Lucky (Lucky Santangelo, #2) Summary & Key Insights

Jackie Collins's Lucky, the second book in the Lucky Santangelo series, continues the saga of the ambitious and fiercely independent Lucky. Picking up where Hollywood Wives left off, Lucky is navigating the treacherous waters of the Hollywood elite, now a powerful and wealthy woman in her own right. The novel’s central plot revolves around Lucky’s relentless pursuit of both personal and professional success, while simultaneously grappling with the complex relationships in her life, many forged through deceit and ambition.

One of the major plot points involves Lucky’s burgeoning business empire. She’s deeply involved in the film industry, producing movies and wielding considerable influence. This pursuit leads her into conflict with various individuals, including ruthless competitors and corrupt officials. The ambition and cutthroat nature of the industry are central to the narrative, mirroring Lucky’s own determined character. Her entrepreneurial drive isn't solely about wealth; it’s about proving her worth and independence in a world dominated by men.

Romantically, Lucky’s life remains complicated. Her relationship with the charming but unreliable Vinnie is tested by betrayals and power struggles. The novel explores the theme of love and power dynamics, questioning whether genuine connection is possible amidst the constant vying for dominance. Her relationships, both romantic and platonic, are often transactional, highlighting the transactional nature of Hollywood itself. She develops alliances, even with people she initially mistrusts, for her own benefit. Loyalty is conditional, and trust is hard-earned.

Other key characters significantly impact Lucky's journey. Her mother, a formidable woman in her own right, provides guidance and support while also representing a complicated maternal relationship filled with both love and resentment. Lucky navigates complicated relationships with various men, each reflecting different aspects of her personality and desires, and some representing the predatory elements within the industry that she must outwit.

The overarching theme of Lucky is self-reliance and the price of ambition. Lucky continuously faces setbacks and challenges but rises above them, demonstrating a resilience that's both admirable and intimidating. The novel explores the complexities of female ambition in a male-dominated world, showcasing the compromises, sacrifices, and victories required to achieve power and independence on one's own terms. The glamour and excitement of Hollywood are juxtaposed with the darkness and cynicism that lurk beneath the surface, highlighting the moral ambiguities inherent in pursuing such a high-stakes lifestyle. Ultimately, Lucky is a story of a woman forging her own destiny, even if it means walking a morally gray path.