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Vegas #1
Nothing Stays In Vegas
What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas...except when it doesn't.
Lexi Titan has mastered the art of pretending everything's fine. After all, how else could she ignore the fact that her husband is never home, her son barely knows him and the last time she had sex, well, who can remember?
With her life crumbling, the last thing she wants to do is go on a trip, especially back to Vegas; a city full of glitz, excess, and Leo, the man she's spent the last six years trying to forget. But when her best friend announces she's getting married, Lexi doesn't have a choice. Besides, it's ridiculous to avoid an entire city because of one guy. Even if he is the father of your child.
Face to face with memories of the past and the gorgeous man who started it all, Lexi can no longer deny the truth to anyone, especially Leo. But honesty will come at a price, and Lexi must decide if she's wiling to take that risk. And what exactly will she tell her husband?
Because as she now knows, NOTHING STAYS IN VEGAS.
Lexi Titan has mastered the art of pretending everything's fine. After all, how else could she ignore the fact that her husband is never home, her son barely knows him and the last time she had sex, well, who can remember?
With her life crumbling, the last thing she wants to do is go on a trip, especially back to Vegas; a city full of glitz, excess, and Leo, the man she's spent the last six years trying to forget. But when her best friend announces she's getting married, Lexi doesn't have a choice. Besides, it's ridiculous to avoid an entire city because of one guy. Even if he is the father of your child.
Face to face with memories of the past and the gorgeous man who started it all, Lexi can no longer deny the truth to anyone, especially Leo. But honesty will come at a price, and Lexi must decide if she's wiling to take that risk. And what exactly will she tell her husband?
Because as she now knows, NOTHING STAYS IN VEGAS.
348 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 12, 2011
1426 people are currently reading
1891 people want to read
About the author
Elena Aitken
237 books1,001 followersElena Aitken is a USA Today Bestselling Author of more than forty romance and women’s fiction novels. Living a stone’s throw from the Rocky Mountains with her teenager twins, their two cats and a goofy rescue dog, Elena escapes into the mountains whenever life allows. She can often be found with her toes in the lake and a glass of wine in her hand, dreaming up her next book and working on her own happily ever after with her very own mountain man.
Read a free novella — https://dl.bookfunnel.com/vxuimdz0j8
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 255 reviews
September 18, 2011
2.5 stars
Although this book read more like a chick-lit, it uses a lot of ploys that I strongly dislike in romances: Big Misunderstandings, Things Left Unsaid, unsubstantiated profound love, plot-necessary unprotected sex, and a vying love interest. The misunderstandings were huge and lead two people whose one night fling felt like a meeting of soul mates to nonetheless part ways for the foreseeable future. And I don’t mean to sound like a cynic―I am a romance book addict, I swear―but the entire premise of their deep and endless love was a little hard for me to believe, since they spend less than 24 hours together and then don’t see one another for six years. The unprotected sex was extremely annoying because Lexi and Leo have just met, they’re in Vegas, it’s 2004―how does a conversation about condoms not take place, or a morning-after realization not even occur?! And the vying love interest is Lexi’s husband Andrew, so color me bothered.
When Lexi first goes to Vegas, she and Andrew have been separated for six months and are headed towards divorce. She wants children, but he doesn’t, so after much back-and-forth they decided to call it quits. In my mind, it therefore wasn’t a problem that she sleeps with Leo―as all “Friends” fans will recognize: They were on a break! Lexi and her husband end up back together after various ill turns of fate throw a wrench in Lexi and Leo’s HEA. Andrew says he wants her back and that he’s willing to try for kids. She knows when Ben is born that he’s Leo’s son and the fact that she never says anything rubbed me the wrong way. Both Andrew and Leo deserved better than that, even had Leo been the ass she thought him.
When Lexi and Leo see one another again in 2010, she’s still married to Andrew. As much as I cannot stomach reading anything where a character we’re supposed to like cheats on their partner, I was surprised by how involved I got in their romance and wanting to see how it all played out. It was clear that although Leo was willing to play the role of home wrecker if necessary, he wanted Lexi to cleanly and openly leave Andrew. Neither of them was happy in their marriage and Leo had no interest in pussy-footing around, which I could give him props for. He was quite a sweetheart and sometimes a little too perfect, though it was a nice change to have a hero who was willing to wear his heart on his sleeve.
I was even ready to praise the book for trying to tackle such a morally difficult issue … but then the author took the easy way out by portraying Andrew in a less than positive light when it became convenient. Lexi fell in love with Andrew, married him, still loved him during that first trip to Vegas, got back together with him, and stayed married for six more years even though her son wasn’t his and he’s never been close to Ben. None of that makes sense if Andrew is such an asshole. Aitken doesn’t even stop there, because not only do we get to bask in Andrew’s less than stellar behavior in Vegas, but we then discover an inexcusable thing he did that makes him worse than Lexi and Leo. In my opinion, it was such a copout, a blatant way to try and make us let Lexi off the hook.
Aside from plot and character issues, the writing and construction left something to be desired. There were several typos, grammar and punctuation errors, and places where the verb tenses made time transitions confusing. The most annoying thing, however, was the book’s voice. I’m not a big fan of first-person romances, and Nothing Stays in Vegas is not only in first-person, but switches between the hero and heroine’s first-person POVs. It was jarring and wasn’t consistently or smoothly done. For example, the first two chapters are Lexi, when all of a sudden it switches in chapter three to Leo (took me a couple paragraphs to realize), before then switching back to Lexi in that same chapter. I do prefer getting both the hero and heroine’s POV, but only when it’s done in third person.
{ Bottom Line }
When I finished the story, I was torn regarding how to grade it. I (obviously) had several problems with the book and after about a third of the way in I had been tempted to put it down and find something else to read. As I continued though, I did get pulled into the story and wanted to see how Aitken would settle everything. How would she finally bring Leo and Lexi together? What would happen with Andrew? What about Ben? In the end, while the potential was there for this to be a great story, I had several issues with it and they piled up on top of one another.
{ My Favorite Quote }
Originally reviewed for the Fiction Vixen website. This review is of a copy provided by the author to Fiction Vixen Book Reviews.
Although this book read more like a chick-lit, it uses a lot of ploys that I strongly dislike in romances: Big Misunderstandings, Things Left Unsaid, unsubstantiated profound love, plot-necessary unprotected sex, and a vying love interest. The misunderstandings were huge and lead two people whose one night fling felt like a meeting of soul mates to nonetheless part ways for the foreseeable future. And I don’t mean to sound like a cynic―I am a romance book addict, I swear―but the entire premise of their deep and endless love was a little hard for me to believe, since they spend less than 24 hours together and then don’t see one another for six years. The unprotected sex was extremely annoying because Lexi and Leo have just met, they’re in Vegas, it’s 2004―how does a conversation about condoms not take place, or a morning-after realization not even occur?! And the vying love interest is Lexi’s husband Andrew, so color me bothered.
When Lexi first goes to Vegas, she and Andrew have been separated for six months and are headed towards divorce. She wants children, but he doesn’t, so after much back-and-forth they decided to call it quits. In my mind, it therefore wasn’t a problem that she sleeps with Leo―as all “Friends” fans will recognize: They were on a break! Lexi and her husband end up back together after various ill turns of fate throw a wrench in Lexi and Leo’s HEA. Andrew says he wants her back and that he’s willing to try for kids. She knows when Ben is born that he’s Leo’s son and the fact that she never says anything rubbed me the wrong way. Both Andrew and Leo deserved better than that, even had Leo been the ass she thought him.
When Lexi and Leo see one another again in 2010, she’s still married to Andrew. As much as I cannot stomach reading anything where a character we’re supposed to like cheats on their partner, I was surprised by how involved I got in their romance and wanting to see how it all played out. It was clear that although Leo was willing to play the role of home wrecker if necessary, he wanted Lexi to cleanly and openly leave Andrew. Neither of them was happy in their marriage and Leo had no interest in pussy-footing around, which I could give him props for. He was quite a sweetheart and sometimes a little too perfect, though it was a nice change to have a hero who was willing to wear his heart on his sleeve.
I was even ready to praise the book for trying to tackle such a morally difficult issue … but then the author took the easy way out by portraying Andrew in a less than positive light when it became convenient. Lexi fell in love with Andrew, married him, still loved him during that first trip to Vegas, got back together with him, and stayed married for six more years even though her son wasn’t his and he’s never been close to Ben. None of that makes sense if Andrew is such an asshole. Aitken doesn’t even stop there, because not only do we get to bask in Andrew’s less than stellar behavior in Vegas, but we then discover an inexcusable thing he did that makes him worse than Lexi and Leo. In my opinion, it was such a copout, a blatant way to try and make us let Lexi off the hook.
Aside from plot and character issues, the writing and construction left something to be desired. There were several typos, grammar and punctuation errors, and places where the verb tenses made time transitions confusing. The most annoying thing, however, was the book’s voice. I’m not a big fan of first-person romances, and Nothing Stays in Vegas is not only in first-person, but switches between the hero and heroine’s first-person POVs. It was jarring and wasn’t consistently or smoothly done. For example, the first two chapters are Lexi, when all of a sudden it switches in chapter three to Leo (took me a couple paragraphs to realize), before then switching back to Lexi in that same chapter. I do prefer getting both the hero and heroine’s POV, but only when it’s done in third person.
{ Bottom Line }
When I finished the story, I was torn regarding how to grade it. I (obviously) had several problems with the book and after about a third of the way in I had been tempted to put it down and find something else to read. As I continued though, I did get pulled into the story and wanted to see how Aitken would settle everything. How would she finally bring Leo and Lexi together? What would happen with Andrew? What about Ben? In the end, while the potential was there for this to be a great story, I had several issues with it and they piled up on top of one another.
{ My Favorite Quote }
Was it possible to still have feelings for someone after six years? I needed to get a hold of myself.
But it was possible. I didn’t need someone to tell me, I could see it. It was in the way he held my gaze and wouldn’t let me look away. In the way he touched me, and stroked my skin with his thumb without even realizing it. It was in the sound of his voice, the way he said my name. But most frightening, it was in the way I felt when I looked at him.
Originally reviewed for the Fiction Vixen website. This review is of a copy provided by the author to Fiction Vixen Book Reviews.
September 28, 2011
With a title like NOTHING STAYS IN VEGAS, you have no doubt figured out that the old adage "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas" is not necessarily true. In fact, it is very likely that what happens in Vegas will follow you around for the rest of your life...literally.
At 27 years old, Lexi Titan finds herself separated from a husband she once loved and longing for a life she never thought she would want. Lexi and Andrew's story is so sad. I am certain their story is a common one among married couples. First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes...no, wait, they agreed that there would not be any baby carriages in their future. So, what happens when one person changes their mind? Having children is not something a couple can compromise on...making the decision to be a parent is all or nothing. Lexi and Andrew cannot agree on this aspect of their marriage. As Lexi's desire to have a child increases and Andrew's resistance remains steadfast, their marriage falls apart.
When Lexi is asked to join her friend Nicole's birthday celebration in Vegas, she reluctantly agrees. With a little prodding from Nicole, Lexi allows Vegas to transform her from the conservative woman she has always been to one who is just slightly more impulsive, allowing herself to get lost in the moment instead of thinking about repercussions for once. Well, wouldn't you know it! When the good girl plays the part of the "bad girl" just for one night, it changes her world forever, some for the good and some for the not so good, but she embraces her situation and makes the best of it.
Six years later, Lexi finds herself in Vegas, once again for Nicole, but this time it is because she is getting married. Finally, fate steps in and forces her to face her destiny. The series of events that unfold from there are exciting and heart wrenching and sometimes a little difficult to read. This was a fantastic story, written with such emotion that I really felt like I knew the characters. I just love a story like that.
NOTHING STAYS IN VEGAS is one of those stories that kind of sticks with you. It's not light and fluffy and it certainly makes you think about choices you have made in your own life. It makes you think about what might have been and what still could be. I quite enjoyed imagining myself in Lexi's place as she gave herself over to the indulgences that Vegas has to offer and I'll have to say that it was quite liberating. If you are looking for a great romantic story about love and loss, then look no further, this is the perfect book for you!
**Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews and The Romance Reviews.
✳✳ Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews
___________________________________________________
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Menage Readers
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At 27 years old, Lexi Titan finds herself separated from a husband she once loved and longing for a life she never thought she would want. Lexi and Andrew's story is so sad. I am certain their story is a common one among married couples. First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes...no, wait, they agreed that there would not be any baby carriages in their future. So, what happens when one person changes their mind? Having children is not something a couple can compromise on...making the decision to be a parent is all or nothing. Lexi and Andrew cannot agree on this aspect of their marriage. As Lexi's desire to have a child increases and Andrew's resistance remains steadfast, their marriage falls apart.
When Lexi is asked to join her friend Nicole's birthday celebration in Vegas, she reluctantly agrees. With a little prodding from Nicole, Lexi allows Vegas to transform her from the conservative woman she has always been to one who is just slightly more impulsive, allowing herself to get lost in the moment instead of thinking about repercussions for once. Well, wouldn't you know it! When the good girl plays the part of the "bad girl" just for one night, it changes her world forever, some for the good and some for the not so good, but she embraces her situation and makes the best of it.
Six years later, Lexi finds herself in Vegas, once again for Nicole, but this time it is because she is getting married. Finally, fate steps in and forces her to face her destiny. The series of events that unfold from there are exciting and heart wrenching and sometimes a little difficult to read. This was a fantastic story, written with such emotion that I really felt like I knew the characters. I just love a story like that.
NOTHING STAYS IN VEGAS is one of those stories that kind of sticks with you. It's not light and fluffy and it certainly makes you think about choices you have made in your own life. It makes you think about what might have been and what still could be. I quite enjoyed imagining myself in Lexi's place as she gave herself over to the indulgences that Vegas has to offer and I'll have to say that it was quite liberating. If you are looking for a great romantic story about love and loss, then look no further, this is the perfect book for you!
**Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews and The Romance Reviews.
✳✳ Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews
___________________________________________________
If you like this type of book, you might enjoy one of these groups. Check us out!
Menage Readers
Erotic Enchants
Bookie Nookie's Erotic Lending Group
October 15, 2012
I picked this up for free on Amazon on the 13/10/2012.
I just wanted a quick chit lit romance.
That's exactly what I got.
Lexi has been dragged to Vegas for her best friend Nicole's birthday.
Lexi has never wanted to go to Vegas but is determined to have a great time and not think of her Husband, Andrew, who she has been separated from for 6 months. She still loves him, they had the perfect marriage until she wanted more. She wanted kids, he didn't so they went there separate ways.
Nicole see's that Lexi is still upset but is determined that Lexi can reinvent herself just for the weekend in Vegas and have some fun.
Then Lexi meets Leo and the chemistry is just crazy! Although they only spend a short amount of time with each other, they have such a crazy connection and end up sleeping together (and of course it's bareback)
They plan to spend the next day together before she goes back to Canada but it wouldn't be chick lit without something coming up and miscommunication would it?
When Nicole and Lexi get to the airport in Canada, Andrew is waiting for them, he wants Lexi back and is ready to have a family with her. She takes him back.
Fast forward 6 years, Lexi and Andrew are still married and have a son Ben. They are unhappily married as Andrew wants nothing to do with Ben, works all the time but is still madly in love with Lexi. It's just that's she's not.. she's still in Vegas, with Ben's father...
When Nicole springs it on Lexi and Andrew that she is getting married.. IN VEGAS... Andrew see's it as a honeymoon. Lexi is dreading it....
But what are the chances of seeing Leo again? Vegas is a big place?
..........
Well in true rom-com chick lit style he happens to be the wedding planner for Nicole....
That's all I'm going to say and leave the rest up to you read.
The last half the book is better than the first.
Ben was a really cute kid and I liked him.
I liked Lexi and Leo together.
Nicole made me giggle.
Uncle Ray was cool.
I was made to not like Andrew and I felt bad for that as he really wasn't that bad. Until That part pissed me off!
Of course it ended in a HEA.
There was a few grammar and typo errors but nothing major.
Also it didn't really "stand out" the way that some books do. I liked it, It had me turning the pages so I read it in one sitting but it is not a book I would rave about.
July 10, 2012
I enjoyed this story a lot despite the predictability of it. Lexi and Andrew agreed that they wouldn't have any children. But where does that leave the marriage when one of them changes their mind and the other won't budge on the subject? That's what really got me and kept me riveted. The dual POVs helped in determining the H/h's mindset throughout the story, which made me bond with them easier and faster.
When we first meet Lexi, she's been separated from her husband for about six months and she's in Vegas celebrating her best friend Nicole's birthday. When she meets Leo, the sparks fly and the attraction is instantaneous. At her friend's prompting to "live it up a little", she spends a night with Leo. On her last day in Vegas they agree to spend her remaining hours together, but Leo gets called away on the job. He has no way of changing their plans besides leaving her a note at the front desk. A misunderstanding and a conniving co-worker will threaten their little bubble of happiness.
Fast forward six years later. Lexi now has a son whom she loves more than anything, but Andrew doesn't feel the same way. He's never bonded with Ben and stays away at work more often than he's at home. When Nicole happily announces that she's engaged and what better place to get married than Las Vegas, Lexi knows that her heart could be at stake once again.
My heart broke for Leo, especially when he recounts what the past six years had been like for him. When it seems like they're both getting somewhere, drama ensues when Andrew shows up in Vegas. Then when Lexi leaves Vegas suddenly, Leo thinks he's lost her forever. Until help arrives via Nicole. The rest of the story is just achingly sweet.
This was one of those books that I curled up with and enjoyed along with a few glasses of wine. It's romantic and fluffy and hit all the right spots.
October 7, 2011
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS AT READING, EATING AND DREAMING I WAS BLAIR WALDORF
It was okay. I hate to say this, but I didn’t find anything special about Nothing Stays in Vegas. It was missing something. It was extremely predictable and not very original. There were also a couple times while I was reading and I just lost interest for a little bit. I think this story could have used a touch of humor, spice or some more interesting characters.
The characters are likeable, but they aren’t spectacular. In all honesty I can’t believe how forgiving the characters were of one another. I would have been a lot more upset than Leo was if someone would have withheld knowledge of my child from me. On top of that, she let someone else raise his child for years. I just don’t think that’s something that you can instantly forgive. Even if she thought he didn’t want her, I think it was her responsibility to let him know about his child. (That’s just my personal opinion on the matter).
I gave Nothing Stays in Vegas by Elena Aitken 2 STARS. I was looking forward to this book (it was on my wish list for a while), but it just didn’t do it for me. That’s not to say that there aren’t others out there that will like this story. It’s not a bad story; it just wasn’t what I was looking for.
-XOXO
READING, EATING AND DREAMING
It was okay. I hate to say this, but I didn’t find anything special about Nothing Stays in Vegas. It was missing something. It was extremely predictable and not very original. There were also a couple times while I was reading and I just lost interest for a little bit. I think this story could have used a touch of humor, spice or some more interesting characters.
The characters are likeable, but they aren’t spectacular. In all honesty I can’t believe how forgiving the characters were of one another. I would have been a lot more upset than Leo was if someone would have withheld knowledge of my child from me. On top of that, she let someone else raise his child for years. I just don’t think that’s something that you can instantly forgive. Even if she thought he didn’t want her, I think it was her responsibility to let him know about his child. (That’s just my personal opinion on the matter).
I gave Nothing Stays in Vegas by Elena Aitken 2 STARS. I was looking forward to this book (it was on my wish list for a while), but it just didn’t do it for me. That’s not to say that there aren’t others out there that will like this story. It’s not a bad story; it just wasn’t what I was looking for.
-XOXO
READING, EATING AND DREAMING
August 28, 2016
Read more of my reviews and ramblings at Ana's Attic Book Blog
Nothing Stays in Vegas by Elena Aitken was a chick-lit romance. It was a very enjoyable read, but nothing made me jump out of my seat to say WOW! I read it in half a day, I didn’t want to put it down; especially the second half, and it brought me to happy tears towards the end.
Lexi is dragged by her best friend Nicole for a weekend in Vegas. Lexie has been separated from her husband for months, and goes without intending to hook up with somebody else. Then she meets Leo, and sparks fly. The connection they have is palpable, and it is believable that they fall for each other in one night. Due to various misunderstandings, they go back to their lives after the weekend, and when Lexi takes her husband back, she finds she is pregnant. Though her husband is back home, he takes no interest in their child, and often works late, leaving Lexi to raise Ben on her own. Over the next 6 years, both Lexi and Leo couldn’t stop thinking of each other, and the love that got away.
Then Nicole decides to get married in Vegas, and wants her best friend there. All around Lexi are memories of Leo, and when they connect again, the sparks fly even more.
I usually don’t enjoy books with cheating, but really, there wasn’t cheating. When Lexi and Leo hook up at first, she was separated with no intention of returning to the marriage. And the second time, it was clear the marriage was over already. Leo was such a yummy guy, I couldn’t blame Lexi for connecting with him, and Andrew seemed like a bit of an ass.
A few things stopped this from being a 5 star read to me. First of all, this changed first person POVs from Lexi to Leo throughout the book. I liked that, but there was no rhyme or reason, no pattern to the changes, so you read a few paragraphs before you realize who is speaking. There were a number of grammatical errors (one especially drove me nuts–”he smelt good” was used a couple of times-smelled is the correct term, smelt is a fish or heating metal). But still it was overall a nice, easy enjoyable light read.
Likes:
-Leo <3.
-Actually, I liked all the characters.
-Enjoyable read that I couldn’t put down towards the end, (reading in my car at the supermarket!).
Dislikes:
-The use of some typical romance plot ploys like unprotected sex, (what??? It’s Vegas, you just met that night, and there was no discussion of a condom before, during or after) and miscommunication.
-The unpredictable way the POV changed.
-Some grammar issues, especially “smelt”.
-Mostly fade to black in the bedroom. I would have liked to feel a little more of the passion. (But then again, I’m a little pervy-LOL)
3.75 stars 1.5 Heat
Finally:
This was definitely a nice, sweet beach read, The boy, Ben was adorable, I had difficulty putting it down, and I got emotionally involved. I recommend it, though it won’t be on my favorites lists, due to the errors and the fact that it wasn’t really very unique or memorable.
Nothing Stays in Vegas by Elena Aitken was a chick-lit romance. It was a very enjoyable read, but nothing made me jump out of my seat to say WOW! I read it in half a day, I didn’t want to put it down; especially the second half, and it brought me to happy tears towards the end.
Lexi is dragged by her best friend Nicole for a weekend in Vegas. Lexie has been separated from her husband for months, and goes without intending to hook up with somebody else. Then she meets Leo, and sparks fly. The connection they have is palpable, and it is believable that they fall for each other in one night. Due to various misunderstandings, they go back to their lives after the weekend, and when Lexi takes her husband back, she finds she is pregnant. Though her husband is back home, he takes no interest in their child, and often works late, leaving Lexi to raise Ben on her own. Over the next 6 years, both Lexi and Leo couldn’t stop thinking of each other, and the love that got away.
Then Nicole decides to get married in Vegas, and wants her best friend there. All around Lexi are memories of Leo, and when they connect again, the sparks fly even more.
I usually don’t enjoy books with cheating, but really, there wasn’t cheating. When Lexi and Leo hook up at first, she was separated with no intention of returning to the marriage. And the second time, it was clear the marriage was over already. Leo was such a yummy guy, I couldn’t blame Lexi for connecting with him, and Andrew seemed like a bit of an ass.
A few things stopped this from being a 5 star read to me. First of all, this changed first person POVs from Lexi to Leo throughout the book. I liked that, but there was no rhyme or reason, no pattern to the changes, so you read a few paragraphs before you realize who is speaking. There were a number of grammatical errors (one especially drove me nuts–”he smelt good” was used a couple of times-smelled is the correct term, smelt is a fish or heating metal). But still it was overall a nice, easy enjoyable light read.
Likes:
-Leo <3.
-Actually, I liked all the characters.
-Enjoyable read that I couldn’t put down towards the end, (reading in my car at the supermarket!).
Dislikes:
-The use of some typical romance plot ploys like unprotected sex, (what??? It’s Vegas, you just met that night, and there was no discussion of a condom before, during or after) and miscommunication.
-The unpredictable way the POV changed.
-Some grammar issues, especially “smelt”.
-Mostly fade to black in the bedroom. I would have liked to feel a little more of the passion. (But then again, I’m a little pervy-LOL)
3.75 stars 1.5 Heat
Finally:
This was definitely a nice, sweet beach read, The boy, Ben was adorable, I had difficulty putting it down, and I got emotionally involved. I recommend it, though it won’t be on my favorites lists, due to the errors and the fact that it wasn’t really very unique or memorable.
August 17, 2024
This is a perfect fit for readers who enjoy lighthearted, fast-paced romance novels that explore the complexities of relationships, honesty, and second chances, with a dash of humor and a whole lot of heart.
March 10, 2012
It's hard for me to figure out how I felt about this book. There were many good, promising aspects of it, but also several hard-to-get-past points.
The Good:
- Pretty well-developed, original main characters. Loved Leo (c'mon - who wouldn't?), liked Lexi most of the time, but they were always true to their characters and not your average hero/heroine. Refreshing.
- good balance between original plot twists and standard plot devices. You always knew you were reading a romance, but the author at least tried to add some new life while staying within the confines of the genre (and I do love romance.)
- interesting, creative writing style. I definitely would like to read more of her work.
The Less Good:
- definitely needed some more editing/proofreading. Not as bad as other books by new authors, but still distracting.
- the switch between H/H POV was a nice style, but definitely needed improved delineation so as to not be so confusing. Hard to be several paragraphs in before figuring out whose head we're in.
- I really dislike the BM (Big Misunderstanding) plot device. Really do. But that's just me and my issues.
- would have been nice to avoid villifying the husband so cleanly. This book seemed to be aiming for a somewhat more "real" tone, and in the real world, sometimes the "other man" is still a decent guy. Felt a bit like a cop-out.
- ending could have used a little more fleshing out.
Overall, I'm glad I read this book, I feel like I will remember it over some of the others I've read, and I'm interested to read more of her work. But it wasn't a home run for me.
The Good:
- Pretty well-developed, original main characters. Loved Leo (c'mon - who wouldn't?), liked Lexi most of the time, but they were always true to their characters and not your average hero/heroine. Refreshing.
- good balance between original plot twists and standard plot devices. You always knew you were reading a romance, but the author at least tried to add some new life while staying within the confines of the genre (and I do love romance.)
- interesting, creative writing style. I definitely would like to read more of her work.
The Less Good:
- definitely needed some more editing/proofreading. Not as bad as other books by new authors, but still distracting.
- the switch between H/H POV was a nice style, but definitely needed improved delineation so as to not be so confusing. Hard to be several paragraphs in before figuring out whose head we're in.
- I really dislike the BM (Big Misunderstanding) plot device. Really do. But that's just me and my issues.
- would have been nice to avoid villifying the husband so cleanly. This book seemed to be aiming for a somewhat more "real" tone, and in the real world, sometimes the "other man" is still a decent guy. Felt a bit like a cop-out.
- ending could have used a little more fleshing out.
Overall, I'm glad I read this book, I feel like I will remember it over some of the others I've read, and I'm interested to read more of her work. But it wasn't a home run for me.
August 29, 2015
3.5 stars. What a sweet, sweet story. I really like it! But I do wish it had more to storyline, sometimes I felt that there wasn't enough happening in the story and then sometimes it all happened too fast. I wish we could have gotten to see more of a HEA, instead of a get together as quick as possible before the story ends. However, Nothing Stays in Vegas was still a very enjoyable story. :)
May 2, 2012
I really liked this book. My only criticism would be the gap of time after the pregnancy to going back to Vegas.
September 20, 2019
I loved the book! Who can’t love Vegas and all that’s going on! Lexi & Leo were the perfect pair and Elena writes her characters with a lot of love! It makes you feel as though you went to Vegas!i would definitely recommend this book!
September 11, 2019
This surprised me a little, in a good way. I wish I had an uncle Ray... So kind and sweet.
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January 5, 2019
Nothing Stays In Vegas by Elena Aitken is a delicious contemporary romance filled with brazen attraction, misunderstandings, and the gaudy lights of Las Vegas. The story is both sexy, heartwarming, and filled with spunk. I loved the characters, the clear, fast-paced narrative, and the heart-wrenching romance.
On the technical side of things, there were very few typos or editing errors, and the few that I spotted were not enough to detract from the story. If you like contemporary romances with a bit of sizzle to them, I highly recommend you give this book a try. I will definitely be looking for more books by this author in the future.
On the technical side of things, there were very few typos or editing errors, and the few that I spotted were not enough to detract from the story. If you like contemporary romances with a bit of sizzle to them, I highly recommend you give this book a try. I will definitely be looking for more books by this author in the future.
October 16, 2011
Initially, the writing style threw me a bit. Very few authors can pull off a first-person voice and do it well, let alone be able to shift points of views between characters and still keep the readers on the right page. Ms. Aitken did this with amazing fluidity. I’ll admit the first time she shifted perspectives I thought, “Whoa, wait… backup.” But then I got into her rhythm and it just fit together beautifully.
I will note that I had to open a new box of tissues after finishing my first one while reading this. Most of the time, that would be a hands-down book killer for me; however, this time, it was impossible to put the book down. I read through the tears and now look like a really sick raccoon. But the ending was beyond worth it.
Putting myself in the heroine’s role was easier than falling down on a sheet of ice. I was her. This could’ve been my story. I could relate to how heart-wrenching it is to want your marriage to work. To want a child. To fall in love with someone and walk away because they weren’t the “right” thing to do. To wish with everything in you that you’d made different choices. That you’d been able to follow your heart.
Then there was the hero. Could I feel his hurt and ache? Oh yeah. Who hasn’t been the one to watch someone walk away before? Who can’t relate to the frustration of wanting to be one place and needing to be in another?
Ms. Aitken keeps the readers on the edge of their seats – rooting for the happily ever after (HEA) – and then keeps it just out of reach, drawing us deeper into the confusing mess that would be real life if not for being ink on pages. You’re never quite sure if the HEA will emerge or not. The battle between the heroine’s heart and her head is so strong, you simply don’t know until the end.
Do they get the HEA? I’m not telling. Trust me, even if I did tell, I’d never be able to give the story as much justice as Ms. Aitken did. You really *must* just read the book.
Ms. Aitken has redeemed the category of “chick lit” for me and has rocketed herself up to the top of my “must read authors” list with this wonderful tale of love, motherhood, family, and real life.
I will note that I had to open a new box of tissues after finishing my first one while reading this. Most of the time, that would be a hands-down book killer for me; however, this time, it was impossible to put the book down. I read through the tears and now look like a really sick raccoon. But the ending was beyond worth it.
Putting myself in the heroine’s role was easier than falling down on a sheet of ice. I was her. This could’ve been my story. I could relate to how heart-wrenching it is to want your marriage to work. To want a child. To fall in love with someone and walk away because they weren’t the “right” thing to do. To wish with everything in you that you’d made different choices. That you’d been able to follow your heart.
Then there was the hero. Could I feel his hurt and ache? Oh yeah. Who hasn’t been the one to watch someone walk away before? Who can’t relate to the frustration of wanting to be one place and needing to be in another?
Ms. Aitken keeps the readers on the edge of their seats – rooting for the happily ever after (HEA) – and then keeps it just out of reach, drawing us deeper into the confusing mess that would be real life if not for being ink on pages. You’re never quite sure if the HEA will emerge or not. The battle between the heroine’s heart and her head is so strong, you simply don’t know until the end.
Do they get the HEA? I’m not telling. Trust me, even if I did tell, I’d never be able to give the story as much justice as Ms. Aitken did. You really *must* just read the book.
Ms. Aitken has redeemed the category of “chick lit” for me and has rocketed herself up to the top of my “must read authors” list with this wonderful tale of love, motherhood, family, and real life.
February 2, 2013
This was a great story and I really enjoyed it. Nicole has dragged Lexi to Vegas for Nicole's birthday. Lexi is six months separate from her husband. They've separated because while Lexi initially didn't want children, a potential pregnancy scare made her really think about it and she got the baby bug. Her husband did not. At all. She's not really a party girl, doesn't "do" Vegas, but Nicole is her best friend, so she's there. Right away, in a humorous way, she meets Leo, who works for the hotel. Leo, who doesn't normally get involved with hotel guests, is immediately taken by Nicole. Nicole sees the sparks flying and sort of plays a little match-making and sets up what Nicole thinks will be the fling that Lexi needs to get over her husband and move on. And through some nefarious plotting, another hotel employee sort of makes it so they each think the other believed what they had was a fling, when it was so obviously not a fling.
Lexi goes home and her husband is waiting for her, ready to reconcile. He says if she wants children, he'll go along with it because he wants her. But when she gets pregnant and has a child, Andrew really isn't into the "daddy" thing as much as Lexi wishes. But, she's married, and tried to keep her family together, despite knowing that Ben is actually Leo's and not Andrew's.
Six years later, Nicole is getting married, and to speed things up, she's having it in Vegas. Not the same hotel they went to before, and heck, who stays in Vegas that long anyway? It's not likely Leo's still there, much less remembers Lexi, right? Wrong.
So much time wasted. So much angst about trying to do the right thing, second-guessing feelings at the time and then six years later, angst about how to deal with a child in the mix. But it was just such a great story. Leo was so wonderful. And I don't think I can really fault Lexi for any of her actions. Well... at the end, I wanted to smack her just a bit, lol, but at the same time, I think I understood what she was doing and why. A really great read. Glad I spent the day ignoring everything else for it. :-)
Lexi goes home and her husband is waiting for her, ready to reconcile. He says if she wants children, he'll go along with it because he wants her. But when she gets pregnant and has a child, Andrew really isn't into the "daddy" thing as much as Lexi wishes. But, she's married, and tried to keep her family together, despite knowing that Ben is actually Leo's and not Andrew's.
Six years later, Nicole is getting married, and to speed things up, she's having it in Vegas. Not the same hotel they went to before, and heck, who stays in Vegas that long anyway? It's not likely Leo's still there, much less remembers Lexi, right? Wrong.
So much time wasted. So much angst about trying to do the right thing, second-guessing feelings at the time and then six years later, angst about how to deal with a child in the mix. But it was just such a great story. Leo was so wonderful. And I don't think I can really fault Lexi for any of her actions. Well... at the end, I wanted to smack her just a bit, lol, but at the same time, I think I understood what she was doing and why. A really great read. Glad I spent the day ignoring everything else for it. :-)
April 20, 2013
I'm sorry I can't put the kind of review on this book that I do usually. I was away and read several beore I could get to my computer again. I do remember very much enjoying this book and would recommend it to anyone looking for some light romance reading that you can fly through pretty quickly because it holds your interest from the beginning.
Here is the info on good reads:
Lexi Titan has mastered the art of pretending everything's fine. After all, how else could she ignore the fact that her husband is never home, her son barely knows him and the last time she had sex, well, who can remember? With her life crumbling, the last thing she wants to do is go on a trip, especially back to Vegas; a city full of glitz, excess, and Leo, the man she's spent the last six years trying to forget. But when her best friend announces she's getting married, Lexi doesn't have a choice. Besides, it's ridiculous to avoid an entire city because of one guy. Even if he is the father of your child.
Face to face with memories of the past and the gorgeous man who started it all, Lexi can no longer deny the truth to anyone, especially Leo. But honesty will come at a price, and Lexi must decide if she's wiling to take that risk. And what exactly will she tell her husband? Because as she now knows, NOTHING STAYS IN VEGAS
Here is the info on good reads:
Lexi Titan has mastered the art of pretending everything's fine. After all, how else could she ignore the fact that her husband is never home, her son barely knows him and the last time she had sex, well, who can remember? With her life crumbling, the last thing she wants to do is go on a trip, especially back to Vegas; a city full of glitz, excess, and Leo, the man she's spent the last six years trying to forget. But when her best friend announces she's getting married, Lexi doesn't have a choice. Besides, it's ridiculous to avoid an entire city because of one guy. Even if he is the father of your child.
Face to face with memories of the past and the gorgeous man who started it all, Lexi can no longer deny the truth to anyone, especially Leo. But honesty will come at a price, and Lexi must decide if she's wiling to take that risk. And what exactly will she tell her husband? Because as she now knows, NOTHING STAYS IN VEGAS
October 22, 2012
It's been a while since I've read a book in a day and I can't quite put my finger on what it is that captivated me with this one ~ but I just devoured it.
Five years ago Lexi and her best friend went to Las Vegas to celebrate her friends birthday and Lexi ends up having a wonderful evening with Leo, a man that she hardly knows but with whom she appears to have a connection.
I loved the main characters, how the author managed to switch between Lexi and Leo (which not many authors manage half as well) effortlessly. I have to admit that the first time it happened, I just put it down to yet another annoying Kindle typo.
If you like chic~lit, or have someone from your past who you'd love to see just one more time, to say all of the things that you should have , you'll enjoy this book.
Five years ago Lexi and her best friend went to Las Vegas to celebrate her friends birthday and Lexi ends up having a wonderful evening with Leo, a man that she hardly knows but with whom she appears to have a connection.
I loved the main characters, how the author managed to switch between Lexi and Leo (which not many authors manage half as well) effortlessly. I have to admit that the first time it happened, I just put it down to yet another annoying Kindle typo.
If you like chic~lit, or have someone from your past who you'd love to see just one more time, to say all of the things that you should have , you'll enjoy this book.
September 7, 2011
This is a great read for any time of the year, it had me gripped to the end.
I immediately felt empathy with the main character, Lexi, who is a warm and loyal,amusing, yet self-conscious and self-effacing. She had me on her side from the start!
The first person narrative (narrated by both Lexi and the other main character, Leo)enhances this story, making it feel more personal than many other books of this genre. The other characters too, such as Lexi's best friend and her Uncle, are believable and add layers which enrich the story.
I loved the details in the descriptions of the contrasting settings of Vegas and Canada.
Overall,Elena's first novel is a thoroughly enjoyable read - I can't wait for the next one!
I immediately felt empathy with the main character, Lexi, who is a warm and loyal,amusing, yet self-conscious and self-effacing. She had me on her side from the start!
The first person narrative (narrated by both Lexi and the other main character, Leo)enhances this story, making it feel more personal than many other books of this genre. The other characters too, such as Lexi's best friend and her Uncle, are believable and add layers which enrich the story.
I loved the details in the descriptions of the contrasting settings of Vegas and Canada.
Overall,Elena's first novel is a thoroughly enjoyable read - I can't wait for the next one!
July 22, 2011
Nothing Stays In Vegas is an enjoyable contemporary romance that will keep you entertained for a pleasant afternoon of reading. I enjoyed the dual points of view (told in first person) with Lexi and Leo. The story is a poignant one in showing how both the main characters struggle to do the right thing and Ms. Aitken does a thorough job in developing the secondary characters of Lexi's best friend, Nicole, and even Andrew.
I loved the contrast in lifestyle choices between the fast life of Vegas and the wilderness of Canada which made the story all the more intriguing. I believe this is a debut novel for Elena Aitken and it's a very enjoyable read.
If you're a fan of women's fiction and contemporary romance, you'll enjoy Nothing Stays In Vegas.
I loved the contrast in lifestyle choices between the fast life of Vegas and the wilderness of Canada which made the story all the more intriguing. I believe this is a debut novel for Elena Aitken and it's a very enjoyable read.
If you're a fan of women's fiction and contemporary romance, you'll enjoy Nothing Stays In Vegas.
October 16, 2012
I enjoyed this book. The main character Lexi was likable and I enjoyed the friendship between she and her best friend Nicole. Her husband Andrew was supposedly a good man but I never liked him. He was too self absorbed and really only wanted,work and Lexi in his life. Lexi's Uncle who raised her and then was a big part of her son Ben's life tried to tell her to leave Andrew but she wouldn't listen until their final talk. Leo fell hard for Lexi but the same as Andrew he let work cause the problem that caused 5 years of unhappiness for them both. I would recommend this book, it has interesting characters and the scenery sounds beautiful.
September 4, 2011
This was such a beautiful story. It's not your typical "party girl goes to Vegas and has a fling that she regrets". It's about a strong, responsible woman who meets an amazing man while on a girls weekend to Vegas. Elena is a very talented story teller. I was drawn into this story instantly. The characters were developed amazingly well and were so fun to read about. I highly recommend this book if you're into romance. I also wouldn't complain if there was a sequel!
(The four stars is only because the story needs some technical editing. The actual story is a 5!)
(The four stars is only because the story needs some technical editing. The actual story is a 5!)
June 19, 2012
Maybe I was just in the mood for a good romantic, looking for the happy ever after, book....I loved that first person narrative that switched back and forth between the two main characters (not all authors do this well) the characters are so well developed that you feel like you know them and I could not put it down. it has been a long time since I stayed up just to finish a book....I mean really late, it was that good! I downloaded it when it was free on the kindle, but I will be reading more by this author!
June 27, 2012
This was a nice light read. You run through all the emotions while reading this (happiness, sadness, love, hate, etc). I found the main character, Lexi was easy to relate to and could feel her pain and joy. The characters each have their demons and it's how they interconnect that draws me to the book.
It was sometimes confusing at first to know which point of view the chapter was from, since the author uses the first person of two different characters.
I would recommend this book to friends.
It was sometimes confusing at first to know which point of view the chapter was from, since the author uses the first person of two different characters.
I would recommend this book to friends.
May 16, 2019
Could have been so much better than it was. The shifting point of view was not consistent or regular, so was just annoying when it happened. Some things defied belief like best friends not telling each other about major things happening in their lives when they actually happen. These are friends who see and talk to each other often, so it seemed weird. Also, the thing with the guy not chosen at the end seemed like a cop-out, a way to wrap up the story with the chosen guy without making the heroine seem like a jerk.
January 10, 2012
I liked the premise of Nothing Stays in Vegas & thought Aitken did a good job of keeping the reader interested throughout the story. MC Lexi was likable & her conflict was relatable and heartbreaking. I only wish Leo's character was flushed out a little more. Even though the story was told in alternating POV, I didn't feel a sense of understanding in Leo's motivations & emotions at some parts of the story.
All in all an enjoyable read by an author I plan to watch for future releases.
All in all an enjoyable read by an author I plan to watch for future releases.
June 11, 2012
I'm not a Romance Novel type of person so i didn't really want to read this but a friend talked me into it....and I'm glad i did. It read more like a Chic lit which is probably why i enjoyed it. I had never read a book where the writer changes points of view between the characters so that threw me off for a minute... But after that i kind of enjoyed it...always knowing what each character was thinking and feeling. This book has made me want to give this Genre a second chance!
June 10, 2012
What is it with me and crying at the last 1/4th of a book? This was a fast read that made me loathe the husband and love the fling which I knew it would. The best friend - a trip and I wish I had one just like her. Heck, maybe I do, but I'm too much of a hermit to realize it. I recommend to all my friends!
June 17, 2012
Got this book for FREE on Kindle. So figured why not? Lexi and Nicole are on a girl's weekend in Vegas. Lexi has been separated from her husband Andrew for six months, and doubts their differences about having children will ever change. So when she meets Leo, the passion heats up. Could Leo be the real thing she's been looking for ..
June 26, 2017
I really enjoyed this adult romance. I don't read many of them, and I found this one to be very well written, and touched my heart. I found myself cheering for Lexi and Leo from the beginning. I did feel like I knew where the story was going, but Elena managed to throw in a few twists I didn't see. Glad I took a chance on this one!
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