What Happens in Vegas

Girls Weekend Away #1

by Shana Gray

In the first warm, funny and romantic novel in the Girls Weekend Away series, four best friends embark on the ultimate girls' getaway filled with hijinks and a sprinkling of romance. For any fan of Bridesmaids and Sex and the City and readers of Jo Watson, Lauren Layne, Joanna Bolouri and Cate Woods.

When the cop...

Tough-as-nails detective Bonni Connolly is on a girls' Vegas getaway with her college friends, when she hits the jackpot. Taking advantage of her gift from Lady Luck, Bonni upgrades their trip for a once-in-a-lifetime experience in luxury and glamour. Seizing the opportunity to break out from her normal (formal) cop style, she splurges on a slinky designer dress and a VIP booth in an exclusive club. That's when she sees him, and Bonni decides there's another once-in-a-lifetime thing she wants to have: a vacation fling.

Meets the gambler...

Professional poker player Quinn Bryant is in town for one of the largest tournaments of the year and (as always) he plans to win. Determined to start off his vacation by getting lucky, he heads to his favorite club, where he spots Bonni across the dance floor. Fortune smiles on him when Bonni picks up the cards he puts down. However, what starts as a Vegas hook-up soon turns into something more, as Bonni learns to see the man behind the poker face.

The stakes have never been higher.

Even though Bonni's trip has an end date and there is another tournament calling Quinn's name, their strong connection overcomes their difference and they start to wonder if what happens in Vegas doesn't have to stay there.

Look for the next escapist Girls Weekend Away novel, coming soon!

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Contemporary, Fiction, Chick Lit, Contemporary Romance

250 pages, ebook

First published July 19, 2018

About the author

Shana Gray writes contemporary romance and women’s fiction that just might make you laugh. With 35+ books behind her, some translated into multiple languages, she’s always eyeing the next story line. Usually she can be found daydreaming about life, and making travel plans to far off lands to feed her wanderlust.

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Shana is represented by Louise Fury of The Fury Agency.
Visit her online at shanagray.com
Twitter @shanagray_
Facebook: Shana Gray

Reviews

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 4 out of 5]

What Happens in Vegas by Shana Gray

Girls Weekend Away series book 1. Contemporary romance.
A fun and sexy Vegas romance. Bonni and Quinn are so romantic together and her friends are a great support group to each other. Wonderful read and I can’t wait to read about the friends HEA.

I listened to the Audible version, narrated by Muffy Newtown. Loved it. She did a great job differentiating the various voices.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

The ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a very fun read. The four girls were all funny and their friendship dynamic was really well portrayed. I enjoyed the chemistry between the two main characters, the romance was well done. Even though it was all a bit rushed, especially the ending and what is to happen in the main characters' future, the book was a nice read and so I truly recommend it.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/18/2020)! 🎁

[Nikki Long · Rating 4 out of 5]

A much needed girls weekend away in Vegas - Bonnie just wanted to spend time with her girlfriends she hadn’t seen in ages.

She never expected to meet a professional poker player called Quinn, who would turn her weekend upside down.

A nice easy fun read.

Looking forward to reading more from Shana Gray

[Kacie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. A group of old friends come together in Las Vegas for a much needed relaxing vacation. Bonni who needed to relax because she is a detective ends up winning big and the girls are upgraded to a suite. Than she meets Quinn who is there for a poker tournament. Quinn gave up the family biz to pursue his passion playing poker. He is really good. But after meeting Bonni he realizes maybe there is more to life. I loved the authors way of putting you into the setting. I could really feel like I was there with the girls. I love when an author can do that. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a cute quick romance.

[Ayekah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a quick and easy read when college friends who are now scattered around the country decide to reunite for a mini vacation to Vegas. They couldn't be more different (understatement). This story centers around Bonni who is a detective working in Toronto and has been buried in her work and needs a break. When she plays the free chips at the slot machine they're given for staying at the hotel she wins and wins big. The hotel upgrades them to a post suite and she generously shares her good fortune with a shopping trip, spa days and etc with her friends. She also meets a man in town for a poker tournament. She's not a gambler. She's not sure what to make of this man Quinn except for the fact that he makes her feel things she's never felt. The story then ping pongs between the Quinn and Bonni and some outings and chats with her friends. I had a rough time liking her friends with the exception of Ava, who seemed the most level headed. The others were just too over the top and at certain points in the book I felt they detracted from the storyline. Silence would have been golden.
back to Bonni and Quinn, Quinn is the brother who wanted no part of the family business leaving it all up to his brother to handle. Quinn set his life course to be a professional poker player and he's one of the best. It also means he lives out of a suitcase, no place he really calls home and seems to like it that way. Bonni has him reconsidering his choices. But when the chips are down, and wagers made who folds first?

**advanced reader copy from NetGalley and Entangled for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own**

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every second of this fun little book, its quick to read, its got sizzling chemistry, some wonderful scenes and the writing flows really well.

I loved reading about Bonni and her friends, and it sounded like a dream long weekend in Vegas for all of them.

Bonni even meets a gorgeous sexy man, but who would have thought that the fraud squad cop and the professional poker player would be so attracted to each other, after finding out what they each did!

It is pure escapist fiction at its best, which i thoroughly enjoyed reading in the almost hedonistic area of Phuket - Patong Beach! I couldn't have chosen this holiday read better if I tried.

[One Book at a Time! · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun book, I could not put it down! Bonni and her girlfriends are such a fun and wild cast of characters. They really make this book so fun and adventurous as we see all of thier fun as. They explore Vegas! I love that Bonni won money in the beginning of this book, it really shows her true character that she wants the girls to have the best vacation so she makes sure they have spa treatments, show tickets and club VIP passes. I love how Quinn and Bonni meet and you can feel the connection and chemistry between them, because of the great writing. I love getting a glimpse into the poker player world and to see that it is so much more that just a card game. Bonni is such a complex character and I love to see her let her guard down and the drunken night when she really opens up to Quinn is just melt your heart great! Really fun book!

Thanks to netgalley.com and the publisher for a copy of this book.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, fun romance.

[Elizabeth Neal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vegas is the place where you let go, experience life in a way you can't in other places, and then you walk away, leaving what happened there. At least that's the theory. We all know things have a way of following you.

Bobbi, a detective, is enjoying a girls' getaway with her friends and to her utter shock, wins a jackpot. Of course, that means upgrading...everything. LOL That includes a sexy dress and a VIP booth where she sees him. Why not have a vacation fling why she's at it?

Quinn, a professional poker player, is in town for a tournament. But first, he needs to relax, and what better way to do that then visiting his favorite club? And that's when he sees her, and the attraction is mutual and welcome.

But as these two spend time together, they build a connection other than the intense chemistry they share. Feelings are becoming stronger and neither are sure what to do as she's returning home soon and he's heading to the next tournament.

What happens when two people embark on what's meant to be temporary but discover they want more? Will they take a chance and explore what could be? How can they work out a compromise? Is a HEA possible? Or will they fold?

One-click now and follow along as two people get more then they planned.

**I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.**

[Fizza · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a very fun and quick read. Story revolved around friends who go for a weekend in Vegas. All girl weekend soon becomes something more for Bonni when a handsome gambler sets his eyes on her. Quinn is in Vegas for gambling tournaments, but as soon as he sees Bonni dancing he knows that she is special. Soon they find themselves drawn to each other. What was supposed to be a weekend to unwind for Bonni, and that of gambling for Quinn, becomes so much more for both of them. But they can't work, a cop and a professional gambler isn't an ideal combination. Plus they're in Vegas only for limited time. However, what about after Vegas? Must they leave what happened there behind? Will they even be able to do that? Read the book to find out. ;)
I really enjoyed it, story is simple, well-written and characters are great. However, there were a few boring stretched out parts when it comes to the four friends. Although, not all bad, as I did enjoy their girly talk, all in all it's worth the read.

[J_McA 251 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A weekend in Vegas is usually a whirlwind  of activity, where nothing is too serious, and fun memories are created.  This book perfectly encapsulates a weekend in Vegas. It's a quick read with likeable characters.  Best of all, it's light and doesn't take itself too seriously.  Every rom-com has to have that will they/won't they moment, but there are times when an author tries to make it too serious.  Not the case here; even that "oh no" moment is brief and fits the tone.  If you're looking for a fun summer read, I highly recommend this book.  I look forward to more about this foursome of friends!

[Maria · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a nice story, but nothing really seemed to happen! I kept waiting for the big plot twist or turmoil or ANYTHING, but it just kind of chugged along. The h is a cop, but it had absolutely no bearing on the story whatsoever. She could have had any profession and it wouldn't have changed the story.
It was a sweet romance, but I don't buy the "I love you" thing after one weekend together. That's called lust, not love. That kind of ruined it for me. And the fact that both people were willing to throw away their entire lives on a weekend fling. This one just wasn't my favorite.

[Marsi Darcy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This was a fun and steamy read about a girls weekend in Vegas. It felt like an episode of Sex & The City. It was a quick read and there was no angst.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me a copy.

[Suzette · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wacky and wired thirty something trio of girlfriends go wild in Vegas. The author creates genuinely believable and very descriptive events that these ladies get up to. There is so much going on that you sometimes lose track of what is happening to whom.

[Angel Hatfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bonni sent out an email as her latest case had been kicking her butt and she wants to go to Vegas for a getaway weekend with her best friends - her girls from college they had met in a women studies class- Celia, Ava, and Fredi. The girls always had each others backs. Bonni couldn’t be more grateful for her girls. They all decided they could get away for the first weekend in March. Bonni gets to the casino bar early to get the lay-of-the- land. Bonni is a cop Bonni knew to: always beware of your surroundings, have a back up plan, and know your escape plan. Bonni sighed as some of the stress eased in her body. Bonni needed the break after the last few months. Bonni was determined to do her best not to look beyond the surface of things while on vacation. Bonni felt like she had come home, home to her girls. This had been the first time the girls had been able to all get together since Celia’s wedding. Celia had gotten pregnant with twins and the man walked away but Ava told Celia not to hate all men because of him. Celia was a stay-at-home mom who wrote greeting cards and magazine articles to try to keep afloat. Celia was classy, cool, and looked like she had it all together. Bonni and Frefi were the thrifty ones. The last few months Bonni had been so deep in a case that she had no life. Work, home for sleep and fresh clothes, then back to work. Her only release had been working out in the police station’s gym . Celia’s babies daddy and her ex was a cardio surgeon yet was fighting her on child support. Bonni and the girls went into the casino and Bonni was the first to use her free play from the hotel/casino and she won a jackpot of one hundred grand. The manager told Bonni after going through of the paperwork of the large win told Bonni had been given an upgrade as a celebratory gesture. The women were put in the three bedroom presidential suite. Bonni decided to share her winnings with her friends shopping, alcohol, show tickets, at the spa, whatever comes up. Bonni wondered if they were still young and silly enough to do everything they had done in college. Bonni was determined this was going to be a- once in- a lifetime, no- holds barred trip. Quinn was doing his usual ritual for the night before a tournament began: sitting at the bar and chilling with a drink. One of the highest payout poker tournament started tomorrow and Quinn planned on winning it. Quinn was looking at the dance floor as he actually liked to dance. His mother had made sure Quinn and his brother knew their way around a dance floor. Then Quinn saw her and was mesmerized. This woman intrigued Quinn and he had to meet her. Bonni and Quinn’s eyes met and it was the first time he was snagged in a way he hadn’t thought possible. It was like she saw right through him, past his outer shell and deep down through the layers. No one had ever looked at Bonnie before the way Quinn did and it was paralyzing in a wonderfully erotic way.
I enjoyed reading this book, It was a quick, easy, fun read. I loved that Bonni won a lot of money not very realistic but makes a great read. I really liked how the women all stayed in contact and close after graduating college. Some parts of this book seemed a little rushed to me especially the ending. I really liked the plot. I liked the way the author showed some of the world of the professional poker player. I felt like I was there with everyone and really enjoyed that. Bonni and Quinn had some really hot chemistry and I liked them together a lot. I liked the characters and the ins and outs of this book and I recommend it.

[Pennie Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed myself while reading this one! Four girlfriends from college who are now scattered across the country and Toronto, Canada, come together for a girls weekend in Las Vegas. Yeah, that sounds like fun. Starts out with taking bets on when and where one is going to puke but the fun really starts when Bonni, who is a cop in the Fraud Division, uses her voucher to play the slots and figures since it is basically free money to go all in and go for it all and soon all the bells and whistles are going off! She won and won big! Next thing they know they have been upgraded to the Presidential Suite and Bonni is treating the girls to a night out clubbing. Quinn just happens to be at that bar and from across the bar he spots Bonni on the dance floor with her girls and he is struck. A few dirty dances and Bonni and Quinn are "all in" and it seems what happens in Vegas for these two is magic. For two who would appear to be opposites they really compliment each other but will they be able to make a go it if they take the "all in" out of Vegas? Great start to this series and I am looking forward to reading the rest. Lucky for me I have them!

[Suzanne Bourgeois]

ok, so I started this because it was the only thing I had to read for this competition. I was not into it at all, until about chapter 7, when I started laughing. then i had to devour it! I love the friendship dynamics, reminds me of me and some of my friends. i am going to read more in the series and will probably read this one over and over.

[Jimette Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun! A very hea! Kudos

[Emily Knox · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/10 was one of the best romance books i’ve ever read!!!

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was fine. I feel like not much happened but it was still cute.

[Syvannah Virgin · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. I disliked this book right from the start. The writing felt very childish and the banter just annoyed me. I tried to push through but I became enraged everytime I picked it up.

[John Naylor · Rating 2 out of 5]

A book that, quite strangely, hasn't been reviewed by many men.

As a reader I can cope with a lot of things in a main character and still like them. One thing I will turn away from them for is being judgemental. The main character here is. It grates more and more as the story goes on.

The story is a quite simply romance that starts in Vegas. The support network the main character has is a nice touch and quite rare to see. The love interest is a believable character and one that probably could be the star of his own book.

I haven't marked this down for the occasional typographical and grammatical errors in the text. They are noticeable though. It was just a book that was hard to like when I didn't like the main character.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. This book will keep you reading long into the night. If you are looking for a great book, then you need to read this book. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this great author.

[Victoria Bunce · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the publisher and author.

4 stars and here's why:

This is a quick read, and highly entertaining. Friends go to Vegas for a much-needed vacay and suddenly Bonni, a detective, wins big and her suite is upgraded. Soon she meets Quinn who is there for a poker tourney and sparks fly. He’s not your typical poker player, but he did give up the family business to pursue his dream of becoming one. If you love fast-paced writing, witty banter, and hella-fun characters, then this book is for you. Highly recommend!

[JWreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such fun book that I actually laughed out loud in some places. I liked getting to know all the friends and seeing how the author took them on their Las Vegas adventures. I'm looking forward to the next books. the cover is just the cutest thing too!

[Bec · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bonni Connolly never wins anything, but when she scores the jackpot while in Vegas with her friends, it seems lady luck is finally on her side in a good way. Then her night gets even better when she meets Quinn Bryant - a man her complete opposite. For one, he's a professional poker player and she's a cop. Gambling and law enforcement don't mix. Not in her world. Yet, the more time Bonni spends with Quinn, the more she finds herself falling for Mr. Wrong. Will Quinn be able to convince Bonni to take a chance on him or will she walk away from her chance at happy ever after before someone else manages to break her heart?

When I first start reading a story I want it to pull me in from the very beginning and unfortunately this story didn't do that. The communications between the heroine and her friends felt a tad impersonal, monotonous and nothing like how I imagine close friends would be. Why go that route when it comes to communicating with good friends? However, in saying that, I liked the moment Bonni and her friends come together in Vegas, as there is fun to be had and memories to be made.

As for the dialogue, it was intense due to the main characters back stories, as the heroine hasn't had the best of luck in life or love. Is she destined to be alone forever or will the hero prove he's not like everyone else who has ever walked away from her? While the hero, he's been determined to do his own thing instead of falling in with his father's plans. Will he ever give the family business a chance? Will Quinn's brother be able to convince him that things are different now that he runs the company instead of their father? However, I really enjoyed this story because of the secondary characters, as Bonni's friends have interesting pasts when it comes to relationships that I look forward to learning more about.

With the heroine, she's strong and brave when it comes to everything she's faced in her past and I could understand why she reacts the way she does when it comes to Quinn and his profession since it's palpable he's a wanderer and more than likely not ready to settle down. I also liked how her friends help her when it comes to offering advice and supporting her in whatever decisions she makes. While the hero, he's confident, charming, driven to win when it comes to his career as a professional poker player and I liked how determined he was to win the heroine over. I also liked the decisions he makes when it comes to his future because it's palpable he can't give up the heroine. She's it for him.

Overall, Ms. Gray has delivered a read that I liked in this book where the romance was hot, but I thought the connection between these two was a little rushed and could have been built up a bit more. However, in saying that, their chemistry did get better as this story progressed. As for the ending, it was delightful and had me loving that both the hero and heroine were willing to fight for their shot together because Bonni needs Quinn in her life just as much as he needs her in his. I would recommend What Happens in Vegas by Shana Gray, if you enjoy the opposites attract trope, the mysterious strangers trope or books by authors Heidi Betts, Jessica Collins, Caitlyn Lynch and Carrie Ann Ryan.

[Jo ReadsRomance · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been wanting to read this series for a while now and I’m happy to say that it lived up to all of my expectations. This novel was a whole lot of fun mixed with some hot and sexy moments and a heap of romance. This was just the kinda read to take on holiday. Steamy, swoony and full of fun.

"Love me, love my friends."
"Oh, I do. Love you, that is."

What I loved most about this story was the friendship between Bonni, Celia, Ava and Fredi. They were such good friends, out for an exciting adventure together. Reading this book made me want to grab my girls and hop on a plane for a girly holiday. I also loved Bonni and Quinn’s scorching hot romance. From the moment their eyes met, their holiday romance was exciting and as hot as the Las Vegas sun. I enjoyed every bit of their story.

"I want to be the person who stays by your side, no matter what.
I love you, Bonni."

Now I can’t wait to read the rest of the books in the series. I have a feeling they are going to put a big smile on my face.

[Jessi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bonni Connolly hasn't seen her three besties for a long time. Where better to see them than in Vegas for a fun girls weekend? This Canadian detective is ready for a break. She is surprised to find herself winning a jackpot. It's not massive amounts but enough to have a bit of fun. And that inspires her to have a vacation fling.
Quinn Bryant is in town for a poker tournament. Rather than living off his family's money, he is making his way through life gambling. Bonni is the perfect way to start the weekend off right. But after just one night, he's ready to see her more than just this once.
A fast, fun, and fluffy story. I had seen Shana Gray at a book conference and decided to pick up one of her books. If you are looking for a book where friendships are almost as much a part of the story as the romance, this is a good one. If you're looking for more in-depth relationship building, this is not it.

[Angela Gee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was provided an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley for my honest thoughts.

What Happens in Vegas is a great read if you are looking for something fun, easy and light.

Four quirky women in Vegas on a girls weekend…..what could possibly happen, right?!?!

I enjoyed the plot of this book, even though it is somewhat typical of a HEA romance book. I really liked getting to know the women and their characteristics and look forward to seeing what is in store for them in the upcoming books.

Ms. Gray’s What Happens in Vegas is the perfect book for your next weekend read or that beach vacation your going to take.

Oh and I loved her references to Ontario, Canada!!!

I give What Happens in Vegas 3.5 stars!