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Belinda
Set in the conference rooms of a white-shoe Houston law firm and the stunning coastline of Baja California, Belinda is the story of a woman’s bravery and resourcefulness at the end of her brilliant career. Her decision to fight her firm’s men in suits who demand her retirement is called into question when a man once her lover appears after a long unexplained absence. Against a backdrop of romance and legal drama, the novel explores questions about love, the law, and the anxious precipice of life change. Is it ever too late to be swept away by romance? Can true justice ever be attained when the law’s practitioners are corrupt? And when your work is what defines you, what’s left after retirement? During a week of surprises and abstruse events, Belinda sees the once presumed greatness of her life flicker as she forces the moment for her decision to a crisis.
276 pages, Audiobook
Published June 14, 2022
About the author
Mark Zvonkovic
6 books24 followersMark Zvonkovic is a writer who lives in Rosarito Beach, Baja California Mexico with his wife Nancy and their two dogs. Finn and Cooper. He has written three novels, and he also writes book reviews and essays that appear in online publications. Before retiring to Mexico, Mark practiced law for thirty five years at three multinational law firms in Houston, Texas and New York City. He attended college at Southern Methodist University and Boston University, and his law degree is from SMU School of Law. Mark grew up as an oil company brat and lived in Latin America, Texas and New York.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 13, 2022
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
Belinda (The Raymond Hatcher Stories/Book Three) by Mark Zvonkovic is a story set in a Houston law firm as well as the stunning coastline of Baja California. I was glad getting to know Belinda with her feisty and determined personality. I like that she felt strong enough to fight the men in her firm instead of letting them walk over her. But then a part of her past shows up to follow her, adding a little more excitement to the story.
Mark Zvonkovic does an excellent job writing Belinda. I like the strong characters he creates for his story and I enjoyed watching their development in the story, making the story flow easier. There are a lot of twist and turns that will throw you off on the story a bit, but they are a lot of fun and the story flows on. I think the mixed genre of law and romance works great for this story, and I think Zvonkovic’s phenomenal writing is the reason for that. I have enjoyed this series, and look forward to more from this author in the future.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Belinda (The Raymond Hatcher Stories/Book Three) by Mark Zvonkovic is a story set in a Houston law firm as well as the stunning coastline of Baja California. I was glad getting to know Belinda with her feisty and determined personality. I like that she felt strong enough to fight the men in her firm instead of letting them walk over her. But then a part of her past shows up to follow her, adding a little more excitement to the story.
Mark Zvonkovic does an excellent job writing Belinda. I like the strong characters he creates for his story and I enjoyed watching their development in the story, making the story flow easier. There are a lot of twist and turns that will throw you off on the story a bit, but they are a lot of fun and the story flows on. I think the mixed genre of law and romance works great for this story, and I think Zvonkovic’s phenomenal writing is the reason for that. I have enjoyed this series, and look forward to more from this author in the future.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
October 21, 2022
Belinda combines romance, a legal thriller--and some real-world human nature. I loved the first book in the Raymond Hatcher series, and after reading The Narrows, which moved away from the characters I loved early on, I looked forward to revisiting Jay and following his story again. I enjoyed the writing style of this novel. The author still creates many of his characters via storyline insights and conversations in this novel. However, the dialogue of this novel was very engaging, and the legal thriller aspects aligned well with the moral issues of the characters and the romantic elements of the flow of the story to create suspense and interest in the characters and the outcomes.
The Characters Again Drive the Novel. I enjoyed the strength and presence of Lyn's character, and Jay was a favorite character from the first novel I read from the series. The relationships, the dialogue, and the slight plot twists make this another page-turner that was difficult to set aside. While the legal thriller forms the plot--the characters coming to terms with their later life stages create much more depth and meaning to the novel.
Would I Recommend Belinda? I loved the first book in the series; I got a little bogged down in the dialogue of the second book--but I think I loved this third book the most. I felt connected to the characters and enjoyed watching the scenes play out. Things played out differently than I would have wanted at times--but it felt true to the nature of the series. I would recommend this book to fans of legal dramas and life stories where older characters "come of age."
I received a copy of this book for use in a blog review. All opinions are my own.
The Characters Again Drive the Novel. I enjoyed the strength and presence of Lyn's character, and Jay was a favorite character from the first novel I read from the series. The relationships, the dialogue, and the slight plot twists make this another page-turner that was difficult to set aside. While the legal thriller forms the plot--the characters coming to terms with their later life stages create much more depth and meaning to the novel.
Would I Recommend Belinda? I loved the first book in the series; I got a little bogged down in the dialogue of the second book--but I think I loved this third book the most. I felt connected to the characters and enjoyed watching the scenes play out. Things played out differently than I would have wanted at times--but it felt true to the nature of the series. I would recommend this book to fans of legal dramas and life stories where older characters "come of age."
I received a copy of this book for use in a blog review. All opinions are my own.
June 25, 2022
Belinda by Mark Zvonkovic is a story of Belinda, a lawyer who will most likely be asked to retire as she is of a certain age from her law firm in Houston, Texas. She is not happy with that as the law is what she knows and enjoys it. As she contemplates what this means for her, she hopes to rekindle a past relationship with a former coworker, Jay Jackson.
Jay is a former spy with the CIA but is now a rancher and has property in Baja California. He has some baggage as his best friend and mentor, Raymond Hatcher, and his wife were killed by one bullet. Was it an assassination, Jay seems to think so. He travels to France to confront the person who he thinks is the murderer.
Belinda, Lyn, is involved in a high-stakes case and is contacted by Jay after 2 years. He invites her to Baja, Mexico to rekindle their relationship. She accepts and spends an idyllic weekend where they pick up where they left off. After Lyn leaves to go back to Houston, Jay is kidnapped and there is a demand for money. He escapes and turns the table on his kidnappers.
The story is full of egotistical men, misogynist men who will stop at nothing to get what they want, including rape. Men in power take advantage of other people, especially women. I love a story about strong women and this one has a few.
This story started out a bit slow until all the pieces fit together to tell an exciting tale of back-door dealings, corporate greed, and corruption from the top.
The ending left me wanting more and I hope that there is another story to add. I enjoyed it and read it in a few sittings. I give it 4 stars!
I received a copy of the book for review purposes
Jay is a former spy with the CIA but is now a rancher and has property in Baja California. He has some baggage as his best friend and mentor, Raymond Hatcher, and his wife were killed by one bullet. Was it an assassination, Jay seems to think so. He travels to France to confront the person who he thinks is the murderer.
Belinda, Lyn, is involved in a high-stakes case and is contacted by Jay after 2 years. He invites her to Baja, Mexico to rekindle their relationship. She accepts and spends an idyllic weekend where they pick up where they left off. After Lyn leaves to go back to Houston, Jay is kidnapped and there is a demand for money. He escapes and turns the table on his kidnappers.
The story is full of egotistical men, misogynist men who will stop at nothing to get what they want, including rape. Men in power take advantage of other people, especially women. I love a story about strong women and this one has a few.
This story started out a bit slow until all the pieces fit together to tell an exciting tale of back-door dealings, corporate greed, and corruption from the top.
The ending left me wanting more and I hope that there is another story to add. I enjoyed it and read it in a few sittings. I give it 4 stars!
I received a copy of the book for review purposes
October 21, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you Mark Zvonkovic and iRead Book Tours. I'm excited to be a part of this tour.
I enjoyed the first two books book in this series, A Lion in the Grass, and The Narrows. I am thankful for the opportunity to read the series. As this series progresses it continues to improve. Each book could be read as a standalone, which I love, and the reader does not feel like they missed something.
In this installment, the book is a mix of legal drama and romance set against the backdrop of Houston and the Baja California coast. The author weaves a story of misogynistic men driven by ego who would stop at nothing to get what they want.
While the book starts off a little slowly, it quickly builds into an intense story. We quickly learn that betrayal, corruption, greed, and hallway deals drive this law firm. The characters are complex and continue to develop, I like learning more about their backstories.
The addition of Belinda was delightful. I love a strong woman fighting against the “good ole boys club” and standing up for themselves even though doing so is unpopular. I was engaged from start to finish and the book left me wanting more.
I recommend this series and am hoping there will be a 4th!
I enjoyed the first two books book in this series, A Lion in the Grass, and The Narrows. I am thankful for the opportunity to read the series. As this series progresses it continues to improve. Each book could be read as a standalone, which I love, and the reader does not feel like they missed something.
In this installment, the book is a mix of legal drama and romance set against the backdrop of Houston and the Baja California coast. The author weaves a story of misogynistic men driven by ego who would stop at nothing to get what they want.
While the book starts off a little slowly, it quickly builds into an intense story. We quickly learn that betrayal, corruption, greed, and hallway deals drive this law firm. The characters are complex and continue to develop, I like learning more about their backstories.
The addition of Belinda was delightful. I love a strong woman fighting against the “good ole boys club” and standing up for themselves even though doing so is unpopular. I was engaged from start to finish and the book left me wanting more.
I recommend this series and am hoping there will be a 4th!
October 20, 2022
I chose to listen to this book after receiving a free audio copy from iRead Book Tours. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.
Belinda is the third book in the Raymond Hatcher series and my favorite so far. All three books are standalone.
Belinda is a lawyer at the end of her career, but she has no idea what she’ll do once she retires. She hears from Jay Jackson out of the blue after his silence for two years. He had left after the murder of Raymond Hatcher. What Belinda doesn’t know is that Jay was a spy like Raymond, who was his mentor. She decides to give him a second chance.
There are many other characters in this story, mostly lawyers working on a big deal. The different egos of the lawyers were interesting and probably realistic.
The narrator did well with pace and timing. She also performed the voices effectively, so I always knew who was talking.
The pace of the story is okay until the end when things heat up. It seems that Jay may never be able to retire as a spy. I liked the ending, but I hope there will be one more book to tie up an important loose end.
Belinda is the third book in the Raymond Hatcher series and my favorite so far. All three books are standalone.
Belinda is a lawyer at the end of her career, but she has no idea what she’ll do once she retires. She hears from Jay Jackson out of the blue after his silence for two years. He had left after the murder of Raymond Hatcher. What Belinda doesn’t know is that Jay was a spy like Raymond, who was his mentor. She decides to give him a second chance.
There are many other characters in this story, mostly lawyers working on a big deal. The different egos of the lawyers were interesting and probably realistic.
The narrator did well with pace and timing. She also performed the voices effectively, so I always knew who was talking.
The pace of the story is okay until the end when things heat up. It seems that Jay may never be able to retire as a spy. I liked the ending, but I hope there will be one more book to tie up an important loose end.
October 13, 2022
Belinda takes readers back to the style of storytelling found in the author's other book in this series - A Lion in the Grass. The author dives into the characters lives in a soul baring way, while still keeping a strong link to the plotline presented.
This is the third book he has linked into a grouping called (The Raymond Hatcher Stories). Raymond is gone, but we follow his protegee Jay who was an integral part of A Lion in the Grass. Added to this is Belinda, a former work mate that he is reaching out to as well as the other characters needed to flesh out the plot.
The author moves the reader fluidly between portraying who the characters are, giving a peak into their lives, and moving the story line forward. Soul searching is done, but it is tucked into the right between spaces. The themes of the possibility of finding love, legal posturing, office politics, money and deep betrayal are woven together seamlessly into a great read.
This is the third book he has linked into a grouping called (The Raymond Hatcher Stories). Raymond is gone, but we follow his protegee Jay who was an integral part of A Lion in the Grass. Added to this is Belinda, a former work mate that he is reaching out to as well as the other characters needed to flesh out the plot.
The author moves the reader fluidly between portraying who the characters are, giving a peak into their lives, and moving the story line forward. Soul searching is done, but it is tucked into the right between spaces. The themes of the possibility of finding love, legal posturing, office politics, money and deep betrayal are woven together seamlessly into a great read.
October 6, 2022
You will keep turning pages because the writing is supburb and you just have to find out what will happen next. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough and felt immersed in another world.
Set in a Houston law firm and the beautiful coastline of Baja California, Belinda is the story of a woman’s courage and productiveness at the end of her outstanding career. Her decision to fight the firm’s men who demand her retirement is called into question when an unexpected man from her love life appears.
A book part romance, part legal drama, the author really had my emotions running with the injustice and corrupt practitioner's and life changes.
Belinda is an outstanding novel and definitely a must read.
Set in a Houston law firm and the beautiful coastline of Baja California, Belinda is the story of a woman’s courage and productiveness at the end of her outstanding career. Her decision to fight the firm’s men who demand her retirement is called into question when an unexpected man from her love life appears.
A book part romance, part legal drama, the author really had my emotions running with the injustice and corrupt practitioner's and life changes.
Belinda is an outstanding novel and definitely a must read.
October 21, 2022
I can say without a doubt that Mark Zvonkovic a talented author. Each book in this series has been different, including this legal thriller. Legal thrillers are one of my favorite genres so I was really looking forward to this book. I enjoyed the wide variety of characters and how tough Belinda was. She is being pushed to retirement because of her age but she enjoys what she does and does not want to retire. I can't say I blame her with the case she is working on! This book was a great end to this series but each book can be read as a standalone. I admire the author's wide writing ability in each book and how he tied them into a series!
September 30, 2022
This novel had a great plot that kept me hooked. I didn't realize that it was book 3 in the series. I never felt lost, so it can be read as a standalone. I prefer tighter endings and thought that maybe the loose threads would be addressed in the next book. That's when I found out it was third in the series, lol. It's still worth the read, but I must say it has some mature content. I was given the audiobook by the author but was not required to provide a good review. I thought the narrator did an excellent job. I rate it a 4-star.
June 14, 2022
BELINDA captures characters on the edges of uneasiness as they contemplate their next steps and life choices. Corruption and bad behavior are rampant, but there is also redemption through the possibility of romance once thought to be lost forever. With unexpected shocks and twists, BELINDA captivates and thrills. I couldn't put it down!
June 17, 2022
Belinda fits the bill as a thriller. Action, espionage, intrigue, and romance envelope the reader. However, it’s best enjoyed as a character study of a person acknowledging she has more days behind her than forward. Coming to terms with how the realization impacts her values, goals, and priorities makes the novel come alive.
June 16, 2022
This book offers a fast paced plot and really interesting analysis of clues and motives. There was a bit too much emphasis on the protagonist as a beautiful attorney rather than as an attorney and I wonder if that is a trap some male authors fall into when creating female characters.
August 17, 2022
A solid book filled with drama, intrigue, and adventure. Enjoyed reading it.
Thanks to author, publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book. While I got the book for free, it had no bearing on the rating I gave it.
Thanks to author, publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book. While I got the book for free, it had no bearing on the rating I gave it.
October 8, 2022
I love the book and it is a really good book.
September 15, 2022
After reading Mark Zvonkovic first two books from his The Raymond Hatcher Stories series, A Lion in the Grass and The Narrows, I was once again excited to have the opportunity to read the third installment, Belinda. I thought it was a great read. It is definitely my favorite of the series to date. I loved meeting Belinda and loved how strong and brave of a character she was. The plot had a lot of twists and turns that often kept me wanting to see what else would happen next. I had no way of figuring out the following scenes and had to keep reading. There was thrilling action, suspense, mystery, and intrigue. I was fascinated from the start to the finish. It was worth taking a few hours break from everyday life and into a new captivating story. I loved how the author was able to craft a novel with such vivid details that made me feel like I was one of the characters.
I am giving Belinda a very well deserved five plus stars. Readers who enjoy legal dramas and thrillers, as well as, fans of mystery and suspense filled fiction will want to pick this one up. I am looking for more books by Mark Zvonkovic in the future to see where his imagination and talents will lead his readers to next.
I received a paperback copy of Belinda from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
I am giving Belinda a very well deserved five plus stars. Readers who enjoy legal dramas and thrillers, as well as, fans of mystery and suspense filled fiction will want to pick this one up. I am looking for more books by Mark Zvonkovic in the future to see where his imagination and talents will lead his readers to next.
I received a paperback copy of Belinda from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews