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Winner Takes All: A Novel
Not yet published
Expected 23 Jun 26When two rival music executives wake up married in Las Vegas with no memory of tying the knot, they have to recreate their night together while competing to sign the band of their dreams in this smart and sexy rom-com that combines Book Lovers with The Hangover.
Talent scout Eleanor Thompson arrives in Las Vegas with one sign the popular alt-rock group Dempsey to her record label and subsequently save her job. Unfortunately for her, Adam Shaw—former colleague and the man who recently poached the top performing artist from Eleanor’s roster—has the same idea. When Adam crashes Eleanor’s dinner meeting with the band, it sets them off on a night of shot-fueled one-upmanship that ends with matching wedding rings. Some people might be able to laugh off a drunken Vegas marriage, but Eleanor and Adam are not some people.
They soon realize annulments are a lot easier to get on TV, especially when you factor in a missing ID, a run-in with casino security, and a band still expecting to be wooed before hitting the stage for the final show of their national tour.
With only a few hours until the party where Dempsey plans to announce their new record label, Eleanor and Adam embark on a wild dash around Vegas to fix the previous night’s mistakes. Between meeting an attorney in the back of a strip club, getting blackmailed into playing the newlywed game, and a surprisingly deep moment outside a karaoke bar, Eleanor and Adam begin to fall for one another. Do they dare place a bet on love? Or will they keep their cards close?
Talent scout Eleanor Thompson arrives in Las Vegas with one sign the popular alt-rock group Dempsey to her record label and subsequently save her job. Unfortunately for her, Adam Shaw—former colleague and the man who recently poached the top performing artist from Eleanor’s roster—has the same idea. When Adam crashes Eleanor’s dinner meeting with the band, it sets them off on a night of shot-fueled one-upmanship that ends with matching wedding rings. Some people might be able to laugh off a drunken Vegas marriage, but Eleanor and Adam are not some people.
They soon realize annulments are a lot easier to get on TV, especially when you factor in a missing ID, a run-in with casino security, and a band still expecting to be wooed before hitting the stage for the final show of their national tour.
With only a few hours until the party where Dempsey plans to announce their new record label, Eleanor and Adam embark on a wild dash around Vegas to fix the previous night’s mistakes. Between meeting an attorney in the back of a strip club, getting blackmailed into playing the newlywed game, and a surprisingly deep moment outside a karaoke bar, Eleanor and Adam begin to fall for one another. Do they dare place a bet on love? Or will they keep their cards close?
Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 23, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
November 20, 2025
I absolutely LOVED this. This is a perfect little contemporary romance read. It made me giggle and kick my feet and blush and swoon.
Eleanor and Adam are work RIVALS on two different music labels scouting to sign the same band. Except they get absolutely WASTED and wake up married in Las Vegas with no recollection of the night before.
As they try to get their marriage annulled, secure the band they both want, and ultimately piece together the night before, they also figure out exactly what they want in life.
The pacing of this is excellent. I feel like I’m a tough critic when it comes to contemporary romance because I think sometimes they drag out. But I could NOT put this down. I would have inhaled it in one sitting.
It is sooo funny and fun. Witty. And endearing.
The little inside jokes are ADORABLE.
The last sentence had me burst out crying actually.
I really don’t have any notes.
Thanks to Atria & NetGalley for the eARC. I really really really loved this book.
Eleanor and Adam are work RIVALS on two different music labels scouting to sign the same band. Except they get absolutely WASTED and wake up married in Las Vegas with no recollection of the night before.
As they try to get their marriage annulled, secure the band they both want, and ultimately piece together the night before, they also figure out exactly what they want in life.
The pacing of this is excellent. I feel like I’m a tough critic when it comes to contemporary romance because I think sometimes they drag out. But I could NOT put this down. I would have inhaled it in one sitting.
It is sooo funny and fun. Witty. And endearing.
The little inside jokes are ADORABLE.
The last sentence had me burst out crying actually.
I really don’t have any notes.
Thanks to Atria & NetGalley for the eARC. I really really really loved this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I loved this book. Adam Shaw and Eleanor Thompson are work rivals working for two different Recording labels. Adam works for Exeter and Eleanor works for Blue Sky. Eleanor goes to Vegas to meet with Dempsey a sibling band who needs a new recording label. However during dinner she is interrupted by Adam of all people. This isnt a book i would normally read. However Book Lovers by Emily Henry is my all time favorite book. I loved the different tasks they went through throughout the day together but especially loved the Newleywed Game most of all. Will rivals become lovers like in Book Lovers? Will Eleanor keep her job at Blue Sky? Can these two ever hit their own strides? What made it 4 stars was the fact it had quite a few run on sentences. It was a good book overall and I would read this author again. This book was given to me by Netgalley as well as Atria/Emily Bestler Books for my honest review of this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for the arc! This was such a fun read! I enjoyed this one so much. The characters were funny and relatable. The story progressed well and had a nice flow. Some of the chapters could be a bit long, but I honestly didn’t mind it too much as I was intrigued with what would happen next. It was lighthearted and I loved the progression of Elenor and Adam.
December 1, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up, I really loved this.
This was a quick, easy read. It was well paced considering it takes place over just about 24 hours. A perfect nod to The Hangover.
This had me blushing hard at how cute the MMC was being. He’s down bad for Eleanor even before he really knows much about her. They get to know each other over the course of the day’s mishaps and they end up being really sweet together. I couldn’t call this a slow burn since it’s just 1 day but I think there was proper time for the romance to really come about and it’s not just shoved in near the beginning. This was funny, entertaining, and endearing. This isn’t a very spicy book, just the 1 scene but I don’t think more would have suited this one. Would definitely recommend checking this one out. The epilogue was *chefs kiss*
My only criticism is that there are flashbacks that are just right in the middle of people talking. It’s not super confusing because of the subject of the conversations but it takes a second to realize the contents are not happening in the present and should probably be indicated some how (some are like mid paragraph).
Thank you to NetGalley and the author/publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was a quick, easy read. It was well paced considering it takes place over just about 24 hours. A perfect nod to The Hangover.
This had me blushing hard at how cute the MMC was being. He’s down bad for Eleanor even before he really knows much about her. They get to know each other over the course of the day’s mishaps and they end up being really sweet together. I couldn’t call this a slow burn since it’s just 1 day but I think there was proper time for the romance to really come about and it’s not just shoved in near the beginning. This was funny, entertaining, and endearing. This isn’t a very spicy book, just the 1 scene but I don’t think more would have suited this one. Would definitely recommend checking this one out. The epilogue was *chefs kiss*
My only criticism is that there are flashbacks that are just right in the middle of people talking. It’s not super confusing because of the subject of the conversations but it takes a second to realize the contents are not happening in the present and should probably be indicated some how (some are like mid paragraph).
Thank you to NetGalley and the author/publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 31, 2026
3.5 stars
Eleanor and Adam are rival music execs in Las Vegas, trying to sign the same band. After a night of wining and dining, the two wake up in Eleanor's bed with no recollection of how they got there. When they notice they are wearing wedding rings, they are even more confused! Together, they have to piece back together their night and also, separately, try to convince the band to sign with them.
This was a fun little read! Despite the long chapters, it was a quick read with cute characters. You've got lots of tropes here, so there will be something for every romcom lover.
This was like a combo of The Rewind & The Hangover. And the whole thing (minus the epilogue) takes place in 24 hours.
I can see this being a hit as a beach read this summer! Throw this in your beach bag get swept away to the Las Vegas strip for a few hours.
Eleanor and Adam are rival music execs in Las Vegas, trying to sign the same band. After a night of wining and dining, the two wake up in Eleanor's bed with no recollection of how they got there. When they notice they are wearing wedding rings, they are even more confused! Together, they have to piece back together their night and also, separately, try to convince the band to sign with them.
This was a fun little read! Despite the long chapters, it was a quick read with cute characters. You've got lots of tropes here, so there will be something for every romcom lover.
This was like a combo of The Rewind & The Hangover. And the whole thing (minus the epilogue) takes place in 24 hours.
I can see this being a hit as a beach read this summer! Throw this in your beach bag get swept away to the Las Vegas strip for a few hours.
January 3, 2026
3.5 stars
This was a fun and engaging read! As a fan of both The Hangover and Book Lovers, I knew this story would be right up my alley.
I loved the hilarity of Eleanor and Adam trying to piece together their antics from the night before, while juggling the real-life pressures from their families and jobs. This story had some incredibly heartfelt moments, and I loved how Martin didn’t shy away from some of the darker themes present in the music industry (nepotism, misogyny, and power imbalances).
While I loved both Eleanor and Adam individually and as a couple, I wish their backstories aligned more - as a former couple, rather than as former colleagues. The choice to make them rivals at different music labels, without a previous spark of romance, made their drunken decision to get married hard to buy. It also made it hard to find the timeline of events believable. Don’t get me wrong, I loved the way their adoration for one another played out on page, I just found it hard to buy for a couple that had not previously been together in any way.
Overall, this story was fun, flirty, and full of friendly competition. It’s the perfect light-hearted read for those looking for humor and swoon-worthy moments.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria/Emily Bestler Books for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
This was a fun and engaging read! As a fan of both The Hangover and Book Lovers, I knew this story would be right up my alley.
I loved the hilarity of Eleanor and Adam trying to piece together their antics from the night before, while juggling the real-life pressures from their families and jobs. This story had some incredibly heartfelt moments, and I loved how Martin didn’t shy away from some of the darker themes present in the music industry (nepotism, misogyny, and power imbalances).
While I loved both Eleanor and Adam individually and as a couple, I wish their backstories aligned more - as a former couple, rather than as former colleagues. The choice to make them rivals at different music labels, without a previous spark of romance, made their drunken decision to get married hard to buy. It also made it hard to find the timeline of events believable. Don’t get me wrong, I loved the way their adoration for one another played out on page, I just found it hard to buy for a couple that had not previously been together in any way.
Overall, this story was fun, flirty, and full of friendly competition. It’s the perfect light-hearted read for those looking for humor and swoon-worthy moments.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria/Emily Bestler Books for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
December 31, 2025
A super quick, cute read!
After interning together at a record label years prior, Eleanor and Adam have a chance meeting in Las Vegas when they both show up to try and sign the same band. The night goes slightly off the rails when they end up married.
People are right when they say it’s a cross between Book Lovers and The Hangover. Was it a little cheesy? For sure. But it was the perfect book to end 2025 on. Quick to read, kept my interest (which has been a struggle lately), and I actually equally enjoyed the FMC & MMC.
Would have loved if it was a tiny bit longer, but this was a solid 4.5 star read for me.
Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. Add this to your summer 2026 TBR!
After interning together at a record label years prior, Eleanor and Adam have a chance meeting in Las Vegas when they both show up to try and sign the same band. The night goes slightly off the rails when they end up married.
People are right when they say it’s a cross between Book Lovers and The Hangover. Was it a little cheesy? For sure. But it was the perfect book to end 2025 on. Quick to read, kept my interest (which has been a struggle lately), and I actually equally enjoyed the FMC & MMC.
Would have loved if it was a tiny bit longer, but this was a solid 4.5 star read for me.
Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. Add this to your summer 2026 TBR!
December 7, 2025
4,5⭐️
I really enjoyed this book! This main action takes place over a day so the pacing is quick and very engaging. With that, you’d think you would have trouble connecting with the characters but no. Eleanor and Adam are well fleshed out with their own backstory. Eleanor and Adam used to work in the same company before Eleanor left so they are not complete strangers as they are trying to get an annulment. This story was funny but it also left place for the characters to grow, which I really liked. It was a nice fast paced romcom with likeable characters !
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an arc of this book, opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed this book! This main action takes place over a day so the pacing is quick and very engaging. With that, you’d think you would have trouble connecting with the characters but no. Eleanor and Adam are well fleshed out with their own backstory. Eleanor and Adam used to work in the same company before Eleanor left so they are not complete strangers as they are trying to get an annulment. This story was funny but it also left place for the characters to grow, which I really liked. It was a nice fast paced romcom with likeable characters !
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an arc of this book, opinions are my own.
December 8, 2025
This review is thanks to the ARC I received from Atria books and is a honest review of what I read.
This book was so cute! I really loved both of the characters and how their story played out. Normally, I hate the miscommunication arc in a story, but was so glad to see two characters just have an adult conversation about it and move forward. Will definitely be reading more by the author!
This book was so cute! I really loved both of the characters and how their story played out. Normally, I hate the miscommunication arc in a story, but was so glad to see two characters just have an adult conversation about it and move forward. Will definitely be reading more by the author!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5
I absolutely adored this book. It was such a fun read! It's described as Book Lovers meets The Hangover, and I think that's a perfect description for it!
The story is about two rival music talent scouts who are in Vegas trying to lock in a contract with an up and coming music group. But they wake up married with no memory of the night before and try to retrace their steps, get an annulment, and close their deal, all while actually falling in love.
The banter was funny and I literally laughed out loud several times. However, the story had emotional depth too. I think the characters were very well developed and their emotional growth was well done.
Adam, the MMC, was green light city, and there were several swoon worthy lines from him.
The story is pretty short (under 300 pages) so it's a quick and easy read but is also very well written. My only critique is that I feel like the end wrapped up pretty quickly and I could have stood for a little more there.
Again, I loved this book. If you are looking for a fast and fun, but also genuinely sweet read, this is it! I've already pre-ordered the physical book for my library when it comes out on June!
I absolutely adored this book. It was such a fun read! It's described as Book Lovers meets The Hangover, and I think that's a perfect description for it!
The story is about two rival music talent scouts who are in Vegas trying to lock in a contract with an up and coming music group. But they wake up married with no memory of the night before and try to retrace their steps, get an annulment, and close their deal, all while actually falling in love.
The banter was funny and I literally laughed out loud several times. However, the story had emotional depth too. I think the characters were very well developed and their emotional growth was well done.
Adam, the MMC, was green light city, and there were several swoon worthy lines from him.
The story is pretty short (under 300 pages) so it's a quick and easy read but is also very well written. My only critique is that I feel like the end wrapped up pretty quickly and I could have stood for a little more there.
Again, I loved this book. If you are looking for a fast and fun, but also genuinely sweet read, this is it! I've already pre-ordered the physical book for my library when it comes out on June!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Eleanor is *this* close to signing a deal with the up and coming band Dempsey that will save her career (and her less than stellar finances). Unfortunately for her, someone has tipped off her rival Adam that Dempsey is looking for a new label, and he shows up in Las Vegas to try to poach them. Desperate not to lose out on this opportunity to a guy who is willing to drink with the band all night, Eleanor agrees to a night out that unexpectedly ends at a Vegas chapel, with her and Adam saying a drunken "I do." The rest of the book has them racing around Vegas to put their pieces of their night together, before Dempsey announces their label choice at a late night party.
This was fun!! A strip club lawyer, a game of the Newlyweds, some gambling to win much needed cash, and a career-defining race to the finish! More books should be this fun! The premise is goofy, and we never really get a full explanation of what went down the night our main characters blacked out, or why it ended with them at the altar, but I expect to put aside a bit of believability when I asked to buy into a goofy premise, and I didn't get bogged down with the specifics.
Eleanor and Adam as characters walk this nice line of having a past together that sets out realistic tension, without that tension or past being so loaded that you're not actually rooting for the couple to get together. And, while I've started this by saying how fun the book is, it's worth noting that it still does have real emotion to it - Adam and Eleanor learn and grow across this book, and both share heavier parts of their past without miring the novel in those darker themes. Their connection is one that is sparked very early on - it's so clear immediately that they're attracted to each other - but the storytelling is restrained in this respect, and they don't get together until it feels truly earned by the plot.
So, yeah! A solid story! A fun romp! It made me want to go to Vegas, and also listen to some good rock music. And maybe buy a pair of hotel slippers? It's a recommend for me for anyone who is looking for a fun, quick read with a satisfying plot and relationship arc.
Thank you to Net Galley and the Publisher for the E-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This was fun!! A strip club lawyer, a game of the Newlyweds, some gambling to win much needed cash, and a career-defining race to the finish! More books should be this fun! The premise is goofy, and we never really get a full explanation of what went down the night our main characters blacked out, or why it ended with them at the altar, but I expect to put aside a bit of believability when I asked to buy into a goofy premise, and I didn't get bogged down with the specifics.
Eleanor and Adam as characters walk this nice line of having a past together that sets out realistic tension, without that tension or past being so loaded that you're not actually rooting for the couple to get together. And, while I've started this by saying how fun the book is, it's worth noting that it still does have real emotion to it - Adam and Eleanor learn and grow across this book, and both share heavier parts of their past without miring the novel in those darker themes. Their connection is one that is sparked very early on - it's so clear immediately that they're attracted to each other - but the storytelling is restrained in this respect, and they don't get together until it feels truly earned by the plot.
So, yeah! A solid story! A fun romp! It made me want to go to Vegas, and also listen to some good rock music. And maybe buy a pair of hotel slippers? It's a recommend for me for anyone who is looking for a fun, quick read with a satisfying plot and relationship arc.
Thank you to Net Galley and the Publisher for the E-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What is the worst that can happen when you wake up in bed with a rival music executive and no memory of the night before? "Winner Takes All" is a low-stakes rom-com set in Las Vegas. Ig you loved the movie "The Hangover", then this is for you.
As someone who typically reads more emotionally taxing stories, I did enjoy that this one was much lower stakes. It is the perfect length for a long flight or a beach getaway. The banter between our two main characters was pretty funny, too. The plot for the first half of the book, basically Murphy's Law, also contributed to the comedy factor. Of course, it was just one thing after another. I think my favorite part was actually the old ladies in the casino. The strip-club-lawyer being a close second.
Now, this book takes place in about a 24 hour time period. One of the things that felt a little bit off was the pacing. Usually, I love a Dual POV Romance. In this case, the MMC and the FMC's voices kept mixing in my head. Their voices didn't sound very different, which is something that I feel like you need, especially in a first-person narration. I honestly felt like we didn't need our MMC's voice at all, since his stakes were much lower, and most of his observations were just confirming what the FMC thought or said. It just felt like it was dragging the story out at times instead of taking the opportunity to give more depth to side characters. I found myself really not caring at all about the "men" they both kept referring back to.
I found myself not fully invested in the romance either. By the time they got to the "big moment" I just had a hard time believing that he changed his mind about her in the course of a day. Especially since it was referenced several times how they used to intern together.
Overall, I did like the story. It was cute, cozy in a chaotic way. A quick, fast-paced read that will be perfect for when the book releases in the summer.
I want to thank Atria Publishing and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for a fair review.
As someone who typically reads more emotionally taxing stories, I did enjoy that this one was much lower stakes. It is the perfect length for a long flight or a beach getaway. The banter between our two main characters was pretty funny, too. The plot for the first half of the book, basically Murphy's Law, also contributed to the comedy factor. Of course, it was just one thing after another. I think my favorite part was actually the old ladies in the casino. The strip-club-lawyer being a close second.
Now, this book takes place in about a 24 hour time period. One of the things that felt a little bit off was the pacing. Usually, I love a Dual POV Romance. In this case, the MMC and the FMC's voices kept mixing in my head. Their voices didn't sound very different, which is something that I feel like you need, especially in a first-person narration. I honestly felt like we didn't need our MMC's voice at all, since his stakes were much lower, and most of his observations were just confirming what the FMC thought or said. It just felt like it was dragging the story out at times instead of taking the opportunity to give more depth to side characters. I found myself really not caring at all about the "men" they both kept referring back to.
I found myself not fully invested in the romance either. By the time they got to the "big moment" I just had a hard time believing that he changed his mind about her in the course of a day. Especially since it was referenced several times how they used to intern together.
Overall, I did like the story. It was cute, cozy in a chaotic way. A quick, fast-paced read that will be perfect for when the book releases in the summer.
I want to thank Atria Publishing and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for a fair review.
January 31, 2026
• BOOK REVIEW — Winner Take All by Emily Martin
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)
This book is chaotic, flirty, and ridiculously fun — a romcom packed with rivalry, Vegas madness, and chemistry that refuses to stay buried.
Characters:
🎧 Eleanor Thompson — ambitious, stressed talent scout with everything on the line
🎸 Adam Shaw — smug, charming rival exec who knows exactly how to push her buttons
Vibes:
• rivals to lovers
• drunk Vegas marriage
• forced proximity
• workplace competition
• sharp banter
• romcom chaos
• “we hate each other but this feels dangerous” energy
What the story gives:
Eleanor flies to Vegas with one mission: sign the alt-rock band Dempsey and save her job. The last person she expects to see is Adam, the former colleague who already stole one of her biggest artists — and now wants the same band.
One night of competitive, shot-fueled one-upmanship later… they wake up married.
With missing IDs, an annulment that’s way harder than expected, casino security on their heels, and a band still waiting to be impressed before announcing their new label, Eleanor and Adam are forced to spend the day retracing their chaotic night across Vegas. Somewhere between strip-club legal advice, public newlywed games, and an unexpectedly vulnerable karaoke-bar moment, rivalry starts turning into something real.
What I Loved:
• Eleanor’s driven, no-nonsense FMC energy
• Adam’s arrogant-but-secretly-soft MMC vibes
• the constant banter and competitive tension
• forced proximity done in the most chaotic way
• romcom moments that actually made me laugh
• chemistry that sneaks up on you
Final Vibe:
Smart, sexy, and wildly entertaining.
Winner Take All is a fast-paced romcom about ambition, rivalry, accidental marriage, and realizing the person standing in your way might be exactly who you want.
If you love rivals-to-lovers, Vegas chaos, and romcoms with sharp banter and real chemistry, this one is such a fun read. 🎰💍
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)
This book is chaotic, flirty, and ridiculously fun — a romcom packed with rivalry, Vegas madness, and chemistry that refuses to stay buried.
Characters:
🎧 Eleanor Thompson — ambitious, stressed talent scout with everything on the line
🎸 Adam Shaw — smug, charming rival exec who knows exactly how to push her buttons
Vibes:
• rivals to lovers
• drunk Vegas marriage
• forced proximity
• workplace competition
• sharp banter
• romcom chaos
• “we hate each other but this feels dangerous” energy
What the story gives:
Eleanor flies to Vegas with one mission: sign the alt-rock band Dempsey and save her job. The last person she expects to see is Adam, the former colleague who already stole one of her biggest artists — and now wants the same band.
One night of competitive, shot-fueled one-upmanship later… they wake up married.
With missing IDs, an annulment that’s way harder than expected, casino security on their heels, and a band still waiting to be impressed before announcing their new label, Eleanor and Adam are forced to spend the day retracing their chaotic night across Vegas. Somewhere between strip-club legal advice, public newlywed games, and an unexpectedly vulnerable karaoke-bar moment, rivalry starts turning into something real.
What I Loved:
• Eleanor’s driven, no-nonsense FMC energy
• Adam’s arrogant-but-secretly-soft MMC vibes
• the constant banter and competitive tension
• forced proximity done in the most chaotic way
• romcom moments that actually made me laugh
• chemistry that sneaks up on you
Final Vibe:
Smart, sexy, and wildly entertaining.
Winner Take All is a fast-paced romcom about ambition, rivalry, accidental marriage, and realizing the person standing in your way might be exactly who you want.
If you love rivals-to-lovers, Vegas chaos, and romcoms with sharp banter and real chemistry, this one is such a fun read. 🎰💍
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Industry colleagues-turned-rivals Eleanor Thompson and Adam Shaw wake up in the same hotel room, a ring on her finger, and photos of a wedding reception as the only memories of their Las Vegas elopement. In a Hangover style mad-dash around the city to pick up the pieces of their fateful night, Eleanor and Adam hash out the nitty gritty of who they have become and what really went down since they were last working together over four years ago.
I really enjoyed Winner Takes All! I personally love a rockstar romance so this gave many of the same vibes, but with a fresh perspective of the industry side of the music world. I also really enjoyed that this drunken elopement had actual consequences that the MCs needed to work through, both emotionally and logistically, and it wasn’t as simple as just moving on. It raised the stakes and kept me emotionally invested - like when are we telling Iris and Billy?! I needed to be a fly on the wall for those conversations.
This book is on the shorter side, which gives it a fun, fast-paced movement which I appreciate, but it also means that feelings happen quickly between our main characters. I wish that we could have a little more time fleshing out Adam’s feelings, but I still really enjoyed it! Best of all, we have a MMC admitting he was wrong! I love a man who can admit it AND do some groveling in the process.
Overall, Winner Takes All was a really fun read! I would recommend it for those who enjoy insta-love, witty banter, fast paced plot, and mutual pining!
Tropes:
♠️ Vegas wedding / woke up married
♠️ Antagonists to lovers
♠️ Unrequited crush
♠️ Music industry setting
Thank you to Atria, Emily Martin, and NetGalley for the eARC!
I really enjoyed Winner Takes All! I personally love a rockstar romance so this gave many of the same vibes, but with a fresh perspective of the industry side of the music world. I also really enjoyed that this drunken elopement had actual consequences that the MCs needed to work through, both emotionally and logistically, and it wasn’t as simple as just moving on. It raised the stakes and kept me emotionally invested - like when are we telling Iris and Billy?! I needed to be a fly on the wall for those conversations.
This book is on the shorter side, which gives it a fun, fast-paced movement which I appreciate, but it also means that feelings happen quickly between our main characters. I wish that we could have a little more time fleshing out Adam’s feelings, but I still really enjoyed it! Best of all, we have a MMC admitting he was wrong! I love a man who can admit it AND do some groveling in the process.
Overall, Winner Takes All was a really fun read! I would recommend it for those who enjoy insta-love, witty banter, fast paced plot, and mutual pining!
Tropes:
♠️ Vegas wedding / woke up married
♠️ Antagonists to lovers
♠️ Unrequited crush
♠️ Music industry setting
Thank you to Atria, Emily Martin, and NetGalley for the eARC!
November 23, 2025
🎸💍 Winner Takes All by Emily Martin
Rivals → Shots → Accidental Marriage → Falling in Love in Vegas
If you love rom-coms with pure serotonin energy, chaotic Vegas nights, and “we woke up MARRIED?!” shenanigans… this book is about to be your new obsession.
Eleanor and Adam are rival music execs both trying to sign the same band... until one wildly unhinged night in Vegas ends with matching wedding rings, zero memory, and a whole lot of consequences.
What follows is the most fun, fast-paced, laugh-out-loud dash around Vegas while they:
🎤 try to woo the band
💍 attempt to undo their marriage
🔎 piece together the missing night
🔥 and accidentally develop melting-level chemistry
This book has everything:
✨ Workplace rivals with crackling tension
✨ Witty banter + inside jokes that get cuter and cuter
✨ Music industry chaos
✨ Big emotional moments that sneak up on you
✨ A romance that feels effortless, surprising, and so swoony
And the pacing? PERFECT. No filler, no slowdown, just pure fun with a delicious emotional payoff. That final line? Destroyed me in the best way.
Read this if you love:
💛 Rivals-to-lovers
🎲 Vegas chaos & “what did we DO last night?” vibes
🎸 Music industry romances
💋 Slow-slide into feelings
🤣 Smart, funny rom-com energy
🏃♂️ One-day adventure romances (think The Hangover meets Book Lovers)
This one is a blast and will make you giggle, swoon, and root hard for Eleanor + Adam. Add it to your summer 2026 TBR immediately.
#WinnerTakesAll #EmilyMartin #RomComReads #AccidentalMarriageTrope #RivalsToLovers #Bookstagram #ReadersOfInstagram #Atria
Rivals → Shots → Accidental Marriage → Falling in Love in Vegas
If you love rom-coms with pure serotonin energy, chaotic Vegas nights, and “we woke up MARRIED?!” shenanigans… this book is about to be your new obsession.
Eleanor and Adam are rival music execs both trying to sign the same band... until one wildly unhinged night in Vegas ends with matching wedding rings, zero memory, and a whole lot of consequences.
What follows is the most fun, fast-paced, laugh-out-loud dash around Vegas while they:
🎤 try to woo the band
💍 attempt to undo their marriage
🔎 piece together the missing night
🔥 and accidentally develop melting-level chemistry
This book has everything:
✨ Workplace rivals with crackling tension
✨ Witty banter + inside jokes that get cuter and cuter
✨ Music industry chaos
✨ Big emotional moments that sneak up on you
✨ A romance that feels effortless, surprising, and so swoony
And the pacing? PERFECT. No filler, no slowdown, just pure fun with a delicious emotional payoff. That final line? Destroyed me in the best way.
Read this if you love:
💛 Rivals-to-lovers
🎲 Vegas chaos & “what did we DO last night?” vibes
🎸 Music industry romances
💋 Slow-slide into feelings
🤣 Smart, funny rom-com energy
🏃♂️ One-day adventure romances (think The Hangover meets Book Lovers)
This one is a blast and will make you giggle, swoon, and root hard for Eleanor + Adam. Add it to your summer 2026 TBR immediately.
#WinnerTakesAll #EmilyMartin #RomComReads #AccidentalMarriageTrope #RivalsToLovers #Bookstagram #ReadersOfInstagram #Atria
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Eleanor has landed in Las Vegas and is ready to win big. As a talent scout for one of the hottest record labels, her #1 priority is to get the mega popular band, Dempsey, to sign that dotted line on the last night of their sold out tour. She’s feeling lucky.
That is, until her rival, Adam Shaw, shows up at her dinner meeting with the band. The smooth talking, well tailored, son of a music legend could only be here for one thing. And after already losing one of her favorite artists to Adam just 6 months ago, Eleanor needs this win.
What ensues is a night of drunken one-ups, wild enough for rock n roll history books. And as if the pounding headache and bright sunlight peeking into Eleanor’s hotel room the next morning wasn’t enough, there’s also a stranger in her bed. And she’s wearing a wedding ring. And - that’s not a stranger at all. That’s… 𝘈𝘥𝘢𝘮?!
On a mission to annul last nights mistake and still make it in time to catch Dempsey’s last show, Eleanor and Adam only have a few hours to retrace their steps and get back to business. What else could go wrong?
🍒 4.5 stars
🍒 Dual POV’s
🍒 Enemies to lovers
🍒 Described as “Books Lovers meets The Hangover”
🍒 Quick read, taking place over 24 hours
🍒 Original plot with loveable characters
🍒 The banter is super witty and had me giggling. If you’re a fan of Meghan Quinn’s humor, you’ll love this
Overall, I thought that this was such a cute, original, & fun romcom. Fan of Emily Henry and Meghan Quinn should definitely add to their TBR’s!
Eleanor has landed in Las Vegas and is ready to win big. As a talent scout for one of the hottest record labels, her #1 priority is to get the mega popular band, Dempsey, to sign that dotted line on the last night of their sold out tour. She’s feeling lucky.
That is, until her rival, Adam Shaw, shows up at her dinner meeting with the band. The smooth talking, well tailored, son of a music legend could only be here for one thing. And after already losing one of her favorite artists to Adam just 6 months ago, Eleanor needs this win.
What ensues is a night of drunken one-ups, wild enough for rock n roll history books. And as if the pounding headache and bright sunlight peeking into Eleanor’s hotel room the next morning wasn’t enough, there’s also a stranger in her bed. And she’s wearing a wedding ring. And - that’s not a stranger at all. That’s… 𝘈𝘥𝘢𝘮?!
On a mission to annul last nights mistake and still make it in time to catch Dempsey’s last show, Eleanor and Adam only have a few hours to retrace their steps and get back to business. What else could go wrong?
🍒 4.5 stars
🍒 Dual POV’s
🍒 Enemies to lovers
🍒 Described as “Books Lovers meets The Hangover”
🍒 Quick read, taking place over 24 hours
🍒 Original plot with loveable characters
🍒 The banter is super witty and had me giggling. If you’re a fan of Meghan Quinn’s humor, you’ll love this
Overall, I thought that this was such a cute, original, & fun romcom. Fan of Emily Henry and Meghan Quinn should definitely add to their TBR’s!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Winner Takes All by Emily Martin was such a playful, fun, witty, and messy in a good way read. I was already sold on this read by mainly the story takes place in Las Vegas. It reminded me of the Hangover movie, hands down. In addition, I loved the story concept between female main character, Eleanor and male main character, Adam, rivals in the music business yet wake up the next day not remembering a thing however, they are married? Crazy plot right. It gets even more juicy as both, Eleanor and Adam, recover their memories as the day goes by slowing remembering what they did or said. I won't add too much since I don't want to spoil the fun.
Personally, I felt this story was amazing. I loved how the different events were coordinated and planned out. I will say for me there were moments when I got a little lost yet, by rereading I was able to find my place and understand how it impacted the flow between the main characters. I truly enjoyed the funny banter between Eleanor and Adam. It always kept the story interesting as well as just overall feeling the connection and closeness between characters.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would 100% recommend to anyone to read it! If you are looking for a rivals-to-lovers, Vegas chaos setting/plots, forced proximity moments, and witty banter between main characters, look no further this is the book for you! Thank you again Netgalley, Atria Books, and Emily Martin for allowing me to read this amazing story!
Personally, I felt this story was amazing. I loved how the different events were coordinated and planned out. I will say for me there were moments when I got a little lost yet, by rereading I was able to find my place and understand how it impacted the flow between the main characters. I truly enjoyed the funny banter between Eleanor and Adam. It always kept the story interesting as well as just overall feeling the connection and closeness between characters.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would 100% recommend to anyone to read it! If you are looking for a rivals-to-lovers, Vegas chaos setting/plots, forced proximity moments, and witty banter between main characters, look no further this is the book for you! Thank you again Netgalley, Atria Books, and Emily Martin for allowing me to read this amazing story!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Mini Review: Winner Takes All
Quick Vibe
Two rival music executives, Eleanor and Adam, wake up in Eleanor’s hotel room only to realize they got married the night before. What starts as a mission to get the marriage annulled turns into a chaotic and funny adventure as they are forced to work together while still competing to sign the same artist. Somewhere along the way real feelings start to form and they have to figure out if what they are building can actually survive their careers and their pasts.
What I Liked
I was genuinely surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. I went in thinking it probably wouldn’t be for me but it ended up feeling like a late night rom-com you throw on and can’t stop watching. The characters were funny, their banter was natural and the situations were fun. Even with all the humor there was still a strong emotional connection that made their relationship feel real.
What I Did Not Like
I do wish we had gotten to know the characters on a deeper level. I would have loved more insight into their individual histories and motivations. It did not take away from how fun the story was but it could have made the emotional payoff even stronger.
Overall Thoughts
This was a quick, fun and genuinely enjoyable read. Not super deep but very charming and satisfying. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a cute rom-com meets ‘The Hangover’.
Overall: 4/5 ⭐️
Quick Vibe
Two rival music executives, Eleanor and Adam, wake up in Eleanor’s hotel room only to realize they got married the night before. What starts as a mission to get the marriage annulled turns into a chaotic and funny adventure as they are forced to work together while still competing to sign the same artist. Somewhere along the way real feelings start to form and they have to figure out if what they are building can actually survive their careers and their pasts.
What I Liked
I was genuinely surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. I went in thinking it probably wouldn’t be for me but it ended up feeling like a late night rom-com you throw on and can’t stop watching. The characters were funny, their banter was natural and the situations were fun. Even with all the humor there was still a strong emotional connection that made their relationship feel real.
What I Did Not Like
I do wish we had gotten to know the characters on a deeper level. I would have loved more insight into their individual histories and motivations. It did not take away from how fun the story was but it could have made the emotional payoff even stronger.
Overall Thoughts
This was a quick, fun and genuinely enjoyable read. Not super deep but very charming and satisfying. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a cute rom-com meets ‘The Hangover’.
Overall: 4/5 ⭐️
December 5, 2025
Thanks, Netgalley, for the ARC!
I really enjoyed this book. Yes, it was a romance novel, so some of it was predictable, but I appreciated that the characters were a lot more complex. Both Adam and Eleanor had flaws, but they were more nuanced than I typically see in romance novels. I also appreciated that they were both much more adult about their interactions, so things like the predictable third act complication was short lived, and that it was an internal discussion for each character, where they assessed and then dismissed it because it wasn’t relevant to what they had learned about each other. Both characters had good growth arcs, and it happened without feeling forced, even though the timeline felt a little rushed.
My one complaint was I would have liked to see more development of ancillary characters, which I felt was a missed opportunity to build out the lead characters’ stories. I think seeing more of Adam’s parents and Billy was important to fully develop Adam’s character, while more of the behaviors from Griffin, more information about her relationships with Iris and Tyler, and more details about her relationship with her boss and what else had contributed to the lack of trust in that relationship really would have pushed this book to a 5 star.
Nevertheless, I did enjoy the book, and I would read more of her books!
I really enjoyed this book. Yes, it was a romance novel, so some of it was predictable, but I appreciated that the characters were a lot more complex. Both Adam and Eleanor had flaws, but they were more nuanced than I typically see in romance novels. I also appreciated that they were both much more adult about their interactions, so things like the predictable third act complication was short lived, and that it was an internal discussion for each character, where they assessed and then dismissed it because it wasn’t relevant to what they had learned about each other. Both characters had good growth arcs, and it happened without feeling forced, even though the timeline felt a little rushed.
My one complaint was I would have liked to see more development of ancillary characters, which I felt was a missed opportunity to build out the lead characters’ stories. I think seeing more of Adam’s parents and Billy was important to fully develop Adam’s character, while more of the behaviors from Griffin, more information about her relationships with Iris and Tyler, and more details about her relationship with her boss and what else had contributed to the lack of trust in that relationship really would have pushed this book to a 5 star.
Nevertheless, I did enjoy the book, and I would read more of her books!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Rating - 3.75/5
I love love accidental marriage tropes! The moment I saw it in the blurb, I instantly clicked “request.” Winner Takes All is a cute, fast-paced story about an accidental Vegas wedding between Eleanor Thompson and Adam Shaw, who happen to be at the same place to sign the popular alt-rock group Dempsey. One night, a few drinks, and a lot of laughter later, they wake up in Eleanor’s hotel bed with matching rings & pounding headaches 😂.This book is a quick, chaotic delight. One incident follows another—misunderstandings, unexpected agreements, and plenty of “getting to know you” moments. What truly made this story sweet—and kept me glued to one spot & reading it in a single sitting was how beautifully their relationship develops. Brick by brick, from confusion to understanding to trust, the progression feels warm, genuine, and so satisfying.I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a summer romance between two rival music executives who accidentally get married in Vegas .
Thank you, NetGalley and publisher, for the E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I love love accidental marriage tropes! The moment I saw it in the blurb, I instantly clicked “request.” Winner Takes All is a cute, fast-paced story about an accidental Vegas wedding between Eleanor Thompson and Adam Shaw, who happen to be at the same place to sign the popular alt-rock group Dempsey. One night, a few drinks, and a lot of laughter later, they wake up in Eleanor’s hotel bed with matching rings & pounding headaches 😂.This book is a quick, chaotic delight. One incident follows another—misunderstandings, unexpected agreements, and plenty of “getting to know you” moments. What truly made this story sweet—and kept me glued to one spot & reading it in a single sitting was how beautifully their relationship develops. Brick by brick, from confusion to understanding to trust, the progression feels warm, genuine, and so satisfying.I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a summer romance between two rival music executives who accidentally get married in Vegas .
Thank you, NetGalley and publisher, for the E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 29, 2025
Winner Takes All was such an awesome book from start to finish. I’m already feral for any woke up married in Vegas with zero memory of it storyline, and Emily Martin gave me everything I love about that trope. Eleanor and Adam are rival music executives with years of tension between them, so watching their competitive night spiral into tequila-fueled chaos with a very unexpected marriage was perfection.
Their frantic journey across Vegas the next day is hilarious, messy, and strangely sweet. From running into casino security to arguing with an attorney in the back of a strip club, every moment had me hooked. The music industry backdrop adds great depth, and the band they’re competing for keeps the stakes high and the banter was really sharp in this one.
What I really loved was how their walls slowly came down. Between the snark, the accidental newlywed game, and a surprisingly tender moment outside a karaoke bar, their chemistry builds in such a natural, satisfying way. It’s fun, sexy, chaotic, and really sweet!
If you love enemies to lovers, Vegas shenanigans, and romance with big rom com energy, this book is a total win. ;)
Thank you to NetGalley, Emily Martin, and Atria for the eARC of this book.
Their frantic journey across Vegas the next day is hilarious, messy, and strangely sweet. From running into casino security to arguing with an attorney in the back of a strip club, every moment had me hooked. The music industry backdrop adds great depth, and the band they’re competing for keeps the stakes high and the banter was really sharp in this one.
What I really loved was how their walls slowly came down. Between the snark, the accidental newlywed game, and a surprisingly tender moment outside a karaoke bar, their chemistry builds in such a natural, satisfying way. It’s fun, sexy, chaotic, and really sweet!
If you love enemies to lovers, Vegas shenanigans, and romance with big rom com energy, this book is a total win. ;)
Thank you to NetGalley, Emily Martin, and Atria for the eARC of this book.
December 1, 2025
A story that makes you want to bet it all!
I loved a lot about this book! The main characters were lovable, and I found myself going back and forth between who I was rooting for. The waking up married in Vegas trope isn't one of my favorites, but Emily Martin really made it interesting and funny. I appreciated the details in Eleanor's and Adam's backstories and motives as well as the dual perspectives to get to know them individually first. Their dynamic was so cute, funny, and wholesome.
The writing was relatable and made it easy to stay immersed in the story. The pacing was steady, and while on a short timeline in the book, it did not feel rushed or forced at any point. Honestly, it was easy to get through it quickly.
As having just been to Vegas recently myself, I would have loved to see a little more of the famous setting described. The cover of this book is so cute and places the scene easy. Obviously, the setting is brought up, but there were a couple of times when I felt like it needed more iconic mentions.
I can definitely see this having an amazing rom com movie adaptation!
Overall rating: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗
Vegas trope rating: 🎰🎰🎰🎰
Spicy rating:🌶🌶
Thank you to Atria Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I loved a lot about this book! The main characters were lovable, and I found myself going back and forth between who I was rooting for. The waking up married in Vegas trope isn't one of my favorites, but Emily Martin really made it interesting and funny. I appreciated the details in Eleanor's and Adam's backstories and motives as well as the dual perspectives to get to know them individually first. Their dynamic was so cute, funny, and wholesome.
The writing was relatable and made it easy to stay immersed in the story. The pacing was steady, and while on a short timeline in the book, it did not feel rushed or forced at any point. Honestly, it was easy to get through it quickly.
As having just been to Vegas recently myself, I would have loved to see a little more of the famous setting described. The cover of this book is so cute and places the scene easy. Obviously, the setting is brought up, but there were a couple of times when I felt like it needed more iconic mentions.
I can definitely see this having an amazing rom com movie adaptation!
Overall rating: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗
Vegas trope rating: 🎰🎰🎰🎰
Spicy rating:🌶🌶
Thank you to Atria Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Okay, I ADOOORED this one! Between the fun music-label plot line, the backtrack through a drunken Vegas night (complete with a strip club, naturally), and that delicious enemies-to-lovers tension, I fell, and fell hard, right along with Eleanor and Adam.
Eleanor and Adam are rival label scouting agents, constantly competing, constantly circling each other… until they’re suddenly not. And listen: once Adam took off those Clark Kent glasses and started giving Eleanor the dirty talk? I LOST IT. He went from buttoned-up music professional to sexy, smutty superman in point five seconds the moment he stopped pretending he could resist her. He has it bad for Eleanor, and we find out he’s been carrying that torch for a while. Watching them slowly connect, untangle their shared past, and stumble through the chaos of the day was funny, entertaining, and surprisingly endearing.
It’s been a minute since I read a lighter spicy romance, and this one perfectly made me kick my feet, giggle, swoon, and blush like a teenager reading her first mildly spicy novel. The witty banter, the perfectly timed tension, the push and pull, the will they won’t they spice- all of it hit.
It’s a yes all around.
Thanks to Atria & NetGalley for the eARC. I SO loved this book.
Eleanor and Adam are rival label scouting agents, constantly competing, constantly circling each other… until they’re suddenly not. And listen: once Adam took off those Clark Kent glasses and started giving Eleanor the dirty talk? I LOST IT. He went from buttoned-up music professional to sexy, smutty superman in point five seconds the moment he stopped pretending he could resist her. He has it bad for Eleanor, and we find out he’s been carrying that torch for a while. Watching them slowly connect, untangle their shared past, and stumble through the chaos of the day was funny, entertaining, and surprisingly endearing.
It’s been a minute since I read a lighter spicy romance, and this one perfectly made me kick my feet, giggle, swoon, and blush like a teenager reading her first mildly spicy novel. The witty banter, the perfectly timed tension, the push and pull, the will they won’t they spice- all of it hit.
It’s a yes all around.
Thanks to Atria & NetGalley for the eARC. I SO loved this book.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
It was cute and fun for the most part- though it was your basic Vegas shenanigans. The relationship did feel a little strange at times. I know Eleanor and Adam knew each other before, but the feelings changed at a very fast rate over a very short period of time. There really was not an evolution that you could see a turning point in how Eleanor and Adams relationship became what it was, it was just kind of like they flipped a switch and were suddenly all in. Personally, I would have liked to see it evolve a little more into that something special than just suddenly being "Spoiler Alert" madly in love and know each other on such a deep level. There were a few points that it felt a little choppy and could have used maybe a little more detail of getting from point a to b, but on the plus side there we did not have the overly dramatic blowups, though maybe a little lack luster at times for Vegas (if that makes sense). It was sweet mostly, not to say it did not have it's spicy points, but if you want a lighter, happier, little more laid back happily ever after, it is a good one for that.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Eleanor has traveled to Las Vegas to try and sign one of her favorite bands - Dempsey - to the indie record label she works for. But when she takes the band out for dinner, she notices that her main rival - Adam - who works for the record label she used to work for, happens to be sitting at the bar of the restaurant. When it becomes clear that Adam is also there to try and sign Dempsey, Eleanor is determined to stick with the band for the night and not let Adam get the upper hand.
When Adam and Eleanor wake up the next morning in Eleanor's hotel room, they quickly realize by the size of their hangovers that neither or them can remember most of the night and how they ended up there. And when they realize they have matching wedding rings on their fingers too, they fear that the night before was worse than they even imagined.
This is a super cute romance that involves one of my favorite things - the music industry - on top of the romance. It's an easy and short read, that is at just the right pace. Definitely recommend!
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
When Adam and Eleanor wake up the next morning in Eleanor's hotel room, they quickly realize by the size of their hangovers that neither or them can remember most of the night and how they ended up there. And when they realize they have matching wedding rings on their fingers too, they fear that the night before was worse than they even imagined.
This is a super cute romance that involves one of my favorite things - the music industry - on top of the romance. It's an easy and short read, that is at just the right pace. Definitely recommend!
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 4, 2026
3.5 ⭐️s rounded to 4!
This was such a fun premise! It was described as Book Lovers meets The Hangover, which I could definitely see! Two competing music label reps (who previously worked together when they were first starting out) going after the same band and end up married after a drunken night!
I laughed so much reading this at all of the mishaps these two went through and all of the new people they met along the way. It was so fun!
I really enjoyed the humor of this book, but also the deep self reflection that Eleanor went through throughout the book. She really learned a lot about herself and how her previous relationship was still impacting her.
I do wish we had a little more development in the relationship between Eleanor and Adam? It almost felt a little rushed, although I ended up really loving the epilogue. It wrapped everything up and gave me the warm and fuzzies!
This was a really easy read! I would recommend if you enjoy the music scene and just want a fun Vegas setting with lots of mishaps!
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This was such a fun premise! It was described as Book Lovers meets The Hangover, which I could definitely see! Two competing music label reps (who previously worked together when they were first starting out) going after the same band and end up married after a drunken night!
I laughed so much reading this at all of the mishaps these two went through and all of the new people they met along the way. It was so fun!
I really enjoyed the humor of this book, but also the deep self reflection that Eleanor went through throughout the book. She really learned a lot about herself and how her previous relationship was still impacting her.
I do wish we had a little more development in the relationship between Eleanor and Adam? It almost felt a little rushed, although I ended up really loving the epilogue. It wrapped everything up and gave me the warm and fuzzies!
This was a really easy read! I would recommend if you enjoy the music scene and just want a fun Vegas setting with lots of mishaps!
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
First, I would like to thank Goodreads for their wonderful giveaway program that allowed me the opportunity to win this ARC! Thank you Atria Books for then shipping the ARC to me after I won the giveaway.
As someone born and raised in Las Vegas, I was super excited to see a rom com style book based in my hometown. Emily Martin did not disappoint with this fabulous book! I thought it had a perfect balance between romance, humor, work life, and self growth. I appreciated that there were minimal sex scenes, which allowed the book to feel more natural and wholesome. The way this story flips between Eleanor and Adam’s POVS made it really cute as we could see what they both were thinking of their silly predicament. I always love a good enemies to lovers, and this one did not disappoint. It was pretty humorous to see their situation, but I loved to see how they grew together as they navigated their way through a wild time in Vegas. Emily Martin is an excellent writer, as her word choice was witty and full of life. While this plot is highly unlikely to ever occur to someone in real life, it made for a quick light hearted rom com book that shows the magic of waking up in Vegas!!
As someone born and raised in Las Vegas, I was super excited to see a rom com style book based in my hometown. Emily Martin did not disappoint with this fabulous book! I thought it had a perfect balance between romance, humor, work life, and self growth. I appreciated that there were minimal sex scenes, which allowed the book to feel more natural and wholesome. The way this story flips between Eleanor and Adam’s POVS made it really cute as we could see what they both were thinking of their silly predicament. I always love a good enemies to lovers, and this one did not disappoint. It was pretty humorous to see their situation, but I loved to see how they grew together as they navigated their way through a wild time in Vegas. Emily Martin is an excellent writer, as her word choice was witty and full of life. While this plot is highly unlikely to ever occur to someone in real life, it made for a quick light hearted rom com book that shows the magic of waking up in Vegas!!
November 17, 2025
I am a sucker for a 'woke up hungover in Vegas married' storyline. Throw in the characters working for the music industry and this book didn't disappoint. It was such a fun, cute and delightful read.
It was well-paced, well-plotted and I really love that the author chose to eschew some of the typical cliches that happen in a 'what happened last night' storyline. We didn't have any unnecessary hurdles to divert attention from Eleanor and Adam's burgeoning relationship.
Eleanor and Adam were fantastic together. Both have a passion for the industry. complementary personalities but nurse some own wounds. For Eleanor its the misogyny after a past mistake, for Adam its the lingering shadow of his deadbeat rockstar father. I loved the supportive way Adam helped Eleanor deal with her boss (and that she listened). The only thing I would've liked is a bit more recollection on how the two drunkenly decided to marry.
A fun charming 'what the hell did we do last night' adventure romance. I'm looking forward to reading more from Emily Martin.
Thanks to Atria/Emily Bestler Books and NetGalley for the ARC.
It was well-paced, well-plotted and I really love that the author chose to eschew some of the typical cliches that happen in a 'what happened last night' storyline. We didn't have any unnecessary hurdles to divert attention from Eleanor and Adam's burgeoning relationship.
Eleanor and Adam were fantastic together. Both have a passion for the industry. complementary personalities but nurse some own wounds. For Eleanor its the misogyny after a past mistake, for Adam its the lingering shadow of his deadbeat rockstar father. I loved the supportive way Adam helped Eleanor deal with her boss (and that she listened). The only thing I would've liked is a bit more recollection on how the two drunkenly decided to marry.
A fun charming 'what the hell did we do last night' adventure romance. I'm looking forward to reading more from Emily Martin.
Thanks to Atria/Emily Bestler Books and NetGalley for the ARC.
November 21, 2025
I was invited by the publisher to review this book. Talent scout Eleanor goes to Las Vegas to sign the rising band Dempsey and save her job—only to find her rival, Adam, chasing the same deal. Their competitive, alcohol-fueled night ends with an accidental marriage. Trying to undo the chaos proves harder than expected as they race across Vegas to secure an annulment, win over the band, and clean up their misadventures before Dempsey announces their new label. Amid strip-club legal consults, blackmail, and unexpectedly heartfelt moments, Eleanor and Adam realize they might actually be falling for each other and must decide whether to take a chance on love.
I really enjoyed this read. I loved trekking along with Eleanor and Adam during all their excursions through Las Vegas, and I genuinely had some laugh out loud moments. I did not feel this book was formulaic at all, which sometimes these books are; instead, I really enjoyed the pacing and hijinks this book provided.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books/Emily Bestler Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this read. I loved trekking along with Eleanor and Adam during all their excursions through Las Vegas, and I genuinely had some laugh out loud moments. I did not feel this book was formulaic at all, which sometimes these books are; instead, I really enjoyed the pacing and hijinks this book provided.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books/Emily Bestler Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The description of this book was spot on. Definitely similar to The Hangover with a romantic twist. Eleanor and Adam both work in the music industry and are looking to sign the same band in Vegas. Both are competitive and in order to convince the band to sign with one of them they go out with the band, get blackout drunk and end up getting married. The book tells the story of the next day and how they retrace their steps to figure out what happened.
Eleanor is a strong independent woman but also having a rough go of it in life and is worried if she doesn't sign this band she will be fired. She gives sassy vibes when she banters with Adam, while he kind of seems a little nerdy/awkward almost. The writing flowed well and I was engaged the whole time. We seem to have gotten a lot of background story on Eleanor, but not quite as much about Adam since they were interns together at the same label (or at least her background was touched on repeatedly throughout the book and not so much Adam's).
Cute but obvious ending. I enjoyed this book though!
Eleanor is a strong independent woman but also having a rough go of it in life and is worried if she doesn't sign this band she will be fired. She gives sassy vibes when she banters with Adam, while he kind of seems a little nerdy/awkward almost. The writing flowed well and I was engaged the whole time. We seem to have gotten a lot of background story on Eleanor, but not quite as much about Adam since they were interns together at the same label (or at least her background was touched on repeatedly throughout the book and not so much Adam's).
Cute but obvious ending. I enjoyed this book though!
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