[Portia’s Review]: Lucky Leap Day by Ann Marie Walker

Friends becoming something much more in this hilarious romantic comedy from author Ann Marie Walker. A whirlwind trip to Ireland is supposed to end with a suitcase full of wool sweaters and souvenir pint glasses—not a husband you only just met!

After one-too-many whiskeys, fledgling screenwriter Cara Kennedy takes a page out of someone else’s script when she gets caught up in the Irish tradition of women proposing on Leap Day. She thought she might have dreamt everything, until she wakes the next morning with a hot guy in her bed and a tin foil ring on her finger. Her flight is in four hours, her clothes are all over the room, and she has the most important meeting of her career in exactly two days—and on top of everything else, her husband has a dog who thinks Cara is a perfect surrogate mother, despite the fact that she has never been much of an animal lover…

Deciding to work things out stateside, Finn and her new fur baby accompany her to LA, where Finn spends his days going on auditions and his nights charming his new bride, leaving Cara to wonder whether this is real love, or if Finn is another aspiring actor just after her Hollywood connections? With limited time on his tourist visa, will Finn be able to convince Cara that she’s the right girl for him, or will time run out on their Hollywood ending?

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

My first two thoughts when I was considering this book:

1. I really hate these new cartoonish covers for romance books.
2. This sounds so freaking adorable.

And it was just that: adorable.

We follow Cara, who decided to go ahead and go on a trip to Ireland that was supposed to include her now ex-boyfriend. Since this is a romance novel, of course she meets a *chef’s kiss* of an Irishman. And in a drunken, impulsive moment, she takes advantage of the old leap day tradition of the woman proposing to the man.

For me, this was just an easy read. Pretty predictable, but funny and sweet nonetheless. There are some great characters, cute banter, and Finn is swoon worthy.

My only problem… well not really a problem, just a thought…. there is not much that made this stand out among the mass amounts of rom-coms out right now. Cute? Yep. Sweet? For sure. But thats all I find that I have to say when describing this book. It’s not a bad thing by any means! This was my second read of 2022 and it hit just the spot I needed it too, helped move along a reading slump. It’s perfect for the right mood.

For those of you that look for your rom coms to be sexy or smutty: this is not it. I wouldn’t call this book sexy or steamy on any level. Again, not a bad thing! I don’t need every page of my romance novels drowning with sexual content. But if that is what you are looking for from a romance novel, this is much more low key when it comes to sex.

I am left with one question though…. when deciding to travel, and spend money, and constantly want to pay for everything, Finn always had money. At home, he worked like 3 jobs. There is no way those small 3 jobs (uber driver, museum tour guide, and local band member) gave him these endless funds. I kept expecting to learn more about him, or his background and maybe find out how he has all this money, but no! Where did it all come from?! It’s just something I couldn’t stop asking. That’s how my brain works.

Lastly, there is an epilogue that comes from an unexpected perspective, only adding the the adorableness of this book! Definitely worth checking out if you are looking for a light romance that’s easy to read.

Portia

Hi, I’m Portia! I’ve been an obsessive reader and pop culture addict my entire life, with a particular passion for horror and thrillers. I love being a part of the book community and can regularly be found working various book events. I’m an admin here at Ideally Inspired Reviews!

When I am not binge reading or obsessing over true crime podcasts and shows, I am a bar manager by night and a mom and wife by day. If I find any time after that, I love to travel, spend time outdoors, and fit as much live music into my life as possible. You can find me on Instagram @Ideally.Portia or TikTok @itsportiabitch.