Just My Luck

by Celine L.A. Simpson

𝐀𝐧 𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐤𝐧𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐬 𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞. 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐟𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐧𝐚 𝐇𝐮𝐚𝐧𝐠, 𝐄𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐇𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐲, 𝐓𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚 𝐁𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐌𝐜𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐫𝐞.

____________

𝐋𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐲.

Cole Thompson used to wish for my downfall.
He took every opportunity to break me, to best me. But this man? This was not the Cole I remember from my youth. Not the kind kid that played with me in my backyard, and i not the infuriating boy who had eventually realised that he had only been born with one purpose: to challenge me in every aspect of my life.

This man was self-made, dripping with the proof of how he climbed that ladder of success. And he was beautiful. Too beautiful.

It was really too bad he was still hell bent on breaking me. He thinks he can, now that I’m the lucky girl without her luck, now that I'm at the bottom while he looks on from above.

What he doesn’t know is that, luck or no, I'll break him first.

𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐞.

It was clear and clean before, what I’d wanted from Lucky Peters. I’d wanted her to suffer. I wanted her to see me standing at the top of the world she had insisted on taking from me time and time again, and I wanted her to beg me for mercy. I wanted to hold every single part of her in my hands. Her happiness, her freedoms, her career, her life. I wanted her to look at me and
know what it was like to be powerless.
That was all I had wanted. But that was then.
This is now.

Genres: Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Contemporary

482 pages, Paperback

Published December 7, 2023

Reviews

[Taylor Chitwood · Rating 1 out of 5]

70% through a standalone is enough to know whether an MMC has anything redeemable about him.
And he doesn’t.
You’re telling me a 28 year old has mommy issues so bad he had to blame a girl for SIXTEEN YEARS over something that wasn’t her fault? How is she the villain in his story? Has his frontal lobe completely died or something? She’s dumb af for even giving him any kind of chance for how he’s treated her. The immaturity on his part is ridiculous. I love the whole childhood enemies turned to adult lovers trope, but this is done so bad and makes no sense. The only way it makes sense is if the MMC is as emotionally immature as this one is

[BooksWithBanter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book.
Celine is an absolute master at balancing the humor of her writing with emotionally devastating scenes that will rip your heart down the center.
One minute I was laughing at an outrageous interaction and the next bawling my eyes out at a raw emotional moment or revelation, then pulling out the old Kmart box fan to cool off after some serious spice.
This book was an onion - it had layers.

Check your trigger warnings people, there is some darkness. Read the warning page and make sure you are ok with it all. In saying that, Celine presents the “darker” parts / situations with the upmost respect and utilized purposefully for character development it was so well written.

Lucky is a hilariously funny FMC and so so relatable.
Cole was a force to be reckoned with, this man has a darkness in him, strap yourself in. First I wanted to slap him, then hug him, then slap him again and finally ended up swooning wanting to make him mine (sorry Lucky).

- Cat and mouse
- Dark romance
- Tension and intensity
- Hate- love dynamic
- Hilarious FMC
- Spicy scenes that will leave you flushed
- Emotionally devastating
- Check your triggers before diving in
- Stand-alone

Fantastic plot, brilliant story, characters you will fall in love with (Lucky’s family dynamic is hilarious and I want more from them) , never a dull moment.
Loved it!

[Jennah Sobevski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well hello there Mr Cole Thompson… and where have you been hiding all my life? This man was everything I didn’t know I needed!

I loved the friends to enemies to lovers theme throughout this and top it off with a workplace, forced proximity, billionaire and it was super tasty (see what I did there?)

I loved Lucky’s sass and the banter she has with Melody, Cole and her family was top tier!

Can’t wait to read more of Celine’s work

[Emma Rigelsford · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first Celine L.A Simpson book and I can safely say it won't be my last!

The tension, the story, THE TENSION!

At first Cole frustrated me, but as we delve more into why he felt the way he felt, I was completely and utterly Team Cole!

And Lucky, what a real FMC. I couldn't related to her situation, but I can certainly relate to her coping mechanisms.

I sometimes worry about Contemporary Romances that go over 400 pages as they can sometimes feel like they've dragged on, but the pacing was just on point.

I was fortunate enough to be granted the opportunity to read an ARC, but my thoughts are my own.

[Shi (Taylor's version) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid 4 stars⭐
Didn't tug at my heartstrings but was somewhat heartwarming. A LOT OF SPICE. YES. A. LOT. Good friends to enemies to lovers, a bit poor third act conflict, the made up was good, overall 4 average stars⭐

[Georgiana Cilian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book deserves more reviews and more popularity, for sure.

I was impressed by it.

PROS:

- I enjoyed the way the story was built, first learning about Lucky, her family, her background, what’s her story. We got a few good chapters only with her, which I felt that was perfect. I wouldn’t have liked for Lucky and Cole to meet right from the start.

- The fact that she is a chef, is such a welcoming change from all the other classic romance stories, especially when paired with a billionaire.

- She had a pretty solid story and objective. I appreciated the going back in time parts when it was explained to us how she got to the present point and what actually happened.

- It was a good enemies to lovers depiction. He really hated her. The attraction that appeared along the way was the fire needed to get them close. The fact that they knew each other and already had a history made their evolution to have more sense and it did not feel so forced.

CONS:

- I would have liked to know more about Cole, his past and what he did in the 10 year time frame. How did he reach to the present level. Some challenges, maybe hard times.

- The fact that they were both 28 but still single was not tackled at all. I would have expected some information about their dating background, some stories or at least some experiences discussed between them. This part felt ignored.

- I knew it was steamy, even though not exaggerated, but as soon as they got to this part (it took some time, which was really fine) it felt like it went on and on. I would have appreciated some breaks in between scenes.


Still, “Just my luck” is a good book with an interesting plot, well developed characters and multiple narratives that go well together.

[NDB · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book. Honestly I feel like it wasn't that dark. There were a few moments where I saw it headed in that direction but it never was like OMG like a few books I have read recently.

Cole and lucky were childhood friends/lovers. Coles mom eventually ends up with a drinking problem and physically abuses Cole and constantly compares him to lucky and wants him to be more like her.

Eventually he can't take it anymore and ends up hurting lucky by pushing her away and using her as his motivation to do better in life.

Meanwhile, lucky goes on to become a celebrity chef but her successful restaurants come crumbling down when her manager ends up stealing money and adjusting the books until it's too late and they have to close down forcing lucky back in with her parents with her tail between her legs.

Working with a temp agency, lucky takes a job as a personal chef for some rich guy who ends up being Cole.

Enemies to lovers at its finest but they end up falling in love and regaining each others trust.

This is tempted when Cole tries to help lucky open a new place when the news outlets start to pick up some fake stories of her demise and also her sleeping her way back to the top. After winning a trial she goes on to open a new restaurant and gets the guy.

It honestly was a really cute story. I loved it.

[Professor P · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a steamy read, this is definitely your book. Just My Luck is kind of like Fifty Shades of Grey without the BDSM aspect, and that is what made it such a great read to me.

The plot is simple. Cole and Lucky have hated each other ever since a falling out they had as children. Cole has made it his life’s work to best Lucky at everything until, through a series of unfortunate events, Lucky becomes his personal chef. Chemistry ensues and so does a really well-written novel.

I thought about taking off one star simply because I felt like the traditional boy gets girl, boy loses girl plot in this novel was not very high stakes. I don’t want to give anything away, but the frustration our lovers run into was little predictable and really didn’t seem like a real obstacle. In the end, I left the star because of all the other great scenes in the book.

Overall, a fun, fast, and steamy read.

4 stars

[Zamira · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read every single book Celine has written and I've been in awe every single time and then this one came along.... WOW! Just seriously WOW!

Cole - My heart broke for him. Cole was the perfect example of 'you just don't know what someone is going through.' I love how his character evolved from hate to love. Cole was written so well that I could feel every single one of his emotions as I read along.

Lucky - She was perfect, or so it seemed. It was an emotional journey following Lucky along on her ups and downs through life and watching her develop into an independent, strong character on her own. Lucky was written with such description that at the times when her heart broke, mine broke with her.

Just My Luck was the perfect book to start the New Year with. It had all I could ask for in a story. Enemies to lovers - FANTASTIC! And the perfect amount of spice!!!

This is definitely one I'll be reading again and one I'll be recommending to everyone!

[Theresse (Tess) Gregory · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spice: 3/5

When I think of Cole Thompson, two words come to mind: Mommy Issues. His resentment toward Lucky, which lasted 16 years over something beyond her control, felt unfair and frustrating; he really should have just used his words. While he was clearly smitten by the end, some of his actions, especially the darker ones near the conclusion, felt unnecessary and only served to paint him as a more brooding male lead. Lucky endured a lot, and her supposed hatred of him was actually one of the more relatable parts of the story. Their present-day relationship was confusing, though that may have been intentional, as both characters seemed unsure of their own and each other’s feelings. I was ultimately left with a lot of questions, particularly about Cole’s long-held grudge and whether he might have had a hand in Lucky’s original downfall.

Tropes Include:
-Enemies to Lovers
-Workplace
-”Who Did This To You?”
-Touch Her & ☠️

[Samantha (thebobtailbookclub) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you so much to the author for sending an ARC for me to voluntarily review.

Just My Luck was the perfect enemies to lovers romance. Lucky and Cole’s perspectives were great to read and I enjoyed seeing just how different their thoughts were. The spice level was up there and VERY well written.
Some of the humorous moments made me smile, though some of them I found to be a bit on the shallow side.
I also felt that some of Lucky’s reactions to the plot points to be more on the dramatic side which felt less genuine to how her character was presented at other times.
Overall, the friends to enemies to lovers was a lovely story and I’m looking forward to jumping into the author’s other stories!

[Elise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodreads Kindle Giveaway Winner:

UGH CUTE. All of my dreams of being the successful chef and dating the hot boy from high school wrapped into one. You know me, I love a good enemies to lovers book and this one did not disapoint. Lucky (Navy) and Cole were childhood best friends turned enemies turned LOVERSSSSSS. I love a good slow burn and poor Lucky was not so lucky all the time. Cole, the successful and gorgeous and not to mention rich guy, stole Lucky's heart the moment she became his private chef. Cole was just the right amount of angry and aggressive that it was palatable and HOT. He was protective but not in the mafia book ways that makes me gag. He was soft only for her and the book was just surprise after surprise. 18+ in my opinion, but I really ended up loving this book.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just a little more

I love romance and I appreciate a fun animosity to lovers story. I definitely got pulled into this from TikTok and the premise seemed fun. This started out pretty good to me and I just wanted a little more! The characters were so fun to learn about individually, but unfortunately for me they just didn’t quite hit right. It felt like there were all these really great layers, but they were painted on separate canvases. There were more strings that needed to be pulled and it would’ve been a really great story.

[Tasha Mckay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok now that I have had time to think on what I read, I still leave my review at 5 stars for the simple fact that I would highly recommend this book. However a couple of notes I have are that there was a side character story line that left me with questions, though I have my own speculations. And some of the editing was a little off. Overall I was completely consumed by this book and the main story was one that I fell in love with. So Yes.. read this, just know there are things that could be better.

[Tami Fidler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this book began a little wonky, there were a lot of flashbacks, once it got truly going I enjoyed the story. They were a little intense with one another, but I think that just made their love story that much more satisfying. This was a first for this author, but I think I will be on the lookout for other books by them.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh man this is a proper proper enemies-to-lovers and it is fucking fabulous. The chemistry is *chefs kiss* and the spice is well, blush-worthy. (Read this in a public place, do not recommend).

Didn’t looove the part where everything goes tits-up for her in the beginning (excuse my Kingdom of Ash trauma) but all in all 4,5/5 🦛

[Jen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fun characters (for the most part), good chemistry and great spice. However, Cole is a concerning MMC. He held onto hatred from childhood, blackmailed Lucky, and literally killed 2 people. But I guess he gives a good dicking?

I enjoyed the writing style, just couldn't get past the choices of this character.

[Luv2TrvlLuvBks · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, childhood friends.
Then, an unexpected change to animosity as teens.
Later reunited as adults in a seemingly unexpected encounter.
Lots of highs and lows for the FMC and MMC as they work their way back to each other.

Enjoyed the Easter egg references to the fictional rock band featured in her other contemporary novels.

[Madison Russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

The banter made the whole book, it was so cute, funny and witty. Such a cute rom com, I wouldn't really call it "dark romance", aside from Cole killing those two people, which just felt way too random and just thrown in there. I feel like the story would have been just fine without the murders! Cole was considered "dark" because of his emotional and physical trauma he had to endure, and the "stalker" tendencies towards Lucky.

[Izzie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This started off well and then kind of … fizzled. I just don’t think I believed in them as characters enough. They didn’t seem all that real. There was also a good three month gap where I had no desire to pick it up but before that, I liked the idea of it and where it was maybe going. Unfortunately it veered too much off path for me to find it enjoyable in the end.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read

This started off a little wonky, but once you get a feel for the voice, settle in for a fun ride. Just enough spice to have you tingle without being overly uncomfortable. I would have liked to see a few plotlines further developed, but overall, worth the read.

[Madison Hoffmeyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt a lot of things reading this book. Mainly blood boiling anger. But the book kinda turns around about 40% In.
Cole seemed so irredeemably bad, I almost DNF’d.
I stuck with it.
Overall I think it was a decent book if you give the plot and characters time to be fleshed out.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

So good!

This was a Goodreads win for me, or I wouldn't have known to read this author. I loved the characters. The author sure knows how to write steamy scenes. Thanks for the opportunity to read this one, and now I have to go and read the rest of the author's books. Bravo!

[Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is just brilliant. I loved all the characters, the friendships, the relationship dynamics and how complex both Lucky and Cole are. I thought the story flowed really well and I couldn’t put this book down!!

[elle · Rating 3 out of 5]

while i enjoyed this book, it was a bit of a long slog. it probably could have been 150 pages shorter. it felt like the author used hundreds of words to describe something when a short paragraph would have sufficed.

+ he falls first, funny, enjoyable banter, no pesky OW drama

[Fatihareads · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️

Tropes

Touch her and Die, Enemies to Lovers, Workplace Romance


Review
It was an average read. This book has all the tropes I love and was done in a great way. I felt something was missing or not done to the level otherwise it would have been four stars for me.

[Sarah Dawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the storyline! My fav read so far

[Courtney Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devoured this fun enemies to lovers! It had my attention from the start. With its touch her and die vibe along with childhood friends and dark pasts. Great read!

[Paige Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sooooo cute love the enemies to lovers trope! Lucky was so cute and Cole didn’t deserve what he went through but he made it out on top!

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I didn’t want to put it down.