Royal Flush, Louisiana - Present Day

When Mallory Devereaux learns that, thanks to the IRS, the demolition company she works for is about to be lost to a man who will no doubt replace her, she knows that she’ll have to do something drastic. After all, it won’t be easy for the unluckiest person in town to find a job doing anything else. So, hearing about her uncle’s upcoming high-stakes poker game gives her an idea. She’s worked as a “cooler” for him in the past -- a single touch from Mallory can cause the recipient to have a run of bad luck -- and with one week of helping her uncle, she’ll have enough to buy the IRS note herself. Despite the fact that Uncle Reginald seems to have invited every criminal in the state of Louisiana, things are looking good for Mallory. Until she meets the dealer she’ll be working with.

Jake Randoll, a.k.a. the dealer Jake McMillan, has his own reason for being at the poker game, and that reason means he has to ensure that Silas Hebert stays in the game. He’d thought Reginald was a few cards short of a full deck when he explained Mallory’s purpose, but then he pulls a royal flush on the first deal. When Jake continues to deal himself good hands, he begins to wonder if there isn’t something to Mallory’s hocus-pocus. If Silas exits the game too early, all of Jake’s work will be for nothing, but can he convince Mallory to go along with his plans considering what she has at stake?

A colorful cast of characters populates Royal Flush, making UNLUCKY a fun yet suspenseful tale. In spite of her lifetime of bad luck, Mallory has put her unique talent to use and is actually content with her life. Sure, it would be nice if love could be in her future, but considering the fact that her last two boyfriends sustained physical injuries in addition to having electronic malfunctions and vehicles that seem to break down for no reason at all, Mallory believes that she’ll remain alone forever. Jake is definitely attractive, but will he be willing to put up with her bad luck? Other characters include her best friend, Amy, a twenty-three year old genius who doesn’t look old enough to vote and is often underestimated; Scooter, Mallory’s neighbor who may be a talented builder, but is empty-headed beyond belief; and of course, her Uncle Reginald, who has some peculiarities of his own.

UNLUCKY is a truly enjoyable story that I highly recommend.

Jennifer Bishop