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POWERBALLS: Be careful what you wish for.
A sudden windfall – and the money to make every dream come true…With finances and marriage strained to the breaking point, Rose and Henry Ball dream of new lives filled with romance and adventure. Then Fortune takes a hand. Against all odds the couple win a record Powerball lottery. The sudden windfall is the answer to all their prayers. Or not.
Helpless to resist the sirens’ song, the Balls leap feet first into the intoxicating world of the super-rich. Henry drifts into treacherous waters on a mad Russian oligarch’s yacht, while Rose throws caution to the wind and rushes headlong into the arms of a beautiful, dangerous stranger. The Balls are in way over their heads by the time Fortune reveals her capricious nature. A swashbuckling investment banker entrusted with their wealth has rolled the dice and lost. Now, money can’t save Rose from a terrible fate. It’s up to Henry to come to her rescue.
The pleasures and perils of sudden wealth spring to vivid life in the rip-roaring POWERBALLS, where wealth and security are illusions – and only love endures.
ABOUT THE AUTHORJIMMY CLIFTON was reported lost at sea in the early morning hours of June 7, 2020. His crewmates on the fishing boat Miss Rosie Mae remember his prodigious capacity for rum and a gift for spinning yarns that helped captain and crew endure those tedious stretches on the open water. He left a loaded .45, an old photo from better times, and several manuscripts as the only clues to a life well lived.But the tale doesn't end there.The task of curating the Jimmy Clifton series and bringing this gifted writer's intriguing novels to light has been left to MICHAEL HAYES, Clifton's only known living kin. As a longtime ad man, Hayes shares Clifton's talents for weaving tall tales and stretching the truth.This first one’s called POWERBALLS. A cautionary tale if there ever was one about the perils of sudden wealth, and what the almighty dollar can do to a man’s, or woman’s, soul. In the immortal words of Jimmy Be careful what you wish for.We think you’ll like it.
Helpless to resist the sirens’ song, the Balls leap feet first into the intoxicating world of the super-rich. Henry drifts into treacherous waters on a mad Russian oligarch’s yacht, while Rose throws caution to the wind and rushes headlong into the arms of a beautiful, dangerous stranger. The Balls are in way over their heads by the time Fortune reveals her capricious nature. A swashbuckling investment banker entrusted with their wealth has rolled the dice and lost. Now, money can’t save Rose from a terrible fate. It’s up to Henry to come to her rescue.
The pleasures and perils of sudden wealth spring to vivid life in the rip-roaring POWERBALLS, where wealth and security are illusions – and only love endures.
ABOUT THE AUTHORJIMMY CLIFTON was reported lost at sea in the early morning hours of June 7, 2020. His crewmates on the fishing boat Miss Rosie Mae remember his prodigious capacity for rum and a gift for spinning yarns that helped captain and crew endure those tedious stretches on the open water. He left a loaded .45, an old photo from better times, and several manuscripts as the only clues to a life well lived.But the tale doesn't end there.The task of curating the Jimmy Clifton series and bringing this gifted writer's intriguing novels to light has been left to MICHAEL HAYES, Clifton's only known living kin. As a longtime ad man, Hayes shares Clifton's talents for weaving tall tales and stretching the truth.This first one’s called POWERBALLS. A cautionary tale if there ever was one about the perils of sudden wealth, and what the almighty dollar can do to a man’s, or woman’s, soul. In the immortal words of Jimmy Be careful what you wish for.We think you’ll like it.
- GenresFiction
250 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 6, 2021
37 people are currently reading
664 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 19, 2022
Really loved this clever book. Super fast and entertaining read
August 9, 2022
interesting read
I won this book in a goodreads giveaway. Interesting, well written with lots of external conflicts. Good ending to wrap it all up. Enjoy!
I won this book in a goodreads giveaway. Interesting, well written with lots of external conflicts. Good ending to wrap it all up. Enjoy!
March 7, 2023
I enjoyed reading this book about a lottery winner and the ups and downs of his win
June 28, 2022
Two adults tired with their life. Dysfunctional at the best. They win the power ball and life takes off in strange new ways. Just be careful what you wish for
October 1, 2021
I really enjoyed Powerballs by Jimmy Clifton which tells the story of the Balls, a couple in their fifties, who win the lottery. At the start of the book, their marriage is in a bit of strife as they want different things: Rose Ball is still trim and attractive but fed up of not having the lifestyle she wants, especially when her best friend, Suzanne has the luxury living that she craves; Henry Ball is an accountant in a firm that doesn't appreciate him and is fantasising about other female staff members whilst suffering from middle age spread and being financially stretched.
When they become billionaires after a fortuitous lottery win, their lives are transformed and their financial worries fly out of the window. But with this windfall comes a whole other set of challenges which have infinitely higher stakes.
What I liked most about this novel was that it was fun to read. I liked Rose and Henry Ball and I think that Clifton has done a great job at showing how they got stuck in a rut with no discernible way out other than divorce or death, neither of which are particularly joyful options. If I have one criticism of the book, it is that when Henry and Rose land the money, not much attention is given to their relationship in decline or how it fails to transform their existence. I felt like this could have been developed more and their separation, whilst maybe inevitable, could have benefitted from a little more build-up as this period felt a little brief; however, Clifton had already set the groundwork for them not being happy before their billionaire boon.
When the money lands and despite no longer having the looming shadow of financial strains, chinks expand in their marriage, the story really starts to develop as they go their separate ways and begin to explore the billionaires' life independent of each other. There is tension but nothing too threatening, only the suggestion of it. There is also humour which makes this a very light-hearted read. But that takes nothing away from it as it is well-written, well-paced, well-evolved - it is the archetypal good read.
It's a book that delivers a good story and sometimes as a reader that is all you need - nothing too challenging but a fully immersive experience in the lives of people different to you.
This review was first published on Reedsy Discovery where I was privileged to read it as an ARC. This is a true representation of my opinion of the book.
When they become billionaires after a fortuitous lottery win, their lives are transformed and their financial worries fly out of the window. But with this windfall comes a whole other set of challenges which have infinitely higher stakes.
What I liked most about this novel was that it was fun to read. I liked Rose and Henry Ball and I think that Clifton has done a great job at showing how they got stuck in a rut with no discernible way out other than divorce or death, neither of which are particularly joyful options. If I have one criticism of the book, it is that when Henry and Rose land the money, not much attention is given to their relationship in decline or how it fails to transform their existence. I felt like this could have been developed more and their separation, whilst maybe inevitable, could have benefitted from a little more build-up as this period felt a little brief; however, Clifton had already set the groundwork for them not being happy before their billionaire boon.
When the money lands and despite no longer having the looming shadow of financial strains, chinks expand in their marriage, the story really starts to develop as they go their separate ways and begin to explore the billionaires' life independent of each other. There is tension but nothing too threatening, only the suggestion of it. There is also humour which makes this a very light-hearted read. But that takes nothing away from it as it is well-written, well-paced, well-evolved - it is the archetypal good read.
It's a book that delivers a good story and sometimes as a reader that is all you need - nothing too challenging but a fully immersive experience in the lives of people different to you.
This review was first published on Reedsy Discovery where I was privileged to read it as an ARC. This is a true representation of my opinion of the book.
January 25, 2022
Powerballs Be careful what you wish for by Jimmy Clifton is a story about a middle-aged couple who unexpectedly wins the lottery and find themselves in a very different world, offering them a life vastly different from their challenging careers and financial struggles. Henry Ball, an accountant in a progressive firm, fantasizes about living a more exciting life, fantasies about his younger female coworkers and greater recognition at work. Likewise, Henry’s wife, Rose Ball, dreams of a luxury lifestyle that she sees her friend enjoy.
As the couple dreams about their ultimate life, they suddenly realize their most fantastic fantasy, winning the Powerball lottery. Quickly though, they learn how this transformation will create a new set of challenges for each of them. Things are not what they seem as they dive into this extravagant world. This growing tension and realization of their newfound financial freedom becomes a journey that leads them on separate paths. The couple’s new adventures lead to many exciting and humorous encounters that give them a changed perspective on life, but not without a few shocking lessons and opportunities.
Readers will enjoy this light and funny read that details the struggles of a couple’s journey from mediocracy to luxury and how they trade one set of tension and challenges for another, with higher risks and experiences. The author narrates a well-paced, lively tale that creates a sense of hope and adventure for a couple struggling with mid-life identity and goals while transitioning into the extravagant world of billionaires and how they transform into this world of privilege.
Powerballs Be careful what you wish for is a riveting, enjoyable read that’s quickly absorbed. It’s a fun page-turner that readers will find entertaining and witty, with brilliant character development, lots of action, and a well-structured story filled with drama. Readers looking for travel fiction or contemporary American fiction will enjoy this humorous, fast-paced read.
As the couple dreams about their ultimate life, they suddenly realize their most fantastic fantasy, winning the Powerball lottery. Quickly though, they learn how this transformation will create a new set of challenges for each of them. Things are not what they seem as they dive into this extravagant world. This growing tension and realization of their newfound financial freedom becomes a journey that leads them on separate paths. The couple’s new adventures lead to many exciting and humorous encounters that give them a changed perspective on life, but not without a few shocking lessons and opportunities.
Readers will enjoy this light and funny read that details the struggles of a couple’s journey from mediocracy to luxury and how they trade one set of tension and challenges for another, with higher risks and experiences. The author narrates a well-paced, lively tale that creates a sense of hope and adventure for a couple struggling with mid-life identity and goals while transitioning into the extravagant world of billionaires and how they transform into this world of privilege.
Powerballs Be careful what you wish for is a riveting, enjoyable read that’s quickly absorbed. It’s a fun page-turner that readers will find entertaining and witty, with brilliant character development, lots of action, and a well-structured story filled with drama. Readers looking for travel fiction or contemporary American fiction will enjoy this humorous, fast-paced read.
September 12, 2021
When Henry and Rose Ball win a huge Powerball lottery, they think it is the answer to their prayers and financial problems. With little planning or forethought, they each go on their own separate spending sprees, oblivious to the potential consequences of their actions. The directions they take create a succession of action-packed scenes in exotic and adventurous settings, and before long, their lives become completely out of control.
The characters in "Powerballs" are interesting and memorable, immersed in layers of personality and history. The author does an exemplary job at balancing characterization with high-level adventure (not always easy to do), and his skill of developing intricate relationships is to be commended. The short, action-packed chapters will keep readers engaged and wanting to know how this story ends.
Their sudden increase in wealth causes Rose and Henry to evolve over time and eventually reevaluate what they want and need out of life. Was it a blessing or a curse? You’ll have to read the book to find out, but even then, it may remain an unanswered question for some readers.
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review.
The characters in "Powerballs" are interesting and memorable, immersed in layers of personality and history. The author does an exemplary job at balancing characterization with high-level adventure (not always easy to do), and his skill of developing intricate relationships is to be commended. The short, action-packed chapters will keep readers engaged and wanting to know how this story ends.
Their sudden increase in wealth causes Rose and Henry to evolve over time and eventually reevaluate what they want and need out of life. Was it a blessing or a curse? You’ll have to read the book to find out, but even then, it may remain an unanswered question for some readers.
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review.
May 23, 2021
Power Balls: Be Careful What You Wish For is a very interesting novel by Jimmy Clifton. The book opens with the most creative Prologue that I have ever read, bar none! Henry Ball is about to be fired and his wife, Rose, is fantasying about an affair. Down on his luck Henry put his last $20 down for gas and one Power Ball ticket. Jimmy Clifton takes an interesting look at what happens when you instantly go from poor to rich overnight. I thought Power Balls took some interesting twists and turns and was full of surprises. This is such a creative book and I really liked the ending. Henry and Rose Ball go on a ride most of us will never go on. Looking forward to reading another book. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
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January 3, 2022Becoming a billionaire. It’s the defining event in this well-written, tightly scripted, fun-drenched and suspenseful novel.
Is it a cautionary tale about being careful about what you wish for? How money is the root of all evil? I think not. It is too much fun, too well constructed and too enjoyable a read. For my money, that’s all you need.
Read our full review here:
https://booktrib.com/2021/12/27/billi...
Is it a cautionary tale about being careful about what you wish for? How money is the root of all evil? I think not. It is too much fun, too well constructed and too enjoyable a read. For my money, that’s all you need.
Read our full review here:
https://booktrib.com/2021/12/27/billi...
September 12, 2021
Great read!
A huge lottery win sends a middle-aged married couple off on world-wild adventures (not necessarily both of them at the same time or in the same place).
This book was so much more than I anticipated that I would have to call it a cracking good read and am pretty sure that one day I'll read it again just for the heck of it.
A huge lottery win sends a middle-aged married couple off on world-wild adventures (not necessarily both of them at the same time or in the same place).
This book was so much more than I anticipated that I would have to call it a cracking good read and am pretty sure that one day I'll read it again just for the heck of it.
August 2, 2022
Thanks to the author/publisher for the goodreads giveaway!
This was an interesting read and had a lot of potential but really didn’t draw me fully in until the last few chapters. Much of the storyline seemed improbable, and there were a few holes (or maybe I just missed things since I wasn’t fully invested) but overall a good storyline!
This was an interesting read and had a lot of potential but really didn’t draw me fully in until the last few chapters. Much of the storyline seemed improbable, and there were a few holes (or maybe I just missed things since I wasn’t fully invested) but overall a good storyline!
February 5, 2025
I would give this book a 2.8/5. This book is about a couple who wins Powerball and what they decide to do with the money. I liked the characters and I thought that the adventures that they go on we’re interesting. However, I just don’t think this was my kind of book. It was a super quick read and short chapters. I was super happy to see Henry, Rose, and Carter happy in the end.
June 28, 2021
This was a fun, action-packed adventure story. If you like reading wild tales that are not necessarily realistic but are exciting to follow along with, this is the book for you. You can see my full review here: https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/vie...
January 13, 2022
It's a pretty good story. The overall plot is fairly predictable. I didn't really see much humor. The first half of the book is pretty slow and predictable with the main characters coming across as pretty pathetic. The second half is is much better.
October 22, 2024
**Goodreads Giveaway
Easy read, engaging-- to the point I was so frustrated at the dumb things characters would do! 🙂
Easy read, engaging-- to the point I was so frustrated at the dumb things characters would do! 🙂
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews