Roselette Horton... Miss Prim and Proper. Arm candy for one of the richest men in Hoffman. Fate had her saving my life. Now I'm indebted to repay the favour. Rose has the biggest stick up her arse. It’s surprising she can even put one foot in front of the other. She has no clue what it means to be living, or who she really is. To the outside world Rose has everything, but to those who pay close attention, it’s nothing short of a well-constructed façade.
I’m Finlay Crossley and I’m a simple misfit from the wrong side of the tracks. Until three days ago, I didn't have two cents to rub together. Rose is my opposite in every way, but as the saying goes—‘opposites attract.’
How in the world does a socialite notice a nobody like me? It all happens when a loser becomes a winner.
Belle Brooks is the International bestselling author of seven novels and multiple novellas. She lives out in the country of Queensland with her incredibly tolerant and crazy family. She writes contemporary romance, romantic comedy and contemporary women's fiction ranging from young adult to adult audiences. She also writes crime and psychological thrillers.
MISS NOT TOGETHER, Belle's next full-length novel, is set to release February 10th, 2019. It is now available for preorder.
MISTER UNO, Belle's next short story, is set to release January 25th, 2019. It is now available for preorder.
For more information and for a schedule of events, please visit bellebrooksauthor.com.
To contact Belle, please email bellebrooksauthor@gmail.com
I wasn't sure what to make of this latest book by Belle Brooks. Was it going to make me cry buckets like Always You did, was it going to make me question my own sanity like the Thirty Day trilogy did or leave me hanging like One Fear did? Well, the answer is none of the above! Once again Belle has written a totally different book. In Winner, we meet Finley and Rose, a more unlikely couple you couldn't imagine. He's definitely from the wrong side of the tracks, had a shocking childhood, lost someone very dear to him, and she is the sheltered daughter, who is desperate to break free. He literally wins big time on the lottery and there unfolds the story......... I really liked this story, Belle has a very unique style of writing that I enjoy and I'd love to know how she comes up with all her different books!
Story: Winner starts with a horrible flash-back into Tank's past, then slides into the present. He has a hard job at a steel mill, and no money. Until he wins the lottery, that is. Only, he can't believe his own luck, and almost loses the ticket when he's in a car accident and his car catches fire. There is a lot going on, but I didn't really invest in the characters, so even the suspense in Winner was a little off to me. Characters: Finley 'Tank' is the main character, he might look like a goon, but he has a heart of gold. His best friends are always there for him, as is Tessa, his foster mom. Rose is a society princess, but she has been so sheltered from everything she doesn't even really know the world, nor the people who live in it. Writing style : First person point of view, from Tank's perspective. Lots of dialogues. Feels : I think I mostly felt a bit removed from it all. There were a lot of characters, but I didn't really feel invested in any of them. There was a definite distance between the story of Winner and myself.
Logging in the last job for the day is interrupted when I turn my eyes downward, to find my lap no longer bare.
The smell of burning plastic has me snarling as I rip open the microwave door and wave away smoke. Juggling the melted plastic, I groan outwardly before throwing the pre-packaged dinner for one into the sink.
Waking in a cold sweat, I feel as though a semi-trailer has parked on top of my chest. All I can see is green grass, and I'm not sure if this is a good or a bad thing.
When opposites attract, this book has it all, suspense, angst, love, happiness. I swear this author has a way with words I've not felt before,
finding yourself all over again and understanding who you truly are is what this book is all about and along the way on the journey of self discovery there is loss, heartache, winning and losing but above all soul searching and finding who you are.
The ending came all to quickly and maybe felt a little rushed, but none the less it took no enjoyment away from the story at all x
I loved this book! Winner was another amazing book written by Belle Brooks. This was a little different from the other books she has written. This was a sweet love story but with angst! Wrong side of the tracks meets high society posh life. Finlay "accidentally" meets Roselette by fate and on the day that could change his life forever. The storyline was so good and will captivate you from the beginning. I loved Fin, Alan, Tessa and "the Lads" with their crazy family dynamic. I wanted to be mad at Belle for parts that break your heart, but you know she will mend it at the end! I highly recommend Winner by Belle Brooks!
I don't know how Belle Brooks does it. She has written another gripping book, with suspense, love and angst. Her characters are loveable......well with a few exceptions of course. I absolutely loved reading this tale.
Finley 'Tank' Crossley believes in the good of people despite his losses and socio-economic situation. Through his good fortune, and luck, he is blessed with the ability to change the lives of those he cares for most. His idea of paying it forward is selfless and heartfelt.
Roselette, Rose, is hiding behind the shield of pomp and circumstance. Her outward appearance refined and well groomed per her social status. However, Tank can see through this facade and he is determined to free Rose from her own imprisonment and allow her the freedom of a life well lived.
Belle Brooks has done it again. She pens the story of rags to riches with a twist of fate and a dash of unbridled selflessness which is clearly her expertise. Finley's beauty is his ability to bring out the best in others while remaining down to earth and seeking the higher moral ground despite the tragedies which have blanketed his life. Rose's best qualities are hidden behind her own walls of social duty, and her growth is well played through the delicate words penned by Brooks. The beauty of ease with which Brooks slowly intertwines the journey of Finley and Rosselette is what fans of her crafty style have come to expect through the beauty of each of her works. Winner is one more read that is not to be missed and certainly, a story of courage, triumph, and love on all sorts of levels starting with self, bridging to family and friends, to the one that every heart desires and hopes to attain—the love of a significant other. Authentically beautiful, Winner is a must read.
Damn Finlay! Quite impossible not to fall in love with someone like him! Tessa however was my favorite character in this book. I hope this will continue as a series cause i would love to read more about Fin and Rose! Loved this
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
"Baby, our life together is just the beginning, but I have a feeling it's going to be the life of a winner."
"You're not a loser, Fin. You never were. You'll always be a winner to me."
This is my third book by Belle Brooks and for me Belle just became an author I would blindly one-click every next publication.
Winner is a story about the bravery of finding yourself and at the same remaining true to yourself. It's about friendship, love and letting go, about winning and loosing and dealing with all the feelings in between.
Belle created some wonderful characters and with her captivating writing style she managed to bring them very much alive in my mind. I couldn't help myself but falling for Fin (Tank) within the first view chapters. He has such a good heart and puts others always selflessly first. Whne Tank got the ability to change things, he did not only changes his life but those of the people he cares for most as well. He stays down to earth and never forgets where he's coming from. The group of friends around Tank, as well as Tessa and Alan come easy to love and I wouldn't mind meeting those in person. I struggled a little with Rose, if I'm honest. I see why Rose fell in love with Tank but I'm not quite sure why Tank fell in love with her. For me her character lacks some depth. But some things just can't be explained, can they? Some things just happen for a reason, e.g. falling in love. For Alan though I wish him to get his own book. IMO he came a little short here and he deserves a lot more attention. I think his character has totally the potential of mastering his own story!
The twists in this book are well placed and keep the suspense slow but steady. IMO the ending is a little rushed and has the potential of writing a second book, continuing this wonderful love story which reminded me just a little of Romeo&Juliet.
With the story of Winner, Belle shows us that there is always more to the story than it is visible for the eye and you'll never know a person to the fullest. You shouldn't judge by outside appearance as you never know how hides behind it. Life can always change any moment and how it works out for us depends on how we set the sails.
"in life there is always a treasure to be claimed. This treasure is special because it has no map, and it can't be found. It instead finds you."
"Tank" as he's known to his friends, has always been a loser. Relegated to the foster care system as a child, ranked 'least likely to succeed' at school, and witness as the girl he'd vowed to protect, the girl he loved was murdered right before his eyes.
But, as they say, when your number is up, your number is up. I'm just not sure that saying is supposed to apply to lottery numbers. Maybe, thanks to one tiny slip of paper, Tank might be able to shake that big L he's felt stamped on his forehead his whole life.
Going in, I wasn't a big fan of the way that, in the early stages of Winner, Belle Brooks introduces a variety of characters with essentially no introduction at all. There are just all of these people that the reader is unfamiliar with getting in on the action, leaving the reader to attempt to puzzle together who is who. Which nicknames correspond to which real names, how the various characters relate to each other, it's came across like starting part way through a story where all of the introductions had already been done. The characters know who each other are, but the reader? Not so much.
Despite that aspect of the storytelling not being to my liking, I quickly found myself being drawn in. The intensity of the prologue had me wondering how things might pan out for Tank as time passed and the author wastes little time in, once the action resumes years later, turning the main character's life upside down all over again.
While the sense of disorientation I felt at the start quickly passed as I got to work out how the various characters each related to the others, the way in which pertinent details are kept from the reader persists virtually the entire way through the novel, ensuring a level of suspense and twists and turns all the way through.
From wondering exactly who the love interest might be, through to how many of the themes explored and the tensions between various characters might be resolved, Winner kept me guessing right to the end.
Not my favorite book by this author, but still well written and engaging if you're up for a bit of mental stimulation.
What to think of a tittle like this one without reading the Blurb? Will it be about a player? A playboy? A poor guy or girl? Who cares because after reading the blurb I knew that I needed to read it. Will I like it? Belle Brooks is a new author to me and let's just say that I really enjoyed her writing. She has an intense that can be sometimes very dark writing, but don't let this scare you because you will fall in love for this book. Winner tells the stories of Finlay aka Tank and Rose. Let me just say that the way this book started grabbed my attention in a sec. Finlay had the worst childhood that any kid should get and his teen years weren't that good either. After years of struggle he had the chance that changed his life. But will it be for the better or worse? Can he help everyone like he wants to or get lost on the road... Rose had always been fortunate and had everything her heart desire. But something is missing. She can hide as much as she wants until the day Tank enters her life. But what will happen? Let's just say that I really liked this story. It's different from the last book that I've read but in a good way. This book presented us with love, loss, betrayal, suspense but also with desire, luck and hot stuff... Just the perfect package to create a really good book. The way the story progressed left me angry, sad, happy, frustrated you name it. There were parts of the book that I wanted to get into the story and knock some sense into some of the characters and bit the shi.... out of a few. Dayum what an intense rollercoaster. Will we have more about these two? Will the rest of the gang have their own stories? I hope so.. What a premier this was Belle. Can't wait for what's about to come. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
This is the first book of Belle Brooks that I have read and I must say I'm impressed. Winner is a rags to riches story. It's about one man's bid to make a better life for himself and the people who are the only family he has ever known. It's also about a girl who has been raised in a privileged life but is forced to do what her family wants to keep there prestige and title.
Fin - Finlay Crossley (Tank) and Rose - Roselette Horton are two people from two different worlds and the definition of Opposites Attract. From the moment they came together the bond was made, and even though they both try to fight what's happening between them, in the end they both can't fight the attraction. But of course there is always someone who will try to destroy that bond and ultimately it will be Fin who strikes the damaging blow that will leave them both heartbroken.
Winner is a story about love, friendship, winning and losing, and sacrifice. It's about doing the right thing and knowing when to let go so that the person you love can find themselves even though you know your heart will be broken. It's about friendships and bonds that can never be broken, and that blood isn't always thicker than water.
This book will have you engrossed with all the characters. The bonds and friendships that are unbreakable will stay with you. Every emotion you know will come out in Winner, and you will be captivated by this story.
Well this was a book that totally took me by surprise. One minute I was reading an ok story that starts a little slow but then suddenly it just started to explode across the pages. Finley Crossley and Roselette Horton are opposites attract with them both coming from the opposite sides of the tracks. Their story isnt just a random tale of boy meets girl there is so much more to their coming together against the odds of where their social standing dictates who they should be with. Finley is a kind and caring man that goes out of his way to help people regardless of the fact he grew up on the rough side of town. I totally adored his character and his carefree outlook on life, and his back story did touch me and made me want to reach out and hug him even though he had Tessa looking out for him for most of his life. Rose has grown up in Hoffman where the rich and powerful live and has always had the best of everything, but she has no quality of life and no friends with always being told what to do or what to eat and wear by the controlling men in her life and I really felt a deep heartfelt sympathy for her and the situation she was forced to be in. Finley and Rose are my favourite kind of characters to read about they go from enemies, to friends and then to lovers. Between them they have a fiery spark that can't help but ignite. Belle Brooks has written an amazing story that takes you on a journey of discovery and of finding love while fighting for what you believe in. This is my first book to have read by this author but it sure won't be my last as I loved her writing style and the way she made you care about her characters was endearing. A brilliant 5 Stars!
OMG I seriously loved this story. From the first page I was drawn in and I was unable to put the book down, I read in one sitting. Reality just didn't seem to be able to bring me out of this world, Belle Brooks has such an amazingly unique way with her words, she captured me completely and turned me into an emotional wreck lol.
I adored Tank, he's such a strong, sweet character. He'd been through so much and even with a life changing event, he still remembers who the important people were in his life and it didn't change him a bit. I loved him to pieces! My heart broke for Rose, the life she was being brought up in, I just couldn't even imagine it in RL. But even through all the prim and proper attitude there's a sweet girl hiding.
This book is definitely a keeper and I highly recommend being a "Winner" and "one-clicking" this book, now! (See what I did there? lol) ^_^
What an absolute gem of a book! It started off a bit slow and I really wasn't sure of it. Then the story took off and after that it totally grabbed me. Our hero, Finlay, doesn't have two pennies to rub together, much the same as the people he cares about. But he's a good hearted chap and tries to do his best for everyone. Then his luck changes for the better. And things kind of explode around him. This is how he meets Roselette and how she rescues him. Now this really is a rags-to-riches tale and appearances have to be kept up. No matter the cost, or the sacrifice. Or do they? Can one man make a difference? Read it and see!
I have read almost all the books by this author and have loved them all and this one was no different. Fin was a different type of character then what I’ve been reading recently, so I loved that he was unique to me. The romance was fun to watch, it was a slow burn feel with amazing attraction, but I have to say I loved all the character interaction best. Each character was their own and they all meant something to the story. Another great book by this author. 5 Stars #2OCCJD
Belle Brooks does it again with another beautifully written book. A man from the wrong side of the tracks has his life changed when he wins big at the lotto. Tank has a heart of gold so moves his foster mother Tessa and Alan an abandon kid who lost his leg in with him to a mansion only to find his former boss living beside him with his gorgeous daughter Rose. Tank is drawn to Rose but can a guy whose been a loser most of his life save the girl and win her heart
Belle was meant to write books that touch your heart and don't let go! This book is everything and more! I could not stop reading. My emotions were on overload. Opposites attract that is for sure. You want to smack these two and tell them to get it together, but then the story wouldn't be as good! You need the drama, angst, sarcasm, tears, love and laughter to make it all come together and be worth every second. Fin and Rose are both such strong characters that make you fall in love with them. They each have been through hell but just in different ways. The supporting characters are great as well. Everyone needs a Fin or Tank in their life. They also need a Tessa. She brings love and light to everyone, but she also brings truth and honesty that you need. Belle everyone deserves to be a Winner at some point in life; you have won with this story and so have we!
I absolutely loved the characters and premise of this story. It doesn't matter how much money you have., it won't make you happy or make you a good person. Any when all is said and done in life if you can look back and say "I was kind and I did something good with my life"that is what matters. Thank you Belle for reminding us all of that lesson.
Absolutely loved this book! Belle out does herself with every new release. It had many twists and turns along the way, and her words kept me engrossed in the book from beginning to end. It made me laugh and cry, sometimes at the same time! Every girl needs a man like Finlay, he's a dream come true.
I was given an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review and I'm voluntarily leaving my review. Well Belle Brooks did it again. I loved the book so much that I told everyone that I knew to go buy it. This is DEFINITELY A ONE-CLICK AND MUST READ
Belle Brooks does it again. Winner has you reaching for the tissues in a beautifully written rags to riches love story. I can't wait for more from this wonderful author.
wow what a great different kind of story by Belle Brooks. I loved Finlay right from the start of the book, he showed what a man just surviving looks like. rose and fin togther makes my heart melt, they are just so very sweet. this story has the Australian/English way of talking and as akways is refreshing to see in Belle Brooks books. I highly recommend this to anyone new to belle or if you have read her before don't hesitate in picking a copy up. I volunteered to read a copy of this book
First off I would like to say that I loved this book! It did start off a bit slow, making me feel like I was not 100% sure what was going on, but then it turned into a book with a little bit of everything in it. There was some romance, laughs and angst. I have to say that Belle has quickly become one of my favorite authors. Thank you for the ride yet again!!!!!
You know that feeling you have after a crazy roller coaster ride? That one where you can't catch your breath? Well, that's similar to the feeling I had at the end of Winner. I had just been through a roller coaster of emotions and loved every tear-filled moment. Winner will introduce you to characters you love and others you will love to hate. Well done, Belle Brooks, with another story that will stay with me. *Honored to have been given an ARC in return for an honest review.
Winner is my favorite book of Belle’s so far! It is, like always, well written with well-developed characters. It is a wrong side of the tracks love story with a little mystery involved. Tank is a great character that you will be rooting for through his growth. He is a strong physical character with a great heart that really made me love him. Rose is a woman torn between duty and her true self trying to break free and learn who she is. A beautiful love story helps to evolve two characters growths into more fulfilled people in every sense. What I really loved beyond the great love story, were the well-developed secondary characters that provide more humor and heart to the story. This is a must read! Purchase now and enjoy!
I've received a ARC copy of this book and all I can sayou is wow. This book had me going up and down and made my heart stop a couple times.. I could not put it down.. every person deserves a guy like Finley.. Belle Brooks has done it again.. I recommend this book to everyone..
Wow I fell in love with Tank and his kind heart from the beginning of the book. He had a rough start to his life but he never let it get to him and he stayed true to his friends when his life changed for the better. It was nice to see Tank's fortunes change and to see how he never let his money change the lovely kind person he was. It's true when they say money can't buy you happiness as we see this in the families in his new wealthy neighbourhood. Belle has a lovely way with words her books draw you in from page one. If you've not read any of her books I highly recommend them.
This book has had me floored beginning to end. I was gutted by the termoils Fin had gone through and floored by Rose and her life. This book had me flipping the pages to find out what happened next. Every girl deserves a love like Fin.