Chasing Lucky by Jenn Bennett – The Perfect Escape (ARC Review)

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Simon Pulse for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Overall: 4.5/5 Stars
Characters: 5/5
Setting: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Plot and Themes: 3/5
Awesomeness Factor: 4/5
Review in a Nutshell: Chasing Lucky is an addictive contemporary with compelling characters, an immersive setting, and fantastic themes.

// Content Warning: Revenge Porn (Unconsensual spreading of nudes), Sexual Harassment, Stalking, Burn/Fire, PTSD (Mention), Slut Shaming //

Release Date: 11/10/2020
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Page Count: 416
Premise:

Chasing Lucky follows Josie, who returns to her hometown with her mom after spending half of her life constantly moving. But Josie knows she won’t be staying long. However, her plans don’t prepare her for running into her ex-best friend, and resident bad-boy, Lucky. They also don’t prepare her for when he takes the blame for a mess she got herself into. Now, she’s determined to find out why he took the fall for her.

Writing & Setting

Jenn Bennett is my go-to YA contemporary author. She writes the genre so perfectly. Her writing has plenty of humor and wit but allows for darker moments, cute moments, and heartbreaking moments.

I really loved the setting for this book: a small harbor town fueled by gossip (oof this is a little too close to home for me). She managed to make the town of Beauty feel alive and I felt transported there.

Plot

This book has the perfect blend of romance and drama. I never wanted to put it down. Chasing Lucky was perfectly paced, with something interesting always happening. There was honestly never a single dull or boring moment. Between the relationship building between Lucky and Josie, the tension and resentment growing between Josie and her mother, and the added aspect of Adrian and the citizens of Beauty- this book is addictive.

Characters

Once again here to gush about how great of an author Jenn Bennett is. Her characters are just always so realistic, down to earth, and relatable. Each one has their quirks and unique personalities that make them seem so real.

Josie is an aspiring photographer, who is tired of being dragged around the country by her mother. Lucky is… well, the mystery of who he is half the fun of this book. But when you find out? Yeah, you’ll love him as I do.

Josie and Lucky are absolutely adorable, and I loved their banter so much. I also really loved the relationship between Josie and her mom, and her entire family as a whole. They were just as interesting as the romance plotline.

Conclusion

Pros- Great characters, realistic setting, loved the discussions on slut-shaming and wealth
Cons- Honestly there’s really not much to complain about here. Jenn Bennett is one of the queens of YA contemporary for a reason
Overall- 4.5/5 stars.
If you’re looking for a perfect escape, check out Chasing Lucky. This lighthearted romance is exactly what you need.