Escaping Vegas

The Inheritance #1

by Danielle Bourdon

After Madalina Maitland receives a small inheritance from her grandfather—$1,300 and a little knickknack shaped like a Chinese dragon—she heads to Vegas for a much-needed vacation. All she wants to do is to win some cash, enjoy some drinks, and flirt with the sexy stranger she literally stumbles into at the roulette table. But little does she know that her luck is about to change…in a deadly way.

When Chinese assailants attempt to kidnap Madalina from the casino, her broad-shouldered roulette partner comes to her rescue. A tall, dark, and handsome private security specialist, Cole West just met Madalina, but he’s instantly driven to protect the feisty, fashionable beauty.

Now, Madalina and Cole must discover who is after her—and why. Catapulted down a perilous path of danger and deception, their building passion soon threatens to dissolve into distrust. Will they be torn apart just when they need each other the most?

Genres: Romance, Mystery, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Suspense, Audiobook

244 pages, Paperback

First published May 19, 2015

About the author

Born and raised in Corona California, Danielle now resides in Texas with her husband and two sons. She has been writing for as long as she can remember, penning works in a number of genres. To date, she has published 49 novels and nine short stories. Her interests vary wildly: reading, traveling, photography, graphic art and baking, among others.

Visit her website for updates and contests: www.daniellebourdon.com

Contact her via email at: author@daniellebourdon.com

Follow on:
TikTok.com@AuthorDanielleBourdon
facebook.com/authordaniellebourdon

Reviews

[Carol · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just couldn't finish the book for some reason lost my inter at about 70%

[Tracy T. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well this story was pretty boring to be honest. There are a couple of action scenes that were decent enough. So the hero and heroine characters are seriously underdeveloped. You really don't know anything about them. The chemistry between the two was predictable.
Rather Boring Story, Narration is okay. (audible whispersync review)
The storyline and plot was pretty stupid and poorly written. The author thought they were trying to surprise you with some sort of mystery.. Yeah it was a fail. There was no surprises and the plot thinned. There was a lot of dialogue through out the book and I like lots of dialogue so there is that. There was a couple of sex scenes, very mildly written.

I am glad this book was free read free listen with my KU subscription. Or I would have returned this book.

As for the narration. It was fine. Not the best not the worst. She did try to make the men sound like men and she did read with some emotion. her reading voice was nice.

[Bea · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 or 3.5 stars.

Take one grouchy, mysterious, yet tender hero, add in a smart, brave, loyal woman, some semi-believable adversaries, and a fast paced story and you get "Escaping Vegas". Despite the title I expected at least most of the story to take place in Vegas but in fact, Madalina and Cole leave Vegas quickly and most of the story takes place in and around Madalina's home in California.

"Escaping Vegas" starts off with Madalina being kidnapped just a few pages in, after she and The Grouch, as she initially refers to him, have several encounters. He comes to her aid but finds that she's resourceful and was already freeing herself when he arrived. Still, Cole is quick to offer his services and Madalina is quick to accept. Their attackers are determined and there's a sizable contingent, all of whom are after Madalina, or more specifically,something she possesses. What is it? How far will they go to get it? Is Cole the good guy that he seems to be? Will Cole and Madalina hook up?

Well, duh, of course they do. This is a romance after all, complete with an HEA. There's even a sappy, too sweet epilogue. :( But the journey is not a smooth one. Cole is not completely honest with Madalina, he lies to her and he uses her. She gets furious with him and wants nothing to do with him. I liked that Cole owned up to his mistakes and didn't pressure her to forgive him but understood that it would take time. Madalina has some stupid moments but for the most part she's smart, level-headed, and clever. She and Cole worked well together and when they came together personally, I had to turn up the air conditioning. I really liked that Madalina kept her cool, most of the time, and didn't just react but was proactive. Cole was protective but wasn't blind to Madalina's ability to take care of herself and respected her for it.

I didn't entirely buy the adversaries or their behavior, the premise of the mystery is a little weak, and I guessed Cole's secret early on (Okay, I was like, 90% right) but overall the story was believable, fun, sexy, and even made me laugh. I'll keep my eyes out for the next book.

[Victoria (nocturnalintimacy) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Don't.

[Billy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though I enjoy reading about Vegas I do not care to spend another night there.

On my last trip I noticed all the business establishments had their metal garbage cans chained and padlocked, also all service stations had the cashiers in bullet proof Glass enclosures. I told my wife, " they know something we don't know
about this area".
We left the next morning.

[Barry Diedericks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down!

This was one of the most binding and enjoyable books I have ever read. The characters, places and events all support a great storyline and make for a really enjoyable read

[Patricia Bergman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maitland decided to spend the small inheritance her grandfather left her on a trip to Las Vegas. An opportune meeting with a handsome man at the roulette table is the beginning of an interesting mystery that changes her life. I enjoyed this romance/mystery and would like to read volume 2.

[Mojca]

***copy provided by publisher through NetGalley***

DNF@ 16%

I should've stopped after the first chapter, but I foolishly hoped it would get better. It didn't. The characters were bland, the "suspense" lackluster...Nothing really grabbed my attention.

[Antonella]

Could not put it down!

This tale of mystery, danger, romance, and more, was an excellent and exciting read! It so absorbed me and Ms. Bourdon's writing style superbly draws you in and makes you feel what the characters feel.

[Janet Augustine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

This kept me in suspense and it was hard to put down. A little sex a nd a little scariness, really enjoyed.m

[Maurine Cromwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable!

The characters are well-drawn and sympathetic, the plot well paced if not always completely believable. A fun and quick read. Pure escapism.

[Andrea (mrsaubergine) · Rating 3 out of 5]

It started out well, and my suspicions about Cole were correct, but the ending was a bit flat. I’m in two minds about whether to read the sequel.

[Susan J Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Read

The book was interesting and enjoyable. It was a good story and I look forward to the sequel. Good read.

[Laura L. Nevels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good

I love a book that keeps my interest from start to finish. This is certainly one of those. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Lili · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun

Sexy, fun and thrilling. All in all a good story, sometimes a bit unbelievable but fun! Some sexual scenes but not too much.

[Naya · Rating 3 out of 5]

a nice book with a plot easily understood. nice writing and narratives. adventure, abductions and a "dragon heirloom" star in the book. the ending is a bit cliché and leaves questions unanswered.

[Tea · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5, it's an easy enough read/listen

[Bec · Rating 4 out of 5]

After inheriting a small fortune as well as a tiny dragon-like trinket off her grandfather, Madalina Maitland figures it’s time for a vacation. Vegas seemed like the perfect option for her to enjoy some downtime, but while there she finds herself the victim of an attempted kidnapping.

Private security specialist Cole West has never let a pretty face interfere with his work. But flirting with the spirited, chic beauty gambling at the roulette table he’s playing at brings out all his protective instincts. So when he witnesses some less than savory types attempting to kidnap her, he can’t help but intervene.

From the opening chapter, this book delivers in turning the heroine’s life upside down. It has an amazing plot with its nail-biting car chase and botched kidnappings, which have you flipping page after page and hanging on every word. Just to see how Cole and Madalina are going to get out of every precarious situation they find themselves in. As for the dialogue, I really enjoyed the banter between the hero and heroine because Cole knew just the right things to say. In fact, the hero had a rather calming influence over Madalina that kept her from becoming too hysterical in dealing with everything that has happened, so they can figure out just what the people after her want.

The sex scenes definitely add spice to the story. Are they the result of Madalina and Cole being on the run together? It’s quite possible that the heroine’s nightmarish ordeal has something to do with it. But at the same time there is some serious chemistry between the pair. That makes me certain the sex would happen, even if they’d met under different circumstances. What I liked so much about Madalina was her bravery because being anything but brave wouldn’t have gotten her out of the precarious situations she found herself in. While with Cole, I liked that he was willing to protect the heroine, even at the risk to his own life. But then again, he did have ulterior motives for remaining by Madalina’s side.

Overall, Escaping Vegas was everything a reader could want in a romantic suspense novel. There was a perfect mix of romance and suspense that keeps a reader fully invested to see that Madalina and Cole eventually get their happy ever after. And lastly, I would recommend this story to fans of romantic suspense and sexy heroes willing to do anything to keep the heroine safe.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

There wasn’t any slow building in this story. It was fast paced the whole way through to the end. The first chapter starts out in Vegas. Madalina meets Cole, has a verbal sparring match with him at the Roulette table than gets herself kidnapped…all that in the first chapter (15 pages). The story didn’t slow down from there either. There were rescues, car chases, and lots of action.

I realize I may have judged Madalina a little harshly in the beginning believing her to be a little bit of a twit and naive. In this day in age who doesn’t know about the dangers that can be found on the internet (spyware, hacking, people finder est.). Not to mention who really thinks a bad guy is going to give up after his first attempt fails? Or that they won’t go after her family or friends to get to her? With that said hind sight is 20/20 and things that might seem innocent don’t always turn out to be. My perception of Madalina changed during the story. She is actually a very intelligent, resourceful, strong independent woman. She didn’t bulk and break down when stuff happened and she didn’t totally rely on Cole to save her.

Cole came off as a little bit of an @ss but most guys do. Despite being kind of an ass he proves to be trustworthy, dependable, caring and very efficient at what he does. Kind of makes someone wonder what he does for a living. His thoughtfulness at times surprised me. He really surprised me towards the end with the dragon. I wouldn’t have thought he would do that.

There were parts of the story that had me laughing out loud, rolling my eyes, talking to the characters and swooning a little too. I burned through this book way to fast. I am defiantly looking at Danielle Bourdon’s other series. If they are anything like her “The Inheritance” series they will not disappoint.

I received this book from Goodreads as part of a First Reads giveaway.

[Angel Hatfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Read, Good Characters **I received an ARC of this story in exchange for an honest review**Madalina went to the Luxor Hotel and Casino. She was there on vacation to suck up the sun and gamble a little. People in Madalina's family and friends usually felt she was a pessimist and skeptic. Madalina and Lianne, her best friend and partner, co-owned a little clothing boutique in LA. A man she had nicknamed as The Grouch had been at her side at the roulette wheel. An Asian man came up to her and told her she had an upgrade to her room. Then another Asian man was at her side as they led her to the outside. A third man appeared and tried to force her into a waiting car. The Grouch came up and hit one of the men, but she was still pushed into the car but managed to get out the other side. The Grouch told her to run. She ran to his car and they left. His name was Cole West and he was going to take her back to LA where he was going to protect her. I found Madalina to be a loyal person. She loves her parents and friends. She's honest and she has a temper. She's stronger than she ever knew. She grew in this story and fell in love. Cole is an organized person. He's usually an honest man. He does what he has to do to get a mission done. He's mentally and physically strong and can think on his feet. He also loves his family. I liked this book and I would recommend it. I look forward to the next book in this series.

[Barbara Fischer]

Mysterious Dragon

Regular girl in distress & a gorgeous hunk to rescue her. From there it goes into an exciting mystery with lots of action and complications to unravel. A little more romance than I care for in a mystery. But many will enjoy that too. I like the storyline and hope to read more in the series.

[Chanel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am glad I took a chance on this book, as it was very entertaining. It starts out with a mismatched couple meeting in Las Vegas. Madalina is a owner of a clothing store in California and planned a mini vacation to Vegas with her friend, only her friend took ill. So the somewhat innocent Madalina is alone in Sin City. She is in the mood to have some fun and let her hair down, well, the next thing you know Madalina's on the adventure of a lifetime. This adventure has mystery, kidnapping, car chases, lies, all types of action, valuable artifacts, and it all occurs with a sexy stranger, Cole. Be prepared for a few twist and turns, which is staple in a Danielle Bourdon novel. As it is with her other books I have read, Ms. Bourdon is big into action and not so much for the stuff between the sheets. I am not asking for X rated material, but at least PG-13.
As soon as I completed this book, I bought the next one in the Series. This book does not end as Cliff-hanger, but you know there is more of the Dragon mystery to be told. Rating 4.25

[Christi Lofton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the author and NetGalley, I was allowed to read a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I love Danielle Bourdon's other work so I was very excited to get my hands on this book. It did not disappoint. There were twists and turns that kept you on your toes the entire book. There was even one shocker that I never saw coming! Plus, Chase and Madalina had quite the intensity flowing between them. No matter what was thrown at them, they always had that sexual pull to each other. It was fun to read how their attraction grew during some of the rough times they faced. Danielle Bourdon has another winner with this book. Looking forward to more of these characters. Five Stars!

[Kay J · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm really turn on my feelings of this book, I wasn't quite convinced of the two characters relationship, to me it felt forced and not real, almost like a relationship is put in the story because of the situation, but I would have been fine if they we're just two people caught up in a situation and so they're working together to solve it. I just wasn't convinced of a romantic chemistry there, as far as the story I loved it. Although the MC had never been in anything like that I'm glad she wasn't winery or anything but she had smarts and that was refreshing to read, this book wasn't bad I just hope that in the other books to come their relationship will be more convincing. But I'm glad I won this copy, and I will be looking out for the next book to this series.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot damn I loved this book.

It is not very often lately that when I start a book I finish the book in one sitting, I have had a bit of book ADHD lately, this book however was able to keep me 100% involved from the moment I started it. This book is fast paced and has a little action, adventure and steam rolled into one book.

I loved both the main characters and found them both likable, I did have a few moments where I face palmed but hell my best friends in life make me do that, so it didn't take away from the story.

I really really enjoyed this book and I love when I find gems like this on Kindle Unlimited, because it really is that good.

If you want a fast action packed read, this book is certainly for you.

[Sydney Hancock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Madalina goes to Vegas to have a little vacation with a small inheritance that her grandfather left her. She meets Cole who saves here from a group of Chinese men trying to kidnap her. They then embark on the road trying to lose the Chinese.

I enjoyed this book a lot. I liked Madalina and Cole. It definitely we a different direction after they left Vegas than what I was thinking but I think it made the story all the better. Cole needed someone like Madalina and she needed Cole. Cole's twist was a really good one that I think helped to make the book. I recommend it.

ARC received from Netgalley for an honest review.

[Stefanie Harten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danielle Bourdon has done it again! She has written a book and a new series that will have you hooked in the first chapter! Madalina Maitland is in Vegas on a much needed vacation. She was able to go because of an inheritance from her Grandfather. Her trip does not go anything like she imagined! She meets Cole West who helps her out. This story has so many twists and turns and you have to keep reading because you are not sure who is telling the truth. This book has it all! Intrigue and mystery, romance and a fantastic story line. Let's just say you will want to learn more about Cole West and his family. I could not put it down! I cannot wait to read the next one in this series!

[Linda Quick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a thoroughly enjoyable romantic suspense novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat and turning pages just as fast as possible. I loved this from the very first page and loved the Madalina and Cole. They quickly develop an interesting relationship that kept me engaged as they tried to solve the puzzle of Madalina's inheritance.

While this was the first book I've read by this author, it will not be the last. I have added her to my must read authors' list.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing a complementary ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Abi · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*

The book started out strong, with intrigue and mystery with a hint of romance but as I kept reading, it fell flat. I wasn't as engaged as I would have liked for this novel. I will give it a re-read but not anytime soon however. 2.5 stars out of 5.

[Joann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting, griping read. First for me, the main charters have to be like able . Happily I liked both, Madgelia and Cole. The story got you going right off, lots of intrigue. Not know why they were being pursued. Cole knew just what to do to keep them safe, from there the adventure began. Can't wait to read book 2.