A satisfying category romance novella from Entangled's Lovestruck imprint…
You can't avoid fate…
Eliza DeMatteo returns to her hometown of Las Vegas on vacation knowing her matchmaking older brother is probably going to try and set her up with his best friend. But Eliza already knows plenty about sexy cowboy Christian Yerrick, the man who crushed her heart when they were kids. In fact, she's determined to avoid Chris completely...until she runs into his truck on the Las Vegas freeway.
Chris has his own misgivings about seeing Eliza. His lingering feelings for her trigger all of his issues with relationships. Especially long-distance ones, which is the only kind of relationship they'd ever have. Still, there's no reason they can't enjoy New Year's Eve together. But when the fireworks between them burn hotter than the Vegas Strip, Chris and Eliza know they only have one night to get it right. Because this time, what doesn't happen in Vegas could haunt them forever...
A native to Southern Nevada, C.M. Stone wrote their first book at the age of seven—selling it door to door—and decided then and there that they would never accept any other career.
Though they didn’t know it at the time, that first book was romantic suspense. A lifelong love for romance novels set in at an early age, despite the fact that Cee is themself pretty firmly on the aromantic and asexual spectrums. The fun thing about reality is that, unlike fiction, it doesn't have to be believable.
After marrying the only person who ever genuinely caught their romantic interest, Cee moved to the Central Valley in California, land of blistering summers and cheap avocados. When they're not writing, Cee is busy wrangling cats, rats, ponies and the world's best dog.
3.5 - "It's just one night on vacation, right?" Stars.
One Night in Vegas is a short sexy novella focusing on Eliza and Chris. Eliza is returning to Vegas to spend New Year with her workaholic brother, who conveniently cancels their New Years Eve dinner plans and arranges for Chris to take his place. Little does he know (or does he…) that his best friend and his little sister have more than just a little childhood reminiscing to catch up on.
”You have a talent for making the most innocent things sound dirty.”
C. M. Stone has managed to cram a fair amount of second-chance loving into this enjoyable little novella. I really liked both Chris and Eliza, and the brother’s best friend trope never gets boring when well written, and this novella certainly is. Take into account that you get to see a little into the other side of Vegas as well, it was worth the hour or so it took to read.
”You look beautiful to me.”
Looking forward to reading more from this author, and hopefully this series in the future.
ARC generously provided by Entangled in exchange for the above honest review.
I enjoyed this little novella. Eliza has had a crush on her brothers best friend, Chris, since they were young. They haven't seen each other in ten years. When she comes back to Vegas for two weeks to visit her brother, she runs into Chris. I love a good best friends brother storyline and this one was good! I kind of wish this was a full length novel with an epilogue. My only complaint about this novella Overall, I really enjoyed this quick story!
I was in intrigued by the line is the blurb "Because this time, what doesn't happen in Vegas could haunt them forever...". It made me jump right on this little story because I love it when authors twist the norm! AND it's refreshing to read a best friend's sister romance where the brother is actually NOT an issue for them. C.M. Stone was batting a 1000 for me before I even read the first words of the book! And then she just kept hitting jackpot after jackpot while I read the story! (see what I did there lol)....I really hope the author turns this into a series of some sort. I like the way she thinks! The story was sweet and sexy at the same time. Short but not lacking in any way. It's an easy read on an afternoon between chores (yes, it's very short but well worth it). It's a 5 Star Jackpot from this reader!
ARC kindle provided by Entangled Publishing, LLC via NetGalley for an honest review.
PS ... Yes, I'm still playing catch-up with my reviews (sorry) This story was actually read in Dec 2014!
If you are looking for a perfect New Year's Eve quick read then look no further. This novella was a fun and romantic read that I devoured in one sitting.
What would you do if you literally ran into your height school crush on the freeway ? And that crush just happens to be your brothers best friend and the guy your matchmaking brother has set you up with for New Year's Eve?
When an accidental meeting leads to a long day of fun, reminiscing and much, much more, Chris and Eliza have to face their past, present and future.
"Maybe it was just the unfinished business of it—he wasn’t really sure—but he knew one kiss every ten years would never satisfy him."
Can Eliza move past her crush once and for all and will Chris realise that he's not doomed to follow in his fathers adulterous footsteps? And will one passionate night change everything ?
Grab a glass of champagne or whatever your poison of choice is, find a comfy spot and ring in the new year with this fantastic read.
Remember what happens or doesn't happen in Vegas stays in Vegas.
This book was supplied by the publisher for an honest review.
ARC generously provided by Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review
Eliza DeMatteo finds herself visiting her big brother, Jackson, back in their hometown of Las Vegas. Being the busy trauma surgeon, Jackson has set up his best friend to keep Eliza entertained on New Years Eve.
Christian Yerrick is a vet heavily disguised as a lip smacking cowboy. He has been Jackson's best friend since they were kids, and had already broken Eliza's heart when they were teens. Being commitment averse, he had thrown himself into his work establishing a great veterinary practice, as well as a horse-stocked ranch.
High on the hill, NYE sees more action than the casino fireworks, leaving Chris and Eliza contemplating their suppressed feelings for each other.
This was a sweet big brother's best friend story. It was nicely written, with likeable MC's, but not long enough to separate the story from any other.
I really like Second Chance romance stories and was excited to check out One Night in Vegas by new-to-me author C.M. Stone. The summary for this book is pretty spot-on, so I'll just get to how I felt.
This story was fast-paced and great for anyone looking for a New Year's Eve read. I liked the characters and thought it was so sweet that Eliza's brother played matchmaker. Both Eliza and Chris have pasts to get over, and I was surprised by how much story Stone could fit into this little novella. Less than a hundred pages for me to fall for both of them. There is a crazy thing that is said regarding birth control that I have never heard before, but whatever. It's definitely original. I'm glad I read this and will definitely be checking out more of Stone's books in the future.
Everything was so very cute and adorable. I wanted to squeal every damn time Eliza and Chris looked at each other. I like how it flowed and how the story went. It was so sexy too. Goshhhhh. Just thinking about it makes me blush. I'm like 100% sure I want a big novel about them or I DON'T CARE IF THEY ARE SIDE CHARACTERS. But damn it all if it didn't make me heart-eyed them when they were interacting with each other. And the little touches, and the smiles, it was sooooo cute. Yay for this novella!
It's really more a 4.5 rate to be honest.
Little review to come up soon!
*ARC provided by Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review*
What a sweet and perfect book One Night In Vegas was! Although it was short it was packed with everything you would expect in a full novel. This one is definitely a keeper.
Eliza and Christian have a little history which makes this story so much greater. Falling for your brother's best friend and finally getting those feeling returned equals one heartfelt love story.
I was sad to see this book end and would loved to have read this book as a full novel.
I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
I always love stories where two people from the past get a second chance; this was no different in Eliza and Chris’ story. Chris is Eliza’s brother’s best friend as well as her best friend. The summer right before Chris left for college, Eliza had her move, but he pushed her away. This was a nice quick read, if you are looking for a sweet book about people finding their way to each other. The majority of the book took place during Eliza’s one night with Chris on New Year’s Eve after her brother Jason had to stay at work. The ending of the story was very cute and romantic in my eyes.
A truly enjoyable quick read. This novella is well done and a story that left me with a smile. This is a new to me author but one I will definitely be watching out for.
When Eliza makes a quick visit back to Vegas to visit her brother, the last person she wants to see is her teenage crush Chris. When she runs into him, literally, she finds herself being pulled toward him and he doesn't seem to mind!
At age sixteen Eliza took a chance on love and kissed her brother’s best friend. An action which immediately backfired, as he pushed her away with excuses she just couldn’t believe. Heartbroken and humiliated, she took the first opportunity to flee. Chris had been fighting his feelings for Eliza for quite some time. But ready to leave for college, and riddled with issues with fidelity, he felt a relationship between them could never survive the distance.
Separated by this simple misunderstanding which brought an abrupt halt to their friendship, Eliza and Chris have spent the last ten years keeping to the fringes of each other’s lives. And this is where our story begins.
A super short read, the bulk of this novella spans the mere evening and morning of New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. As the couple is brought back together by fate—in the form of a meddlesome brother and minor traffic accident—they agree to dinner and a night on the town in a tentative effort at civility. Though time has made them both a bit wary of relationships, they cannot help but be drawn closer by the same chemistry they felt as teenagers.
As much as I enjoyed the book, I have to say that this was definitely one of those stories where halfway though the read I became frustrated by the couple’s lack of communication. This is the issue that forced them apart to begin with, and it just drove me a little crazy that they could talk about everything else in their lives BUT their feelings for each other. Additionally, I wish the story had been a bit longer. Not that it is really missing anything, but just that it would have been nice to sort of experience those moments in which their initial friendship was developing.
For the sake of full disclosure it must be stated that I received this book, free of charge, from Netgalley.
This is a sweet Holiday novella centered around the people who actually live in Vegas. People who carry on their lives and businesses despite living among the glitz and glamour of the strip.
Eliza DeMatteo grew up in Las Vegas and at sixteen had a mad crush on her brother Jackson's best friend Christian Yearrick. That is until he kissed her and knocked her socks off, then turned away, said "too young" and left for college. Her family then moved to Missouri, so she hadn't seen him since, but never forgot that kiss! Jackson is now a trauma surgeon in Vegas, and Eliza is there for the Christmas holiday. Unfortunately, her brother can't seem to get away from the hospital. Her brother has set her up for dinner with of all people Christian who is a local vet specializing in equine medicine, and she immediately tells him to cancel. Eliza recently broke her engagement to a loser who cheated on her, she's not to eager to jump into dating again. While driving on the crazy freeways of Vegas and trying to squeeze into a spot to merge she hears a horrible scraping sound and realizes she has hit another vehicle. Pulling over, who gets out of this red truck but a very tall, dark and gorgeous man. All he is concerned with is if she's hurt, she expected anger not concern! Slowly recognition dawns on them both. It doesn't take much persuasion for Eliza to agree that they should have that dinner date after all.
Their dinner leads to so much more and what better way to spend New Years Eve than with a friend now lover. But old fears threaten and Eliza wonders if he'll turn his back on her again. A great holiday story, that ended too soon. I hope there is more about Eliza and Chris and also Jackson.
I received this eBook from the publisher for an honest review. Pat Fordyce
One Night in Vegas is a fun romantic novella from "new to me" author C.M. Stone. This is the love story of environmental anthropologist Eliza DeMatteo, and veterinarian Christian Yerrick. Chris is Eliza's brother's best friend and right before Chris left for college, they shared an amazing kiss. After years of being a part, they both have never forgotten the feelings of desire and need that that one kiss evoked. Now Eliza is back in her hometown of Las Vegas, visiting her very busy brother Jackson for New Year's. Jackson has always felt that Chris and Eliza belong together, so he asks Chris to show Eliza a good time in his absence.
Eliza and Chris have amazing chemistry and Ms. Stone does an excellent job of creating the sexual tension between them. The build up to their evening together is slow, easy and flirty. Their worry about what each other is thinking and feeling is tangible. I really liked both Eliza and Chris, and was cheering for them to end up together from the moment I read about their teenage encounter.
I really enjoyed this story. Considering the constraints of a novella, the characters are well-developed, interesting and real. I felt the connection between Eliza and Chris immediately and truly enjoyed learning about how their relationship began. If you are in the mood for a good, second chance romance, check out this upbeat holiday read.
Eliza is quickly realizing you can't outrun your fate...back in her hometown of Las Vegas after many years away, she comes face to face with the boy who broke her heart so many years ago. But now he isn't a boy and there is no denying this man.
Can Eliza take a risk on Christian again and give their love a chance and more importantly, will Christian let her?
I liked this story but I felt like it could have been so much better if it had been longer. This is a novella so it is a super quick read with not a lot of character development. I really liked Eliza and Christian and I was left wanting to know so much more about them. The story is pretty predictable and follows the traditional arc of a romance but it was still enjoyable.
My thoughts:
POV mostly from Eliza Quick hook or slow starter? 4 (I was hooked from the beginning and it is a quick read) Character development: 3.5 Level of Romance between characters: 4 Passion/Heat level: 4 (it doesn't take long for these two to get it on and the sex scenes are well written and hot) Angst/Heartbreak: 4 (Christian has commitment issues) Cliffhanger?: Nope, this is all wrapped up.
Overall, I liked it but like I said I was left wanting more. I would defiantly read more by this author.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Eliza DeMatteo is returning to her hometown of Vegas after ten years and while during her vacation she is supposed to be spending a lot of time with her big brother that is so not the case. Come New Years Eve and a huge emergency keeps big brother busy at the hospital he tries to play matchmaker between his sister and his best friend (no, just GOD no, brother's should never play matchmakers, no matter how good the outcome, don't intervene), of course little sis tries to bail.
Unfortunately for Eliza after she tries to bail, whose car does she end up leaving a dent in, well yeah it's best friend Christian "Chris" Yerrick's car.
Ugh, guys are such idiots, Chris once upon a time, like ten years ago broke a young Eliza's heart after leading her on. Now Chris and Eliza get a second chance thanks to big brother Jackson, Mr. "All I'm saying is I expect my first nephew to be named after me." (seriously his approach worked, but it's not recommended).
The story was short and sweet and the characters were really realistic. I mean who hasn't had an embarrassing teenage crush moment and for those lucky enough gotten a second chance, years after the awkward years. Totally worth checking out, if you want a nice optimistic read; plus the grand gesture (you know where the guy finally comes to his senses) is super romantic.
This was a fun, quick read that had some great characters and an interesting backstory. I really enjoyed the read but did feel the story was s bit rushed when it came to the ending, which sometimes happens to me when I read these novella length stories. I did enjoy the writing style and flow of the story, I just felt the story needed just a little more.
I really liked both Eliza and Chris and loved them together. With both the second chance romance and brother’s best friend tropes in play – two of my favorites – I really enjoyed watching Eliza and Chris struggle through their own relationship issues while dealing with the sparks that would fly every time the two of them got near each other. Throw in what seems to be a bit of matchmaking by Eliza’s older brother, and these two certainly set off their own fireworks on New Year’s Eve.
I would definitely recommend this one to anyone looking for quick, fun read – as I said, my biggest issue was what that the end felt a bit rushed to me, trying to wrap things up too quickly, and I really felt that Eliza and Chris still had a bit more story to tell. I will definitely be on the lookout for other books C.M. Stone.
I received this book from the author for an honest review.
*ARC courtesy of Entangled Publishing in exchange for honest review
A short, feel good, sexy read about two ex-flings bumping into each other after so many years, followed by some really hot outdoor sex. YES, you heard that right -- OUTDOOR SEX!!!
When Eliza returns home to Las Vegas to spend New Years with her brother, she didn't plan on him cancelling on her due to his workaholic antics, and suggests his best friend take his place instead, she sure wasn't ready to see the guy who once broke her heart ages ago. She says she's over him... or so she thinks, until they cross paths once again.
Christian hadn't meant to break her heart when they were younger, but they were too young and fresh off their minds. His point being, they wouldn't survive a long distance relationship the moment he would head off to college.
I enjoyed the chemistry between Eliza and Christian and the second chance romance. And like I said, the outdoor sex -- BEAUTIFUL. Definitely an great, quick read. Recommended!
This friends to lovers story brings together Eliza and Chris, childhood friends whose feelings for each other grew but were never acted upon due to their two year age difference. Now adults, Eliza is visiting her brother in Las Vegas and meets Chris again. Can a childhood crush become an adult love?
This was a sweet story, showcasing a teenage crush that never died and finally gets the chance to mature into a real relationship. I liked both characters. Eliza was an engaging young woman, smart and friendly, realizing that her feelings for Chris have never died out but were put on the back burner. Chris is a smart and sensible man, finally having his chance to be with Eliza even if he realizes it's going to be a short and sweet affair. The love scenes between them are tender and sexy and it's obvious they have strong feelings for each other. It was an entertaining and fast paced story, easily read in an afternoon and with a lovely romance and happy ending for this couple that is well deserved. 4 stars.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher for review.
Having a brother that just won't give up just might not be so bad after all even if it usually gets on your nerves. But this time it is with his best friend Chris who Eliza really liked years ago. When her brother tries to get her to go dinner with him, she says no. That doesn't mean she doesn't stop thinking about him and after a chat with her friend that he is the main topic. Well when you run into someone with a vehicle that ends any avoidance that had been going on. When they have a look at each other Chris is able to talk Eliza into dinner after all. That is all she wrote as the saying goes because this author gives you a nice view of a building relationship that have two people really liking each other. She sprinkles in humor to make for even a more enjoyable reading time. Doubts and fears will try and wedge inbetween the two but love will be ready weapons drawn to duke it out for these two. Who knew but love that one night could be a life time if you let love take its course. Received a arc for a honest review.
Advanced Readers Copy Courtesy of Entangled Publishing...:)
This is a super short and sexy little novella bout Eliza and Christian.
Eliza is in Vegas to visit her brother for the next 2 weeks. Problem is he is very busy as he is a surgeon at the hospital, so when he cancels their New Years Eve's plan, he makes it up to her by setting her up instead with his best friend Christian.
Problem is Eliza has spend the last 10 years trying to ignore and get over Christian as the last time they were together, she threw herself at him only to have the best kiss of her life before he back tracked and said she was too young for him etc.
Now they have a whole night together in Vegas and as they say "What Happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas" But what happens if after their hot night together they both want more?
Really cute read, that I highly recommend, especially if you are after something quick and easy!!!
****A gifted copy was provided by the publisher for an honest review**** Great Story about a crushes coming true. Eliza DeMatteo returns to her home city for a vacation of Las Vegas to see her older brother and is trying to avoid him AND is really trying to avoid his best friend. She has been in love with him for years but it has just given her nothing but heartache. Ten years previously she had gotten a kiss from him that left her panting and wanting more…but went nowhere.
Eliza literally runs into her crush, Christian Yerrick, on the freeway. They end up reminiscing and the spark is there. It continues to flame . This was a great story, showing a teenage crush that Eliza had that never died and finally gets the chance to mature into a real relationship. I liked both characters and really wished the Eliza’s brother had a little more time in the book. This was only a novella was short.
This was short and somewhat sweet and both Eliza and Chris were main characters that were easy to like, though I must say that something Chris said in the story had my eyebrows desperately trying to reach my hairline and found the whole thing just...weird (what Chris said, not my eyebrow thing). Chris was already hurt once when Eliza and her parents moved away without as much as a goodbye (but then he had made it pretty clear that things between the two of them wouldn't progress any further since he was leaving for college) and so I get his need to put the brakes on whatever they were both feeling after their night together. One Night in Vegas was a pretty good second chance romance read. I'm giving this one 3.5 stars, rounded off to four stars. ♥
One Night in Vegas is a quick endearing read about Eliza who returns home to spend time with her brother. But upon arriving her brother's hectic work schedule doesn't allow the two to spend New Year's Eve together leaving his bestfriend to step in, Christian. But Christian just happens to be Eliza child-hood crush. Before leaving the state when her family moved and the two boys leaving for college, Eliza takes a leap and makes a move with Christian, but the timing wasn't right back then. As adults their feelings come back as if they never left one another and leads to sweet knight in shining armor read. Hoping that this is just the start of their story since it ended just as it begun and maybe this time we can get more time with her brother! *ARC generously provided by Entangled Lovestruck Publishing in exchange for an honest review*
Chris sure has everything planned out, "you know, you go off birth control and just wait and see how nature will take it's course. I'm planning on backing sperm and having a vasectomy so it can be all be planned ahead of time." He leaned back in his chair with a self-satisfied smile." He also thinks he's funny, "Eliza." He wove his fingers through hers and squeezed. "We're holding hands and joking around and I'm pretty sure I just felt your foot in my lap." He's an a** man, "that's fine." She grinned as she walked alongside him with Molly. "My butt might not be able to take a long ride after all this time." His eyes automatically flicked back toward her a**, so perfectly flattered by her jeans." I liked this book it was a quick read.
A little twist on the big brother’s best friend crush. Christian broke her heart before he went off to college. Eliza had let him know she cared about him. Years later she is coming back to Vegas to visit her brother who is conveniently not available for New Year’s Eve. He sends Christian to have dinner with her. I found the normal side of Vegas to be interesting addition to the story. Normal people really do live in Vegas. Both Chris and Eliza are likeable characters. You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.
**My thanks to NetGalley and EntangledPublishing LLC, for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**
This is a very fast paced novella that takes place over the New year in Vegas.
It's a brothers best friend and crush to lovers story and you can really feel the angst from years ago come into play as they meet up again for the first time in ten years.
The brother is a piece of work as you get the idea that he knows they are meant to be together and just happens to help them along. It makes a change from the brothers who are not happy when relationships turn into more.
I really enjoyed this novella! I read Jackson's story first in How to save a Surgeon, and then decided to go back and read Chris and Eliza's story. After getting to know them alittle bit in the other book, I was excited to read more. I'm glad on did. I actually liked this book better. I felt connected to the characters and could relate to how each one was feeling. I loved their chemistry and the story flowed smoothly. This novella was just the perfect length for a quick afternoon read as well. It wasn't drawn out with pointless storyline, or too short where you can't connect with the characters. Great read!!