Just Our Luck

"Sybil Sweet has been barely scraping by, living at home with her mom, juggling financial struggles, and making one bad decision after another. When she loses her job and gets stood up for what she hoped would be a promising date, Sybil impulsively buys a lottery ticket, clinging to a sense of optimism despite the odds.<br/><br/>Kieran Anderson, meanwhile, is balancing the weight of family responsibility. Taking a break from medical school, he’s working in his grandfather’s struggling donut shop, trying to save the business and pay off mounting debts before returning to his studies. <br/><br/>One late night, Sybil stumbles into Kieran’s donut shop, and the two share a surprisingly magical evening. However, their connection takes an unexpected turn when Sybil, embarrassed by an awkward encounter with Kieran’s sister, leaves abruptly, scribbling a note on the back of what turns out to be a jackpot-winning lottery ticket. True to his character, Kieran embarks on a quest to find Sybil and return the ticket.<br/><br/>The two are soon reunited, drawing the attention of their small town. To help drum up publicity for the donut shop and prove to her family that she’s capable of making mature decisions, Sybil and Kieran agree to pretend they’re dating. While the fake relationship draws them closer, they spend much of the story denying their growing feelings for each other. <br/><br/>Sybil’s struggles with self-doubt and inadequacy play a significant role in the story, though they can feel overwhelming at times. Her lack of confidence is a persistent theme, making it difficult to root for her at certain moments. Therapy, rather than a fake boyfriend, might have been a more effective way for her to address these challenges. <br/><br/>Kieran, on the other hand, is defined by his overachieving nature and sense of duty as a caregiver. While admirable, his career in medicine feels less like a true passion and more like a means of providing stability for his family, which left his character feeling somewhat one-dimensional.<br/><br/>While Denise Williams is known for delivering standout romantic comedies, this one fell short for me. Sybil’s impulsiveness, seemingly intended to be charming, often comes across as immature and frustrating. Even when her potential neurodivergence is revealed, some of her choices remain baffling. Though she does show growth by the end, it feels too little, too late.<br/><br/>Ultimately, while the premise of Just Our Luck had promise, the execution didn’t quite hit the mark. Fans of Williams may still find moments to enjoy, but this one may not stand out among her other works."

"You should, it was really enjoyable! I finished it quite quickly!"