Book Review: Bad Luck Charm
From Chaos to Charm: Why Bad Luck Charm Cast Its Spell on Me
Small-town chaos, swoony romance, and a mystery that kept me guessing — I was hooked!
Why I Finally Picked Up Bad Luck Charm
I’d had Bad Luck Charm in my TBR for months, but I kept putting it off. Then the gorgeous cover popped up on an Audible sale, and I couldn’t resist. I mean, it’s spooky season! And I had just finished the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas and needed something lighter before diving into my next fantasy read.
I went in expecting a fun, small-town rom-com with quirky characters. What I got? That and so much more — including a plot twist that left my jaw on the floor.
What Bad Luck Charm Is All About (No Spoilers!)
Gwendolyn has been visiting Salem every summer since she was a ten to visit her aunt. But when she inherits the aunt’s occult shop she drops everything to help the store flourish. The last thing she expects is to be swept up in chaos, romance, and a mystery that could result in her death. Enter Graham— a grumpy, guarded local who has been on Gwendolyn’s mind since her first visit to Salem.
As Gwendolyn finds her footing in her new home, sparks fly between her and Graham, even as strange events around town keep everyone on edge. Their chemistry is undeniable, but so is the growing tension as secrets start to unravel.
This isn’t just a romance — it’s a mix of love, friendship, humor, and intrigue, set against the enchanting backdrop of Salem.
Julie Johnson’s Enchanted Me
Julie Johnson’s Salem setting is pure magic. From the bustling town squares to the whispers of old magic in the air, it gave me cozy vibes that made me want to book a trip there immediately. I’m beginning to see a pattern of reading a book and suddenly wanting to go to the east coast.
The descriptions were so vivid that I could practically hear the cobblestone streets echoing underfoot and smell the warm spices drifting from local cafes. It made Gwendolyn’s comfort with the town make sense even before learning her backstory.
The characters felt real. I could totally see them existing as real people and I absolutely wanted to hang out with most of them. I felt protective of Gwendolyn whenever she would run into trouble or get sassed out by her elderly neighbor. I was rooting for Graham and could feel his annoyance in every molecule of my body, which of course made me love him more. I guess my red flag is that I root for the jerk to get the girl. I blame 90’s media. But don’t let his icy shell fool you! There is more to him than just arrogance.
The Romance: Graham + Gwendolyn = Perfection
Graham and Gwendolyn’s dynamic is everything I love in a romance: initial contempt for each other, fiery tension, boat tons of teasing, and a slow-burn payoff that feels so satisfying. Their personalities clash in the best way possible, creating moments that are equal parts funny and sweet.
Watching their relationship unfold had me grinning and occasionally rolling my eyes at the book when one of them said something ridiculous. I love a good romance story but I still cringe whenever the characters call each other “Baby.” There was a lot of “Baby” in this book but despite that, I couldn’t get enough of them.
Could it be said that Graham has the typical alpha male persona? Yes. Do I enjoy this persona in real life? No. But I love it in book series. Something about that touch-her-and-die attitude always makes me kick my feet happily. Perhaps this is another red flag, but I simply do not care. Especially not when I found myself on his side more often than not. Sometimes Gwendolyn really did need to just listen to Graham.
The Mystery That Kept Me Guessing
While the book didn’t spend as much time on the mystery as I would’ve liked, it did an amazing job of weaving it into the story in a believable way that added a layer of suspense that kept me turning the pages, hunting for clues like a wannabe detective. I had a list of suspects and of course the real culprit was nowhere on it.
This is probably the first book that really caught me off guard. Usually, I’m an expert at predicting where the plot is going and figuring out “who-dun-it”. I’ve been watching procedural detective shows since I was 7 years old, shout out to Detective Benson and Stabler. But this one completely threw me off the trail. It was a fun surprise actually being shocked by the reveal.
“There is no age at which you’ll ever have it figured out; no magic number where every missing piece falls abruptly into place. You will get older, there’s no stopping that, but there’s no guarantee you’ll ever get wiser.”
Final Thoughts: Should You Read Bad Luck Charm?
Absolutely! If you’re a fan of small-town romance with a twist of mystery and a dash of magical Salem vibes, this book needs to be on your TBR. It’s great for cozy fall reading or when you need a light escape. This is the perfect book to start October with! Trust me, snuggle up on your couch with a nice warm blanket and dive into this great read! There are also two follow up books called At Last Sight ( I’ll be reading this next so keep an eye out for a review) and Worst Laid Plans.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5 stars)
Your Turn!
Have you read Bad Luck Charm yet? Or is it sitting on your TBR waiting for the perfect fall day? Tell me what you think in the comments — and let me know if you were as shocked by the mystery reveal as I was!
