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High Rollers
Based on a true story.
University of Miami freshman Cameron McKinney is in dire need of cash. In a few years, he will graduate with over 100,000 dollars in student loan debt. To make matters worse, he is utterly ignored by the opposite sex. College isn't quite what he pictured back home in freezing-cold Chicago.
Fortunately, Cameron has a brilliant mind for numbers. He decides to start a sports betting website with the help of fellow classmate Dylan Posner, a notorious campus party animal. Within weeks, hundreds of students sign up, and the business is a runaway success. Cameron begins making thousands of dollars of per week, tax-free. He uses the money to pay off his loans and fund his new South Beach lifestyle.
As his operation grows, so does his ego. Cameron raises the stakes, taking on a group of jet-setting international students as customers. He begins dating Grace Cooper, the hard-drinking, purity ring-wearing daughter of a prominent Republican Party lobbyist. As the business grows, Cameron's problems multiply further. His dysfunctional romance and his business partner's reckless lifestyle threaten to take them all down.
Do you love easy-to-read books filled with wealth, intrigue, and palm trees? If so, don't miss reading High Rollers!
University of Miami freshman Cameron McKinney is in dire need of cash. In a few years, he will graduate with over 100,000 dollars in student loan debt. To make matters worse, he is utterly ignored by the opposite sex. College isn't quite what he pictured back home in freezing-cold Chicago.
Fortunately, Cameron has a brilliant mind for numbers. He decides to start a sports betting website with the help of fellow classmate Dylan Posner, a notorious campus party animal. Within weeks, hundreds of students sign up, and the business is a runaway success. Cameron begins making thousands of dollars of per week, tax-free. He uses the money to pay off his loans and fund his new South Beach lifestyle.
As his operation grows, so does his ego. Cameron raises the stakes, taking on a group of jet-setting international students as customers. He begins dating Grace Cooper, the hard-drinking, purity ring-wearing daughter of a prominent Republican Party lobbyist. As the business grows, Cameron's problems multiply further. His dysfunctional romance and his business partner's reckless lifestyle threaten to take them all down.
Do you love easy-to-read books filled with wealth, intrigue, and palm trees? If so, don't miss reading High Rollers!
252 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 27, 2018
160 people are currently reading
2067 people want to read
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Blurb:
Based on a true story.
Faced with graduating with over 100,000 dollars in student loan debt and struggling socially, University of Miami freshman Cameron McKinney starts the largest sports betting ring in campus history. Business booms, supplying him with thousands of dollars of tax-free cash per week and the connections to experience South Beach nightlife as a VIP. Cameron raises the stakes, signing up hundreds of customers and taking on a group of jet-setting international bettors. As his operation grows, so does his ego. His stormy relationship with Grace Cooper, the purity ring-wearing daughter of a prominent Republican Party lobbyist takes its toll on the business, and his business partner's reckless lifestyle threatens to bring him down completely. High Rollers gives a window into lifestyles of the young and rich, exploring the consequences of ambition, wealth and relationships.
February 27, 2018
In High Rollers freshman student Cameron McKinney, who recently moved from Chicago to Miami, has a bit of a hard time adjusting to his new life. In Miami people spend money like it is nothing, while all Cameron can do is think about how big his debt will be after he graduates. Soon he makes a couple of friends and starts a gambling business with one of them called Dylan.
Personally, I have a weakness for books with much gossip and drama that take place in a university or high school like setting, like the ‘It Girl’ series. These kind of books really are my pleasure. Since I liked the other book by Shelby Mena and Logan C. Kane (X.), I thought High Rollers would be up my alley as well. To be completely honest, I liked X. better than High Rollers, but I am still impressed by it.
Kane and Mena created this juicy story that is the perfect getaway for in between some more serious books. The reality they created in High Rollers is so absurd and perplexing for people that are not crazy rich like Cameron’s buddies, but that is exactly what makes it fun. High Rollers gives you the right amount of drama and craziness. What I liked less about this book was the whole storyline of Grace, who I think is just a complete psychopath and did not contribute anything useful to the story. But then again, that is just my opinion, and it might be completely different for you.
All taken together, I find it admirable how Kane and Mena managed to create this ‘glimpse’ in the absurd life of super-rich students. It's so absurd that it is hilarious at times and the amount of drama makes it the perfect easy read to escape reality, but somehow it does stay realistic (that is weird, I know, but in the extent, it is actually possible the setting in High Rollers does stay realistic). The writing itself is far from perfect in this book, and this was the main reason I prefer their other book over this one. BUT, that being said, I find it very impressive what they have already accomplished, and I am more than sure that this is something that will improve with experience. I, for one, am excited to see what stories they manage to create next. I would rate it 3 out of 5 stars!
I received a review copy of this book from the authors in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are entirely my own and completely honest.
Personally, I have a weakness for books with much gossip and drama that take place in a university or high school like setting, like the ‘It Girl’ series. These kind of books really are my pleasure. Since I liked the other book by Shelby Mena and Logan C. Kane (X.), I thought High Rollers would be up my alley as well. To be completely honest, I liked X. better than High Rollers, but I am still impressed by it.
Kane and Mena created this juicy story that is the perfect getaway for in between some more serious books. The reality they created in High Rollers is so absurd and perplexing for people that are not crazy rich like Cameron’s buddies, but that is exactly what makes it fun. High Rollers gives you the right amount of drama and craziness. What I liked less about this book was the whole storyline of Grace, who I think is just a complete psychopath and did not contribute anything useful to the story. But then again, that is just my opinion, and it might be completely different for you.
All taken together, I find it admirable how Kane and Mena managed to create this ‘glimpse’ in the absurd life of super-rich students. It's so absurd that it is hilarious at times and the amount of drama makes it the perfect easy read to escape reality, but somehow it does stay realistic (that is weird, I know, but in the extent, it is actually possible the setting in High Rollers does stay realistic). The writing itself is far from perfect in this book, and this was the main reason I prefer their other book over this one. BUT, that being said, I find it very impressive what they have already accomplished, and I am more than sure that this is something that will improve with experience. I, for one, am excited to see what stories they manage to create next. I would rate it 3 out of 5 stars!
I received a review copy of this book from the authors in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are entirely my own and completely honest.
May 26, 2018
Total garbage. Allegedly "based on a true story" (although I can't find anything about it online), this fictionalized account of a University of Miami gambling ring is a cringe-worthy read. If you enjoy bland prose about the "epic" (but not really) lives of frat bros running a small-time sports betting book and chasing after girls, this is for you. The flat characters, stiff dialogue, and utter banality of the story made for a tedious read. It could have been at least partially redeemed by some exposition of the mechanics of running an illegal betting book, but Kane barely touches on that at all. I listened to the last half on 2x speed just to get through it. Skip this book.
May 3, 2018
Cameron McKinney is a freshman at the University of Miami. He's 100,000 in student loan debt. Then things get interesting. Not everyone liked the writing in this book but I found it interesting and funny. High Rollers takes you inside a world where the kids are rich, messed up, and from the East Coast. There are drugs, sex, and everything that comes with it in college. It's a funny, realistic read and I think it's worth reading.
There aren't a lot of books written about Miami. I'm not even sure if they have Barnes and Noble in Miami. The fact that someone took the time to write about the lifestyles of the kids down there is interesting. I give this book five stars because it is entertaining throughout, easy to read, and short.
There aren't a lot of books written about Miami. I'm not even sure if they have Barnes and Noble in Miami. The fact that someone took the time to write about the lifestyles of the kids down there is interesting. I give this book five stars because it is entertaining throughout, easy to read, and short.
February 9, 2021
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
A kid from Chicago goes to the University of Miami, and is facing a ton of student debt when he gets out. He becomes a bookie, and starts raking it in. At the same time, he meets a girl he wants to spend his life with, and she is not exactly simpatico with his new occupation.
An old fashioned Crime Does Not Pay type book for the 21 century.
A kid from Chicago goes to the University of Miami, and is facing a ton of student debt when he gets out. He becomes a bookie, and starts raking it in. At the same time, he meets a girl he wants to spend his life with, and she is not exactly simpatico with his new occupation.
An old fashioned Crime Does Not Pay type book for the 21 century.
September 21, 2019
Logan Kane regales us with the wild life of Cameron McKinney in High Rollers. Even at the early college age, Cameron’s life seemed to be going nowhere. But after setting up a highly successful betting ring, things seemed to be turning around…for a while. But as they say, more money, more problems, and Cameron quickly finds his life spiraling unimaginably out of control. High Rollers was a fascinating study of the human spirit and how easily one can fall into vice. Kane’s writing is excellent and the story interesting making High Rollers perfect for anyone in the mood for some intrigue!
April 16, 2019
Cameron McKinney (U of Miami-F; PS) wasn’t very good at picking up chicks.
Freshman are welcome. He headed for the Sigma Phi Epsilon house to party.
The bouncer was not going to let him in.
J.D. Reuben & Cameron headed for Econ 101 class.
Dr. Spiegel (Professor Econ) began the lecture.
Dylan Posner (frat boy) invited Cameron & J.D. to the Rathskeller bar (Rat).
Brenda & Cristina introduced their selves.
Cameron, J.D. & Dylan started a Vegas style gambling business.
Dylan also had quite the drug habit.
Thanks to Cristina Cameron is no longer a virgin.
Komodo Asian restaurant. Cameron “Cam” invited Grace Cooper out for dinner/drinks.
What happened between Seb & Shaun?
Rodger is the SigEp fraternity chapter’s president. What did he say to the members?
What happened to Dylan, & Christina?
Warning: This book contains adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written high stakes gambling book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great high stakes gambling movie, or better yet mini TV series. Pretty cheesy so I will only rate it at 3/5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; North of Sunset Publishing; LisaatManybooks; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Freshman are welcome. He headed for the Sigma Phi Epsilon house to party.
The bouncer was not going to let him in.
J.D. Reuben & Cameron headed for Econ 101 class.
Dr. Spiegel (Professor Econ) began the lecture.
Dylan Posner (frat boy) invited Cameron & J.D. to the Rathskeller bar (Rat).
Brenda & Cristina introduced their selves.
Cameron, J.D. & Dylan started a Vegas style gambling business.
Dylan also had quite the drug habit.
Thanks to Cristina Cameron is no longer a virgin.
Komodo Asian restaurant. Cameron “Cam” invited Grace Cooper out for dinner/drinks.
What happened between Seb & Shaun?
Rodger is the SigEp fraternity chapter’s president. What did he say to the members?
What happened to Dylan, & Christina?
Warning: This book contains adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written high stakes gambling book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great high stakes gambling movie, or better yet mini TV series. Pretty cheesy so I will only rate it at 3/5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; North of Sunset Publishing; LisaatManybooks; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
December 26, 2017
I who am a fan of Thriller, action and fantasy wanted to try something less stressful and the high Rollers seemed to fit the bill perfectly. This book gives us an inside view of the college culture in the US and might also indicate why so many businesses spring up in the US. There might be surely some extreme scenarios but this book is not about facts it talks about the story of a young insecure boy, who tries to establish himself by providing a sports betting platform.
For me the character building is essential to like a book and in this case the author does exactly that. So, if you are looking for a stress free quick read, get this book its worth it :)
For me the character building is essential to like a book and in this case the author does exactly that. So, if you are looking for a stress free quick read, get this book its worth it :)
June 17, 2018
Thank you Good Reads and Createspace for a copy of High Rollers by Logan C. Kane.
This book is very enjoyable. I love the plot, the main character even with all his flaws about virginity, school, and girls.
Cameron McKinney wants to make money fast because he is in over his head with college debt and decides with his fellow college friend to start a sports betting on campus and ends up getting rich. He makes tons of money and begins to live the lifestyle just like what he wanted from the beginning when he saw how South Beach people lived with their expensive cars, clothes and houses. Once he starts a romance with Grace Cooper it looks like the end of the betting life is over. For Grace wants everything and soon Cameron figures her out. Then Cameron's father figures it out and is not happy. Cameron then meets Jordan, a wealthy young man from the Middle East and shows Cameron just want it is like to be a rich man. Of course, sports betting is illegal and Cameron finds out just how deep he is into it all and it starts a downward spiral into the life of a High Roller.
I believe anyone would enjoy this book, my only thing is the cover. I don't like the cover specially at first glimpse. It looks to me like something else. Maybe it's just me.
Thanks again for the opportunity.
Cherie'
This book is very enjoyable. I love the plot, the main character even with all his flaws about virginity, school, and girls.
Cameron McKinney wants to make money fast because he is in over his head with college debt and decides with his fellow college friend to start a sports betting on campus and ends up getting rich. He makes tons of money and begins to live the lifestyle just like what he wanted from the beginning when he saw how South Beach people lived with their expensive cars, clothes and houses. Once he starts a romance with Grace Cooper it looks like the end of the betting life is over. For Grace wants everything and soon Cameron figures her out. Then Cameron's father figures it out and is not happy. Cameron then meets Jordan, a wealthy young man from the Middle East and shows Cameron just want it is like to be a rich man. Of course, sports betting is illegal and Cameron finds out just how deep he is into it all and it starts a downward spiral into the life of a High Roller.
I believe anyone would enjoy this book, my only thing is the cover. I don't like the cover specially at first glimpse. It looks to me like something else. Maybe it's just me.
Thanks again for the opportunity.
Cherie'
July 23, 2018
*I received this kindle book free through a goodreads giveaway*
I went into this book totally blind - i had NO IDEA what it was about. I was pleasantly surprised! I don't do spoilers so I won't talk about the plot much aside to say that the story is about college and sports betting. I found the story and characters engaging and interesting and I never got bored or lost interest so that puts this book above a lot of other ones I have read. I don't have anything negative to say. I will admit to being very stingey with my 5 star ratings and this book never quite got to "I have to know what happens!" status so I went with 4 but give this book a raving recommendation anyway.
I went into this book totally blind - i had NO IDEA what it was about. I was pleasantly surprised! I don't do spoilers so I won't talk about the plot much aside to say that the story is about college and sports betting. I found the story and characters engaging and interesting and I never got bored or lost interest so that puts this book above a lot of other ones I have read. I don't have anything negative to say. I will admit to being very stingey with my 5 star ratings and this book never quite got to "I have to know what happens!" status so I went with 4 but give this book a raving recommendation anyway.
May 22, 2019
Although the plot presented an interesting premise, the book mainly failed to deliver. The book should be marketed to a YA audience, as the characters are all college aged and the author supplies little depth to them. Perhaps a younger audience would better identify to the characters. The summary of the book on goodreads is accurate, but it provides virtually the whole plot. I hope that future efforts by this author stretch the characters more, and provide a plot that is more detailed and interests a wider audience.
December 21, 2017
A glimpse of college life.
A unique way to pay off student loan debt. College is not the place to get an education it's a place to party. I hope this story has no basis in reality. If so the next generation is toast.
A unique way to pay off student loan debt. College is not the place to get an education it's a place to party. I hope this story has no basis in reality. If so the next generation is toast.
January 10, 2018
This book really took me back to my college days in Miami. Although, no I did not run a gambling ring, the characters were very honest and relatable. The main character, Cameron's, personality was just like mine back in those days, and many of his friends reminded me of mine also. A fast, fun, and easy read that is as much fun to read as a South Beach party... well almost.
May 8, 2018
I finished this book in one sitting. Very entertaining, very funny read. 5 stars.
June 10, 2018
Very enjoyable read! Thriller and characters were good!
July 14, 2018
Quick Read
#GoodreadGiveaway - Quick read, fast-paced book. Nice summer read. Characterization of main character is believable and interesting. Supporting characters are engaging.
#GoodreadGiveaway - Quick read, fast-paced book. Nice summer read. Characterization of main character is believable and interesting. Supporting characters are engaging.
September 25, 2018
This was a fun read! Could use a bit of polishing, but if you're into that "live fast" / "Miami vibes" type of feel, would recommend. It's a fun short read with a decent story.
November 30, 2018
Good read
I enjoyed reading this book. It was fun exciting frustrating at times feeling sorry for these guys yet enjoying the fun they were having.
I enjoyed reading this book. It was fun exciting frustrating at times feeling sorry for these guys yet enjoying the fun they were having.
January 24, 2018
(I won this book through Goodreads Giveaway. Many thanks to the authors and Goodreads!)
Initial Reaction
This book seemed an OK and easy read book in the thriller department. The blurb sure crafted an exciting impression (gambling! student loan! overall debt!) that resonates with many people these days. I also thought that this would be something more like The Perfect Score, but alas, I was wrong.
What is It About
Cameron moved from Chicago to Miami in hopes of partying a lot. Faced with how many student loan debt he might be facing, he began to find a way to avoid it overall. By gambling. Thus he embarked in an experience of romance, friendship, betrayal, etc.
Long thoughts
I ranted the whole day yesterday to my friend about this book. I wanted to like it, I do. But I couldn't. And after several chapters, I decided to skim-read it because I truly didn't care about the character.
You have Cameron, the protagonist, who was supposed to be the one you were rooting for. But Cameron to me was annoying af. He couldn't make up his mind, contradictory, and have I said annoying? And not in the good way anti-hero thingy.
Next you have JD and Dylan, Cameron's friends (and as for Dylan, somewhat enemies). JD lived in Cameron's dorm and Cameron met Dylan's first at a frat party (where he was so bitter that he didn't get an invitation). I had enough when Cameron twice commented on how different he and Dylan dressed (Cameron was somewhat overdressed compared to the casual Dylan). Like, was that a big deal?
Then Cameron spent 2 pages of the book went from hating Dylan to softened towards him.
Cameron, the one privileged kid who used to go to Caribbean every three months, wonder what kids had had an access to a yacht.
Cameron, who thought he could make it after graduating, came to a silly realisation that he might be in debt in the future.
Cameron, who drove range rover, but very shy in front of some girls. (Although I could give this a pass since it could be a part of personality that he couldn't help, but very... weird)
Cameron, who came to fucking Miami and looked up for his university in party universities ranking, then disappointed when one girl didn't want to know him and wonder that he couldn't splurge 2K on a weekend or something.
Fucking Cameron, man. So dislikable.
And not to mention: so. many. narrative.
I got that Cameron was shy (in girls area) the first time authors told me.
I got that everyone in Cameron's eyes was underdressed.
I got that Grace looked like the perfect Southern Belle (and that scene where she met Cameron's mother, I didn't need to be told by the mother that Grace was a perfect Southern Belle, come on, it's weird.)
There were so many info dump at once too (the class scene, Dylan and Cameron's first real talk, etc). I got that author had to make a foundation about the conflict, but info dump? Who even would talk about himself as '..used to be rich...' and '..., we're middle class, maybe upper middle class,...'?
Author overused the '...', author using narrative instead of showing.
Like, there's nothing wrong with telling once in a while, but in every dialogue tag, authors chose to write it like this: 'Dylan was unconcerned with protecting his privacy...' then of course Dylan rambled about something that wasn't even a privacy.
Also stuffs like 'Cameron didn't like Dylan.'
Yeah, I got it.
Moving on (and please don't use so many telling.)
Also, Cameron had a ONS with Christina and thought why Dylan made a move on her.
Cameron calling Grace out because she was kinda experience in a sex area and asked how many men had she slept with before.
Truly, this is annoying. And not even so annoying it's good. It's annoying, period.
But, after all, this is only my honest review and taken from my point of view. This book could resonate with you, or something. You might like/love it more than me.
Initial Reaction
This book seemed an OK and easy read book in the thriller department. The blurb sure crafted an exciting impression (gambling! student loan! overall debt!) that resonates with many people these days. I also thought that this would be something more like The Perfect Score, but alas, I was wrong.
What is It About
Cameron moved from Chicago to Miami in hopes of partying a lot. Faced with how many student loan debt he might be facing, he began to find a way to avoid it overall. By gambling. Thus he embarked in an experience of romance, friendship, betrayal, etc.
Long thoughts
I ranted the whole day yesterday to my friend about this book. I wanted to like it, I do. But I couldn't. And after several chapters, I decided to skim-read it because I truly didn't care about the character.
You have Cameron, the protagonist, who was supposed to be the one you were rooting for. But Cameron to me was annoying af. He couldn't make up his mind, contradictory, and have I said annoying? And not in the good way anti-hero thingy.
Next you have JD and Dylan, Cameron's friends (and as for Dylan, somewhat enemies). JD lived in Cameron's dorm and Cameron met Dylan's first at a frat party (where he was so bitter that he didn't get an invitation). I had enough when Cameron twice commented on how different he and Dylan dressed (Cameron was somewhat overdressed compared to the casual Dylan). Like, was that a big deal?
Then Cameron spent 2 pages of the book went from hating Dylan to softened towards him.
Cameron, the one privileged kid who used to go to Caribbean every three months, wonder what kids had had an access to a yacht.
Cameron, who thought he could make it after graduating, came to a silly realisation that he might be in debt in the future.
Cameron, who drove range rover, but very shy in front of some girls. (Although I could give this a pass since it could be a part of personality that he couldn't help, but very... weird)
Cameron, who came to fucking Miami and looked up for his university in party universities ranking, then disappointed when one girl didn't want to know him and wonder that he couldn't splurge 2K on a weekend or something.
Fucking Cameron, man. So dislikable.
And not to mention: so. many. narrative.
I got that Cameron was shy (in girls area) the first time authors told me.
I got that everyone in Cameron's eyes was underdressed.
I got that Grace looked like the perfect Southern Belle (and that scene where she met Cameron's mother, I didn't need to be told by the mother that Grace was a perfect Southern Belle, come on, it's weird.)
There were so many info dump at once too (the class scene, Dylan and Cameron's first real talk, etc). I got that author had to make a foundation about the conflict, but info dump? Who even would talk about himself as '..used to be rich...' and '..., we're middle class, maybe upper middle class,...'?
Author overused the '...', author using narrative instead of showing.
Like, there's nothing wrong with telling once in a while, but in every dialogue tag, authors chose to write it like this: 'Dylan was unconcerned with protecting his privacy...' then of course Dylan rambled about something that wasn't even a privacy.
Also stuffs like 'Cameron didn't like Dylan.'
Yeah, I got it.
Moving on (and please don't use so many telling.)
Also, Cameron had a ONS with Christina and thought why Dylan made a move on her.
Cameron calling Grace out because she was kinda experience in a sex area and asked how many men had she slept with before.
Truly, this is annoying. And not even so annoying it's good. It's annoying, period.
But, after all, this is only my honest review and taken from my point of view. This book could resonate with you, or something. You might like/love it more than me.
November 16, 2018
What a wonderful read! I've recommended it to many friends!
February 5, 2018
I received this book through a Goodreads Giveaway. I probably would have read it anyway, under Kindle Unlimited. Full Disclosure: My brother went to UM, and I went to FSU. As stated in the book, the rivalry is NOT pretty! So, I was a little prejudiced from the start. Plus, I'm a Florida native, and to me the book highlights many things that I feel have gone wrong with Miami and south Florida.
I liked the premise, but wasn't so crazy about the execution. So many times when a book is co-written, you can see the division between which segments are written by which collaborator. That may have been what happened in this case. It felt kind of disjointed. The characters needed more continuity. They seemed to 'bounce around'. Especially Grace. Whoa! That is one freaky...never mind. A controlling father 2,000 miles away can't explain everything about her.
I really wanted to pull for Cameron, especially at the end. But I couldn't. He wouldn't let me. Sorry, Cam, you're on your own pal. Good luck with Grace...
I liked the premise, but wasn't so crazy about the execution. So many times when a book is co-written, you can see the division between which segments are written by which collaborator. That may have been what happened in this case. It felt kind of disjointed. The characters needed more continuity. They seemed to 'bounce around'. Especially Grace. Whoa! That is one freaky...never mind. A controlling father 2,000 miles away can't explain everything about her.
I really wanted to pull for Cameron, especially at the end. But I couldn't. He wouldn't let me. Sorry, Cam, you're on your own pal. Good luck with Grace...
February 23, 2018
Just a Gambler's Paradise. Sort of.
A story with an interesting premise, illegal sports betting, and college hijinks. Sure the line was shaky, but why not I thought? I would have been far better off to take the under. As in complete disappointment, truly bad writing, utterly non-existent editing, and a story that lacks any cohesion at all. The plot turns are Hardy Boys simple, the characters are flat out shallow, and the narrative (or what we can really only guess at being a narrative) reads like a junior high romance. Absurdly detailed club scenes and drug and alcohol abuse twists, along with college freshman romantic angst. I wish I could have dropped this as fast as I dropped Econ 101 my first semester. But no, I finished this crap-fest just to see how bad the train wreck is. Pretty damn bad.
Disclaimer: I received High Rollers as an ARC through GoodReads, and have received no incentive or compensation for my review.
A story with an interesting premise, illegal sports betting, and college hijinks. Sure the line was shaky, but why not I thought? I would have been far better off to take the under. As in complete disappointment, truly bad writing, utterly non-existent editing, and a story that lacks any cohesion at all. The plot turns are Hardy Boys simple, the characters are flat out shallow, and the narrative (or what we can really only guess at being a narrative) reads like a junior high romance. Absurdly detailed club scenes and drug and alcohol abuse twists, along with college freshman romantic angst. I wish I could have dropped this as fast as I dropped Econ 101 my first semester. But no, I finished this crap-fest just to see how bad the train wreck is. Pretty damn bad.
Disclaimer: I received High Rollers as an ARC through GoodReads, and have received no incentive or compensation for my review.
May 3, 2018
I received this Kindle edition from the Goodreads Giveaway program.
Cameron McKinney is a college student faced with graduating with over $100,000 of debt when he comes up with the scheme to open an online betting business in an attempt to earn money. As the money starts to rush in, he experiences lifestyle changes that he is not quite ready for. I did not care for this book and never was able to get into the characters or storyline. The plot was really jumpy and not well developed at all. I think the storyline had potential, just not written very well.
Cameron McKinney is a college student faced with graduating with over $100,000 of debt when he comes up with the scheme to open an online betting business in an attempt to earn money. As the money starts to rush in, he experiences lifestyle changes that he is not quite ready for. I did not care for this book and never was able to get into the characters or storyline. The plot was really jumpy and not well developed at all. I think the storyline had potential, just not written very well.
April 13, 2023
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.
I did not like a single character in this book. At all. There were also a lot of editing issues/types which kept pulling me out of the story. I thought college kids running illegal gambling to avoid student loans (I get-- I owe a lot) would be interesting, but in the end, I only stuck with it because I won it.
I did not like a single character in this book. At all. There were also a lot of editing issues/types which kept pulling me out of the story. I thought college kids running illegal gambling to avoid student loans (I get-- I owe a lot) would be interesting, but in the end, I only stuck with it because I won it.
February 26, 2020
Review of High Rollers
This novel is a great read and it was well written. I look forward to reading more books/novels written by this author. I won this novel through a giveaway on Goodreads website.
This novel is a great read and it was well written. I look forward to reading more books/novels written by this author. I won this novel through a giveaway on Goodreads website.
November 4, 2018
Too much
Good base storyline, just never felt it really hit a high roller level. There seemed to be a lot going on constantly pulling the story in different directions. Way too much confusion when it came to which girl was with what guy.
Good base storyline, just never felt it really hit a high roller level. There seemed to be a lot going on constantly pulling the story in different directions. Way too much confusion when it came to which girl was with what guy.
February 12, 2018
Free kindle book that caught my eye after watching “Molly’s Game”. Scary what these college kids in Miami got involved in! Well written. Pretty fast moving, intense read.
May 4, 2018
This beautiful book kept my interest throughout
June 8, 2018
***I won this book via the Goodreads Giveaway program. This has not influenced my review***
This was a decent attempt at a book. It's not a total loss - there is a plot, there are sympathetic characters, there are the necessary rises and falls, and there is a conclusion that makes sense. I also thought the story was unique and something I haven't read before.
The problem is that the writing is a weak. Instead of using details and explanations, it's all action. There's motivation behind the action, but the writing feels unsupported without necessary details/explanations to help set each scene.
The pacing is rushed. The author doesn't take the time to set the stage. For example, the main character moves from Chicago to Miami. That's a huge shift in lifestyle. The author acknowledges this, but that's about all he does. I would have enjoyed more about what Cameron was seeing and feeling about this new life.
The point of view randomly switches within chapters. The reader is mostly connecting with Cameron, but at times a paragraph or two is about a different character. It's disruptive to the flow when this happens.
The last issue is the editing. It was mostly clean in the first third. The next third had several missing words and punctuation errors. The last third is problematic with an egregious timeline error, many many more mistakes with missing words and punctuation, and misaligned conversations.
This book could be better. There is potential for it.
This was a decent attempt at a book. It's not a total loss - there is a plot, there are sympathetic characters, there are the necessary rises and falls, and there is a conclusion that makes sense. I also thought the story was unique and something I haven't read before.
The problem is that the writing is a weak. Instead of using details and explanations, it's all action. There's motivation behind the action, but the writing feels unsupported without necessary details/explanations to help set each scene.
The pacing is rushed. The author doesn't take the time to set the stage. For example, the main character moves from Chicago to Miami. That's a huge shift in lifestyle. The author acknowledges this, but that's about all he does. I would have enjoyed more about what Cameron was seeing and feeling about this new life.
The point of view randomly switches within chapters. The reader is mostly connecting with Cameron, but at times a paragraph or two is about a different character. It's disruptive to the flow when this happens.
The last issue is the editing. It was mostly clean in the first third. The next third had several missing words and punctuation errors. The last third is problematic with an egregious timeline error, many many more mistakes with missing words and punctuation, and misaligned conversations.
This book could be better. There is potential for it.
September 20, 2018
I received this from Goodreads for an honest review. I found it simplistic in plot, tedious in reading, strange/shallow in 'character' development, and annoying. Cameron is a University Freshman in Miami, formerly wealthy but naive as to women and the ways of friendship and life. It's difficult getting a handle on how a 19 y.o. first termer would suddenly have this magnificent capability to organize a bookie operation, that he'd have such overwhelming trust and loyalty in a person who had done him one good thing, etc.etc. etc.
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