What Stays in Vegas

by Beth Labonte

Bored administrative assistant, Tessa Golden, is trapped in a life of lousy weather, irritating bosses, and mind-numbing secretarial work. Her dreams of being an artist have rapidly deteriorated into building things out of paperclips while on hold with tech support. To make matters even worse, the love of her life has gone off and married another woman.

So when Tessa is suddenly transferred to the Las Vegas branch of her company - playing wingwoman to her freshly divorced boss, juggling a client from hell, and catching the eye of one very eligible coworker - will her life finally be shaken up enough to straighten itself out?

Genres: Chick Lit, Romance, Fiction, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Humor, Ebooks

194 pages, ebook

First published May 30, 2011

About the author

Beth Labonte received a B.A. in Sociology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She worked as an administrative assistant for fourteen years, turning to writing as her creative outlet in an excruciatingly mundane corporate world. Beth now writes full-time and resides in Massachusetts.

Sign up for her mailing list & receive exclusive access to Summer's photo albums! Sign-up on her website: www.bethlabonte.com

Reviews

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this book, mostly because I wrote it. I hope you like it too and would love your reviews & feedback.

[Taylor Longford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tessa is a struggling artist stuck in a dead end job. To make things worse, she's been in love with one of her coworkers for years but Nick doesn't appear to know she exists. So when Tessa's company offers to transfer her to Las Vegas, she jumps at the chance. When she reaches Las Vegas, she meets an adorable new guy who just might be her soul mate. At that point, Nick shows up after finally deciding Tessa is the girl for him.

What Stays in Vegas is a brilliantly funny book. Beth Labonte is probably the most entertaining author I've read since Marie Janice Davidson. I hope this undiscovered new author gets discovered real soon so that she can write lots more books!

This book was cute, funny and free for the month of July 2011!

[Tammy Walton Grant · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick, clean, cute, enjoyable read.

Another take on a popular storyline lately in contemporary: heroine in love with her co-worker/boss/best friend, she pines for him until she gets him then realizes he wasn't worth her time and attention. Of course, by then she's fallen in love with new coworker/boss/friend and we have to wait and see if she sees the error of her ways in time.

The story isn't new, but I always like to read these ones just to see how the author gets me from beginning to end. This one didn't disappoint, although I might not remember it a couple of months from now.

Yes, another Kindle freebie. :D

[N.N. Heaven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stuck in a dead-end job and pining for fellow co-worker Nick, Tessa jumps at the offer to transfer to Vegas. There she meets and falls for another co-worker who appears to be the perfect guy for her. But when Nick flies out to Vegas and professes his love to Tessa, what's a girl to do? A fun, light chick-lit romance that I really liked. Sure, it has way too many cliches and is very predictable, but a delight nonetheless.

My Rating: 4 stars

[Karan Eleni · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on karaneleni.com

What Stays in Vegas is pretty much the perfect representation of what I think all Chick Lit and Romantic Comedy novels should be. Awkwardness, laughter, taking chances, adding to the monotony of adulthood, ya know...real life. It was extremely easy to relate to Tessa being bored at work (don't tell my boss that, even though I'm sure he knows). Fortunately, Tessa had an opportunity that she couldn't pass up (lucky girl!) and despite some drama, the decision to even attempt a big move like she did (even if temporary) is more than I could ever do. No, I'm not jealous at all. *eyeroll* I am inspired though. Thank you, Beth!

Erin Spencer narrated the story and was more than perfect. (I'm saying that word a lot in this review...) Definitely looking for other audiobooks that Erin has contributed to. I was ecstatic to see that Beth had her narrate Summer at Sea also! I'm almost done with that one so expect another Beth Labonte review shortly!

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tessa works as a secretary - rather she is trapped as a secretary, mind numbingly boring work and she feels she shouldn't be doing. However a random act of kindness to the daughter of the owner of the company leads to an unexpected transfer to the Las Vegas branch!
Tessa's life here is very different and it is a good fun read

[Ingrid Cepeda · Rating 3 out of 5]

No es un clásico ni una joya de la literatura
bastante predecible pero muy entretenido
Recomendado para todo aquel harto de la rutina diaria de trabajo
y quienes necesiten un empujón para hacer algo diferente de su vida.

[Brittni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it!

[Cheli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story!

[Nicky Mason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Little 90's logic but an overall fun read.

[Skyler May · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was cute! It would be a great movie. The ending kind of dragged on, but I liked it!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tessa is an administrative assistant and unfortunately, she is good at that especially knowing the part where she as the secretary is always to blame when things aren't perfect. To try and find some enjoyment at work she makes sculpture out of office supplies she finds. Suddenly, she is given the opportunity to be transferred to the Las Vegas office. Where she will fill in as Kendra's assistant. Kendra is one of the owners daughter's who Tessa made an impression on at the company Christmas party where she gave her a stain remover in the bathroom after Kendra's husband had just been hitting on Tessa. Tessa is conflicted to leave her few friends at work, especially Nick. She has been in love with Nick for years, but not long ago he went on vacation and came back married. So, why wouldn't Tessa take the transfer, it is only for a few months to cover a maternity leave.
In Vegas Tessa finds herself being the wingman for Kendra, who's husband leaves her. She has to balance that with the guy they are doing a project for building strip clubs, is making everyone's lives hard. One of the guys in the Vegas office has potential for something with Tessa too, but when Nick shows up Tessa has some figure out to do. And maybe Tessa will finally find her way out of being a secretary and back to her roots of arts.

I loved this book. Someone dealing with what she is kind of dealt and dreaming of more. She never really gives up her dream, but accepts what she has to. She is faced with something that she has dreamed about for years, but when faced with it has to choose if that is what she really wants.


I thought that Tessa was a well built character and I really was rooting for her through the whole plot. But, she had her moments where you wanted to say, no don't do that, but you got why she did. I also liked how she really seemed to care about her friends. Yes, Kendra was her boss, but there was times that she did want to help her as a friend too.

I would give this book 4 stars. It was well written and the flow kept moving. It is very chick lit, but I found it a fun enjoyable read and would probably say that it would be a good beach read.

[Chrystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually really liked Tessa's character - she's a bored and overworked administrative assistant who yearns for something more. She reminds me so much of myself - I pretty much do admin work and I have a passion for art/crafts/design. Maybe I can take a cue from her and find a way to give some time to my passions?

I've wanted out since day one. Not just day one of this job, but day one of every crappy job that has come before it. Pretty much ever since the day I unintentionally landed myself a career as an administrative "professional". Call me what you like, what I really am is a glorified secretary.

I actually really enjoyed watching Tessa grow as a person while she is in Vegas working for some higher ups in the company. I think she normally would have been loving the party life and shopping, but as she starts to mature and realize what she wants out of life, she seems to find those types of things uninteresting and just a tad annoying. As much as she is not wanting to live that life, she does entertain her boss by tagging along - almost like a babysitter than anything else. I did get a little annoyed with the number of scenes where she and her boss are out partying - I get it, her boss is heartbroken and trying to get over her ex (though that was only a minor problem for me).

My absolute favourite part of the entire book is the love triangle. She has had the biggest crush on a co-worker back home and he's finally decided to give her the time of day, but she's also met a new guy out in Vegas who seems to suit her more. I found myself cheering for Chris, the new guy and wanting Nick to just fly his ass home and leave her be. This triangle was great because it develops Tessa's character more. There is an amazing scene in a diner Tvessa and Nick - I will not give it away, but I was so proud of her!

Overall I really enjoyed this book and wouldn't mind seeing what Tessa is up to now.

[Meredith Schorr · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Twenty-eight year old Tessa Golden is living a pretty dull existence in Massachusetts. She has no passion for her administrative job, not much of a social life and a three-year-old crush on her colleague Nick - her married colleague Nick. When an act of kindness by Tessa to a woman in the bathroom during her company's holiday party leads to an offer to temporarily transfer to the firm's Las Vegas office, Tessa's life is turned upside down forcing her to decide what it would really take to make her happy and how far she's willing to go to get there.

The author offered me a free copy of What Stays in Vegas in exchange for my honest review and I'm so glad she did. There are so many tempting chick lit novels out there and I do not know if What Stays in Vegas would have otherwise made it onto my Kindle. I thoroughly enjoyed the read. I found the characters to be extremely likeable and the relationships entertaining and believable. I also enjoyed the camaraderie between Tessa and her boss Kendra and let's not forget adorkable co-worker Chris. I found Tessa to be an extremely sympathetic character and there was never a point when I did not root for her. She had a very good head on her shoulders and a big heart and while she was flawed enough to make some mistakes, she was also mature enough to own up to them. There were definitely some laugh-out-loud moments in this book and while I cannot imagine some of the events actually happening in the real world, that's why we have books! The writing style was easy-breezy and I never got bored or bogged down in unnecessary narrative or details yet there was enough description to place me squarely in the scene.

I would definitely recommend What Stays in Vegas to all fans of chick lit.

The author offered me a free copy of What Stays in Vegas in exchange for my honest review

[Jamie Kline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was in the mood for a light, fun read and this book definitely delivered; very few books have made me literally laugh out loud, but this is one of them.

I enjoyed the main character, Tessa, immensely. She was so spunky and hilarious, yet completely relatable. I think most of us have experienced feelings for another person that were not returned and so I felt for what she was going through, being in love with her best friend, Nick. Tessa is also stuck in a job that she doesn't enjoy and has aspirations of doing other things, like pursuing her passion for art. What I really love is how witty she was; there were several times I found myself laughing throughout the book.

I thought I had everything figured out when it came to Tessa's love life. I completely adored Nick; he seemed to be so caring, funny, and an all around good friend to her. It was impossible not to fall in love with him too, although the fact that he was a married was a major roadblock. When she goes to the Las Vegas office and meets someone else, I was completely against it! How could she possibly find someone she loved as much as Nick? Then, as the story progressed, I began to see this new guy as a better and better fit for her, until I wasn't sure which man I liked better. I won't give away any big spoilers (notice I didn't even give you the name of the guy she becomes smitten with in Vegas), but I will say this: you will be very satisfied with the ending.

This book was amazingly funny and had some great romance in it as well. Any novel that can make me laugh out loud gets a huge thumbs up from me, and I'm very thankful I got the chance to read this one. If you like romance with some extremely comic moments thrown in, I promise you will love What Stays In Vegas.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

In my 20's, I adored classic chick-lit, but when I entered my 30's I found myself leaning more toward the risqué than cute. What Stays in Vegas took me back to my younger enjoyment of fun and mindless girlie reads I enjoyed so much.

Ms. Labonte had me laughing SO hard at Tessa's inner dialogue and I immediately recommended this book to some old friends who I know would appreciate her utterly realistic humor. Even though this book isn't terribly unique and is extremely predictable, I totally loved Tessa, Kendra, Chris and even Nick (at times).

Nick's character ended up being such a jerk, which disappointed me since he and Tessa were such great friends, but I'm glad she saw the error of her ways before things got too far out of hand. Kendra was awesome, you could tell she was really going through a tough time, and it was refreshing to read about a boss that is LOVED by her employees instead of being the butt of every happy hour joke. The real star was Tessa, who was such a great friend to everyone. I totally want to have a girls weekend with her & Kendra in Vegas! I could've done with a little more sensuality in this book, as it stands there's not much more than a few kisses and references to random one night stands. I was hoping for a hot scene with Tessa & Chris, but in the end What Stays in Vegas didn't need it to hold my attention.

Anyway, there's nothing serious or life changing or even super exciting about this book, but the terrific characters and outstanding humor was a refreshing change of pace that I really enjoyed.

[Dee Montoya · Rating 4 out of 5]

What stays in Vegas 4.5 Very Funny Stars

This is the story of Tessa Golden, she unintentionally became a secretary and its eight years later and she is not happy with her job, but has become so used to it and subsequently really good at it, so good in fact; that she can do it with her hands tied on her back and her head in a plastic bag, and you know its true, because this chick is totally crazy... She is in love with her best friend Nick, problem is... Nick is married.
Tessa is totally over her life in Massachusetts; so when she gets the opportunity to get transferred to the Las Vegas office, she doesn't even think twice and immediately accepts. Her new boss, is the super awesome Kendra, who happens to be going through a messy divorce at the time, and this will push her over the edge of drinking, partying, whoring and she will drag my girl Tessa on her crazy adventures, but don't feel bad for her, because also working in her office is the really cute and funny Chris. I really love books like this one, that are funny and uplifting, either I was smiling or cracking up the whole time I was reading, and I loved all the characters, the love triangles, the awesome friendships, and all the craziness in between, written in charming and fun way, this book was like a version of the hangover movie but with girls running the show and creating havoc. Loved, Loved, Loved it, and now I'm sad because its over. Great HEA too.

[Lexxi Kitty · Rating 2 out of 5]

So, this is my second book by this author and seventh Chick-Lit book I've read.

I loved the first book I read by this author, I mean, it was the first and only book in the Chick-lit genre that I've read and given 5 stars to. I found the first book I read by this author to be fun, hilarious exciting. I found this one to be tedious, annoying, and filled with little things that I find annoying.

I don't know. Maybe without that whole Nick thing I'd have liked this book a lot more. Not found it as tedious. It still would had way too bloody much drinking. Bitchy judgmental slut shaming (ETA: I seem to have a 'thing' to look for slut shaming, and there's a bit of looking down the nose, 'you poor woman you horrible little ugly slut' vibe, but I might be going a little far to include slut shaming this time. maybe). That's actually three different things. I should put commas in there or something. Also, I found not a single thing to be laughable and/or humorous.

That lack of humor probably wouldn't have been that bad, if not for how humorous I found the first book I read by this author. Actually, it's quite possible I might have been able to rate this as high as 3 stars if I hadn't read that other book first. Because I went into this expecting too much, I guess. I should have remembered that this book here is the author's first published book (ETA: actually, I forgot about that one that came out in 2008), and appeared 4 years before the other book.

[Aislynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tessa is a secretary administrative assistant extraordinaire! While she may be amazing at her job, she isn't happy in her current situation. When she is requested by one of the head honchos, she takes the transfer of a lifetime - to Las Vegas! With fancy cars, paid for apartments and an expense account - Tessa is thrilled to be working for Kendra - until she actually starts working for her.

I loved Tessa - she was funny, witty, and managed to keep Kendra out of too much trouble (for the most part!) She was very relatable - which I always love in a character. Tessa is in love with Nick, BUT he is married to someone else. At some point or another we all have had unrequited love in our lives. Poor Tessa has to watch him fall in love and marry (who she thinks is the wrong girl) Megan. If I had a transfer like Tessa's come up, I probably would have pounced on it too if I was in the same situation!

So many opportunities present themselves to Tessa, which one will she take?? Will she end up with Chris or Nick? Will she stay in Vegas or go back home? Will Kendra find love again?

This was a quick read - one I thoroughly enjoyed! Anyone who loves contemporary romance will get a kick out of this story. Definitely one I would recommend.

[Samantha March · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of What Stays in Vegas in exchange for an honest review.
Summary:
Bored administrative assistant, Tessa Golden, is trapped in a life of lousy weather, irritating bosses, and mind-numbing secretarial work. Her dreams of being an artist have rapidly deteriorated into building things out of paperclips while on hold with tech support. To make matters even worse, the love of her life has gone off and married another woman.

So when Tessa is suddenly transferred to the Las Vegas branch of her company - playing wingwoman to her freshly divorced boss, juggling a client-from-hell, and catching the eye of one very eligible coworker - will her life finally be shaken up enough to straighten itself out?
My Review:
What a fun read! I may have only been to Las Vegas one time, but reading about Sin City has become a new favorite of mine. Tessa is an excellent MC, bored, unfilled, and needing to find that something more. I like how her trip to Vegas help put some things into perspective for her. I also was really intrigued about her love life – what a mess! It was great to see Tessa get stronger along the way, and getting back to her dream. I was hooked throughout, and this is a really strong chick lit book that I recommend!

[Val · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by far one of the best books I have read this year! From the very first sentence I was drawn into Tessa's world. A world in which she knows there is so much more out there for her and yet she just hasn't found a way to take that leap. Each and every one of the characters is so lifelike I couldn't help but to love and hate them. (We've all had a run in with a Rob Dorfman of the world!)

Perhaps part of my love of this book is the fact that I feel the same way as Tess. Working a job I don't particularly love, wanting to leave my mark on the world, just not quite knowing how it will happen.

Perhaps I loved this book more than others because I experienced Vegas for the first time this year myself. Not so long ago I stood on the strip overwhelmed by the sights and sounds. This book brought all that back and I simply adore it for that. Now, anytime I want to remember Vegas I'll just pick this up again!

I cannot recommend this book enough. If you are looking for a fun and lighthearted book about weathering the storm and finding yourself, this is it!

[Kristin (Kritters Ramblings) · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for a cute and sweet chick lit read, this should be the first one you grab. With just under 200 pages it is a light and quick read that is just cute to the touch. From page one, you fall in love with Miss Tessa Golden as she fights the winter cold of Boston and is suddenly surprised with the opportunity to take a temporary position in her company in Las Vegas.

A love triangle, the fun of Las Vegas and a single girl are great ingredients for a wonderful chick lit. With the love triangle, the reader is kept in the dark a little about one of the male contenders, I loved that I wasn't completely in the know just as Tessa wasn't until the end. There was much fun to be had in Las Vegas with a newly single boss and crazy clients - I loved experiencing the Vegas Clubs with her.

I would definitely recommend this book to fans of the chick lit genre.

[Leanne Herrera · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this quirky book! It was funny and kept my attention. For the most part I found that I identified with the heroine. I loved the romance and way it was not the focus of the book but enough of the story that you knew this was a romance. My only complaint that I can count off of my rating for was the back and forth the character seemed to have. Part of the time she seemed more adult and stuffy and the other half of the time she seemed young and naive. It confused me honestly. As far as the personal issue that I cannot count off on was the obvious cheating present by the married man, I hate that having been cheated on myself I know how awful it feels to be the other woman. Other than those two issues I will recommend this as a read for someone that wants a quirky fast paced romance.

[Stacy Juba · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put down this book! The author has a witty and humorous voice and created likable, well rounded characters. The writing was sparkling and fresh, and the plot original. I loved the idea of a bored secretary at a crossroads, torn between her safe job and finding a career that is more true to her heart. Her journey is an enjoyable one and the romance elements were well played out. Beth Labonte is a fresh new voice in fiction and I'm looking forward to checking out her other books. Don't miss this book - it will brighten your week, and what a bargain price.

[Maxi Bolongaita · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those random books you find and download for free from Amazon. But tell you what, it's a pretty good book. The heroine Tessa is pretty believable and spot on for a girl in her late twenties hating her job because in truth she's an artist who needed to pay the bills. This kind of gives us single working girls hope, and add a strip club called the Jiggly Kitty, you get a pretty damn good book to read. Chick -lit at its finest.

[Elizabeth Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book! Tessa had a good heart and I really liked and related with her, even though I wouldn't have made a lot of the decisions she did. I had to love the love story in here, too! This book really made me want to keep reading and find out what happened to Tessa and the other characters.

Oh, I should also add that this book had a lot of funny, witty dialogue. I liked that it was in first person and Tessa had a funny, inner voice.

[Susie · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Tessa gets the opportunity to work in Vegas for 3 months, she jumps at the chance to leave cold Massachusetts and her married crush. She takes on hilarious new adventures, friends and work.

I really enjoyed this book. It was hilarious and sweet and reminded me so much of my twenties, I was nostalgic for a bit.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book free off Amazon and it is a chick lite book set in Vegas, of course the name. But I read this in 2 days and laughed so hard last night I could not stop reading. The story playing into some of the stereotyping we do about Vegas but completely hilariously written. I definitely recommend this easy fun read to anyone. I laughed aloud quite a bit. Thank you Beth.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I laughed through this whole book. I really didnt want to put this book down so I was glad that it was a quick story with such an in your face banter that kept my attention. This is a feel good story.

[T · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me all of a few hours to breeze through this fun read. The characters are great -- both likable and loatheable.

Highly recommended. And, if you're one of the many, many admins out there, you will found lots to identify with.