What Stays in Vegas by Beth Labonte

Tessa Golden embodies the typical life of a “Bridget Jones” administrative assistant. She hates the cold yet works in Massachusetts, her only friend works alongside her and they fill the day by making fun of their boss, and the love of her life works only a couple of feet away. However, he is married to a beautiful woman and Tessa is stuck in an endless cycle of pining over Nick, the untouchable married man who rules her heart. Oh, and her company’s biggest client is The Jiggly Kitty, a national strip club chain. Skilled in strip club lingo, Tessa feels her life suddenly going nowhere.

When Tessa is offered a three-month job in Las Vegas filling in for a woman leaving for maternity leave, she jumps at the chance. Not only is it warmer in Las Vegas, but this move will also give her a chance to get her mind off of Nick. Tessa suddenly finds herself consoling her boss, who’s husband just left her for a younger woman, and along the way discovers a new chapter in her life. She continues to dabble in her art and bonds with a handsome co-worker, Chris. But as Nick begins to admit some buried feelings, Tessa finds herself in the middle of a love triangle. Who will she choose and what sort of trouble happens to her in Las Vegas? You will have to pick up a copy of Beth Labonte’s “What Stays in Vegas” to find out!

Confined to my house on a rainy, windy day, I could not put this book down! Tessa truly resonated with me and I could relate to her love problems. I mean, every woman has wanted someone we knew was completely unavailable. Labonte creates a realistic woman, who has faults and talents, yet desires love above all else. She struggles to balance her need for a stable job with her love for art. Playing the sidekick, Tessa’s boss, Kendra is truly my favorite character. She spins out of control but you can’t help but feel sorry for this woman and hate the man who broke her heart.

Certainly a book that you can curl up to on a cold, rainy day, “What Stays in Vegas” will give you plenty to laugh and smile about.

4.5 stars