Dom of Las Vegas

Sin City, Book 1

By: Tricia Owens

Narrated by: Nick J. Russo

Length: 5 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

Ethan Winter has known since he was a kid that he wants to work for the FBI. Until then, he's stuck modeling underwear and photographing cheating spouses for a private investigator. But when a trip to Las Vegas for a security conference brings him into contact with the magnificently dominant Maxmillian Poole, Ethan finds himself faced with a dilemma: pursue his childhood dream, or become the partner of a man who seems to know him inside and out - and who offers a life any submissive would crawl for.

©2016 Tricia Owens (P)2016 Tricia Owens

was hoping for more

I was really hoping to like this book, but it fell flat for me. Narration was okay I guess, but not great. I felt that there was not much depth to the story and while the scenes could have been hot, I think the narration took away from them and I left this book feeling like it was a bit bland.

Excellent start to the series

Any additional comments?

The audio is so much better than the ebook. Nick Russo did an amazing job. He made each of the characters very destinced. the audio book was so much better than the ebook. I only have an issue that Ethan is called a blond. That so really bothers me. Other than that the story is pretty awesome. They are really starting to care for each other. I can't wait to read the rest of the books!!!

Audio version only enhances the characters

Tricia Owens is already one of my favorite authors as she knows how to develop likable characters. In fact, it is hard not become truly become attached to her characters in her books. The main characters in the Dom series, Ethan and Max, are no different. What I especially liked about this audio version of Dom of Las Vegas was that I really got to know the character of Ethan. Listening to the story instead of reading helped me to understand who he is and what motives him. Honestly, I have read the book twice already but listening helped me to slow down and really enjoy. I loved how Nick J. Russo, the narrator, was able to give each character different voices - I never had a doubt about who was speaking and each voice really “fit” the individual characters as well. I have listened to other audio books and it is hard to find one that does this well. Russo and Owens make a great team! In fact, I've looked for other books narrated by Russo. The only downside was a technical issue, I think. Sometimes the volume or intensity of Russo’s voice changed mid-sentence. It seemed like the producers were unable to match the quality of the sound consistently. This has nothing to do with Owens’ writing nor did it take away the enjoyment of the book. I highly recommend this audio book and hope there are plans for audio versions of the whole series!

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

Confusing BDSM fantasy

The plot is not confusing on the the whole, but the emotional tone is confusing as are some details needed to drive the plot.

Ethan wants to join the FBI. He has worked for this goal since he was a tween. He’s 25 and working as a private PI while he completes his prerequisites for applying. After his boss makes him pay for his own work conference, he meets a seemingly nice guy who wants to hook up. Then this fully adult, mostly sober surveillance professional lets a an unvetted stranger talk him into exhibitionist sex acts in public and somehow thinks “what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas”. Really, I should have stopped there. He also thinks that applying to the FBI with the right credentials automatically gets him in. He has no business being such a credulous rube with bad judgment.

I could spend time detailing problems but why bother. It’s clearly a fantasy plot. After the previously mentioned blow job, most of the sex in this sex fantasy is all tell and no show. Since it’s fiction either way, enjoy, but know that the promise of hot sex is not really delivered. Ethan meets Max and vets him by… knowing he’s popular. Max has been celibate since an ex said something hurtful (partially rooted in truth) during a breakup, because he makes life decisions based on perceived feelings of people who reject him. Then in one of Ethan & Max’s first few “sexual” encounters, Max basically pummels the heck out of Ethan who is expected to enjoy it. And he seems to. But holy 0 - 60, batman! We never see them build trust. Max demands it and Ethan thinks, literally, “a classy guy (read “rich”) like Max wouldn’t hurt me” and caves.

The prose kicks along. It’s fantasy BDSM. It’s not bad if you can suspend your disbelief about how unlikely every aspect of a major plot point is. It’s not bad if you’re ok with casual acquaintances heading straight to beating up a sex slave with little to no discussion of roles or boundaries because you can obvs trust the celibate Dom to know instantly how to use his new sub without actual damage. Because that is the awkward fantasy being sold. And yet that fantasy is only barely delivered. They spend quote a while apart and pining.

I think the book isn’t my thing. I think I worry too much about abuse to enjoy this fantasy. I think someone else might enjoy the escape which is why I’m keeping it at 3 stars. It is what it is so I’m trying not to judge against what it isn’t.

Steam: Med. Aside from the roughhousing and my previously stated abuse concerns, the sex is pretty tame for M/M BDSM kink. Mostly because too much happens off page or gets discussed as a future event.

Narration: The narrator badly mispronounces or substitutes a dozen or so words. Aside from the random uncorrected verbal stumbles, he does a decent job. Needed editing but the sound level is even at least.

Powerful Men

This is a powerful stories with hard edges and dark corners. Ethan has carried the same dream for years and has been working toward this goal. A chance encounter sets things in motion that will change the direction of his life. He must deal with the loss of his dream as he finds himself a pawn in a vengeful fight between two men of power. He also has to face betrayal of his own desires. Max seems almost evil and unfeeling. But when Max realizes how things have gone he is willing to put in the work to back his man.

Great Series

I have read all 10 books in this series and listening to it in audible has been a pleasure. Nick Russo has brought life to Max and Ethan's characters. I definitely recommend listening to see what Max and Ethan can get into in Sin City.

Great start to a series

This is a great start to a romance with bdsm thrown in. When Ethans plans for his life that fall apart, Maximilian is there to save him. Maximilian gives him a hedonistic lifeline to a new career as a bodyguard.
Trica Owen's series is great. I recommend them all. I hope the entire series ends up on audible.

Oral Delight

I had already read the entire series so I knew the characters intimately. As my first audio book I was pleasantly surprised. Having the characters brought to life this way was really amazing. The voice actor did a nice job, more so for the men than the women's voices. The sex scenes were oh so sweet. Can't wait to hear the rest of the series.

I love this

Story. I’ve already read the box several times over. It was interesting listening to it by audio. Tricia is a fantastic writer.

Even better in audio!

I fell in love with these guys and their many escapades in the print version. I have read and loved all 10 volumes. Russo's performance enhanced the beginning of a story that is already dear to my heart.

I want to thank Tricia for writing a series that didn't leave me hanging at the end of each volume. I craved the continuation of their journey, but didn't feel like the story was incomplete each time I awaited the next episode.

If you enjoy a good MM romance with some serious spice, then this one is for you!