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The Marriage That Couldn't Stay in Vegas
The catchphrase “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” is supposed to be the code, but what happens when it doesn’t remain in Vegas?
Phoebe Alexis Courtland had a plan. As a paralegal studying for the bar, she decided while in Vegas for a conference she would let off some steam with her friends. When Phoebe wakes the last day of her weekend trip to Vegas, she finds one of the biggest princess cut wedding rings on her ring finger while lying on top of a naked chiseled chest god. Phoebe remembers nothing of her drunken night of love and is determined to have the marriage annulled immediately. After Vegas, Phoebe is forced to go to her now husband Xavier’s Ranch to get him to sign the divorce papers. But, Xavier won’t sign them without a fight. Xavier has a few tricks up his sleeve for his new bride. Will Phoebe be able to get her divorce?
*Content Warning: Contains explicit scenes and language. Intended for 18+ Audience
Phoebe Alexis Courtland had a plan. As a paralegal studying for the bar, she decided while in Vegas for a conference she would let off some steam with her friends. When Phoebe wakes the last day of her weekend trip to Vegas, she finds one of the biggest princess cut wedding rings on her ring finger while lying on top of a naked chiseled chest god. Phoebe remembers nothing of her drunken night of love and is determined to have the marriage annulled immediately. After Vegas, Phoebe is forced to go to her now husband Xavier’s Ranch to get him to sign the divorce papers. But, Xavier won’t sign them without a fight. Xavier has a few tricks up his sleeve for his new bride. Will Phoebe be able to get her divorce?
*Content Warning: Contains explicit scenes and language. Intended for 18+ Audience
94 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 23, 2015
23 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
About the author
Phoenix Rayne
32 books122 followers"I'm one of those freaky people that actually reads books." -Jason Momoa
Phoenix Rayne is the alter ego of a small town girl in Arkansas. She’s an avid reader and enjoys hanging out with her closest girlfriends and dressing up for dinner parties. She released her first book in November of 2013 and has been ecstatic with the incredible backup of her work.
Phoenix Rayne is the author of the “From The From Love to Loathe” series. The first installment of the Contemporary Romance Series is “Heels of Love”, the second is “The Enclave of Jyme”, the third is “Wounded Love”. She also has “Cupid’s Desire”, “The Marriage That Didn’t Stay in Vegas”, “All Torn Apart”, “Your Secret’s Safe with Me” series.
www.phoenixrayne.com
FB @phoenixrayne
Twitter @hellophoenixx
Snapchat Phoenix Rayne
Instagram PhoenixRayne
Pinterest @thephoenixrayne
Goodreads PhoenixRayne
Phoenix Rayne is the alter ego of a small town girl in Arkansas. She’s an avid reader and enjoys hanging out with her closest girlfriends and dressing up for dinner parties. She released her first book in November of 2013 and has been ecstatic with the incredible backup of her work.
Phoenix Rayne is the author of the “From The From Love to Loathe” series. The first installment of the Contemporary Romance Series is “Heels of Love”, the second is “The Enclave of Jyme”, the third is “Wounded Love”. She also has “Cupid’s Desire”, “The Marriage That Didn’t Stay in Vegas”, “All Torn Apart”, “Your Secret’s Safe with Me” series.
www.phoenixrayne.com
FB @phoenixrayne
Twitter @hellophoenixx
Snapchat Phoenix Rayne
Instagram PhoenixRayne
Pinterest @thephoenixrayne
Goodreads PhoenixRayne
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
October 4, 2016
Ummmm, well,......I see where the author was going with this, and think with some edits it could have went there and I would have loved it. But the only thing I can come up with otherwise is it was sort of just a mess instead.
Okay, let me explain. I must have clicked something on fb or something because suddenly I have all of these books showing up on my feed, and they are catching me. This was actually the first one that caught my attention and I just couldn't stop thinking about it. So I went on the hunt but couldn't find it again. Finally after a week or two it showed back up and I snagged it. Since I had only read the blurb I wasn't aware. It was only 94 pages, (didn't bother me, I'm behind on my reading challenge).
The first page I was instantly hooked. She wakes up, not sure where she is, or who's in the bed with her, and remembers absolutely nothing of how, when or where of anything. Thinks she slept with a stripper, and gets out of there. Yes, I love these accidental Vegas marriage books, especially if there is an accidental pregnancy too (this one didn't, just FYI). Problem is everything went down hill from there. Things kind of were all over the place. She didn't want anything to do with him, even after he explained everything to her, then out of no where she goes with him but acts like she doesn't want to, but then the very next sentence she wants to hold his hand, or touch him or kiss him. This went on a lot. Hot and cold. Sadly, I could actually just keep going on and on especially with things that happened in the second part of the book.
I hate writing bad reviews. I know somewhere out there, there is an author who put their heart into writing a book and then I hate to be the one to run it down. I just think the book needed some editing.
Okay, let me explain. I must have clicked something on fb or something because suddenly I have all of these books showing up on my feed, and they are catching me. This was actually the first one that caught my attention and I just couldn't stop thinking about it. So I went on the hunt but couldn't find it again. Finally after a week or two it showed back up and I snagged it. Since I had only read the blurb I wasn't aware. It was only 94 pages, (didn't bother me, I'm behind on my reading challenge).
The first page I was instantly hooked. She wakes up, not sure where she is, or who's in the bed with her, and remembers absolutely nothing of how, when or where of anything. Thinks she slept with a stripper, and gets out of there. Yes, I love these accidental Vegas marriage books, especially if there is an accidental pregnancy too (this one didn't, just FYI). Problem is everything went down hill from there. Things kind of were all over the place. She didn't want anything to do with him, even after he explained everything to her, then out of no where she goes with him but acts like she doesn't want to, but then the very next sentence she wants to hold his hand, or touch him or kiss him. This went on a lot. Hot and cold. Sadly, I could actually just keep going on and on especially with things that happened in the second part of the book.
I hate writing bad reviews. I know somewhere out there, there is an author who put their heart into writing a book and then I hate to be the one to run it down. I just think the book needed some editing.
March 31, 2015
Great short read
Vegas where any thing can happen as long as it stays in Vegas,was not the case for phoebe. A drunking night off a dare leads phoebe to her husband Xavier a country boy. The morning after she doesn't remember a thing,Xavier the gentlemen tries to jog her memory only to be pushed away. Back to their lives phoebe tries to annull her marriage only to discover she really loves Xavier. Xavier family comes to meet phoebe but she afraid,so a chat with his mother seems to help. Drama sends phoebe packing an back home where she dives back into work until her birthday exposes her hidden secret from her family and friends. Xavier makes a deal with phoebe that changes her life,and they remain together kids and business happy they let what happen in Vegas keep them bonded.
Vegas where any thing can happen as long as it stays in Vegas,was not the case for phoebe. A drunking night off a dare leads phoebe to her husband Xavier a country boy. The morning after she doesn't remember a thing,Xavier the gentlemen tries to jog her memory only to be pushed away. Back to their lives phoebe tries to annull her marriage only to discover she really loves Xavier. Xavier family comes to meet phoebe but she afraid,so a chat with his mother seems to help. Drama sends phoebe packing an back home where she dives back into work until her birthday exposes her hidden secret from her family and friends. Xavier makes a deal with phoebe that changes her life,and they remain together kids and business happy they let what happen in Vegas keep them bonded.
April 3, 2015
Before I go any further, please allow me to say that I thank God for Amazon's $11 Kindle Unlimited subscription service. Being able to read a ridiculous amount of books for $11, enables me to avoid having to get a refund on books that don't quite measure up on the quality scale.
Regarding this book, it was OK, but it wasn't spectacular. I could see where the author was trying to go with this, but in my opinion, she should have used a beta reading group, along with a good editor, before she released this book.
It's not to say that this book was craptastic, but it could have been better.
Giving this one: 2 solid stars.
Regarding this book, it was OK, but it wasn't spectacular. I could see where the author was trying to go with this, but in my opinion, she should have used a beta reading group, along with a good editor, before she released this book.
It's not to say that this book was craptastic, but it could have been better.
Giving this one: 2 solid stars.
April 6, 2015
This book was so annoying. The author had a good concept but she did not develop her characters or the story at all. I don't have not vision of what her characters look like. Why was Xavier so against falling in love? One minute they were together then the next she was like I want a divorce. She actually had a good man that was trying to give her the world and she did not want that. Phoebe really pissed me off throughout the whole book. Xavier made me mad as well. I would not be giving you a million dollars to find yourself. Find out what you want then you come find me.
This writer has good concept but need MAJOR work.
This writer has good concept but need MAJOR work.
March 24, 2015
What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas right?? Whilst in Vegas with her friends Phoebe wakes up one morning on a strange bed ON TOP of a strange man. With no recollection of the previous night she comes to the conclusion she must have had a one night stand with a stripper, who else would have such an awesome body right?
It soon becomes apparent that said stranger is not a stripper nor a one-night stand; he is in fact her new husband Xavier. But Phoebe has no idea who he is at all, even after he tries to jump start her memories. By the time she does remember him it's too late he has left.
Forced by her family to locate Xavier to divorce him, Phoebe soon finds herself thrust into life at Xavier's farm and meeting his family. After some misunderstanding and time apart Phoebe finally realizes she has feelings for him despite all their turmoil. So what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas?? Maybe it shouldn't.
Another fantastic book by a brilliant author. I loved Xavier from the start of this book he never stopped fighting for Phoebe and he goes that he will never leave her. Even though he did, he apologizes for it. I loved the way that he gives her their date again to try and kick start to her memories of him. It was brilliant the way that even though it hurt him he gave her space to decide for herself if she loved him or not.
I laughed at several points if this book especially the parts with Phoebe in it... the first paragraph had me in stitches. It’s obvious that Phoebe loves Xavier as soon as she remembers him although she is quick to jump to conclusions I'm glad she lets people mainly Xavier explain. I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to others.
It soon becomes apparent that said stranger is not a stripper nor a one-night stand; he is in fact her new husband Xavier. But Phoebe has no idea who he is at all, even after he tries to jump start her memories. By the time she does remember him it's too late he has left.
Forced by her family to locate Xavier to divorce him, Phoebe soon finds herself thrust into life at Xavier's farm and meeting his family. After some misunderstanding and time apart Phoebe finally realizes she has feelings for him despite all their turmoil. So what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas?? Maybe it shouldn't.
Another fantastic book by a brilliant author. I loved Xavier from the start of this book he never stopped fighting for Phoebe and he goes that he will never leave her. Even though he did, he apologizes for it. I loved the way that he gives her their date again to try and kick start to her memories of him. It was brilliant the way that even though it hurt him he gave her space to decide for herself if she loved him or not.
I laughed at several points if this book especially the parts with Phoebe in it... the first paragraph had me in stitches. It’s obvious that Phoebe loves Xavier as soon as she remembers him although she is quick to jump to conclusions I'm glad she lets people mainly Xavier explain. I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to others.
March 29, 2015
Sometimes you just know
I usually don't like novellas, because I always feel like they should be longer when I get to the end, but this one gave me a full story that I thoroughly enjoyed. The saying goes what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas, but sometimes you have to break the rules, especially when it involves a marriage. In this story you meet Xavier and Phoebe, who shows you that sometimes you don't need years to know you're in love with someone. When you know you just know. Take the journey with them as they get to know one another to see if this is something that should continue, or was it all just one big mistake. This book begs the question, is there a such thing as fate? Do soul mates really exist? Is there a such thing as love at first sight? Read this great romance novella, and you be the judge.
I usually don't like novellas, because I always feel like they should be longer when I get to the end, but this one gave me a full story that I thoroughly enjoyed. The saying goes what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas, but sometimes you have to break the rules, especially when it involves a marriage. In this story you meet Xavier and Phoebe, who shows you that sometimes you don't need years to know you're in love with someone. When you know you just know. Take the journey with them as they get to know one another to see if this is something that should continue, or was it all just one big mistake. This book begs the question, is there a such thing as fate? Do soul mates really exist? Is there a such thing as love at first sight? Read this great romance novella, and you be the judge.
December 30, 2016
3.5 Stars
Phoebe wakes up married to Xavier while in Vegas. She has no recollection of their marriage and wakes up confused. The story started out cute but Phoebe got on my nerves. She was so up and down, wishy washy and it was super annoying. Either you want to stay married or you don't! It's really very simple. Xavier wasn't as bad as her and he more or less made the story for me. This was my first time reading anything by this author and it was a cute read. If you like insta love stories this will be perfect for you. The narrator did a good job on this story as well!
*audio copy was given for honest opinion*
For more reviews check me out at: http://www.shellysbookcorner.com
Phoebe wakes up married to Xavier while in Vegas. She has no recollection of their marriage and wakes up confused. The story started out cute but Phoebe got on my nerves. She was so up and down, wishy washy and it was super annoying. Either you want to stay married or you don't! It's really very simple. Xavier wasn't as bad as her and he more or less made the story for me. This was my first time reading anything by this author and it was a cute read. If you like insta love stories this will be perfect for you. The narrator did a good job on this story as well!
*audio copy was given for honest opinion*
For more reviews check me out at: http://www.shellysbookcorner.com
April 29, 2015
I can say that the concept is nice. The execution was good. Phoebe got on my last nerves. I guess that means it was good writing if it could pull that much irritation out of me. Phoebe gets married in vegas and after that she behaves selfishly and childlike. Xavier is pretty cool. He's pretty innocent and hard working. Phoebe, the way she behaves made my head hurt. I almost stopped reading, but the concept kept me reading, along with Xavier. For some reason we never find out what happened with Mrs. Luther, Sr.
April 6, 2015
Her hot and cold attitude toward him and his tantrums as a result of them annoyed me to no end. This book was, at once, rushed and laggy, disjointed and cookie cutter neat. Just too much up and down and not enough character development. Maybe this is a part of a bigger series that more adequately explains all these sort of polar personality changes, idk. The concept is a cute romantic one, I just don't think it was fully developed.
October 10, 2015
No. Just, no.
This is a complete DNF. This story is so disjointed that I fear the heroine is not mentally stable. She is just so hot and cold that it doesn't make sense. Also, why is everyone hooting and commenting on them being a couple? Are they that "really, really, really ridiculously good looking?" :insert Zoolander face: Also, I'm not sure what she was going for with the male lead, but he's a total creeper. Too much! I vote no.
This is a complete DNF. This story is so disjointed that I fear the heroine is not mentally stable. She is just so hot and cold that it doesn't make sense. Also, why is everyone hooting and commenting on them being a couple? Are they that "really, really, really ridiculously good looking?" :insert Zoolander face: Also, I'm not sure what she was going for with the male lead, but he's a total creeper. Too much! I vote no.
April 24, 2015
I enjoyed this read, it was great! Phoebe got on my nerves at times because she was so flip-floppy with Xavier, but that's what made it enjoyable because I couldn't predict what would happen next and that I love! Great job Phoenix!
April 18, 2015
short read.....not what I was expecting
February 3, 2018
Okay read
For her to be a grown woman, Phoebe was very childish and her tantrums were uncalled for. She rather run away instead of communicating and listening. I really was not liking her. Xavier was a good man and put up with a lot from Phoebe. Regardless, his heart wanted who it wanted. I wanted to see or read the development of the love or chemistry between them, but I really feel the connection. Some things didn't make sense to me like the birthday debacle. How did the family know to show up there if Phoebe and Xavier wasn't speaking? But I guess, some things are not meant to be answered. Overall, it was okay read.
For her to be a grown woman, Phoebe was very childish and her tantrums were uncalled for. She rather run away instead of communicating and listening. I really was not liking her. Xavier was a good man and put up with a lot from Phoebe. Regardless, his heart wanted who it wanted. I wanted to see or read the development of the love or chemistry between them, but I really feel the connection. Some things didn't make sense to me like the birthday debacle. How did the family know to show up there if Phoebe and Xavier wasn't speaking? But I guess, some things are not meant to be answered. Overall, it was okay read.
September 27, 2017
Still trying to figure out...
What exactly I spent the last hour reading? I can't begin to describe my disappointment. The storyline made no sense and the characters were uninteresting to say the least. I would not recommend to anyone who actually enjoys reading.
What exactly I spent the last hour reading? I can't begin to describe my disappointment. The storyline made no sense and the characters were uninteresting to say the least. I would not recommend to anyone who actually enjoys reading.
October 27, 2019
Pretty good. Wanted it to be longer so we could have learn more about the couple but it was still good.
January 29, 2021
2.5 stars
September 18, 2022
This was a short and a very sweet read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2023
I have a hunch that the author had read Edna Ferber's novel "Giant", or watched the 1956 movie epic with the same name, just prior to writing this...
March 23, 2017
The heroine was so annoying.
Read
July 22, 2018 I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to others. When they stopped getting in their own ways and giving their love a chance they found everything that they were looking for.
April 3, 2015
The Marriage That Couldn’t Stay in Las Vegas started out with a lot of promise, but the narrative quickly morphed into an overly complicated, twisty (and not in a good way) angst-filled storyline.
The author began with a delightful and fresh take on a cliché premise; two strangers meet in Las Vegas, quickly fall in love and get married on a whim. The author’s description of the couple’s hasty Vegas courtship and “strip dating” was sweet, entertaining and fun; unfortunately the heroine Phoebe often appears immature and annoying; she couldn’t seem to make up her mind about anything and the couple’s relationship obstacles, conflicts and family issues often felt contrived and forced.
Xavier is a likeable hero, but he’s also comes across as a little too perfect. Xavier is described as a very handsome, 32-years-old wealthy farmer/cowboy who seemingly has little past sexual experience—seriously? He’s fallen deeply in love with Phoebe and doesn’t want a divorce. He wants their marriage to work. I’m not sure what he finds lovable and/or admirable about Phoebe; she is often flighty, quarrelsome and she seems incapable of making a decision about their relationship and sticking with it.
Although Phoebe and Xavier are in an interracial relationship it has no impact on the narrative, which just seems strange and unrealistic. This is a pet peeve of mine, why write a romance with an interracial couple if it doesn’t matter or impact the narrative in any meaningful way.
Overall, The Marriage That Couldn’t Stay in Las Vegas was a pleasant read, but it had the potential to be so much more.
June 20, 2016
♡♡♡♡♡ 5 STAR REVIEW ♡♡♡♡♡
Xavier Luther had given his all to one woman on a drunken night in Las Vegas. Phoebe Courtland the woman Xavier's life had change forever had demons she must hunt before this unconventional live story can move forward.
In my years of reading love story not many male characters will melt my heart the way Xavier Luther did. This gorgeous and kind hearten man had something I had never seen and that made it so much easier to fall in love with him.
This is a refreshing love story that will have you blushing with their sexual encounters. I encourage you to go and read this amazing love story. If you are looking for an incredible book then you can stop looking, you just found it.
Gifted by author in exchange for an honest review.
https://www.facebook.com/Bookaholican...
Xavier Luther had given his all to one woman on a drunken night in Las Vegas. Phoebe Courtland the woman Xavier's life had change forever had demons she must hunt before this unconventional live story can move forward.
In my years of reading love story not many male characters will melt my heart the way Xavier Luther did. This gorgeous and kind hearten man had something I had never seen and that made it so much easier to fall in love with him.
This is a refreshing love story that will have you blushing with their sexual encounters. I encourage you to go and read this amazing love story. If you are looking for an incredible book then you can stop looking, you just found it.
Gifted by author in exchange for an honest review.
https://www.facebook.com/Bookaholican...
April 7, 2015
I'm giving this book 2 stars, not because it was good but because of how great it could have been. I started out falling in love with Xavier but ended up just wanting to get the story over with. Phoebe spent more time running away and having issues that would never truly explained. To be honest most of the drama just got swept under the rug and never really talked about. 1 minute the couple was having major issues. The next momemt everything was fine , just for things to blow up all over again for no reason at all. If the author had taken time to truly deal with Phoebe's issues, Xavier major blow up and the issues between Xavier's mom and dad this could have been a much better story. Unfortunately this was very lazy writing. You leave with more questions than answers.
April 22, 2015
I got this book as an ARC for an honest review. I loved the entire thing, it made me very emotional at times because I too have went through a period of my life where I didn't even love myself so I always ran away from love when it was right in front of me the whole time. X and Pheobe made the perfect couple and had an heart wrenching but amazing love story. Not everyone can believe that a couple can fall in love that quickly but this definitely could of been mine and my husbands love story if we would of met under different circumstances!! Loved it Phoenix and can't wait to read more stories from you!!!
September 14, 2015
Just not my cup of tea
I read this with high expectations. My huge issue was the jumping around the whole story does. One minute excite the next screaming and crying - the repetition (to the ER and the very next sentence in the ER) we already know they're in the ER. Yes? Ok. I liked the characters at first and flew through the book, but towards the end I wish I could have just smacked someone. Why did James have a issue with it? What was up with Xavier's siblings? What happened with Mini and Xan Sr? I mean there's a lot of things that were never cleared up but should have been. It was just so confused and angst filled.
I read this with high expectations. My huge issue was the jumping around the whole story does. One minute excite the next screaming and crying - the repetition (to the ER and the very next sentence in the ER) we already know they're in the ER. Yes? Ok. I liked the characters at first and flew through the book, but towards the end I wish I could have just smacked someone. Why did James have a issue with it? What was up with Xavier's siblings? What happened with Mini and Xan Sr? I mean there's a lot of things that were never cleared up but should have been. It was just so confused and angst filled.
February 7, 2016
This story was rushed and all over the place, installation-love with no explanation as to why the characters fell in love, an immature heroine that ran away each time things got strictly and a whiney hero, the book was poorly edited and the level of writing was juvenile to say the least. I've read some pretty decent stories from various authors from this publishing company and this wasn't one of them.
It could have been a pretty decent sweet story if this author had a good editor and some decent beta readers behind her, it's a disservice to the readers that better effort was not put into this story.
It could have been a pretty decent sweet story if this author had a good editor and some decent beta readers behind her, it's a disservice to the readers that better effort was not put into this story.
September 10, 2015
i hate to give low stars because books are my life but this book was sadly lacking. the storylines had they not been so rushed could have been amazing. they were ok. some of the characters were not as great as they could have been and the alpha was not the alpha i wanted him to be. but i read the book hoping it would become as amazing as i could feel in my mind it could be. if you decide to redo this and give it some depth id love to read again and give you the rating i think this could work out to be.
November 8, 2015
I thought the title was the marriage that didn't stay in Vegas. Good reads seems to have it at the marriage that couldn't stay in Vegas. Either way it was an OK book characters were wishy washy. Why would you pay someone $1 million to travel the world to decide whether they loved you or not. Xavier was so happy at the beginning of the book trying to coax Phoebe into remembering their night of passion and all the fun they had. Then he was down right hostile. Neither character was very personable.
April 16, 2015
Sweet book
I think this was a good book. I felt there were a lot of disjointed parts and a lot of unanswered questions. But I enjoyed the story. I think some of phes out burst and runaway. Could have been used on something else. I love that the author wasn't too graphic with the sex scenes. It was just enough. I wish the author would have spent more time at the end on their happy eve after. She had all the right stuff just a little bit of this and to much of that
I think this was a good book. I felt there were a lot of disjointed parts and a lot of unanswered questions. But I enjoyed the story. I think some of phes out burst and runaway. Could have been used on something else. I love that the author wasn't too graphic with the sex scenes. It was just enough. I wish the author would have spent more time at the end on their happy eve after. She had all the right stuff just a little bit of this and to much of that
March 26, 2015
Phoenix Rayne NEVER disappoints when it comes to her books. I love the fact that even though Phoebe couldn't remember the details of the situation, Xavier was willing to walk her through and help her. The love he had for her was breathtaking along with their chemistry. The biggest bombshell, which was also the sweetest, was his secret! Another five star read by a very gifted author!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews