Lucky in Love

by Bailey B., Bailey Black

Holly Flynn is a leprechaun who grants wishes—but with a dangerous twist. Each wish comes at a price: once it’s fulfilled, the “victim” forgets everything before their wish—and her.

When a gorgeous stranger asks for one unforgettable night, things take an unexpected twist. The chemistry between them is electric, and soon, Holly’s struck by a terrifying thought: She doesn’t want him to forget her.

Then, a week later, he knocks on her door. And he remembers everything.

Why does he remember, when no one else does? Is it fate—or is her magic betraying her?

Genres: Novella, Romance, Holiday

132 pages, Paperback

First published February 19, 2025

About the author

Bailey B is an up and coming New Adult author. She lives in Lehigh Acres Florida with her husband, twin girls, and two fur babies. She enjoys (but doesn't get to take part in because of her crazy daughters) the simple things like Disney+ binge watching, Netflix romcoms, reading and sleeping. She reads two to three books a week and thinks if narwhal's are real animals then unicorns might be too.

Reviews

[Christina O’Keefe · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Read if you like:
☘️ second chance
☘️ friends to lovers
☘️ short and spicy
☘️ dual POV

This was such a fun, quick read!! Holly is a leprechaun who grants wishes, with just one catch… her “victim” forgets everything before their wish! Until she meets a handsome stranger, and she doesn’t want him to forget her. A week later he knocks on her door and remembers everything! 🤯
I absolutely loved the little graphic at the top of every chapter!!! It was so cute and it really adds to the pages and pages of boring black text 😁
I love a dual point-of-view rom-com! I love seeing both sides falling for each other and having to waaaaaait and wait for them to both realize it 🤪
I loved the concept 🤪 and all the scenery (and drinking 🤪🤪) made this a perfect St Patrick’s Day read. At just over 100 pages it is a very quick read.
Thank you so much to Bailey Black and BooksGoSocial for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review 💕

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay this was definitely not on my bingo card. I am someone who LOVES a long romance book, so for me to actually love a novella is actually insane but like this was perfect in my opinion.

The story follows Holly and she is a leprechaun, bizarre right? But once a year on st. Patrick’s Day she gets the ability to grant people one wish, there is a catch though. Everyone who she grants a wish to, they forget her instantly. Until she comes across Liam and he remembers her. After their incredible night together he somehow remembers her and comes knocking on her door a week later. How can he remember her when her magic has never allowed someone to remember her?

I ate this book up! It was such a super cute, quick and spicyyyy rom com. Loved every second of it and if you are looking for a cute and quick fun read. This is definitely it!

*Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the ARC!*

[Rmplift, Rachel Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adored this novella! This was so cute and fun to read. The magically touch was great and it worked really well with the theme! The novella is well paced for the length of the story. The history and explanation of their friendship was perfect and not overdone.

What I didn't like was the extremely childish nature of the FMC. Ghosting for two weeks and then the way the STD sentences were worded was extremely childish.

[Heatherly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cute, semi spicy St Patty’s Day Romance 🍀

He fell first, soul mates, perfection ❤️

[Ra! ʕ •̀ ω •́ ʔ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to Bailey Books for a chance to read an arc this book! 🖤
2⭐️ fun concept not so fun execution | digital

Overall Thoughts 💭:
Holly is a leprechaun with able to grant a wish in exchange for a secret. Liam is a man in a sibling rivalry where he must find a wife or lose his business. These characters had some emotion and depth to them and I liked their banter and mutual pining for each other but their romance didn't grip me.

[Amanda Ramsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a cute and fun St. Patrick’s themed romance! The plot and character development was great and I love a good happy ending. The only things I wish the author would have expanded on was the prior relationship of Liam and Holly and more about the backstory with the brothers and the bet because we are left not really knowing what happened with that. I enjoyed that the spice only really happened at the end so the reader can get into the development of the relationship without being distracted by the spice. I also love the magical twist to this story. I can’t wait to see if the author makes this a series with stories about the other sisters.

Also, thank you to NetGalley for giving me an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. Can’t wait to recommend this book to friends once it’s officially published ☘️

[Kamisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute low-stakes novella that puts a twist on St. Patrick’s Day and Leprechauns. It was more sweet than spicy, with only two short scenes that are easy to skip over if that isn’t your thing.

I adored this take on soulmates and the characters, who felt like they had so much personality.

I’m hoping that Holly’s other siblings get their own stories and I will be reading them if they do!

[Nivia Suresh · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was such a cute book to read right before St Patrick’s Day. This was a quick and easy read. I enjoyed the premise of the story and how the main character was a female leprechaun instead of it always being a male. I liked the love story between the two main characters and the magical aspect to it. Thank you to Net Galley for providing this book to me!

[Franny · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 / 5. This was a cute, short read, with a tiny sprinkle of spice. I felt there were some gaps related to characters that were mentioned. If you’re looking for something quick though, I would recommend. Thank you NetGalley for having this available.

[Kayla Gingrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holly is a leprechaun that grants wishes on St. Patrick's Day but in return clears memories. In particular, memories of her ever existing. It has never been an issue in year's past until the year she meets Liam. The only person she's ever wanted her magic to not work on. A week later when Liam knocks on her door, she's shocked to find out that maybe her magic is failing her or is it really?

What a perfect novella to read on St. Patrick's Day! It was just what I was in the mood for surrounding the holiday. A quick read with a little magic and romance.

Thank you to Net Galley for this e-ARC!

[Sav · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had an interesting premise, but unfortunately, it fell flat in execution. While I usually enjoy light, whimsical romances, this one felt underdeveloped, rushed, and lacking in emotional depth. It wasn’t that horrible, but it also wasn’t engaging enough to leave any lasting impression.

Liam’s bet was set up as an important conflict, yet there was no urgency behind it. He put something incredibly valuable on the line, but there was no explanation as to how the bet even came to be. Was it made in a drunken haze? Was there a deeper reason for it? His brothers supposedly sabotaged his chances, yet we never actually meet them or understand their motivations. It was difficult to care about the stakes when the story failed to establish them properly.

Holly’s secrecy regarding her true nature as a leprechaun was another frustrating aspect. Liam had every right to know the truth, yet she kept it from him for no clear reason. Even when she started accepting their connection, she avoided explaining what it actually meant. Instead of feeling like a real emotional struggle, it came across as forced conflict that could have been easily resolved with honest communication.

The romance itself was lacking in chemistry. Liam and Holly had very little meaningful interaction, making it hard to believe in their connection. The story frequently told us they had a bond, but it never truly showed us why they were drawn to each other. Moments that should have been filled with tension or emotion were instead glossed over, making their relationship feel superficial rather than compelling.

Beyond the romance, the world-building felt thin. There were vague hints about Holly’s family history, her father’s reputation, and the dynamics between Liam and his brothers, but none of these aspects were explored in depth. Instead of adding richness to the story, they felt like unfinished ideas that never went anywhere.

Overall, this book had potential but didn’t take the time to develop its characters, relationships, or plot in a satisfying way. It was a quick read, but one that ultimately felt incomplete. While some might enjoy it as a light, low-stakes romance, it didn’t work for me. That's why I'm giving it 1.5 ⭐.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC copy!

[Nisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was fortunate to read Lucky in Love as an ARC, and I’m so glad I did!

Lucky in Love is a delightful, heartwarming romance that blends the magic of St. Patrick’s Day with a second-chance love story. The book introduces us to Holly, a charming and relatable female protagonist, who finds herself in the path of Liam, a man she remembers from college. Their chemistry is undeniable from the start, creating an electric dynamic that kept me hooked throughout.

One of the things I loved was the unique premise: Holly, the female "leprechaun," grants wishes for secrets once a year on St. Patrick’s Day. If she fails to do so, it could have dire consequences. The concept brings a fresh and playful twist to the story, especially as secrets start unraveling and the characters grow closer.

The dual point-of-view was a nice touch, giving us insights into both Holly’s and Liam’s emotions. Liam, with his dimples and sweet charm, became such a lovable character. Their playful banter and flirtatious moments were absolutely endearing, making their evolving relationship feel natural and genuine. While there’s a touch of spice in the romance, it was the emotional depth and the tension that made their connection so special.

The side characters, especially Holly’s sister Dahlia and Liam’s friend Amber, added a lot of humor and warmth to the story. There’s a fun sense of community within Liam’s crew and his bar, which helped ground the romance in a world that felt real and lived-in.

While the story is mostly lighthearted, there are some moments of emotional vulnerability that gave the book depth, especially with Holly's fears about heartache. There’s an interesting dynamic between hope, magic, and self-discovery that adds more layers to the plot. The ending leaves you feeling hopeful and satisfied, with a touch of sweetness that matches the overall tone of the story.

[Tyla Stretton · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨️ second chance romance
✨️ novella
✨️ folklore
✨️ spicy
✨️ leprechaun magic
✨️ happily ever after

REVIEW 📢
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was such a cute and unique little read 🥰
Holly is a leprechaun whose magic awakens every year on Saint Patrick's Day. She has to make bargains with strangers to use her magic on this day to keep her healthy and energised throughout out the year.

Holly asks for a secret and, in return, will exchange the secret for a wish. If she feels they are equivalent in worth, she will grant the wish! Once she grants the wish, all memories revolving her and the interaction a wiped away.

Holly bumps into Liam, an old flame, but it feels like it is too good to be true! This isn't there first Saint Patrick's Day together and she knows how this game is played and doesn't want to get hurt again, there is only one way for him to remember and she doesn't believe it's on the cards!

Liam is going through his own problems this holiday, but is entranced by Holly just the same as he was when they met first. But this time he won't be so easily detoured.

This was a super easy, sweet read! Including strong family relationships, fond family, second chance romance, spice, and happily ever after!
This was a quirky and unique novella, I loved the supernatural elements and each of the sisters' magical abilities!

* received an ARC for a fair and honest review *
✨️ AVAILABLE NOW ✨️

[Victoria · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was intrigued by the premise of Lucky in Love by Bailey B., but the story leaned too much on surface-level vibes without enough backstory or depth to fully draw me in.

The plot follows Holly, a leprechaun who grants wishes, and Liam, a man caught in a family feud that forces him to find a wife or lose his business. Sounds like romcom gold, right? Except it felt rushed, underdeveloped, and lacked the emotional depth needed to make the romance compelling.

Did I completely hate it? No. It had some quirky moments. But the romance itself? Practically nonexistent, and the leap from physical attraction to soulmate-level devotion happened way too fast. I wanted tension and build-up, something to make me believe in their connection. Instead, it just sort of happened. A little more character development and clearer motivations could have grounded their relationship in something more engaging and believable.

And then there’s Liam’s whole high-stakes family drama. We’re told it’s a big deal, but there’s barely any context for how it came to be. We don’t even meet his so-called villainous brothers, so why am I supposed to care?

Overall, while there were a few fun moments, the story needed more depth to make the romance feel real and the stakes feel meaningful.

[lillie, · Rating 4 out of 5]

“So, to the readers seeking that breath of fresh air, this one is for you.”

The author said that she wrote this as just a light and fun story to write about admist the pressure and i can see that! Honestly needed this break from all the uni stress i’m going through right now 😵‍💫

I was hooked from the description like a girl who is able to grant wishes on saint patrick’s day but once their wish is granted, they forget her until this one guy remembers her still? LIKE I’M SOLD!
The only thing bugging me a bit is how they used to know each other or the bet and i feel that it wasn’t expanded as much (i understand it’s a novella so it’s a short read) and honestly the knowing about each other thing didn’t really matter to the plot

I still can’t wrap my head around the bet like it didn’t feel like it was that important or the worst thing in the world. In the end, I just couldn’t really understand how it came up to be literally the whole thing was confusing for me

But anyways! They are so so so so cute and i love the pace of this novella, I needed to clear my head and relax so this was nice

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a short and easy read. Perfect for when you're craving something light and cute or when you're in between books. Multiple perspectives are always great too.

I really enjoyed the magical aspect of the story and wished that it was developed a little more. Maybe because it's my first St. Patrick's day story, leprechaun magic felt unique and I loved everything that happened because of it.

Having said that, the magic created a few scenes/dialogues that felt forced to me. For example, Holly should have been aware of what was happening once she found out Liam remembered because she is familiar with her magic. Instead she seemed completely oblivious. I also would have preferred to see Holly freak out over her magic not working right away instead of later in the book.

Liam's dilemma was a good part of the story too. It didn't get fully fleshed out and ended up being more gimmicky which was a shame. Also I loved the sisterly scenes. I adored that Holly was the youngest out of the four. Their dynamic was great. Only if this was a longer book! I feel like there is so much left to be explored.

[Christie Mack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucky in Love by Bailey Black was a sweet and heartfelt romance that blended small-town charm, second chances, and a touch of fate. The story follows Ivy, who has always been unlucky in love, and when she returns to her hometown, she’s not expecting much to change. But then she crosses paths with Luke, her childhood crush turned successful businessman, and suddenly, luck seems to be on her side—at least in love.

I really enjoyed Ivy as a protagonist—she was relatable, with just the right mix of vulnerability and strength. Luke was the perfect balance of swoon-worthy and emotionally guarded, making their slow-burn romance all the more satisfying. The small-town setting added warmth and familiarity, making it easy to get lost in their world. The chemistry between Ivy and Luke was engaging, and I liked how their relationship developed organically rather than feeling rushed.

Overall, Lucky in Love was a cozy, feel-good read with just enough depth to make it emotionally satisfying. Perfect for those who enjoy a comforting romance with lovable characters and a bit of fate working its magic.

[Jana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute St Patrick’s Day novella, full of romance and a little magic. Holly comes from a family that has magic. Hers only comes once a year, on St Patrick’s Day, when she can exchange a stranger’s secret for one wish. As soon as the transaction is complete, the stranger forgets they’ve ever met Holly.

Every year, Holly spends March 17th in a bar, trading secrets for wishes. When she meets Liam, he tells her a secret and for his wish, asks to spend the rest of the evening with her. They do and when they part at her apartment at midnight with a kiss, Holly is devastated that Liam won’t remember her.

But then a few days later, Liam shows up on her door, saying that he hasn’t been able to stop thinking about their night together. But how can he remember? What makes him different from everyone else? And can Holly be brave enough to explore this thing between them, even when it could risk changing her magic forever?

[Kristine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the e-ARC to read and review. This was a short read novella that I finished fully within a morning train commute. I like holiday novellas and was interested in the premise of a female leprechaun finding romantic magic on St. Patrick's Day, but unfortunately this didn't do anything for me. I didn't get any magical wonder, either between characters or the holiday/legends. Every character felt flat and bland, the dual POV didn't add anything to the story, and there was almost imperceptible romance and chemistry between a supposed fated pair. We are more told that the leads are supposed to be together rather than anything showing us their bond or making the readers really root for them in any type of way. There was also a line around the consent convo that was like, "I hoped my magic wouldn't match me with someone who had a gross STD," and I just had to pause and blink for a bit for how out of pocket it was.

[manni · Rating 4 out of 5]

daww this was super cute! short and simple, a lovely magic system, and - as the author describes - a perfect fluff romance for all the feel-good vibes. Liam is such a sweetheart, and Holly is just so real and understandable (especially the staying at home part BAHAH). the side characters were also so loveable and supportable - it was just positivity and feel good all around. ofc this is a much shorter book, so you're not about to get like deep meanings and complexity - but this delivered what it had to and that's enough for me! the concept was fun, the world was cute, I eat up the soul mates trope every time, and while Patrick's day is an interesting choice, it's something quirky hehe- I'd love to see similar books for the other sisters especially to go more into depth on the magic system (speaking of which, I love me a syster dynamic). Anyway, if you're looking for a cute, quick romance read, this is the one for you

thank you to NetGalley and Bailey Black for a copy of this book!!

[caat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just as the author describes it: a fluff read. I needed a short and cute story, and this delivered.
Holly's a leprechaun who grants wishes every St. Patrick's Day, and after granting each wish, the person forgets her. Liam owns a bar and must marry someone within three months to keep it—that's all we need to know about them.
This is the classic "guy falls first" trope, and it warmed my heart deeply. Their chemistry shines through the words. Things take an "unexpected" turn when Holly refuses to keep seeing Liam while the bet's still going. A cliché would have them marry right away, but this chase hits the right spot and makes the book more enjoyable—I love unexpected turns just as much as I love a good cliché.
This was a good, light read with just the right amount of spice. After reading it, I'll certainly check out more of Bailey's books.

Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Monica Beard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Somewhere between a novella and a short story, Lucky in Love is the perfect palette cleanser of a sweet holiday romance. Leprechaun Holly can grant wishes in exchange for secrets, but only on St Patrick's Day. When she runs into old college crush, Liam, Holly has to consider what a leprechaun's to do when someone seems more interested in her than the wishes she can grant.

I'm always a little picky about St Patrick's Day reading since my husband is from Ireland (and yes, he has STRONG opinions on green beer), but this story about a leprechaun looking to find herself was a pure joy. I do wish we had gotten to spend more time on a subplot about Liam's family pushing him towards marriage to understand his complex relationships - especially since we really got to see Holly's connection with her sisters, but this fun read is perfect for anyone looking to live in a kind fantasy world for Paddy's Day.

I'd recommend to anyone who enjoys April Asher's books.

[Kelsey Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a sucker for a themed romance book!

This was such a fun novella! Holly is an adorable leprechaun whose magic wakes one night a year. Liam is a bar owner on a mission to win a bet against his brothers. The two meet, and sparks fly. Just for one night or will there be more?

My Thoughts: I thought this book was so cute! I loved the extra POV in the beginning. It really helped set the plot of the book up. Liam was the cinnamon roll from the sweetest bakery around. He was so cute and patient, I absolutely adored him. Holly was adorable but extremely cautious. The two made a great pair to read, and I wish there was more.

Thank you so much Bailey for allowing me to read/review your book in exchange for an honest review.

Tropes
-St. Patrick’s Day Themed
-Magical Mischief
-Cinnamon Roll MMC
-He Falls First
-Fated Mates

[☆Laura☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️


Holly es mitad duende y mitad humana, y una vez al año su magia se activa. Debe utilizarla o algo malo podría ocurrir. Así, cada 17 de marzo se encarga de cumplir deseos a cambio de un secreto. Liam fue su compañero de universidad, por quien estuvo enamorada, pero debido a su condición, nunca intentó acercarse. Para su mala suerte, ese año él le pide un deseo. Holly quiere negarse, ya que al cumplir cualquier deseo, esa persona la olvida, y lo último que quiere es que él no la recuerde. Con todo el dolor de su corazón, le cumple el deseo. Sin embargo, se lleva una sorpresa cuando al día siguiente, él recuerda todo.

~

Me gustó la historia, es corta y entretenida. Lo único que me desesperó fue Holly al final, cuando descubrió la razón por la cual él no la olvidó.



Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Steph Vazquez · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a cute rom-com story just in time for St. Patrick's Day festivities to start! Second chance romance for a leprechaun gal and a cinnamon roll MMC!

Holly and Liam just had a connection from the get go that was meant to be erased but for some odd reason, he keeps coming back to her. (So he definitely falls first!) Love his Dad jokes, his longing for Holly... just absolutely adorable. Holly, just not used to something permanent, is torn on her feelings for Liam...

It was a short fluff read in between books, however there were just important parts of the books that had be very confused and left unanswered. Maybe there's a second book?! Even for Holly's sister's Dahlia and River?! The book is just missing a tad bit more!

Thank you NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for a free ARC copy for my honest review!

[Giulia · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know a book has truly hooked you when you flip the page and—bam!—you're staring at the acknowledgments, wondering how you got there so fast.

As the author herself says, this is a sweet, fluffy read—the kind you devour in one sitting with a smile plastered on your face the whole time.

Holly is a leprechaun, and every March 17th, her magic lets her trade wishes for secrets. The catch? The wisher forgets she ever existed. Well… everyone except Liam.

And let me tell you, Liam is the ultimate golden retriever boyfriend—kind, goofy, armed with the most cringe-worthy dad jokes, but absolutely adorable.

If you're in the mood for a quick, heartwarming read with guaranteed sweetness, this one's a must!

[Rachel Lalonde · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Bailey B. and Net Galley for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review!

This was a great cute and fluffy novella. The perfect escape from reality I needed to read today! It's a low-conflict romcom about a half-leprechaun girl and her former crush reconnecting. The only negatives I had for this book is that I wanted more! I would have loved more details about the backstory of Holly and Liam in college, and more details about Holly's mom and sisters.

The spice level was pretty low, which you'd expect for a short novella like this.

Overall, I gave this one 4 stars, and would totally recommend it to anyone looking for a cozy St. Patrick's Day themed quick read.

[Lauren Erdbuerger · Rating 2 out of 5]

★½

Good concept, not so good execution

The magic elements were a fun thought and I think this had potential that it ultimately didn’t live up to. I understand being a short story, you don’t have ton of time to explain things, but there’s too many of those instances to overlook. There’s hints to situations such as her family dynamic and the bet but it’s never explained in the slightest. It was hard to connect to the story or care for the relationship. The characters were very one note and ultimately made the story fall super flat. I also noticed a good amount of editing and conversation continuity errors.

[grycennreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

🍀Lucky In Love💚
4.75⭐️

If you want a quick and easy read book where he falls first and she's stopping herself to actually fall for him, and you like magic then meet Liam & Holly.💚

This is a Saint Patrick's day themed romance book, Where the FMC was a leprechaun and she grants every wishes every Saint Patrick's day.🍀

Holly is so relatable (when you're a homebody lol) and I like how she really put her guard up but also lowkey letting herself enjoy Liam's company (🤭). Liam is such a sweetheart, love that he literally tell jokes to Holly. (😆)

Overall, I enjoyed reading this book, thank you to Netgalley and Ms. Bailey for this book.💚

[Dana Rodriguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute novella to dig you out of a reading slump or cleanse your palette in-between mythical worlds or heavy reads.

Holly is a real life leprechaun who stays away from love because she not sure what the consequences of finding love will be. Liam has not forgotten about Holly since college - always thinking of her as the one who got away. Lucky in Love is the story of their magical night together, and what happens when the magic wears away and reality sinks in.

Thank you NetGalley, BooksGoSocial, and Bailey B. for allowing me to read this story in exchange for my honest opinion.