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LoLLA #1
The Bucket List
When Quinn nearly dies in a skydiving incident, his life flashes before his eyes...and it's pretty boring. Even though he's moved to Las Vegas to rebel against his strict Mormon upbringing, he still hasn't done much to liven up his life. Quinn worries that he really is a dud, until a gorgeous man walks up to him and suggests an indecent proposal.
Gabriel has had a lot of sex. He's fantastic at it and he's good-looking, so he never lacks for people willing to jump into bed with him. But after a rough break-up, he's determined to make hooking up a secondary priority. It's too bad that when he first sees Quinn and his heart goes pitter-patter, Gabriel's first instinct is to make a bet with Quinn involving sex.
With one spin of the roulette wheel, Gabriel and Quinn embark on a series of sexually adventurous dares, each more exciting than the last. But what happens when one of them pushes for something more? This is book one of the LoLLA series, standalone novellas featuring lots of love/sex, low angst, and a Happily Ever After ending. Perfect for when you want a quick dose of happiness!
Gabriel has had a lot of sex. He's fantastic at it and he's good-looking, so he never lacks for people willing to jump into bed with him. But after a rough break-up, he's determined to make hooking up a secondary priority. It's too bad that when he first sees Quinn and his heart goes pitter-patter, Gabriel's first instinct is to make a bet with Quinn involving sex.
With one spin of the roulette wheel, Gabriel and Quinn embark on a series of sexually adventurous dares, each more exciting than the last. But what happens when one of them pushes for something more? This is book one of the LoLLA series, standalone novellas featuring lots of love/sex, low angst, and a Happily Ever After ending. Perfect for when you want a quick dose of happiness!
- GenresM M Romance
110 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 10, 2016
10 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
Tricia Owens
97 books540 followersI 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/
Website: http://www.triciaowensbooks.com/
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
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March 3, 20172.5 Hearts
I am a bit twisted as to how I feel about this. I liked the opening of Quinn having a near death experience while skydiving to kick his butt to stop living in fear and take chances. I think we’ve all had something happen where we want to try to really live like that but Quinn was all talk - to himself - and no action. When he is working one night at the Lucky Strike Casino, a hot guy aka Gabriel walks in, places a bet at the Roulette table and makes a bet with Quinn. The bet? He wins and he gets to blow Quinn. From there, the place your bet for money and place you bet for sex continues between Quinn and Gabriel. Sounds kinda hot yeah? Not so much.
For me what makes it not hot is how Quinn reacts every time. Sure, it’s normal to do something way out of your comfort zone and then feel weird about it but the shame and confusion coming off Quinn would take me out of the sexy. IF shame was Quinn’s kink I could get on board but I never got that at all. He kept trying these things, even going so far to leave with Gabriel who is still a stranger and do something he didn’t ask for (his friend send the text to Gabriel asking for something and then deleted it so Quinn goes in blind), all for the chance to cross something off his bucket list. The hopeless romantic in me wants to think that at the primal soul lever, Quinn was connected to Gabriel enough to trust him but I can’t even go there. Again, his actions after told me a different story.
At half way through the book we get Gabriel’s POV which was odd but I hoped he could freshen up the story a bit. What we find is he is used to doing the sexy sex deal as it’s his go to but it leaves him empty. We also find out that Gabriel really likes Quinn and even though they lives in separate states, he wants to get to know Quinn. But Quinn, is so freaking odd about it all and keeps blowing Gabriel off which was turning me off and me just wanting the book to be over.
Once they finally get on with the more than sex, I was beyond ready to move on, so it felt anti-climactic to me.
The story had promise but I couldn't feel an ounce of chemistry between the men and while I liked Gabriel, Quinn bugged the hell out of me.
I am a bit twisted as to how I feel about this. I liked the opening of Quinn having a near death experience while skydiving to kick his butt to stop living in fear and take chances. I think we’ve all had something happen where we want to try to really live like that but Quinn was all talk - to himself - and no action. When he is working one night at the Lucky Strike Casino, a hot guy aka Gabriel walks in, places a bet at the Roulette table and makes a bet with Quinn. The bet? He wins and he gets to blow Quinn. From there, the place your bet for money and place you bet for sex continues between Quinn and Gabriel. Sounds kinda hot yeah? Not so much.
For me what makes it not hot is how Quinn reacts every time. Sure, it’s normal to do something way out of your comfort zone and then feel weird about it but the shame and confusion coming off Quinn would take me out of the sexy. IF shame was Quinn’s kink I could get on board but I never got that at all. He kept trying these things, even going so far to leave with Gabriel who is still a stranger and do something he didn’t ask for (his friend send the text to Gabriel asking for something and then deleted it so Quinn goes in blind), all for the chance to cross something off his bucket list. The hopeless romantic in me wants to think that at the primal soul lever, Quinn was connected to Gabriel enough to trust him but I can’t even go there. Again, his actions after told me a different story.
At half way through the book we get Gabriel’s POV which was odd but I hoped he could freshen up the story a bit. What we find is he is used to doing the sexy sex deal as it’s his go to but it leaves him empty. We also find out that Gabriel really likes Quinn and even though they lives in separate states, he wants to get to know Quinn. But Quinn, is so freaking odd about it all and keeps blowing Gabriel off which was turning me off and me just wanting the book to be over.
Once they finally get on with the more than sex, I was beyond ready to move on, so it felt anti-climactic to me.
The story had promise but I couldn't feel an ounce of chemistry between the men and while I liked Gabriel, Quinn bugged the hell out of me.
November 10, 2016
Fun and light tale, for the most part. Perhaps I identified a little too closely to Quinn than I would have liked. I've got my own Bucket List with dust all over it. So I felt a lot for him. Gabriel was cute and very enigmatic in the beginning. Then I just wanted to hold the gorgeous hunk and feed him chocolate. I was grateful his BFF did exactly as I would have done.
I'm not one for fluff, and I would say this really didn't veer into that vein so much as it was just light-hearted without being silly at all. The series title says it all, really, and it delivers what it promises.
I'm not one for fluff, and I would say this really didn't veer into that vein so much as it was just light-hearted without being silly at all. The series title says it all, really, and it delivers what it promises.
December 4, 2016
4 Stars
The opening of the story painted a pretty vivid picture. I almost felt as if I, too, was free falling from a plane and watching as the Earth was approaching faster than I'd have preferred with a faulty parachute. I felt a connection to Quinn instantly in that moment and as the story progressed.
Gabriel, however, was quite a different story and instead of that instant connection, I felt instant annoyance. Cocksure men sometimes turn me off when I first begin a book. I need to warm up to them and start to see their cockiness morph into something more endearing. Did that happen? Yes. About halfway through the story I realized that the Gabriel we see at the roulette table and the Gabriel we see with his BFF Serena, are completely different people. We learn how his background and his last relationship formed how he felt about himself presently. While he craves for something different than his last relationship, he's afraid that's all he's good at or all anyone will want him for. Knowing this changed how I saw him and how I felt about the romance brewing between him and Quinn.
Overall, I enjoyed The Bucket List. It was fun and sexy and there were sweet moments that I loved. There is a happy ending that's perfect for these two men, of course. Just a feel good story without the overly dramatic subplots.
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by the author/publisher for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*
The opening of the story painted a pretty vivid picture. I almost felt as if I, too, was free falling from a plane and watching as the Earth was approaching faster than I'd have preferred with a faulty parachute. I felt a connection to Quinn instantly in that moment and as the story progressed.
Gabriel, however, was quite a different story and instead of that instant connection, I felt instant annoyance. Cocksure men sometimes turn me off when I first begin a book. I need to warm up to them and start to see their cockiness morph into something more endearing. Did that happen? Yes. About halfway through the story I realized that the Gabriel we see at the roulette table and the Gabriel we see with his BFF Serena, are completely different people. We learn how his background and his last relationship formed how he felt about himself presently. While he craves for something different than his last relationship, he's afraid that's all he's good at or all anyone will want him for. Knowing this changed how I saw him and how I felt about the romance brewing between him and Quinn.
Overall, I enjoyed The Bucket List. It was fun and sexy and there were sweet moments that I loved. There is a happy ending that's perfect for these two men, of course. Just a feel good story without the overly dramatic subplots.
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by the author/publisher for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*
November 23, 2018
Very interesting start to this one. Not your typical meet cute or friends of a friends. Just two guys living out fantasies for the wrong reasons. Liked both Gabriel and Quinn. The author weaves good themes about our past lives and how what we go through informs our future. We try to change it but it still affects us. Strong writing with great dialogue. Really enjoyed this.
April 6, 2019
Short, sweet, and piping hot
Like a stack of pancakes at a buffet, this book is steaming, heaped with tastiness, and covered in sticky sweet. With two men looking for a new direction in life, where better to start than Las Vegas?
Like a stack of pancakes at a buffet, this book is steaming, heaped with tastiness, and covered in sticky sweet. With two men looking for a new direction in life, where better to start than Las Vegas?
March 12, 2017
Sweet but I wasn't drawn in
I love Tricia Owens books. I guess I expected more. Normally I'm drawn in and can't put her book down but I could easily walk away from this book and just as easily forgotten about it.
I love Tricia Owens books. I guess I expected more. Normally I'm drawn in and can't put her book down but I could easily walk away from this book and just as easily forgotten about it.
November 12, 2016
> > Judging a Book by it's Cover < <
split screen layout. Top half contains two men shown from nose to waist, nicely dressed and smiling. Lower half shows a skydiver leaving a small plane. Title and author fonts and color choices are good and easily legible.
> > Looking Deeper < <
Third-person POV, mostly narrating Quinn's life, but at just over halfway, we get a glimpse of Gabriel's life.
Coming from a strict Utah Mormon upbringing, Quinn escapes to Vegas after his coming out to his parents is received quite poorly. Although he's an English major and aspires to be a writer, he's found a staid comfort as a games dealer at a smaller casino. Coming out of a bad relationship, Gabriel takes a week's vacation from L.A. to clear his head. Never did he expect to be drawn to the shy, nervous roulette dealer. A series of side bets and a few confessions later, we finally begin to see some real chemistry begin taking hold, up until then it's all superficial and, well... shallow.
The lead characters were each well-developed, but not without their flaws and insecurities. Justin and Serena provided a bit of enjoyable comic relief. The dialogue and their interaction were alright; although, sometimes things felt a little stiff with their both trying to be someone they were not. The awkwardness that was portrayed by the characters transferred to the reader and made for awkward moments of reading... and not necessarily in a good way. The plot was interesting and charming in places, but overall lacked a lot of dimension or depth. Ms. Owens has a pleasant writing style and the story flowed quite smoothly. The conflicts were all self-imposed and once mature and honest communication was had, issues were faced and resolved. No profound predictability or surprises. The conclusion is solid in that it provides a tidy, implied HEA. Above all, it's a delightful, quick, and light read
.
Rating: [R] ~ Score: 4.0 ~ Stars: 4
==========================
⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I received a copy of this book from the Author/Publisher with the hope that I will leave my Unbiased Opinion. I was not required nor asked to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that... My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". ***** ⭐ ⭐
split screen layout. Top half contains two men shown from nose to waist, nicely dressed and smiling. Lower half shows a skydiver leaving a small plane. Title and author fonts and color choices are good and easily legible.
> > Looking Deeper < <
Third-person POV, mostly narrating Quinn's life, but at just over halfway, we get a glimpse of Gabriel's life.
Coming from a strict Utah Mormon upbringing, Quinn escapes to Vegas after his coming out to his parents is received quite poorly. Although he's an English major and aspires to be a writer, he's found a staid comfort as a games dealer at a smaller casino. Coming out of a bad relationship, Gabriel takes a week's vacation from L.A. to clear his head. Never did he expect to be drawn to the shy, nervous roulette dealer. A series of side bets and a few confessions later, we finally begin to see some real chemistry begin taking hold, up until then it's all superficial and, well... shallow.
The lead characters were each well-developed, but not without their flaws and insecurities. Justin and Serena provided a bit of enjoyable comic relief. The dialogue and their interaction were alright; although, sometimes things felt a little stiff with their both trying to be someone they were not. The awkwardness that was portrayed by the characters transferred to the reader and made for awkward moments of reading... and not necessarily in a good way. The plot was interesting and charming in places, but overall lacked a lot of dimension or depth. Ms. Owens has a pleasant writing style and the story flowed quite smoothly. The conflicts were all self-imposed and once mature and honest communication was had, issues were faced and resolved. No profound predictability or surprises. The conclusion is solid in that it provides a tidy, implied HEA. Above all, it's a delightful, quick, and light read
.
Rating: [R] ~ Score: 4.0 ~ Stars: 4
==========================
⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I received a copy of this book from the Author/Publisher with the hope that I will leave my Unbiased Opinion. I was not required nor asked to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that... My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". ***** ⭐ ⭐
December 12, 2016
A Joyfully Jay review.
3 stars
This book opens with a visually rendered action sequence of Quinn falling through the sky. After that first scene, however, this book crashed for me. Quinn had a rough upbringing with overly religious parents, and while he managed to break free physically, his thoughts won’t allow him to get on with his life. Gabriel has an instant appreciation for Quinn and to get his attention makes a wager involving sexual favors. That was fine, but it was the execution throughout the entire story that did not work for me.
Gabriel and Quinn had no chemistry, in addition to the larger plot not being engaging. When Gabriel wins at roulette, the deal is that he will get on his knees for Quinn. The men meet in the parking garage and Quinn is completely uncomfortable. He talks himself through it on the basis that he wants to broaden his horizons and also that he has to honor the bet. While it’s consensual, Quinn was so uncomfortable that the scene became uncomfortable for me as well.
The entire storyline here was the men making additional bets in return for sexual liaisons. They remain strangers throughout most of the book and Quinn is always reluctant after the fact and his fear or reluctance made the characters not have any chemistry for me and the scenes then lacked the erotic feel they were probably supposed to have.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
3 stars
This book opens with a visually rendered action sequence of Quinn falling through the sky. After that first scene, however, this book crashed for me. Quinn had a rough upbringing with overly religious parents, and while he managed to break free physically, his thoughts won’t allow him to get on with his life. Gabriel has an instant appreciation for Quinn and to get his attention makes a wager involving sexual favors. That was fine, but it was the execution throughout the entire story that did not work for me.
Gabriel and Quinn had no chemistry, in addition to the larger plot not being engaging. When Gabriel wins at roulette, the deal is that he will get on his knees for Quinn. The men meet in the parking garage and Quinn is completely uncomfortable. He talks himself through it on the basis that he wants to broaden his horizons and also that he has to honor the bet. While it’s consensual, Quinn was so uncomfortable that the scene became uncomfortable for me as well.
The entire storyline here was the men making additional bets in return for sexual liaisons. They remain strangers throughout most of the book and Quinn is always reluctant after the fact and his fear or reluctance made the characters not have any chemistry for me and the scenes then lacked the erotic feel they were probably supposed to have.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
November 15, 2016
When Quinn left his strict Mormon upbringing for the lights of Las Vegas he thought he would finely be living, until a near death experience proves he has not lived at all. Gabriel took off for Vegas after a bad relationship ended, destroying his confidence. One look at Quinn and he could not help but try to get to know him, just did not use the best of tactics. Bad tactics or no what ensues is a series of sexy encounters that make their ears steam, however, Gabriel wants more but Quinn seems to only want the exciting and risqué sex. What a story for the grandkids (so to speak ) Loved the characters right from the start, very interesting to see Quinn go from existing to living and finding love with Gabriel. Never having been to Vegas myself I feel I still know the spirit of it though the details intertwined with Quinn and Gabriel’s tale.
**I voluntarily chose to review a copy of this book and I have not been compensated in any way**
**I voluntarily chose to review a copy of this book and I have not been compensated in any way**
November 13, 2016
This was a very interesting book. This is the first time I have read from this author. I loved the writing style and I absolutely loved this book. You have Quinn who was raised super religious. He was a Mormon. His parents didn’t support him when he came out to him so he decided that he was going to move to Las Vegas. He works a boring job at a casino. While there a friend talked him into skydiving. Well what happens when your life flashes before your very eyes? You change your thinking. That’s where Gabriel comes in. Gabriel offers Quinn a bet he can’t refuse. Who wins in this Roulette game? Will it be Quinn, Gabriel, or the both of them?
November 13, 2016
This is another enjoyable yet sexy M/M romance by Tricia Owens. Quinn moved to Las Vegas in an attempt to "live" but finds himself not. When he goes parachuting, he finds himself questioning everything but even that one daring act does not jumpstart him into having an exciting lifestyle. While working he meets Gabriel and suddenly his dull life is full of sexual adventures. A well written and very developed storyline that I found myself captivated by. A great blend of humor, drama and sexual chemistry as well as self discovery. If you love light sweet stories than this is definitely the book for you!
I voluntarily agreed to review a copy of this book
I voluntarily agreed to review a copy of this book
November 19, 2016
This was a fun interesting read. I enjoyed that each character had issues.. I enjoyed that it wasn't easy and simple for them. Very interesting bucket list that he had and I love how it changed over time. I loved the characters and their story and i'm very glad i got to review it
November 19, 2016
Fun and flirty, I really enjoyed it. Quinn nand Gabriel were a really cute couple and the way they got together, unique. Not many people can say that a roulette bet was the start of their relative. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
November 12, 2016
Enjoyable, sweet read!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews