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.

Win £5k a week for the rest of ur life. Fame. Fortune. But you must not reach the bottom of the app, or drop under half a million followers on celeb rate or you lose it all.
Be careful what you wish for indeed!!
Heather has won the triple f lottery! She’s gone from a newly qualified teacher in her training year to media training, make up and hair tutorials, a stunning home, an enviable wardrobe, along with an f phone. The aim of the app is to show off the winnings. Stay relevant and gain fans. Everything other social media app is banned from the phone and this app scans for abuse to protect the winfluencer!
What if she messes up? what if the followers don’t like her?

Someone is watching, username “all knowing” knows everyone’s secrets and looks for damage in the winfluencers ……
It becomes apparent that the people who drop off seem to come to harm, from suicide, drug abuse and mental health issues, is the watcher behind it? and can Heather use the relationship she’s built with the founder to help her before it’s too late?!

I loved the concept of this story. A real hit for the times where people want money and notoriety for seemingly doing nothing but being popular. Almost believable!! Infact definitely believable and riveting!

The telling of the story was excellent, particularly intriguing as I don’t understand that need to be seen and have a following at all.
I really enjoyed the narration.

For originality and the fact that I was completely absorbed in the story it’s an easy

All the stars 🌟
#Jorecommends

I’d like to thank NetGalley and Harper Collins U.K. Audio for the opportunity to listen to this audio arc in return for an honest review.