The two things that drew me to this book right away were the neuroscience aspect of the book (I'm a psychology nerd!) and the Oregon setting. As an Oregon girl, I love reading books set in my home state, especially on the beautiful Oregon Coast. The author captured the feel of the Oregon Coast perfectly! This book drew me in from the first chapter and I flew through it, ultimately staying up late to finish the book and immediately direct messaging the author on Instagram to tell her how much I LOVED this book!! If you love psychological thrillers, and especially if you love brain science like me, you will LOVE this book! After reading the book I did research a few things to find out they were true about the brain, which made her book and how everything connected together in the story THAT much more awesome--the home being called The Dragon, for example, and how that connected throughout the story. For more information, make sure to read the author's note at the end where she talks about her sources.

I immediately connected with Allison as a character and wanted to know her story. It was one of those books where I knew something was up and things weren't as they seem but I had no idea what was going on. By the time I got three quarters of the way through the book I could NOT put it down and had to know what happened! This is my first time reading the author's work but it certainly won't be my last!!

Well now, what to say about this book? I have no idea what I want to rate it, never mind how I’m going to put into words everything that’s buzzing through my head right now.

Maybe I should start with the easy part. The Lucky Ones is a fascinating, gripping, very well written, and captivating gothic tale. And yet, most of this story is deceptively light. There’s a constant glimmer of something sinister, but it’s barely visible. And, initially at least, any issue or contradiction is easily explained away.

The reader is very aware something isn’t quite right from the start. Allison hasn’t seen the people she considered her family for thirteen years and can’t remember any details about her last hours/days in their company. It takes a major upset in the life she’s created for herself since, combined with a distressing letter to take her back to the place and the people she hasn’t seen since she was twelve.

Both the house and those who welcome her there appear, at first glance, nothing but friendly, loving even. It was so easy to fall for Dr. Capello, Roland, and the twins. And yet, now that Allison sees her companions through adult eyes she can’t help feeling she’s missing a vital part of the story. And because whatever that story may be, appears to be connected to her departure and missing memories, Allison sets out to find out what exactly happened in the house that looks like a dragon.

I really don’t want to say a whole lot more about the story itself, about what Allison discovers once she starts digging into the past, except to say that it is, indeed, horrific, and yet….

To truly appreciate this story you need to be able to get caught up in Allison’s quest, share her revelations as she encounters them, and reach your conclusions as she reaches hers. If you’re anything like me you will be mesmerised, shocked, horrified, and asking yourself questions you’ve never asked before.

It was impossible not to get caught up in the tug of war going on in Allison’s heart and mind. Seeing her torn between horror and love, trying to figure out which was the stronger emotion was powerful. In the hands of a lesser author this set-up might have gone horribly wrong. But Tiffany Reisz managed to convey the events without ever making a moral judgement; conclusion have to be drawn by the characters, the reader. At no point does the author try to tell you what to think and feel.

There’s an art to making the sinister sound plausible, even borderline moral. I’m in awe that Tiffany Reisz managed to make me care about a character I should detest. At least, I think I should detest him.

I want to say this is a book you should try to read together with at least one other person. I find myself wanting to talk about what I’ve read, compare notes, and discover whether or not others interpreted events the way I did. If ever a book posed a moral issue or two, this is it. And, as I said before, I’m not at all sure how I feel about what I read and how the book ended.

I’m left with a few questions such as, how far would I be prepared to go to protect someone from themselves, or to protect the people I love? And also, what is ‘memory’ anyway, and can any of us trust what we think we remember?

I adore books that stretch my boundaries, take me by surprise, and make me think. The Lucky Ones sure as hell did that, and then some. I’m not sure how I feel about a book that makes me wonder whether or not there may be something wrong with my moral compass. On the other hand I’m in awe of the author for being able to make me feel compassion for a character I’m pretty sure I should hate.

On a much lighter note; what is it with Tiffany Reisz and men who take holy vows and then succumb to the lures of a beautiful woman?

Because there are plenty of light and funny moments in this book too. That’s what made the story almost deceptive. I almost missed the creepy because the characters were all, on the surface at least, very nice, charming and interesting. And Allison is the kindest of narrators. She wants to see the good in people, she looks for reasons to redeem or forgive them when they’re less than perfect.

So yeah, 1000 words later, I’m still no clearer on how I feel about this book. But since I would recommend it to anyone who likes a story that will challenge them, because I couldn’t stop reading once I started, and because I’m still thinking about the book, twenty-four hours after I finished it, I think I’ll settle on 5 stars.

Favorite Quotes:

If I wanted to judge people all day I’d either be a priest or get a Facebook account…

Allison looked into his eyes. He didn’t have bedroom eyes, not like McQueen did. Roland had hallway eyes—labyrinthine hallways made of marble and lit by torches resting in iron sconces. She could wander those shadowy hallways forever and never once feel lost.

He buys his Catholic guilt in bulk at Costco…

You know what they say…ours is not to wonder why. Ours is but to drink bourbon and rye.

There aren’t a lot of them around. True psychopaths make up about two percent of the population. In prison it’s more like… fifty percent. In politics, maybe ninety percent.


My Review:

I don’t believe I know enough lofty adjectives or adverbs to fully extol the brilliance and craft of this spellbinding tale. I was consumed, enthralled, engrossed and embedded in this riveting tale from beginning to end. I was intrigued and beguiled by all the characters while also fearful I was going to learn something truly awful about them, which I did, but I still loved them anyway. The story was ingeniously crafted, cunningly paced, and loaded with all manner of itchy and twisty elements that squeezed my heart, set my brain on fire, and put a series of hot rocks in my throat. Tiffany Reisz is an evil genius and a clever wordsmith. I covet her mad skills and am wild with greed to amass and read every single thing she has and will ever write.

One of the things I enjoyed about Tiffany Reisz's The Night Mark was the sense of atmosphere. I really felt like I was there with those characters. Reisz repeats that strong sense here, transporting you into a gothic, seaside mansion in Oregon.

Allison narrates this tale, and when we meet her, she's just been dumped by her older lover. It isn't the first time she has felt abandoned by someone she cared about (loved, even). Allison's need to connect with someone is part of what prompts her to return to that Oregon mansion where she lived for several years as a child. Reisz shows you this continued motivation for Allison: she is a girl who has no one, and she's tired of that. Dr. Capello is dying, and this is Allison's chance to say goodbye.

The central mystery also focuses on Allison: what caused her to fall down a flight of stairs when she was twelve, an event that prompted her departure? As she reconnects with three of the now-grown kids she lived with fifteen years ago, she is able to somewht reclaim the memories she lost in the fall. As she does, she realizes that the mystery goes much deeper than she thought.

As Allison recalls and remembers, she thinks about those years she lived with Dr. Capello and his adopted children, the years she was a lucky one. Can you reclaim luck? Or, once lost, does it stay lost forever? The other question Reisz asks is whether our perception of luck changes the more we know about what might cause that luck. Is it possible that what seemed so fortunate is, in fact, far darker?

I really enjoyed this book. I liked Allison quite a lot, and I cheered for her. I loved how she handled herself, both with a lover who breaks up with her and with her former "family." She may not always know what happened to her, but she does know who she is.

Combined rating was 3.5 stars.

What made you pick up The Lucky Ones?

Angie Elle: In a roundabout way, it was Shanna that made me pick up the book. She told me a long time ago she didn’t think the Original Sinners (one of her favorite series of all time,) was for me. Could there be a bigger challenge? I, of course, immediately read the first book on the down low. And I loved it. It threw me down the Tiffany Reisz rabbit hole, and the rest, as they say, is history. Also, the word ‘gothic’ kept being thrown around with this book, and I love books with that spooky feel.

Shanna: Did I really say that? I think i tell everyone that so I could keep Søren, Kings and Nora all to myself. But how the tables have turned because it was Angie who told me about this book. And Yes for me seeing the name of the author was enough for me to read the blurb, and one I did I was ready to pick it up and devour.

What did you think of Allison’s relationship with McQueen?

Angie Elle: From a reader standpoint, I was able to romanticize it and love it. There was really something about McQueen that I liked from the get-go anyway. But it’s not a place I’d ever want to be. Not for six years.

Shanna: Yeah I didn’t like it at all, he just seemed to me to be so entitled and out right privileged I had real issues with the whole thing, but about halfway through the book, I realized that he was an important part of Allison’s life, and that was what allowed me to be able to deal with him.

Angie Elle: I saw it as an arrangement that suited them both. Everything was consensual, and if she didn’t like it, Allison could have left at any time. And I think, like you said, we saw more of him as the book went on, and it was clear he genuinely cared about Allison. But I will say, the flower deliver at the end threw me for a bit. I think it was a bit overboard to put that in the book.

What was your impression of The Dragon House?

Angie Elle: I thought the idea of how Dragon House became The Dragon House was interesting and quirky. But the more I got to know, the creepier the house became. You could just tell there were some terrible things that took place behind those doors.

Shanna: I was scared of the house from the time the name was revealed. How could good things be happening inside a dragon? It just gave the impression that there was something very strange happening. That said the imagery that was affiliated with the house was beautiful, and I did like that part.

How did you feel about the poetry woven throughout the book?

Angie Elle: To be honest, I am not a fan of poetry. It reminds me too much of forced reading in school, and I was more the gal who had a paperback hidden in her textbook reading while poetry was being read around me. But I do like the idea of why Allison felt the need to memorize poetry. It broke my heart.

Shanna: Yeah the reason why she was memorizing was heartbreaking. But though I am not a big fan of poetry, I really like how TR was able to weave classical poetry into this story. I think that having these little bits of other books that have made an impression on an author is wonderful.

Did you feel the pacing of this book was consistent?

Angie Elle: Oh my word. The pacing of this book, and the way the plot was written kept me glued to the pages. I kept thinking ‘just one more chapter, just one more chapter.’ I found the plot relentless until the very end, and I couldn’t put the book down.

I do want to mention, though, that I think there were times the banter went on for too long. I found this with the last series I read by this author, too, and I feel like it takes a bit away from the conciseness of the story-telling. It’s almost like she just can’t resist putting it in there. I think there could have been a heavier hand editing wise.

Shanna: Yeah I was glued as well, I just couldn’t put down the book. Every chapter was deliberately written to make you want to read just one more, and so much was being said and at the same time not said. It was really good for this book.

What did you think of Roland?

Angie Elle: I really liked Roland. There was a genuineness to him I appreciated, and it made me sad to think he was spending his life trying to atone for something.

Shanna: I fell so hard for Roland from the get go, the fact that he had blamed himself for Alison leaving was just so heartbreaking, and all those years later the fact that he was still willing to try to get her to come back, it was sweet in so many ways. My biggest issue with him was the secrets that he was holding, that was the only thing, but I think by the end of the book all was forgiven.

What did you think of the rest of the constants of Dragon House – Deacon, Thora, and Dr. Capello?

Angie Elle: You know, throughout the entire story, the dynamic in the house was just odd. It seemed people were just a bit too comfortable with each other, and the jokes sometimes went a bit too far. But I thought it fit the story.

Shanna: For me I liked the balance in the house. I will say that there was something so relaxing and cool about Deacon, I thought we could definitely be friends maybe something more :::wink wink::: Thora felt like I just didn’t really get to know her even at the end I had some questions about her still, she was just not there as much. And Dr. Capello, he was the biggest surprise for me, I won’t say why but I will say that he was the most memorable of the characters for me.

Angie Elle: I didn’t realize until you mentioned it, but I agree. The book closed with Thora being as much a mystery as she was when we first met her.

How did you feel about the ending of this story?

Angie Elle: I thought the ending of this story was pretty tame, but I think that’s how it needed to be. There were so many shocking moments throughout this book that I think the ending made it more even-keeled. And I like the way closure for the kids of Dragon House came about in a gentle way.

Shanna: I have to say I agree. Although everything came at me in the rapidfire succession, I thought the end was kind. It was good to all The Lucky Ones. (That final scene brought tears to my eyes for sure.)

“Sometimes you slay a dragon. Sometimes you cut off its head and three more grow in its place.”

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.

‘Too many secrets in this house. So many they were starting to feel like…Lies.’

When Tiffany Reisz writes a character, by the end of the book you feel as if you know them. You go on a personal journey with them. The depth and complexity of the characters is second to none. The weight of friendship and love in her stories is remarkable; the characters make her stories what they are: wonderful and unique with an individual sense of tragedy and realism. She always touches upon issues that spark numerous debates yet she does so with care, attention and sensitivity.

‘…in those ten seconds, Allison felt completely and utterly and unconditionally loved and accepted and home. Her home. Her family.’

This story is told by twenty-five year old Allison and it begins with a breakup from the –quite frankly- delectable Cooper McQueen the naughty cad. On a side note, we are hoping Tiffany Reisz will write his story because attractive rogue alert! We immediately recognised Allison; she’s a wonderfully typical Tiffany Reisz heroine; what with her sense of humour, her vulnerability, her inner strength and her bright sensibility. Her story begins when she’s handed a letter from her past which sets her on a life changing journey of a much needed but devastating discovery and supressed revelations. Love was snatched away from her at a young age; is a journey back to where it all began going to give her a second chance or will it horrify and haunt her forever?

“I dreamed you’d come and find me,” she said.

“Why me?”

“Wishful thinking,” she said. “You were always my favorite.”

“Favorite sibling?”

“Favorite person. Ever. On earth. I was a little in love with you. And maybe a little in lust…”

Allison has no one to call family; until Dr Capello enters her life when she’s seven years old. Dr Capello; is a man who’s seen as a saviour of children. Not only is he a skilled neurosurgeon; he’s also fostering children who are either ‘problem children’ or have no real place to call home with loved ones. He’s one of life’s game changers for vulnerable children. When he fosters Allison she’s given an instant family through Foster Dad Vincent Capello and his foster children: Roland, Thora, Deacon, Kendra and Oliver. A family that proves to be more than what she initially thought and then she’s suddenly sent away. Secrets, lies and obsessions, the walls of The Dragon house holds them all as Allison discovers when she makes her journey back ‘home’. Do not hesitate, this is one of those books you’ll be thinking about for days after you’ve read the last page.

‘She’d known nothing but love here, nothing but kindness. But someone must have left a door open a crack and evil had snuck in when no one was looking.’

I'd not read Reisz before this book but the blurb called to me. Romance, mystery, family secrets, a doctor who took in unwanted children - so much catnip! I requested it and was delighted to be approved.

After Allison's parents died she went into foster care until a local surgeon took her home. She was happy there until one night she falls down the stairs and ends up in the hospital. Someone called her elderly aunt, claiming to be Allison, saying that someone was trying to kill her. Her aunt swoops in and takes her away. She's had no contact with the doctor or her foster siblings since then. She's made some choices that are different and her life went in a direction she never expected. The letter from her foster brother Roland about the doctor's poor health comes as her life has come to a crossroads so she drops everything and heads back to her old home.

What follows is a story of secrets, family bonds, hidden romances, good intentions gone awry, the nature versus nurture debate, and the ethics of science. The beginning of the story was draggy, with lots of exposition and laying the groundwork. I noted at 34% that the story wasn't working for me yet and I hoped it would pick up soon. Not that nothing had happened, some things moved quickly, but overall the story arc was progressing slowly. It did slowly start to pick up and really gained momentum towards the end. It's a character driven story which I usually like. It took time for me to warm up to Allison and Roland, as well as their siblings Deacon and Thora. I liked Deacon; he was irreverent, snarky, talented, self-aware, and fiercely loyal. But he wasn't a main character, and I liked him better than Roland who was. Roland was complicated.He had a rocky past, had made choices based on fear, as we sometimes do, but was compassionate, kind, and loyal. Still, he never quite clicked with me. Another main character is their foster father, Dr. Capello. He at times seemed to good to be true, almost saintly, but slowly we discover the real man, the less than saintly human being. At the end, I felt sorry for him and I hated him.

The story was creepy and atmospheric, definitely evoking classic Gothic romances, complete with secrets hidden in an attic. The pacing was uneven but the last, oh 40%, lured me in and kept me reading. I had to know the secrets, all of them. And wow, did Reisz deliver on those secrets.

"The Lucky Ones" is a twisty, evocative tale that's a little bit Gothic, a little bit horror, blended with romance, mystery, and a touch of religion. It didn't wow me, but it made me think.

Some quotes:

"I keep thinking you're going to judge me."
"If I wanted to judge people all day I'd either be a priest or get a Facebook account," Roland said. "I didn't do either."


Too many secrets in this house. So many they were starting to feel like...Lies.


But they were a family, weren't they? And she'd gotten very good at lying. It didn't even feel like lying anymore. It felt like forgiveness, leaving the past in the past. It felt like mercy. It felt like moving on...And what was one m,ore secret in this house packed to the attic with secrets? Roland had secrets. So did she. It gave them something in common. Roland might be onto something. Maybe the secrets didn't have to be a wall between them. Maybe they could be a bridge.

3.5 Stars!

Atmospheric, eerie, and darkly romantic!

The Lucky Ones is a menacing thrill ride that takes you on a journey into the life of the lonely, determined Allison as she unravels all the secrets from her past and confronts all the ghosts that still haunt her.

The prose is tight and edgy. The characters are scarred, secretive, and troubled. And the plot is an intense, suspenseful tale filled with familial drama, chemistry, mental illness, abuse, deception, adultery, forbidden love, and murder.

Overall, The Lucky Ones is a unique, sinister romance that explores the ethical and moral fine line between right and wrong. And even though it isn't my favourite book from Reisz and may not be everyone's cup of tea there is no denying she has an incredible imagination and can spin a gritty tale that intrigues, surprises, and shocks like no other.

4.5★★★★Stars


Genre: General Fiction/Mystery
Type: Standalone
POV: Third Person


"She was in danger in this house, but not from violence— unless it was the violence of her own feelings."


Allison Lamarque lost her mother at a very young age. However; her loneliness didn't last long she soon meets Dr. Vincent Capello; a well known brain surgeon who took in kids that needed special care. She will never forget all the happy memories she was able to make while in the care of Dr. Capello.


"She saw it in her mind's eye. There were three kids in the picture - all three in red hoodies. One boy with dark blond hair that fell past his ears, one girl with hair so red it was almost orange and one boy with black hair straight as an arrow."



This book really caught me by surprise; I went in blinded not knowing what to expect and what I found was an incredible story so unique it had me guessing everyone's motive and every single scene. I found myself immerse in the pages and just could not put it down once I started it.



We meet such great characters in this story; Dr Capello had legally adopted three kids around same age as Allison. We meet Roland, Deacon and Thora. She became very close and attached to Roland and their friendship became more to her than she expected. Ever since a bad incident Allison was left with her grandmother and never came back to the lovely home she grew up at. So many years had past that when she got a letter to return she was shocked but yet excited.


"I dreamed you'd come and find me," she said. "Why me?" "Wishful thinking," she said. "You were always my favorite." "Favorite sibling?" "Favorite person. Ever. On earth. I was a little in love with you. And maybe a little in lust..."



So many things happened when Allison returns to the house that stayed only in her memories that had me going out of my mind trying to find out the secrets and the lies. I however did not expected the twisted plot; I had a feeling but I didn't guessed it so It still shocked me because I loved it so much haha. The romantic relationship between Allison and Roland was so sweet I adore him. Deacon and Thora were so cool, specially Deacon's personality had me grinning the entire time he was in a scene my cheeks hurts so much from laughing. Overall; readers looking for a different story full of mystery and suspense about family, secrets and love will find this book appealing.


"She'd known nothing but love here, nothing but kindness. But someone must have left a door open a crack and evil had snuck in when no one was looking."

Allison Lamarque had a wonderful childhood when she was fostered by a philanthropic neurosurgeon Dr. Vincent Capello. For a few years she thrived under his care with several other kids until it was all ripped away from her when she had a near death accident. Thirteen years later, everything was left behind in the past until she received a letter from her long lost foster brother.

Roland Capello used to be her closest ally. As the years passed, neither of them knew each other anymore. He had a secret and he wasn't the only one. While she reacquainted with people who were once her family she realized there were much more that were hidden in plain sight.

Roland was a nice, understanding character. His calm and collected demeanor could ease anyone around him. However, those characteristics were not standout for me. It took a while for me to feel for him but once more of his background was revealed, I can't help but love him.

Allison was a lonely woman. She craved connection but she wasn't demanding or clingy. I like her determination in finding the truth, but I also like how she wasn't pushy.

I really enjoyed the storyline. Before starting I wasn't sure what it's going to be about and I thought it was a little slow in the beginning but the mystery drew me in. What I love the most about this book is the underlying theme of moral dilemma that will induce some deep thoughts.

The Lucky Ones is a story of unraveling secrets and the consequences. It would appeal to fans of mystery with elements of romance.

Note:
I absolutely love Deacon! I love Antonio too. He captured my heart with just one scene.

I first want to thank Netgalley the author and Mira publishing for my arc of The Lucky Ones. This is not my first novel by Tiffany Reisz I have also read The Red which if you love Erotica you should pick that up as well. I finished this book in a day and that to me tells me that this is a great read. The book takes place in coastal Oregon. In a house that freakishly looks like a dragon if you look just right. A foster home to many children who needed their foster father, Dr. Capello like nobody else. Only Dr. Capello, or Dad, could tackle this crew. Allison left this home suddenly as a child and never came back, that whole event a blur in her inner psyche. She hasn't looked back on that home, that family, until she gets a letter from her foster brother asking her to come home. Their father, Dr. Capello is dying. Allison the mistress to a rich man just got dumped received a lump sum of money did what any woman would do she opens the letter and Pandora’s Box along with it and goes back home.
Roland the older brother has so many things he needs to say and so many things that need to be finished between them. What I loved about this book is the same thing toward the end is what I hated. While I understand why “Dad” adopted all seven orphans as the story unfolds O wasn’t sure if I liked him hated him or just felt sorry for him.
In starting this book, I was expecting a solid mystery and a little bit of romance in true Reisz style, and the author certainly delivered on that point, but the plot offers much more with complexity and an intricately weaved plot bringing the characters full circle. As such, Tiffany Reisz pens a masterful and provocative narrative that allows the reader to experience the highs and lows of humanity. In this novel, you will not figure it out up until the last page. I will continue to read books by this author because I am never disappointed.

I didn't know what to expect with this book! It is really hard to define, but The Lucky Ones is a suspense/mystery/romance.

When Allison receives a letter from a former foster brother informing her of her father's illness, she returns to the home they once called, "The Dragon". Thirteen years ago, something mysterious and terrible happened to Allison and she was removed from the home without memory of exactly how or what happened to her. Her memories of her time at the foster home were pleasant until she was forced to live with an elderly aunt after the "accident". Now, she's returned to the foster family she once knew and loved but now remains cautious and wary of. After all, she hasn't heard from anyone in the thirteen years since she lived there. Allison tries to get answers and regain her memory of what really happened to her all those years ago.

I was completely surprised at every turn! I can honestly say that I didn't know what to expect at all from these characters. I loved Allison and her tenacity! I even loved her and Roland together. I enjoyed the rapport she had with her other foster siblings as well. And as much as I wanted to hate McQueen, he was entirely charming -I hated it, but he definitely had his moments! Every time I thought I had the story figured out, I was completely wrong! This is one book you definitely don't want to miss! There's something for everyone in this book. If you enjoy suspense and mystery - this book is definitely for you! If you enjoy romance - there's a little bit of romance in it! All in all - a very enjoyable read!

Allison Lamarque is at a turning point in her adult life. At this pivotal time, she receives a letter from her foster brother after thirteen years have elapsed without any contact. While she has fond memories living with the Capello family, she also has unanswered questions about the circumstances surrounding the night that caused her life to change. Upon deciding to travel back to the Oregon coast to pay her respects to Dr. Vincent Capello, Allison must confront her emotions and many family secrets.

Being the eldest, Roland Capello took a chance on contacting Allison after all these years for the sake of his father and siblings. Harboring feelings he has tried to reconcile over time, Allison's visit brings many memories to the surface.

As Allison is determined to discover what happened the night of her accident, she uncovers information that creates more questions about the family she loved so dearly. Step by step, complications arise causing conflicting feelings about her perceptions and how to handle such destructive secrets.

From the first page, Allison's story unfolds in such a compelling manner with her situation bringing forth a range of emotion. With strong secondary characters in Dr. Capello, Roland, Deacon and Thora, the dichotomy between truth and lies is further explored leaving each to weigh heavy consequences. The moral dilemma presented is quite interesting and attaching emotion to the motivation really intrigued me, as I understood the plight of each character despite positive or negative results. While the Allison and Roland share a deep romantic connection, the suspense element really drives the story and causes Allison to evaluate how she can move forward with Roland.

In starting this book, I was expecting a solid mystery, and the author certainly delivered on that point, but the plot offers much more with complexity and an intricately weaved plot bringing the characters full circle. As such, Tiffany Reisz pens a masterful and provocative narrative that allows the reader to experience the highs and lows of humanity.

The Lucky Ones is a suspenseful story about the intricacies of family, secrets, grief and sacrifice. I highly recommend!

Review goes live on the blog on Feb 9 and will show up on Goodreads sometime later.

In a Flutter: Pretty dark and twisty fun!
Fluttering Thoughts:
Worldbuilding: The mix of Louisville, Kentucky and Oregon by the ocean mix was very nice. The Dragon house was so very cool, full of dramatic history and secrets!
Characters: Allison is easy to love. She’s and English major, book lover, reciter of poems by heart, young, lonely, and with a broken heart. How could one not love her? She has this sweetness about her while also being snarky and very guarded, and she’s also gutsy and passionate – a heady mix, no doubt. I loved seeing her reconnect with her past and get an adult perspective on things.
I also loved Rolland, Thora, Deacon and his snark was the best. And Dr. Capello was certainly a very interesting enigma. Awesome cast of characters, very nuanced and layered the more the story progressed. I did get a creepy feeling about the whole thing, and mostly Dr. Capello for some reason.
Plot: The romance arc is a teensy bit taboo, with the whole almost-adoptive-siblings romance. But it wasn’t too stepbrother romance flavored, which kept things a bit edgy but not over the top. The mystery of her childhood fall down the stairs was very engaging and her personal investigation is exciting and tense; as she uncovers secrets that seem to get darker and darker as she keeps at them.
Writing: Third person, past tense narrative, her POV. I loved her voice, because she had a great sense of humor.
Curb Appeal: Cool cover, hooking blurb – impulsive buy material for my suspenseful moods.

I recommend The Lucky Ones to fans of dark contemporary spins on the Daddy Long Legs type of stories. It has fabulous snark, engaging banter all around, dark and twisty secrets, cool and nicely developed characters, and a pretty kickass ending.

You never know what you'll get when you pick a book by Tiffany Reisz. It's never the same. She can go from kink to sweet and still mess with your head, as she's great at keeping you guessing what will happen next. This book isn't for everyone but it isn't taboo either. Not in my opinion, and the least suspecting character will get you at the end.

I still don’t 100% know what to say about The Lucky Ones. So many things happened, and I’m still on a bit of a book high from that ending. So I’ll just say this. This story is the perfect mixture of mystery, thriller, and romantic suspense. I didn’t know what to focus on until the very end... and even then I did not see what was coming. All in all a fantastic read that will have you questioning is the risk always worth the reward, and are lies sometimes better than the truth? If you enjoy romantic suspense with perfectly constructed build up, then I would check out The Lucky Ones by Tiffany Reisz on 2/13 when it releases.

When you pick up one of Reisz's books you know that you are going to get something so well written that even the taboo and almost scandalous topics inside of it are going to be made into something you understand and almost support. She has a way with settings, words and people, that you forget wrong is right and right is wrong and yet despite all that, she still pulls off a wonderfully told, wonderfully narrated story that not only makes you think but brings out all the feels along the way.

She knows how to pull out all the stops and not throw her punches and that is true in her latest novel as well. She never ceases to make me gasp, cringe, and even be horrified at what humanity and the characters she has created are capable of and in most cases, even though evil deeds are done, wrongs have been made, and mistakes are around every corner, we love her characters all the more for them.

If I said this book shocked me, I would be both lying and telling the truth. The fact is, I was expecting to be shocked and maybe even appalled by what I was about to read but I wasn't expecting to also be fascinated with the whys and hows and the what the heck did I just read feels. Truly Reisz's knows how to bring out all the emotions and which is why, she continues to excel in this genre and will forever be an auto-buy author for me.

I don't even want to go into detail about this read other than to say I loved it and fans, need to buy it, read it, devour it, you won't regret it.

First off, Tiffany Reisz is always a must on my to-read list – there is no book of hers that I wouldn’t read, and so far I haven’t been disappointed.

As usual, I won’t tell you much about the plot or what the book is about. I’m a firm believer in experiencing books without much upfront knowledge. I'll only tell you this: don’t expect a light-hearted fluffy romance. There are those elements, but there is so much more to it. Like mystery.

But I will tell you this: I love the way this story unfolds. There’s a slow build-up, and at about 25 % that nagging feeling at the back of your mind won’t go away anymore. I read this book in one sitting because I just HAD to know.

And even more so, I honestly enjoyed reading about this characters and figuring out their mysteries. It was over almost too soon. Many reviews call this a tale about a dysfunctional family.

I disagree. The family might be unconventional, but the Capello family has its own way of functioning.

And this is where the Author’s real strength comes in: weaving a tale with characters so intricate and delicate that I’m always left with the feeling that they just fit. It is how they are supposed to be, even if some view them as dysfunctional.

Yes, I’m done being cryptic. Thank you for another great read – and of these days I might even stop twitching when Tiffany Reisz mentions the Catholic church in her books.

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.

3.5 Stars

THE LUCKY ONES is the latest Mystery novel from Tiffany Reisz. “The Lucky Ones” are the seven children that were taken in by Dr. Vincent Capello to live with him at his beach house. Allison is the youngest of the bunch and although much time has passed since she has left, an unexpected letter from her stepbrother brings back the memories and mysteries of the past.

There is no doubt that this novel has a mysterious vibe to it. And although I am a love of Mysteries, I wasn’t quite sure how I felt about this novel. But let me first start with that I liked about this book. There’s no doubt that Reisz writes well. I’m especially a fan of the way she is able to create interesting characters. Not only are they intriguing, but their pasts are just as mysterious as the rest of the book. There are a lot of layers to her characters and I love see how each one comes alive through the pages. Another thing I really still love about her writing is the banter. Whether it’s dialogue between the main characters or even secondary characters, Reisz always does a great job of creating a lot of fun between them.

Now for me the problem with this book lie in the fact that I felt like the author couldn’t really decide whether she wanted this book to be a Mystery or a Romance. I know that there are plenty of books that combine the two successfully, but this one had some rough patches. I do think the mystery aspect is interesting, but I don’t always feel like it was carried out well. I would’ve liked to see a better balance but I did enjoy the book and will continue to read Reisz’s stories.