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Probability #1

The Likelihood Of You

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When Florence Dayes returned home to find her soon-to-be husband in bed with her older sister, the last thing she expected to feel was relief. Or was it? After years of dulling down her dreams of owning a bakery to please him, wasn’t it about time she took her dreams back into her own hands?

Her answer came ten hours, a few tears and one flight to N.Y.C later.

Now on fresh soil, she swore to herself that she’d make her dreams real on her own and build a life for herself, all while staying far away from the male species. Which was going well, until a certain brown-eyed, famous actor, with a smile that could be a substitute for sunshine, waltzed into her life.

Jacob Emerson is the newbie of the silver screen, but his entrance into stardom didn’t go quite as smoothly as he had imagined. He certainly didn’t expect it to be tainted with heartbreak and betrayal anyway. But shouldn’t he have seen it coming? After all, his name held power now. Get caught with Jacob, and you’re a somebody overnight.

So when he bumps into Florence, once again, he comes face to face with someone looking to get more than just an autograph from him. The warning signs disguised as doe eyes and rosy cheeks were looking right back at him. But something about her felt…different. Or was it just her accent throwing him off?

Either way, he liked it.

After falling together in ways neither of them were prepared for, it becomes clear that dating is the last thing on both of their minds. Florence made a promise to herself to live life on her own terms, while Jacob doesn’t know who to trust.

But could they just be the ones to show each other what real love is? Or will the likelihood of them being more than a one-time encounter be too small to put their broken hearts on the line?

The Likelihood Of You is book one in the Probability Series, a series of three interconnected standalone, celebrity romance novels. The books contain several adult themes, including sexual content that is intended for an adult audience.

403 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 14, 2024

83 people are currently reading
2826 people want to read

About the author

Holly Jukes

7 books185 followers

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5 stars
170 (26%)
4 stars
221 (34%)
3 stars
179 (28%)
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52 (8%)
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16 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews
Profile Image for ❀ Tia ❀.
110 reviews134 followers
December 1, 2025
(I read this book last year, but just found this review on my notes app and realised I didn't post it, so here it is.)


A feel-good romance between a celebrity actor and a baker. This was a cosy read, however, it didn't quite live up to the high expectations.

The language in this book is so beautifully written, however I would argue that at times it is a bit too poetic and overly descriptive. I felt that there were often several sentences explaining something that could have easily been condensed while still portraying the same message. This ultimately slowed the pace down, which meant I often found myself losing focus. Although, this could simply be because I'm used to reading faster-paced books. Nevertheless, Holly Jukes undoubtedly has a flair for painting beautiful pictures with words alone.

I will be honest, insta-love isn't my favourite trope, but is very prominent in this book which often frustrated me at times. Specifically when Jacob turns down a "bucket list interview" with a top company, to instead help Florence with her baking. Uhhhh… why is this man turning down valuable career opportunities for someone he quite literally barely knows? And not only that, why did he not just arrange to sample Flo's pastries (no pun intended) on, oh I don't know, A DAY THAT HE DIDNT ALREADY HAVE COMMITMENTS?! Terrible organisational skills, Jacob smh. I dunno, it just personally made the story feel a bit fanfiction-y to me.

I would've rated higher but I also found the grammar and spelling mistakes quite jarring. I felt that the book was written in a strange hybrid of past/present tense — often using the two interchangeably in the same paragraph. 

Overall, it was a cute read, it unfortunately just didn't quite manage to keep me hooked and fell a bit flat for me.
Profile Image for ellie ♡︎.
363 reviews29 followers
December 14, 2023
i loved every second of this!! i cant say enough how much i enjoyed this. I fell in love with florence and jacob, there's nothing i'd change about the characters, i will literally be thinking of them forever. the plot was so captivating i was giggling and kicking my feet in excitement, i cried and fell in love right along with them. i was never bored, i guenuinly finished this so quickly once i started. i love the setting of this book and pins bakery i loved imagining everything in my head. also special mention to bagel!!! obsessed with that name🥹🥹

it’s been a month and i’m still thinking of these characters 💓💓💓💓
Profile Image for Addison Briann.
50 reviews2,473 followers
April 24, 2024
Such a cute book but the 3rd act breakup made me want to screammmmmm 😭 haven’t decided fully on a rating but going with this for now
Profile Image for booksarebetterjess.
200 reviews5 followers
February 13, 2024
T H E L I K E L I H O O D O F Y O U

⭐⭐⭐.75
this book feels like a perfect, crisp autumn day in nyc. strolling arm in arm with your love, laughing at inside jokes, smiling at each other and those around you, sharing a coffee and taking your time going from one place to another. holly did a great job of keeping things simple and embracing the little things in life that we enjoy. well done on your debut lovely!!

the story starts with florence recently arriving in nyc, after finding her fiance in bed with her older sister. she heads to nyc for a fresh start, her nanna always wanted to go. she finds a bakery near where she lives that she goes to everyday, taking small steps towards opening her own bakery some day. it is at 'pins' bakery that she meets jacob. sparks fly but she hasn't figured out that jacob is rising star in hollywood until its too late and their encounter is over.

its not until they meet again that they realise there is something between them and they slowly heal their hearts and each others.

this was a beautiful, slow burn, friends to lovers story. also special shoutout to jacob's dog bagel 🥯 - they the real mvp!

tropes:
❤️‍🔥 slow burn
❤️‍🔥 friends to lovers
❤️‍🔥 plus size fmc
❤️‍🔥 celebrity mmc

it was quite hard to find plus size content which is such a shame but i hope i did a good job. i tried to keep the edits simple because they reflect the simpleness of the story.

thank you @authorhollyejukes & @lovenotes.pr for the arc. the opinions and edits are mine, the photos aren't.
Profile Image for Karina Serrano.
225 reviews26 followers
June 1, 2024
I came across this book earlier this month and I am now leaving a review as I just finished all these stacks and I’m slowing getting to my writing my reviews🫠🫠

ANYWAYSS.. you guys this was such a freaking adorable story I didn’t want it to end😩😩
I loved the characters soo much Florence & Jacob now hold a special place in my heart🥹🥹
This is another book that takes you on an emotional roller coaster I cried, laughed, giggled, squealed of excitement🫠😅

Let me just say this FLORENCE I freaking admire you, despite what you went through (thee deception of the two people you cared most about) you’re such a bad ass for going after your dreams & I loved the confidence you had about yourself and body🫶🏻🫶🏻

Jacob is the absolute sweetest he didn’t just say words to Flo he showed her by backing up those said words which I thought was really cute.
He always remembered the littlest things she’s told him I have no doubt that he’d do anything for her which was also🥹🥹👏🏻👏🏻🫠🫠🤍

I also thought Flos relationship with her grandmother was freaking adorable & the fact that Jacob made sure he had a good relationship with her was 🥰

This was such a heartwarming read I’d deffffff recommend this one 100 percent!!🫶🏻🫶🏻

Now I can’t wait for the second book☺️🤍


Profile Image for Maddi.
71 reviews2 followers
June 2, 2024
ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS!!! I couldn’t even put it down, made me giggle and blush like a school girl. jacob emerson ily forever, adding u to my fav book boyfriends list <3
Profile Image for charls.
57 reviews
February 8, 2024
— 5 stars
ARC REVIEW | SPOILER FREE

The Likelihood of You is a new adult/adult romance, which follows our MMC, Jacob Emerson, and our FMC, Florences Dayes! some of the tropes are:

— celebrity romance
— plus size FMC
— golden retriever MMC
— she’s british, he’s american
— he falls first

this was one of my most anticipated releases of 2024 and i'm so grateful to have gotten an ARC, thank you Holly and love notes pr <3 i love this book so so so much! this is one of my favourite romances so i'm begging you to read it!!

i tried to drag this book out since i had been wanting to read it for so long and i didn't want it to be over as quick as it started but that didn't pan out too well. i still finished this book in a few days, whenever i weren't reading i was just thinking 'i wanna keep reading it', it was such a good book!

jacob and flo's relationship is everything to me. i love them so much!! watching their story unfold was so beautiful, i can't. they hold such a special place in my heart <3 i love how they slowly helped the other heal from their heartbreaks, they were literally made for each other!!

i love all the friendships so so much, i love how easily flo and addy friendship started! AND NANNA DOROTHY!! she's such a sweetheart, i adore her oh my god
i need nate and addy's book!! they're SO cute <3
Profile Image for Bryana Napthen.
268 reviews4 followers
February 14, 2024
Thank you @authorhollyejukes & @lovenotes.pr for the arc 🫶🏼

5 beautiful stars 🥹

This book was breath of fresh air, it was so heartwarming and wholesome and gave me all the happy and giddy feels.

Despite what she’s gone through, Florence is such a badass for taking her life back and going after her dreams. It doesn’t hurt that she meets the very charming and amazing Jacob in the cutest meet-cute possible. I immediately loved their chemistry and could have read about them forever! I love how much they supported each other. I know we all hate third act conflicts, and even though it made me so sad, I really felt like this one was needed. Florence truly needed to get through her trauma so she could trust herself and trust Jacob. I loved the confidence Flo had in herself and her body. I am absolutely here for the curvy/plus size women representation!

Jacob is the sweetest, has a cute dog named Bagel, and made me melt every time he called Flo “baby”. He is for sure a 10/10 & deserves all the happiness in the world.

I absolutely loved everything about this book and am very intrigued about Nate & Abby, cannot wait for their book! Darcie, Hugo & Sydney can kick rocks, respectfully.
Profile Image for Mia Lyons.
132 reviews
July 26, 2024
Very cute read! Really liked the famous/not famous trope and the fact that she was English! Some adorable moments and quotes between the two characters. Really enjoyed the subplot with their friends who I’m hoping will be in the next book which I’ll definitely read. Overall a fun and easy read, I found the pacing a little off in places and some parts cheesy but that’s personal taste. Appreciate the plus size + mental health rep. Would recommend!
Profile Image for Cheryl.
68 reviews
December 15, 2023
Review to come shortly but just know I loved this with my whole heart 🤍
Profile Image for noémie - goldenliterature.
120 reviews16 followers
February 22, 2024
4.5/5 ⭐️
2.5/5 🌶️

"i have an idea: why don't you go find me your favourite book, and i'll look for mine. then we can read each other's."

"florence dayes, you have no idea how quickly your smile makes me forget every bad thing that's ever happened to me. how warm you make my heart feel like it's never once known pain. how badly i want to see your dreams take flight. how much you inspire me to be the person who makes that giggle slip from your lips every day."

"i'm yours, florence... only yours." whether i knew or not at the time, i've been hers since the moment i met her.

ARC review:

you know that feeling when it’s rainy outside and you’re inside snuggled up, eating something sweet with a warm beverage and reading a great book? that’s what this book feels like. it just made me feel so happy and cozy. i wanted to bask in this story for hours.

this is a debut novel from holly jukes, and i’m so happy to have been able to discover her book and now i just want to shout at everyone to go read it.

this is a book for the girls who always felt like they were too much, the ones who never followed their dreams, the ones who are not a sample size but love fashion, the ones who had their hearts broken one too many times, the ones who always feel guilty when asking for help… florence dayes is for you and jacob emerson will help mend your heart just like he does for flo.

there was so much to love about this book! the new york autumn setting was dreamy, the characters were relatable, there’s an adorable but sassy nanna dorothy, the love story was swoony, there’s even a cute golden retriever called bagel! i was so giddy inside when reading it and felt like kicking my feet and giggling.

the way those two characters were heartbroken and had such a hard time to trust because of their past, but were able to help each other through their fears and eventually fall in love again was so beautiful.

jacob is a perfect book boyfriend. always listening, so thoughtful, he remembers the tiny things she tells him, he always back his words with actions, his support is never ending, he will literally do anything for his girl. he’s the kind of man who will bring to a small bookstore on your first date and ask you to pick your favorite book so he can read it.

while there wasn’t a huge amount of it, the spice was spicy and only enhanced the love story in my opinion.

i’m so excited for the next book in the series (when you read it, you’ll know who it’s about)!

i would like to thank the author holly jukes and love notes pr for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

read this book if you like:
- celebrity romance (he’s a famous actor, she has no idea who he is)
- plus size FMC
- golden retriever MMC
- she’s british, he’s american
- set in NYC
- he falls first
- bakery meet cute
- bookstore first date
- dual POV
Profile Image for Angelique.
362 reviews23 followers
February 20, 2024
**Received this book as an ARC from Love notes PR**

"As far as I was concerned, home for me was no longer across the Atlantic ocean; it was looking down at me with eyes I loved just as much as the man they belonged to."

I am so in love these two!!

Florence, sweet but sassy, walking into her favorite bakery in New York as she does every other day, didn't expect to meet a tall good looking guy, oddly wearing a pair of sunglasses right in the middle of a storm raging outside.

But after a slight misunderstanding about what her intent was with her phone in hand, waiting to place her own order, they part ways, not really expecting to see each other again on a city this big.
Life, however, had other plans.
She soon learns that the tall stranger was Jacob Emerson, up and coming movie star and that The Rolling Pin just happens to be his favorite place for a coffee and pastry pickup.

Their first encounter with a shared love of baked goods and murder mystery novels was just the start of their story, but with Florence escaping the betrayal of what happened before she fled England in the middle of the night to follow her dreams and heal in the magic that is New York city, was still something she's learning to deal with.

The only question is with Jacob having his own doubts after his heartbreak, could he and Florence actually heal each other or will their hesitation to face the past end the same as their former relationships?

If anyone needs me, I'll be over here getting giddy about a talented baker with emerald eyes and a movie star with a dirty mouth and a heart of gold.

Because what kind of man, after you have a fight, gives you the space you ask for, only to get your favorite person flown in from another country to cheer you up, because as much as he loves and missed you, wants you to be happy even if he cannot be the one to make you happy??
Profile Image for Isabela Wilder.
128 reviews13 followers
February 16, 2024
First off, thank you so much Holly and Love Notes PR for the eARC!!

WOW. TLOY did NOT disappoint!! Omg, I’ve been thinking about this book and waiting for its release for AGES and I’m so happy that it’s out in the world!! Holly, what a beautiful debut! So so so proud of you and all your hard work.

Jacob Emerson. No words. 17/10. No notes. Perfect. I love him so mucho. Gosh. Every word he said had me absolutely wrapped around his finger. I just need.

And Miss Florence Dayes, she is incredible. She is the kind of FMC that people MUST read and have. She’s got a bit of everything in her, shes got the sass, the sarcasm, the wit, the drive. She’s so relatable in so many different facets and I am just so pleased.

The story flowed so well. I loved seeing Flo grow and become more confident and more herself as the story went on. And not just because of Jacob, but because she was so sure of herself and her life and what she was doing and meant to do.

I did in fact shed some tears at the end, it truly was so beautifully written and conveyed, I am so so so grateful to have found Holly and her writings! What a sweet soul and heart, I am beyond stoked for what comes next.

BUT HOLLY. ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME??? WHY DID YOU END IT LIKE THAT. I need TFOU as ASAP as possible, please and thank you. Thought maybe there was a little bit more after the casting announcement, but NO. Guess we’ll just have to wait for the second one to find out more. Ah!
Profile Image for Hira ❀.
35 reviews5 followers
February 19, 2024
You know the cozy warmth feeling during the cold days where you're snuggled up in your bed with your hot chocolate doing things that bring you comfort? This book was exactly what I felt when I read it. 🌟

The way the season, atmosphere, places were described really made me believe that I was not really reading about a love story in New York but that I was actually there, having an apple pie in the rolling pin hearing the faint sound of raindrops splattering the window while reading about a Celebrity and a Bakers love story. 🎬🥮

This book paints a vivid picture of love, friendship and belonging. From the very first encounter of Flo and Jacob filled with sparks to their gradual blossoming of their love story, each chapter is a heartwarming journey that kept me turning the pages not wanting it to end 😭✨

Jacob Emerson is a heartthrob fr! He is the blueprint of a perfect, sweet boyfriend who would hold your hand throughout your entire life to be with you. The kind of guy who sweeps you off your feet with his caring, affectionate and cutest gestures. 🥹

Florence Dayes, the woman who made me believe that it was okay to dream of things you want to achieve, to be brave and stand up for yourself when things go down and to always believe that if your dreams are meant to happen, either sooner or later, it will definitely occur, at the right time, at the right place with the right people 🫶🏻

Alongside Flo and Jacobs story, I was introduced to the side characters who felt like family. They made the whole story more loving and brought warmth and curiosity with them(iykyk) 🤭

I can't wait to read about the other characters in this series, Holly, you’ve written a masterpiece 🤍
Profile Image for Tori Wright.
74 reviews
February 27, 2024
This was so cute!! I loved that it was set in New York and how autumnal it felt. Hollys writing style is just gorgeous and I love it.

Potential spoilers!!!!!!!

However, I felt like they said I love you far too early like what!! And this is just my preference, but I’m not a fan of third act breakups unless they are done really really well. And I think holly had made a great set up for a third act breakup or argument/disagreement to have been caused by Flo’s ex or even her sister but I felt like Darcie being thrown in felt a little on the nose.
Other than that, this is an amazing debut book and I need Nate and Addy’s book like now please!!
Profile Image for Becky.
84 reviews
March 12, 2024
New fave romance book couple unlocked 🔓

I devoured this book and I could read it over and over again!

Celebrity meets normal girl ✅
Cute dog with a cute name ✅
Beautiful writing style ✅
Little cliffhanger to turn into a series ✅

I also really liked the fact that the spice was signposted before you read it and the fact that if you skipped it the story would still make sense! I know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea (although I loved it😂)

And I’m not a third-act breakup fan but this was different, Florence didn’t fly off the handle, she just needed time and understood what had happened was not Jacob’s fault

AHHHHH next book please!!!!
Profile Image for ami.
36 reviews2 followers
February 15, 2024
I had the absolute honour of recieving this as a this ARC from the most incredible person ever Holly.As someone who is literally obsessed with Notting Hill this is soo Notting Hill pt 2 core.I LOVED LOVED LOVED Flo and Jacob so incredibly much. Her being a baker literally topped everything of and the invisible strings between them o ( t don't even get me started.I absolutely loved Flos relationship with her grandma it was the most precious thing ever and Jacob going out of his way to ensure he has a good relationship with her made me swoon.I loved Jacob's character so incredibly much he was so so perfect.If I wasn't a swoon for celebrity romances I am not.Holly you literally nailed this so incredibly much I want to re-read this again.This book was so heartwarming and comforting it was amazing.The girlfriendship between addy and flo is literally SO PERFECR GOODNIGHT
Iloved this book so much I can't even begin to express it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Phibi.
149 reviews
March 14, 2024
It was quite a fast past book, but I liked it . I loved how realistic the relationship between Florence and Jacob was, and their past relationship traumas weren’t forgotten about once they started a romantic relationship with each other. And was still worked on together as they build a stronger relationship. I loved Jacob other side when Florence kept teasing and pushing his limits. 😭
Profile Image for Caitlyn Wright.
72 reviews10 followers
February 20, 2024
super cute and fluffy. who doesn’t love fall in nyc? this was a perfect palette cleanser book. it had some of the most romantic quotes i will definitely be going back to look at. the vibes were just there overall and i can appreciate the romance in between the two main characters.
Profile Image for Lau.
255 reviews2 followers
April 29, 2024
Oh I was so eager to read this book! It started wonderfully. I liked how both Florence and Jacob were presented, how cute they were and how they shared a sense of humour. Everything was great until the infamous third act conflict, when I (me, being dramatic) even contemplating walking out of the book and not coming back. It was entirely a me issue, because I HATE the device that was used to create the conflict. I didn't feel it was well done, it went from 0 to 100 rather quickly and it felt a bit cheap, specially considering some characters literally appeared to create problems and then disappeared. And how are we skipping so much over the fact that the fiancé cheated on Flo with her SISTER?? It was driving me nuts tbh.
Aside from that, it's a cute, steamy, kind of slow burn, celebrity romance. So if you're in the mood for something like that, you can try this one up! I did have moments where I laughed at the banter between Jacob and Florence, and the friend group is great (I'm intrigued about them!! iykyk). Nana Dorothy definitely stole the spotlight some times.
Profile Image for Ellie Cotterill.
4 reviews1 follower
May 31, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️.5/5

This book has stolen a slice of my heart ♥️. Wow just wow 🤩

This book truly transported me all the way to NYC from the comfort of my living room. The way that Holly has described everything in the most beautiful detail truly made me feel as thought I was watching Flo and Jacob’s love story unfold from the sidelines. Also all the baking and the mentions of apple pie started a craving in me 😅 Mr Kipling Apple Pies had to suffice the need 🥧

I really loved to concept of this book as I’m a sucker for a friendship to lover romance however I truly believe it was more of a love at first sight for both of them. They went from strangers to lovers in the most perfect way. I think I’ve fallen in love with Jacob 🥲 The way he fell for Flo gave me tiny butterflies in my stomach reading the way he fell in love with her. Plus size representation isn’t featured enough in romance books and as a plus size girly myself it can sometimes be discouraging when reading a book about a skinny tanned blonde capturing the heart of a toned tall hunk.This book really hit the nail on the head for representation and I hope it gives Plus Size girlies hope that love like this does exist and is not just in books. THANK YOU HOLLY ⭐️
BTW we’re not talking about the 3rd Act because that made my heart stop.

The Spice was a 2.5/5 🌶️ it was there for sure 🥵 I loved how Holly also added a disclaimer at the beginning of the books that allowed for these scenes to be skipped for it become a closed door romance if desired. I thought this was a great idea that made it accessible to all.

Bagel 🥯 you are main character energy 🙌🏼 If Uncle Nate’s not available I’d definitely look after you 🐶

I also loved the little snippets of Nate and Addy’s relationship!!! With only a couple of weeks before the release of the next book(The Fate Of Us) I’m realing to find out more about them and watch them grow.

If your looking for a cosy read this is the one for you 🍂

Tropes:
Plus Size FMC 🫶🏻
Strangers To Lovers ❤️
Friends To Lovers 💕
Celebrity MMC
Golden Retriever MMC
Meet Cute 🥰
Profile Image for gemaleelibros.
529 reviews37 followers
February 15, 2024
4 estrellas!!

Pero que bonito fue leer este libro 😭💘

Florence Dayes, una chica británica preciosa y plus size, huye de su país al ver descubierto que su prometido la ha engañado con su hermana. Nuestra protagonista de siente muy mal, así que acude a su preciosa Nanna que la alienta a que tome el primer vuelo y se vaya a cumplir sus sueños y deseos a otro lugar.

Y este lugar resulta ser, New York. Al principio ella se siente mal, no encuentra trabajo y el dinero que su abuela le dio pronto se le va a agotar. Por lo que necesita urgentemente un nuevo trabajo para poder vivir y también poder ahorrar dinero para abrir la pastelería de sus sueños.

Un día conoce a Jacob Emerson (mi nuevo esposo) en una panadería llamada Pin, que ella ha estado frecuentando porque sirven un 🥧 bien delicioso que ella no puede volver a recrear. En fin, pues que conoce a este precioso hombre con vibes de golden retriever, que es un actor bien famoso pero que ella no sabe, al principio. Jacob se queda embobado de ella después de verla y más aún cuando ella le está hablando del libro favorito de ella.

Ambos tienen inseguridades con respecto a empezar una relación amorosa, porque ambos tuvieron relaciones tóxicas, que les destruyeron el corazón, pero aún así, estos dos no pueden detener los lindos sentimientos que están empezando a sentir por el otro.

Jacob la ayuda a conseguir un trabajo como asistente en el set de rodaje donde el está rodando una película, esto solo hace que ellos pasen más tiempo juntos y los sentimientos se fortalezcan, bien requetebonito🥹💘.

Leer este libro solo hizo que mis expectativas en el amor crecieran, es un libro bastante precioso, romántico y sencillo, que no tiene drama de más, los protagonistas se comunican y hablan de sus sentimientos, se tratan lindo y se apoyan en todo. Amé absolutamente su relación. Fue tan linda de leerla 💘💘💘.

Lo recomiendo muchísimo para esas personas que como yo, disfrutan de un libro de romance bien escrito y que hace que nuestras expectativas nomas sigan y sigan creciendo. Háganse un favor y conozcan a Florence y Jacob 🫶🏼🥹.

Ahora, podemos hablar de ese FINAL?!?!? NECESITO EL LIBRO DE NATE Y ADDY!!!


Thank u to Holly and LoveNotes for the ARC 💛📖
February 17, 2024
ᴀʀᴄ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ
Thank you to @authorhollyejukes and @lovenotes.pr for letting me read this arc. 🩷

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.25)

Showcasing what you could expect to read about in this book: 🥯 Bakeries, ☕️ Coffee, 📱 Text messages, 📚 Books (most characters are book lovers) and being in a 🎥 movie set!

The Likelihood of you follows the story of Florence Dayes as she starts out a new life in New York after leaving her Fiance when she saw him in bed with her older sister 🤯. All she wants to focus on right now is making her dream to own a bakery, a reality. Of course, while she is in New York, she meets Jacob Emerson, who she doesn't really know other than a guy that's standing in line in front of her at the cafe. Turns out he is a famous movie star who thought she wanted to take a photo with him when he noticed her staring (whoops!).

Without trying to spoil, I gotta say that Jacob Emerson really does know how to make a person feel special. When he wants to know you, he will familiarizes himself with all of your favorites as well as what you don't like or aren't comfortable with. And one more thing, 🥯 . He has a golden retriever named Bagel! The cutest thing!

With Florence's train of thought throughout the story, we see how much pain and restraint she's fighting within her from her relationship with her ex and also with the hurt at what her sister did to her. We see her pause at times whenever she's making decisions due to the pull of her past from letting her make even a simple choice for herself. Still, she shows so much strength that I admire her for. Also, I'm obsessed with Florence and Nanna Dorothy's relationship.

Check this book out if you like these tropes:

🍁 Celebrity Romance
🍁 Plus Size FMC
🍁 Golden Retriever MMC
🍁 Secret Identity
🍁 He Falls First
🍁 Fall in NYC

The Likelihood Of You is book one in a series of interconnected standalone, romance novels.
Profile Image for Brooke.
185 reviews244 followers
February 21, 2024
Thank you Love Notes PR and Holly Jukes for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Jukes’ debut ticks all my romance boxes: cute, steamy, and deliciously readable.

Reeling from an unfathomable heartbreak, Florence leaves England behind in search of a new life and new self in New York. Over delicious apple pies at a local bakery, she meets star actor and heartthrob Jacob, charming him with her British accent and ignorance to his fame.

I absolutely loved:
- The queer representation, especially Jacob‘s two mums!
- The adorable secondary characters, notably Nanna Dorothy and Bagel the dog.
- The largely healthy and realistic communication between Florence and Jacob
- New York. An iconic setting for a reason.
- The frequent mentions of One Direction. Holly Jukes and I clearly have a lifetime of being a directioner in common.

I do wish the pacing had been slightly snappier at times. Some passages of exposition were slightly dragged out, meaning I occasionally lost interest and focus whilst reading. I did also feel a little disappointed by the ending of the book. It felt like Florence’s autonomy was being built up and developed over the course of the book, and (without spoiling anything!) I think the ending undermined this slightly.

If you are a rom-com lover, this book is for you. It is sweet, swoon-worthy fiction with a healthy dose of smutty spice. I am excited to see Holly Jukes writing develop and evolve as she writes her second novel - I will certainly be cheering you on Holly!
Profile Image for rianne ✧˖° rianne.reads.books.
80 reviews9 followers
February 19, 2024
ARC Review - Spoiler Free
Thank you, Holly Jukes and Lovenotes PR for the ARC!

From the first page, this book felt like the perfect autumn day, hot coffee in one hand and the hand of your love in the other. For a debut novel, The Likelihood of You did not disappoint.

Quick Synopsis:
The Likelihood of You follows the story of Florence Dayes, newly moved to NYC, witty, driven, and recently heartbroken. Insert Jacob Emerson, an up-and-coming movie star, lover of baked goods, and recently heartbroken and betrayed. After a misunderstanding-filled meet-cute, the story between Flo and Jacob takes off running.

Did I also mention there is a dog named Bagel? If I weren't already in love with the story by that point, this would have done it. I also adored that Florence was a plus-sized FMC. As a mid-sized girl, I love seeing representation, especially in romance novels where it can feel like every FMC is a cute tiny girl getting tossed around by her man.

This book was so close to 5 stars from me! The Curse of the English Teacher strikes again and there were moments when I couldn't look past awkward writing or descriptions that took me out of the book while I tried to imagine what was happening. However, the book is well-written and a majority of the exposition and dialogue are both entertaining and adorable.

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a sweet celebrity romance with autumn vibes and just a little spice!
Profile Image for Maria Isabel (booksformari).
29 reviews5 followers
February 21, 2024
Just had to share my thoughts on this adorable novel that landed in my hands as an ARC. Trust me, it's a gem you don't want to miss!

Picture this: you're in NYC on a crisp autumn day, walking hand in hand with your special someone, sharing laughs and smiles as you explore the city. That's exactly how I felt diving into this book. Holly's writing captures the essence of the Big Apple so vividly, it's like being there yourself.

Florence's journey is the ultimate fresh start story. After an awful deception by the two people she loved the most in the world, she heads to NYC to pursue her dreams (I want that for myself too!). I couldn't help but root for her as she takes small steps toward opening her own bakery.

And then there's Jacob... *swoon* Their meet-cute at "Pins" bakery is everything you could hope for – sparks flying left and right, without Florence even realizing Jacob's a rising star in Hollywood.

What I loved most? It's the simple things – the way Holly weaves together romance and the chaos of city life and stardom, creating a beautiful contrast that feels so real.

"The Likelihood of You" is a heartwarming, slow burn friends-to-lovers story that'll have you smiling from ear to ear. Oh, and let's not forget Bagel the dog, that’s probably the coolest name for a dog I’ve ever heard of!

Holly Jukes knocked it out of the park with her debut, and I can't wait to see what she brings next with Nate and the beautiful Addie. 4⭐️ from me, I need more!
Profile Image for Emily.
780 reviews33 followers
February 13, 2024
This is Book 1 of the Probability Series!

I was lucky enough to receive as an ARC 🥰

Holly Jukes's The Likelihood of You is a captivating tale of love, heartbreak, and second chances set against the backdrop of New York City's bustling streets. With its compelling characters, engaging storyline, and poignant themes, this novel is sure to resonate with readers and keep them hooked until the very end.

The protagonist, Florence Daves, finds herself at a crossroads in life after discovering her fiancé's betrayal with her own sister. Fueled by a newfound determination to reclaim her dreams and live life on her own terms, Florence embarks on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment in the vibrant streets of New York City. Her encounter with Jacob Emerson, a charismatic and famous actor, adds an unexpected twist to her journey, challenging her preconceptions about love and relationships.

Jukes expertly explores themes of resilience, forgiveness, and the transformative power of love as Florence and Jacob navigate their complicated feelings and past traumas. Their burgeoning romance is fraught with obstacles and insecurities, but as they learn to trust each other and open their hearts, they discover the possibility of a future filled with hope and happiness.

The author's writing is engaging and immersive, capturing the energy and excitement of New York City and bringing the characters to life with vivid descriptions and authentic emotions. The pacing is well-executed, keeping readers invested in the storyline and eager to uncover the fate of the characters.

The Likelihood of You is a heartfelt and emotionally resonant romance that explores the complexities of love and redemption. With its compelling storyline, well-developed characters, and poignant themes, this novel is a must-read for fans of contemporary romance.

Rating: 4 / 5⭐️’s

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