*I received a free copy of The Lucky Ones from Harlequin MIRA via Netgalley. This has in no way influenced my voluntary review, which is honest and unbiased*
The Lucky Ones gave me goosebumps. Both the good kind and the even better kind... Reisz' writing keeps getting better and better, and this incredibly well-written, character-driven story left me with all the feels.
Story:
The Lucky Ones starts with a low for Allison, as McQueen leaves her after several years of having her as his secret lover. However, on the same day, she also receives a letter. From someone she used to call her brother. Thirteen years ago. In that letter, she learns that her almost-adoptive father is fatally ill. And she decides to go back to the dragon - the house where she was happy for the first time after her mother's death.
There is so much that is unresolved in The Lucky Ones! There are three of the children who lived in the house when Allison was there. These three were adopted by the good doctor. As soon as Allison arrives, she is inundated with memories. Some she had completely repressed. Others had been part of helping her move forward in her life. However, not all the memories she have are good.
Between the doctor and the three remaining orphans, everything is fine on the surface. But as soon as Allison starts to look a little beneath that surface, there is some ugliness. Secrets. Hidden agendas. And some taboo relationships. The Lucky Ones managed to mix family secrets, redemption, romance, mystery and a bit of suspense into a deliciously gothic package.
Characters:
Allison was a bit vapid in the beginning, however, once she started searching for the truth - all the while having strong feelings for Roland - she showed that she had a lot of inner strength.
Roland, the oldest of the children taken in by the doctor was now a monk. A beautiful, unattainable monk. He wanted Allison to come back before his father's death, and he got his wish. One should be careful what one wishes for, though, right?
Thora was a bit aloof at first, but she was also so very happy to see Allison again. It was like a family reunion, with secrets everywhere.
Deacon switched between joking and being extremely serious. An accomplished glass artist, he made dragons of all sizes in reference to his childhood home.
Writing style :
The Lucky One is written in third person point of view, and in past tense. Allison is the character that is followed most closely, and the narration shares some of her inner thoughts. Through her eyes, the other characters take shape, and the dialogues bring them all to life.
Feels :
All the feels! I don't know what magic Reisz has, but her stories always touch me deeply. And the whole specter of my emotions were invested in The Lucky Ones. This was the first book to end up on my 'Fave 2018 Read' shelf.
She'd made a terrible mistake. She realized she'd come home to find her old family and her old family didn't live here anymore.
She'd been dumped all of three days ago. Staying here was a mistake. She knew it was a mistake. But it was an honest mistake because she honestly wanted to stay, especially now that she knew she was safe at her old home.