No Such Thing as Luck

A North and South Variation

By: Nicole Clarkston

Narrated by: Ana Clements

Length: 14 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

John Thornton is facing the collapse of everything he has worked for all of his life. Through his banker, he hears about a potential business opportunity that could save the mill. He decides to investigate, even if it means traveling from home when he can least afford it.

Margaret Hale, now living in London, learns that her godfather Mr. Bell is visiting her brother Frederick in Cadiz. Bell is dying, and asking to see her before it is too late. She is determined to sail, regardless of the risk.

An accident on the docks leaves Margaret injured, and throws both together on the same ship. Thornton, resolved to protect Margaret's honor despite their painful history, claims to be her brother to keep her safe. Unfortunately, pretending to be Margaret's brother proves more difficult - and more dangerous - than he might have expected.

©2015 Terri Clark (P)2016 Terri Clark

Loved it!

I really loved this historical romance! Very well written with great characters, an interesting story and fantastic narration! I highly recommend this one to anyone who enjoys historical fiction!

** A copy of this audio book was provided in exchange for an honest review**

A Spicy Spanish Adventure

What did you love best about No Such Thing as Luck?

With a voyage, an accident, an exotic location, a villain, a fist-fight, a wedding, a death, a fugitive, the threat of execution, and plenty of steamy make-out sessions, NSTAL makes a fine plot for a blockbuster film. I loved that Margaret and John rediscover each other in locations foreign to them. It's adventurous with a dash of danger. I loved the flamboyant villain, Jiro. Jiro’s machinations only prove John to be the the brave and selfless knight in shining armour we know he can be, and who doesn’t swoon at that? We’re also introduced to some new characters on the voyage, and we meet Frederick and his family in Spain. Plus, there's plenty of John and Margaret makeout sessions!

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

There can be too much of a good thing though. For me there was a bit too much kissing too early in the story. Part of the fun is the angst, so I would have preferred a slower burn.There’s also a bit too much plot. There's a lot of action, which can actually be a great thing for most readers, but I’m old-school so I prefer to explore a character's inner world a bit more.

What does Ana Clements bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Ana Clements is an accent wizard, seamlessly transitioning from Northern to Southern, Spanish to French. She brought the right touch of tenderness and heat to John and Margaret's more intimate moments. I found her tone and rhythm relaxing. She definitely gets a thumbs up from me.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes, I laughed at several places. But if you've read Nicole's books, that's to be expected. :)

Slow and Steady

I got this ARC via audiobook boom. This is a long story but steady in the way it is delivered. The narrator is perfect for the story and brings out the emotions throughout. I have not read or listened to North and South so have no point of reference. This story was very well developed and the interactions between Margaret and John were befitting of the time that they lived. I loved John's chivalry and the way that he cared for Margaret and her reputation. Although he loved her he was careful to ensure that she was seen at all times as a lady.I loved the interaction between John and his mother as well. This was a good story and ended well.

I enjoy the book

good story not great and has no
depth everything happens within two long weeks John and Margaret love relationship were pretty good but I like John's mother and her interaction with little Johnny the narrator I like some of her voices but not John she makes him sound slow and unsure of himself and why she takes long pause between chapters didn't do a good job

Excellent Listen!!!

What did you love best about No Such Thing as Luck?

I really enjoyed listening to this book. I haven't listened to many Victorian Romances (mid 1800's) but found this one to pull me in. I thought the story was very well written and the imagery was fantastic.

Who was your favorite character and why?

John Thornton and Margaret Hale were both favorites of mine. I loved Thornton for how chivalrous and honorable he was. He was willing to sacrifice so much.

What does Ana Clements bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Ana Clements was able to perform so many characters with distinguishable voices and accents.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I loved the ending when Margaret met Mrs. Thornton

Any additional comments?

I was provided with this review copy audiobook at my request and voluntarily wrote this review. On a side note regarding the production of this book, I thought the breaks between chapters was too long of a pause. The first few times I even checked my device to see if it was still on. The long break does not reflect on the author or narrator, but it was annoying. I did not let it detract from the story.

John Thornton won my heart

I listened to the audio book and this story is a must read or listen to. John Thornton, who is travelling to Spain to save his mill, runs into Miss Hale who is also travelling to the same location. She is injured and travelling alone, so Mr. Thornton travels as her brother. We get to know John's mother , Hannah more thoroughly as well as Frederick (Margaret's brother) and his wife. I fell in love with the honorable, honest, strong John Thornton more than ever during this story. It was so well put together. I recommend this to anyone who loves Darcy, yes Darcy, as he is a Darcy in a later age. The narrator Ana Clements did a phenomenal job bringing the characters to life and brought out the nuances of the story with such skill. I highly recommend the audiobook and highly recommend this story to lovers of JAFF and Darcy.

Very enjoyable!

Good plot, nicely read thoroughly enjoyable! Nicole Clarkson developed the personalities of Margareth and John quite well.

Sweet story, though it went on a bit too long...

No Such Thing as Luck by Nicole Clarkston is the story of Margaret Hale and John Thornton. Miss Hale is injured while about to set sail alone on a large ship. Mr. Thornton, with whom she had previous dealings with (and feelings for) is also aboard and once he realizes that she is traveling alone, takes it upon himself to act as her brother to ensure her safety while keeping her reputation intact. They get found out and without giving away spoilers, this is their story.

I have to say, I really enjoyed the book in the beginning. Now, this is a longer novel at a little over 14 hours. I only listened to about 8.5 hours of the story before giving up. I was just bored. Obviously, you can see that I am in the minority by the other reviews here, but this book just wasn't for me. The characters were likable, but I just think that for such a long story that it didn't progress fast enough for me.

Ana Clements did a very good job narrating this tale. Her reading accent fit perfectly with the time setting that the story took place in. Her diction was great and she brought life to the characters. I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher for an honest review.

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love the story and how the characters have spunk

this is one of my favorite variations on north and south. characters are true to the original, keeping their spunk and fire. very believable situations and its fun to see a softer side of john Thornton when he finally gets his girl :)

Entertaining story

I really annoyed this story. I’ve read this author’s other 2 north & south variations and this was by far the most believable and entertaining. More stuff happens vs the author filling the story with wordy passages. The narrator was good, just a bit slow and monotone at some times.