What do you think?
Rate this book
Win a free print copy of this book!
8 days and 08:22:53
25 copies available
U.S. and Canada only
The Fortune Flip
Not yet published
Expected 17 Mar 26Win a free print copy of this book!
8 days and 08:22:53
25 copies available
U.S. and Canada only
This charming rom-com from an author whose writing is “deeply romantic, real, funny, and heartfelt” (Christina Lauren) is filled with Chinese traditions, second chances, and a luck-changing love story that will make readers of Helen Hoang, Jasmine Guillory, and Sarah Adams swoon.
352 pages, Paperback
Expected publication March 17, 2026
9 people are currently reading
4853 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Kung Jessen
5 books654 followersLauren Kung Jessen is the critically acclaimed author of Lunar Love, Red String Theory, Yin Yang Love Song, and The Fortune Flip. Her rom-coms are filled with big feelings and lots of food. Lauren’s books have been featured in Entertainment Weekly, People, NPR, The Seattle Times, Cosmopolitan, Forbes, and New York Post. She writes the Substack Important Nothings and lives in New York City.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.25 / 5 Stars
This one wasn’t exactly for me but if you like sweet, low-angst romances (no “Will they? Won’t they?” They will and do) that also touches on heavier topics.
You will probably like this book if you like:
🌟 Black cat FMC x Golden retriever MMC
🌟 Broadway carpenter x data analyst
🌟 They’re trying to figure out what luck means to them
🌟 Complicated family dynamics
🌟 Low-angst romances
🌟 Fade to black spice
I think this book handled the heavier topics (gambling addiction, parental death, drunk driving, toxic positivity) really well. When the characters were dealing with moments of real gravity, the book really shined. And when Hazel and Logan were learning how to support each other, their romance felt like it really worked.
For me, what didn’t work were the moments that were zanier: falling into water, wearing prosthetic disguises, the meet disaster. They didn’t feel grounded to me and didn’t feel tonally matched with the heavier topics. It was almost like a slapstick comedy which just felt off to me. And there were other moments that felt kind of skipped over like Hazel’s recent divorce. Yes, it was briefly mentioned but perhaps it should have been a bigger deal?
I did appreciate all of the discussions of Chinese traditions. That was a great, fun addition and fit really well within the story.
Thank you Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley for providing this eARC! All opinions are my own.
Publication Date: March 17, 2026
___________________
Pre-Read Thoughts: I just need something light and fun. And he’s a Broadway carpenter and I was a production staff theatre kid in college. PSTAFF UNITE
This one wasn’t exactly for me but if you like sweet, low-angst romances (no “Will they? Won’t they?” They will and do) that also touches on heavier topics.
You will probably like this book if you like:
🌟 Black cat FMC x Golden retriever MMC
🌟 Broadway carpenter x data analyst
🌟 They’re trying to figure out what luck means to them
🌟 Complicated family dynamics
🌟 Low-angst romances
🌟 Fade to black spice
I think this book handled the heavier topics (gambling addiction, parental death, drunk driving, toxic positivity) really well. When the characters were dealing with moments of real gravity, the book really shined. And when Hazel and Logan were learning how to support each other, their romance felt like it really worked.
For me, what didn’t work were the moments that were zanier: falling into water, wearing prosthetic disguises, the meet disaster. They didn’t feel grounded to me and didn’t feel tonally matched with the heavier topics. It was almost like a slapstick comedy which just felt off to me. And there were other moments that felt kind of skipped over like Hazel’s recent divorce. Yes, it was briefly mentioned but perhaps it should have been a bigger deal?
I did appreciate all of the discussions of Chinese traditions. That was a great, fun addition and fit really well within the story.
Thank you Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley for providing this eARC! All opinions are my own.
Publication Date: March 17, 2026
___________________
Pre-Read Thoughts: I just need something light and fun. And he’s a Broadway carpenter and I was a production staff theatre kid in college. PSTAFF UNITE
January 24, 2026
4.5 stars rounded up
I adore a romcom where the romance is pretty instantly connected and the conflict is outside of the couple. These two were SOLID and I loved them so much! This book reminded me of the Lindsey Lohan movie Just My Luck because the two main characters may or may not have switched luck. I’m not usually on the edge of my seat with romance, but I was with this one bc I needed to know what would happen with the money and their luck and their jobs and their pasts and their families! There was great characterization, plot, and lesson moments in this book. The MCs are relationship goals. I enjoyed every minute of reading this!
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an earc in exchange for my honest review!
I adore a romcom where the romance is pretty instantly connected and the conflict is outside of the couple. These two were SOLID and I loved them so much! This book reminded me of the Lindsey Lohan movie Just My Luck because the two main characters may or may not have switched luck. I’m not usually on the edge of my seat with romance, but I was with this one bc I needed to know what would happen with the money and their luck and their jobs and their pasts and their families! There was great characterization, plot, and lesson moments in this book. The MCs are relationship goals. I enjoyed every minute of reading this!
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an earc in exchange for my honest review!
January 7, 2026
The Fortune Flip
"Isn't that really what luck is? Invisible, often unacknowledged work that we put in to make things happen for ourselves? Day after day after day."
Oh my GOODNESS, Lauren Kung Jessen has done it again! I adored Hazel and Logan's story!
In an unexpected twist of fate, Logan crashes into Hazel's fortune reading - literally - and somehow their fates slip. Logan was previously a happy-go-lucky guy who things always seemed to work out for. Now, he's working hard to excel in this promotion at work and things just keep going wrong. Hazel was freshly divorced and laid off when she was having her fortune read - and now she stumbles into a job she loves at her favorite candy store, wins the lottery and as someone with previously terrible luck - things just keep going right. Together, Hazel and Logan work to unflip their fortunes, trying new perspectives and spending more time together that makes their chemistry undeniable.
I absolutely loved the perspectives in this book - the journey Hazel and Logan go on to shift their mindsets, to appreciate hard work and to weather the highs and lows of life. They also both grew to stand up for themselves - managing complex family dynamics, job transitions, and letting go of control enough to fall in love.
HIGHLY recommend this delightful adventure, especially if you're looking for:
- Delightful banter
- Delicious sounding foods that will make your mouth water (I'm still hungry!)
- A fun range of Chinese fortune telling methods
- A refreshing perspective on luck, mindset and hard work
Thank you to Forever for this ARC! My opinions are my own. The Fortune Flip is on shelves March 17, 2026.
"Isn't that really what luck is? Invisible, often unacknowledged work that we put in to make things happen for ourselves? Day after day after day."
Oh my GOODNESS, Lauren Kung Jessen has done it again! I adored Hazel and Logan's story!
In an unexpected twist of fate, Logan crashes into Hazel's fortune reading - literally - and somehow their fates slip. Logan was previously a happy-go-lucky guy who things always seemed to work out for. Now, he's working hard to excel in this promotion at work and things just keep going wrong. Hazel was freshly divorced and laid off when she was having her fortune read - and now she stumbles into a job she loves at her favorite candy store, wins the lottery and as someone with previously terrible luck - things just keep going right. Together, Hazel and Logan work to unflip their fortunes, trying new perspectives and spending more time together that makes their chemistry undeniable.
I absolutely loved the perspectives in this book - the journey Hazel and Logan go on to shift their mindsets, to appreciate hard work and to weather the highs and lows of life. They also both grew to stand up for themselves - managing complex family dynamics, job transitions, and letting go of control enough to fall in love.
HIGHLY recommend this delightful adventure, especially if you're looking for:
- Delightful banter
- Delicious sounding foods that will make your mouth water (I'm still hungry!)
- A fun range of Chinese fortune telling methods
- A refreshing perspective on luck, mindset and hard work
Thank you to Forever for this ARC! My opinions are my own. The Fortune Flip is on shelves March 17, 2026.
August 24, 2025
I had the privilege of being an early reader of Lauren's upcoming fourth novel and I can say with confidence that you're in for a treat when this releases in March 2026. I don't know how she does it, but Lauren manages to outdo herself with every book she writes—and The Fortune Flip is no exception.
This is easily Lauren's deepest, most emotionally gripping novel yet. She didn't shy away from tackling difficult, sensitive topics, such as job loss, parental gambling addiction, and references to drunk driving (in the past, off page), and handled them with such care and consideration. I think there's something to be said for romance authors who can handle writing a story that is perfectly balanced between heavy and light, between wins and failures, because at the end of the day...that's life. I want to see the characters I'm rooting for get their win, yes, but I also want to see them grow, and you can't grow without hardships. Maybe it's an unpopular opinion, but some of my favorite romance novels deal with REAL shit that shape the characters into people who feel...real, who are relatable and messy and complicated and imperfect. On this front, Lauren delivered, and The Fortune Flip will forever be one of my favorite books as a result.
To say I adore Hazel and Logan would be an understatement. I love them together, I love them individually, and I love the way they love each other. One of my favorite things about Lauren's writing is how intimate it is despite it being a 'closed door' romance. People often forget that intimacy is not synonymous with sex, that some of the most intimate moments you can have with a person don't even take place in the bedroom. It's reaching over and holding your partner's hand for reassurance, it's confiding in them and feeling HEARD, it's showing them what you feel are your worst parts and being told that you are enough, full stop. Hazel and Logan are the epitome of this quote from The Fault In Our Stars: "I fell in love the way you fall asleep: slowly, and then all at once."
There is something so special about being with someone who is your safe space, especially when you've never felt like you had a space to truly be yourself—the good, the bad, and the ugly. Hazel and Logan go through A LOT together, especially given the short amount of time they've known each other, and yet they navigate it beautifully. These two were meant to be, and I LOVED that their relationship was healing for them both. They learned how to communicate effectively, to stand up for themselves, and to lean into their emotions in a way they couldn't before. THAT is the magic of finding and being with your person.
As always, Lauren made me swoon, giggle and kick my feet, cry, scream, and laugh out loud. She made me think about the way we look at luck, how we deal with toxic positivity, and the importance of feeling your emotions...ALL of your emotions. I always end Lauren's books feeling full, taken care of, and seen. And I think that's the true mark of an excellent writer.
If you're looking for a book filled with humor, flirtatious, witty dialogue, a MMC who is fiercely protective over his girl, a FMC who is fiercely protective over her guy, beautiful scenery (who can pass up a book set in NYC?), animals (WE LOVE A STORY WITH A CUTIE CAT), and a lot of heart, you're going to LOVE The Fortune Flip.
It has been an honor to support Lauren since her debut novel. As long as she keeps writing books, I'll keep reading them.
If this book taught me anything, it's this: You will NEVER be too much for the right people.
This is easily Lauren's deepest, most emotionally gripping novel yet. She didn't shy away from tackling difficult, sensitive topics, such as job loss, parental gambling addiction, and references to drunk driving (in the past, off page), and handled them with such care and consideration. I think there's something to be said for romance authors who can handle writing a story that is perfectly balanced between heavy and light, between wins and failures, because at the end of the day...that's life. I want to see the characters I'm rooting for get their win, yes, but I also want to see them grow, and you can't grow without hardships. Maybe it's an unpopular opinion, but some of my favorite romance novels deal with REAL shit that shape the characters into people who feel...real, who are relatable and messy and complicated and imperfect. On this front, Lauren delivered, and The Fortune Flip will forever be one of my favorite books as a result.
To say I adore Hazel and Logan would be an understatement. I love them together, I love them individually, and I love the way they love each other. One of my favorite things about Lauren's writing is how intimate it is despite it being a 'closed door' romance. People often forget that intimacy is not synonymous with sex, that some of the most intimate moments you can have with a person don't even take place in the bedroom. It's reaching over and holding your partner's hand for reassurance, it's confiding in them and feeling HEARD, it's showing them what you feel are your worst parts and being told that you are enough, full stop. Hazel and Logan are the epitome of this quote from The Fault In Our Stars: "I fell in love the way you fall asleep: slowly, and then all at once."
There is something so special about being with someone who is your safe space, especially when you've never felt like you had a space to truly be yourself—the good, the bad, and the ugly. Hazel and Logan go through A LOT together, especially given the short amount of time they've known each other, and yet they navigate it beautifully. These two were meant to be, and I LOVED that their relationship was healing for them both. They learned how to communicate effectively, to stand up for themselves, and to lean into their emotions in a way they couldn't before. THAT is the magic of finding and being with your person.
As always, Lauren made me swoon, giggle and kick my feet, cry, scream, and laugh out loud. She made me think about the way we look at luck, how we deal with toxic positivity, and the importance of feeling your emotions...ALL of your emotions. I always end Lauren's books feeling full, taken care of, and seen. And I think that's the true mark of an excellent writer.
If you're looking for a book filled with humor, flirtatious, witty dialogue, a MMC who is fiercely protective over his girl, a FMC who is fiercely protective over her guy, beautiful scenery (who can pass up a book set in NYC?), animals (WE LOVE A STORY WITH A CUTIE CAT), and a lot of heart, you're going to LOVE The Fortune Flip.
It has been an honor to support Lauren since her debut novel. As long as she keeps writing books, I'll keep reading them.
If this book taught me anything, it's this: You will NEVER be too much for the right people.
November 24, 2025
Hazel Yen is definitely having a rough patch: recently divorced, job hunting, and dealing with her gambling father. Everything changes after a trip to a Chinatown fortune teller, where a bizarre encounter with Logan leads them to believe their fortunes have been magically swapped. Hazel is suddenly riding a wave of good luck, while Logan is plunged into chaos. This was such a charming book; I was instantly hooked! I particularly loved the organic way their relationship developed and how they supported each other through the reversal of fortune. Best of all, this is a romance that avoids the typical third-act breakup! It features refreshing, healthy communication and explores the idea that true success isn't about luck, but hard work, boundaries, and genuine connection.
January 26, 2026
Soooooo cute!! *ARC*
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
“Isn’t that what people do? Go to a fortune teller, get told something fortuitous, buy a lotto ticket?”
~ Fortune teller shop meet cute, bonded by lottery win
~ chaotic cat Toffee
~ Set in NYC
~ Second chances, Chinese traditions, and luck-changing love story
~ Complex family dynamics
Hazel and Logan won the lottery, so they’re sort of bonded for life now. They can obviously go their separate ways, but you’ve got to admit, meeting at a fortune teller shop and immediately buying a lotto ticket together and winning is an epic meet cute. THE FORTUNE FLIP is a luck-changing love story about second chances, Chinese traditions, and a pair of strangers brought together by their stroke of luck. But when Hazel is suddenly lucky and Logan is suddenly not-so-lucky, they realize their luck took a 180-shift and a friendship is born as they lean on each other to figure out what went down at that fortune teller’s shop.
I need my fortune flipped to find a shred of luck in this job market! (kidding…or am I?) Hazel and Logan were a radiating duo and I loved their banter and friendship. There’s even a cat named Toffee who’s the chaotic force behind Hazel and Logan’s love story. Logan works on Broadway as a carpenter (read: rugged) and Hazel is great with numbers (read: stressed) but they both look inward after their lotto win to create a life that’s not based on any amount of fortune or luck. I loved that boundary setting was a priority and how the author depicted complex family dynamics for both characters. The story was cute as heck (in typical LKJ fashion) but I liked how it also tackled difficult topics like job loss, parental gambling addiction, and a drunk driving accident (in the past, off page) with care and consideration.
I’ve been supporting LKJ since her debut novel, so maybe I’m biased, but THE FORTUNE FLIP might be one of my favorites yet! I loved how there was a quick cross-over with LKJ’s other book YIN YANG LOVE SONG and it made me want to reread it. If you love sweet romance with magical storylines and diverse character rep, you’ve gotta pick up an LKJ novel for your next read.
THE FORTUNE FLIP is out March 17!
Additional quotes that I loved [possible spoilers?]:
“I want the big stuff, sure. A home, a grand love story. But the big stuff only becomes big because of the little stuff: breakfast for dinner, rowboats, disguises, bags of candy, and cinnamon lattes.”
“Hazel, we won the lottery together,” I say. “We’re bonded for life.”
“It’s all for you. And that smile right there is exactly why I’d rent a hundred more carousels a hundred more times.”
“Being surrounded by sweets that are more well-traveled than I am makes me hungry for something i’ve never had,”
~ Fortune teller shop meet cute, bonded by lottery win
~ chaotic cat Toffee
~ Set in NYC
~ Second chances, Chinese traditions, and luck-changing love story
~ Complex family dynamics
Hazel and Logan won the lottery, so they’re sort of bonded for life now. They can obviously go their separate ways, but you’ve got to admit, meeting at a fortune teller shop and immediately buying a lotto ticket together and winning is an epic meet cute. THE FORTUNE FLIP is a luck-changing love story about second chances, Chinese traditions, and a pair of strangers brought together by their stroke of luck. But when Hazel is suddenly lucky and Logan is suddenly not-so-lucky, they realize their luck took a 180-shift and a friendship is born as they lean on each other to figure out what went down at that fortune teller’s shop.
I need my fortune flipped to find a shred of luck in this job market! (kidding…or am I?) Hazel and Logan were a radiating duo and I loved their banter and friendship. There’s even a cat named Toffee who’s the chaotic force behind Hazel and Logan’s love story. Logan works on Broadway as a carpenter (read: rugged) and Hazel is great with numbers (read: stressed) but they both look inward after their lotto win to create a life that’s not based on any amount of fortune or luck. I loved that boundary setting was a priority and how the author depicted complex family dynamics for both characters. The story was cute as heck (in typical LKJ fashion) but I liked how it also tackled difficult topics like job loss, parental gambling addiction, and a drunk driving accident (in the past, off page) with care and consideration.
I’ve been supporting LKJ since her debut novel, so maybe I’m biased, but THE FORTUNE FLIP might be one of my favorites yet! I loved how there was a quick cross-over with LKJ’s other book YIN YANG LOVE SONG and it made me want to reread it. If you love sweet romance with magical storylines and diverse character rep, you’ve gotta pick up an LKJ novel for your next read.
THE FORTUNE FLIP is out March 17!
Additional quotes that I loved [possible spoilers?]:
“I want the big stuff, sure. A home, a grand love story. But the big stuff only becomes big because of the little stuff: breakfast for dinner, rowboats, disguises, bags of candy, and cinnamon lattes.”
“Hazel, we won the lottery together,” I say. “We’re bonded for life.”
“It’s all for you. And that smile right there is exactly why I’d rent a hundred more carousels a hundred more times.”
“Being surrounded by sweets that are more well-traveled than I am makes me hungry for something i’ve never had,”
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This really gave the movie “Just My Luck,” which I was immensely happy about; that movie is such an underrated goodie. Perfect for my fellow Ashley Poston fans as well!
Hazel was an admirable character that I rooted for the entire time. Dealing with her gambling father and irresponsible brother, she held everything on her shoulders until Logan came along and she started to truly live for herself, getting out of toxic habits. I hated how her family treated her, but it made her the strong FMC that she is. Aside from being immensely lovable, she was also hilarious! She reminded me of a Lynn Painter character.
Logan too was a lovable character! He very much gave golden retriever energy (which is always swoon-worthy in my book). He was mistaken for being lucky his whole life, and maybe to an extent he was, but he had layers to him and gave everything he had to his goals, giving us an incredible inspirational MMC. I loved him!
Together, Hazel and Logan were an unstoppable duo. Their personalities collided so well! I loved all the fortune surrounding them; it was such a unique way to start a love story. I will say though, it was more on the insta-love side than I usually prefer, but the author wrote it in such a way that it wasn’t unbearable or annoying. I loved that their relationship wasn’t overtly lustful (like AT ALL); it was such a breath of fresh air from the usual “romance” these days.
I really liked this read! It was enjoyable and had characters I genuinely found myself looking up to. The laugh-out-loud humor didn’t hurt either! I also LOVE books with a feel-good NYC vibe, and this delivered just that!
The only reason it’s getting a rating on the lower side is because I’ve become increasingly picky with romance reads lately but make no mistake, I did enjoy this for what it was!
2.6 ★
𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙪𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙂𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘼𝙍𝘾!
Hazel was an admirable character that I rooted for the entire time. Dealing with her gambling father and irresponsible brother, she held everything on her shoulders until Logan came along and she started to truly live for herself, getting out of toxic habits. I hated how her family treated her, but it made her the strong FMC that she is. Aside from being immensely lovable, she was also hilarious! She reminded me of a Lynn Painter character.
Logan too was a lovable character! He very much gave golden retriever energy (which is always swoon-worthy in my book). He was mistaken for being lucky his whole life, and maybe to an extent he was, but he had layers to him and gave everything he had to his goals, giving us an incredible inspirational MMC. I loved him!
Together, Hazel and Logan were an unstoppable duo. Their personalities collided so well! I loved all the fortune surrounding them; it was such a unique way to start a love story. I will say though, it was more on the insta-love side than I usually prefer, but the author wrote it in such a way that it wasn’t unbearable or annoying. I loved that their relationship wasn’t overtly lustful (like AT ALL); it was such a breath of fresh air from the usual “romance” these days.
I really liked this read! It was enjoyable and had characters I genuinely found myself looking up to. The laugh-out-loud humor didn’t hurt either! I also LOVE books with a feel-good NYC vibe, and this delivered just that!
The only reason it’s getting a rating on the lower side is because I’ve become increasingly picky with romance reads lately but make no mistake, I did enjoy this for what it was!
2.6 ★
𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙪𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙂𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘼𝙍𝘾!
December 10, 2025
Excuse me… what? 🍀❤️🎟️💰🎰🎭
My girl LKJ does it again!! Like how many freaking cute books can you write? Unlimited amount. Every time I read a Lauren KJ book, I’m reminded why I love her style of writing. The witty banter is top tier. I was telling my husband that I loved how LKJ always includes her Chinese American culture into the stories. I always learn something new. I also enjoyed the small Easter eggs from her previous books. As fun as her books are to read, it’s relatable to see real life struggles within her characters. LKJ handles it with such care. The Fortune Flip was such a fun book to read. Add this to your TBR on goodreads and preorder asap! Out March 17, 2026 (St. Paddy’s Day 🍀)
✨
TW: family loss, family drama, gambling
✨
“Hazel Yen would love to be that person who doesn’t believe in bad luck. But having lost her job, her mom, her optimism, and even her dim-sum leftovers, she’s sitting in a fortune teller’s booth, desperate for a sign—any sign—that her luck might change. Which is when fate crashes into her, disguised as Logan Wells and his utterly chaotic cat. Except after one spontaneous and mind-melting kiss, Hazel’s terrible misfortune starts taking a turn for the miraculous. Money problems vanish. A new job lands in her lap. And she’s crushing—hard—on the guy who started it all.
Only there’s a problem: Logan’s luck has taken a turn for the worse. A shared lottery ticket could be just the answer they’re seeking or a disaster waiting to happen. Has Hazel’s fortune truly changed? And if so, could winning at life mean losing at love? “
✨
Thank you, NetGalley for the advanced copy!
🫶🏻
#laurenKungJessen
My girl LKJ does it again!! Like how many freaking cute books can you write? Unlimited amount. Every time I read a Lauren KJ book, I’m reminded why I love her style of writing. The witty banter is top tier. I was telling my husband that I loved how LKJ always includes her Chinese American culture into the stories. I always learn something new. I also enjoyed the small Easter eggs from her previous books. As fun as her books are to read, it’s relatable to see real life struggles within her characters. LKJ handles it with such care. The Fortune Flip was such a fun book to read. Add this to your TBR on goodreads and preorder asap! Out March 17, 2026 (St. Paddy’s Day 🍀)
✨
TW: family loss, family drama, gambling
✨
“Hazel Yen would love to be that person who doesn’t believe in bad luck. But having lost her job, her mom, her optimism, and even her dim-sum leftovers, she’s sitting in a fortune teller’s booth, desperate for a sign—any sign—that her luck might change. Which is when fate crashes into her, disguised as Logan Wells and his utterly chaotic cat. Except after one spontaneous and mind-melting kiss, Hazel’s terrible misfortune starts taking a turn for the miraculous. Money problems vanish. A new job lands in her lap. And she’s crushing—hard—on the guy who started it all.
Only there’s a problem: Logan’s luck has taken a turn for the worse. A shared lottery ticket could be just the answer they’re seeking or a disaster waiting to happen. Has Hazel’s fortune truly changed? And if so, could winning at life mean losing at love? “
✨
Thank you, NetGalley for the advanced copy!
🫶🏻
#laurenKungJessen
December 7, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for providing this book, with my honest review below.
The Fortune Flip is a fun and sweet read that considers the things we can control and drive in our lives vs those outside of our control, and how much weight we put on the latter instead of owning the former.
This book reminds me a bit of that old Lindsay Lohan movie, Just My Luck, in its initial concept. Hazel is the unlucky one here, fresh off a breakup and firing, supporting and enabling her gambling dad and floating through life brother. Logan meanwhile seems to surf through the bad as a head carpenter of a broadway show. When the two have a little incident at a fortune teller that leads to a joint lottery win it seems like their luck flips, with Hazel trying to find ways to make Logan as fortunate as she now is. In concept this is all fun but this book really dives into the pair’s past and how it’s shaped their view of their past and how they approach life. Of course there’s a lot of fun and romance but there are also some more serious moments that come with self discovery.
Recommended for those who love a sweet and entertaining story that goes beyond the surface froth.
The Fortune Flip is a fun and sweet read that considers the things we can control and drive in our lives vs those outside of our control, and how much weight we put on the latter instead of owning the former.
This book reminds me a bit of that old Lindsay Lohan movie, Just My Luck, in its initial concept. Hazel is the unlucky one here, fresh off a breakup and firing, supporting and enabling her gambling dad and floating through life brother. Logan meanwhile seems to surf through the bad as a head carpenter of a broadway show. When the two have a little incident at a fortune teller that leads to a joint lottery win it seems like their luck flips, with Hazel trying to find ways to make Logan as fortunate as she now is. In concept this is all fun but this book really dives into the pair’s past and how it’s shaped their view of their past and how they approach life. Of course there’s a lot of fun and romance but there are also some more serious moments that come with self discovery.
Recommended for those who love a sweet and entertaining story that goes beyond the surface froth.
December 31, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ Review — The Fortune Flip by Lauren Kung Jessen
Ok ok ok—I loved this one. Such a fun, clever premise with two strangers who believe they’ve accidentally swapped fortunes… and then have to reckon with what luck actually means.
I adored the playful take on fortune tellers and fate, but even more than that, I loved how this story gently flips the script to show that luck isn’t just something that happens to you—it’s also shaped by mindset, boundaries, and good old-fashioned hard work. The magic is there, but it’s balanced beautifully with real emotional growth.
This rom-com delivers a truly charming meet-cute and then builds into something deeper: a thoughtful look at what we can control in our lives versus what we give power to unnecessarily. The characters are flawed, layered, and completely lovable, and their relationship develops in such an organic, supportive way. Watching them show up for each other—especially as their “fortunes” seem to reverse—was incredibly satisfying.
Best of all? No frustrating third-act breakup. Instead, we get healthy communication (yes please), emotional honesty, and a romance that believes true success isn’t about luck at all—it’s about connection, self-trust, and doing the work.
Ok ok ok—I loved this one. Such a fun, clever premise with two strangers who believe they’ve accidentally swapped fortunes… and then have to reckon with what luck actually means.
I adored the playful take on fortune tellers and fate, but even more than that, I loved how this story gently flips the script to show that luck isn’t just something that happens to you—it’s also shaped by mindset, boundaries, and good old-fashioned hard work. The magic is there, but it’s balanced beautifully with real emotional growth.
This rom-com delivers a truly charming meet-cute and then builds into something deeper: a thoughtful look at what we can control in our lives versus what we give power to unnecessarily. The characters are flawed, layered, and completely lovable, and their relationship develops in such an organic, supportive way. Watching them show up for each other—especially as their “fortunes” seem to reverse—was incredibly satisfying.
Best of all? No frustrating third-act breakup. Instead, we get healthy communication (yes please), emotional honesty, and a romance that believes true success isn’t about luck at all—it’s about connection, self-trust, and doing the work.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a little different from the average rom com in that the couple get together fairly quickly and the frictions that happens throughout the book aren’t related to their relationship. They compliment each other well and made for a delightful read.
On that note, this does lean a little more lit fic for that reason. If you’re looking for tension filled romance and banter, you won’t find it here. This is more supportive partners and chaste moments in finding what each is looking for in the other person. The bigger plot points are more about Hazel’s mooching family members and the demons they are battling. Heavy topics are included here and I think they are handled well, but it does detract from the ‘rom com’ atmosphere. I found those parts a little boring unfortunately. Everyone should just go to therapy. The romance is sweet I just wanted it to be more of the center of the book.
I liked the inclusion of the Chinese traditions and the luck readings. It sets this apart from other books and made for an interesting premise and kind of tied both parts of the story.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author/publisher for an early copy of this book in exhange for an honest review.
On that note, this does lean a little more lit fic for that reason. If you’re looking for tension filled romance and banter, you won’t find it here. This is more supportive partners and chaste moments in finding what each is looking for in the other person. The bigger plot points are more about Hazel’s mooching family members and the demons they are battling. Heavy topics are included here and I think they are handled well, but it does detract from the ‘rom com’ atmosphere. I found those parts a little boring unfortunately. Everyone should just go to therapy. The romance is sweet I just wanted it to be more of the center of the book.
I liked the inclusion of the Chinese traditions and the luck readings. It sets this apart from other books and made for an interesting premise and kind of tied both parts of the story.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author/publisher for an early copy of this book in exhange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
LOVED LOVED LOVED. This book had me turned inside out and upside down in the best way possible. To utilize a love story between two characters whose "luck" got switched around to present a broader idea of how mindset and perspective and interpretation of the things that happen to you could affect your own "luck" (or help you finally recognize how hard you've worked) read beautifully. I felt it was such a strong way to truly get to know Hazel and Logan from page one.
Lauren's writing is clever and intentional in how Hazel's "luck" is depicted vs how Logan's "luck" is depicted, and it was so refreshing to truly feel how thought out these characters were as individuals as well as an eventual couple as I read through. I found the pacing of this novel to be so well done for just how much happens and how much they go through in a fairly short amount of time. It never felt rushed or like scenes were being glossed over. Each moment Hazel and Logan spent together and on their own felt purposeful and like true meaningful time as a reader with these characters.
I absolutely adored this book and these characters! Thank you to Forever for the ARC!
Lauren's writing is clever and intentional in how Hazel's "luck" is depicted vs how Logan's "luck" is depicted, and it was so refreshing to truly feel how thought out these characters were as individuals as well as an eventual couple as I read through. I found the pacing of this novel to be so well done for just how much happens and how much they go through in a fairly short amount of time. It never felt rushed or like scenes were being glossed over. Each moment Hazel and Logan spent together and on their own felt purposeful and like true meaningful time as a reader with these characters.
I absolutely adored this book and these characters! Thank you to Forever for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Hazel Yen siente que su vida se desmorona el mismo día en que firma su divorcio y pierde su trabajo, así que decide refugiarse en una feria de la suerte en Chinatown con la esperanza de encontrar una respuesta que le devuelva algo de control. Una lectura de fortuna interrumpida por un desconocido y su gato convierte lo que debía ser un momento íntimo en una experiencia compartida que cambia el rumbo de ambos. Logan Wells no cree del todo en el destino, pero tampoco ignora las señales cuando aparecen de la forma más inesperada. A partir de ese encuentro caótico, Hazel y Logan comienzan a cruzar sus caminos mientras lidian con duelos personales, decisiones postergadas y la posibilidad de que la suerte no sea algo que se espera sino algo que se construye.
__
Me fue imposible no comparar la historia con Just My Luck, tienen la premisa de cambiar la suerte/fortuna, pero por lo demás cada una se centra en cosas diferentes. Entonces, si les gusta esa película, sin dudas disfrutaran de este libro.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
__
Me fue imposible no comparar la historia con Just My Luck, tienen la premisa de cambiar la suerte/fortuna, pero por lo demás cada una se centra en cosas diferentes. Entonces, si les gusta esa película, sin dudas disfrutaran de este libro.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Talk about a feel-good romcom that absolutely charmed the pants off me! Hazel and Logan are two of the kindest, most likeable people you ever met, and I fell hard for them and their story.
Hazel’s had a rough go of it lately, dealing with her pretty awful family, losing her job, and looking for whatever she can find in a fortune teller. In crashes Logan, trying to walk his cat and sending the fortune cards flying in all directions. Logan, who’s life has been going really well… After the chaos, they walk through NYC, and let’s just say luck starts to change. Hazel’s life starts looking up and Logan is taking his lumps. What are they to do?
The buildup of Hazel and Logan’s relationship is so sweet, so supportive, and so thoughtful. They each have issues with their families, and they show up for each other, inspire each other, and ease those burdens. I loved the theme of making your own luck and creating opportunities through hard work while still recognizing privilege and sometimes just plain old good fortune. I don’t want to say too much—just if you want a smooth, beautiful love story with beautiful moments and without a ton of drama, this is a good one for you!
Hazel’s had a rough go of it lately, dealing with her pretty awful family, losing her job, and looking for whatever she can find in a fortune teller. In crashes Logan, trying to walk his cat and sending the fortune cards flying in all directions. Logan, who’s life has been going really well… After the chaos, they walk through NYC, and let’s just say luck starts to change. Hazel’s life starts looking up and Logan is taking his lumps. What are they to do?
The buildup of Hazel and Logan’s relationship is so sweet, so supportive, and so thoughtful. They each have issues with their families, and they show up for each other, inspire each other, and ease those burdens. I loved the theme of making your own luck and creating opportunities through hard work while still recognizing privilege and sometimes just plain old good fortune. I don’t want to say too much—just if you want a smooth, beautiful love story with beautiful moments and without a ton of drama, this is a good one for you!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4 ⭐️
The Fortune Flip was a fun, cute, low stakes romance read! I really liked how quickly the storyline picked up between Hazel and Logan when they both unexpectedly win the NYC Lottery. I felt the two of them had great chemistry from the very beginning. There wasn’t a lot of “when are they gonna get together?” Because they kind of get together pretty quickly! For me, the storyline felt like I was observing two love birds walking through the park together, taking on whatever obstacles came their way. In summary, I had a pleasant time being on the journey with Hazel and Logan navigating the ups and downs of life. For me personally, I’m not a believer of all the “fortune telling” going on throughout the story, but I appreciated the sentiment and overall messaging the ending brought. I also loved how LKJ addressed and approached some harder topics including: gambling, death of a family member, and addiction. She also did a wonderful job including discussion of Chinese tradition. Definitely worth this one’s worth a read!
**Thank You NetGalley, Forever (Grand Central Publishing), and Lauren Kung Jessen for providing an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review**
The Fortune Flip was a fun, cute, low stakes romance read! I really liked how quickly the storyline picked up between Hazel and Logan when they both unexpectedly win the NYC Lottery. I felt the two of them had great chemistry from the very beginning. There wasn’t a lot of “when are they gonna get together?” Because they kind of get together pretty quickly! For me, the storyline felt like I was observing two love birds walking through the park together, taking on whatever obstacles came their way. In summary, I had a pleasant time being on the journey with Hazel and Logan navigating the ups and downs of life. For me personally, I’m not a believer of all the “fortune telling” going on throughout the story, but I appreciated the sentiment and overall messaging the ending brought. I also loved how LKJ addressed and approached some harder topics including: gambling, death of a family member, and addiction. She also did a wonderful job including discussion of Chinese tradition. Definitely worth this one’s worth a read!
**Thank You NetGalley, Forever (Grand Central Publishing), and Lauren Kung Jessen for providing an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review**
December 1, 2025
Thank you @readforeverpub for the e-book ARC! Out March 17, 2026.
I’ve loved every book that @laurenkjessen has written and this one is no exception. It’s her writing, her characters, the way you feel like you’re in their heads. Their oh-so-real feelings and humanity. The falling in love despite themselves. All of it.
Set in New York, this is the story of Hazel (a person all out of luck) and Logan (a person so full of luck) who meet-cute, reverse their fortunes and win the lottery all in one night. Talk about a big night. Now they’re stuck together to figure all this out, not that they mind having to see each other’s sweet face so often.
This book is full of small shared intimacies, big romantic moments and acceptance of what you can and can’t change. It’s about accepting yourself so you can accept another into your heart.
Go read Lauren��s other books (I spotted little cameos throughout this one!) before this one comes out March 17, 2026!
I’ve loved every book that @laurenkjessen has written and this one is no exception. It’s her writing, her characters, the way you feel like you’re in their heads. Their oh-so-real feelings and humanity. The falling in love despite themselves. All of it.
Set in New York, this is the story of Hazel (a person all out of luck) and Logan (a person so full of luck) who meet-cute, reverse their fortunes and win the lottery all in one night. Talk about a big night. Now they’re stuck together to figure all this out, not that they mind having to see each other’s sweet face so often.
This book is full of small shared intimacies, big romantic moments and acceptance of what you can and can’t change. It’s about accepting yourself so you can accept another into your heart.
Go read Lauren��s other books (I spotted little cameos throughout this one!) before this one comes out March 17, 2026!
December 6, 2025
“The Fortune Flip” was an absolute delight! What a charming, sweet, hopeful, unexpected romance! This is such a great feel-good romance that can get one’s spirits up. The writing is kind and generous and the chemistry between the two leads is strong from the start.
If you enjoy sweeter romances (rather than spicy ones), you’ll love this read! I have no notes, this was so well written and hit every beat perfectly. I wasn’t entirely sure about the premise when I read the excerpt but soon after I started reading, I couldn’t put it down!
The stakes are real, the characters grow in real ways, their love story is honest and kind and sure to soften any cynic’s heart. So lovely.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
If you enjoy sweeter romances (rather than spicy ones), you’ll love this read! I have no notes, this was so well written and hit every beat perfectly. I wasn’t entirely sure about the premise when I read the excerpt but soon after I started reading, I couldn’t put it down!
The stakes are real, the characters grow in real ways, their love story is honest and kind and sure to soften any cynic’s heart. So lovely.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is the third book I've read by this author. I appreciate how she takes a concept and explores it through the romance. The concept for this book is luck- do we innately have good or bad luck or do we make our luck? How much do perspective and mindset play into that? I loved the exploration of luck as Hazel and Logan think their luck has flipped and that they are connected to each other. They are both such likable main characters and it was a sweet romance that kept me turning the pages. I also loved the little reference to characters in the other books.
Thanks to the publisher for a gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Thanks to the publisher for a gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a fun, entertaining read. Logan and Hazel are fun to spend time with. I enjoyed their romance and the path it took to get to their HEA. I especially loved the growth of our main characters throughout the course of the story. They are very relatable and drew me in from the start. Jessen has a way of taking things like luck and digging deeper which adds a richness to the story that I enjoy. The secondary characters added to the fabric of the story and my enjoyment. The book is easy to read and get into.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Lauren Kung Jessens books never fails to put a smile on my face. A sweet meet cute that turns into an entire adventure full of surprises. Nothing bonds you like winning the lottery together.
I’d like to believe in luck and karma but like Hazel I don’t consider myself particularly lucky. But it’s fun to find out more about how it’s viewed in another culture.
Hazel is the caretaker of the family, making sure the bills get paid and worrying about her adult brother. I very much enjoyed seeing her become a little more selfish. I also loved the adorable cat, candy shop and the MCs dressing up as an elderly couple. I highly recommend this one, you can’t go wrong with any of LKJs books.
Read this if you like
🧡Meet cutes
🌇New York setting
✨Second chances
🐈Complex family dynamics
I’d like to believe in luck and karma but like Hazel I don’t consider myself particularly lucky. But it’s fun to find out more about how it’s viewed in another culture.
Hazel is the caretaker of the family, making sure the bills get paid and worrying about her adult brother. I very much enjoyed seeing her become a little more selfish. I also loved the adorable cat, candy shop and the MCs dressing up as an elderly couple. I highly recommend this one, you can’t go wrong with any of LKJs books.
Read this if you like
🧡Meet cutes
🌇New York setting
✨Second chances
🐈Complex family dynamics
January 19, 2026
A bad day turns worse when Hazel sits to have her future told by a fortune teller only to have a cat and bird catastrophe maybe switch her luck with a random cat walker stranger, Logan. He only wants to make it up to her and convinces Hazel to go to a convenience store to bandage her wounds and maybe her pride afterward. When Hazel's luck randomly turns up in the best ways and Logan's for the worse, he's convinced they've switched fortunes and Hazel is desparate for his to turn back.
I adored this book from page one to the ending. Everything about it was heartwarming and tender. Whether fate or luck or magic can be found, the underlying theme that life can be what we make of it resounded within me. I've enjoyed Lauren's whole catalogue of books up until this point and I think this may have risen to the top as my favorite. Logan's golden retriever energy was exactly the match Hazel needed. I loved how he saw past her stoic exterior to someone who was deserving of care and attention. Can't wait to get a trophy copy to reread and slip onto my shelves.
Thank you to Forever and Netgalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
I adored this book from page one to the ending. Everything about it was heartwarming and tender. Whether fate or luck or magic can be found, the underlying theme that life can be what we make of it resounded within me. I've enjoyed Lauren's whole catalogue of books up until this point and I think this may have risen to the top as my favorite. Logan's golden retriever energy was exactly the match Hazel needed. I loved how he saw past her stoic exterior to someone who was deserving of care and attention. Can't wait to get a trophy copy to reread and slip onto my shelves.
Thank you to Forever and Netgalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
Read
January 22, 2026Kindle Copy for Review from NetGalley, Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and Forever.
I received a free, advance copy of this book and this is my unbiased and voluntary review.
In this romance comedy where Chinese suspicious and misfortunes seem to collide and love will shine through. Was it bad luck or it just coincidental incidents as fate at work. Cute story with light hearted banter.
I received a free, advance copy of this book and this is my unbiased and voluntary review.
In this romance comedy where Chinese suspicious and misfortunes seem to collide and love will shine through. Was it bad luck or it just coincidental incidents as fate at work. Cute story with light hearted banter.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Wasn't my favorite of Jessen. As always there's some magic realism tied into her stories. I just didn't enjoy how there were some heavier topics mixed in with some comedy tied into it. It didn't make sense to me. I also felt like the character was just angry just to be angry at some points.
Thanks to Forever for the ARC copy in exchange for an honest review, as always all words are my own.
Thanks to Forever for the ARC copy in exchange for an honest review, as always all words are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Lauren does it again! I adored the fortune themes. Logan and Hazel might be my new favorite couple of all time. Plus, it doesn't hurt that the setting is New York City and Maine! I loved the adventures that the pair went on and all the swoony moments.
Don't sleep on this book! Pre-order it now and buy it on March 17th!
[Full review coming soon]
Don't sleep on this book! Pre-order it now and buy it on March 17th!
[Full review coming soon]
November 29, 2025
THIS BOOK IS PURE MAGIC TO ME . . . LIKE I CAN HEAR THE SOUNDTRACK PLAYING OVER THE OPENING CREDITS AND I'M JUST SETTLING IN BECAUSE I KNOW I'M GOING TO HAVE A SMILE ON MY FACE THE WHOLE TIME
December 23, 2025
A very cute and quick read. I enjoyed the reflections on luck and how much we can “control” in life. The discussion questions in the back would make for a great book club!
January 1, 2026
Lauren is the kind of author who will make you believe in serendipity and then challenge the very idea of luck and make you believe in that too. Her writing is ever thought-provoking, its beat captivating. It’s why I know in my heart I will always enjoy a Lauren Kung Jessen book, and again, I was right with this one.
Hazel and Logan are great characters. They are great individually, and they are great together. They compliment each other so well. Lauren masterfully weaves together sweet tender moments with heavier sensitive topics, and it really makes you believe in these two together. I loved how they each grew individually but more than that I really loved watching them learn to lean on each other. Them being able to be vulnerable with each other truly made me believe in their relationship and root for them.
It’s been official a few books ago, but it’s official official now: Lauren really is one of my favorite authors. Thank you so much for the ARC.
Hazel and Logan are great characters. They are great individually, and they are great together. They compliment each other so well. Lauren masterfully weaves together sweet tender moments with heavier sensitive topics, and it really makes you believe in these two together. I loved how they each grew individually but more than that I really loved watching them learn to lean on each other. Them being able to be vulnerable with each other truly made me believe in their relationship and root for them.
It’s been official a few books ago, but it’s official official now: Lauren really is one of my favorite authors. Thank you so much for the ARC.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews