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High Stakes Hearts: Sexy as Sin Series: Las Vegas
She’s the queen of the Strip. He’s the man who doesn’t believe in falling. But Vegas loves a gamble … and their hearts are the biggest bet on the table. Scarlet built the magic. Damon owns the empire. Together, they’re pure combustion.
Scarlet Vale has spent years turning The Royale into the hottest club on the Vegas Strip within The Citadel Hotel & Casino. The velvet rope only moves when she says so, and every night feels like a legend in the making. She’s the heartbeat of the room, the mastermind behind the magic, and the one woman who knows exactly how to keep Vegas shimmering.
Enter Damon Hale - billionaire investor, controlled to the bone, and the new owner of The Citadel. He arrives with spreadsheets, strategy, and a reputation for being ice-cold. What he doesn’t expect is the woman he can’t stop watching … the one who runs his newest acquisition with fire in her veins.
From the moment they meet, they struggle to find their normal
She’s spark and heat. He’s restraint and protective control.
And together? They’re combustible.
When a high-profile event threatens to spiral into chaos, Scarlet and Damon are forced into the spotlight side-by-side. Working together turns into wanting each other. Wanting turns into needing. And one unforgettable encounter changes everything … on and off the Strip.
She’s built her kingdom in glitter and grit.
He’s a man who promised himself he wouldn’t feel again.
But Vegas has its own rules
Sometimes the biggest gamble is falling in love.
Welcome to Vegas. Where the lights burn bright, the chemistry burns hotter, and one wrong move might just steal your heart.
Billionaire Boss Romance
Off-Limits Attraction
Powerful Chemistry / Instant Connection
Luxury Vegas Fantasy
Grumpy, Controlled Hero
Confident, Glamorous Heroine
Forced to Work Together
Protective Billionaire
One Encounter That Changes Everything
High Heat + Emotional Depth
Competent, High-Powered Heroine
“He Doesn’t Fall… Until Her”
Welcome to Vegas. Where the stakes are high … and so is the heat.
Make sure you also check out the other great stories in the Sexy as Sin Las Vegas series. All may be read as stand-alone selections or ... binge the entire series.
Kindle Edition
Published December 2, 2025
3 people want to read
About the author
Opal Nicks
47 books23 followersOpal’s steamy stories frequently feature independent, strong-willed females who find themselves surprisingly swept away by alpha males who pursue them with vigor and passion. Ultimately, they can’t resist the sweet satisfaction and protection these men offer. Who could?
On Writing
Opal doesn’t like being restricted to what form her stories take. She breaks rules and bends things a bit to keep the tale the way the characters want it told.
In her writing, Opal Nicks explores many different facets of relationships. She hopes to captivate you with the nuances of love. Whether through a budding early relationship or a tension-filled reunion, she gracefully conveys the power and complexity of love-speak.
Her characters often possess an unbridled energy that gives them strength to take risks and traverse peril—all for love.
On Writing
Opal doesn’t like being restricted to what form her stories take. She breaks rules and bends things a bit to keep the tale the way the characters want it told.
In her writing, Opal Nicks explores many different facets of relationships. She hopes to captivate you with the nuances of love. Whether through a budding early relationship or a tension-filled reunion, she gracefully conveys the power and complexity of love-speak.
Her characters often possess an unbridled energy that gives them strength to take risks and traverse peril—all for love.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 14, 2025
She was all grit. He was all control. Love rewrote the rules.
Scarlet runs The Royale nightclub like a battlefield of glitter and grit. Every light, every beat, every VIP table bows to her command. She built the club from the ground up inside The Citadel hotel, and she’s not about to let anyone take control. Especially not the billionaire who just bought it.
Damon arrives with numbers, silence, and ice in his veins. He doesn’t expect the woman who challenges logic with instinct and heat. He watches. She commands. From the start, they’re friction in human form.
When a high-stakes VIP meltdown forces them to work side by side, everything shifts. Strategy turns into obsession. Tension becomes connection. One kiss breaks the rules and rewrites the game.
Scarlet tries to stay in control. Damon won’t back down. What starts as a clash of power turns into something deeper, more intimate, and impossible to ignore. What they have is sharp, addictive, and real.
In a world obsessed with image, they find something honest. There’s risk. There’s fear. But there’s also a choice. One they both make when they stop performing and finally let someone in.
Scarlet grows from a woman who leads alone to one who trusts without losing herself. Damon learns that control means nothing if it costs connection. They shift from guarded strangers to something that feels like home.
Their relationship starts with tension and fire, builds through mutual respect, and becomes a grounded partnership where no one has to shrink to stay close. They fall without losing their edge, and that’s what makes it work.
A steamy, forbidden, billionaire, opposites attract, workplace romance exploring power dynamics, vulnerability, self-worth, trust, identity, control, ambition, fear of intimacy, and transformation. It’s about navigating control while facing emotional risk, learning to trust in the face of fear, and building something real in a city built to distract.
The Elevator Pitch: A steamy, charged romance where a nightclub queen and a billionaire owner collide in a world of power, tension, and control. Sparks fly as ambition and attraction push them past their limits, turning professional friction into something undeniably intimate. It’s electric, addictive, and full of heat that refuses to stay buried.
Scarlet runs The Royale nightclub like a battlefield of glitter and grit. Every light, every beat, every VIP table bows to her command. She built the club from the ground up inside The Citadel hotel, and she’s not about to let anyone take control. Especially not the billionaire who just bought it.
Damon arrives with numbers, silence, and ice in his veins. He doesn’t expect the woman who challenges logic with instinct and heat. He watches. She commands. From the start, they’re friction in human form.
When a high-stakes VIP meltdown forces them to work side by side, everything shifts. Strategy turns into obsession. Tension becomes connection. One kiss breaks the rules and rewrites the game.
Scarlet tries to stay in control. Damon won’t back down. What starts as a clash of power turns into something deeper, more intimate, and impossible to ignore. What they have is sharp, addictive, and real.
In a world obsessed with image, they find something honest. There’s risk. There’s fear. But there’s also a choice. One they both make when they stop performing and finally let someone in.
Scarlet grows from a woman who leads alone to one who trusts without losing herself. Damon learns that control means nothing if it costs connection. They shift from guarded strangers to something that feels like home.
Their relationship starts with tension and fire, builds through mutual respect, and becomes a grounded partnership where no one has to shrink to stay close. They fall without losing their edge, and that’s what makes it work.
A steamy, forbidden, billionaire, opposites attract, workplace romance exploring power dynamics, vulnerability, self-worth, trust, identity, control, ambition, fear of intimacy, and transformation. It’s about navigating control while facing emotional risk, learning to trust in the face of fear, and building something real in a city built to distract.
The Elevator Pitch: A steamy, charged romance where a nightclub queen and a billionaire owner collide in a world of power, tension, and control. Sparks fly as ambition and attraction push them past their limits, turning professional friction into something undeniably intimate. It’s electric, addictive, and full of heat that refuses to stay buried.
December 3, 2025
When Love Can’t be Contained -
From the moment Scarlett met Damon she felt there was heightened tension between them every time she was near him, but she tried everything possible to maintain professionalism. Damon’s life was all about growing his businesses, but he felt a connection with Scarlett from the moment he met her, that he really tried to fight. However, the tension between them exploded into one heck of a steamy encounter, that neither one of them expected.
Whilst Scarlett and Damon expected the encounter to be a one and done, it turned out their willpower wasn’t strong enough to ensure they could keep their hands off each other. Damon realised he would have to make changes to ensure there would be no issues, which led to positive changes in Scarlett’s life. Scarlett and Damon may have always structured their lives around work, but one taste of each other was enough for them to risk everything for a chance at a future together.
If you enjoy reading forbidden office romances, that deliver all the heat and tension of a relationship that crosses the line of impropriety, then look no further than this captivating and exciting book. Grab a copy of this book now and indulge yourself for a few uninterrupted hours of pleasure-filled entertainment.
I received a free review copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
From the moment Scarlett met Damon she felt there was heightened tension between them every time she was near him, but she tried everything possible to maintain professionalism. Damon’s life was all about growing his businesses, but he felt a connection with Scarlett from the moment he met her, that he really tried to fight. However, the tension between them exploded into one heck of a steamy encounter, that neither one of them expected.
Whilst Scarlett and Damon expected the encounter to be a one and done, it turned out their willpower wasn’t strong enough to ensure they could keep their hands off each other. Damon realised he would have to make changes to ensure there would be no issues, which led to positive changes in Scarlett’s life. Scarlett and Damon may have always structured their lives around work, but one taste of each other was enough for them to risk everything for a chance at a future together.
If you enjoy reading forbidden office romances, that deliver all the heat and tension of a relationship that crosses the line of impropriety, then look no further than this captivating and exciting book. Grab a copy of this book now and indulge yourself for a few uninterrupted hours of pleasure-filled entertainment.
I received a free review copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 9, 2025
Val manages the hottest club on the Vegas Strip. Damon who owns the empire, appears at the club, the chemistry burns smoking hot. They know they need to be professionals but as Damon tries to keep his distance, the pull is too much dismiss. Val is afraid that if they act upon their feelings, she will lose everything. Will their desires take over, risk everything, and cross the line for a HEA? This story is so hot you can feel the desires and emotions running between the characters. Highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read
November 29, 2025Every once in a while, a story walks into my head and refuses to sit quietly. This one strutted in wearing sequins, high heels, and a scarlet red dress.
High Stakes Hearts began as a completely different draft. The characters cooperated. The plot unfolded. It should have worked. But sometimes “good” isn’t enough. Sometimes a story tells you it needs to be sharper, a little different, and so much more emotionally charged.
So I ripped it apart.
And this new version is the one that came alive. Yes, I wrote it again from scratch. Once I finished recording what the characters were leading me to, I realized I needed to change the original blurb as well.
Scarlet Vale is one of my favorite heroines I’ve ever written. She’s ambitious. Fierce. Determined. She built a nightclub empire inside the Citadel Hotel & Casino with her bare hands, long nights, and a spine made of steel. She knows what she’s worth and refuses to let anyone – especially a man – control what she’s built.
But then Damon Hale arrives. New owner. New authority. New danger. He isn’t a temperamental alpha or an arrogant tycoon looking for a pretty distraction. He’s controlled, strategic, and quietly dominant. His power whispers instead of shouts. And that kind of man? He’s far more tempting to a woman who’s spent years barricading her heart behind her work.
What surprised me while writing this book (and what changed everything) was their chemistry. The pull between them wasn’t supposed to be this strong or this immediate. No matter what, it was inevitable.
Yet every time they collided professionally or personally, the sparks turned into a wildfire. Their push-and-pull became the heartbeat of the entire story.
This novella is about:
-a forbidden workplace attraction neither can deny
-a rooftop kiss that changes everything
-a woman terrified of losing her career and her identity
-a man who rearranges his entire world so she never has to
-and two people choosing each other in the most intentional way
There’s heat, yes. There’s tension—plenty of it. But beneath all that is the emotional core of two very strong people realizing they’re stronger together.
Writing their journey from resistance → surrender → partnership was such a joy. I wanted the ending to feel realistic for two driven, ambitious adults in a place like Vegas. Not a fairy tale, not a rushed declaration, but something mature, honest, and rooted in respect.
Scarlet doesn’t lose herself.
Damon doesn’t overshadow her.
They meet in the middle with equal footing, equal desire, equal power.
And because I know readers love these details:
❤️ Yes, Damon really does take her to his tailor.
❤️ Yes, the desert-view restaurant exists in my head and I want to go there too.
❤️ Yes, the red dress is a character all on its own.
💋 Yes, there is a final kiss that made even me melt a little.
Thank you for reading High Stakes Hearts. Thank you for loving Scarlet and Damon as much as I do. And if you felt even a single shiver during their slow-burn moments … just know I did too while writing them.
— Opal Nicks
High Stakes Hearts began as a completely different draft. The characters cooperated. The plot unfolded. It should have worked. But sometimes “good” isn’t enough. Sometimes a story tells you it needs to be sharper, a little different, and so much more emotionally charged.
So I ripped it apart.
And this new version is the one that came alive. Yes, I wrote it again from scratch. Once I finished recording what the characters were leading me to, I realized I needed to change the original blurb as well.
Scarlet Vale is one of my favorite heroines I’ve ever written. She’s ambitious. Fierce. Determined. She built a nightclub empire inside the Citadel Hotel & Casino with her bare hands, long nights, and a spine made of steel. She knows what she’s worth and refuses to let anyone – especially a man – control what she’s built.
But then Damon Hale arrives. New owner. New authority. New danger. He isn’t a temperamental alpha or an arrogant tycoon looking for a pretty distraction. He’s controlled, strategic, and quietly dominant. His power whispers instead of shouts. And that kind of man? He’s far more tempting to a woman who’s spent years barricading her heart behind her work.
What surprised me while writing this book (and what changed everything) was their chemistry. The pull between them wasn’t supposed to be this strong or this immediate. No matter what, it was inevitable.
Yet every time they collided professionally or personally, the sparks turned into a wildfire. Their push-and-pull became the heartbeat of the entire story.
This novella is about:
-a forbidden workplace attraction neither can deny
-a rooftop kiss that changes everything
-a woman terrified of losing her career and her identity
-a man who rearranges his entire world so she never has to
-and two people choosing each other in the most intentional way
There’s heat, yes. There’s tension—plenty of it. But beneath all that is the emotional core of two very strong people realizing they’re stronger together.
Writing their journey from resistance → surrender → partnership was such a joy. I wanted the ending to feel realistic for two driven, ambitious adults in a place like Vegas. Not a fairy tale, not a rushed declaration, but something mature, honest, and rooted in respect.
Scarlet doesn’t lose herself.
Damon doesn’t overshadow her.
They meet in the middle with equal footing, equal desire, equal power.
And because I know readers love these details:
❤️ Yes, Damon really does take her to his tailor.
❤️ Yes, the desert-view restaurant exists in my head and I want to go there too.
❤️ Yes, the red dress is a character all on its own.
💋 Yes, there is a final kiss that made even me melt a little.
Thank you for reading High Stakes Hearts. Thank you for loving Scarlet and Damon as much as I do. And if you felt even a single shiver during their slow-burn moments … just know I did too while writing them.
— Opal Nicks
December 13, 2025
This was a short and sexy read. Scarlett runs the show at The Royale in Vegas. Damon is the investor who can’t keep his eyes off the dynamic woman who has captivated him. They try to keep things professional but we all know how this will end. There is only one spicy scene to be had in this novella, but there is quite a bit of sexual tension and suggestive looks between the two beforehand. I love a story that features a strong woman who is competent and in control, and the man not only willing but wanting that. This was a fun one and I’ll be checking out more by the author. Recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 24, 2025
It was impressive. Such a tension with the career and business in the background. Two strong characters - Scarlet and Damon and The Royal that works as high end well oiled machine thanks to Scarlet. She made this empire. And Damon is the new owner. And there is a tension and desire you can feel from their first meeting.
Loved characters and the story line. Definitely worth reading. Enjoyed it so much. One of the best short reads I have recently.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Loved characters and the story line. Definitely worth reading. Enjoyed it so much. One of the best short reads I have recently.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 7, 2025
This was another fun addition to this multi-author series and I really enjoyed the chemistry between Damon and Scarlett. These two are both very work oriented but every time they're near each other there's a strong pull. I love this about them and was thrilled to follow them on their journey to a fab HEA. Expect to feel the heat and tension between them, as well as the deep emotions and hot spice ;P So good and a fab forbidden workplace romance :D
December 15, 2025
Scarlet is charge of the show at the Royale in The Citadel Casino, the property has recently changed hands. She now has to contend with a new boss and not sure how that will impact her job. Damon is surprise how much space Scarlet takes up in his head, normally he is able to evaluate and move on.
This is a slow burn, high chemistry romance. I love how protective he is of her even when she does not need it.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a slow burn, high chemistry romance. I love how protective he is of her even when she does not need it.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 17, 2025
This is a high stakes forbidden workplace romance set against the backdrop of a high end Vegas nightclub. There's instant attraction between Scarlet and Damon and it can't be ignored. It takes a sick day for the tables to flip and these two to finally give in and it's pretty steamy once they do. I loved how he restructures everything to be with her in the end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 16, 2025
This was a great read!
The characters drove the storyline and they were very compelling and complex and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and well paced. World building was solidly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The characters drove the storyline and they were very compelling and complex and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and well paced. World building was solidly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 20, 2025
Scarlett runs the nightclub and when the Casino is sold she meets the new owner Damon. The have a instant connection. A wonderful read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 16, 2025
I really enjoyed reading this story. I liked the characters so much. Very entertaining. Y'all are gonna love it. Happy reading.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews