Go Luck Yourself Summary, Characters and Themes | Sara Raasch

Go Luck Yourself by Sara Raasch is a contemporary, emotionally charged narrative that centers around Kris, a member of the Claus family who is struggling to reconcile his complicated feelings for his family, his romantic entanglement with Iris, and his tangled relationship with Lochlann, the heir to St.  Patrick’s Day.

Set in a world of magical legacies and familial obligations, the book explores themes of self-identity, love, and personal growth.  As Kris navigates the pressures of his family’s expectations, the emotional turmoil from unresolved past relationships, and the tension-filled interactions with Lochlann, he must confront his own vulnerabilities and desires while trying to find his place in both his personal life and the magical world he is expected to maintain.

Summary

Kristopher, a member of the Claus family responsible for the magic of Christmas, is struggling with unresolved emotional turmoil.  Two months ago, he confessed his feelings to Iris, only to realize he wasn’t actually in love with her.

Since then, their relationship has been awkward, filled with tension as Kris tries to navigate his feelings while grappling with the expectations placed on him by his family.  Kris’ sense of self-worth is closely tied to his family’s approval, particularly with his brother Coal now taking a more dominant role in managing their family legacy.

Kris feels increasingly sidelined, unsure of where he fits within his family’s structure.

The narrative begins with Kris humorously recounting his morning mishaps, including tripping at the gym and spilling mocha on himself, setting the tone for the lightheartedness that contrasts with the deeper emotional struggles Kris faces.  His interaction with Iris is awkward, and he can’t help but wonder if there is any hope of rebuilding their friendship.

While Kris still carries feelings of affection for her, he knows they are not romantic, but more about an idealized version of love that never truly existed.

As Kris walks through the library, wrestling with his thoughts, he gets a text from Iris about her sister’s wedding being delayed once again, which gives him some relief.  This small event is a moment of calm amidst the ongoing emotional rollercoaster Kris is navigating.

His thoughts then turn to his brother Coal, who is now taking over the responsibilities of their family’s magical duties.  Kris is conflicted, feeling both affection and resentment for his brother’s new role, as it leaves him feeling increasingly disconnected from the legacy he was once a part of.

In the midst of this emotional chaos, Kris is thrust into a confrontation with a student who turns out to be part of the royal family of St.  Patrick’s Day, marking the beginning of a series of complex interactions with this family and their magical powers.

The student, with his connections to St.  Patrick’s Day’s royal family, introduces a political element to Kris’ family dynamics, hinting at deeper issues within the magical world.

Kristopher is then sent to Ireland to apologize to Lochlann, the heir to St.  Patrick’s Day, for a prank that went awry.

Their relationship is filled with tension, as Lochlann taunts Kris at every turn, mocking him for his hangover and making him apologize in front of the press.  Despite their antagonistic interactions, there are moments where they connect on a deeper level.

Kris, although frustrated and bitter, finds himself drawn to Lochlann in ways he doesn’t fully understand.  This internal conflict is heightened by Kris’ hangover, which makes everything feel more overwhelming.

During a family dinner, the tension between the two grows, but there is a strange shift in their dynamic when Lochlann, typically confident and sharp-tongued, takes Kris to see his art studio.  Lochlann reveals a painting he’s been working on, one that reveals a more vulnerable side to him.

This unexpected moment allows Kris to see Lochlann in a different light, as the usual mocking and bravado give way to sincerity.  Despite this, Kris is unsure of Lochlann’s true intentions and continues to feel the weight of their complicated history.

The following morning, Kris faces the aftermath of his interactions with Lochlann, with his mother’s text adding to his growing anxiety.  Lochlann’s taunts continue, but there is a simmering attraction between them that Kris cannot ignore.

However, as Kris tries to make sense of his feelings, he also uncovers disturbing information about his family’s involvement in stealing joy from other holidays, including St.  Patrick’s Day.

This revelation adds a new layer of complexity to Kris’ already strained relationship with his family, especially with Lochlann, whom he begins to suspect may be complicit in these actions.

Kris’ internal struggle deepens as he navigates his feelings for Lochlann, the complexity of their interactions, and his growing realization that his own happiness must come from within, not from fulfilling others’ expectations.  This internal conflict is magnified by his strained relationship with his mother, whose emotional manipulation has left lasting scars on Kris.

When she demands he attend her vow renewal ceremony, Kris has a panic attack, but Lochlann steps in to help him manage the emotional fallout.

Despite the confusion and hurt caused by Lochlann’s actions, Kris begins to see that Lochlann may genuinely care for him.  Their relationship becomes increasingly complicated, as they both struggle with their feelings for each other and the baggage they carry from their families and past actions.

The tension between them reaches a climax when Kris confronts Lochlann about the truth of their connection, uncovering a deep emotional bond despite the betrayals and misunderstandings.

The story reaches a turning point as Kris realizes that he needs to stop seeking approval from others, including his family, and instead focus on understanding his own desires and emotions.  His relationship with Lochlann, though fraught with complications, becomes a symbol of his journey toward self-acceptance and growth.

By the end of the story, Kris acknowledges that he doesn’t need to be perfect or live up to anyone’s standards to find happiness.  He begins to understand that embracing his true self is the key to finding peace and happiness, both in his relationship with Lochlann and in his personal life.

The emotional journey concludes with Kris deciding to prioritize his own happiness, shedding the need to fulfill others’ expectations and embracing the messiness of life and love.  While his relationship with Lochlann remains complex, Kris begins to carve out a space for his own identity, no longer relying on others’ definitions of success or happiness.

The story is ultimately about growth, forgiveness, and choosing to live authentically, despite the challenges that come with navigating complicated relationships and magical legacies.

Characters

Kris

Kris, the protagonist of Go Luck Yourself, is a deeply conflicted character struggling with self-identity, guilt, and complex emotional baggage.  From the outset, he is grappling with the aftermath of a failed romance with Iris, which leads to his self-reflection about love and relationships.

Kris is burdened by a sense of inadequacy, particularly in his relationship with his family.  His strained bond with his brother, Coal, reveals his deep-seated fear of being overshadowed and forgotten in the legacy of the Claus family, which has traditionally held the power of Christmas magic.

This familial pressure compounds Kris’s feelings of being lost, unable to live up to the expectations placed upon him.

However, Kris’s emotional turmoil reaches its peak as he navigates his complicated feelings for Loch.  He feels both drawn to and betrayed by Loch, and this conflict shapes his self-perception, leaving him unsure whether his feelings are genuine or the result of emotional manipulation.

His self-deprecating humor and sarcastic remarks are a defense mechanism, masking a vulnerability that runs deep within him.  Throughout the narrative, Kris embarks on a journey of self-discovery, learning that he must prioritize his happiness and stop living for others’ expectations.

This realization comes slowly, as Kris begins to confront his past mistakes, his mother’s abandonment, and his inability to protect his own desires.  By the end of the story, Kris is on the path to accepting his imperfections, understanding that it’s okay to be a “mess” and that his worth is not tied to the approval of others.

His relationship with Loch becomes a vehicle for this personal growth, where Kris learns to embrace vulnerability, self-respect, and his own agency.

Loch

Loch is a complex and enigmatic character, whose loyalty to his family and internal guilt create a compelling push-and-pull dynamic with Kris.  He is introduced as the heir to St.

Patrick’s Day, and while his exterior is often marked by sarcasm and bravado, his true self is revealed gradually through moments of vulnerability.  Loch’s relationship with Kris is marked by a sharp contrast between animosity and attraction, as they share sarcastic banter but also moments of unexpected tenderness.

His interactions with Kris often oscillate between playful taunting and genuine care, creating a confusing yet magnetic dynamic between them.

Loch’s emotional journey is equally fraught, as he grapples with his own internal conflicts.  His guilt over his actions—particularly his involvement in a scheme with his uncle Malachy to steal magic—weighs heavily on him.

This conflict is compounded by his growing feelings for Kris, which make him question his loyalty to his family and his own moral compass.  While his actions often seem self-serving or manipulative, Loch’s deep affection for Kris is undeniable.

This emotional duality is further explored through his art, where he uses painting as an outlet to express his love for Kris, conveying not just his feelings but the complexities of their relationship.  Despite his fears of losing Kris, Loch’s vulnerability allows for moments of deep emotional connection, though his struggles with self-doubt and guilt create a tumultuous journey for both of them.

Ultimately, Loch’s character arc is one of growth, as he confronts the contradictions within himself and the consequences of his actions.  His relationship with Kris becomes a space for both healing and conflict, where he learns to balance his loyalty to his family with his desire for an authentic connection.

In the end, Loch’s transformation is as much about reconciling his past mistakes as it is about embracing the possibility of a genuine, vulnerable relationship with Kris.

Coal

Coal, Kris’s older brother, plays a crucial role in Kris’s emotional journey, acting as a voice of reason and guidance.  He represents the stability and responsibility that Kris struggles to embrace, particularly in the context of their family’s legacy.

As Kris’s emotional turmoil intensifies, Coal offers a perspective that helps Kris begin to confront his own internal struggles.  He encourages Kris to pursue his own happiness rather than sacrificing his desires to meet others’ expectations.

Coal’s insight into Kris’s situation is a catalyst for Kris’s self-discovery, as he challenges him to reconnect with his own passions and desires.

Although Coal’s presence is primarily supportive, his own role within the family dynamics—especially as he steps into a leadership role for the Claus family—reveals the pressure he too faces.  Coal is not without his own struggles, but his ability to offer Kris the space and encouragement to grow marks a significant point in Kris’s journey toward self-acceptance.

Coal’s influence helps Kris realize that he does not need to carry the weight of others’ expectations, but instead can create a life based on his own choices and happiness.

Iris

Iris is a key figure in Kris’s emotional past, representing the love that never truly materialized.  Her relationship with Kris is defined by its awkwardness and unfulfilled potential.

Two months prior to the events of the book, Kris confessed his feelings to Iris, only to realize that he was not truly in love with her.  This awkward revelation leaves both characters in an uncomfortable limbo, with Kris questioning his attachment to her.

Despite the emotional complexity, Iris’s role in Kris’s life is essential to his understanding of what love is and isn’t.  Her rejection serves as a catalyst for Kris’s self-reflection, leading him to recognize that his feelings for her were more about the idea of romance than a genuine emotional connection.

As the story progresses, Kris wrestles with whether their bond can survive, and although their relationship remains unresolved, Iris serves as a mirror for Kris’s growth and shifting perspective on love.

Themes

Self-Identity and Personal Growth

Kris’ journey in Go Luck Yourself is deeply entwined with his struggle to define his own identity.  Initially, Kris lives his life according to the expectations placed on him by his family and society, particularly in relation to the Claus family legacy and the pressure to uphold Christmas magic.

This pressure creates an internal conflict that leaves Kris feeling adrift and disconnected.  His relationship with his mother, characterized by emotional manipulation, exacerbates his sense of inadequacy, leading him to believe that by meeting others’ expectations, he can fix his broken life.

As the narrative unfolds, Kris begins to realize that he has been sacrificing his own desires for the sake of others, abandoning his passions, such as writing, to conform to familial duties.  His brother Coal plays a pivotal role in helping Kris confront this pattern, encouraging him to reclaim his happiness by rediscovering what he loves and making decisions based on his own desires rather than external pressures.

This realization marks a significant turning point in Kris’ emotional growth, as he starts to understand that he doesn’t need to live up to anyone’s version of success, but instead needs to embrace who he truly is.  This theme of self-discovery highlights the importance of personal choice and the power of self-care in the face of societal and familial expectations.

Guilt, Regret, and Emotional Baggage

Kris is burdened by an overwhelming sense of guilt and regret, particularly in relation to his past with his family and his complicated feelings toward Loch.  The unresolved emotional turmoil stemming from his relationship with Iris, his strained family dynamics, and the harsh judgments he’s imposed on himself all contribute to his inner conflict.

Kris constantly feels like he is a “mess,” as Loch describes him, and struggles with the idea that if he could just fix himself or meet the expectations placed on him, he could finally find peace.  The kiss with Loch serves as a symbolic representation of Kris’ emotional turmoil, as he questions whether it was a genuine connection or just an impulsive mistake driven by stress and alcohol.

His internal struggle is further complicated by his family’s expectations, particularly his mother’s emotional manipulation, which sends Kris into a panic attack.  These emotional scars are not easily healed, and Kris must work through his guilt and self-doubt to come to terms with his past and his worth.

This theme is explored with depth, showing how unresolved emotional baggage can weigh heavily on an individual and hinder their ability to form healthy relationships and live authentically.

Love and Emotional Complexity

The evolving relationship between Kris and Loch is the emotional core of Go Luck Yourself, and it is defined by both passion and emotional complexity.  Their connection is charged with an intense push-pull dynamic, where moments of genuine affection are mixed with antagonism, mistrust, and manipulation.

Kris is drawn to Loch despite their rough interactions, and the emotional complexity of their relationship grows as they share vulnerable moments and confront their past mistakes.  The chemistry between them is undeniable, but it is clear that both characters are emotionally scarred and hesitant to fully embrace their feelings for one another.

Loch, particularly, is torn between his loyalty to his family and his love for Kris, which creates tension as he tries to navigate his conflicting emotions.  This dynamic is further complicated by the realization that Loch, alongside his manipulative uncle, has used Kris as part of a scheme to steal magic, leading Kris to feel betrayed.

Despite these revelations, the underlying pull between them persists, highlighting the complexity of love when combined with guilt, trust issues, and emotional baggage.  Ultimately, their relationship becomes a reflection of Kris’ larger emotional journey, where love is not just about passion but about working through pain, forgiveness, and vulnerability to build something real.

Manipulation and Betrayal

The theme of manipulation and betrayal runs throughout the narrative, with Kris and Loch both grappling with the ways in which they have been manipulated by others.  Kris’ relationship with his family, particularly his mother, is marked by emotional manipulation, leaving him feeling constantly unsure of his own worth.

Similarly, Loch’s involvement in the scheme to steal magic with his uncle Malachy places a shadow over their connection, as Kris feels used and betrayed by someone he has grown to care for.  This sense of betrayal complicates their already tense relationship, as Kris must confront the fact that the person he has been drawn to may not be entirely trustworthy.

However, as the story progresses, it becomes clear that Loch’s actions, though flawed, are not entirely driven by selfishness; he is also struggling with his own guilt and conflicting emotions.  This theme underscores the idea that manipulation and betrayal, though painful, are not always black and white.

Both Kris and Loch must confront their past mistakes and the ways in which they have allowed themselves to be manipulated, ultimately learning to trust each other and build a more honest, albeit imperfect, relationship.

Family Dynamics and Legacy

Kris’ relationship with his family, particularly his brother Coal, is another central theme in Go Luck Yourself.  Throughout the story, Kris struggles to find his place within his family’s complex legacy, especially within the context of their magical responsibilities.

Coal, who steps into a leadership role in the family, represents both a source of support and a reminder of Kris’ own sense of inadequacy.  Kris feels sidelined and disconnected from his family’s legacy, and this creates an internal struggle as he tries to reconcile his sense of duty to his family with his personal desires.

Coal, on the other hand, serves as a grounding force, offering Kris a perspective that helps him understand that he doesn’t have to live up to his family’s expectations to find fulfillment.  The tension between Kris’ sense of duty and his desire for personal freedom is a reflection of larger themes of familial pressure and the expectations placed on individuals within family structures.

This theme highlights the difficulty of navigating family dynamics, especially when personal aspirations conflict with the legacy one is expected to uphold.

Trust and Vulnerability

As Kris and Loch’s relationship deepens, the theme of trust and vulnerability becomes increasingly prominent.  Despite the tension and animosity that defines much of their interactions, both characters are forced to expose their vulnerabilities as they face the emotional turmoil of their past mistakes and their feelings for each other.

Kris, in particular, learns to let go of his walls and embrace vulnerability, a process that is not easy for him given his history of emotional manipulation.  Loch, too, shows his vulnerability, especially in moments where he shares his art with Kris, allowing him to see a different, more sensitive side.

These moments of emotional openness are essential to the evolution of their relationship, as they move beyond the surface-level antagonism and begin to build a more authentic connection.  Trust is not easily won, but through shared vulnerability, both Kris and Loch begin to understand each other on a deeper level, paving the way for potential healing and growth in their relationship.