Book Review: The Gamblers by Christoph Fischer

Synopsis

Ben is an insecure accountant obsessed with statistics, gambling and beating the odds. When he wins sixty-four million in the lottery he finds himself challenged by the possibilities that his new wealth brings.

He soon falls under the influence of charismatic Russian gambler Mirco, whom he meets on a holiday in New York. He also falls in love with a stewardess, Wendy, but now that Ben’s rich he finds it hard to trust anyone. As both relationships become more dubious, Ben needs to make some difficult decisions and figure out who’s really his friend and who’s just in it for the money.

Review

First up, a complete disclaimer - I did not read the blurb before starting to read this book. The author is a quality one, and everything he does is to a very high standard. What I was not prepared for was just how engrossing this tale of cross, cross and double-cross was going to be.

Nerdy, geekish accountant Ben is a numbers man. So much so, that he even has a system for winning the lottery (don't we all!) but in his case, he actually wins. Overnight, he is a multi-millionaire.

Even with all his millions, it's now a case of 'what shall I do with it all'? and whilst we may look at real-life multi-millionaires and think oh yes, poor you, what a burden (!) author Christoph Fischer drags us kicking (and probably screaming) into a tale where not everything is as it seems, and trusting others comes at a premium - certainly one too high for this reader.

 "it hits the mark on practically every level"

When Ben locks eyes on the beautiful Wendy, he wonders, as he touches down in New York, if he will ever see her again. She's a stewardess when she first meets him, and they promise to email each other and meet again. But Ben is not your typical handsome guy - he's never been lucky in love (try gaming that with a system) and so he is not sure if he will meet her again. Also, he hasn't told her about his new wealthy status, though, as she really is the one for him in his head, he may have to confront that one day.

On landing in the Big Apple, he meets the mysterious Mirco, a Russian for a talent for winning at poker. He explains his system to Ben, who in turn gives him one of his own, before being amazed at Mirco's luck. To his new Russian friend, it's not luck at all. He has a system and he works to it, always knowing when to walk away.

Ben lets slip his thoughts on Wendy, and Mirco promptly says 'I have contacts, we'll find her.' Now this is where the book took a rather sinister turn for me. I was instantly fearing for Wendy's safety as Mirco seemed to be the kind of guy who you could not refuse an offer from.

Ben has questions too, but he is soon whisked into the heady lifestyle of Mirco, who at this point doesn't know of Ben's millions but is aware he is not exactly short of a bob or too.

Money, poker, drink and a heady nightlife soon thrust Ben into the arms of other women. But he still cannot get Wendy out of his head. My jaw literally dropped when Ben arranges to meet Wendy in Nairobi, only to find Mirco there instead. But not to worry, he has contacts and he will find her.

And find her, he does, to Ben's amazement.

Suddenly, I really start to believe Ben's luck in money will now transfer to love. He and Wendy really hit it off this time, it is no romantic holiday moment. He decides that she is the one for him, and wastes little time in telling Mirco.

Ben is tiring of his Russian friend at this point, but I think it was more to do with the excitement of having Wendy back in his life. Plus....she does not like the Russian too much, and this thought works its way into Ben's mind. 

He then plans to marry Wendy and tell her about his money.

You would think 'happily ever after' because Wendy appears thoroughly disinterested in his millions and want Ben for who Ben is, not what he has.

To say more would spoil more. Let me just say that The Gamblers is simply an essential read. The ending threw me for a loop and if I am honest, it is not the ending I wanted, but nonetheless it is a terrific ending.

Recommended for everyone because it hits the mark on practically every level.

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Book Review: Zaryk (Twisted Epiphany, #1) by C A Jonelle

What a fantastic, adrenaline pumped ride this book is. From the opening pages, I felt I was going to enjoy this tale about a rock band called Twisted Epiphany (great name, and top of the cool pile for me) and it's clear we are in for a fast paced novel. Despite the length, it never lets up, and whilst Zaryk Gage Hunter is our MC, there are others like Lyndsay, plus Z's brothers Zayne and Zayden that light up the tale.

Most interesting is the chapter focus from each character's viewpoint. If you read the book too quickly, you would be forgiven for wondering which character is narrating. But as the reader becomes accustomed to the author's style, it's an easy, engaging read.

Although the story opens with a (grass) hockey related scene, featuring Zaryk's super cute sister Zoey (as an ex ice hockey player I was immediately invested in the story!) it immediately hits us with a something that was truly a surprise to me. I think the author was brave to write the scene so well, and I give her kudos for that.

Zaryk is a young guy, and I can recall at that age what hormones were doing to me. So although I found some of Zaryk's behaviour questionable, I couldn't help but agree that I did some of those things too. He's a player, knows his band is going places, and laps up the attention from the girls around him.

The story, whilst certainly a red on the hot scale, has a central plot line running through it that just compels you to read. It is this that I enjoyed more than the (very many) sex scenes in the book. They are well written and believable. The consequences of certain liaisons are well done too, and
I congratulate the author again on her descriptive narrative, It's excellent.

This is book one, and I wonder where it goes next. Will Zaryk ever calm down? he seems very highly strung and those around him - especially in the band, seem unable to control him, even though they say they are there for him, that's nice in theory, the practice turns out rather differently.

I also enjoyed some of the truly funny moments in the story, that, amongst the high drama of the tale, I wasn't expecting. I raise a glass to Amberlynn in this case.

Certainly read this book. The author has a clear handle on her story, and the cover - so often lacking true cohesion with the tale inside, is brilliant and gives you a believeable Zaryk.


I rate this story very highly, and believe you will too!

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~ Synopsis ~

**Not intended for those under 18. Contains mature content.** 

One fatal moment tears Zaryk’s life apart and he struggles to cope with his loss and grief. Years later, with his band ‘Twisted Epiphany’ on the cusp of success, Zaryk is finding the answers in partying and alcohol. Enter Lyndsay, a shy college girl who gives Zaryk hope that there can be happy endings in life. But one night of passion ruins his dreams of something more meaningful and spoils their friendship. Misunderstandings drive them apart and Zaryk is soon lost in a different world as ‘Twisted Epiphany’ become ever more famous. Will he get the chance to tell Lyndsay how he feels? Or will Zaryk’s stardom and Lyndsay’s insecurities keep them apart? 

A story of passion, love, loss and the pressures of fame, ‘Zaryk’ is the first in the ‘Twisted Epiphany’ series that follows Zaryk, Zayne, Zayden, Deklan and Kreed as they take their band from small town success to world-wide phenomenon. 

~ About This Author ~

C.A. Jonelle lives in a small town in Ohio with her husband, daughter, two dogs, one cat, and six fish. She's been reading for as long as she can remember.

 She wrote several hundred poems in high school and started writing stories while in her late twenties. She loves a good romance book with a tattooed and pierced rock star who is plagued by the reality of life. When she's not reading or writing, you can find her spending time with her family and friends, or just catching up on her favorite shows such as Hell's Kitchen or Devious Maids.

 She's currently working on the next book in the five part Twisted Epiphany series that is slated to come out in 2015. 

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Excerpts

Excerpt One:

(This one is intended for an audience of 18 or older. If you are unable to use it I understand. :))

She pushes her lips against mine. She bites my lower lip and my mind goes haywire. The wheels are disengaging and my brain threatens to completely shut down. That one little move drives me crazy.

I lace my fingers with hers and I lead her over to the desk, spinning her around so she’s facing away from me. My hands lightly skim down her arms, making their way to that glorious ass. I grab each cheek and squeeze. Her head falls back against my chest as she sighs.

I place a hand on her back and bend her forward. “Zaryk? What are …?”

Leaning over her I whisper, “Shhh, don’t think, just feel.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Excerpt Two:

I growl loudly, echoing in the night air. “I’m not going to chase after you Lyndsay!”

Stopping, she turns to face me with a startled expression on her gorgeous face.

“What is it? Is he the reason you can’t get over Kendall and me?” I move closer to her.

“Yes.” Her answer is barely a whisper.

My heart drops into the pit of my stomach. The thought of anyone hurting her touches a nerve … a big nerve. I inch closer until I’m directly in front of her. Reaching up, I glide my fingers against her neck, rubbing my thumb along her jawline. She lifts her gaze to mine.

“Tell me how he hurt you. I want to understand where this fear is coming from.”

She twists her face out of my hands and I drop them to my side. Tears are glistening in her eyes. I can’t stand to see her like this and I can’t stand how she’s making me feel right now. I can feel the fire building deep inside me. Deklan appears at the exit.

Lyndsay turns to go back inside. I’m fed up with this shit, but I don’t want to lose her. I make one last attempt and grab her arm and turn her toward me. “If you leave, you might as well take my heart with you. I won’t need it anymore, because it won’t bother to beat without you.”

Deklan freezes and watches us, his face full of concern.

I let go of her arm and she turns back toward the building. She disappears and I feel a big part of me die inside.