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Lucky O'Toole #7
Lucky the Hard Way
As Christmases go, this one is proving a bit taxing for Lucky O’Toole, Vice President of Customer Relations for the Babylon, Las Vegas’ most over-the-top Strip resort casino.
While facing a murder indictment, Teddie, Lucky’s former lover, has fled to Macau hot on the heels of the man everyone thinks is the real murderer, Irv Gittings. Lucky knows that if Irv finds Teddie first, Lucky will never see him again.
Mr. Cho, a powerful figure in the Chinese underworld in Macau, is blackmailing the Big Boss with knowledge of gambling anomalies at the Babylon’s property in Macau. If the Macanese authorities are alerted, the resulting fallout would crumble the financial foundation of Lucky’s entire gambling empire.
A trip to Macau is inevitable.
With the opening of her own hotel less than a week away, and her engagement still very new, for Lucky the timing couldn’t be worse.
As she’s pumping a local source for information about Mr. Cho, the lady is shot in front of her—Lucky narrowly taking the bullet.
Lucky has no idea the bullet was really meant for her.
With the help of her sidekick, Detective Romeo, Lucky must find Teddie, bring Irv Gittings and Mr. Cho to justice.
But can Lucky beat them at their own game without getting caught in the trap? And will she be in time to rescue Teddie?
While facing a murder indictment, Teddie, Lucky’s former lover, has fled to Macau hot on the heels of the man everyone thinks is the real murderer, Irv Gittings. Lucky knows that if Irv finds Teddie first, Lucky will never see him again.
Mr. Cho, a powerful figure in the Chinese underworld in Macau, is blackmailing the Big Boss with knowledge of gambling anomalies at the Babylon’s property in Macau. If the Macanese authorities are alerted, the resulting fallout would crumble the financial foundation of Lucky’s entire gambling empire.
A trip to Macau is inevitable.
With the opening of her own hotel less than a week away, and her engagement still very new, for Lucky the timing couldn’t be worse.
As she’s pumping a local source for information about Mr. Cho, the lady is shot in front of her—Lucky narrowly taking the bullet.
Lucky has no idea the bullet was really meant for her.
With the help of her sidekick, Detective Romeo, Lucky must find Teddie, bring Irv Gittings and Mr. Cho to justice.
But can Lucky beat them at their own game without getting caught in the trap? And will she be in time to rescue Teddie?
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First published November 9, 2016
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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 - 30 of 40 reviews
September 29, 2022
Lucky O'Toole is off to Macau to save the family casino business. The stakes are high, her father is in the hospital after getting shot, there is financial trouble since the Macau casino has been overrun with
criminals in control and Lucky's good friend Teddie is on the run in Macau as well for a crime he didn't commit.
Merry Christmas to Lucky.
So Lucky has to figure out a way to get around all of the criminal activity, save the casinos, save Teddie and catch a murderer-all before Christmas.
Meanwhile, her hotel is about to open in Vegas.
Lucky has a game of chess to play.
Funny, witty and a very clever plot. Great series!
criminals in control and Lucky's good friend Teddie is on the run in Macau as well for a crime he didn't commit.
Merry Christmas to Lucky.
So Lucky has to figure out a way to get around all of the criminal activity, save the casinos, save Teddie and catch a murderer-all before Christmas.
Meanwhile, her hotel is about to open in Vegas.
Lucky has a game of chess to play.
Funny, witty and a very clever plot. Great series!
July 28, 2021
This picks up shortly after the events of the previous book. And like the other series I've read this past week, the writer injects some variety by adding a new location & characters to the story.
Lucky heads off to Macau. Romeo joins her and that means trouble for them both as well as looking for Teddy.
To be honest, the story is very complicated and I only had an inkling of what was going on but I like the characters. And the narrator does a great job so I listened anyway as I found it entertaining
I will say that when Romeo said something like, "of course I'm coming..you're my best friend." to Lucky, I did have a warm smile. it was so sweet!
Lucky heads off to Macau. Romeo joins her and that means trouble for them both as well as looking for Teddy.
To be honest, the story is very complicated and I only had an inkling of what was going on but I like the characters. And the narrator does a great job so I listened anyway as I found it entertaining
I will say that when Romeo said something like, "of course I'm coming..you're my best friend." to Lucky, I did have a warm smile. it was so sweet!
June 22, 2023
Most of this book was 2.5 stars. There were some exciting parts, but I found the majority to be boring.
January 6, 2017
How Many Lives Can Lucky Have?
This is the seventh in the series and Deborah just keeps giving us more. Lucky is rising to the job as Vice President of the casino, while trying to have a life. Casino problems are the norm but someone would like to take her job, her life and her hotel. The twists and turns keep coming and we get an inside look of the casino world. Computer nerds, guns, murder, call girls, and a midnight trip to Macao, it just keeps going.
This is the seventh in the series and Deborah just keeps giving us more. Lucky is rising to the job as Vice President of the casino, while trying to have a life. Casino problems are the norm but someone would like to take her job, her life and her hotel. The twists and turns keep coming and we get an inside look of the casino world. Computer nerds, guns, murder, call girls, and a midnight trip to Macao, it just keeps going.
February 12, 2017
Not the same caliber as her other books. Too much introspect. She's winged by bullets bet never stops to bandage them. Lots of oddities in this one. Happy to get Teddy back but is he worth it? Not too sure about that! We are left out of the plotting and never given the actual details so the reader is left with lots of questions. Is this the end of the series? Will Lucky have more adventures or perhaps a baby? No idea.
April 10, 2018
Frenetic
Fast paced. So fast, I kept losing track of the story line and plot.
This series has turned into a murder or a maiming per chapter.
This series is more a Super Hera comic strip than a novel of suspense or thrills. There is little to no down time between novel episodes. I wound up skipping a lot of the explanations and especially, the beginning quarter full of endless back stories.
Fast paced. So fast, I kept losing track of the story line and plot.
This series has turned into a murder or a maiming per chapter.
This series is more a Super Hera comic strip than a novel of suspense or thrills. There is little to no down time between novel episodes. I wound up skipping a lot of the explanations and especially, the beginning quarter full of endless back stories.
August 2, 2020
Book seven in the series. Very action packed. By the end of this one, I don't know how Lucky stayed on her feet. Off to Macau to catch the bad guys, save Teddy, and save her Father's casino's, Lucky finds help where least expecting it, and danger around every corner.
I get a little irritated with Lucky with her whole Teddy didn't grow up, and Teddy isn't a man, and Teddy, you get the idea. Teddy is a man and Teddy made a mistake at leaving Lucky and thinking of his career first. Either Lucky loves him or she doesn't, but Teddy deserves better than playing him like he's a big looser. He's made his own way all of his life, he's became a huge singer star, yet we hear about him over and over again like it's his fault he step in when a murder was happening. Teddy believes in Lucky, but when this murder happens, (previous book), she has a moment when she doubts him. Really? Teddy either deserves better, or write him out of the story. Quit using him as a fall guy.
I love this series and I'm on to book Eight.
I get a little irritated with Lucky with her whole Teddy didn't grow up, and Teddy isn't a man, and Teddy, you get the idea. Teddy is a man and Teddy made a mistake at leaving Lucky and thinking of his career first. Either Lucky loves him or she doesn't, but Teddy deserves better than playing him like he's a big looser. He's made his own way all of his life, he's became a huge singer star, yet we hear about him over and over again like it's his fault he step in when a murder was happening. Teddy believes in Lucky, but when this murder happens, (previous book), she has a moment when she doubts him. Really? Teddy either deserves better, or write him out of the story. Quit using him as a fall guy.
I love this series and I'm on to book Eight.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2019
I love the Lucky O'Toole series by this author. They are absolutely, a fun and fast paced ride. The characters are superbly written and drawn so beautifully in the minds of the reader. I find that I am sooo over Teddie...I hope Lucky gets over him or he moves on or she does. I'm finding the never ending angst of Teddie to have gone on way too long. Other characters have changed, matured and grown in their places in that world. I so want Lucky to S% or get off the pot so to speak and decide what she wants instead of constantly tilting at windmills at the cost of other people in her life.
Granted, I am binge reading the series (nope, I so could not put this one down)...It is set in China and the action is fast, the danger terrifying and in fine "Nancy Drew" style...Lucky eventually puts all the pieces together and all comes out right in the end, although who knows for how long.
Thanks, Ms. Coonts for another great book.
Granted, I am binge reading the series (nope, I so could not put this one down)...It is set in China and the action is fast, the danger terrifying and in fine "Nancy Drew" style...Lucky eventually puts all the pieces together and all comes out right in the end, although who knows for how long.
Thanks, Ms. Coonts for another great book.
August 31, 2020
At the end of the last book, Lucky’s best friend and former lover, Teddie, was in trouble. In Macau no less. So, even though she’s just about to open her own casino, Lucky flies to China to go to Macau and figure out exactly what is going on. It doesn’t help that someone just tried to murder Miss Minnie and someone else is putting enough pressure on her recently shot father that he is worried that their entire family fortune is about to be lost.
Lots of action, not a lot of depth. I do like that the love triangle that could exist, doesn’t. Other authors would draw out Lucky’s love for Teddie but Coonts allows her to feel a nostalgic love rather than a back and forth.
Lots of action, not a lot of depth. I do like that the love triangle that could exist, doesn’t. Other authors would draw out Lucky’s love for Teddie but Coonts allows her to feel a nostalgic love rather than a back and forth.
May 30, 2022
I just can’t get enough of Lucky O’Toole, Vegas and the whole gang. This is the 7th book in the series and continues where the previous on left off. Lucky is off to Macau to find Teddie, prove his innocence, save her father from being killed and all he has built. She has five days to pull something off and be back in Vegas for her birthday and the grand opening of her new hotel. She promised Christophe and how could she disappoint an adorable little boy. I really enjoyed how the story unfolded and how her friends showed up to help, even Detective Romeo. Great cast of characters and interesting plot twists to keep you interested.
June 23, 2017
This is the 2nd half of Lucky'S book 6. There is not really a new mystery but a completion of the story of book 6 so be sure to read it first. This was not my favorite book in her series, I am not sure why it just seemed slow and repetitive of book 6. It also seemed to be a change in Lucky's character and I am not sure I like where it seems to be going. I will be reading 8 when it comes out tho because I have so enjoyed this series.
January 18, 2019
Similar but different
I really enjoyed this Lucky O’Toole book. The reliable formula was there but the exotic setting was quite enjoyable, yet she was able to weave in characters from home that were supporting her. I was surprisied when the author started touching a bit more on some serious topics such as human trafficking and gender power yet the author still balanced it and maintained an exciting and fun mystery. I will definitely read the next one in the series.
I really enjoyed this Lucky O’Toole book. The reliable formula was there but the exotic setting was quite enjoyable, yet she was able to weave in characters from home that were supporting her. I was surprisied when the author started touching a bit more on some serious topics such as human trafficking and gender power yet the author still balanced it and maintained an exciting and fun mystery. I will definitely read the next one in the series.
August 14, 2019
Two problems. First, this is not a standalone novel. You need to have read the previous books in the series, if not the entire series, to enjoy this book. Second, the best part of this series is the Las Vegas setting. Unfortunately three quarters of this novel is set in Macau. Those caveats aside, this is actually the strongest book in the series to date, with romantic digressions put aside in service of a plot involving a high-stakes sting operation to prevent a takeover of a casino empire.
August 1, 2020
An out of country adventure proving to be life or death for Lucky. Still reeling from Teddie skipping the country after a murder and trying to track Irv down, Lucky travels to Macau to one of her hotels. Shady police, killer businessmen, and no one is who they seem. Who to trust or not to trust to save her hotel, the man she once loved, and her own life, Lucky battles unknown foes & sworn enemies with high stakes on the table. Non stop action!
December 18, 2023
7 books in and the series is starting to lose its appeal for me. I want more actual moving the overall story arch forward and seems like every few months, Lucky just happens to have crazy murder plots that involve Japanese (Yukuza?) mob members and somewhow she gets to deal with FBI, CIA, etc... I hope the next one stays in Vegas the entire time.
January 16, 2025
It’s been more than a decade since I’ve read the first six books in this series. Thankfully Coonts writes pretty great recaps into the beginning of each book, so I didn’t feel lost in the story. Lucky travels to Macau in this addition to her saga. Naturally, there’s the mystery and someone almost always dies. I prefer her shenanigans set in Vegas, but this wasn’t bad. Team Teddie forever!!
April 24, 2025
Lucky finds herself in unfamiliar territory and customs when she travels to Macau to solve a murder and rescue her ex lover. Her friends surprise her when they change their honeymoon plans and join her on her quest. Just when things appear to be hopeless they get worse. Another exciting Lucky O'Toole adventure.
February 17, 2018
Didn't think this would work, but it certainly did!
I thought that going to the Far East was bit of a stretch, but the writing certainly covered all angles and Lucky survived
I thought that going to the Far East was bit of a stretch, but the writing certainly covered all angles and Lucky survived
January 4, 2019
Love this series.
January 14, 2019
Helluva ride with Lucky O'Toole this time. Author Deborah Coonts is an engrossing, addicting read.
February 2, 2019
My favorite Lucky book so far!
March 24, 2019
I found this series through the offer of the four free novellas, and I've been reading non stop. Love the series. I'm on to the next one.
March 16, 2020
Good read
As usual I love Lucky. And I am starting to feel better about her and Jean Charles. The little boy helps.
As usual I love Lucky. And I am starting to feel better about her and Jean Charles. The little boy helps.
June 28, 2020
A little less talk and a lot more action would have been helpful. I was waiting for more Lucky magic but the bad guys were bad but I knew that they would get their punishment.
Read
March 12, 2021Macau, revenge, and a caper form the basis for this Lucky tale. There are many players and layers, but Lucky manages to come out on top.
June 8, 2021
Well that was a madcap adventure. I don’t know what I expected, but I enjoyed what I got.
July 2, 2024
Not the best on in the series (so far) but interesting.
June 6, 2025
Absolutely brilliant read. What a journey! So many needing help from Lucky and her wonderfully competent crew. Wonderful series and truly worthy of five stars.
December 1, 2016
Fabulous as ever
Well written and fun to read. Lucky always had the best misadventures. I hate waiting for the next installment. I would recommend this series to everyone!
Well written and fun to read. Lucky always had the best misadventures. I hate waiting for the next installment. I would recommend this series to everyone!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews