Lucky Chica: A Novel [Paperback]

Berta Platas (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 6, 2009

Rosie Caballero hates her nagging boss, her "ditch-me" dating history, her second-hand wardrobe and third-rate job--nothing is easy. She can’t even afford to pay for her dog Tootie's food.

And then, Rosie wins the largest lottery jackpot ever: 600 million. Rosie can hardly believe her new life: she spends thousands on diamonds, makeup, clothes, and promises. Rosie parties like a celebrity—and even meets the hottest actor on the planet, Brad Merritt, who sweeps her off her feet and seems too good to be true. But he’s not the only one in her dizzying world—former boyfriends, larcenous advisors, paparazzi all swarm around her, vying for her attention (and money). 

In between shopping sprees and photo shoots, Rosie has to find out who she trusts—and what money can (and just can’t) buy.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Platas's second wish fulfillment fantasy chica-lit novel (after Cinderella Lopez) follows the craziness that ensues as Cuban-American Rosie Caballeros humdrum world undergoes an extreme makeover after she wins $600 million in the lottery. Rosie shares her megabucks with her grandmother and her lovable cousin Cheeto, and begins plotting how to best spend her riches, gradually transforming her dumpy self into a smart, curvy J-Lo celebrity sort, pursued by the tabloids—much like heartthrob actor Brad Merritt, who, in a magical twist of fate, becomes her boyfriend. But Rosie's newfound status also attracts envious schemers, ex-boyfriends and the glaring media spotlight. Platas depicts Rosie and crew's gilded ascension with a giddiness that's pure escapist fun. (Jan.)
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Review

"Part-cautionary tale, part-vicarious thrill ride, part Pretty Woman-style romance, Lucky Chica is one hundred percent top-shelf, addictive entertainment."--Lynda Sandoval, author of "Party Foul," in Breaking Up Is Hard To Do

“Every lottery player knows to be careful about what they wish for.  But everyone will feel like a winner and be wishing for more of Rosie Caballero after reading Berta Platas's Lucky Chica, a totally hip, funny and touching story.”-- Caridad Piñeiro, author of South Beach Chicas Catch Their Man and NY Times Bestseller Moon Fever

"A charming tale about getting everything you want but discovering what really matters."--Mary Castillo, author of Switchcraft

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin; First Edition edition (January 6, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312341741
• ISBN-13: 978-0312341749
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,236,535 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Cuban-born, live in Atlanta, Georgia.
Studio art/journalism at Georgia State Univ. Love making period costumes, dollhouse miniatures, fine needlework, watercolors, and one-of-a-kind dolls. Sometimes all at once.
Mostly, though, I write romantic comedies and read mysteries, women's fiction, non-fiction science (especially forensics), biographies and history.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another great one for Berta Platas, January 10, 2009

By 

A. Villagomez "www.enbuscadeequilibrio.blogsp... - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Lucky Chica: A Novel (Paperback)

As expected, Berta Plata's latest novel, Lucky Chica, left me very satisfied. It is always a special treat to have a fun chica lit book for weekend relaxation. The book had a perfect mix of telanovela predictability with twists and turns. Just when I thought that I had everything figured out and was just waiting for my prediction to be confirmed, I was thrown for a loop. And I absolutely love the front cover. I also think it is fun when novels mention characters from other books and there were a couple minor appearances from the Solas twins from Cinderella Lopez. The ending left me with excitement and a chuckle!

Originally posted on my review blog: http://mrsvsreviews.blogspot.com/2009/01/lucky-chica.html

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun, Lucky, Romantic Chica Lit, January 6, 2009

By 

Rachel Kramer Bussel "Cupcakes Take the Cake ... (New York City) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Lucky Chica: A Novel (Paperback)

Lucky Chica is a fun fantasy read from start to finish. Rosie Caballero has little in her life to make her happy save for her dog Tootie, her abuela (grandmother), and her cousin Cheeto (yes, nicknamed such because he loves Cheetos). Her dead-end job is hateful but she has to tough it out...until she wins $600 million, the largest lotto jackpot ever. Overnight, her life and those of Abuela and Cheeto change, and she's caught up in a whirlwind of diamonds, paparazzi, and her Hollywood crush, movie star Brad Merritt.

As the three of them adjust to their newly gained riches, they shop til they drop, vacation in paradise, and start to discover that have MegaBucks might not be all it's cracked up to be. Berta Platas has done it again, and this chica lit novel is irresistible. If you've ever been tempted to buy a lottery ticket (or, ahem, make a habit of it), you'll love Rosie's rise from rags to riches. Of course it's all very over the top and sometimes a bit ridiculous, but that's all worth it. I don't want to give too much away, but will say that I expected Rosie to be a little more philanthropic with her riches, which she is to a degree. Then again, who can know what they'd do with riches beyond the imagination?

I particularly liked the sly quotes from the Instant Millionaire's guidebook Rosie picks up. This is a perfect book to take with you on vacation, or to simply curl up with and tear through. It's a sweet, rich romance and Rosie is a memorable heroine. Even when things got tough after she won the lotto, I couldn't feel too sorry for her, but it was clear that family and love were just as important to her as riches. Abuela was a great character too, finally getting the chance to play canasta to her heart's content.

3.0 out of 5 stars Cheesy and predictable, October 8, 2011

By 

Jackie Vogt - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lucky Chica: A Novel (Kindle Edition)

Although the main story line was interesting and had potential, it was just too ridiculous for me. I hated all the Spanish words and the whole movie star part was unbelievable. The cowboy riding up on the horse at the end to save the day was just too much for me.