Lucky Strike

Love in El Dorado #3

by Janine Amesta

Is finding an unexpected gem a lucky strike? After getting a late jumpstart in life, Luna Lanza isn’t afraid to get what she wants, including the place of her dreams. When she loses out on the perfect duplex and settles for a standard apartment, she’s disappointed. But Luna remains determined to make it work, even if it sparks a contentious relationship with her new landlord– the same guy she accidentally kissed in an impromptu photo shoot. Still grieving the sudden death of his brother, reformed bad boy Sam Sunderland feels trapped managing his father’s rundown apartment building. When the spunky beauty, who unexpectedly kissed him, moves in full of ideas, he can’t help being intrigued– that is until she starts changing things behind his back, endangering his position and the relationship with his father. Sam and Luna wrangle over rules and misunderstandings while fighting against the undeniable attraction between them. It’s a hard lesson to learn that ‘perfect’ can take many different forms. But will the renovations they do together lay a foundation to something more?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance

322 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 23, 2024

About the author

Janine Amesta has loved reading kissing stories most of her life. She currently resides in Oregon with her husband and their pets, Hitchcock and Pippin. She studied screenwriting in college, but her banter is influenced by the screwball romantic comedies of the 1930's. She's always on the lookout for the perfect line.

Reviews

[b.andherbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actual rating 4.25 stars

Luna moves out of her cousin's home before his baby is born, and into a boring, standard issue apartment after missing out on her dream lower flat duplex. Too bad the apartment manager is the same guy she annoyed during an impromptu photo shoot for her cousin's jewelry business, but at least she's flustered HIM enough to get him to agree to letting her do some home reno on the place.

Sam Sunderland is aghast when he finds Luna painting cabinets, changing light fixtures, and hauling up maybe a murder rug?? but he did agree, so decides why not help Luna out to make sure she's not doing irreparable harm to his cranky father's building.

Lucky Strike is a lovely, sexy, funny, and poignant contemporary that has everything ~i love~ in a small town romance. Both Luna and Sam feel stuck // trapped in their current circumstances, both have to confront their issues (with each other, and themselves).

Also, banter for days! i love banter.

rounded down a smidge for a pretty abrupt third act break which, per the characters, wasn't "out of character" but still did feel a little sudden.

Funny, with slow-burn pay off. People are sleeping on this author!

*i purchased a copy with my own money
**the author is a friend, but the opinions are my own.

[Alison · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 31%.

Sorry, this really just didn't grab my attention. I found both Luna and Sam to be too broadly drawn to feel real, and I can't get over having a name like Luna TBH.

Anyway, I've stopped and restarted this several times and I just can't get any further.

I received an ARC from the publisher Tule for an honest review.

[Emmalita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Janine Amesta’s engaging Lucky Strike is my kind of catnip – prickly marshmallows who think they are the villain, finding grace for each other and then themselves. Luna is prickly and prone to lash out. Sam has frozen his life after a car accident that resulted in his brother’s death.

Luna is back in her hometown, living with her cousin and his pregnant wife in her childhood home. She is looking for an affordable place of her own and after being rejected for one rental, she shows up to look at an apartment. The complex is managed by Sam. Earlier in the day Luna and Sam met, accidentally kissed, and then insulted each other. Not quite a meet cute. But not not a meet cute either.

Luna and Sam are both so prepared for rejection. Sam shuts down and Luna lashes out. They each consider themselves the villain in their own lives – Luna because she drives people away with her harsh words and Sam because of the accident. Even when they don’t like each other, they can’t help but banter and flirt. They maneuver each other into a situation where they have to spend time together renovating Luna apartment. Luna isn’t content to wait for some future date when she can live in a place that is her sanctuary, while Sam considers the apartment complex a familiar and safe cage. I loved the way they grew to trust each other in fits and starts until they were each other’s hero and sanctuary. Sam even does one of my favorite things in romance – he goes to therapy.

Both of them have a parent who has essentially checked out of their lives. Sam’s parents divorced after his brother died and his father essentially treats him as a neglected employee now. Luna’s mother left when she was four, leaving Luna with her grandfather and not trying to get in touch for 25 years. My heart was with Sam’s mother though. I work with people who for one reason or another struggle with clutter. A lot of people joke about being hoarders, but hoarding is very real and painful, and most often associated with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and trauma. I empathized with Sam’s feelings of being overwhelmed, and appreciated that he treated his mother with kindness (shame and anger are counterproductive in dealing with most things, but especially with care tasks). I also appreciated that he eventually admits she needs help that he cannot provide. Therapists over trashcans.

Janine Amesta is an author to keep an eye on. She has a real feel for complicated messy people and a willingness to leave some mess unresolved while still giving her main characters a happily ever after. Lucky Strike is the third in a series, but you can read it as a standalone.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this! This particular heroine definitely falls under the "difficult" umbrella, but she's the type that I love. Really have enjoyed getting to discover this author's work in the last six months or so.

[Allison Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did someone say banter-filled, sexy motorcycle-riding landlord, take-no-bull heroine, home renovation romance? YES PLEASE.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens when two prickly and difficult people, both of whom believe they're not deserving of love, find themselves attracted to each other, despite their prickliness? That is the premise of this novel, featuring Luna, cousin to the MMC in book 1 of this series and Sam, her new landlord. Both of them carry a lot of baggage and have a lot of issues to work through and while I'm glad the book ends with Sam going to therapy, I kind of wish Luna had also gone to therapy for her abandonment issues. There are scenes in the book that are a little difficult to read because these two really go at each other (really, it's Luna going at Sam) and some of it is uncomfortable and deeply painful, especially the scene where Luna lashes out at everyone.

I really also loved the scenes showcasing Mia and Ross and their growing family, it's always nice to revisit the couple from the earlier book and see how they are.

All that said, I liked this book even though parts of it were really hard. It was emotional and heartbreaking and poignant and ultimately, hopeful.

ARC from publisher, review is all mine.

Content Notes: off page death of family member, parental abandonment, mention of cancer diagnosis, mental health issues, mention of therapy

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucky Strike is a well written book about two characters who each have a lot of baggage. This is the third book in Janine Amesta’s delightful series, Love in El Dorado. It is written so it can be a stand alone book but after reading the first two books, it is nice to see some of the characters again and catch up on their lives. Book three features Luna Lanza who along with her cousin Ross and his wife Mia (from book one), own and run a jewelry store. Luna has finished college and is back in El Dorado. We also meet Sam Sunderland who acts as apartment manager for his dad.

As the book opens, Luna and Mia are in the park taking pictures for the store. Sam happens to be in the park and Mia asks him to pose with Luna as a couple. They end up accidentally sharing a kiss. Luna tends to say exactly what she is thinking, often irritating others. Luna is looking for an affordable place to live. After her first choice doesn’t work out, the apartment she rents is one Sam manages. He is so surprised to see her he doesn’t hear the question and agrees to let Luna make changes to the apartment. As he sees all the various ways she is adding improvements he is worried as he knows his dad would never approve of such changes. He ends up getting pulled in to help her and make sure the work doesn’t cause damages. They spend time together.

Both Sam and Luna have baggage which affects their interactions with others. Both state that they are not very nice people. Luna’s mother left her when she was 4 and has never come back to see her, causing some of her behaviors. Sam’s brother died from an accident they were in which left him acting out and being bitter. Also his parents are divorced with each having different requests for him. Both Sam and Mia notice there is chemistry and an attraction between them. The book shares many interactions between the couple as well as their thoughts and true feelings. They go back and forth between enemies and lovers. Janine has done a terrific job with the character development and descriptions. The reader emphasizes with each of them for what they’ve gone through. We hope they can realize how well they fit together so they can support each other and make a lasting relationship work. This is a great addition to the series. Kudos to the author! I highly recommend reading this book.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucky Strike by Janine Amesta is the third in the captivating Love in El Dorado Series. Luna Lanza, cousin to Ross from the first book, actually she is more like a little sister since their grandfather raised them both is now an accountant. However, it is clear early on that interior design is her passion. Luna carries a lot of baggage from her abandonment by her mother as a young child. Sadly Sam Sunderland has his own while also being stuck in a going nowhere job for his father.

Despite all that could pull them down this was a fun read. As they looked at possibilities, made small changes for a better quality of life, attitude as well as situation improved. Then they found each other. Love can be hard work even at the easiest of time but reading at how they worked through all their issues was wonderful and encouraging for the rest of us. A story that will bring a smile to your face by the end, knowing that her grandfather raised Ross and Luna well.

An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Julie Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucky Strike by Janine Amesta
In this book we find Sam and he runs his fathers investment properties. He's in charge of renting out units and fixing things when they break. He met Luna and her friend Mia as she staged a photo shoot at the park. He is surprised when Luna gives him a kiss meant for his cheek but he missed and got his lips instead.
Much later Luna is loking for an apartment and Sam is the one renting it out. She gets him to agree to many things but he is so enthralled with her he agrees to it all.
Love how she upcycles things to make the place her home.
He helps wth the improvements and also informs his father as to how they can make things nicer at the properties.
The couple break up and she tries to make amends to others she wronged over the years. Sam is also tending to his past...
His mother has something to say about Luna...
Lots of heavy steamy adult situations.
First time author for me, would like to read more fo their works, entertaining.
Received this review copy from the publisher and this is my honest opinion.

[Beth (what.beth.reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I suppose if you weren’t an a$$hole, I could be less of a brat.”

Oh yes, that sentence sums up the push and pull of Luna and Sam’s relationship perfectly! These two are not the best at saying the right things - or saying what they really mean - and have been hurt a lot in their pasts. But underneath, they were two people just yearning for some genuine love and affection. I loved seeing them work on pulling back the other’s layers. Both of them tended to run and push away when things got tough.

“Sometimes you put your life on pause for so long, you can’t remember how to unpause it. And then it feels too late.”

Luna and Sam’s HEA was well-earned. The side characters at their apartment building were real gems and I also loved the updates about Mia and Ross from book one in the series. I’m not sure if this is the last book, but I’d love to read more about El Dorado!

I received an advanced reading copy, receipt of which did not impact my review.

[Laura D · Rating 4 out of 5]

It all began when Luna accidentally kissed a stranger in the park. Now granted they were posing for pictures together but the kiss was unintentional and if the look on the guys face says anything is that he is grossed out. He actually wipes his mouth off. All of this makes Luna late to her appointment to see the condo she really wants. Fast forward and she is meeting an apartment manager for an apartment she really doesn't want to live in. In walks the man from the park. Sam had an interesting day being kissed by a beautiful stranger in the park. He was so shocked that he reacted badly. Now she is here looking at an apartment. When Luna starts to make upgrades to her apartment they become partners in crime. The more time they spend together the sparks start to fly. Can she help him move from the rut of managing a building for his father and move past his brother's death and live his life again? Good read.

[Darlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Luna and Sam's road to a hea is full of misunderstanding, witty banter and frustrating. I don't remember the last time I had such a visceral reaction to two main characters. Luna is prickly, mean and I wanted her "to snap out of it" and move on. Although I understood Sam's issues I wanted him "to snap out of it" also. The supporting characters are fun and compelling-little Zabe was sweet and I enjoyed her innocent questions, Ross and Mia return from the previous books and the support they provide for Luna is heartwarming, and I also found the relationships with their mothers interesting. And the epilogue is epic! Looking to forward to reading more of the El Dorado series and recommend this emotional book. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, given to me by Tule Publishing via BookFunnel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story was cute. I had not read anything else in this series but feel like it could be one of those stand alone books as well. I really found that Luna came off as a snob and a Miss no it all who could do no wrong. I found that she really just was so mean to those in her life and chalked it up to be "brutally Honest" person. I really liked Mia and Ross they were so sweet and had such and loving kindness to those in there lives. Sam was one of this don't judge a book by the cover because what you see is not what they are. He was a bit mysterious at first but as the book went on his true colors came out. I felt that he put up with a lot from Luna and his parents but he also loved deeply and only wanted the best for those in his life. There is sexual content in the book so it may not be suitable for all. overall it was an ok read.

[Allie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like prickly, stubborn women who think they're hard to love, swoony but damaged men, banter, and slow burns you're going to love this book. From their awkward first meeting to their happily ever after, Luna and Sam were perfection. I thoroughly enjoyed the push-pull of their relationship resulting from their individual traumas. The tension and the constant will they/won't they kept me turning the page all night long. It was also fun to see the return of characters from earlier books in the series and see their relationships progress from the outside. I'm sad to see this series come to a close but cannot wait to see what the author does next.

[Kelly Cain · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored the vibe between Luna and Sam so much. No sunshines this time around (well, Mia and her dimple make multiple appearances) but it didn't feel all grumpy either. These character had such depth and REASONS. And their banter...so cute and funny. While reading, I thought to myself, "Wow, Janine is so quietly funny." Then a few minutes later, I read this: "Sam was funny. Not like a stand-up comedian, but it was more of the quiet kind, the kind no one expected and was able to sneak up on a person." EXACTLY. This perfectly describes Janine Amesta's writing.

I loved the entire Love in ElDorado series and I think you will too.

[Lucy Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been thoroughly enjoying the Love in El Dorado series and Lucky Strike is no exception! It's a beautiful story of two people finding love who, for different reasons, don't always feel like they deserve it.
Luna is a self-proclaimed "brat." She doesn't filter her thoughts, has snide remarks constantly, and pushes people away. Sam is her new landlord (after a very fun meet cute) and the two bump heads while Luna insists she renovate her rental.
My favorite thing about this series is that everyone has some serious, realistic stuff going on. It can be family or work, but none of these characters are perfect, but find their perfect match.

[Tamara Rolan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucky Strike is a charming romance between two MC’s with very complex situations that just works. Luna and Sam are both trying to overcome prior traumatic experiences while simultaneously falling in love. There’s witty banter, a little bit of spice, but a lot of romance. The ending of the story really caught me off guard-I didn’t realize just how invested I had become in these two until I found myself tearing up. I read a lot of romance but this story will stick with me for a while.

Thanks to the author and Booksprout for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I immensely enjoyed this book. It took a minute to get into it, as Luna is quite prickly. Both main characters have their flaws & issues, but were willing to work on them for each other. I liked the side characters and I enjoyed the slower pace of life portrayed in this book. I will definitely go back to read book 1 & 2 as well, as I loved Mia & Ross and definitely want to know their story. Thank you for introducing me to 'Love in El Dorado' . . .

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in this series, and the first time I have read any of this authors work, but I will certainly be looking out for her work in the future.
This is Sam and Luna’s story. The sparks fly between Luna and her mysterious landlord Sam, but they are both loaded down by their baggage.
This is a well written story which is easy to read, with loss, grief, humor, witty banter, romance, misunderstandings, emotions, twists, and love, which leads to an entertaining and steamy page turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elaine Coghlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucky Strike ~Love in El-Dorado #3 by Janine Amesta.
I have been reading this series from the beginning, and I can honestly say it's such a good read.
Wonderful characters that you fall in love with, and a strong storyline that draws the reader in from the beginning. When I read this book, I was engaged from the beginning till the end. This book has been written brilliantly I love the writing style of Janine, and am looking forward to reading more from her.

[Jennie Fortna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucky Strike is book 3 in the Love in El Dorado series by Janine Amesta and a good addition to this series.

Luna and Sam’s road to a HEA is filled with a rollercoaster ride of twists, turns, sadness, emotional, mean words spoken, misunderstandings, unexpected first kiss and so much more…

I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy (ARC) of this book from Tule Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Shari · Rating 4 out of 5]

When an accidental kiss leads to so much more. This was a fun emotional read. Loved the banter between Luna and Sam. Both felt that they didn't deserve love with the baggage that they both had, but loved who they found their HEA. Loved the home renovations that Luna made.

This is a part of a series but can be read as a stand alone. Now I need to go back and read the first two books. I highly recommend this book.

[Donnajo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily read an advanced reader's copy of this book for a honest opinion.

Lucky Strike by Janine Amesta a new to me author that I will be reading more books by. I hadn't read the previous books in the Love in El Dorado series but I was still able to enjoy Lucky Strike once I got into the storyline. Enemies-to-possible lovers storyline.

[Paula Pugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fabulous story! It has conflicting personalities that actually blend perfectly. Insecurities abound, touched by love and compassion. Two people who survived enough circumstances find someone to love even with all the doubts and worries.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one. Sam and Luna are the most deserving of love and their happily ever after. The witty banter between Sam and Luna meshed with compassion and tenderness will make you laugh, cry and want to keep reading until the end. I also enjoyed seeing characters from prior books and the small town setting.

[Sherri Babb · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a book that is funny, sad, sweet and that will frustrate you then this book is for you. Luna and Sam were perfection even when they were not getting a long. Their story was for me a emotional read. I look forward to reading more by this author. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Denise N. Wheatley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Janine Amesta has struck gold yet again in this fiery enemies-to-lovers romp! If you enjoy swoony chemistry, quick-witted banter and strong-willed protagonists (with a sweet rescue cat to boot), then you’ll love everything about this charming small-town romance.

[Bette Stanek · Rating 2 out of 5]

OK, I will be in the minority, but I couldn’t do it. DNF’d at 25%-30% in. If I haven’t connected with the characters by then….I’m out. I could not get into this story. At all. But don’t let that stop you from trying!

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

RTC

[Debra M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Lucky Strike as a standalone,I really liked the characters Luna & Sam .I really enjoyed this storyline,will be going back & reading the previous books in this series next.