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 … 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.
*An NA/Adult Sexy and heartbreaking Contemporary Romance. Deeply emotional with sensitive subject matter of dealing with a crippling mind disease.
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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!
Cue the waterworks! That’s what you get every time from this wonderful author and her incredible, heart-twisting romances with the most magnificent characters. The waterworks could be from your eyes and/or your panties! No author writes hot romance like this one while giving us a story that is crushing and tension filled. Devon is a heartbreaker with the all the weight on her young shoulders in trying to keep her family afloat while dealing with the devastating duo of losing her father and the illness taking her mother day by day. I loved her mixed heritage and the nod to Native Americans. I mourn the loss of native cultures and the glimpse is wonderful. This story also sheds light on a horrible disease in a way that features the effects on the family that is honest and so sad. Devon gets a double hit on the same day and makes a decision that is so unlike her but she needs the connection so bad. And oh what a connection! A sexy bad boy takes her to heaven and then he disappears into the back of a cop car. Finn gives up a lot just to give Dev what she needs in the moment or maybe what they both couldn’t deny. But life moves on as Devon continues sacrificing what she wants to care of her mother, sister and niece, all the while never forgetting the bad boy of her dreams. I just wanted to slap her sister, Amelia, and sometimes Dev for putting up with her crap. But the times when sisterhood won out it is wonderful. I have to say the first half was a chore for me to get through to get to what I really love from this author. The always swoon-worthy, delicious, on-the-edge romance that’s full of emotion, turmoil and a sexy couple with panty melting chemistry. Enter Lincoln. Devon’s smokin’ hot hunk of a boss. He keeps her at arms length while not taking his eyes off of her. What’s up with that? It’s not hard to figure out who he really is as his story slowly unfolds and he can’t hide his true identity from Devon’s curiosity and snooping. Their same connection from years ago is still strong and undeniable. Linc’s backstory has a few surprises and lots of heartache in the twists. His present is not so good either when his brother keeps causing problems that include some danger that Dev involves herself in. Back to the romance…it’s so hot! The chemistry between Dev and Linc sizzles. There’s still the question of whether they can overcome his past. It’s not a black or white situation but lives in the gray in between. I love that Dev’s family rallies to help her and give the couple a chance. Shout out to Uncle Gavin and his acceptance of the gray. One of my favorite colors! This is an emotional, heart wrenching story that’s beautifully written with spectacular characters. There’s not only the sexy hot romance but also some mystery, suspense, and terrific family and friends. I loved Nat and her boss attitude. This is definitely on my read again list. I just couldn’t get enough of Devon and Lincoln and their dynamite love story. Absolutely fabulous! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC. 4.5 stars
I was given an early copy of this book for an honest review.
This book is so well written I didn’t want to put it down. It had me hooked from the first few pages.
I cannot put into words the emotions I went through reading this. It’s one of those that keeps you reading even though your hearts breaking.
I loved Devon and her devotion to her family. The sadness she is put through in this book is definitely not fair or deserved but she is just such a strong girl she shoulders everything including her sisters selfishness.
When her mum becomes to ill with Alzheimer’s they are forced to leave the small town where they grew up to accommodate putting her mum into care.
In Devon’s search for a job she stumbles unknowingly into her past.
Lincoln is running away from his past when Devon walks into his bar to start work.
Things certainly heat up and your left on a cliff hoping everything will work out.
5
I don’t know where to begin with this book! I loved it. I tend to gravitate toward more light hearted stories, but once in awhile it’s great to read a real gutwrencher.
This books has everything! Heartbreak, steamy romance, off the charts chemistry, family drama, great characters, suspense, and a HEA!! I didn’t want it to end.
Devon is seriously going through some BAD luck from the very beginning of the story. When we learn Lincoln’s full story it’s clear he was dealt a pretty difficult and some times depressing hand. Somehow (and what I found to be the best part of the story) these two character’s misfortunes lead them to each other and though they seem to have a doomed relationship they can’t stay apart. They learn to understand and except each other and they develop a solid relationship. They have many downs (as is their lives) but when they do end up together it’s perfect for them.
Devon went through so much at such a young age and made it through on a high note. It’s nice to read a romance novel that is about so much more then the romance.
Its no secret that I absolutely love SMB’s writing and this one, well wow this is her BEST BOOK SO FAR and I wish I could rate it more then 5 stars!!
Once you start this book you will be UNABLE to put it down, so lock the door, get comfy, have wine and tissues ready and then settle in for one emotional ride.
Whilst this is a love story of two souls that were on the path to meet, fated maybe, but its one with a twist and has a bit of mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The title says it all! two beautifully broken souls spinning the story of love, heartbreak, romance and some seriously hot AF swoon-worthy moments.
When I started this book I went in blind and I am glad I did. I had no expectations, not that SMB wouldn’t have blown them out of the water with her brilliant anyway.
I loved Devon! Shes so kind and selfless and has been through so much but has remained so strong. I am in complete awe of her. Lincoln is the dark, brooding, mysterious Alpha male that makes you need new panties and you will fall HARD for this man.
You will not be disappointed with this one.
I definitely couldn’t wait to share my review for Stacey’s newest release, The Unlucky Ones. Everyone and their mom (or dad) needs to read this one ASAP. I am completely blown away, but I’m really not surprised at all. Stacey is definitely moving all the way to the top as one of my most favorite authors out there. Her stories easily suck you in, from her paranormal and emotional contemporary reads. There’s only so many authors out there that I love that can truly pull off writing PNR and contemporary romance. The Unlucky Ones has just topped my favorites for 2019!
OH.MY.GOSH! I stayed up until 4am reading this, yes, I read this book in one sitting. It had everything that I loved and more. There was heartbreak (like you couldn’t believe), angst, soooo much pain, but there’s hope even if it didn’t like there would be.
Where do I even begin? Devon has been through so much heartbreak and pain, it’s seriously unimaginable. She couldn’t catch a break at all, it honestly felt like the world was taking a sh*t on her and it just wasn’t fair at all. But all her life experiences molded and built this wall around her. But it was also just soooo sad to witness. She exudes everything kind, genuine and pure. Her character was so strong and selfless, I could never quite grasp why anyone would want to do any wrong to her. Devon constantly surprised me, but I loved that no matter what came at her, she’d always push back. Her character develops so much throughout this story and you will absolutely love her 100% by the end!
Lincoln, Lincoln, Lincoln! What a book boyfriend to fall in love with. He’s every bit of a mystery and I devoured every single page to figure out the puzzle that is Lincoln. You can just call him the brood, that’s also an alpha. Prepare yourself for this one, ladies and gents!
I gotta say that the title is extremely fitting for Devon and Lincoln’s personal story, but also their story as well. It was like one after another and it tore me so much inside. I hurt and cried for these two because with EVERYTHING they’ve been through, how the hell were they going to get their happily ever after?!
You will feel everything as you’re reading their story. I totally vote going into this completely blind. SMB delivered one of her best works yet in The Unlucky Ones. This was truly an unforgettable story and I’ve been constantly re-reading my favorite parts already. Everyone needs to have this book on their TBR, you won’t regret it!
**major thank you to the next step pr for the complimentary copy in consideration for a review. this does not affect my opinion of the book or review.
Stacey Marie Brown
This is a really good story and based on something that could happen in anyone’s life. A page-turner, I only put it down when I had to. I felt it was going to be a rollercoaster even before I received it, and it definitely was!
Heartbreaking but it does find it’s happy ending near the end.
Be prepared to cry, laugh, fan yourself, and then do it all again. Maybe even 3 or 4 times!
I really enjoyed reading this book. Stacey has written another great one! If you haven’t read any of her other books, I highly recommend it!
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.