Limecello’s review of What Happens In Vegas by Jodi Lynn Copeland, Lauren Dane, Kit Tunstall, and Anya Bast
Erotic Romance anthology released by Harlequin Spice 1 May 08

Drum roll, please, for LC’s first evah review for TGTBTU…

Hot For You by Jodi Lynn Copeland

I hate to say it, but I didn’t really like this story. I actually read this book out of order, and am glad I didn’t start with this novella. Something didn’t click, and Hot For You simply didn’t work for me. [I know, that’s a lot of “didn’t”s – but nothing else works.] I love the premise of it, but too many things just don’t come together. I felt that the author tried too hard with her character. Carinna is supposed to be a badass bad girl, who loves ‘em and leaves ‘em – queen of the one night stand. However, the uncertainties and indecisiveness within her character just don’t fit her personality.

This story is written in the first person. I’m not sure if that explains some of my dislike, but it’s much too wordy, and the obvious is often stated. Rhetorical questions are answered, and there are some writing issues. I found myself noticing editing mistakes, such as the word “mew” being used when it should have been “moue.” I was distracted by things I shouldn’t have been.

Hot For You is hot, but the emotional connection between Carinna and Jack came too late for me. When they open up, the story comes together. There’s a scene near the end I probably would not have liked otherwise, but turns into my favorite part due to the Carinna and Jack’s relationship truly emerging. I didn’t enjoy this novella, but this is an author I would try again and if you like 1st person point of view, it might work for you.

Grade: D

Stripped by Lauren Dane

I really enjoyed this novella. It starts out with Dahlia performing her number at the Dollhouse, the burlesque lounge where she works. Stripped draws you in from the start, and you can almost see Dahlia’s dance. There are a few minor kinks in the novella, but they’re easily forgiven.

Dahlia Baker is a graduate student at UNLV, and lives like one. Nash Emery is a business man, who comes from money. A lot of it. He propositions her after seeing her dance, and she shoots him down fantastically.

The reader follows Nash pursuing Dahlia, and her capitulation. Both characters have a lot to work on. Dahlia has hang ups about the class differences between them. She doesn’t want everyone to think she’s a gold digger, or that she’s easy because of her looks. Nash has to understand that Dahlia’s concerns are real to her, and that he has to be sensitive to her needs and emotions.

I loved how genuine this story was. The characters are very well written. Nash and Dahlia are very human, and had flaws that they work through. I liked how each could admit they were being silly or unreasonable, suck it up, and move on. I felt that I had a true grasp as to what made Dahlia and Nash tick, and could really believe that they were a couple who would make it work.

I’ve read a few of Ms. Dane’s books, and I would say that Stripped is my favorite by far. I’m looking forward to her upcoming books.

Grade: B+

Red Handed by Kit Tunstall

Red Handed was ok, but certain parts rubbed me the wrong way. It starts with Roan interrogating Amy, and punching her out – he thinks she’s a man. It bothered me a little that this incident was just passed over.

Then, Amy Gerard agrees to become Roan’s love slave. She makes the offer to prevent him from going to the Gaming Commission and reporting her cheating. Red Handed includes some naughty scenes and a foray into the world of BDSM, but it doesn’t show the development of a relationship, and I have a hard time believing Amy and Roan really do start falling for each other. Their situation began to make me feel a bit squicky, but it’s addressed after a scene where Amy is attacked. (Not by Roan.)

I liked the ending and the storyline; I just had a hard time believing that such a relationship did develop between Amy and Roan. They spent too much of the novella isolating their emotions, and the ending was disjointed. I know that was the “point” – but it felt too contrived for me.

Grade: C

The Deal by Anya Bast

Cassidy and James are two very fun characters that I enjoyed reading about. Cassidy has decided she’s going after James, and that’s that. She took an emotional hit after her fiancé stood her up at the altar, so to protect herself, but still “take care” of herself, she’s going to address her attraction to James with a “friends with benefits” proposition.

For his part, James has been hot for Cassidy since the first time he met her. Unfortunately, she was taken by his friend. In fact, he was supposed to be their best man. He held off because he doesn’t poach, and later, because he’s a good guy and doesn’t want to rush Cassidy into something she’s not ready for.

I love “friends to lovers” stories, and The Deal is a great example of one. Not only is it hot, but you can feel the connection between James and Cassidy. They’re three dimensional characters that you find yourself rooting for, and sympathizing with.

A great contribution to the anthology, with a very cute ending.

Grade: B+

Overall, I enjoyed What Happens in Vegas and am being won over to the Spice Line. This is a fun anthology and a nice intro into the line and a great way to dip your toes into the erotic romance seas if you haven’t taken a dip yet.

Overall Grade: B-

Summary:

Winning it big.

That’s the name of the game at Las Vegas’s Liege Hotel and Casino, where the hottest fantasies hinge on the roll of the dice and the tantalizing knowledge that anything could happen before sunrise.

Cocktail waitress Carinna wants a man to tie her up, not tie her down. Little does she know that her most willing partner yet has something else planned for this fiery Latina bombshell.

Dahlia is a burlesque dancer with a brain for business and a bod for sin. Her latest admirer may be a sweet talking Casanova, but despite what he thinks she’s not giving anything away for free.

Meanwhile Amy has the perfect plan to rob the Liege Casino blind…until the intimidating owner catches her red-handed. Now she knows she’s going to pay with both pleasure and pain.

Professional shill Cassidy is ready to experience a breathless rendezvous with her “friend with benefits.” But when he proposes five delicious nights of sexy blackjack, the stakes have never been so high.

Check out an excerpt here and here.