Lucky Charm

Lucky #1

by Carly Phillips

Long ago, as revenge on a Corwin who stole her son's fiancée, a witch proclaimed an eternal curse that every Corwin male who married for love would be destined to lose his woman and his fortune…

Derek thought he could outsmart the long-standing Corwin curse by breaking up with Gabrielle, his first love—and marrying someone else. Now, divorced and broke, all he has left is his teenage daughter and a healthy respect for ancient sorcery. But then Gabrielle returns, determined to defeat the curse and rekindle their passion. But will her stubborn streak and her unwavering love be the lucky charm Derek so desperately needs?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Fiction, Audiobook, Adult

384 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published October 1, 2008

About the author

NY Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestseller, Carly Phillips is the queen of Alpha Heroes, at least according to The Harlequin Junkie Reviewer.. Carly married her college sweetheart and lives in Purchase, NY along with her crazy dogs who are featured on her Facebook and Instagram pages. The author of over 75 romance novels, she has raised two incredible daughters and is now an empty nester. Carly’s book, The Bachelor, was chosen by Kelly Ripa as her first romance club pick. Carly loves social media and interacting with her readers. Want to keep up with Carly? Sign up for her newsletter and receive TWO FREE books at www.carlyphillips.com.

Reviews

[SueBee★bring me an alpha!★]

📚 📌 FREE on Amazon US today (12/3/2017) 📌 📚

Stand-alone book 1.
FREE: https://www.amazon.com/Lucky-Charm-Bo...
BLURB:
Derek Corwin is well aware of the family curse - every Corwin male who married for love would be destined to lose his woman and his fortune. He decides to outsmart the prophesy that has plagued his family for generations by breaking up with his first love—and marrying someone else. Now, divorced and broke, all he has left is his teenage daughter, a boatload of regret … and wariness when it comes to love.
Until Gabrielle Donovan returns, determined to rekindle their passion. Will her stubborn streak and her unwavering love be the lucky charm Derek so desperately needs?


FREEBIES are often good for MORE than one day. I have gathered all my FREEBIES on a special shelf: Kindle-freebies (currently over 700 books)
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[jenjn79 · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the better Carly Phillips books I've read. I enjoy her stories, but I have to be in a certain mood to read something light like Phillips writes. This one was a solid 4-star, leaning toward 4.5 for me.

The base of this series is that many generations before, after one man stole another man's woman, a curse was placed on the Corwin family men saying that any man who married for love would lose his woman and his fortune. And in the years since, everything that has happened has seemed to support the curse being real. Which was why when things got too serious between Derek Corwin and his high school sweetheart Gabrielle Donovan, he broke things off. He couldn't risk the curse happening again.

Years later, Derek is divorced and a lot less wealthier than he had been. He believes the curse is still full force. But Gabrielle has spent the intervening years becoming a popular writer who debunks myths. And now that she knows Derek is back in their hometown, she's decided to go after what she wants. Because she never stopped loving him. All she has to do is prove to him that the curse is just a state of mind and that they can have their happily ever after.

This book definitely has a unique and interesting storyline. Derek and Gabrielle had a great chemistry and loved each other a lot, but an old curse kept them apart. I don't think I've read anything like that before. And I enjoy reading new and different story hooks. So points for that!

I liked Gabby a lot. She was sassy and spunky and went after what she wanted. She'd let Derek send her away years ago, but now she was going to do anything to get him back. It was enjoyable reading about a woman doing the chasing for once (since it often seems to be the man doing so). And Derek was cool too. You can't help but feel sorry for him because he wants something so bad but thinks he can't have it.

There's also a small suspense aspect in the book. Someone is threatening Gabrielle and blackmailing her best friend. Plus the antagonist didn't end up being quite who I thought it would be. I did think maybe this part of the book could have been a smidge stronger, but then again, this was mostly romance so I guess it fit.

On the whole, a nice, light read. Some good romance, a unique plot, good characters. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am looking forward to see where the series goes in the next book.

[Margo · Rating 1 out of 5]

Gimmick or not, this is a story of a woman chasing a man who walked away for a moronic reason. Tired of this nonsense.

[Dee · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fluffy bit of nonsense based around an ancient family curse.....but, it was well written!

[Candace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucky Charm by Carly Phillips

Derek Corwin is a financial planner. He is divorced and has an eleven-year-old daughter, Holly. He lives under a curse. All the men in his family live under the curse. The Corwin Curse states "every Corwin male who married for love would be destined to loose his woman and his fortune." He thought by ending his relationship with his high school sweetheart, Gabrielle, whom he loved, and marrying Holly's mom, Marlene, whom he didn't love, he wouldn't be affected by the curse. He was wrong.

Gabrielle Donovan is a popular author who debunks myths. Thanks to her librarian friend, Sharon Merchant, she is giving a lecture on Curses: Irrational Psychological Suggestion at the Perkins-Stewart Public Library. Her next book will be on the Corwin Curse. She plans to research the curse in the towns of Perkins and Stewart. Mary Perkins, mayor of Perkins, is a direct ancestor to the original Mary Perkins who cursed the Corwins. Mary Perkins is willing to win the mayor's race by any means necessary. She doesn't welcome Gabrielle's interference. Hank Corwin, Derek's father, doesn't appreciate Gabrielle reminding the folks about the curse. He feels she is humiliating his family and plans to speak out at the lecture.

Gabrielle plans to seduce her high school sweetheart, whom she thought loved her. She hasn't been able to move past Derek Corwin. She needs to know where she stands with him. Gabrielle let Derek walk away from her fourteen years ago. She won't let him walk away again.

This is a light, contemporary romance perfect for a quick read. The plot is solid. There is a subplot or two which is not resolved. The characters are likeable. There are two stories. The first is the romance between Gabrielle and Derek. The second story is Sharon Merchant, who is being blackmailed, and her fiance, Richard Stern, who is running in the mayor's race against Mary Perkins. Both stories are sewn seamlessly together in the HEA ending. Over all, a good, first book in the series, and a solid four star rating.

[Duchess · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars.

Listened to the audiobook. The narrator was no bueno. This sounds ridiculous, but I just didn't like her voice. I think she would be better narrating mystery or horror. As for this one, it felt like my mom was reading me a romance...can you say uncomfortable? So this may have colored my view of the actual story.

This was okay, but easily forgettable. The whole curse thing was sort of hokey, and it was a major part of the storyline. The entire town is basically superstitious enough to believe that Mary Perkins, the town mayor, has the power to curse anyone if they don't do her bidding. The Corwin family males have been the focus of her curse. They perpetuate the myth that they will not find love or fortune by never falling in love or striving for success.

There was a little bit of suspense, a whodunnit type of thing. The romance was predictable, sort of sweet but nothing special.

[Coco.V]

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[Cheri · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy CP a lot. This book wasn't as good as some of her others but it was cute. A short, whimsical, lil sexy read. It involves curses, witches and non believers. Good book if you want something light and comical.

[Kahea · Rating 3 out of 5]

***3.5 Stars***

With a premise similar to that of one of my favorite movies, Practical Magic, but with a slight twist I was definitely looking forward to diving into the book and for the most part enjoyed the journey and the special kind of crazy that occurs in a small town, but boy did Derek frustrate the hell out of me. He is a great father and when he isn’t letting the “curse” rule his life a great man, but he put me through the ringer with his “saving” everyone thing. Thank god for Gabby and Holly, Derek’s daughter, they saved this book for me. I loved Gabby’s strength, determination and heart. This woman put herself out there and I loved her for it. Holly was all kinds of precocious goodness and I loved the insight she brought to what was going on, even when she didn’t know it. Gabby and Derek’s journey was sweet and smexy, even with the “curse” hanging over their heads, and though I would have like a little more groveling, I did like how Derek cleared up any lingering doubts about how he felt about Gabby in the end.

There is a suspense/mystery element running throughout the story and though the who wasn’t so much a mystery, I liked how everything played out in the end. Despite my frustration with Derek, this was fun little read filled with fun and interesting characters and I’m looking forward to reading Lucky Streak and finding out how the next Corwin will deal with the curse.

~ Copy provided by the author & voluntarily reviewed~

[The-vault · Rating 1 out of 5]

By Carly Phillips. #1 in Lucky Trilogy. Grade: C
I had heard a lot of things about Carly Phillips, most of it good. Getting tired with my usual contemporary romances whose stories are not offering anything new, I decided to try someone new. I was horribly disappointed.
Long ago, as revenge on a Corwin who stole her son’s fiancée, a witch proclaimed an eternal curse that every Corwin male who married for love would be destined to lose his woman and his fortune,
Derek thought he could outsmart the long-standing Corwin curse by breaking up with Gabrielle, his first love””and marrying someone else. Now, divorced and broke, all he has left is his teenage daughter and a healthy respect for ancient sorcery. But then Gabrielle returns, determined to defeat the curse and rekindle their passion. But will her stubborn streak and her unwavering love be the lucky charm Derek so desperately needs?

The book started out with potential. I was intrigued by the curse and thought it might add some spice to the story.
The base of this series is that many generations before, after one man stole another man’s woman, a curse was placed on the Corwin family men saying that any man who married for love would lose his woman and his fortune. And in the years since, everything that has happened has seemed to support the curse being real.
However, as the story comes back to the present, it loses its steam. Derek ended things between his high school sweetheart Gabrielle Donovan fearing the curse would repeat itself, and he didn’t want to hurt her. Typical alpha male calling the shots. What I didn’t understand that if the heroine was so smart and strong and in love with him, why didn’t she do something then, instead of coming to her senses fourteen years later when Gabrielle comes back to prove Derek that there is nothing true about the curse and that they can have a future together.
Derek is not the only one sceptical about Gabrielle, for soon after she arrives in her old hometown she starts getting serious threats by someone who wants her gone. The situation gets even more complicated because of Derek’s daughter, who adores Gabrielle but Derek’s ex-wife still has some issues with him and threatens Derek for sole-custody. In the end it comes down to what Derek has more trust in, an old family curse that dictated his love life forever or himself and Gabrielle and their love to each other.
The characters are stupid, dumb, flat as a single paper and just annoying. I am still wondering if they have anything else on their mind than sex. Because this whole book is just about to get into someone’s pants. The so called “plot” is practically non-existent. Even the so-called villains, Mary and her grand-daughter were the most poorly written. Instead of giving the characters depth, to me, it felt that Carly was dancing around giving these two characters personalities until the very end when Gabby’s “plan” just happened to pull through at the nick of time without a hitch.
The daughter, whose name I have already forgotten, doesn’t act like an eleven year old. I have been around eleven year old nosy girls, and believe me, they are just not that interested in their father’s sex lives, or get smitten by another woman so quickly. The daughter and Derek’s relationship could have been explored and might have vastly improved the story, but the author, here also, barely skims the surface. In the first scene, he is not on good terms with his daughter so that even when he tries to hug her, she stiffens. By the third scene, they are best friends.
Which brings me to Gabby. For a character that’s supposed to be strong, she’s very closed minded and weak. Her strength comes from the only thing she seems to know…yes, sex. The only time she was strong was when she could get Derek in bed, or work at getting Derek into bed. After that, she became child like, especially when it came to her best friend.
Predictable storyline, predictable mystery, generic romance as well as bedroom scenes. Hero and heroine are both pretty lame, and the storyline is way far fetched and easily forgettable.
That’s when I did something I hardly ever do. I skipped pages and not just a few like 200 of them. I read the last chapter and wasn’t surprised to find out what was going on and if I am being honest and already knew what was going to happen before I even read it.
Another reviewer mentioned that it is a book you don’t have to “think about” when reading-and sadly that’s true. Average at best. I am never ever going to make the mistake of picking up another novel by her.

Originally reviewed at: www.the-vault.co.cc

[Kelly Moran · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't read this for an official review, it was just a pleasure read. I liked it a lot. This is a first in a trilogy or series. The characters were relatable. The only thing was that the attraction and reunion seemed fast. The book was great in giving closure but leaving you wanting to read the others.

[MJ Codename: ♕Duchess♕ · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was extremely disappointed in this book. It didn't feel like a Carly book at all, and I've read just about all her books. This book didn't have the same flow as her Chandler brothers trilogy, it lacked the character connections that were in the Hot Zone trilogy, and the carefree ways of the Costas Sisters books.

This book seemed forced and at times it felt like someone else wrote the book and just stuck Carly's name on the cover. I'm going to read the last two books since there are only three, but I hope the rest of her books to come are much better than this.

The women in the book were very childish at times, and Derek seemed to have more estrogen then a man should have. The only characters I could stand was Hank and Derek's daughter.

Mary and her grand-daughter were the most poorly written. Instead of giving the characters depth, to me, it felt that Carly was dancing around giving these two characters personalities until the very end when Gabby's "plan" just happened to pull through at the nick of time without a hitch.

Which brings me to Gabby. For a character that's supposed to be strong, she's very closed-minded and weak. Her strength comes from the only thing she seems to know.. sex. The only time she was strong was when she could get Derek in bed, or work at getting Derek into bed. After that, she became childlike, especially when it came to her best friend.

I understand that her friend (who's name I can't remember, she wasn't very memorable to begin with) went through a problem during college, and yes, some situations can cause people to fold into themselves, changing who they are completely. We've all been effected one way or another by a situation like that, or because someone we know was in a situation like that. However, the character arc with this character was very repetitive. Every time Gabby's friend was brought up, a re-hash of what happened in college followed. We got the point the first few times.

We then meet the man who hurt Gabby's friend in college and all of a sudden his wife is little miss talkative and it's like nothing ever happened. Yes, Tony (I think that's his name..) paid for what he did, but honestly, after the confrontation, it was as if nothing ever happened and everyone went on their merry little ways.

It feels as if Carly just kicked out this book at the last minute because she was late for her deadline. I've read the Chandler brothers trilogy more times than I can count and so far, the first Lucky trilogy book is a serious disappointment. I usually get through her books in a matter of a couple of hours because they engaging and I have to know what happens, however, with this book, it took me a matter of 4 days to get through a book than has less than 400 pages.

The last time it took me that long to get through such a short book, was a text book I had to read for a class in college.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hated the last Carly Phillips book I read. A friend talked me into giving her another chance and I did. Lucky Charm is a wonderful love story with a touch of mystery and humor. My kind of book.

Derek gave Gabrielle, his first love, the heave-ho the day after prom. He wanted to spare her, and himself, the evil effects of his family's curse. Well, life didn't work out so hot for old Derek, even after making the noble sacrifice. Life for Gabrielle was spent trying to find someone she could love more than she did Derek. Gabrielle has made a writing career out of debunking myths and her next project is going to debunk the Corwin Curse. And, make Derek love her despite the curse. But,someone is not happy to have Gabby back in town and is trying to persuade her to leave.

It is obvious that Derek and Gabrielle love each other. It is refreshing to have a couple face the mystery in the plot and work together to solve it.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love a great contemporary romance series, you'll love this Lucky trilogy. This one has great drama, suspense and plenty of romance. We're introduced to the Corwins, who were once cursed in love and fortune years ago. Each men had their share of misfortune. Derek's one of them who gave up his high school sweetheart. He's a down-to-earth caring man--he loves his pre-teen daughter and his family. When Gabrielle, his former flame, comes into town, sparks heat up again, when they defy the odds of a superstitious curse. Instantly, you see the chemistry between them--it haven't faded. And this time, they would make this works. We can see how Gabby's close to her parents, her best friend, and how she's devoted to her work. It's a good start for this trilogy.

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

FANTASTIC little chic flic romance story! ALL 3 of these books were highly enjoyable. Every character had me LMAO!
However, I will say that Lucky Streak (#2) was absolutely the funniest of them all. Hands down!
PS....I really wish Uncle Edward and Clara had their own story, even if it was a short story in an Anthology because that man had me in stitches....stinky Pete! Bawaaaaaaahahahahaha!

[Tara Kable · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cute chic flick like story! Loved Gabrielle...she is so spunky! I loved all the characters actually, they all were very relatable. Great book!

[Becky Claxon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good love story. Derek Corwin believed in the Corwin Curse. Supposedly in the late nineteenth century William Corwin fell in love and eloped with a woman who was going to marry someone else. The man that was wronged was Martin Perkins and his mother, Mary, was a witch. She put the following curse on the Corwin: "Any Corwin male who falls in love will be destined to lose his love and his fortune." Unfortunately all the Corwin men believed this as they have been unlucky in loved business. Derek broke up with the love of his like Gabrielle before going off to college so she would not be hurt. Derek ended up getting a girl in college pregnant, married her, had a daughter, and then was divorced. He thought the curse would not affect him because he did not love his wife. Gabrielle is now a well known author and is trying to show the people of her small old town that the Curse is not real. The current mayor has kept control of the people in town by using the curse. You will need to read the story to see what happens.

I loved Gabrielle and how strong and logical she is. I know she got very frustrated with grown adults believing in "witchcraft" in this day and age. Especially when she was fighting for her future with Derek. There is also a sub plot going on with Richard going against Mary Perkins who is the current mayor. His fiancé Sharon is Gabrielle's best friend and their story is intertwined. The story is very interesting and keeps you reading so you can find out what is going to happen next. The book is good and I encourage you to read the book. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was everything I knew to expect from Carly Phillips. It was an interesting and fun story line as well as likable characters. It revolves around a centuries-old family curse that resulted in the destruction of any Corwin man who falls in love. They are said to lose their loves and their fortunes. So far the curse has rung true. Gabrielle is out to prove it is false. She and Derek were high-school sweethearts. Right after prom, he dumped her, afraid the curse would destroy her. So 14 years later, she's back and determined to prove him wrong.

I liked the way the story wrapped up. Not really disproving the curse. Just determined to overcome it. Nice HEA, of course. Would have liked an epilogue, though.

[Barbara Lack · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series has a very interesting premise. It is said that the male Corbin's is destined to loss if they fall in love. For many generations they have believed this. Carly Phillips doesn't actually set out to prove that curses aren't real just that love concurs all. This is book 1 in the series, it is also a rerelease of an older series that has been updated. Somehow I missed reading this one. It's a second chance romance. Derek ended things with Gabrielle the day after the prom because he loved her very much and he didn't want her hurt by his family curse. He got a girl pregnant in college and married her thinking he didn't love her so the curse wouldn't effect him. However, his marriage ends in divorce and he loses his fortune. Gabrielle refuses to let the curse tear them apart this time. I enjoyed this book quite a bit.

****I voluntarily received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my honest review.****

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though this book is in a series, it can be read as a standalone. This story instantly had me hooked. The characters were well described and the plot was immediately introduced. I enjoyed the idea of the novel, as a curse is so different from the typical love story. There was some mystery to it as well. The writing in this novel was detailed and the story progressed believably, unlike some other novels. There was progressive build up of relationships. And the events, like bathing a dog, were relatable. There was still juicy sex scenes like we're used to with Phillips' writing. I adored this novel. It may be my favorite of the many of hers I've read, and I can't wait to read the next one.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a second chance romance with a unique twist. The hero of the story broke up with the only woman he ever loved to save her from a perceived threat. Now years later she is back to prove that the threat never existed. I liked the interplay between all of the characters. All of the interactions seemed so real. So relatable. So integral to the plot of the story. This was a great book to curl up with on a rainy day.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the first book in the Lucky series. Derek and his family are so blinded by the Corwin curse the give up everything and everyone they love so they don't hurt them...as they've seen happen too many times. But when Derek's high school girlfriend comes back to town to write about the curse, Derek never expects to fall in love with Gabrielle again. Still. Always.

[The_Book_Queen]

Currently FREE (11/20) http://amzn.to/2zSMEze

[Christina (A Reader of Fictions)]

This sounds ridiculous but at the price of free, I'm willing to give it a shot.

[Amy Leibenguth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story on second chances romance. Derek walked away from the woman he loved at 18 because he didn't want to lose her because of a long time family curse on the men in his family. But fate brings them back together years later. Gabrielle comes back home a famous author and determined to prove the curse is bogus. Derek is divorced with an 11 year old daughter. With the help of his daughter an ultimately his ex-wife, can he finally believe the curse is not real and give Gabrielle and him their shot at forever? Great characters, great story and a little suspense to unfold the bizarre events going on. Definitely a story to keep you interested.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the updated version of Gabrielle and Derek's story. What happens when there's a curse on the men in your family? Derek was in love with Gabby in high school, but he broke up with her after prom because of his family's curse. Now Gabrielle makes a living writing books debunking myths, and her next book is going to debunk his family curse.
Neither one of them ever really moved on, Derek married the girl he got pregnant in college. Gabrielle has had other relationships. Can the two of them fight the curse, or will Derek give in to it again?

[Elaina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucky Charm is the first in a series about the Corwin men who have suffered from a "curse" for many generations. Derek and Gabrielle's story is a second chance romance and a mystery all wrapped into one. Derek and Gabrielle dated back in high school, but Derek broke things off to try to avoid the curse he believes has plagued his family. Years later, they are both back in their hometown Derek is still trying to protect Gabrielle though she's made it abundantly clear how she feels and that she does not believe in the curse. Meanwhile, Gabrielle's friend is being blackmailed with some photos from her past creating the mystery aspect to the story.

I definitely recommend this book to anyone who love a little mystery to go with their romance.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book. Carly knows how to write about a character that has you falling in love with them. I enjoyed the characters and especially lived Holly and how she showed how most of the time, kids are smarter than we are.

[Marjo]

2010 me rated this 3 stars. 2017 me wonders what the hell I was thinking; this is kind of terrible. I wish I had written a review then so I could properly argue with my past self.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

**An advanced copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**

Many years ago, a curse was put on the Corwin family men after one of them stole another man's wife. The prophesy said that if they married they would lose both their love and their fortune. While some people might not believe, Derek Corwin was not one of them and when he felt things were getting too serious with his high school girlfriend, and likely the love of his life, Gabrielle Donovan, he broke things off. He did not want the curse happening again, especially to someone he loved so much.

Fast forward several years and Derek is now divorced and poorer than he had been. Because of this, he still believes in the curse with all of his heart. He's moved back to his hometown where Gabby, who is now a well-known author, still resides. It's clear that Gabby's feelings for Derek have never changed. She's still as in love with him now as she was years before. The challenge she has now is proving to him that curses don't really exist and that they can have their happily ever after. And, trust me, she's going to do everything she can, but in the end will Derek just be too stubborn to take a chance?

I really liked both of these characters. Gabby has some fire to her and she isn't afraid to fight for what she wants now that she's older. She and Derek have great chemistry and you can tell how much the care for one another. Derek is a great guy and it's one of those situations where you just want to hug him because you know how badly he wants what he thinks he can't have.

Overall this is a great read by Carly Phillips and one that I would encourage you to pick up!