Book Reviews
Fatal Acquisition, by Author James Cotera
Reviews & Counting
One of the best books I have read in years. Definitely a must read. This novel captures you from the moment you start. Once I opened it I couldn’t put it down and finished it over a long holiday weekend. Can’t help but love CEO Michael Roberts. Wealth, greed and corruption all play a part in this drama-filled book. The unexpected twists and turns will keep you on the edge of your seat. Learned a lot about stocks and acquisitions while loving the read. Looking forward to a sequel.
This was such a great book! I could have read it in one sitting, however I needed to get some sleep and I wanted to not rush the last 100 pages. This was definitely a page turner, kept the suspense going. I never expected the quick twists and there were enough of them but so good. The people connection, sex scenes and such were the right on with keeping it interesting. I thought the stock market parts would be boring as I don’t pay attention to that however I was wrong. It was just enough information to understand how it all works and interesting. I would definitely read more from this author and so happy to receive to book mail.
A great read! Couldn’t put it down! Riveting!! A must read for anyone that loves a thriller. The ending rocks!
Some books take awhile to bring you along for the ride, some never do. Fatal Acquisition gets under your skin in the very first pages and keeps you wanting more. An exciting psychological page turner until the very end. Great writing style slaking the need for revenge while reinforcing concepts of right and wrong. Would make a great movie!
My book club had the pleasure of reading Fatal Acquisition. The book itself is fabulous. An intriguing dust jacket, beautifully designed cover and very luxurious pages. The overall story line is great. I was definitely intrigued by and invested in the main character. His plot for revenge was well executed. I wish there had been more of his plan in the book. This is a very quick read, which is perfect for me and my busy schedule!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Definitely a page turner. A unique thriller that will captivate and keeps you wanting more. From love to revenge to hostile takeovers to sex while wrapped up in a thrilling mystery. I read Fatal Acquisition during a work trip and I suggested it to a colleague. We had a great conversation on the flight home and both agree it’s worthy of becoming a movie. I’ll keep an eye out for the next James Cotera novel.
It’s a shame I can only give it five stars. It deserves many more. I could have read it in one sitting but unfortunately I had to sleep. Mr. Cotera has done a fabulous job of combining education of how a takeover works along with murder and sex appeal. It is interesting to see the sex scenes from a man’s point of view without them being trashy. The way he turns a good, respected business man into murderer and having him be able to keep that part of his life separate from everything else in his life is great. Can’t wait to read his next book.
I’m an avid mystery reader. This book came highly recommended. I have thoroughly enjoyed every page. It was an easy read. It really kept my attention. I look forward to any books written by James Cotera.
Amazing read that had me on the edge of my seat the entire time! I could not put it down, and I finished it in 2 days. Looking forward to part 2!!!
Folks, do yourself a big favor. Buy this book. Get your favorite beverage and read the first couple of chapters. You won’t regret it. It will be hard to put the book down. Suspense, action, and surprises abound. If you like any books dealing with the corporate world, this is a must read. I so enormously enjoyed this book!
Fast-paced and immersive, Fatal Acquisition grips the reader from the get-go. You quickly become invested in the storyline, and each chapter leaves you anxious to read more. Fatal Acquisition provides insight into the lives and legacies of the elite, while still creating a strong emotional connection between the reader and the characters. Highly recommend!
What a great read. The plotline was really engaging. Even learned a bit of finance. Looking forward to the sequel.
Definitely a pageturner! Read it in 2 days. Loved the details of the boardroom during a corporate takeover and all the twists and turns that follow. The inside perspective of the CEO and how he reacts was fascinating. Makes you think about what would you do?!
Highly recommend!!
Congratulations
Enthralling novel from start to finish. Mr. Cotera does an amazing job captivating the reader through a series of unexpected twists and turns. I found the book hard to put down from the time I started reading it. Expect great things from this author, his first novel is a home-run!
I loved your book. So intense and rewarding. Great job. I hope you will quit golfing and start writing the sequel. Now is not the time to sit back & relax, your readers are anxiously waiting for your second book. Love your website as well. You have some great people lending you advice & support. Also, the cover of your book was amazing. The cover alone will have people purchasing your book. Take care.
It’s a shame that I can only rate the maximum amount of stars for ” Fatal Acquisition at 5 ! I have read books ever since I was a kid and during the past few years NOTHING even remotely close to this book has captivated my attention to the point that I actually lost track of time during the final 4 chapters and read until the sun rose just to find out what happened to the hero of this book who inspired me to always stand up for what’s right ! I was riveted from the first few pages and have given the book to many of my colleagues and friends and each of them has said the same thing after reading it……” We hope James Cotera is already writing the sequel ! ” This book covers every genre possible under the umbrella of stories from thriller and suspense to a very erotic relationship with a woman who he so deserved after what was done to him, lucky guy ! The book is a classic example of poetic justice and takes a man from heaven to hell and back to heaven ! A Must Read !!!!!!
Fatal Acquisition is a terrific book. This is the sort of story that could easily have had a not so great ending. For example, Michael could be narrating what happened from jail. Instead, Ted and his gang got what they deserved and all of Michaels good deeds and generosity weren’t for naught. I wonder where I could meet a woman like Brandi?
Great read. Intrigue, business and sex… everything you want in a good read. Kept me interested throughout the whole book. Some twists and plot turns you just don’t see coming. As a bonus I now have a much better understanding of corporate raiders and how they can take over a company. I highly recommend picking it up.
What a great book, I got hooked after the first chapter and finished it over a 3-day weekend. The plot had many surprising twists and turns. I especially enjoyed the corporate drama which was much different than most of the books I read. The ending was also a surprise and am looking forward to a sequel!
It was a page turner from the very first page. It was a great thriller keeping you on the edge of your seat the whole read! Great Book!!!!!
Fatal Acquisition is a page-turner from the start. James Cotera’s style easily allowed me to become engrossed in the complex world of running a business and the decisions necessary to protect it, including one that could risk everything to score an eye-for-an-eye. I had a hard time putting this down!
What an honor and privilege to be able to get my hands on an ACR book. Our book club is looking forward to discussing the book soon! This book kept me interested and I was very intrigued to see how it all played out in the end. While I feel that the overall plot was well thought out and enjoyable, I gave 4 stars because parts became repetitive. The very specific details sometimes took away from the intense moments and drama for me. Being married to a FA, I can appreciate the in-depth facts and growth plans, but the typical reader may find the attention to detail distracting. I think the open ending leaves room for a great sequel. I look forward to reading it in the future! Congratulations on your first book!
I thoroughly enjoyed your book; I will share with others. I can totally see it as a movie too-great plot, subject matter and characters.
I was becoming discouraged looking at all the great authors and not seeing any story-Line that was new. Then a friend lent me her new book FATAL ACQUISITION by a brilliant author James Cotera. Wow, not only is this story full of deception, romance and the ins & outs of corporate raiders it is a stellar read. I never knew that financial vocabulary blended with evil, love and human feelings. It is an amazing plot that starts with a family man’s very comfortable lifestyle, and quickly turns into what happened when evil sneaks into your life. No business acumen is necessary as James Cotera makes everything understandable. I kind of wish one of my instructors in business school would’ve used this story for our education. If you have ever thought about revenge and wondered how to get away with it this would be the book to learn how. Maybe or maybe not the hurt party gets away with it is up to you to find out in this fast read novel. Actually, I read it a second time purposely slower for the excitement to last. A big thank you to the author.
This was a good read. It was outside my normal comfort zone as far as genre but kept my interest going. It taught me a lot about the stock market and how things move in business. If you want a crash course in hostile acquisition and stock but you don’t want to read a text book this is the novel for you. A few twists and turns along the way to keep you in suspense. Worth reading!
Cotera’s debut is definitely a book you never knew you were missing until you read it- a true tour de force of high finance and vengeance. If the title and the striking cover don’t immediately draw you in, just wait until the first couple of pages. From the very first chapter set like a scene from Goodfellas or the Wolf of Wall Street, Fatal Acquisition’s fast past story and characters take you on a ride from the summit of success to the bottom of a literal pit. Through the plot’s twists and turns, the reader is thrown right in the middle of an intense battle of resolve between Michael pushed to risk everything and Ted driven to take everything. Fatal Acquisition seems to do what few books nowadays can, have everything and a bit of something more. I can’t wait to see what James has in store for the next ride.
This is an Amazon “IT” book! Great read for college students, especially students majoring in business. It keeps you very interested with the intense mystery while also giving some insight into the business world. You’ll never want to put the book down!
The book was very well written and thought out to cover all traces.
The suspense made you want to never put the book down. Also the print and the paper made it an easy read . It was a great combination of crimes, corporate business takeovers and sex. Made for a great book discussion. Highly suggest this one!
Fatal Acquisition is a corporate thriller combined with a love story and weaved with murder, greed, sex, and mystery! I found it to be intriguing from word one with suspenseful twists throughout. I wanted to keep reading and did NOT want to put it down! This would make an exceptional major movie and I can’t wait until the author’s next novel!
Here is a rare thing in the world of corporate thrillers—an A-List page-turner written with an insider’s knowledge of deals gone bad, but one that also happens to have the soul of a literary family saga. Like some lethal offspring Joseph Finder’s The Company Man and Nelson DeMille’s The Gold Coast, Fatal Acquisition takes you into the boardrooms and bedrooms of the big business elite. Wicked, sexy and ingeniously plotted, this vengeful journey into the dark heart of the American dream will keep you turning the pages all the way through its shocking but perfect conclusion.
This book was great. I literally could not put it down.
Fatal Acquisition is a captivating thriller that delves into the high-stakes world of hostile corporate takeovers. The author masterfully weaves together elements of romance and suspense, creating an engaging narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The intricate plot unfolds with well-timed twists and turns, steadily building tension and intrigue. The book successfully captures the cutthroat atmosphere of the corporate world, painting a vivid picture of greed, ambition, and betrayal. The author’s attention to detail shines through, depicting the intricate workings of boardroom politics and the inner machinations of power-hungry individuals. The intensity of the corporate battle is balanced with moments of tender romance, adding a layer of warmth and humanity to the narrative. The characters are well-developed and relatable, each with their own motivations and secrets. Overall, “Fatal Acquisition” is a thrilling blend of romance and suspense, offering an enthralling glimpse into the world of corporate intrigue. With its well-crafted narrative, compelling characters, and a balanced mix of emotions, this book is sure to captivate fans and leave them eagerly awaiting the author’s next work.
Without a doubt, the best book I have ever read!! It checks all the boxes. Captivating from the get go! Looking forward to seeing it on the big screen! It’s just that good! I hear a follow up is coming too! Highly recommended!!
A great plot with many twists and turns combined with intriguing characters made this book a thoroughly enjoyable read. Delving into the human conditions of greed, sex, and revenge and their counter points of true love and generosity are all explored in this wonderfully crafted story. I would highly recommend Fatal Acquisition.
Amazing read.. had me from page 5.. had to pace myself to stop for the day.. wanted to make the story last. The twists and turns were thrilling and unexpected. Ever guessing what the next page had to reveal. Can’t wait for the next book. I’m hooked!!
Really good book. Started out strong, kept you intrigued and lots of details. Michael is CEO at his firm a firm which his in laws built. After the death of his father in law, the company is starting to see a decline. Stocks are declining. It is in Michael’s best interest to save the company and not have to cut or have any of his employees suffer. Meanwhile Ted who owns T.B and associates, is planning a hostile takeover by buying a lot of shares and getting the board to vote for him and his team. What will become of this takeover. Will revenge occur or will everything remain the same?
The first book from author James Cotera, Fatal Acquisition, is a compelling thriller for every reader. It has all the elements that a modern day novel should have. The plot involves financial intrigue, revenge, romance, murder, and personal vindication. Cotera takes a similar tact from Grisham but enhances every detail from character development to story line plausibility that raises the bar for all of his contemporaries. This reviewer’s interest was captured from the first page on. Not being a fast reader, I finished this book in record time. It truly is one that exemplifies the phrase “couldn’t put it down.” The journey the reader is taken on is textbook movie material – keeping the audience on the edge of their seats throughout. Five stars for Fatal Acquisition.
Five Stars
This book is fabulous. Grabs you right from the start and never lets go. The characters come to life – so well developed. So looking forward to his next book. Highly recommend!
I cannot recommend this book enough. I could not put the book down from the moment that I started reading it. The storyline had so many twists and turns and gripped my attention throughout. As it had so much information about the cooperate world and takeovers, (something I am unfamiliar with) it only added to the story and it made it even more interesting.
James Cotera’s Fatal Acquisition was a send up to the 1980s Mergers & Acquisitions heyday. Right from the start, I knew I was going to enjoy this thriller about an M&A firm going rogue. As a former Arthur Andersen accountant who began her career in the mid-1980s, I was instantly transported back to that time and really connected with the characters and the story of one hostile takeover.
I really liked how the author starts off with a dramatic event that introduces you to the main characters and then flashes back to the events which lead up to the dramatic event. I especially enjoyed reading about the strategic financial decisions and outcomes of those decisions by the targeted acquisition company and the M&A firm out to “takeover” the company using any means possible.
To take what could be a boring subject matter and both educate and thrill his readers at the same time made this a really entertaining read for me. While some might find the financial detail a little much, James is able to churn out a suspenseful and entertaining novel which I thoroughly enjoyed.
James Cotera’s new novel, Fatal Acquisition, is a wonderfully cynical look at the world of mergers & acquisitions. The tale is perfectly paced with numerous plot twists. The story provides an unflinching look at the cutthroat world of M&A, the impact on the companies and their families, as targets of private equity. The novel is both disturbing and satisfying. Fatal Acquisition is a story well told about a disruptive and sometimes undisciplined segment of today’s business world.
Once I started my free copy, I couldn’t put it down. You get drawn in from the start with some great action, then it goes back to explain how and why the action happened. Full of details about Corporate life with talk of stocks and options. All sorts of other details weaved through out to keep you interested. There is also an interesting love story throughout. Makes every woman want to find their own Michael Roberts to spoil them. Loved the twists and turned to get to the ending. Hope James Cotera writes another one soon.
From the jump, the story drags you in and holds on. It never lets go!
I am a big fan of murder mysteries and detective stories along with books with intrigue, adventure and excitement. I could not put this book down. The story is so compelling and interesting, you are never quite sure what will come next. The characters become so real the way they are described in the book. There are a few twists and turns in the story and the ending was not what I expected but leaves you wanting more. I loved it!!!
A fascinating and intricate look into the world of finance and business. The twists and turns keep you involved, anxious for what happens next. The read kept my attention throughout making it an extremely enjoyable experience. James Cotera, is an up and comer!!!
I found the book hard to put down. I was particularly interested in learning the mechanics of a hostile acquisition. This was explained very well . There was some duplication but in spite of this I was still intrigued by the events taking place and how it would all end up.
This is not my typical genre, but wow! I could not put this book down. Great storyline with something for everyone – intrigue, corporate greed, sex and lots of plot twists & turns. I would love to see these characters on the big screen!
I am not usually intrigued by thrillers let alone business related books – I read this as a favor and ended up thoroughly enjoying it. This book is captivating as soon as you open to the first page. The story line and the drama keep you pulled in and hanging with suspense. This book is so descriptive, it was as if the author was painting a picture so you could imagine exactly what was happening. I would have loved to have read more about Brandi – she would be such an interesting character! Thank you Arthur for the book and a huge congrats to the author James Cotera for the well written book. Can’t wait for the sequel!
Uno de los mejores libros que he leído. Tiene todo lo que me gusta, crimen, suspenso, misterio y romance. Una vez lo empiezas a leer no puedes parar. 100% recomendado.
This corporate thriller is one wild ride! It grabbed me from the beginning and kept me to the end with twists and turns throughout that kept me reading into the night.The storyline takes you into a world most of us have never known and I found myself not wanting to know, yet I couldn’t stop reading. It’s one intense story about betrayal, revenge, family, love, and above all, justice. In life there’s such little justice but in this book? Read on! Looking forward to a sequel and hopefully the movie.
This engaging and satisfying debut novel by James Cotera hits all the spots. The protagonist is a hero who takes the high ground to defend and protect his employees after a ruthless corporate take over specialist ruins many lives.The story line keeps us involved and holding our breathe as the intricate plot unfolds. Using a business acumen not often seen in this genre, Cotera cleverly weaves an easy to follow path through a maze of merger and acquisition complexities. It is not difficult, with the author’s direction, to envision each plot twist and each character’s distinct personality in living color. Don’t start this book before bed time or you may still be reading at dawn. Great read, great time.
Excellent novel. Author makes the characters so real you think you know them. The book moves at a quick pace and you don’t want to put it down! What can seem like daunting financial info in real life, is simplified yet accurate. I can’t wait for the next one.
What a great book, I got hooked after the first chapter and finished it over a 3-day weekend. The plot had many surprising twists and turns. I especially enjoyed the corporate aspects which were much different than most of the books I read. The ending was also a surprise and am looking forward to a sequel !
I have been described as a voracious reader, completely disregarding of genre, popular treads or when things are published. I have almost no knowledge of the business world from a CEO or shareholder perspective, have only recently started to educate myself about the universe of stocks bonds shares and money matters in general. Being from the UK, many of the weird wonderful (especially with language) things our American cousins do baffle me or simple go over my head. I may miss references that seem common place to a US citizen. Fatal Acquisition is flush with this kind of information, I have had a crash course in hostile takeovers that I didn’t know I needed. My initial thoughts leaned towards thinking why are there so many numbers in this book. Do I really need to know the actual figures for the year’s targets, is it imperative knowledge how many million the protagonist has in his back pocket? It is relevant to the story in a round about kind of way and many readers may find this kind of detail important. I was much more interested in the characters, the motives, the thought process, how did we get here? Michael is a great character he has a strong moral code and straight to the point personality that really shines through in the writing, this guy doesn’t question himself often, mostly because he’s too busy to have the time. There is more story to be discovered here, mob bosses included. This book does indeed have almost everything, suspense, mystery, a little action a little romance and bags of charm. I enjoyed it and would be interested to see what else this author has to offer in the future.
Wow! A must read for anyone who has ever done a deal! Great read and story line can’t put it down
The read was page turning. I couldn’t wait to pick the book up again. The characters. in the book kept me engaged. I wanted to know more about them. The ending was perfect!
Stay tuned for when we publish.
