Las Vegas Books

"Dice Angel" is a great fun read. I laughed out loud several times while reading it, and the ending brought a real smile to my face. You also get to see Las Vegas from a locals point of view, which is dead on. The only reason it's not 5 stars is that it's really not meant to be. Its meant to be 4 star fun!

"Dice Angel" is a smart, hilarious page-turner with witty dialogue and vivid characters. Set in the real Las Vegas, known only to locals, the book offers an insider's view into the bizarre dichotomy of this world (i.e., who knew Mormonism flourished in Sin City?) We follow Jimmy D., our flawed but lovable, wise-cracking antihero, as he weaves his way through a series of trials and tribulations which would defeat a lesser soul. With nothing left to lose, Jimmy grudgingly hires the weird and wacky gambling guru, Amaris (the "Dice Angel") in the hopes that she can reverse his bad luck. Never a dull moment between these two, and the wild ride which ensues culminates with a couple of unexpected and thoroughly enjoyable twists. A great read!

Dice Angel is well written, exciting, with a tinge of humor that keeps you enthralled throughout the book. Being from Las Vegas, I certainly appreciated the little details that remind me of the Las Vegas I know. I highly recommend reading Dice Angel, but make sure you aren't working on deadline, because you won't be able to put it down.

I purchased "Dice Angel" based on a couple of reviews I read on Amazon and absolutely fell in love with it. Brian Rouff's characters are quirky, fun, unique and exhilarating. Poon, the IRS enforcer is a hoot as is Aramis, Jimmy D's, dice angel -- I found myself wishing I could come upon someone as gifted as she.

Mr. Rouff is very economical in his writing. He tells a great, great story and if you like Las Vegas, gambling and down and out characters who get to triumph you may just love this book as much as I did. I highly recommend it and I think Rouff ranks right up there with Harlan Coben and Dean Koontz. The book is a fast read and I really wish I did not have to finish it. It's the kind of book you never want to end.

I do not play craps but after reading the hilarious scene in the Luxor with Jimmy D trying to save his bar and Aramis saying mantra's over him in the background so he can win, I may just try. I actually tried calling the dice angel as a lark (her phone number is listed on the book cover). Much to my dismay, the number did not exist.

I would be remiss if I did not mention Pete, the homeless guy, who gave Jimmy Aramis' card. Pete is a great character. Mr. Rouff is right on in his depiction of Pete (who happens to be an ex-stock broker like me).

So if you are looking for a fast, enjoyable read, pick up a copy of "Dice Angel." I promise you'll love it. And honest, the number on the front of the book (Aramis' phone number) does not exist (wink wink).

See you at the Luxor. I'll be the guy with all the dough.

In DICE ANGEL, author Brian Rouff describes a Vegas (this is not your formal `Las Vegas') story in a voice that is Richard Prather-in-Vegas caustic. Rouff's characters speak in dialogue that is snappy and hip. This is a real feel of the Vegas long-time locals know and love. With lots of Elmore Leonard characters, Rouff writes about Las Vegas like Carl Hiassen does of Florida. Describing a lawyer's office, Rouff writes, "Real hardwood floors, expensive art signed and numbered by foreign guys, a leather couch that probably took the lives of an entire herd of Texas's finest." If you want to know what it's really like to live in Las Vegas, DICE ANGEL opens an entertaining window for your view.

Carolyn Proctor
author, 'Elisabeth Samson, Forbidden Bride'

I'm not much of a sports person and so, even though I really enjoyed Dice Angel, I didn't know if I would like this one as much. I couldn't put it down! Rouff's books are as much character studies as they are exciting stories. Just as in Dice Angel, I REALLY cared what happened to these people. I wanted to laugh when they laughed and cry when they cried, and when justice is served in the end, I sent up a cheer. Great book!

MoneyShot is an exciting book to read from start to finish. We follow extensive character development of Alan `Nick' Nichols as he goes through a mid life crisis.

MoneyShot is a demonstration of how a person's life can change unexpectedly for the better. We see Nick's transition from a boring and unfulfilled advertising executive, husband and father to an impulsive man gambling away his future a la Vegas style.

Very easy to read and with a witty dialogue, I couldn't put it down till I finished reading it. The only fault I found with the book was that it had to end. Write more Brian Rouff! I loved it.

I have had the good fortune of finding Brian Rouff completely by accident. I read "Dice Angel" first and fell in love with his writing style and his quirky characters (see my review).

When I received "Money Shot" I did not think I would like it nearly as much as "Dice Angel" -- I am not particularly a basketball fan -- But I thought a lot of Las Vegas was in it so it would be a good read from that perspective. Man, was I ever wrong!!

I LOVED "Money Shot" -- I fell in love with ALL the characters, Nick the hero of the story, a burned-out nine to fiver advertising exec drinks a soda and the bottle cap offers him the chance of a lifetime -- sink a three pointer at half-time during a championship game and win a million bucks -- Nick, being skeptical, lets the bottle cap drift aimlessly among the detritus of his car. Luckily, Jason, the young up and comer at the agency sees the cap and tells Nick it's the real thing -- the real deal and he had better call so he can win his million bucks.

From that point on, Rouff hooks the reader better than Hemingway hooked a fish -- You can't put the book down -- Nick is one of the funniest people in fiction -- his asides kept me in stitches -- as I turned every page of the novel dreading coming to the end of a GLORIOUS READ, I realized (after having devoured "Dice Angel" Mr Rouff's other novel) what a genius this writer is.

He seams the story effortlessly among his characters that live and breathe like humans -- but humans you want to know and get to know -- no card-board, stereo-typical archetypes in Mr. Rouff's writing -- He's a writer's writer and a great, great story teller.

His dialogue is brilliant as are his created characters. I read "Money Shot" in one sitting -- it's fast, complex, human, with more twists and turns than a New York pretzel -- And the surprise ending nearly makes you delirious -- Don't despair though -- Mr. Rouff's endings are one of his greatest fortes -- they do not disappoint!!

I highly recommend any novel Mr. Rouff writes -- You will not be despairing until you reach the last page where it says THE END.

A genuine delight to read, and sprinkled with humor throughout. You don't have to be a basketball "junkie" to enjoy this book. "Nick" Nichols, the main character, has some stellar non-basketball moments in the book with his wife (and his perceptions on married life); with his co-workers (both the good and the bad ones),and with his teenage daughter.

Brian Rouff has created a fantastic story illustrating how even the biggest skeptic can achieve his dreams. This book was fast-paced and a very comfortable and enjoyable read. It was refreshing to read a novel that engaged me yet did not weigh me down with material that was too dense.

I think this book is perfect for both the avid and casual sports fan based upon the subject matter involved. However, because of the sacrifices and the journey taken by the main character in the novel, even a non-sports fan will be captivated the idea of a person and his family taking a shot at a lifetime of financial security.

I am greatly anticipating Mr. Rouff's next book!

Very clear and easy to understand. Covers odds and house advantage of various casino games. If you want to understand the math and odds the book gives good examples that are clear. You don't need to be a rocket scientist to understand this book. Got a copy for my retired uncle and he loves it for his casino trips. Clearly explains the house has an advantage, but teaches you how to minimize that so your money and free drinks last longer.

This book will explain to you, in no uncertain terms, exactly why you can't win at most games. However, it will give you tips on how to win more often. And, it will show you a few games where you actually have a chance to beat the house.

for anyone that spends any time or money gambling, you really ought to read this book.

...but, if you do make a trip to Vegas and lose, you'll know you did your very best and not be filled with complete regret about placing sucker and egotistical bets and getting taken in by the atmosphere in general. The author talks in detail about the emotional roller-coaster that is casino gambling, and this book will help you smooth out those bumps in the roller coaster.

Brisman is also very clear that no matter how skilled your decisions, the odds WILL remain in favor of the house at all times.

I'm not a particularly serious gambler - I go to casinos maybe 2-3 times a year. I bought this book several years ago before my first trip to vegas and read it on the plane on my way out (and have gone back and consulted it countless times since), and I'm very happy with it.

The book contains a few introductory chapters followed by 12 chapters devoted to common casino games (followed by a few misc. chapters at the end). It's very straightforward and takes a no-nonsense approach, backed by statistics/probability, to disect each game. For each casino game, the book tells you what the odds are if you play 'by the book', and describes various strategies for playing. In my opinion, this book (or a similar work) is a MUST if you are a beginning gambler and will probably be very useful if you are an intermediate level gambler. It's easy to understand, but at the same time it isn't dumbed down, so should remain a useful reference for all but the most serious/knowledgable gamblers.

I purchased this book primarily to learn blackjack, and specifically to learn basic strategy. The Blackjack chapter is very well laid out and should allow a beginner to learn basic strategy in a fairly short period of time, as it did in my case. If you play blackjack (or plan to play) and don't know basic strategy (or worse - don't know what basic strategy is!) then this book is an absolute must. I feel like I got my money's worth out of the blackjack chapter alone, with the rest of the book a very much appreciated added bonus.

The book has 16 chapters, 2 of which are introductory, and 13 are dedicated to the games themselves. If you've ever visited a casino, you know how easy it is to get overwhelmed by flashing lights and sounds of coins falling everywhere, and then perhaps make an errant decision about playing a slot game or joining a roulette table.

This book does a good job on teaching the fundamentals and rules of each game, and it goes further to tell you why the game is profitable for the casino and how fast you should expect to lose money on it. Since the only game that might possibly be played to the player's advantage is blackjack, Chapter 3, which deals with blackjack, is one of the largest in the book. The author also discusses popular "winning" systems and with mathematical detail displays their faults.

It's an excellent guide to all the games and casino business in general. However, the book serves a dual purpose - after I learned about the odds and the house edge in each game, it's unlikely I will ever gamble at a casino again.

I absolutely love "The James Bond Lifestyle Seminar," but this audiobook fell short. The plot was decent, but nothing better than you'd expect based on the synopsis. The main character is supposed to be 33 years old, yet his voice sounds like an old man. He sounds very unsure of himself. Also, a lot more could have been done with the sound effects. They did not immerse me in the scenes, as another reviewer claimed.

Wow! My sister pointed me to this audio book and I couldn't believe my ears. I just relaxed on my bed to listen and was absolutely delighted with the movie-quality of the sound effects. Not only is this a masterful, well-written plot, it's also a quality production. The best I've heard.

And those stars that the magnificent author/director Paul Kyriazi lined up for this special version of his book!!! Well, all I can say is that I remember swooning each time I saw any of them on the big screen. (I hope my hubby doesn't read this.) But when I saw Rod Taylor--who narrates this story, with such a come-hither voice--starring in The Birds with that gorgeous Tippi Hedren, I almost fainted. Yes, he was that much of a hunk ... and still is, according to my sister!

Incidentally, people used to say I looked like Tippi. Ah-hhh, memories ... But getting back to this audio book, I loved it to pieces.

Keep up the excellent work, Mr. K. You're terrific, and almost as handsome as the great Rod! Ciao, baby ...

Mr Kyriazi's production of Hard Rock Lovers was just fantastic! I was on the edge of my seat on a daily basis! I put the audio book on my iPod and listened while I jogged. I gotta say it motivated me to get out there and I am so sad it is over! I cannot wait for his next Audio production!

The story is fantastic, gripping and sexy. I absolutely loved it!

Bravo!!!!

From the moment Hard Rock Lovers comes on ... it takes you by the hand and mind, and immediately draws you into this intriquing story, narrated by the imcomparable Rod Taylor, of revenge, love, lust, cold reality and spiritual enlightenment.

Robert Culp kept me laughing with his perfect low-life agent performance, always the best! James Darren was the perfect rock star, mean, talented but sad, his performance was # 1. Ishtar Uhvana was great as Medusa, she added the sweetness to keep some reality in the rock world and her ending dialoque brought tears to my eyes. Loved Russ Tamblyn, George Chakiris was brilliant as the evil Reynaldo, and Nefta Perry as Connie played the perfect Rosie Perez.

The ending gives you hope and leaves you with happy feelings. You will want to play it again and again; it only gets better each time you listen.

Paul Kyriazi is my hero. I am his BIGGEST fan.

Thank you Paul for the fun and exciting adventure!

The "Hard Rock Lovers" audio book was not at all what I expected, but what a wonderful surprise! It's a twisted, tangled web of events played out by a handful of multi-leveled, intertwined characters. The story is well written, beautifully told and convincingly enacted centering on the heights of a successful rock star and the terrible costs that are paid when that success is abused. People and events are manipulated by all the characters to satisfy their own needs and agenda.


"Good" and "evil" are blurred. "Life" and "death" are blurred. Relationships are blurred, but the irony of fate is boldly presented and it's made abundantly clear that our "next" existence offers another chance to hopefully do better. The inevitability of change, the subtle and sometimes dramatic interrelationships between cause and effect as well as the ever-present, ever-looming scales of divine and poetic justice are persistent threads. A beautiful blending of drama and melodrama are used to develop both the story and the characters. The audio presentation is top-notch entertainment, particularly when you consider that all acting is accomplished solely through vocal artistry. The actors do a fantastic job of inviting the listener into their world and moving you effortlessly through the story.


I really enjoyed listening to this audio book. It is wonderful from start to finish and my congratulations go out to all involved. It's a winner on all levels.

I just finished reading this book and highly recommend it.

This book pretty much focuses on the era when Tony Spilotro "King of the Strip" ran the strip with his alleged criminal activities and ties to the mob.

There is also a lot of information on Frank Cullotta and his subsequent role as informant.
The secondary focus of the book is the term of Sheriff John McCarthy and his team and their war on organized crime.

I found this book to be very detailed and informative, containing interviews with those, who, either lived or worked on the strip during the relevant period.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this factual, well-written book.

What a great read. Couldn't put the book down. If you read this book then you HAVE TO buy Culotta. "The Battle for Las Vegas" cuts right to the bone how Vegas used to be before all of the fake glitter it is today. A best buy book!!

This book is a good read. It's worth the time for any fans of the true crime genre, or the city of Las Vegas.

If you love all those movies dedicated to Vegas, you will love this book too!! If you have ever visited the city and enjoyed the excitement it brings, you will enjoy reading the history behind how it became what it is today!!

Billy Wannyn

This is the book that explains in wonderful detail, how the Mob came to control Las Vegas and what they did to lose it so quickly.

it also tells the tale of the Law Enforcement coming of age at the same time. Its growth problems and going from a small town to being a big city and dealing with the big city problems it had caused.

No real telling of Las vegas history would ever be complete without this book.

Denny writes in a unique style that grabs your attention and tells you what it was like. Not boring, yet filled with details and stories from the FBI, Metro and the Mob.

Good selection of places in and near Las Vegas to go hiking with your dog and rates them for how difficult they are (great for me since I'm a fairly new hiker). Also has sections on what to include in the first aid kit for your dog and hiking tips (preparing for your hike, etc.), and tons of maps. It divides the hikes into different areas around Las Vegas and within each area goes into detail about each hike. I definitely recommend this book!

This book is great, it's so hard to find out about trails in the Las Vegas area (outside of the heavily populated areas). As a bonus, the authors are local and lead hikes every now and then around the valley. The web-site address for the guided hikes is printed in the back of the book.

Thanks to "Best hikes with dogs Las Vegas and Beyond," I am much more adventurous and take my dog to new trails often. Directions to trails and details of terrain have helped me choose which hikes are best suited for my dog and I. The book takes "guessing" out of the equation. A must have for anyone hiking with or without a dog.

I love, love, love this book! It is easy to read and all the hikes I've done (with my two dogs in tow) have been great. I would recommend this book to anyone (even if you don't hike with dogs). It is so hard to find a quality hiking book for this area. This is the BEST!

Chewbacca (25 lb pup) and I really enjoyed using the book on the trails! It was nice to know what hiking-obstacles we could expect. The first-aid section for dogs was really great too. If you've got a dog you blaze the trail with... then check this guide out.

Cannot believe the twists and turns. Good read. Don't let this book get by you!

This book is exciting, suspenseful, and full of action...everything I love!

Couldn't put it down for a second. A great book to take on vaction. Easy to follow - Characters are full of life.

Get this book TODAY!

I like to read books that satisfy me...something that keeps me reading...that satisfies my free time. Breach of Contract did it! I love the life of the rich, the twists of love, the deceit of friends, and the risk of business. Will there be a sequel??? GREAT BOOK...

I love the Las Vegas casinos. Any book that has to do with night life, I'll read. It's a wonderful book. Easy reading to go along with it. No vulgar language. It's ultimately a "train" read or "beach" read. Sorry I finished it. T.

I like to read books that have a lot of action. Breach of Contract is not something I would normally buy/read. But my wife MADE me read this book because she personally knows the author...haha! I'm glad I read it because it did have a lot of action like murder, suspense, and business dealings. I would definitely recommend this book to any gender because it doesn't have just one type of theme. You go, Denise!!!

Vegas is full of opportunities. This books breaks it down and tells you how it is. Very simple and easy to understand. I am in the middle of buying commercial property there and this book helped me understand what to look for and made me realize even more opportunity. A great read....

This book quickly taught me what I needed to know to invest in the Las Vegas high rise market. The project overviews gave me an idea of what is happening, and then the investment strategies showed me the best ways to get my money involved in the market. I appreciate the work Paul Murad has done to get this information to real estate investors.

As the founder of and Internet start-up which foucuses on urban home ownership and the lifestyle that surrounds city living, Manhattanizing Las Vegas was an eye-widening resource for me. The perspective that Mr. Murad puts the growth of Las Vegas is very interesting compared to the recent growths of other major cities such as Miami, D.C., and Boston. From a financial eye, where I am a Senior Loan Officer for Chase Home Finance, the mortgage division of JPMorgan Chase, I found the book both educational & resourceful when viewing condominium projects in the Las Vegas area. Overall the book was great, a must read for LV real estate brokers & agents & anyone looking to purchase a home in the LV market.

Moving from Chicago, I found Manhattanizing Las Vegas to be the perfect reference on the areas new developments for myself and for my clients.

An easy and informative read, I recommend this book to everyone.

Adam Arrington
Sales Consultant American Invsco
RE Broker Chicago, IL
Las Vegas RE Agent & resident

"Manhattanizing Las Vegas" is a must-read for anyone interested in the future of this fascinating city. Paul Murad has done his homework well in researching the future of high-rise living in `Sin City'.

Odette Larson's autobiography not only tells her story as an abused child, but also makes you feel the emotions of that scared little girl. Her story may be shocking, distrubing, and dynamically graphic for a "normal" reader. Although, her ability to share her truths, allows those of us who were also abused, to feel kindredness with her. To personally know the woman she has become, I am proud to say she is an amazing mentor. Odette will teach you, that no matter what trials life can throw you, be optimistic, and you will prevail!!
We all live in a world where truths may be shameful, life is always difficult, and happiness can shine through in the darkest moments. If a little girl's broken dreams can become a perseverance to find what life is all about. Then share in her tale by reading, "Flying Sparks," and realize that an adventure, whether sad or happy, can be had by connecting personally with ones and things that come into your life!

An interesting story of casual, unthinking neglect of children by the honest working class. The odd contrast between the often wise words of advice given by the mother in this story, and her absolute blindness to the real life of her children is the crux of the book.

The book ends somewhat abruptly. I wonder if the author is planning a continuation of some sort. As it is, we have little knowledge of how or why the young girl in the book changes the direction of her life.

Truly the book chronicles a time when children had more freedom, but clearly things were not as safe as parents believed.

A truely compelling story of survival and the reality of being a young girl alone and unprotected in an era we thought was a time of "innocence". Ms. Larson has unflinchingly shared her life experiences with honesty and without self-pity. Her courage is an inspiration. Her prose is as pure and honest as the desert. I could not put Flying Sparks down. I eagerly look forward to her next book.

This novel stopped me in my tracks. The keen memory of every detailed joy and horror recalled so vividly, related in an honest, curious and amazingly direct way...was absolutely compelling.

I was transported directly into the emotional turmoil and yearning of the young Odette...experiencing first hand, her twelve-year old sensibility, curiousity and insecure,overpowering need for love...a need so strong it continually bounced her off the edge of darkness, while at the same instant, maintaining a core of integrity and innocence just strong enough to keep her from toppling over...into the abyss.

I couldn't put it down, and when I did finish this incredible odyssey of pain, confusion and desolation, I felt the stirring of some powerful seeds...the beginnings of unconscious realizations...a small ladder up. I can't wait for these to sprout and manifest into Odette Larson's sequel novel..and other works of truth, survival and growth. The phoenix rising.

Kudos to this wonderful, insightful author. Please continue to bring us more of these powerful works! Thank you!

Larson's gripping story of the loss of innocence is a shocking insight into the motivation of a very young girl who puts herself on the precipice of disaster time after time in her thirst for love and affirmation. We are captivated with the incredible events during her escape from a stern mother who beats her and a father whose affection is limited to a grunt when she offers to wash his feet. Although the girl walks through miles of desert, untouched by scorpions and snakes she is victimized by lecherous men, drug addicts and criminals. With the kindness of a musician, and her perseverence, she finds the strength to triumph. Larson paints the desert landscape she lives in with beauty and richness, tainted only by the blood and fluids of human weakness. We want more about how she evolved to become a successful teacher and author.

I am a bass player, and learned advanced music theory in the class room and on the bass. This book really helped me apply my knowledge from the bass to the guitar. I also teach, and this is a great guide to teaching music theory. However, it is not for beginners. Like other reviews said, this is not a casual read. Be prepared to play the examples, write out the exercises and play through them. But after all is said and done, this book contains a ton of useful, practical information, and is a great addition to any teachers books.

I bought this for my husband and he says it's wonderful. The cheat sheets are extremely helpful and the layout is very user friendly.

This 54 page (including covers) booklet contains more information that other books many times its size. This is not a casual read book, and could be somewhat overwhelming for someone just starting out. However, it's a treasure trove of useful information for someone willing to study it. The Cheat Sheets are loaded with information. Spend some time with them. The more I study them, the more I see. Helpful for learning the fretboard, scales and chords.

Guitar players seem to fall into two categories. Those who can read notation and those who can't. So why is learning to play music such a killer?

For the biginning guitarist reading notation is like learning geometry. For the advanced player its learning Einstein's "Theory of Relativity.

But, it doesn't have to be that way. As mentioned in previous reviews this book takes the reader visually into the world of note theory without the usual dragged out chapters written in "Latin Text" which is associated with most books written about music theory.

For beginning guitar players this book helps to bridge the communication gap sometimes left at the end of a lesson between student and teacher. To quote an old adage "Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words".

For the advanced and re-entry level player this book is filled with instant visual information showing scale definitions, transposing, cord spelling, intervals, cycle of 5th diagrams, arpeggios, voice patterns and fingerboard layout relationships that are essential to becoming a better guitar player.

The bottom line is this book will open up a new world to your musical abilities. But, you will still need to devote time and effort to reach your full potential as a guitarist.

I am an avid reader and since I got back into music last year, I have purchased at least a hundred books on guitar playing. Since I underline everything, I wanted to go back and take notes from my reading so I could have all the important information in one place. Thanks to Robert Frazier and his Guitar Oriented Condensed Music Theory book - I don't need to bother. He has taken literally every critical highlight out there and put it all together for me. He's also added a few pieces that I didn't find elsewhere and/or made sense of things I'd seen before. In my opinion, you could spend a whole day just unpacking a single page from this material (it's that loaded). I recently took a trip to Croatia with my guitar in hand and had very limited luggage space to spare - this was one of three books that I brought with me. It's not packaged in a fancy way, it's just full of great content. I highly recommend it.