I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook of The Winner. This fast paced thriller had me hooked from the first chapter and I was so keen to find out what was going on to all the winners. If you like your thrillers with plenty of twists and turns and darker themes, this one's for you.

This is a really decent and thought provoking audiobook - the 'winfluencer' theme feeling highly relevant in current times.

The story is about Heather, a student teacher who hits the big time when she wins a slot as a 'winfluencer' (similar to a gameshow where the public rank contestants based on the appeal of their social media presence). Heather experiences highs and lows in her new lifestyle, but also uncovers some unexpected trolling that is altogether more sinister and leads to some amateur sleuthing in addition to asking some big moral questions!!

This novel is well written and features some interesting characters who have been well crafted by the author.

I enjoyed the narration - this really worked to bring the story to life.

All in all, a decent thriller that I would happily recommend.

My thanks to NetGalley, author and publisher for the opportunity to review this novel in exchange for an advance copy.

Who hasn't dreamt of winning the lottery? "The rules are simple: live the lifestyle of your dreams and win £5,000 a week for the rest of your life, plus six months of fame on the country’s most popular app – as long as you’re not bottom of the rankings. Lose your followers, and you lose everything."

When Heather wins she can't believe her good luck. But it turns out losing 'everything' is more likely than it sounds. Something sinister is happening to the winners.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC/audiobook!

This was a super fun, engaging read. Heather, a hard up trainee teacher, is selected by the TripleF lottery to receive £5000 per week for the rest of her life; as long as her follower count doesn’t drop under 500k!

I like the way the story unfolded, and felt it was pretty true to what I imagine would happen to a lottery winner

I knew there was an underbelly and I was excited to discover more as Heather’s influencer numbers grew. Because of course the troll numbers grew too!

As some point during the book, I believed every single person was a big bad troll and didn’t trust anyone! I think Heather could have done with being a little more mindful, but the follower numbers quickly became an obsession - for all the WinFluencers!

Audiobook narrator Lucy Walker-Evans deserves a shout out for being so entertaining! Her voices were fantastic, especially Steve and Lara! Hilarious

Although this wasn’t a deep and meaningful read, there were definitely some interesting moments where popularity and power were threatened

I would have liked a more shocking twist, something to stop me in my tracks! Nevertheless, this was a super entertaining read with a lotta heart

Thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK Audio for access to this audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest review

This started strongly, a great premise for a book and the opening chapters were well paced and engaging. However about a third of the way in I was waiting for something to happen and for the book to kick up a notch and it didn’t happen.

I thought this was too long and while the concept was interesting there just wasn’t enough happening plot wise, I kept waiting for the twists but they never occurred.

The narration was good and that kept me listening. Overall though this wasn’t for me.

A fun exploration of the modern-day phenomenon of “fame without talent” and what it means.

Three Word Review: trainee teachers triumph

This is a case of “be careful what you wish for” and did you really need it?
It’s also a case of “not everything, or everyone is what they seem”.

I have to say the plot was exceptionally good and really kept me invested to keep listening along with the narrators voice which made certain things stand out.

I was routing for Heather a determined woman!

Influencers, social media etc I don’t think how much we are unaware of how this affects our daily lives as we allow it. Some with drastic consequences.

I loved this book much more than I ever thought I would.

Why 4*? I hear you ask.

Personally I think over 400 pages to “get there” was just a tad drawn out.

If you like reality shows, social media, mystery and suspense and not like reveal surprises, then I’d say look no further. This book has it all.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Winner by C.J. Parsons, an audiobook narrated by Lucy Walker-Evans, is absolutely original storyline about current world, social media influence and hunt after likes and followers.

Let's start with narrator!
You are the pure talent, Lucy Walker-Evans. I had to make sure there weren't multiple narrators, as the voices, accents, intonations and overall delivery were outstanding.

Back to the story!
This journey was really tough! C.J. Parsons captured the issue of greed for fame through social media. I can already see how some brains will be ticking to create the new project as since TikTok nothing big landed on the social media market.

Heather is a trainee teacher, and she loves what she does, but she is looking for more. Getting the 'Triple F' lottery win, she felt like she had a big, bright future ahead of her. She was not prepared for a dirty game behind closed doors!
Heather's determination and feeling for justice are stronger than ever.
She understands this is not a time to give up, but unfortunately, the Troll hits where it hurts the most. Does Heather know who's playing the dirty game? Can she find all answers?
The final twists will leave you with an open mouth! This is hell of the mess!

Thank you, NetGalley and HarperCollins UK Audio, for this audiobook!

Thank you Netgalley for my copy.

I loved this book. The characterisation and the writing was good. I enjoyed the plot and the twists, but what I really liked was the idea of the CelebRates app. Shame it's not a real thing. Id definitely download it XD

Looking forward to reading more by Parsons.

Phenomenal! I absolutely loved the premise of this - Fame, Fortune and Followers - it seems to be the way that so many people are trying to live their lives as influencers in real life and in the story, trainee teacher, Heather, gives it a go and is picked as one of the winners!

£5k per week and a celebrity lifestyle, helped by advisers to help with your lifestyle, social media, the press and your image. Just make sure you don't mess up, because if you find yourself ranking at the bottom, you're out and you lose it all.

Heather is doing well, but after one of the other influencers takes her own life, someone starts threatening Heather and outing her secrets online. Who knows about Heather's past and why are they targeting her?

Some clever twists and an eye-opening insight into the celebrity and influencer world. Loved it!

Lucy Walker-Evans did a fabulous job of bringing the characters and the story to life.

5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, C. J. Parsons and HQ for an ARC in return for an honest review.

A very interesting insight in to social media and fame! Gives you a different take on it. I felt the main character could have been developed more and was abit 1 dimensional. The story was paced well and did keep me invested.

First the narration was absolutely amazing. I was so impressed.
I love all books about influencer culture because I am like the opposite of that. I am too real online and off. I am a no makeup and no filters person. I will TMI everyone (but only appropriately).
And influencers are fake and we have to keep telling children that because they do not get it.
Anyway, I will admit to getting my mind off track a few dozen times as I tried to decide if Dylan was hot or a "bad guy."
I just could not decide.

This book is well read, and the narrator puts effort into making sure all of her characters sound different and clearly definable. I enjoyed the premise of the book, and was rooting for the main character throughout, at times it moved a little slowly, but I was kept interested until the end. Thank you for this arc

I was intrigued by this title and description and listened to this one very quickly and it started out really well and I enjoyed the narrator. I did find my attention lessening about half way through as I wanted more to happen and found the pace a bit slow and then rushed up a bit at the end. The plot was definitely different & I did enjoy it but just didn't love it as I found it a bit flat after the half way mark, I did rate this at 3.5 stars and would be interested to see more from the author in the future. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for this audio arc.

I really enjoyed this book. Heather, who is initially working as a teacher, finds herself immersed in the public eye after becoming a finalist in a competition she never thought she had any chance of winning.

Alongside various other contestants, they all embark on a journey where they are winfluencers having to upload details such as dress, makeup, home ideas, etc, where they are all ranked depending on social interaction

This all takes a very cynical turn when it's clear it isn't just a little bit of standard trolling going on. There is something much more sinister, and Heather is determined to find out what. Someone knows all their secrets, each person's life who and why would someone wish to sabotage or cause any harm to them, a fellow contestant? A jealous stalker? A colleague, an ex of a contestant, the possibilities are endless, and this novel will have you going through all possibilities till you may or may not work out he truth of the matter before the end...

This book does cover some difficult areas such as addictions, mental health, online abuse, and more so, in this respect, be aware if you have personally been sensitive to these subject matters in your life.

This was well narrated and easy to follow each character flawlessly without hesitation of who is who.

Thank you to Netgalley & Harper Collins for this ARC in return for an open, honest review, all of which are my own opinions.

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC .Unfortunately, I had to DNF around the 60% mark. While the premise sounded interesting, I struggled to connect with the characters or the plot.

The focus on social media heavily influenced the narrative, which felt geared towards a younger audience. As a 55-year-old who isn't particularly active on those platforms, I found it a bit alienating.

The story itself wasn't grabbing me either. I just couldn't muster much interest in the characters' journeys. This might be a personal preference, and perhaps others will find the social media aspects and plot twists more engaging.

If you're a young adult who thrives in the online world, this book might be your cup of tea. However, for readers like myself who are less social media-centric, it might not resonate as strongly.

5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️





✨ social media lies
✨ competition
✨suspense thriller




✨ Heather is our main character in this story. She is newly hired teacher but got postponed due to be chosen to win a one’s in a lifetime experience to join a reality game show where few were selected to be a social media influencer.

✨she is been targeted along side of the other 12 members of said reality show , showing there weaknesses and dark past.
There is some story about depression ,suicide and addiction.

⭐️ it actually good writing style about reality of having a game now a days which shows the bad side of it and to sacrifice yourself to a fortune that will impact your whole self in a blink of an eye.

✨really recommend to someone who loves psychological thriller, this is a different writing style with some moral of what is important fame or dignity?



✨ Thankyou @harpercollins for a earc copy of this book for a honest review.




🫶🏼shaye.reads

"The Winner" by C.J. Parsons, narrated by Lucy Walker-Evans is a thought-provoking thriller exploring reality TV's darker side and obsession with fame and fortune. The concept of a lottery that promises winners a life of luxury and celebrity is fascinating, and the author does an excellent job of building tension and suspense as the story unfolds.
The protagonist, Heather, is a complex and relatable character who wins the lottery and finds her life turned upside down. At first, she's thrilled to have the opportunity to live a life of luxury and fame, but soon she realises that the cost is much higher than she ever could have imagined. The rules of the lottery are strict, and the winners are constantly under pressure to maintain their social media presence and keep their followers engaged.
As Heather navigates this new reality, she begins to uncover dark secrets and sinister forces. The author does an excellent job of building tension and suspense, keeping me on the edge of my seat as I wondered what would happen next. The characters are well-developed and complex, with motivations that are both relatable and terrifying.
The audio narration by Lucy Walker-Evans is superb. Her voice brings the characters to life, and her pacing keeps the story moving at a rapid pace. I was completely absorbed in the story and listened to the entire book in one sitting.
One of the things that struck me about this book is how relevant it is to our current culture. The obsession with social media and reality TV is a major theme, and the author does an excellent job of exploring the darker side of these phenomena. The book raises important questions about what we value in life and what we're willing to sacrifice for fame and fortune.
Overall "The Winner" is for anyone who enjoys psychological thrillers or is fascinated by the darker side of reality TV. The book is a gripping and thought-provoking exploration of what happens when we prioritise fame and fortune over everything else.

An intriguing look into the world of influencers where behind the glamour and selfie smiles is a cut-throat regime where staying on top is crucial and fighting to stay there has no limits.

A trainee teacher, living on a not so nice housing estate enters and wins the triple F lottery. Her prize six months as one of the twelve Triple F 'winfluencers' their social media posts portraying the glitz, the glamour and success that followers and likes can achieve, with sponsors queuing up to get their influence and boost sales.

This was an interesting read and one that those who follow social media will love. I found it an intriguing look at the darker side of social media and those that lurk within its world. Well paced and well plotted, I really liked this one.

What a brilliant idea for a story! Locking in to the popularity of reality tv shows, C J Parsons explores the absurdity of wealth and fame for its own sake. Two million hopefuls sign up to be chosen as one of a small group who will move from obscurity to a life of untold luxury. They receive £5000 a week for life, free meals, world travel, a new home and invitations to all the celebrity events. All this comes at a price; as ‘fanfluencers’ they have to maintain daily updates on their website and keep their fan base above a certain number. If they fail, everything stops and they return to their former life. It’s a fascinating concept and in a way, one not far removed from some current scenarios. The production company controls everything and is reliant upon deals with advertisers to make money from their ‘winners’.

At the heart of the story is Heather, a young probationary teacher with a past and back story. Her life is suddenly ripped apart when she wins the big prize and within minutes, literally, her life is taken over. She believes initially that this will give her everything she wants. No more money worries, a beautiful home and a lifestyle beyond imagination. But is it everything it’s cracked up to be? And who is the malevolent presence watching over events and posting cryptic threats online?

I’m blown away by this up to the minute thriller which explores the current culture of wanting nothing other than fame and fortune. The shallow vapidity of the contestants, the total manipulation and control of media over individuals, their motivation for profit and lack of care. It’s a salutary lesson in what really counts in life. Clever characters and plotting make this a fast and fascinating read. The audio version is superbly narrated and I’ve devoured this in almost a single sitting. Gripping and taut; so many times I wanted to shout ‘no’ as events progressed. A real take fir our times and I loved it.