by Jen RylandReview: Lucky in Love

by Kasie West

To be published on July 25, 2017 by Point

Synopsis from Goodreads: Maddie doesn’t believe in luck. She’s all about hard work and planning ahead. But one night, on a whim, she buys a lottery ticket. And then, to her astonishment — she wins!
In a flash, Maddie’s life is unrecognizable. No more stressing about college scholarships. Suddenly, she’s talking about renting a yacht. And being in the spotlight at school is fun… until rumors start flying, and random people ask her for loans. Now, Maddie isn’t sure who she can trust. Except for Seth Nguyen, her funny, charming coworker at the local zoo. Seth doesn’t seem aware of Maddie’s big news. And, for some reason, she doesn’t want to tell him. But what will happen if he learns her secret?

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My review of Lucky in Love:

Kasie West has written a cute contemporary that’s an ideal summer read. While I didn’t find it perfect, there was a lot to like.

Maddie is a (supposedly) responsible girl who’s laser- focused on college and her future. But then, on her eighteenth birthday, she impulsively buys a lottery ticket, and her whole life is changed – and not necessarily for the better.

I think my favorite part of Lucky in Love was the way it showed how Maddie’s life gets turned upside-down after she wins the lottery.

One minute, she’s volunteering at the zoo with Seth, her cute co-worker, and the next, she’s gifting huge amounts of money to friends and family. Can money buy happiness? Does money change relationship dynamics in sometimes unexpected and unpleasant ways? No and yes.  I felt bad for Maddie because she seemed to be the only adult in her family, and when she won the money, she didn’t really have anyone to give her solid advice. I also loved the scenes of her working at the zoo. All West’s comtemporaries feature romances that are PG-rated, making her books a good pick for tweens as well as older YA readers. On the negative side, the romantic connection in this book between Maddie and Seth was a little underwhelming – maybe there was just too much else going on?

In short: Lucky in Love is a cute contemporary that’s on the fluffier and more PG side, but still worth a read if that is what you are looking for.

Looking for more YA rom coms? Here are all my favorites in one place!

Categories // Reviews Tags // YA, YA contemporary, YA romance

About Jen Ryland

Over 12 years of book blogging and reviewing, I have read over 1500 books. A fair and honest reviewer who loves book discussions, I'm here to help you find a book you'll love to read AND give you a place to talk about it and ask questions.
Find me on Instagram and Pinterest as @jenryland!

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22 Comments
Karen (@teamsheltie)
9 years ago

a) I can see your post on the home page b) I appear to be able to comment & c) this sounds cute 🙂

For What It’s Worth

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Jen Ryland
9 years ago
Reply to  Karen (@teamsheltie)

Thanks so much!!! Her books are always cute I think….

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Tammy V.
9 years ago

I haven’t read any of them yet but I think Wesley James Ruined My Life looks like a perfect summer read.

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Jen Ryland
9 years ago
Reply to  Tammy V.

Love the cover on that one – I picked it as my cover of the week on my Instagram!

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Kate Puleo Unger
9 years ago

Sounds cute! I’d read it. 🙂

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Jen Ryland
9 years ago
Reply to  Kate Puleo Unger

It was – the lottery aspect was fun, but as an animal lover I couldn’t get enough of her volunteer job at the zoo!

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Lauren
9 years ago

This one sounds so adorable! I had no idea that it was about a lottery winner. I read Kasie’s The Distance Between Us earlier this summer and thought it was a cute summer read so I’m sure I’d enjoy this one. Great review!

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Jen Ryland
9 years ago
Reply to  Lauren

I think I’ve read all her books! I hope she will write more paranormals!

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Kaitlin Gillespie
9 years ago

I will probably agree with everything you said, but I’ve read Kasie West for years now, so I’ll definitely read this one too. Sometimes it’s nice just to read a fluffy book.

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Jen Ryland
9 years ago
Reply to  Kaitlin Gillespie

Could not agree more!

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Dedezoomsalot (@DedeZoomsalot)
9 years ago

I feel so behind the times — haven’t read any of K. West’s books!

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Jen Ryland
9 years ago
Reply to  Dedezoomsalot (@DedeZoomsalot)

If you like paranormal, try her duology: Pivot Point and Split Second!

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Sara @ Forever 17 Books
9 years ago

Every time she spent money I was yelling in my head wondering how her parents could let some of the spending happen, especially the long lost uncle. Yikes! But I really did enjoy Seth. I wish we gotten a little more of them together. I don’t always like fluffy novels but I do like how Kasie West does them. 🙂

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Jen Ryland
9 years ago
Reply to  Sara @ Forever 17 Books

lol we are such moms! I bet I can guess your results on my Lotto Winner Quiz (Wed post!)
And yes, exactly on the romance. I felt that because she was hiding things from him, I didn’t really get to see them as a couple. But they were super-cute as friends!

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Grace @ Rebel Mommy Book Blog
9 years ago

I thought this one was quick and adorable which is what I expect from a Kasie West book. Definitely not perfect but that’s ok. Greta review!

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Jen Ryland
9 years ago
Reply to  Grace @ Rebel Mommy Book Blog

Yes, I think that is her niche! And it’s a good niche!

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Olivia-Savannah
9 years ago

This is one of the ones I have. I have heard a lot about Kasie West but I haven’t actually ever tried any of her books before, so I am looking forward to flying breaking into this author. It sounds light and simple, a quick contemporary!

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Jen Ryland
9 years ago
Reply to  Olivia-Savannah

Yep – exactly what it is. Hope you enjoy!

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Since 2011, I have been guiding avid readers toward books they will love and offering a friendly place to discuss them. I publish honest reviews that will help you decide if a book is right for you! Let's talk books! See my full bio!

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