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Randy Black #1
The Winemaker's Son
SIN AND VENGEANCE...the book was spellbinding. The plotting is brilliant, and Randy is an exquisite character, an evil genius for the modern age.--Debra HamelC.J. West delivers, from the highly erotic opening scene to the chilling conclusion. Sin & Vengeance is a provocative page-turner brimming with intrigue and heart-pounding suspense.--AlynnTHE END OF MARKING TIME... West has brilliantly portrayed a world gone crazy where the rule is there are no rules, or are they. Crime fiction meets science fiction in this awesome thriller."--Book BitchPowerful, thought provoking and massively entertaining... I loved this book and the way it made me root for someone who I knew I shouldn't like.--CrimeSquad.comADDICTED TO LOVEThis book had me so hooked. I loved the plot ... unique and creative [with] just the right about of romance, sexuality, thrills, mystery, and just plain crazy ... --Tiffany Harkleroad, Tiffany's BookshelfCJ's latest offering is a blend of the thrillers we come to expect from him and a new touch of romance, actually a little steamier than just any old romance, so I like to call it a "steamy thriller." --RoxanneWhen his knee shatters on the playing field, Charlie Marston is plunged into turmoil. The fallen college superstar joins the family winemaking business, but working alongside his parents is not the future he had planned. He escapes work whenever he can and soon finds a new friend named Randy Black. Randy is part stunt-pilot, part Casanova, and part drunken Pied Piper. Randy introduces Charlie to Deirdre Deudon, the provocative wife of a French farmer. They come together in an ill-conceived stunt that explodes into consequences that chase Charlie and Randy back home to Massachusetts and change Deirdre's life forever. The after-effects of this tragic mistake bind the three of them together and threaten everything they hold dear. From the Publisher CJ West is a compelling young writer with a unique voice and a talent for breathing life into even his minor characters. He paints his scenes so vividly that we were proud, but not surprised, when this work was optioned for film. West has created a work so fast-paced and a plot so dynamic that readers are too enthralled to stop and unravel the intricacies on their own. Even when readers finally believe they've got it all figured out, West ends with a flourish of surprises that forces readers to consider the entire work, all the way back to the opening erotic scene.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2005
31 people are currently reading
373 people want to read
About the author
C.J. West
58 books297 followersCJ West writes thrillers set in New England. CJ has just launched his 7th novel, Dinner At Deadman's, a mystery set in the world of antiques and collectibles.
Vist CJ anytime on Facebook.
CJ's first Randy Black Thriller, Sin & Vengeance, was optioned for film.
A Demon Awaits, the second book in CJ's Randy Black series was published in October 2008. The series takes a surprising turn and readers are challenged to think of Randy Black in an entirely new way.
Check out the trailer!
The latest Randy Black novel, Gretchen Greene, was released March 31, 2010.
You can also find CJ on Myspace and Facebook.
CJ hosts a virtual tour of the real winery that became the setting for Sin & Vengeance. See it on Youtube.
Vist CJ anytime on Facebook.
CJ's first Randy Black Thriller, Sin & Vengeance, was optioned for film.
A Demon Awaits, the second book in CJ's Randy Black series was published in October 2008. The series takes a surprising turn and readers are challenged to think of Randy Black in an entirely new way.
Check out the trailer!
The latest Randy Black novel, Gretchen Greene, was released March 31, 2010.
You can also find CJ on Myspace and Facebook.
CJ hosts a virtual tour of the real winery that became the setting for Sin & Vengeance. See it on Youtube.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
October 24, 2008
I am really starting 2 like this book. I didnt get 2 enjoy it at all yesterday because i was really sick. So, i have quit a bit 2 catch up on 2day. Im already on chapter 3. And, just started it 2day's ago. I would love 2 thank the author 4 recremanding it.
June 7, 2014
Edge of my seat
Fast paced book, really enjoyed this easy read. I could see someone who was this mad actually do this vengeance. not sure if I am going to read the next book - maybe at a later date.
Fast paced book, really enjoyed this easy read. I could see someone who was this mad actually do this vengeance. not sure if I am going to read the next book - maybe at a later date.
June 29, 2009
This novel is very exciting; it has everything one can wish for in a good thriller: sex, violence, great mystery and a fast paced plot with superbly described effects tantalizing the imagination. To heighten the thrill, Mr West embedded hidden messages, an added stimulant for those up to the challenge of deciphering them.
Right from the start we are plunged into a compelling intrigue that created the foundation for this great story. A threesome sets out for a night of erotic debauch suddenly they are interrupted by an unwanted guest, who later ends up murdered. The story moves on with Charlie Marston, a winemaker in the family business and his new found friend Randy Black, a dare devil and a vindictive man.
As time progresses, Randy leads Charlie into terrifying predicaments that become more exciting and dangerous as time passes. Randy's antics are at first played out in the vineyards of France and eventually lead to the vineyards of Massachusetts.
The narrative is superb; I found my mind roaming in overdrive imagining the special effects such a story would have on the big screen (Hollywood style).
The characters are skilfully drawn creating a love-hate relationship even with the evil Randy; you are left with a sense that we have only discovered a part of this person's character. The author is a master at weaving a perfect blend of intrigue and suspense.
This is one explosive novel....one that kept me on the edge..
Right from the start we are plunged into a compelling intrigue that created the foundation for this great story. A threesome sets out for a night of erotic debauch suddenly they are interrupted by an unwanted guest, who later ends up murdered. The story moves on with Charlie Marston, a winemaker in the family business and his new found friend Randy Black, a dare devil and a vindictive man.
As time progresses, Randy leads Charlie into terrifying predicaments that become more exciting and dangerous as time passes. Randy's antics are at first played out in the vineyards of France and eventually lead to the vineyards of Massachusetts.
The narrative is superb; I found my mind roaming in overdrive imagining the special effects such a story would have on the big screen (Hollywood style).
The characters are skilfully drawn creating a love-hate relationship even with the evil Randy; you are left with a sense that we have only discovered a part of this person's character. The author is a master at weaving a perfect blend of intrigue and suspense.
This is one explosive novel....one that kept me on the edge..
April 10, 2009
Charlie, the son of a winemaker, dreams of becoming an NFL star until an injured knee shatters his dreams. His father Charles wants for him to one day take over the family business. Depressed and distraught, Charlie begins a friendship with Randy Black. Charlie learns a little to late that Randy is on a path to destruction.
Randy picks Deirdre and brings her Charlie. The three plan on having a very intimate evening together. Deirdre had placed an ad in the paper looking for some fun. What she didn't expect was her husband to walk in on her while committing adultery. Of course her husband is furious and a fight breaks out between the three men.
Charlie will learn of the skeletons in his father's closet and because of this the lives of these people will forever be entwined.
I really enjoyed this fast-paced, action packed, suspense filled book. The author has a way of keeping you wanting more. I'm desperately awaiting "A Demon Awaits" which picks up where "Sin & Vengeance" ended.
Randy picks Deirdre and brings her Charlie. The three plan on having a very intimate evening together. Deirdre had placed an ad in the paper looking for some fun. What she didn't expect was her husband to walk in on her while committing adultery. Of course her husband is furious and a fight breaks out between the three men.
Charlie will learn of the skeletons in his father's closet and because of this the lives of these people will forever be entwined.
I really enjoyed this fast-paced, action packed, suspense filled book. The author has a way of keeping you wanting more. I'm desperately awaiting "A Demon Awaits" which picks up where "Sin & Vengeance" ended.
June 11, 2009
Sin and Vengeance is suspense at it's best! This is definatly a page turning all night read. Randy is twisted, manipulative, and spiteful. Charlie pals up with Randy, and finds himself involved in crimes, to which there may be no way out. Twists and turns throughout this book, will have you sitting at the edge of your seat. Add to this, some knowledge of wine making, makes for the perfect read. I highly reccomend Sin & Vengeance and the sequal A Demon Awaits.
April 20, 2010
Sin and Vengeance is the first book in the Randy Black series, written by ingenious storyteller, CJ West. In this first book, the author skillfully mixes elements of wine making, seduction, intrigue, spying, wealth, and murder to drag the thrill-seeking reader into the masterfully orchestrated revenge of Randy Black.
The book begins with Deirdre Deudon, Randy Black, and Charlie Marston's lusty encounter at an old house at Rue de Beauchene in France. Things get out of control when Deirdre's husband, Henri, unexpectedly shows up and sees his wife engaged with two young men! Blinded by rage while trying to defend his wife's honor, but unable to defeat the perpetrators, he ends up dead. This event marks the beginning of Randy and Charlie's perilous friendship.
Running away from the French police, Randy and Charlie return to Westport, Massachusetts. Charlie goes to manage the family winery, while Randy continues his reckless lifestyle. Randy and Charlie run into a series of unfortunate and life-threatening events, which leads Charlie to reconsider his association with Randy. The warning words of his parents were always echoing in his mind.
Meanwhile, Charlie's dad, Mr. Charles Marston, is receiving anonymous letters from a blackmailer living in Westport who knows about a dark business secret which, if tipped the press and publicly exposed, could ruin his business and destroy his family.
The rest of the book takes the reader on a roller coaster ride pivoted by Randy Black's unscrupulous driving force to destroy those who robed him from his childhood and of his family inheritance. In addition to following Randy Black, the reader will be engaged with Lieutenant Laroche's investigation of Henri Deudon's death, Charles Marston's blackmail ordeal, and Deirdre Deudon's desires to ease her guilty conscience by avenging her murdered husband, Henri.
I admired the way the author developed the characters and surrounding situations according to each one of their unique personalities. From page one the reader gets involved in the drama and becomes another one of Randy Black's manipulated puppets. The reader becomes Randy's shadow. He is the bad boy who you know is dangerous, but you are unable to part from him. You simply go for the adrenaline rush that comes with his company and his lifestyle. This character is so well developed that toward the end of the book you will have ill feelings toward him and will want to help the others find his hideout and bring him to justice.
However, not everything about Randy Black is what it appears to be. Author CJ West's twists and turns during the entire story keeps you wondering about the motives and true identities of some key characters until the last chapters. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, Mr. West pulled an unexpected end that left me in shock and totally speechless.
This book has all the elements to become a Hollywood blockbuster. In 2008 the owner of a screenwriting company saw its potential and optioned it for a film.
I highly recommend this book to all thrill-seeker readers and to others daring to walk a mile in the wild side from the safety of their homes.
Bravo, Mr. West!
The book begins with Deirdre Deudon, Randy Black, and Charlie Marston's lusty encounter at an old house at Rue de Beauchene in France. Things get out of control when Deirdre's husband, Henri, unexpectedly shows up and sees his wife engaged with two young men! Blinded by rage while trying to defend his wife's honor, but unable to defeat the perpetrators, he ends up dead. This event marks the beginning of Randy and Charlie's perilous friendship.
Running away from the French police, Randy and Charlie return to Westport, Massachusetts. Charlie goes to manage the family winery, while Randy continues his reckless lifestyle. Randy and Charlie run into a series of unfortunate and life-threatening events, which leads Charlie to reconsider his association with Randy. The warning words of his parents were always echoing in his mind.
Meanwhile, Charlie's dad, Mr. Charles Marston, is receiving anonymous letters from a blackmailer living in Westport who knows about a dark business secret which, if tipped the press and publicly exposed, could ruin his business and destroy his family.
The rest of the book takes the reader on a roller coaster ride pivoted by Randy Black's unscrupulous driving force to destroy those who robed him from his childhood and of his family inheritance. In addition to following Randy Black, the reader will be engaged with Lieutenant Laroche's investigation of Henri Deudon's death, Charles Marston's blackmail ordeal, and Deirdre Deudon's desires to ease her guilty conscience by avenging her murdered husband, Henri.
I admired the way the author developed the characters and surrounding situations according to each one of their unique personalities. From page one the reader gets involved in the drama and becomes another one of Randy Black's manipulated puppets. The reader becomes Randy's shadow. He is the bad boy who you know is dangerous, but you are unable to part from him. You simply go for the adrenaline rush that comes with his company and his lifestyle. This character is so well developed that toward the end of the book you will have ill feelings toward him and will want to help the others find his hideout and bring him to justice.
However, not everything about Randy Black is what it appears to be. Author CJ West's twists and turns during the entire story keeps you wondering about the motives and true identities of some key characters until the last chapters. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, Mr. West pulled an unexpected end that left me in shock and totally speechless.
This book has all the elements to become a Hollywood blockbuster. In 2008 the owner of a screenwriting company saw its potential and optioned it for a film.
I highly recommend this book to all thrill-seeker readers and to others daring to walk a mile in the wild side from the safety of their homes.
Bravo, Mr. West!
December 18, 2008
A fasted paced mystery. Just when you think you know what will happen you don't.
Randy is an immoral, angry man in search of revenge. He uses Charlie and involves him in murder and fraud. Also involved is Deidre a french farmers wife.
You travel to two of the six wineries, the first in Piolenc, France and then to Westport Mass.
Charlie becomes involved in the wine business after he suffers a football injury that leaves him with a limp.
After discovering his fathers crimes involving the purchases of the wineries he is left to defend his mother, father, Deidre and himself from the psychotic Randy Black.
I could not put it down till the very last page.
I sincerely hope this does become a movie.
Randy is an immoral, angry man in search of revenge. He uses Charlie and involves him in murder and fraud. Also involved is Deidre a french farmers wife.
You travel to two of the six wineries, the first in Piolenc, France and then to Westport Mass.
Charlie becomes involved in the wine business after he suffers a football injury that leaves him with a limp.
After discovering his fathers crimes involving the purchases of the wineries he is left to defend his mother, father, Deidre and himself from the psychotic Randy Black.
I could not put it down till the very last page.
I sincerely hope this does become a movie.
September 11, 2009
This book is amazing! It starts out with an unusually sexy scene that will get your temperature rising! Sin & Vengeance, a suspense-thriller-mystery, will keep you on the edge of your seat all the way to the end. It's pure brilliance will turn the pages for you, I just couldn't put it down. I was entranced by it! Truly, I couldn't help but feel as if the words jumped off the pages and played out in front of me. It definitely has to be the best book I've read in a long while. S&V is most exhilarating indeed, it will take you on a ride for sure!
The two main characters Charlie Marston and Randy Black are a riot. I have never enjoyed two characters this much. The banter between the two of them is enough to have you giggling days after you read it. They are quite the pair, buddies who are completely different from one another. Surprisingly, they somehow always end up having a blast even if it gets them into a whirlwind of trouble. Oh boy does it when they meet up with Deirdre Deudon, a farm wife riddled with a bad case of bedroom boredom alongside her hubby Henri Deudon. Ladies and Gentlemen, believe me, explosive fireworks ensue!
How Charlie and Randy choose to handle these fireworks is even more hilarious as you continue to read. Charlie seems to be a bit uptight compared to the free spirited and ever so scandalous Randy. You probably know who the instigator of all of the fun is! Yep, Randy! Sadly, it's not always fun that he drags Charlie into. Most of the situations will have you shocked and maybe even thinking, hmmm that could be funny if I did that to so and so, thats a great idea. Randy's ideas of fun are usually very ballsy and dangerous, but still pure genius! Yes, Randy is quite the prankster and Charlie has been advised to steer clear of him by his father, Charles Sr. He knows he has business to handle running the family winery, Marston Vineyards, but Randy seems to always find a way to foul everything up. Regretfully, Charlie just can't pry himself away from the hap hazardous Randy, their buddies after all or so it seems.
After one too many exciting adventures Charlie's puzzled conscious creeps up on him and things get intense as this page turner keeps your eyes skimming for what will happen next! You won't believe it! I didn't! I'd say everyone should check this book out, it's really worth reading. I'd personally like to see it on film as well. I'm sure it would be a blockbuster of large proportions!
I bet you're wondering where I found this piece of literary gold, actually, I got this one for free. It was an e book sent to me by the author himself, Mr. C.J. West. He found me on myspace a while back and we have chatted randomly back and forth. I downloaded this book upon his offer of it and as you can see, I thoroughly enjoyed it! So much so that I'll be purchasing it, you can as well at 22 West Books I also plan to buy the sequel "A Demon Awaits." by C.J. West. Don't worry, I'll let ya know what I think of it as well! I must say though, I'm sure it'll be just as great as this one. Mr. West is a very talented writer with a vast knowledge of what will entertain his readers.
The two main characters Charlie Marston and Randy Black are a riot. I have never enjoyed two characters this much. The banter between the two of them is enough to have you giggling days after you read it. They are quite the pair, buddies who are completely different from one another. Surprisingly, they somehow always end up having a blast even if it gets them into a whirlwind of trouble. Oh boy does it when they meet up with Deirdre Deudon, a farm wife riddled with a bad case of bedroom boredom alongside her hubby Henri Deudon. Ladies and Gentlemen, believe me, explosive fireworks ensue!
How Charlie and Randy choose to handle these fireworks is even more hilarious as you continue to read. Charlie seems to be a bit uptight compared to the free spirited and ever so scandalous Randy. You probably know who the instigator of all of the fun is! Yep, Randy! Sadly, it's not always fun that he drags Charlie into. Most of the situations will have you shocked and maybe even thinking, hmmm that could be funny if I did that to so and so, thats a great idea. Randy's ideas of fun are usually very ballsy and dangerous, but still pure genius! Yes, Randy is quite the prankster and Charlie has been advised to steer clear of him by his father, Charles Sr. He knows he has business to handle running the family winery, Marston Vineyards, but Randy seems to always find a way to foul everything up. Regretfully, Charlie just can't pry himself away from the hap hazardous Randy, their buddies after all or so it seems.
After one too many exciting adventures Charlie's puzzled conscious creeps up on him and things get intense as this page turner keeps your eyes skimming for what will happen next! You won't believe it! I didn't! I'd say everyone should check this book out, it's really worth reading. I'd personally like to see it on film as well. I'm sure it would be a blockbuster of large proportions!
I bet you're wondering where I found this piece of literary gold, actually, I got this one for free. It was an e book sent to me by the author himself, Mr. C.J. West. He found me on myspace a while back and we have chatted randomly back and forth. I downloaded this book upon his offer of it and as you can see, I thoroughly enjoyed it! So much so that I'll be purchasing it, you can as well at 22 West Books I also plan to buy the sequel "A Demon Awaits." by C.J. West. Don't worry, I'll let ya know what I think of it as well! I must say though, I'm sure it'll be just as great as this one. Mr. West is a very talented writer with a vast knowledge of what will entertain his readers.
June 9, 2012
I first heard about this book when the author, CJ West, contacted me on my Book Blogs page. After reading the synopsis, I thought it sounded intriguing, especially since I've been getting more interested in thrillers lately. I still hadn't gotten around to getting a copy when I received an offer from West for the e-book version. By the way, this book is also going to be made into a movie and it's funny, while I was reading it I kept thinking it would be an awesome movie and then I remembered that it was going to be made into one. Silly me :-) Seriously, though, there are many scenes that I can't wait to see on the big screen.
I have to say that I'm really glad CJ West contacted me, because I'm not sure if I would have come across this book otherwise--at least not for awhile. I admit it starts out a little hot and heavy for me, but that is relevant to the plot and from there it leads straight into non-stop action. Be forewarned, it's a little graphically violent at times--I had to skim a few sections, just like I'll probably cringe away from the screen at the theater during the more bloody scenes. Oh yes, I plan to go see Sin & Vengeance when it's released, no doubt about it.
The plotting of this book is incredibly involved and detailed, with writing that is appropriately descriptive yet fast-paced. (Unfortunately, I came across a few typos, but nothing that detracted too much from the story.**UPDATE: Please see CJ West's comment to the post below--these typos are related to a Hidden Code Contest, how cool is that?!) Really, West's pacing is great, especially when you consider that this was his first book. He develops his characters masterfully--particularly Randy Black, and what a complex individual he is. Since I was working with an e-book, I found myself sneaking peeks at it during work yesterday, continued reading it last night and had to finish it this morning. If you like thrillers, then you will definitely enjoy reading Sin & Vengeance and I bet you'll find it hard to put down.
I have to say that I'm really glad CJ West contacted me, because I'm not sure if I would have come across this book otherwise--at least not for awhile. I admit it starts out a little hot and heavy for me, but that is relevant to the plot and from there it leads straight into non-stop action. Be forewarned, it's a little graphically violent at times--I had to skim a few sections, just like I'll probably cringe away from the screen at the theater during the more bloody scenes. Oh yes, I plan to go see Sin & Vengeance when it's released, no doubt about it.
The plotting of this book is incredibly involved and detailed, with writing that is appropriately descriptive yet fast-paced. (Unfortunately, I came across a few typos, but nothing that detracted too much from the story.**UPDATE: Please see CJ West's comment to the post below--these typos are related to a Hidden Code Contest, how cool is that?!) Really, West's pacing is great, especially when you consider that this was his first book. He develops his characters masterfully--particularly Randy Black, and what a complex individual he is. Since I was working with an e-book, I found myself sneaking peeks at it during work yesterday, continued reading it last night and had to finish it this morning. If you like thrillers, then you will definitely enjoy reading Sin & Vengeance and I bet you'll find it hard to put down.
August 25, 2013
15.0% "More violent than I was expecting from the description. Does have my interest. Reading on my cell so will be interrupted frequently while reading. Character portrayals are well done. So far book is fast paced."
Starting to really get drawn into the story. Still not finding the characters likable but I think that is the authors intent,"
The book was a difficult read for me because the characters were so real. Its a revenge book. A well planned out revenge. Its not a genre I normally read. If you are into spine chilling thrillers this book is for you. If you like a fast paced, well plotted book, with some interesting twists, well built characters, and a bit of romance thrown in this is the book for you.
Starting to really get drawn into the story. Still not finding the characters likable but I think that is the authors intent,"
The book was a difficult read for me because the characters were so real. Its a revenge book. A well planned out revenge. Its not a genre I normally read. If you are into spine chilling thrillers this book is for you. If you like a fast paced, well plotted book, with some interesting twists, well built characters, and a bit of romance thrown in this is the book for you.
September 15, 2008
A good mystery, with an unexpected ending.
Read
August 7, 2021read
May 26, 2009
'Sin and Vengeance' is an action-packed suspense/thriller.
It is very well written and the characters are all well-developed and realistic.
This is the story of a ruthless business man, Charles Marston, who after 15 years of getting away with his underhand activities, is now being pursued by one of his 'victims'. The tables turn so that he now becomes a victim of his crimes. Charles's whole family become targets for a man so scarred by past events. This man, seeking vengeance, is a truly psychotic and dangerous villain.
Although I was able to guess quite early on who was blackmailing Charles, I was still able to carry on reading and enjoying the tale as there are many twists and turns to the story.
As much as I enjoyed the book I had a couple of issues with it. Firsly, it wasn't really fast-paced enough, as there was a lot of description which slowed it down at times when you would expect things to be moving quickly. Secondly, towards the end, on one particular page, I found the description of the violence verged on gratuitous and it almost put me off reading further. This may be just a personal preference, but I don't think it's necessary to describe violent acts to such an extent.
On the whole I found 'Sin and Vengeance' to be a good read and I'm sure it would make a great movie.
It is very well written and the characters are all well-developed and realistic.
This is the story of a ruthless business man, Charles Marston, who after 15 years of getting away with his underhand activities, is now being pursued by one of his 'victims'. The tables turn so that he now becomes a victim of his crimes. Charles's whole family become targets for a man so scarred by past events. This man, seeking vengeance, is a truly psychotic and dangerous villain.
Although I was able to guess quite early on who was blackmailing Charles, I was still able to carry on reading and enjoying the tale as there are many twists and turns to the story.
As much as I enjoyed the book I had a couple of issues with it. Firsly, it wasn't really fast-paced enough, as there was a lot of description which slowed it down at times when you would expect things to be moving quickly. Secondly, towards the end, on one particular page, I found the description of the violence verged on gratuitous and it almost put me off reading further. This may be just a personal preference, but I don't think it's necessary to describe violent acts to such an extent.
On the whole I found 'Sin and Vengeance' to be a good read and I'm sure it would make a great movie.
April 25, 2012
Wow, not sure what else to say. This book was full of twists and turns and I wasn't sure who I should be rooting for - the good guys, the bad guys, or is there really anything that definitive in this book? The action was intense and there were many surprises that I didn't see coming. There were very few things that I could call in this story line which I loved.
This book had some seriously good character development. The series is about Randy Black, but the story is not told from his perspective. The characters have some major flaws like all humans, but they also had those endearing moments that made you like each of them just a little or maybe a lot. I had a hard time deciding which side of the fence I was on with each of the characters. One minute I was totally on board with the characters and the next minute I was so not on the same page as them.
Choices, choices, choices. This book is full of them and some were bad and some were good. The story was well written and well thought out.
Those of you that like a good story with a lot of twists - jump on the wagon and read this book!
This book had some seriously good character development. The series is about Randy Black, but the story is not told from his perspective. The characters have some major flaws like all humans, but they also had those endearing moments that made you like each of them just a little or maybe a lot. I had a hard time deciding which side of the fence I was on with each of the characters. One minute I was totally on board with the characters and the next minute I was so not on the same page as them.
Choices, choices, choices. This book is full of them and some were bad and some were good. The story was well written and well thought out.
Those of you that like a good story with a lot of twists - jump on the wagon and read this book!
May 27, 2009
The hero, Charlie is one of those guys that I related to instantly. Once a star athlete, Charlie is so heartbreakingly lost at the opening of this story. Due to a knee injury, his dreams of playing football are gone. He goes from the top of the world to rock bottom, and I felt for him, I really did. On top of that loss, he's getting pressured from his family to join the family business, which isn't Charlie's idea of his ideal job.
The future looking grim, Charlie hooks up with a new friend, a bad boy, for some fun. Things go downhill right away. Soon, the mystery begins and Charlie's life is in danger. He is on the run for his life, trying to protect his family in the process.
The story kept me on the edge of my seat, a page turner for sure, but I especially enjoyed reading as Charlie's character grows in each scene of adversity. I actually feel like I witnessed Charlie taking the control in his life back, and that was an empowering feeling.
The future looking grim, Charlie hooks up with a new friend, a bad boy, for some fun. Things go downhill right away. Soon, the mystery begins and Charlie's life is in danger. He is on the run for his life, trying to protect his family in the process.
The story kept me on the edge of my seat, a page turner for sure, but I especially enjoyed reading as Charlie's character grows in each scene of adversity. I actually feel like I witnessed Charlie taking the control in his life back, and that was an empowering feeling.
November 2, 2009
Sin and Vengeance is the right title for this book. Main character Charlie Marston gets mixed up with a troublesome friend and soon his life begins to spin out of control. Just when I was sure it couldn't get worse for Charlie, it did. I like stories like this where the action lies heavily in the protagonist outsmarting a nemesis. Early in the book I had a some trouble believing that an otherwise nice guy like Charlie would invite a person like Randy Black into his life, but the escalating stakes and character development eventually won over my suspension of disbelief. The winery settings here were done very well--partly in France, partly in New England--but what I liked best was about a hundred straight pages of action that ended the book. I understand the next book in the series is told from Randy Black's POV and I'm interested to see how that was done.
January 2, 2013
***Gifted Book***
This book quickly sucked me in as the author dropped clues and seeds of curiosity throughout. I found the characters to be three dimensional and well developed. The antagonist is a scary guy who is finds devious ways to exact his revenge.
By the middle of the book I could not stop, staying awake until 2 a.m. to finish. The author did a nice job balancing foreshadowing without revealing the entire plot at once. While it was evident who the bad guy was early in the book, it’s impossible to stop reading until the climax.
In an unexpected twist, I found myself almost feeling bad for the antagonist. We women love to love our bad guys, don’t we?
I highly recommend this book and an ready to dive into the sequel!
This book quickly sucked me in as the author dropped clues and seeds of curiosity throughout. I found the characters to be three dimensional and well developed. The antagonist is a scary guy who is finds devious ways to exact his revenge.
By the middle of the book I could not stop, staying awake until 2 a.m. to finish. The author did a nice job balancing foreshadowing without revealing the entire plot at once. While it was evident who the bad guy was early in the book, it’s impossible to stop reading until the climax.
In an unexpected twist, I found myself almost feeling bad for the antagonist. We women love to love our bad guys, don’t we?
I highly recommend this book and an ready to dive into the sequel!
March 29, 2013
This was a surprisingly good read. I started reading this one night and couldn't get into the story. The other day, while traveling, I decided to give it another try, seeing as how it had so many great reviews. I'm glad I did! The story started off kind of slow but the suspense quickly built up, after a while I couldn't put it down. The characters were well developed, although there were many times throughout the book when I literally slapped my forehead at Charlie's(main character) stupidity. Time after time Randy lead him into trouble, yet he continued their friendship. The end of the book was very climatic and it definitely wasn't a let down, like many others. Overall a good book if you are into suspense.
July 1, 2012
A rising collegiate football star whose wealthy family owns a chain of wineries. What could possibly go wrong in his life? Plenty when C. J. West is the teller of Charlie Marston's tale. With the deft hand of a master, Mr. West weaves a riveting plot with more twists and turns than Lombard Street. From the opening scene when Charlie becomes an unwitting accomplice to murder to a climactic battle of wits against a diabolical mind intent of destroying him and his family, C. J. grabs the reader in a vise grip of mystery and suspense that refuses to release until the final page. I look forward to reading more tales by this author.
May 4, 2013
Charlie is the main character in this exceptional thriller. He is the son of an immoral winemaker whom amassed his fortune by bankrupting other winemakers. The son of one of the ruined winemakers became obsessed with avenging the destruction of his family and here is where the thrill starts. I am not going to spoiled for anyone. This book was free on Amazon, but I will gladly pay for the next one coming, Thank you very much C.J. west for such a good book, I could not put it down and it may had cost me a couple of points in my anatomy test, because I had to finish this book. I highly recommend this book.
March 7, 2009
I don't usually read these types of books. So why did i really like it? The pacing was superb, the action was thrilling, and it was a story that hadn't already been told fifty times by other authors. This book should be on the NY Times best seller list. Tell your friends that there are authors out there that are writing new and exciting things and to check out "Sin and Vengeance". I'm off now to read the next book "A Demon Awaits".
April 22, 2013
Sin and Vengeance is a fast paced, keep you guessing book. Even thought you know where it is headed you are unable to imagine the depth of the planning and terror that is inflicted by Randy Black. He has been befriended by Charles Marston, son of a winemaking family. Charles enjoys being with Randy because Randy always keeps things interesting. Charles thinks Randy is his friend until things start going wrong and Charles is set up by Randy.
February 16, 2011
Everyone on the Amazon Kindle page has been raving about CJ West, and I have to say, I agree! This book was a little slow to start for me, but by the 30-40% mark, I was hooked and couldn't put it down. I was able to predict some things (like Randy Black's true identity), but it did not detract from the story at all. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
May 5, 2012
This was the first book that I read from author CJ West, and while I have to admit it started off slow, It quickly threw me into an adventure that I couldn't put down until the last page. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good thriller full of twists and turns. I will definitely be reading the next book in the series.
May 6, 2012
This was an excellent read and was well written. I could hardly put it down. This was the first book I've read by Mr. West and I can't wait to read every book he publishes. The story was so captivating. It had a great beginning, middle, and awesome ending! I highly recommend you read this book. I gave it 5 stars!
November 2, 2013
This is a really good thriller. The character are well done and the storyline will keep you guessing. No spoilers from me. If you are looking for a fast paced story begin right here. CJ West you have done a great job with this one.
Want to read
February 16, 2009heard about on WEEI radio Dale and Holley
May 2, 2009
Awesome! A must read!
July 25, 2009
Quick moving with both a good beginning and a good ending - probably would make a great movie.
October 17, 2009
A fast-paced thriller with some interesting twists.
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