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What Happens in Vegas

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It’s not that Binda Morningstar’s an idiot—the girl’s got more degrees than a thermometer—but there’s something about a crisis that makes her lose her mind…and accidently injure anyone within a ten foot radius. But if she’s going to rescue her boss from a cursed jewel, she’s going to have to keep it together. Unfortunately for her, the cop on the case, Corin Hawthorne, has her losing her mind and her heart…and if he gets anymore drool worthy, she’s going to lose her inhibitions, too. To save her boss and win her man, she’s got to outrun a mobster, outwit the YIFFS at a sex fetish convention, and outthink an ex-wife—and she’s got to do it all without breaking an arm or inadvertently hitting anyone with pepper spray…it’s all got Binda hoping that what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.

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First published August 17, 2011

35 people want to read

About the author

Natasha Deen

55 books183 followers
Natasha Deen's family moved from Guyana, South America to Canada to escape the country's political & racial violence. She loved growing up in a country of snow & flannel, but often felt out of place. Thank goodness for books that showed her being different could also mean being awesome. Natasha lives in Edmonton, Alberta with her family where she spends A LOT of time arguing with her cats and dogs about who’s the boss of the house. Visit her at www.natashadeen.com.

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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Profile Image for Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews.
5,476 reviews177 followers
January 2, 2012
Originally posted at: http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...

Natasha Deen just shot herself into the stratosphere. This book was outrageously funny and out of this world!

If someone asked me earlier today to name my favorite romantic comedy author…well let’s just say the person that comes to mind wasn’t Natasha Deen. While I still love my “other” author, I now have a new addition to the club. I was giggling after the first paragraph, burst out laughing by the second and I was taking notes on my Kindle by the end of the very first page. I knew right then this was going to be a keeper and boy was I right!

Binda, Binda, Binda. This girl is a handful. Oh, she has an overabundent amount of spunk, should not be let out of the house without a warning label, and really truly has a food fetish. My first note that I mentioned was her description on how stupid she was for getting involved with her current crisis, “Gloriously stupid. The kind of stupid that poets wrote about—the kind of stuff that would be legend on the internet, garner me a billion hits on the uploaded video, and make my name into an active verb—“Whoa, dude, you totally pulled a ‘Binda’!”

I can't help it ... I have to share another quote. I highlighted this so fast my Kindle didn’t know what to do. Two of my personal favorite terms to describe a good looking man are delish and yummy. Natasha has just been awarded the crown for her description of Corin: Where Nigel resembled a banana with glasses, his brother looked like the sexiest, tangiest, best tasting thing in the grove—the kind of fruit that’s firm and meaty, leaves juice running down your chin and makes your mouth water just to look at it. If that description doesn’t describe a gorgeous man, I don’t know what does.

Binda seeks out Corin’s assistance to find her missing boss, Nigel. She knows deep down he is in danger, but Corin is reluctant to believe her. His relationship with his brother is estranged to put it kindly. Her perseverance pays off and so begins their less than twenty-four hour whirlwind adventure. If only he'd known that he should have left the house decked out in Kevlar and wearing a cup.

If I've sold you on this book, let me just say this: When you start reading, lock your door, turn off the phone and give dire warnings to friends and family not to interrupt you. You are going to have an outrageously good time and you will not want to be disturbed. Right from the start I was hooked.

Ms. Deen penned a hilarious romp with non-stop action. I never wanted it to end, but I had to come up for air. She had me gasping and rolling in laughter. What Happens in Vegas is a wonderful detour from life, jump in feet first. You won’t be sorry. There is one thing I hope Ms. Deen does that my other author did, she continued to write novels of her accident prone heroine. I would really enjoy visiting Binda again and again.

I’m going to leave you with one last tidbit from the book. I have to admit I laughed so hard during this scene it took me over ten minutes to read it, because I was crying. You only get the summary of the event, but it just points out the amount of hilarious fun waiting for you between the pages: I had tripped over my feet, head-butted a gangster in the crotch, got a mouthful of criminal penis, and the man thought I was brilliant. If that wasn’t a sign we were meant to be together, fornicating and discovering the various uses for honey and warmed chocolate, then I didn’t know what was.

Profile Image for Giovanni Gelati.
Author 24 books883 followers
August 27, 2011
TGIF my friends, how are you? Looking for batteries, flashlights, bottled water, candles, maybe a good book to curl up with while all the weather comes through? I am going to do something out of order here, not bad for a guy with OCD. Usually as you know I interview the author on my blogtalk show The G-ZONE and then put up the post; I am not doing so this time go figure. I will be interviewing this author, Natasha Deen , next Weds, so tune in for the fun. But I digress yet again.
Vegas, hmmm, where do I start? I would like to think that I know a thing or two on writing comedy, and comedic situations; after all I am the Chrome Bocce Ball King and unofficial ringmaster of The Author’s Lab/Collaboration Series. My take on this novel is that it is nice, fun, light, quick read. I enjoy them on occasion and I think they are necessary in anyone’s reading rotation, whether you read full length novels, novellas or digital short stories. The characters are cute and well thought out; we get to meet them, greet them and learn a bit about them and I think that is more than enough for this type of read. I enjoyed the quick taste that I was given of all of it: the setting, the characters, the plotline, the narrative basically the entire enchilada. Escapism is a good thing, and I feel that I more than received my money’s worth in this read and my time invested in the read was returned to me in laughs, smiles and chuckles. Basically I couldn’t ask for anything more.
Here is the synopsis:
“It’s not that Binda Morningstar’s an idiot—the girl’s got more degrees than a thermometer—but there’s something about a crisis that makes her lose her mind…and accidently injure anyone within a ten foot radius. But if she’s going to rescue her boss from a cursed jewel, she’s going to have to keep it together. Unfortunately for her, the cop on the case, Corin Hawthorne, has her losing her mind and her heart…and if he gets anymore drool worthy, she’s going to lose her inhibitions, too. To save her boss and win her man, she’s got to outrun a mobster, outwit the YIFFS at a sex fetish convention, and outthink an ex-wife—and she’s got to do it all without breaking an arm or inadvertently hitting anyone with pepper spray…it’s all got Binda hoping that what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.”
New from Trestle Press authors this week: Chantal Boudreau “Weighing Fate”, Mark Cooper “How I met Your Mother”, Darren Sant “A Good Day”, Mark Miller “Daniel’s Lot” & “Meant to Be”, Wenona Hulsey “Burden of Blood”, Joan Meijer “The Rescue”, Robert Ford “The Curse of The Translucent Monster”, Laurie Bowler “Fangs, Inc. The Tortured Revelations”, Michelle Vasquez “Second Hand Bookstore”, Ed & Eunice Vought “Best Friends #4” , Thad Brown, “Lights Out”, William Tooker,”Bad Angels”, April Pohren, “Dream Me To Death”, Angelique LaFontaine & Eddie Frantom,”Thirty -1 Reckless”’ John Reed “Winter Hill Exhumed”, Allan Leverone/Paul D. Brazill ” The Darke Affair”, Julia Madeleine “The Devil’s Music: Raised in Hell”, Paul D. Brazill “Brit Grit”, Molly Edwards “The Willow Spring Killer”, John Reed ”Another Lousy Day in Paradise”, Alexandrea Weis “For You”from The NOLA series, and Giovanni The G-Man Gelati “Holy Chrome Bocce Balls on Fire”.
Profile Image for Karielle.
330 reviews99 followers
December 9, 2012
What Happens in Vegas by Natasha Deen

Release Date: August 17th, 2011
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing (Hachette)
Page Count: 125
Source: Complimentary copy provided by author, via Partners in Crime Tours, in exchange for an honest and unbiased review (thank you!)

A cursed gem keeps its promises; fortunately for Binda and her dreamy, swoon-worthy cop-turned-partner, Corin, its robber doesn't know about the infamous jinx on the precious stone, which, in turn, ends up favorably for them.

The mystery of this entertaining sleuth story is predictable and its suspense very short-lived and weak. The "danger" presented doesn't have me biting my nails or shivering, and for the most part, I think the crime is clean; I'd consider What Happens in Vegas a cozy mystery because all the horrific blood, guts, and violence remains bated. The plot moves quickly, so even some of the bland scenes are still enjoyable. And of course, there's the humor.

Oh, yes—the humor. I would classify this book as "comedy fiction" before I consider it a "mystery" because of Deen's outrageously hysterical characters. While at times, Binda's humor dims the suspense of the situation (for instance, when she's held at gunpoint, she continues to crack jokes), it for the most part, is hilarious. Deen brings Binda's personality alive through her inevitable clumsiness (sounds like me, to be honest!) and self-deprecating sense of humor. The other characters are just as lovable (I could just EAT Corin... mmm) and are drawn out well.

My only problem is how the funny scenes are elaborated upon too much. In my opinion, comedy shouldn't have to be picked apart, explained, and then refuted. It should just be left as is; that's what makes it funny in the first place. Despite this, Deen's clever, well-developed story is amusing and difficult not to finish; not because I want to know what happens in the end, but because I want to know what happens next. There's a slight difference, but wanting to know what occurs on the next page eventually leads me to the last page, and it has me thinking Damn. That was a fun book.

Stephanie Loves: "Holy crap. Pass me the fruit dip, don't worry about the fork, and let me dive in. The man had a deep, rich voice that left me licking my lips."

Radical Rating: 8 hearts: An engaging read; highly recommended.
Profile Image for Got Romance!  Reviews.
325 reviews40 followers
October 6, 2011
Title: What Happens in Vegas (Jewel of the Night)
Author: Natasha Deen
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Publication Date: 8-17-2011
ISBN: N/A
Genre: Romantic Suspense, Romantic Comedy
Length: 134 pages
Rating: 5 Diamonds
Heat Level: Sensual
Reviewer: TJ
Date: October 5, 2011

It's not that Binda Morningstar's an idiot—the girl's got more degrees than a thermometer—but there's something about a crisis that makes her lose her mind…and accidentally injure anyone within a ten-foot radius. But if she's going to rescue her boss from a cursed jewel, she's going to have to keep it together.

Unfortunately for her, the cop on the case, Corin Hawthorne, has her losing her mind and her heart…and if he gets any more drool-worthy, she's going to lose her inhibitions, too. To save her boss and win her man, she's got to out run a mobster, outwit the YIFFS at a sex-fetish convention, and out think an ex-wife—and she's got to do it all without breaking an arm or inadvertently hitting anyone with pepper spray…it's all got Binda hoping that what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.

What Happens in Vegas is an amusing story that kept me giggling throughout the action. There is just something about Binda that stole my heart! It might have been that as a fellow klutz I felt and undeniable bond with her, or was the connection due to her sophisticated dealings with the hottie Corin? Whatever it was she is one of my all-time favorite heroines. Every character in this story, including the many in fury costumes and latex entertained me to no end. I loved the mystery and I adored the romance, but more than that I just wanted to see what was going to happen next. I’d love to see this endearing character get another adventure. I cannot wait to check out this author’s other stories in hopes the other characters are half as delightful as Binda.
Profile Image for April.
Author 2 books84 followers
August 28, 2011
What can I say? Only that What Happens in Vegas is one of the most delightfully fun books that I have read in a while. Don't get me wrong, I have read several excellent books, but this one was an absolute hoot! I literally laughed out loud in places and felt the heat and sizzle steaming from my Nook as I read.

The character of Binda is a complete lovable klutz that I adored. Her fixation with chocolate syrup, whipped cream and cherries melds very nicely with Corin's love of pudding. Ah, Corin. What a spicy and delectable character...

Together, Binda and Corin go in search of Corin's brother as well as a stolen and incredible rare diamond. There are bits of mystery intertwined with a very healthy dose of sexual tension and humor. What Happens in Vegas is the absolute perfect book to snuggle down with and toss the cares and stresses of the world away. Not only is it a fun read but it is a fast read. The characters are awesome, the dialog is excellent and the story is just plain fun. I truly cannot recommend this enough to anyone looking for a fun read. I am now a huge fan of Natasha Deen and cannot wait to indulge within her other works!

Here's a fun little teaser from the book:

I had tripped over my feet, head-butted a gangster in the crotch, got a mouthful of criminal penis, and the man thought I was brilliant. If that wasn't a sign we were meant to be together, fornicating and discovering the various uses for honey and warmed chocolate, than I didn't know what was.
Profile Image for Cocktails and Books.
4,146 reviews322 followers
August 29, 2011
Binda Morningstar works in the archeology department of the local university. Her boss, Nigel Hawthorne, has discovered a cursed sapphire and misses an important meeting which impacts both their careers. Worried that something sinister has happened to Nigel, she follows his directions and contacts his brother, a detective in the police department. What she didn't expect was having no one believe her about her suspicions surrounding Nigel's fate and having to do the detective work herself. Being a big time klutz does not lend itself to sleuthing and rescuing.

Corin Hawthorne has been angry with his brother since said brother married his ex-wife. But when Binda shows up on his doorstep alleging all sorts of things about his brother's disappearance, he decides to step in and help her investigate. He definitely got more than he bargained for.

Binda was very cute with her klutziness. Any of us with an affinity with injuring ourselves could appreciate Binda's nervous habit of harming herself and others in moments of anxiety. Some of klutz moments will have you laughing out loud, especially the poor mob boss with the ugly track pants).

Corin took a bit to warm up to, but he did grow on you. His dry sense of humor went well with poor Binda and her klutz moments.

This was a short read, but it was entertaining and does having you laughing out loud in a few scenes. If you want something to break up your day and put a smile on your face, this one will do the trick!
Profile Image for MarytheBookLover.
456 reviews954 followers
November 2, 2011
My Opinion:

I LOVED this book. I would have to say that this is the first book that had me laughing out loud. I thought Binda was fun loving and down to earth. The way she handles crisis’is absolutely hysterical. You will laugh so loud that people will ask you what you are laughing about and you will say to them “READ THIS BOOK”! The book is just that great. I am excited to be a stop on this wonderful tour. This is a non stop,can’t put the book down,laugh out loud and well written book. You don’t want to miss this one.
Binda has to find her boss who has gone missing and along the way she starts following the super sexy Corin on the case. At first no one believes her and thinks her boss just ran with the jewel but Binda knows better. She has to figure out what to do about her boss. We are then taken along for the hysterical ride of finding him. All the while she is having some sexy thoughts about the hot cop Corin and what goes on in Binda’s mind is funny.
I don’t want to include any spoilers. You will be laughing hysterically when you read about her adventure with the YIFFS at the sex fetish convention!!! Don’t miss this one! My only wish is that this was longer. It seemed like it ended too quickly.

I give What Happens in Vegas 5 of 5 stars!
Profile Image for Misty Rayburn.
Author 1 book17 followers
August 16, 2011
Binda Morningstar is an intelligent woman until a crisis arises. When one does, her thought process goes out the window and she has the potential to accidently injure anyone around her. When her boss ends up missing, she has to reign in her issues if she’s going to save her him from a cursed stone. It doesn’t help things much that the cop on the case, Colin Hawthorne is drop dead sexy. To get through all this, she has to out run a mobster, some Yiffs at a sex-fetish convention and deal with an ex-wife. Can she do this without breaking an arm or inadvertently injuring someone else?

This romantic comedy is a quick and hilarious romp. I never thought I would see Yiffs in a romantic comedy but that’s just a testament to Natasha Deen’s wild imagination. I finished this book in about two hours and I could not put it down. Binda’s issues with dealing with stressful situations just make this book and the interactions with the characters. I really hope this isn’t the last time we see Binda or Corin. If this is what happens in Deen’s version of Vegas, I wanna keep coming back to visit as a reader!

Thank you to Natasha Deen and Partners in Crime book tours for the review copy. It in no way influenced my review.
Profile Image for Sherri.
278 reviews36 followers
December 16, 2015
What Happens in Vegas is a fun, flirty and fast paced read that had me laughing out loud. Binda is a loveable klutz, but she is also sincere and honest and it’s that honesty that gets her involved smack dab in the middle of a mystery involving her missing boss and a cursed diamond.

Dragged into the mix is Corin Hawthone, a swoon worthy, hunky cop. The chemistry between Binda and Corin is instantaneous and Binda’s dreamy fantasies involving chocolate, whip cream and Corin had me grinning ear to ear. Corin and Binda are the heart of the story and luckily they are engaging enough to carry it.

The story is pretty short so things move along pretty quick. So there are not a lot of pages to develop deep characters or a complex storyline. However, what Ms. Deen does develop is entertaining and amusing.

Overall, What Happens in Vegas is a quick, enjoyable read you can finish within a couple of hours; perfect for those autumn and winter nights, where you just want to kick your heels up on the couch with and read something light and fun. Recommended for those readers that enjoy romance, comedy and a little mystery thrown in.3.5 Stars
Profile Image for Joseph.
Author 21 books21 followers
December 29, 2011
The klutzy Binda is completely loveable, committing some of the funniest goof-ups I've ever read, made additionally hilarious by the analogies that Natasha Deen uses to describe them. Usually the plot turns are unpredictable, and the climactic encounter with a gangster is fantastic comedy. I'm not a regular romance reader but this book kept me hooked from start to finish, and is a great pick-me-up that brightened my day. Binda's fantasies are both sensual and hilarious because they crop up at the most inappropriate times. This is a character with whom it is a joy to spend your reading hours, and it'd be great to see some more stories that involve her.
Profile Image for Silver James.
Author 129 books205 followers
August 1, 2012
What Happens in Vegas Natasha Deen's book made me laugh out loud. Several times. Not sure it was that suspenseful though there was an interesting twist at the end. Nope, not saying what it is. I don't believe in spoilers. This book was entertaining with a doozy of a heroine and a hunky hero--Binda and Corin. Call this one suspense lite,or comedy suspense, but no matter the label it was a fun read! This book won the short suspense category in the International Digital Awards sponsored by Oklahoma Romance Writers.
Profile Image for Lynn Cahoon.
Author 103 books2,373 followers
January 13, 2013
What Happens in Vegas is a fun caper by Natasha Deen. I loved Binda's quirky humor and her partner in crime, Corin, so, so hot. The who done it surprised me, mostly because I got caught up in the story and forgot to wonder about the mystery part, which is unusual for me. Great, fun, quick paced read.

Note: I was provided an ARC for review as a professional courtesy. No monetary or other compensation was involved.
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