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What's Luck Got To Do With It #0.5
Unlucky In Love: Jana's Story Part 1
Some lucky women meet the man of their dreams and live happily ever after. Some lucky women focus on a career and make their own happily ever after. And then some women wake up after fifteen years of marriage and discover that their luck just ran out ... right into the arms of another woman.
Jana Embers isn't one to sit back, though. The first thing Jana realizes she needs to do is empty the joint bank account, then she's thinking she might take a tire iron to her soon-to-be-ex-husband's truck. After that, she's not sure what she'll do ... Maybe she'll adopt a cat.
Unlucky In Love is a contemporary women's fiction with a hint of humor and romance, featuring a thirty-something divorcee who's trying to figure out where she fits in the world and if she can ever love and trust a man again.
Jana Embers isn't one to sit back, though. The first thing Jana realizes she needs to do is empty the joint bank account, then she's thinking she might take a tire iron to her soon-to-be-ex-husband's truck. After that, she's not sure what she'll do ... Maybe she'll adopt a cat.
Unlucky In Love is a contemporary women's fiction with a hint of humor and romance, featuring a thirty-something divorcee who's trying to figure out where she fits in the world and if she can ever love and trust a man again.
152 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 3, 2016
84 people are currently reading
426 people want to read
About the author
Carmen DeSousa
43 books648 followersReader Profile: First and foremost, I am a reader. From the moment I could hold a book, I've been fascinated with the written word. I enjoy almost everything, but lean toward romantic-suspense and magical realism. If you're looking for poor reviews, you won't find them here. The reason...life's too short to read bad books. If a book isn't at least three stars halfway through, I stop reading, and therefore, don't feel as though I have the right to review it. That's my policy! Please don't send me requests, though. If you are one of my cyber friends, I will eventually find you. :)
Author Profile: I write stories that overflow with romance, mystery, suspense, a hint of paranormal sometimes, and of course, tragedy. After all, what would a great story be without a tragic event setting the stage? All of my novels are sensual but not erotic, gripping but not graphic, and will hopefully make you cry, laugh, love, and hope.
New Series: Midnight Sons
#1 Sam's Folly
#2 Alex's Atonement
#3 Vince's Chance
The Southern Collection:
#1 She Belongs to Me
#2 Land of the Noonday Sun
#3 Entangled Dreams
#4 When Noonday Ends
#5 Split Decisions
Creatus Series (Paranormal Romantic Suspense)
#0 Creatus (They Exist) The Prequel
#1 Creatus
#2 Creatus Rogue
#3 Creatus Eidolon
#4 Creatus Animus
#5 Creatus Talis
Author Profile: I write stories that overflow with romance, mystery, suspense, a hint of paranormal sometimes, and of course, tragedy. After all, what would a great story be without a tragic event setting the stage? All of my novels are sensual but not erotic, gripping but not graphic, and will hopefully make you cry, laugh, love, and hope.
New Series: Midnight Sons
#1 Sam's Folly
#2 Alex's Atonement
#3 Vince's Chance
The Southern Collection:
#1 She Belongs to Me
#2 Land of the Noonday Sun
#3 Entangled Dreams
#4 When Noonday Ends
#5 Split Decisions
Creatus Series (Paranormal Romantic Suspense)
#0 Creatus (They Exist) The Prequel
#1 Creatus
#2 Creatus Rogue
#3 Creatus Eidolon
#4 Creatus Animus
#5 Creatus Talis
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
March 25, 2016
This story is about Jana whose husband cheated on her after 15 years of marriage. It was even worse when she found out the other woman was pregnant. She kicked him out and decided to do things SHE wanted to do. All her married life Jana had been living the life her husband wanted. She started a business writing book reviews and posting them on her blog.
This is a very inspirational story showing what a person can do when they put their mind to it and put themselves first. I liked that Jana decided to live for herself and figured out what she could do to support herself but what she chose and how it worked out for her was a nice fantasy but not nearly so easy to do in real life. The point was that anyone can be successful if you find the thing that you like to do and are good at. Once you do, you feel better about yourself, just like Jana.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a very inspirational story showing what a person can do when they put their mind to it and put themselves first. I liked that Jana decided to live for herself and figured out what she could do to support herself but what she chose and how it worked out for her was a nice fantasy but not nearly so easy to do in real life. The point was that anyone can be successful if you find the thing that you like to do and are good at. Once you do, you feel better about yourself, just like Jana.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 11, 2019
Unlucky in Love is a quick enjoyable read about a woman finding herself after her husband has an affair with another woman after their fifteen years of marriage. The worst part of this is the other woman is pregnant with her husband’s child.
When Jana realizes that her husband has been unfaithful she takes revenge and destroys his truck. She then proceeds to reinvent herself and do things she always wanted to do, things that he would not have approved of.
This is book 1 of a series about Jana and her life after divorce. I look forward to learning more about her and what she does with her new life.
When Jana realizes that her husband has been unfaithful she takes revenge and destroys his truck. She then proceeds to reinvent herself and do things she always wanted to do, things that he would not have approved of.
This is book 1 of a series about Jana and her life after divorce. I look forward to learning more about her and what she does with her new life.
April 20, 2016
Oh, if only I could be as unlucky as Jana in certain areas of my life!
This story is the perfect escape from the often mundane and difficult reality of life. I'm not a sappy romance kind of person, and this, happily, is not a sappy romance kind of book. The content here is mostly lighthearted. Even the sad moments are handled with a bit of humor and/or inspiration. This is a feel good book.
I love Jana's character. Right from the start, she establishes herself as strong, determined, and independent. She isn't desperately seeking a man. While she would like to have a loving partner (who doesn't want that?), she isn't falling apart and unable to cope with life on her own. She also is not bitter and wallowing in self-pity. She's the kind of woman who gets on with her life, making the best of what she has at the moment.
The story offers an important message of resilience and persistence. Sure, some aspects of Jana's life worked out a little (maybe a lot) easier than they would for other people, but that's how life is. All we can do is keeping moving forward, figuring it out along the way.
Unlucky In Love is the perfect start to a promising new series.
This story is the perfect escape from the often mundane and difficult reality of life. I'm not a sappy romance kind of person, and this, happily, is not a sappy romance kind of book. The content here is mostly lighthearted. Even the sad moments are handled with a bit of humor and/or inspiration. This is a feel good book.
I love Jana's character. Right from the start, she establishes herself as strong, determined, and independent. She isn't desperately seeking a man. While she would like to have a loving partner (who doesn't want that?), she isn't falling apart and unable to cope with life on her own. She also is not bitter and wallowing in self-pity. She's the kind of woman who gets on with her life, making the best of what she has at the moment.
The story offers an important message of resilience and persistence. Sure, some aspects of Jana's life worked out a little (maybe a lot) easier than they would for other people, but that's how life is. All we can do is keeping moving forward, figuring it out along the way.
Unlucky In Love is the perfect start to a promising new series.
May 22, 2016
A K/U book.
This is a cute short read.
Jena discover the her husband hasn't only been lying to her, but he has also been seeing someone else.
Instead of Jena sitting at home crying her life away, she decides to exact a little revenge on her husband or
should I say soon to be ex-husband. He soon realizes that there is no chance for them to repair the damage
that he has done to their relationship and he can only hope to have some kind of a relationship with their 15yr
old son.
Jena decides to reinvent herself. She starts doing things that she would have never done while she still with
her husband, things that she knew he wouldn't like. She is finally starting to feel like her old self again and she
couldn't be happier.
This is book 1 in a 2 part series.
This is a cute short read.
Jena discover the her husband hasn't only been lying to her, but he has also been seeing someone else.
Instead of Jena sitting at home crying her life away, she decides to exact a little revenge on her husband or
should I say soon to be ex-husband. He soon realizes that there is no chance for them to repair the damage
that he has done to their relationship and he can only hope to have some kind of a relationship with their 15yr
old son.
Jena decides to reinvent herself. She starts doing things that she would have never done while she still with
her husband, things that she knew he wouldn't like. She is finally starting to feel like her old self again and she
couldn't be happier.
This is book 1 in a 2 part series.
July 30, 2017
When the book first started I was ok with a bit of a rush of the plot, but that was in the beginning. As the story went on I was very disappointed by all of the loose threads left just so that you can get the next book of a series to see if they wrap up somehow. An author shouldn't sacrifice one for the other.
I believe that they should've fleshed out the characters and the story more to invite the reader in to their world and make the reader want to sit and visit awhile. This did nothing for me.
I didn't hate it, but I also didn't care.
I believe that they should've fleshed out the characters and the story more to invite the reader in to their world and make the reader want to sit and visit awhile. This did nothing for me.
I didn't hate it, but I also didn't care.
March 19, 2016
An inspiring read
I really enjoyed "Unlucky in Love. " Jana is a great inspiration for getting on with your life after being betrayed as she was by her husband of 15 years. I expected more of Seth to be included, although I thought he might be another mistake as she got to know the real him.
I recommend this book to all who enjoy or have the need a push into getting on with their life.
Thank you Carmen !
I really enjoyed "Unlucky in Love. " Jana is a great inspiration for getting on with your life after being betrayed as she was by her husband of 15 years. I expected more of Seth to be included, although I thought he might be another mistake as she got to know the real him.
I recommend this book to all who enjoy or have the need a push into getting on with their life.
Thank you Carmen !
March 13, 2016
Great love story
This is not your typical love story romance but. It only took me two hours to finish this whole book in one setting because I could not put it down I'm not giving away any spoilers I'm just telling you don't pass up this book if you love to be in love then this is the book for you to read.
This is not your typical love story romance but. It only took me two hours to finish this whole book in one setting because I could not put it down I'm not giving away any spoilers I'm just telling you don't pass up this book if you love to be in love then this is the book for you to read.
April 17, 2016
A coming of (middle) age story?
The book Unlucky in Love by Carmen DeSousa begins just as Jana's life falls apart. This book features a strong female lead who is empowered to rise a above her circumstances and to face and conquer her greatest fear...all by unconventional means. I enjoyed this quick and entertaining read.
The book Unlucky in Love by Carmen DeSousa begins just as Jana's life falls apart. This book features a strong female lead who is empowered to rise a above her circumstances and to face and conquer her greatest fear...all by unconventional means. I enjoyed this quick and entertaining read.
June 8, 2016
This was refreshing. I was delighted to see a confident, "I don't need a man" woman protagonist. I feel as if every book I read now a days, the woman I'd drooling or following the man with every action or command. This story also sends a positive message that you can, and it is okay to start over. Just become a better you. love the message of this book. An easy 3 stars.
July 23, 2016
I would actually rate this a 3.5 stars. This book is about a woman whose husband cheats on her after 15 years of marriage. She begins a journey to find herself and a fulfilling career. I love how she learns that she doesn't need a man and can stand on her own two feet. This book was definitely worth the read.
March 12, 2016
A different romantic novel
Different ....amusing....makes me smile.....it is real.....it made me feel good..that I as woman I can achieve much if I put my mind and effort to anything.
Different ....amusing....makes me smile.....it is real.....it made me feel good..that I as woman I can achieve much if I put my mind and effort to anything.
June 7, 2016
Entertaining
This story was clear and it flowed at a good pace keeping me interested. The story was motivating without being unrealistic. Just what a newly single woman needs. The story also had great humor.
This story was clear and it flowed at a good pace keeping me interested. The story was motivating without being unrealistic. Just what a newly single woman needs. The story also had great humor.
April 8, 2016
This was start stop for me. Put it was fun I laughed a lot at parts and even had a genuine sigh at others. Some of it did feel a little self-helpish (new word) but sometimes we need that in our lives. All in all a good read.
June 7, 2017
Not what I expected
This was a good book, very different then what I have been reading. I enjoyed the determination of the leading lady, her strength, and the way she grew as a person as the story moved on.
This was a good book, very different then what I have been reading. I enjoyed the determination of the leading lady, her strength, and the way she grew as a person as the story moved on.
March 5, 2016
I loved the main character Jana, her snarky way of thinking made me laugh out loud. I imagine many women in her situation fighting to get their life back. Fun read can't wait for the next book!
March 7, 2016
Loved it.
Started it. Finished it. Same day. Two hours later.
Running . Late for work now, but it was so worth it! Looking forward to the sequel.
Started it. Finished it. Same day. Two hours later.
Running . Late for work now, but it was so worth it! Looking forward to the sequel.
March 16, 2016
A great "self help" read. Only after you read it do you realize
that's the true lesson to be learned. The balance of life can be found in one's self as we enjoy our journey.
that's the true lesson to be learned. The balance of life can be found in one's self as we enjoy our journey.
June 15, 2018
Learn To Deal With You
This is a story about a divorced woman who has to learn to live with her and her son. Hopefully, she learn that she is enough. Enjoy I did.
This is a story about a divorced woman who has to learn to live with her and her son. Hopefully, she learn that she is enough. Enjoy I did.
December 19, 2020
Ok book
This was an okay book. My biggest problem was the time jumps - it wasn't always clear how much time had passed and it would be a bit jarring for me. There were times where the plot would follow along daily or weekly then without warning the next section would be months, or in some cases, a year in between. I did enjoy the way the author handled the romance, or rather lack thereof though. Too often in books the main character jumps from a terrible relationship to a new one way too quickly, but this time the main character took her time and even still we don't know if she will end up dating the 'love interest'.
It wouldn't be a top recommendation but if you're looking for something light and you don't mind the time jumps then try this book.
This was an okay book. My biggest problem was the time jumps - it wasn't always clear how much time had passed and it would be a bit jarring for me. There were times where the plot would follow along daily or weekly then without warning the next section would be months, or in some cases, a year in between. I did enjoy the way the author handled the romance, or rather lack thereof though. Too often in books the main character jumps from a terrible relationship to a new one way too quickly, but this time the main character took her time and even still we don't know if she will end up dating the 'love interest'.
It wouldn't be a top recommendation but if you're looking for something light and you don't mind the time jumps then try this book.
October 5, 2017
Unlucky In Love by Carmen DeSousa is a well-written book. I liked the characters and the humor. That being said, it did drag in spots and ended with my least favorite thing in a book, a cliff-hanger. Jana's story is about a woman, post marriage breakup. At times I thought I was reading a self-help book.
I voluntarily read a free copy of this book that I received from Instfreebie. I think. Forgot to write it down when I downloaded it.
I voluntarily read a free copy of this book that I received from Instfreebie. I think. Forgot to write it down when I downloaded it.
May 5, 2018
A Love Attitude Adjustment
The title hooked me. I read it and then re-read the last few chapters of it to rate it. It reads like a self-help book/ bio, The book is worthy but I was looking for more.
The title hooked me. I read it and then re-read the last few chapters of it to rate it. It reads like a self-help book/ bio, The book is worthy but I was looking for more.
March 15, 2017
This book had an extremely good start, great characters and I really liked it. Then, somewhere along the line, the story hurridly skipped through time, got confusing and then had an abrupt finish. Disappointed and then it did not leave me wanting to read the next book.
August 13, 2016
I like it that it is about empowering women and finding yourself in the process. Jana's divorce didn't stop her from pursuing whatever career she wanted. She was determined. In the end, she got what she really deserve.
The story was written in a sort of wide time range. The chapters are not necessary one after the other. It was like there is a continuum in between that was disregarded. The story was also short. Very easy to read.
There was very minimal romance placed in this story. But I certainly loved when Jana realized that she doesn't need a man in her life. I might even relate to that. Haha.
The story was written in a sort of wide time range. The chapters are not necessary one after the other. It was like there is a continuum in between that was disregarded. The story was also short. Very easy to read.
There was very minimal romance placed in this story. But I certainly loved when Jana realized that she doesn't need a man in her life. I might even relate to that. Haha.
April 1, 2016
Cliffhanger, not a standalone
Starting life over as a single mom after her husband had an affair is not something Jana Embers ever thought would happen to her. A useless college degree, and no work history for the last fifteen years isn't helping either. At her cousins urging, she becomes a blogger and book reviewer. Then she discovered she is pretty good at writing books. As she comes to terms with her life, she turns into an adrenaline junkie, to avoid having to deal with real life. Overall a good book, it seems to mostly be laying the groundwork for book two.
Starting life over as a single mom after her husband had an affair is not something Jana Embers ever thought would happen to her. A useless college degree, and no work history for the last fifteen years isn't helping either. At her cousins urging, she becomes a blogger and book reviewer. Then she discovered she is pretty good at writing books. As she comes to terms with her life, she turns into an adrenaline junkie, to avoid having to deal with real life. Overall a good book, it seems to mostly be laying the groundwork for book two.
August 28, 2016
Interesting... Very interesting
Expecting a full novel, I was so upset when I read to be continued. I loved this story. The writing is crisp and clean...and for a moment, it was as though I was reading a biography of my own life (sans whitewater kayaking.)
I'm anxious to see how the plot thickens (or if it does) between Seth & Jana.
All in all a fan read....but way too short...
Expecting a full novel, I was so upset when I read to be continued. I loved this story. The writing is crisp and clean...and for a moment, it was as though I was reading a biography of my own life (sans whitewater kayaking.)
I'm anxious to see how the plot thickens (or if it does) between Seth & Jana.
All in all a fan read....but way too short...
September 4, 2016
3.5 stars. When I started this book, I thought I was going to really enjoy it. The characters are easy to relate to, and the story was engaging and entertaining. About halfway through, it felt like the story started to spiral on a confusing tangent then stopped abruptly leaving me confused. Perhaps my ADD kicked in, but it definitely did not leave me wanting to purchase the next book and continue the story.
May 28, 2016
Discovering that your husband cheated after 15 years of marriage is brutal. It is even worse when the other woman gets pregnant. She kicked him out and had to start over. The character learns to adjust and finally do the things in life that she has always wanted to do.
While I did enjoy reading about her struggles and triumphs, I felt like something was missing.
July 22, 2016
Disappoints
I liked the story line, the humor, and the challenges the main character was facing. I am disappointed in that the book just stopped. The last few chapters were just rushed to a semi finish. Obviously this is a series, which was not advertised as such. I wouldn't real the sequel for that reason.
I liked the story line, the humor, and the challenges the main character was facing. I am disappointed in that the book just stopped. The last few chapters were just rushed to a semi finish. Obviously this is a series, which was not advertised as such. I wouldn't real the sequel for that reason.
August 1, 2016
Finding her Groove!
I think a lot of women could relate to Jana. Her direct approach to finding a way to support herself and making a success of it could be very uplifting to someone going through the same thing at any age. Even though she shows that she doesn't need a man, I find that I'm still looking for Seth to reenter the picture! Maybe in the next book?
I think a lot of women could relate to Jana. Her direct approach to finding a way to support herself and making a success of it could be very uplifting to someone going through the same thing at any age. Even though she shows that she doesn't need a man, I find that I'm still looking for Seth to reenter the picture! Maybe in the next book?
March 21, 2016
Good read
I enjoyed this story. Jana was a positive, inspirational character that discovered who she was after the end of her marriage. Though I would have preferred getting to know some of the other characters better, I can't deny that I enjoyed this reading experience!!
I enjoyed this story. Jana was a positive, inspirational character that discovered who she was after the end of her marriage. Though I would have preferred getting to know some of the other characters better, I can't deny that I enjoyed this reading experience!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews