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The Unlucky Ones
Misfortune. Bad luck. Heartache.
Devon Thorpe is no stranger to any of them.
After devastating news, Devon’s life becomes a prison of responsibility, heartbreak, and hardship. All her dreams to leave her small town vanish. A prisoner of circumstance.
At her breaking point, Devon has a reckless moment in a diner bathroom with a blue-eyed sexy stranger. A single encounter with him leaves a deep mark on Devon, giving her only a memory of his touch when nights are lonely, and her life becomes too much to take.
Years later, a terrifying incident takes her and her family to Albuquerque NM, where she finds work as a server at a bar to support her mother.
Tattooed, moody, rough, brown-eyed, sexy as hell, Lincoln Kessler, the mysterious owner of the saloon, instantly draws Devon in. She can’t let go of the feeling there is some strange connection between them.
But the more Lincoln tries to push her away, the more determined she is to figure out the enigmatic man. One fiery kiss and Devon realizes she should have stayed away because when their worlds collide and tragedy strikes, she recognizes they are not each other’s savior, but each other’s misfortune.
A tear-jerking novel about ill-fated love, heartache, loss, and finding your way through the pain.
And a lot of bad luck.
*A NA/Adult Sexy and heartbreaking Contemporary Romance. Deeply emotional with a sensitive subject matter of dealing with a crippling mind disease.
Devon Thorpe is no stranger to any of them.
After devastating news, Devon’s life becomes a prison of responsibility, heartbreak, and hardship. All her dreams to leave her small town vanish. A prisoner of circumstance.
At her breaking point, Devon has a reckless moment in a diner bathroom with a blue-eyed sexy stranger. A single encounter with him leaves a deep mark on Devon, giving her only a memory of his touch when nights are lonely, and her life becomes too much to take.
Years later, a terrifying incident takes her and her family to Albuquerque NM, where she finds work as a server at a bar to support her mother.
Tattooed, moody, rough, brown-eyed, sexy as hell, Lincoln Kessler, the mysterious owner of the saloon, instantly draws Devon in. She can’t let go of the feeling there is some strange connection between them.
But the more Lincoln tries to push her away, the more determined she is to figure out the enigmatic man. One fiery kiss and Devon realizes she should have stayed away because when their worlds collide and tragedy strikes, she recognizes they are not each other’s savior, but each other’s misfortune.
A tear-jerking novel about ill-fated love, heartache, loss, and finding your way through the pain.
And a lot of bad luck.
*A NA/Adult Sexy and heartbreaking Contemporary Romance. Deeply emotional with a sensitive subject matter of dealing with a crippling mind disease.
362 pages, ebook
First published April 1, 2019
204 people are currently reading
1399 people want to read
About the author
Stacey Marie Brown
65 books6,378 followersStacey Marie Brown is a lover of hot fictional bad boys and sarcastic heroines who kick butt. She also enjoys books, travel, TV shows, hiking, writing, design, and archery. Stacey swears she is part gypsy, being lucky enough to live and travel all over the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
March 24, 2019
THE UNLUCKY ONES: Is a complete stand-alone romance novel by new to me author ‘Stacey Marie Brown’ MY REVIEW AND OTHERS: can also be found on my blog:
➽ KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS
BEFORE: From the age of sixteen Devon's family was reeling from the death of their father whom was killed in the line of duty, her mother at only forty seven had aged beyond her years and had barely held on, not long after her mother had lost her regular day to day job she'd had at the bakery. Her sister barely made it through college before getting knocked up by a low life abusive boyfriend and having to drop out. Thus making devon the responsible one. NOW: At almost eighteen and a senior in highschool Devon has had the world put on her shoulders. Her mother has just been diagnosed with an exceedingly rare early onset of Alzheimer's. College would have to go on hold. Her dreams to study abroad were crunched. It was no secret I would be the one to help my mother. Amelia, though older, was never the responsible or compassionate one.
On that exact same day she learns that her boyfriend of three years was sleeping around behind her back with her best friend was the final nail in the coffin.
Love..Betrayed me..He was in a hotel room at this moment, screwing my best friend, while my mother's mind was beginning to rot away.
This led to one rash decision when an opportunity arises for her to have one reckless moment for herself with one hot life changing encounter with an exceedingly beautiful dangerous stranger in the bathroom of a diner where she'd been with her best friend commiserating with how her life had changed in the blink of an eye.
As she's leaving the bathroom red and blue flashing lights has her eyes wandering to the window where she witnesses her Uncle handcuffing the guy she'd just had sex with. A beautiful criminal. Learning much later on that his name was Finn Montgomery, him and partner had robbed a hospital for drugs more than likely to sell later on for triple the price on the black market.
FIVE YEARS LATER: Now at the age of twenty two and with their mother's disease progressing further than the facility was capable of dealing with they had to make the hard decision of leaving the town they grew up in and moving to Albuquerque. In desperate need of finding full time employment to pay the medical bills etc that are piling up she comes across a high end sort of bar befriending the friendly bartender who hires her on the spot.
But when she meets the owner, Lincoln Kessler she feels such a deep emotional connection towards him which is unexplainable even though he's a jerk towards her from the get go. A man full of secrets. He hated her on the spot and wanted to fire her. It took a long time for her to break down his walls and find out what he was hiding.
I devoured this, inhaled it, breathed it, lived it, loved it.
I went into this completely blind, the blurb and cover caught my eye, I didn’t have any expectations going into this, though early reviews rated it highly. And I can clearly understand why because omg I fell in love with this book and these characters from the get go, heartbreaking, unique, unputdownable, undeniably good. It went from an easy 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating that quickly became a favourite read this year.
So easy to get into..Seconds, minutes, hours ceased to exist, once started it was hard to put down. A story you could connect with easily. Characters that nestled in your heart. There is nothing I would change about this book.
April 6, 2019
★ 5 STARS ★
▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬
OMG!!!!!
I LOVED IT SO MUCH!!!!!
So good! 💖💖💖
Este livro tem tudo o que eu gosto em uma história!
Personagens interessantes, complexos e apaixonantes.
Uma trama cativante e gostosa de acompanhar.
E principalmente uma narrativa tão fluida e envolvente que você não vê o tempo passar!
Eu amei demais!
Tanto que eu não queria que acabasse, por mim poderia ter mais umas 100 páginas que eu ficaria imensamente feliz.
Leitura maravilhosa e tudo o que eu precisava no momento!
Definitivamente merece essas minhas 5 estrelas e entrou para os meus livros favoritos do ano! ❤️
▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬
“Sometimes life had a funny way of breaking you into tiny pieces and putting you back together. Handing you something you never thought you wanted, which turned out to be the exact thing you needed.”
OMG!!!!!
I LOVED IT SO MUCH!!!!!
So good! 💖💖💖
Este livro tem tudo o que eu gosto em uma história!
Personagens interessantes, complexos e apaixonantes.
Uma trama cativante e gostosa de acompanhar.
E principalmente uma narrativa tão fluida e envolvente que você não vê o tempo passar!
Eu amei demais!
Tanto que eu não queria que acabasse, por mim poderia ter mais umas 100 páginas que eu ficaria imensamente feliz.
Leitura maravilhosa e tudo o que eu precisava no momento!
Definitivamente merece essas minhas 5 estrelas e entrou para os meus livros favoritos do ano! ❤️
August 8, 2019
Audio – 3.25 Stars
Story – 2.5 Stars
The title and the blurb had me thinking I was in for one emotional ride. But, nope!! Having my tissues at the ready proved to be unnecessary.
This was a case of a great story idea executed weakly. It didn’t help that the author seemed to have an aversion to using contractions resulting in unnatural and cheesy dialogue.
By the end of the story, I was wishing I could pluck my eyes out and roll them down a long, sanitized hallway.
Story – 2.5 Stars
The title and the blurb had me thinking I was in for one emotional ride. But, nope!! Having my tissues at the ready proved to be unnecessary.
This was a case of a great story idea executed weakly. It didn’t help that the author seemed to have an aversion to using contractions resulting in unnatural and cheesy dialogue.
By the end of the story, I was wishing I could pluck my eyes out and roll them down a long, sanitized hallway.
March 2, 2021
2,5 stars
This book had the potential of being a captivating emotional read but the execution of it was not good enough. Still, not a bad book but it has its drawbacks… lots of them.
I liked the chemistry and connection between the hero & heroine but there was too much other stuff that was going on.
The death of one parent, Alzheimer’s of a young mother, the death of the other parent, financial problems, spoiled and selfish sister’s problems, drug addict and selfish brother’s problems, miserable childhood, crime, jail time etc etc.
There are too many unfortunate events coming one after the other, some of which happening to her and some of which happening to him. All this stuff steals so much from the romance in a romance book.
And there is too much telling.
For example, pages and pages of how sad they are about their mother’s early Alzheimer’s disease, the development of the disease, what she does, what she cannot do… pages and pages of illness till the day she dies.
Pages and pages of how she resents her sister. Pages and pages of what she feels for the hero.
As I said, too much telling and summarizing...
*********************************************
What is more, the sacrifices the heroine does for the selfish and spoiled sister of hers while she is far from appreciating her makes the heroine a doormat in my eyes, not a saint or a good sister.
And the sacrifices the hero does for the selfish as*hole of a brother of his makes him a weak man in my eyes.
Some facts about their relationship:
- Their first sex is in a diner bathroom – they do not know each other.
- Their second sex is in his office in his bar.
It takes a while till they do it on a proper bed in a house. Their public affection knows no boundaries.
Here are some examples:
- A passionate kiss in her mother’s funeral house.
- Another fierce kiss is in the cemetery in front of his dead daughter’s grave.
- Oh, I forgot, she insisted that she wanted to have sex with him, needing to feel alive in the hospital room where she was with her dead mother. Yeah, dead mother lying dead in her death bed and she is attacking him to have sex. To numb the pain. To feel alive and better. He is more reasonable and says it is not the place nor the time.
For me, bars, diners etc could be OK, only not ideal... but the funeral house, the cemetery, the death bed of her mother in the hospital… these are all cringe-worthy
BIG SPOILER
BIG SPOILER
DON’T UNCOVER IT IF YOU STILL WANNA READ THE BOOK
Writing: 1st person point of view. (The heroine's).
Safety: Both of them celibate only after they meet again the second time.
Ending: HEA
*********************************************
You can follow my instagram page from here
This book had the potential of being a captivating emotional read but the execution of it was not good enough. Still, not a bad book but it has its drawbacks… lots of them.
I liked the chemistry and connection between the hero & heroine but there was too much other stuff that was going on.
The death of one parent, Alzheimer’s of a young mother, the death of the other parent, financial problems, spoiled and selfish sister’s problems, drug addict and selfish brother’s problems, miserable childhood, crime, jail time etc etc.
There are too many unfortunate events coming one after the other, some of which happening to her and some of which happening to him. All this stuff steals so much from the romance in a romance book.
And there is too much telling.
For example, pages and pages of how sad they are about their mother’s early Alzheimer’s disease, the development of the disease, what she does, what she cannot do… pages and pages of illness till the day she dies.
Pages and pages of how she resents her sister. Pages and pages of what she feels for the hero.
As I said, too much telling and summarizing...
*********************************************
What is more, the sacrifices the heroine does for the selfish and spoiled sister of hers while she is far from appreciating her makes the heroine a doormat in my eyes, not a saint or a good sister.
And the sacrifices the hero does for the selfish as*hole of a brother of his makes him a weak man in my eyes.
Some facts about their relationship:
- Their first sex is in a diner bathroom – they do not know each other.
- Their second sex is in his office in his bar.
It takes a while till they do it on a proper bed in a house. Their public affection knows no boundaries.
Here are some examples:
- A passionate kiss in her mother’s funeral house.
- Another fierce kiss is in the cemetery in front of his dead daughter’s grave.
- Oh, I forgot, she insisted that she wanted to have sex with him, needing to feel alive in the hospital room where she was with her dead mother. Yeah, dead mother lying dead in her death bed and she is attacking him to have sex. To numb the pain. To feel alive and better. He is more reasonable and says it is not the place nor the time.
For me, bars, diners etc could be OK, only not ideal... but the funeral house, the cemetery, the death bed of her mother in the hospital… these are all cringe-worthy
BIG SPOILER
BIG SPOILER
DON’T UNCOVER IT IF YOU STILL WANNA READ THE BOOK
Writing: 1st person point of view. (The heroine's).
Safety: Both of them celibate only after they meet again the second time.
Ending: HEA
*********************************************
You can follow my instagram page from here
March 29, 2019
Title: The Unlucky Ones
Author: Stacey Marie Brown
Publication Date: April 1st, 2019
I did not want this book to end!
Why did it have to end?! 😩
Gosh! I really enjoyed this book. The Unlucky Ones had it all: The heartbreak, the romance, the swoony moments.... everything!
You name it, Stacey Marie Brown delivered!
I can't wrap my head around how much I enjoyed this book. Devon and Lincoln's story is one of ill-fated love, heartache, angst but also of loss, pain and survival.
I loved Devon! She is one strong girl! She is selfless, kind, patient... She is the pillar of strength and endeverance and I am in awe of her.
Lincoln is a mystery. He is the perfect example of a broody alpha male. The heart wants what it wants and WE want Lincoln Kesslar. I swear, you are going to fall madly in love with this character.
Devon and Linc's life makes for one heck of a story filled with so much emotions! There are moments where you feel an utter sense of loss and helplessness right with the characters and there are moments where you feel a sense of hope.
Since it is a romance novel, except the excitement of romance and all it's glory! There is angst!There is drama! like I said, Stacey Marie Brown has delivered us a book that is an experience.
The Unlucky Ones is an amazing read and you should definitely read it ASAP!
April 4, 2019
‘There’s nothing worse than meeting the perfect person at the wrong time.’
We were grabbed immediately by the synopsis for The Unlucky Ones, with the prologue making our hearts race, because oh boy, as sad as one part was, another was one of the hottest scenes we’ve read!
The Unlucky Ones gave us those old school romance feelings, with Stacey Marie Brown’s writing winning us over completely! This was a story brimming with heat, emotion, mystery, and secrets we were desperate to uncover! The author kept guessing as to how the story would fall into place, and we weren’t disappointed, holding onto every word!
Devon Thorpe hasn’t had it easy. Always the responsible one, the dependable daughter, the taken advantage of sister, the doting aunt, the dutiful niece. Devon’s dreams and aspirations for her future come tumbling down when she is delivered some devastating news, but in typical Devon fashion, she takes all the responsibility on her young shoulders without hesitation.
….’something had shifted in me, and I knew I would never be the same girl.’
A passionate and sizzling one off encounter with a mysterious, dangerous and commanding man rocked her world and was never to be seen again. Yet he would plague Devon’s thoughts and fantasies for years to come.
‘The kiss consumed. Took. Gave. Incinerated. ‘
Fast forward five years, now twenty-two, another man is about to take this mystery man’s place. Out of necessity, Devon, her Mum, her sister Amelia and niece Mia, make the move to Albuquerque due to her Mum’s deteriorating health, where Devon is given a job in a bar, much to the chagrin of the owner Lincoln Kessler who is not happy his Manager employed Devon. Lincoln is a man with a past, harbouring a tonne of secrets, and instant chemistry is felt between the two. Devon is drawn to him in ways she finds hard to understand, Lincoln tries, without success, to avoid Devon at all costs.
‘The guy emanated bad. Trouble. Everything that scares me. I was used to safe. Sweet. Nothing was nice about him.’
Can they break down their walls? Will their secrets destroy them? You’ll have to read and see!
This was our first read by Stacey Marie Brown and we’ll be hunting down more of her work as we became completely invested in Devon and Lincoln’s story, loving the feelings her writing elicited from us.
This is a story of family responsibility, heartache, and love, a story of two young people who sacrificed their happiness for family loyalty. How far would they go, and how much would they risk? A steamy, page-turner with deep emotional undertones, and it’s one we thoroughly enjoyed.
Available to purchase below
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Come visit and follow us at:
✲ TotallyBookedBlog
✲ TBB on Facebook
✲ TBB on Instagram
✲ TBB on Twitter
✲ TBB on Pinterest
March 16, 2019
I’ve been devoured by this story.
I cried.
I hurt.
I felt the want. The need.
Devon and Lincoln. I love.
I wrote my review so many times. Never able to find the right words to explain what this book did to me. I was pulled in and unable to get out for two days. I think I highlighted the whole book. I always highlight the paragraphs or sentences that grab me. Or tug at my heart. This book was full of those.
The realness of Devon’s life hit so close to home. Her always being strong when all she wants to do is give up and cry. She wants someone to have her back for once. I know all about that feeling.
Every word. Every moment.
Every pull she felt. I felt.
I don’t know what else to say, except read The Unlucky Ones. I’m forever hooked. My top read of 2019.
Five million stars ⭐️
I cried.
I hurt.
I felt the want. The need.
Devon and Lincoln. I love.
I wrote my review so many times. Never able to find the right words to explain what this book did to me. I was pulled in and unable to get out for two days. I think I highlighted the whole book. I always highlight the paragraphs or sentences that grab me. Or tug at my heart. This book was full of those.
The realness of Devon’s life hit so close to home. Her always being strong when all she wants to do is give up and cry. She wants someone to have her back for once. I know all about that feeling.
Every word. Every moment.
Every pull she felt. I felt.
I don’t know what else to say, except read The Unlucky Ones. I’m forever hooked. My top read of 2019.
Five million stars ⭐️
April 3, 2019
‘There’s nothing worse than meeting the perfect person at the wrong time.’
We were grabbed immediately by the synopsis for The Unlucky Ones, with the prologue making our hearts race, because oh boy, as sad as one part was, another was one of the hottest scenes we’ve read!
The Unlucky Ones gave us those old school romance feelings, with Stacey Marie Brown’s writing winning us over completely! This was a story brimming with heat, emotion, mystery, and secrets we were desperate to uncover! The author kept guessing as to how the story would fall into place, and we weren’t disappointed, holding onto every word!
Devon Thorpe hasn’t had it easy. Always the responsible one, the dependable daughter, the taken advantage of sister, the doting aunt, the dutiful niece. Devon’s dreams and aspirations for her future come tumbling down when she is delivered some devastating news, but in typical Devon fashion, she takes all the responsibility on her young shoulders without hesitation.
….’something had shifted in me, and I knew I would never be the same girl.’
A passionate and sizzling one off encounter with a mysterious, dangerous and commanding man rocked her world and was never to be seen again. Yet he would plague Devon’s thoughts and fantasies for years to come.
‘The kiss consumed. Took. Gave. Incinerated. ‘
Fast forward five years, now twenty-two, another man is about to take this mystery man’s place. Out of necessity, Devon, her Mum, her sister Amelia and niece Mia, make the move to Albuquerque due to her Mum’s deteriorating health, where Devon is given a job in a bar, much to the chagrin of the owner Lincoln Kessler who is not happy his Manager employed Devon. Lincoln is a man with a past, harbouring a tonne of secrets, and instant chemistry is felt between the two. Devon is drawn to him in ways she finds hard to understand, Lincoln tries, without success, to avoid Devon at all costs.
‘The guy emanated bad. Trouble. Everything that scares me. I was used to safe. Sweet. Nothing was nice about him.’
Can they break down their walls? Will their secrets destroy them? You’ll have to read and see!
This was our first read by Stacey Marie Brown and we’ll be hunting down more of her work as we became completely invested in Devon and Lincoln’s story, loving the feelings her writing elicited from us.
This is a story of family responsibility, heartache, and love, a story of two young people who sacrificed their happiness for family loyalty. How far would they go, and how much would they risk? A steamy, page-turner with deep emotional undertones, and it’s one we thoroughly enjoyed.
Available to purchase below
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Come visit and follow us at:
✲ TotallyBookedBlog
✲ TBB on Facebook
✲ TBB on Instagram
✲ TBB on Twitter
✲ TBB on Pinterest
April 1, 2019
When I read this book, there was a part where I LITERALLY dropped the kindle and my hand went over my mouth with the OMG moment. I was invested in these words from the first chapter. The author seriously did an amazing job with her storytelling of two souls who were destined to meet. The mystery and suspense about KILLED me. I group read this with my friend on a girls weekend and we gasped and swooned and just really enjoyed reading this sizzling page turned. This book was steamy, intense, all the feels and emotions I love in a great read. I love reading anything from Stacey!
March 27, 2019
Oh, hello, FEELS.
Like the whole frickin’ messy ball of wax of feels, even the ones that have liquid wanting to spill out of my eyes when I don’t want them too...twice, not once but twice...kind of feels that leave you with a massive book hangover, but your soul is oddly rejuvenated at the same time…
I have no clue if any of that *points up* makes sense, but I devoured this book. I couldn’t/wouldn’t stop reading it. It really was everything and may just go down as my fav by the author ~ which is saying a lot…
But...on to the review.
I adored Devon. ADORED this girl. There were times when I wanted to reach out and shake some sense into her, but it was hard not to see just how strong and just good she was. The weight of the world was on her shoulders, but she picked herself, worked hard and did the best she could to do the right thing, all while still being a sassy little thing and showing just how fiery her spirit was. Lincoln. He was all kinds of grumpy, broody and something of an asshat, but underneath all of that was a good man who was more about actions than words, though to be honest when words (not the asshattery kind) did come out of his mouth, they definitely made my heart swoon a little.
Devon and Lincoln’s journey was definitely an interesting one, but what was obvious from the first time they collided was that they had that zing, that chemistry between them that made no sense at all but felt right. There were alot of ups and downs and the push/pull was real, but it was all so worth it to see how good they were for each other and I loved how it all worked out for them when everything was said and done.
As I said, this one may just go down as my absolute fav book of the authors. I was hooked from the start and though the emotional roller coaster was so real, it only made me want to keep turning the pages to see what would happen next. And as for the secondary cast of characters, they were all very well written and added a lot of depth to the story, but my favs were Nat and Skylar and I definitely wouldn’t mind if they got their own books down the road!
~ Copy provided by The Next Step PR & voluntarily reviewed ~
April 17, 2019
First half- 5 stars. Second half- 3.5/4stars.
Addictive is the word I would use for this book. While this ultimately ended up lacking the “punch” I wanted this to have in the end, I was hooked throughout the whole thing. Plot became just a tad predictable in the second half, but overall I definitely enjoyed the grit these characters brought.
Addictive is the word I would use for this book. While this ultimately ended up lacking the “punch” I wanted this to have in the end, I was hooked throughout the whole thing. Plot became just a tad predictable in the second half, but overall I definitely enjoyed the grit these characters brought.
April 1, 2019
I don’t feel anything but lucky after reading The Unlucky Ones. This unputdownable emotion-packed romance is total Kindle Crack! This was the first time I read anything by Stacey Marie Brown and definitely not my last time.
September 17, 2019
4.5 Stars. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. It kept my attention the entire time. It just missed 5 stars because of the resolution to Lincoln's issue. I can't imagine how he and Devon would ever feel secure since James knows the truth and had already proven to be volatile and shellfish. He would definitely use his knowledge to blackmail and get Lincoln to do what he wanted. Despite that, it was a very intriguing book.
September 5, 2020
My Rating: 3 Stars
Tropes: Contemporary Romance | New Adult | Criminal
The Unlucky Ones is a new adult, contemporary romance novel from Stacey Marie Brown. This is an emotional read, but not in the way that readers are going to cry ugly tears throughout the story. What makes this one emotional is 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗡𝗧 (𝗜.𝗘. 𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗜𝗦 𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗜𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗦). The heroine’s mother is slowly dying of early onset Alzheimer’s and the hero (if you could call him a hero) had some terrible stuff happen in his past, along with just getting out of prison. All of this could certainly bring out the emotions of any reader, but I feel like it took away from the actual love story. This didn’t truly feel like a romance novel. I think there was too much bad going on and the story was so focused on it that the romance fell to the wayside. Don’t get me wrong, there are sex scenes and they are HOT, but the buildup of their relationship was lackluster. This was disappointing to me because the story could have really gone somewhere had it been more focused on Lincoln and Devon.
𝗣𝗢𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗕𝗟𝗘 𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗜𝗟𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗔𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗗 𝗜𝗙 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗛𝗔𝗩𝗘𝗡'𝗧 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞
One of the things I loved about this story is that in the beginning these two characters had sex with each other without even knowing one another, in a diner bathroom. 𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗔 𝗪𝗔𝗬 𝗧𝗢 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗧 𝗔 𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞! I’ve never read a book quite like that, so I was immediately interested in what was going to happen.
The hero, Lincoln, went there because he was running from the law (they were LITERALLY after him) and she because she just got the news of her mothers diagnosis and her boyfriend at the time sent her a sext that was meant for someone else. Very unfortunate events… So, both were feeling vulnerable and decided to screw randomly in the bathroom. The scene ends with him getting arrested and then the book skips to five years later.
At this time, Devon is desperate for a job because she’s caring for her ailing mom, sister (who was so damn selfish) and her niece. So, she makes her way into a bar where she finds work (after a lot of convincing). The only drawback to the job is that her new book is jerk of the worst kind and treats her like dirt. That sucks, but sometimes we must tolerate shit in order to get by, right? So, she does… Lo and behold, HE IS THE MAN SHE HAD SEX WITH IN THE BATHROOM 5 YEARS AGO. 𝗚𝗔𝗦𝗣! 𝗛𝗢𝗪 𝗝𝗨𝗜𝗖𝗬 𝗜𝗦 𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗦!?! Well it would have been HAD THE TWO KNOWN WHO THE OTHER ONE WAS. I do NOT believe that neither of them knew they screwed in the bathroom 5 years prior. She was still young and looked the same… SOMEONE WOULD HAVE KNOWN! So that got me down bit time. It was so unbelievable to me I almost didn’t finish the story. But I went on because I wanted to see what would happen. Things progressed of course, but it was rather slow and nothing much materialized besides a few sex scenes. Then the big finale… You can read it if you want to know what happens of course as I don’t want to give the entire book away, but it felt a little forced to me. Perhaps this is because the story wasn’t entirely believable from the get-go that I felt this way so I wasn’t expecting much.
Anyway, this is a good book, but I didn’t jive with some pieces of the plot which is why it’s getting 3 stars from me.
Tropes: Contemporary Romance | New Adult | Criminal
The Unlucky Ones is a new adult, contemporary romance novel from Stacey Marie Brown. This is an emotional read, but not in the way that readers are going to cry ugly tears throughout the story. What makes this one emotional is 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗡𝗧 (𝗜.𝗘. 𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗜𝗦 𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗜𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗦). The heroine’s mother is slowly dying of early onset Alzheimer’s and the hero (if you could call him a hero) had some terrible stuff happen in his past, along with just getting out of prison. All of this could certainly bring out the emotions of any reader, but I feel like it took away from the actual love story. This didn’t truly feel like a romance novel. I think there was too much bad going on and the story was so focused on it that the romance fell to the wayside. Don’t get me wrong, there are sex scenes and they are HOT, but the buildup of their relationship was lackluster. This was disappointing to me because the story could have really gone somewhere had it been more focused on Lincoln and Devon.
𝗣𝗢𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗕𝗟𝗘 𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗜𝗟𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗔𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗗 𝗜𝗙 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗛𝗔𝗩𝗘𝗡'𝗧 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞
One of the things I loved about this story is that in the beginning these two characters had sex with each other without even knowing one another, in a diner bathroom. 𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗔 𝗪𝗔𝗬 𝗧𝗢 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗧 𝗔 𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞! I’ve never read a book quite like that, so I was immediately interested in what was going to happen.
The hero, Lincoln, went there because he was running from the law (they were LITERALLY after him) and she because she just got the news of her mothers diagnosis and her boyfriend at the time sent her a sext that was meant for someone else. Very unfortunate events… So, both were feeling vulnerable and decided to screw randomly in the bathroom. The scene ends with him getting arrested and then the book skips to five years later.
At this time, Devon is desperate for a job because she’s caring for her ailing mom, sister (who was so damn selfish) and her niece. So, she makes her way into a bar where she finds work (after a lot of convincing). The only drawback to the job is that her new book is jerk of the worst kind and treats her like dirt. That sucks, but sometimes we must tolerate shit in order to get by, right? So, she does… Lo and behold, HE IS THE MAN SHE HAD SEX WITH IN THE BATHROOM 5 YEARS AGO. 𝗚𝗔𝗦𝗣! 𝗛𝗢𝗪 𝗝𝗨𝗜𝗖𝗬 𝗜𝗦 𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗦!?! Well it would have been HAD THE TWO KNOWN WHO THE OTHER ONE WAS. I do NOT believe that neither of them knew they screwed in the bathroom 5 years prior. She was still young and looked the same… SOMEONE WOULD HAVE KNOWN! So that got me down bit time. It was so unbelievable to me I almost didn’t finish the story. But I went on because I wanted to see what would happen. Things progressed of course, but it was rather slow and nothing much materialized besides a few sex scenes. Then the big finale… You can read it if you want to know what happens of course as I don’t want to give the entire book away, but it felt a little forced to me. Perhaps this is because the story wasn’t entirely believable from the get-go that I felt this way so I wasn’t expecting much.
Anyway, this is a good book, but I didn’t jive with some pieces of the plot which is why it’s getting 3 stars from me.
March 23, 2019
Wow this story is heartbreaking. Poor Devyn from the age of 16 has to grow up very quickly. Her father dies in the line of duty at 16, her sister gets pregnant soon after by a dead beat, and a few months later Devs mother develops Alzheimers at a very young age which means it's very progressive and they don't expect her to live long, and to lose her mind quickly. On the same day Dev finds this horrible news out her boyfriend of a few years accidently texts her that she's cheating on her with her good friend. While her world is imploding she meets a handsome stranger and has a very hot and heavy moment with him. When she leaves the bathroom that beautiful stranger turns out to be a criminal and her uncle is arresting him.
Flash forward 5 years Dev, Mel and Mia Mels daughter are moving after her mother almost burns the house down and needs to be moved into a home because she can't be handled anymore. Now Dev is desperate for a job after a long day she stumbles into a bar and instantly befriends the bartender. Dev finally believes her luck maybe be changing then she meets Lincoln the owner and instantly feels a deep connection with him. But he acts like he can't stand her. Why is Lincoln so familar to Dev? What tradgies will befall Dev? Will she finally become a lucky one?
5 stars! I could not put this story down I felt for Dev and Lincoln and I truly didn't want the story to end. BRAVO!
Flash forward 5 years Dev, Mel and Mia Mels daughter are moving after her mother almost burns the house down and needs to be moved into a home because she can't be handled anymore. Now Dev is desperate for a job after a long day she stumbles into a bar and instantly befriends the bartender. Dev finally believes her luck maybe be changing then she meets Lincoln the owner and instantly feels a deep connection with him. But he acts like he can't stand her. Why is Lincoln so familar to Dev? What tradgies will befall Dev? Will she finally become a lucky one?
5 stars! I could not put this story down I felt for Dev and Lincoln and I truly didn't want the story to end. BRAVO!
March 24, 2019
If I could describe “The Unlucky Ones” in one sentence from this book I would use:
„I need one moment of happiness before life consumes all of me”.
The Unlucky Ones is an exceptional story about two broken souls who at the tragic point of their life share a reckless moment together. And this short encounter gave them strength and memories to fight with cruel reality for years… and sealed their fate. Because even the thickest and highest mental wall won’t stop you from recognizing your soulmate.
After the first chapter, my heart broke in a half to regularly fall into tiny pieces. When I thought "this couldn’t get worse" I was wrong. But in the end, my bruised organ was put together and I closed The Unlucky Ones thinking: They were The Lucky Ones.
I cried.
I shouted.
I laughed.
I waved at my burning cheeks.
And eventually, I felt content.
I can’t stop my lady crush on Devon. I admire her so much. After everything, she went through…she didn’t give up. She fought and cared for everyone else, besides herself but with the right advice, finally, she started thinking about her own happiness and Lincoln’s love. She showed me that I should live my life to the fullest.
Lincoln has a special place in my heart. When he smiled I swooned. When he talked dirty, my body was on fire. When he cried, I bawled like a baby. After all the bad things, he deserved to be loved. So much.
Thank you, Stacey Marie Brown, for this beautiful yet heartbreaking story. I will cherish The Unlucky Ones forever.
An arc kindly received for an honest review. Thank you.
„I need one moment of happiness before life consumes all of me”.
The Unlucky Ones is an exceptional story about two broken souls who at the tragic point of their life share a reckless moment together. And this short encounter gave them strength and memories to fight with cruel reality for years… and sealed their fate. Because even the thickest and highest mental wall won’t stop you from recognizing your soulmate.
After the first chapter, my heart broke in a half to regularly fall into tiny pieces. When I thought "this couldn’t get worse" I was wrong. But in the end, my bruised organ was put together and I closed The Unlucky Ones thinking: They were The Lucky Ones.
I cried.
I shouted.
I laughed.
I waved at my burning cheeks.
And eventually, I felt content.
I can’t stop my lady crush on Devon. I admire her so much. After everything, she went through…she didn’t give up. She fought and cared for everyone else, besides herself but with the right advice, finally, she started thinking about her own happiness and Lincoln’s love. She showed me that I should live my life to the fullest.
Lincoln has a special place in my heart. When he smiled I swooned. When he talked dirty, my body was on fire. When he cried, I bawled like a baby. After all the bad things, he deserved to be loved. So much.
Thank you, Stacey Marie Brown, for this beautiful yet heartbreaking story. I will cherish The Unlucky Ones forever.
An arc kindly received for an honest review. Thank you.
March 23, 2019
The unlucky ones
Wow this story is heartbreaking. Poor Devyn from the age of 16 has to grow up very quickly. Her father dies in the line of duty at 16, her sister gets pregnant soon after by a dead beat, and a few months later Devs mother develops Alzheimers at a very young age which means it's very progressive and they don't expect her to live long, and to lose her mind quickly. On the same day Dev finds this horrible news out her boyfriend of a few years accidently texts her that she's cheating on her with her good friend. While her world is imploding she meets a handsome stranger and has a very hot and heavy moment with him. When she leaves the bathroom that beautiful stranger turns out to be a criminal and her uncle is arresting him.
Flash forward 5 years Dev, Mel and Mia Mels daughter are moving after her mother almost burns the house down and needs to be moved into a home because she can't be handled anymore. Now Dev is desperate for a job after a long day she stumbles into a bar and instantly befriends the bartender. Dev finally believes her luck maybe be changing then she meets Lincoln the owner and instantly feels a deep connection with him. But he acts like he can't stand her. Why is Lincoln so familar to Dev? What tradgies will befall Dev? Will she finally become a lucky one?
5 stars! I could not put this story down I felt for Dev and Lincoln and I truly didn't want the story to end. BRAVO!
Wow this story is heartbreaking. Poor Devyn from the age of 16 has to grow up very quickly. Her father dies in the line of duty at 16, her sister gets pregnant soon after by a dead beat, and a few months later Devs mother develops Alzheimers at a very young age which means it's very progressive and they don't expect her to live long, and to lose her mind quickly. On the same day Dev finds this horrible news out her boyfriend of a few years accidently texts her that she's cheating on her with her good friend. While her world is imploding she meets a handsome stranger and has a very hot and heavy moment with him. When she leaves the bathroom that beautiful stranger turns out to be a criminal and her uncle is arresting him.
Flash forward 5 years Dev, Mel and Mia Mels daughter are moving after her mother almost burns the house down and needs to be moved into a home because she can't be handled anymore. Now Dev is desperate for a job after a long day she stumbles into a bar and instantly befriends the bartender. Dev finally believes her luck maybe be changing then she meets Lincoln the owner and instantly feels a deep connection with him. But he acts like he can't stand her. Why is Lincoln so familar to Dev? What tradgies will befall Dev? Will she finally become a lucky one?
5 stars! I could not put this story down I felt for Dev and Lincoln and I truly didn't want the story to end. BRAVO!
October 8, 2019
I have really enjoyed other books by Stacey Marie Brown but they were all paranormal so going into this one I didn’t really know what to expect.
Right away you know it is going to have heavy subject matters which is fine, I guess I was expecting more sadness don’t get me wrong it was sad but again given the subject matter and the fact that I am a huge softy I figured I would be sobbing. And I wasn't, I had a tear but not even at the parts I kind would have expected to tear up at.
Devon’s a little too emotionless for me, maybe that was why I didn’t feel the sadness like I thought I would. Her sister needs a good swift kick in the behind I tell you what. I didn’t really feel “sorry” for Devon only because she let it happen to her. She allowed her sister to be a flake and she would just pick up the pieces. I get it she didn’t want to cause more of a riff but hell with everything going on she should have.
Ahh, the connection between Devon and Lincoln and the back and forth waiting for the will they won’t they were probably the best parts for me. Usually, I am all for let’s get it on already but I really liked the waiting game.
Overall a good story one I am glad I listened to because the narration was stellar. Erin’s voices for her males I swear to god that women is 2 people! I loved the narration.
Right away you know it is going to have heavy subject matters which is fine, I guess I was expecting more sadness don’t get me wrong it was sad but again given the subject matter and the fact that I am a huge softy I figured I would be sobbing. And I wasn't, I had a tear but not even at the parts I kind would have expected to tear up at.
Devon’s a little too emotionless for me, maybe that was why I didn’t feel the sadness like I thought I would. Her sister needs a good swift kick in the behind I tell you what. I didn’t really feel “sorry” for Devon only because she let it happen to her. She allowed her sister to be a flake and she would just pick up the pieces. I get it she didn’t want to cause more of a riff but hell with everything going on she should have.
Ahh, the connection between Devon and Lincoln and the back and forth waiting for the will they won’t they were probably the best parts for me. Usually, I am all for let’s get it on already but I really liked the waiting game.
Overall a good story one I am glad I listened to because the narration was stellar. Erin’s voices for her males I swear to god that women is 2 people! I loved the narration.
March 30, 2019
THE UNLUCKY ONES by Stacey Marie Brown is the story of Lincoln Kessler and Devon Thorpe.
Devon from her early teens where her father was killed, to her mother being diagnose with a rare Alzheimer to her sister making bad decisions. To add to the hurt of that time her boyfriend had been cheating on her...so in a weak moment she has a hot encounter with a man in a diner. Then only to see him getting arrested by her Uncle. Now all these years later she is 22 years old with her mother getting worse that they need to move to find a better living arrangement for her. Now Devon is working in a bar where she meets Lincoln who seem to hate her on site. They rub each other wrong but with that rub is some sparks.
Hot dark read.
Devon from her early teens where her father was killed, to her mother being diagnose with a rare Alzheimer to her sister making bad decisions. To add to the hurt of that time her boyfriend had been cheating on her...so in a weak moment she has a hot encounter with a man in a diner. Then only to see him getting arrested by her Uncle. Now all these years later she is 22 years old with her mother getting worse that they need to move to find a better living arrangement for her. Now Devon is working in a bar where she meets Lincoln who seem to hate her on site. They rub each other wrong but with that rub is some sparks.
Hot dark read.
March 24, 2019
4-4.5 stars. Devon Thorpe’s life just keeps getting more complicated, with extra responsibility added. She just found out some bad news that will affect her plans for the future, not to mention the other stuff that added to the pile. Her day is historically awful and she’s too young for these burdens but someone has to take charge because it won’t be her sister. Yet one distraction in the diner bathroom was a bright spot for a few minutes to help her forget her worries.
I liked Devon because she didn’t run away from difficult things. She knew what she had to do and was determined to make it happen. She took care of the people she loved and put herself last, always making sacrifices. Which leads her to landing a job at a bar with a rude and angry boss, Lincoln Kessler. He’s not thrilled to have her on staff for his own reasons, but he can’t argue what a good employee she is. And despite keeping his distance, the tension between them is very thick.
This story kept me engaged because I kept wondering when Devon’s luck would turn around where she could finally be happy and hopefully in the form of Lincoln. However Lincoln isn’t a shiny gift wrapped package with bows, he’s got his own past and baggage that pose a big obstacle for any relationship with Devon. She’s the last person that he should be attracted to. I loved that the characters were raw and real, they didn’t pull any punches and their truths could be ugly and gritty at times. However, there was no denying their obvious connection and chemistry. This story highlights how right and wrong isn’t a concrete black and white definition and that exceptions can be made for loved ones in extenuating circumstances, even on the chopping block. Most of all, those who consider themselves unlucky can have a little deserved luck on their side once in a while. This is my first book by this author but I definitely want to read more by her.
I liked Devon because she didn’t run away from difficult things. She knew what she had to do and was determined to make it happen. She took care of the people she loved and put herself last, always making sacrifices. Which leads her to landing a job at a bar with a rude and angry boss, Lincoln Kessler. He’s not thrilled to have her on staff for his own reasons, but he can’t argue what a good employee she is. And despite keeping his distance, the tension between them is very thick.
This story kept me engaged because I kept wondering when Devon’s luck would turn around where she could finally be happy and hopefully in the form of Lincoln. However Lincoln isn’t a shiny gift wrapped package with bows, he’s got his own past and baggage that pose a big obstacle for any relationship with Devon. She’s the last person that he should be attracted to. I loved that the characters were raw and real, they didn’t pull any punches and their truths could be ugly and gritty at times. However, there was no denying their obvious connection and chemistry. This story highlights how right and wrong isn’t a concrete black and white definition and that exceptions can be made for loved ones in extenuating circumstances, even on the chopping block. Most of all, those who consider themselves unlucky can have a little deserved luck on their side once in a while. This is my first book by this author but I definitely want to read more by her.
March 24, 2019
I recently finished reading The Unlucky Ones by Stacey Marie Brown. When it was done, I had to pause a moment and reflect. This book was not only brilliantly written and breathtaking, it was heartbreaking. The Unlucky Ones is one of her Contemporary books and I knew it was going to be good. Hell, I knew it was going to be great. But I didn't know it would affect me the way it did. I didn't expect the tears that quietly fell. I didn't expect my heart to clog my throat. I didn't expect to feel the deep pain the characters felt. Yet there it was. From the first chapter until the last I was drawn into one of the most heart-stopping, gut wrenching, palpable stories I'd read in a very long time. The emotional roller coaster felt like I was seeing every emotion for the very first time and I had to take a moment to appreciate it. I'm sure you've read her books and screamed out "Stacey, you've killed me!" just like I have. But I never realized that until this book, she hadn't even come close. Every time I think back to the pages, to the experiences written, the poignant tapestry that is this story, my eyes cloud with emotion. I won't even give you a recap because I don't know that I could do it justice. I'll just tell you that you NEED to pick this book up. You won't regret it, I promise. 10 stars, 2 thumbs.
March 23, 2019
4.5 stars. I could not put this book down! The Unlucky Ones is a gritty, emotional read with a great storyline and remarkable characters. Devon is one of the strongest heroines that I have ever seen in a book. She experiences such heartbreak and grief, yet she perseveres. She is a responsible girl who is loyal and loving to her family, but be continually puts everyone else before her. Lincoln is an interesting hero. He blows hot and cold when it comes to Devon and he has secrets that he keeps hidden from everyone, including Devon. His story is full of grief and heartbreak as well. The two of them seem to be the unluckiest of people - fighting through a series of tragedies that have greatly shaped them as adults. This book is told entirely from Devon’s POV, which I think was fitting, but I would have liked a just few chapters told from Lincoln’s. I loved the secondary characters of Skylar and Nat as well. The Unlucky Ones is a beautifully written novel that puts you through all the emotional feels and has a HEA and no cliffhanger. I received this book for free.
April 11, 2020
A great read
This one is full of heartache. Dev and Lincoln have had their fair share of family drama. (Maybe too much family drama) This was a very realistic story about love and loss. I loved both characters, they had great chemistry and were good for one another.
This one is full of heartache. Dev and Lincoln have had their fair share of family drama. (Maybe too much family drama) This was a very realistic story about love and loss. I loved both characters, they had great chemistry and were good for one another.
March 26, 2019
I don't think my heart can take these rollercoasters anymore. Wait, who am I kidding. I loved it, bring it on!
Life can be messy, hard, complicated, to some more than others. It's how you deal with everything that makes you and shapes you.
I might have emotional whiplash after this one but those changes couldn't have come at a better time in the story. It keeps you on your toes and gets you deep into the story.
Each character here beings their own baggage and pain. That being said, even through everything, it still shows how someone else can shape you regardless of your situation. It shows how someone else, family, or other, can bring out your true self, by kind words, or with tough love.
Truly well written, this story grabbed me and didn't want to let go. Next thing I knew, it was 2am and I was done. Emotions were all over the place and we had little quirky comments in the middle that, for me, become a little life line in the midst of the chaos.
Taking this trip with Devon and Lincoln is truly worth it. Heartache, loss, strength, desire, redemption, dreams, and everything in between. Can't wait to read it again.
Life can be messy, hard, complicated, to some more than others. It's how you deal with everything that makes you and shapes you.
I might have emotional whiplash after this one but those changes couldn't have come at a better time in the story. It keeps you on your toes and gets you deep into the story.
Each character here beings their own baggage and pain. That being said, even through everything, it still shows how someone else can shape you regardless of your situation. It shows how someone else, family, or other, can bring out your true self, by kind words, or with tough love.
Truly well written, this story grabbed me and didn't want to let go. Next thing I knew, it was 2am and I was done. Emotions were all over the place and we had little quirky comments in the middle that, for me, become a little life line in the midst of the chaos.
Taking this trip with Devon and Lincoln is truly worth it. Heartache, loss, strength, desire, redemption, dreams, and everything in between. Can't wait to read it again.
October 13, 2019
Holy crap! Everything about this book was emotional. The heartache and pain. I could NOT walk away. The narrator did a wonderful job from start to finish.
April 4, 2019
Disclaimer: This review MAY contain spoilers. I received an Advance Reader Copy at no cost from the publisher/author.
Stacey Marie Brown knows how to write a story that will pull on your heartstrings. I consumed this story at lightning speed. I was engaged in this story from start to finish.
The book really starts off with a bang and jumps right into the emotions. I think that starting the story in the thick of things really made the sorrow real and impactful. You get up close and personal with Devon from the very beginning.
I loved Devon's character and I connected with her so much. The way that she carries everything on her shoulders while trying to stay strong really spoke to me. She was selfless, brave, and she makes so many sacrifices for the ones that she loves. And I really connected with her mother's disease since I have had a family member with the same disease. The things that Devon was going through felt entirely real.
One of my favorite things about reading a book by Stacey Marie Brown is that her characters are always very real. They aren't cookie cutter characters trudging through life and reacting. They are flawed, they have pasts and secrets, and they always embody that not everything is black and white. I think that this is especially true for her contemporary books.
When it comes to Devon and Lincoln, the chemistry between them is undeniable. Lincoln has been through just as much as Devon and it just makes the emotions in this story skyrocket.
I love how the plot unfolded in this story. I can't say much without giving things away, but Stacey Marie Brown is such an excellent and gifted storyteller. All of her books surprise me, enchant me, and make me feel a plethora of emotions.
There are many themes in this book that I liked getting to experience through these characters. There is a huge theme of circumstance and what life throws at you. The decisions that a person makes in response to their circumstances, both for themselves and for those around them. What a person will do for survival. How easy a person can slip into darkness, both internally and otherwise, when they have to constantly strive to survive the things that the world is throwing at them. What a person is willing to do for someone that they love when shit hits the fan, even if it puts their morals on the backburner. Living for yourself and standing up for yourself and your own dreams and aspirations instead of living for others. There is also a strong theme of redemption.
Overall, you need this book in your life! I can't give this book enough praise. These characters are truly crafted with excellence and the story is one that will stick with you long after you've finished the book. I can't wait for the next release from this author! Stacey Marie Brown is an auto-buy author for me. I don't care what she writes, I'm there!
More reviews on my blog: Novel Nerd Faction
Stacey Marie Brown knows how to write a story that will pull on your heartstrings. I consumed this story at lightning speed. I was engaged in this story from start to finish.
The book really starts off with a bang and jumps right into the emotions. I think that starting the story in the thick of things really made the sorrow real and impactful. You get up close and personal with Devon from the very beginning.
I loved Devon's character and I connected with her so much. The way that she carries everything on her shoulders while trying to stay strong really spoke to me. She was selfless, brave, and she makes so many sacrifices for the ones that she loves. And I really connected with her mother's disease since I have had a family member with the same disease. The things that Devon was going through felt entirely real.
One of my favorite things about reading a book by Stacey Marie Brown is that her characters are always very real. They aren't cookie cutter characters trudging through life and reacting. They are flawed, they have pasts and secrets, and they always embody that not everything is black and white. I think that this is especially true for her contemporary books.
When it comes to Devon and Lincoln, the chemistry between them is undeniable. Lincoln has been through just as much as Devon and it just makes the emotions in this story skyrocket.
I love how the plot unfolded in this story. I can't say much without giving things away, but Stacey Marie Brown is such an excellent and gifted storyteller. All of her books surprise me, enchant me, and make me feel a plethora of emotions.
There are many themes in this book that I liked getting to experience through these characters. There is a huge theme of circumstance and what life throws at you. The decisions that a person makes in response to their circumstances, both for themselves and for those around them. What a person will do for survival. How easy a person can slip into darkness, both internally and otherwise, when they have to constantly strive to survive the things that the world is throwing at them. What a person is willing to do for someone that they love when shit hits the fan, even if it puts their morals on the backburner. Living for yourself and standing up for yourself and your own dreams and aspirations instead of living for others. There is also a strong theme of redemption.
Overall, you need this book in your life! I can't give this book enough praise. These characters are truly crafted with excellence and the story is one that will stick with you long after you've finished the book. I can't wait for the next release from this author! Stacey Marie Brown is an auto-buy author for me. I don't care what she writes, I'm there!
More reviews on my blog: Novel Nerd Faction
April 4, 2019
Devon has been through so much for someone so young. She does something out of character and that sets off a train of events years later. This book had it all. I swooned, was swept up in the suspense, there was a moment in the book where my jaw about hit the floor. This was such a great book by Stacey Marie Brown, this one will be going to my favorites shelf. Well done!
April 15, 2019
Achei que teve muito de outros personagens e muito pouco do casal principal.
Seria muito pedir mais do Lincoln e menos da irmã de Devon??
No geral o livro foi bom, mas faltou algo...
Fiquei com uma sensação meio agridoce...
Bom, mas não tão bom...
Seria muito pedir mais do Lincoln e menos da irmã de Devon??
No geral o livro foi bom, mas faltou algo...
Fiquei com uma sensação meio agridoce...
Bom, mas não tão bom...
March 26, 2019
I could NOT put this book down! It gripped me right from the start and I was hooked! Devon has to be so strong all the time, so responsible, but with one completely out of character decision, she has a chance encounter that will have an effect on her for years to come. Little does she know how strongly that is reciprocated. I absolutely LOVED Lincoln and Devon! ***Warning*** This book is an emotional roller coaster and will have you in tears quicker than you would think possible . This book is definitely worth the tissues.
March 29, 2019
Such a heartbreaking story. Sad these characters are so realist Gripping fast pace read. I enjoyed the unlucky. One. A must read.
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