What do you think?
Rate this book
Waking Up In Vegas
Five best friends. One unforgettable bachelorette weekend. A Vegas adventure that will change their lives forever.
Jess has always been the responsible one, the planner. But for her bachelorette party in Las Vegas, she's ready to let loose with her four best friends. VIP passes, exclusive clubs, and a weekend of carefree fun – what could possibly go wrong?
Everything, as it turns out.
When Jess wakes up in a bathtub full of ice with no memory of the night before, she knows something has gone terribly amiss. Her maid of honor and best friend Rachel is missing, and the other girls are scattered around their luxurious suite in various states of disarray. As they piece together the events of their lost night, they uncover a web of secrets that threatens to unravel their tight-knit group.
In the glittering, high-stakes world of Las Vegas, Jess and her friends must confront their deepest insecurities, question their trust in each other, and navigate the complex dynamics of female friendship. With each revelation, they're forced to reevaluate not just their weekend, but their entire lives.
"Waking Up In Vegas" is an addictive psychological thriller that will resonate with anyone who's ever tested the bonds of friendship. It's about the choices we make, the secrets we keep, and the strength we find in each other when the chips are down.
Perfect for fans of "The Hangover" meets "Gone Girl," this is one bachelorette party you won't want to miss.
Jess has always been the responsible one, the planner. But for her bachelorette party in Las Vegas, she's ready to let loose with her four best friends. VIP passes, exclusive clubs, and a weekend of carefree fun – what could possibly go wrong?
Everything, as it turns out.
When Jess wakes up in a bathtub full of ice with no memory of the night before, she knows something has gone terribly amiss. Her maid of honor and best friend Rachel is missing, and the other girls are scattered around their luxurious suite in various states of disarray. As they piece together the events of their lost night, they uncover a web of secrets that threatens to unravel their tight-knit group.
In the glittering, high-stakes world of Las Vegas, Jess and her friends must confront their deepest insecurities, question their trust in each other, and navigate the complex dynamics of female friendship. With each revelation, they're forced to reevaluate not just their weekend, but their entire lives.
"Waking Up In Vegas" is an addictive psychological thriller that will resonate with anyone who's ever tested the bonds of friendship. It's about the choices we make, the secrets we keep, and the strength we find in each other when the chips are down.
Perfect for fans of "The Hangover" meets "Gone Girl," this is one bachelorette party you won't want to miss.
327 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 25, 2024
155 people are currently reading
883 people want to read
About the author
J.E. Rowney
40 books823 followersWriter.
Visit my website for previews, further information.
http://www.jerowney.com/
"I always dreamed of being a writer, until I realised that I was. Then I started to write."
Visit my website for previews, further information.
http://www.jerowney.com/
"I always dreamed of being a writer, until I realised that I was. Then I started to write."
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
October 21, 2024
Thank you Netgalley for my copy.
I am always sorry to do this for a freebee, but this was awful. Either it was written by AI or a poor author. I don't know which is worse for a published to let it out into the world.
Some issues include:
⭕Everything was shining/ glimmering/ sparkling "in the light"
⭕Everyone's shining outfits described again and again
⭕Saying people's names in dialogue was just awkward and off putting
⭕Very very repetitive
⭕How many times did you need to tell the reader they were bffs?
⭕So.much.perfume.
⭕Too much telling
⭕Way way way too many adverbs
⭕What kind of braindead moron puts a random flashdrive they just found in dodgy circumstances in their own laptop THAT ALSO CONTAINS ALL OF THEIR WORK ON IT!?
⭕So many stark reminders and stark contrasts
⭕"A mix of [insert word adjective here] and [insert another adjective here]." Used WAY TOO MUCH.
⭕"This was her bachelorette party after all"
⭕"You're going to see the really real Vegas. Ffs.
Nothing was redeemable about this novel and that's sad because I always find something I like in a story, even if it's not a good one.
I am always sorry to do this for a freebee, but this was awful. Either it was written by AI or a poor author. I don't know which is worse for a published to let it out into the world.
Some issues include:
⭕Everything was shining/ glimmering/ sparkling "in the light"
⭕Everyone's shining outfits described again and again
⭕Saying people's names in dialogue was just awkward and off putting
⭕Very very repetitive
⭕How many times did you need to tell the reader they were bffs?
⭕So.much.perfume.
⭕Too much telling
⭕Way way way too many adverbs
⭕What kind of braindead moron puts a random flashdrive they just found in dodgy circumstances in their own laptop THAT ALSO CONTAINS ALL OF THEIR WORK ON IT!?
⭕So many stark reminders and stark contrasts
⭕"A mix of [insert word adjective here] and [insert another adjective here]." Used WAY TOO MUCH.
⭕"This was her bachelorette party after all"
⭕"You're going to see the really real Vegas. Ffs.
Nothing was redeemable about this novel and that's sad because I always find something I like in a story, even if it's not a good one.
October 13, 2024
I received a free copy of, Waking Up In Vegas, by J.E. Rowney, , from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Jess is getting married, she and her friends have her bachlorette party in Vegas. What could possible go wrong? This book goes back and forth, between last night and this morning, it was an ok read.
October 27, 2024
Take a drink every time;
- “it’s your bachelorette party after all” is said
- the smell of expensive perfume is described
- the gold dress glistened in the light
.. and you’ll wind up with a worse hangover then these characters (and hopefully forget this book!)
Overall this book was annoying to read, everything was described in too much detail and it was so repetitive in every way possible.
Save your time and just go watch The Hangover (which is shamelessly mentioned).
- “it’s your bachelorette party after all” is said
- the smell of expensive perfume is described
- the gold dress glistened in the light
.. and you’ll wind up with a worse hangover then these characters (and hopefully forget this book!)
Overall this book was annoying to read, everything was described in too much detail and it was so repetitive in every way possible.
Save your time and just go watch The Hangover (which is shamelessly mentioned).
September 27, 2024
I was lucky enough to have received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. The premise was so intriguing, and I couldn't wait to dive in. It definitely reminded me of The Hangover gone completely wrong, with way more suspense and mystery.
I found myself racing through the book, desperate to find out what would happen next. The ending was a complete shock, and I didn't see it coming at all. It's a must-read! #ARC
I found myself racing through the book, desperate to find out what would happen next. The ending was a complete shock, and I didn't see it coming at all. It's a must-read! #ARC
October 2, 2024
From what I hear, this book is like The Hangover movie (I’ve never seen it). I quite enjoyed it. I thought it was a lot of fun. I devoured it in a couple of sittings. I really enjoyed the back and forth on the timelines. That was a lot of fun to see how their night had progressed along side their morning. Thank you so much to author JE Rowney for allowing me the privilege of being an ARC reader for you.
September 25, 2024
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC for Waking up in Vegas. Vegas is my home away from home so it was easy to picture myself in these places while reading. It was a very quick read and kept my interest but would have liked the ending to be wrapped up a little neater. I leave for a Vegas bachelorette weekend in 9 days and hope to not cross paths with any Cynthias!
October 13, 2024
This was my first arc so I will be completely honest. I almost dnf'd this book. The first 25% was so repetitive. Yes, Lisa is divorced, Rachel is jess' oldest friend, Olivia is the newest member of the group. These things do not need to be repeated 15 times in 1 chapter.
I waited for the ah-ha moment and it never came.
I waited for the ah-ha moment and it never came.
October 6, 2024
Waking Up In Vegas by J.E. Rowney
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
It’s always crazy in Vegas, and this story doesn’t disappoint! When a bachelorette party with 5 best friends starts out on a happy note, it quickly turns dark and mysterious! This is such a fun & enthralling psychological thriller! The story is very well written and has great suspense and intensity! The book is a fast and exciting read! I didn’t want to put it down once I started! The ending was a shocker too!
This is my 2nd book from this author and I'm really enjoying her stories!!
Thank you to J.E. Rowney for an arc of this fantastic book!
*It comes out October 25th. Make sure to grab your copy!!*
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
It’s always crazy in Vegas, and this story doesn’t disappoint! When a bachelorette party with 5 best friends starts out on a happy note, it quickly turns dark and mysterious! This is such a fun & enthralling psychological thriller! The story is very well written and has great suspense and intensity! The book is a fast and exciting read! I didn’t want to put it down once I started! The ending was a shocker too!
This is my 2nd book from this author and I'm really enjoying her stories!!
Thank you to J.E. Rowney for an arc of this fantastic book!
*It comes out October 25th. Make sure to grab your copy!!*
October 28, 2024
"Waking Up in Vegas" by J.E. Rowney instantly brought to mind the hilarity and chaos of The Hangover. The story follows a group of friends on a bachelorette party in Vegas, promising an unforgettable night filled with wild adventures. Rowney masterfully blends mystery, suspense, and unexpected twists, creating an engaging narrative that kept me hooked from the very first page. The writing is sharp and immersive, making it impossible to put down. If I could give it more than five stars, I absolutely would!
October 16, 2024
3.5 stars.
A bachelorette party in Vegas organised by maid of honour Rachel for her best friend Jess. Rachel promises Jess an unforgettable Vegas adventure - except Jess wakes in the morning in a bath of ice and gaming chips with no memory of the night before. Three of her friends are scattered around the messy luxury suite and one friend is missing. What happened the night before?
Clear shades of The Hangover as per the blurb as the women try to piece together what happened. The story is told in alternating parts of 'last night' and 'this morning' which I enjoyed. The author has clearly experienced Vegas as the descriptions were great.
It's a story that leaves you turning pages to find out what actually happened. I did like the ending, it was somewhat satisfying and while it tied things up I was left with more than a few questions. I would have liked more of the relationship between the friends and it got a bit slow in the middle where I just wanted to know what happened.
All in all a good thriller, a fast read and an interesting ending.
A bachelorette party in Vegas organised by maid of honour Rachel for her best friend Jess. Rachel promises Jess an unforgettable Vegas adventure - except Jess wakes in the morning in a bath of ice and gaming chips with no memory of the night before. Three of her friends are scattered around the messy luxury suite and one friend is missing. What happened the night before?
Clear shades of The Hangover as per the blurb as the women try to piece together what happened. The story is told in alternating parts of 'last night' and 'this morning' which I enjoyed. The author has clearly experienced Vegas as the descriptions were great.
It's a story that leaves you turning pages to find out what actually happened. I did like the ending, it was somewhat satisfying and while it tied things up I was left with more than a few questions. I would have liked more of the relationship between the friends and it got a bit slow in the middle where I just wanted to know what happened.
All in all a good thriller, a fast read and an interesting ending.
September 24, 2024
Jess is always the responsible one. But for her bachelorette Vegas party, she is ready to “let loose” with her four best friends. When Jess wakes up in a bathtub full of ice, she knows something is terribly wrong. Her maid of honor is missing, and the other girls are scattered in disarray. What happened last night? The girls will have to reevaluate last night and possibly their lives.
Waking Up in Vegas alternates chapters with the morning the girls wake up and the night before – trying to figure out how they got in this mess. I couldn’t get through it fast enough to see what happened as each chapter led to the next one and left you hanging! The end was not at all what I expected, either – a very unusual plotline, but a satisfying book!
Waking Up in Vegas alternates chapters with the morning the girls wake up and the night before – trying to figure out how they got in this mess. I couldn’t get through it fast enough to see what happened as each chapter led to the next one and left you hanging! The end was not at all what I expected, either – a very unusual plotline, but a satisfying book!
October 13, 2024
This was actually my first ARC copy ever and I was so over the moon when receiving it. Okay, so... what can I say that has not been said yet? IT! WAS! FANTASTIC! 5 STARS!
I loved the Vegas setting, which you do not have often in books, as far as I know. I am also a sucker for bachelorette party stories, despite never being on one myself (or, maybe exactly because of that).
Around 50% into the book, I thought I had figured out what had happend, and who was behind it, ect, but when I continued, new theories came up in my head, and in the end, they all have been wrong! I think I have only been right when it comes to one single person involved into the plot.
JE Rowney, you did it again! You did lead me down the wrong road more than once, and I really enjoyed it! Again, many thanks for my ARC copy, it was really a wild ride and do already look forward to all your future books coming!
Everyone else, get your own copy of Waking Up In Vegas! I promise you are not going to regret it!
I loved the Vegas setting, which you do not have often in books, as far as I know. I am also a sucker for bachelorette party stories, despite never being on one myself (or, maybe exactly because of that).
Around 50% into the book, I thought I had figured out what had happend, and who was behind it, ect, but when I continued, new theories came up in my head, and in the end, they all have been wrong! I think I have only been right when it comes to one single person involved into the plot.
JE Rowney, you did it again! You did lead me down the wrong road more than once, and I really enjoyed it! Again, many thanks for my ARC copy, it was really a wild ride and do already look forward to all your future books coming!
Everyone else, get your own copy of Waking Up In Vegas! I promise you are not going to regret it!
April 4, 2025
I loved the pace at which this book took us through a frantic night in Vegas, and then an even more chaotic morning after! The dual timeline helped to build the confusion, and I loved that we, as readers, could get a glimpse into what the characters were missing from memory when we read the Last Night chapters.
There was some repetition of some facts - Lisa's divorce, Rachel being the very best friend, etc - but for me, this didn't take anything away from the story. I enjoyed the author's writing style and will definitely be reading more by her.
There was some repetition of some facts - Lisa's divorce, Rachel being the very best friend, etc - but for me, this didn't take anything away from the story. I enjoyed the author's writing style and will definitely be reading more by her.
October 7, 2024
This book was really fun. The premise was neat and it was a really quick read. I didn't love it. Parts of it felt weirdly "basic bitch" and not in a fictional fun way. It just came off goofy?
I've read a bunch of this authors other books though, so I think this one is probably just a me problem. Maybe not in the right mindset. The description of the book was spot on, so if it sounds good to you, still give it a try.
I've read a bunch of this authors other books though, so I think this one is probably just a me problem. Maybe not in the right mindset. The description of the book was spot on, so if it sounds good to you, still give it a try.
January 5, 2025
What starts out as a normal Bachelorette party in Vegas takes a wild turn. Everyone wakes up the next morning with no memory of the previous night. As the women work to piece together the night, it becomes clear that things aren't always as they seem in Vegas.
I loved this book and the way it was told with 2 timelines kept me glued to it!
I loved this book and the way it was told with 2 timelines kept me glued to it!
October 27, 2025
This book was irredeemably bad from the beginning. It was written like bad YA. Everything was glimmering, shimmering, perfumed, etc. in a way that made it so over the top cheesy it was almost nauseating. You could tell the author wanted Las Vegas the be the sixth important character in this book and it just was so poorly done. The women and their relationships were so… flat? Who really talks like that? Especially for female characters written by a woman, they all felt awfully artificial. Overall, just a real let down.
September 27, 2024
i was blessed with the experience of reading this arc and must i say this was such a fun read! About half way thru i thought i had it all figured out and omg i was so wrong the ending was soooo wild very good but wild i loved how it ended and i loved the characters so much. This is a book that i feel will stay on my mind for a long time. I definitely cant wait to check out more by this author!! Definitely recommend!! 4.5⭐️ in my opinion!!
October 4, 2024
This book alternates between two time points: “last night” and “this morning.” A bachelorette party gone wrong leaves the attendees with no memory, a missing girl, and a mess to clean up. From the beginning, it’s clear that Miles, who is described as overpowering in the relationship, is the main antagonist. The entire bachelorette trip turns out to be an orchestrated experience where the girls are gaslighted into believing specific events happened when they didn’t—all masterminded by Miles. I wasn’t a fan of this book.
Thank you to Net Galley for sending me this book in exchange for my honest opinion
Thank you to Net Galley for sending me this book in exchange for my honest opinion
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2024
Loved this!
Love vegas, so I was sold immediately based on setting and title. Also love the hangover film.
This book had me gripped from the off. I loved the mystery vibe and it felt a little like nancy drew meets the hangover. Couldn’t put it down and really enjoyed it.
I felt as thought I was there with them for this adventure with a random showgirl outfit, a man in a hat, a brief case etc. Great fun!
Love vegas, so I was sold immediately based on setting and title. Also love the hangover film.
This book had me gripped from the off. I loved the mystery vibe and it felt a little like nancy drew meets the hangover. Couldn’t put it down and really enjoyed it.
I felt as thought I was there with them for this adventure with a random showgirl outfit, a man in a hat, a brief case etc. Great fun!
October 6, 2024
I would give this 10 stars if I could! I love the movie Hangover, and this is a genius way to portray it in a thriller! Five friends on a bachelorette weekend in Vegas. What could go wrong? This was a fast paced, intriguing story. The characters and setting are described so vividly, I felt like I was right there in Vegas with them, trying to piece together what happened. Loved the storyline about their friendship and all it entails. This is a must read, you should rush to pre-order this now! Release date October 25th.
October 5, 2024
my first read from this author and very much enjoyed. Jess is going to Las Vagas for her bachelorette with her best friend Rachel who organized it and her 3 other friends. there first night is amazing. but when Jess wakes up, she is in a bath of ice with no memory she goes looking for her friends one is handcuffed to a man the other has a briefcase and one is dressed as a show girl, but Rachel is missing , they have to try and piece the night before together to find Rachel the book will keep you guessing until the end a very good read
September 29, 2024
I am so thankful to of read this as a ARC. However I was not fully enthralled in the story. I found that the plot was too fast paced specifically with the suspicions and I found it hard to connect with any of the characters. I think the idea is wonderful but wasn’t executed to the fullest potential as I was let down with the ending. I think with further development, this would be tremendously better!
November 9, 2024
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'Waking Up In Vegas' by JE Rowney
OMG!!! SHUT THE FRONT DOOR!!! WHAT HAVE I JUST READ!?!?!? Yet another HUGE Success by the incredible JE Rowney!! Rowney you are a writing legend!!!
Wow!!! Well fair play the first thing I must say is congratulations to JE Rowney on yet another absolutely HUGE success!! Absolutely blooming fantastic!! I never did work out what was happening and that is quite a feat considering it is quite hard to shock me now that I have read so many suspense and thrillers yet I never did see any of those mind blowing twists coming!! Anyway on with my review....
This book is fantastically written with vivid descriptions that absolutely grip the readers attention and puts them right in the middle of it all feeling the hair raise on your arms and feeling the sweat run down your back. The cover is absolutely stunning and if that doesn't make you want to get absorbed into this page turner the synopsis definitely will!!!
Another absolutely fantastic page turner by this absolutely incredible author!! I have read several of Rowney's books and I am never disappointed so if you are ever looking for a gripping psychological thriller grab any of her books and you will not be let down!! This book has got to be one of the most heart racing books I've read in a long time!!! It had me hook, line and sinker from the first page and I could not put it down!!! Every time I said one more chapter it ended on a cliff-hanger and I just had to know what was going on!!! If you are going to read this then clear your day because it is truly unputdownable. I started this one afternoon and finished it at approx. 2am in the morning, I read it in one sitting and although I'm knackered today it was 1000000% worth it!!! In this book we meet Jess and her group of four friends who are out celebrating Jess's bachelorette weekend in Vegas. Jess wakes up the morning after the night before in their luxurious suite in a bathtub filled with ice and poker chips with absolutely no idea how she got there. Jess is not the only one who cannot remember what has happened. She hunts around and eventually finds her friends all in strange places. She discovers Lisa sprawled out unconscious on the balcony handcuffed to a strange man who we later discover is called Alex. Megan is discovered blocked in a walk in closet holding a briefcase. Olivia is found unconscious behind the couch wearing a showgirl outfit. However, their other friend, Jess's maid of honour and the one who had organised the bachelorette Rachel is nowhere to be found. As the girls try to piece together what happened the night before they find themselves exploring parts of Vegas they do not remember and are hidden from the tourists eyes. Will they ever find Rachel or will she be lost in Vegas like many before her? How did the friends end up the way they were? Who is Alex and is he telling them the truth? Grab your copy of this absolutely brilliant page turner to find out for yourselves and I can promise that you will not regret it!! With an absolutely gripping storyline ram packed with friendship, romance, partying, gambling, secrets, twists, alcohol, drama, tension and explosive twists what on Earth are you waiting for?? With an explosive and unexpecting ending that I was not expecting it makes a nice change as after reading hundreds of crime and psychological thrillers it is getting harder and harder to surprise me so a MASSIVE well done Rowney!!! Grab your copy of this absolutely epic page turner today!! I can promise that you will NOT regret it!! Rowney does an absolutely incredible job of weaving multiple timelines perfectly together perfectly to drip feed the reader exactly what she wants the to know and in her own time!!! I have never been to Vega myself but Rowney's incredible evocative and emotive descriptions will transport you there at the turn of a page ensuring you can see the lights and noises around you as well as seeing, feeling and hearing everything that Jess and her friends are. A true page turner, this book is absolutely compelling with an addictive storyline that kept me guessing throughout. I was continuously questioning who was doing and hiding what!! Rowney's evocative writing talents ensures the reader is sucked deep into the storyline and is left with their heart pounding! I just could not put my kindle down. The storyline was filled with suspense, drama, secrets, explosive twists and everything you could ask for in a page turner. Filled with suspense, explosive bombshells and tension this book is one must read psychological thriller!! Congratulations Rowney on another absolutely brilliant and unique storyline that I just could not put down!! I cannot wait to get stuck in to your previous and future books!!
Clear your schedules and get ready to get sucked into an intriguing, page turning psychological thriller by an extremely talented author!!!
It is set over multiple time lines. When books show what has happened in the past and what is happening in the present I find it really helps the reader (if it is well done) understand why things are happening and what has lead to the present activities and decisions. It also shows the bigger picture.
The characters were very realistic, multi layered and well rounded and again their personalities reflected the storyline and how they would act, etc perfectly. The descriptions gave a really good in depth view of how the characters were feeling and what they were thinking. The characters were complex and each seemed to be hiding their own secrets which leaves you questioning who is telling the truth and who can be trusted. they had their own unique personalities with individual flaws, quirks, secrets, strengths and weaknesses!! My heart completely went out to Jess as her and her friends try to piece together what happened to Rachel and end up trawling around Vegas asking questions and getting into dangerous situations while all she wanted was a fun night with her friends. I don't want to say too much about the characters though and I will leave you to read this amazing book and work it out yourself. Each of the characters were well developed, unique and thanks to Rowney's fantastic evocative writing skills they all came to life before my eyes. That is all I will say as I don't want to run the risk of dropping any hints or spoilers. However, whether you love or hate these characters, they all have their own strong unique personalities and they all bring the story to life playing their roles perfectly.
An absolutely HUGE SUCCESS by this extremely talented author. This is EXACTLY why you are in my favourite authors club JE Rowney and here is to your next guaranteed success 🥂!!
Overall a page turning addictive psychological thriller that will have your heart racing and will blow your mind with the explosive twists.
#WakingUpInVegas #JERowney #LittleFoxPublishing
@JERowney @LittleFoxPublishing
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
https://www.instagram.com/bookwormwhi...
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/3...
https://mobile.twitter.com/kcmw86
Review for 'Waking Up In Vegas' by JE Rowney
OMG!!! SHUT THE FRONT DOOR!!! WHAT HAVE I JUST READ!?!?!? Yet another HUGE Success by the incredible JE Rowney!! Rowney you are a writing legend!!!
Wow!!! Well fair play the first thing I must say is congratulations to JE Rowney on yet another absolutely HUGE success!! Absolutely blooming fantastic!! I never did work out what was happening and that is quite a feat considering it is quite hard to shock me now that I have read so many suspense and thrillers yet I never did see any of those mind blowing twists coming!! Anyway on with my review....
This book is fantastically written with vivid descriptions that absolutely grip the readers attention and puts them right in the middle of it all feeling the hair raise on your arms and feeling the sweat run down your back. The cover is absolutely stunning and if that doesn't make you want to get absorbed into this page turner the synopsis definitely will!!!
Another absolutely fantastic page turner by this absolutely incredible author!! I have read several of Rowney's books and I am never disappointed so if you are ever looking for a gripping psychological thriller grab any of her books and you will not be let down!! This book has got to be one of the most heart racing books I've read in a long time!!! It had me hook, line and sinker from the first page and I could not put it down!!! Every time I said one more chapter it ended on a cliff-hanger and I just had to know what was going on!!! If you are going to read this then clear your day because it is truly unputdownable. I started this one afternoon and finished it at approx. 2am in the morning, I read it in one sitting and although I'm knackered today it was 1000000% worth it!!! In this book we meet Jess and her group of four friends who are out celebrating Jess's bachelorette weekend in Vegas. Jess wakes up the morning after the night before in their luxurious suite in a bathtub filled with ice and poker chips with absolutely no idea how she got there. Jess is not the only one who cannot remember what has happened. She hunts around and eventually finds her friends all in strange places. She discovers Lisa sprawled out unconscious on the balcony handcuffed to a strange man who we later discover is called Alex. Megan is discovered blocked in a walk in closet holding a briefcase. Olivia is found unconscious behind the couch wearing a showgirl outfit. However, their other friend, Jess's maid of honour and the one who had organised the bachelorette Rachel is nowhere to be found. As the girls try to piece together what happened the night before they find themselves exploring parts of Vegas they do not remember and are hidden from the tourists eyes. Will they ever find Rachel or will she be lost in Vegas like many before her? How did the friends end up the way they were? Who is Alex and is he telling them the truth? Grab your copy of this absolutely brilliant page turner to find out for yourselves and I can promise that you will not regret it!! With an absolutely gripping storyline ram packed with friendship, romance, partying, gambling, secrets, twists, alcohol, drama, tension and explosive twists what on Earth are you waiting for?? With an explosive and unexpecting ending that I was not expecting it makes a nice change as after reading hundreds of crime and psychological thrillers it is getting harder and harder to surprise me so a MASSIVE well done Rowney!!! Grab your copy of this absolutely epic page turner today!! I can promise that you will NOT regret it!! Rowney does an absolutely incredible job of weaving multiple timelines perfectly together perfectly to drip feed the reader exactly what she wants the to know and in her own time!!! I have never been to Vega myself but Rowney's incredible evocative and emotive descriptions will transport you there at the turn of a page ensuring you can see the lights and noises around you as well as seeing, feeling and hearing everything that Jess and her friends are. A true page turner, this book is absolutely compelling with an addictive storyline that kept me guessing throughout. I was continuously questioning who was doing and hiding what!! Rowney's evocative writing talents ensures the reader is sucked deep into the storyline and is left with their heart pounding! I just could not put my kindle down. The storyline was filled with suspense, drama, secrets, explosive twists and everything you could ask for in a page turner. Filled with suspense, explosive bombshells and tension this book is one must read psychological thriller!! Congratulations Rowney on another absolutely brilliant and unique storyline that I just could not put down!! I cannot wait to get stuck in to your previous and future books!!
Clear your schedules and get ready to get sucked into an intriguing, page turning psychological thriller by an extremely talented author!!!
It is set over multiple time lines. When books show what has happened in the past and what is happening in the present I find it really helps the reader (if it is well done) understand why things are happening and what has lead to the present activities and decisions. It also shows the bigger picture.
The characters were very realistic, multi layered and well rounded and again their personalities reflected the storyline and how they would act, etc perfectly. The descriptions gave a really good in depth view of how the characters were feeling and what they were thinking. The characters were complex and each seemed to be hiding their own secrets which leaves you questioning who is telling the truth and who can be trusted. they had their own unique personalities with individual flaws, quirks, secrets, strengths and weaknesses!! My heart completely went out to Jess as her and her friends try to piece together what happened to Rachel and end up trawling around Vegas asking questions and getting into dangerous situations while all she wanted was a fun night with her friends. I don't want to say too much about the characters though and I will leave you to read this amazing book and work it out yourself. Each of the characters were well developed, unique and thanks to Rowney's fantastic evocative writing skills they all came to life before my eyes. That is all I will say as I don't want to run the risk of dropping any hints or spoilers. However, whether you love or hate these characters, they all have their own strong unique personalities and they all bring the story to life playing their roles perfectly.
An absolutely HUGE SUCCESS by this extremely talented author. This is EXACTLY why you are in my favourite authors club JE Rowney and here is to your next guaranteed success 🥂!!
Overall a page turning addictive psychological thriller that will have your heart racing and will blow your mind with the explosive twists.
#WakingUpInVegas #JERowney #LittleFoxPublishing
@JERowney @LittleFoxPublishing
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
https://www.instagram.com/bookwormwhi...
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/3...
https://mobile.twitter.com/kcmw86
October 11, 2024
This story starts with five friends arriving in Las Vegas for what should be an epic bachelorette party. We meet Jess, our bride-to-be, her maid-of-honor, Rachel, and her other friends, Megan, Olivia, and Lisa. As an amazing maid-of-honor, Rachel has booked incredible suites for the women at The Bellagio and has planned a night to remember, with VIP passes and luxury at every turn.
Except in the morning, no one remembers anything and Rachel is missing.
This story is told in alternating timelines: one from the night before, when the bachelorette party is off and running, and the next day when the women are on a frantic mission to find out what happened to Rachel.
If you love Las Vegas, you should enjoy this book. It's clear to me that the author has a deep appreciation for the city and its history. We see the luxury of The Bellagio, from the rooms to the views, to the artwork. Then we see limo rides throughout the strip, the exclusive clubs and events, and high-roller accommodations. This story reminded me how much I used to love going to Vegas, and it instantly brought back a lot of the feelings of excitement I felt when traveling there.
This story did drag a bit in the middle for me. I think this was because parts felt a bit predictable and so I was ready to move past those points. Another thing that I wished had been different was establishing the bond the women had with each other. In the first 30% or so of the story, there is a lot of the women sort of, fawning over each other. How beautiful and successful and the dresses shimmering and glittering in the lights and then Jess (the bride) constantly thanking Rachel for setting everything up. It felt repetitive. I think the author was trying to show us the true affection and friendship the women shared, but I wish this had been conveyed differently.
The end was...different. It was somewhat unbelievable based on how the story was told. If there had been more character development, it wouldn't have been as unrealistic.
There were definitely some logistical aspects in this book that didn't totally jive to me, but it was nothing that felt distracting or ruined the quality of the story.
If you enjoy stories with wild nights in Vegas, a girls' night to remember, and some mystery and luxury mixed in, this is the story for you!
Except in the morning, no one remembers anything and Rachel is missing.
This story is told in alternating timelines: one from the night before, when the bachelorette party is off and running, and the next day when the women are on a frantic mission to find out what happened to Rachel.
If you love Las Vegas, you should enjoy this book. It's clear to me that the author has a deep appreciation for the city and its history. We see the luxury of The Bellagio, from the rooms to the views, to the artwork. Then we see limo rides throughout the strip, the exclusive clubs and events, and high-roller accommodations. This story reminded me how much I used to love going to Vegas, and it instantly brought back a lot of the feelings of excitement I felt when traveling there.
This story did drag a bit in the middle for me. I think this was because parts felt a bit predictable and so I was ready to move past those points. Another thing that I wished had been different was establishing the bond the women had with each other. In the first 30% or so of the story, there is a lot of the women sort of, fawning over each other. How beautiful and successful and the dresses shimmering and glittering in the lights and then Jess (the bride) constantly thanking Rachel for setting everything up. It felt repetitive. I think the author was trying to show us the true affection and friendship the women shared, but I wish this had been conveyed differently.
The end was...different. It was somewhat unbelievable based on how the story was told. If there had been more character development, it wouldn't have been as unrealistic.
There were definitely some logistical aspects in this book that didn't totally jive to me, but it was nothing that felt distracting or ruined the quality of the story.
If you enjoy stories with wild nights in Vegas, a girls' night to remember, and some mystery and luxury mixed in, this is the story for you!
October 16, 2024
"The Hangover" meets "Gone Girl" in this psychological thriller novel that forces the characters to question everything about themselves and their friendships...
Bride-to-be Jess and her four best friends are on an ultimate luxurious bachelorette weekend in Las Vegas. We're talking VIP passes, exclusive clubs, and a weekend of carefree fun. But the girls wake up in the morning in various states of disarray, their hotel suite a shambles, and the Maid of Honour Rachel missing. And none of them have any memory of the night before. Together, they must piece together the events of their lost night, find their friend Rachel, whilst uncovering secrets that threaten their very friendships and lives.
This is a dual-timeline narrative where you follow the characters the night before and the morning after, but Jess is the main POV. You get the impression that in her day-to-day she's used to having control over a situation, so giving her MOH full control over her hen weekend makes her nervous, and she does seem very paranoid about everything that Rachel doesn't say. I found the chapters quite repetitive, and if I had a shot for every time one of the girls (or narrative) said that this would be an "unforgettable night" I'd be just as drunk as they were! But, you do have to keep reading to find out what really happened that night and what happened to Rachel. I think the ending will surprise you but not for reasons you'd expect...
Thanks so much to the author for my ARC copy in exchange for an honest review!
Bride-to-be Jess and her four best friends are on an ultimate luxurious bachelorette weekend in Las Vegas. We're talking VIP passes, exclusive clubs, and a weekend of carefree fun. But the girls wake up in the morning in various states of disarray, their hotel suite a shambles, and the Maid of Honour Rachel missing. And none of them have any memory of the night before. Together, they must piece together the events of their lost night, find their friend Rachel, whilst uncovering secrets that threaten their very friendships and lives.
This is a dual-timeline narrative where you follow the characters the night before and the morning after, but Jess is the main POV. You get the impression that in her day-to-day she's used to having control over a situation, so giving her MOH full control over her hen weekend makes her nervous, and she does seem very paranoid about everything that Rachel doesn't say. I found the chapters quite repetitive, and if I had a shot for every time one of the girls (or narrative) said that this would be an "unforgettable night" I'd be just as drunk as they were! But, you do have to keep reading to find out what really happened that night and what happened to Rachel. I think the ending will surprise you but not for reasons you'd expect...
Thanks so much to the author for my ARC copy in exchange for an honest review!
October 3, 2024
"Five best friends. One unforgettable bachelorette weekend. A Vegas adventure that will change their lives forever.
When Jess wakes up in a bathtub full of ice with no memory of the night before, she knows something has gone terribly amiss. Her maid of honor and best friend Rachel is missing, and the other girls are scattered around their luxurious suite in various states of disarray. As they piece together the events of their lost night, they uncover a web of secrets that threatens to unravel their tight-knit group." -J.E. Rowney
This was the first book I've read from J.E. Rowney. I am very thankful for the opportunity to receive this ARC. This book had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. It had the same overall feel of "The Hangover" with a thriller twist. This book contained friendship, a night to puzzle together, and a missing best friend/maid of honor. The rest of the friend group spends the majority of the book trying to piece together what happened the previous night and what happened to Rachel, the missing maid of honor. As you read the book, it alternates between "The Night Before" and "This Morning," giving snippets of the evening prior, followed by them trying to put together the missing pieces and lost memories. In the end you find out what happened to Rachel and the friend group learned important lessons about themselves. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from this author.
When Jess wakes up in a bathtub full of ice with no memory of the night before, she knows something has gone terribly amiss. Her maid of honor and best friend Rachel is missing, and the other girls are scattered around their luxurious suite in various states of disarray. As they piece together the events of their lost night, they uncover a web of secrets that threatens to unravel their tight-knit group." -J.E. Rowney
This was the first book I've read from J.E. Rowney. I am very thankful for the opportunity to receive this ARC. This book had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. It had the same overall feel of "The Hangover" with a thriller twist. This book contained friendship, a night to puzzle together, and a missing best friend/maid of honor. The rest of the friend group spends the majority of the book trying to piece together what happened the previous night and what happened to Rachel, the missing maid of honor. As you read the book, it alternates between "The Night Before" and "This Morning," giving snippets of the evening prior, followed by them trying to put together the missing pieces and lost memories. In the end you find out what happened to Rachel and the friend group learned important lessons about themselves. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from this author.
October 31, 2024
Waking Up In Vegas by J.E. Rowney delivers an intense, psychological thrill ride wrapped in the glitter and chaos of Las Vegas. Jess, known among her friends as the “responsible planner,” is ready to let go and celebrate her bachelorette weekend with her closest friends. But the celebration turns sinister when she wakes up alone in a bathtub full of ice, with no memory of the night before. Scattered around their suite, her friends are in varying states of disarray, and Rachel, her maid of honor, is missing.
As the group scrambles to piece together what happened, secrets and hidden tensions within their circle come to light. Each revelation pushes them to question their loyalty and confront aspects of their friendship that they've long ignored. Jess is forced to wonder if she really knows her friends at all—or even herself, as memories resurface in fragmented, haunting flashes.
Rowney masterfully blends a sense of eerie suspense with the glitzy, unpredictable nature of Las Vegas, creating a story that’s part thriller, part exploration of complex female friendships. The alternating timelines between the fateful night and the grim morning after add to the tension, keeping readers hooked as the truth unravels. With each twist, Waking Up In Vegas digs deeper into themes of trust, betrayal, and resilience, mirroring a Gone Girl-esque suspense with a dose of The Hangover’s wild unpredictability.
As the group scrambles to piece together what happened, secrets and hidden tensions within their circle come to light. Each revelation pushes them to question their loyalty and confront aspects of their friendship that they've long ignored. Jess is forced to wonder if she really knows her friends at all—or even herself, as memories resurface in fragmented, haunting flashes.
Rowney masterfully blends a sense of eerie suspense with the glitzy, unpredictable nature of Las Vegas, creating a story that’s part thriller, part exploration of complex female friendships. The alternating timelines between the fateful night and the grim morning after add to the tension, keeping readers hooked as the truth unravels. With each twist, Waking Up In Vegas digs deeper into themes of trust, betrayal, and resilience, mirroring a Gone Girl-esque suspense with a dose of The Hangover’s wild unpredictability.
November 14, 2024
All I could think about when reading this book was the movie "The Hangover" except they are all women and there are no face tattoos and tigers.
They show up to in Vegas to have the ultimate Bachelorette Party for Jess. The book is told in back and forth from the night before and the morning after.
It starts out with the women waking up in a trashed hotel room. One in an ice bath, one in a closet, one handcuffed to a blackjack dealer, another in a showgirl costume and one of them is missing and cannot be found. None of them have any memories about how this happened and they work to retrace their steps trying to find out what happened last night.
This is a fun light read. I started it on a plane ride thinking I was going to get through a few chapters and then take a nap on the flight but it was so entertaining I stayed awake the entire flight and binge read the book.
The quest to find out what happened the night before kind of reminded me of an Escape Room, except in this case, the Escape Room was the city of Vegas. There were clues to finding their friend and they had to follow them.
The ending made me laugh out loud. Seriously, it was a modern day Wizard of Oz ending. Not giving out spoilers, but when you read it, you'll get my analogy between the two if you are an Oz fan lol
Don't take this book too seriously or overanalyze it. It's a silly, humourous read, much like the over-the-top comedy of "The Hangover."
They show up to in Vegas to have the ultimate Bachelorette Party for Jess. The book is told in back and forth from the night before and the morning after.
It starts out with the women waking up in a trashed hotel room. One in an ice bath, one in a closet, one handcuffed to a blackjack dealer, another in a showgirl costume and one of them is missing and cannot be found. None of them have any memories about how this happened and they work to retrace their steps trying to find out what happened last night.
This is a fun light read. I started it on a plane ride thinking I was going to get through a few chapters and then take a nap on the flight but it was so entertaining I stayed awake the entire flight and binge read the book.
The quest to find out what happened the night before kind of reminded me of an Escape Room, except in this case, the Escape Room was the city of Vegas. There were clues to finding their friend and they had to follow them.
The ending made me laugh out loud. Seriously, it was a modern day Wizard of Oz ending. Not giving out spoilers, but when you read it, you'll get my analogy between the two if you are an Oz fan lol
Don't take this book too seriously or overanalyze it. It's a silly, humourous read, much like the over-the-top comedy of "The Hangover."
October 12, 2024
“Waking Up In Vegas,” by JE Rowney; a review
Las Vegas. The. Coolest. Bachelorette. Party. EVER.
Jess’ maid of honor, Rachel, arranged everything from a two-bedroom suite at Bellagio, (the most beautiful hotel on the Las Vegas Strip), to individual rooms for the bridesmaids, to celebratory dinners, to private tables at the hottest nightclubs. What could go wrong?
A lot. Apparently, I’m a pessimist or not?!
Jess, the bride to be, Rachel, maid of honor, Lisa, Olivia and Megan, the bridesmaids, are going to party like it’s 1999. Ok, so I’m a boomer.
So, how was the weekend, ladies? Well... Jess wakes up naked and freezing up in a bathtub full of ice? Wait. What did you say? That’s not even the weirdest thing but at least she’s in her hotel suite. Couldn’t be too bad, right? Wrong. WTF is Lisa doing with a man handcuffed to her out on the balcony? And they’re locked out there!?
Neither Jess nor Lisa has any memory of their night on the town. Even worse, Jess has no idea where the other ladies are. When she finds out I bet she wishes she hadn’t.
This book grabbed me from the start and wouldn’t let me go. It’s a 266 page ebook. I’ve never read a book so fast in my life; I finished it in a few hours! You want to go on the wildest ride of your life? You have GOT to read this!
Las Vegas. The. Coolest. Bachelorette. Party. EVER.
Jess’ maid of honor, Rachel, arranged everything from a two-bedroom suite at Bellagio, (the most beautiful hotel on the Las Vegas Strip), to individual rooms for the bridesmaids, to celebratory dinners, to private tables at the hottest nightclubs. What could go wrong?
A lot. Apparently, I’m a pessimist or not?!
Jess, the bride to be, Rachel, maid of honor, Lisa, Olivia and Megan, the bridesmaids, are going to party like it’s 1999. Ok, so I’m a boomer.
So, how was the weekend, ladies? Well... Jess wakes up naked and freezing up in a bathtub full of ice? Wait. What did you say? That’s not even the weirdest thing but at least she’s in her hotel suite. Couldn’t be too bad, right? Wrong. WTF is Lisa doing with a man handcuffed to her out on the balcony? And they’re locked out there!?
Neither Jess nor Lisa has any memory of their night on the town. Even worse, Jess has no idea where the other ladies are. When she finds out I bet she wishes she hadn’t.
This book grabbed me from the start and wouldn’t let me go. It’s a 266 page ebook. I’ve never read a book so fast in my life; I finished it in a few hours! You want to go on the wildest ride of your life? You have GOT to read this!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews