Review: Getting Lucky Number Seven by Cindi Madsen (Taking Shots #1)


I want what I want. I know I shouldn't, but I do. I didn't want to screw up our friendship, but the constant wondering what it'd be like to cross that line had ruined my focus, not only when we were together, but every day. Even hockey didn't shut it out anymore.


Don't you love it when you're about to review the second book in a series and you just happen to have the first book sitting prettily in your tablet, just waiting for you to come to your senses and make time to read it? The main reason I wanted to read and review Anatomy of a Player was because doing so would give me the push to read the Taking Shots series starter, Getting Lucky Number Seven, which I one-clicked when it went on sale last year. So, not only did I find out why book one was getting rave reviews, I also discovered how great book two was! But, this review will be focused on Getting Lucky Number Seven and may I just say that if you haven't read it yet, don't be like me and wait longer than is considered sane and acceptable and read it sooner rather than later. Cindi Madsen is my latest author worth keeping an eye on.

Lyla Wilder and Beckett Davenport are the unlikeliest of best friends. She's a chemistry major who shies away from most social interactions that require her to do more than nod her head while feigning deep interest; he's a hockey player who could charm the panties off any girl who crosses his path. From the time these two are assigned as lab partners, they've reached a comfort level that other friends have had to work harder for over several years. When Lyla decides it's time for an overall makeover, she seeks Beck's assistance and guidance, hoping that he'll be able to help with her transformation from awkward college freshman to confident woman ready to conquer college life. Changes are made, including the way Beck sees his brainy best friend. But can best friends who become lovers really keep things casual and platonic?

I adored Lyla and Beck and their off-beat friends to lovers tale. On paper, a geeky, boho-dressing girl and a jock who doesn't believe in love or relationships don't really fit, but these two do and in such seamless fashion. They don't need to try hard when they're together, and while there is that awkwardness that creeps in when their attention toward one another becomes something other purely friendly, it doesn't last long because their friendship is simply that strong. Lyla may seem like a walking disaster of sorts, but I think she simply had to discover who she really is and to find that happy medium between the studious chemistry scholar and the adventurous girl who falls in love with her best friend. There's nothing contrived about her and she's refreshingly real, making it way too easy for readers to fall in love with her.

We can't forget Beck, because he may be the superstar hockey player for his college team with the makings of a future NHL career, but that's not all that he's about. He's dealing with certain heavy burdens that involve his family and what may be in store for him in the years to come. He doesn't share much of himself and even Lyla, initially, doesn't know certain pertinent facts about him, but watching Beck open up more and trust Lyla with his life story wasn't just proof of their relationship maturing but Beck allowing someone to help carry the weight on his shoulders. Gah! I loved these two--both as friends and as much more. Not only did their friendship evolve, but so did they as young adults trying to make sense of who they are and what they want in life. Getting Lucky Number Seven is a swoon-worthy read. Five-plus stars! ♥

Date Read: 25 January 2016

Learn more about Cindi Madsen.

Purchase Getting Lucky Number Seven on Amazon | B&N | Kobo.

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