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Lucky for Her
Lucky certainly lives up to his name. Once the fat kid in school, he's all grown up and taking prisoners, literally. He's the town sheriff and delights in handcuffing the bad guys. Most people barely recognize him being the fit and, hunky man he is now.
Lana, pregnant and alone, flees her abusive ex-husband and seeks refuge with her father in her hometown. She doesn't expect to meet a handsome man at a get-together and fall head over heels. Of course, she can't trust herself when it comes to men and she certainly doesn't trust Lucky.
Then Lana finds out who Lucky really is - the fat kid whose invitation she turned down for her senior prom. Fat Jack has now grown into a man that makes her burn inside. He even has a new name. Ashamed of the way she treated him in the past, she tries to walk away, but there's something that pulls her back to him.
Is it the fact that Lucky can protect her from her ex-husband or can love really conquer all?
Lana, pregnant and alone, flees her abusive ex-husband and seeks refuge with her father in her hometown. She doesn't expect to meet a handsome man at a get-together and fall head over heels. Of course, she can't trust herself when it comes to men and she certainly doesn't trust Lucky.
Then Lana finds out who Lucky really is - the fat kid whose invitation she turned down for her senior prom. Fat Jack has now grown into a man that makes her burn inside. He even has a new name. Ashamed of the way she treated him in the past, she tries to walk away, but there's something that pulls her back to him.
Is it the fact that Lucky can protect her from her ex-husband or can love really conquer all?
205 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2011
12 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Taylor
10 books34 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Stephanie Taylor is a mommy of three by day but moonlights as a writer/editor and business owner by night. She lives in Huntsville, Alabama with her husband.
Stephanie Taylor is a mommy of three by day but moonlights as a writer/editor and business owner by night. She lives in Huntsville, Alabama with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 21, 2015
After leaving her abusive husband, Lana finds out she is pregnant. Not wanting her ex back in her life, she has plans to keep it a secret. She had not expected Lucky to step into her life and the handsome cop seems to good to be true. When Lana finds out he is actually "Fat Jack" from highschool, she is furious. Gaining the attention of the town locals who think Lucky is the one who got Lana pregnant, they go along with the farce all the way down to getting married. Lucky and Lana begin to realize they are actually falling for each other, but when Lana's ex returns everything is thrown into limbo.
I struggled with this one because Lana didn't seem remorseful about the way she treated Jack in highschool. He spends his time bending over backwards for her and she acts ridiculous half the time. Could have been my mood but it just didn't translate for me.
I struggled with this one because Lana didn't seem remorseful about the way she treated Jack in highschool. He spends his time bending over backwards for her and she acts ridiculous half the time. Could have been my mood but it just didn't translate for me.
May 6, 2013
This was not my favorite book. It also had a few glitches when I up loaded it to my kindle. I did think the few times Lana’s dad was speeding was funny. I felt sorry for Lana and all her ex put her though. No man should ever hit a lady for any reason. I didn’t like how Lucky started the relationship with Lana based on his need for revenge. I’m glad in the end that love won out. Lucky had very poor timing on when he asked for a divorce. If he loved her the way he claimed too, I think he would have waited. I also had some issues early in the book, when Lucky brought Lana to the hospital. She was 3 months pregnant. They are NOT going to be checking for contractions that soon. This book just frustrated me. You may really enjoy it. Everyone is not going to enjoy the same book.
April 21, 2012
Stephanie Taylor writes beautifully believable characters that jump off the page. You feel their emotions right along with them. And her opening chapter is so unique, you won't be able to stop reading! The hero and heroine don't seem to belong together, at first. But keep reading, and you'll find they're perfect for each other.
November 15, 2012
This book opens with a scene like no other I've ever encountered in a romance -- and for that, I love it. ^_^ This reader happens to be a sucker for the marriage-of-convenience plot device, and to that end, I found it a light, even-paced, and satisfying read.
Lucky is a solid but flawed hero, regularly second-guessing his confident assurance. He still carries the wounds of being bullied in high school, but handles it more as a proactive masculine force rather than a reactive victim.
Lana was a lot harder for me to connect with, personally. The popular cheerleader-type in high school, she maintains a judgmental, emotionally stunted, victim personality—which some readers may find difficult to sympathize with, in spite of her knocked-up and in-hiding situation. She does, however, show significant personal growth toward the end. Her way of making up for her previous rejection of Lucky was eventually enough for this reader to absolve and admit her into the realm of 'likeable' heroine.
Editing errors were more abundant than I like to see, and a few side characters felt more two-dimensional than I would have preferred. Lana's younger sister never quite came to life for me--and the primary antagonist, James, felt more flat than villainous. But for the most part, the story is almost entirely focused on the chemistry and restorative relationship between Lucky and Lana. And it was that dynamic which made it a story worth reading.
Lucky is a solid but flawed hero, regularly second-guessing his confident assurance. He still carries the wounds of being bullied in high school, but handles it more as a proactive masculine force rather than a reactive victim.
Lana was a lot harder for me to connect with, personally. The popular cheerleader-type in high school, she maintains a judgmental, emotionally stunted, victim personality—which some readers may find difficult to sympathize with, in spite of her knocked-up and in-hiding situation. She does, however, show significant personal growth toward the end. Her way of making up for her previous rejection of Lucky was eventually enough for this reader to absolve and admit her into the realm of 'likeable' heroine.
Editing errors were more abundant than I like to see, and a few side characters felt more two-dimensional than I would have preferred. Lana's younger sister never quite came to life for me--and the primary antagonist, James, felt more flat than villainous. But for the most part, the story is almost entirely focused on the chemistry and restorative relationship between Lucky and Lana. And it was that dynamic which made it a story worth reading.
August 12, 2014
Ms. Taylor has taken the common theme of childhood obesity, transported it, then examined it from two points-of-view - the one hurt and the one who did the hurting - then tempering it with added life experience.
Read full review in the 2012 May/June issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2012 May/June issue of InD’tale Magazine.
June 9, 2012
I really enjoyed this sweet story - the conflict was great and believable. I only wish the heroine had been more consistent in her emotions. The last chapter seemed unnecessary, but overall a fun read.
March 6, 2012
This was a free download from Astrea Press. It wasn't bad, I liked the story line. I read through the book fast and had satisfaction at the ending. It's a romance and it's "clean", meaning there was no open sex scenes but there was a lot of talk about sex and sexual things.
February 1, 2013
Best Moment: In a seemingly throw away moment and line, Lucky wakes up in the middle of the night to find Lana wants to talk to him about something (I vow not to spoil anything). Lana turns on the light, and Lucky gets up to talk...but he's only wearing some underwear, so he throws on a shirt and pants. He does this because despite the years of no longer being fat, he's still insecure about his "bare skin." Anyone whose experienced this kind of change will know that Taylor nailed this emotion and it really made for a great reader-character bonding moment.
Worst Moment: Lana's pizza parlor scene and taunting Lucky with "Fat Jack." I know we needed some conflict, but that just makes me want the heroine to get her comeuppance.
Synopsis: Lucky O'Donnell is the town sheriff and he's great as his job, not at all resembling the unassuming overweight boy of his youth. Lana moves back home after 10 years, fleeing an abusive ex-husband and the unaware father of her soon-to-be-born-in-7-months child. Lucky is shocked when he sees the once love of his life and the person responsible for his high school nickname of "Fat Jack" has returned. He can't help but talk to her and once he does that he can't help but put the moves on her and once he does that...well...somehow he ends up married to her. Lana's not sure if she can move on with her life, but there's something about Lucky that she wants to trust. Though they're both fighting repeating history, they may prove you can rewrite it.
The Good: Lucky is a fabulous character. His personality is pretty solidly made if you ask me. He's a guy I'd gladly and happily fall in love with. His back story of being grossly overweight as a child and through his teen years makes him sympathetic, but what makes him a wonderful romance hero is his vulnerability because of it. Lucky is never too in need of revenge though he ponders it often, and his seemingly subtle worries about "bare skin" cinch it for me. Beyond that, I love the description of the connection Lucky has with Lily (the baby near the end of the book). The pre-baby crib scene (I won't ruin it for you) was incredibly vulnerable and tender and spoke to the character of Lucky beautifully. One of the things I really loved about this novel is that I didn't feel like I was reading a romance novel or a "clean story" or a "dirty" one for that matter. It was just a story about people. I sincerely liked that. It caught me up.
WORTHY OF NOTE: Lucky's repeated scenes of unknowingly pulling over Lana's father are incredibly funny. First, what a great and unique way to open the book (though a little horrific), and a pretty cool narrative tool down the line too. I really liked that.
The Bad: Lana is a bit hard to take at first. Her character is clearly overly emotional in an unpredictable and often wonky way which I'm going to blame a combination of post-traumatic stress from years of abuse and pregnancy hormones. Still, this evens out later in the book which is great. What mostly bothers me about Lana's character is her apparent complacency as a former bully herself. She invents the name "Fat Jack" for a guy and then torments him with it 10 years down the line. Despite its early and unrepeated use...it bothers me. Especially if you consider what I thought about the "good" stuff.
The Ugly: I'm split. I'm a wee bit torn about this cover. Let me tell you why...
We’ve all been there. We’re wandering through a bookstore, or maybe aimlessly searching suggestions, looking at random lists on Amazon.com for something to read. Happily, we traipse through booktopias convinced that we’re going to find something wonderful to read and then… We are greeted with the cover.
Before I begin, I feel I must point out one very simple fact:
Most authors get absolutely no input in their covers, or, if they do, it’s mostly a kind of courtesy. Publishers rule. Authors weep and hope for reprints.
Challenge accepted. Unleashing Mockery…
[caption id="attachment_976" align="aligncenter" width="525"]
This begs for the theme from COPS...only she's wearing the wife-beater.[/caption]
Okay, here's what has me torn. This cover is not ridiculous. All of the stuff on it pertains...but...it's sort of like that one time I decided that I wanted ALL of the soda flavors at the same time and they became poo-poo poison flavored. The biggest problem with this cover is not that its terrible because it's not. I like the tint of the cover. I like all of the elements. I just don't like them together or the composition of them together. The crime scene tape under Mr. Focused and Pregnant Lady make me worried she's about the shoot that kid out from between the pages into my lap. Also...is the dirt road leading to...nevermind. The metaphor is too scary to continue. BUT, I will say this for the cover. I would not be particularly embarrassed to read this in public, and I probably would pick it up off of a shelf rather than do that "prop-it-on-the-shelf-and-read-the-back-while-pretending-to-be-perusing-the-shelf-still" maneuver. That's right. I saw you do it. I was doing it too.
As posted on http://bookswithbenefits.com
Worst Moment: Lana's pizza parlor scene and taunting Lucky with "Fat Jack." I know we needed some conflict, but that just makes me want the heroine to get her comeuppance.
Synopsis: Lucky O'Donnell is the town sheriff and he's great as his job, not at all resembling the unassuming overweight boy of his youth. Lana moves back home after 10 years, fleeing an abusive ex-husband and the unaware father of her soon-to-be-born-in-7-months child. Lucky is shocked when he sees the once love of his life and the person responsible for his high school nickname of "Fat Jack" has returned. He can't help but talk to her and once he does that he can't help but put the moves on her and once he does that...well...somehow he ends up married to her. Lana's not sure if she can move on with her life, but there's something about Lucky that she wants to trust. Though they're both fighting repeating history, they may prove you can rewrite it.
The Good: Lucky is a fabulous character. His personality is pretty solidly made if you ask me. He's a guy I'd gladly and happily fall in love with. His back story of being grossly overweight as a child and through his teen years makes him sympathetic, but what makes him a wonderful romance hero is his vulnerability because of it. Lucky is never too in need of revenge though he ponders it often, and his seemingly subtle worries about "bare skin" cinch it for me. Beyond that, I love the description of the connection Lucky has with Lily (the baby near the end of the book). The pre-baby crib scene (I won't ruin it for you) was incredibly vulnerable and tender and spoke to the character of Lucky beautifully. One of the things I really loved about this novel is that I didn't feel like I was reading a romance novel or a "clean story" or a "dirty" one for that matter. It was just a story about people. I sincerely liked that. It caught me up.
WORTHY OF NOTE: Lucky's repeated scenes of unknowingly pulling over Lana's father are incredibly funny. First, what a great and unique way to open the book (though a little horrific), and a pretty cool narrative tool down the line too. I really liked that.
The Bad: Lana is a bit hard to take at first. Her character is clearly overly emotional in an unpredictable and often wonky way which I'm going to blame a combination of post-traumatic stress from years of abuse and pregnancy hormones. Still, this evens out later in the book which is great. What mostly bothers me about Lana's character is her apparent complacency as a former bully herself. She invents the name "Fat Jack" for a guy and then torments him with it 10 years down the line. Despite its early and unrepeated use...it bothers me. Especially if you consider what I thought about the "good" stuff.
The Ugly: I'm split. I'm a wee bit torn about this cover. Let me tell you why...
We’ve all been there. We’re wandering through a bookstore, or maybe aimlessly searching suggestions, looking at random lists on Amazon.com for something to read. Happily, we traipse through booktopias convinced that we’re going to find something wonderful to read and then… We are greeted with the cover.
Before I begin, I feel I must point out one very simple fact:
Most authors get absolutely no input in their covers, or, if they do, it’s mostly a kind of courtesy. Publishers rule. Authors weep and hope for reprints.
Challenge accepted. Unleashing Mockery…
[caption id="attachment_976" align="aligncenter" width="525"]
This begs for the theme from COPS...only she's wearing the wife-beater.[/caption]Okay, here's what has me torn. This cover is not ridiculous. All of the stuff on it pertains...but...it's sort of like that one time I decided that I wanted ALL of the soda flavors at the same time and they became poo-poo poison flavored. The biggest problem with this cover is not that its terrible because it's not. I like the tint of the cover. I like all of the elements. I just don't like them together or the composition of them together. The crime scene tape under Mr. Focused and Pregnant Lady make me worried she's about the shoot that kid out from between the pages into my lap. Also...is the dirt road leading to...nevermind. The metaphor is too scary to continue. BUT, I will say this for the cover. I would not be particularly embarrassed to read this in public, and I probably would pick it up off of a shelf rather than do that "prop-it-on-the-shelf-and-read-the-back-while-pretending-to-be-perusing-the-shelf-still" maneuver. That's right. I saw you do it. I was doing it too.
As posted on http://bookswithbenefits.com
December 10, 2018
I downloaded this book by mistake to my Kindle. Meant to get one by a different Stephanie Taylor. Readable but not what I usually read.
July 30, 2012
Reviewed for Booked Up
To See Review at Booked Up
Lucky O’Donnell, who carried the malicious nickname Fat Jack in junior high and high school, had always been in love with Lana Roche but she never gave him the time of day. And now, years later, he discovers that she is back in town. He wants revenge for the way she treated him back then. However, when he meets her again, divorced and pregnant, he realizes that she isn’t that girl anymore. And that he can’t bear to hurt her.
Despite his need for revenge, he found the thought of hurting her more disturbing by the minute. God forbid, but she was actually kinda sweet. Nothing like the girl he remembered from high school.
When everyone in town starts to believe that Lana’s unborn child is Lucky’s, he decides to say it is his and to marry her in order to protect her and the baby from her abusive ex.
The marriage is a good thing for the two of them and soon they fall in love.
Having a husband she actually enjoyed spending time with was a novelty to her. One she intended to enjoy.
But, her ex-husband has decided to make her pay for not telling him about the baby.
Wow! I loved the book. It has everything: love, romance, humor, passion, and action. Here some samples of the humor I found so charming:
“If you don’t leave, I’m going to…”
“You gonna call the cops? Oh wait, I am the cops.”
“Who are you?” he growled.
“Your wife, idiot,” came Lana’s sharp reply.
Despite the fact that I loved the main characters because they are so real, lovely, and wonderful, I have to say that I prefer Lana’s little sister, Ally. Although she is seventeen years old, she is so passionate and loyal with her sister.
You know, she’s been hurt before. Please don’t hurt her again, Sheriff.”
“Ally!” Lana said, shock causing her jaw to go slack.
“I love you, Lana,” she said. “You’re my sister. I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t protect you.”
“Don’t you do this to her, Sheriff. She can’t handle another bad marriage.”
“I hope he makes you happy. A part of me wants him to be your knight in shining armor, but another part of me hopes a certain part of his anatomy falls off.”
So, Ms. Stephanie Taylor, could you please, please write her story? I bet it will be an amazing one. And 5 stars for this book!
To See Review at Booked Up
Lucky O’Donnell, who carried the malicious nickname Fat Jack in junior high and high school, had always been in love with Lana Roche but she never gave him the time of day. And now, years later, he discovers that she is back in town. He wants revenge for the way she treated him back then. However, when he meets her again, divorced and pregnant, he realizes that she isn’t that girl anymore. And that he can’t bear to hurt her.
Despite his need for revenge, he found the thought of hurting her more disturbing by the minute. God forbid, but she was actually kinda sweet. Nothing like the girl he remembered from high school.
When everyone in town starts to believe that Lana’s unborn child is Lucky’s, he decides to say it is his and to marry her in order to protect her and the baby from her abusive ex.
The marriage is a good thing for the two of them and soon they fall in love.
Having a husband she actually enjoyed spending time with was a novelty to her. One she intended to enjoy.
But, her ex-husband has decided to make her pay for not telling him about the baby.
Wow! I loved the book. It has everything: love, romance, humor, passion, and action. Here some samples of the humor I found so charming:
“If you don’t leave, I’m going to…”
“You gonna call the cops? Oh wait, I am the cops.”
“Who are you?” he growled.
“Your wife, idiot,” came Lana’s sharp reply.
Despite the fact that I loved the main characters because they are so real, lovely, and wonderful, I have to say that I prefer Lana’s little sister, Ally. Although she is seventeen years old, she is so passionate and loyal with her sister.
You know, she’s been hurt before. Please don’t hurt her again, Sheriff.”
“Ally!” Lana said, shock causing her jaw to go slack.
“I love you, Lana,” she said. “You’re my sister. I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t protect you.”
“Don’t you do this to her, Sheriff. She can’t handle another bad marriage.”
“I hope he makes you happy. A part of me wants him to be your knight in shining armor, but another part of me hopes a certain part of his anatomy falls off.”
So, Ms. Stephanie Taylor, could you please, please write her story? I bet it will be an amazing one. And 5 stars for this book!
June 19, 2015
I had serious trouble with this book. The premise is one I've read before and enjoyed; girl comes back home and boy she spurned long ago wants revenge for past wrongs. The problem is that the characters here were so flat that I didn't like them from the start, but I kept reading because some authors just seem a little stuff to me in the first couple chapters. Nothing against the authors, it's just me.
Unfortunately, as noted above, the characters were flat. Things happened in high school that neither of them seemed to be able to let go of and they kept going over and blaming each other for things that happened in HIGH SCHOOL!
Somewhere in the book Lucky says that he's been a bachelor for 30yrs, and yet... And Lana was self centered and everything she thought was along the lines of 'poor me, my life is so hard' but her actions didn't really match the story being told. Additionally, both of them kept talking about how Lucky was fat in high school. In fact, when Lana sees him again 10yrs later she doesn't recognize him at all, but he's attractive now and apparently that's what matters to both of them.
Honestly, I realize that this is a very critical review, but these characters were too superficial to make the story any good.
Unfortunately, as noted above, the characters were flat. Things happened in high school that neither of them seemed to be able to let go of and they kept going over and blaming each other for things that happened in HIGH SCHOOL!
Somewhere in the book Lucky says that he's been a bachelor for 30yrs, and yet... And Lana was self centered and everything she thought was along the lines of 'poor me, my life is so hard' but her actions didn't really match the story being told. Additionally, both of them kept talking about how Lucky was fat in high school. In fact, when Lana sees him again 10yrs later she doesn't recognize him at all, but he's attractive now and apparently that's what matters to both of them.
Honestly, I realize that this is a very critical review, but these characters were too superficial to make the story any good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2013
Lucky has come a long way since high school when he was known as Fat Jack. Now he's fit, attractive, and the town sheriff. Lana, the girl who turned him down for senior prom, is back in town seeking refuge with her father in order to hide from her abusive ex-husband. She is pregnant and can only hide it for so long. You can't help but wonder how soon she will find out that Lucky and Fat Jack are one in the same. It's impossible to read this and not hope that Lucky will be able to protect her when her ex-husband finds her. This was a wonderful book with romance, suspense, and forgiveness all wrapped up into one.
May 13, 2015
It was really hard for me to like the two lead characters. Lucky's bitterness and thirst for revenge was annoying. And also Lana's distrust in ALL men because of one @sshole of a "man" was annoying after a while. I wasn't thrilled with these two characters, obviously. They made me want to hit my head against a wall, repeatedly.
I liked Lana's dad. And the times he was speeding with his car and Lucky caught him were hilarious. Probably the highlights of this story.
I'm glad of how it ended but... really, I wanted to yell at Lucky and Lana how stupid they were.
Just a nice read. Nothing special.
I liked Lana's dad. And the times he was speeding with his car and Lucky caught him were hilarious. Probably the highlights of this story.
I'm glad of how it ended but... really, I wanted to yell at Lucky and Lana how stupid they were.
Just a nice read. Nothing special.
July 4, 2013
Sweetest story! I enjoyed it so much! The beginning was a bit stilted, but I needed something sweet after the last book I read and this was it. There were a few surprises along the way to the ending and they were just right. Such an interesting premise. The back stories were great, the history between characters was great and the way their lives intertwined was great. I would have given it another .5 star if the beginning had been smoother. Super cute!!
June 20, 2014
I loved this book. It's so true, how the nerd in High School always turns out to be the hot guy later!
Lana pregnant and alone escapes from her abusive husband to live with her father and sister.
Lucky the former fat nerd who has always had a crush on Lana.
When Lana goes to a party she meets Lucky and thinks what a hot guy he is, never realizing he is actually Fat Jack from High Scool.
Mixed with comedy, sadness and lost love you will absolutely love this novel.
Highly recommended.
Lana pregnant and alone escapes from her abusive husband to live with her father and sister.
Lucky the former fat nerd who has always had a crush on Lana.
When Lana goes to a party she meets Lucky and thinks what a hot guy he is, never realizing he is actually Fat Jack from High Scool.
Mixed with comedy, sadness and lost love you will absolutely love this novel.
Highly recommended.
September 22, 2014
What a sweet high school love story 10 years later. This is a story of anger, selfishness, revenge, sacrifice, and love. Though lustful thoughts are expressed, it is done without description. It is a clear message that not many high school romances are mature enough to last and that knowing someone who doesn't yet know themselves is a hollow and risky undertaking.
June 27, 2013
There were a lot of good parts, but also a lot of not so good. I'm not sure I actually buy the whole premise of the relationship between Lana and Lucky. Some parts seemed rushed and unrealistic. But I appreciate what the author was trying to do here and the story was entertaining mostly.
August 22, 2012
Please stop by and read my review at Coffee Beans & Love Scenes Reviews.
October 1, 2012
Read this review in InD'Tale magazine!
http://indtale.com/reviews/lucky-her
http://indtale.com/reviews/lucky-her
July 4, 2013
I enjoyed the story. It was an easy read...great job!
October 28, 2014
I really could relate to these charactersm They were flawed and fierce and stubborn. And for once it was the man with the weight issue. I completely got how angry and bitter he was about the past.
September 12, 2016
I nice story about going home and getting over the stupid things one does in High School.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews