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Chance of a Lifetime #3
Best of Luck
Winning the lottery is the biggest ticket to freedom Greer Hawthorne’s ever had.
Until her best friend’s brother comes to town . . .
Greer Hawthorne’s winning lottery ticket doesn’t just bring her wealth, it also means her chance at a long-postponed education. She’s finally on the cusp of proving to her big, overprotective family that she’s independent—until a careless mistake jeopardizes her plan to graduate. Lucky for her, there’s someone in town who may be able to help . . .
Alex Averin plans to show up for his sister’s wedding, then quickly get back to his job as a world-renowned photojournalist. But when gorgeous, good-hearted Greer needs an assist with a photography project, he’s powerless to say no. Showing Greer his professional passion ignites a new one, and rouses instincts in Alex he thought he’d long set aside.
Can a ceaseless wanderer find a stopping place alongside a woman determined to set out on her own . . . or are Alex and Greer both pushing their luck too far?
Until her best friend’s brother comes to town . . .
Greer Hawthorne’s winning lottery ticket doesn’t just bring her wealth, it also means her chance at a long-postponed education. She’s finally on the cusp of proving to her big, overprotective family that she’s independent—until a careless mistake jeopardizes her plan to graduate. Lucky for her, there’s someone in town who may be able to help . . .
Alex Averin plans to show up for his sister’s wedding, then quickly get back to his job as a world-renowned photojournalist. But when gorgeous, good-hearted Greer needs an assist with a photography project, he’s powerless to say no. Showing Greer his professional passion ignites a new one, and rouses instincts in Alex he thought he’d long set aside.
Can a ceaseless wanderer find a stopping place alongside a woman determined to set out on her own . . . or are Alex and Greer both pushing their luck too far?
243 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 27, 2018
454 people are currently reading
7879 people want to read
About the author
Kate Clayborn
18 books4,043 followersKate Clayborn is the critically acclaimed author of six novels. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Oprah Magazine, Entertainment Weekly, Bookpage, and more. By day she works in education, and by night (and sometimes, by very early morning) she writes contemporary romances about smart, strong, modern heroines who face the world alongside true friends and complicated families. She resides in Virginia with her husband and their dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 647 reviews
February 1, 2023
Heartwarming, wholesome and inspiring. Finally I found my five star 🤩😍
As this is the third (and last 😭) book of the series I already knew both, Greer and Alex. I knew I would love their story and I was so right!
When Greer won a lottery three years ago there was no doubt about the dream that money could help come true. She wanted a college degree. Now that plan is in jeopardy because of an art course she didn’t complete and her fate is in the hands of an obnoxious photography professor.
Luckily she just happens to know a world famous photographer who may be able to help…
I adored this story. Alex was not at all what I had expected, he was so much better 😍Both of them had a baggage and both needed to heal and grow in order to accept and appreciate what was happening between them. Their journey was such a delight to read. They were there for each other in the best possible ways and their chemistry was off the charts!
I can’t believe Kate Clayborn is not all over Goodreads, she sooo deserves it!
As this is the third (and last 😭) book of the series I already knew both, Greer and Alex. I knew I would love their story and I was so right!
When Greer won a lottery three years ago there was no doubt about the dream that money could help come true. She wanted a college degree. Now that plan is in jeopardy because of an art course she didn’t complete and her fate is in the hands of an obnoxious photography professor.
Luckily she just happens to know a world famous photographer who may be able to help…
I adored this story. Alex was not at all what I had expected, he was so much better 😍Both of them had a baggage and both needed to heal and grow in order to accept and appreciate what was happening between them. Their journey was such a delight to read. They were there for each other in the best possible ways and their chemistry was off the charts!
I can’t believe Kate Clayborn is not all over Goodreads, she sooo deserves it!
July 26, 2022
Sweet, romantic, characters with great chemistry; the third book in the chance of a lifetime setues did not disappoint! I loved Greer and Alex, so much!
They'd both been through a lot in their childhoods, and both deserve the world now! A fab book for me to read camping under the stars in the Isle of Wight. Definitely rate this underrated series! 📷📷📷📷
They'd both been through a lot in their childhoods, and both deserve the world now! A fab book for me to read camping under the stars in the Isle of Wight. Definitely rate this underrated series! 📷📷📷📷
September 7, 2018
This damn book. It is sure detrimental to my sleep habits, but so so good for my heart.
I started making a list right around the 30% mark of all the things I wanted to include in the review. I wanted to be prepared, and not have a bunch of nonsense that was all gushy about how good it was. I PROMISED. I'm about to break that promise. (I will shockingly ignore the list, so you're welcome)
First, you must read this series. I've inadequately reviewed all of them.(https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... and https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... )
Kate Clayborn officially writes intense romances that somehow avoid angst-making melodrama.
The series is done now--once this is released. It's one of my favorite. You deserve this: Go get started.
These are layered romances, layered characters, real development and good jobs. These relationships are real to me too. In fact in my review for Beginner's Luck, I mention how painful and real I thought Kit's relationship to Alex (her brother and hero of this book that I'd like to climb) was fantastically done, as it is here. I love seeing his angle, and while he was all swoony in the prior book, I'm going to tell you that you have seen really nothing yet. Perfect. Heck no. This is Kate Clayborn (this is a thing we get to say now!) but he is compelling, intense, beautiful, and many other things.
And Greer, well, I think I posted an update that said I don't know who I'm more in love with. I really did love them both. Greer's quiet observations of the world around her to her participation in it were just really beautifully drawn. She's easy to adore. Unassuming yet assertive, brave, caring and appreciative.
Do the goodies stop there? No. That would be a stellar romance though. This is better than that. Because we still have Kit, Greer's family, and of course Zoe. We have a wonderful female-centered novel with subtle feminist touches (as we've seen throughout the series). And of note, neither the heroes nor heroines remotely resemble one another.
What stops me in my tracks anytime I read a romance is the idea of relatable multi-dimensional characters, in settings I can feel, with relatable problems. Honestly, give me a mundane love story that feels like it could be me or anyone I know any damn day. The magic of Kate Clayborn and authors like her is how the ordinary becomes extraordinary to read. This was fabulous. I was nervous. We were waiting for this couple. It was worth the wait.
Adding: For a more adequate review (Blackjack is always excellent, adequate doesn't describe her):
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Thanks to netgalley/publisher for an advanced copy of this book
I started making a list right around the 30% mark of all the things I wanted to include in the review. I wanted to be prepared, and not have a bunch of nonsense that was all gushy about how good it was. I PROMISED. I'm about to break that promise. (I will shockingly ignore the list, so you're welcome)
First, you must read this series. I've inadequately reviewed all of them.(https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... and https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... )
Kate Clayborn officially writes intense romances that somehow avoid angst-making melodrama.
The series is done now--once this is released. It's one of my favorite. You deserve this: Go get started.
These are layered romances, layered characters, real development and good jobs. These relationships are real to me too. In fact in my review for Beginner's Luck, I mention how painful and real I thought Kit's relationship to Alex (her brother and hero of this book that I'd like to climb) was fantastically done, as it is here. I love seeing his angle, and while he was all swoony in the prior book, I'm going to tell you that you have seen really nothing yet. Perfect. Heck no. This is Kate Clayborn (this is a thing we get to say now!) but he is compelling, intense, beautiful, and many other things.
And Greer, well, I think I posted an update that said I don't know who I'm more in love with. I really did love them both. Greer's quiet observations of the world around her to her participation in it were just really beautifully drawn. She's easy to adore. Unassuming yet assertive, brave, caring and appreciative.
Do the goodies stop there? No. That would be a stellar romance though. This is better than that. Because we still have Kit, Greer's family, and of course Zoe. We have a wonderful female-centered novel with subtle feminist touches (as we've seen throughout the series). And of note, neither the heroes nor heroines remotely resemble one another.
What stops me in my tracks anytime I read a romance is the idea of relatable multi-dimensional characters, in settings I can feel, with relatable problems. Honestly, give me a mundane love story that feels like it could be me or anyone I know any damn day. The magic of Kate Clayborn and authors like her is how the ordinary becomes extraordinary to read. This was fabulous. I was nervous. We were waiting for this couple. It was worth the wait.
Adding: For a more adequate review (Blackjack is always excellent, adequate doesn't describe her):
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Thanks to netgalley/publisher for an advanced copy of this book
January 30, 2019
Don't you love it when the book you're most excited for in a series ends up being your least favourite? Grr arg.
I don't know why I didn't connect with this one. It was just as well written as the previous Chance of a Lifetime books (sidenote, I'll read anything by this author after this), well-done representation (this time, specifically, for mental health ala anxiety and was all sorts of therapy positive), and the chemistry between Greer and Alex was (fire emoji fire emoji fire emoji).
But.
I just didn't love them when they weren't together? I was there with Alex during his panic attacks, I wanted to cheer with just how determined, how focused, Greer was with accomplishing her goals despite the bumps along the way. But. I don't know. Something is just holding me back with this one. I felt that every time they weren't in a scene together, with maybe the exception being Alex's therapy sessions -- because yo those were real and wonderful -- I just found it really easy to put this down or look away. But when they shared space on the page, I couldn't take my eyes off them. Much the way they couldn't resist each other. There's just that but. But whatever!
That said, I would still recommend this series, totally. I will forever love Zoe's book the most but I loved this group of friends, this fabulous concept for a set of books, and the lovely supporting characters we've met along the way. And also for the (fire emoji fire emoji fire emoji).
I don't know why I didn't connect with this one. It was just as well written as the previous Chance of a Lifetime books (sidenote, I'll read anything by this author after this), well-done representation (this time, specifically, for mental health ala anxiety and was all sorts of therapy positive), and the chemistry between Greer and Alex was (fire emoji fire emoji fire emoji).
But.
I just didn't love them when they weren't together? I was there with Alex during his panic attacks, I wanted to cheer with just how determined, how focused, Greer was with accomplishing her goals despite the bumps along the way. But. I don't know. Something is just holding me back with this one. I felt that every time they weren't in a scene together, with maybe the exception being Alex's therapy sessions -- because yo those were real and wonderful -- I just found it really easy to put this down or look away. But when they shared space on the page, I couldn't take my eyes off them. Much the way they couldn't resist each other. There's just that but. But whatever!
That said, I would still recommend this series, totally. I will forever love Zoe's book the most but I loved this group of friends, this fabulous concept for a set of books, and the lovely supporting characters we've met along the way. And also for the (fire emoji fire emoji fire emoji).
November 28, 2018
This is third (and likely last) in a series. Alex's character is established in the first and there are hints there that he and Greer might be a thing. Subtle, but there. I highly recommend reading these in order, though you can probably do fine without if you really want to.
Having established Alex's need for freedom in the first book so strongly, I was interested in how that would work out in this story. Greer has always seemed like such a homebody but we don't really get to know what's behind that until this book. I kind of liked the idea of Alex breaking her out of her comfort zone and taking her traveling the world with him. That was, alas, not to be as it turns out that Greer's limitations are not just comfort but have a medical component that make it riskier for her to travel (or just about anything else, really) than for most.
I thought I'd hate the tease of the medical bits more than I did, actually. We learn the essentials of her limitations early (that they're remnants of a much stronger restriction from her early life) but not the details until much later. That kind of author withholding normally bugs me but Clayborn does a fantastic job giving enough detail to know the whole of Greer's motivations even though the actual diagnosis isn't given the reader until 61% in (I checked).
So we're left with the reality that something pretty big has to happen with Alex if they're going to be a thing. An understanding that is very present for Greer as she reluctantly lets herself get to know, and then care for, and fall in love with, Alex. I was very gratified to see Clayborn give him so much more depth than the simple "don't want responsibility any more after raising my sister essentially from childhood" that lies on the surface. Clayborn lets an anxiety disorder come to a head in this book and does a fantastic job drawing the reader into his desperation to find relief. I kind of love how well his new therapist, Patricia, (recommended by Greer) is portrayed and how deftly easy answers or solutions are avoided.
So we have Greer, who has come to hate "being taken care of" and Alex who has come to hate "taking care of others" working out a relationship built on trust where, as happens in all relationships, sometimes one has to take care of/for another. I just loved seeing them build that trust and work on changing in ways that allowed them to be stronger than they were apart. So very sweet.
Which brings me to the dark moment, which I didn't know was a thing until very recently. Dark moments set up grand gestures and a podcast with Courtney Milan recently pointed out how they often work to betray a relationship because it involves one partner harming the other deeply. Often, my problem with a romance will be a dark moment that cuts too deep, or is poorly earned, or is ineptly mended. This book has a very well-crafted dark moment that arose naturally from these two characters and was very much a necessary part of their development. Coming from these very disparate backgrounds you really needed to see the change they had made to believe that each truly understood and internalized the change in the other that makes them so necessary to each other. That could, no doubt, have come in stages throughout the story (and we do get that to some extent). But I think this particular dark moment worked better to crystalize understanding in both the characters and the reader than a series of trust-building moments could have.
And without that depth, the cathartic moment, and the really, really subtle grand gesture, would never have had the impact this one had. Take this spoiler seriously because I'm giving away a very powerful moment that is way more impactful experienced first hand. It's an emotional impact that few books achieve and it completely solidified the five stars I'm giving the book.
So yeah, I loved the story. Every moment, even though the excuse for them working together is kind of lame (weakest part of the story, really). These characters were entirely engaging. Neither are normally my type. The emotionally withholding hero and the often passive heroine would be a bad combination for me, almost always. But not here. Clayborn is a very talented writer and a lot of that strength is the depth of these characters and drawing me into their lives so effectively.
A note about Steamy: There are three explicit sex scenes and references to more, putting this in the middle of my steam tolerance. They're very effective in showing the growing intimacy of the characters and I like how they worked for the story.
Having established Alex's need for freedom in the first book so strongly, I was interested in how that would work out in this story. Greer has always seemed like such a homebody but we don't really get to know what's behind that until this book. I kind of liked the idea of Alex breaking her out of her comfort zone and taking her traveling the world with him. That was, alas, not to be as it turns out that Greer's limitations are not just comfort but have a medical component that make it riskier for her to travel (or just about anything else, really) than for most.
I thought I'd hate the tease of the medical bits more than I did, actually. We learn the essentials of her limitations early (that they're remnants of a much stronger restriction from her early life) but not the details until much later. That kind of author withholding normally bugs me but Clayborn does a fantastic job giving enough detail to know the whole of Greer's motivations even though the actual diagnosis isn't given the reader until 61% in (I checked).
So we're left with the reality that something pretty big has to happen with Alex if they're going to be a thing. An understanding that is very present for Greer as she reluctantly lets herself get to know, and then care for, and fall in love with, Alex. I was very gratified to see Clayborn give him so much more depth than the simple "don't want responsibility any more after raising my sister essentially from childhood" that lies on the surface. Clayborn lets an anxiety disorder come to a head in this book and does a fantastic job drawing the reader into his desperation to find relief. I kind of love how well his new therapist, Patricia, (recommended by Greer) is portrayed and how deftly easy answers or solutions are avoided.
So we have Greer, who has come to hate "being taken care of" and Alex who has come to hate "taking care of others" working out a relationship built on trust where, as happens in all relationships, sometimes one has to take care of/for another. I just loved seeing them build that trust and work on changing in ways that allowed them to be stronger than they were apart. So very sweet.
Which brings me to the dark moment, which I didn't know was a thing until very recently. Dark moments set up grand gestures and a podcast with Courtney Milan recently pointed out how they often work to betray a relationship because it involves one partner harming the other deeply. Often, my problem with a romance will be a dark moment that cuts too deep, or is poorly earned, or is ineptly mended. This book has a very well-crafted dark moment that arose naturally from these two characters and was very much a necessary part of their development. Coming from these very disparate backgrounds you really needed to see the change they had made to believe that each truly understood and internalized the change in the other that makes them so necessary to each other. That could, no doubt, have come in stages throughout the story (and we do get that to some extent). But I think this particular dark moment worked better to crystalize understanding in both the characters and the reader than a series of trust-building moments could have.
And without that depth, the cathartic moment, and the really, really subtle grand gesture, would never have had the impact this one had. Take this spoiler seriously because I'm giving away a very powerful moment that is way more impactful experienced first hand. It's an emotional impact that few books achieve and it completely solidified the five stars I'm giving the book.
So yeah, I loved the story. Every moment, even though the excuse for them working together is kind of lame (weakest part of the story, really). These characters were entirely engaging. Neither are normally my type. The emotionally withholding hero and the often passive heroine would be a bad combination for me, almost always. But not here. Clayborn is a very talented writer and a lot of that strength is the depth of these characters and drawing me into their lives so effectively.
A note about Steamy: There are three explicit sex scenes and references to more, putting this in the middle of my steam tolerance. They're very effective in showing the growing intimacy of the characters and I like how they worked for the story.
November 26, 2018
Kate Clayborn knows how to wreck me. I don’t know how she does it, but she’s done it EVERY DAMN TIME. I will do my level best to not gush, but to give you good solid reasons why you should have this series and this book in your life. Wish ME luck.
This story technically begins during the events of the first book, Beginner’s Luck (which isn’t necessary to read as BoL works as a standalone, but YES you should read it because it’s that damn good). Alex Averin is in town visiting his sister Kit, when he meets Greer, one of Kit’s best friends and sparks fly. Now, you may think you know exactly how this is going to play out, but let me assure you that Ms. Clayborn knows how to take a well-worn premise and turn it just enough to allow the reader to see it from another angle, which I simply adored. And yes, romance, deliciously lovely romance happens.
The Good
The writing is stellar. You know when you want to shout from the rooftops that something is fantastic and you should get it immediately? That’s how I feel when I think of this book. Ms. Clayborn’s has an ability to set a scene for her reader without drowning them in the minutiae. She builds her ‘verse meticulously, and has a way of painting a picture with her words that feels like photo-realism. Alex is a professional photographer and the story itself had strong and distinctive imagery throughout that I was engrossed in. I really felt like I was a watching a romantic picture come to life. This small college town feels genuine and inviting without being so idealistic that you feel like you’re in Pleasantville. There’s color and diversity, conflict and comfort, all wrapped up on a great little blanket of familiarity that I wanted to snuggle in and stay a spell.
The characters are so well drawn they come to life off the page. Alex and Greer have my heart, full stop. But beyond that, they have full lives that affect all aspects of their romance. Yes, their personal relationship is the heart of this story, but their professional lives are woven seamlessly into the narrative. They are complicated, fully formed characters that are easy to relate to and love. I was rooting for them from the beginning and every step of the way, they behaved like adults. The temptation, so often, is to rely on things that seem out of character to fuel a conflict and that is not the case here. I understood their motivations, I believed in the way the obstacles played out and appreciated the journey they both went through to come together at the end. There are moments that are dramatic, but never tip into melodrama. The relationships that have been built over the course of the series give depth and color to the overall canvas and I loved seeing those relationships grow to allow the reader to see them from different viewpoints. Never easy, but always worth it, that's what their personal relationships say to me.
The Firsts are impeccable. Now, if you’ve read my reviews before, the Firsts (meet, kiss, love scene) are crucial to my enjoyment of any romance. It’s what I look for in any story, and it’s what makes me happy as a romance reader. When they are on point, they lift any story and if they aren’t good, it’s almost impossible to come back from that. Here, the Firsts are have a great balance of heat and heart, and made me smile for days. Alex and Greer’s attraction is never in doubt and their chemistry fueled the romance and then some.
The Bad
Everything in Between
See, The Good, because it’s all so damn good.
My words have failed me (but hey, give me points for not just typing out READ THIS BOOK about 100 times and then just wrapping up my review), but thankfully Ms. Clayborn’s words more than make up for my failing. It’s so damn good that it actually sent me into a bit of a reading slump because I didn’t want to leave this ‘verse. That’s the mark of a great romance. Greer and Alex’s romance is a beautiful bow to wrap up this excellent series. I can’t recommend it highly enough.
**ARC provided by publisher via netgalley for review**
For more reviews, visit
This story technically begins during the events of the first book, Beginner’s Luck (which isn’t necessary to read as BoL works as a standalone, but YES you should read it because it’s that damn good). Alex Averin is in town visiting his sister Kit, when he meets Greer, one of Kit’s best friends and sparks fly. Now, you may think you know exactly how this is going to play out, but let me assure you that Ms. Clayborn knows how to take a well-worn premise and turn it just enough to allow the reader to see it from another angle, which I simply adored. And yes, romance, deliciously lovely romance happens.
The Good
The writing is stellar. You know when you want to shout from the rooftops that something is fantastic and you should get it immediately? That’s how I feel when I think of this book. Ms. Clayborn’s has an ability to set a scene for her reader without drowning them in the minutiae. She builds her ‘verse meticulously, and has a way of painting a picture with her words that feels like photo-realism. Alex is a professional photographer and the story itself had strong and distinctive imagery throughout that I was engrossed in. I really felt like I was a watching a romantic picture come to life. This small college town feels genuine and inviting without being so idealistic that you feel like you’re in Pleasantville. There’s color and diversity, conflict and comfort, all wrapped up on a great little blanket of familiarity that I wanted to snuggle in and stay a spell.
The characters are so well drawn they come to life off the page. Alex and Greer have my heart, full stop. But beyond that, they have full lives that affect all aspects of their romance. Yes, their personal relationship is the heart of this story, but their professional lives are woven seamlessly into the narrative. They are complicated, fully formed characters that are easy to relate to and love. I was rooting for them from the beginning and every step of the way, they behaved like adults. The temptation, so often, is to rely on things that seem out of character to fuel a conflict and that is not the case here. I understood their motivations, I believed in the way the obstacles played out and appreciated the journey they both went through to come together at the end. There are moments that are dramatic, but never tip into melodrama. The relationships that have been built over the course of the series give depth and color to the overall canvas and I loved seeing those relationships grow to allow the reader to see them from different viewpoints. Never easy, but always worth it, that's what their personal relationships say to me.
The Firsts are impeccable. Now, if you’ve read my reviews before, the Firsts (meet, kiss, love scene) are crucial to my enjoyment of any romance. It’s what I look for in any story, and it’s what makes me happy as a romance reader. When they are on point, they lift any story and if they aren’t good, it’s almost impossible to come back from that. Here, the Firsts are have a great balance of heat and heart, and made me smile for days. Alex and Greer’s attraction is never in doubt and their chemistry fueled the romance and then some.
The Bad
Everything in Between
See, The Good, because it’s all so damn good.
My words have failed me (but hey, give me points for not just typing out READ THIS BOOK about 100 times and then just wrapping up my review), but thankfully Ms. Clayborn’s words more than make up for my failing. It’s so damn good that it actually sent me into a bit of a reading slump because I didn’t want to leave this ‘verse. That’s the mark of a great romance. Greer and Alex’s romance is a beautiful bow to wrap up this excellent series. I can’t recommend it highly enough.
**ARC provided by publisher via netgalley for review**
For more reviews, visit
November 5, 2019
***5 STARS***
ONE OF MY FAVORITE BOOKS OF THE YEAR!!! FAVORITE BOOK OF THE SERIES! FAVORITE BOOK BY KATE CLAYBORN!
If it wasn't for real life getting in the way, I would have parked my butt on my couch and read this book in one amazing, full of feels, sitting.
...my best friend's brother, who makes me feel terrified - full of that swirling, uncontainable energy I only ever knew how to live out in my imagination, until I'd been with him.
This book gave me two amazing main characters in Greer and Alex. So much depth, complexity, vulnerability, and relatability. It gave me honesty, and heart, and humor, and heat. It gave me chemistry and passion and intimacy.
It gave me all the butterflies-in-the-stomach flutters that I love about being a romance reader.
I've been waiting for the right light my entire adult life. Chasing it.
I know the light.
And Greer - Greer is the light.
Full review to come, but be warned....it's just gonna be a crap ton of gushing!
I can't recommend this book enough!!!!
August 12, 2020
It's exciting to read a book that exceeds expectations, and Greer and Alex's story had many going into it as the final and very anticipated last book in a series that I have overall greatly enjoyed. It's also supremely satisfying but bittersweet too to finish the final pages of one of my favorite books of 2018. I wanted to race through this book and I also did not want it to end. However, it is so beautifully written that to rush the reading is a disservice. Each chapter offers so many ideas I am still pondering and so many emotional moments that I needed to experience slowly. I know without a doubt too that this is a book I will reread.
While so many books are plot driven and have an almost linear trajectory, Best of Luck feels more like reading a series of vignettes that set out to explore the deepening love between two people who, for the most part, fell in love at first sight in the first book. Though there is a clear story and plot underlying the exploration of love here, what moved me so much more is the character study of two compassionate and sensitive people finding their way to each other despite a range of obstacles, some of which are quite significant. Recovery and self-care are among the most important themes in the book, and it was a brilliant strategy for Clayborn to offset Greer's recovery from a serious illness as a twin with Alex's current recovery of panic attacks. The two characters often mirror each other in their struggles to overcome physical and mental obstacles to happiness and success. From a romance perspective, I would add too that the book succeeded in making me feel how much these two characters love each other. This is ultimately a very optimistic look at how people can recover from trauma as individuals while also a book about the power of love -- romantic love, love among friends, familial love, and even communal love -- to ground a person and give their life meaning.
The book also feels quietly of-the-moment in its depiction of consent as a foundation of romance and sexual pleasure, and of female autonomy as an underlying principle in a couple's long-term happiness. There are a number of scenes that show us Clayborn's philosophy on equality between women and men that I truly appreciate as a reader. And as with the two previous books in the series, the world created in this series is diversely populated in the most natural and realistic of ways.
I am a little sad to say goodbye to this wonderful book and to the series itself, but I'm also looking forward to what this talented author has in store for us next.
Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced readers copy of this book.
While so many books are plot driven and have an almost linear trajectory, Best of Luck feels more like reading a series of vignettes that set out to explore the deepening love between two people who, for the most part, fell in love at first sight in the first book. Though there is a clear story and plot underlying the exploration of love here, what moved me so much more is the character study of two compassionate and sensitive people finding their way to each other despite a range of obstacles, some of which are quite significant. Recovery and self-care are among the most important themes in the book, and it was a brilliant strategy for Clayborn to offset Greer's recovery from a serious illness as a twin with Alex's current recovery of panic attacks. The two characters often mirror each other in their struggles to overcome physical and mental obstacles to happiness and success. From a romance perspective, I would add too that the book succeeded in making me feel how much these two characters love each other. This is ultimately a very optimistic look at how people can recover from trauma as individuals while also a book about the power of love -- romantic love, love among friends, familial love, and even communal love -- to ground a person and give their life meaning.
The book also feels quietly of-the-moment in its depiction of consent as a foundation of romance and sexual pleasure, and of female autonomy as an underlying principle in a couple's long-term happiness. There are a number of scenes that show us Clayborn's philosophy on equality between women and men that I truly appreciate as a reader. And as with the two previous books in the series, the world created in this series is diversely populated in the most natural and realistic of ways.
I am a little sad to say goodbye to this wonderful book and to the series itself, but I'm also looking forward to what this talented author has in store for us next.
Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced readers copy of this book.
April 6, 2023
4.25*
Quick review to enable me to move from CR > Read shelf 🫣
From previous two books Greer's was the story I was waiting for, especially after the adorkable interaction in book1 where she & Alex first crossed paths.
Having the opening to this book immediately follow that intro before skipping forward was a sweet move to help us get to know Greer better - and boy do alternating the PoV between herself and Alex tick one of my fav romcom boxes 🤩
I was not expecting the health related storylines as they had not been hinted at in earlier books or rather if they had - I totally missed them 🙈
The handling of these brought such a depth to the characters and gave us an "in" to them and their relationship in a really interesting way - altho obvs we know me by now and I'd have liked a bit more open communication on certain things...but at the same time can totes see why things unfold the way they do so 🤷♀️ less of a big deal than it typically might have been for me 🤗
Zoe was a treat 🤭 the convos she and Greer have were such a riot, bless Aiden when he catches the ends of them & altho their book and relationship beginning was far from my fav seeing them both again here warmed even my 🖤
Patricia is book MVP, I LOVED her and again I adored all the photography talk and really really wish I could have the patience to learn how to take good pictures...then again maybe I just need the right motivation *cough* teacher 😉
As fun as the extra bonus scene was, I'd have liked a little further glimpse into the future and/or even a chapter at the end to see the melding of lives especially as this is the last book in the series...I'm just greedy and wasn't ready to let go/move on yet
PS - this cover is so stinking cute...such a pity that in selecting it I get stuck with a stupid long title.
Why can't we just have nice things? 🫠
Quick review to enable me to move from CR > Read shelf 🫣
From previous two books Greer's was the story I was waiting for, especially after the adorkable interaction in book1 where she & Alex first crossed paths.
Having the opening to this book immediately follow that intro before skipping forward was a sweet move to help us get to know Greer better - and boy do alternating the PoV between herself and Alex tick one of my fav romcom boxes 🤩
I was not expecting the health related storylines as they had not been hinted at in earlier books or rather if they had - I totally missed them 🙈
The handling of these brought such a depth to the characters and gave us an "in" to them and their relationship in a really interesting way - altho obvs we know me by now and I'd have liked a bit more open communication on certain things...but at the same time can totes see why things unfold the way they do so 🤷♀️ less of a big deal than it typically might have been for me 🤗
Zoe was a treat 🤭 the convos she and Greer have were such a riot, bless Aiden when he catches the ends of them & altho their book and relationship beginning was far from my fav seeing them both again here warmed even my 🖤
Patricia is book MVP, I LOVED her and again I adored all the photography talk and really really wish I could have the patience to learn how to take good pictures...then again maybe I just need the right motivation *cough* teacher 😉
As fun as the extra bonus scene was, I'd have liked a little further glimpse into the future and/or even a chapter at the end to see the melding of lives especially as this is the last book in the series...I'm just greedy and wasn't ready to let go/move on yet
PS - this cover is so stinking cute...such a pity that in selecting it I get stuck with a stupid long title.
Why can't we just have nice things? 🫠
April 18, 2020
This is a very well written book with complex characters. Sadly, it was a little more heavy than what I was in the mood for. Maybe it's this Covid-19 quarentine, but the serious tone was more than I wanted. The H/h are both great characters but they both have boatloads of baggage.
H/h were both relatable. The H has been known to always leave and never settle down, but his issues went deeper than that he's just a commitment-phobe. And he works those issues out with a therapist, (hallelujah!) some of which is on page. The h has worked hard to earn a degree and she's a woman who knows what she wants and what she deserves. In the prologue she meets the H briefly but still manages so deliver a dose of reality he won't soon forget, and when he inevitably leaves, she moves on with her life.
Lots of other reviewers loved this book, so please don't let my review discourage you from reading the book. It was fabulous, just not my cuppa.
Safety
H/h were both relatable. The H has been known to always leave and never settle down, but his issues went deeper than that he's just a commitment-phobe. And he works those issues out with a therapist, (hallelujah!) some of which is on page. The h has worked hard to earn a degree and she's a woman who knows what she wants and what she deserves. In the prologue she meets the H briefly but still manages so deliver a dose of reality he won't soon forget, and when he inevitably leaves, she moves on with her life.
Lots of other reviewers loved this book, so please don't let my review discourage you from reading the book. It was fabulous, just not my cuppa.
Safety
December 1, 2018
One of my favorite books this year! Kate Clayborn is underrated as hell. I can't believe this is only her third book! She writes emotions so well. They felt real and not manipulative. It takes talent to make me cry and ache for the characters without resorting to cheap plots like death or cheating.
I want more!
ARC provided by Lyrical Press
I want more!
ARC provided by Lyrical Press
June 4, 2024
Review from 2019
I gave this a B+ for both narration and content at AudioGals, so that's 4.5 stars
Best of Luck is book three in Kate Clayborn’s A Chance of a Lifetime series, which features three best friends who win the lottery and then follows each of them as they adjust to the win and fall in love along the way. It’s a poignant, gently moving story involving two people whose lives have been far from easy and who are still struggling – to an extent – to come to terms with how their pasts have shaped them and learn how to move beyond it and shape their futures.
For Greer Hawthorne, the lottery win represented freedom. The freedom to finish her education and finally to prove to her family – and herself – that she could strike out on her own. A chronic illness that manifested in her teenage years meant she was unable to attend school, but now she’s able to live a normal life – with a few provisos. The trouble is, her mother continues to be incredibly over-protective, and nobody in her family – though they love her dearly – seems to think she can do or achieve anything on her own. Greer understands her mother’s concern for her health, but can’t help feeling irritated; she’s a grown woman and wants to move forward rather than keep looking back.
Alex Averin (brother of Kit from Beginner’s Luck ) was just a child himself when Kit’s mother abandoned them and their father took refuge in gambling and drink, so he was both parent and brother to Kit while they were growing up. Now a well-known globetrotting photojournalist, Alex has avoided putting down any roots since the day he dropped Kit off at college and for the last decade he’s travelled the world, never staying anywhere every long.
The plot is a fairly simple one. Greer has used some of her lottery winnings to put herself through college and is on the verge of gaining her degree in Social Work. But at the eleventh hour, she’s told she’s missing a fine art credit, so can’t get her degree – and if she can’t graduate, she also stands to lose the job she’s got lined up. Her supervisor advises Greer to seek advice from the chair of the department of academic standards – who happens to be a photographer… which gives Greer an idea.
Alex is in town for Kit’s wedding and it’s at the wedding rehearsal that Greer notices something isn’t right. During the toasts, Alex bolts and Greer follows, finding him outside and in the middle of a panic attack. She’s able to help him through it (one of her brothers used to suffer them) and as he gradually recovers, suggests that perhaps he needs a break and might consider sticking around for a little while. Deep down, Alex thinks that perhaps she’s right – his attacks have been getting steadily worse, to the extent that his agent has noticed he’s struggling and has also told Alex to take some time off – but he’s not wild about the prospect of having nothing to do. But when Greer explains her problem regarding her graduation means she needs to take a short photography class, Alex offers to help her to catch up with what she’s missed – and Greer accepts his offer with one condition – that he sees a therapist to help with his anxiety issues.
The writing is warm and intelligent, and the romance between Alex and Greer is beautifully done. In fact, it’s pretty clear that they more or less fell in love at first sight when they met for the first time two years earlier (in Beginner’s Luck) so in Best of Luck, they have come to terms with those feelings and navigate the fairly significant issues they both need to address if they’re going to be able to make a life together.
Both characters are attractive and relatable, imperfect and complex, with issues that felt real and were dealt with realistically. Greer is one of those characters who is quiet but misses nothing. Living with a chronic illness has set her apart from those around her throughout most of her life, she’s struggling to break free of her family’s view of her as a near-invalid who needs to be taken care of. She’s well aware that Alex’s wanderlust will prevent there being anything more between them than a short-lived fling, but she – with good reason – is also aware of the fragility of life, and decides to reach for what she wants, even if it – he – can only be hers for a little while.
She doesn’t tell Alex about her condition, enjoying the sense of freedom engendered by being with someone who doesn’t view her as “different”, yet although I understood her reasoning, I was a little disappointed that she seemed to think Alex would suddenly want to start wrapping her up in cotton wool after he found out.
Speaking of Alex, he’s a lovely hero; handsome, kind and intelligent, he obviously cares for Greer very much and is caught between wanting to be with her – to stay with her – and his need to keep moving. The depiction of his panic attacks is very realistic, as is his reaction to them; he hates what they’re doing to him and is desperate to “just fix it”, but doesn’t quite realise what that fix will involve, and how deeply he’s going to have to dig into his past in order to start to turn things around. His therapy sessions – as read by Will Damron, these were some of my favourite chapters in the book – are alternately hilarious and poignant, and are always insightful, especially as Alex begins to understand more and more about himself and to admit some home-truths he’s tried to avoid. There’s no doubt that Greer helps to ground him during his attacks, but it’s also clear that he’s not magically “cured” by love; there are no miracle answers by the end of the book, but he’s committed to working through his issues, and with Greer by his side, we’re convinced he’ll get there.
I enjoyed the performances by Will Damron and Carly Robins in Beginner’s Luck (I have yet to listen to the middle book, Luck of the Draw), and both narrators are every bit as good in this book as they were there. They make an excellent team, both of them very skilled technically as well as when it comes to conveying the emotion and expression experienced by the characters. Mr. Damron’s interpretation of Alex is excellent; he brings out the vulnerability Alex tries so hard to hide, and injects a real warmth and affection into his scenes with Greer. As I said above, I particularly enjoyed his performances during Alex’s therapy sessions, in which he expertly realises Alex’s shifting and conflicting emotions and reactions to the things he’s learning about himself. Ms. Robins’ portrayal of Greer is equally strong, and I liked the way she was able to capture the various elements of her personality in her voice; her determination and her self-belief, tempered by a bit of uncertainty and shyness. Most importantly however, both narrators were absolutely convincing when it came to putting across the depth of emotion Alex and Greer felt for each other.
Best of Luck is a splendid conclusion to this series, combining excellent narration with extremely strong storytelling, and I’m certainly going to be looking out for more from this talented author.
I gave this a B+ for both narration and content at AudioGals, so that's 4.5 stars
Best of Luck is book three in Kate Clayborn’s A Chance of a Lifetime series, which features three best friends who win the lottery and then follows each of them as they adjust to the win and fall in love along the way. It’s a poignant, gently moving story involving two people whose lives have been far from easy and who are still struggling – to an extent – to come to terms with how their pasts have shaped them and learn how to move beyond it and shape their futures.
For Greer Hawthorne, the lottery win represented freedom. The freedom to finish her education and finally to prove to her family – and herself – that she could strike out on her own. A chronic illness that manifested in her teenage years meant she was unable to attend school, but now she’s able to live a normal life – with a few provisos. The trouble is, her mother continues to be incredibly over-protective, and nobody in her family – though they love her dearly – seems to think she can do or achieve anything on her own. Greer understands her mother’s concern for her health, but can’t help feeling irritated; she’s a grown woman and wants to move forward rather than keep looking back.
Alex Averin (brother of Kit from Beginner’s Luck ) was just a child himself when Kit’s mother abandoned them and their father took refuge in gambling and drink, so he was both parent and brother to Kit while they were growing up. Now a well-known globetrotting photojournalist, Alex has avoided putting down any roots since the day he dropped Kit off at college and for the last decade he’s travelled the world, never staying anywhere every long.
The plot is a fairly simple one. Greer has used some of her lottery winnings to put herself through college and is on the verge of gaining her degree in Social Work. But at the eleventh hour, she’s told she’s missing a fine art credit, so can’t get her degree – and if she can’t graduate, she also stands to lose the job she’s got lined up. Her supervisor advises Greer to seek advice from the chair of the department of academic standards – who happens to be a photographer… which gives Greer an idea.
Alex is in town for Kit’s wedding and it’s at the wedding rehearsal that Greer notices something isn’t right. During the toasts, Alex bolts and Greer follows, finding him outside and in the middle of a panic attack. She’s able to help him through it (one of her brothers used to suffer them) and as he gradually recovers, suggests that perhaps he needs a break and might consider sticking around for a little while. Deep down, Alex thinks that perhaps she’s right – his attacks have been getting steadily worse, to the extent that his agent has noticed he’s struggling and has also told Alex to take some time off – but he’s not wild about the prospect of having nothing to do. But when Greer explains her problem regarding her graduation means she needs to take a short photography class, Alex offers to help her to catch up with what she’s missed – and Greer accepts his offer with one condition – that he sees a therapist to help with his anxiety issues.
The writing is warm and intelligent, and the romance between Alex and Greer is beautifully done. In fact, it’s pretty clear that they more or less fell in love at first sight when they met for the first time two years earlier (in Beginner’s Luck) so in Best of Luck, they have come to terms with those feelings and navigate the fairly significant issues they both need to address if they’re going to be able to make a life together.
Both characters are attractive and relatable, imperfect and complex, with issues that felt real and were dealt with realistically. Greer is one of those characters who is quiet but misses nothing. Living with a chronic illness has set her apart from those around her throughout most of her life, she’s struggling to break free of her family’s view of her as a near-invalid who needs to be taken care of. She’s well aware that Alex’s wanderlust will prevent there being anything more between them than a short-lived fling, but she – with good reason – is also aware of the fragility of life, and decides to reach for what she wants, even if it – he – can only be hers for a little while.
She doesn’t tell Alex about her condition, enjoying the sense of freedom engendered by being with someone who doesn’t view her as “different”, yet although I understood her reasoning, I was a little disappointed that she seemed to think Alex would suddenly want to start wrapping her up in cotton wool after he found out.
Speaking of Alex, he’s a lovely hero; handsome, kind and intelligent, he obviously cares for Greer very much and is caught between wanting to be with her – to stay with her – and his need to keep moving. The depiction of his panic attacks is very realistic, as is his reaction to them; he hates what they’re doing to him and is desperate to “just fix it”, but doesn’t quite realise what that fix will involve, and how deeply he’s going to have to dig into his past in order to start to turn things around. His therapy sessions – as read by Will Damron, these were some of my favourite chapters in the book – are alternately hilarious and poignant, and are always insightful, especially as Alex begins to understand more and more about himself and to admit some home-truths he’s tried to avoid. There’s no doubt that Greer helps to ground him during his attacks, but it’s also clear that he’s not magically “cured” by love; there are no miracle answers by the end of the book, but he’s committed to working through his issues, and with Greer by his side, we’re convinced he’ll get there.
I enjoyed the performances by Will Damron and Carly Robins in Beginner’s Luck (I have yet to listen to the middle book, Luck of the Draw), and both narrators are every bit as good in this book as they were there. They make an excellent team, both of them very skilled technically as well as when it comes to conveying the emotion and expression experienced by the characters. Mr. Damron’s interpretation of Alex is excellent; he brings out the vulnerability Alex tries so hard to hide, and injects a real warmth and affection into his scenes with Greer. As I said above, I particularly enjoyed his performances during Alex’s therapy sessions, in which he expertly realises Alex’s shifting and conflicting emotions and reactions to the things he’s learning about himself. Ms. Robins’ portrayal of Greer is equally strong, and I liked the way she was able to capture the various elements of her personality in her voice; her determination and her self-belief, tempered by a bit of uncertainty and shyness. Most importantly however, both narrators were absolutely convincing when it came to putting across the depth of emotion Alex and Greer felt for each other.
Best of Luck is a splendid conclusion to this series, combining excellent narration with extremely strong storytelling, and I’m certainly going to be looking out for more from this talented author.
September 13, 2018
What a beautiful book this was! With every book in the Chance of a Lifetime series, Kate Clayborn's incomparable talent only seems to be growing. Best of Luck was a heartwrenching and beautiful tale of two lovely, but slightly broken, characters finding their way towards each other.
Though I have read many books in my lifetime, there is just a handful that has managed to turn me into a blubbering emotional mess. Best of Luck happens to be part of that handful. Kate Clayborn, through Alex and Greer's POVs, makes their every feeling the center of the book. Both of these characters were so well-written. Growing up, Greer led a rather sheltered life as a result of a life-threatening illness. She has felt caged and over-protected and wants nothing more than to break free and gain her complete independence. One of her first steps in that direction was to gain a college education that she had been deprived of. The only obstacle in her way is a missed fine art course requirement. There was a quiet courage to Greer that I found made her easy to cheer on. You cannot help but want for her to achieve all her goals. Life may have thrown her a curveball in the form of her illness, but that didn't mean Greer gave in without a fight. She was a genuine sweetheart who saw the good in people and went out of her way to help those that struggled. By the end of the book, I was so proud of Greer and the growth and healing she had undergone.
Alex, a man equally as wounded as Greer, was just the perfect complement of her. A renowned photographer, he comes to Greer's rescue by helping her catch up on the photography course she is forced to take to make up the credit to graduate on time. Alex struggled with anxiety and accompanying panic attacks, and struggled to form roots of any kind. His issues were portrayed in a raw and realistic way. There were times when I momentarily forgot that both he and Greer were fictional. I just wanted to reach into the book and give them both a hug. His journey towards healing through therapy and self-care was also brilliantly written. This whole book was an ode to treating and loving yourself with care and asking for help when necessary and that's such an important lesson, in my opinion. The romance between Greer and Alex was just like their characters - quiet, innocent, and full of passion. It was just the sweetest romance and I found it touching how they both found ways to help each other without making the other feel like an invalid. My heart just about melted at how good they were together. The way they made each other happy and the way they shared their feelings had me weeping under my covers. Alex and Greer were special and precious to me.
There is more to love in Best of Luck, including strong themes of friendship, family and mental health. I won't ramble too much longer about this book, but Kate Clayborn has truly outdone herself with Best of Luck. I didn't think it could wreck me as it did and I am so glad to have found another favorite romance author in Kate Clayborn.
September 8, 2019
Okay, catching up on reviews, I think I can finally write one for this book!
I was the most excited for this story because I knew from the very first meeting between Greer and Alex in Beginner's Luck that they would end up together. I just wasn't prepared for how emotional I'd get! This book kinda wrecked me in the best way possible. It's my favorite book in this trilogy--which has instantly become one of my favorite contemporary romance series.
I don't really want to get into the plot too much because reading their story unfold was just so special. What really struck me about this book was how deeply they learn to really care for each other on every level. As someone with an anxiety disorder who has panic attacks, it was hard to read about Alex's panic attacks--especially with the immediacy of the first person present tense. And it was interesting to get inside Alex's head and learn more about him. We know from the first book about his and Kit's father, but we learn much more about how their father's alcoholism and gambling deeply affected Alex. I've read plenty of heroes who just seem scared of commitment or being tied down--which seems to be Alex's issue on the surface--but that's not really what Alex's deal is. A lot of his mental health issues are linked back to feelings of abandonment, raising his sister when his father wasn't able to, and feelings of financial insecurity. His character was so well-written and it just shows you how immensely talented of a writer Clayborn is.
But Greer really just captured my heart. I freaking love her. Her own story of dealing with a chronic illness that had such a big impact on her childhood and her relationships with her family members made my heart hurt. I understood why she didn't want Alex to know this about her, but I also wanted her to trust that he would understand her fears and work through them with her. The conflicts in their relationship and her belief that he'd just want to leave again, and that she didn't want him to feel like he had to stay, were just.... MY HEART. The angst!
By the time the book ended, I just cried. Honestly. But not like, sad tears? I cried because I felt like I had gone through the wringer with them and came out the other side remembering why I love romance novels so much.
I was the most excited for this story because I knew from the very first meeting between Greer and Alex in Beginner's Luck that they would end up together. I just wasn't prepared for how emotional I'd get! This book kinda wrecked me in the best way possible. It's my favorite book in this trilogy--which has instantly become one of my favorite contemporary romance series.
I don't really want to get into the plot too much because reading their story unfold was just so special. What really struck me about this book was how deeply they learn to really care for each other on every level. As someone with an anxiety disorder who has panic attacks, it was hard to read about Alex's panic attacks--especially with the immediacy of the first person present tense. And it was interesting to get inside Alex's head and learn more about him. We know from the first book about his and Kit's father, but we learn much more about how their father's alcoholism and gambling deeply affected Alex. I've read plenty of heroes who just seem scared of commitment or being tied down--which seems to be Alex's issue on the surface--but that's not really what Alex's deal is. A lot of his mental health issues are linked back to feelings of abandonment, raising his sister when his father wasn't able to, and feelings of financial insecurity. His character was so well-written and it just shows you how immensely talented of a writer Clayborn is.
But Greer really just captured my heart. I freaking love her. Her own story of dealing with a chronic illness that had such a big impact on her childhood and her relationships with her family members made my heart hurt. I understood why she didn't want Alex to know this about her, but I also wanted her to trust that he would understand her fears and work through them with her. The conflicts in their relationship and her belief that he'd just want to leave again, and that she didn't want him to feel like he had to stay, were just.... MY HEART. The angst!
By the time the book ended, I just cried. Honestly. But not like, sad tears? I cried because I felt like I had gone through the wringer with them and came out the other side remembering why I love romance novels so much.
April 5, 2019
Kate Clayborn has managed to consistently deliver quality stories with the last one in her debut series just as enjoyable and easy to read/listen to as the first two. Greer is the introspective and quiet one of the three friends who together shared the winning lottery ticket 2.5 years ago. While her best friends have used their shares to to financially secure their futures, Greer chose to pay off her family's debts as well as fund her long-term dream of a college education. She is one step away from realising this dream and graduate with a degree in social work. One giant step as it turns out because a mistake in course choices leaves her short of the required art credit to graduate. She has a long shot of appealing to the head of the arts department for special consideration. The timing is disastrous as it's on the eve of one of her best friends' wedding but Greer is nothing if not resilient and tough, and she knows better than anyone to soldier on valiantly.
Alex did not make a favourable impression Greer when they last met two years ago. Sure he's Kit's attractive older brother, who not only had taken on God-like proportions from Kit's stories of adulation over the years, but he's also a highly successful and acclaimed photo journalist who has traveled to some of the most remote corners of the world, while Greer has barely left town. But Alex walked out on Kit after a sibling quarrel, and fiercely loyal Greer will never forgive him for hurting her friend at the time. Now Alex is back, casually late for Kit’s pre-wedding rehearsal, just as seemingly nonchalant and confident as when he walked away two years earlier. Except of course all is never what it seems as Greer unexpectedly finds herself providing the stabilising anchor for Alex as he struggles to overcome a harrowing panic attack.
They soon strike a strange deal of sorts, Alex assisting Greer in obtaining the art credit needed for her to graduate in exchange for him promising to see a psychologist for his increasingly debilitating anxiety disorder. Yes, the deal doesn't quite make sense, but as Alex explained it to his agent:
“She’s good at negotiation.” Quiet but deadly. Like an assassin, but for your feelings.
The book is definitely a slow-burn romance as they spend the next 5 weeks getting to know each others and unearthing past traumatic experiences that have shaped them into who they are today. They are both very sweet and likeable, thoughtful and considerate in their interactions. Both are keen observers, he professionally as a photographer and she habitually due to years of ill health when she was forced to watch instead of participate. Now she's permitting herself to experience life hands on and she wants to experience it with Alex, but she's not sure if he can be trusted to stay - and to stay not out of a sense of obligation to her. First 70% was sugar and spice and all things nice, but the last part was when the author sprinkled some emotive dust over it and the dust must have gotten in my eyes a bit, because darn it, I teared up okay, I did! She's got me again, Kate Clayborn, and that's 3 out of 3 books. She's really something this author and that's why this book and the second book Luck of the Draw are both in the running for the 2019 RITA awards in the same category of Contemporary Romance:Long.
This was BR with Joanna Loves Reading with inputs from Sam (AMN Reader). Thank you ladies for the company!
Alex did not make a favourable impression Greer when they last met two years ago. Sure he's Kit's attractive older brother, who not only had taken on God-like proportions from Kit's stories of adulation over the years, but he's also a highly successful and acclaimed photo journalist who has traveled to some of the most remote corners of the world, while Greer has barely left town. But Alex walked out on Kit after a sibling quarrel, and fiercely loyal Greer will never forgive him for hurting her friend at the time. Now Alex is back, casually late for Kit’s pre-wedding rehearsal, just as seemingly nonchalant and confident as when he walked away two years earlier. Except of course all is never what it seems as Greer unexpectedly finds herself providing the stabilising anchor for Alex as he struggles to overcome a harrowing panic attack.
They soon strike a strange deal of sorts, Alex assisting Greer in obtaining the art credit needed for her to graduate in exchange for him promising to see a psychologist for his increasingly debilitating anxiety disorder. Yes, the deal doesn't quite make sense, but as Alex explained it to his agent:
“She’s good at negotiation.” Quiet but deadly. Like an assassin, but for your feelings.
The book is definitely a slow-burn romance as they spend the next 5 weeks getting to know each others and unearthing past traumatic experiences that have shaped them into who they are today. They are both very sweet and likeable, thoughtful and considerate in their interactions. Both are keen observers, he professionally as a photographer and she habitually due to years of ill health when she was forced to watch instead of participate. Now she's permitting herself to experience life hands on and she wants to experience it with Alex, but she's not sure if he can be trusted to stay - and to stay not out of a sense of obligation to her. First 70% was sugar and spice and all things nice, but the last part was when the author sprinkled some emotive dust over it and the dust must have gotten in my eyes a bit, because darn it, I teared up okay, I did! She's got me again, Kate Clayborn, and that's 3 out of 3 books. She's really something this author and that's why this book and the second book Luck of the Draw are both in the running for the 2019 RITA awards in the same category of Contemporary Romance:Long.
This was BR with Joanna Loves Reading with inputs from Sam (AMN Reader). Thank you ladies for the company!
September 12, 2018
I rate books completely on how they make me feel. I am usually on a high at the end of a good romance because the characters are relatable people who found their HEA. Ms. Clayborn smashed that standard to pieces and placed the bar so high it is not in the stratosphere. At the end of this book, the characters still had a lot of issues to deal with, but I knew with absolute certainty that they would work through them and grow as a couple. And that is more realistic and optimistic than any engagement or wedding scene.
But I should really start at the beginning. The story is told in first person present tense dual point of view. Greer has an amazing imagination and a quiet sense of observation. These really show in the narration. I enjoyed the details she notices and how her mind bounced around, bringing out her sense of humor.
Each character's personality and job contributes to the narration. Alex is a photographer. So when he narrates, the descriptions are vivid and completely natural, as if he is trying to capture the image. He is helping Greer with a photography project and their conversation shows that he is really good at what he does and that he really observes. His point of view was weaker - let's face it, it's incredibly difficult to pull two different narrators. But he gives the best compliments:
"You don't seem shy to me. You seem - separate." She winces slightly, and I rush to say it better, what I mean. "You seem strong, in yourself. Comfortable in the quiet. Watchful."
So it's really the story of two people who are working on themselves so they can be together. And it's a beautiful story.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC copy.
But I should really start at the beginning. The story is told in first person present tense dual point of view. Greer has an amazing imagination and a quiet sense of observation. These really show in the narration. I enjoyed the details she notices and how her mind bounced around, bringing out her sense of humor.
Each character's personality and job contributes to the narration. Alex is a photographer. So when he narrates, the descriptions are vivid and completely natural, as if he is trying to capture the image. He is helping Greer with a photography project and their conversation shows that he is really good at what he does and that he really observes. His point of view was weaker - let's face it, it's incredibly difficult to pull two different narrators. But he gives the best compliments:
"You don't seem shy to me. You seem - separate." She winces slightly, and I rush to say it better, what I mean. "You seem strong, in yourself. Comfortable in the quiet. Watchful."
So it's really the story of two people who are working on themselves so they can be together. And it's a beautiful story.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC copy.
August 27, 2020
I really enjoyed this series, and I think this one's my favourite of the three (it's probably not quite a full five stars, but I'm feeling generous). These books are so grounded, and Clayborn takes such good care of her characters. Plenty of romance novels have characters with Complex Baggage, but Clayborn really, really takes the time to unpack everything and make sure the endings feel earned (while at the same time, not overworking any particular emotional beat to the point of exhaustion and melodrama). She doesn't make things easy for her characters, but she makes it easy for you to root for them.
I think that I liked this one best of all because there wasn't an external force acting as a wedge between the two leads. It was really just Alex and Greer and all their feelings and complicated histories. I also think this one had the best writing of the three. There were passages here that I just wanted to re-read a couple of times and pause and sigh before moving on. It was the most deliciously ache-y, for me, of the trilogy.
I think that I liked this one best of all because there wasn't an external force acting as a wedge between the two leads. It was really just Alex and Greer and all their feelings and complicated histories. I also think this one had the best writing of the three. There were passages here that I just wanted to re-read a couple of times and pause and sigh before moving on. It was the most deliciously ache-y, for me, of the trilogy.
April 4, 2019
Slower build but ended up being a lovely story.
December 24, 2018
Stellar. Exemplary. A quiet book that told an important story addressing meaningful issues. Touching on consent, anxiety disorders, and what it means to be in charge of yourself - amongst other things. I am blown away by Kate Clayborn’s emotional IQ. Her awareness. This book is so far beyond the mediocrity and banality of contemporary romance - it’s on another level. I hope Ms Clayborn writes more - we need her.
March 20, 2019
My gosh, this series. Kate Clayborn is on my auto-buy list now.
I basically ignored my family all morning so I could absorb myself in Greer and Alex's romance. The way Clayborn can build tension is just masterful. I couldn't put it down. I mean, a scene involving a basically chaste photography lesson with a ladybug gave me real pants-feelings to borrow a fab phrase from Greer.
Alex is a dreamboat and I loved seeing his mental health journey which is kicked off by Greer's urging but isn't solved by their relationship. And wow, I wish I could have a Patricia for my therapist!
The relationship between the three women is also just standout and exemplary. I'm also blessed with a core crew of women who are my own Zoe and Kit.
Can't recommend these books enough!
I listened to Best of Luck on audio, and I am officially in love with both narrators, Carly Robinson and Will Dameron, and I will definitely be searching out other books with their voices. Kate Clayborn is a master at making you ache for that first touch, that first kiss, that first time. What an enchanting way to spend my commute and I cannot wait for more from this author!
I basically ignored my family all morning so I could absorb myself in Greer and Alex's romance. The way Clayborn can build tension is just masterful. I couldn't put it down. I mean, a scene involving a basically chaste photography lesson with a ladybug gave me real pants-feelings to borrow a fab phrase from Greer.
Alex is a dreamboat and I loved seeing his mental health journey which is kicked off by Greer's urging but isn't solved by their relationship. And wow, I wish I could have a Patricia for my therapist!
The relationship between the three women is also just standout and exemplary. I'm also blessed with a core crew of women who are my own Zoe and Kit.
Can't recommend these books enough!
I listened to Best of Luck on audio, and I am officially in love with both narrators, Carly Robinson and Will Dameron, and I will definitely be searching out other books with their voices. Kate Clayborn is a master at making you ache for that first touch, that first kiss, that first time. What an enchanting way to spend my commute and I cannot wait for more from this author!
March 15, 2019
I really love this trilogy and recommend checking it out. This one was definitely my favourite of the lot.
What I love about Clayborn's writing is how the characters really feel like people, and more importantly they really feel like friends. Greer is a little bit more isolated in this book than Kit and Zoe were, but thematically it works. And her friends are there (and there for her), it just felt a little more tightly focused on the relationship.
I loved Greer and Alex so much (as I knew I would from book 1). It was great to see them come together and learn together.
What I love about Clayborn's writing is how the characters really feel like people, and more importantly they really feel like friends. Greer is a little bit more isolated in this book than Kit and Zoe were, but thematically it works. And her friends are there (and there for her), it just felt a little more tightly focused on the relationship.
I loved Greer and Alex so much (as I knew I would from book 1). It was great to see them come together and learn together.
December 8, 2018
The author saved the best for the last! This book addressed all the complaints I had in the first two and for me was the most enjoyable of the lot. This is about the last shy friend who used her winnings to go back to college and the bro of the heroine from the first book. I loved how fleshed out both the h/H were. The hero after a lifetime of raising his sister when he himself was a kid has spent the past ten years flying out from one place to the next (he's a photojournalist), but now his panic attacks are getting in the way of him doing his job. When he comes to town to attend his sister's wedding the heroine helps him through one such attack. The heroine's health issues always made her someone who everyone had to take care of, something she hated. The h/H come into each other's orbit so naturally and everything between them felt so great and they just clicked. You could see the deepening emotional intimacy between them. I liked how we got see the hero deal with his anxiety and even the heroine in her bid to carve out her identity and move a bit away from her loving yet over protective family. I really enjoyed this one.
September 25, 2025
Review September 2025: My review from 3 years ago still stands. This is my favorite book of the trilogy, and that is because you see both Alex and Greer really working to be a better person for both themselves and each other. They just really fit, like two puzzle pieces, and I really adore their story. So glad I decided to spontaneously re-read this series!
Review July 2022: Still my favorite. I love Greer.
Original review December 2018:
Loved this. I have such a hard time now choosing which book is my favorite of this series, because they are all so good but this one had such a tug on my heart that I just had to give it 5 stars. I did not expect to identify as much with Greer as I did while reading. I love it when books do that.
Review July 2022: Still my favorite. I love Greer.
Original review December 2018:
Loved this. I have such a hard time now choosing which book is my favorite of this series, because they are all so good but this one had such a tug on my heart that I just had to give it 5 stars. I did not expect to identify as much with Greer as I did while reading. I love it when books do that.
March 5, 2019
My least favorite of the series and it has to do with Greer. I have lots of experience dealing with her type of “issue” and it just felt too over the top dramatic for me. These patients have maybe a 3 day stay in the hospital when successfully fixed and I don’t think they live in bubble wrap for the rest of their lives. The way she almost bought into this disability and the treatment of her family as so fragile as an almost 30 year old was just obnoxious to me. I liked her well enough, but didn’t love her. Alex was great and I loved Patricia. All in all it was good, but sort of annoying.
March 20, 2023
What I love about all of the main characters in this series is how real and fleshed out they feel. Both of the MCs have a lot of issues that they are working through and this book doesn’t give them any shortcuts to get to where they need to go: Greer’s complicated history with asking for help followed receiving too much help out of guilt, and Alex seeking therapy to deal with his childhood trauma and panic attacks. Alex and Greer complimented each other well. And the third act conflict fit really well with this story: . My only big hangup in this book was with Alex’s therapist, who is a non active, but former longtime therapist of Greer’s that really helped her when she felt her pain was invisible. Greer doesn’t tell Alex this right away that she used to see his therapist, which is very shady especially since Alex talks to his therapist a lot about Greer. At one point the therapist even gives “not your therapist” advice to Alex regarding Greer. It got my hackles up that a conversation like that could even possibly happen. It would have gone monumentally smoother for me had Alex found a therapist with no personal connection or investment in the woman he was interested in romantically.
February 20, 2025
I didn't end up DNFing this, but I did speed-read it. I just couldn't get into it, for whatever reason, and it's not the book's fault, so I'm giving it a 2.5 rounded up.
December 8, 2018
What a lovely book. What a lovely series. I'm so happy to have discovered Kate Clayborn's writing and I can't wait for more of it. These women, and their stories, all felt different and fresh and real, and that's honestly the best compliment I can give them.
I am going to be rereading these books for years to come and I can't wait.
I am going to be rereading these books for years to come and I can't wait.
November 1, 2018
Dayum, Kate Clayborn just writes a book that makes me feel all the ache!
Best of Luck
is EVERYTHING GOOD wrapped in several thousand words. It delivers FEELS, characters that I just want to know in real life, as much as CONTENTMENT when I finish.
What I love the most about Best of Luck is the character (and relationship) development. Clayborn is excellent in creating these two characters, Greer and Alex, whom, at first glance might be as different as ever with the way they live their life, but actually sharing something similar, which drawn them to one another.
Greer is the shy heroine, she masters the science of being invisible. Greer yearns of gaining freedom, of being independent. Greer's biggest obstacle is that even if she dreams big, her physical body cannot always support it. The people around her keeps her close, out of love, out of concern, out of fear... Greer is trapped in inability to fly high.
Alex is the handsome - GQ handsome - hero; who seems to be comfortable in his own skin. He's a world renowned photographer, he travels into places. Alex masters the science of never really staying still. But Alex actually keeps a secret too, because even if his physical body lets him do the things he wants to do, his mind sometimes freezes. Alex is trapped in inability to stay grounded.
I love Greer and Alex as their own, but oh how I LOVE when they're together. Those moments when it's just Greer and Alex, Alex and Greer, like when Alex teaches Greer with photography, being patient and quiet, capturing ladybugs, or Greer making Alex the subject of her photos, when they watch movies together, when they talk about themselves, when they love each other, worship each other's body... SO PRECIOUS!
Because in Alex, Greer learns that she can get what she wants while still accepting help. Because in Greer, Alex learns that he can settle down while still doing what he does best.
Because Greer and Alex learns that they take care one another.
I guess you can see how passionate I am with this book because I'm trying to make a short essay out of it (laugh). Bottom line, Best in Luck is definitely my favorite book of this series, and one of my favorites of the year.
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
What I love the most about Best of Luck is the character (and relationship) development. Clayborn is excellent in creating these two characters, Greer and Alex, whom, at first glance might be as different as ever with the way they live their life, but actually sharing something similar, which drawn them to one another.
Greer is the shy heroine, she masters the science of being invisible. Greer yearns of gaining freedom, of being independent. Greer's biggest obstacle is that even if she dreams big, her physical body cannot always support it. The people around her keeps her close, out of love, out of concern, out of fear... Greer is trapped in inability to fly high.
So close to my freedom, and once again I haven’t been able to see something through, to cross that threshold that gives me my independence
Alex is the handsome - GQ handsome - hero; who seems to be comfortable in his own skin. He's a world renowned photographer, he travels into places. Alex masters the science of never really staying still. But Alex actually keeps a secret too, because even if his physical body lets him do the things he wants to do, his mind sometimes freezes. Alex is trapped in inability to stay grounded.
Despite the unsteadiness I feel, I’m grounded somehow by the lightness in her gaze, a slight sparkle that tells me she knows something I don’t.
I love Greer and Alex as their own, but oh how I LOVE when they're together. Those moments when it's just Greer and Alex, Alex and Greer, like when Alex teaches Greer with photography, being patient and quiet, capturing ladybugs, or Greer making Alex the subject of her photos, when they watch movies together, when they talk about themselves, when they love each other, worship each other's body... SO PRECIOUS!
Because in Alex, Greer learns that she can get what she wants while still accepting help. Because in Greer, Alex learns that he can settle down while still doing what he does best.
Because Greer and Alex learns that they take care one another.
I guess you can see how passionate I am with this book because I'm trying to make a short essay out of it (laugh). Bottom line, Best in Luck is definitely my favorite book of this series, and one of my favorites of the year.
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
December 1, 2018
5-I-couldn't-love-this-more stars!
Review closer to release date
Best of Luck by Kate Clayborn is the last book in the Chance of a Lifetime debut series for the author and it is such a worthy ending to a brilliant series. I absolutely love everything about it – it’s an embodiment of everything I love in contemporary romance and shows how much value there is the this kind of stories – ordinary everyday people struggling with different issues trying to find their place in the world and someone to share their life/love/world with.
Mental health issues are explored throughout the series and they take central stage here too. Alex is suffering from panic attacks and anxiety and we follow him on his journey of figuring this out and finding a way to deal with it – starting with acknowledging the problem and taking up therapy.
Greer has a chronic illness and it’s probably the first heroine I have read dealing with this. It shapes a lot of her life and is present in her interactions with her friends and family. There is a certain freedom in her early relations with Alex when he doesn’t know about her health issues.
I like how the author shows the full complexity of the MCs lives – we see them as professionals and as friends and as sons/daughters/ and siblings.
The story explores the practical aspects of making the relationship between Alex and Greer work – he travels a lot for his work and has just started treatment for his mental health issues, she is the process of graduating college and building a life on her own where she is.
It's a best friend's older bother romance and I loved how they were concerned about Kit’s reaction but it was never an issue. None of she/he is not good enough for you, but rather, how would this affect our dynamics as siblings and friends if we break up at some point. They have a strong chemistry but also their relationship is built of supporting each other, caring for each other, sharing their deepest secrets (things they haven't even admitted to themselves).
Incidental queer rep in all three books, just there in the background as part of the MCs lives, and it made me really happy.
In short, I can't recommend this book and whole series enough, just so read it! It's definitely going on my Best of 2018 list.
CW for panic attacks, anxiety, chronic illness, bike accident
Review closer to release date
Best of Luck by Kate Clayborn is the last book in the Chance of a Lifetime debut series for the author and it is such a worthy ending to a brilliant series. I absolutely love everything about it – it’s an embodiment of everything I love in contemporary romance and shows how much value there is the this kind of stories – ordinary everyday people struggling with different issues trying to find their place in the world and someone to share their life/love/world with.
Mental health issues are explored throughout the series and they take central stage here too. Alex is suffering from panic attacks and anxiety and we follow him on his journey of figuring this out and finding a way to deal with it – starting with acknowledging the problem and taking up therapy.
Greer has a chronic illness and it’s probably the first heroine I have read dealing with this. It shapes a lot of her life and is present in her interactions with her friends and family. There is a certain freedom in her early relations with Alex when he doesn’t know about her health issues.
I like how the author shows the full complexity of the MCs lives – we see them as professionals and as friends and as sons/daughters/ and siblings.
The story explores the practical aspects of making the relationship between Alex and Greer work – he travels a lot for his work and has just started treatment for his mental health issues, she is the process of graduating college and building a life on her own where she is.
It's a best friend's older bother romance and I loved how they were concerned about Kit’s reaction but it was never an issue. None of she/he is not good enough for you, but rather, how would this affect our dynamics as siblings and friends if we break up at some point. They have a strong chemistry but also their relationship is built of supporting each other, caring for each other, sharing their deepest secrets (things they haven't even admitted to themselves).
Incidental queer rep in all three books, just there in the background as part of the MCs lives, and it made me really happy.
In short, I can't recommend this book and whole series enough, just so read it! It's definitely going on my Best of 2018 list.
CW for panic attacks, anxiety, chronic illness, bike accident
July 27, 2022
2022 reread: I was right!!
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FULL 5 stars - I had to knock down my rating of Book #2 because while I LIKED that book a lot (and the first one too!), I adored this. I think the best thing about this was Clayborn's writing - I'm not sure if I got used to her style, or if she got better over the series, but there were beats and little turns of phrase in this that gorgeously captured things I love about good romance writing, with a different spin to it. It helps that 'best friend's older brother' is a trope I generally really dig, and I really dug that this one didn't have them growing up alongside each other - it made the approach to them different, and honestly more mature than books with the trope usually manage.
I also thought both leads were enormously likable and so easy to root for, and their issues felt like things they could work at, that they could get better with, while still feeling tough at the same time - which I think isn't always easy for characters with internal conflicts. And sometimes the way you get better is talking things out, or lbr, finding a therapist (!), and I loved so much that this book did that.
Finally, the build to the climactic conflict felt good and well-paced enough that getting to it absolutely knocked me out and made me feel achy, and made me sympathise so much with both of them? That achiness, btw, is the thing I found most missing in the first two books - I appreciated them a lot, but it didn't bridge the last little gap I like having crossed when I'm reading romance. With this one, Clayborn not only knew what she was aiming for, she pitched it exactly right - no melodrama, nothing OTT, but earnest and simple and real.
Loved it. I can't wait for more from this author, and I super can't wait to reread this one a few months from now.
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FULL 5 stars - I had to knock down my rating of Book #2 because while I LIKED that book a lot (and the first one too!), I adored this. I think the best thing about this was Clayborn's writing - I'm not sure if I got used to her style, or if she got better over the series, but there were beats and little turns of phrase in this that gorgeously captured things I love about good romance writing, with a different spin to it. It helps that 'best friend's older brother' is a trope I generally really dig, and I really dug that this one didn't have them growing up alongside each other - it made the approach to them different, and honestly more mature than books with the trope usually manage.
I also thought both leads were enormously likable and so easy to root for, and their issues felt like things they could work at, that they could get better with, while still feeling tough at the same time - which I think isn't always easy for characters with internal conflicts. And sometimes the way you get better is talking things out, or lbr, finding a therapist (!), and I loved so much that this book did that.
Finally, the build to the climactic conflict felt good and well-paced enough that getting to it absolutely knocked me out and made me feel achy, and made me sympathise so much with both of them? That achiness, btw, is the thing I found most missing in the first two books - I appreciated them a lot, but it didn't bridge the last little gap I like having crossed when I'm reading romance. With this one, Clayborn not only knew what she was aiming for, she pitched it exactly right - no melodrama, nothing OTT, but earnest and simple and real.
Loved it. I can't wait for more from this author, and I super can't wait to reread this one a few months from now.
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