"This is an enthralling story of ambition and drive that mirrors in its central character, sportsman and gambler Bill Darnborough, the changing America of his times."
– Alexandra Shulman, author and former editor-in-chief, British Vogue.
"The book is loads of fun! Set from the late 1880s to the early 1900s, the author chronicles and embellishes the life of his own grandfather, from AAA baseball in the farmlands of Illinois, to running a roulette wheel in the gold rush of California and Nevada, to the bustle of big-time Kansas City, St. Louis, and even New York before leaping the pond to beat the bank at Monte Carlo. Mixed in is amazing detail to the context in each place. There is something for everyone... from psychological insight to the gambling game, to overcoming a difficult childhood, to the differences between American, French, and British and even Monagasque culture, to the mathematics of the roulette wheel, and even the subtlety of wooing the high class British lass. The research is very impressive with so many regular quotations from newspaper from California to London to Monaco that the mixture of fact and fiction is invisible!
Buy it! You'll love it!"
Jim
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Really interesting! This book is an exciting story about a guy named Bill who goes from being a baseball player to a big-time gambler in the late 1800s. It's a mix of adventure, romance, and self-discovery set in a time when life was changing fast. I felt like I was right there with Bill, from dusty plains to fancy parties in England and thrilling nights in Monte Carlo.
The author brings this era to life with vivid scenes and dialogue that kept me hooked. Bill's struggle between his love for gambling and a chance at true love made the story really interesting. Plus, it's cool to know that the characters inspired a movie like "Downton Abbey: A New Era."
If you like adventure and romance, then you'll definitely enjoy this book."
Sammy Moon
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Bill Darnborough, (James’ grandfather in real life), is a baseball star in the late 19th century with amazing physical attributes, who is soon to discover that he also has a mathematical aptitude that few possess.
We follow Bill, who grows up in the old untamed West, through his young peripatetic baseball career to a period where he transitions to using his wits and brains. He excels in the burgeoning gambling business in saloons and gambling halls throughout the country. His journey soon intersects with European royalty, high style and grandeur of the period while discovering a love for automobiles, wine and beautiful women along the way.
James clearly did his research as he colors this journey with amazing facts, people and history of the period. A pleasure to read."
Philip Butts
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"The Gambler's Game is a captivating journey through the vibrant tapestry of the late 19th century. I was swept away by the protagonist's audacious spirit as he navigates the exhilarating world of high-stakes gambling and romance. The vivid descriptions transported me to a time where adventure and risk intertwined seamlessly. A must-read for anyone craving an immersive escape into a bygone era filled with passion, ambition, and intrigue."
Jordon Little
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"The author intricately weaves together the narrative, and the depth of the characters is nothing short of impressive. It's no wonder I found myself unable to put the book down once I started. This was an absolute delight from start to finish.
In my opinion, 'The Gambler's Game' has all the makings of a bestseller. There is undoubtedly great potential for Bill Darnborough's story to be adapted into a movie. The richness of his character and the compelling narrative surrounding him would undoubtedly translate wonderfully onto the silver screen."
Ron Singer
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"This fast-paced novel, based on the true story of the American who broke the bank at Monte Carlo, is a beautifully written story with fascinating historical details, suburb character development, and a wonderfully satisfying ending. In fact, it was so well written with such vivid settings that it was like watching a beloved Hollywood movie. I do hope to see it on the screen one day!"
Tracy Shawn
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"What a ride! This incredible journey (meticulously researched) transports you back through time to when sport, gambling and fun living were all part of the glory days. Once you start this beautifully written book you will find yourself between the worlds of James Bond, Ken Burns and William Dalrymple. Despite its length, you won't put it down… we loved it - and wished we were alive in Monte Carlo in 1905! The whole story is a rollercoaster of a journey. Buy it now!"
J.J Mark
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"So immersive! I loved reading this book. It's well-researched with an incredibly enjoyable cast of characters. The author did a great job crafting emotional and witty dialogue."
Allan
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"I would definitely be the first of many to say that I enjoyed reading this! Read for yourself! Please."
Savvy Shopper Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"This is a beautifully written (and read) account of one man's extraordinary journey, from social obscurity through professional baseball to the roulette wheels of Monte Carlo and drawing rooms of British high society in the early 1900's. With wonderfully drawn characters, humour and historical insight, the author draws you into Bill Darnborough's world: The Gambler's Game. A triumph of a first novel - highly recommended!"
Paul Bain, Audible UK
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"This historical novel is extremely well-written, well-researched, and interesting. It's a voyage from middle America during a time when the country was young and developing, to Europe, and then to the high society lives of people in Monte Carlo, the elite with pedigrees and famous names such as Rothschild and Vanderbilt.
I had difficulty putting this book down. Well written, interesting details, and an author can't go wrong, IMHO, by starting with baseball.
The author includes a wide spectrum view of automobiles, as Bill begins to learn about the different kind of cars are designed and developed, as the automobile industry begins. I found something new to like on each page. The author's descriptions paint a picture to bring the characters alive on the page. I was impressed with the way he approached this historical novel and would welcome the opportunity to read any future novels he may offer. I recommend this book highly and hope that other people will read and enjoy this as much as I did."
– Wanda Adams Fischer, Reedsy.
"A riveting tale of adventure, romance, and intrigue that transports the reader to a fascinating era of American history. The author skillfully portrays the complex and captivating character of the protagonist, who faces challenges and opportunities that test his courage, loyalty, and morality. This is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and thrilling stories."
A.S, Amazon Reviewer
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"A good read for fans of historical fiction!"
Tannabrot
⭐⭐⭐⭐
"I loved reading this. It captured my mind’s eye right from the beginning; life was so very different, only a short time ago. I knew next to nothing about the life of the protagonist before reading the book and now I feel I have been on his journey alongside him. The characters are well rounded and realistic, the story is absorbing and I spent time into the small hours of the night because I just had to see what came next. A very worthwhile read, thank you!"
Berry Beresford
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"This captivating historical fiction saga blends romance and adventure, immersing you in a rapidly changing world where dreams are chased, risks are taken, and self-discovery awaits. A captivating and enjoyable read."
Madeleine
⭐⭐⭐⭐
"I really enjoyed this thrilling book. It is incredible to think it is based on a true story. Well worth a read."
Paul Leverell
⭐⭐⭐⭐
"I love historical fiction but love even more when I realize how much non-fiction is baked into the book. The book has real.characters, real events and real love. I do want to know what happens after the ending (I won't give it away) and the fun thing is, I can look it up instead of hoping the author makes a part 2 one day. Great read!"
Amazon Reviewer
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"The Gambler’s Game: Based on the True Story of The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo by James Darnborough is a beautifully written, well researched, and fun to read novel. Darnborough’s descriptive storytelling keeps you engaged and eager to turn every page. This is truly a great tale for everyone!"
Bella Noel
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"The Gambler's Game" intricately weaves the allure of the Old West with the opulence of the Gilded Age, tracing the extraordinary transformation of a mid-western baseball player into a high-stakes gambler. Rooted in the true story of the sole American to break the bank at Monte Carlo, this fast-paced saga unfolds with authenticity and rich historical detail, transporting readers from dusty baseball fields to the lavish casinos of Europe. Fans of classic tales of courage and redemption, as well as enthusiasts of period dramas like "Downton Abbey," will find themselves captivated by this gripping narrative, brimming with wit, romance, and the indomitable spirit of its protagonist. "
Roy, Amazon Reviewer
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"At first I was disappointed as the plot was not my favorite, but then it got so interesting that I couldn’t stop reading. What was going to happen? Eventually, I got my answer. It was unbelievable. Great work. The author has a strong voice. Great job. "
Amazon Reviewer
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"The Gambler's Game is a masterfully written saga that captures the spirit of an era and the intoxicating allure of a life lived on the edge. It is a testament to the enduring allure of the gambler's journey—not just the literal breaking of the bank, but the personal transformations and realizations that occur along the way. This book is a must-read for lovers of historical fiction and anyone fascinated by the daring gambles that define and destroy lives."
Amazon Reviewer
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"This historical tale chronicles the author's grandfather's captivating life, from the 1880s baseball to the California gold rush and beyond, this book delivers a great tale. Blending meticulous research with engaging storytelling, this book offers something for everyone, from gambling psychology to high society romance. I highly recommend this must-read adventure!"
Kailei Malauskas
⭐⭐⭐⭐
"I learned that breaking the bank at a casino actually means winning more money than the reserves the casino holds for a single day. The book is easy to read and it’s an interesting story like other similar ones about people who outsmarted casinos playing blackjack instead of roulette."
Javier, Amazon Reviewer
⭐⭐⭐⭐
"I’m slightly biased because my husband wrote the book. And at first I thought 'oh goodness' like you do when hearing of anyone embarking on their debut novel. However, I am super critical and I think this book is very very well written and very interesting. Full of anecdotes and stories you never knew about the time and place. And the author has given the protagonist such heart and determination, that you can’t help but see bits of yourself in his journey. It’s a classic historical fiction read with beauty and humanity."
Priya Rana Kapoor
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Really enjoyed this book. I found myself learning something new on practically every page. I thoroughly enjoyed the beautifully descriptive journey through Gilded Age America and the French Riviera. The author paints a layered protagonist with depth and heart perfectly. I highly recommend this fast paced, romantic and epic read. Such an adventure!"
Cece Cole
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Author James Darnborough offers his eager readership a riveting exploration of a remarkable life, with a front-row seat to the thrill of the game and the audacity of a man who defied the odds in pursuit of a singular dream. I, for one, found myself absolutely captivated by the author's flair for the descriptive, bringing the Gilded Age to life not just through descriptions of places and events but in the way the attitude, charms, and vices of the world seep into the behavior and emotions of his characters.
Darnborough uses some really gorgeous historical touches to capture the ambiance of each setting, immersing readers in a world where risk and reward dance in every spin of the wheel, with a romantic view of the past that also leaves space to ponder our central figure’s turmoil and temptations. Overall, The Gambler's Game is a must-read for historical fiction fans seeking something classic yet exciting for their next read."
K.C. Finn, Readers’ Favorite.
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