"Lucky Santangelo is dealing with a rebellious daughter while opening a new casino."

By: Jackie Collins

Genres: Fiction Women's Fiction

Posted: July 6, 2007

Lucky Santangelo is a very sexy and smart woman about to open a new casino, The Keys, in Las Vegas that will surpass any other. Lucky's 16-year-old daughter, Max, is looking for trouble in pursuing an Internet lover, not knowing she's been deliberately targeted by Henry Whitfield- Simmons, who calls himself Grant. Henry is a deranged pervert who has a vendetta against Lucky for giving an acting role to the handsome Billy Melina instead of to him. Billy is the boyfriend of Lucky's best girlfriend, Venus, who's a famous actress. Henry intends to make Lucky pay for this unfairness through her daughter Max.

The plot thickens as Anthony Bonar, illegitimate grandson of Lucky's godfather Enzio Bonnatti, declares revenge on Lucky by sabotaging her grand opening for the casino. In retaliation of Lucky's brother and mother being assassinated by Enzio Bonnatti, she in turn kills Enzio. Anthony, a drug lord, is a dangerous and ruthless man. His wife has been separated from her children and is kept in Mexico City with around-the-clock guards. Anthony's grandmother, Francesca, is the only person he has respect for. She too is intent on revenge on the Santangelos. In the meantime, Lucky is receiving notes in her mailbox that only say "drop dead beautiful."

As Lucky is trying to organize a family gathering for her father Gino's 95th birthday party and the opening of The Keys, Max arranges to meet the Internet predator in Big Bear. Max meets an interesting young man, Ace, hoping he is Grant. When Grant finally shows up and Max does not want to go with him, Ace steps in and poses as her cousin. Grant abducts both of them at gunpoint and takes them to a deserted cabin. Ace is locked in an outhouse and left to starve as Max is chained to a bed. After Ace manages to escape with Max, they both think they're free of Grant.

When previously visiting Las Vegas, Anthony killed a woman who was sent to his room by his co-conspirator, Renee, who is now arranging the destruction of The Keys event.

Everything comes to a head at the grand opening of The Keys. Lucky's notes are now arriving saying "drop dead bitch" and written in blood. Anthony is pushing too hard and giving too many orders. Renee decides to double-cross him and call off the destruction of The Keys. She intends to destroy Anthony once and for all and get him permanently out of her life. The ending is a complete surprise and you must read it to appreciate the twist in the story.

In the beginning of this book, the reading was a bit slow and confusing with so many characters introduced in the first couple of chapters. There were also many different plot lines to follow. Further into the book, it was hard not to become involved in the characters, leaving you anxious for the next page. Although quite a bit of the language was bad, the story itself was very good.

Book Summary

The bestselling author of Lovers & Players returns with her 25th fabulous novel and her most beloved character...Get ready for the scandalously scintillating read only Jackie Collins can deliver! Lucky Santangelo is back with a vengeance--still every bit as strong, sexy, and seductive as ever! But Lucky is older and wiser, and hot to reclaim her power position in Las Vegas. However, a deadly enemy from her past has resurfaced--a person determined to take everything from her, including the family she holds so dear: two sons and an out-of-control teenage daughter who is just as outrageous as Lucky herself. Like mother, like daughter. And if that old saying holds true, it’s going to be one wild ride. Internationally bestselling author Jackie Collins marks her twenty-fifth novel with “another page-turning tale packed with intrigue, revenge and romance,” (Publishers Weekly on Lovers and Players). Aren't we lucky?!

Drop Dead Beautiful by Jackie Collins

Drop Dead Beautiful

by: Jackie Collins

St. Martin's Press
July 1, 2007
On Sale: June 26, 2007
Featuring: Max Santangelo Golden; Lucky Santangelo
512 pages
ISBN: 0312341792
EAN: 9780312341794
Hardcover

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