Gamble

Black Light #34

by Livia Grant

The Dungeon Master is kicking off his mid-life crisis in Vegas with a bang.

Turning fifty was bad enough but as a retired Hollywood stuntman, Elijah's worn body has been put through the wringer. All he wants to do is stay home and try to ignore the ticking clock of life. Instead, his old adrenaline-junkie buddies drag him to Vegas for a birthday blowout.

Then the universe delivers the best kind of birthday present, a weekend of no-strings-attached debauchery with a woman who reminded him of his youth. Except now he is technically old enough to be her father, and it had been years since he'd dated a 'vanilla.’

It was supposed to be one weekend. Fun and done. But he can't stop thinking about her. If only the universe would intervene again.

Time to take your next trip to Black Light by one-clicking now!

Best slow burn age gap romance out there! ~ Romance reader

Genres: BDSM, Contemporary Romance

321 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 19, 2025

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Livia Grant lives in Chicago with her husband and furry rescue dog named Max. She is fortunate to have been able to travel extensively and as much as she loves to visit places around the globe, the Midwest and its changing seasons will always be home. Livia's readers appreciate her riveting stories filled with deep, character driven plots, often spiced with elements of BDSM.

Reviews

[Joy Westerfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a story! I’m a lover of the Black Light series and have been anxiously awaiting for this one. Let me just say it was so well worth the wait! A definite 10 plus stars from me. From the very beginning I just knew this would be epic. This time it’s about Elijah, the Dungeon Master at Black Light LA, who I’ve been intrigued by from the first time I read about him. Plus the fact he is older made my heart sing. When he unexpectedly meets Reagan I could feel the attraction coming off the pages. While she may be a bit younger, that didn’t matter one bit. Elijah is kind, caring and oh so deliciously dominant and wants to introduce Reagan to his world, but how? Would she love it? Hate it? I had a feeling she would fit right in. Reagan is such a breath of fresh air and I couldn’t help but want to jump into the pages and hug her and be her friend. But as in life, relationships face challenges, as does this one. But I just knew in my heart that these two could work out anything. Their chemistry is unlike any other I’ve read about! It’s sizzling, it’s hot and it’s chart topping! I can’t truly express in words how much I adore Elijah and Reagan, so much so, that I didn’t want this story to end! Plus I got to read more about so many of my other favorite characters from this series which made my heart and soul very happy! A perfect read to me!

[Rhonda Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s nothing quite like a story that draws you in completely, and 'Black Light: Gamble' does just that. Elijah, a former stuntman who now finds fulfillment as a Dominant Dungeon Master at Black Light West. As he heads to Las Vegas with a group of long-time friends to celebrate his fiftieth birthday, the anticipation builds.

Reagan is a “vanilla” woman stuck in a lackluster relationship with an unromantic man who prioritizes gambling and raucous parties over affection. Both Elijah and Reagan have faced challenges in long-term relationships, leaving them yearning for something deeper.

Fate takes an unexpected turn when Elijah steps in to help Reagan secure a room after her thoughtless boyfriend abandons her. Their paths cross again while she’s checking out, and they seize the opportunity to spend a thrilling and flirtatious day together, exploring the vibrant sights of Las Vegas. As their connection deepens, an undeniable chemistry emerges.

What I find captivating is how Elijah gently introduces Reagan to his intriguing, adventurous world of BDSM. With each touch, he helps her feel beautiful, desired, and truly cherished for the first time in her life. The real question is: Can Elijah adapt his kink-filled lifestyle to meet Reagan's more conventional desires, or will she embrace the excitement of his world and all it has to offer?

[SARAH PHELPS · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read all of the Black Light books and I’ve loved almost all of them with the passion of a cultist. I started writing novels because of this series! I’ve been looking forward to this latest book with the fervour of a convert to a particularly enticing religion. And? It may be my favorite of all of them. Elijah and Reagan are so beautifully depicted, you have to feel as though you know them personally. The tender treatment of Elijah’s fears of aging and his fears about being a burden to his much younger lover are so relatable. Reagan has had awful luck picking men who are worthy of her, until she meets the first man who lights a spark in her. The story never flags or becomes predictable. I will inevitably read ‘Gamble’ again.

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought that this was an amazing read. There was such a raw honesty to Elijah and Reagan's story and romance. Each of these incredible characters had emotional baggage and had the doubts and fears to prove it. I felt very deeply for each of them as made discoveries about themselves and each other. I loved both characters. Even with his concerns Elijah was 100% daddy and sinfully swoon worthy and Reagan had a surprising fierceness to her that let her be strong, brave and open to making discoveries about herself. These two made a truly perfect couple.

[CKD! · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elijah is turning 50 and his friends insist on celebrating in Vegas. Instead of partying with his friends, he meets the Regaen and the chemistry is undeniable. Livia has woven a weekend fling that turns into a slow burn with growth. While this is a Black Light book, there are very few BD$M scenes.

[Frances Blades]

I am unable to find this book anywhere online except Google Books and all it gives you is basic information on the book. Not even a blurb on the contents.

[Dennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Black Light: Gamble by Livia Grant.

This is a romance novel set in the Black Light world, but most of the action takes place in Las Vegas and in a private home in LA.
The main characters in the story are Elijah, the Dungeon Master of Black Light LA and Reagan, who is a nurse at Cedar Sinai, one of the Major Hospitals in LA. Reagan is not familiar with the BDSM Life Style at first.

The main characters meet in Las Vegas: Elijah is there because it is something that was arranged by a group of his friends who are stuntmen for Elijah’s 50th Birthday. Elijah is an ex-stuntman and he has had nine surgeries because of his injuries while he was a stuntman. He still looks great though. Reagan is in Las Vegas because it was arraigned by her Boyfriend and boyfriend’s two friends.

Elijah is about to turn 50 and he is single, Reagan is 30ish and newly single as she breaks up with her boyfriend shortly after she arrives in Las Vegas, and Reagan ends up hooking up with Elijah. Thus we have an Age Gap romance. The two of them have a wonderful time and they end up continuing back in LA.

The age gap doesn’t bother Reagan at all, but it ends up bothering Elijah considerably after a little while. Elijah and Reagan do find their way together eventually and they have an HEA that I thought was quite charming.

There are several very good smutty scenes that you might want to try reading one handed. I enjoyed reading this book quite a lot. I read the entire book in a few hours without stopping. So not something you will want to put down until you are finished.

I really loved how Livia had several different characters from previous Black Light books make an appearance as secondary characters. I am looking forward to more Black Light books.

[Karon Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elijah, Dungeon Master of Black Light LA, finally gets his story. He's feeling his age as his 50th birthday approaches and gets sucked in to going to Vegas with some old friends. Regan is meeting her boyfriend in Vegas for a weekend getaway, but why she bothered as he continues to do everything but spend time with her. When she finally cuts him loose these two (who had a brief) earlier encounter, decide to do Vegas up right. I loved their weekend getaway plans (am I showing my age, lol) and was so happy to see they were going to try to continue this attraction back to LA. But when disaster strikes, Elijah decides to ghost Regan and have a big pity party for himself. I was actually surprised at how much Regan decided to fight for the possibility of a relationship and frankly had me examining my own cut and run attitude. This may be a Black Light story, but a lot of the action happens in Vegas vs. the club. We do get some good cameos of familiar characters and eventually some Black Light goodness. I loved how Elijah finally saw the light and knew that he had to do things differently. And Regan was a woman willing to fight for the things she wanted, even going so far as to take on some new adventures. All around a great story and well worth the wait for their HEA.

[paintedlady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it when a story pulls you right in, and that is exactly what happened with this one. Elijah is a former stunt man, who now happily works as a Dominant Dungeon Master at Black Light West. He is headed to Vegas with a group of his old friends to celebrate his fifyith birthday. Reagan is a “vanilla” woman involved with an insensitive, unromantic man bypassing any romance just to gamble and party with his crude friends in Vegas. Both Elijah and Reagan have had difficulty in the past with long-term relationships.

Unexpectantly, Elijah helps Reagan secure a room when her unthinking boyfriend leaves her stranded. They meet up again when she is on line to check out. Elijah and Reagan decide to spend one deliciously flirtatious and fun day together enjoying many of the sights in Vegas. Eventually they both want more, and I love the gentle way Elijah begins to introduce Reagan to his dark, dirty, devilish, and kinky world. And, I love the way Elijah’s hands on her body allowed her to finally feel beautiful, desired, and cherished. Will Elijah learn to adapt his BDSM lifestyle into “vanilla,” or will Reagan find excitement along with Elijah’s kink?

Olivia Grant is worth waiting for, and this is DEFINITELY A MUST READ!

[Marlene Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elijah is the Dungeon Master of the L.A. Black Light Lifestyle Club and has been talked into going to Las Vegas for his 50th birthday by another former stuntman and several guys he used to work with, before the injuries forced his retirement from that occupation. Reagan is a surgical nurse, having moved from Seattle to L.A. for a pharmaceutical rep she was still dating...but lately realized she saw him even less since she followed him to California...and instead of weekend getaway to Napa, he wants to join some friends of his in Vegas. The guys want Elijah to do stuff like Sky Diving, ATV riding through canyons, hiking and his hip and knee won't handle that sort of abuse...leaving him to his own devices and then meets Reagan at hotel check-in as boyfriend didn't list her on reservation since he was delayed, and with convention, no rooms...so Elijah steps in to assist beautiful young woman...Reagan wants to avoid rude friends of Tristan's and runs into Elijah who takes her to dinner, both having excellent time...but when Tristan wants to stay in smoky casino playing cards all weekend, Reagan decides time to make changes, but can Elijah convince her to bet on him instead??? I own a copy of this book and voluntarily read this book.

[Fritz Sands · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boom. Knocked it out of the park.

OK, if I was going to complain about anything, it is that the arc is utterly predictable. But that is not a terrible thing at all.

Elijah, the loud, grumpy, and older (OK, 50) DM of Black Light West is hauled to Vegas for his birthday and finds... love. Which he was not expecting. Reagan is a hospital nurse in LA, has NO experience or really knowledge of BDSM, and is dumping her utterly self-absorbed and useless boyfriend.

They hit it off oh so well, but Elijah is consumed with doubts (age gap, worry that Reagan will be vanilla by inclination, etc.). He makes the standard 3rd act screwup that almost tanks the possibility of a relationship. Then has a redemption arc.

OK, OK. As I said, the plot arc is utterly predictable. But the characters are excellent, the writing is excellent, and scenes are hot and delightful. So, basically, what really is there to complain about, right?

A great book. And, yeah, I wish Black Light could go on forever.

[Kaye Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting for Black Light club manager Elijah to have his story told and man oh man I wasn’t disappointed…
Arriving in Vegas for a weekend of celebrating a 50th birthday that Elijah just didn’t feel with all the niggling pains after a demanding and dangerous profession before becoming a club manager, Elijah comes to the rescue of a damsel by helping her out at the hotel.
Reagan has been anticipating a romantic weekend with her boyfriend for a surprise, only to be disappointed when he was late showing up at the hotel and also smelling of another woman’s perfume…but after deciding to leave Reagan is surprised when Elijah comes up with an alternative way to spend the weekend in Vegas..
This was only just the beginning of the many twists and decisions that the impacted their relationship from overcoming insecurities and the unknown and with a little bit of help from the Black Light crew their HEA…and I absolutely loved this book…

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been so long since we had a Black Light story so it was wonderful to read Livia’s story about Elijah. Reagan was with such a loser when Elijah came to her rescue and he is smitten from the word go. His insecurities make him so human and less austere than in previous books, but Reagan is feeling just as vulnerable but more positive than Elijah. When it seemsll is lost for Reagan, the Black Light family play a big part in getting their relationship back on track. Elijah is gentler and less assertive than we are used to but that makes him more open to Reagan’s care and love. There are some very hot and steamy scenes, some poignant moments and some positively swoon worthy scenes. A really lovely story with a great introduction for Reagan into Elijah’s world and for lovers of Black Light a catch up with everyone we have come to know so well and hopefully will see more of soon.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe what happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas!
The absolute best pairing at Black Light to date! I'm in love with Elijiah and Reagan's story! What’s not to love about a man stepping in to ensure a downtrodden woman is taken care of? Elijiah continues his helping Reagan out of her misery and brings to light there is life after a loser ex-boyfriend. Yet will Elijiah’s concern for their age difference and broken body play in to the downfall of the best thing that ever happened to him? You have to read to find out and don’t expect to put the book down until you turn the last page! Best quote from book: "From a broken-down stuntman hiding in the shadows of his own life to a man with a family, a purpose, and a love that would last forever—it had been one hell of a gamble." The change in the last sentence "(sort of)" gives hope for more of them too!

[Jo-Ann Forrest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elijah is turning 50 and in his mind, he is old, decrepit and not worthy of finding an HEA. He accidently meets Reagan, a young woman who is questioning her relationship with her douchebag boyfriend and reluctantly has to go to Vegas with him and his friends. When Elijah comes to her rescue, you can see hearts in her eyes and his low profile dominance is a nice change for this sexy young woman. Their attraction jumps off the pages and somehow, Elijah takes it upon himself to help this woman and take her somewhere she has never been. Can he bring her into his world? Reagan is a strong determined woman who is not afraid to face anything for her happiness and she thinks she found it with Elijah. Their story will captivate and enthrall you from beginning to the end. The strong Dungeon master has finally met his match and she will fight him tooth and nail to get their HEA!

[Kelly_Reads_Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been patiently waiting for Elijah's story, waiting for him to get his HEA, and Livia did not disappoint.
This Dungeon Master has watched his friends fall in love and get married and he has this attitude that he is too old, to broken for anyone to want to love him. On a very exciting Vegas weekend, celebrating his 50th birthday, he meets and becomes immensely and immediately attracted to Reagan. A beautiful woman, who spends time with him and makes many special memories and moments.
Returning to LA, they vow to make it work, but poor Elijah is not feeling very worthy and the right person for Reagan.
This story was beautifully and well written with very sweet characters who are just searching for their "one".❤️

[Bethann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elijah is a Dom and a dungeon master at Blacklight..As his 50th birthday is approaching he’s feeling his age esp since his body is feeling it due to being a Hollywood stunt man.. His friends have decided to celebrate his birthday with a trip to Vegas..This is where he meets Reagan who just happens to not only be young but also “vanilla “. Reagan was in Vegas because she was supposed to be meeting up with her boyfriend who never shows up. Now Reagan is stuck but along come Elijah who helps her in her time of need. Now since meeting they decide to spend time together and this is where Elijah shows her a different type of world one that she’s never experienced! I recd this as an ARC but love this so purchased the e-book and will be getting the paperback too

[Anij · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Baby… do you know what a safeword is?”

Well, we've all been waiting a long time for Elijah's book and it was a real treat. I always wondered what the woman who finally broke through the wall and captured his heart would be like. Reagan is beautiful, smart, kind, and perfect for him. There's not a lot of plot in this book outside their love story. It was actually one of the most romantic books I've read in this series. Even the BDSM is pretty tame and more romanticized. It's just the kind of story to read when you don't want a lot of angst and heartache. Very nice and well written, I especially enjoyed all the cameos and appearances of past characters that are sprinkled throughout.

[Zelda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read all the Black Light stories (this is number 38!) and what I love most about this series is the amazing group of characters that reappear throughout the series. Elijah is *the* Black Light Dungeon Master & as he celebrates his 50th birthday in Vegas, he meets Reagan, a woman he connects with. Moving into their real lives together is fraught with challenges and the vulnerabilities of both characters is on full display. I really enjoyed the older characters, Elijah’s care & protection of Reagan and Reagan’s dogged persistence. I was cheering so hard for them!

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

He is FINALLY here...we get Elijah's story!!!!

We all know Elijah, the Dungeon Master of Black Light L.A. Elijah gets talked into Vegas for his 50th birthday. Always the gentleman, he helps out a perfect stranger, Reagan, after she gets screwed over by her boyfriend.

Of course their story follows them back to L.A. and things get even more interesting!

I love that Reagan is a fighter! Elijah showed us that even Dominants can have a vulnerable side.

I have missed reading Livia and Black Light, I'll definitely be re-reading this story very soon!!

[Carolyn Spence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elijah is a true romantic and an alpha! "He has the full package", and he knows how to use it. Vegas was a perfect getaway to show Reagan what it could be like with the right partner. I loved the dark part of the pool and being able to swim in the deep end. Trust in your partner and allowing them to catch you when you fall is a perfect description of partnership. Loved this book in this awesome long-running series.

[Judi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This couple stole my heart

This character driven story captivated me from the start. Reagan and Elijah have both been through the wringer when it comes to relationships and when Reagan’s latest falls apart Elijah picks up the pieces with a very gentlemanly flourish. Starting out as companions for a day doesn’t last long with the chemistry these two share. Yes, the angst builds and exasperates their plans but the HEA is all out joy.

[Deeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elijah, the Dungeon Master at Black Light in Los Angeles, is a confirmed bachelor. And then he comes face-to-face with searing attraction to Reagan while vising Las Vegas for his birthday. She's significantly younger than him, apparently vanilla, and not looking either. One weekend right? Well, there they are in Los Angeles, finding out she's not so vanilla, and he's not so confirmed in his bachelorhood. A great story, HEA, and well, Livia Grant…great combo.

[Sisi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lívia Grant q saudades
História de Elias o mestre da masmorra e Reagan a enfermeira com histórico de homens bosta. Se encontram em Las Vegas no fim de semana em q ele completa 50 anos, e ela levou mais um cano do namorado. Passam o fim de semana juntos, o senão da história e ele se achar velho demais p ela termina com o anúncio da gravidez dela e o pedido de casamento.
Mal posso esperar por mais de Lívia Grant.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Elijah. He thought he knew what his limits were but when confronted by injustice, he stepped up and made a difference. A small kindness on his part made a huge impact on another. Reagan absolutely deserved better than she had and Elijah gave her the opportunity to learn that. In return, she showed him that age is only a number.

[DMA · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG - loved it!

I have missed Black light so have been really looking forward to reading this one and it didn't disappoint. Elijah and Reagans story had all the feels, a nice level of kink and a get together with old friends. I loved every word!
Highly recommended.

[Foodiegirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fabulous book, I'm so glad that Livia Grant gave us Gamble's story. A hot Silver Fox who thinks he's too old to start over with a much younger woman who wouldn't give up on him. It was great to have the Blacklight family together again.
A beautiful story with a wonderful happy ending.

[Leann McKay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh to be back in Black Light!

Elijah’s story is one we have been waiting for! The doms dom deserves the world and he finds it in Reagan. This is a fantastic story of love, loss, second chances and stubborn determination. A fantastic addition to the Black Light series!

[B. Erickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The blurb to this book gives a quick overview of the story. So many readers have given wonderful reviews for this book, and I totally agree with them. I loved the interactions between Elijah and Reagan, and I give the book more than 5 stars!!! Thank you, Ms. Grant, for this wonderful story!!!

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked the romance and applaude Reagan's maturity in following up on Elijah's behaviour, just missing the BDSM l associate with most of the Black Light series.