What do you think?
Rate this book
Lucky
A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2012 Advent Calendar collection Evergreen.
Ever since Martel Heller rolled his first dreadlock, his love life has been blessed. For seven years he’s had the luxury of cherry-picking the hottest men available. But when the dress code at his new job forces him to hack off his lucky locks, his good fortune comes to an end.
To make matters worse, if Martel shows up at the company Christmas party alone, his creepy coworker Phil will know he’s single. As a last resort, Martel enlists his best friend, Felix, a fashion photographer, to hook him up with a model. Then plans fall through, and Martel ends up stuck at the Christmas party with the last person he expects—but as the hours pass, he wonders if he's finally learned what it means to be lucky.
Ever since Martel Heller rolled his first dreadlock, his love life has been blessed. For seven years he’s had the luxury of cherry-picking the hottest men available. But when the dress code at his new job forces him to hack off his lucky locks, his good fortune comes to an end.
To make matters worse, if Martel shows up at the company Christmas party alone, his creepy coworker Phil will know he’s single. As a last resort, Martel enlists his best friend, Felix, a fashion photographer, to hook him up with a model. Then plans fall through, and Martel ends up stuck at the Christmas party with the last person he expects—but as the hours pass, he wonders if he's finally learned what it means to be lucky.
76 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 30, 2012
62 people want to read
About the author
Ana Bosch
6 books51 followersAna Bosch is a professional illustrator who can't go more than five minutes without working on something creative. Despite pursuing a career in visual art, she never could kick the habit of writing fiction, an interest that dates back to the third grade.
Ana is an avid animal lover and can't imagine life without her feathered and furry housemates. In her spare time, she runs a weekly webcomic and drinks lots of tea.
Visit Ana’s web site: http://ana-bosch.blogspot.com
Find her on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ana-Bos...
Or follow her on Twitter: http://twitter.com/anaboschwriting.
Ana is an avid animal lover and can't imagine life without her feathered and furry housemates. In her spare time, she runs a weekly webcomic and drinks lots of tea.
Visit Ana’s web site: http://ana-bosch.blogspot.com
Find her on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ana-Bos...
Or follow her on Twitter: http://twitter.com/anaboschwriting.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
December 26, 2012
I really liked Felix and I think he deserved a lot better than Martel. I hope that Martel does massive amounts of grovel because he was for most of this story a dick. Felix was adorable so I like that he got what he wanted even if that was Martel. Seriously though, what the hell was the deal with that Phil guy? There is no way he should be able to get away with sexual harassment like that without repercussions, I don't care who he knows.
December 6, 2012
Wow, the main character is a fucking asshole, he deserves the bad luck he is getting.
I like shallow shmoopy romances as much as the next person, but I don’t like shallow main characters. The main character is in this is arrogant, egotistical, entitled, AND shallow.
When his first strike of bad luck occurs he blames his best friend for recommending the salon he went too, he asked for a good hair stylist, his friend told him.
He didn’t choose any of those, he chose the HOT one so he could pick him up.
Then he because he blames his friend he gives him an ultimatum, hook him up with a hot underwear model for his Christmas party date. Oh, and not just any hot model, one that is taller than him, cause he can’t STAND anyone shorter than him.
Yeah, that is when I just gave up. Maybe I will try it again when I am in a less pissy mood, cause well I paid for it, but not today.
I like shallow shmoopy romances as much as the next person, but I don’t like shallow main characters. The main character is in this is arrogant, egotistical, entitled, AND shallow.
When his first strike of bad luck occurs he blames his best friend for recommending the salon he went too, he asked for a good hair stylist, his friend told him.
He didn’t choose any of those, he chose the HOT one so he could pick him up.
Then he because he blames his friend he gives him an ultimatum, hook him up with a hot underwear model for his Christmas party date. Oh, and not just any hot model, one that is taller than him, cause he can’t STAND anyone shorter than him.
Yeah, that is when I just gave up. Maybe I will try it again when I am in a less pissy mood, cause well I paid for it, but not today.
December 5, 2012
This was a cute, funny Christmas story. I really enjoyed it.
In the beginning, Martel is obnoxious and arrogant but I found the fact he blamed all his bad luck on cutting off his dreads hilarious. He's sulky and panicky after that. Especially since he desperately has to find a date for a Christmas party and keeps getting rejected in some way or another. At times, I didn't really liked Martel to be honest. I found his constant mention of how hot men were slightly annoying. Especially when he'd think of Felix then turn around and think of how sexy, gorgeous or lick-able another guy was.
Felix, Martel's best friend, was definitely a fun guy. I adored him from the beginning. He's rational, bright and entertaining. He soothes Martel even when Martel wants to be pissy. I loved the fact this was friends to lovers because it made their eventual coming together all the more sweeter. I just wished it was longer! I'd love to see how they deal with everything in the light of day.
Also, Martel's co-worker was extremely creepy and disgusting but I'm glad for the role he played in making Martel see what he's missing by letting Felix pass him by!
In the beginning, Martel is obnoxious and arrogant but I found the fact he blamed all his bad luck on cutting off his dreads hilarious. He's sulky and panicky after that. Especially since he desperately has to find a date for a Christmas party and keeps getting rejected in some way or another. At times, I didn't really liked Martel to be honest. I found his constant mention of how hot men were slightly annoying. Especially when he'd think of Felix then turn around and think of how sexy, gorgeous or lick-able another guy was.
Felix, Martel's best friend, was definitely a fun guy. I adored him from the beginning. He's rational, bright and entertaining. He soothes Martel even when Martel wants to be pissy. I loved the fact this was friends to lovers because it made their eventual coming together all the more sweeter. I just wished it was longer! I'd love to see how they deal with everything in the light of day.
Also, Martel's co-worker was extremely creepy and disgusting but I'm glad for the role he played in making Martel see what he's missing by letting Felix pass him by!
December 23, 2012
Martel is a dick. It's not often I read a romance and root AGAINST the MC getting his man, but I sure did with this one. Felix is such a sweetheart, so patient and forgiving of Martel's asshole-ish-ness that I couldn't help wanting him to find someone who could appreciate him more.
Perhaps I'm being extra hard on this one since it's supposed to be a Christmas story and I was left feeling bitter and cynical instead of cheered and comforted.
Perhaps if Martel had shown any character development AT ALL, I might have been able to follow Felix's example and forgive more of his asshole-ness. But he didn't. Blech. Need to find a nice, fluffy, happy story now to get this one's taste out of my brain.
Perhaps I'm being extra hard on this one since it's supposed to be a Christmas story and I was left feeling bitter and cynical instead of cheered and comforted.
Perhaps if Martel had shown any character development AT ALL, I might have been able to follow Felix's example and forgive more of his asshole-ness. But he didn't. Blech. Need to find a nice, fluffy, happy story now to get this one's taste out of my brain.
January 4, 2013
ARGH, this is one of those tricky books to review. The writing? Solid. The cover? Sorry, but that guy - presumably Felix - looks like the love child of the Joker and Ronald McDonald before his morning make-up application.
The characters?
I hated the MC of his book, Martel. I really did. He is a selfish, arrogant, ungrateful asshole manwhore who does not deserve Felix. That about sums it up. The ONE high point he had was his Photoshop of Phil as a merman. I will grant you, that was funny... but only because Phil is an even bigger asshole than Martel is.
But Felix?! Stole the show. AT LEAST 1 of those stars belongs to him alone. The word 'adorable' is used in the book to describe him, and I'd say that's a good start. He is also DELIGHTFUL - sweet, thoughtful, funny (that Oregon Trail comment was Epic Shit), and he used 'sock monkey' as a pet name. WHY he loves Martel is beyond me.
“Don’t you ever get tired of trying to charm all these strangers?”
“Tired? I’m exhausted… But it’s your new job. I want to make sure your coworkers all realize how awesome you are.”
Um, he's not awesome, but YOU are a gem, Felix. <3
If Martel had ANY redeeming qualities, I would have rated this one closer to 3.5 to 4 stars. But when your lead MC has nothing lovable about him? Just can't do it.
The characters?
I hated the MC of his book, Martel. I really did. He is a selfish, arrogant, ungrateful asshole manwhore who does not deserve Felix. That about sums it up. The ONE high point he had was his Photoshop of Phil as a merman. I will grant you, that was funny... but only because Phil is an even bigger asshole than Martel is.
But Felix?! Stole the show. AT LEAST 1 of those stars belongs to him alone. The word 'adorable' is used in the book to describe him, and I'd say that's a good start. He is also DELIGHTFUL - sweet, thoughtful, funny (that Oregon Trail comment was Epic Shit), and he used 'sock monkey' as a pet name. WHY he loves Martel is beyond me.
“Don’t you ever get tired of trying to charm all these strangers?”
“Tired? I’m exhausted… But it’s your new job. I want to make sure your coworkers all realize how awesome you are.”
Um, he's not awesome, but YOU are a gem, Felix. <3
If Martel had ANY redeeming qualities, I would have rated this one closer to 3.5 to 4 stars. But when your lead MC has nothing lovable about him? Just can't do it.
January 4, 2013
Read my DSP Advent Story roundup at scatteredthoughtsandroguewords.com on 1/4/2013.
Rating: 3.25 stars
I actually came close to giving this story 4 stars but in the end the main character was such an unrepentant jerk right up to the last pages that I remained more frustrated than affectionate towards Martel. I liked the concept that Martel felt his luck resided in his dreads and that once they were cut off due to an employee dress code, his luck was lost. Now I do wonder about any company being able to enforce a "dread free zone", especially as dreads can be pulled back and secured or kept "neat: in so many other ways. Really the AACP or ACLU would have been all over this here in our area. But ok, even given that, there are other things about Martel that just leaves the reader cold. When you make your main character a jerk and tell the story from his pov, then there should be some redeeming characteristics that allow the reader to understand or make concessions for his, in this case Martel's, behavior.
I never felt we got that. Instead we come to love Felix, Martel's best friend who he treats poorly in so many ways. Read this for Felix and for the ending, otherwise, I would recommend you skip this altogether.
Rating: 3.25 stars
I actually came close to giving this story 4 stars but in the end the main character was such an unrepentant jerk right up to the last pages that I remained more frustrated than affectionate towards Martel. I liked the concept that Martel felt his luck resided in his dreads and that once they were cut off due to an employee dress code, his luck was lost. Now I do wonder about any company being able to enforce a "dread free zone", especially as dreads can be pulled back and secured or kept "neat: in so many other ways. Really the AACP or ACLU would have been all over this here in our area. But ok, even given that, there are other things about Martel that just leaves the reader cold. When you make your main character a jerk and tell the story from his pov, then there should be some redeeming characteristics that allow the reader to understand or make concessions for his, in this case Martel's, behavior.
I never felt we got that. Instead we come to love Felix, Martel's best friend who he treats poorly in so many ways. Read this for Felix and for the ending, otherwise, I would recommend you skip this altogether.
January 5, 2013
I laughed so hard...
“When you said to meet you at the salon and bring a hat, I was expecting the worst. But man, Martel, you look frickin’ hot.”
Without a word, Martel pointed a finger to the back of his head. Felix peered around him, lips pursed curiously. After a moment’s glance, he suddenly let out an uncontrolled cackle, accompanied by a hearty snort.
“It’s not funny, Felix.”
Felix fell back against the side of his car, holding his stomach and shaking with silent gasps of laughter. Martel wanted to throw a shoe at him.
Felix, apparently, was oblivious to his anger.
“My God, it’s like the Oregon Trail back there!” he heaved.
“Shut up.”
“I can almost see a covered wagon full of people with dysentery on the back of your head.”
“When you said to meet you at the salon and bring a hat, I was expecting the worst. But man, Martel, you look frickin’ hot.”
Without a word, Martel pointed a finger to the back of his head. Felix peered around him, lips pursed curiously. After a moment’s glance, he suddenly let out an uncontrolled cackle, accompanied by a hearty snort.
“It’s not funny, Felix.”
Felix fell back against the side of his car, holding his stomach and shaking with silent gasps of laughter. Martel wanted to throw a shoe at him.
Felix, apparently, was oblivious to his anger.
“My God, it’s like the Oregon Trail back there!” he heaved.
“Shut up.”
“I can almost see a covered wagon full of people with dysentery on the back of your head.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2013
Hm, this novella is a bit odd. First of all, Martel was a ass, and a blind one, too. Martel definitely didn't deserve Felix at the end. This whole concept of a story isn't romantic or even nice. I have to admit, I didn't like it.
December 3, 2019
Sigh. Martel was lame, and Felix deserved better. The dude was Plus, asking your date to go along with sexual harassment you put up with in your workplace because you like your job is just . . . ugh. Honestly, I get what the author was going for, here, some kind of "everything happens for a reason" vibe, but, if karma were real, Martel would've been hit by a bus.
June 14, 2017
This is a short and sweet story. The major drawback was Martel's behaviour.
Overall, it was enjoyable but I think I would have enjoyed it more if I read it during the Christmas season.
Overall, it was enjoyable but I think I would have enjoyed it more if I read it during the Christmas season.
October 24, 2017
I've been trying to write an eloquent, informative review of this wonderful story but I keep coming back to just squeaky delight and can't find the right words. Lucky is adorable, charming, funny, and I love the characters to little bits. If you're looking for a story to make your heart feel so melty you dissolve into 'aww!'s one minute and leave you giggling uncontrollably the next, I absolutely recommend Lucky. It doesn't feel like a short story, it's just right.
January 2, 2013
Very cute holiday story about Martel and his friend Felix. Martel considers his dreads to be his lucky charm to getting all the hot men he's wanted. He has to cut them due to his company's policy and this begins his spiral into bad luck with getting a date to the company Christmas party.
His friend Felix agrees to find him a date, but the guy cancels at the last minute and so Felix goes with Martel to the party. His AWFUL boss Phil (who BTW, would cost any real company easily a 6 figure sexual harassment settlement) has been incredibly inappropriate with Martel and Felix has signed up to be his shield. Got I hated Phil. I really wanted somebody to punch him.
Anyway, when Phil keeps pushing Felix, Martel finds himself getting jealous and when he finally goes to far, Martel explodes. It seems that Martel is just beginning to see what's been in front of him all along.
LOVED Felix, BTW.
His friend Felix agrees to find him a date, but the guy cancels at the last minute and so Felix goes with Martel to the party. His AWFUL boss Phil (who BTW, would cost any real company easily a 6 figure sexual harassment settlement) has been incredibly inappropriate with Martel and Felix has signed up to be his shield. Got I hated Phil. I really wanted somebody to punch him.
Anyway, when Phil keeps pushing Felix, Martel finds himself getting jealous and when he finally goes to far, Martel explodes. It seems that Martel is just beginning to see what's been in front of him all along.
LOVED Felix, BTW.
April 16, 2016
Try as I might I just couldn't bring myself to like Martel. He was just way too superficial for my taste. Him and his lucky dreadlocks? Really? I just couldn't buy it and how he got a sweet guy like Felix to be his friend so so many years was beyond me. Having said that though I will also say I was not impressed with creepy co-worker Phil, no one needs to put up with that kind of crap at their place of employment.
The most redeeming part for me was that fact that in the end Martel started to realize that what he'd been truly looking for was there just waiting for him to see it.
While this book was not a huge hit for me it did still hold a touch of the holiday magic that I like in a story at this time of year.
2.5 stars rounded down for GR.
The most redeeming part for me was that fact that in the end Martel started to realize that what he'd been truly looking for was there just waiting for him to see it.
While this book was not a huge hit for me it did still hold a touch of the holiday magic that I like in a story at this time of year.
2.5 stars rounded down for GR.
December 16, 2012
Lucky was Bosch's first attempt at writing a straight up contemporary romance and she did not disappoint. Beyond the angst and heartache of her Undead Series we have two two ordinary joes of Martel and Felix. Granted, Martel is horribly vain self-centered, but he's hilarious. Felix of course is the long suffering BFF that just goes with it. I couldn't help but be reminded of the film Clueless with Alicia Silverstone. If Alicia Sliverstone was a guy, he would be Martel. Hands down.
Lucky was laugh out loud funny, heartwarming, and truly a feel good book of the season when all we have in the world is bad news as of late.
Loved it. Can't wait to see more of these guys. :)
Lucky was laugh out loud funny, heartwarming, and truly a feel good book of the season when all we have in the world is bad news as of late.
Loved it. Can't wait to see more of these guys. :)
December 14, 2012
After a dissappointment with another story from Dreamspinner's advent, this one was a very pleasant surprise. I expected to see a good writing from this writer, what I have not expected was to find such a perfect for its length gem.
The story does not try to squeeze in a character's development worth a life time, no what it does is basically shows us a "holiday miracle", but *plausible* holiday miracle, basically of " he finally saw what was always under his nose" variety. It is tightly written, it is sweet, it is indeed very cute and lovely.
The story does not try to squeeze in a character's development worth a life time, no what it does is basically shows us a "holiday miracle", but *plausible* holiday miracle, basically of " he finally saw what was always under his nose" variety. It is tightly written, it is sweet, it is indeed very cute and lovely.
January 7, 2013
Martel has always considered his dreads to be lucky and his source for getting any guy he wants. Then he has to cut them for work and he thinks everything is going wrong. But when Felix "rescues" him by coming to the office party with him Martel may find out that this might be the start of a whole different kind of lucky.
December 31, 2012
The thing I loved best about this story was Felix. Martel appeared to be a bit shallow and he couldn't see what was right under his nose. Felix was a great best friend and comforted Martel when he was depressed about his hair. He was even prepared to pretend to be Martel's boyfriend to help him escape from a sleazy work colleague but I think there were definitely ulterior motives there!
July 29, 2014
Martel is now having bad luck after his deadlocked is cut he needs a date for Christmas party. He asks his friend fleix for help so he doesn't get hit on by this guy at hos work and also doesn't get fired, fleix will do anything for him i no people weren't happy with Martel but it worked out in the end so alls well that ends well as they says
April 8, 2016
Everything Dorothy Judges told Martel was about his relationship and friendship with Felix. Even though he couldn't grasp where she was coming from with her story and advice, Martel came to the right conclusion right on time.
December 10, 2012
3.5 stars
December 31, 2012
This was a very nice final story to this years DSP Advent Calendar. And this won't be the last story I read from this new-to-me author.
August 8, 2016
Really 2.5 stars but I always round up. Martel was shallow and oblivious and though they made it in the end, the sex scene needed work; it felt "tacked on" rather than an extension of the story.
March 5, 2015
Sorry. Not the most enjoyable story :(
January 8, 2014
Sweet and fun read about one man finally noticing how awesome his best friend is.
Read
November 26, 2014rating: 3.5
cute friends-to-lovers story. actually liked the love interest more than the mc.
cute friends-to-lovers story. actually liked the love interest more than the mc.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews