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pattyfgd's review
5.0
The Unlucky Ones
By: Stacey Marie Brown
Narrated by: Erin Mallon, Narrator
Sometimes you can listen to a book and become so engrossed in it that you are in the story with the characters. Stacy Marie Brown did that to me with this one. I am not sure what it is about the characters. Maybe it’s the storyline of the dementia that I can relate to that I lived through with my grandmother. Or maybe it’s the attributes of independence that Devon has, but I felt this kindred spirit from the beginning. Devon at the age of 17 has taken on the world. Her father gone, her mother with early onset dementia and her younger sister left her as the adult, supporting the family, and holding it all together. Who would have thought that the one time she does something reckless, like have a quickie in the bathroom with a stranger, would change her life? Now 5 years later, she is working in a restaurant for a man that reminds her so much of that night. Lincoln is a man of mystery. He runs the restaurant but does his best to steer clear of Devon. But why, and how long will he be able to? This love story is above and beyond. We experience the brokenness of both Devon and Lincoln and just hope they can piece each other back together. Brown lets us live through these two, with life’s tragedies. We worry and grieve, feel frustration and anger, hurt and anguish and find love and passion and hope. It takes us through everything and resonates long after the book is over. What a listen this one is!
Erin Mallon is a narrator that I love. I will usually write about her comedic timing and how she brings a book to life. But with this book, I found a new side to this talent. She draws out all the emotions in this story, makes them so real that I could feel it all. She delves into each character and brings their feelings to the surface. I loved this performance. Kudos to Erin!
By: Stacey Marie Brown
Narrated by: Erin Mallon, Narrator
Sometimes you can listen to a book and become so engrossed in it that you are in the story with the characters. Stacy Marie Brown did that to me with this one. I am not sure what it is about the characters. Maybe it’s the storyline of the dementia that I can relate to that I lived through with my grandmother. Or maybe it’s the attributes of independence that Devon has, but I felt this kindred spirit from the beginning. Devon at the age of 17 has taken on the world. Her father gone, her mother with early onset dementia and her younger sister left her as the adult, supporting the family, and holding it all together. Who would have thought that the one time she does something reckless, like have a quickie in the bathroom with a stranger, would change her life? Now 5 years later, she is working in a restaurant for a man that reminds her so much of that night. Lincoln is a man of mystery. He runs the restaurant but does his best to steer clear of Devon. But why, and how long will he be able to? This love story is above and beyond. We experience the brokenness of both Devon and Lincoln and just hope they can piece each other back together. Brown lets us live through these two, with life’s tragedies. We worry and grieve, feel frustration and anger, hurt and anguish and find love and passion and hope. It takes us through everything and resonates long after the book is over. What a listen this one is!
Erin Mallon is a narrator that I love. I will usually write about her comedic timing and how she brings a book to life. But with this book, I found a new side to this talent. She draws out all the emotions in this story, makes them so real that I could feel it all. She delves into each character and brings their feelings to the surface. I loved this performance. Kudos to Erin!
naughtybookaffair's review against another edition
5.0
This is the first book I have read by this writer. It was intense gripping and enjoyable.Devon is dealing with far more than a 17 year old should deal with. She has a quick doing with a sexy male in a bathroom than he is arrested. Flash forward Devon has moved to another city and is working at a bar to take care of her mother's needs. There she runs into quite the surprise. I loved this storyline. It was intense gripping full of amazing characters and a little suspense. I enjoyed reading about Devon. Her character is so very strong through everything she is dealing with. More strong than she needs to be sometimes. I love the chemistry between her and Lincoln. Even when they aren't getting along there is a strong spark. Just an amazing storyline. Well written book. I can't wait to read more from Stacey.
1_romance_reader's review against another edition
5.0
So freaking good
I love her style of writing. She's a great storyteller. The book was fantastic. I didn't want it to end.
I love her style of writing. She's a great storyteller. The book was fantastic. I didn't want it to end.
stb2012's review against another edition
5.0
If you need a book that will make you cry this is the book. Omg this book just makes you want to keep reading even though you are crying your eyes out. You can’t help but relate to some of these characters and feel bad. Ugh it was so good!!! Definitely worth reading!
natneedsbooks's review
4.0
Different eye color and she doesn’t know he’s the guys she’s thought about for 5 years? Ridiculous.
Lincoln choosing to rob the last store and run off to Mexico over Devon? Maddening.
But overall I liked it! The tension worked for me. Lincoln worked for me! From the bathroom scene to the bar kiss, I was a big Lincoln fan!!
Lincoln choosing to rob the last store and run off to Mexico over Devon? Maddening.
But overall I liked it! The tension worked for me. Lincoln worked for me! From the bathroom scene to the bar kiss, I was a big Lincoln fan!!
meganmreads's review against another edition
4.0
I love Stacey Marie Brown books.
I first read the Savage Lands series which was an urban fantasy sort of setting, but over the years, I’m working my way through her contemporary romances and realizing I love those just as much.
One of the common themes I’ve noticed is how the main character always tries to do the right thing for the people around them and I loved watching Devon grow into herself and not be afraid to say “This is what I want and I don’t care if it doesn’t please someone in my family.” It can be a little frustrating to watch characters constantly walk away from something or someone because they don’t think they deserve it, but I think the author writes it in a way that doesn’t drag it out too long for tension and feels realistic.
I really enjoyed the story in this book and how it all played out.
I first read the Savage Lands series which was an urban fantasy sort of setting, but over the years, I’m working my way through her contemporary romances and realizing I love those just as much.
One of the common themes I’ve noticed is how the main character always tries to do the right thing for the people around them and I loved watching Devon grow into herself and not be afraid to say “This is what I want and I don’t care if it doesn’t please someone in my family.” It can be a little frustrating to watch characters constantly walk away from something or someone because they don’t think they deserve it, but I think the author writes it in a way that doesn’t drag it out too long for tension and feels realistic.
I really enjoyed the story in this book and how it all played out.
whatcha_listening_to's review against another edition
4.0
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.
gracekalli's review
5.0
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.
quinlanathalar's review
4.0
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.
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