OnlineBookClub.org

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "MOBSTERS, MILLIONAIRES...And the girl next door:The Journey Back To Palm Beach" by Pamela Westfield.]
Mobsters, Millionaires... and the Girl Next Door: The Journey Back to Palm Beach written by Pamela Westfield tells the story of a young woman caught up in a world of decadence and indulgence. Susan Winslow has always had access to the finer things in life. Hew wealthy parents always provided the best for her and as the youngest, and most spoiled, she never wanted for anything. With romantic ideas of how her fairy tale life should be led, Susan embarks on a journey toward the ultimate ending and encounters many bumps along the way.

After receiving a sizable inheritance upon her mother’s death Susan sets out to live the high life full of partying, travel and shopping. The money that she inherited was supposed to support her indefinitely, or at least until the money left to her by her father kicked in; but after running through a series of bad choices and even worse men, Susan quickly finds out that there is a bottom to the well. Bored with her life and frustrated by her circumstances, Susan begins seeking fulfillment in men that she meets through the chat line and in clubs. Having not had much experience with the sketchier side of society, Susan is drawn to the danger that this new world provides. Soon she is hooked, not only on the thrill but on drugs and sex as well.

Jumping from one bad decision to the next seems to be Susan’s specialty. Whenever things get to uncomfortable in one place, she picks up and moves on to the next. Hoping that some rich man will sweep her off her feet and carry her into the sunset. The reality of her situation is quite the opposite. The mean that she meets may have access to money but there is a definite dark current flowing beneath the expensive suits and flashy cars. When it seems that all is lost, Susan finally finds what she is looking for. Oblivious to all that her choice in a dream man brings with it, she barrels head first toward a life of happily ever after.

Reading this book was almost like watching a train wreck in slow motion. Susan’s path of destruction seemed never ending. I can’t think of a single time when a sensible decision was made. The consequences of her actions should have resulted in death, or at least serious injury. The author, instead, chose to gloss over some very heavy issues and let the character skip along seemingly unscathed by her actions.

In addition to the unrealistic leaning of the story, the author’s style of writing provided no transition from one circumstance or season of life to the next. The story is presented as a run-on series of events with very little imagery added in to break up the pages. Add to that an absolutely unforgivable bad final scene and the book has lost all appeal for me. I did have high hopes for this book after reading the introduction but after reading it I can only give the book 1 out of 4 stars.

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Per Amazon under the description for the paperback-This book is being revised and will be available in late October, 2014...Reviewer saw an early version.

-- 22 Oct 2014, 11:24 --

Noticed the author revised the book as of October 23, 2014-Here is the Amazon Description-It takes a reader who would enjoy this type of content and can handle watching someone fall apart and then return...The book is really two separate stories...Reality-based characters and events!

"What's It Like To Have It All, Lose It, And Find Your Way Back?"


It’s only a few days before Susan Winslow’s luxurious Palm Beach wedding. All is perfect, except that her dreamy multi-millionaire boyfriend Anthony Fiero, is leading a secret life known only to the reader.

Susan has always enjoyed her galas, couture, and being squired around town on the arms of politicians and powerful men. She was born into wealth and this was her destiny!

But, even debutantes have their own set of problems! Follow the younger Susan as she wildly burns through her inheritances and the down times in between. Desperate for money, she self-destructs on drugs, sells her soul, and enters a forbidden world that she is not prepared for. She is further lured into even a darker existence by a cold and handsome stranger. Her dance card now includes mysterious and dangerous men who spice up her nights and keep her on the run!

As the money returns, and the clouds dissipate, Susan is comforted by the thought that she could easily fall back on her childhood love triangle with her neighbors, Steven and Michael Hansen. But she wants much more!

In the quest to find her true prince, Susan travels from Chicago to London, and then New York, until she finally reaches the gilded shores of Palm Beach. She kisses some quirky cops, flashy mobsters, a Tollbooth Elvis, and other frogs along the way. She is also preyed upon by Robert St. Germain, a high-stakes con artist posing as a Fortune 100 executive, that she just can't seem to escape!

Will her fairy tale have a happy ending?

This edgy, unique, contemporary novel is a fast-paced romantic adventure which is steamy, suspenseful, humorous, and inspirational. It thoughtfully balances the character's transition from desolation to her rightful return to an idyllic existence in paradise!

It is for those who prefer their Chick Lit with some sharp edges, a few tasteful handcuffs, and plenty of drama mixed in!

"Palm Beach Is Hot! Its Millionaires Are Hotter!

Intended For A Mature Audience

Revision Date: October 23, 2014