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Lucky
Candace Harvey, 45, is the "queen of Morton's Pond" in rural Lunenburg County, Virginia, but she is a queen without a king.
Candace leads a life of peace, solitude, and serenity after retiring early from a lucrative career in investment banking. She fishes, reads, bakes, tends her garden, visits with her vast extended family, and vows one day to own Barton House, the vacant mansion her "Double Great Grand" built before the Civil War on the other side of the pond.
But when New Yorker Robert Macarthur, 41, "The Big Mac of Fast Food Advertising," purchases Barton House, Candace's life goes south in a hurry. And yet there's something familiar and natural about the tall, bearded, pony-tailed, blue-eyed man that moves Candace's heart in unexpected and unintended ways.
With faithful descriptions of country life, an authentic cast of down-home characters, and genuine homespun humor, LUCKY proves that "sometimes love comes home."
Candace leads a life of peace, solitude, and serenity after retiring early from a lucrative career in investment banking. She fishes, reads, bakes, tends her garden, visits with her vast extended family, and vows one day to own Barton House, the vacant mansion her "Double Great Grand" built before the Civil War on the other side of the pond.
But when New Yorker Robert Macarthur, 41, "The Big Mac of Fast Food Advertising," purchases Barton House, Candace's life goes south in a hurry. And yet there's something familiar and natural about the tall, bearded, pony-tailed, blue-eyed man that moves Candace's heart in unexpected and unintended ways.
With faithful descriptions of country life, an authentic cast of down-home characters, and genuine homespun humor, LUCKY proves that "sometimes love comes home."
275 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 24, 2017
123 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
About the author
J.J. Murray
48 books340 followersProlific novelist J. J. Murray writes BWWM romance novels in all genres. He lives with his amazing, talented, and creative wife Kimberlee and their precocious son Steven in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
December 31, 2017
Perfection.... This is JJ Murray at his best
IMO, this book was captivating piece of quirky fiction, with multilayered characters that one can relate to. What I really liked about this book, is that there was more story than sex. As a matter of fact, the sensual interludes were well done and not overdone.
What I really loved about reading this book, is being able to witness JJ getting his proverbial groove back.
Giving this one: 5 brilliant stars
IMO, this book was captivating piece of quirky fiction, with multilayered characters that one can relate to. What I really liked about this book, is that there was more story than sex. As a matter of fact, the sensual interludes were well done and not overdone.
What I really loved about reading this book, is being able to witness JJ getting his proverbial groove back.
Giving this one: 5 brilliant stars
January 24, 2018
Meh!
I really wanted to love this book but sadly, I didn’t. Story line was good, love the characters and the fact that they were over 40 but it was missing something, it wasn’t a bad book and I’m sure many people probably love it however,it just wasn’t for me.
I really wanted to love this book but sadly, I didn’t. Story line was good, love the characters and the fact that they were over 40 but it was missing something, it wasn’t a bad book and I’m sure many people probably love it however,it just wasn’t for me.
December 27, 2017
Good Stuff!
This was exactly what an adult romance is supposed to be.This was such an entertaining story and an enjoyable experience.The writer does what so many don't get right and that is to instantly settle you into the story.If you want a really good old-fashioned fun romance than this is for you.
This was exactly what an adult romance is supposed to be.This was such an entertaining story and an enjoyable experience.The writer does what so many don't get right and that is to instantly settle you into the story.If you want a really good old-fashioned fun romance than this is for you.
June 27, 2018
This story was just okay to me. I enjoyed the storyline. It was very original and I like the author's writing style. However I felt a disconnect with the main characters.
Candace was a woman of a particular age who was well educated. In spite of her high brow education, she preferred to live in solitude out in the country surrounded by a great family support system. I did not like her bossy personality nor the fact that she was stubborn to a fault. I did like that she had a big heart and a helpful spirit.
Robert was sort of a fly by the seat of your pants kind of guy. One day he just woke up and decided he wanted to change his life. He purchased a house in another state on Christmas Eve without even seeing it and moved his entire life the first week of the year.
As soon as he met Candace he was enamored. When they had sex, after only 3 days of knowing each other, his mind was blown and he asked her to marry him. In the same breath he asked her to go into business with him selling Grits to Go.
I'll tell you he was one flighty guy. Things went left in the story for me at this juncture. I did not like the way their relationship halted. Candace was too stubborn for her own good. I just didn't feel a connection to their love story.
On a better note, I absolutely loved Candace's Grandma. She was awesome. The author really did his research because this woman was authentic. I knew women like her growing up. She could be my family member.
Candace was a woman of a particular age who was well educated. In spite of her high brow education, she preferred to live in solitude out in the country surrounded by a great family support system. I did not like her bossy personality nor the fact that she was stubborn to a fault. I did like that she had a big heart and a helpful spirit.
Robert was sort of a fly by the seat of your pants kind of guy. One day he just woke up and decided he wanted to change his life. He purchased a house in another state on Christmas Eve without even seeing it and moved his entire life the first week of the year.
As soon as he met Candace he was enamored. When they had sex, after only 3 days of knowing each other, his mind was blown and he asked her to marry him. In the same breath he asked her to go into business with him selling Grits to Go.
I'll tell you he was one flighty guy. Things went left in the story for me at this juncture. I did not like the way their relationship halted. Candace was too stubborn for her own good. I just didn't feel a connection to their love story.
On a better note, I absolutely loved Candace's Grandma. She was awesome. The author really did his research because this woman was authentic. I knew women like her growing up. She could be my family member.
January 24, 2018
I heard some great things about author J. J. Murray so I was interested in reading some of his work, so I started with this novel, “Lucky”.
I am a woman in my 30’s, so reading about people in their 40’s or older making a new start in life and finding love, is really refreshing to me. I really enjoy reading about relationships that are going on between ADULTS.
Robert and Candace were interesting and intelligent people. Both strong and stubborn. I enjoyed discovering these characters, who they were, and what they were all about and I could not help but chuckle at their internal monologues.
(There is a particular scene in the book where Robert is on the phone with his bank that had me laughing out loud. I swear I knew exactly what Robert was going through, and the situation came off so real I wouldn’t be surprised if this scenario happened to the author or someone he knew. I love that kind of realistic writing.)
There is only one love scene in the book and it is written in a very poetic and romantic fashion. If you’re a reader who isn’t a fan of explicit erotic encounters, this should be acceptable to you.
I really enjoyed reading “Lucky”. I look forward to checking out more of J. J. Murray’s stories.
I am a woman in my 30’s, so reading about people in their 40’s or older making a new start in life and finding love, is really refreshing to me. I really enjoy reading about relationships that are going on between ADULTS.
Robert and Candace were interesting and intelligent people. Both strong and stubborn. I enjoyed discovering these characters, who they were, and what they were all about and I could not help but chuckle at their internal monologues.
(There is a particular scene in the book where Robert is on the phone with his bank that had me laughing out loud. I swear I knew exactly what Robert was going through, and the situation came off so real I wouldn’t be surprised if this scenario happened to the author or someone he knew. I love that kind of realistic writing.)
There is only one love scene in the book and it is written in a very poetic and romantic fashion. If you’re a reader who isn’t a fan of explicit erotic encounters, this should be acceptable to you.
I really enjoyed reading “Lucky”. I look forward to checking out more of J. J. Murray’s stories.
January 21, 2018
This was the perfect romance read! 'Lucky' was a sweet, sexy, and at times hilarious story featuring two very likable main characters. With just a few typos, this was very well-written. And I loved the literary and music references.
Robert and Candace were not only nice, but also very intelligent...they were the kind of people that I'd love to have as friends. Their inner voices made for some interesting reading, and revealed a lot about them.
I loved the way Robert worked his way into Candace's heart, using humor, intelligence, and sneaky stealth; he was too much...in a very good way.
5 gigantic stars!!!
Robert and Candace were not only nice, but also very intelligent...they were the kind of people that I'd love to have as friends. Their inner voices made for some interesting reading, and revealed a lot about them.
I loved the way Robert worked his way into Candace's heart, using humor, intelligence, and sneaky stealth; he was too much...in a very good way.
5 gigantic stars!!!
February 19, 2018
Bored to tears
Robert refers to Candace as "too correct" towards the end of the book and that just about summed up my feelings for this book and her character. Candace is one of my least liked book heroines ever. She is a stick in the mud, stuck up, boring, old fashioned and a general chore to read about. She's 45 but acts 95. I enjoyed Grandma Jo way more than Candace. I really wanted to like this story because Robert was quirky and unique but Candace just killed it for me. The story took way too long to develop and the couple spent too much time apart because of stupidness.
Robert refers to Candace as "too correct" towards the end of the book and that just about summed up my feelings for this book and her character. Candace is one of my least liked book heroines ever. She is a stick in the mud, stuck up, boring, old fashioned and a general chore to read about. She's 45 but acts 95. I enjoyed Grandma Jo way more than Candace. I really wanted to like this story because Robert was quirky and unique but Candace just killed it for me. The story took way too long to develop and the couple spent too much time apart because of stupidness.
February 3, 2018
Candance an African American woman who retired early in the mountains. A successful women whose set on buying the Barton House, a home across from her home. The owner won't sell it to her. Surprise the owner sells it to a man name Robert, at a cheaper price. The Barton is a historical building to her family, especially to Candance. Candance and Robert make a connection, maybe she'll get the house after all. They're attracted to one another. The Barton House is there connection.
January 8, 2018
I was so excited to read a book centered around 40-somethings. It started slow, then things picked up and I like it a lot, then, the main characters pissed me off being... unsmart. Even though there was a happy ending, I was still annoyed.
This book is putting me on a search for more older romances, which is good.
This book is putting me on a search for more older romances, which is good.
September 17, 2018
Very good read and funny too!
I've read many books by this author over the years and have enjoyed them all. This book is one of the funniest. Grandma Jo was a hoot! Loved her very much. Loved the two main characters and their crazy romance and he was right in making her miss him. Continue success. Still cannot believe you're a white male writing these books.
I've read many books by this author over the years and have enjoyed them all. This book is one of the funniest. Grandma Jo was a hoot! Loved her very much. Loved the two main characters and their crazy romance and he was right in making her miss him. Continue success. Still cannot believe you're a white male writing these books.
June 29, 2019
Funny, but a little too heavy on the imperious woman trope. Robert is a nice character, though.
December 25, 2017
Southern hospitality!
This is a must read! As always, J.J. Murray has mesmerized us with his mastery of storytelling! He has introduced us to a world and characters that are the foundation of just about every country town and family from the South. As only he can, J.J. takes us on a journey of words and pop culture with his creativity and wicked sense of humor!
Robert Macarthur and Candace Harvey are a sweet, loving adorable couple that fate has decided to unite. Two forty-somethings that have settled into their own brand of solitude, are drawn to each other; but one has to learn that their way isn’t always the only way.
I loved Robert and his offbeat sense of humor and the nonchalant way he handled Candace. Candace was the typical intelligent, educated and creative know it all! (I don’t think we’d be friends.) Opposites, but definitely made for each other. With help from Grandma Jo and the rest of Candace’s family, Robert works his plan to shake Candace up and make her see that they belong together.
This is a must read! As always, J.J. Murray has mesmerized us with his mastery of storytelling! He has introduced us to a world and characters that are the foundation of just about every country town and family from the South. As only he can, J.J. takes us on a journey of words and pop culture with his creativity and wicked sense of humor!
Robert Macarthur and Candace Harvey are a sweet, loving adorable couple that fate has decided to unite. Two forty-somethings that have settled into their own brand of solitude, are drawn to each other; but one has to learn that their way isn’t always the only way.
I loved Robert and his offbeat sense of humor and the nonchalant way he handled Candace. Candace was the typical intelligent, educated and creative know it all! (I don’t think we’d be friends.) Opposites, but definitely made for each other. With help from Grandma Jo and the rest of Candace’s family, Robert works his plan to shake Candace up and make her see that they belong together.
December 31, 2017
Candace and Robert were soooo cute!
I just love their conversations. They were sooooo sweet together. The flow of their talks just melt me in stitches. Robert really knew how to pursuit Candace. He had her pegged right from the start. He quietly stalked her in the direction he wanted her stubborn behind to go, with the help of Grandma Jo. Once he got her where he wanted her, he struck while the iron was hot and landed the girl.
I love the way J.J. writes. His characters' personalities and how they relate to each other is so real and believable. The thought bubbles that the characters are thinking versus what they really say is so entertaining. Robert was at a point inhis life that he needed to make major changes in his lifestyle and he did by leaving New York and moving south, taking on a whole new life, not expecting to find love in the process.
I just love their conversations. They were sooooo sweet together. The flow of their talks just melt me in stitches. Robert really knew how to pursuit Candace. He had her pegged right from the start. He quietly stalked her in the direction he wanted her stubborn behind to go, with the help of Grandma Jo. Once he got her where he wanted her, he struck while the iron was hot and landed the girl.
I love the way J.J. writes. His characters' personalities and how they relate to each other is so real and believable. The thought bubbles that the characters are thinking versus what they really say is so entertaining. Robert was at a point inhis life that he needed to make major changes in his lifestyle and he did by leaving New York and moving south, taking on a whole new life, not expecting to find love in the process.
February 23, 2018
I loved how it wasn’t your typical romance book. Robert wasn’t your typical arrogant, rock hard abs, alpha male, man whore and she wasn’t your typical heroine. They were both intelligent, had normal people body types, and I loved their quirks especially knowing what their thoughts were. I also liked the fact that Murray didn’t feel a need to call to attention how rich Robert is, you suspect he is from all of the spending he’s doing but Murray doesn’t focus on telling the readers how many billions he may have like so many other writers. Also, the book was pretty funny, and I rarely laugh at books. I loved Candace’s family. Murray brought everyone to life, like I could actually know these characters. They could be my family or friends. Overall, it was a great book.
December 31, 2017
Lmao😂😂😂😂😂
This one of JJ's funniest most romantic comedy I've ever read....it's folksy, witty ...vivacious...yes I said it....it's makes you come alive with nostalgia....old fashion down home love....love of each other....of neighbors....Family...friends and most importantly adults who comes together mentally and physically...with words...music...food...fishing...gardening....and Grandma Jo...I was laughing so hard ....what a great character write about....classic lines....just grown folks coming together...loving on one another without all the overly explicit and raunchy sexual episodes....it just works...
This one of JJ's funniest most romantic comedy I've ever read....it's folksy, witty ...vivacious...yes I said it....it's makes you come alive with nostalgia....old fashion down home love....love of each other....of neighbors....Family...friends and most importantly adults who comes together mentally and physically...with words...music...food...fishing...gardening....and Grandma Jo...I was laughing so hard ....what a great character write about....classic lines....just grown folks coming together...loving on one another without all the overly explicit and raunchy sexual episodes....it just works...
April 20, 2018
I enjoyed this book! JJ Murray is truly a talent! His quirky sense of humor , had me laughing throughout this book. I was like Candace when I was first introduced to Robert, I couldn’t imagine him being a love interest, but the more I experienced his humor and their natural chemistry my eyes opened. Robert is clever and I enjoyed his campaign to win Candace . Candace smart, sophisticated down home strong , and sweet ,met her soulmate but didn’t believe it , you’ll enjoy reading her journey to the acceptance of her soulmate. And Grandma had me rolling , she made me laugh so hard, read this book you will enjoy it.
July 6, 2018
A fun love story
The characters jumped off of the page with their real depth and personality. I love the way Robert and Candace connected and how Robert found himself while soft selling Candace. I did want to smack the Duke graduate for her stubbornness and absolute heart blindness.
Robert, Candace, grandma Jo, and the rest of the family were a hoot. This was fantastic writing. There was fullness, depth and richness throughout this story. No shallow fairytale. Just some seriously fun love story that everyone saw clearly accept Candace. Really glad she finally caught up and got with the truth.
The characters jumped off of the page with their real depth and personality. I love the way Robert and Candace connected and how Robert found himself while soft selling Candace. I did want to smack the Duke graduate for her stubbornness and absolute heart blindness.
Robert, Candace, grandma Jo, and the rest of the family were a hoot. This was fantastic writing. There was fullness, depth and richness throughout this story. No shallow fairytale. Just some seriously fun love story that everyone saw clearly accept Candace. Really glad she finally caught up and got with the truth.
February 26, 2022
Candace and Robert - Lucky in love
This book is great and Robert is funny as H - L -! I have never laughed so hard as I did reading this book. This is definitely as must read.
Robert, an overweight jingle writer and Candace, a retired early, financial adviser (Spoiler Alert) met when he buys the house that should be hers. The owner refused to sale to her especially because of the color of her skin and because he knew that they were related by her great grandfather once removed. But he sold it to Robert who asked Candace to marry him…three times. Finally she said yes.
Oh and from eating wisely, reduced meals and exercise Robert lost a lot of weight!
This book is great and Robert is funny as H - L -! I have never laughed so hard as I did reading this book. This is definitely as must read.
Robert, an overweight jingle writer and Candace, a retired early, financial adviser (Spoiler Alert) met when he buys the house that should be hers. The owner refused to sale to her especially because of the color of her skin and because he knew that they were related by her great grandfather once removed. But he sold it to Robert who asked Candace to marry him…three times. Finally she said yes.
Oh and from eating wisely, reduced meals and exercise Robert lost a lot of weight!
June 14, 2021
Not sure
You romance sex fuelled books sound better from a woman’s perspective not being sexist. I got fed up of the third testicle, as an opening chapter. No woman wants to go through that in early stages of a relationship. It’s good this writer focuses on older women going with younger man, okay they aren’t desperate but the sun is going down on their biological clock such that 3 balls don’t matter anymore. Come on the writer should not make older women go out with deformed younger man even if they got money
You romance sex fuelled books sound better from a woman’s perspective not being sexist. I got fed up of the third testicle, as an opening chapter. No woman wants to go through that in early stages of a relationship. It’s good this writer focuses on older women going with younger man, okay they aren’t desperate but the sun is going down on their biological clock such that 3 balls don’t matter anymore. Come on the writer should not make older women go out with deformed younger man even if they got money
January 7, 2018
I loved this story. I laughed, I got mad, but most of all I was excited for this couple. Robert and Candace's story of love was really wonderfully written. The thing that was most exciting to me is that this story was about people in my age group. Most love stories are about twenty somethings finding love, but they are not the only ones looking for love. Robert had a plan and he worked it to get his girl. I loved it from beginning to end.
January 31, 2018
My first J. J. Murray novel, certainly won't be the last!
This book told of some realness of life after 40. Small southern town comfort living. The closeness of family. It had a whole lot of good humor. And I was totally surprised when I read why the self proposed "family feud" existed in the first place. I absolutely enjoyed this novel to the fullest. I have found yet another "go-to author".
This book told of some realness of life after 40. Small southern town comfort living. The closeness of family. It had a whole lot of good humor. And I was totally surprised when I read why the self proposed "family feud" existed in the first place. I absolutely enjoyed this novel to the fullest. I have found yet another "go-to author".
May 15, 2021
Pleasant Surprise
This is the first romance I've read written by a male author and, I must say, I was very pleasantly surprised. I loved this story. I just wish there was an epilogue to give it a little bit more closure. There was a lot of build up and I don't think it had a proper "full" ending. None the less, If the Robert in this story exists, I'd take him any day, minus a few bad decisions.
This is the first romance I've read written by a male author and, I must say, I was very pleasantly surprised. I loved this story. I just wish there was an epilogue to give it a little bit more closure. There was a lot of build up and I don't think it had a proper "full" ending. None the less, If the Robert in this story exists, I'd take him any day, minus a few bad decisions.
November 22, 2022
loved
I have always adored your books, the realistic and likable characters and the way you have them come together to weave their love story. There was not one book or character that I did not love. It felt like every time I read them, I knew them. If that makes sense. You are talented and the way you put a story together never misses. Thank you for always giving me a love story I will never forget.
I have always adored your books, the realistic and likable characters and the way you have them come together to weave their love story. There was not one book or character that I did not love. It felt like every time I read them, I knew them. If that makes sense. You are talented and the way you put a story together never misses. Thank you for always giving me a love story I will never forget.
January 14, 2018
I love this story!
Candace is a great woman with one flaw; she wants to be perfect and this makes her man feel inadequate. I wonder if Robert hadn't taken the opportunity to grow, would they made it as a couple. This is a laugh out loud story that had me looking up references to the other stories mentioned.
Candace is a great woman with one flaw; she wants to be perfect and this makes her man feel inadequate. I wonder if Robert hadn't taken the opportunity to grow, would they made it as a couple. This is a laugh out loud story that had me looking up references to the other stories mentioned.
February 1, 2018
Grown and sexy
Finally a book that is authentic, funny, and has characters that I would love to know. There was a genuine story with quirky characters that left me frustrated and laughing. Never do I ever wish to read another billionaire baby daddy insta sex can’t live without you plot that has more sex scenes than heart.
Finally a book that is authentic, funny, and has characters that I would love to know. There was a genuine story with quirky characters that left me frustrated and laughing. Never do I ever wish to read another billionaire baby daddy insta sex can’t live without you plot that has more sex scenes than heart.
March 2, 2020
I really enjoyed ROBERT & CANDACE. I loved the chemistry and there were some parts that really had me laughing out loud.
Mr. Murray brings realism to his characters. There are parts when the reader can really relate to what the characters are going through and may have shared the same experiences.
Mr. Murray brings realism to his characters. There are parts when the reader can really relate to what the characters are going through and may have shared the same experiences.
January 1, 2018
So, it's love at first bowl of grits!
Absolutely wonderful and endearing. A very mature couple without a lot of drama. Well paced and the imagery had me walking along the pond.
The disco scene was a true laugh out loud moment.
Loved it!
Absolutely wonderful and endearing. A very mature couple without a lot of drama. Well paced and the imagery had me walking along the pond.
The disco scene was a true laugh out loud moment.
Loved it!
January 5, 2018
Wonderful!!!
It's been a minute since I've read anything from this author, but I must say, this was very different and enjoyable. It truly made me LOL in some scenes. Glad it wasn't a cookie cutter book
It's been a minute since I've read anything from this author, but I must say, this was very different and enjoyable. It truly made me LOL in some scenes. Glad it wasn't a cookie cutter book
January 6, 2018
A feel good story
This book made me feel good to read. I identified with both characters because am a new York city girl with Virginia roots and like Candace too dang smart for my own good. J .J. did it again with his humorous romantic story.
This book made me feel good to read. I identified with both characters because am a new York city girl with Virginia roots and like Candace too dang smart for my own good. J .J. did it again with his humorous romantic story.
January 7, 2018
Good book
This book had me lol at times..Richard was so funny a relatable at times. I didn't like how Candice was the one coming after him towards the end but all in all a good book and my fave by mr.Mary to date
This book had me lol at times..Richard was so funny a relatable at times. I didn't like how Candice was the one coming after him towards the end but all in all a good book and my fave by mr.Mary to date
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews