Plot Summary
The Love Family Curse
Audrey Love comes from a family renowned for their matchmaking skills, yet ironically, they are cursed to never find love themselves. Her grandmother, mother, and sisters have all excelled in helping others find love, but Audrey believes she is destined to be the "kiss before true love" for others. This belief shapes her relationships, including her friendship with Rhett, whom she met in college. Despite their close bond, they remain platonic, with Audrey convinced she is a pariah to love.
Rhett's Wedding Jitters
Ten years after meeting Audrey, Rhett asks her to be his best man at his wedding to Carmilla, an actress from a wealthy family. As they travel to the wedding venue, Rhett confesses his anxiety about the wedding, feeling overwhelmed by the grandeur and the expectations. Audrey, trying to support him, jokes about eloping, but Rhett insists he loves Carmilla despite his nerves.
Bachelor Party Chaos
Audrey organizes a bachelor party for Rhett, which ends in chaos. They visit a bar where Audrey gets drunk and leads a sing-along. The night becomes a blur, and Audrey wakes up the next day with a hangover and no memory of how the night ended. She discovers Rhett is missing, and panic sets in as the wedding is only hours away.
The Mysterious Disappearance
Audrey and Theo, Carmilla's best friend and maid of honor, team up to find Rhett. They retrace their steps from the previous night, visiting the bar and a convenience store, but find no clues. Audrey fears she might have kissed Rhett, triggering her curse and causing him to flee. As the clock ticks down to the wedding, the pressure mounts.
Retracing Last Night's Steps
Audrey and Theo continue their search, visiting places they went the night before. Audrey is consumed with guilt, believing her curse has caused Rhett to run away. As they search, Theo reveals he knows more about Audrey than she realized, and their banter hints at a deeper connection.
Unexpected Confessions
In a moment of vulnerability, Audrey confesses to Theo about her curse and her fear of ruining Rhett's wedding. Theo reassures her, and they share a kiss, revealing a mutual attraction. Audrey realizes she didn't kiss Rhett after all, and her panic subsides as she begins to remember the events of the previous night.
Elopement Revelation
Audrey and Theo discover a note from Carmilla revealing that she and Rhett have eloped. The couple decided to escape the pressures of the wedding and marry on their own terms. Relieved and amused, Audrey and Theo reflect on the chaos of the day and the unexpected turn of events. As they prepare to inform the wedding guests, Audrey and Theo embrace their newfound connection.
Characters
Audrey Love
Audrey is the protagonist who believes she is cursed to be the "kiss before true love" for others. Despite her family's success in matchmaking, she struggles with her own romantic life. Her friendship with Rhett is central to her story, and her journey involves confronting her fears and misconceptions about love.
Rhett Song
Rhett is Audrey's best friend and the groom-to-be. He is charming and well-liked but struggles with commitment and the pressure of his impending wedding. His relationship with Audrey is platonic, yet deeply meaningful, and his decision to elope with Carmilla reflects his desire for authenticity in love.
Theo Luck
Theo is Carmilla's best friend and maid of honor. Initially perceived as aloof, he reveals a deeper understanding of Audrey and her fears. His connection with Audrey grows throughout the story, culminating in a shared moment of vulnerability and attraction.
Carmilla Marion
Carmilla is Rhett's fiancée, an actress from a wealthy family. She is kind and genuine, and her decision to elope with Rhett demonstrates her desire for a love that is true to herself, free from societal expectations.
Plot Devices
The Love Family Curse
The belief in a family curse that prevents the Love women from finding true love is a central plot device. It influences Audrey's actions and perceptions, driving her narrative and interactions with other characters.
Miscommunication and Assumptions
Miscommunication and assumptions play a significant role in the story, leading to comedic and dramatic moments. Audrey's belief in her curse and the resulting panic over Rhett's disappearance create tension and drive the plot forward.
Elopement Twist
The revelation that Rhett and Carmilla have eloped serves as a plot twist that resolves the central conflict. It underscores themes of authenticity and the importance of following one's heart, providing a satisfying conclusion to the story.
Analysis
"With Any Luck" delves into themes of love, self-discovery, and the impact of beliefs on personal relationships. Audrey's journey reflects the struggle to overcome self-imposed limitations and embrace vulnerability. The story challenges the notion of a "curse" by highlighting the power of choice and the importance of genuine connections. Through humor and heartfelt moments, the narrative emphasizes that love is not about perfection but about finding someone who complements and understands you. The elopement twist reinforces the idea that true love often defies expectations and societal norms, encouraging readers to trust their instincts and pursue happiness on their own terms.
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Review Summary
With Any Luck received mixed reviews, with an average rating of 3.23 out of 5. Some readers found it cute and entertaining, praising its unique premise and wedding hijinks. Others criticized the confusing plot, underdeveloped characters, and rushed romance. Many felt the novella format limited its potential. Positive reviews highlighted the chemistry between characters and the story's chaotic charm. Negative reviews pointed out inconsistencies and questionable character decisions. Overall, opinions varied widely, with some readers loving the short romance while others found it disappointing.
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