The Lucky Ones by Tiffany Reisz delivered a gothic suspense with a touch of romance and a creeptastic setting along the Oregon coast. Reisz is a masterful storyteller and quickly pulled me into this unsettling tale. Suspense, mystery, lies, secrets and more await you in this addictive tale.

4.5/5!
Arc provided by HarperCollins in exchange for an honest review.
"The Lucky Ones" is a full lenght standalone Gothic novel.
Tiffany Reisz is able to combine delicate issues, grim reality, mystery and love, all the colors of love. This book makes you want to take a dip in the sea, makes you want to chop wood for the winter, make you meet an old friend from another book, makes you want to drink an excellent Bourbon, again. But, most of all, teaches you that "lies don't have to be a wall, maybe they can be a bridge."
In The Dragon house, on the Oregon Coast, lives Dr. Capello, pillar of the community, legendary philanthropist and brain surgeon, who welcomes "unlucky" children that turn into the "lucky ones". Allison is sever years old when Vincent Capello takes her home with him and she earns brothers and sisters. But one day Allison's hunt takes her away, 'cause, in that house, Allison almost died...
Thirteen years after, Roland, eldest son of Dr. Capello, sends her a letter: their Dad is dying. The bearded men young Allison figured like Santa Claus. Roland, her lovely brother, the boy who welcomed her in his bed when rain was pouring down, the boy who smiles six different smiles. Deacon, Thora, hers brothers... Time to come back to The Dragon. Time to say goodbye. Time to solve a mystery.

3.5/5 stars

The Lucky Ones is described by the author as gothic fiction (with romance and suspense).

This is my first book by this author. But Cooper McQueen from The Bourbon Thief has a supporting role in this book.

The narrator is 25 year old Allison (3rd person POV). The story takes place in 2015.

When Allison was a child she lived in a house on the Oregon Coast. She lived there with a bunch of other orphaned and abandoned kids, who were all taken in by surgeon Dr. Vincent Capello. Something happened that made her leave the house when she was 12. This is one of the key mysteries to this book.

I really liked the beginning of this book. I found the beginning to be very intriguing and different. The first chapters kept my interest, plus the stuff with Cooper McQueen was very different and crazy. I really could not wait to see what would happen next.

Roland, Thora, Deacon, Kendra and Oliver also lived with Dr. Capello at the same time as Allison. I found their stories to be fascinating. I was also very curious to see how much romance there would be, especially considering most of the characters in the book were Allison's "siblings" when she was little. So that whole vibe was interesting, but a bit creepy.

There were a lot of secrets in this book. There were lots of little mysteries to uncover and memories to recover. There were many questions that needed answering, especially in regards to Allison and why she left the doctor's house 12 years before.

The book was actually much funnier than I was expecting. The first half of the book was 4.5 stars for me. I really enjoyed the premise. And I was intrigued to see how the various mysteries would play out. But for me the ending is everything. I did not love the last part of the book. Answers were given. But I just didn't really like the direction that the author took the story. So I am torn. The book was so good while I was reading it. But just I didn't end up with a great feeling at the end.

Thank you to Mira Books, a.k.a. Book Clubbish for sending me a free copy of this book, in exchange of this honest review. All opinions are my own.

I rate this book a 4 out of 5 stars. 

I was surprised how quick of a read this was. I read it within 24 hours. I found it very hard to put down. The writing was a lot different than I expected. It was kind of cross between romance and suspense. At least to me. I really did get wrapped up in the story, I wanted to know what really happened to Allison. Once I did, I was not disappointed. I love that this book is different from a lot of books on the market. It appears to be, but once the ending comes, you'll see what I mean. 

I found that I loved the characters, but I felt like after 13 years, they all kind of just moved forward a little too fast, it was a bit un-realistic, but still very enjoyable. I liked the back story to all of them, it was short, and sweet. Not convoluted or drawn out. There are a few shocking plot twists, that I think really spiced up the book. I had never heard of Tiffany Reisz before, So for a first time read, I enjoyed it. 

I really did like the romance side of the story. I am not a romance reader, but I enjoyed this one because it had some spook to it, some darkness and heartache. Which in my mind, makes for a unique and pleasurable read.  In that some breath, it wasn't just straight suspense/thriller either. It was a multi-faceted story, and a style I'd like to read more of.

This book starts with Allison and Cooper talking. She's been his 'mistress' for six years and now he's ending things, because he's having a baby with someone else. (Readers of The Bourbon Thief might remember Cooper and Paris!).

And while Cooper is with Allison, she opens a letter from her past.

When she was seven, her mother died, and she was taken to a foster home where she didn't really fit in - but she didn't stay long - she was soon taken home by Doctor Capello. The older man had adopted three children already and he was fostering a few others. She loved it there. Her life there was picture perfect!

But something happened to Allison there when she was 12 and she had to move across the country to live with her old great-aunt. But now she's called back home to Oregon by her 'brother' Roland. Their 'dad' is dying and he wants to see Allison one last time.

Since there's nothing else on her calendar right now, and since Cooper paid her a lot of money as a goodbye, she leaves Kentucky behind and flies to Oregon.

And that's all I'm telling you about the story. ☺ Ok, no. I might have to say that Roland and Allison still have an amazing connection. Even though he was 12 to her 7 back then, they immediately clicked as kids. And this connection is still there. Only now it's a real grown-up thing!

But this is not only a cute romance novel!!!! Nope! This is so much more interesting.

Because saying goodbye to her foster dad and falling for her old foster brother are not the only things that will happen in that old house on the Oregon coast!

SECRETS! CONFESSIONS! MYSTERY!!!!

What will happen to Allison in that house?
What exactly happened 13 years ago??
Who can we trust?

WHAT IS GOING ON???!!!!

READ THE BOOK, 'CAUSE I'M SOOO NOT TELLING YOU! ☺

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I wanted to read this book because it was written by Tiffany Reisz. And as a fan of the Original Sinners series you can't just NOT read a Tiffany Reisz book. So here I was, reading this. And I had no idea what to expect. Well, I had a few ideas. The blurb and the cover made it appear a bit dark and paranormal. It's NOT paranormal! It's just the house and the past that's a bit 'dark' and 'sinister'. But the story is amazing.

It starts a bit slow and you might think Cooper? Will he be the hero of the story? Nope - but he'll help Allison with some things along the way.

Once Allison arrives in Oregon she's immediately back in that happy place of her childhood. She still loves her dad and her siblings. Especially Roland - who is not really available for a romance. Fans of Tiffany Reisz might guess why not. (Hint: He doesn's have a girlfriend.☺)

But there are still so many questions unanswered. So many things happened back then. What happened to the few other siblings/kids that weren't adopted? Allison needs to find out. And we need to find out too!!! We might guess a few things, but there's still so much who, what, why, huh?!?!?! left to wonder about. But we have an amazing time looking for the truth with Allison and her family.

I just loved reading this book. I loved Allison and Roland and the others! It was an amazing story! Beautifully written - I felt like I was right there with them in that old beach house!

It would make such an amazing Netflix show!!!

People reading a review always ask - is there a happy end? I'm not telling you that of course - but I will put something in a spoiler thingy for those who just have to know before they start to read a book ☺→ [Happy End. Hm, good question. I would think that yes, for now, we have a happy end. But Allison is not so sure what her future will bring. She loves it there and she loves Roland and the others ... but.
Even though what was done to those kids seems like a good thing now, but playing god is never the right way - even though it all turned out ok for those 3. But what was done to them is just way too criminal/unethical/horrible, even though they might otherwise be dead now or on death row...
Allison is with them - for now. She says she wants to leave and have a life somewhere else, but I hope she'll stay there forever in love with Roland and her little bookstore! ☺ (hide spoiler)]

OK - that's it. READ THIS BOOK! It might be a bit different than our usual romances. A bit ... heavier. But I really loved it .... and Roland is a realllly hot, wood-chopping, bookboyfriend!!!☺

Fabulous book. Thoroughly loved. Highly recommend!

Let me begin with a bit of a disclaimer. This story is NOT for everyone. There are cases of adopted siblings and foster siblings having romantic relationships (either as late teens or as adults). A lot of people complained it was "incest", but I feel I must point out it was not as these people are not biologically related to each other. Sure it's a little weird, but given what they have gone through, and how the author portrayed it, kind of understandable.

Now, I have read A LOT by this author. In fact, I have had this novel sitting on my kindle for awhile now. And I have been putting off reading it - not because I expected there to be anything wrong with it, but because of the publish date. I knew the minute I started reading, I would not be able to put it down, and I had other stories that were being published sooner.

But I was right to wait. Because this novel? Surpassed my expectations. It was everything I have come to love and admire about this author, and more. It doesn't matter the genre, the location, or the characters, Tiffany Reisz has a gift. She simply creates a world, and makes the reader powerless to escape it until the very last page. And once its over? It's a very bittersweet good-bye. Sure you have finished a story, but you have FINISHED with that world. And I for one am never ready to say good-bye to the characters this author creates.

Strong, if flawed, characters, intriguing story-lines, twists and secrets you will not forget? If any of these things sound like you cup of tea, than you are sure to enjoy this novel!

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

Wow. What a gripping and fantastic tale from start to finish! I kind of went into this blind, didn't even read the blurb, just who wrote it and hoped I would like the story. Well, it was amazing.

The Lucky Ones is kind of tragic at points. There's so many mysteries and lies and blank spaces to fill. The first half feels like a general coming home and maybe a second chance at love. The second half of this book is all about the crazy things that have happened, are happening, and the people involved.

I'd say this was intense and suspenseful. Definitely shocking. The last 25% of the book, I had NO IDEA what could possibly happen next, and I didn't even know how it would end until the final paragraph. This was a worthy read and very well written, with complex characters, an amazing setting, and a unique story unlike anything I've read.

Tiffany can write like no other. She is my go to author when I need something dark and pushing the limits.

Allison's sugar daddy (can't really call him anything else) breaks up with her after six years. Getting a letter from her past gets her traveling to her childhood home, where she reunites with Roland, Thora and Deacon, her siblings, after many years apart.

From that point on, where she's back with The Lucky Ones and their patriarch and savior, Dr. Capello, she's determined to solve the mystery that tore her apart from them. That's about all I can get myself to say about the plot, as every single little detail is important to keep your interest in the story.

The super special part in this multi-layered story is the dynamics between the characters, the little discoveries, and the fact that lies, including unintended lies, all together, are what helps the truth come to light. 

Roland and Allison quickly click back together and their bond is based on a safety feeling, which, considering the episode around which the story is revolving, would leave any victim feeling anything but safe. 

Sounds very dramatic and heavy, isn't it? Well, it's dramatic, but is filled with a lot of fun moments, and a dark and sharp sense of humor, as we are used to expect from Tiffany Reisz. There's another thing that made this story special, and that's the element of gothic I got from reading. It meshed with the tale beautifully. 

I was kept guessing and guessing again everything that's about to unfold, and when I failed for the bazillionth time (though once or twice throughout reading I actually was super close), I gave up and was left to enjoy the crap out of the book.

When it comes to having my mind blown, I can trust in Ms. Reisz. Full disclosure, she is an auto read author. I do not even look at the book blurb. I see her name and grab the book. Going in blind is sometimes the best experience. I had no expectations and figured it would be a kinky romance or perhaps a bit different perspective of contemporary romance. If you are expecting erotica, kink or happy contemporary romance, walk away. This book is an intense roller-coaster ride of viewing the past from a different perspective. What one thinks happened may not be what really happened.

Allison is all alone in the world. One who lost all her family except a distant relative who pulls her away from her foster family. She was adopted by Dr. Vincent Capello who is a renown brain surgeon. Allison thought she found her forever home but when she experiences and "accident" as a kid, she is forced to leave this happy home. Since they never fought for her, she thought they didn't want her. Nothing could have been further from the truth.

Now an adult and on her own, she thinks she has placed it all behind her until she receives a letter from Roland. The stepbrother she crushed on and thought would come to find her, his letter generates deep turmoil. The only father she ever though she wanted, is ill and wants to see her one last time. Allison makes the difficult decision to go see this foster family she thought would be her own. Because what she remembered couldn't have been further than the truth. But what really is the truth? Truth is in the eye of the beholder. Facts are what matter. Or does it? Because cold hard facts without an interpretation with emotion, it could seem too cruel. And this is what I love about Ms. Reisz.

Ms. Reisz takes something that seems so wrong and turns it upside down. When we take away the emotions and the notions of right versus wrong, we come to an amoral situation. When someone who is doing his best to cure what he thinks is a disease and his methods are questionable, is this wrong? The characters in this story are complicated and built with so many layers. When it comes to character creation, Ms. Reisz is one of the best. Her plot twists and unique perspective is impressive. Her books are thought provoking and can at times generate heated discussions. I imagine Ms. Reisz is hiding in the shadows with a little upward curl of her lips as she wants readers become all twisted up with her books. She is a sadist after all. The title of this book is profound. Ms. Reisz masterfully leads a reader down a path where it is hard to distinguish good versus evil. Is not the road to hell paved with good intentions? This book is highly recommended for those who enjoy books that wrestle with the demons within.

Ummm.. I seriously don't even know what I just read? My last read of 2017.. and wow was it a terrible read.

I don't know if I would classify this as a romance or a mystery? This book was nothing that I expected it to be like AT ALL.

Ok.. can we say dysfunctional family?! OH M GEEEE. There were so many things wrong with this book.. I can't even get my thoughts together to write this review.

"They call themselves "the lucky ones"... umm more like dysfunctional ones...

Allison returns home to the Dragon (a magical beach house) on the coast of Oregon where she lived as a foster child being taken care of by Dr. Vincent Capello. Dr. Capello fostered multiple children in his home including Allison, Roland, Deacon, and Thora. Allison was living a happy life with Dr. Vincent Capello as a little girl until the night she was almost killed.

Allison receives a letter from Dr. Capello's oldest son Roland letting her know that Dr. Capello is very ill and doesn't have much time to live. Allison returns home to confront her past and the demons that are lurking in the Dragon.

As time passes, Allison starts to notice strange lies from all of her "family members" including her foster father Dr. Capello. Things aren't exactly adding up when she is trying to confront her past and the horrible truth that actually happened that night she almost died as a little girl.

The novel started off really slow and then it just got weird. REALLY weird. I'm all for unique and weird novels but this just wasn't for me. I kept scratching my head multiple times... as I'm struggling to finish and thinking What the f.... am I reading? This family was extremely dysfunctional and it just wasn't even enjoyable to read. It just left me annoyed... that I spent time on reading this.

It was almost borderline disgusting to me... and just wrong to have a sense of romance to it. I can't recommend this book. I'm not sure if the author was trying to add a hint of psychological to this but if so.. it was done horribly. Overall, 1.75 stars for me on this one.

Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin for the arc in exchange for an honest review. Publication date is 2/13/18.

This has all the Tiffany Reisz touches fans will love... depth and intrigue.

Full review to be published online in mid February.

THE LUCKY ONES is the newest standalone novel by the prolific and talented author Tiffany Reisz. The storyline 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 now dying, so Allison chooses to pick up, face her fears, the unknown to travel back to her childhood home...to them.

THE LUCKY ONES has an eerie darkness and mystery that, reading it around Halloween, just heightened the feel. Cool, dark, rainy and kind of bleak. A plot shrouded in secrets and lies, I couldn't put it down. Allison faces her past in a home filled with some of her best childhood memories...and mysteries.

Recommended to fans of the author and of Gothic romances.

What a captivating and unputdownable read, Tiffany has delivered.
Lies, hidden truths and love, this book had me gripped from beginning to end while we were taken on Allison’s journey.

Normally I don’t get along with 3rd person PoV but Tiffany made it easy to follow and not get lost with who was talking.

Overall a magnificent 4* read which was a perfect end to my year of reading.

In 'The Lucky Ones' Tiffany Reisz brings us a tale of mystery, intrigue and suspense. This story takes us to the beautiful Oregon Coast, where a group of kids known as "The Lucky Ones' were taken under the wing of Brain Surgeon Dr. Capello. After a tragic incident, Allison leaves the house where she lived with other foster kids and returns to live with a biological family member, not really knowing the reason behind her 'accident'. from there, Allison lives a quiet life and becomes the mistress of a very powerful southern business man, who after another affair dumps Allison leaving her a hefty 'allowance' so she can get back on her feet. Unexpectedly, Allison finds herself traveling back to Oregon when she receives notice from her old step brother that Dr. Capello is dying. From this point on, the reader gets emotionally involved with each character as you finally learn the truth behind the real reason they lived there and how they turned out to be The Lucky Ones. Allison seeks the truth thru all possible ways and falls in love in the process.

I liked this book, but didn't love it as others I have read from Reisz. The plot was somewhat similar to a 1960's sci-fi story, but in certain parts, it fell flat on the intrigue and suspense. It was more predictable from 50% on and by 85% I was ready to give up but continued cause I wanted to see how it ended, but wasn't really invested by the end. I finished it cause I know her writing style is impeccable, and that is the reason I am giving it 3 stars, but other than be a 'comfortable reading' i didn't peg this as suspenseful read as I would've like it to be.

4.5 stars

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

The blurb of The Lucky Ones was one that really piqued my interest. I had no idea what to expect, but I was ready for a mysterious ride. I loved how the secrets were revealed piece by piece. The author did such an incredible job in keeping the reader in suspense and guessing throughout the book. I had theories as to what happened to Allison but was proven wrong each time. I love it when a story is unpredictable and when an author can get me to sit on the edge of my seat. I was so hooked to the story that I read the last 40% of the book in one sitting (I was done at 4AM). There was no way I could put the book down to get some sleep.

"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."

The 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 all had a very shocking past. It sometimes was very difficult for me to contain my tears while I was reading this book. This book was suspenseful, mysterious, sweet, emotional, heartbreaking, and very dark at times. Each and every character was very unique and had a very intriguing past. I was on a very long emotional rollercoaster, and I didn't want to get off it. I do wish there was an epilogue because I am really curious to see how everyone is doing. I also want to mention that the cover is beautiful and fits the story perfectly. I am looking forward to what Tiffany Reisz has in story for us next.

I’m familiar with Tiffany Reisz from The Original Sinners Series, so I’ve come to expect the unexpected where couplings are concerned; and this book definitely has its charm of that madness.
If you’re new to Tiffany, it’s important to note that conventionalism isn’t on the table where couplings are concerned.

Almost anything goes.

Allison is the mistress of Cooper McQueen-a billionaire who, after six-years of keeping Allison in his sexual servitude, alerts her that she can move on with her life. At the time of this directive, an envelope arrives with a request for her to return to the family she left behind so long ago. The only problem is, Allison hasn’t seen or spoken to anyone in her foster family for 13-years, and the circumstances surrounding her departure are steeped in confusion and terror.

Allison is perplexed by the request, to say the least, but she is also intrigued.

With a desire to have some questions answered, as well as a need to leave behind the life that no longer belongs to her, Allison returns to the Pacific Northwest (Oregon) to reunite with her foster family—which includes a dying father she once adored and a boy she once loved.

Allison was a likable character, but she struck me as a woman in need of a broader definition of who she is, so it would’ve been nice to see her be more proactive in exploring that person. She hints at a desire to start anew and pursue her own self-interests, but quickly devolves into a woman without an anchor, but in desperate need of an immediate port.

Roland, the love interest, is far too good to be true. Was he wonderful? Absolutely. Flawed? Definitely. However, even knowing those things I felt he was presented too perfect, even in his imperfection. It annoyed me.

Other key characters, Thora, Deacon, and Dr. Capello, were either detestable or lovable. The in-between was what made it either/or. I felt they all played a key part in the story, but they were there more as a relief from the heavy stuff.

The dialogue is witty, and the conversations between characters numerous, but i rather enjoyed those conversations—particularly when Bourbon was mentioned; however, if you are used to living mostly inside the mind of a character, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a lot of quiet introspection in this one.

I enjoyed the book because it was a light read, with tolerable characters, and great dialogue. The so-called twist at the end was lukewarm at best, but did nothing to sway my opinion of the book.

Let me start of by saying this novel was not my cup of tea. There is nothing wrong with the writing style,plot,characters, or anything else, it just didn't intrigue me. I also thought there would be more mystery but it ended up being more romance, which is not what i read. I kept catching myself not fully reading but skimming through. I wanted so badly to love this book due to seeing all the positive reviews, but i can't lie.

Thanks to NetGalley and everyone involved but i just cant say i loved this one.