Lucky Strike

Gambling on Love #2

by M. Andrews

At the age of five, Ryder Callahan knew without a shadow of doubt that Lucky Flanagan was his Lucky Strike. But for twenty-five years, Lucky kept Ryder at arm’s length, not wanting to destroy the one stable relationship in her otherwise turbulent life. In a moment of weakness, the two acted on their feelings for one another. Only to have Lucky do what she does best when she can’t deal with her emotions, she ran. Leaving Ryder completely broken-hearted. Now Lucky is back and ready to fight for the love of her life. Even if it means fighting herself.

Genres: Friends To Lovers, Romance, Contemporary Romance

166 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 17, 2016

About the author

M. Andrews resides in Seattle with her husband and two kids. She spends most of her time with her family and reading anything she can get her hands on. She's a coffee lover with a mighty sweet tooth.

M. Andrews has always had a passion for writing. She started out writing short stories and fan fiction as a way to give the voices in her head an outlet. She took the leap into writing books when she found herself living in a new city, giving her the opportunity to finally live out her dream of being a writer.

M. Andrews first novel The Big Gamble will be released October 2015.

Reviews

[EliseVioletReads · Rating 1 out of 5]

1 "not worth the money I spent on it" STAR

DNF @ 50%

*SPOILERS ALERT



















Book started with H having sex with OW(and if I'm not wrong I think it was with 2 OW) yup, I was totally turned off from the start.
The H was also "in love" with the h at that time *eye roll*. He also almost has sex with another OW and if not for someone intervening at that moment, I think he would have went through with it.
The h has an on and off relationship with cheating boyfriend who I'm sure she has had sex with throughout the years and also goes back to him multiple times even though he continuously cheats on her. *sigh*

Other than those MAJOR no-no's, the book was also boring, I liked the first book, don't know what happened to this.

Anyway unsafe all the way. Save your money and time if the above mentioned are your pet peeves.

[bookmarkbelles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Y'all have no idea how excited I was to receive an ARC of Lucky Strike cause it was one of my most anticipated reads of 2016. Ryder and Lucky were first introduced in The Big Gamble and thats where I instantly fell in love with Ryder. Ryder and Lucky were childhood friends who were perfect for each other, even if one of them didn't realize it and was stupid enough to run away.

So lets start off with the first chapter, Oh My Gahhhh... The First chapter was my favorite part in this entire book. Ryder's mouth just makes a woman wanna sin

[Leo (Queen of the Rants and Spoilers)]

Disgusting! And here I thought he was in love with the h?

[Mackenzie Bibliophile · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not exactly sure how to start this out I’m still a little speechless, but here goes nothing. I have been waiting to get my hands on Lucky Strike from the moment I heard it was going to be written. M. Andrews did not disappoint. Perfect, Perfect, Perfect! Lucky Strike is just a straight up adorable love story about two people that have been in love with each other their entire lives. Oh and did I mention dirty? Praise worthy steamy scenes! This story was so easy to just fall into because the characters were already there with you, while it is the sequel and could be read alone I would greatly recommend reading The Big Gamble first just because it is equally amazing. Also because reading Lucky Strike would present a few spoilers from the first novel and who wants to have such an amazing story spoiled? I recommend reading The Big Gamble first out of respect and to make sure you get the full experience that this series can offer.

The timeline of this novel was different from many I have read in the past. Most follow the tried and true formula of two people meet, fall in love, angsty moments, happily ever after, but M. Andrew blew that to pieces and I adored every minute! She broke the mold to create a unique story that had me chomping at the bit to breeze though to find out what happens next. To date Lucky Strike is my favorite novel from this author, it was exactly the kind of story that I was looking for.
I went in expecting to fall in love, as I have in the past with this author’s work and she did not disappoint. Ryder Callahan is exactly the alpha male with a heart of gold we are all looking for, while Lucky Flanagan is feisty, creative heroine with the mouth of a sailor. These two are just so perfect for each other, and their relationship based on a deep rooted childhood friendship is what draws you in. In a different setting, this fast paced romance may seem illogical, however because of their past friendship as a reader I was immediately rooting for their commitment to each other in any way.

There is truly nothing about this book not to love, a sassy lady, sexy bad boy cop, steamy nights and a group of friends that are there to support and occasionally kick asses when needed. Side characters are not always something that I focus on, however I did in this series. I love the continuation of Brian and Brooke through snippets here and there, as well as getting closer to Lucy and looking forward to what could happen in her future. So many other possible storylines were started throughout Lucky Strike and I really look forward to what with happen in the future with this series.

Picking up this book will not be a regret for anyone. Lucky Strike is a beautifully written novel, by a very talented author with a wicked sexy mind. A must read for anyone, and a real treat to enjoy this St. Patrick’s Day.

[Melissa Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew going in I was going to enjoy Ryder and Luckys story. "Lucky Strike" went above my expectations greatly! I laughed, cried, and felt like I knew these characters! M. Andrews writing is getting better and better and I'm blown away by this book!

[Nicole Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been waiting for this story since The Big Gamble and M. Andrews did not disappoint! Bravo! It was perfect!

[♡Tonya♡]

not hearing good things about the hero and other women. so disappointed loved the big gamble



curious about the safety on this...none of my peeps have read it though, which surprises me!

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucky and Ryder will have you on a roller coaster of emotion

I received an ARC from the author for an honest review.

This was such a beautiful story. Filled with love, laughs, and angst. Lucky has been known to run from emotion, form love. When she finds herself in a situation with Jackson, an arrogant, cheating a$$hole, she realizes that this isn't what she wants from life. But can she finally face her demons and go back to her old life?

Ryder 'Hurricane' Callahan is hot, sexy, and single. However, there's only one girl who has a hold of his heart, but she's gone. Drowning his sorrows in booze and girls, he tries to numb the pain of losing the love of his life.

This is a story about taking a chance on love, on trusting your heart and your gut instinct. Will Lucky and Ryder finally find the love that they both seek? Will Lucky be able to stop running and face her fears?

[wendy Shelton(obsessedbybooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

****Copy received in exchange for an honest and Unbiased review****

omg, I love M. Andrews. She knows how to pull you into a story and not want to leave.

Ryder and Lucky have a history they've been soulmate since they were five, but for the last twenty + years Lucky has kept him away not wanting to tarnish the only real thing left in her life, but one night they let their true feelings show and that line was crossed, but Lucky couldn't handle how real and true her feelings for Ryder were, so she did what she always does run, but Ryder can't get his feelings for her to go away and if she's going to run he's going to have to chase cause he doesn't want to let her go especially now that she needs him more than ever. My oh my. I loved these characters, this story. definitely a 5 star must read. .

[Innergoddess_Booklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was everything I had hoped for and then some. M.Andrews did not disappoint at all .
Lucky Strike has a little bit of everything you would want in a book humor , suspense, hit sexy scenes and the guys that are all total bad asses with a touch of alpha in them.
From friends to lovers,Lucky and Ryder are just two perfect souls who balance each other out.

“My lucky strike . My lucky clover. My Lucky.”

[Kellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewing for part of Kinky Girls Book Obsessions - FIVE CLOVER STARS
IF you liked BRIAN GAMBLE. YOU'RE going to LOVE RYDER CALLAHAN. Holy clover. This hot sexy bad boy cop (yes bad boy... He got arrested) has taken over my heart. I liked him in The BIG Gamble and I LOVVVVVVVED him in Lucky Strike. He's filthy, fun and so damn sweet to his Clover. You'll love him too. (CAN'T WAIT FOR HANK)

[RentasticReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can I just say how much I loved Hurricane Ryder ? He's seriously like Incredible Hulk to me. He's this huge, muscular beast with a bit of a temper, but deep down he's such a big, sweet softie. I loved everything about him! Especially with the way he is with Lucky. So patient, so sweet and understanding. *sigh* With Lucky Flanagan, I just loved how she found herself and her strength more. I loved how we had a clearer view on why she became the way she is—why she always had that urge to run when things got tough. Although I think Ryder's extreme awesomeness still overshadowed Lucky here. However, I did enjoy meeting the rest of the gang though! With each of them having a brief introduction in this book, you'd just crave to know more about them and their story.

I'd also like to stress out how much M. Andrews' writing style in this book improved and gone a whole lot stronger. She went above and beyond than what I expected. I was able to connect with her characters, with the story this time around even more. Don't get me wrong—her books released previously are already good, but this? Wow, I've been so much more captivated by every moment, every second of reading this book. She seriously made me swoon, even drool a little, and almost drop dead to my knees over Ryder Callahan. It was all on point . The time she took in writing this, in perfecting the tale of Ryder and his Lucky Clover, paid off so well that I'm sure every person who has read the first book, The Big Gamble, will most definitely notice—without a doubt.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friends to lovers romances is one of my all time favorites. And M.Andrews hit the mark on this one!

Lucky and Ryder have an extensive history together. Friends since they were children, they have been in each others lives for so long that there was bound to be a beautiful connection between them. But when Ryder finally confessed his love, Lucky ran away.
What Ryder does to get her back really made me fall in love with him more. His desire to get back his one and only love and the determination he showed was amazing. When Lucky ran in book 1, I wanted to yell after her "Don't you see whats right in front of your eyes!!"
But they finally reunite, oh it was breathtaking. The emotion they bared to each other was just what we had been waiting for. I loved their love.
I also loved hearing from Brooke, Brian, little Ella and a few little surprises along the way ;) And the setup for book 3, Lucy and Hunters books was perfect!

I am in awe of this author! This is her 3rd book and has shown so much growth since book 1. I cannot wait to read her books for years to come!

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG this friends to lovers story is amazing! Ryder and Lucky have been best friends since they were little but now all grown up can they finally take that next step into something more? Lucky is so used to depending on herself but can she let her walls down long enough for Ryder to show her how great they could be! I loved being able to see them as young kids through flashbacks and being able to see how it all started! This book had some epic steamy hot scenes that left me all hot and bothered!! Not only was this hot, it was also able to bring me to tears in a few scenes! This book had it all!! Add this one to your TBR today!

[BeautyandtheBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, she always delivers the goods. After being sick for over a week, this was the first book I jumped into. It's adorable, sexy, and such a fast read. You get more of the amazing Gambles in this book too! I love this whole group. I couldn't put it down and got lots of laughs. She cuts right to the chase and you don't have to wade through extra unnecessary words. Ryder and Lucky are on fire. Five sexy stars!!

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jen reviewing for KinkyGirlsBookObsessions

What can I say other than I BARELY Survived Hurricane Ryder! I laughed, I cried, it was HOT HOT HOT! A broken women, a filthy mouthed alpha who wants nothing more than to fix his soulmate. 5 STARS and I will now be buying ANYTHING M Andrews writes!!

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading Ryder and Lucky story after meeting them in The Big Gamble.

[Ｋａｔｅ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Already a little in love & a lot intrigued with Ryder & Lucky having read The Big Gamble first, I went into this one eager to get the full deets on their story.

A little bit friends to lovers, a little bit soulmate romance & little bit second chance romance, this read has a touch of everything.

I enjoyed bring back with the Seattle crew, and loved meeting a few new faces, who I'm sure we'll be see popping up in future reads.

Loving this series, it's everything the author intends for it to be: sweet, steamy romance that's totally enjoyable & easy to escape into.

Heading straight into Partners in Crime.

[Marisela M. Chavez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!

Lucky and Ryder chemistry was off the charts. I.just loved everything about them. There love and friendship was worth rooting for. I absolutely couldn't put this down. I read this in one sitting. I absolutely enjoyed reading Lucky Strike. 💚💚💚💚

[Talltree]

Opening scene is detailed threesome of H with 2 OW. WTH!
Not for me.

[April ~ The Reading Belles · Rating 2 out of 5]

Originally posted at b i n i b i n i

Lucky Strike is Ryder and Lucky's story. Ryder Callahan is a cop who's a friend of Lucky's/Nadine's when they were kids. Their first meeting was kind of full of hate (at least for Lucky) because boys would be boys regardless of age. But they came to a truce and from then on, they became each other's go-to person. It's just that Lucky's got some serious baggage and the moment Ryder confessed his love for her, the girl ran the hell away. Ryder took the hit badly but he's not going to give up until he could bring Lucky back home.

Honestly, I couldn't give the book five stars because of that rough start. For me, it's totally unnecessary but I get why it had to be done. Because the hero's life's in shambles, so---of course. Doesn't mean I like it though.

The book had a lot of potential had the author dug in deeper to the conflicts thrown all throughout the book. The friendship that bloomed between Ryder and Lucky had when they were still kids could've been a springboard to the present but the story only got a few glimpses on what they had been like before. I wish it offered more childhood memories so I'd get Lucky's character. Because I didn't. She seemed inconsistent to me (though I do love her alpha female-ness) because of the way the story was told---fast-paced and just when I expect things to get serious, I was met by the sudden change of course. It was like I couldn't savor every moment of it. You know that feeling when you're waiting for a thing so badly and the moment it landed on your lap, it was quickly snatched away? That's how I felt.

The other thing was Lucky's d-bag of an ex, Jackson. His appearances could've made the story interesting but it was like he was placed there just because. And nothing more.

I wish I could love Ryder. I mean, he could really be sweet and alpha all at the same time but the beginning of the story quickly turned me off. I loved the way how he handled Lucky and her bullcrap but I didn't think it's enough to love him that much at all. Ryder and Lucky though? They're good together, they're good for each other. And I definitely loved them together.

Overall, I think the book was fine (there were still awww-moments and OMG the steamy scenes were steamy!!!), the author's writing was still freaking good (save from the few typos I spotted) and I'm eagerly waiting for a book of hers that I'd truly love.

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 out of 5 Lucky Clovers. This book took me for a ride and I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. M. Andrews has become one of my favorite authors and I always know I'm in for a wild ride, while reading her books.
Ryder and Lucky are two beautiful characters, that feel everything. They feel each other in the deepest parts of their bodies and when they are apart, they feel it. The sense that a piece is missing...that they aren't whole.
Lucky is a stubborn woman, that knows what she wants but won't let go enough to have it though. She knew her heart belonged to Ryder but she wasn't ready to let go...and give him control to own her. And now that she's in trouble, all she wants is to be in the comfort of her mans arms.
Ryder is known as a manwhore. Every girl wants him but he only wants one girl...but she isn't ready for him yet, and he can't find her. Ryder has been living in denial, pain and loneliness ever since Lucky slipped out of his hands. But he is determined to get his Lucky back.
But can Lucky give control over to Ryder and let him take care of her... Completely?
Lucky Strike was everything I could have wanted and more. I absolutely loved this book and so much more. Lucky and Ryder are sexy as hell but as sweet as the perfect cupcake.
So go get your copy, a cupcake, and enjoy the Hurricane.

[Michelle Krystel · Rating 5 out of 5]

M. Andrews this was book was so hot!!! I loved how you made Ryder and Lucky characters so passionate about each other. It's amazing how to child hood friends can stay connected and still buy heads but in the end when you know your love and you may want deny it. Love with always find a way to win!! Amazing job doll. I need to gear about hunter and Lucy next 5 stars!!!! I loved it!!!

[Laurie Breitsprecher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryder is EVERYTHING! I fell in love with him in The Big Gamble, but his story??! Perfection! The chemistry between him and Lucky is so intense. This book is so intense and sexy! M. Andrews knows how to bring the heat! ;)

[Rebecca Woodward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! This started off with a hot and heavy scene. So I could not put down and when I did I had to hurry to get to reading again. Lucky and Ryder are such a hot couple the steam bounces off the pages. I was a hot mess after reading a few chapters. Lucky is a very lucky girl if you know what I mean?

[Booknerdingout · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 clovers for me .
I was beyond excited to receive this ARC. Thank you so much M.Andrews

[Josephine · Rating 5 out of 5]

FIVE LUCKY STARS!!

[Paperback Princess · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE LOVE LOVE this book!!!!

[Readingwhore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing and hot and delicious read!! You

[Tania · Rating 3 out of 5]

No alpha here
So to me Lucky was a tough nut to crack in book one and in this book I feel like everything was too easy . Everything was falling into place just like magic without much pushback . I was expecting a lot more alpahess from our dear officer but did not get it .
If you like an all is always well book you will like this