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Just My Luck
When I’m tossed into the trunk of a car, I realize that what little luck I have has finally run out—especially when I find that Tony, the man who’d abducted me, is planning on using me to get back at my father. My chances for escape look pretty bleak when I’m handcuffed to Tony’s bodyguard, an intimidating man named Shepherd who apparently loves tight shirts and seems to be amused by making my life miserable. Soon, though, I learn that Shepherd has a heart and a brain. And sometimes, those two things can be a bigger weapon than anything in a time like this. I just have to learn how to wield them.
After Shepherd gets me away from Tony’s men, I discover that he’s a survivor, a fighter, and the only person who seems willing to help me when it feels like the whole world is against me. At first, I’m not sure if I can trust the man, but the more we get to know each other, the more I realize that he’s funny and kind of sweet. He’s determined to protect me, but he doesn’t know all of my secrets. He doesn’t know that Tony isn’t the only one looking for me. But together, as we face betrayal and taking down the worst monster of all, we’re determined that we will be the lucky ones after all.
Just My Luck is a 101k book that includes a dog that wants to eat Killian’s face off (or maybe just play with his shoe), handcuffs used in a disappointing way, way too much running, a hero that can’t hit the broad side of a barn with a gun (which might have something to do with the fact that he picks up a book instead of practicing every chance he gets), a game of strip checkers that doesn’t go as planned, and two broken souls who find peace in each other.
After Shepherd gets me away from Tony’s men, I discover that he’s a survivor, a fighter, and the only person who seems willing to help me when it feels like the whole world is against me. At first, I’m not sure if I can trust the man, but the more we get to know each other, the more I realize that he’s funny and kind of sweet. He’s determined to protect me, but he doesn’t know all of my secrets. He doesn’t know that Tony isn’t the only one looking for me. But together, as we face betrayal and taking down the worst monster of all, we’re determined that we will be the lucky ones after all.
Just My Luck is a 101k book that includes a dog that wants to eat Killian’s face off (or maybe just play with his shoe), handcuffs used in a disappointing way, way too much running, a hero that can’t hit the broad side of a barn with a gun (which might have something to do with the fact that he picks up a book instead of practicing every chance he gets), a game of strip checkers that doesn’t go as planned, and two broken souls who find peace in each other.
342 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 16, 2020
293 people are currently reading
800 people want to read
About the author
Alice Winters
62 books2,752 followersAlice Winters started writing stories as soon as she was old enough to turn her ideas into written words. She loves writing a variety of things from romance and comedy to action. She also enjoys reading, horseback riding, and spending time with her pets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 221 reviews
June 23, 2020
3,5 stars
80% banter. I reckon.
It’s simply too overwhelming for me.
Not that the banter is bad, not at all, (a bit crazy or YA maybe?) but it seems that I’m genetically missing the receptors for it. I can take it for so long, and enjoy some, too, but at some point I start craving for the MCs to stop teasing each other and just talk.
I have no clue why the humour was missing me, but my lips were hardly twitching.
Usually I adore banter and sarcasm, it’s one of my favourite things, but just like in ‘The Hitman’s Guide’ series (sorry, I’m one of those who found Leland too much), here it totally takes over everything. It feels odd at times because the crime plot and what happened in the past of both MCs is really quite angsty and serious.
Maybe that’s exactly what bothers me? The constant juxtaposition of very serious themes and the continually light-heartedness of the writing. It feels more like a farce than anything else, but maybe that's exactly what it's supposed to be?
Saying that, I did enjoy the first half of the book. I was definitely rooting for Killian and Shepherd.
But then the plot takes a dive at about three quarters in. There are so many incongruities going on, so much illogical stuff, it was really hard to look past them.
Mainly, each MC has one massive secret, one that would have caused major earthquakes on the Richter scale in any other relationship. Here it’s dealt with so lightly and brushed away so easily, it was hardly a ripple of spring air.
Other niggles were things like (Warning: MASSIVE spoiler alert!)
I have to draw the conclusion that, with the exception of the ‘How to Vex a Vampire’ series, I’m simply not made for Alice Winters’s writing.
80% banter. I reckon.
It’s simply too overwhelming for me.
Not that the banter is bad, not at all, (a bit crazy or YA maybe?) but it seems that I’m genetically missing the receptors for it. I can take it for so long, and enjoy some, too, but at some point I start craving for the MCs to stop teasing each other and just talk.
I have no clue why the humour was missing me, but my lips were hardly twitching.
Usually I adore banter and sarcasm, it’s one of my favourite things, but just like in ‘The Hitman’s Guide’ series (sorry, I’m one of those who found Leland too much), here it totally takes over everything. It feels odd at times because the crime plot and what happened in the past of both MCs is really quite angsty and serious.
Maybe that’s exactly what bothers me? The constant juxtaposition of very serious themes and the continually light-heartedness of the writing. It feels more like a farce than anything else, but maybe that's exactly what it's supposed to be?
Saying that, I did enjoy the first half of the book. I was definitely rooting for Killian and Shepherd.
But then the plot takes a dive at about three quarters in. There are so many incongruities going on, so much illogical stuff, it was really hard to look past them.
Mainly, each MC has one massive secret, one that would have caused major earthquakes on the Richter scale in any other relationship. Here it’s dealt with so lightly and brushed away so easily, it was hardly a ripple of spring air.
Other niggles were things like (Warning: MASSIVE spoiler alert!)
I have to draw the conclusion that, with the exception of the ‘How to Vex a Vampire’ series, I’m simply not made for Alice Winters’s writing.
June 16, 2020
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.75 stars
Hurray! A new Alice Winters book is always a cause for celebration and Just My Luck has quickly become one of my favorites. One thing I love about Winters’ writing is her sense of humor and great banter between the characters, and we definitely get that here. But I felt like this story is really so nicely balanced between that lightness and a more intense and exciting suspense plot. We know from early on that Killian’s dad is a major bad guy, that Killian knows more about the situation with Tony and his daughter than he is letting on, and that both Killian and Shepherd have secrets. As the story develops, we slowly learn more about all of these issues and I found it just fascinating. Winters reveals just the right amount of the information at the right time, little breadcrumbs leading to the big reveals. I was completely captivated here as I followed along, waiting for each new bit of information and each revelation. I think this story has just perfect balance between the humor and the suspense, and the pacing is great with some calm, quiet moments interspersed with more tense times.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.75 stars
Hurray! A new Alice Winters book is always a cause for celebration and Just My Luck has quickly become one of my favorites. One thing I love about Winters’ writing is her sense of humor and great banter between the characters, and we definitely get that here. But I felt like this story is really so nicely balanced between that lightness and a more intense and exciting suspense plot. We know from early on that Killian’s dad is a major bad guy, that Killian knows more about the situation with Tony and his daughter than he is letting on, and that both Killian and Shepherd have secrets. As the story develops, we slowly learn more about all of these issues and I found it just fascinating. Winters reveals just the right amount of the information at the right time, little breadcrumbs leading to the big reveals. I was completely captivated here as I followed along, waiting for each new bit of information and each revelation. I think this story has just perfect balance between the humor and the suspense, and the pacing is great with some calm, quiet moments interspersed with more tense times.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
July 17, 2020
*** DNF @ 42% ***
Forty-two percent? I think that counts as giving this book and this author the old college try, but I just couldn't anymore.
This plot is completely ridiculous and my eyes were starting to hurt from all of the rolling I was doing with them. I tried, but I never connected with the characters and found their banter more annoying than funny. I am sure that there are plenty of people out there that enjoy will enjoy this one (Mary Calmes fans?!) but it just wasn't my cup of tea.
ETA: I didn't realize that I DNF'd another one of this author's book for the exact same reasons last year. Clearly she just isn't for me.
Forty-two percent? I think that counts as giving this book and this author the old college try, but I just couldn't anymore.
This plot is completely ridiculous and my eyes were starting to hurt from all of the rolling I was doing with them. I tried, but I never connected with the characters and found their banter more annoying than funny. I am sure that there are plenty of people out there that enjoy will enjoy this one (Mary Calmes fans?!) but it just wasn't my cup of tea.
ETA: I didn't realize that I DNF'd another one of this author's book for the exact same reasons last year. Clearly she just isn't for me.
June 25, 2020
4ish stars.
I needed a light hearted, laugh out loud book that I could get away for, even if it was only for a few hours. We all know Alice Winters writes some of the best banter and this was no different, there was a lot of it in this one.
I needed a light hearted, laugh out loud book that I could get away for, even if it was only for a few hours. We all know Alice Winters writes some of the best banter and this was no different, there was a lot of it in this one.
July 21, 2020
Time of Death: 54%
I hate to be that person, but this wasn’t for me. I thought I would like this one because I actually enjoyed Hitman’s Guide and I’m usually okay with OTT plots and characters. I binge-read the first 40% and absolutely adored how we had characters who weren’t immediately lust-driven and that there was actually something darker going on in the background. But as the story kept going I wasn’t in the mood for a chase plot and so... I just stopped. And I never had the motivation to pick it back up again.
I think I’ll be leaving this author to rest from now on, their work isn’t for me!
I hate to be that person, but this wasn’t for me. I thought I would like this one because I actually enjoyed Hitman’s Guide and I’m usually okay with OTT plots and characters. I binge-read the first 40% and absolutely adored how we had characters who weren’t immediately lust-driven and that there was actually something darker going on in the background. But as the story kept going I wasn’t in the mood for a chase plot and so... I just stopped. And I never had the motivation to pick it back up again.
I think I’ll be leaving this author to rest from now on, their work isn’t for me!
February 25, 2021
DNF @ 42%..about 150 pages
I tried, I normally love Alice Winters books, but something about this one didn't jive with me.
I was trying to follow along as to what was going on, but the banter would take me out of the plot then I would be lost. Previous books by Alice Winters I never had that issue, but this one didn't work for me. I am bummed about it since I was on such a good book kick that the last couple books aren't hitting the mark..
Fingers crossed this didn't put me in a slump!!
I tried, I normally love Alice Winters books, but something about this one didn't jive with me.
I was trying to follow along as to what was going on, but the banter would take me out of the plot then I would be lost. Previous books by Alice Winters I never had that issue, but this one didn't work for me. I am bummed about it since I was on such a good book kick that the last couple books aren't hitting the mark..
Fingers crossed this didn't put me in a slump!!
June 12, 2020
This is a beautiful slow burn written from Killian's POV. It did take me a while to really fall for Shepherd because of that but yes you will adore these two.
Learning about both of their pasts hurts so much. They have survived a lot. I really like the use of flashbacks.
There are some good twists, witty banter and an adventure filled with love, secrets and lies. And Bear, their dog, who is just waiting to eat Killian!
Another winner by this author! It is a standalone. Loved the epilogue and I want to read the bonus so badly!
*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review
Learning about both of their pasts hurts so much. They have survived a lot. I really like the use of flashbacks.
There are some good twists, witty banter and an adventure filled with love, secrets and lies. And Bear, their dog, who is just waiting to eat Killian!
Another winner by this author! It is a standalone. Loved the epilogue and I want to read the bonus so badly!
*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review
June 26, 2020
This book was stressful. But of course, if you read the summary, that really should be pretty clear. The part that always seems to surprise me with Alice Winters books is the falling in love part. Like, one minute, the two MCs are bickering and appear to hate each other, and the next minute, they are still bickering and appear to hate each other but also begrudgingly love each other. I think I have felt that way about almost all the books I have read by her. That isn't to say the love story isn't believable, just that it doesn't take the usual path.
Still, the story was good and I think most people will enjoy reading it.
Still, the story was good and I think most people will enjoy reading it.
August 3, 2020
What a ride
That punches just kept coming, and I enjoyed every min of it. I really appreciate the build up to the smexy time. Two abused and broken men. Riddled with flaws and shame, find healing with each other.
The writing was great! The banter between the two was on point. The smexy when we got to the smexy was hawt, and the love was great. The only problem was towards the ending time started to jump.
That punches just kept coming, and I enjoyed every min of it. I really appreciate the build up to the smexy time. Two abused and broken men. Riddled with flaws and shame, find healing with each other.
The writing was great! The banter between the two was on point. The smexy when we got to the smexy was hawt, and the love was great. The only problem was towards the ending time started to jump.
July 7, 2020
✮4 Stars✮
💗
Read
November 23, 2025DNF at 65% - This wasn’t bad. It was just way too bleak, sad, and dark for my mood right now. This is not a typical Alice Winters rom-com. Lots of violence, death, abuse, etc. There was very little humor, and the plot was just not working for me. Definitely something to read when you want something dark.
June 16, 2020
Just My Luck started out with a bang- 3% in and I was laughing out loud. But then it took a turn and I was on the edge of my seat, wondering what the heck I was in for! This book reminded me of Ms. Winters's In Darkness series, in that there are a lot of laughs, but there's also darkness to the story that took me by surprise.
Although Killian and Shepherd are so fun together- we get the typical Alice Winters's humor, they're both broken in ways that made my heart ache for them. But the more time they spent together- running from the bad good guys, they more they start to heal. The book is told solely in Killian's point of view, and while I did like being in his head, I wish we had been privy to seeing things from Shepherd's pov as well, especially to learn a little more about his past.
This story is full of twists and turns, lies and secrets, I wasn't sure who to trust or who to believe from one page to the next. It's mysterious and suspenseful, with a whole lot of action. There's murder and mayhem, and a sweet slow, slow burn of a romance.
Although Killian and Shepherd are so fun together- we get the typical Alice Winters's humor, they're both broken in ways that made my heart ache for them. But the more time they spent together- running from the bad good guys, they more they start to heal. The book is told solely in Killian's point of view, and while I did like being in his head, I wish we had been privy to seeing things from Shepherd's pov as well, especially to learn a little more about his past.
This story is full of twists and turns, lies and secrets, I wasn't sure who to trust or who to believe from one page to the next. It's mysterious and suspenseful, with a whole lot of action. There's murder and mayhem, and a sweet slow, slow burn of a romance.
December 2, 2022
Some of that was pretty freaking rough. It was hard reading all the flashbacks to things in Killian's past without knowing exactly how each of those scenes had turned out. And yes, of course there was plenty of snark (remember who wrote this, after all!), but it wasn't nearly as OTT as either Felix or Leland.
July 23, 2025
Maybe it's me? It was still funny, I guess I just really couldn't get into the side plot this time and unfortunately it was so central to the romance that I couldn't even skim it without losing out on the romance bits.
How did I like both MCs but not like the book?
How did I like both MCs but not like the book?
June 12, 2020
Bears & Branches
Who needs luck when you have a Shepherd—even if his shirts are tight? I really love snarky, smart, clever and funny protagonists. There’s something so deliciously sexy about them and I’d like a triple helping of Killian and Shepherd, please. Their verbal ripostes had me in stitches but their honest conversations had me falling in love. I hurt for their pasts but their tenacity and strength left me in awe. “I once thought I had no luck, but it’s now clear that my luck just hadn’t arrived yet.” Killian and Shepherd are the missing piece from the other’s life. They have an amazing flow, a seamless connection, and best of all know how to cherish what they’ve found. Always a delight, you’ll find your luck when you read an Alice Winter’s book.
Who needs luck when you have a Shepherd—even if his shirts are tight? I really love snarky, smart, clever and funny protagonists. There’s something so deliciously sexy about them and I’d like a triple helping of Killian and Shepherd, please. Their verbal ripostes had me in stitches but their honest conversations had me falling in love. I hurt for their pasts but their tenacity and strength left me in awe. “I once thought I had no luck, but it’s now clear that my luck just hadn’t arrived yet.” Killian and Shepherd are the missing piece from the other’s life. They have an amazing flow, a seamless connection, and best of all know how to cherish what they’ve found. Always a delight, you’ll find your luck when you read an Alice Winter’s book.
July 2, 2020
If it wasn't for bad luck... I wouldn't have any luck at all!
This has been my family motto for many generations, so I can relate... *grin*
This has been my family motto for many generations, so I can relate... *grin*
Read
December 12, 2025Issues? Someone say issues??
DNF at 24%. 12th Dec, 2025. Normally i go till 30% but i just couldn’t take the abuse/torture p0rn anymore. Man, it’s dark right off the bat, If it weren’t for Killian’s sarcastic quips, this could’ve been quite gruesome. At least it’s not meat hooks this time. 💀😬
♦Then come the flashbacks, which were it’s own living hell. Killian’s parents are heathens. And with the knowledge that Killian gets abused all the time be it in his past or at present and he just can’t catch a break, it was all too much to bear.
♦Sheppard is an arshole, like a real one. Killian is slowly manipulating him into giving in, bit by bit, which i loved. But of course it comes with heavy torture by the villains. i’ve seen that this trope never shows up without a side of brutal abuse.
♦And yeah, Sheppard “takes care” of him, but it’s not comforting. The sandwich and pain pills aren’t kindness out of the goodness of his heart or out of fondness for the boy. It’s impersonal and he was ordered to do so and that bothered me. The motivation would change overtime but up until how far i’ve read, it didn’t feel like that kind of hurt/comfort imo. i felt no comfort in such “care taking”.
Atleast i liked 2 things:
●Book by Alice Winters. Narrated by Declan Winters. i chortled at that! Also, this guy’s deep voice is perfect for characters like Death from Discworld. Any voice studio listening in?
●Aww Killian, Killian. He’s such a brat. Did the deep gruff voice work for him? Absolutely no. Whatever. So he’s sarcastically funny, he’s such a brat, always thinking ahead, could manipulate the goons.
Kidnapper x victim, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, severely tortured MC.
DNF at 24%. 12th Dec, 2025. Normally i go till 30% but i just couldn’t take the abuse/torture p0rn anymore. Man, it’s dark right off the bat, If it weren’t for Killian’s sarcastic quips, this could’ve been quite gruesome. At least it’s not meat hooks this time. 💀😬
♦Then come the flashbacks, which were it’s own living hell. Killian’s parents are heathens. And with the knowledge that Killian gets abused all the time be it in his past or at present and he just can’t catch a break, it was all too much to bear.
♦Sheppard is an arshole, like a real one. Killian is slowly manipulating him into giving in, bit by bit, which i loved. But of course it comes with heavy torture by the villains. i’ve seen that this trope never shows up without a side of brutal abuse.
♦And yeah, Sheppard “takes care” of him, but it’s not comforting. The sandwich and pain pills aren’t kindness out of the goodness of his heart or out of fondness for the boy. It’s impersonal and he was ordered to do so and that bothered me. The motivation would change overtime but up until how far i’ve read, it didn’t feel like that kind of hurt/comfort imo. i felt no comfort in such “care taking”.
Atleast i liked 2 things:
●Book by Alice Winters. Narrated by Declan Winters. i chortled at that! Also, this guy’s deep voice is perfect for characters like Death from Discworld. Any voice studio listening in?
●Aww Killian, Killian. He’s such a brat. Did the deep gruff voice work for him? Absolutely no. Whatever. So he’s sarcastically funny, he’s such a brat, always thinking ahead, could manipulate the goons.
Kidnapper x victim, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, severely tortured MC.
July 14, 2020
I can't believe I only found Alice Winters this year!? Her work is amazing. This is the first contemporary book I have read from her. I was alittle hesitant because I am a fantasy gal. But this book was amazing. Surprisingly dark. Much more murder and mayhem than the other two series I have read from her. Happy Endings & How to Vex a Vampire. This book was Psychologically dark and twisty. Even though it was in Killian's 1st Person POV. We still learn as we go. Hearing Killian's Truth and Secrets only when he decides to tell them, and learning Shepherds secrets when he is finally outted. Which I actually enjoyed. I the reader was kept in the dark, just as much as the characters in the book. And boy, when those secrets came out.... Alice Winter's is good at throwing curve balls. I never see them coming.
I really enjoyed the slow slow....slow burn of their romance. Them gaining trust and friendship first. And helping each other heal from their past. Was quite beautiful.
4 stars.
I really enjoyed the slow slow....slow burn of their romance. Them gaining trust and friendship first. And helping each other heal from their past. Was quite beautiful.
4 stars.
October 16, 2020
Tabboo topics and possible trigger warnings:
Killian's the victim of mental and physical abuse as well as psychological manipulation.
He finally plans his escape only to be kidnapped off the street by an enemy of his lifelong tormentor.
He's beaten, degraded, and his life is repeatedly threatened.
Through it all, he wants to be a fighter but he's not as strong as his captors. His tongue is his sharpest weapon but it tends to do more self-harm. His aim quite frankly sucks, and his aversion to blood defeats trying to make someone bleed.
Shepherd was pulled off the streets at a young age and trained to be the muscle and gunman for a really bad man. He's seen and done things over the years that make him question his value as a human being. But he's becoming tired of being the monster.
Shepherd enjoys Killian's snark and wit. He feels seen. And he's suddenly willing to risk everything to save Killian. It's hard to escape when the bad guys own and control half the city, though!
Good concept (some DARK content), great execution. Strong cast all around. Bear added some fun. A couple small plot twists. HEA.
Enjoyable read, hard to put down!
Killian's the victim of mental and physical abuse as well as psychological manipulation.
He finally plans his escape only to be kidnapped off the street by an enemy of his lifelong tormentor.
He's beaten, degraded, and his life is repeatedly threatened.
Through it all, he wants to be a fighter but he's not as strong as his captors. His tongue is his sharpest weapon but it tends to do more self-harm. His aim quite frankly sucks, and his aversion to blood defeats trying to make someone bleed.
Shepherd was pulled off the streets at a young age and trained to be the muscle and gunman for a really bad man. He's seen and done things over the years that make him question his value as a human being. But he's becoming tired of being the monster.
Shepherd enjoys Killian's snark and wit. He feels seen. And he's suddenly willing to risk everything to save Killian. It's hard to escape when the bad guys own and control half the city, though!
Good concept (some DARK content), great execution. Strong cast all around. Bear added some fun. A couple small plot twists. HEA.
Enjoyable read, hard to put down!
June 23, 2020
3 1/2 stars
I enjoyed reading Just My Luck, the action kicks off right from the start and the author once again mixes humour in well with all of the action. Killian and Shepherd both have darker pasts, and their secrets are slowly revealed throughout the story. Waiting for the secrets to be revealed kept me wondering as to what was going to happen next for these 2 characters.
Told completely from Killian's POV, I liked these 2 characters and their slow burn relationship development but didn't quite love them as much as some of this author's other couples. They didn't quite give me the same level of feels as Leland/Jackson (Hitman's Guide) or Finn/Marcus (VRC). Still a good read, just in the like territory rather than love.
I enjoyed reading Just My Luck, the action kicks off right from the start and the author once again mixes humour in well with all of the action. Killian and Shepherd both have darker pasts, and their secrets are slowly revealed throughout the story. Waiting for the secrets to be revealed kept me wondering as to what was going to happen next for these 2 characters.
Told completely from Killian's POV, I liked these 2 characters and their slow burn relationship development but didn't quite love them as much as some of this author's other couples. They didn't quite give me the same level of feels as Leland/Jackson (Hitman's Guide) or Finn/Marcus (VRC). Still a good read, just in the like territory rather than love.
June 16, 2020
This is another huge five star read from Alice. I loved Shepherd and Killian. I love both guys for different reasons.
As we learn more about the guys and their past with such awful families my heart just hurt for them. Those you should have full support and love from we’re just downright horrendous to them.
Both men are such survivors with so much love that they deserve and so happy they found it in each other. This story is funny, sad, adventure for survival, and love found.
Alice sent us on one adventure of lies, survival, secrets kept, and more.
I highly recommend this book as I do with all of Alices books as I loved it. I loved their HEA and I feel like I’m going to be begging for more of these guys and one specific guy.
As we learn more about the guys and their past with such awful families my heart just hurt for them. Those you should have full support and love from we’re just downright horrendous to them.
Both men are such survivors with so much love that they deserve and so happy they found it in each other. This story is funny, sad, adventure for survival, and love found.
Alice sent us on one adventure of lies, survival, secrets kept, and more.
I highly recommend this book as I do with all of Alices books as I loved it. I loved their HEA and I feel like I’m going to be begging for more of these guys and one specific guy.
July 25, 2022
A lot more action filled than Alice's other stand alones, but just as enjoyable as the action series. I liked it a lot.
June 15, 2020
Was this a good book? Yes. A snarky kidnapee on the run with one of the bad guys enforcers? Of course it was good.
Alice Winters is one of my favorite authors. She never fails to make me laugh with her books. She's always putting opposite characters together and making it work well.
That being said, this book was a little different. I don't feel this book was up to par with her others. It was funny, yes, but it got to the point where I had to skim through the back-and-forth between Killian and Shepherd. There were a few other things that left me feeling like this book could've been better, but i don't want to ruin the book for anyone. Like I said, it was a good book, but could've been better.
Alice Winters is one of my favorite authors. She never fails to make me laugh with her books. She's always putting opposite characters together and making it work well.
That being said, this book was a little different. I don't feel this book was up to par with her others. It was funny, yes, but it got to the point where I had to skim through the back-and-forth between Killian and Shepherd. There were a few other things that left me feeling like this book could've been better, but i don't want to ruin the book for anyone. Like I said, it was a good book, but could've been better.
June 15, 2020
Poor Killian, the story starts off with him being kidnapped by a drug dealer, gun runner, human trafficking POS. It appears that his daughter disappeared and Killian's POS father who is chief of police, hasn't opened a case in looking for her. Apparently there is a personal war going on between these two. What Tony doesn't know is that William could really care less about his son and no matter how much he tortures him, it's not going to move William. Shepard is on of Tony's bodyguards and is a cold-hearted killer. Tony got him off the streets at the age of 14 after his mother's boyfriend kicked him out. What he went through to survive was so heartbreaking. Shepard thinks that Killian is a spoiled rich kid, little does he know that Killian has lived a life of hell in his father's home. We have a story of Killian trying to get away from Tony, Shepard finally helping Killian and them going on the run trying to stay one step ahead of both Tony & William. We also finally see the walls that Shepard has up slowly start to fall and we see that there is a man that just wants to be loved and treated with care. Killian also just wants to be loved. There are secrets that both men are keeping from each other and their fear that if the other finds out, they feel that the other is going to walk away. This was a little darker then Ms. Winters prior books but no less snarky. I loved both of these guys and really enjoyed this book.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
June 16, 2020
Good banter, but...
Great banter as always, but it was kinda all banter and the story came second. I was honestly kind of bored at 20% and skipped around a bit before forcing myself to buckle down and read it through. By 80% i mostly just wanted it to be over. I didnt think i could get tired of alice winters signature banter but this was kind of... Eck.
Shepard and marcus are basically the same person except one is a vampire. And killian is like a slightly toned down felix. I was not blown away like usual. Honestly i wanted to give this far fewer stars. There was no real creativity here. It kind of felt like these were lines and situations that she just wasnt able to add to the VRC series.
Not alice winters best work by far. Reading through everything shes done you can really see the difference in older stuff vs newer stuff. People like the banter between MCs and now thats all we get. Still love her, but i probably wont pre-order her anymore.
Great banter as always, but it was kinda all banter and the story came second. I was honestly kind of bored at 20% and skipped around a bit before forcing myself to buckle down and read it through. By 80% i mostly just wanted it to be over. I didnt think i could get tired of alice winters signature banter but this was kind of... Eck.
Shepard and marcus are basically the same person except one is a vampire. And killian is like a slightly toned down felix. I was not blown away like usual. Honestly i wanted to give this far fewer stars. There was no real creativity here. It kind of felt like these were lines and situations that she just wasnt able to add to the VRC series.
Not alice winters best work by far. Reading through everything shes done you can really see the difference in older stuff vs newer stuff. People like the banter between MCs and now thats all we get. Still love her, but i probably wont pre-order her anymore.
June 17, 2020
Hmmm....I wasn't sure how to rate this book. For once the snarky bantering between the protagonists wasn't a turn off for me as in other books by Alice Winters--I think it's because Killian is only 20 years old, so it was appropriate for his age to be immature and it wasn't too over the top. I also appreciated the fact that Killian and Shepherd didn't immediately tumble into bed because that would have felt like he was experiencing Stockholm syndrome. (Infact, nothing sexual happened until much later in the book and there's a reason for that). There were times where I had to suspend my disbelief or roll my eyes with all the "info-dumping"....but I couldn't stop reading because I had to see what was going to happen next. It's a page turner and the bad guys are definitely slimey characters!
June 26, 2020
This was a fabulous read. A perfect mix of story, character and humour.
Killian is the son of the chief of police. Kidnapped by the local villain. But things are not as clean cut as you’d imagine.
The villain, Tony is looking for his missing daughter. He’s taken Killian in a last ditch effort to get his dad to open a missing persons case. But nothing and no one is quite as they seem.
This is a super slow burn told from Killian’s POV. And I throughly enjoyed it.
I can’t finish this review without mentioning the fabulous Bear.
June 22, 2020
I love it.
It was cute and funny.
It was cute and funny.
June 12, 2020
There are a lot of things I like about this book. Unlike most people, I get really sick of the first person dual points of view prevalent in the romance genre. I understand why people love it, but I have always preferred the omniscient third person style of narrative because it is soooooo much easier to follow. Barring that, at least give me a first person single POV! And that is what Ms. Winters has done with this book. The entire book is told from Killian's point of view, and while that may be the reason I didn't feel the chemistry between the two main characters until well after the 60% mark, it was still a welcome change from the usual. I also enjoyed the buddies on the run vibe I was getting from the book, and the writing was good as usual.
I didn't feel the chemistry as much with this couple, and the book is very much a slow burn with very low heat scenes when we do finally get there. High heat has never been in this author's lexicon anyway, so readers will probably not be surprised by that. I think that I could have stood the story losing about 20,000 words in the middle as nothing much happened between the characters or with driving the plot forward, and it all began to feel like that dreadful camping section from the seventh Harry Potter book (if you haven't read it, they are on the run and camping for like half the book before anything happens, and the section could have easily been cut down to a quarter of the length without losing anything).
Overall I did enjoy the book even though it did drag through some sections. This book feels more like the Alice Winters who wrote the Seeking Asylum series than the Hitman's Guide series, if that matters to you. Both series have their merits, but obviously certain audiences will enjoy one or the other more. There's a lot more emotion in this one and less goofy happenings and joking around, and it's a bit darker and less comedic than the bulk of Ms. Winters' work. This book stands alone and can be read without reading anything else.
Bottom line: A solid slow-burn, slow-paced 3.5 star effort from one of my favorite authors.
I didn't feel the chemistry as much with this couple, and the book is very much a slow burn with very low heat scenes when we do finally get there. High heat has never been in this author's lexicon anyway, so readers will probably not be surprised by that. I think that I could have stood the story losing about 20,000 words in the middle as nothing much happened between the characters or with driving the plot forward, and it all began to feel like that dreadful camping section from the seventh Harry Potter book (if you haven't read it, they are on the run and camping for like half the book before anything happens, and the section could have easily been cut down to a quarter of the length without losing anything).
Overall I did enjoy the book even though it did drag through some sections. This book feels more like the Alice Winters who wrote the Seeking Asylum series than the Hitman's Guide series, if that matters to you. Both series have their merits, but obviously certain audiences will enjoy one or the other more. There's a lot more emotion in this one and less goofy happenings and joking around, and it's a bit darker and less comedic than the bulk of Ms. Winters' work. This book stands alone and can be read without reading anything else.
Bottom line: A solid slow-burn, slow-paced 3.5 star effort from one of my favorite authors.
June 16, 2020
Just My Luck is another fabulous romance by Alice Winters.
With her usual snark and banter, she has once again crafted a lovable romance that will leave you mesmerized.
Killian is taken hostage by Shepard. What follows is a hilarious series of barbs and
chatter between the two men. Dear lord, I love the banter and wise cracks.
Shepherd and Killian are amazing together. Both men are survivors with so much love to give. They deserve one another and I am so happy they found each other. The differences between the men are fantastic. One comes from a world of money and privilege, the other has been on the streets. And both are far too familiar with pain.
Their story is funny and sad. It's an adventure for survival, with a connection developing along the way. There are some good twists, witty banter and an adventure filled with love, secrets and lies. And Bear, the dog, who is just waiting to eat Killian is a spectacular addition to the fun. Omg, I love Bear!
All told from Killian's first person pov, this slow burn romance will keep you intrigued and entertained throughout. Damn, I love the way Alice tells a story. There's always a large dose of humor that lightens the danger and action, of which there is plenty. Her use of flashbacks in this tale is well done and adds tremendously to the strength of the story, as the reader slowly understands what has shaped Killian.
Just My Luck is another classic Alice Winters read. If you are a fan of her previous books, you need to read this one. If you have never read her books before, but you are a fan of snark and banter, read this now and then read her previous books. You won't be disappointed.
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With her usual snark and banter, she has once again crafted a lovable romance that will leave you mesmerized.
Killian is taken hostage by Shepard. What follows is a hilarious series of barbs and
chatter between the two men. Dear lord, I love the banter and wise cracks.
Shepherd and Killian are amazing together. Both men are survivors with so much love to give. They deserve one another and I am so happy they found each other. The differences between the men are fantastic. One comes from a world of money and privilege, the other has been on the streets. And both are far too familiar with pain.
Their story is funny and sad. It's an adventure for survival, with a connection developing along the way. There are some good twists, witty banter and an adventure filled with love, secrets and lies. And Bear, the dog, who is just waiting to eat Killian is a spectacular addition to the fun. Omg, I love Bear!
All told from Killian's first person pov, this slow burn romance will keep you intrigued and entertained throughout. Damn, I love the way Alice tells a story. There's always a large dose of humor that lightens the danger and action, of which there is plenty. Her use of flashbacks in this tale is well done and adds tremendously to the strength of the story, as the reader slowly understands what has shaped Killian.
Just My Luck is another classic Alice Winters read. If you are a fan of her previous books, you need to read this one. If you have never read her books before, but you are a fan of snark and banter, read this now and then read her previous books. You won't be disappointed.
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