After winning the lottery, a beautiful lawyer can finally leave her job—and follow her heart—in this “hilarious and moving and sexy” romance (BuzzFeed). Sure, winning the lottery allows Zoe Ferris to quit her job as a cutthroat corporate attorney, but no amount of cash will clear her conscience of the way her firm treated the O’Leary family in a recent wrongful death case. So she sets out to … case. So she sets out to make things right, only to find gruff, grieving Aiden O’Leary doesn’t need—or want—her apology. He does, however, need something else from her. Something Zoe is more than willing to give, if only to ease the pain in her heart, and the sorrow in his eyes . . .
Aiden doesn’t know what possesses him to ask his family’s enemy to be his fake fiancée. But he needs a bride if he hopes to be the winning bid on the campground he wants to purchase as part of his beloved brother’s legacy. Skilled in the art of deception, the cool beauty certainly fits the bill. Only Aiden didn’t expect all the humor and heart Zoe brings to their partnership—or the desire that runs deep between them. But can he let himself fall for the very woman he vowed never to forgive?
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Kate Clayborn is one of my new favorite authors with her Chance of a Lifetime series about three best friends who win the lottery and change their lives. This one (#2) is my favorite…the heroine makes a misguided decision to seek out a family she dealt with as a corporate attorney and is immediately called on her actions by the hero, who is full of his own flaws. What ensues is an unlikely fake-fiance story that is warm and wonderful and incredibly funny.
I loved this whole series, and it’s no wonder that 2 of the 3 books in the Chance of a Lifetime series were finalists for the RITA award for Long Contemporary Romance. However, this book (#2 in the series) was my favorite…at least if the number of tears I shed was any indication. 😉
The third book (Best of Luck) was a close second, but it’s worth starting with book 1 (Beginner’s Luck) as well, just to meet all the characters. Did I mention I loved this whole series? LOL!
Having devoured both Love at First and Love Lettering, I’m now chomping down Kate Clayborn’s entire oeuvre, and Luck of the Draw might be my new favorite. I love how Clayborn gives her characters complex, real-world problems (in paramedic Aiden’s case, the death of an opioid-addicted brother) and doesn’t let them off the hook with easy answers. The fake relationship here is delightful and the chemistry is fire, and I can’t wait to dive right into the rest of the Chance of a Lifetime series.
‘Luck of the Draw’ is the second novel in Katy Clayborn’s ‘Chance of a Lifetime Series.’ It can be read as a standalone novel, but the experience for the reader is fuller if the first book in the series, ‘Beginner’s Luck’ is read too. The main female character in this novel, Zoe Ferris, is one of the winners of the lottery with her friends, Kit and Greer. Zoe has been working as a corporate attorney and she has begun to have serious misgivings about the work she has been doing. This is especially true in the wrongful death case of the O’Leary family who lost their son, Aaron, to an opiate addiction. The drug company that Zoe’s firm represented came out ahead instead of the O’Leary family. The main male character in the story, Aiden O’Leary, is who Zoe meets in her quest to apologize to the O’Leary family. I wasn’t sure how Ms. Clayborn would be able to redeem the situation between Zoe, and Aiden, but she does so in a beautiful manner. This novel is emotional and compelling, and even with the topic at hand there is still humor and heart in the story. And romance; such wonderful romance.
Luck of the Draw was even more lovely than the first book in the Chance of a Lifetime series. I felt so much for Zoe and Aiden and was glad they got their HEA. I cannot wait to read Greer’s story.
4.75 Stars
The fake relationship trope is my least favorite in romances. In Luck of the Draw, I was able to look past it as I continued reading about these grieving and guilt-ridden individuals who convincingly worked themselves into a relationship. The animosity, the sparks, and the reluctant touches were the precursors to a very sweet, sexy, and unexpected romance. Even after they finally gave into there attraction, the continuous build-up to more was excruciatingly swoon-worthy.
I’m not a fan of this trope, because of the inevitable outing of the lie. Although, when it happened in this book, I felt less angst and more heartbroken for everyone involved. I commend the author on the reversal of my usual feelings. Honestly, when I started this one, I thought it would be hard to surpass my enjoyment of the first in this series. Surprisingly, I liked this one even more.
I did something completely out of character before starting this book, or should I say I DIDN’T do something. I didn’t read the book summary *gasps* I honestly don’t know if I’ve ever started a book without reading the blurb. But boy am I glad I didn’t. I felt like Ms. Clayborn was giving me little gifts at every revelation. Woah, relationship of convenience (my favorite trope); ooooh monosyllabic hero, SEXY AND BROODY I love it.
This book was so much more than I expected. Based on the lovely title and charming cover I expected a light-hearted, fluffy romance. Aiden, a shy, sometimes grumpy paramedic and Zoe, a type-A-all-the-way lawyer with a guilt complex were equal parts damaged and lovable. Don’t get me wrong, this story had some hilarious and sweet scenes (COCKTOBER – I’m still laughing) but the core story focused on two people who had lived through heartbreaking tragedy and grew by learning to love each other.
The relationship that developed between Aiden and Zoe wasn’t in any way eclipsed by the beautiful friendships Zoe has with her gal group. Occasionally secondary characters try to take over the plot. Not so in this book. Zoe’s strong ties to her best girlfriends highlighted her maturity and independence. Adult friendships are complicated and Ms. Clayborn didn’t shy away from difficult conversations or confrontations as the characters demanded it.
As a disclaimer, the characters in this book don’t always say the right thing. They get angry, mean, petty but they’re always real. Emotions are messy, people are messy, and most of all, love is messy. If you’re looking for a fantasy, picture-perfect romance novel, you won’t find it here. If you’re looking for a sexy contemporary romance with relatable characters and a believable love story, this one is for you!
**I received an ARC of this book in order to provide an honest review**
Beginner’s Luck is first in series, and I liked it…this second venture I loved! Why? Two main reasons I’ll mention…first, it’s not fluff, not just a love story. The characters have real issues to face with their pasts, their families, their friends as they work toward their futures together. They feel real, fully-developed in their fictional lives. Second, the first book is the author’s DEBUT novel…this is only her second, but she writes like a seasoned professional…her words flow effortlessly, are a joy to read. I find it amazing that she writes with such depth and confidence with so few books under her literary belt! I’m a fan and can’t wait for Greer’s story, the conclusion of the trilogy. Thanks to #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for the ARC!