The details…
- Title: Lucky in Lace
- Author: Melissa Brayden
- Publisher: Bold Strokes Books
- Publication date: March 14, 2023
- Available formats: ebook, paperback, audiobook
- Ebook file size: 1218 KB
- Print length: 317 pages
- Audio length:11 hours, 2 minutes
- Audio narrator: Lula Larkin
- Genre: romance
- Themes: women loving women romance, turning a new leaf, making amends, redemption, starting over, returning home, rebuilding family relationships, building small businesses, community
- Tropes: friends-to-lovers
The blurb from the publisher…
Juliette Jennings lives her life like a tightly laced corset—not that she’d ever wear one. As a business owner of a stationery store, structure is her favorite. But when her best friend and her ex fall head over heels for each other, everything unravels and leaves her exposed. Even worse, a scandalous lingerie shop has moved in next door, and its tantalizing window displays will drive away her conservative customers. If only the owner would turn off the charm, Juliette is sure she could stop imagining her in nothing but the shop’s lacy best sellers.
Peyton Lane loves a clean slate. In fact, she desperately needs one after a series of bad choices. She also likes sexy things, and uptight Juliette next door would be a fun bow to untie. But when Peyton’s feelings enter new territory, she realizes the world might be scarier than she’d planned. Juliette has Peyton longing for forever on one hand and lacing up her running shoes with the other.
What’re a structured stationery store owner and a sexy lingerie peddler to do?
My thoughts…
Melissa Brayden’s romances are like warm, fresh-baked Toll House cookies. Always enjoyable and tasty, these romances can be counted on to brighten the day. When I picked up Lucky in Lace, her twenty-third full-length novel, I knew it would be yummy, and it was.
This warm romance centers its narrative around strong themes: character redemption, community, and family relationships. Peyton Lane, its main character, has made some terrible choices in her youth, ones that resulted in four years of jail time. Upon her release, she’s forced to confront her past and start over. Her road to redemption involves returning to her hometown, the very place where she went astray and disappointed many. Once in Landonville, she busts onto the scene and opens a lingerie store. (Yes, the pun is intended.) Predictably, her presence makes quite a stir. This isn’t Brayden’s usual tale-telling track, but it’s a nice surprise. I like how she handles Peyton’s journey to atonement. It’s heartfelt and tender.
Juliette Jennngs plays the part of Peyton’s friend turned lover in this cozy romance. Though a bit quirky, she presents as an endearing persona, one that readers find hard to resist. As her arc progresses, her personality morphs into something that is quite fun to be around. It’s particularly appealing, and I quite enjoyed watching her come into her own as the storyline evolved. In fact, she turns out to be a real touchstone, not just for Peyton, but Brayden’s storytelling as well. She is a memorable heroine, hitting her marks effectively every time.
Final remarks…
The subject matter of this romance (incarceration and redemption) may make it seem like this is a heavy romance, but it is not. Lucky in Lace is as its title suggests; it’s fun and flirty. Though there are some low moments for Peyton, the overall storytelling remains light and relaxed. Brayden focuses on the things that her readers have come to love about her writing–quick-witted, smart dialogue between likable, fun characters. This is a pleasant read; no doubt wlw romance lovers will enjoy it.
Strengths…
- Great dialogue
- Likable characters
- Warm, sweet romance
- Entertaining read
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A bit about the author…
Melissa Brayden is a multi-award-winning romance author, embracing the full-time writer’s life in San Antonio, Texas, and enjoying every minute of it.
Melissa is married and working really hard at remembering to do the dishes. For personal enjoyment, she spends time with her Jack Russell terriers and checks out the NYC theater scene as often as possible. She considers herself a reluctant patron of spin class, but would much rather be sipping merlot and staring off into space. Bring her coffee, wine, or doughnuts and you’ll have a friend for life. Interested in knowing more? Click on the links below.
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