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Lucky O'Toole #6
Lucky Break
With Christmas a few days away, Lucky O’Toole, Vice President of Customer Relations for the Babylon, Las Vegas’s premier Strip casino resort, is in a festive mood. The upcoming wedding of her assistant to the Beautiful Jeremy Whitlock and her own engagement to her delish French Chef, Jean-Charles Bouclet have Lucky in full holiday cheer.
And even bigger celebrations are afoot. The national media is focused on the grand opening of Jean-Charles’s restaurant atop Lucky’s very own slice-of-heaven hotel. The opening gets a boost when Holt Box, a retired country-western singing legend lends a hand in the kitchen, adding mega-watt celebrity buzz.
Lucky’s life is humming.
The only sour note is her former lover, Teddie.
Teddie claims Lucky’s father, the Big Boss, has put an end to his return to the Las Vegas stage by handing that stage to Holt Box. Box is returning from retirement, a comeback of epic magnitude that will give the Babylon—and Lucky's career—an incredible boost.
Taken by surprise, Lucky takes the high road. Or rather, she does what she always does when life overwhelms… She ignores it.
Until she finds Teddie and her father, bloodied and angry, standing over the lifeless body of Holt Box, a dagger in Teddie’s fist.
The media sharks are circling. A Macau heavy-hitter in town, flying under the radar but making his presence felt. An old nemesis of Lucky’s is out of prison and salivating for revenge. Lucky’s mother is ramping up her political campaign while juggling her new twins, who still don’t have names. And Christmas is racing toward a crescendo.
Time is short as Lucky must discover whether Teddie is a killer.
And why she still cares.
And even bigger celebrations are afoot. The national media is focused on the grand opening of Jean-Charles’s restaurant atop Lucky’s very own slice-of-heaven hotel. The opening gets a boost when Holt Box, a retired country-western singing legend lends a hand in the kitchen, adding mega-watt celebrity buzz.
Lucky’s life is humming.
The only sour note is her former lover, Teddie.
Teddie claims Lucky’s father, the Big Boss, has put an end to his return to the Las Vegas stage by handing that stage to Holt Box. Box is returning from retirement, a comeback of epic magnitude that will give the Babylon—and Lucky's career—an incredible boost.
Taken by surprise, Lucky takes the high road. Or rather, she does what she always does when life overwhelms… She ignores it.
Until she finds Teddie and her father, bloodied and angry, standing over the lifeless body of Holt Box, a dagger in Teddie’s fist.
The media sharks are circling. A Macau heavy-hitter in town, flying under the radar but making his presence felt. An old nemesis of Lucky’s is out of prison and salivating for revenge. Lucky’s mother is ramping up her political campaign while juggling her new twins, who still don’t have names. And Christmas is racing toward a crescendo.
Time is short as Lucky must discover whether Teddie is a killer.
And why she still cares.
336 pages, Paperback
First published November 15, 2015
265 people are currently reading
1613 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Coonts
34 books890 followersGet a free bundle of novellas ripped from the headlines of Lucky O'Toole's world: http://deborahcoonts.com/lucky-offer/
Deborah Coonts swears she was switched at birth. Coming from a family of homebodies, Deborah is the odd woman out, happiest with a passport, a high-limit credit card, her computer, and changing scenery outside her window. Goaded by an insatiable curiosity, she flies airplanes, rides motorcycles, travels the world, and pretends to be more of a badass than she probably is. Deborah is the author of the Lucky O’Toole Vegas Adventure series, a romantic mystery romp through Sin City. Wanna Get Lucky?, the first in the series, was a New York Times Notable Crime Novel and a double RITA™ Award Finalist. She has also penned the Kate Sawyer Medical Thriller series, the Brinda Rose Humorous Mystery series, as well as a couple of standalones. Although often on an adventure, you can always track her down at www.deborahcoonts.com.
Deborah Coonts swears she was switched at birth. Coming from a family of homebodies, Deborah is the odd woman out, happiest with a passport, a high-limit credit card, her computer, and changing scenery outside her window. Goaded by an insatiable curiosity, she flies airplanes, rides motorcycles, travels the world, and pretends to be more of a badass than she probably is. Deborah is the author of the Lucky O’Toole Vegas Adventure series, a romantic mystery romp through Sin City. Wanna Get Lucky?, the first in the series, was a New York Times Notable Crime Novel and a double RITA™ Award Finalist. She has also penned the Kate Sawyer Medical Thriller series, the Brinda Rose Humorous Mystery series, as well as a couple of standalones. Although often on an adventure, you can always track her down at www.deborahcoonts.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
October 8, 2024
I enjoy this series. It's one of my go-tos for good characters, well-crafted plots and a really fun location.
I have never been to Las Vegas, but it is a unique and interesting world to set stories in. This author takes full advantage of the location and the colorful characters and situations it offers as part of her stories.
I like Lucky and especially her sense of humor about the crazy world she lives in. All the supporting characters are also unique and fun and likable.
I get this series in audio format and the narrator does a great job bringing all the characters to life.
I have never been to Las Vegas, but it is a unique and interesting world to set stories in. This author takes full advantage of the location and the colorful characters and situations it offers as part of her stories.
I like Lucky and especially her sense of humor about the crazy world she lives in. All the supporting characters are also unique and fun and likable.
I get this series in audio format and the narrator does a great job bringing all the characters to life.
May 11, 2018
I was a bit disappointed in this one.
I have read all the Lucky O'Toole books and have loved nearly all of them. I was a bit iffy over the last one. Jean Charles is not my favorite of the men in her life. While I like the overall plot of this one I really didn't like Lucky all that much. Mostly due to her wildly veering inner monologue which mostly consists of how 'adult' she is regarding her emotional reactions to things and then later switches to thoughts on how she is 'not a grown up' regarding her emotional reactions. I think she came across as very judgmental in this one. She's always been a bit that way, but this was really kind of over the top to me with her behavior toward nearly all the men in her life who 'let her down' - mostly by not being perfect. Makes me think Jean Charles is in for quite a fall when he undoubtedly fails to live up to her high standard of perfection.
The plot was great, tying this book back to the first one with old villains coming back to haunt her & Teddy returning.
I have read all the Lucky O'Toole books and have loved nearly all of them. I was a bit iffy over the last one. Jean Charles is not my favorite of the men in her life. While I like the overall plot of this one I really didn't like Lucky all that much. Mostly due to her wildly veering inner monologue which mostly consists of how 'adult' she is regarding her emotional reactions to things and then later switches to thoughts on how she is 'not a grown up' regarding her emotional reactions. I think she came across as very judgmental in this one. She's always been a bit that way, but this was really kind of over the top to me with her behavior toward nearly all the men in her life who 'let her down' - mostly by not being perfect. Makes me think Jean Charles is in for quite a fall when he undoubtedly fails to live up to her high standard of perfection.
The plot was great, tying this book back to the first one with old villains coming back to haunt her & Teddy returning.
June 17, 2023
3.5 stars. I would have given it 4 stars but there were so many boring parts throughout the book, interspersed with exciting parts. Had I been reading this on my kindle instead of listening to the audiobook, I would have definitely been skipping those pages.
July 23, 2021
Normally these go in order but I haven't read the novellas in the series which similar to the Stephanie Plum series are in between stories. Unfortunately, this is book #6 but novella #4 covers events that occurred b/w # 5 & 6 novels.
Just an FYI for anyone else doing the series in order:
Novella 1 is after book #2
Novellas 2& 3 are after book #3
Novella 4 is after book #5
I'll reading the novellas (as they're not on audio) next once I finish the pile of books I have currently.
This begins with Lucky & Jean Charles engaged and the opening of her new hotel/restaurant. But nothing would be complete in her life without a dead body. Teddy is the main suspect so she's off & running with her usual crew for another investigation. We also learn more about Mrs. P's past which was interesting. I'm glad Derek is back.
Several twists, some humor, steamy, great chemistry b/w the characters.
Just an FYI for anyone else doing the series in order:
Novella 1 is after book #2
Novellas 2& 3 are after book #3
Novella 4 is after book #5
I'll reading the novellas (as they're not on audio) next once I finish the pile of books I have currently.
This begins with Lucky & Jean Charles engaged and the opening of her new hotel/restaurant. But nothing would be complete in her life without a dead body. Teddy is the main suspect so she's off & running with her usual crew for another investigation. We also learn more about Mrs. P's past which was interesting. I'm glad Derek is back.
Several twists, some humor, steamy, great chemistry b/w the characters.
September 10, 2022
It is Christmas and Lucky O'Toole has her hands full.
She is getting ready to open her own luxury hotel. Her boyfriend Jean Lucky is opeingin his restaurant there at the same time.
And a killer has done in a famous Country star who was going to make a comeback at her father's famous Vegas resort, Babylon.
Lucky's former boyfriend, Teddy is found holding the knife.
UH oh.......my crazy humor, hundred mile and hour action and a twisting and turning mystery that looks obvious as to who done it but is not.
Christmastime in Vegas!
She is getting ready to open her own luxury hotel. Her boyfriend Jean Lucky is opeingin his restaurant there at the same time.
And a killer has done in a famous Country star who was going to make a comeback at her father's famous Vegas resort, Babylon.
Lucky's former boyfriend, Teddy is found holding the knife.
UH oh.......my crazy humor, hundred mile and hour action and a twisting and turning mystery that looks obvious as to who done it but is not.
Christmastime in Vegas!
August 29, 2016
Loving Lucky!
Absolutely LOVE this series!!! Evewey book in this series I've been unable to put down. I usually don't do book series but this one is a huge exception! I highly tecommend it!
Absolutely LOVE this series!!! Evewey book in this series I've been unable to put down. I usually don't do book series but this one is a huge exception! I highly tecommend it!
May 9, 2019
This review is for the audio book.
Wow, I loved this book. I have read or listened to all the Lucky O'Toole books and really enjoyed the reappearance of old foes. Deborah has a great style of writing so it doesn't matter if you haven't read/listened to the previous books as she explains the connects between the characters but not to much that people familiar with her books get bored.
It's Christmas in Las Vegas, Miss P (Lucky's right hand gal) is planing her wedding and it has finally arrived the grand opening of a new restaurant and hotel but things don't run as smoothly as it should when the singer hired for the big night is killed in the kitchen. With Teddy found holding the knife the Christmas cheer soon leaves the Babylon. Just when Lucky needs everyone to be on top of there game the big boss is taken out of play, an old friend of Misses P turns up putting a spanner in the works of the wedding, the groom goes awl and a shady person from Lucky's past is released from prison. Not to mention she has to clear Teddy's name.
With guns, knives, bombs, explosions,revenge and love this book has it all.
The narrator was very good and she is growing on me as the voice of Lucky. I can't wait for the next book to see where the Lucky O'Toole adventures takes us. One thing is for certain it will be one great ride.
Wow, I loved this book. I have read or listened to all the Lucky O'Toole books and really enjoyed the reappearance of old foes. Deborah has a great style of writing so it doesn't matter if you haven't read/listened to the previous books as she explains the connects between the characters but not to much that people familiar with her books get bored.
It's Christmas in Las Vegas, Miss P (Lucky's right hand gal) is planing her wedding and it has finally arrived the grand opening of a new restaurant and hotel but things don't run as smoothly as it should when the singer hired for the big night is killed in the kitchen. With Teddy found holding the knife the Christmas cheer soon leaves the Babylon. Just when Lucky needs everyone to be on top of there game the big boss is taken out of play, an old friend of Misses P turns up putting a spanner in the works of the wedding, the groom goes awl and a shady person from Lucky's past is released from prison. Not to mention she has to clear Teddy's name.
With guns, knives, bombs, explosions,revenge and love this book has it all.
The narrator was very good and she is growing on me as the voice of Lucky. I can't wait for the next book to see where the Lucky O'Toole adventures takes us. One thing is for certain it will be one great ride.
July 29, 2020
Oh, this one is full of things. So much is going on here that you don't dare blink and you will miss something. Lucky's hotel is about to open, but someone at the opening of the restaurant sticks a knife in a huge country singing star, and Teddy is there, but the police think Teddy is the killer. Someone is killing people Lucky loves and she thinks she knows who it is. Trying to catch him, and them, will prove to be harder than it looks.
Mean while Lucky is in love and engaged to her French chef. Ms. P is getting ready to be married to Jeremey and someone from her past shows up and puts things in a uproar.
I love this series. But, I am frustrated with how the love life is going for Lucky. I don't really like the French chef. He just doesn't mesh with Lucky. I love Teddy and even if Lucky and Teddy never get together again, I still don't like the French chef and Lucky being a couple.
I am hoping that the author will get back to the first stories that were centered around Vegas and the crazy things that happen there. The books are moving towards almost all murder mystery and no character interaction with a lot of really good characters. And, it sounds like the next book will be centered in Macau, so no Vegas.
We will see where Lucky and Deborah Coonts take us.
Mean while Lucky is in love and engaged to her French chef. Ms. P is getting ready to be married to Jeremey and someone from her past shows up and puts things in a uproar.
I love this series. But, I am frustrated with how the love life is going for Lucky. I don't really like the French chef. He just doesn't mesh with Lucky. I love Teddy and even if Lucky and Teddy never get together again, I still don't like the French chef and Lucky being a couple.
I am hoping that the author will get back to the first stories that were centered around Vegas and the crazy things that happen there. The books are moving towards almost all murder mystery and no character interaction with a lot of really good characters. And, it sounds like the next book will be centered in Macau, so no Vegas.
We will see where Lucky and Deborah Coonts take us.
September 19, 2019
High Powered, High Drama Lucky O'Toole is at it again...in danger and working hard to keep her family, her casino and her friends safe. This book, as it was the first 5 in the series a real ride. I loved it and I just can't put them down.
I keep wondering how Lucky got her name...mother with a sense of humor...or perhaps her Mom looked at having her as a lucky break in life. I love the pearls of wisdom sprinkled through the story. Lucky has them...doesn't necessarily know how to make use of them. Humor, family, friendship, mystery and love woven into the tale and like the previous 5 books, #6 leads you straight into #7. I absolutely love the series. Deborah Coonts has a gift for bringing characters to life, not just lucky but the entire cast of them. I don't know how Lucky gets by on so little sleep, especially with as many times in a day she will have a drink instead of a meal and always a drink with any meal she happens to have.
Spending time healing from surgery...this series has been a lovely, wonderful, interesting and exciting distraction. I'm into #7 now...whooo...it's a ride, too!!
I keep wondering how Lucky got her name...mother with a sense of humor...or perhaps her Mom looked at having her as a lucky break in life. I love the pearls of wisdom sprinkled through the story. Lucky has them...doesn't necessarily know how to make use of them. Humor, family, friendship, mystery and love woven into the tale and like the previous 5 books, #6 leads you straight into #7. I absolutely love the series. Deborah Coonts has a gift for bringing characters to life, not just lucky but the entire cast of them. I don't know how Lucky gets by on so little sleep, especially with as many times in a day she will have a drink instead of a meal and always a drink with any meal she happens to have.
Spending time healing from surgery...this series has been a lovely, wonderful, interesting and exciting distraction. I'm into #7 now...whooo...it's a ride, too!!
June 7, 2021
This one was harder than usual to follow. I wanted to punt Jean Charles in the nuts a few times. I’m not sure why she’s with him. Then again, maybe he’s the only one who is stable and settled…things she craves the most.
Ends on a cliffhanger…of course. I’d love to know what technicality bounced our bad dude. I hope his ending is painful. Or that he spends the rest of his life behind bars. Or something. We’ll see. This one was kind of annoying. I know Flash told Lucky something super early and even had a photo. So even though she gave the photos to Lucky, Lucky dropped the ball on that nugget. I kept waiting for her to tie that link into things, but it’s not until much later that the chain gets linked back up to that same thing Flash already told Lucky way early on in the story.
Ends on a cliffhanger…of course. I’d love to know what technicality bounced our bad dude. I hope his ending is painful. Or that he spends the rest of his life behind bars. Or something. We’ll see. This one was kind of annoying. I know Flash told Lucky something super early and even had a photo. So even though she gave the photos to Lucky, Lucky dropped the ball on that nugget. I kept waiting for her to tie that link into things, but it’s not until much later that the chain gets linked back up to that same thing Flash already told Lucky way early on in the story.
October 2, 2021
This series is a delight to read. This is the 6th book and I can’t get enough of Lucky O’Toole and Vegas. Someone has killed Holt Box, a country singer and framed Teddie Jean-Charles, new restaurant. They are also trying to kill Lucky and her father, a vendetta. All this is happening as Christmas is coming and the grand opening of her new hotel is set for New Year’s. Never a dull moment in Vegas. An enjoyable cast of characters and a great mystery all rolled into one great read. Definitely full of interesting plot twists and a great ending. Teddie is foolishly headed for Macau to catch the killer and Lucky needs to go too. But she needs to be back in six days for New Year’s. Can’t wait to read the next one to see what happens. I’m definitely hooked.
April 14, 2025
Her name might be Lucky, but Ms. O'Toole continues to have the worst of luck and gets into the most difficult situations until she is able to extract herself and solve the problems. Her ex hooker/madame mother continually manages to continually make things worse. Having her father in the hospital with a serious gunshot wound and her former lover who left her for a music career coming back add to the stress. Only her French Chef fiancé and his young son provide her comfort.
Read
May 18, 2020Lucky O'Toole is about to open her new hotel, someone is out to get her and those she cares about. All become clear (well, almost) as she solves several things, while a few more things are set into motion. A dive into her back story is always interesting. And there is some fine romance here and there, amongst the murder and mayhem.
December 2, 2021
I need a break from Lucky's life. Six books in, and now she's trying to solve a crime that's gone international because Teddy is involved?
I have a feeling she doesn't marry Jean-Charles, despite what's going on.
I'll come back after the new year. Right now, I have zero disbelief to suspend when it comes to this series.
I have a feeling she doesn't marry Jean-Charles, despite what's going on.
I'll come back after the new year. Right now, I have zero disbelief to suspend when it comes to this series.
July 12, 2020
Christmas time at the Babylon and there's a killer on the loose, Miss P has an overwhelming secret, Dane is back in Lucky's graces, and Jean Charles and Teddie are pulling Lucky in too many directions. Add in a murderer who was let out of jail and has Lucky in his sights. Non stop action
June 23, 2017
I enjoyed this new mystery for Lucky and her unique friends. I always recommend this series and this is a great continuation of this fun reading series.
July 31, 2017
The Lucky books are starting to pall for me. Quite frankly, she either needs to choose Teddie or he needs to go. The push-me-pull-me was cute in the first book but was old by the fourth and this is the sixth. And now he's a suspect in a murder. Blergh.
April 6, 2018
Slower than the others
Too many deaths. Too much run, kill, maim, explode. Unless the next episode is better, this will, sadly, be my last Lucky reading.
Too many deaths. Too much run, kill, maim, explode. Unless the next episode is better, this will, sadly, be my last Lucky reading.
January 30, 2019
One of the fastest paced Lucky books, I really enjoyed the story but the ending leaves you scrambling for the next book because the mystery isn't resolved.
March 24, 2019
I'm reading a book a day in this series. It really pulled me in. On to book 7
June 1, 2019
I just love Lucky and her crazy life. If you love the Stepanie Plumb books then these are right up your alley. I love each character and storyline. Each one gets better.
August 8, 2019
Sixth book in the Lucky O’Toole series. Coonts has mastered a formula for the series: the inevitable murder is just a small part of the chaos she encounters in each book.
September 14, 2019
Can't wait to read number 7.
October 14, 2019
I am thoroughly enjoying the series of Lucky O’Toole books. They have enough wit, character development and plot lines that keep me wanting to continue the series.
February 14, 2020
Left hanging
I enjoyed the book as always. I love Lucky. I didn't really like the ending as it left you hanging,but I guess that's a great way to get you to read the next book.
I enjoyed the book as always. I love Lucky. I didn't really like the ending as it left you hanging,but I guess that's a great way to get you to read the next book.
June 16, 2020
This one kept my interest for a very long time. We had killers on the loose and somebody in jail. The last page was all set up to book #7. I would love to spend Christmas at casino Cielo
December 8, 2020
Another great read
Really love these books, enjoyable, funny, and very entertaining. Something to read and enjoy and the Lucky gets better everytime
Really love these books, enjoyable, funny, and very entertaining. Something to read and enjoy and the Lucky gets better everytime
December 9, 2023
Such a fun series. Love Lucky O'Toole.
December 2, 2024
Emocionante!
January 5, 2025
Amazing, brilliant, fast paced and action packed. Life, love and mayhem! What a brilliant read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews