Lucy

by Melissa Hampton

A sister is a gift to the heart, a friend to the spirit, a golden thread to the meaning of life. -IsadoraThe small town of Paraiso was anything but paradise for Mary. She is the girl from the wrong side of the track with an alcoholic mother and an absentee father. Tihana's is the shy girl that's fear of flying kept her grounded. After a chance meeting in high school, the two became instant best friends. Now as adults the two best friends are more like sisters. Leaning on each other while trying to make their own way through life. Just when the two girls find themselves both falling in love, Mary's mother's past comes back to haunt them. That when they discover the new men in their lives are not who they say they are. Leading them into a race to find Lucy first their very lives may depend on it.

Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2024

About the author

Growing up in central Florida created a love for the outdoors that continues today. Her and her family often find themselves hiking or out on the water. When they are not she has a love reading and of course writing. She now resides in central Georgia, with her husband and two children. Melissa pursued a degree in Elementary Education and now works as a para to allow her to spend the majority of her time with her children. One of which has a rare genetic disorder known as Isodecentric 15q. If you would like to learn more on this condition or to contribute to research and development please visit https://Dup15q.org
To find her merchandise, books and social visit her page below.
https://linktr.ee/melissaannhampton?u...

Reviews

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author classifies this book as a romantic suspense; however, I believe it is more of a romantic trauma with a touch of suspense. While there are elements of surprise and shock, the story primarily focuses on the trauma experienced by the characters and the relationships they build.

“Lucy” follows Mary and her sister from another mister, Tihana. Mary and Tihana met at school, and after Tihana’s mom took Mary home one night, she decided that Mary would never stay in the place her mother called home again. Mary’s mom, Lori, seemed all too happy to be rid of her daughter, throwing her out with nothing more than her beloved doll.

Lori was a drunk who jumped from one man’s bed to another, leaving Mary alone for days on end without food, love, or protection. In contrast, Tihana’s family is a close-knit Serbian family that prioritizes family above all else.

As the story unfolds, Tihana meets Max and Mary meets Zain. Their love stories, connections, and the truths about their relationships are developed throughout the book, making this the sweetest yet most disturbing part of the narrative.

One evening, Lori shows up on Mary’s doorstep, rambling about needing something back because her life is in danger. Mary has no idea what she’s talking about and dismisses it as the incoherent ramblings of a drunk seeking attention.

While many questions arise at the beginning, everything is answered by the book's end. There is no cliffhanger. However, if you're as curious as I am about Lori and her inadequate parenting, we will need to read “Eyes Wide Open,” the novella in the Paraiso series.

Disclaimer: This book is being re-edited. Knowing this, I rated the book 4 stars; had I read it without this knowledge, I would have rated it between 3 and 3.5 stars. Please keep this in mind as you read the story.

[Keith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has been classified as a romantic suspense I would label this a romantic trauma with moments of shock throughout the story. The story focuses on trauma and the girls building relationships and found family I would say.

This story follows Mary and Tihana who is her “adopted” sister, her best friend, her found family. Because her mother Lori is anything but a mother. Lori (Marys Mother) is an alcoholic and can’t be single she goes from guy to guy and they abuse her. Mary meets Tihana in school and they become fast friends, opposites but fast friends. Tihanas family takes Mary in after a night at Tihanas for dinner. Mary learns what a tight knit loving family is.

Lori would leave Mary without food, love and protection.

Mary and Tihana meet some guys Max and Zain. Each build their own love story, connection there is some truth that boils to the top that explains a lot throughout the story. But it also makes the relationships stronger.

All answers are answered you aren’t left wanting to know more, unless you’re curious about Lori’s story which is in Eyes Wide Open.

Lori shows up going off one evening regarding her life being in danger and Mary has something that is being asked for. Mary is confused until she pieces it together.

Fun fact you didn’t ask for… I am here for Mary and Zain. Relationship goals.

This book has been re-edited. Knowing that made this easier to read and make sense of things. It started a little slow for me but over all the storyline is good and I could make sense of everything. Make sure you are reading the most recent version of this story.

[Ashley Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lucy is a deeply character-driven novel that focuses more on emotional scars than high-stakes twists. Though the author labels it as romantic suspense, it reads more like a slow exploration of trauma, connection, and the long road toward healing—with just a sprinkle of mystery layered in.

The story follows, a quiet, emotionally shut-down woman shaped by a difficult past. She’s joined by, her bold and loyal best friend, who adds both warmth and conflict to the story. Their relationship is central, and the novel does a solid job portraying found family, personal growth, and emotional survival.

The downside? It takes a long time to get to the heart of the story. For nearly half the book, I wasn’t sure where it was heading. The pacing drags, and the suspense elements don’t really kick in until later—by which point, some readers might’ve already checked out. That said, the final chapters do bring clarity and emotional payoff.

If you enjoy slow, introspective reads with damaged-but-resilient characters and layered emotional themes, this might resonate. Just go in knowing it’s more about internal shifts than external action.

[Roberta Timmons · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing Face paced book.

Our book club picked this book to read and I read it in two days. Once I started it, I could not stop.
The book was a quick read, loved the suspense, the spice was perfect, and loved a happy ending.

[🐷Shay loves books🐷 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was more of a trauma romance with some suspense, the suspense was kinda light. It started off kinda slow, then picked up, then kinda went slow a little bit again! I enjoyed the friendship that the girls have. There were some twists I didn’t expect. Overall this book was good and I loved the storyline. In this book we get Mary and Tihana the FMC’s who are best friends, but when Mary’s mom( who is a piece of crap) leaves her alone all the time when she was younger without food and her many many boyfriends coming in and out, she send Mary to live with Tihana and her mom raises her. So they become more like sisters instead of just best friends. But Mary has a doll makes Lucy and her mom had hidden something very important inside the doll, now the Mob is after her to find the doll. Her house gets broken into, the feds are watching them, and they even friend the girls, unbeknownst to them, to protect them. But can they keep them safe long enough to find the doll and take down the bad guys? Read this book to find out!!

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucy will have you guessing why until the final clue is provided. Once the puzzle in this book comes together you wonder why and how a mother could care less about her child the way that Mary's mother didn't care about her daughter and if she put her in danger. Mary's best friend Tihana is placed in the same dangerous situation due to Mary's mother. How will it all play out in the end for these best friends? Will they escape the dangerous situation? Recommend reading and the novella that follows called Eyes wide open.

[Linda Curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. She did a wonderful job on the characters. The story was very well told. Just enough suspense. And just enough spice. And of course a happy ending.

[Leslie Felger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucy by Melissa Hampton took me on an emotional rollercoaster I didn’t see coming. At its core, it’s a story about friendship deep, soul bound friendship the kind that transcends bloodlines. Mary and Tihana feel like real people. Their connection is so genuine and rich with shared history that you quickly forget they aren't actually sisters.

From the very beginning, Hampton does a great job weaving tension into the narrative. When Mary’s past resurfaces, you feel the weight of it, not just for her, but for both women. The stakes rise fast, and suddenly, what seemed like a light hearted story about friendship becomes something much more urgent and gripping.

The search for Lucy isn’t just a plot device it’s emotional, layered, and filled with heart. Along the way, there are touches of romance and humor that soften the intensity, giving the story a nice balance. Hampton’s writing style is easy and natural, which makes this a breeze to get through while still feeling substantial.

I laughed, I worried, I rooted for these characters. If you're looking for a read that gives you action, heart, and the kind of female friendship that’s fiercely loyal, Lucy delivers. It’s not just a fun read it stays with you afterward.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story captured my heart from the very beginning, as I nearly cried while learning about Mary’s past.

Hanging out with Mary & Tihana as they navigate their issues with trust and love was quite a ride! One thing they never doubted was their trust and loyalty to each other! Opposites do attract and become sisters for life!

The suspense kept me eagerly turning pages! I swear I did a happy dance in my chair, when I finally found out who Lucy actually was lol

Jeff & Lori both made me so mad, I could spit bullets! You’ll find out why when you read it! No spoilers! Overall a great read! You’ll be happy you picked it up! Well done, Melissa! I can’t wait to read more of your books! 👏👏👏

[Phoenixinruin P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.8⭐️
2🌶️

This book in my opinion was more of a Romance book with some dark themes, but definitely not a dark romance book, if that makes sense.

This was a quick read for me. I loved the love interests, the mini twists (although I called a majority of them), and Zain.

I do wish there was more to the storyline or a POV from the men’s but maybe that’s just me🤷‍♀️

The book is written in dual POVs for the two FMCs (Mary and Tihana). They are friends-to-sisters, one had a traumatic childhood with a deadbeat mom and the other had a very supportive family. Tihana (supportive family) ends up adopting Mary when they are kids. Mary is very outgoing while T is much more reserved. But soon T comes out of the shell and Mary calms down a bit (it’s amazing what love does for you)

[Christy Skidmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that can make me fall in love with not one but two male main characters will always win my heart. Every character in this book was lovable, and I found myself really rooting for them and hoping for all the best things. The plot is interesting and captivating, and I found myself very intrigued about how it was all going to wrap up. And that's one of my favorite things about all of Melissa's books; they all end in very satisfying ways. Definitely recommend!

[DBR Editing · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book from Melissa. I am glad I started with it as there is character crossover. This book was a fun read for me. I usually read pretty dark stuff, so this was light enough for cleanse. There is some suspense and who done it in this read. With a good conclusion. I loved our FMC and MMC. Its lighter on spicy.

[Natalie Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucy... the troubles and love you caused

I loved this book. I loved the growth of the FMCs. Their friendship is like no other. The growth they are forced to face along with their own personal growth. It was so well written. But please tell me where I can get my own spy. 🤣. Highly recommend this read!!

[Cortnie Duffield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely wonderful

I really enjoyed this book. I couldn’t put it down. I loved the anxiety representation in the story. I have anxiety and I could relate. Melissa Hampton did a wonderful job with this book.

[Kelly Berg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like the thriller portion of this book. It was a great storyline. The two main female characters have such a great found family relationship. I do love the happy ending but it seemed a bit rushed. It would make a good lifetime movie. I had expected the amount of spice though.