What do You think about Sidney Sheldon's Mistress Of The Game (2009)?
First of all, I have never read Sidney Sheldon. I have read and loved Tilly Bagshawe's previous books Adored and Showdown. Her writing is what Jackie Collins used to be, before Jackie lost her edge. When I saw Baghshawe had written the continuation of Sheldon's series Master Of The Game, I decided why not. You do not have to read his book to read this sequel. Bagshawe recaps everything.This book is a very light read. The character developments were good, even though none of them were likeable. You have Eve, the demented Mother, who was turned into a monster, under the knife, from her blackmailing husband. Then you have the cousins, Max, the ever twisted son who was only born to do his Mother Eve's revenge. Then there is Lexi, who was kidnapped and sexually abused as a child. She is so demented you can't even root for her. Then there is Gabe (who shares Max and Lexi's great grandfather) a loser turned hero. Honestly, I could have done without Gabe's story. The plot consists of cousins Max and Lexi who fight for control of the family business Kruger-Brent, Ltd. Everyone is so messed up, you can't wait to see who kills who. Lexi sleeps with everyone and falls in love with both Max and Gabe (CREEPY!) Her and Max have x-rated sex, with zero boundaries. Did I mention they are cousins? Yuck! Then Gabe comes into the picture. The fact no one found it disturbing in the family that they were related and getting it on, but actually encouraged it. I think even the author thought I should be rooting for her and Gabe. Then add all the sick Thailand underage sex and sexual innuendos. Why did I finish? Just to see if any of them were killed off. If you are Jackie Collins fan and want to step it up a demented notch this one is for you.
—Rio (Lynne)
Torn between giving it a 4 or a 5. The romance in this sequel unquestionably surpasses the last book, though the mystery was a bit dull - almost nonexistent. But that doesn't mean it wasn't exciting - quite the opposite. This book was more of a battle of the wits more than anything. Bagshawe keeps us in tune with Lexi, wondering what her next step will be just as Sheldon with Kate. And then there's the whole Max and Lexi love affair - it was so beautiful I just want to sob. But then I do admit that the ending was brutal - it was cruel to leave us hanging like that - wondering when a next book is going to be released when there's not going to be one. Kruger-Brent has to survive no matter what.So now I can say that Bagshawe really did justice over Sheldon's works. He would've been proud.
—Rachelle Tacderas
Being a huge Sidney Sheldon fan, and Master of the Game having been my favorite Sheldon book, I was nervous that having someone else complete the amazing saga of the Blackwell family would not do it justice. I was pleasantly surprised to see that this book was indistinguishable from the other Sheldon masterpieces (and that is a compliment). With memorable characters, plot twists on every page, and a fast pace that keeps the reader hooked and guessing from the first page to the last, Tilly Bagshawe did an amazing job carrying on Sidney's legacy. I did not want the book to end. It is a must read for any Sheldon fan.
—Aimee Stacy
