Lucky Hearts: A Fate-interrupted Romance With A Little Bit Of St. Patrick's Day Magic

The Holiday Hearts #7

by Kiva Hart

Luck doesn’t always arrive how you expect it. Or when you want it.
Fiona O’Shea has a color-coded plan for everything. Her career. Her wedding. Her happily-ever-after with the town’s favorite doctor, Owen. But three days before she’s meant to walk down the aisle, her groom vanishes without a trace. No note. No explanation. Just gone.

Cue the town meltdown.

Kilkenny Falls erupts into speculation. The Mayor spins a heroic excuse. Neighbors gossip over shamrock scones. And somehow Fiona becomes the face of a viral “saintly fiancée” narrative she never asked for. The only person who sees past the polished PR? Dex O’Rourke. Chaotic. Charming. Infuriating. And Owen’s best friend.

Dex insists on helping her survive the fallout. He films. He edits. He smooths disasters she didn’t know she had yet. And every time Fiona’s world tilts, Dex is there with unexpected kindness and a lopsided grin that makes her heart misbehave.

But St. Patrick’s Day is coming. So is the town parade. And when one small misunderstanding snowballs into national attention, Fiona begins to wonder whether fate is rewriting her story… or simply revealing the one she was meant to see.

A runaway groom. A town full of opinions. A slow-burn connection that sneaks up on both of them.
In Kilkenny Falls, luck is never random. Sometimes it’s the second chance you never planned for.

Perfect for readers who love clean romantic comedy, small-town chaos, unexpected tenderness, and a sprinkle of holiday magic.

Genres: Novella, Romance, Amazon, Holiday

140 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 1, 2026

About the author

Kiva Hart is a passionate romance author known for her ability to weave steamy, heart-pounding love stories with unforgettable characters. With a love for exploring intense chemistry, forbidden romance, and emotional conflict, Kiva creates stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Whether it's enemies turning into lovers, brooding heroes falling for bright-eyed heroines, or love blossoming in the most unexpected circumstances, Kiva’s books are filled with sizzling tension and heart-stopping moments.

Reviews

[Brandi Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5⭐️ Rounded Up

[Lyndsey thelittlereadingmermaid · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really should have DNF’d, but I kept hoping it would get better.
such an odd plot and it felt like it was going in so many different directions.
hated the characters.
the writing was a bit odd, I found it hard to follow.
disappointed because on KU this is marketed like a cute St Patrick’s Day themed love story, and it’s.. totally not.

[Chelsea · Rating 2 out of 5]

I technically DNF’d this. But I read 70% so I’m going to review that. The writing was so weird?!?!? The similes and metaphors literally made no sense and it felt very choppy. I THINK she was going for witty repartee but the dialogue just didn’t land. Most of the time I couldn’t even understand it? Sooo…just not the book for me, I guess!

[Nicole Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

A surprisingly good novella that has evocative imagery and a sweet romance.

https://nicolewbrown.blogspot.com/202...

Quotes

Some people manifest. I bullet point.
Kiva Hart (Lucky Hearts p 7)

He panned across my Post-it-covered wall. “Wow. You're like if NASA planned nuptials. Do we have a launch code?”
Kiva Hart (Lucky Hearts p 8)

Improvisation is for jazz musicians and unmedicated free spirits. Nor for buttercream.
Kiva Hart (Lucky Hearts p 10)

Her glare could have ended my bloodline.
Kiva Hart (Lucky Hearts p 20)

The thing about uploading a video is that it feels small at first. Click. Progress bar. Thumbnail that lies between its perfect little tech. You toss your message in a bottle into the internet ocean and pretend you did not sign a blood pact with the algorithm.
Kiva Hart (Lucky Hearts P 37)

Prepared is what people say when they're terrified of wanting things.
Kiva Hart (Lucky Hearts P 50)

That's what I did when my world went off-script. I alphabetized the apocalypse.
Kiva Hart (Lucky Hearts P 51)

Chaos keeps me awake.
Kiva Hart (Lucky Hearts P 52)

The cursor kept spinning like a dancer with a head injury.
Kiva Hart (Lucky Hearts P 59)

Sabrina said with a smile that should be submitted to a museum of war crimes.
Kiva Hart (Lucky Hearts P 60)

“Television implies that I am getting paid. What is it called when you're exploited for free?”
“Local Government.”
Kiva Hart (Lucky Hearts p 68)

Chartreuse. A color that looks like jealousy and lemon curd had a baby.
Kiva Hart (Lucky Hearts P 70)

The heart above me, sparkling like a disco confession.
Kiva Hart (Lucky Hearts P 75)

We climbed. Every step complained like an unpaid bill. Upstairs, the air shifted to that thin, holy kind of quiet old houses keep for bad news.
Kiva Hart (Lucky Hearts P 79)

We moved toward the hallway, each step placed like a bet.
Kiva Hart (Lucky Hearts P 83)

I kept quiet. Some sentences are traps. Others are bridges. I waited to see which one she had built.
Kiva Hart (Lucky Hearts P 88)

Morning came with the enthusiasm of a tax audit.
Kiva Hart (Lucky Hearts P 94)

Luck is what's left when the plan fails.
Kiva Hart (Lucky Hearts P 135)

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Searching for Fiona's groom, the MCs' temporary partnership leads from a runaway who changed his mind to something related to his past.
Quite funny, entertaining their hiding of the groom's disappearance, which takes a hardly manageable, out-of-hand course.
What does it say about friendship/relationship when people don't trust each other with secret thoughts or actions, fail to notice or recognize the truth behind words or behavior?
With how thorough Fiona is with her supposedly happening wedding, down to every minute, reaction, and movement, she could be a director for some kind of TV or stage production.
I think Fiona is okay, except her over-the-top wedding prep; it would benefit her to find a way to relax, have fun, and get away from a world of spreadsheets a bit on her own or with Dex's help.
I don't know what to think about Dex. Maybe I like some small part of him, what he's said and done, like something helpful or supportive. A plus point is that he has a cat.
Dex's behavior, entertaining and laughing at Fiona's misfortunes, is confusing, especially since he has feelings for her and some kind of understanding, dreaming of unraveling her. What would happen when Fiona starts to know the real man behind the unserious attitude and jokes?

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

[Laci · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun small town romance and honestly a really sweet second chance at love kind of story.

Fiona has her whole life planned out. She’s about to marry the town’s beloved doctor and everything seems perfect…until he suddenly disappears right before the wedding, leaving her completely blindsided and the entire town talking. I really felt for Fiona in those early chapters because being left at the altar in a small town where everyone knows your business would be brutal.

While she’s trying to figure out what happened and move on from the embarrassment and heartbreak, she ends up spending more time with Dex. He’s her fiancé’s best friend. Dex is basically the opposite of the safe, predictable life Fiona had planned, and I really loved the chemistry between them. Their relationship builds in a really natural way as he keeps showing up for her when everything feels like it’s falling apart.

The small town setting was one of my favorite parts too. Kilkenny Falls feels cozy but also chaotic in the way small towns can be when rumors start spreading.

Overall this was just a really enjoyable romance about picking yourself back up when life doesn’t go according to plan and realizing that sometimes the love you didn’t expect might be the one that actually fits you best.

[FD · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story started off promisingly.
Fiona is punctual, a true organizer down to the last detail, and now she's busy with an important happening: her wedding. Meanwhile, her job as the mayor's assistant and the village itself also demand a lot from her. Only, the groom, a beloved village doctor, doesn't show up for the rehearsal diner and has disappeared from the village altogether. Together with his good friend Dex, she tries to find out where he is, while also trying to protect his reputation in the village. As punctual as she is, Dex, and the rest of the story, are chaotic. Because I started to lose track. I find the writing style completely different from another story I've read by this author. It’s just like the relationship between her and Dex is: chaotic, associative, impossible to follow, from romance to a kind of science fiction detective story. No, I didn't enjoy reading this book, but maybe I just didn't understand it.

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

[Asulley4785 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unlucky in Love was such a charming, feel-good read that completely swept me up from the start. Kiva Hart has a wonderful way of blending romance, emotion, and just the right touch of magic—and this story delivers all of that beautifully.
I instantly connected with the characters and their struggles with love, timing, and fate. Their journey felt genuine and relatable, with moments that made me smile, sigh, and genuinely root for their happiness. The St. Patrick’s Day magic added a fun, whimsical twist that made the story stand out without overpowering the romance.
What I loved most was how hopeful this book felt. It’s a reminder that even when love seems unlucky or constantly interrupted, fate may still have something special planned. The pacing was smooth, the chemistry was sweet, and the emotional moments landed perfectly.
If you enjoy heartfelt romances with a light magical touch and characters you can’t help but care about, this book is definitely worth the read. Another lovely story from Kiva Hart that left me smiling long after the last page. 💚🍀

[De Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was not entirely what I was expecting and I was happy with that. It was a pleasant surprise. It’s fast paced and keeps your interest the entire time. It will grip you from the first chapter with what should have been a sweet moment that instead became a spectacle. There’s amazing banter and great sass between Fiona and Dex. And it makes for a great read. These are are amazing opposites that work so well together. The connection they have is full of tension and hilarity, and it blossoms into so much more than how they started. This story has a lot of push and pull to it - supporter and exploiter, serious and hilarious, vulnerability and deeply guarded. There’s a genuine and raw feeling to the relationship that develops between Fiona and Dex. It’s not just about lust or simple attraction. Their connection builds and deepens throughout the story’s twists and turns. I couldn’t stop reading page after page. It’s a wonderful plot with an ending that leaves you smiling and with a warm heart.

[Kristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the St. Patrick’s Day installment of the series, and after really enjoying the last two, this one was a bit meh for me.

I go into these books wanting the romance to shine, and this time it felt secondary (or nearly non-existent). We spend most of the story unraveling the mystery of Fiona’s runaway groom, which turns into a convoluted (and possibly illegal) medical research situation. It definitely adds drama, but it pulled focus from the love story I was hoping for.

Dex, though? Total golden retriever MMC. Sweet, loyal, a little chaotic... and in love with his friend’s fiancée. He brings a much-needed shake-up to Fiona’s color-coded, control-loving world, and I genuinely liked him. I just wish we had more time watching their relationship actually develop. For a slow burn, it didn’t feel especially swoony at all.

The small-town chaos and holiday vibes were still charming, but compared to the previous books, this one didn’t quite hit the romantic high I was looking for. Not bad, just not my favorite of the series.

[Mouse Princess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I need to state, before getting into this review, I was given an ARC through Booksprout. Now with that being stated I can now get into the book review.
This book follows Fiona and Dex (Declan). Fiona overplanned her wedding to Owen. She had everything planned down to the minute. When in my option makes her a bidezilla, her own friends call her a bridezilla. Sadly Owen takes off a few days before their wedding with a weird apology. Throught out the book Fiona and Dex end up getting closer. I feel that the novel is romantic and has a good sense of humor, it never discounts the emotional fallout of being basically left at the altar. This book is a slow-burn romance that builds between Fiona and Dex.

Now for the star ratings I’m giving this book.
I’m giving this book an overall rating of 4 of out of 5 stars.
The story is getting a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
The writing style is getting a rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

[Samantha Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kiva Hart’s latest addition to the Unlucky in Love series truly has it all. This quick, engaging read blends love, mystery, intrigue, loss, and healing, plus the satisfying happy ending every romance reader hopes for.

The banter between the main characters is genuinely delightful, sweet, funny, and natural in a way that makes you immediately invest in their story. Their chemistry jumps off the page, making each interaction feel charming and purposeful.
If anything, I actually wish the story had been a bit longer. The characters are so compelling that I would’ve loved even more back‑and‑forth and heightened suspense. But even as a shorter read, it never felt rushed, just compact and heartfelt.

Overall, this is a perfect pick for anyone in the mood for a cutesy romance with depth. It left me smiling and ready for more.

[Gretchen · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Fi is a force,” I had said, laughing because jokes are easier than honesty. “She schedules her feelings. She will schedule yours. She will put an Outlook reminder on your soul.”

Fiona and Dex's story is a hoot. So many funny quips - it was a bit like the Gilmore Girls.... I made 75 highlights.... She is capable, brilliant and trying to find her runaway groom. Dex is best friend to the groom and a content creator. The spin, the algorithm, the lighting. They create a plausible lie to explain the groom's exit and end making her a Saint....Saint Fi.

"our coffee rings overlapping like a Venn diagram of bad decisions."

taking a cup. “It comes with too many meetings.” “Too late. I’ve already ordered the stained-glass window.” “Let it depict me holding a clipboard,” I said. “Accurate iconography.”

Highly recommend. Witty banter. A mystery.

[whimsical reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was quick but good. There were parts of the book where I was actually laughing. Storyline was a bit out there like Ncis or something but it was fun to read. Fiona is rather stuck up and OCD. At first I was sure she was going to ruin the story but she didn’t.

Dex was humorous but at times maybe not the best best friend. A quirky attractive videographer? It was an interesting but pleasant combo.

Quotes

FIONA: I’m managing it. KIRA: Managing? You’re starring in a Hallmark movie.

“Look at that. You’re the patron saint of runaway grooms.”

“Delete that.” “Why? It sounds supportive.” “It sounds delusional.” He sipped his coffee. “Delusion sells.”

“On a scale of one to doing a felony, how’s your heart?”


Content
Kisses not super descriptive
Blood/doctors briefly mentioned
Couple curse words possibly?

[PAMpublish · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an avid reader, it takes much to find a book with a plot that is unique and will make me smile. All the fast-action shenanigans kept me so engaged, it was a one-day read. Crazy plot involving Fiona who is an OCD-type perfectionist assistant to the Mayor about to marry a doctor (Owen), and Dex into social media who is a friend of the doctor. Stood up before Fiona's marriage to Owen, she and Dex goes on a hunt to find Owen and the reason behind it. With Dex covering for her in the social dimension, they go on a far-out adventure in discovering a trial, off-based medical experimentation involving Owen. Despite being opposites, involving quips amidst sarcasm, it develops into an attraction, all while keeping everything undercover. For those who enjoy a different type of rom-com experience that will maintain your interest from beginning to end.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really, really enjoyed this Unlucky in Love story—it has easily become my new favorite in the series. I loved the touch of science-fiction elements woven into the plot; it added a fun and unexpected layer to the story. I do wish the book had been a bit longer, though, so there could have been more development of Fiona and Dex’s relationship, as well as a clearer update on Owen. I may have missed it, but I’m also curious about what story the community was told regarding Fiona and Owen’s engagement, since their relationship was known within the community.

Overall I thought this book was great and I am excited to see what comes next!.

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

[Gulshan Naqvee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unlucky in Love is a warm, witty romance that blends humor with emotional honesty.
The story follows Fiona, a fiercely organized woman whose perfectly planned life unravels when her wedding falls apart.
Her voice is sharp, funny, and deeply relatable, especially for readers who rely on control to feel safe.
Dex enters as a calm, grounding presence, offering balance without stealing the spotlight.
Their connection builds slowly and feels genuine rather than rushed or cliché.
The dual perspectives add depth and keep the pacing smooth.
What stands out is the focus on growth, healing, and redefining happiness.
Overall, it’s a comforting, feel-good read with real heart

[Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it !! love this series !! love Fiona and Dex.. this is their story... a fun fast paced rom/com drama... and fate !!! three days before her wedding to the town's favorite doctor, he runs, vanishes without a trace !! the mayor makes excuses.. the town turns into chaos... it goes viral... and Dex, well, he's the groom's best friend and he'll help Fiona anyway that he can... he films and fixes the narrative... it's what he does... they grow closer and maybe this was meant to happen this way !! so good !!!.

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

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 6 of the Unlucky in Love series. Can be read as a standalone.

'Perfect for readers who love clean romantic comedy, small-town chaos, unexpected tenderness, and a sprinkle of holiday magic."

The characters drove the storyline and they were so very appealing and likeable and perfect for each other. Plot was well written and straightforward. World building continues to excel and impress. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend this series.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

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

[Ineta · Rating 5 out of 5]

These series - Unlucky in Love - is amazing read and I have read all books. I like how those were related to holidays' magic. Book 6 was amazing - Fiona and her missing groom engages you in their story from the first page. And both main characters - Fiona and Dex are adorable - over-organized Fiona and "chaos that listens" Dex.
It was funny, humorous and so engaging read, you can't put it down while reading funny way about serious emotions.

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

[Shannon Binegar-Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

St. Patrick’s day is my favorite holiday, so naturally I was drawn to this book. It is set in Kilkenny Ireland. Fiona is in full on wedding chaos, when her groom is a no show to their rehearsal dinner. Together with his best friend she sets out to find him and get answers. Things are not as they seem and soon secrets unfold. This was a very intense romance. A major twist I didn’t see coming had me riveted to the pages. Great read. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by booksprout.

[Reann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the main characters, Fiona and Dex, and found their individual journeys compelling. However, I didn't personally enjoy the specific backstory that brought them together. It felt a bit darker than the typical "happy-go-lucky" style I’ve come to expect from this author. While the chemistry was there, the setup was a departure from her usual tone. Still a solid 4-star read!.

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

[Angi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fiona the most in controlled and organized woman in the small village is planning her own wedding when everything falls apart. Dex brings grounding and calm into her life at a time when nothing is more than chaos. This book is a heartwarming, sweet book that proves sometimes the best things come even in chaos. This is a really good read.

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

[Fatima Salih · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love how the book focused on a small chaotic town where everyone knows one another. Kilkenny Falls was brought to life, and its chaotic nature adds humor to the growing story.

As Fiona continues to try to find out where her fiancé went, she finds herself spending more time with Dex, who is the perfect counterbalance to her organized life.

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

[Rachelle Whynott · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a departure from what I’ve read of the other unlucky in love books but I enjoyed it. The other books in the series were more focused on the romance between the individuals while this book focused on a mystery that they were trying to figure out together. I thought it was engaging and I was invested in what was happening and had fun’s along the way. A lot happened in a short period of time!

I received this book as an Arc and I’m leaving my honest review

[Alicia Viola · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Lucky Hearts by Kiva Hart. The story was warm, charming, and easy to get into from the start. I loved watching the relationship between the characters grow, and the mix of sweet moments and emotional scenes made the story really enjoyable.

This was a light, feel-good read and a great pick if you enjoy romances with heart and a satisfying happily-ever-after. 💕.

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

[Christina Coy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t really care for either the MMC or the FMC, which made it hard to stay connected to the story. With the plot being on the more serious side, the banter felt a bit off to me, and I ended up skimming a few pages here and there. The comedy aspects didn’t land, even though the book clearly tried to lean into them.
It does have a HEA, and readers who enjoy a St. Patrick’s Day themed romance might still enjoy it, but overall my experience was pretty mixed.

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 4 out of 5]

An opposites, enemies to more, small town romantic comedy. This fun story has a bit of everything with drama, mystery, humor and romance. It was so enjoyable, entertaining, easy to read and had a unique writing style. The characters were great and I loved their witty dialog and how the story unfolded. An adorable read.

[Shannon Gies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick, fast, and in a hurry!

The depotions of the characters in this book are fantastic. Fiona...structured and scheduled down to T! Even scheduling time to breathe (I related to this remark very well)! Then bring Declan (Dex)...Mr. Spontaneous! A whirlwind of adventure in that man. Put the two together and you get the best of both worlds!

[Livy · Rating 4 out of 5]

did not expect the suspense

This was an interesting book. I don’t think it was for me. I was expecting a romance between a jilted bride and the guy who helps her through. Not a mystery suspense.

The banter was good. The romance unfolded nicely though it was almost an aspect of cheating.

I think it could be good for the right audience. But it wasn’t right for me