One Fear

The Game of Life #1

by Belle Brooks

“My one fear is now my reality.”

He didn’t offer his name when he fulfilled his need to include me as a player in his game.
I’m number thirteen. Just a number given to the bitches who wronged him.
I was blindsided. Stolen from my life. In his devilled eyes, I have a debt to pay…he wants my final breath to see us even.

“I know who you are Morgan Banks, the question is, who am I? Five games will set you free when you can tell me who I’d be.”- The Wolf.

Am I strong enough to take on the Wolf?

Genres: Dark, Thriller, Suspense, Abuse, Novella, Mystery, Adult

ebook

Published July 7, 2017

About the author

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

Reviews

[Kylie D · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did enjoy this novella. It was a quick read and I could feel Reid's pain as he realised his wife wasn't coming home. But was I enthralled enough to buy the next 4 installments to finish the novel? Probably not, I would prefer just to pay for the one book.

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really good cover for this book. A perfect representation of the way the heroine's husband thinks of her. Great composition. Interesting title work as well. I would have made the title a bit bigger, but all in all an excellent job.

I knew right from the prologue that this one was going to be a 5-Star read for me. I was sucked right into this story from the first word.



It was fantastically well written and perfectly paced. It was dark, twisted and evil. It had an intriguing and unique plot. It had angst. It had drama. It had interesting main characters (I seriously need to know NOW who the big bad wolf is!!) All wrapped up in an ending that will pretty much have you stalking the author to find out when the next book is being released.

Two HUGE thumbs up from yours truly.

[Dri ✰ · Rating 4 out of 5]

★ 4 stars!! ★

“Who’s afraid of the big bad wolf?”

My review will be in the last book because I can’t stop reading!!!
But I want to say that the plot is very intriguing, captivating and terrifying. The author's writing is incredible and I am very intrigued to know what will come next in this series!

“Roses are red, violets are blue, let’s play a game where I hunt you”

[Bex (Beckie Bookworm) · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟STARS.
So "One Fear" is the first novella in The Game Of Life Series by Belle Brooks.
And this is also the first thing I have ever read by this author.
I also would like to add that the front cover here is breathtaking and exactly how I pictured Morgan in my mind after Reid's heartfelt description of her.
So what the bloody hell did I just experience, and I say experience instead of read as my heart is still pounding loudly in utter shock and fright after just putting this down.
What an earth has poor Morgan done that merits such an intense level of hatred directed at her and how can she not no why.
but I digress I'm gonna give you a very brief glimpse into "One Fear"
Someone wants to play a game.
And if you win they will let you go home.
Home to your lovely life, handsome husband Reid and adoring children.
To win, it's easy, answer a question, who am I?
Twelve have come before you and failed.
They paid for there sins
Your number thirteen
And there's only one rule here Red run!
Who's afraid of the big bad wolf
Morgan Banks is.
Elsewhere, Reid Morgan’s husband is slowly unravelling as the police don't seem to be taking him seriously and he’s going out of his mind with worry.
Where is his wife?
Now wow, this was a truly terrifying tale,
Set in Australia and told from two points of view Reid and Morgan herself, we get to experience everything as if in real time.
I was gripped throughout and though short, of novella length, every word was made to count here.
I still have absolutely no clue to what is going on here, not the foggiest, absolutely stumped.
So as "No fear" closes with me scratching my head in confusion I am already salivating for part two of this addictive tale.
I can not recommend this fucked up story enough.
I felt like I was in an episode of criminal minds.
I need to read part two immediately.
This is heart-poundingly psychological mindfuckery at its best enjoy.
I know I did.
I was gifted a copy of One Fear (The Game Of Life Series #1) By Belle Brooks.
All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com

[Leanne ~ Tales From The Heart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a sneak peek at this book today....ok it was more than a peek I got to read it all. I can't give anything away and spoil it for you. But here's a sneaky peek for you...Who's afraid of the big bad wolf! Who is she running from? Is hubby guilty? Who is that masked man? Will your heart be racing like mine? Will you want to hunt down this author and throttle her too? ...why? wait and see!

[Carla · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t know what I think about this book.I’m going to the next.
I will see...

[Natalie ~ The Biblioholic · Rating 4 out of 5]

How messed up was that???

This author ain’t playing games. There were no sweet nothings to lull you into a sense of security. No gentle prodding to warm you up to the idea of the terror to come. Nope, she dumped us right into the thick of things. Right into the horror show that Morgan and Reid’s life had become. Morgan is at the mercy of a sadistic psychopath, hellbent on breaking her and finding his own form of retribution. For what? I still don’t know, just like I don’t know who the heck this murderer is. But I can tell I’m going to have so much fun while trying to figure this stuff out!



There were two things that really stood out to me in this very short installment:
1. The interrogation scene - it reminded me of many a crime show I watch (and I’ve watched many). Reid’s impulses, actions and reactions were incredibly authentic and I was losing my mind right along with him through my frustration with the way the detectives were handling this case.
2. The adrenaline rush - my heart was in my throat every time the story switched to Morgan’s perspective. It was eerie and frightening and made me want to call my mommy. So freaking good!

Thankfully, I have the next installment sitting on my kindle, waiting to be devoured. So I’m off!

Release: July 7, 2017 | Genre: Psychological Thriller | POV: Dual - 1st person | The Game of Life #1

*** Images from author’s page ***

[Jaime Gambrill · Rating 5 out of 5]

for the love of God who is it???? Who's afraid of the big bad wolf? I am dammit! I need to know who it is.. the suspense may just kill me! BELLE tell meeeee!! I couldn't put this down once I started it and I cannot wait until they are all out!!

[Phyl · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I love about Belle is she has no fear. Her books are different, I love that I won't get bored. The first chapter draws you in, I was tired reading this as it's Sunday and my chill day. But let me tell you it woke me up, it was dark, sinister with a touch of evil. I have questions as I continued reading. None I can reveal as they would be considered spoiling.
My biggest question why HER???

[Elsa Carrion · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wait, What just happened!! Just when it was getting good! They said read this with us, they said it will be great, they said your going to love it. All true, It was fun and I really did enjoy it but why so darn short and why have so many. I know and you probably know as well. I'm dying to know how it turns out but I will leave this series alone until I see #2 for free, just like I found this one FREE.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

My only criticism of this book is I want more. This can't be the end we need another book to find out who the big bad wolf is. Morgan is having a bad day but little does she know her day is about to get a whole lot worse. Taken by a man who calls himself the wolf, Morgan is told she's his thirteenth victim. She just can't imagine who she's upset so much that would do this to her. While Morgan is who knows where in the outback, her husband Reid is being questioned by the police who think he's done something to her. I can't say anymore without spoilers you just need to read it.

[Radd Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 1. The story continues in book 2 so this is not a standalone. Told from dual POV. 99 pages on my kindle.

Quote:
“Roses are red, violets are blue, let’s play a game where I hunt you.”

Morgan has been abducted and her husband Reid faces questions by the police, who seem to think he might be involved in her disappearance.

This is a short, fast-paced, chilling book. The villain is dark and twisted and pure evil. He makes your skin crawl and sends shivers up your spine.

As Morgan is living through her hell at the hands of the psycho, Reid is desperately trying to convince the police he had no hand in her disappearance. As Reid reflects on their lives you see that they once had a deep love. But, a busy life has gotten in the way and they argue more and have become a bit distant with each other.

This first book gives you a glimpse of Morgan & Reid’s troubled marriage, the circumstances surrounding Morgan’s abduction, Reid’s desperation to find his wife and a psychotic man who finds it enjoyable to make women suffer (Morgan is his 13th victim).

This is a gripping novella and it packs a punch. My heart is still pounding from what I just read.

Triggers: the heroine is not captured for the purposes of rape, but she does suffer physically and emotionally at the hands of her captor.

[Trish Miles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omfg. Was lucky enough to read this book today. Could not put it down and I definitely need more. Kept me hooked the whole time.

[Lindsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Buddy Read with my Freebie Chicks!

I will start by saying this isn't my genre but our group decided to step out of our comfort zone.

I did like the scenes with Morgan in the woods. They were well written and were the only reason I did not 1 star this book.

Her Husband was just the worst. I felt bad for him in the beginning, but after she went missing I was done with him. I don't think I could take another scene with him, EVER.
Also, the fact that have to buy 5 books to read what could fit in one or a duo is frustrating. I understand it builds angst and thrill, but I am not a fan of it.

All in all I have no intentions on finishing this series, but will def seek out spoilers to find out who the wolf is lol

[Nadine · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review

Honestly I'm not sure why I struggled with loving this one. The writing is fantastic and it's also thrilling combined with a cliffhanger that leaves you with the one and only question "Belle, WTF did you just do to me?"

Maybe it's because One Fear is a novella and it's way too short (IMO). Everything felt a little rushed. But on the other hand, maybe that's exactly what Belle wants us to feel: To feel the rush, the thrill, the heartbeat, the despair, the fear, the need to escape.
And maybe I'm not really used to read this genre, however I really can't wait for the second book as I truly need to know where this is going!

If you are up to a quick and thrilling ride with a book that probably leaves you with more open questions than you find answers in the first book of this series, than you should definitely go with this one!

[Alicia Huxtable · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do you write a review when you're blown away by what our just read?! This book is different from Belle Brooks' other works but it is fantastic. Right from the start it grabbed me. The characters and the storyline flows so well together that I just couldn't put it down. can't wait for the next installment of this series

[Irma *Irma The Book Whisperer* · Rating 4 out of 5]

"ROSES ARE RED, VIOLETS ARE BLUE, LET'S PLAY A GAME WHERE I HUNT YOU"

Insanely good!
What is going on? Who is the Big Bad Wolf? And why is Morgan a part of this sick, twisted game?
I need answers! And I need them now!

[One chapter more · Rating 5 out of 5]

One hour later and I'm hooked. This is unbelievably good. My blood is rushing my fingers to finish this review and grab the second installment. Oh, Morgan what troubles you are in. But don't worry, I'm here for you. I will follow your survival and root for you with each page.

Dear Reid, my heart is broken for your loss, but have hope. I believe you little porcelain wife is stronger than you and everyone thinks.

It's a game of life and I hope Morgan will win.

Ok, but for now. See you in an hour once I'm finished the second part. Fuck the laundry, fuck cleaning the house on Saturday afternoon, I have 5 books to finish , my own little Saturday game.

[Asia]

nie wiem co mam zrobic i jak ocenic ta ksiazke. dlatego wlasnie nie lubie czytac darkow. ale sa darki i darki a ten jest no ciezki. nie wiem ile wstawic gwiazdek. tylko nie wiem jak ja mam to ocenic. no nie wiem. byl taki film keidys.. funny games. nie do obejrzenia... nie na moje nerwy. po prostu nie mam w sobie tego pierwistastka ktory by tolerowal bezsensowana przemoc albo przemoc dla zabawy. i gowno mnie obchodzi czy oprawca mial do szkoly pod gore, kamienne zabawki, czy mama go bila czy jest zwyklym psychopata. jury obraduje, jak mowi moja kolezanka Leynka... jury obraduje....

[Nese's reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fast paced, fear inducing short read.....

"How can a single moment change the course of one's life ? "

One minute Morgan is panicking and stressing over having to leave work late again,
Reid is getting more frustrated and stressed about Morgan coming home late again.
One rainy eventful night, one moment, and their whole lives unexpectedly changed.

What follows is a heart pounding, heart breaking, fear inducing game...
A game of cat and mouse , a game of Wolf and Red Riding Hood...

With an ending that will leave you gasping for more ,
and desperate for the next installment.


An ARC was gifted.

[Philomena Callan Cheekypee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book one in a five part series called The Game of Life.

I thought this would just be an introduction to the characters but it was so much more. It’s a pretty fast paced read.

Morgan Banks is being chased by the Wolf. She doesn’t know why but she does know she needs to do something to survive.

We read the story through two points of view. Morgan and her husband Reid. So far I’m not too keen on Reid so I’m hoping that changes.

I enjoyed this so I’m about to jump into book two.

[Jola · Rating 5 out of 5]

-5 , minus bo po całej książce wiem, że nic nie wiem :P

[Sarah - Kindle and Koffee Book Blog · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by this author and I was taken in by the synopsis. I love psychological type thrillers. People with debts to pay and the game becomes a matter of survival...? Bring it on! So I eagerly jumped in. After reading the prologue I was like WTAF was that... Brilliant. Now give me more. The first chapter I'm like okaaaaayy? WTH is going on.... Keep reading and it will all become clear. Sadly it didn't. I never really got to grips with the vendetta, nor could I get to grips with the author's writing style. It just felt a little like groundhog day for Morgan and her captor. The story kept going around in a similar circle without really developing. The book just seemed to lack character description and clarity.

I didn't care much for Reid either... He started off being an egotistical jerk moaning that his wife had to work late for the third day on the trot leaving him to collect the kids when it was her turn. The kids were around 11/12 so it's not like he's been left holding the baby as kids that age are fairly self sufficient. Then the wife goes missing he turns into a wimp of a man. I just felt he needed to be more dominant, take control more and not turn into a blubbering wreck of a man whinging he'd lost the love of his life when hours before he was berating her harshly for working late given the fact she had given up over 12 years of her life and devoted it to being the dutiful wife, supporting her husband and bringing up their children.

A couple of events I question ; Firstly, in my experience airbags don't deploy on a rear end collision. I know, I've had 4 and raised this question with VW who confirmed to me they didn't. Secondly, as far as I'm aware the police do not investigate a missing person (adult) after they have been missing for only 3 hours. It's generally 24 hours minimum. It was the whole scene surrounding the wife's disappearance and subsequent events thereafter is where I felt the book lost its way.

Told from a dual POV the book was steady paced. I was also a little disappointed that this is a short book. I think it would have been better to release all three parts together and make one 3-400 page novel instead of splitting it up into novella sized books. I may have got to grips with the plot line better, it may well be a 5* read in the end but publishing at this stage for me personally is a mistake because now I'm not sure if I'll continue with the rest of the series; whereas If it was one book I would see it's through. Now that I have a enforced break I'm not that invested in finding out the end game.

*** ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review ***

[Sheena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, Sharp Shock …

This is a shocking, sinister book with a storyline that is better read without any prior knowledge of the premise… unsurprisingly, considering the title, the theme of fear, in it’s many guises, resonates throughout evoking a feeling of uneasiness and anxiety…fear of lost opportunity, freedom, love, life and fear of every conceivable possibility….

…this author never ceases to amaze me with her versatility..whatever the genre she creates a masterpiece……the world she imagines on this occasion is eerily dark and menacing and the players within it are immersed in a macabre game filled with suspense and intrigue…told from the dual point of view of a wife entangled in a deadly challenge and a husband left stranded at home the narrative provides an insight into both their emotional and mental states as well as historical events which may or may not have a bearing on the evolving plot…

I am not a big fan of thrillers and if I am honest when I first started reading I was not entirely confident I would enjoy it…but I love this authors work so I persevered and then slowly but surely I became caught up and then invested in the characters, their story and the outcome….and eventually I was completely enthralled….and when it came to the finale I was left bereft not because of the cliffhanger, and there is a mighty big one, but because I know it will be a long time before I read another book which is so challenging and original in it’s concept and execution….I received a copy of this book as an ARC from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review

[Coco.V]

💝 FREE on Amazon today (4/5/2018)!💝

Blurb:
“My one fear is now my reality.”

He didn’t offer his name when he fulfilled his need to include me as a player in his game.
I’m number thirteen. Just a number given to the bitches who wronged him.
I was blindsided. Stolen from my life. In his devilled eyes, I have a debt to pay…he wants my final breath to see us even.

“I know who you are Morgan Banks, the question is, who am I? Five games will set you free when you can tell me who I’d be.”- The Wolf.

Am I strong enough to take on the Wolf?

[Sleepy · Rating 4 out of 5]

WHAT THE FUCK DID I JUST READ AND WHEN IS BOOK 2 COMING OUT!!!!????

"ROSES ARE RED, VIOLETS ARE BLUE, LET'S PLAY A GAME WHERE I HUNT YOU"

I honestly have no idea what to say, I finished this book in about 2 hours, and I NEED to know who is the big bad wolf!!!

"TO BREATHE IS TO LIVE. TO LIVE IS TO BE FREE. YOU WILL NEVER SEE YOUR FREEDOM, BECAUSE YOUR PAST CAN NEVER BE ERASED."

[Karenj · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh... my... God! My one fear.... is never knowing who the big bad wolf is. Belle Brooks you had my heart hammering! As always you dragged me right on in, clutched hold of me and wouldn't let go! 2 hours later and I don't want to be let go.. I want to climb back into your twisted mind and rip the thoughts from your brain... gahhh... what do you do to us?? You evil woman, you! ha!
Cannot wait for the rest of this series.
ARC provided for an honest review.. honestly... you have to read this !!

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is tagged dark, thriller, mystery, horror, suspense, sociology > abuse, and it hits all of those genres hard! I must say for such a short novella, I was really impressed with all that Brooks packed in and with such skill that you don't notice the novella is so short, but you're likely to want more and read other books in the series.

By the end of this book, you'll be sitting on the edge or your seat needing/wanting to know who the heck the wolf is! I know that the suspense is killing me! Wolf takes a woman named Morgan and he tells her she is his 13th victim (not a very lucky number), so she knows he's experienced. Imagine the terror! She happens to be married, and when a woman goes missing or is murdered, who do the police look at first? OMG! This book...I have to get #2 NOW!

[Rebecca Barber]

Well, Ms Brooks it's official... When you pick up one of your books you're never quite prepared for what you're going to find on those pages, and One Fear provides you with nothing else.

It's quite literally frightening. It was intense, terrifying and confusing all in the same time.

I loved the real emotion between the husband and wife. It wasn't the usual lovey-dovey all is happy in the marriage. It was real. Arguing over being late for dinner and who'd pick the kids up from afternoon care. It was almost like being a fly on the wall as they battled the every day issues.

It was the psychological thriller aspect of this book that left me staring at the walls wondering:
a - what the hell did I just read
b - when is Belle releasing book 2 because surely she can't leave it like that for long
c - what the hell did I just read
d - who is the puppet master pulling the strings and playing the game
e - is she going to survive
f - is the husband going to get arrested as he loses his s**t
and g - what the hell did I just read

This book was real and intense and completely draws you in.

It's just not the type of book I usually read and enjoy, but I will definitely be getting book 2 to find out 'who dunnit!'

[R yatsko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book, it like falling down the rabbit hole you become Morgan...
...Belle's words make you feel like you are her...
...and you feel Morgan's frustration, guilt, and "one fear"...

Page turning, suspenseful.....

.....nail biting, what is going to happen next??