*I received a free copy of The Lucky Ones from Harlequin MIRA via Netgalley. This has in no way influenced my voluntary review, which is honest and unbiased *
Warning: This book includes mature content such as: sexual content, and/or drug and/or alcohol use, and/or violence.
The Lucky Ones by Tiffany Reisz Published by Harlequin MIRA on 13 February 2018
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Format: eARC
Source: Netgalley
They called themselves “the lucky ones.” They were seven children either orphaned or abandoned by their parents and chosen by legendary philanthropist and brain surgeon Dr. Vincent Capello to live in The Dragon, his almost magical beach house on the Oregon Coast. Allison was the youngest of the lucky ones living an idyllic life with her newfound family…until the night she almost died, and was then whisked away from the house and her adopted family forever.
Now, thirteen years later, Allison receives a letter from Roland, Dr. Capello’s oldest son, warning her that their father is ill and in his final days. Allison determines she must go home again and confront the ghosts of her past. She's determined to find out what really happened that fateful night--was it an accident or, as she's always suspected, did one of her beloved family members try to kill her?
But digging into the past can reveal horrific truths, and when Allison pieces together the story of her life, she'll learns the terrible secret at the heart of the family she once loved but never really knew.
A vivid and suspenseful tale of family, grief, love—and the dark secrets that bind everything together—Tiffany Reisz’s latest is enthralling to the final page.
The Lucky Ones gave me goosebumps. Both the good kind and the even better kind… Reisz’ writing keeps getting better and better, and this incredibly well-written, character-driven story left me with all the feels.
Story:
The Lucky Ones starts with a low for Allison, as McQueen leaves her after several years of having her as his secret lover. However, on the same day, she also receives a letter. From someone she used to call her brother. Thirteen years ago. In that letter, she learns that her almost-adoptive father is fatally ill. And she decides to go back to the dragon – the house where she was happy for the first time after her mother’s death.
There is so much that is unresolved in The Lucky Ones! There are three of the children who lived in the house when Allison was there. These three were adopted by the good doctor. As soon as Allison arrives, she is inundated with memories. Some she had completely repressed. Others had been part of helping her move forward in her life. However, not all the memories she have are good.
Between the doctor and the three remaining orphans, everything is fine on the surface. But as soon as Allison starts to look a little beneath that surface, there is some ugliness. Secrets. Hidden agendas. And some taboo relationships. The Lucky Ones managed to mix family secrets, redemption, romance, mystery and a bit of suspense into a deliciously gothic package.
Characters:
Allison was a bit vapid in the beginning, however, once she started searching for the truth – all the while having strong feelings for Roland – she showed that she had a lot of inner strength.
Roland, the oldest of the children taken in by the doctor was now a monk. A beautiful, unattainable monk. He wanted Allison to come back before his father’s death, and he got his wish. One should be careful what one wishes for, though, right?
Thora was a bit aloof at first, but she was also so very happy to see Allison again. It was like a family reunion, with secrets everywhere.
Deacon switched between joking and being extremely serious. An accomplished glass artist, he made dragons of all sizes in reference to his childhood home.
Writing style :
The Lucky One is written in third person point of view, and in past tense. Allison is the character that is followed most closely, and the narration shares some of her inner thoughts. Through her eyes, the other characters take shape, and the dialogues bring them all to life.
Feels :
All the feels! I don’t know what magic Reisz has, but her stories always touch me deeply. And the whole specter of my emotions were invested in The Lucky Ones. This was the first book to end up on my ‘Fave 2018 Read’ shelf.
She’d made a terrible mistake. She realized she’d come home to find her old family and her old family didn’t live here anymore.
She’d been dumped all of three days ago. Staying here was a mistake. She knew it was a mistake. But it was an honest mistake because she honestly wanted to stay, especially now that she knew she was safe at her old home.
Want a little taboo with all your feels? Check out #TheLuckyOnes - it's deliciously secretive. Share on XReading this book contributed to these challenges:
About Linda @ (un)Conventional Bookworms
Linda is an English as foreign language teacher and has a Master's degree in English Language and Literature. She's an avid reader, blogger, compulsive one-clicker and a genre omnivore. Ever since she learnt how to read she has been seen with a book or two in her hands everywhere she goes.
Sounds great Lexxie, definitely on my must-read now. I haven’t read a book by Tiffany Reisz before and you make me feel like I’m missing out. Plus I can’t resist a book with family secrets, and dark storylines.
Oh my gosh, Trish! You are in for a treat. Tiffany Reisz is just awesome. And her taboos really make me think. I hope you’ll enjoy this as much as I did.
Yes! You have me sad that I must wait to read this one until I’ve cleared a few other review commitment books. Sounds like its just as wonderful as all her others.
Enjoyed your review, Lexxie!
Don’t be sad, Sophia. Just be happy it’s in your queue 😉
The Lucky Ones was alreay a book that I want to read but now I want it even more after your review. I’m so intrigued!!
I’m pretty happy I kept the intrigue alive, Stephanie. And I really hope you’ll be able to pick this one up soon 🙂
Twitter: ailynk
Oh Tiffany Reisz, I like her ! she’s pretty good when she’s on the roll. I guess this is on the role?
I’ve never read a book of hers I didn’t love! And she’s definitely on a roll with this one 😉
I’ve heard really good things about Tiffany Reisz, but have yet to read anything by her! This sounds so interesting. Dark and very complicated. Glad you enjoyed it, Lexxie!
If you like romances that are a bit dark, a bit taboo, with characters that are totally realistic, and excellent writing – you should pick up any of her books, Nick 😉
This sounds great!! Awesome review!
Thanks Erica 🙂
Twitter: kimbacaffeinate
We are review twins. I enjoyed this one, so creepy and twisted.
Ha! That we are, Kim 🙂
Twitter: kimbacaffeinate
I really enjoyed this. She is such a masterful and imaginative storyteller. I loved seeing it all unfold. Great review my friend!
She is excellent! I love how she manages to weave the twisted in with the sweet and just make her characters so incredibly complex!
This sounds like a great mix of elements – elements that I love! Of course, I wouldn’t expect anything less from Reisz. She’s in my queue for March, wifey! You know I adore her and it’s all thanks to you! 🙂 I’m thrilled this was such a hit for you and I’m eager to read it as well!
Any day work better for you to chat? Miss you and love you! {{{BIG HUGS}}}
I’m so happy I got you to start reading Reisz, Brandee. She’s among the few authors I actually re-read, so that’s saying something 😉
Love and {{{BIG HUGS}}}
I’ve never read anything by Reisz, but I always heard good things and this one has been on my wish list for awhile now! I’m so glad you loved it!
I really love how much you love this book! I have read The Bourbon Thief by Reisz and cannot wait to try another one of her works! I also really like the sound of all the characters having something not too likeable about them – like being a bit vapid or aloof, but then it all sounds like they all develop. Which is what I like to hear 😀
Twitter: Mlsimmons
I love Tiffany Reisz. I need to look out for an audio of this one. I can’t wait to tackle it. Great review.