Stacy Willingham's Only If You're Lucky draws praise for its gripping narrative and well-developed characters. Critics highlight the novel's suspenseful plot twists and vivid writing. However, some find the pacing uneven and the ending somewhat predictable. Overall, it is a compelling thriller that engages readers, despite minor flaws.

Readers who enjoyed The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins or Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn will find Only If You're Lucky by Stacy Willingham compelling. This psychological thriller, featuring suspenseful twists and deep character studies, caters to those who relish unraveling dark secrets and complex narratives.

Only If You're Lucky by Stacy Willingham chronicles the story of Margot, a young woman navigating the complexities of socialization through high school and college. Drawn into the world of the charismatic Lucy Sharpe, Margot encounters a web of danger and deception affecting her, Lucy, and their friends Sloane and Nicole, while confronting past and present threats that endanger their friendships and lives. The book addresses themes of dualities and facades, loyalty and betrayal, and unique challenges for young women. Contains discussions of death and murder, domestic abuse, sexual violence, and drug and alcohol misuse.

Mysterious / Suspenseful / Dark / Unnerving / Emotional

**Margot**  
A cautious and somewhat timid young woman attending Rutledge College, grappling with grief and guilt following the death of her high school best friend, Eliza, while navigating complex friendships and self-identity.

**Lucy Sharpe**  
A charismatic and confident woman who attends Rutledge, harboring a strong fascination with her half-sister Eliza and striving to emulate her life while forming key friendships at the college.

**Sloane Peters**  
A mature and protective figure within her friend group, attending Rutledge, with a focus on safeguarding her less confident friend, Nicole, through various challenges at college.

**Nicole Clausen**  
A timid and malleable young woman at Rutledge, often under the influence of stronger personalities in her friend group, struggling with personal agency amidst college life.

**Eliza Jefferson**  
Margot's confident and popular high school best friend whose presence looms large over the story despite her death, representing an idealized figure for Margot and Lucy.

**Levi Butler**  
A young man linked romantically to Eliza during high school, whose legacy status at Rutledge College's Kappa Nu fraternity introduces him to complex social dynamics and relationships.

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Prologue-Chapter 13

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Chapters 14-27

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Chapters 28-41

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Chapters 42-55

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Chapters 56-67

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Stacy Willingham

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Only If You're Lucky

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