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PREY FOR ME: A Psychological Thriller
Who wins and who loses when you're playing with other people's money... and their emotions?
World-renowned scientist Victor Safir can't resist his inexplicable attraction to Alex Lynne, a brilliant, beautiful financier-but his addiction to her may drive him over the edge. Thrust together as unlikely partners in the high-stakes world of London finance, their game of seduction might prove riskier than any business deal.
Victor begins to suspect that Alex is behind the sinister actions involving others in the firm, and might have an insatiable appetite for dangerous games. Is she using his desire to her advantage? Or is Victor destined to become another victim?
In a work that is equal parts thriller, intrigue, and exotic travelogue, Prey for Me weaves the power players of the financial world with the realm of top academia to craft a mystery that will keep the reader guessing.
Praise for John Casti's Paradigm Lost
"A Deep and careful pleasant consideration of what science is and how it is done. It would make anyone want to be a scientist." --Isaac Asimov
"Extraordinary...brought off with considerable erudition...absorbing reading"
--Kirkus Reviews
Praise for John Casti's X-Events
"I am assiduous reader of John Casti's books. He is a real scientific intellectual." --Nassim Nicholas Taleb, author of The Black Swan
"One of America's greatest pioneers of simulation." --London Times
"Casti is at his best in presenting difficult philosophical ideas enthusiastically and lucidly, and in presenting everyday examples to illustrate them...Entertaining and absorbing." --NY Times Book Review
"Dazzling ... A delightful tour de force ... Casti [is] a good teacher." --LA Times
World-renowned scientist Victor Safir can't resist his inexplicable attraction to Alex Lynne, a brilliant, beautiful financier-but his addiction to her may drive him over the edge. Thrust together as unlikely partners in the high-stakes world of London finance, their game of seduction might prove riskier than any business deal.
Victor begins to suspect that Alex is behind the sinister actions involving others in the firm, and might have an insatiable appetite for dangerous games. Is she using his desire to her advantage? Or is Victor destined to become another victim?
In a work that is equal parts thriller, intrigue, and exotic travelogue, Prey for Me weaves the power players of the financial world with the realm of top academia to craft a mystery that will keep the reader guessing.
Praise for John Casti's Paradigm Lost
"A Deep and careful pleasant consideration of what science is and how it is done. It would make anyone want to be a scientist." --Isaac Asimov
"Extraordinary...brought off with considerable erudition...absorbing reading"
--Kirkus Reviews
Praise for John Casti's X-Events
"I am assiduous reader of John Casti's books. He is a real scientific intellectual." --Nassim Nicholas Taleb, author of The Black Swan
"One of America's greatest pioneers of simulation." --London Times
"Casti is at his best in presenting difficult philosophical ideas enthusiastically and lucidly, and in presenting everyday examples to illustrate them...Entertaining and absorbing." --NY Times Book Review
"Dazzling ... A delightful tour de force ... Casti [is] a good teacher." --LA Times
- GenresThriller
296 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 15, 2020
5 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
September 15, 2021
John L Casti is a mathematician and researcher who has numerous nonfiction publications. Prey For Me is a psychological thriller and his debut fiction. Beginning with a prologue that recounts a murder five years previously, the narrative then unfolds in fourteen episodes. Alex Lynne works in London finance and teams up with mathematician Victor Safir to help develop a new trading mechanism. Chemistry strikes and they begin a passionate relationship despite working together. Each episode is a different setting for understanding the relationship and pretext for erotica and BSDM scenes. This is one of those ‘it depends on your taste’ reads and appropriate use of the shoe metaphor in the book. Best described as bland, as in the characters, lack of real suspense or passion and it morphs into a travel log. So overall a disappointing two-star rating. With thanks to The X-Press, Inc and the author for an uncorrected proof copy for review purposes.
October 6, 2020
I would actually give this book 3.5 stars but the ratings won't allow it. Overall, this was an enjoyable read. I read the entire book in one night so its a good read if you have a quiet day or a commute.
The story settings were beautifully described. I have been to some of the places the author was describing so I could visualize the settings. There was a great deal of explanation on the simulator that I could have done without... but it wasn't enough to turn me away.
Alex is a cold personality inside and I think the writing style reflected this. I also saw Victor as kind of cold which might be because he is going through a divorce or maybe that's just his personality. I felt that they didn't have a wild, passionate relationship because neither one of them were that personality type that really felt their emotions. They were both slightly mechanical. I felt it was similar to a Dexter (the books not the TV adaptation) personality type.
Additionally, the author allowed the reader to understand their mechanical behaviors in their thought processing, although, at times, their thoughts did not need to be written out. Sometimes it's better to allow a reader to imagine the motivation rather than provide them with all the details. It can take from the flow of the story which unfortunately, I felt happened here on occasion. Having said that, there are readers who prefer that writing style and if so this may be a book for them to try.
I enjoyed the conclusion although it happened quickly.
I received an advance review copy for free through Book Sirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Merged review:
I would actually give this book 3.5 stars but the ratings won't allow it. Overall, this was an enjoyable read. I read the entire book in one night so its a good read if you have a quiet day or a commute.
The story settings were beautifully described. I have been to some of the places the author was describing so I could visualize the settings. There was a great deal of explanation on the simulator that I could have done without... but it wasn't enough to turn me away.
Alex is a cold personality inside and I think the writing style reflected this. I also saw Victor as kind of cold which might be because he is going through a divorce or maybe that's just his personality. I felt that they didn't have a wild, passionate relationship because neither one of them were that personality type that really felt their emotions. They were both slightly mechanical. I felt it was similar to a Dexter (the books not the TV adaptation) personality type.
Additionally, the author allowed the reader to understand their mechanical behaviors in their thought processing, although, at times, their thoughts did not need to be written out. Sometimes it's better to allow a reader to imagine the motivation rather than provide them with all the details. It can take from the flow of the story which unfortunately, I felt happened here on occasion. Having said that, there are readers who prefer that writing style and if so this may be a book for them to try.
I enjoyed the conclusion although it happened quickly.
I received an advance review copy for free through Book Sirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story settings were beautifully described. I have been to some of the places the author was describing so I could visualize the settings. There was a great deal of explanation on the simulator that I could have done without... but it wasn't enough to turn me away.
Alex is a cold personality inside and I think the writing style reflected this. I also saw Victor as kind of cold which might be because he is going through a divorce or maybe that's just his personality. I felt that they didn't have a wild, passionate relationship because neither one of them were that personality type that really felt their emotions. They were both slightly mechanical. I felt it was similar to a Dexter (the books not the TV adaptation) personality type.
Additionally, the author allowed the reader to understand their mechanical behaviors in their thought processing, although, at times, their thoughts did not need to be written out. Sometimes it's better to allow a reader to imagine the motivation rather than provide them with all the details. It can take from the flow of the story which unfortunately, I felt happened here on occasion. Having said that, there are readers who prefer that writing style and if so this may be a book for them to try.
I enjoyed the conclusion although it happened quickly.
I received an advance review copy for free through Book Sirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Merged review:
I would actually give this book 3.5 stars but the ratings won't allow it. Overall, this was an enjoyable read. I read the entire book in one night so its a good read if you have a quiet day or a commute.
The story settings were beautifully described. I have been to some of the places the author was describing so I could visualize the settings. There was a great deal of explanation on the simulator that I could have done without... but it wasn't enough to turn me away.
Alex is a cold personality inside and I think the writing style reflected this. I also saw Victor as kind of cold which might be because he is going through a divorce or maybe that's just his personality. I felt that they didn't have a wild, passionate relationship because neither one of them were that personality type that really felt their emotions. They were both slightly mechanical. I felt it was similar to a Dexter (the books not the TV adaptation) personality type.
Additionally, the author allowed the reader to understand their mechanical behaviors in their thought processing, although, at times, their thoughts did not need to be written out. Sometimes it's better to allow a reader to imagine the motivation rather than provide them with all the details. It can take from the flow of the story which unfortunately, I felt happened here on occasion. Having said that, there are readers who prefer that writing style and if so this may be a book for them to try.
I enjoyed the conclusion although it happened quickly.
I received an advance review copy for free through Book Sirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 9, 2020
Title – Prey For Me
Author – John Casti
Genre – Psychological thriller
Word Count 83,800
Rating 4 stars out of 5
No. 34 - 2020
Posted 10/9/2020
My Impressions: A solid psychopath murder story.
Main Characters:
Victor Luigi Safire – 52 year old mathematics professor who attracts young women.
Elizabeth Alexandra Lynne (Alex) – 27 year old stock analyst, psychopath killer
Natalie – late thirties, Victor’s latest fling.
The story opens with a young unnamed woman luring her partner to a lonely stretch of cliffs on the English coast. She believes the older man is tiring of her and about to drop her; only she drops him first from a 300 foot cliff to the rocks below. Not a woman to trifle with.
Enter Victor. Alex approaches him to develop a financial simulator for the stock market firm she works for in London. She’s beautiful, young—half his age—and offers unbridled sex. Kinky sex. BSDM kinky and dangerous.
Victor learns but is slow to accept Alex is extremely controlling and jealous. Controlling to the point of torturing him and threatening his life if he doesn’t conform to her whims.
Enter Natalie. Victor meets her at a party when he is back home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Not being one to let a current relationship deter him from chasing a new challenge, he invites Natalie to visit him in London before they travel to Europe. He can’t imagine how Alex could learn of his unfaithfulness, but, of course, she does.
Victor wants to distance himself from Alex but is hesitant to do so lest he antagonize her; he suspects she murdered her boss at the firm they both work for.
The ending was what I expected for an unbalanced psychopath.
In spite of its issues, the story is intense and held my interest.
The editing and sentence structure are poor.
Character development is good for the main characters
Details of food and drink are overwhelming and detract from the main plot.
Research of city locations is again overwhelming and detracts from the main plot.
The plot is kinky but not implausible.
The writing style is crisp but depends on too much miscellaneous detail that caused me to skip ahead.
Vigilant Reader Book Reviews.
Author – John Casti
Genre – Psychological thriller
Word Count 83,800
Rating 4 stars out of 5
No. 34 - 2020
Posted 10/9/2020
My Impressions: A solid psychopath murder story.
Main Characters:
Victor Luigi Safire – 52 year old mathematics professor who attracts young women.
Elizabeth Alexandra Lynne (Alex) – 27 year old stock analyst, psychopath killer
Natalie – late thirties, Victor’s latest fling.
The story opens with a young unnamed woman luring her partner to a lonely stretch of cliffs on the English coast. She believes the older man is tiring of her and about to drop her; only she drops him first from a 300 foot cliff to the rocks below. Not a woman to trifle with.
Enter Victor. Alex approaches him to develop a financial simulator for the stock market firm she works for in London. She’s beautiful, young—half his age—and offers unbridled sex. Kinky sex. BSDM kinky and dangerous.
Victor learns but is slow to accept Alex is extremely controlling and jealous. Controlling to the point of torturing him and threatening his life if he doesn’t conform to her whims.
Enter Natalie. Victor meets her at a party when he is back home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Not being one to let a current relationship deter him from chasing a new challenge, he invites Natalie to visit him in London before they travel to Europe. He can’t imagine how Alex could learn of his unfaithfulness, but, of course, she does.
Victor wants to distance himself from Alex but is hesitant to do so lest he antagonize her; he suspects she murdered her boss at the firm they both work for.
The ending was what I expected for an unbalanced psychopath.
In spite of its issues, the story is intense and held my interest.
The editing and sentence structure are poor.
Character development is good for the main characters
Details of food and drink are overwhelming and detract from the main plot.
Research of city locations is again overwhelming and detracts from the main plot.
The plot is kinky but not implausible.
The writing style is crisp but depends on too much miscellaneous detail that caused me to skip ahead.
Vigilant Reader Book Reviews.
February 25, 2021
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This book is about Victor and Alex who become lovers while developing a new tool for the stock market. They begin a sexual relationship and it escalates with some unfaithfulness and obsessive behavior and essentially ends up with a pretty predictable ending. It’s obvious that the author is very knowledgeable about the stock market and finance and did a lot of research for this. Other than that, I personally found this book to be poorly written. There is overwhelming detail about things that do not add to the story in any way. The dialogue is very hard to believe and the descriptive writing fails in the areas that matter such as the relationship between Alex and Victor. I found it to be boring in most parts and just not well developed. I hate to give it a low rating, but it just wasn’t for me at all.
February 23, 2021
This book had me gripping to my laptop as I read it, on the edge of my seat. Definitely an amazing thriller. I loved the detail of the characters and that whilst Alex is the one that is crazy and kills people, there's a section where it's from her side that almost makes you feel bad for her. I'm not condoning murder but Victor knew from the beginning that Alex was different and yet he tried to solve her like a puzzle, you can't treat a human that way, then on top of that he cheats on her which only agitates her more which leads to his punishment. I never would have guessed the ending, that was a good twist, I would have thought it would have been the other way around.
March 2, 2021
Oh the twists and turns! Love this story line, and the characters alike!
If you like action, suspense, mind games, etc. read this story.
Casti has a vivid imagination and these characters will show you some action packed fun.
If you like action, suspense, mind games, etc. read this story.
Casti has a vivid imagination and these characters will show you some action packed fun.
October 28, 2020
"Alex’s
cocktail-party fa ̧cade had slipped a little, giving him a glimpse of
an entirely different Alex lurking just below her innocent-appearing
surface. Perhaps she was as much a predator as prey, he thought."
-Victor
Based on the synopsis and the opening, this novel held much promise for a new psychological thriller. This novel based on a young and brilliant young woman, Alex who may or may not have a pension for tossing a bloke over a cliff. Victor, divorced and brilliant, becomes taken by her beauty, intellect, and her sexual prowess. The author spent considerable time ensuring the reader could picture the different locales and its happenings. However, most of the time it added nothing to the storyline. It did little to move the story along. The characters were interesting, however, I would have liked a bit more background on Alex for certain. I think the story got bogged down in unnecessary details far too much to focus on what was truly important like the relationship between the hunter and the prey. As far as the sex scenes, I think the lack of chemistry didn't help them to be as exotic as they could have. Overall, this was an okay read that could have been more thrilling. I can appreciate the author's knowledge and due diligence when it came to the financial project and creativity when it came to the overall plot, but I would have loved it had been true to its chosen genre. But, don't take my word for it, you can get your copy by clicking the image below and supporting the author by leaving a review.
cocktail-party fa ̧cade had slipped a little, giving him a glimpse of
an entirely different Alex lurking just below her innocent-appearing
surface. Perhaps she was as much a predator as prey, he thought."
-Victor
Based on the synopsis and the opening, this novel held much promise for a new psychological thriller. This novel based on a young and brilliant young woman, Alex who may or may not have a pension for tossing a bloke over a cliff. Victor, divorced and brilliant, becomes taken by her beauty, intellect, and her sexual prowess. The author spent considerable time ensuring the reader could picture the different locales and its happenings. However, most of the time it added nothing to the storyline. It did little to move the story along. The characters were interesting, however, I would have liked a bit more background on Alex for certain. I think the story got bogged down in unnecessary details far too much to focus on what was truly important like the relationship between the hunter and the prey. As far as the sex scenes, I think the lack of chemistry didn't help them to be as exotic as they could have. Overall, this was an okay read that could have been more thrilling. I can appreciate the author's knowledge and due diligence when it came to the financial project and creativity when it came to the overall plot, but I would have loved it had been true to its chosen genre. But, don't take my word for it, you can get your copy by clicking the image below and supporting the author by leaving a review.
December 28, 2020
Prey for Me by John Casti is a psycho- sexual thriller will grab your attention from the first page to the very last. Once I started reading this book it was hard to put it down. There are two main characters first is Alex a young beautiful, intelligent, yet dangerous woman who works for a financial firm. The second is Victor an older man who is a highly intelligent professor who creates a type of simulation game which mirrors trading. Alex and Victor meet one night at a conference, this is where their personal and professional relationship connect. Over the course of book Alex ‘s obsession and mind games with Victor comes to a terrifying conclusion. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Psychological type thrillers. I received my copy of Prey for Me by John Casti from Voracious Readers Only.
October 27, 2020
Prey for me is a very miss leading title. I thought it’s was going to be some sort of thriller. But it turned out to be the most boring book I have ever read. One it was a fast read. Was able to do it one night. The story was to descriptive in stuff that meant nothing. And Alex being a nut case wasn’t displayed enough. The sex scenes were terrible. No passion to description, no connection between the lovers. This book started with promise but failed in so many levels. I found victor boring, none charming, just a plain rich guy who is looking for a new woman because his wife left him. And Alex threatens victors life in many crazy ways. I can’t even give them more one star. I was hoping more from this ARC read.
October 13, 2020
Overall, I thought the book was good. I think the leading characters were both messed up. I first thought Alex had DID but she remembers everything she does. She is just crazy and people feed her need because they let her get away from it. Victor to be that smart was dumb and got his self mixed up in that mess, thinking with his penis. I didnt understand why Victor did some of the things he did and made it easy for Alex to attack. The one thing I didn't like about the book is the abrupt ending with show for what would happen.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 4, 2020
I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review. It did not take me long to read this book. I read it in one setting for wanted to see what made Alex tick. I am not sure about Victor and Natalie at this point. I feel like there should have been more to the story. I found Alex the most exciting and thrilling to read about. Alex and Victor has strange and twisted kind of "relationship" in this book. Then she vanishes and yet the game continues event as he moves on to Natalie. There are a few things I am still thinking on a few things in this book.
December 18, 2020
My first reaction from the beginning was that this was going to be a hot and steamy novel. As I continued to read, I truly liked the plot and the characters. The professor was just a little boring for me. There was enough suspense to keep my going until the end but j just wish there was more vibrancy. Overall, I would recommend this to all of my bookish friends and I am currently looking into the authors other novels. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
September 23, 2020
Not sure where to start! There was too much time put into detail, and not quite enough to the development of the storyline and characters. Chemistry between Victor and Alex was lacking. Not sure if I would recommend this book to my friends. This review is based on a complimentary copy from BookSirens
October 13, 2022
DNF.
I had such high hopes for this book. The cover and blurb left me excited to start reading it. However, from page one I found myself so bored. This book is in no way a psycho-sexual thriller. Not at all.
The writing style, although descriptive, felt so choppy. Yes, it's wonderful sometimes to know every teeny detail, but sometimes it's a bit too much, and in the case of this book, it was way too much. The author could really have left out all the extra details and spent a bit more time smoothing out the characters and creating more of a relationship between them, perhaps a spark and some sizzle.
Overall heavily disappointed and would not recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I had such high hopes for this book. The cover and blurb left me excited to start reading it. However, from page one I found myself so bored. This book is in no way a psycho-sexual thriller. Not at all.
The writing style, although descriptive, felt so choppy. Yes, it's wonderful sometimes to know every teeny detail, but sometimes it's a bit too much, and in the case of this book, it was way too much. The author could really have left out all the extra details and spent a bit more time smoothing out the characters and creating more of a relationship between them, perhaps a spark and some sizzle.
Overall heavily disappointed and would not recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 13, 2021
Victor and Alex become partners in developing a new stock-market related software tool. They quickly become involved in a sexual relationship which escalates into obsession.
The story is an interesting premise, which mixes the stock market with academia. The author is clearly very knowledgeable about the stock market, but the one thing that made it hard to follow was the overwhelming details about certain things that maybe weren't material to the plot. It talked a lot about sightseeing and eating, and I would have liked to know more about Alex. Overall, it's a good psychological thriller if you're into that sort of novel.
The story is an interesting premise, which mixes the stock market with academia. The author is clearly very knowledgeable about the stock market, but the one thing that made it hard to follow was the overwhelming details about certain things that maybe weren't material to the plot. It talked a lot about sightseeing and eating, and I would have liked to know more about Alex. Overall, it's a good psychological thriller if you're into that sort of novel.
May 21, 2021
I received a free copy of this book from VRO and this is my voluntary honest review.
A well written psychological thriller! This one may keep you up at night! The title should have been, Prey for Her! Read it and you will know what I mean.
Wow! One psycho killer! Suspenseful! Full of action! Action packed to the end! The writing style was crisp and gripping! I loved the, on the edge of my seat, ending. It was spectacular! Loved it!
I wanted a little more, but if was a well satisfying ending! Don't miss this one! It is well worth your time! Read today! Enjoy! Mr. Casti, Well done!
A well written psychological thriller! This one may keep you up at night! The title should have been, Prey for Her! Read it and you will know what I mean.
Wow! One psycho killer! Suspenseful! Full of action! Action packed to the end! The writing style was crisp and gripping! I loved the, on the edge of my seat, ending. It was spectacular! Loved it!
I wanted a little more, but if was a well satisfying ending! Don't miss this one! It is well worth your time! Read today! Enjoy! Mr. Casti, Well done!
January 4, 2022
The book starts off with a bang. I was super interested in continuing reading from the first paragraph. While some of the language in the book seems elementary, I found it a nice change from the books that are usually difficult to read. The book was well-researched and I can see that finance is a passion area for the author. The book did drag on a bit in the middle but it was still very fast-paced. The book came together quite quickly but felt like it had an abrupt end. Overall, I really enjoyed it.
Thanks to VRO and the author for providing me a copy in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks to VRO and the author for providing me a copy in exchange for my honest review.
March 1, 2021
This story did not disappoint me.
It lives up to its name as a psychological thriller, containing the important elements of both.
The characters all have depth and presence. I found them each to be very interesting as they all have some sort of problem of their own and is very different from each other.
flew through this story in one night and it is truly a remarkable book.
It lives up to its name as a psychological thriller, containing the important elements of both.
The characters all have depth and presence. I found them each to be very interesting as they all have some sort of problem of their own and is very different from each other.
flew through this story in one night and it is truly a remarkable book.
October 15, 2022
I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook. Interesting mystery/thriller.. recommend.
December 17, 2020
This book was easy to read and it can be read in just one sitting. The problem was that it should be a romantic suspense. But the author wasn't able to build an atmosphere for it.
There wasn't enough suspense or passion. The characters were eating and sightseeing most of the time. There were many good descriptions in the book but they weren't much needed.
I've received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via VoraciousReadersOnly.
There wasn't enough suspense or passion. The characters were eating and sightseeing most of the time. There were many good descriptions in the book but they weren't much needed.
I've received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via VoraciousReadersOnly.
April 16, 2021
I was excited about this book and felt it held a lot of promise, but I found it wasn't for me. It was a very quick read, but I felt like the parts that needed more attention weren't fleshed out enough - specifically the character development - where the scenes were perhaps overly described.
After I finished I looked up the author and realized it was a pivot from his previous writing; I think it's just a matter of being more comfortable with fiction vs academic writing, and I would look for other Casti books in the future.
After I finished I looked up the author and realized it was a pivot from his previous writing; I think it's just a matter of being more comfortable with fiction vs academic writing, and I would look for other Casti books in the future.
December 20, 2020
I am sorry to say I didn’t enjoy this story as much as I had hoped. I’ve read this story thanks to Voracious Readers Only. The premise is good: a femme fatal that excels at her job and used men as she sees fit, regardless of consequences. Unfortunately, the idea isn’t optimally executed.
There are quite a few flaws that take away from the story the author is trying to tell.
According to the title page, the book is a psycho-sexual-thriller. The psycho part is true. Alex is definitely a disturbed person and a psycho’s thought process doesn’t necessarily need to make sense. The sex part is barely worth a mention, in most scenes it is skipped over or so camouflaged by words that it is barely recognizable.
For a thriller, the story lacks tension. I think this is partly the result of the way the story is told. The author utilizes telling a lot more telling than showing, keeping the story flat. I wish we got to read more about what Alex and Victor were thinking. For instance: when Alex is waiting in the hotel lobby to talk to the woman, we only get to see her waiting and drinking her coffee. It would have been lovely to know what she was thinking. To read about how waiting is making her antsy while she just wants to confront the woman, to read about her preparing what she’ll say to her, etc. Moments like these would be perfect for adding a sense of danger and tension into the story.
Their relationship goes too fast, feels too rushed for me to be believable. Very soon after meeting Alex, she goes cold and switches between being nice and mean. I don’t understand why Victor falls for her instantly. Physical attraction can only account for so much, weird behavior would outweigh her looks very soon, but in this story it never does. It initially seems there is nothing that throws Victor off Alex’s sent. Secondly, their interactions seem flat. People who try to get into a relationship share things. All they share are bodily fluids and scary moments.
Things also seem too convenient. It seems like both Alex and Victor are guessing things (correctly) that they couldn’t have known. This to me is a pretty big inconsistency in the story and it takes away from the tension.
The author also seems to prefer some words, like encore and reptilian brain. Another recurring theme is food. The descriptions of the food choices are very elaborate.
Despite my criticism, I appreciate what the author tried to do in this story. The descriptions of London, Sante Fe, Venice, and Vienna were a joy to read. The author knows how to set a scene.
I’ve tried to love this story, especially because I see the potential in it. But it’s flaws make it hard to do so.
There are quite a few flaws that take away from the story the author is trying to tell.
According to the title page, the book is a psycho-sexual-thriller. The psycho part is true. Alex is definitely a disturbed person and a psycho’s thought process doesn’t necessarily need to make sense. The sex part is barely worth a mention, in most scenes it is skipped over or so camouflaged by words that it is barely recognizable.
For a thriller, the story lacks tension. I think this is partly the result of the way the story is told. The author utilizes telling a lot more telling than showing, keeping the story flat. I wish we got to read more about what Alex and Victor were thinking. For instance: when Alex is waiting in the hotel lobby to talk to the woman, we only get to see her waiting and drinking her coffee. It would have been lovely to know what she was thinking. To read about how waiting is making her antsy while she just wants to confront the woman, to read about her preparing what she’ll say to her, etc. Moments like these would be perfect for adding a sense of danger and tension into the story.
Their relationship goes too fast, feels too rushed for me to be believable. Very soon after meeting Alex, she goes cold and switches between being nice and mean. I don’t understand why Victor falls for her instantly. Physical attraction can only account for so much, weird behavior would outweigh her looks very soon, but in this story it never does. It initially seems there is nothing that throws Victor off Alex’s sent. Secondly, their interactions seem flat. People who try to get into a relationship share things. All they share are bodily fluids and scary moments.
Things also seem too convenient. It seems like both Alex and Victor are guessing things (correctly) that they couldn’t have known. This to me is a pretty big inconsistency in the story and it takes away from the tension.
The author also seems to prefer some words, like encore and reptilian brain. Another recurring theme is food. The descriptions of the food choices are very elaborate.
Despite my criticism, I appreciate what the author tried to do in this story. The descriptions of London, Sante Fe, Venice, and Vienna were a joy to read. The author knows how to set a scene.
I’ve tried to love this story, especially because I see the potential in it. But it’s flaws make it hard to do so.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 20, 2020
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
When i read the blurb and a little excerpt I was excited to read this novel. Frankly, I am disappointed in it. The description of locations, food, about things happening around the main characters were so great. The romance parts not so much. It had wonderful suspenseful moments especially near the end but it did not leave me on a cliff. The passion or connection between the two was super foreshadowed and I saw everything coming. I just new this was gonna happen or that would but the ending did surprise me a little. Not what I expected. That is why it got three out of five stars.
The plot seemed far left, I wasn't sure what to do with the main persons invention and going into such detail was a bore. Granted I am way into that stuff in real life but I don't want to read about it, especially in a romance book. Overall, I felt like Alex could of been more projected and seeing more from her side than we did. I have so many questions left unanswered but that is alright. Maybe there is another book but I wont be picking it up.
When i read the blurb and a little excerpt I was excited to read this novel. Frankly, I am disappointed in it. The description of locations, food, about things happening around the main characters were so great. The romance parts not so much. It had wonderful suspenseful moments especially near the end but it did not leave me on a cliff. The passion or connection between the two was super foreshadowed and I saw everything coming. I just new this was gonna happen or that would but the ending did surprise me a little. Not what I expected. That is why it got three out of five stars.
The plot seemed far left, I wasn't sure what to do with the main persons invention and going into such detail was a bore. Granted I am way into that stuff in real life but I don't want to read about it, especially in a romance book. Overall, I felt like Alex could of been more projected and seeing more from her side than we did. I have so many questions left unanswered but that is alright. Maybe there is another book but I wont be picking it up.
October 15, 2020
It was a great plot and developed well, but I kept getting hung up on a couple of things which involved the author's style. When I finished the book I understood why they kept annoying me. He was a writer of non-fiction and this was his first fiction book. His style will evolve.
I found his book read like a travel guide with every city or place the hero visited being described in sightseeing detail. Every meal the hero enjoyed was described in minute detail, from appetisers and main course through to dessert and the cheeseplate. Too much information and far too pompous!! I think the hero only had one meal which would be considered normal. The rest were like something out of the contest for michelin stars.
That said, I'm being picky because I'm a critic, but the book held me despite the above.
(I also think the hero had to be desperate for sex to hang onto an obviously dangerous psychotic just because she was easy!!!!)
I found his book read like a travel guide with every city or place the hero visited being described in sightseeing detail. Every meal the hero enjoyed was described in minute detail, from appetisers and main course through to dessert and the cheeseplate. Too much information and far too pompous!! I think the hero only had one meal which would be considered normal. The rest were like something out of the contest for michelin stars.
That said, I'm being picky because I'm a critic, but the book held me despite the above.
(I also think the hero had to be desperate for sex to hang onto an obviously dangerous psychotic just because she was easy!!!!)
February 9, 2021
Prey for me is a very miss leading title. I thought it’s was going to be some sort of thriller. But it turned out to be the most boring book I have ever read. One it was a fast read. Was able to do it one night. The story was to descriptive in stuff that meant nothing. And Alex being a nut case wasn’t displayed enough. The sex scenes were terrible. No passion to description, no connection between the lovers. This book started with promise but failed in so many levels. I found victor boring, none charming, just a plain rich guy who is looking for a new woman because his wife left him. And Alex threatens victors life in many crazy ways. I can’t even give them more one star. I was hoping more from this ARC read.
September 30, 2020
Two people meet to collaborate and are attracted to each other such that arrangements are quickly made to meet again.
This isn't a book I'd normally read and I'm not sure that it's quite what I expected. Ironically as it's not a genre I know it felt somewhat formulaic at times.
The project they're working on I didn't understand at all but that doesn't matter.
The scenes when they travel are some of the most enjoyable and well written.
The cat and mouse game they play seems to one sided but sometimes the mouse wins.
The end was good although felt a little rushed.
I received this book for free and the views expressed are solely my own
This isn't a book I'd normally read and I'm not sure that it's quite what I expected. Ironically as it's not a genre I know it felt somewhat formulaic at times.
The project they're working on I didn't understand at all but that doesn't matter.
The scenes when they travel are some of the most enjoyable and well written.
The cat and mouse game they play seems to one sided but sometimes the mouse wins.
The end was good although felt a little rushed.
I received this book for free and the views expressed are solely my own
March 29, 2022
This was a somewhat dark story about men and women and how they view sexual relationships. Mental and emotional health combined to make this book more complicated. The characters were intriguing and complicated. I would read more of this authors work.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Merged review:
This was a somewhat dark story about men and women and how they view sexual relationships. Mental and emotional health combined to make this book more complicated. The characters were intriguing and complicated. I would read more of this authors work.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Merged review:
This was a somewhat dark story about men and women and how they view sexual relationships. Mental and emotional health combined to make this book more complicated. The characters were intriguing and complicated. I would read more of this authors work.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 26, 2020
This is my first time reading anything from this author. I was originally drawn to the book by the title and once I read the blurb, I knew I had to read the book. This is a brilliantly thought out and written psychological thriller. The first page grabbed a hold of me and refused to let go until I had finished the book. The plot and the characters all mesmerized me and held me prisoner to the very end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 14, 2021
Right from the start you wonder what will come next. It did get a bit predictable at one point but then back to wondering what the characters next step would be. I was a bit disappointed with the ending, but then it was still unexpected. I read this in two days as I couldn't put it down. Just goes to prove the age old theory of how gullible & enticed an older man can be by a younger, sexier woman.
September 21, 2020
Fast and fun read. I really enjoyed the scenes that described Santa Fe and Vienna. I was able to finish this book in one night. I was fascinated by Alex and the book left me wanting to know more about her. I'm hoping there will be a prequel.
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