So Very Lucky

by Caitlin Devlin

You knew her. You loved her. Then she vanished…

When celebrated singer Calista plunges to her death during a concert in Rio, her former girlfriend Stevie is watching, along with the rest of the world. But while millions of fans mourn, Stevie can’t shake the feeling that something isn’t right.

Then Calista returns—alive, a little changed, but wanting Stevie back in her life for the first time in years. At first, seeing her again feels like a miracle. But as Stevie is drawn deeper into Calista’s world of smoke and mirrors, she begins to question Calista’s overprotective team, the gaps in her memory and the clues that don’t add up about what really happened the night she fell.

As she gets closer to the truth, Stevie is also falling for Calista all over again. Stevie must is uncovering the truth worth losing the person she loves twice?

Perfect for fans of Luckiest Girl Alive and Taylor Jenkins Reid, So Very Lucky how well do we ever really know the people we love? An incredibly suspenseful novel, packed with secrets, that will stay with you long after you finish reading.

Genres: Fiction, Thriller, Mystery, LGBT, Mystery Thriller, Ebooks, Music

329 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2026

Reviews

[ahmeeka · Rating 3 out of 5]

[arc review] if you’re chronically online, love pop culture, or even know about the infamous conspiracy theory that avril lavigne was replaced by a clone—this is for you!

‘so very lucky’ follows stevie stone—the ex girlfriend of pop sensation, calista (callie), who falls to her death on stage live streamed worldwide on copacobana beach… or does she?

the story delves into parasocial relationships with celebrities and the online commentary that comes with it.

throughout the book, we learn about stevie and her relationship with callie—but who is stevie? at times it felt like she didn’t really exist until she met callie, and afterwards that’s all she lived for. if callie asked her to jump, stevie would ask ‘how high?’

I enjoyed this and it’s very different to what I usually read! it had me gripped and if I wasn’t busy while I read it, I probably would’ve finished it one sitting. I can’t go into too much detail, though, because it’ll spoil the book.

my only wish was that the big reveal—again, no spoilers—happened further in the book, so it would add more suspense while reading as there wasn’t much afterwards.

otherwise a solid 3.5* read!

thank you caitlin devlin for the advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review!

[Luci · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had high expectations for this. The premise was so good and it started so good but then it just fell apart. I skim read the last 60% because I didn’t feel connected to the characters and they just started to annoy me, and then the end.. for me it’s just a nothing ending. Doesn’t resolve anything. Doesn’t make you feel anything but frustrated.

[Bozena · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author, and I hadn't read the blurb or any reviews.
I didn't know what to expect and was very surprised by the topic.

The story revolves around the world of a very famous pop singer and her strange, very peculiar ex-girlfriend.

I was very curious about the story, and the longer I listened, the more interesting it became.

Then the story started to drag.
The depressed ex-girlfriend became increasingly odd and annoying.
I didn't really understand her problems and thoughts.
I think she didn't even fully understand her own thoughts.
Like I said, strange 🙄

The book tells a story from the life of a pop star in a very unglamorous way.
So to speak, the dark side of the "glamorous" life and the sacrifices people make to become famous in order to get into the story.

The book isn't bad, but for me, the story dragged on too much.
The events were also described in a far too monotonous way.
I need at least a bit of excitement or any kind of action.

I thoroughly enjoyed the audiobook. The narrator did a great job, but the story was not for me.

[Vanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank Netgalley and the Publisher for an ARCs copy of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

There is so much i want to say but since i dont wanna spoil anything ill keep if brief.

This book is perfect for my fellow chronically online girlies who love to theorize about celebrities.

Stevie is absolutely obsessed with her ex girlfriend and pop star Callie aka Calista. After Calista falls seemingly to death but then miraculously recovers Stevie becomes convinced that Calista has been replaced by a body double. This obsession fuels the rest of the story.

My only complaint is that i wish the big twist was later in the book since all the parts leading up to it were very exciting but the twist itself felt a bit anti climactic.

Another thing I enjoyed was the narration in this book, I really liked how distinct different characters voices were.

Overall i enjoyed this book and its commentary on celebrity obsession and parasocial relationships with celebrities. I would give it 4 ⭐️

[Amelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

this one is for all my chronically online lesbians xx i’d lowks be in those comment sections liking the ‘that’s not callista’ comments xx

in loveee with caitlin’s devlins writing style and her female characters - i was gripped throughout the whole book and i WANNA KNOW what happened to yk who after wembley 🙏🙏🙏

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok. So, I just finished this.
And… Really?
Are we coming out with an addendum? Because you can’t seriously leave us hanging like that!!!!!

Stevie and Calista (Callie) were a thing. Hot and heavy for a long time. But, Callie is now a HUGE pop star! And Stevie was a part of her life as all of this was unfolding…
That was about a decade ago. But Stevie still loves her… and probably always will.

So we open up with Calista doing a Big Show at Copacabana Beach. Everyone is watching the livestream. And then she falls. What looks like a deadly fall. And the broadcast goes dark…

Stevie is searching everywhere to find out what happened. She couldn’t have survived that fall. Could she?

But even crazier than that? Just before she fell, she dedicated the song to ‘her Stevie’!

Some time goes by. Conspiracy theories are all over the place. Stevie is doubting that she still lives.
And then, Callie appears. Bandaged. But, apparently healing and ok.
And Stevie goes running back…. And then, her whole life changes…

Told in dual timelines… now and the 2010’s… going through every stage of their lives, as they unfolded…

🛑 I’m going to stop here. 🛑
I loved it, and all the emotions came through so clearly! But… how could you end it like that?
That. Is. NOT OK!

4 bright, melodic, soulful, starry stars for me! 🌟🌟🌟🌟

#SoVeryLucky by @CaitlinDevlin and narrated wonderfully by @KatherineLittrell.

THIS ONE HAS NOT BEEN RELEASED YET, BUT, LOOK FOR IT TOMORROW! RELEASE DATE IS: 3/1/26!

Thanks so much to #NetGalley, @BrilliancePublishing and @BrillianceAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review!!

You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine

Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read if you like;
-Psychological fiction
-Para social relationships
-Conspiracy theories
-Music Artist
-Chronically ill

The main FM, Stevie, is obsessed with her ex-girlfriend and pop star Callie. After Callie seemingly falls to her death and recovers quickly, Stevie believes she’s been replaced by a body double.

I wanted to give Stevie some therapy because she needed a hobby outside of her ex-girlfriend. I’d even pay for her therapy sessions!

I love this element because it shows Stevie’s inability to move on and how fans can become obsessed with a “conspiracy theory”. It perfectly reflects real life situations.

The book also explores how we can build online relationships with people we don’t know and believe we know more about them than anyone else in their life.

I enjoyed experiencing Stevie and Callie’s story unfolding through dual timelines, but I also appreciated Callie’s diaries. This allowed us to see inside Callie’s mind and understand her thoughts and feelings during different stages of her success.

The author effectively shows how an artist can become more than what they are and transform into a brand. This leads people to believe they know better or that the artist is no longer “human” but their property. Perfectly showcasing that someone money is bigger than anyone.

I felt the big twist was revealed quite early on. The journey leading up to it was exciting and interesting, but the ending felt slightly anticlimactic.

Overall, it’s a good read if you’re someone who stays up at 3am obsessing over celebrity conspiracy theories or someone who enjoys questioning every character and still being left guessing. Pick it up!

[Lucy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Calista, a famous singer, takes a devastating fall during a live stage performance—one witnessed not only by the world, but by her ex-girlfriend Stevie. Although she survives, Stevie (along with many fans) can’t shake the feeling that something isn’t quite right.
When Calista reappears and reaches out after years apart, she’s eager to reconnect. Stevie finds herself pulled back into Calista’s world, a place filled with smoke, mirrors, and unanswered questions. She must decide: is uncovering the truth worth risking losing the person she loves for a second time?
This story grips you from the start. With an unreliable narrator at its core, there’s a constant sense of unease. At times, Stevie’s obsession feels almost claustrophobic, and you’re never entirely sure who to trust.
I especially loved how the book taps into modern-day conspiracy theories. We’ve all heard stories like the Avril Lavigne rumours or the treatment of Britney Spears, and this novel leans into those ideas in a compelling way. It really makes you think about the darker side of the pop industry and how far management might go to protect its secrets. It also explores the relationship between fans and celebrities, reminding us how little we truly know about what happens behind closed doors.
While the tension and mystery are strong, I did feel the story could have leaned into these elements even more. I understand it’s not marketed as a full thriller, but it had the potential to raise the stakes just a little further.
That said, the emotional depth is a real strength. As the timeline shifts between past and present, you gain a richer understanding of the characters and their lives before fame, making their journeys all the more impactful.
3.5 stars
Read as part of Tandem Collective UK X Amazon publishing read along
Views are my own.

[Eden Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Devoured this book in two days, which I think says enough! I really enjoyed this book and the writing style of the author 😍

I love a psychological fiction book where you can’t fully trust the narrator - and therefore everything you are told by them - and I feel that the character of Stevie encapsulates that perfectly 👀

My biggest critique is that I wish either the “big reveal” happened later in the book or that there were more plot-twist moments in the second half to have maximised my engagement and enjoyment as a reader.

Otherwise, an extremely thought provoking read on the obsessive world of social media; I will definitely read more books in this genre written by Caitlin!

[isabella lola · Rating 5 out of 5]

another incredible book by caitlin devlin!! i just love everything she writes

this was so chilling in the best way, and i was completely invested in it all. it was actually such a sad story too and my heart hurts for all the main characters

loved how between each chapter it flashed back to stevie’s life at each of calista’s album releases!!

the chapters were veryyyy long which made it harder to make time to sit and read it but they definitely worked right for the story being that long

i think i’ll be thinking about this book for a long time

thank you so so much to caitlin for sending me an early copy of the book, im so grateful!!

[Bookish Blonde · Rating 4 out of 5]

Caitlin Devlin has smashed it again!

The novel follows Stevie, who once-upon-a-time was the girlfriend of Callie, an up-and-coming popstar, and can't quite seem to let it go... Callie - now known as Calista, and a star of epic Taylor Swift proportions - is performing live one night when she falls to her death from a stage prop for Stevie and all the world to see. But suddenly, Callie reappears needing Stevie's help. But Stevie knows her better than anyone and can see something isn't quite right.

This book was a brilliant look at the lengths people will go to for fame and for love (or obsession!) and the way Devlin explored both of these themes was brilliant, as always. Stevie's unravelling and the whole "who do you believe?" dilemma had me hooked from start to finish!

This will be the summer holiday book of the year, guys!

[Gabby Entrup · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 3rd Caitlin Devlin read!

It's been 2 days since I finished this book and I can't seem to get it out of my head. I felt this same way about The Real Deal as well.

Caitlin has this way of really making you connect with the protagonist. I loved Stevie, although I was frustrated with her towards the end, but I think that was the point. I would love to have a sequel or maybe an extended cut of what happens next since the novel ends with you not really knowing how things resolve, if they ever will. Or maybe something from Callie's POV.

This one really kept me on my toes and when I thought I had things figured out there was another turn. A super fun read! I read it on two flights and I was itching to get onto my second flight so I could finish this.

[Ella · Rating 5 out of 5]

So unsettling and so addictive! I loved it so so much!!

[Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is something deeply unwell about watching your ex-girlfriend, now a global pop deity, fall from a suspended platform mid concert on Copacabana beach and thinking, “Well… that tracks.” That is how So Very Lucky opens and I was seated, buckled in, emotionally hydrated. Calista, formerly Callie, glittering pop machine, plummets in front of the world. It looks fatal. It feels fatal. Stevie, our narrator and professional "Ex Who Never Recovered," watches it live like the rest of us. And then Calista does not die.

I need you to understand the chokehold this premise had on me. Dead pop star comes back slightly different and suddenly wants her ex back? That is not a romance. That is the beginning of a Reddit deep dive with color coded timelines. And Stevie does exactly what any chronically online, still in love lesbian would do. She spirals. Immediately.

The book absolutely commits to the celebrity replacement conspiracy energy. You can feel the Avril Lavigne clone theory humming in the background. You can feel the queer pop discourse lurking in every lyric reference and era shift. Calista is less a person and more a brand, a glossy, untouchable product. And Stevie, who dated her before she was a global phenomenon, is stuck trying to reconcile the girl she loved with the icon the world consumes.

And here is where it gets messy in a way I kind of love. Stevie is not a stable narrator. She is obsessed. She measures her life by Calista’s album releases. She still feels ownership over her. At times I wanted to gently shake her and say, you are allowed to have hobbies that are not your ex. But that desperation is the engine of the book. If Callie asked her to jump, Stevie would absolutely ask how high and then write a Tumblr post about it.

The first half is delicious. Calista’s team is tight lipped and suspicious. There are memory gaps about the night of the fall. Tiny inconsistencies. The vibe is glossy and expensive but faintly rotten underneath, like a luxury perfume that smells amazing until it turns sour on your skin. Every interaction between Stevie and Calista feels charged. Is she different? Is she traumatized? Is she… something else? I was feral. I was pacing.

And then the reveal happens earlier than I expected. Not in a bad way, but in a way that shifts the energy. Instead of building and building until I combust, the story pivots into fallout mode. It becomes less about “what happened” and more about “what does this mean for love, identity, and the machinery of fame?” Which is smart. It is thoughtful. It just meant some of that paranoid electricity dipped for me. I wanted to be unhinged for longer.

Let’s talk about the audiobook because Katherine Littrell absolutely commits. Her Stevie sounds breathless and slightly unraveling, like she is telling you this story at 1 a.m. while sitting cross legged on the kitchen floor. Her Calista voice is controlled, polished, media trained in a way that makes you believe millions scream for her. The industry people have that calm, corporate tone that says, “We are smiling but we would bury you for brand protection.” The long chapters actually work better in audio because Littrell keeps the tension humming instead of letting it drag.

What hit hardest for me is the question simmering under everything. Do we love people, or do we love the version of them that made us feel special once? Stevie’s grief is not just about losing Callie. It is about losing the version of herself that existed when she was loved by someone luminous. That is messy and uncomfortable and painfully real. Fame in this book feels like a machine that chews people up and spits out something shinier, and sometimes the original gets lost.

By the end, I was entertained, slightly unsettled, and a little emotionally blue. The ambiguity is intentional. The lack of neat closure fits the theme. But my dramatic little heart wanted just a bit more chaos or catharsis. Something to tip it from good to unhinged masterpiece.

So we are landing at a very honest three stars. I had a great time. I yelled. I spiraled. I side eyed every suspicious manager. I just did not fully ascend into obsession. Would I recommend it to anyone who has ever fallen down a celebrity conspiracy rabbit hole at 2 a.m.? Absolutely. Would I re read it immediately? Probably not.

Whodunity Award: For Making Me Distrust Every “Miraculous Recovery” Press Release From Now Until Eternity

And a chaotic little thank you to Brilliance Publishing and NetGalley for the ALC, for trusting me with this glossy pop paranoia and letting me spiral about it in audio form like the unhinged fangirl I was always meant to be.

[Kiera · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an incredibly interesting read!

I really love Caitlin Devlin’s other books and their subject matter surrounding celebrity and fan culture, so I was so looking forward to this one, and it truly didn’t disappoint. I didn’t expect the story to be almost eerie and thriller leaning, but it was done so well in making the reader feel uncomfortable and that they weren’t in their own skin, while we were questioning with Stevie if Callie was in hers.

I took so much from reading this book and loved the journey it took my mind on of thinking deeper about the concept of celebrity and how different that identity is from the person behind the celebrity name, and if fans prefer the celebrity over the human. I think the idea of memory and conspiracy was so interesting within this story, especially when it came to Stevie reflecting on when she knew Callie. Knowing someone deeply in real life but they leave, and now you can only see their life on social media, is a common experience, even if our exes aren’t popstars. This experience is heightened for Stevie when the conspiracies are created about Calista, causing her to question if she ever really knew her, if she has changed that much in the time they were apart or if she’s actually been replaced by a doppelganger. All of this leaves the reader to wonder about memory and how much it alters our realities and perceptions of those we’ve known, and how easy it can be to fall for public discussion of those in the spotlight.

*some spoilers in this section*
Something Caitlin Devlin does so well in her writing is create a complex and borderline, unlikable woman, which we see with our main characters. Stevie is so in love and obsessed with Callie that she almost feels like a super fan who leaves her life behind to follow her, only to find out her conspiracies are true and Callie’s been replaced with Inese to continue her celebrity persona, Calista. While Stevie grapples with the loss of her Callie, it is lessened due to Inese’s presence. Stevie doesn’t even really care that Inese isn’t Callie because she is the closest she can get to her, loving her and being in her life again (which really gave me the vibe of Shauna and Jackie in Yellowjackets, iykyk) My feelings about Stevie are so mixed, which I actually quite like, as it proves she’s real; she’s making so many odd, impulsive decisions, but is someone I’ve definitely met before. I, like Stevie, was really fascinated by Inese and her lack of self identity, which, honestly her and Stevie have in common in relation to Calista. Her ability to morph into others and the indifference of becoming Calista in Callie’s place, because at least she’d be someone, was so interesting. She’s the embodiment of wanting to burrow yourself into someone else’s skin to know how they live.

I really loved getting the story from the perspective of the ex girlfriend instead of the artist, and how we got to explore how people can go mad over love that it’s almost obsessive, and how easily we can get lost in another’s world because of it. I also really enjoyed how Stevie was never really portrayed as crazy, but the circumstances were, and to me, she was still quite rational; she just got caught up in this morbid love affair with Calista, which was so fascinating to read about.

So Very Lucky is a deeply interesting book for anyone who enjoys complex women, conspiracies and celebrity/ fan culture. It comes out on March 1st, but you can preorder it now on Amazon, which I highly recommend you do!

Thank you to Caitlin Devlin for the early copy of So Very Lucky, and of course, thank you for writing this truly fascinating story that I’ll continue to think about! ☆

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone knows Calista. But no one knows her like Stevie. After 10 years in the spotlight, singer-songwriter Calista has reinvented herself many times. Suddenly, performing far above the crowd during a show, she crashes to the stage in a terrible accident. Her ex-girlfriend Stevie watches live on tv, along with the rest of the world, convinced Callie can’t have survived. But then Callie emerges - alive, a little different, but suddenly wanting Stevie back in her life. Stevie feels like something isn’t adding up. What really happened that night? And is this really Callie? You can’t just replace a celebrity without anyone noticing…right?

This was one of my most anticipated releases for 2026, and I was over the moon to receive a personalised copy from the brilliant author! I dropped everything to read it straightaway. I was immediately gripped, and could not put it down! Instantly, Stevie seems a little too fixated on Callie (now known as Calista). But in fairness - if your ex & their songs were everywhere, wouldn’t you find it hard to let go? I loved seeing everything through Stevie’s eyes, including flashbacks and memories, as she tried to figure out the truth. Stevie has never really moved on from Callie, and it was fascinating how this coloured her theories. She still laid claim to Callie, and her stubborn refusal to let go played a big part in her motivation, which made for an interesting dynamic. Did she love Callie - or the idea of Callie? The characters were so well-developed, and felt very real, even in the extraordinary situation. The whole book is brilliantly written, holding the reader in suspense before upping the ante with shocking twists. It was an unsettling, immersive page-turner that kept me questioning everything! I can’t say much without giving spoilers, but would absolutely encourage everyone to read it.

If you’re a fan of thrillers and mysteries, I would absolutely recommend putting this at the top of your TBR. Fans of The Goldens, Lisa Jewell, Big Little Lies, and other mysterious but alluring female main characters will love this 💙

[Lydia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this!! There is something so fascinating about mysteries and conspiracies surrounding celebrities and this captured it really well. It was so juicy and addictive to read. It reminded me of the Avril Lavigne conspiracy theories and also the complex theories around Taylor Swift's 'easter eggs' during the Eras Tour.

The mystery about what happened to Calista is paced really well. It's a slow burn and doesn't rely on shock factor, instead steadily building the tension and adding in flashbacks. Calista felt so real to me - I loved the details about her albums and rise to fame!

What I love about Caitlin Devlin's writing is the complexity of her characters. Stevie was such an interesting protagonist, unable to move on from Calista and just sort of coasting. I was gripped by her storyline, watching her slowly fall further into denial and obsession.

Even though Callie dated Stevie so knew of her existence, the relationship still felt parasocial. I think because celebrities feel so far from reality, there's that same feeling of disconnect. The way Stevie's whole world revolves around to Calista to the point where she loses herself was chilling.

I also loved how other themes and topics were cleverly woven in, such as the way society almost doesn't see celebrities, especially women, as human beings. That you have to keep reinventing yourself and look beautiful and youthful to stay relevant. The pressure of this is so clear through the Calista Stevie reconnects with after Rio.

It was so easy to get lost in this story with well-developed characters and descriptive writing. It is a story that had stuck with me and led me think a lot about the different questions and topics the narrative introduced, which I loved.

Side note - I also loved that Stevie had the same job as me and I read this while in London and spotted so many of the locations. I felt I could really connect to the story, minus the pop star ex-girlfriend reappearing in my life thing (thank goodness).

[Fliss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caitlin Devlin is a genuinely skilled writer, to the point where I would probably read anything she wrote and be gripped by it. And this might be my favourite book of hers yet. The book is narrated by Stevie, whose first love (and let's face it, now obsession) Callie has gone on to become a Taylor Swift-level pop star named Calista. The book opens with Calista experiencing a terrible accident while performing at a massive live concert. But she survives, or does she? Though Stevie hasn't been in contact with Callie for years, she's determined to find out the truth.

Stevie isn't a wholly reliable narrator, which is part of what makes this book so compelling. And like the author's other books, it has some interesting things to say about fame. The book touches on the relationship between celebrities and their fans, the internet tendency to search for conspiracy theories and cover-ups, and how the persona of a pop star takes on a life that's almost separate from the real person underneath it. It's also about messy emotions, first love and our ability to delude ourselves.

Stevie isn't entirely a good person. None of Caitlin Devlin's POV characters are. They're flawed and messy and flailing. But that's what makes them so compelling to read, because they feel a hundred percent real.

If you enjoyed her other books, you'll like this one too. And if you're new to the author, this is a great place to start.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

📌New Review

Thank you @readingrainville for buddy reading this one with me from #amazonfirstreads

📲: So Very Lucky
✍️: Caitlin Devlin
🖨️: Lake Union
📈: 3⭐️
🎤: LGBTQIA+ Suspense

📝: “There had been a moment,though, where she had searched for me and remembered. I knew that moment would spin my world.”

The singer is just a regular girl with a beautiful voice named Callie, but the ICON is Calista.

Calista plans a LIVE Concert at Copacabana Beach to celebrate ten years & eight albums. Calista’s ex- girlfriend Stevie is watching the performance at home on the couch with her current beau. She can’t believe her eyes & ears when Calista dedicates a song to her after five years of no contact.

“…One thing I’ve always believed is that you should never forget where you came from. So Stevie, this one’s for you.”

But, before Stevie can make any sense of her message…what should’ve been the best show yet ends tragically. While Callie sits on a bench levitating in the air, she falls to her death. Or does she?

Online internet sleuths speculate that the real Callie is gone. The person posing as her is an imposter.

“Maybe someone sent her up there without a harness on purpose. Or it was all orchestrated. Or she jumped…”

“Some bloke on Facebook was saying her death’s been covered up.”

“A lot of people are out a lot of money if she doesn’t ‘recover’ from dying.”

“…Calista’s fall was actually a paid publicity stunt.”

“The most popular conspiracy was that this is all promo for her next album.”

“If Calista had dropped out of the world, we would have felt it.”

Still so OBVIOUSLY in love with her ex girlfriend, Stevie will stop at nothing to figure out the truth. Even if that means losing her friends, her job, her boyfriend, her home…nothing is too much. But the closer she gets to the new & improved Calista will she realize she’s not the same girl at all or maybe she just doesn’t recognize the person she’s become.

This story definitely kept me guessing but it could use an editor to take a look at the grammatical errors & it was a bit repetitive.

💭Do you enjoy buddy reads w/ besties? Why or why not?

🏷️
#lgbtqbooks #lgbtqiabooks #sapphicfiction sapphicbooks

[Jessica Womble · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pop stardom. Perfection. Control. And the terrifying question… what happens when the machine breaks?

This one had me in a chokehold.

So Very Lucky gives us mega pop star glamour layered with an unsettling conspiracy twist centered around cloning and the price of keeping a global brand alive. It’s glossy on the surface but dark underneath and I ate that contrast up.

Devlin brilliantly explores the idea that we think we know celebrities because we consume them daily… but the real person? That’s reserved for the inner circle. And when the “well-oiled machine” of superstardom starts to crack, the consequences are chilling.

The vibes?
✨ Pop princess aesthetic
🧬 Conspiracy thriller energy
🎭 Identity, control & commodification
👀 Unsettling, mysterious, and hard to put down

It felt eerily plausible in a way that makes you side-eye the industry just a little longer. The pacing kept me locked in, and the tension simmered all the way through. A solid 4 stars from me.

If you love stories that blur the line between fame and fabrication, this one deserves a spot on your radar

[Louise Bookmac82 Mackin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so very lucky to be selected to take part in the Chapters & Chats readalong of this book with Tandem Collective.

Not my usual type of read. I'm not big on celeb culture anymore and don't read celebrity gossip. However, I do really enjoy a music themed book and this book ticks that box.

It was a wild ride of celebrity conspiracy and weird obsessions. It became very hard to tell who was taking advantage of who as both Stevie and Callie had their own reasons to make a go of it.

I loved the Caitlin Devlin's writing style. She wrote a very compelling page turner. I actually finished before the end of the readalong schedule as I just had to know how it ended.

The ending left me with a lot of questions but that didn't dampen it for me. I love a book that leaves you with more questions than answers, provided the ending is still substantial, which it definitely was.

I'm definitely going to read Caitlin's back catalogue and add her to my list of authors to watch out for. So very lucky was fantastic.

[Nikki Frew · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story explores the modern phenomenon of para social relationships, where through social media you form a relationship with somebody you have never met, you only know as much as they share/is reported about them, but yet you feel as if you are part of their life and that you know them.

The book sucks you in and you begin to form your own conspiracy theories about this huge pop star and her stalkerish ex-girlfriend. I began worrying about the mental state of the two main characters, as invested in them as they were with this pop star….and the book abruptly ends, questions left unanswered, nothing is wrapped up neatly. This is clever on the part of the author, I was left feeling as bereft as Stevie the main character, like the rug had been pulled from under me. Suddenly on the outside again, no way to get closer to the truth. The only reason this gets 3 stars is because I do like a book to wrap up in a satisfying fashion…this left so many questions as I’m sure the author intended.

Definitely recommend as it was a really interesting read.

[Laura Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s rare for me to race through a book in a matter of hours, but this one grabbed me and didn’t let go. I loved it! I enjoy reading about conspiracy theories online and wondering what might actually be behind them, and in this book you get pulled behind the scenes as it unfolds.
It’s not perfect, of course, nothing ever is. At times I thought the characters were a lot younger than 30, the obsession and easy way that Stevie was pulled back into Calista’s world felt a little off. It’s an easy read with a fair amount of social media speak, which isn’t to everyone’s taste. However I really enjoyed the various twists and turns, the obsessive relationship and the ending was spot on. Could it really happen? Who knows. The Avril Lavigne conspiracy has been running for years now. I can easily believe in the power of wealthy media moguls when faced with dissent.
Above all, this was fun! One of my favourites this year.

[Madelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

from Amazon First Reads. GR doesn't have an option for that for whatever reason.

absolutely fascinating tbh. I've seen some people in the reviews saying they wish the big reveal was saved for later in the book, but in my opinion this book isn't really about the reveal. it's about all the fucked-up but super interesting dynamics that happen because of the reveal. the author has an understated but effective way of writing that sometimes made me feel as trapped as the protagonist in this story. speaking of the protagonist, she seemed a bit underdeveloped but I think it worked for what the author was trying to do.

I do feel a bit weird reading any "the conspiracy theorists are RIGHT!!!" story in today's times tbh. and this seemed so obviously geared toward Gaylors it was a bit uncomfortable lol

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so addictive! I loved the audio!

Second chance romance
Celebrity & fame
Back from the dead
Conspiracy theories
Memory loss/gap
Dual timelines (flash backs)
Suspense/ mystery thriller
Unreliable perceptions

Stevie is obsessed with her ex girlfriend who is pop star sensation, Callie aka Calista. After Calista falls seemingly to her death but then miraculously recovers Stevie becomes convinced that Calista has been replaced by a body double. This obsession fuels the rest of the story and how it plays out.
The narration was awesome! I felt immersed and really enjoyed the audio.
My only wish was for the build up for the reveal was a little later in the book and keep that suspense. I don’t want to give too much details away but if you like celebrity conspiracies and suspense I’d definitely recommend this read 🤩

[Ashley Matonis · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Very Lucky is one of those rare books that grabs you from the very first page and refuses to let go. Caitlin Devlin has crafted a story that is warm, sharply observant, and wonderfully human. The characters feel so vivid and real that I found myself genuinely rooting for them, laughing with them, and getting unexpectedly emotional at all the right moments.

What makes this book truly shine is Devlin’s talent for blending heartfelt emotion with wit and charm. The writing is crisp and engaging, the pacing is perfect, and every chapter left me wanting just one more. It’s the kind of story that stays with you long after you've finished, comforting, thoughtful, and full of heart.

If you're looking for a book that will make you smile, think, and feel deeply, this is it. Caitlin Devlin has delivered a standout read, and I feel so lucky to have found it. Highly recommend!

[DaniCorbin · Rating 4 out of 5]

So Very Lucky is a roller coaster that had me eager to find out what on earth was going on. I received an advanced listener copy and literally finished it in one sitting, it’s such a wild ride. We meet Stevie, the ex of now famous pop star Calista (or Cali). During a show, Calista is injured and there’s a lot of speculation of whether or not she survived her injury and if her management team is trying to pull one over on fans. Stevie gets close to Calista again and starts to uncover secrets as well… but she doesn’t want to lose the love of her life again. This story was a wild ride and had me questioning every character. The pacing was good and the audiobook was great - the narrator did a good job differentiating between characters and kept it interesting. Thank you NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio for the ALC.

[Rodney Saunders Jr. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ALC through NetGalley and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.

This was a great listening experience, with just enough characters to remember, and a good performance from one person bringing them all to life. I truly enjoyed all the different inflections in the ways she could say "WTF?" (and just the "F" part of that).

The story itself is pretty straightforward, with some breadcrumbs from the past along the way. Why I liked most was that it leaves you with just enough doubt about how reliable the narrator may or may not be. At the end of the day, I love a good unreliable narrator, and Stevie definitely had me questioning her.

Overall a really fun ride that I am glad I did on audio. I would not have otherwise made the time for it, but it was definitely worth a listen.

[Amie Derricott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stevie thought that Callie was the love of her life, but when she became Callista, world famous pop star, things changed. Years later, Stevie and the rest of the world are watching a broadcast of Callista perform in Rio, when Callista seemingly plummets to her death after dedicating that final song to Stevie. Then Callista is back. Yes she’s a little different than before, but surely that’s just down to her near death experience? Strangley, she is also determined to reconnect with Stevie after so many years of radio silence between them. Stevie is convinced something is not quite right, but she is drawn in to Callistas world and finds herself falling for her all over again.

This was a very interesting and unique conspiracy book that comments on parasocial relationships and the determination of the music industry to cash in on a singers reputation. It’s also written in a way that makes you question whether Stevie is an unreliable narrator, who is just a crazy ex girlfriend obsessed with Callie/Callista, or was she right about everything from the start? The way Stevie behaves towards her best friend and her ex/boyfriend Rich really makes you question exactly who Stevie is as a person.
The main body of the book is really strong and had the potential to be a five star read, but I really felt like the ending let it down and we were left with so many loose ends that are never tied up. This is probably intentional, but to me, it just felt very unsatisfactory. I think the “truth” could possibly have come a bit later in the story too, just to keep you hanging that little bit longer and questioning the motives of Callista and her team.
Overall it was enjoyable, definitely would recommend it to those who are into celebrity conspiracies especially, but a quick easy read that really makes you think.

[Corbyjane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is for the Gaylors (especially the people who survived Swiftgron)— it neatly wraps all the queerlor conspiracy theories (matching tattoos! Garden gate!) up with the Avril Lavigne replacement conspiracy theory and a little murder.

I loved this one, especially the faux lyrics (“again, again, again” has such 1989 vibes) and it was a fun read that had me engaged until the end.

UnFORtunately, the end didn’t bring me as much closure as I might have hoped for. A lot of questions were left unresolved, which probably is the point, but it’s a bummer to end such a a fantastical story with kind of a fizzle.

Giving it a 3.5 because I would recommend it to others but probably wouldn’t re-read.