Lucky Genes - Book Review

Readers, take note: “Lucky Genes” by Claudia J. Severin is far from your typical lighthearted summer beach read, despite its contemporary and inviting cover design. This novel dives deep into the classic theme of “star-crossed lovers,” but does so with a fresh twist, offering standout characters who feel vividly real, a romance that is as sharp and witty as it is heartfelt, and plenty of suspenseful twists to keep you on edge. With its clever storytelling and unexpected surprises, “Lucky Genes” is a compelling read that balances humor, drama, and intrigue in equal measure. Cheyenne Townsend, a self-made free spirit with a fierce independent streak, has fought hard to break free from the grip of her dysfunctional family. Determined to live life on her own terms, she has sworn off the idea of being tied down by a man, instead focusing on carving out her own path. The fiery young woman has risen from working as a lay carpenter and jack-of-all-trades to establishing herself as a respected building inspector, a role she’s earned through grit and determination. However, while trying to leave her troubled past behind, she’s found herself the target of an unwanted and dangerous stalker.

On the other side of the spectrum is Archer Schulz, a straight-laced and tightly wound lawyer carefully searching for a respectable partner through dating apps. His life is one of structure and precision, a sharp contrast to Cheyenne’s free-spirited and chaotic approach to life. When their paths cross, their personalities clash in a whirlwind of fiery encounters and undeniable chemistry. Despite their differences, they crash headfirst into a complicated and unpredictable relationship that neither of them saw coming.

Cheyenne’s first instinct is to run—to escape her stalker once again and protect Archer from the danger that follows her. But Archer finds himself unable to walk away from the mystery that is Cheyenne, the enigma of what he believes could be his perfect mate. As their connection deepens, romance and suspense intertwine, driven by unresolved consequences from their pasts that refuse to stay buried. Do opposites truly attract, or are the differences between them too great to overcome? And, in the face of danger and uncertainty, can love and courage prove strong enough to defy the odds stacked against them?

Readers will find "Lucky Genes" to be an excellent choice for reading club discussions, particularly given its intriguing plot that involves the complexities of DNA testing. Genetics serves as a controversial and timely contemporary topic, woven into the narrative as a compelling subplot for this ingenious story of mismatched lovers. Lucky Genes is book three in the Romancing Our Roots series, following The Love Genes and Lost Genes.