Reviews and Press

Reviews for FORBIDDEN PLEASURES

In the shops 5th August 2010

The latest previews from readers at www.chicklitreviews.com

Never have I read a book that has made you want to visit places described as much as this book has! Going out horse riding with someone you find remotely attractive has taken a completely new meaning .

The two main characters are quite intriguing. You have one who is the ‘party animal’ and the other who is a ‘control freak’.  Both very sexual, and make the most of that sexuality and confidence to make their way in life.  The way in which they go about their advancement in their careers is quite thought provoking, however, not in a bad way, in a “I gotta read the rest of the book to find out what happens” way!

I have to say, I was surprised at the ending, it was most unexpected, which, I suppose is a very good thing.  It felt like there was so many more stories that could have been told during the time gaps in the book. It is a perfect holiday book!
Craig Dearden

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I was expecting the usual easy to read summer story of lust and glitz, what I actually found was an incredibly well written, absorbing read which captured my attention and even threw in a few shocking moments that were not immediately obvious that they were about to happen. The characters are so well written that while we might not immediately sympathise with them, we can understand them and how they have evolved into who they are as the story starts to unfold.

This is a perfect book to take on holiday with you, but just remember to set an alarm to re-apply your sun cream as this is a real delight to read, it will grip you and not let go until you reach the end! There are a couple of ‘WOW’ moments hidden in here, where things happen that were totally unexpected but after you’ve read you can see the pointers that lead up to it, all I could do after I read them was to put the book down and stare into space re-thinking what I’d just read an imagining what my own reactions in those situations might have been before continuing on and finding out how those involved reacted themselves.

All in all I have to say this is one of the best books I have read this year. The roller-coaster ride that’s set in motion and which we ride alongside the characters is brought to a wonderful conclusion that doesn’t disappoint. It really is a must read book for this summer and I shall certainly be reading it again before too long!

Kim Allen

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When book arrived my first impression was. This is just my sort of book, an eye catching cover that would make you go and look and ideal size for them perfect days soaking up the sun(if we are lucky!).

I wasn’t disappointed with the book, form the start captivated me. The descriptions of the awards show at beginning  was amazing I actually felt was there! You feel for both the heroines, and  really want to know the story behind their rivalry.

By the end, you can put the book down with a smile as a perfect ending for all the characters.

It took me back to the Jackie Collins ‘Lucky’ Series, (one of my favs) and this book rates up there with them! A must buy for this summer, going on holiday or not, the perfect read.
Maggie Bermann

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The author displays an amazing insight into people’s insecurities and character flaws and into the ways different people attempts to change and improve themselves.

Overall this was a very readable book that  I  would happily recommend it to friends and will actively seek out further titles by Jo Rees.

Melanie Butcher

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This is a fabulous book, just what you need to read while on holiday. The twists and turns keep you guessing until the end and you get really involved with the characters, willing them on to success. A really good read.
Alison Maclean

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Far from being a hackneyed take on the lives of the super rich, Forbidden Pleasures opens up a world of complex characters, with a variety of dreams and ambitions. The two main characters, Lois and Savannah experience euphoric highs and devastating lows throughout the book. I found that I’d formed my opinion of them right from the start, but got it completely wrong. By the end of reading, I was completely sympathetic to them both.

This book is a very satisfying read. The plot is complex enough to make this a real page turner. The twists and turns come faster and faster and, on the whole, are not as predictable as with other books I’ve read in this genre. It is also just the right length, long enough that you can keep yourself immersed in the wild ride, but no so long as to become overly convoluted or boring.

I will happily be recommending this book to my friends. It gives you the opportunity to life the high life, to imagine the glamour and the seedier aspects of Las Vegas, as well as taking a truly global perspective, where the reader is transported comfortably through timezones at the drop of a hat.

I think this would be an absolutely perfect holiday read for anyone enjoying lazy days away who want something truly captivating.

Laura Hadland

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Jo Reese is clearly a talented author and has really got to grips with the  environments and characters she is trying to convey. I found myself completely engrossed in the story and began to sympathise with the main characters. The two main characters are distinctive, Savvy is audacious whilst Lois is cautious, however they both become entangled in a game of risk.  The book really reminds you that life really isn’t black and white and what you see on the surface isnt always correct.  It may be a chick book but it definately isn’t the soppy sort!
Sarah Bailey

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A real page turner!  The glamorous settings around the world, including the bright lights, big city of Las Vegas, makes this ideal reading for on the train, or on holiday.

The plot switches between the two main characters Savannah and Lois as they battle with their own personal demons and struggles to achieve success.  Highs and lows from glitz and glamour to the plight of drug addiciton and the desperation of parental separation.  The pace was fast moving as the characters went from different situations and locations, with twists to the plot.  The constantly changing storyline made me want to keep reading ‘just one more chapter’!

I really found I didn’t want to put the book down – it was fast moving and action packed.  I couldn’t wait to see what happened!

I’m looking forward to reading other books by Jo Rees!

Helena Jones

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This novel follows the lives of two women, Savannah Hudson, whose father is a casino tycoon, and Lois Chan, an ex-cop who works for Hudson’s rival.

Rees sets the scene by introducing these two women at an awards ceremony, before going back in time to tell their stories from five years previously, until that night. I love the way Rees does this, she gives us a glimpse of what’s to come and then fills in the blanks.  Her writing style is such that these ‘blanks’ keep us gripped and eager to find out more.

The two main characters are fantastic. They are well written, deep and most importantly believable. Rees tells us about one for a chapter or two then onto the other. The result is that we feel a deep connection or sympathy with one, and indifference or even distaste towards the other.  As we read on it all turns in reverse, to the point where I actually couldn’t tell you which character I preferred!

As for the story, well it’s quite simply brilliant. There are twists and turns, shocks and romances – it really does keep us on our toes. I’m reticent to reveal any of this fantastic story but I assure you, you will not be bored. Not only does the story seamlessly swing from Savannah to Lois, but the countries and backdrop are ever changing too.

This isn’t just a novel about gambling or succeeding, it’s a novel exploring trust, relationships, addictions and love.  If you want a clever novel that is so much more than a generic chick lit you should not go past this stunning story. I cannot recommend it enough.
Rhoda Keller

Other reviews for FORBIDDEN PLEASURES

http://madhousefamilyreviews.blogspot.com/2010/05/book-review-forbidden-pleasures-jo-rees.html

Most recent reviews for Platinum:

“This is a blue-chip, classic bonkbuster and it makes contemporary chick-lit look down at heel. It’s genuinely exciting, extremely well crafted and long enough to be perfect beach reading,” Daily Express

“Heaven-sent for sunbathing,” Heat

“The summer’s sexiest book,” Company

“Read wearing big shades and drinking Crista,” Elle

“Sizzling, juicy summer read,” Eve Magazine

“Guilty, pleasure read,” Easy Living

Novelicious.com – Interview and Review

Chicklitreviews.com - Review

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/fashion/3364918/Bespoke-tailoring-Jo-Rees-discovers-made-to-measure.html