Neon Vows

by Jessica Gadziala

Layna lives for the thrill—the cards, the lights, the rush of winning.

Vegas is her playground, and she’s very, very good at the game.

One good night turns into celebratory drinks.
Celebratory drinks turns into a gorgeous stranger with a dangerous smile.

And one unforgettable, slightly blurry night later…
She wakes up with a wedding ring.

The man from last night?
Her husband.
The good it was obviously a mistake.

The bad he refuses to divorce her.

Now she’s stuck in the most inconvenient waiting game of her life—trying to outplay a man who’s just as smooth, infuriating, and irresistible as the night she married him. Every attempt to untangle their accidental marriage only pulls them closer together… and every “one last time” hookup makes things messier.

Because when the cards are down, the house isn’t the only one playing to win...

Genres: Romance

222 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 13, 2026

About the author

Jessica Gadziala is a USA Today bestselling author who lives in rural New Jersey with her parrots, dogs, and an ever-growing collection of houseplants. A lifelong dreamer, she’s been writing stories since childhood and published her first book in 2015. When not at her desk, she’s usually feeding backyard birds, rewatching crime dramas, period pieces, and 90s supernatural TV shows, or adding to her towering stacks of unread books.



You can find her on
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/Jessica-Gadz...
Newsletter: subscribepage.io/K4GPfj
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xx

Reviews

[Bozena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a perfect Valentine's Day read.
Funny from the first page and, of course, scorching hot.

A story about a heroine who is not only a badass poker player but also has a "wonderfully" dramatic perspective on relationships, is stubborn and headstrong, and a fascinating character too.

But like all our heroines in our love stories, she too has found her challenge.

He doesn't have alpha tendencies like the typical heroes in my stories.
No, he's incredibly patient, rich, organized, and more stubborn than our heroine.

Yes, and he decided that she's the one for him 😂

I love this story.
It's such a beautiful love story.
I love the characters.
I understand the insecurities our heroine struggles with.
I can also understand his motivations.

Oh, and you know, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas, right?
Or something like that, but not always... 🤣

A perfect love story!
A must-read for all romance fans ❤️

[Nia · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book put me in a book slump

I love Jessica and she’s usually an automatic read for me but this book triggered me like no other.

It is well written and Harrison, our mmc, is a lovely character but theres a lot missing in terms of storyline in this books, which leaves me feeling like Layna, is just a cold person terrorizing poor Harrison. First, we dont see more of what happens the night of their wedding. We also dont see Layna be nice to Harrison at all. Shes actually such a monster to him, when hes nothing but nice to her trying to get her to give him a chance or listen to him. Honestly, it triggered me to see Layna treat him so poorly. Have sex with him but then emotionally reject him and honestly it never got better. I dont think she ever really earned Harrison or atoned for how she treated him. Its also not explained why she was reluctant and acting like such a bitch. Ugh. If the roles were reversed everyone would be up in arms. Honestly, this book just left me feeling hollow and upset for Harrison because Laynas actions are never explained and she never really treats him like a person with feelings, and being so selfish is not good grounds for a romance. But to be honest, i dont think this is a romance at all when one side is so cold and emotionally closed off.

[Canan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bende bir adet Harrison alabilir miyim? 😳 Lütfen?!😍
Sabırlı, istikrarlı, sessiz bir güç, nazik, şefkatli, yemek yapabiliyor, çalışkan, zengin +

Layna sen daha ne istiyorsun? Tamam. Sende haklısın. Akşamda kalma bir şekilde güne başladığında, parmağında bir yüzük ve boşanmak istemiyorum diyen bir koca, insanı sinirlendirir. Bir de hiç bir şey hatırlamıyorsan...Vegas'ta...

Kitap daha detaylı ve içerik daha geniş yazılsa bence harika olurdu. Sevgililer gününe özel bir yayın sanırım. Yazarın Henchmen MC serisinden karakterler vardı. Çok sıkıntı değil ama merak ettirdi. Okurdum da belki ama çoook uzun ve yan serileri olan bir seri belli ki...Şimdilik rafta dursun diyelim.

Erkeğin daha sağlam durduğu kitapları seviyorum. Daha keyifli bir okuma oluyor benim için. Ha iki tarafta sağlam dursa benim için on numara beş yıldız olur.
Harrison bu açıdan iyiydi. Layna ise bu durumla ve duyguları ile ne yapacağını bilemez durumda. Mantıklı olanla hisleri arasında bir huysuzluk seviyesindeydi. Ama çok gözüme batmadı, hatta yer yer tatlıydı.

[Eleanor · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Neon Vows by Jessica Gadziala

It took me a minute to fully get into this one, mostly because this particular trope isn’t usually my thing — but once it clicked, I was completely hooked.

As a long-time reader of Jessica Gadziala, one of my favourite parts was seeing familiar side characters pop up again. There’s something really satisfying about returning to a world and catching up with people you already know and love, and this book delivered that feeling perfectly.

The chemistry, pacing, and emotional beats really pulled me in once the story got going, and by the end I was fully invested. I’m already excited to see who gets their story next, I can’t wait for the next book to drop so I can dive right back in.

A solid 4-star read for me: fun, engaging, and a great addition to the series universe.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Layna & Harrison

Ugh! Okay, so Layna really annoyed me in this story. An alternate title for this could be "Runaway Bride." And at first, yes, that was fine. But it lasted WAY TOO LONG!

We don't get to see them actually interacting (other than 🌶💥🔥 - they do that a lot, they're very compatible, and if you like lots of bow chicka wow wow, you're going to be very happy!). And Layna runs away. Every time. My heart kept breaking for Harrison!! The man is obviously completely smitten, and all evidence points to Layna being completely smitten when they wed - she wasn't drunk. She was HAPPY. And every time she starts to feel emotions after they get busy, she runs.

This wouldn't have annoyed me nearly so much if it hadn't been 3/4 of the story. Harrison keeps showing up for her, and their interactions are so sweet & fun & I loved those moments! I wanted more of those moments! I also would have liked it to be dual POV - we get a brief epilogue in his POV & I completely understand why we couldn't have more of it in the story bc it would have messed up the reveal of the mystery with Layna. I just WANTED more. 😁

Sigh. Anyway, when Layna wasn't being a jerk, I enjoyed her. 😄

And we do get a hilarious bonus chapter with a story that Layna had shared with Harrison... as well as some hints into another cousin's story... 🩷

😍

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vegas has a part of my heart so this one was personal. I’ve never played high stakes poker, I’ve also never woken up after a tequila black out night married BUT we do have a timeshare there and have very fond memories made in the glittering city in the desert so…same thing right?

Laynq, as a club princess (see: Edison for her parents story, it’s my second favorite of the Henchmen MC originals novels, and sits proudly on my shelf until I drive to Jersey to get JG to sign it in person…while you’re at it read Wolf too, he’s in first place) is anticipated by those who have dove headfirst into Jessie’s Henchmen MC Series. I think by nature when your parents are part of a 1% biker club, you’re bound to give their meet cute a run for its money and Layna did not disappoint.

As a habitual couch hopper due to the nature of her job as a professional poker player, Layna appears as free as the wind so it’s ironic (and hilarious) she’s the one who wakes up unexpected married with no memory of it. I don’t want to give anything away but she finally meets her stubborn match when her husband won’t give her the annulment she’s asking for.

Along the way we get to see glimpses of things we’ve loved in books past but this can be read entirely as a stand alone without missing out on any parts of the story.

Harrison - first of all great name but BOY was is weird to read about smexy times when it’s one of your best friends kids names - was the perfect gentleman and honestly even though he was obstinate about not granting Layna’s request he was never pushy, overbearing, or rude about it. He’s also written to sound juuuuust scruffy enough to balance out the fact suits and chinos don’t usually do it for me. Definitely a 5/5 leading man.

I’m always happy as a long-time Jessica reader to see some of the other side characters we know and love. The rest of the second gen men and the club princesses (and cousins) will all eventually get their happy ever after and I can’t wait to tag along on their adventures too.

[Merry One Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wish there was more of Harrison and Layna

I am a fan of the original and new generation Henchman MC books and the other related series. This was Layna’s story. She is the expert poker player that has been traveling around the world for games and the adrenaline rush. One night in Las Vegas Layna meets Harrison Valentine, a handsome and wealthy tall drink of water. They played poker at a table, then Layna was finished and Harrison found her again in the elevator. . . . Wink, wink . . . . Then some hot adult fun followed. Layna felt something new, different, but did not want those types of feelings, so she deflected and went for a drink and told Harrison he could follow or not. Harrison is the most a patient person who found himself in love with Layna; unknowingly Layna was in love with Harrison as well. But, Layna was scared of committing to anything that was not poker. This is Layna’s journey to accepting that she is capable of having a romantic relationship with Harrison. That last chapter was a doozy that revealed things from
Harrison’s point of view. I was disappointed that their story ended at 89 percent. I wanted more of them. There are two shorts that the author added to read. Read On!

[April Offutt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good but different

This isn't the usual song and dance that you see from these books. It's still really good but I almost put it down halfway through because I got frustrated with the female lead. I think that this book is totally worth reading and the plot is good I just felt sorry for the main Male lead in the book.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Neon Vows takes us out of Navesink Bank for a Vegas‑set story.

Layna is a woman who lives for the rush. A professional poker player who thrives on adrenaline, independence, and the freedom of a nomadic life. What she never expected was to wake up after a night of indulgence married.

Harrison is not the typical alpha Gadziala hero — he’s patient, steady, and absolutely certain she’s the one. He refuses to give Layna a divorce.

Neon Vows is both sexy and tender. Made up of impulsive choices and emotional growth.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Layna and Harrison ❤️❤️❤️❤️. Finally, we get Layna's story and I love Harrison for her. The ending as well as the epilogue felt like they ending too soon, like they were cut a little short.

[Chelsie Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this author. This MMC was such a green flag. I wish we would have had more from his pov but I loved this.

[kgm95 · Rating 4 out of 5]

That was just fun!

[ANGELA MALTAIS · Rating 4 out of 5]

would've been a 5 star if it didn't end so abruptly

[Taylorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

another classic jessica book! filled with romance, entertainment, biker men and secrets that always get spilled. perf time for valentine’s day. i loved how sure harrison was and how patient he was. also we love a accidentally vegas marriage

[MV · Rating 3 out of 5]

rolled my eyes at Layna so many times

[S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jessica Gadziala always keeps me on my toes. With so many series running at once, I never know which world I’m stepping into next, and this release felt like an even bigger surprise since it dropped right on the heels of another book. That said, this one stood out in a different way: there’s no active physical threat hanging over the characters. I’ve only read one other book of hers with that vibe, and honestly, it was a nice breather.

What really worked for me was Harrison’s steady, patient pursuit of Layna. I love a good courtship arc—even more so when the couple is already married—and he managed to walk that line without being overbearing. He gave her space, he stayed present, and he let her come to her own conclusions. Her family warming up to him once they met him was a sweet touch too.

But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t frustrated with both of them at times. Harrison’s insistence on staying married had me wanting to shake him and say, “Just date her!” And Layna’s stubbornness about her own feelings dragged on longer than I wanted. I think this is where dual POVs would’ve helped. We only get Harrison’s perspective in one chapter at the end, and while I understand why—this is Layna’s emotional journey—it still left me wanting more context, especially around Harrison’s motivations.

Another thing that surprised me: for a Jessica Gadziala book, Layna’s attack is brushed past pretty quickly. She handled herself well, and Harrison showed up, but given the nature of Jessica’s other series, I expected at least some follow‑through—her dad, uncles, cousins, somebody going after the perpetrators. The lack of retribution or even a search for answers felt out of character for the broader Gadziala universe.

This book is a bit of a departure for Jessica. Her couples usually have instant chemistry, but they don’t usually get married right away, and I would’ve loved to see more of them as an established couple. Same with the ending: I kept hoping Layna would remember, even though I get why she didn’t. And I really missed Jessica’s signature epic HEAs. Instead, we get a short Harrison POV that doesn’t go far into the future, plus a random sex‑ed story from the past that doesn’t even feature the main characters. If it were any other author, I’d assume it was a teaser—but with Jessica, you never know which series is coming next.

All that said, the chemistry was fantastic, the dynamic was compelling, and I genuinely enjoyed the ride. I just wanted more. It felt like the story ended right when the couple finally settled into themselves.

[Lea Bookjoy · Rating 3 out of 5]

🇫🇷French & English reviews🇬🇧

📖Genre & Tropes📖 : contempo romance x accidental marriage x Las Vegas x He falls first x billionaire hero x grumpy heroine x spicy

Une romance qui m’a laissée très très partagée

J’attendais avec impatience de lire le livre de Layna, surtout avec les petits aperçus qu’on avait eu dans le tome de Perish et Gracie ! Et si j’ai beaucoup aimé le côté grognon de Layna et sa première rencontre avec Harrison, je n’ai pas accroché à leur romance …

Le problème vient du fait que je n’aime pas du tout le trope où le héro tombe amoureux le premier et que l’héroïne le repousse sans réelle raison encore et encore (même si elle voit que c’est douloureux et que ça lui fait mal) … Et là, même si Layna était un personnage intéressant, je n’ai pas aimé la façon dont elle repousse Harrison … C’est normal d’avoir peur mais j’ai trouvé ça trop cruel pour Harrison qui n’a été que adorable <3

Bref, une romance contempo bien écrite mais avec une héroïne et une romance qui ne m’ont pas complètement convaincue ...

PS : je veux TEEEELLEMENT le livre avec Willa !!! Je veux tout savoir sur le fait qu’elle est enceinte et qui est le père et tout !!


⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐


A romance that left me with very mixed feelings

I was eagerly awaiting Layna's book, especially after the little glimpses we got in Perish and Gracie's book ! And while I really enjoyed Layna's grumpy side and her first encounter with Harrison, I didn't connect with their romance …

The problem stems from the fact that I absolutely dislike the trope where the hero falls in love first and the heroine rejects him for no real reason, over and over again (even though she sees how painful it is for him) … And here, even though Layna was an interesting character, I didn't like the way she rejected Harrison … It's normal to be scared, but I found it too cruel to Harrison, who was just adorable <3

In short, a well-written contemporary romance, but with a heroine and a romance that didn't completely win me over …

PS : I REALLY want the book with Willa !!! I want to know everything about her being pregnant and who the father is and everything !!

[Kodie Mackay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh I love Layna and Harrison!

Layna out couch jumping gambling queen took herself to a game she would come to never forget. Even if she did forget the aftermath...
Layna whilst loving her family hard is super independent and a bit of a loner. This means that emotionally sjes pretty closed off. Not unfeeling but wary. So its safe to say she struggled with her choices here. She wasn't perfect but she was herself and I so appreciated that. Plus her attempts at discouraging Harrison were hilarious.

Harrison is the ultimate hero. Sweet, compassionate, calm cool and collected. He's independent, self aware and thinks about the bigger picture. He was also just delightful naughty in all the best ways. He didn't push Layna he just made it so she couldn't ignore him. He was smart in a way that didn't scream alpha pushy and I was hella impressed.

It was a quick start with a rocky middle but what an ending. They had me laughing, questioning what had happened, swooning and shouting sheer frustration. It was a mixed back of emotions for sure but also super interesting because it's a little out the norm for Jessie's usual story lines. I really enjoyed both characters together and with them being so different it worked. They balanced one another without overtaking. In the end it worked perfectly.

Naturally the side characters are always a huge part and leave me wanting more. Jessie is queen of epilogues and this one just hit perfectly. Another fabulous read with great characters, a interesting story and lots of curiosity for what's to come!.

[Dimitra A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Layna & Harrison’s crazy – and cute – journey to love!

I’ve been impatiently waiting for Layna’s story for quite some time now. Layna is an MC princess in the Henchmen MC (Edison’s daughter) – this is a whole series that you don’t need to have read in order to enjoy this book, but I definitely recommend that you do because it’s AMAZING. But her life revolves around trips and poker games. She is a professional poker player. Strong, stubborn, intimidating in her own way, non-nonsense and chasing the thrill, and usually unaffected by men and….well, Harrison just slips through the cracks in a completely unexpected way. He is not your typical bad boy macho hero. He is rich, patient, determined and well, polite and not pushy at all. So, having a man like that refusing to sign up a divorce agreement after a crazy Vegas wedding…it’s not what someone would expect, especially Layna. But he is convinced she is his one and he is not giving up till he makes her, in his own way, see it too. What a rollercoaster their story proved to be! I didn’t see it coming – not at all. I couldn’t have imagined Layna with a man like that, but he is surprisingly so right for her! I rooted for Harrison from the get go and I enjoyed every page, although I wish we had a bit of his POV through the book! 4 stars

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was Team Harrison 100%. The man was so sweet and patient and handled Layna’s attitude with kindness and respect even though I could tell it was hurting his feelings that she could not remember how special their night was.

I’ve liked Layna in the previous books, but I was a bit annoyed with her constant snideness towards Harrison when she knew she genuinely liked him and knew she was basically fighting against herself. I honestly never understood why Layna was hesitant and I felt we missed out on more story that could have been told about them together and their future.

The epilogue is very short and we only get Layna’s POV until the very last chapter. I wanted much more Harrison and hope he'll make an appearance(s) in future books.

It was nice seeing some of the other secondary characters and I think Willa may have a story coming soon.

[Skip · Rating 5 out of 5]

Professional poker player Layna is a high flyer, always on the go to another tournament or game in a big city, returning to Navesink Bank to crash for a few days in one of her cousins’ spare rooms or couch. However, during this particular trip to Vegas, she ends up losing a pot but winning something completely unexpected: a spectacular, flawless diamond ring and a gorgeous husband. The same husband who is not only a billionaire, but who is convinced that they belong together.

Will the be-suited billionaire fit in with the rough and tumble of the Henchmen family? Will Layna ever settle down (or up – in her husband’s penthouse)?

As ever, the story Jessica Gadziala has created is witty, charming and sexy and worth staying up all night to thoroughly enjoy the ride.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Neon Vows

This one was a little different. It's almost entirely from the MFC's POV. And the MMC is ridiculously patient with her.

It's a great example of the dangers of alcohol.

I got so aggravated that she never even asks him why he wants to stay with her. And honestly, the ending is heartbreaking. Don't worry, it's still an HEA. But she's pretty brutal in her rejection of him.

Looking back, this review doesn't make much sense but I'm not going to do any spoilers.

As always, I love visiting everyone in Navesink Bank.

[Jennifer]

Maybe I’m just too vengeful and stubborn, but she gives in SOOOOO EASILY!! It’s annoying! She clearly needs a course on “how to dig in your heels.” And start standing up for herself if she’s actually as pissed as she originally appeared. Don’t give in so easily honey, make him work for it. You’re almost literally eating right out of the palm of his hand. And ngl, if he wants to leave something that expensive on a table, he can afford to replace it - I’d leave that $h!t sitting right where he put it.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cute!!

Neon Vows is such a cute story! I absolutely loved it!

Layna is a professional poker player, hooves a little bit of a nomad life. She ends up in Vegas sitting at a game where she meets Harrison, a ridiculously rich businessman. The next morning, that ridiculously rich business man is her husband….

The accidental marriage trope is almost always fun, but this one was exceptionally fun. I love how it is her not sure if she was all in, but he definitely is. Layna is a super fun character to begin with. This fit her personality to a tee. I absolutely adored it, and hope we see her and Harrison again in future books. Plus, the little hint to another princess story is in the book… I can’t wait to find out how that turns out…

[Selena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short Story

Two strangers meet in Vegas, did the dirty and woke up married. One wants to hold on to the marriage, the other wants to run far and fast. He's a billionaire ready to settle down and commit, she's a nomadic poker player who's not ready to settle anywhere, or so she thinks until she slows long enough to appreciate married life and realizes she might in fact be the settling type

[Carola · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5*

The beginning was good, laughed out loud many times. I liked Harrison a lot, great MMC. I didn’t like Layna as much as in the beginning. Her behavior towards Harrison through the book was something I disliked a lot. Even though she was scared for a relationship, this behavior was not acceptable.

[Margaret Mary James · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nope. My least favorite type of miscommunication.

You’re telling me she had photos and videos on her own phone the ENTIRE time and just never checked it after a night of getting married and blacking out? She also never once asks Harrison why he doesn’t want a divorce, or about the details of that night? This woman is not my kind of person.

[Maria (Ri) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.4 stars

What a cute story. I was entertained from the beginning. I loved getting one chapter at the end from Harrison explaining his recollection and reason for fighting so hard.

My only complaint was there wasn’t the typical ending broken into time segments in the future. Still, this was very entertaining.it is in the top ten of the plethora of books that this author has written.

[Maja Bubanj · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jako volim spisateljicu, ali ova knjiga nije dala "ono nešto". Kao da je bila isforsirana da se nabrzinu napiše i nema one lakoće, zanimljivosti i humora koji inače vladaju u njezinim pričama i likovima.

[Caryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

INTERESTING STORY

I loved this storyline...the meeting, the night activities and the Vegas wedding! Mr and Mrs Valentine! How apropos! The short story after the main story was cute with some familiar characters.

I enjoyed this very much.