I went into this wanting a cute romance. But sadly I just didn't enjoy this.

The plot itself was ok. Nothing too special but it just fell flat.

When it comes to the characters I either disliked them or they were just bland. Minus the little sister, she was adorable. But even Annie wasn't all that likable or maybe I just didn't care about her. Probably the latter.
Alexander we are supposed to hate. So mission accomplished there. But Patrick? For some reason I just got red flags from him. But also their "chemistry" was just cringe for me. I didnt see some cute relationship to root for.
All I saw was a woman who wasn't over her ex, understandable all things considered, but rushed into a relationship with the first guy she saw. Also like a coping mechanism. Patrick felt like a replacement since Alexander left. Instead of just focusing on working on herself, getting through that break up, she just moved on.

I just couldn't get into it unfortunately. I felt the dialogue was very juvenile and not my cup of tea. VERY lite. DNF. Sad because I had high hopes, because of the blurb and the gorgeous cover.

This was the perfect feel good read that I needed this week! I just adored the main characters and I couldn’t put it down for a second as I just needed to know how it all turned out! I can’t wait to read what Laura writes next - a must read for your TBR list!

Thank you Laura Jane Williams, Avon Books UK and Netgalley for an ARC of The Lucky Escape! 3.5 stars rounding up to 4. :) The Lucky Escape is everything you would want in a summer read - easy, breezy and entertaining!
The story begins with Annie's wedding day! However, the mood quickly turns somber when Annie's fiance, Alexander, doesn't show up to the wedding. Annie is completely blindsided and grief stricken when she randomly bumps into an old childhood friend, Patrick. Annie and Patrick begin to meet up and have fun reliving old camp memories. When Annie's ex future in-laws insist that Annie still take their supposed to be honeymoon trip to Australia, what starts out as a joke, soon becomes reality when Patrick goes with her!
I think you can imagine what happens next. Was it a bit cheesy and predictable, yes! BUT I still loved it! While this one was light, fluffy and fun, it managed to also have some substance and included some deeper issues we all face! Add to your summer reading list!

First book of Laura's books that I have read and what a joy to read. I could not put it down once I had started it. Will be looking for more of Laura's books now.

'The Lucky Escape' is a cute, light-hearted read, which tells the story of Annie, who attempts to rebuild her confidence after being jitled at the altar, by going on honeymoon with an old theatre-school friend, Patrick.

I loved the writing style of the book, and finished the book in only a few sittings. It was a predictable plot, which I enjoyed, and had a lovely overall message about putting yourself first and being open to your emotions.

Although I liked the main characters overall, I did find their words and actions slightly contradictory at times. With it being a romance book, I knew the characters would fall for each other, but I was shocked at the speed of it as it went from 0-100 with someone who was essentially a stranger (people change a lot between ages 14 and 34).

I think that this will be a good pick for book clubs as it will create some great conversations about self identity and life changes. This is the second book of Laura Jane Williams that I've read, and am looking forward to my third!

The Lucky Escape by Laura Jane Williams
Pub date 10/06/21
When the day finally comes for Annie to marry Alexander, the last thing she expects is to be left standing at the altar. She was so sure he was Mr Right. Now, she has no idea how she could have got it so wrong.
After a chance meeting with Patrick, an old friend who reminds her of who she used to be, Annie takes a vow of her own: she'll say yes to every opportunity that comes her way from now on.
Could a spontaneous trip with Patrick be the way to mend Annie's heart? She's about to find out as she embarks on her honeymoon – with a man who's not her husband.
Laura Jane Willians really knows how to keep the reader entertained.
I loved this well-written, emotionally entertaining escapist rom-com. It is definitely one I would recommend adding to your summer reading list.
I want to thank NetGalley, Avon Books UK and author Laura Jane Williams for a pre-publication copy to review.

I loved this book. I really got into the characters within it, and their individual ups and downs. The main narrative, of being jilted at the church, is not one that will be familiar to many readers, but the story doesn't dwell on it. It's about stopping, taking stock and taking control.

I read this entire book by the pool this past weekend in 96-degree weather, and now I have a sunburn. It was worth it. This book answers the questions of what happens if you are stood up on the happiest day of your life. Annie is left to figure out who she is all over again. You can see the author caught the full experience of grief and refining yourself again after a heartbreak. You can feel the healing and Annie turning into a new person. Throw in some sexy romance about childhood friends going on a three-week backpacking trip through Australia. This was a quick, laughable, crying-out-loud, perfect summer read. I suggest everyone pick up a copy.

Thank you to NetGalley & Avon Books for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

It’s definitely “Mission Accomplished” for Lara Jane Williams with ‘The Lucky Escape’. A perfect feel good, escapist read that wouldn’t be out of place on your sun lounger on holiday (will we ever get there?!).
The main characters, Annie and Patrick, are easily likeable and I found myself rooting for them as soon as they “reconnected”, as such. As other reviewers have commented ‘The Lucky Escape’ contains the right amount of romance and spice - but not so much that it makes you roll your eyes and cringe! I thoroughly enjoyed reading about their journey around Australia as well as Annie’s journey in learning about herself. I’ll definitely be recommending The Lucky Escape to family and friends!

Thank you Netgalley and Avon Books for the ARC!

I Loved this book! It’s so lighthearted and cute 🥰 the characters are complex and have some great developments along the way. The writing and plot are perfect for a summer beach read! The story is a Slow burn romance with a combo jilted bride and friends to lovers trope (maybe a splash of reunion?). It has some spice which I don’t always like but the spicier scenes were really well done and didn’t make me cringe!! It was the perfect balance of spice without getting super graphic and weird.

I was blushing, smiling, laughing, and crying through this book! I see a lot of myself in our MC Annie, so I really connected with and loved her developments. The romance and character arcs felt very natural and I loved the ending. I definitely want to read more from Williams and it’s one of those books I already know I want to reread!

Annie was all set for her marriage to Alexander. The wedding had been painstakingly planned to cover every detail but one. Alexander has had cold feet and called the wedding off by texting the wedding planner and then disappearing. Every bride’s nightmare.

After turning 30, Annie still did not feel like a grown up. Her relationship was not moving forward and she just didn’t feel like she had found her place in the world. Her best friends from uni, making up the ‘core four’ all seemed to have their lives on track. She had to bring the subject of their future up with Alexander and that is when they decided to move in together and started to plan their wedding. Annie finally felt like she had found her place in the world.

After she is jilted, Annie is taken back to the house she shares with Alexander, her family by her side to help her through the trauma. She misses him at first but after a few days of feeling sorry for herself she picks herself up and dives into a bootcamp. She is surprised to bump into Patrick, who recognises her from a drama group they attended when they were young teens. He remembered her as a strong go getter. What has happened to the girl she was.? They meet up a few more times and have a great time together. Patrick has his own back story but we don’t find out what is in his past for a while.

Alexander’s parents insist Annie goes on the no expense spared honeymoon which is all arranged and paid for. After Annie and Patrick spend an alcohol filled afternoon in a pub Annie invites Patrick to go with her. As a friend. He jumps at the chance and even offers to pay his way. Patrick starts out as a real gentleman but it soon becomes obvious where their relationship is heading, especially in the carefree Australian sun! They have a whale of a time. And that spa scene had me laughing out loud!

I loved reading about their time in Sydney as it brought back some lovely memories of the time I went there on holiday years ago.

On their return, Annie takes a good look at her life and the reality she can now do whatever she wants with her future. Although they decide their relationship will not be any different when they return to London, Annie takes on board a comment her mother made to her and realises she has been set free and does she really want to jump straight into another relationship so quickly? Even though Patrick is perfect for her?

Annie’s mum has always put her down but Annie has become stronger and more confident and begins to speak up for herself. The bond she has with Freddie her little sister is just perfect. Freddie is a very strong minded 13 year old.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The author has dealt with some traumatic events considerately and the book is all about living your life to the full, being yourself and not worrying what others think. YOLO!

A great summer feel good read with a bit of fun romance, and lots of laughs.

This book starts with what should be the happiest day of Annie's life, but she ends up heartbroken and alone when her fiance Alexander texts the wedding planner that he's not coming. Leaving Annie with no explanation, no apology, and no contact for weeks. The only stress outlet that seems to work is exercise, so Annie joins a gym, where she runs into a former friend from summer drama camp days as teens. Patrick is just a happy cheerful guy that bring laughter back to her day. She enjoys hanging out with him so when her former in-laws offer the honeymoon to to Australia to her and a friend, she decides to bring Patrick. As they spend time together, her attraction for him grows. But is it too soon to start a new relationship? Is it just the romantic atmosphere of their trip, or can they make things work at home with the complications of work and family?
I enjoyed this fun getaway. I love the way Annie learns to stand up for herself and go after what she really wants instead of living her life making everyone else happy. And Patrick...<swoon> he's just a wonderful, supportive, and happy man that deserves a happily ever after.
Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins for the free advanced reader copy of this book. My review is given voluntarily.

What a perfect summer read! Told in first person narrative ( which I love ), this is about Annie who gets jilted at the church doors and how she tries to put her life back together. Annie was the perfect character who I connected with straight away. Australia sounds amazing and it’s made me want to visit ( their budget would suit me perfectly 😂). Only reason this is 4 stars and not 5 is because I would have liked a little more excitement at the end. Perfect for a summer day, with or without the pool next to you.

I was sent this book because I reviewed Laura Jane Williams's last book in 2020 - I really enjoyed it so couldn't wait to read 'The Lucky Escape'.

I love a cute, romantic story - especially if the main character is figuring out who they want to be for themselves. Although some parts brought a tear to my eye - I think I relate to characters who gradually release they've lost bits of who they used to be and forgot what it's like to be happy.

I read it in just 4 days so that should tell you how much I enjoyed it.

I was looking forward to this but was slightly disappointed as I felt the story was quite slow and predictable. The start was great with Annie jilted at the altar by long time boyfriend Alexander. Her parents, younger sister, mother in law and best friends were all characters I felt could have been developed more.
Once on ‘honeymoon’ it all became rather predictable and Mills & Boon like. A bit of jitters at the end and that was it!
An easy reading style- chic lit and good beach type read.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC

This book is the perfect romantic beach read. It starts out with heartbreak and proceeds to show that the sad moments are just the beginning if you're willing to take the opportunities life presents you with.
Annie really does have a lucky escape when her boyfriend of 9 years leaves her at the altar and disappears. She's understandably heartbroken and a bit of a mess, but a serendipitous meeting with a man who knew her as an outgoing adventurer she hasn't been in years and her almost in-laws offer to still pay for a honeymoon result in a dream-like trip that opens her eyes not only to new love but to who she really is once she stops worrying about always making others happy first.
I'd just like to say that Patrick is the most wishful-thinking perfect book boyfriend ever, but I wouldn't change a thing about him.
It's a sweet and romantic story that doesn't shy away from including moments of sadness and doubt, using them instead as turning points and inspiration in Annie's journey. There are so many learning moments in this quick read, and they're all presented with such simplicity that you barely even notice that some truth bombs are getting dropped. It keeps the book from being too preachy about being yourself and taking care of yourself, but it still does a great job of pushing that message across. I really appreciate that.
Overall, I seriously do think that this is the perfect beach read. It's light and fun, but it has enough gravitas to actually make you think. Definitely, one I'd recommend for a summer TBR.

Many happy thanks to NetGalley and Avon for the early read!

Annie and Alexander lived together, although the house was his, and after years of seeing everyone else get married, it was now time for them. Everything was perfect, she had lost weight, the bridal gown fit her beautifully, and all their family and friends were going to celebrate them getting married. Unfortunately, Alexander had decided differently and been the coward he was he had phoned the wedding planner to tell her the wedding was off! It was a day Annie would never forget, but for the wrong reasons.

When Annie bumped into an old friend from camp they both went to for acting when they were teenagers, he made her feel like the girl she used to be, with his tales from the past. Patrick put the sparkle back in her. So when her ex-future-in-laws offered her the luxury honeymoon three week trip to Australia, fully paid, she took it and drunkenly invited Patrick along too.

The story is told by Annie and how she sees situations. I liked how the author showed all her different sides. It had been a matter of meeting Annie on a high followed by the worst time in her life, so not the true every day Annie. There were stages that she progressed through in the story, not always making the right choices.

I liked that the story wasn’t all sugar and spice with someone sweeping her off her feet. It was a story of other people having pasts that have changed them. It is a story of giving and taking, not just leaning on someone, and how they make it better. I don’t think of this as a love story but a life story.

Many thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for an e-copy of this book which I have reviewed honestly.

This was so cute! Patrick was amazing, we love an emotionally mature man! He was great but started to fade out into the background after the trip. It was more of her, less of the romance. I still liked it. It was cute and easy read. There weren’t a lot of troubles and if they were they were resolved quickly and very very easily. Everyone just apologized out of nowhere and puff solved.

This was slow moving for me. Upon reading the synopsis, I was so excited to dive in since it sounded almost like the plot in The Unhoneymooners. However, I found the characters a bit off-putting and wished the honeymoon part came earlier in the story. I wanted the chemistry to snap already. It's not a bad book, but it just didn't work for me that's all.