This book had us up all night reading; we could not put it down. It was compelling, tragic, addictive, thrilling and sensual. Tiffany Reisz truly has a way with words that are uniquely hers. You are never unsure of just who’s book you’re reading when you pick one hers up. It was intense, humorous, sarcastic, devastating and full of heart and soul.

This was my first book that I have read from Tiffany Reisz and it sounded so interesting from the synopsis! The premise of this book was unqiue, engaging and filled with twists and turns. The book had a tone of mystery that followed the writing til the end. I don't think this book is for everyone as it isn't a traditional romantic suspense. But it was enjoyable because I had no idea what direction the novel was going to take!

This was a DNF for me. The story had an interesting plot, I assumed it was going to be great. Then I started reading, and well, the start was so messed up for me that I had a bad feeling I won't even enjoy this story. So I went back to read what other people thought of it, and while most said they loved it, I had an ominous feeling when the ones I shared tastes with didn't. I kept on trying to get past this eerie feeling, but I genuinely didn't like Allison as a character. I am not one to judge, but 19-year-olds sleeping with their employers and willingly foregoing their entire lives to become their mistresses just wasn't my cup of tea. At all. Even if the book started with the asshole ending things. The more I read on-which let me tell you was not easy to stomach- the more I disliked everything and just had to stop.

I received this book as an ARC a few years ago and I read it way back when. However, I was busy with my first year of teaching and it was one of several books that were left without a review.  As I tried to return to reviewing, I found that while I had a pretty good idea of the plot and how things turned out, I just didn't feel comfortable leaving a review without rereading the book.

Which is why I reread it last week.

First off, can I just say that I really like having some variety from Tiffany Reisz? These standalone novels offer an experience that is still intriguing but not as focused on the erotica as her series is.  Don't get me wrong, I'm a fan of all of her books, but I'm really digging her ability to have range in her writing.  It helps me to recommend her as an author to a wider audience.

Allison is struggling to figure out her next steps in life.  For the past six years, she's been a "kept woman" (her words, not mine) to a wealthy business man, and now it's all over.  She has a degree in English, but a six year unemployment gap is something hard to explain to potential employers. Besides, can you really decide what to do for the rest of your life in five minutes?

As it so happens... you can.  A package arrives the same day from a former foster brother and Allison finds herself wandering down a path of self-discovery.  However, the path is tainted by the mystery of what truly happened to her on that fateful day when she fell down the stairs, and was then retrieved by her biological aunt.

If I had to choose one thing that I enjoyed the most about this novel, it would have to be the author's ability to weave together past memories into present events.  While I was intrigued to discover what happened to uncover what happened to Allison, I was still invested in her reconnecting with her former foster siblings and trying to find her own way to the truth.  I also thoroughly enjoyed the overall context of the "secret" of the Dragon House.  I think the author chose a very interesting topic to use as a plot device and I found it to be interesting.

If you already love Tiffany Reisz's books, you'll love this novel. Just beware that it's a lot tamer than her erotica series.  However, if you've never had the pleasure of reading one of her books, I think this is a wonderful introductory novel for you to try. It has a mystery, intrigue, romance, and humor.  The characters are realistic and relatable, and the plot moves along quickly.  This is definitely one of my must reads. I've enjoyed it every time I've read it.

Thank you so much for the opportunity to review this book and to be an early reader via NetGalley! However, I will not be writing a review for this title at this time, as my reading preferences have since changed somewhat. In the event that I decide to review the book in the future, I will make sure to purchase a copy for myself or borrow it from a library. Once again, thank you so much for providing me with early access to this title. I truly appreciate it. Please feel free to contact me with any follow-up questions or concerns.

I can't say that I wasn't warned, because this book is categorized as romance, however, the cover and the description give this book a mystery feel. I would have liked this book without the romantic storyline. Either Roland is your "brother" or he's not. Both of them calling dad "Dad" mid-sexual relationship was just... a lot. Dad thought his foster daughter would be a good match for his murderous, brain-damaged, surgically altered son?

Confusion.

The final reveal (who made the call, who pushed her down the stairs) was lackluster in my opinion. It was the only reason that I kept reading and I got to the end and was rather underwhelmed. I also had a difficult time reconciling my feelings about the Dr. He was basically playing God. When everyone's said and crying about him, moments after he tried to kill Allison.

I felt this book wasn't well-executed. The relationships and emotions for a man who did great harm don't make sense

While I did enjoy the mystery surrounding the Capello family and the events that took place at The Dragon, I didn’t love The Lucky Ones. It might not have been missing taboo elements that Tiffany Reisz seems to bring to all of her books, but this particular taboo element did nothing for me.

If the whole Flowers in the Attic angle does it for you, you might like The Lucky Ones more than I did. It’s not my thing and I think I would’ve liked this book more without the reveal towards the end of the book.

On that note, Ms. Reisz gives good mystery and I’d certainly read another mystery/thriller by her.

Fantastic! Why did I wait so long to read it. So well written, so unexpectedly addictive. I really enjoyed it.

The lucky ones by Tiffany reisz

This was a really good dark and creepy book. I have read other books by this author but this was one of my favorites. Allison had a tough childhood and was brought to live with Dr. Capello in his huge “dragon house” on the beach with his other kids. An incident occurred and Allison is removed from the home. Several years later she is back and seeking closure and answers. The story centers around the “siblings”, Roland, Deacon, Thora and I have to say Deacon was the breakout character of this book! I liked the other characters but Deacon was the much needed comedic relief and he always left me smiling!

As I read the story I had a theory but when the secrets and twists had been revealed I was off, way off! I didn’t see that coming at all! Reisz was able to keep me in suspense while I read and I loved the way the story unfolded before my eyes. I’m still in shock over the revelations and still trying to process what is right and what is wrong. This story really makes you stop and think if the person’s motives are really that bad. I can kind of see their reasoning. Not sure what that says about me..... I really liked the way the story ended. It seemed fitting for everything the characters have gone through in this book. I’m happy the Reisz didn’t make it out to be all sunshine and rainbows in the end.

I have become a huge fan of Reisz over the past year or so, and this book cemented my love for her writing. I'm looking forward to reading anything she puts out next.

This book wasn't what I thought it was going to be. Based on the cover, I thought this would be scary, or spooky, with a touch of the supernatural. But it wasn't anything like that. Creepy, but in an icky, not haunting, sort of way.

The story is about a very dysfunctional family. A single man takes in a a bunch of foster children and they live in a big house and consider themselves very lucky, hence the title, but really, there's something strange going on.

The main character had been one of the foster children, then something bad happened and she was sent away. Years later, she hears from her foster brother and returns because their foster dad is dying. This is when the secrets begin to emerge.

This story didn't really work for me. There's a big buildup to the secret, and then it's all revealed and I felt the people involved accepted what happened a bit too easily. Also, the romance in it felt very off and awkward and inappropriate.

While the story held my interest, for the most part, in the end I felt a bit disappointed with it.

I received a copy of this via NetGalley.

Don't give me a Tiffany Reisz book when I have other things I need to finish. I could not put this book down! Interesting characters and well developed plot. I like how it is interwoven with other books she has written but yet you don't need to read those books to enjoy this one (although I suggest you seek them out!). Highly recommend!!

If you are looking for a fantastical, gothic, novel then you’ve come to the right place. It wasn’t for me though.

Sorry for not sharing feedback here earlier...I shared my review everywhere else. In fact, this book was my Cherry on Top pick for the month of Feb because it is only awesome and amazing and disturbing in all the right Tiffany Reisz ways!

They call themselves "the lucky ones," but you may have an entirely different opinion of that once you finish this book. If nothing else, I think we may all agree that if they are the lucky ones, it is for entirely different reasons than it first appears. Filled with questions, suspense, and suspicion, The Lucky Ones will take you on a ride that you never saw coming, one that will keep you hooked, and on the edge of your seat until the very end.

One thing I absolutely love about Tiffany Reisz is that she is so versatile. No two works of hers are alike, none are predictable, and they certainly aren't simple. To say that I went into this book with a preconceived notion of what this story was all about and was blown away, taken aback, and completely surprised once the truth finally came out, is an understatement. While it seems we are being told a run-of-the-mill, albeit captivating, story about family and reunion, the further in you get, you just can't shake the feeling that there is so much more to the story, making you doubt each character in every possible situation and question everything.

Cute and witty and much more innocent, at least erotically so, than much of her previous work, I must admit it is perfect for this story and refreshing even. While erotica is definitely Tiffany Reisz's forte, with the right amount of connection, the right chemistry between characters, and the depth of story, as seen in this book, fade to black is perfectly acceptable, if not preferred, so that the story, and the importance of it, takes center stage over the explicit bedroom behavior.

Not quite romance, but with plenty of romantic elements as well as love in all its different forms and manifestations. Not quite thriller, but with plenty of mystery and suspense. Not quite what we are used to from this author, but with plenty of the signature style that we have come to adore. Not quite what I expected, but a whole lot more intriguing, exciting, and thought provoking than anticipated.

A story fraught with secrets, lies, compulsion, and questionable activities. The Lucky Ones is a book that lingers; it is sure to stay with you long after the last page. It is a book that enthralls; trying to make sense of this one will keep you glued to the pages. It is a book full of surprises; expect the unexpected and just sit back and enjoy the ride.

*complimentary copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review

Tiffany Reisz has yet to disappoint me. I know that not all her books are the same as her sinners series but have to say that I have yet to come across a book she has written that I am not pulled into.
This one was so absolutely amazing. It sucked me and left me looking up things that she wrote about because I wanted to know more about what she wrote about.
I will read pretty much anything that she puts out. I look forward to what is next.

Strong start but it fell off a bit for me. I really had high hopes from the very start. I think they story was interesting and surprising and at times a tad off putting. I didn't love the heroine and that is something that is often hard for me to get over. All in all it was a good enough read.

"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."

Even more Gothicy goodness!

Tiffany Reisz delivers a chilling mystery which centers on the seven children who were taken in by a philanthropist doctor after being abandoned. They were called “the lucky ones,” as they’d found a home in an idyllic mansion off the Oregon coast, cared for by brain surgeon Dr. Vincent Capello.

Allison Lamarque was the youngest of the bunch when she arrived at The Dragon—the home’s nickname. There, she found a family, a place to belong. It was wonderful and magical until the day she was pushed down the stairs and almost died.

After that, she was whisked away to live with her aunt. Thirteen years later, she receives a letter from her older “brother” informing her Dr. Capello is terminally ill and that she ought to go home.

Despite lingering fear and doubts, Allison returns home to say goodbye to her ailing father and finally face the ghosts of the past.

Once there, Allison rekindles old feelings and unearths truths she was never meant to know… about her family, about Dr. Capello, and about what really happened the day she almost died.

The story really felt like a slowly unravelling mystery. Secrets are revealed gradually with the story’s pacing punctuated by an unfolding romance. There’s a chilling, gothic undertone to the narrative, but I think I needed something more, something to help speed up the pace along the way… to make the twist feel more impactful. Overall, despite my issues, it’s a solid read, especially for romantic suspense fans.

This was a hard one to read. I love Tiffany Reisz's writing and this was no different but...it was so gothic and dark that I just couldn't get into it. The style just wasn't for me. I appreciate the author going into new styles but I will need to pay more attention to the blurb and what she is doing before I pick up future books of hers.