What do you think?
Rate this book
Unpredictable #2
The Lucky Ones
I’m never lucky.
As a foster kid I bounced from home to home.
My tattoo parlor is my only safe space.
My days are spent making art and my nights are lonely, even when I’m not alone.
Then I meet him.
Bailey Marks.
The man who won’t stop talking and making me laugh. Making me want to see him again and again. But I don’t belong in his suit-and-tie world.
I’m never lucky.
I lost my father, and my so-called mother sees me as a bank account. I spend my time bailing my sister out of trouble, but she’s all I’ve got.
Except my law practice, which is the only thing that’s totally mine.
I tell too many jokes to hide how lonely I am, and I have way too many one-night stands.
I just want someone to love.
Then I meet him.
Keston Harris.
The gorgeous loner who’s closed off his emotions, with walls higher than the Empire State building. One kiss from him, and I’m a goner.
We’re two lonely hearts, unlucky in life and love, failed by people who should’ve been there for us.
What we do know is, the world feels better when we’re together, and life seems easier now that we have each other.
Trust issues? We’ve got a million of them.
Yet we keep turning to each other when life gets tough.
But it’s nothing serious.
Maybe if we say it often enough, we’ll believe it.
And maybe…just maybe, we’ll finally be one of the lucky ones.
297 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 10, 2025
86 people are currently reading
127 people want to read
About the author
Felice Stevens
89 books1,717 followersFelice Stevens writes romance because what is better than people falling in love? Her favorite part of a romance novel is that first kiss…sigh. She loves creating stories of hopes and dreams and happily ever afters. Her stories are character-driven, rich with the sights, sounds and flavors of New York City and filled with men who are sometimes deeply flawed but always real.
Felice writes M/M romance because she believes that everyone deserves a happily ever after. Having traveled all over the world, she can safely say that the universal language that unites people is love. Felice has written in a variety of sub-genres, including contemporary, paranormal and has a mystery series as well.
Felice is a two-time Lambda Literary Award nominee and the Lambda award-winner for Best Gay Romance for her book, The Ghost and Charlie Muir, as well as the e-Lit gold medal winner in romance for Broken Silence.
Felice writes M/M romance because she believes that everyone deserves a happily ever after. Having traveled all over the world, she can safely say that the universal language that unites people is love. Felice has written in a variety of sub-genres, including contemporary, paranormal and has a mystery series as well.
Felice is a two-time Lambda Literary Award nominee and the Lambda award-winner for Best Gay Romance for her book, The Ghost and Charlie Muir, as well as the e-Lit gold medal winner in romance for Broken Silence.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
![Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1626057011i%2F10717098._UX200_CR0%2C33%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
November 21, 2025
The Lucky Ones is book two in the Unpredictable series by Felice Stevens.
Bailey Marks is thirty nine years old and is a lawyer who owns his own practice, just him and his assistant. Bailey has never really been in love. He goes to clubs, picks up someone and instantly hopes, maybe this guy is the one. But in reality, they are all just an endless stream of one night stands. As a result, Bailey puts on a “life of the party” mask, never really letting anyone see the real person inside. In reality, Bailey was abandoned by his mother and lost the only parent that was there for him, his father. He has an adult half sister who is equally hurt by her past and makes terrible life choices. But Bailey always tries to be there for her to pick up the pieces. No one is there for Bailey, though. He is always alone.
Keston Harris is I think just a few years younger than Bailey. He is a tattoo artist. Bailey was also hurt deeply as a child, abandoned and left to the system which also failed him. He loved deeply once but tragically lost him. Now he is as closed off as Fort Knox. Hook ups is all he allows himself.
When these two first meet, sparks fly. Somehow, though, once is never enough. They both feel the pull back to each other, neither understanding why. On the surface, they both think they are complete opposites. But in reality, they have so much in common. They just fit!
Both of these men judged the other in the beginning as what they assumed the other was. Keston judged Bailey as a rich, well to do lawyer, never worrying about money. Keston never imagined the universe would allow him a second true love, while Bailey had pretty much given up on ever finding love. Together, they found a peace with each other, the missing piece they didn’t know they needed. I also have to add that throughout the story, I disliked Keston’s best friend and co-worker, Ambrose, very much so. But in the end, I think he is the one that surprised me most of all.
This was a sweet, steamy, emotional story of two men who had been hurt by the ones that were supposed to love them the most. But in each other, they found strength, peace, love, and a life they never imagined they could have.
Bailey Marks is thirty nine years old and is a lawyer who owns his own practice, just him and his assistant. Bailey has never really been in love. He goes to clubs, picks up someone and instantly hopes, maybe this guy is the one. But in reality, they are all just an endless stream of one night stands. As a result, Bailey puts on a “life of the party” mask, never really letting anyone see the real person inside. In reality, Bailey was abandoned by his mother and lost the only parent that was there for him, his father. He has an adult half sister who is equally hurt by her past and makes terrible life choices. But Bailey always tries to be there for her to pick up the pieces. No one is there for Bailey, though. He is always alone.
Keston Harris is I think just a few years younger than Bailey. He is a tattoo artist. Bailey was also hurt deeply as a child, abandoned and left to the system which also failed him. He loved deeply once but tragically lost him. Now he is as closed off as Fort Knox. Hook ups is all he allows himself.
When these two first meet, sparks fly. Somehow, though, once is never enough. They both feel the pull back to each other, neither understanding why. On the surface, they both think they are complete opposites. But in reality, they have so much in common. They just fit!
Both of these men judged the other in the beginning as what they assumed the other was. Keston judged Bailey as a rich, well to do lawyer, never worrying about money. Keston never imagined the universe would allow him a second true love, while Bailey had pretty much given up on ever finding love. Together, they found a peace with each other, the missing piece they didn’t know they needed. I also have to add that throughout the story, I disliked Keston’s best friend and co-worker, Ambrose, very much so. But in the end, I think he is the one that surprised me most of all.
This was a sweet, steamy, emotional story of two men who had been hurt by the ones that were supposed to love them the most. But in each other, they found strength, peace, love, and a life they never imagined they could have.
October 31, 2025
This was an at times incredibly frustrating but ultimately rewarding romance between two men who got in their own way more often than not!
However, it also made perfect sense that they were how they are, so I could absolutely understand why they behaved as they did, but it did make it a bit of a slog when they were following the same poor patterns of making assumptions and then not actually doing anything to change it for a long time.
Saying that though, that made the ultimate happy ending even more sweet because of how hard-earned it was. Neither Bailey or Keston made things easy for the other, while also being their own worst enemies as well.
There's instant sexual attraction between them, but their own inbuild fears and prejudices mean their first few encounters are more on the lines of I fancy you so I'm gonna sleep with you even though I don't like you right now!
Again, though, this works for the opening third of the book, while both men are slowly realising the people in their lives now are here to stay and that there's no hidden agendas or ulterior motives.
The push/pull nature of the narrative drives the secondary plotline as well, as Keston deals with his co-worker and best friend's issues with his criminal brother and Bailey deals with his shitty mother and unreliable half-sister.
As is often the case with Felice's novels, the main characters problems aren't simply solved with a bit of hot sex and a couple of good dates.
Bailey sees a therapist to help him work though his abandonment issues, Keston eventually opens up both to his brother Grady and also to Bailey too as he realises he's going to miss out on a second chance of happiness if he doesn't do something.
I also liked how Felice handled Keston's dead first love, Carlos, the guy who took him in, taught him the tattoo trade and, after giving Keston chance to explore his freedom once he was 18, eventually became his lover.
He's a gentle reminder in the background that Keston had been happy and, if he was willing to risk his heart again, that he could find a new future.
Overall I liked this one a lot, would I have preferred them to stop being idiots earlier, of course! But I also got why it took them time to let the walls down.
This is a great follow on from the first in the series and it was nice to see Weston and Brenner appearing here along with Grady.
#ARC kindly received from the author via GRR Tours, I am voluntarily leaving a review
However, it also made perfect sense that they were how they are, so I could absolutely understand why they behaved as they did, but it did make it a bit of a slog when they were following the same poor patterns of making assumptions and then not actually doing anything to change it for a long time.
Saying that though, that made the ultimate happy ending even more sweet because of how hard-earned it was. Neither Bailey or Keston made things easy for the other, while also being their own worst enemies as well.
There's instant sexual attraction between them, but their own inbuild fears and prejudices mean their first few encounters are more on the lines of I fancy you so I'm gonna sleep with you even though I don't like you right now!
Again, though, this works for the opening third of the book, while both men are slowly realising the people in their lives now are here to stay and that there's no hidden agendas or ulterior motives.
The push/pull nature of the narrative drives the secondary plotline as well, as Keston deals with his co-worker and best friend's issues with his criminal brother and Bailey deals with his shitty mother and unreliable half-sister.
As is often the case with Felice's novels, the main characters problems aren't simply solved with a bit of hot sex and a couple of good dates.
Bailey sees a therapist to help him work though his abandonment issues, Keston eventually opens up both to his brother Grady and also to Bailey too as he realises he's going to miss out on a second chance of happiness if he doesn't do something.
I also liked how Felice handled Keston's dead first love, Carlos, the guy who took him in, taught him the tattoo trade and, after giving Keston chance to explore his freedom once he was 18, eventually became his lover.
He's a gentle reminder in the background that Keston had been happy and, if he was willing to risk his heart again, that he could find a new future.
Overall I liked this one a lot, would I have preferred them to stop being idiots earlier, of course! But I also got why it took them time to let the walls down.
This is a great follow on from the first in the series and it was nice to see Weston and Brenner appearing here along with Grady.
#ARC kindly received from the author via GRR Tours, I am voluntarily leaving a review
November 23, 2025
***ARC Review***
This is my honest and voluntary review.
This book touches on some heavy themes, but there is a sweet undercurrent to it. It’s an engaging read and I found myself rooting for Keaton and Bailey long before they got their stuff together.
Keston and Bailey are a good fit, but don’t know it at first because of assumptions they make about one another. Keston owns a tattoo parlor and Bailey is a lawyer. Both men are closed off in different ways (for different reasons) and have a hard time expressing their true emotions. Both men are also trying to navigate traumatic pasts. Bailey hides behind jokes while Keston just keeps his true feelings inside his head.
I was really happy that these MCs have supportive people in their lives like half-siblings and friends to keep them in check. (Grady and Lauren were great side characters. Jodi and Ambrose are solid as well, though Ambrose has his own issues). Bailey and Keston complement one another well and deserve every good thing.
I appreciate the pacing in this novel as both men slowly figure out how to open up to one another emotionally. This pair definitely have chemistry. It just takes a little longer for their vulnerabilities to come out, and for the two of them to realize how lucky they are to have each other. Keston and Bailey work hard to achieve their HEA, which makes it feel that much more satisfying.
This is my honest and voluntary review.
This book touches on some heavy themes, but there is a sweet undercurrent to it. It’s an engaging read and I found myself rooting for Keaton and Bailey long before they got their stuff together.
Keston and Bailey are a good fit, but don’t know it at first because of assumptions they make about one another. Keston owns a tattoo parlor and Bailey is a lawyer. Both men are closed off in different ways (for different reasons) and have a hard time expressing their true emotions. Both men are also trying to navigate traumatic pasts. Bailey hides behind jokes while Keston just keeps his true feelings inside his head.
I was really happy that these MCs have supportive people in their lives like half-siblings and friends to keep them in check. (Grady and Lauren were great side characters. Jodi and Ambrose are solid as well, though Ambrose has his own issues). Bailey and Keston complement one another well and deserve every good thing.
I appreciate the pacing in this novel as both men slowly figure out how to open up to one another emotionally. This pair definitely have chemistry. It just takes a little longer for their vulnerabilities to come out, and for the two of them to realize how lucky they are to have each other. Keston and Bailey work hard to achieve their HEA, which makes it feel that much more satisfying.
November 12, 2025
This is book about two broken men in their 30's trying to find love. Bailey is a straight laced lawyer and Keston is a tattoo artist.
They meet and their attraction is instant but it does not happen for them. While they try to stay away from each other their feelings will not be denied. Bailey has some trauma from his past and that makes him week. Keston walks all over him and he lets him. Keston has trust issues and he takes that out on Bailey.
There is a lot of push and pull in this book and ultimately we get our HEA. The end felt a little rushed to me and I am not sure I totally buy Keston's change of heart.
It is a good well paced read
They meet and their attraction is instant but it does not happen for them. While they try to stay away from each other their feelings will not be denied. Bailey has some trauma from his past and that makes him week. Keston walks all over him and he lets him. Keston has trust issues and he takes that out on Bailey.
There is a lot of push and pull in this book and ultimately we get our HEA. The end felt a little rushed to me and I am not sure I totally buy Keston's change of heart.
It is a good well paced read
November 11, 2025
I always enjoy a Felice Stevens book, her characters are complex and she writes about the values of family, especially chosen family, with heart.
Bailey and Keston seem to be poles apart, a lawyer and a tattooist, with only highly charged chemistry bringing them back into each others orbit, but as the story unfolds and we learn more about them it seems they have far more in common than they thought. Both have abandonment issues, their mothers deserted them, but Bailey had his lovely dad until his late teens whereas Keston was lost in the system, rescued by Carlos, an older man who owned a tattoo shop, given a job, training, a home and eventually love, the first time Keston had ever felt love but Carlos was taken from him in a street crime and Keston was left with serious trust issues.
I didn’t fall in love with these men at the beginning, they are both so damaged, Bailey desperate to be loved and Keston wanting nobody after Carlos, they didn’t talk, feelings were locked down and misunderstandings were plentiful but as I got deeper into the story and feelings surfaced and they even started talking instead of shutting the other down or in Keston’s case running away, I loved them. Some of the dialogue hit me in the feels and I teared up a few times.
We got to catch up with Brenner and Weston from book 1 and the lovely Grady who happens to be Keston’s brother. Grady found out he had a brother and tracked him down and by the end of the book they had a really good relationship. All the side characters were likeable except for Bailey’s truly awful mother!
An enjoyable book and one I would recommend.
Bailey and Keston seem to be poles apart, a lawyer and a tattooist, with only highly charged chemistry bringing them back into each others orbit, but as the story unfolds and we learn more about them it seems they have far more in common than they thought. Both have abandonment issues, their mothers deserted them, but Bailey had his lovely dad until his late teens whereas Keston was lost in the system, rescued by Carlos, an older man who owned a tattoo shop, given a job, training, a home and eventually love, the first time Keston had ever felt love but Carlos was taken from him in a street crime and Keston was left with serious trust issues.
I didn’t fall in love with these men at the beginning, they are both so damaged, Bailey desperate to be loved and Keston wanting nobody after Carlos, they didn’t talk, feelings were locked down and misunderstandings were plentiful but as I got deeper into the story and feelings surfaced and they even started talking instead of shutting the other down or in Keston’s case running away, I loved them. Some of the dialogue hit me in the feels and I teared up a few times.
We got to catch up with Brenner and Weston from book 1 and the lovely Grady who happens to be Keston’s brother. Grady found out he had a brother and tracked him down and by the end of the book they had a really good relationship. All the side characters were likeable except for Bailey’s truly awful mother!
An enjoyable book and one I would recommend.
December 8, 2025
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
This is the second book in Felice Steven’s Unpredictable series and is entirely readable as a standalone. Both guys are pretty decent, as characters. They felt like real people with real problems and the complex nature of their youthful trauma meant they needed handholding throughout. I thought it kind of slowed the pace, at first, but I could see they just needed a lot of time to break down their barriers and build new bridges.
The ending is really good, and I liked the book. I think both characters showed a lot of growth, even if they hurt each other on the journey. It was fun to see this very odd couple find common ground and a happy ending.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
This is the second book in Felice Steven’s Unpredictable series and is entirely readable as a standalone. Both guys are pretty decent, as characters. They felt like real people with real problems and the complex nature of their youthful trauma meant they needed handholding throughout. I thought it kind of slowed the pace, at first, but I could see they just needed a lot of time to break down their barriers and build new bridges.
The ending is really good, and I liked the book. I think both characters showed a lot of growth, even if they hurt each other on the journey. It was fun to see this very odd couple find common ground and a happy ending.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
November 6, 2025
Bailey and Keston were both a bit broken. They never really had anyone to love and trust. They meet and sparks fly but they keep getting in their own way. Soon they begin to grow closer and their relationship grows in love and support.
November 10, 2025
Thanks to Happily Booked PR for the arc! Loved this one! The chemistry was perfect & enjoyed the setting. Excited for the next book!
November 8, 2025
ARC Review
*mild spoilers ahead*
⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️,5
I really enjoyed Not This Guy, the first installment in this shared universe, so I jumped at the opportunity to get this ARC, expecting to like it just as much.
Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case.
Now, that’s not to say it’s a bad book, it’s a nice read if you’re looking for a fast-paced, spicy MM romance featuring mature (age-wise) characters.
The premise is enticing: these two guys in their late 30s, navigating life as single men when everyone around them seems to be settling down. There’s lawyer Bailey, the outgoing, carefree college friend of the first book’s main characters, and Keston, a tattoo artist and the brother of another one of the established side characters.
They meet at a club and there’s instant attraction, to the point where they were ready to hook up, but because some misunderstanding, it didn’t happen. After that, even as they both try to avoid it, they’re drawn to each other, but both carry a lot of baggage. Bailey has serious abandonment issues because his mother left him when he was a child; all he wants is to find someone who sees beyond the easy hookup and actually stays. Keston, on the other hand, has trust issues from growing up in the system and is still grieving his first and only love, his mentor, who was murdered.
As I said, so much potential, but I’m afraid the execution didn’t live up to it.
The guys meet, hook up, do the hot-and-cold routine, get together, and from my point of view, there was zero character development. Bailey is basically a doormat for most of the book. He wants Keston to see him as more than a hookup, but he caves every time Keston looks him up. The one time Bailey tries to stand his ground, he questions himself the whole time and ends up going back. Plus, his mother and sister are terrible, and he never really distances himself from them.
Keston doesn’t trust anybody, not even his long-lost brother, and seems to resent successful people. He wants to keep Carlos, his lost love, in his memory forever and doesn’t want to let anyone else in but has no trouble hooking up with Bailey and leading him on, even though he resents what he thinks was Bailey’s easy upbringing.
They never really talk about their feelings. They basically just have a lot of sex and can’t seem to let each other go. Bailey falls in love fast; Keston keeps him at arm’s length the whole time, and then suddenly, without much explanation, decides he feels the same. Next thing you know, they buy a house and get a happily ever after. But again, I can’t help but feel that nothing really happened, it was all just rushed…
The writing is okay, the spice is good, but some of the dialogue is really cringey. I mean, “Burn baby burn” and “come to papa” are actual lines the characters say…
Anyway, the 3 stars are more for the premise than the actual story. I really wish it had fulfilled the expectations.
But I’ll stick with the good parts. It was great to see Weston and Brenner again, the legal lingo was believable, and the world-building was interesting. Here’s hoping the next book returns to what the first one had.
------
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
*mild spoilers ahead*
⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️,5
I really enjoyed Not This Guy, the first installment in this shared universe, so I jumped at the opportunity to get this ARC, expecting to like it just as much.
Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case.
Now, that’s not to say it’s a bad book, it’s a nice read if you’re looking for a fast-paced, spicy MM romance featuring mature (age-wise) characters.
The premise is enticing: these two guys in their late 30s, navigating life as single men when everyone around them seems to be settling down. There’s lawyer Bailey, the outgoing, carefree college friend of the first book’s main characters, and Keston, a tattoo artist and the brother of another one of the established side characters.
They meet at a club and there’s instant attraction, to the point where they were ready to hook up, but because some misunderstanding, it didn’t happen. After that, even as they both try to avoid it, they’re drawn to each other, but both carry a lot of baggage. Bailey has serious abandonment issues because his mother left him when he was a child; all he wants is to find someone who sees beyond the easy hookup and actually stays. Keston, on the other hand, has trust issues from growing up in the system and is still grieving his first and only love, his mentor, who was murdered.
As I said, so much potential, but I’m afraid the execution didn’t live up to it.
The guys meet, hook up, do the hot-and-cold routine, get together, and from my point of view, there was zero character development. Bailey is basically a doormat for most of the book. He wants Keston to see him as more than a hookup, but he caves every time Keston looks him up. The one time Bailey tries to stand his ground, he questions himself the whole time and ends up going back. Plus, his mother and sister are terrible, and he never really distances himself from them.
Keston doesn’t trust anybody, not even his long-lost brother, and seems to resent successful people. He wants to keep Carlos, his lost love, in his memory forever and doesn’t want to let anyone else in but has no trouble hooking up with Bailey and leading him on, even though he resents what he thinks was Bailey’s easy upbringing.
They never really talk about their feelings. They basically just have a lot of sex and can’t seem to let each other go. Bailey falls in love fast; Keston keeps him at arm’s length the whole time, and then suddenly, without much explanation, decides he feels the same. Next thing you know, they buy a house and get a happily ever after. But again, I can’t help but feel that nothing really happened, it was all just rushed…
The writing is okay, the spice is good, but some of the dialogue is really cringey. I mean, “Burn baby burn” and “come to papa” are actual lines the characters say…
Anyway, the 3 stars are more for the premise than the actual story. I really wish it had fulfilled the expectations.
But I’ll stick with the good parts. It was great to see Weston and Brenner again, the legal lingo was believable, and the world-building was interesting. Here’s hoping the next book returns to what the first one had.
------
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
November 29, 2025
I was lucky enough to be chosen to read this book and I loved it so freaking much!! Felice Stevens always kills it with each couple and Bailey and Keston have become my favorite couple (sorry to Patrick and Fallon giggling face) But these two, man, they truly put me through a rollercoaster of emotions and I wish I could just shake them and make them see what they refuse to acknowledge!
This is the story of Bailey, who spent his childhood living in different foster homes, wishing that he can find a permanent home. The only thing he loved growing up was art and he ended up becoming a tattoo artist. Once upon a time, he met the love of his life and was happy until tragedy struck and he ended up losing his loved one. Since then, he believed he wasn’t destined for anything else and just solely focused on his job and having one night stands. He only has loneliness as a companion and spends his day, working and sleeping around. Until, one night he meets a beautiful man that he instantly feels attracted to and the tension between them is soooo electrifying!
Keston has only had one person in the world who loved him unconditionally, and that was his father. His mother walked out on them and left them behind, and his father picked up both parental roles. When 9/11 happened, his father was in the area, and decided to help out, causing him to eventually get sick. Since then, the disease took over and Keston’s mother magically appears with a young girl. His father passes away, and Keston feels so alone in the world because the only thing his mother cares for is money. He ends up becoming a lawyer and only cares for his business and having one night stands as well. When he meets a beautiful stranger, sparks fly like it's the fourth of july!
Both are determined that getting it out of their system and spending one night together will be enough to satisfy them, boy were they wrong ! 🤭 Their streak of one night stands ends the moment they want to see each other again, and again 🤭 The fact that these two dont realize is that they are slowly developing feelings for each other but both are too scared to face that reality. This is the journey of two people who have been alone their whole lives, that the moment they start to feel happy for once in their lives, go out of their way to self-destruct. I truly loved how deep and emotional Felice gets with both Bailey and Keston, and demonstrates their ups and downs in such a beautiful and intricate way. Like I said, this book really made me feel like I had to yell at them both to realize that they are meant for each other! ❤️
Rating: 100000000/5
Steamy scenes: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
This is the story of Bailey, who spent his childhood living in different foster homes, wishing that he can find a permanent home. The only thing he loved growing up was art and he ended up becoming a tattoo artist. Once upon a time, he met the love of his life and was happy until tragedy struck and he ended up losing his loved one. Since then, he believed he wasn’t destined for anything else and just solely focused on his job and having one night stands. He only has loneliness as a companion and spends his day, working and sleeping around. Until, one night he meets a beautiful man that he instantly feels attracted to and the tension between them is soooo electrifying!
Keston has only had one person in the world who loved him unconditionally, and that was his father. His mother walked out on them and left them behind, and his father picked up both parental roles. When 9/11 happened, his father was in the area, and decided to help out, causing him to eventually get sick. Since then, the disease took over and Keston’s mother magically appears with a young girl. His father passes away, and Keston feels so alone in the world because the only thing his mother cares for is money. He ends up becoming a lawyer and only cares for his business and having one night stands as well. When he meets a beautiful stranger, sparks fly like it's the fourth of july!
Both are determined that getting it out of their system and spending one night together will be enough to satisfy them, boy were they wrong ! 🤭 Their streak of one night stands ends the moment they want to see each other again, and again 🤭 The fact that these two dont realize is that they are slowly developing feelings for each other but both are too scared to face that reality. This is the journey of two people who have been alone their whole lives, that the moment they start to feel happy for once in their lives, go out of their way to self-destruct. I truly loved how deep and emotional Felice gets with both Bailey and Keston, and demonstrates their ups and downs in such a beautiful and intricate way. Like I said, this book really made me feel like I had to yell at them both to realize that they are meant for each other! ❤️
Rating: 100000000/5
Steamy scenes: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
November 11, 2025
The Lucky Ones, by Felice Stevens.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
When I first started reading this book, I thought to myself this is one book I may have to DNF. I put it down and began reading other books in my TBR-ARC. I kept seeing online that people were having the same thoughts as I was but had picked the book back up and started to read it again. To my surprise they actually liked it and I decided to pick the book back up and try again. I did not regret it because I actually loved the book.
You have two of the MMC, Bailey and Keston. Both come from a trouble past. They both meet in a gay club that they had gone to in search of a good time and in hopes to find a one night hook up. Upon entering the club Bailey notices Keston and there was an instant physical attraction. However, because of Keston‘s confident cockiness Bailey immediately was turned off by him. Nevertheless, Bailey was really attracted to this Keston, and he decided to attempt to meet him again. Bailey just could not get Keston out of his mind. Despite their traction between each other both possessed an inner self doubt and fear in which often jeopardize the chances of them hooking up. The banter between them both goes back-and-forth for 2/3 of the book.
Both soon realize that if they continue to self sabotage, they will miss out on an opportunity of finding love. Keston is the type that eventually figures out, that if someone is around you more often then not, and sticks around, it must mean that they love you. He starts to see a therapist as he realizes he needs help with some deep rooted issues with abandonment and being taken advantage of by his family. Keston starts to open up more often rather than keep those that love him at a distant he starts to talk more to his brother and even to Bailey.
Finishing the book I realized that this was not a bad storyline after all. Stevens did a beautiful job in the character portrayals and storyline development. There is a lesson to be learned here. The author shows us that every one learns to love again and that there is no such thing as loving once in your life or just loving just one person. Even those with a troubled past, if given the chance to change, can learn to express their feelings and love without expectations. Or in Bailey’s case, except the love and love another. Hope is never really lost. Deep down inside the need is always there. We just have to learn to embrace it and let destiny unfold. I’m so glad I gave this book a second chance because, I too learned to love it. 🥰
10 out of 10 would recommend this book. 📖
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
When I first started reading this book, I thought to myself this is one book I may have to DNF. I put it down and began reading other books in my TBR-ARC. I kept seeing online that people were having the same thoughts as I was but had picked the book back up and started to read it again. To my surprise they actually liked it and I decided to pick the book back up and try again. I did not regret it because I actually loved the book.
You have two of the MMC, Bailey and Keston. Both come from a trouble past. They both meet in a gay club that they had gone to in search of a good time and in hopes to find a one night hook up. Upon entering the club Bailey notices Keston and there was an instant physical attraction. However, because of Keston‘s confident cockiness Bailey immediately was turned off by him. Nevertheless, Bailey was really attracted to this Keston, and he decided to attempt to meet him again. Bailey just could not get Keston out of his mind. Despite their traction between each other both possessed an inner self doubt and fear in which often jeopardize the chances of them hooking up. The banter between them both goes back-and-forth for 2/3 of the book.
Both soon realize that if they continue to self sabotage, they will miss out on an opportunity of finding love. Keston is the type that eventually figures out, that if someone is around you more often then not, and sticks around, it must mean that they love you. He starts to see a therapist as he realizes he needs help with some deep rooted issues with abandonment and being taken advantage of by his family. Keston starts to open up more often rather than keep those that love him at a distant he starts to talk more to his brother and even to Bailey.
Finishing the book I realized that this was not a bad storyline after all. Stevens did a beautiful job in the character portrayals and storyline development. There is a lesson to be learned here. The author shows us that every one learns to love again and that there is no such thing as loving once in your life or just loving just one person. Even those with a troubled past, if given the chance to change, can learn to express their feelings and love without expectations. Or in Bailey’s case, except the love and love another. Hope is never really lost. Deep down inside the need is always there. We just have to learn to embrace it and let destiny unfold. I’m so glad I gave this book a second chance because, I too learned to love it. 🥰
10 out of 10 would recommend this book. 📖
November 15, 2025
Here's Felice Steven's latest "The Lucky Ones." It's the second book in her Unpredictable series.
["I’m never lucky
As a foster kid I bounced from home to home.
My tattoo parlor is my only safe space.
My days are spent making art and my nights are lonely, even when I’m not alone.
Then I meet him.
Bailey Marks.
The man who won’t stop talking and making me laugh. Making me want to see him again and again. But I don’t belong in his suit-and-tie world.
I’m never lucky.
I lost my father, and my so-called mother sees me as a bank account. I spend my time bailing my sister out of trouble, but she’s all I’ve got.
Except my law practice, which is the only thing that’s totally mine.
I tell too many jokes to hide how lonely I am, and I have way too many one-night stands.
I just want someone to love.
Then I meet him.
Keston Harris.
The gorgeous loner who’s closed off his emotions, with walls higher than the Empire State building. One kiss from him, and I’m a goner.
We’re two lonely hearts, unlucky in life and love, failed by people who should’ve been there for us.
What we do know is, the world feels better when we’re together, and life seems easier now that we have each other.
Trust issues? We’ve got a million of them.
Yet we keep turning to each other when life gets tough.
But it’s nothing serious.
Maybe if we say it often enough, we’ll believe it.
And maybe…just maybe, we’ll finally be one of the lucky ones."]
There was SO much hurt/comfort in this thing. Both Bailey and Keston judged and assumed and didn't communicate. There was so much "I really like him" and "but my trauma". There was so much angst and anxiety and me not breathing.
But they were both so supportive and beautiful and kind when they let it happen. When they finally started being honest and let themselves realize how they feel and what it means, they were perfect together. Their jagged edges matched, their caring sides meshed.
Trigger Warnings: broken foster care system, parental abandonment, parental death, death of a partner, abuse, many talks about 9/11 survivors and aftermath, and more.
#gayromancereviews #grr #arcs #arcteammember
#notthatguy #theluckyones #unpredictable #unpredictableseries #felicestevens #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["I’m never lucky
As a foster kid I bounced from home to home.
My tattoo parlor is my only safe space.
My days are spent making art and my nights are lonely, even when I’m not alone.
Then I meet him.
Bailey Marks.
The man who won’t stop talking and making me laugh. Making me want to see him again and again. But I don’t belong in his suit-and-tie world.
I’m never lucky.
I lost my father, and my so-called mother sees me as a bank account. I spend my time bailing my sister out of trouble, but she’s all I’ve got.
Except my law practice, which is the only thing that’s totally mine.
I tell too many jokes to hide how lonely I am, and I have way too many one-night stands.
I just want someone to love.
Then I meet him.
Keston Harris.
The gorgeous loner who’s closed off his emotions, with walls higher than the Empire State building. One kiss from him, and I’m a goner.
We’re two lonely hearts, unlucky in life and love, failed by people who should’ve been there for us.
What we do know is, the world feels better when we’re together, and life seems easier now that we have each other.
Trust issues? We’ve got a million of them.
Yet we keep turning to each other when life gets tough.
But it’s nothing serious.
Maybe if we say it often enough, we’ll believe it.
And maybe…just maybe, we’ll finally be one of the lucky ones."]
There was SO much hurt/comfort in this thing. Both Bailey and Keston judged and assumed and didn't communicate. There was so much "I really like him" and "but my trauma". There was so much angst and anxiety and me not breathing.
But they were both so supportive and beautiful and kind when they let it happen. When they finally started being honest and let themselves realize how they feel and what it means, they were perfect together. Their jagged edges matched, their caring sides meshed.
Trigger Warnings: broken foster care system, parental abandonment, parental death, death of a partner, abuse, many talks about 9/11 survivors and aftermath, and more.
#gayromancereviews #grr #arcs #arcteammember
#notthatguy #theluckyones #unpredictable #unpredictableseries #felicestevens #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
November 19, 2025
The Lucky Ones
by Felice Stevens
There’s something compelling about two people who’ve built walls around their hearts—so when they finally crash into each other, the spark is electric. That’s what drew me into this story, and for the most part, it delivers a ride that’s equal parts heat, hurt and hope.
On one side we have Bailey: charismatic, warm and used to being the life of the party, but carrying a quiet fear that no one will stick around long enough to see the real him. On the other side is Keston: guarded, intense, living with the scars of a past he won’t let go of. From the moment they meet, there’s a charge between them—but as many good sparks do, it quickly becomes tangled with miscommunication, mistrust and pain.
What works:
• The emotional undercurrent is strong. The way Bailey’s need to be accepted and Keston’s fear of betrayal roots in their histories gives the story some solid depth.
• I liked that friends from earlier in the series show up, reminding us this is part of a wider world—so it doesn’t feel isolated.
• The dynamic of slow-build vs. instant attraction is handled with moments of real connection: when they talk, when they hurt each other, when they decide (or don’t) to stay.
What didn’t quite land for me:
• Sometimes the back-and-forth felt repetitive: attraction-then-pull-back, talk-then-silence, trust broken-then mended. It gave a bit of a “stuck on loop” feeling.
• At times the dialogue veered into cliché territory—lines that pulled me out of the moment instead of drawing me in.
• By the end, some of the resolution felt a little rushed given the weight of the baggage they both carry. The leap to “everything works now” lacked a bit of build for me.
Verdict:
If you’re in the mood for a spicy MM romance with emotional baggage, witty legal-world banter and a solid cast of side-characters to keep things lively, this will likely hit the spot. It may not reinvent the wheel, and a few plot rhythms repeat more than I’d like, but the heart of it—two broken men daring to believe they might be better together—is moving. I’m glad I picked it up, and I’ll be curious to see how the series continues.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆ 3.5 / 5
by Felice Stevens
There’s something compelling about two people who’ve built walls around their hearts—so when they finally crash into each other, the spark is electric. That’s what drew me into this story, and for the most part, it delivers a ride that’s equal parts heat, hurt and hope.
On one side we have Bailey: charismatic, warm and used to being the life of the party, but carrying a quiet fear that no one will stick around long enough to see the real him. On the other side is Keston: guarded, intense, living with the scars of a past he won’t let go of. From the moment they meet, there’s a charge between them—but as many good sparks do, it quickly becomes tangled with miscommunication, mistrust and pain.
What works:
• The emotional undercurrent is strong. The way Bailey’s need to be accepted and Keston’s fear of betrayal roots in their histories gives the story some solid depth.
• I liked that friends from earlier in the series show up, reminding us this is part of a wider world—so it doesn’t feel isolated.
• The dynamic of slow-build vs. instant attraction is handled with moments of real connection: when they talk, when they hurt each other, when they decide (or don’t) to stay.
What didn’t quite land for me:
• Sometimes the back-and-forth felt repetitive: attraction-then-pull-back, talk-then-silence, trust broken-then mended. It gave a bit of a “stuck on loop” feeling.
• At times the dialogue veered into cliché territory—lines that pulled me out of the moment instead of drawing me in.
• By the end, some of the resolution felt a little rushed given the weight of the baggage they both carry. The leap to “everything works now” lacked a bit of build for me.
Verdict:
If you’re in the mood for a spicy MM romance with emotional baggage, witty legal-world banter and a solid cast of side-characters to keep things lively, this will likely hit the spot. It may not reinvent the wheel, and a few plot rhythms repeat more than I’d like, but the heart of it—two broken men daring to believe they might be better together—is moving. I’m glad I picked it up, and I’ll be curious to see how the series continues.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆ 3.5 / 5
November 7, 2025
MY OPINION: I didn’t read the first book in this series, but picked this up anyhow. I have noticed that most of the time, a series doesn’t require the other books to be enjoyable. I liked The Lucky Ones; it was written like most of Felice Stevens’ other MM romance books, with solid characters and some depth to the story.
These two have tons in common underneath, but when they first come together, assumptions about the other are made. The book takes us through them, seeing each other, healing each other, and trusting each other.
Keston (I really liked this name) has a tough back story, including losing the man he loved. There was so much pain and fear in his life. He didn’t think he would ever love again, and when he lost the one person that meant the world to him, he figured that had been his only chance to love.
Bailey had found his way to success, but he had his own rough back story that made him the way he was. Both men are damaged emotionally, and ended up strong men. Neither had strong self-esteem, but they had people who built them up. There are a lot of friends (and new family) who are there for them, cheering them on, wanting them to see themselves as others see them.
I liked both men a lot. There is enough introspection that we get to know them, we see their fears, and understand why they are the way they are. It’s a solid story, being surprised when they start to have feelings and realize together they are stronger.
It is also to be noted that these men can not keep their hands off each other, and it is the very basis of their relationship. They find comfort in each other physically, and being together as lovers is what builds their connection. Lots of spice while they figure out how to love each other. To me, the spice was what bonded them, and it built outward from there.
It’s a good read, and the guys are great. You won’t regret picking it up.
These two have tons in common underneath, but when they first come together, assumptions about the other are made. The book takes us through them, seeing each other, healing each other, and trusting each other.
Keston (I really liked this name) has a tough back story, including losing the man he loved. There was so much pain and fear in his life. He didn’t think he would ever love again, and when he lost the one person that meant the world to him, he figured that had been his only chance to love.
Bailey had found his way to success, but he had his own rough back story that made him the way he was. Both men are damaged emotionally, and ended up strong men. Neither had strong self-esteem, but they had people who built them up. There are a lot of friends (and new family) who are there for them, cheering them on, wanting them to see themselves as others see them.
I liked both men a lot. There is enough introspection that we get to know them, we see their fears, and understand why they are the way they are. It’s a solid story, being surprised when they start to have feelings and realize together they are stronger.
It is also to be noted that these men can not keep their hands off each other, and it is the very basis of their relationship. They find comfort in each other physically, and being together as lovers is what builds their connection. Lots of spice while they figure out how to love each other. To me, the spice was what bonded them, and it built outward from there.
It’s a good read, and the guys are great. You won’t regret picking it up.
November 10, 2025
This is such a touching book - Keston and Bailey are so well-written and fully layered that I wouldn’t have been surprised to find them in my living room when I put this book down. Their chemistry is undeniable throughout the book, but it’s their fears and baggage that hold them apart.
Keston and Bailey are immediately attracted to each other, and their social worlds overlap enough that falling into a relationship or situationship would be easy. In fact, everyone in their lives seems to support this idea. And while these two acknowledge their chemistry and attraction, being emotionally vulnerable is the mountain they each must climb. And isn’t that the way it is in life not on the page? The scariest thing is to let go of what’s holding us back - hanging onto our hurt and pain is the known quantity. There is a comfort in this sadness or pain, and letting go of that for a new relationship is hard and frightening. The personal growth journeys that each of these men embarks on are heart-breaking and moving and truly relatable. And combined with the explosive sexual chemistry that these two men have makes this book absolutely un-put-downable. Once again, Felice Stevens approaches the complex relationships of her characters with care, compassion, and insightfulness, and Keston and Bailey are absorbing and lovable individually as well as heart-meltingly endearing as a couple.
Another burning page-turner by Felice Stevens with off-the-charts chemistry between two dynamic main characters. Not only do we get to know Bailey and Keston better, but we get to visit with characters we’ve met before. I would love a night around the fire with Keston, Bailey, Brenner, Weston, Grady, and the rest of their friends. These characters stick with you long after you finish the book. And I love that for us.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.
Keston and Bailey are immediately attracted to each other, and their social worlds overlap enough that falling into a relationship or situationship would be easy. In fact, everyone in their lives seems to support this idea. And while these two acknowledge their chemistry and attraction, being emotionally vulnerable is the mountain they each must climb. And isn’t that the way it is in life not on the page? The scariest thing is to let go of what’s holding us back - hanging onto our hurt and pain is the known quantity. There is a comfort in this sadness or pain, and letting go of that for a new relationship is hard and frightening. The personal growth journeys that each of these men embarks on are heart-breaking and moving and truly relatable. And combined with the explosive sexual chemistry that these two men have makes this book absolutely un-put-downable. Once again, Felice Stevens approaches the complex relationships of her characters with care, compassion, and insightfulness, and Keston and Bailey are absorbing and lovable individually as well as heart-meltingly endearing as a couple.
Another burning page-turner by Felice Stevens with off-the-charts chemistry between two dynamic main characters. Not only do we get to know Bailey and Keston better, but we get to visit with characters we’ve met before. I would love a night around the fire with Keston, Bailey, Brenner, Weston, Grady, and the rest of their friends. These characters stick with you long after you finish the book. And I love that for us.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.
November 18, 2025
4.5 Stars
This is a really touching story about two very different but also two broken men, Keston and Bailey. They meet by chance in a bar one night, there’s an immediate attraction for sure but attitudes get in the way. It doesn’t end there though and they find they are more connected than they expected and neither of them can deny the attraction they feel and so it begins.
These two definitely have a hot and intense chemistry right from the start but again, both are broken and carrying some major baggage and a lot of grief. Keston comes from the foster system and has a lot of trust and love issues and it doesn’t help that he’s still grieving for Carlos, the only man who loved him and was killed years ago. He puts everything he has into his tattoo business, determined to keep Carlos’ memory alive. Bailey too struggles with family life, still mourning the passing of his father but also dealing with a hateful mother and a sister who he loves and tries to support but doesn’t always make the best decisions. So there’s a lot to unpack with these two and neither is really good at feelings so when their hookups quickly lead to real deep feelings neither was prepared for it isn’t easy for them.
I really loved these guys and was rooting for them right away, wanting them to find love and happiness. I felt like they both come with a lot of deep and strong emotions and I felt them all. These two really grow a lot with each other, opening up and sharing things with each other and in doing that they both find a lot of healing. Again, it’s a very touching and emotional journey. I really loved it and I know this is a book and characters that will stay in my heart. Another great read from Felice Stevens that brings heat, feels and so much love!
This is a really touching story about two very different but also two broken men, Keston and Bailey. They meet by chance in a bar one night, there’s an immediate attraction for sure but attitudes get in the way. It doesn’t end there though and they find they are more connected than they expected and neither of them can deny the attraction they feel and so it begins.
These two definitely have a hot and intense chemistry right from the start but again, both are broken and carrying some major baggage and a lot of grief. Keston comes from the foster system and has a lot of trust and love issues and it doesn’t help that he’s still grieving for Carlos, the only man who loved him and was killed years ago. He puts everything he has into his tattoo business, determined to keep Carlos’ memory alive. Bailey too struggles with family life, still mourning the passing of his father but also dealing with a hateful mother and a sister who he loves and tries to support but doesn’t always make the best decisions. So there’s a lot to unpack with these two and neither is really good at feelings so when their hookups quickly lead to real deep feelings neither was prepared for it isn’t easy for them.
I really loved these guys and was rooting for them right away, wanting them to find love and happiness. I felt like they both come with a lot of deep and strong emotions and I felt them all. These two really grow a lot with each other, opening up and sharing things with each other and in doing that they both find a lot of healing. Again, it’s a very touching and emotional journey. I really loved it and I know this is a book and characters that will stay in my heart. Another great read from Felice Stevens that brings heat, feels and so much love!
November 5, 2025
"𝙳𝚘𝚗'𝚝 𝚐𝚒𝚟𝚎 𝚞𝚙 𝚘𝚗 𝚖𝚎."
Bailey and Keston were both men with some heavy baggage. Neither of them had an upbringing you'd want for yourself. While Keston grew up in foster care with less than ideal foster parents, Bailey dealt with being abandoned by his own mother as a young child. It has to be difficult, knowing the people who were supposed to love you unconditionally didn't. Keston doesn't even remember his parents. Bailey wishes he could forget his evil mother. Two different traumas, but both have led to men who guard their hearts.
"𝙶𝚘 𝚊𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚍. 𝙻𝚎𝚊𝚟𝚎. 𝚂𝚒𝚝 𝚊𝚝 𝚑𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚋𝚛𝚘𝚘𝚍 𝚊𝚋𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚕𝚍 𝚒𝚗𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚘𝚏 𝚕𝚒𝚟𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚒𝚗 𝚒𝚝."
For much of this book these two just could not get out of their own way. Neither would communicate how they were really feeling. In fact, they went out of their way to hide it. I wanted to scream at times and give them a good bop on the heads. Even Keston's brother could see how good they were together, but it still took much longer for Keston and Bailey to believe him.
"𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚐𝚒𝚟𝚎 𝚑𝚒𝚖 𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚎𝚜𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚊 𝚜𝚎𝚗𝚜𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝚑𝚞𝚖𝚘𝚛 𝚑𝚎 𝚗𝚎𝚎𝚍𝚜, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙸 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚔 𝚑𝚎 𝚌𝚊𝚗 𝚐𝚒𝚟𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚊 𝚕𝚒𝚝𝚝𝚕𝚎 𝚋𝚒𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚍𝚗𝚎𝚜𝚜 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚌𝚛𝚊𝚟𝚎. 𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚝𝚛𝚞𝚕𝚢 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚙𝚕𝚎𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚎𝚊𝚌𝚑 𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛."
I really enjoyed the scenes where each of the MCs finally opened up about their pasts. It clued each other in to the fact that both were healing, but they didn't have to do it alone. You don't get to pick the family you were born into, but like Bailey reminded Keston, you do get to pick the people you surround yourself with as an adult. I'm pretty sure that the family these men have created together and with their close friends is more loving than any other family they could have had apart.
Bailey and Keston were both men with some heavy baggage. Neither of them had an upbringing you'd want for yourself. While Keston grew up in foster care with less than ideal foster parents, Bailey dealt with being abandoned by his own mother as a young child. It has to be difficult, knowing the people who were supposed to love you unconditionally didn't. Keston doesn't even remember his parents. Bailey wishes he could forget his evil mother. Two different traumas, but both have led to men who guard their hearts.
"𝙶𝚘 𝚊𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚍. 𝙻𝚎𝚊𝚟𝚎. 𝚂𝚒𝚝 𝚊𝚝 𝚑𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚋𝚛𝚘𝚘𝚍 𝚊𝚋𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚕𝚍 𝚒𝚗𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚘𝚏 𝚕𝚒𝚟𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚒𝚗 𝚒𝚝."
For much of this book these two just could not get out of their own way. Neither would communicate how they were really feeling. In fact, they went out of their way to hide it. I wanted to scream at times and give them a good bop on the heads. Even Keston's brother could see how good they were together, but it still took much longer for Keston and Bailey to believe him.
"𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚐𝚒𝚟𝚎 𝚑𝚒𝚖 𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚎𝚜𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚊 𝚜𝚎𝚗𝚜𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝚑𝚞𝚖𝚘𝚛 𝚑𝚎 𝚗𝚎𝚎𝚍𝚜, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙸 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚔 𝚑𝚎 𝚌𝚊𝚗 𝚐𝚒𝚟𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚊 𝚕𝚒𝚝𝚝𝚕𝚎 𝚋𝚒𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚍𝚗𝚎𝚜𝚜 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚌𝚛𝚊𝚟𝚎. 𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚝𝚛𝚞𝚕𝚢 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚙𝚕𝚎𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚎𝚊𝚌𝚑 𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛."
I really enjoyed the scenes where each of the MCs finally opened up about their pasts. It clued each other in to the fact that both were healing, but they didn't have to do it alone. You don't get to pick the family you were born into, but like Bailey reminded Keston, you do get to pick the people you surround yourself with as an adult. I'm pretty sure that the family these men have created together and with their close friends is more loving than any other family they could have had apart.
November 10, 2025
Despite being book two in the series this is a stand alone, but is quite closely linked to the first book - either by the main characters appearing in that book or due to a connection to someone we have already met.
In The Lucky Ones we get to know Bailey properly (the flirty college friend of Weston & Brenner from Not That Guy) and Keston, brother of Grady who we also met in book one.
Both characters have trust and commitment issues stemming from their childhoods, but quite a bit of the early tension is due to Keston’s misconceptions about the type of upbringing he thinks Bailey had. In addition to being raised in the foster system, Keston has also loved and lost and is unwilling to believe he can have that again.
I liked both main characters - even if they were frustrating at times - plus we also got to see some of Weston & Brenner’s ongoing HEA. The side story of Keston learning to open up to Grady a bit more was particularly good. The wider group of “lawyer” friends were all likeable, fun characters, but I have to say Ambrose (Keston’s best friend and employee) grated on me after a while. I understood the blind loyalty to his criminal brother and wanting to think the best of him, but if I was Keston or his girlfriend I think I’d have given up on him.
I enjoyed the story and thought it was a strong sequel to the first book. The only reason why I didn’t give it 5 stars was because I got a bit impatient with the cycle of arguments and misunderstandings due to their initial lack of trust in each other. They started off attracted to each other, without particularly liking the other person much. It did lead to some good make up scenes though!
In The Lucky Ones we get to know Bailey properly (the flirty college friend of Weston & Brenner from Not That Guy) and Keston, brother of Grady who we also met in book one.
Both characters have trust and commitment issues stemming from their childhoods, but quite a bit of the early tension is due to Keston’s misconceptions about the type of upbringing he thinks Bailey had. In addition to being raised in the foster system, Keston has also loved and lost and is unwilling to believe he can have that again.
I liked both main characters - even if they were frustrating at times - plus we also got to see some of Weston & Brenner’s ongoing HEA. The side story of Keston learning to open up to Grady a bit more was particularly good. The wider group of “lawyer” friends were all likeable, fun characters, but I have to say Ambrose (Keston’s best friend and employee) grated on me after a while. I understood the blind loyalty to his criminal brother and wanting to think the best of him, but if I was Keston or his girlfriend I think I’d have given up on him.
I enjoyed the story and thought it was a strong sequel to the first book. The only reason why I didn’t give it 5 stars was because I got a bit impatient with the cycle of arguments and misunderstandings due to their initial lack of trust in each other. They started off attracted to each other, without particularly liking the other person much. It did lead to some good make up scenes though!
November 10, 2025
Keston and Bailey live different lives totally opposite from each other except their pasts are more similar than they think. They meet by chance at a club and they're about to get to know each other better between the sheets but Keston makes some assumptions when he finds out that Bailey knows his brother, whose a lawyer, and he finds out Bailey is a lawyer too. Keston doesn't have the best relationship with the legal system based on his past but Bailey isn't about to let someone make false assumptions about him. Except he can't stop thinking about Keston and it turns out Keston can't stop thinking about him either. They both start this rhythm of push and pull. Both want to be close and want to believe it's just sex but their loneliness compliments each other just in different ways and though it's hard for them to open up to someone there are feelings there that can't be ignored no matter how many times they walk away from each other thinking it's the last time. It was hard to see them pull away from the other so much but both have experienced lessons of loneliness, feelings of abandonment and not being able to make many ties to others. Keston because he doesn't want them and instead is a workaholic okay with strictly hook ups and Bailey uses sex and gets attached to emotional unavailable men who only want one thing. It was a beautiful thing to read them meet each other and begin to fall in love even when it isn't smooth sailing. They realized that trying and fighting for what they have and overcoming demons from the past is more important than anything else. They were raw, hot, and just so right together. They deserved their HEA.
November 14, 2025
This story surprised me in the best possible way. What begins as a tale of two men who feel unlucky in every aspect of life slowly turns into a moving, heartfelt journey about trust, vulnerability, and allowing yourself to be loved.
Keston and Bailey are both carrying heavy emotional baggage. Keston hides behind solitude and ink, while Bailey masks loneliness with jokes and a polished exterior. On the surface they could not be more different, yet the moment their worlds collide, something shifts for them both. Their chemistry is undeniable, but what really stands out is the tenderness beneath it — the way they keep circling back to one another, even when fear and self-doubt threaten to push them apart.
I loved how their relationship develops with patience and honesty. The banter, the hesitation, the moments where they stumble and step back — it all felt very real. Keston’s gradual willingness to open up, seek help, and let someone into his life was especially touching. Bailey’s need for genuine connection runs just as deep, and watching them figure out how to meet each other halfway was incredibly satisfying.
The book explores themes of trauma, trust issues, and emotional healing with surprising warmth. By the end, it becomes a story about two people learning they do not have to face the world alone, and that sometimes love appears exactly when you’ve stopped believing in it.
A touching, character-driven romance with a lovely message about hope, vulnerability, and finding your person when you least expect it.
I received an ARC copy and this is my honest review.
Keston and Bailey are both carrying heavy emotional baggage. Keston hides behind solitude and ink, while Bailey masks loneliness with jokes and a polished exterior. On the surface they could not be more different, yet the moment their worlds collide, something shifts for them both. Their chemistry is undeniable, but what really stands out is the tenderness beneath it — the way they keep circling back to one another, even when fear and self-doubt threaten to push them apart.
I loved how their relationship develops with patience and honesty. The banter, the hesitation, the moments where they stumble and step back — it all felt very real. Keston’s gradual willingness to open up, seek help, and let someone into his life was especially touching. Bailey’s need for genuine connection runs just as deep, and watching them figure out how to meet each other halfway was incredibly satisfying.
The book explores themes of trauma, trust issues, and emotional healing with surprising warmth. By the end, it becomes a story about two people learning they do not have to face the world alone, and that sometimes love appears exactly when you’ve stopped believing in it.
A touching, character-driven romance with a lovely message about hope, vulnerability, and finding your person when you least expect it.
I received an ARC copy and this is my honest review.
November 12, 2025
4.5 Stars!
Initially, one might think this story has an opposites-attract theme, but they have more in common than anyone would guess. I think you could read this as a standalone, but reading Not That Guy would give you insight into many of the secondary characters and their relationships with Bailey and Keston. I admit, my view of Bailey changed quickly after reading only a few pages of this book. I felt so bad that he hid so much of himself from his friends. Keston wasn't mentioned much in Not That Guy that I can remember, but his brother Grady was a wonderful secondary character in that book and is important in this one as well.
Bailey and Keston got in their own way a lot, but thankfully, they both worked hard to get it right in the end. Each of their past traumas made trust and building a relationship difficult, even if they had had the best circumstances. I loved that they eventually were able to work through things and recognize how good they were together. Their chemistry helped them immensely since I'm not sure they would have made the effort needed without it. I wanted the best for Bailey and Keston the more I got to know them, and could see why they struggled. Their lives were messy, and their family and friends didn't always make things easier. I was glad that they were able to find their way and accept the friends and found family that they had around them. All in all, a wonderful read.
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement.*
Initially, one might think this story has an opposites-attract theme, but they have more in common than anyone would guess. I think you could read this as a standalone, but reading Not That Guy would give you insight into many of the secondary characters and their relationships with Bailey and Keston. I admit, my view of Bailey changed quickly after reading only a few pages of this book. I felt so bad that he hid so much of himself from his friends. Keston wasn't mentioned much in Not That Guy that I can remember, but his brother Grady was a wonderful secondary character in that book and is important in this one as well.
Bailey and Keston got in their own way a lot, but thankfully, they both worked hard to get it right in the end. Each of their past traumas made trust and building a relationship difficult, even if they had had the best circumstances. I loved that they eventually were able to work through things and recognize how good they were together. Their chemistry helped them immensely since I'm not sure they would have made the effort needed without it. I wanted the best for Bailey and Keston the more I got to know them, and could see why they struggled. Their lives were messy, and their family and friends didn't always make things easier. I was glad that they were able to find their way and accept the friends and found family that they had around them. All in all, a wonderful read.
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement.*
November 4, 2025
The Lucky Ones is the second book in the Unpredictable duet by Felice Stevens and it is a wonderful follow-up to Not That Guy. It is a light and fluffy read.
In The Lucky Ones we meet Bailey and Keston again. If you don't recall, Bailey is a friend of Weston and Brenner while Keston is Grady's brother.
Bailey and Keston meet by chance at a club and are immediately attracted to each other. The are intrigued by each other but they both fight against the attraction and intrigue. They look like they are complete opposites but once you get past the "gruff" there are a lot of similarities between them. A big one is their experience and trauma due to abandonment. The abandonment takes shape from different sources, but they both relate to those feelings.
Bailey and Keston build their relationship in chunks. It seems like they will take one step forward and 2 steps back until they finally open up to each other fully.
We do see many of the characters from Not That Guy, but I didn't feel like they were overwhelming in The Lucky Ones. I really felt like the story focused on what Bailey and Keston are going through.
I did have trouble with Ambrose. I wanted him to wake up to his brother without Keston having to break.
Other than that one item, The Lucky Ones is a delightful low-angst read which is what I have come to love about books by Felice Stevens.
Spice: 3/5
Fun: 4/5
Overall: 4/5
Thanks to GRR for providing an eARC, this is my honest review.
In The Lucky Ones we meet Bailey and Keston again. If you don't recall, Bailey is a friend of Weston and Brenner while Keston is Grady's brother.
Bailey and Keston meet by chance at a club and are immediately attracted to each other. The are intrigued by each other but they both fight against the attraction and intrigue. They look like they are complete opposites but once you get past the "gruff" there are a lot of similarities between them. A big one is their experience and trauma due to abandonment. The abandonment takes shape from different sources, but they both relate to those feelings.
Bailey and Keston build their relationship in chunks. It seems like they will take one step forward and 2 steps back until they finally open up to each other fully.
We do see many of the characters from Not That Guy, but I didn't feel like they were overwhelming in The Lucky Ones. I really felt like the story focused on what Bailey and Keston are going through.
I did have trouble with Ambrose. I wanted him to wake up to his brother without Keston having to break.
Other than that one item, The Lucky Ones is a delightful low-angst read which is what I have come to love about books by Felice Stevens.
Spice: 3/5
Fun: 4/5
Overall: 4/5
Thanks to GRR for providing an eARC, this is my honest review.
November 15, 2025
I love when two lonely souls unexpectedly find each other and sparks fly. It's even better when they think they can hook up without developing feelings. Bailey and Keston are both scarrdd by painful pasts. While Bailey copes with his pain and loneliness by being the life of the party and hooking up in search of someone to love him, Keston has shut off his emotions and hidden himself behind his tattoo needles.
When they meet neither can deny the electric attraction between them. Then one night becomes two and two becomes... Too bad it's not that easy. There's a lot working against them...on both sides...but they keep finding themselves thrown together.
I absolutely loved the passion between these two and I loved how different they seemed until we saw what was hiding under the surface. The pain, the heartache and the loneliness showed us that they really weren't so different after all. They just needed the right person to come along to show them that they could heal and find love.
Bailey and Keston took me on quite a ride. Their relationship had ups and downs. There were times I wanted to shake both of them and other times that they just melted my heart. I adored Bailey's sassy mouth and how he kept Keston on his toes. Keston tried to stay indifferent to him but we all know how that goes.
It was good to see Weston and Brenner again and I really loved that Grady was such a big part of this story. I like him a lot!
When they meet neither can deny the electric attraction between them. Then one night becomes two and two becomes... Too bad it's not that easy. There's a lot working against them...on both sides...but they keep finding themselves thrown together.
I absolutely loved the passion between these two and I loved how different they seemed until we saw what was hiding under the surface. The pain, the heartache and the loneliness showed us that they really weren't so different after all. They just needed the right person to come along to show them that they could heal and find love.
Bailey and Keston took me on quite a ride. Their relationship had ups and downs. There were times I wanted to shake both of them and other times that they just melted my heart. I adored Bailey's sassy mouth and how he kept Keston on his toes. Keston tried to stay indifferent to him but we all know how that goes.
It was good to see Weston and Brenner again and I really loved that Grady was such a big part of this story. I like him a lot!
November 8, 2025
This book has a great premise, we've got two hurt men: one (because of growing up in foster care) is afraid to open up and trust another person, the second one falls in love easily and because of past experiences is afraid to be hurt again.
I really like the premise and writing style of the author and was invested in the story pretty quickly. But around 30% in the book I felt that we make little progress with the characters. They had problems with communication and because of that we went in circles with the same pattern. They had sex, they don't talk about feeling and act like this thing between them is only temporary. Because of that I didn't enjoy this story as much as I was hoping for. It's still a pretty good book, but it didn't capture my heart. It definitely got me curious about other books by this author.
I really like the hurt/comfort aspect of this story. Keston had a really tragic past. He was growing up in a foster care system and was dealing with the loss of a loved one. At first glance, Bailey has it all, but despite being raised by a supportive and loving parent, his life is also marked by trauma.
I believe if you love stories with insta lust, pulling/pushing between characters with spicy scenes, but also dealing with past trauma and grieving this book is for you.
I received an ARC of this book from GRR and this is my honest review.
I really like the premise and writing style of the author and was invested in the story pretty quickly. But around 30% in the book I felt that we make little progress with the characters. They had problems with communication and because of that we went in circles with the same pattern. They had sex, they don't talk about feeling and act like this thing between them is only temporary. Because of that I didn't enjoy this story as much as I was hoping for. It's still a pretty good book, but it didn't capture my heart. It definitely got me curious about other books by this author.
I really like the hurt/comfort aspect of this story. Keston had a really tragic past. He was growing up in a foster care system and was dealing with the loss of a loved one. At first glance, Bailey has it all, but despite being raised by a supportive and loving parent, his life is also marked by trauma.
I believe if you love stories with insta lust, pulling/pushing between characters with spicy scenes, but also dealing with past trauma and grieving this book is for you.
I received an ARC of this book from GRR and this is my honest review.
November 21, 2025
Thinking they are broken due to their childhood upbringing and not meant for a relationship or happiness, both Bailey and Keston live different lives than the other which means there is no way they have anything in common. So why try?
Bailey comes from a foster background bouncing from family to family. Art was his favorite thing to do which lead to his tattoo career. Losing his one love, he doesn't think he is meant for anything else but loneliness and one night stands.
Keston's mother walked out on both his and his father's life when he was young so it was just him and his father most of his life. After his father gets ill after helping others during 9/11, his mother comes back into their lives, looking for a handout of course with a young daughter in tow. Losing his father was heart breaking and having to now deal with his mother is tiring. He puts his all into his law career and doesn't do relationships as well because why? All people do is disappoint him so why bother.
A chance meeting and a bad first impression between Bailey and Keston isn't the end for them but rather a new chance for a beginning they didn't think was possible. Both men struggle with personal baggage that they don't share with the other at first but eventually start opening up to the other. Can two people with different lives work out? That's for you to find out when you read The Lucky Ones.
This was my first read of Felice Stevens although it is the second in the Unpredictable series. Not my normal type of read, I did throughly enjoy it and the author does a great job with character building highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. If you enjoy MM romance, grumpy sunshine, black cat/golden retriever, this is definitely the book for you!
Thank you so much to Happily Booked PR and Felice Stevens for this ARC.
Bailey comes from a foster background bouncing from family to family. Art was his favorite thing to do which lead to his tattoo career. Losing his one love, he doesn't think he is meant for anything else but loneliness and one night stands.
Keston's mother walked out on both his and his father's life when he was young so it was just him and his father most of his life. After his father gets ill after helping others during 9/11, his mother comes back into their lives, looking for a handout of course with a young daughter in tow. Losing his father was heart breaking and having to now deal with his mother is tiring. He puts his all into his law career and doesn't do relationships as well because why? All people do is disappoint him so why bother.
A chance meeting and a bad first impression between Bailey and Keston isn't the end for them but rather a new chance for a beginning they didn't think was possible. Both men struggle with personal baggage that they don't share with the other at first but eventually start opening up to the other. Can two people with different lives work out? That's for you to find out when you read The Lucky Ones.
This was my first read of Felice Stevens although it is the second in the Unpredictable series. Not my normal type of read, I did throughly enjoy it and the author does a great job with character building highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. If you enjoy MM romance, grumpy sunshine, black cat/golden retriever, this is definitely the book for you!
Thank you so much to Happily Booked PR and Felice Stevens for this ARC.
November 18, 2025
This book was good - out of my usual wheelhouse but I did enjoy the love story. I think my favorite quote was - “I’m not someone you can f*** in the dark and hide away in the light.” It just was so relatable of the past.
Both MMC’s come from broken pasts. Bailey had his dad - his mom was known on a first name basis and other than giving birth to him, really had so significance in his life other than a headache. He is a lawyer that doesn’t rely on anyone but himself. He’s used being funny to hide the pain so no one knows the real him, that is until he met Keston.
Keston (such a different name) came from the system - given up as a baby, he doesn’t know love. Unbeknownst to him, he had a brother that finds him later in life - who he has a really hard time letting in. Both his brother and Bailey are lawyers and all he sees are suits and ties and people that continually let him down. It’s very hard for him to let down any of his walls - especially with Bailey.
Each has past traumas that they’ve never let anyone truly see. Can they be each other’s salve to mend the wounds put there for so long!? I definitely enjoyed seeing them grow as characters and learn to love. Letting the past go is not always easy. Thank you to the author and @happilybookedpr for the early read - all opinions are my own.
Both MMC’s come from broken pasts. Bailey had his dad - his mom was known on a first name basis and other than giving birth to him, really had so significance in his life other than a headache. He is a lawyer that doesn’t rely on anyone but himself. He’s used being funny to hide the pain so no one knows the real him, that is until he met Keston.
Keston (such a different name) came from the system - given up as a baby, he doesn’t know love. Unbeknownst to him, he had a brother that finds him later in life - who he has a really hard time letting in. Both his brother and Bailey are lawyers and all he sees are suits and ties and people that continually let him down. It’s very hard for him to let down any of his walls - especially with Bailey.
Each has past traumas that they’ve never let anyone truly see. Can they be each other’s salve to mend the wounds put there for so long!? I definitely enjoyed seeing them grow as characters and learn to love. Letting the past go is not always easy. Thank you to the author and @happilybookedpr for the early read - all opinions are my own.
November 27, 2025
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion, which has not been influenced by the fact that I received a free copy of this book.
I enjoyed this one a lot. The feelings from both Bailey and Keston were done well. I could feel their struggles with their pasts. Bailey having to overcome some of his insecurities. As well as his habit of jumping to conclusions and his prejudiced judgment of people based on their careers. Man could have broken a bone the number of times he jumped to conclusions.
Keston was a great guy. Gentle and understanding, wanting to overcome is past. He is ready for the next step and not just random hook-ups. Bailey is someone he has found whom he knows he can take the next step with. Keston is a lawyer who is self made which makes him understand the importance of hard work. His struggle with his past as well is present, and I could see his transformation into someone who can move past his past trauma. Love how overprotective he was of his sister, and I could understand why he was that way. But man did finally learn she has to live her life and make her own choices.
The relationship progress with them both was good. The book had the right amount of angst and heat. I enjoyed it a lot, and I recommend it. The ending was cute. I recommend this; it was an easy read.
I enjoyed this one a lot. The feelings from both Bailey and Keston were done well. I could feel their struggles with their pasts. Bailey having to overcome some of his insecurities. As well as his habit of jumping to conclusions and his prejudiced judgment of people based on their careers. Man could have broken a bone the number of times he jumped to conclusions.
Keston was a great guy. Gentle and understanding, wanting to overcome is past. He is ready for the next step and not just random hook-ups. Bailey is someone he has found whom he knows he can take the next step with. Keston is a lawyer who is self made which makes him understand the importance of hard work. His struggle with his past as well is present, and I could see his transformation into someone who can move past his past trauma. Love how overprotective he was of his sister, and I could understand why he was that way. But man did finally learn she has to live her life and make her own choices.
The relationship progress with them both was good. The book had the right amount of angst and heat. I enjoyed it a lot, and I recommend it. The ending was cute. I recommend this; it was an easy read.
November 4, 2025
First of all, thank author for the ARC! 🫶🏻🖤
This book had moments I loved… and moments that made me pause and go okay but why are we saying it like that? 😭
The emotional depth was solid, both characters had real baggage and seeing them work through it felt raw and honest. Their bond was soft, intimate, and very much about learning to feel worthy of love again. That part? Beautiful.
My issue? Sometimes the writing dipped into cringe territory, especially in romantic/spicy moments. Certain lines and scenes made me scrunch my face like… this could’ve been worded 100% differently 😅
And while the spice was plenty, it occasionally overwhelmed the story. There were times it felt like the plot disappeared behind the steam, and instead of being hot, some scenes started to feel repetitive.
✨ Overall Thoughts
A heartfelt healing romance with emotional softness, vulnerability, and two men trying to rebuild themselves while learning to love. I really enjoyed the themes, but the romance execution sometimes felt awkward, and the spice didn’t always add to the story for me.
Still worth checking out if you love hurt/comfort, emotional intimacy, and bromance-to-romance vibes, just be ready for some lines that might make you giggle (not always in the intended way 🤭).
This book had moments I loved… and moments that made me pause and go okay but why are we saying it like that? 😭
The emotional depth was solid, both characters had real baggage and seeing them work through it felt raw and honest. Their bond was soft, intimate, and very much about learning to feel worthy of love again. That part? Beautiful.
My issue? Sometimes the writing dipped into cringe territory, especially in romantic/spicy moments. Certain lines and scenes made me scrunch my face like… this could’ve been worded 100% differently 😅
And while the spice was plenty, it occasionally overwhelmed the story. There were times it felt like the plot disappeared behind the steam, and instead of being hot, some scenes started to feel repetitive.
✨ Overall Thoughts
A heartfelt healing romance with emotional softness, vulnerability, and two men trying to rebuild themselves while learning to love. I really enjoyed the themes, but the romance execution sometimes felt awkward, and the spice didn’t always add to the story for me.
Still worth checking out if you love hurt/comfort, emotional intimacy, and bromance-to-romance vibes, just be ready for some lines that might make you giggle (not always in the intended way 🤭).
November 8, 2025
This was a masterful written tale that took me on an emotional roller coaster.
In parts haunting, emotional and heart breaking and yet so beautiful.
Two wounded souls find each other and after many up and downs learn to trust again, realising that you can't pick who you are born to but can absolutely later pick your family (i.e. the people you want to surround yourself with). And that this self built family is often better and stronger than the family by blood could have been (especially in their cases)
The back and forth, the not trusting and not communicating drove me crazy sometimes. I believe I honestly shouted at my kindle XD
But I understood too, that – no matter the chemistry they had – they needed time to see what they could be for each other. After their pasts is was realistic that they had troubles letting go of mistrust and being able to lean on someone.
When they finally opened up and talked I had heart in my eyes. It was a well deserved and somehow hard won HEA for them. I was rooting for them the whole time.
A wonderful if not always easy story with realistic feeling MCs I was emotional invested in.
I enjoyed the read and say give it a chance yourself.
In parts haunting, emotional and heart breaking and yet so beautiful.
Two wounded souls find each other and after many up and downs learn to trust again, realising that you can't pick who you are born to but can absolutely later pick your family (i.e. the people you want to surround yourself with). And that this self built family is often better and stronger than the family by blood could have been (especially in their cases)
The back and forth, the not trusting and not communicating drove me crazy sometimes. I believe I honestly shouted at my kindle XD
But I understood too, that – no matter the chemistry they had – they needed time to see what they could be for each other. After their pasts is was realistic that they had troubles letting go of mistrust and being able to lean on someone.
When they finally opened up and talked I had heart in my eyes. It was a well deserved and somehow hard won HEA for them. I was rooting for them the whole time.
A wonderful if not always easy story with realistic feeling MCs I was emotional invested in.
I enjoyed the read and say give it a chance yourself.
November 10, 2025
THE LUCKY ONES is the second standalone novel in the Unpredictable series. You don't have to have read book one to enjoy this one, although I personally enjoyed seeing Weston and Brenner from Not That Guy again.
Keston has a chip on his shoulder that he wears loud and proud. He did have a rough time of it, but still. Bailey is the opposite - he also had a rough time of it, but hides behind a cheerful mask. Both of them still have problems and issues they're dealing with. And both of them either don't communicate or miscommunicate!
As with all of this author's books, there is plenty of emotion and real-life problems to be overcome. Nothing is ever easy, and I love that about these books. It gives me enough 'fairytale' while still being grounded. There is steam aplenty between these two, but also a deeper, emotional connection, if only they would trust enough to allow it.
A great read that I thoroughly enjoyed and definitely recommend.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 10, 2025
Keston has a chip on his shoulder that he wears loud and proud. He did have a rough time of it, but still. Bailey is the opposite - he also had a rough time of it, but hides behind a cheerful mask. Both of them still have problems and issues they're dealing with. And both of them either don't communicate or miscommunicate!
As with all of this author's books, there is plenty of emotion and real-life problems to be overcome. Nothing is ever easy, and I love that about these books. It gives me enough 'fairytale' while still being grounded. There is steam aplenty between these two, but also a deeper, emotional connection, if only they would trust enough to allow it.
A great read that I thoroughly enjoyed and definitely recommend.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 10, 2025
Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews