High Roller

Sin City #4

by Tricia Owens

Ethan hasn't been assigned to guard a client since crossing paths with the Las Vegas mafia, so he's eager to take on the talk of the city: the Slot Bandit. Rob Rexum is a man on the win streak of a lifetime. He needs a bodyguard to keep away the hordes of people who are desperate for a touch of his luck or a charitable handout. But he also wants Ethan to play his boyfriend in a strange ploy to get revenge on his ex-wife. Maxmillian Poole doesn't like it and suspects there's something more to Rexum's story. But with Ethan pressuring him to work, Max relents, and immediately wishes he didn't when issues of wealth and infidelity threaten to drive a wedge between him and Ethan.

Genres: BDSM, M M Romance, Romance, LGBT, Gay, Erotica, Contemporary

171 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2015

About the author

I write urban fantasy, paranormal romance, m/m fiction and menage fiction, with probably more genres to come! Please visit my website and sign up for my newsletter so you'll be kept apprised of my frequent new releases:

Website: http://www.triciaowensbooks.com/

Reviews

[P · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Max, that's like you giving me two pieces of bread and a slice of bologna and then saying you weren't expecting me to make a sandwich."

I kinda loved and hated this book at the same time. Max and Ethan are seemingly good together, but when Rexum becomes a third wheel in their relationship, I felt like something was wrong with Ethan even though he has Max, he can't stop himself from thinking Rexum is handsome or smart, whatsoever. Honestly, I wanted to smack him sometimes.

"I'll do whatever you ask me to do," he replied quietly, head bowed submissively. "I'm here for you, Max. I always have been."

But what I gave this book four stars is the final turn of it. I loved Max's mind, he's a complex character, yet very calm and assertive. Owens wrote him so well I could feel every inch of him while he is dominatng something or someone *smile* I felt him right here at the tips of my fingers.

All in all, it's an awesome read for me. I enjoyed it a lot !

https://goo.gl/1vLRwX

[Antisocial Recluse · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know why I keep reading...

For some reason, this series has become like a crack addiction. I still hate Max, I still think Ethan acts TSTL. But I just have to know if Max ever breaks and if Ethan truly gets what he needs. So, they're supposedly in love but Max doesn't act like Ethan is more than a recalcitrant child. Ethan keeps taking whatever crumbs Max gives out, like a gay Oliver Twist, starved of any real emotional connection. All they seem to have in common is kinky sex. I seriously got grossed out over one scene. This did have an interesting plot line, though. Rod Rexum (seriously?) is a strange and confounding character, yet Max does seem to learn a lesson from him. I have to seriously consider if further reading is really worth it. I probably will, as long as they're on KU. I wouldn't pay for these.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book of the series so far. More romance, some angst and someone trying to steal Ethan from Max. I loved the ending and can't wait for the next book!

[JustJen "Miss Conduct" · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 star review by The Blogger Girls.

Ethan and Max are back to work with a new client. This time, Ethan is assigned to protect Rob Rexum, aka the Slot Bandit, a guy who has been cleaning it up in the casinos. He can’t seem to lose and is now basking in his winnings. The Elite Poole is forced to put some major restrictions onto his contract trying to keep Rob in line, but they get crossed a few times. Especially where Ethan is concerned.

Up to this point, Rob been trying to get revenge on his ex-wife, who accused him of being gay. So, he uses Ethan as a cover for the media, etc. to try and prove to the ex-wife that is precisely the case. When Rob starts to think he may actually be gay, he confides in Ethan and seeks Ethan’s help in discovering for sure. This causes some strife between Ethan and Max, but Ethan, now feeling a sort of friendship with the client, convinces Max to allow him to fulfill the contract.

There are some more twists and turns surrounding this case involving the ex-wife, Gypsy curses, challenging bets, etc. It takes some digging on Max’s part to get to the bottom of it all, and one final bet that sets everything right again. I love watching Max and Ethan’s relationship evolving and seeing them get through various issues which allow their relationship to grow. These guys have a great dynamic. It seems that Ethan is getting the short end of the stick sometimes and that he is taking what he can get while he can, but he isn’t a doormat by any means. These two have some of the hottest scenes with some really smexy dirty talk, but they also have great dialog outside of the bedroom as well. I’m still thoroughly hooked on these two and am jumping right into the next installment.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was okay. I don't understand why Ethan kept saying he was Rob's friend. They had just met like a day before and he's defending Rob's imbecile actions to Max, who by the way, forgave Ethan rather quickly for a perceived episode of cheating. They never talked about what really happened!!! How Ethan thought Rob was a good guy, I don't know. He was cocky and manipulative. The ending is kind of anticlimactic, no real flare, but at least Max and Ethan are together, so that's a win.

This whole series shouldn't be taken seriously - it's not deep or based in reality, but it has its moments. Off to read the next!

While GR says 2 stars = It was okay, I gave this 3 stars because even though I can't say I liked it, I didn't dislike it enough to give it just 2 stars. It was fun catching up with Ethan and Max again and improbability of the plot aside, I don't regret reading it.

[Dreamer80 · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
This is the fourth book in the Sin City series but this can be read as a standalone. This is the first book I had the chance to read about this series and I was a bit worried about not being able to understand this one. It surely could have been helpful to read the first three to have a deeper understanding of the MCs, Ethan and Max, and how they came to become a couple.
Max is the owner of a The Elite Poole, a security agency, and a Dom. Ethan is his sub, his boyfriend and he works for him. They live together and Max takes care of Ethan in everything. They are in love but Ethan is craving a thing that Max doesn’t seem to be keen to. Cit. "Would you feel weird if we bought matching rings?" he asked hopefully.
"Not to wear on our ring fingers but maybe on our right hands. Just for you and I to know about."
"We'll never be married," Max reminded him quietly.
It was a reminder Ethan didn't need,but he didn't allow it to spoil his good mood.
"I realize this, but there's nothing wrong with the symbol, is there?"
The other man smirked. "You're assuming I would ask you to marry me."
Ethan rolled his eyes. "I said this wasn't about marriage, just a commitment."
But Max pushed his dessert plate away and said flatly, "Commitments are complicated."
Ethan's smile faded. This didn't bode well. The walls were rising so high around Max that the man was barely visible behind them.
"I'm not asking you for anything, Max. Not, like—whatever you're thinking. Look, let's forget I said
anything. Rings are dumb. It was a dumb It was a dumb idea."
He felt foolish as Max continued to stare at him.
"I mean, look at Rob Rexum," Ethan rambled on. "I bet that guy never thought
that exchanging rings would result in the worst experience of his life. Rings change people. Marriage does. There are plenty of couples who stay together without making anything official and
they're fine. They don't need—"
"Ethan."
He took a deep breath before sighing. "Yes, Max?"
"Finish your dessert, please."
He slumped. "Yes, Max."
Things get complicated when they get a new client, a very rich client, that never seems to stop winning. After some pushing from Ethan, Max assigns him to Rob Rexum, called the Slot Bandit for his winning luck. he never loses
Max doesn’t trust him because he can feel that Rexum is gay, even if the man says that he’s straight and divorced to a woman during the book we find out that he wants to have a man companion by his side to get revenge to his ex-wife. She has always thought he was gay or bi but he has always denied it because he thinks himself as a straight man. Now, he wants to pass as a gay man so his ex-wife will get a heart attack. He wants revenge because he says that his wife ruined his life, that she has never appreciated what he has given to her. Money is what Rob thinks is more important than love, life, family. She wanted his soul and not “dead things”, like she likes to call money and gifts.
A lot of things happen in this book. Max doesn’t trust Rob, especially him being too close to Ethan. Doubts will cloud his mind and it will almost break the connection and the love he has for Ethan.
But don’t worry… Ethan will never allow anyone to take his Max away, and after Max gets back from where Rob's ex-wife lives, we'll find out why Rexum always wins.
Don't miss it!!!

[~Mindy Lynn~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*

Another interesting plot. This time we have Ethan protecting a man named, Rob Rexum A.K.A the Slot Bandit. He is recently divorced and winning every jackpot he hits. His ex is described by him as a horrible woman who didn't appreciate him and claimed him to be gay. So to get back at his ex he wants to fake a public gay relationship and chooses Ethan to be his fake gay. Obviously we know already Ethan is indeed gay and in deep with Max. When Rob corners Ethan and tries to get affectionate with him and it is all caught on camera the shit hits the fan.

Max doesn't like this client. He didn't want to take him on. Ethan talks him into it. Knowing there is something off about this guy, Max continues to look into why he doesn't like him. He feels something is off about him and confirms those feelings when he see's the news which is showing his Ethan in what looks like him being kissed by this other man. Hurt and betrayal runs deep through his veins. When Ethan comes home things gets intense. I won't say anymore on it since it would be spoilerie. New word people. lol

I was really annoyed with Ethan in this one. Once again he lets his dick get in the way. I feel like he has to grow up a bit and figure out what being in a relationship means and learn boundaries in order for them to grow into something more.

I really liked how this one ended. These guys are growing on me.

[Joseph Tonlet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating is based on the entire series (books 1-10 thus far) rather than each one individually.

Loved the series. Loved Max and Ethan. Loved the D/s relationship they've built. Loved them individually and as a couple. Yeah, loved the whole fucking enchilada.

JLT

[Renee Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this particular story. Because I got a chance to see Max break a little.

[Diane Dannenfeldt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great addition. I loved the little twist. I also love watching these two growing even closer.

[Careena · Rating 5 out of 5]

It keeps getting better!

Our kinky duo are discovering the boundaries of their relationship but there's someone else in Vegas who'd like to discover more than just their sexuality, and do that possibly with his hunky bodyguard. Watch out Max, cz this high roller seems to be blessed with unending luck!
Hmm Could Ethan have said "no" and ended this book earlier? Well heck yes. But if he did, then he wouldn't have been our, nice, easy going Ethan. And that's really all you need to remember as you read this one because sometimes, you might want to smack his head (or yours) in response to his actions.
I'm still going strong with this one. And I say you should too!!

[revieweswithracqs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series has good graphic description of their love scene. Ethan is Max's sub and loves his master fiercely. Each book has its own plot where the characters develope beautifully around Ethan and Max's security firm. All stories have hot m/m BDSM scenes that will leave you emotional to say the least.
The author is new to me and I am happy that I took the plunge to read this series.
This was an easy 5 stars from me.

[CB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow - what a series! 11 books and some shorts. Obviously, I liked some books a little more than others but none that I didn't feel fit into the series and overall characters, which were 2 sexy, hot, likeable and lovable MC's - different but perfect for each other. Each book had it's own plot and ending and carried the story along their lives.

[♡ Dakota ♡ (Sarcasm is my middle name) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book in this series so far.

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprised

This is a good series, different, but good. Not my usual style of reading, but I got hooked. This is also my first time reading this author.

[Cassandra Whiting · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't love this one as much. I wish Ethan had been clearer with his boundaries. And I'm not a big fan of the actual punishment kinda BDSM stuff...

[SilverGirl2323 · Rating 2 out of 5]

HEA MxM

Was not my most favorite in the series as I don't like pushy fake cocky people so that client did not work for me
However the spice was a 4 and the love was sweet

[JJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just fantastic 👏 I'm getting through the series

[blub · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

2.5 stars
This was book 4 in the series Sin City and was about Max and Ethan, owner and bodyguard working for the former’s agency Elite Poole.

I gave this a low rating mainly because I felt like a little more history should have been given about the couple’s past. It is very hard to get into the novel without having read the first three novels. This novel did not feel like it could be read as a standalone (although I saw somewhere it could very well be read as a standalone). I felt that I should have read the first three before reading this one.

If not for the blurb, readers might have inferred that Ethan was a kept pet awaiting his Master and then wanting to join his master for a meeting. He goes to the meeting dressed up smartly and due to the lack of details about the first three novels, you basically have to infer what their relationship and what they do for a living and what in the world this meeting was about that Ethan has to arrive dressed so smartly for.

I really felt I was missing something without reading books 1-3 and half way through this one, I was frustrated because I was so lost and was losing the desire to chase down books one through three. I think just a little more cohesion and hinting at what happened in the first three novels would have helped.

Ethan persuades his Master, Max , to let him be the bodyguard for Slot Bandit, Rexum, whom, uh oh, he may have a bit of je-ne-sais-quoi for. He feels that he must protect Rexum despite Max’s reservations and reluctance to assign him to Rexum as his bodyguard. He thinks he’s just relating to Rexum’s feeling about his ex-wife. At first I liked Ethan, but found myself annoyed by how he kept messing up as he allows himself to be sexually attracted and flirted with by Rexum.
He continually, naively continues to let Rexum push the limits despite Max’s words of caution and nearly loses Max in the process. Finally, towards the end, he picks himself up and proves himself to be a likeable, albeit easily swayed character. It makes you wonder how he and Max got together to begin with as his behavior feels oddly inconsistent. Maybe it’s meant to display his naivete and draw on the first three novels, but I strongly feel the lack of inference to the prior three novels to build the characters in the reader’s mind hurt this novel to some extent.

All’s well that ends well as Ethan and Max overcome the issue of Rexum and remain together. Strong master Max even displays a bit of heart-warming non-Master persona by admitting his strong feelings for Ethan.

[Melissa Mendoza · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title:High Roller
Author: Tricia Owens
Series: Sin City, Book #4
Publisher:
Release Date: September 1, 2015
Genre(s): M/M Erotica
Page Count: 160
Heat Level: 3.5 flames out of 5
Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5
Blurb:

Ethan hasn't been assigned to guard a client since crossing paths with the Las Vegas mafia, so he's eager to take on the talk of the city: the Slot Bandit. Rob Rexum is a man on the win streak of a lifetime. He needs a bodyguard to keep away the hordes of people who are desperate for a touch of his luck or a charitable handout. But he also wants Ethan to play his boyfriend in a strange ploy to get revenge on his ex-wife. Maxmillian Poole doesn't like it and suspects there's something more to Rexum's story. But with Ethan pressuring him to work, Max relents, and immediately wishes he didn't when issues of wealth and infidelity threaten to drive a wedge between him and Ethan.

“‘You sound beautiful,’ Max murmured, pausing to untangle the leather from the chain. He held onto the chain, though, as he studied Ethan’s heaving, sweating body. Without another word Max tugged sharply downward on the chain. Ethan cried out again, arching his back to relieve the strain on his abused nipples.”

Just when I think I can’t get anymore of Ethan and Max, this book comes along!! Ugh, I can’t even begin to explain how much I love these two and their story! While this book, seems to lack a little passion, compared to the others, I still loved it!! This series definitely keeps you on the edge of your seat as you read it! I’m definitely hooked!! I need more Max and Ethan!





ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Melissa from Alpha Book Club

[MiChElLe · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Kindle Unlimited

[DeeNeez · Rating 4 out of 5]

*This book was received free in return for an honest review via the Goodreads Don't Buy My Love program*

I haven't read any of the previous books of this series, and it didn't slow me down reading this as a standalone. But now I'm so intrigued I want to read all the others!

Maxmillian Poole runs an elite personal security service for the rich and famous in Las Vegas. He's reluctantly took on a client allowing Ethan to be his bodyguard. Max suspects the client wants Ethan for more than just a bodyguard. As a possessive Dom, Max will not tolerate sharing his lover.

I loved the chemistry between Max and Ethan it is electric and sizzling. I just wanted to throttle Ethan for being such a doofus, letting the client manipulate and con him, jeopardizing his trust and relationship with Max.

Overall, I enjoyed Max and Ethan. I'll keep my eyes on this series.

[Lisa Marie ~ Words We Love By · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ethan and Max are my favorite Vegas guys. In this installment Ethan gets twisted around by the "Slot Bandit". Rob is a guy who blew into Sin City and is on a winning streak that seems to be unstoppable. Ethan becomes his bodyguard but Rob has a hidden agenda that Ethan doesn't see but Max does.

Max and Ethan's relationship is threatened when Ethan decides he wants more but Max being Max makes that difficult. He doesn't show his cards or his affections to Ethan and nearly loses him to jealousy.

As always this is a sexy, fun read.

[Corinne · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is something addicting about this series... I keep going from one to the next. It reads a bit like a hardcore Yaoi manga. Max is dark, emotionally unavailable and broody, and Ethan is golden-boy beyond belief with the personality of a puppy, and some of the plots are outlandish.
But, I can't put the darn things down. Luckily, they are on Kindle Unlimited.

[Paisleyrowan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hate manipulators. So I'm not fond of the guest character. But it does add another problem coming in future. It also shows not only that they are still learning each other, but how far they've come so far.

[Amber Fueston · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh.

This one was a little too far fetched and unbelievable to me. The whole Gypsy curse and betting on "love" was just too much. Also Ethan was a total nit wit with no brain. He couldn't see just how screwed up in the head the guy was. For once I actually liked Max pretty well though.

[Samantha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sadly the weakest of the series so far in my opinion with a twist that comes out of nowhere.

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[LloydieNV · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liked the character progression, but the underlying story seemed silly to me.

Onto book 5 :)

[Robyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I continue to enjoy this series...thanks to Kindle Unlimited :-)