Lovers and Gamblers

Jackie Collins
Grand Central Publishing (2009)
ISBN 9780446356602
Reviewed by Kristie McCormick for Reader Views (7/06)


“Lovers and Gamblers” is the story of an aging rock star in a loveless marriage, a prostitute turned actress with a secret from her past that haunts her, and their friends and families. Al King, the aging rock star is a conceited user of those around him. He treats everyone, including his family, like slaves who are there to serve him. He treats women as objects to be used and tossed aside. Dallas, the prostitute turned actress, is a beautiful, naive girl wanting more out of life. She is used and exploited by everyone around her. She becomes street smart and begins to try to turn her life around. When she gets a break and things start to go well for her, her past comes back to haunt her. These two are drawn together, even though Dallas doesn’t want to be drawn to Al. Through an unexpected tragedy, they pull together and find love while struggling to survive.

The storyline starts out pretty typical for Jackie Collins’ books, but it soon takes unexpected twists and turns. The blackmail and high-jacking storyline add great suspense and drama to the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. The characters are so well developed that the reader wonders if Ms. Collins based them on actual stars and if she did, then who. The story is well developed as well with many interesting twists and turns. The story goes from parties and concerts to jungle and survival.

Even though the story starts out typical for a Jackie Collins’ book, I loved it. The story keeps the reader involved and wanting more. Even at the end of the book the reader wants to read more about these characters. The supporting characters could easily be built up for sequels to “Lovers and Gamblers.” This story is for anyone who likes a good novel to curl up with.

Make comment on weblog