all characters wanted
  • Book Reviews
    • Reviews by Book Title
    • Reviews by Posting Date >
      • Book Reviews: 2020
      • Book Reviews: 2019
      • Book Reviews: 2018
      • Book Reviews: 2017
    • Rating System
  • Other Musings
    • Monthly Wrap Ups
    • Recipes
  • About
  • Contact

Book Reviews

Chasing Lucky by Jenn Bennett

1/25/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
SYNOPSIS
Budding photographer Josie Saint-Martin has spent half her life with her single mother, moving from city to city. When they return to her historical New England hometown years later to run the family bookstore, Josie knows it’s not forever. Her dreams are on the opposite coast, and she has a plan to get there.

What she doesn’t plan for is a run-in with the town bad boy, Lucky Karras. Outsider, rebel…and her former childhood best friend. Lucky makes it clear he wants nothing to do with the newly returned Josie. But everything changes after a disastrous pool party, and a poorly executed act of revenge lands Josie in some big-time trouble—with Lucky unexpectedly taking the blame.
Determined to understand why Lucky was so quick to cover for her, Josie discovers that both of them have changed, and that the good boy she once knew now has a dark sense of humor and a smile that makes her heart race. And maybe, just maybe, he’s not quite the brooding bad boy everyone thinks he is…
Synopsis from Goodreads

PERSONAL REVIEW
Jenn Bennett's Alex, Approximately is a book I love to reread because it's flirty and fun, so of course I was excited to pick up Bennett's newest book, Chasing Lucky. While I synopsis seemed a bit predictable, I was still willing to give the book a chance. And while it was a quick and fluffy read, it wasn't the book I was hoping for.

Josie Was Annoying
There were a lot of moments in this book where I found myself wanting to give Josie a good talking to. She spends so much time lamenting the trials of her life but fails to have any real empathy for the people around her. This is especially annoying when it comes to Lucky, the guy who literally does everything he can to make her happy, and she is apparently content to simply let him. It was never really clear what Lucky saw in her, because I really think he was too good for her.  

Loved Lucky and His Family
​Lucky is the perfectly stereotypical "misunderstood bad boy with a heart of gold" boy, who is basically anything but a bad boy. All the rumours about him come from the fact that he basically spends his time rescuing people, something that is both admirable and a bit annoying because he takes the burden all on himself. However, his family is adorable and I love how supportive his parents are. It's always great to see strong families and parents in novels!

Abusive Relationship Isn't Properly Address
The biggest problem I have with this book is how poorly Evie and Adrien's relationship is handled. Flat out, Adrien is an absolute jerk and horrible takes advantage of Evie. He manipulates her, embarrasses her, and then stalks her...and is never really punished for it. The argument could be made that this is often the case in real life - wealthy boy gets off scot free. But that's exactly why it shouldn't have happened in this book. Give us what should happen (Adrien arrested and in jail) to emphasize to young readers that this kind of behaviour is not ever ok. Stalking is not a sign of love. No means no. Period. I really wish this entire storyline had been handled differently because it felt very unfinished to me. 

Overall, this wasn't the book I was hoping it would be. Jenn Bennett is still an author I enjoy, but Chasing Lucky isn't a book I will be rushing to read again. While it's an easy read, nothing about it stands out and I found that I was often frustrated by characters and their actions. That said, I'm interested to hear what others have to say about this book!

FINAL RATING: 2.5/5

0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    About Me

    Hi, I'm Alexandra! I love reading (largely YA fiction, but sometimes I'll read "adult" books), playing board games, Nutella, and binge-watching TV shows on Netflix with my husband. 

    I absolutely love to travel, but home will always be in Toronto. Books come with me everywhere and I can't wait to hear if you agree or disagree with my reviews. 


    Follow Me on Instagram

    @AllCharactersWanted

    Categories

    • ​​Reviews by Posting Date
    • Reviews by Book Title ​​

    2020 Reading Challenge

    2020 Reading Challenge
    Alexandra has read 20 books toward her goal of 85 books.
    hide
    20 of 85 (23%)
    view books

    2019 Reading Challenge

    2019 Reading Challenge
    Alexandra has read 5 books toward her goal of 90 books.
    hide
    5 of 90 (5%)
    view books

    2018 Reading Challenge

    2018 Reading Challenge
    Alexandra has completed her goal of reading 80 books in 2018!
    hide
    88 of 80 (100%)
    view books

Posts

Latest Book Review

Other Musings

Reviews

Reviews by Posting Date

Reviews by Title

Author

About Me
Contact Me
© COPYRIGHT All Characters Wanted 2017. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • Book Reviews
    • Reviews by Book Title
    • Reviews by Posting Date >
      • Book Reviews: 2020
      • Book Reviews: 2019
      • Book Reviews: 2018
      • Book Reviews: 2017
    • Rating System
  • Other Musings
    • Monthly Wrap Ups
    • Recipes
  • About
  • Contact