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Lucky O'Toole #1
Wanna Get Lucky?
A young woman plunges from a Las Vegas sightseeing helicopter, landing in the Pirate’s Lagoon in front of the Treasure Island Hotel in the middle of the 8:30 Pirate Show. Almost everyone writes her off as another Vegas victim.
But Lucky O’Toole smells a rat. She’s head of customer relations at the Babylon, the newest, most opulent megacasino and resort on the Strip, so she’s got a lot on her plate: the adult film industry’s annual awards banquet, a spouse-swapping convention, sex-toy purveyors preying on the pocket-protector crowd attending ElectroniCon. . . . Still, Lucky can’t resist turning over a few stones.
When a former flame is one of the snakes she uncovers, Lucky’s certain she’s no longer dealing with an anonymous Sin City suicide. To top it all off, Lucky’s best friend, Teddie — Las Vegas’s finest female impersonator — presses to take their relationship to the next level. Leave it to Lucky to attract a man who looks better in a dress than she does.
Lucky must manage the Babylon’s onslaught of outrageous festivities, solve a murder, and struggle to keep her life and libido from spinning out of control . . . not to mention keep her balance in six-inch heels.
But Lucky O’Toole smells a rat. She’s head of customer relations at the Babylon, the newest, most opulent megacasino and resort on the Strip, so she’s got a lot on her plate: the adult film industry’s annual awards banquet, a spouse-swapping convention, sex-toy purveyors preying on the pocket-protector crowd attending ElectroniCon. . . . Still, Lucky can’t resist turning over a few stones.
When a former flame is one of the snakes she uncovers, Lucky’s certain she’s no longer dealing with an anonymous Sin City suicide. To top it all off, Lucky’s best friend, Teddie — Las Vegas’s finest female impersonator — presses to take their relationship to the next level. Leave it to Lucky to attract a man who looks better in a dress than she does.
Lucky must manage the Babylon’s onslaught of outrageous festivities, solve a murder, and struggle to keep her life and libido from spinning out of control . . . not to mention keep her balance in six-inch heels.
Audio CD
First published May 1, 2010
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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 - 29 of 581 reviews
November 15, 2015
4.5 stars
Interested in more of my reviews? Visit my blog!
Lucky O’Toole is head of Customer Relations at the Babylon; Las Vegas’ newest and largest ‘mega-casino’. Her job title may be simple but her job is far from it as she’s responsible for any problems and for making sure that all casino operations runs smoothly. When a woman falls to her death from a Babylon helicopter and it doesn’t look like a suicide, it’s Lucky’s job to get a handle on the situation so that the situation doesn’t tarnish the Babylon name.
This book sat on my shelf for a shamefully long time… I finally decided to pick it up when I was in the mood for some simple good fun. I sure got that with ‘Wanna Get Lucky?’ but I got so much more on top of that. I went into this mentally comparing it to a Janet Evanovich novel but I ended up being blown away by how much better it was and how much I enjoyed it. A fun mystery, an authentic romance, and strong likeable characters… this book had it all for me.
I love a good mystery, and this one entertaining and exciting. I loved how there were so many facets to the mystery and how each smaller story eventually tied in to the ‘bigger picture’. The end result may have been slightly inevitable but I give the author major points for still managing to make it exciting with each step of the way.
I think it’s a requirement that there be a secondary character that’s hilarious and cusses a lot. In this series, that would be her pet parrot, Newton. He wasn’t a major part of the story but the few scenes he was in were memorable enough.
The elevator deposited me in the middle of my living room.
“Where you been, bitch?”
God, I’d forgotten about the bird. My one foray into pet ownership and it had to be a belligerent macaw with a foul mouth.
Lucky was a wonderful character that I loved from the start. Charming, witty, and independent (and no that didn’t change with the introduction of a love interest!) she was my kind of girl. She was just a normal badass; she didn’t have super powers or even an awesome weapon, she managed to still be able to hold her own and take care of business. I look forward to reading more in this series… it has huge potential and I’m really excited to see where the author takes it!
Thank you to the publisher for providing me a copy of this book for review.
Interested in more of my reviews? Visit my blog!
Lucky O’Toole is head of Customer Relations at the Babylon; Las Vegas’ newest and largest ‘mega-casino’. Her job title may be simple but her job is far from it as she’s responsible for any problems and for making sure that all casino operations runs smoothly. When a woman falls to her death from a Babylon helicopter and it doesn’t look like a suicide, it’s Lucky’s job to get a handle on the situation so that the situation doesn’t tarnish the Babylon name.
This book sat on my shelf for a shamefully long time… I finally decided to pick it up when I was in the mood for some simple good fun. I sure got that with ‘Wanna Get Lucky?’ but I got so much more on top of that. I went into this mentally comparing it to a Janet Evanovich novel but I ended up being blown away by how much better it was and how much I enjoyed it. A fun mystery, an authentic romance, and strong likeable characters… this book had it all for me.
I love a good mystery, and this one entertaining and exciting. I loved how there were so many facets to the mystery and how each smaller story eventually tied in to the ‘bigger picture’. The end result may have been slightly inevitable but I give the author major points for still managing to make it exciting with each step of the way.
I think it’s a requirement that there be a secondary character that’s hilarious and cusses a lot. In this series, that would be her pet parrot, Newton. He wasn’t a major part of the story but the few scenes he was in were memorable enough.
The elevator deposited me in the middle of my living room.
“Where you been, bitch?”
God, I’d forgotten about the bird. My one foray into pet ownership and it had to be a belligerent macaw with a foul mouth.
Lucky was a wonderful character that I loved from the start. Charming, witty, and independent (and no that didn’t change with the introduction of a love interest!) she was my kind of girl. She was just a normal badass; she didn’t have super powers or even an awesome weapon, she managed to still be able to hold her own and take care of business. I look forward to reading more in this series… it has huge potential and I’m really excited to see where the author takes it!
Thank you to the publisher for providing me a copy of this book for review.
May 11, 2022
I think I would give this 4.5 stars if I could. This is like a grown up, more intelligent, and more chic Stephanie Plum. It was entertaining and amusing but also had some depth. So much crazy, typical of Vegas, but also real people with real problems. I thoroughly enjoyed it and will most definitely read more in the series. Lucky, you’re amazing! And what a life you lead…
June 30, 2010
Am I having fun yet? The set-up should promise the sort of romp you'd expect from Janet Evanovich or the TV series Sex & the City. Lucky O'Toole is the smart and sassy head of customer relations at Las Vegas's swankiest casino. She's got to protect her boss and their high rolling guests from fall-out from the porn-star convention hucksters, the swinging couples to-do, and assorted out-there Vegas stuff. However, you know it's falling flat when the author has to resort to putting comments like, Wow, Lucky, you're smart and sassy, in the sidekicks' mouths. I just don't find Stephanie Plum or Carrie Bradshaw very entertaining either, but readers who do might give this book a try. Maybe they can tell me if it's fun after all.
February 25, 2020
Las Vegas and Lucky O'Toole, an ideal marriage.
The gambling capital of Nevada is superbly portrayed and Lucky, the problem-solver at the Babylon, which is the newest, trendiest and most over-the-top casino on the Las Vegas Strip, struts through the place with great good humour, plenty of commonsense and more than a bit of sexuality.
From its most promising beginnings, when a young lady arrives most unexpectedly in the middle of the pirate's lagoon in front of the Treasure Island Hotel, the novel sizzles and races along.
Practically every page presents drama and humour, the latter made even funnier when the Trendsetters, a swinging fraternity, arrive at the Babylon or the pornographic industry presents its awards night. And throughout, all the characters are utterly believable, even Theodore, a female impersonator, who is clearly in love with Lucky ... and she is!
Great story, great characters and once read the reader will want to get lucky and come across Ms O'Toole more often ... bring her on!
The gambling capital of Nevada is superbly portrayed and Lucky, the problem-solver at the Babylon, which is the newest, trendiest and most over-the-top casino on the Las Vegas Strip, struts through the place with great good humour, plenty of commonsense and more than a bit of sexuality.
From its most promising beginnings, when a young lady arrives most unexpectedly in the middle of the pirate's lagoon in front of the Treasure Island Hotel, the novel sizzles and races along.
Practically every page presents drama and humour, the latter made even funnier when the Trendsetters, a swinging fraternity, arrive at the Babylon or the pornographic industry presents its awards night. And throughout, all the characters are utterly believable, even Theodore, a female impersonator, who is clearly in love with Lucky ... and she is!
Great story, great characters and once read the reader will want to get lucky and come across Ms O'Toole more often ... bring her on!
April 30, 2019
Wanna Get Lucky? by Deborah Coonts is the first book in the Lucky O'Toole mystery series. A young woman falls to her death from a helicopter whilst flying over Las Vegas and Lucky O'Toole, head of customer relations at the Babylon megacasino, finds herself investigating the case as the helicopter was owned by the Babylon. A fun and very entertaining book with plenty of action. I enjoyed all the various over the top activities and descriptions of Las Vegas and I loved the characters. Lucky is strong, capable and kind-hearted. A delightful and enjoyable book.
November 29, 2015
This book started off a little slow but it was jam packed full of action. Lucky is one busy woman whose work is her life. It's an interesting insight into working behind the scenes in a big casino/hotel. Love how an Australian features in it and the Americans don't understand him. Teddie sounds lovely and talented.
She has a place and wardrobe most women would be very jealous of.
I enjoyed this book, having visited Vegas I could envisage some familiar places and imagine the rest.
She has a place and wardrobe most women would be very jealous of.
I enjoyed this book, having visited Vegas I could envisage some familiar places and imagine the rest.
July 18, 2014
The premise of this is sort of charming--a woman is a "fixer" at a fancy casino in Las Vegas--but it was just so HOKEY. Ugh.
I did kind of like how her best friend/love interest is a straight drag queen. He was cool.
I did kind of like how her best friend/love interest is a straight drag queen. He was cool.
August 1, 2020
Fun, light, and entertaining.
September 12, 2011
I checked out this book because it is set in Las Vegas, and I'll read any book set there. I'm obsessed with Vegas, and may know more about it than any other person who's never lived there.
Wanna Get Lucky?, by Deborah Coonts, does have a lot of details about Vegas right, and the author hits all the spots one would expect. The narrator is the custom service manager of a fictional casino (the Babylon), and there are side trips to a brothel in nearby Pahrump, a swinger's convention, an adult film expo, and the pirate fight in front of the Treasure Island. The only thing missing was a midnight trip into the desert, or a stop at Area 51.
This is classified as a mystery novel, but there's not much mystery. It gets off to a juicy start; a woman falls from a helicopter and lands splat in the middle of the Treasure Island spectacular. Lucky O'Toole, the aforementioned casino employee, knows the victim (the helicopter is from her casino) and smells a rat. A new security guard has her suspicious, and when a swinging, 400-pound minister is being blackmailed she starts to put it all together.
The problem with this book is that it's formulaic, saccharine, and highly unbelievable. Do the Las Vegas police really take orders from a casino employee? Maybe, but I never really bought Lucky as a character. Maybe it's her name, which sounds like a chain of Irish pubs, or that every word out of her mouth is sarcastic. She seems to be piggybacking on a string of sassy female protagonists, from Kinsey Milhone to V.I. Warshawski to Stephanie Plum. I got the feeling this is just the first Lucky O'Toole book, and I'm not looking forward to more.
Perhaps I'm the wrong gender. This book was clearly intended for women. One chapter is dedicated to O'Toole and her frumpy assistant getting make-overs (so the frumpy assistant can promptly bed a hunky private eye) and Lucky has a sappy romance with the female impersonator who lives upstairs. I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop in this relationship, like he was the killer or something, but no, it's strictly romance novel stuff, with the buff hero looking good in a dress.
Coonts gets pretty explicit with the sex industry stuff, kind of mocking it while trying to be blase. I think it might be the same effect a sex-toy party would be in a suburban household.
Wanna Get Lucky?, by Deborah Coonts, does have a lot of details about Vegas right, and the author hits all the spots one would expect. The narrator is the custom service manager of a fictional casino (the Babylon), and there are side trips to a brothel in nearby Pahrump, a swinger's convention, an adult film expo, and the pirate fight in front of the Treasure Island. The only thing missing was a midnight trip into the desert, or a stop at Area 51.
This is classified as a mystery novel, but there's not much mystery. It gets off to a juicy start; a woman falls from a helicopter and lands splat in the middle of the Treasure Island spectacular. Lucky O'Toole, the aforementioned casino employee, knows the victim (the helicopter is from her casino) and smells a rat. A new security guard has her suspicious, and when a swinging, 400-pound minister is being blackmailed she starts to put it all together.
The problem with this book is that it's formulaic, saccharine, and highly unbelievable. Do the Las Vegas police really take orders from a casino employee? Maybe, but I never really bought Lucky as a character. Maybe it's her name, which sounds like a chain of Irish pubs, or that every word out of her mouth is sarcastic. She seems to be piggybacking on a string of sassy female protagonists, from Kinsey Milhone to V.I. Warshawski to Stephanie Plum. I got the feeling this is just the first Lucky O'Toole book, and I'm not looking forward to more.
Perhaps I'm the wrong gender. This book was clearly intended for women. One chapter is dedicated to O'Toole and her frumpy assistant getting make-overs (so the frumpy assistant can promptly bed a hunky private eye) and Lucky has a sappy romance with the female impersonator who lives upstairs. I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop in this relationship, like he was the killer or something, but no, it's strictly romance novel stuff, with the buff hero looking good in a dress.
Coonts gets pretty explicit with the sex industry stuff, kind of mocking it while trying to be blase. I think it might be the same effect a sex-toy party would be in a suburban household.
October 22, 2017
This book is non-stop continuous action. While this is not fighting action, but rather customer relations’ nonsense and Lucky’s crazy life, it is still hooking. Putting this book down is a challenge. The writing is so engaging and fast-paced, that I knew quickly this book would turn into a good one.
While the humor is not what I expected, because it was related to Janet Evanovich’s work, it was still chuckle-worthy. The humor is not from outrageously ridiculous situations with silly women, but the situations are indeed crazy at times, but Lucky can handle herself in a crisis.
This brings me to the characters. In this first novel we are introduced to many characters, but they are all so distinct that they are easy to remember. Even the side characters have life in them, becoming more than wallflowers. Lucky is strong in her own right and doesn’t need to rely on anyone to save her, but she doesn’t have a problem with asking for help. She is such an amazing character.
I also want to mention that the female relationships here are refreshing. There are good friendships and the conversations do not only revolve around men. Even the thoughts about sex and prostitutes are positive, even if the main character would rather not get paid for sex and is waiting to have sex with someone she likes.
I also want to mention that the romance is not the main part of the book, with Lucky’s job and the mystery taking center stage. The build of the relationship felt natural and flowed very well.
This book is absolutely fabulous and one I plan on recommending to many, many people. I will also continue reading the series, myself, when I have time. This seems like a fun book to listen to, so I will try that out too, just to see. It isn’t often I find fun, awesome books which do not revolve around a romance, so I look forward to reading more of this series.
While the humor is not what I expected, because it was related to Janet Evanovich’s work, it was still chuckle-worthy. The humor is not from outrageously ridiculous situations with silly women, but the situations are indeed crazy at times, but Lucky can handle herself in a crisis.
This brings me to the characters. In this first novel we are introduced to many characters, but they are all so distinct that they are easy to remember. Even the side characters have life in them, becoming more than wallflowers. Lucky is strong in her own right and doesn’t need to rely on anyone to save her, but she doesn’t have a problem with asking for help. She is such an amazing character.
I also want to mention that the female relationships here are refreshing. There are good friendships and the conversations do not only revolve around men. Even the thoughts about sex and prostitutes are positive, even if the main character would rather not get paid for sex and is waiting to have sex with someone she likes.
I also want to mention that the romance is not the main part of the book, with Lucky’s job and the mystery taking center stage. The build of the relationship felt natural and flowed very well.
This book is absolutely fabulous and one I plan on recommending to many, many people. I will also continue reading the series, myself, when I have time. This seems like a fun book to listen to, so I will try that out too, just to see. It isn’t often I find fun, awesome books which do not revolve around a romance, so I look forward to reading more of this series.
February 6, 2017
Lucky O'Toole grew up in a whorehouse and is now the right hand woman at a swanky Las Vegas mega casino, the Babylon. With a madame for a mother and a female impersonator as a best friend, Lucky's life is anything but boring. As she solves the multitudes of "what happens in Vegas" problems that arise in her casino, she suddenly finds herself forced to investigate a highly public murder and blackmail plot with Babylon at its center. With her personal and professional lives equally chaotic, will Lucky be able to save the Babylon's reputation?
This was like a Vegas version of the Stephanie Plum novels by Janet Evanovich. Really, it's impossible not to compare the two series. Both leading women have are tough and funny with unbelievable supporting characters and wacky problems to solve. I have been a fan of Stephanie Plum for years, and now that I'm living in Vegas, it was awesome to be able to recognize the places Coonts mentions in her Lucky series. That being said, I have to say that I still prefer Stephanie Plum to Lucky O'Toole. The novelty of recognition wore off pretty quickly, and to be brutally honest, this book was overwhelmingly cheesy.
The romance aspects felt completely artificial, forced, and overly flowery. While I can appreciate a bit of cheesiness - I mean Stephanie Plum's books are certainly not classic literature - it just felt like Wanna Get Lucky reached a whole new level. While I enjoyed the Vegas theme, I'm not sure if I'll be picking up the next text in the series. It just wasn't my thing.
This was like a Vegas version of the Stephanie Plum novels by Janet Evanovich. Really, it's impossible not to compare the two series. Both leading women have are tough and funny with unbelievable supporting characters and wacky problems to solve. I have been a fan of Stephanie Plum for years, and now that I'm living in Vegas, it was awesome to be able to recognize the places Coonts mentions in her Lucky series. That being said, I have to say that I still prefer Stephanie Plum to Lucky O'Toole. The novelty of recognition wore off pretty quickly, and to be brutally honest, this book was overwhelmingly cheesy.
The romance aspects felt completely artificial, forced, and overly flowery. While I can appreciate a bit of cheesiness - I mean Stephanie Plum's books are certainly not classic literature - it just felt like Wanna Get Lucky reached a whole new level. While I enjoyed the Vegas theme, I'm not sure if I'll be picking up the next text in the series. It just wasn't my thing.
May 19, 2010
I received this book free from a goodreads giveaway.
If you're looking for a fun, light, flirty, slightly dirty read this summer on the beach or a plane, this is the one.
Deborah Coonts has written a great little book with likeable characters, great dialogue, and just enough twists that don't get too twisty and take us into another genre.
Lucky, our heroine, takes care of the happenings at the Babylon Hotel in Vegas. Nude drunks, clumsy whales, and gambling regulars all pepper her day. When an accident investigation turns into a murder investigation, Lucky O'Toole uses all her smarts and wiles to find the truth. And maybe fall in love.
Pros: This is smart fiction with a dash of Chick Lit. There isn't any swooning, or batting eyelashes, but it still gives you a happy feeling in your stomach when the relationship bits blossom. I enjoyed every page and all the bizarro happenings in Vegas and in Lucky's life.
Cons: Just nitpicking really, but every time she talks about smoke in this book it's "Oh my GOD the SMOKE! My burning eyes! I can't breathe!" Our heroine has been in Vegas for 15 years. I daresay she'd have more tolerance. It makes my mind wander if Coonts is a non-smoker, or worse yet an ex-smoker. Ex-smokers are the worst, lofty and pious. (I'm an ex-smoker, I'm allowed to call the kettle black)
This was so fun to read. I would've finished it in probably a day if life wouldn't have kept interrupting. This was relaxing, light-hearted reading before bed.
If you're looking for a fun, light, flirty, slightly dirty read this summer on the beach or a plane, this is the one.
Deborah Coonts has written a great little book with likeable characters, great dialogue, and just enough twists that don't get too twisty and take us into another genre.
Lucky, our heroine, takes care of the happenings at the Babylon Hotel in Vegas. Nude drunks, clumsy whales, and gambling regulars all pepper her day. When an accident investigation turns into a murder investigation, Lucky O'Toole uses all her smarts and wiles to find the truth. And maybe fall in love.
Pros: This is smart fiction with a dash of Chick Lit. There isn't any swooning, or batting eyelashes, but it still gives you a happy feeling in your stomach when the relationship bits blossom. I enjoyed every page and all the bizarro happenings in Vegas and in Lucky's life.
Cons: Just nitpicking really, but every time she talks about smoke in this book it's "Oh my GOD the SMOKE! My burning eyes! I can't breathe!" Our heroine has been in Vegas for 15 years. I daresay she'd have more tolerance. It makes my mind wander if Coonts is a non-smoker, or worse yet an ex-smoker. Ex-smokers are the worst, lofty and pious. (I'm an ex-smoker, I'm allowed to call the kettle black)
This was so fun to read. I would've finished it in probably a day if life wouldn't have kept interrupting. This was relaxing, light-hearted reading before bed.
April 25, 2010
A little bit of fun for a couple of hours. Lucky has the makings of an engaging heroine and I hope she continues her growth as a character in more stories to follow. I read a soft cover marked as an ARC, I hope some things were fixed; the overuse of the word "exquisite" was distracting, as were the corny quotation marks. The hotel setting is an interesting one as people get up to all sorts of shenanigans, especially when they're so intent on cutting loose or making some sort of score. Lots of action, it almost made me tired but that's all part of the 24 hour Vegas vibe, I guess. Minus 1 star for the treatment of the anaconda.
June 4, 2021
Another light, amusing cozy w/a strong female. The twist is that Lucky is the problem solving customer relations expert at a casino in Vegas.
Some humor, romance, and a mystery regarding a dead employee.
The narrator Patricia Santomasso does a great job. It was an entertaining listen.
Negative-like most first books in a series, there were alot of characters!!
And now I have yet another series to add to my rotation of audiobooks to listen to at work. (there are more than 10 books in the series.. should keep me entertained for a while...ugh!) 😛
I'd recommend it to those who are fans of Evanovich, Stephanie Bond, Gina LaManna, J.A. Konrath, Harley Jane Kozak, Lisa Lutz & Joan Hess.
May 27, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. I liked the characters and the story, but mostly I loved the Las Vegas setting. I lived out there for several years and just hearing Lucky describe the strip, the streets she drives down, the towns nearby- all of it brought back such wonderful memories for me. 😀
June 18, 2023
It wasn’t too bad actually, I really enjoyed reading a book so far…
I was floored that she had found out about her biological father that she has been searching for in years ever since she was a little girl…I’m really glad she had two parents who was been very lucky!
I’m glad she had a relationship with Teddie awww! Two love birds..
Looking forward to read another book series soon…
I was floored that she had found out about her biological father that she has been searching for in years ever since she was a little girl…I’m really glad she had two parents who was been very lucky!
I’m glad she had a relationship with Teddie awww! Two love birds..
Looking forward to read another book series soon…
September 30, 2020
ALWAYS LOOKING FOR FUN BOOKS SET IN LAS VEGAS TO READ BEFORE VISITING. REALLY ENJOYED THIS ONE.
October 13, 2011
I live in Las Vegas. Yes, it’s true, people really live here. Admittedly, I don’t live on the Strip where all the excitement happens. I live in a regular neighborhood where regular people live. There are schools, churches, grocery stores, strip malls. If you like the exciting Las Vegas, the Vegas of neon lights, ultra lounges, and designer shopping, then Deborah Coonts’ debut novel Wanna Get Lucky? is for you. It’s about the Vegas everyone wants to visit—gamblng until you hit the jackpot, drinking until you’re naked in the hotel hall, and the peeking at the porn convention with its big, busty naturals. There’s also a murder, and that’s where the story begins.
Lucky O’Toole is the head of Customer Relations at the Babylon, a mega resort on the Las Vegas Strip. She’s the hotel’s troubleshooter, and if there’s a problem at the Babylon, Lucky is the go-to person. On a typical crazy night at the hotel, a woman falls to her death from a helicopter. Turns out the woman has connections to the Babylon’s Big Boss, and someone is trying to frame him for the murder. If Lucky can discover who pushed the woman from the helicopter, she can learn who’s been trying to blackmail the Big Boss. Threaded through the murder mystery is a love triangle, with a hot Texas security guard, who may be playing for the other side, and the most unlikely romantic interest, Teddie, a heterosexual female impersonator (that’s right, he dresses up as a woman to entertain crowds at the Babylon).
I admit this is not the kind of book I normally read. The only murder mysteries I’ve ever read were Colin Dexter’s Inspector Morse series, and I live in Las Vegas so I’m not usually drawn to books about it. Having said that, I loved Wanna Get Lucky? . I loved the sense of humor. I loved the wild extravagance of the Strip lifestyle, with the fast cars, designer clothes, and penthouse apartments. I loved the crazy problems Lucky faces in the course of a day (such as that naked drunk in the hotel hall). Most of all I loved Lucky herself. Smart, observant, with a whip-like sense of humor, she’s determined to find those responsible for blackmailing the Big Boss, and find them she does. And like many modern women, she’s in control at work and not so in control in the rest of her life. This book is a fun romp through Vegas that’s part murder mystery, part romance, and part Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. If you’re looking for a book that’s great for reading on the beach or lounging by the pool, something that’s pure entertainment, you’ll love Wanna Get Lucky?.
Lucky O’Toole is the head of Customer Relations at the Babylon, a mega resort on the Las Vegas Strip. She’s the hotel’s troubleshooter, and if there’s a problem at the Babylon, Lucky is the go-to person. On a typical crazy night at the hotel, a woman falls to her death from a helicopter. Turns out the woman has connections to the Babylon’s Big Boss, and someone is trying to frame him for the murder. If Lucky can discover who pushed the woman from the helicopter, she can learn who’s been trying to blackmail the Big Boss. Threaded through the murder mystery is a love triangle, with a hot Texas security guard, who may be playing for the other side, and the most unlikely romantic interest, Teddie, a heterosexual female impersonator (that’s right, he dresses up as a woman to entertain crowds at the Babylon).
I admit this is not the kind of book I normally read. The only murder mysteries I’ve ever read were Colin Dexter’s Inspector Morse series, and I live in Las Vegas so I’m not usually drawn to books about it. Having said that, I loved Wanna Get Lucky? . I loved the sense of humor. I loved the wild extravagance of the Strip lifestyle, with the fast cars, designer clothes, and penthouse apartments. I loved the crazy problems Lucky faces in the course of a day (such as that naked drunk in the hotel hall). Most of all I loved Lucky herself. Smart, observant, with a whip-like sense of humor, she’s determined to find those responsible for blackmailing the Big Boss, and find them she does. And like many modern women, she’s in control at work and not so in control in the rest of her life. This book is a fun romp through Vegas that’s part murder mystery, part romance, and part Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. If you’re looking for a book that’s great for reading on the beach or lounging by the pool, something that’s pure entertainment, you’ll love Wanna Get Lucky?.
January 13, 2019
Wanna Get Lucky is the debut novel of Deborah Coonts’ Lucky O’Toole Vegas Adventure Series. Babylon is The Number One Vegas destination and Lucky is The Number One Problem Solver. She can handle whatever life, and customers throw at her, even a dead body… right?
Okay, first let me say this wasn’t a horrible read or anything but much of it irked me and it really killed the book for me. Like, sure it wasn’t terrible, but it wasn’t great either. I don’t, by any means, expect everyone who grew up in Vegas to be sexually deviant or wildly promiscuous. Nor do I expect either of these things from a person whose mother was a sex worker. In fact, given Lucky’s mother’s character and the fact she works diligently to get other girls out of the industry I would totally expect for her to be more reserved in that regard.
However, it felt like every other sentence we were being reminded that while everyone around Lucky was a bit loose; she was not! Oh, no, sir. She was keeping them legs clamped tightly shut. Which, I completely support people’s right to not have sex as much as I do to have sex I just don’t need a constant reminder of this characters particular choice. The porn star, I wanna say her name was Miranda or something, was a complete cliche too and the catfight scenes were so boring.
Also, the whole Texan stereotypes got out of hand. Okay so Texas is weird but even us Texans have seen a girl or two who give little credence to the idea of sexual purity being a virtue. AND! What the actual heck was up with the whole “does cannibalism run in your family” comment when the guy was eating a steak? Are you suggesting no one in Vegas eats rare steaks, are Texans cows and what the hell does any of that have to do with religion? I was so utterly confused.
The whole big secret thing revealed at the end was cliche as well, but honestly, it was rather heartwarming and not something that took away from the telling of the story. In fact, the Big Reveal was rather something that made me glad I stuck around in the book.
Okay, first let me say this wasn’t a horrible read or anything but much of it irked me and it really killed the book for me. Like, sure it wasn’t terrible, but it wasn’t great either. I don’t, by any means, expect everyone who grew up in Vegas to be sexually deviant or wildly promiscuous. Nor do I expect either of these things from a person whose mother was a sex worker. In fact, given Lucky’s mother’s character and the fact she works diligently to get other girls out of the industry I would totally expect for her to be more reserved in that regard.
However, it felt like every other sentence we were being reminded that while everyone around Lucky was a bit loose; she was not! Oh, no, sir. She was keeping them legs clamped tightly shut. Which, I completely support people’s right to not have sex as much as I do to have sex I just don’t need a constant reminder of this characters particular choice. The porn star, I wanna say her name was Miranda or something, was a complete cliche too and the catfight scenes were so boring.
Also, the whole Texan stereotypes got out of hand. Okay so Texas is weird but even us Texans have seen a girl or two who give little credence to the idea of sexual purity being a virtue. AND! What the actual heck was up with the whole “does cannibalism run in your family” comment when the guy was eating a steak? Are you suggesting no one in Vegas eats rare steaks, are Texans cows and what the hell does any of that have to do with religion? I was so utterly confused.
The whole big secret thing revealed at the end was cliche as well, but honestly, it was rather heartwarming and not something that took away from the telling of the story. In fact, the Big Reveal was rather something that made me glad I stuck around in the book.
December 2, 2011
Reviewed By- Steph O.
Review Copy Provided By- Publisher
I read the blurb for this book and was struck with interest when I read that is was about Vegas. Not to mention the fact that it pretty much starts out with some chick falling from a helicopter during the pirate show. The book had its hooks in me before chapter one was even over with. I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next. It didn’t seem to matter what Lucky had dealt with and put to rest, something was always happening and she had to clean up or put out the fire. When the chick falling from a helicopter (that belongs to “her” Casino) shows on the tv, it’s a mad rush to figure out the who, what, when, where, and how before her life as head of customer relations is a thing of the past.
Running around with her Nextel phone, Lucky starts putting together the pieces. At the same time she is trying to figure out just who she can trust. Let’s not forget to mention the fact she is also dealing with her “crazy” mom, and BFF who sparks her interest in more ways than she is ready to admit to.
There were parts of this book that had me laughing and parts that had me holding tight to the pages. The perfect book for those who like a little crime mystery and a dash of romance.
Favorite Quote: Honestly when I was finished reading I had tags sticking out of the book all over. So my favorite back and forth in the book was:
“Now I get to see yours,” Dane reminded me.
“Well,” I said as I settled into the deep seat. “Before I turn my cards over, I call and raise you one dinner at the restaurant of my choice.”
He whistled. “It must be good.” He narrowed his eyes as he looked at my face. “Or you’re bluffing.” He waited a moment and then said, “Okay, I’ll play. What do you have?”
I smile and pressed the intercom switch. “Paolo, take us to Spanish Trail, the east entrance, please.”
“Remind me never to play poker with you,” Dane said he stared . . . .
Review Copy Provided By- Publisher
I read the blurb for this book and was struck with interest when I read that is was about Vegas. Not to mention the fact that it pretty much starts out with some chick falling from a helicopter during the pirate show. The book had its hooks in me before chapter one was even over with. I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next. It didn’t seem to matter what Lucky had dealt with and put to rest, something was always happening and she had to clean up or put out the fire. When the chick falling from a helicopter (that belongs to “her” Casino) shows on the tv, it’s a mad rush to figure out the who, what, when, where, and how before her life as head of customer relations is a thing of the past.
Running around with her Nextel phone, Lucky starts putting together the pieces. At the same time she is trying to figure out just who she can trust. Let’s not forget to mention the fact she is also dealing with her “crazy” mom, and BFF who sparks her interest in more ways than she is ready to admit to.
There were parts of this book that had me laughing and parts that had me holding tight to the pages. The perfect book for those who like a little crime mystery and a dash of romance.
Favorite Quote: Honestly when I was finished reading I had tags sticking out of the book all over. So my favorite back and forth in the book was:
“Now I get to see yours,” Dane reminded me.
“Well,” I said as I settled into the deep seat. “Before I turn my cards over, I call and raise you one dinner at the restaurant of my choice.”
He whistled. “It must be good.” He narrowed his eyes as he looked at my face. “Or you’re bluffing.” He waited a moment and then said, “Okay, I’ll play. What do you have?”
I smile and pressed the intercom switch. “Paolo, take us to Spanish Trail, the east entrance, please.”
“Remind me never to play poker with you,” Dane said he stared . . . .
November 26, 2011
My thoughts on Wanna Get Lucky? ~~
I loved this book and I love the character of Lucky! She kind of reminds me of a cross between Stephanie in Evanovich's Plum series and Eve Dallas in the J.D. Robb In Death series. And I love both of those series!!
Lucky has the quirky friends and family like Stephanie but has the seriousness and 'get the job done' personality of Eve. The setting is in Vegas, with that whole lifestyle and living like no other place. I would love to visit Vegas some day so the setting was a perfect fit for me, I was able to experience Vegas without leaving my reading chair. And since Lucky is a behind-the-scenes employee, the reader is treated to a look at that aspect of Vegas.
One of the great lines that I marked was from Lucky ~~ "I didn't want to fall in love - I wanted to be in control." Hmmmm, how did that work for you, Lucky?
The story is very well written and the author has a wonderful sense of humor that comes out in the book. (Loved the belligerent macaw that Lucky owns!) I truly did read most of this book with a smile on my face with some chuckles-out-loud. What a hoot!
I highly recommend this series - yes - it is a SERIES!!! Coonts next book, Lucky Stiff is coming out in paperback on November 29th and the 3rd in the series, So Damn Lucky, is due out in 2012. I know I will be adding them both to my TBR list!
http://susan-thebookbag.blogspot.com/...
I loved this book and I love the character of Lucky! She kind of reminds me of a cross between Stephanie in Evanovich's Plum series and Eve Dallas in the J.D. Robb In Death series. And I love both of those series!!
Lucky has the quirky friends and family like Stephanie but has the seriousness and 'get the job done' personality of Eve. The setting is in Vegas, with that whole lifestyle and living like no other place. I would love to visit Vegas some day so the setting was a perfect fit for me, I was able to experience Vegas without leaving my reading chair. And since Lucky is a behind-the-scenes employee, the reader is treated to a look at that aspect of Vegas.
One of the great lines that I marked was from Lucky ~~ "I didn't want to fall in love - I wanted to be in control." Hmmmm, how did that work for you, Lucky?
The story is very well written and the author has a wonderful sense of humor that comes out in the book. (Loved the belligerent macaw that Lucky owns!) I truly did read most of this book with a smile on my face with some chuckles-out-loud. What a hoot!
I highly recommend this series - yes - it is a SERIES!!! Coonts next book, Lucky Stiff is coming out in paperback on November 29th and the 3rd in the series, So Damn Lucky, is due out in 2012. I know I will be adding them both to my TBR list!
http://susan-thebookbag.blogspot.com/...
August 26, 2010
This is the first book in a new mystery series that is very similar in tone to Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum books but the main character Lucky O'Toole isn't quite as inept as Stephanie. In fact, Lucky is very good at her job of head of customer relations at a large Las Vegas casino. In this book Lucky attempts to solve a murder while also dealing with "whales" (big gamblers), an adult filmstar convention (her friend "Subway" is the main star--you figure out the name...), and other mishaps. This was a fun romp and I'm looking forward to the second book, Lucky Stiff, coming out in February/March.
January 17, 2016
This was an interesting and fun mystery, but it's not for everyone because there is a great deal of focus on sexual desire and innuendo throughout the novel in addition to a solid vein of romance involving our main character and amateur sleuth. Anyhow, I thought it was written fairly well, and the characters are well drawn. I especially liked how well the protagonist's back story is explained throughout the course of the novel. Overall, I rather liked the book, and I might read more of the series eventually.
October 16, 2016
4 "Lucky" stars!! Full review to follow.
I just got notification from Goodreads that I won a free copy of this book on a Giveaway contest. I'm so happy!!!!!! It's my first gift ever.
Now lets count the days that it will take for a delivery to Greece.
07/29/2016 Update:
It has arrived!!!!!!!!!! USA to Greece in under 10 days. Thank you Deborah Coonts for this opportunity. I'm off to read my brand new book now...
I just got notification from Goodreads that I won a free copy of this book on a Giveaway contest. I'm so happy!!!!!! It's my first gift ever.
Now lets count the days that it will take for a delivery to Greece.
07/29/2016 Update:
It has arrived!!!!!!!!!! USA to Greece in under 10 days. Thank you Deborah Coonts for this opportunity. I'm off to read my brand new book now...
July 30, 2018
Are you kidding me....a woman who started out at 15 working the casinos...no hooking because her mother was doing that part with her house of "entertainment".... Rising to the job of "knowing everything, knowing everybody...karate chopping assailant, yet beautiful and young enough to snag two yummy hunks....really....unbelievable....this will be my last lucky o'toole and yes it do like Stephanie plum and her funny cohorts !!!
June 10, 2018
Fun read
This is my first book from Deborah Coonts and I really enjoyed it. I was drawn in by her characters and the storyline was fun with some mystery thrown in. If you love Vegas these are good stories to read. I am very happy to see that this is the beginning of a series and will definitely be buying the rest!!!
This is my first book from Deborah Coonts and I really enjoyed it. I was drawn in by her characters and the storyline was fun with some mystery thrown in. If you love Vegas these are good stories to read. I am very happy to see that this is the beginning of a series and will definitely be buying the rest!!!
December 31, 2018
A few laughs
This started out as an ok book but it quickly became tedious to me; the dialogue was predictable. There was banter that never stopped and that got old quickly; I think at some point there should be a 'semi' serious conversation. The storyline is very similar to the tv series 'Las Vegas', which I did enjoy; this book not so much.
This started out as an ok book but it quickly became tedious to me; the dialogue was predictable. There was banter that never stopped and that got old quickly; I think at some point there should be a 'semi' serious conversation. The storyline is very similar to the tv series 'Las Vegas', which I did enjoy; this book not so much.
September 9, 2019
It starts out interesting. Then it turns into a romantic novel with sexual longing. Finally it ends up with disgusting descriptions of porn activities. Lastly it ends with an improbable cliche.
July 11, 2019
I found the book very entertaining. Fans of Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series will enjoy this series set in Vegas. Big difference between Stephanie and Lucky? Lucky is fiercely competent and in control. Readers will note some similarities but Lucky is a vast improvement and much more amusing.
The series, set in Vegas revolves around Lucky O’Toole, a problem solver, a fixer, for an elite hotel casino. The setting alone is ripe for one off anecdotes to set the stage for establishing Lucky’s problem solving skills, connections and moxy. I liked her immediately. The main story here revolves around the death of a woman Lucky knows from the casino who plummets to her death from a helicopter bearing the logo of The Babylon, the hotel casino she works for. It’s an involved case that Lucky eventually tracks down and puts together with help from an interesting cast of characters. I can’t expand on these people too much without spoilers but suffice to say this is an intriguing the world the author has created. I’m looking forward to more.
The series, set in Vegas revolves around Lucky O’Toole, a problem solver, a fixer, for an elite hotel casino. The setting alone is ripe for one off anecdotes to set the stage for establishing Lucky’s problem solving skills, connections and moxy. I liked her immediately. The main story here revolves around the death of a woman Lucky knows from the casino who plummets to her death from a helicopter bearing the logo of The Babylon, the hotel casino she works for. It’s an involved case that Lucky eventually tracks down and puts together with help from an interesting cast of characters. I can’t expand on these people too much without spoilers but suffice to say this is an intriguing the world the author has created. I’m looking forward to more.
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