Customer Reviews

Viva Las Bad Boys!

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

As a general rule, I find anthologies dissatisfying. This collection, however, was like a breath of fresh air through the stale anthology shelf.

Viva Las Bad Boys is set, well, in Las Vegas, of course. It features three stories that take place at the The Berkley Hotel and Casino, a premiere luxury destination on the Strip. All three stories feature great dialogue with funny and smart exchanges between the hero and heroine. The last story didn't really live up to the standards set in the first two but not by too much.

I hesitate to say much about the stories because I don't want to spoil the fun reveal that takes place while reading. Jackpot features a jilted bride and a man jilted by his business partner. Not all is what it seems. This is a deception story and what makes it work is that the character being deceived doesn't mind because initially their encounter is all about the sex. When it grows into something more, the characters are savvy enough to realize when someone is actually trying to hurt them and when they are trying to help. The Big Mis would have been an easy way to pad the story but the author avoided that dreadful trap and ended with a strong, believable HEA. B for this entry.


Player's Club showcases a different type of heroine: one who is self aware. She was devoted to her job, but also recognized that she had power as a woman. This is so rare in books these days, particularly contemporary ones. The heroine is a consultant hired by the hotel to reform the bad boy cook. The heroine catches the bad boy chef in a compromising situation and the way in which she deals with that scene is hysterical. No stammering, no blushes, just cool, calm manner which caused the hero to feel quite awkward. The heroine and chef engage in a steamy game of one upmanship (perfect for a Vegas themed book) wherein both end up winning. B for this one too.

Two of a Kind portrays a jet set hotel critic and Alex Mitchell, the hotel's manager. The two of them get stuck in the casino's spa when the blackout takes place. TOAK is another deception story wherein the hotel critic hides her identity from Alex. Alex doesn't find out until late and his accusations against the critic were valid. I liked this story less as it seemed to be a bit disjointed and I didn't find the quick resolution to the couple's problems believable as I did in the previous two. C+ for this one.

Overall, this was a good anthology with great dialogue, good humor and belieavable HEAs. Based on the first two novellas, I can't wait for the single title: Your Mouth Makes Me Crazy.

"Jackpot". At the Berkley Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Jack McAllister hopes to score with the jilted bride sitting next to him at the slots. However, he hits the big time until up in his room, he observes Laine Monroe's private investigator's license. Instead of under the covers, she is undercover seeking to find proof Jack is womanizing.

"Player's Club". The hotel's newly appointed Director of Human Resources Jenna Barrister's first major task is to fire playboy super-chef Zach Jacobs for carousing with the guests. However before she can complete the distasteful task a power outage leads to Zach teaching Jenna how to turn up the heat without cooking.

"Two Of A Kind". Alex Mitchell feels strongly he earned the casino's assistant management position, but first he must outshine rival Caroline Rogers. She feels the same way relishing the all out competition to top her top challenger for the job she covets. Neither relishes the attraction between them as that leaves each feeling vulnerable and the blackout insures both learn the meaning of consensus.

These three "Bad Boy" tales are as always fun lighthearted romps this time with women rolling the dice and taking a chance on love.

Harriet Klausner