Nothing can prepare you for what happens in Vegas…When I met Rafe Morelli, he didn’t look like the biggest mistake I’d ever make; he seemed closer to the crime family version of Prince Charming. Charismatic, beautiful, and attentive—with an intoxicating air of power—Rafe was the stuff of my darkest fantasies. What we had should have been a simple fling, no-strings-attached. My hot weekend with … no-strings-attached. My hot weekend with the sexy, dominant Vegas boss—a harmless memory to replay once I returned to my quiet, predictable life.
One tiny hitch in that plan: a panty-melting memory isn’t all he left behind. Now the stakes have changed, and I’m faced with a potentially life-altering decision. Do I stay away and enjoy my status as the only woman in known history who has played in the Morelli flames without getting burned, or do I risk everything and step back into the fire?
BOOK 1 OF 3 IN THE VEGAS MORELLI TRILOGY
Takes place AFTER the original Morelli family series. You can read this trilogy without reading the original series, but there will be some original series spoilers, and two of the main characters from this trilogy were originally introduced as side characters in the original Morelli family series. Like the original Morelli series, this trilogy is a continuing story involving the same characters, not three separate-couple standalones.
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One heck of a 5 star ride
If you read the full blurb, you know that this is the first book in a new series which is a spinoff of a previous series by this author (this book is also the first of a planned trilogy and not a standalone). As this was a new-to-me author, I hadn’t read the previous series first; while the author does a pretty good job of making this separate–and I certainly enjoyed reading it that way–there were a lot of references to characters and events in those previous books. Enough references in fact that I feel for optimal enjoyment, those books should be read first.
I like the surprise baby trope–something about two people forced to get along and maybe finding something together that they wouldn’t have otherwise just appeals to me. Add in a little bit of good girl/bad boy and the blurb had me hooked.
I really liked Laurel; she’s young, but she’s intelligent, and I felt she made reasonable decisions based on her situation. Not that her heart didn’t get her to take some leaps pure reason would have argued against, but that just made her character seem more realistic. Certainly Rafe’s initial reaction wasn’t unexpected but that was pretty much the last time I was able to predict where this story was going. After that, the author took me on an emotional roller coaster ride that I still haven’t recovered from. Most of the time, I wasn’t exactly sure what I even WANTED to happen!
Take interesting characters, tons of chemistry and a dry humor I really enjoyed, add in a plot that had me all twisted around and a gut-wrenching ending, and it all adds up to one heck of a 5 star ride. Can’t wait for the next book, and I will be going back to read that earlier series.
B2B Kelly
“I’m only a guest star in their world. Once more, I’m only vacationing amid the madness, sipping the tea and snuggling a dangerous, sexy companion-and once more, I don’t get to keep any of it.”
Once again, this Author blows me away with her original, twisty, turny, not what I thought it would be story that left me needing to inhale the rest of this series STAT. Laurel is a lovable mess sandwiched between two domineering, sexy, dangerous men that I warred with myself constantly on who she would end up with. In true Sam Mariano fashion, it isn’t what you thought, and you’re left reeling and yelling at your kindle, only to run to her page to find out when the next one comes out because now you NEED to know. Fans of the Morelli Series will adore it, as I have each and every character and book!! I thank the Author for providing a copy to review!
~~~Erika, Book Haven Book Blog
I was addicted to the first series by this writer (The Morelli Family), and this is another series about one of the most intriguing characters from that. Rafe is a crime boss from Vegas, and he is about to get a big surprise.
I have read all of this author’s books. She writes storylines that can be so mind bending that everything I perceive to be true usually isn’t. With that being said I was hesitant to read this one since I am ambivalent about one of the characters due to previous actions. I realized as I started reading this the storyline wasn’t as cut and dried as I had assumed it would be. I really should have known better. Rafe was an arrogant dominant personality who deserved to be shaken out of his smugness. One particular scene involving him around 21 percent only confirmed my opinion for me. Sin was so intense with mystery surrounding this particular character. I must admit Sin broke my heart in the last scene he shared with Laurel. And last but not least is the heroine Laurel who surprised me in a good way. She didn’t just give in to the choice being presented to her. At this point I am not sure she should forgive either man. Only time and two more books will tell. #TeamLaurel
Every time I read a book by Sam Mariano I know not to go in with any preconceived thoughts. By the time I finish reading her books I’m gasping for air due to her plot twists and devious mind tricks. This book was no different. One thing I can say is I never feel ambivalent about her books or characters. She pulls such strong emotions that it’s probably a good thing I read it on my kindle so no pages actually get harmed.
This book had it all. She really does an excellent job at character development and world building. The book is sexy, heart breaking and wonderful all at the same time. Now it’s the process of waiting until June for the next one. I guess I’ll learn whether anticipation can kill me or not because wow what a great book! Highly recommend.
Oh my- the suspenseful ending is STRONG with this one! Can hardly get this review out from the anticipation of digging into the next book!
I liked that this book picked up right after the Morelli series, which I just finished. You could read it without reading that series first I suppose, but you’d miss out on a lot of backstory of the side characters. I wouldn’t recommend doing that, personally.
I liked the tension build between Laurel and Sin, which shocked the hell out of me honestly because I expected the story to be about Laurel and Rafe, and Rafe is honestly kind of awful in this book.
Can’t wait to see what happens in the next one!
I’m not sure why every time I start a book by this author I’m utterly surprised at how she can pull every single emotion I have out of me. DEAR god, erase everything you thought you could guess what happen in a book, because just like the rest of her Morelli books, it’s one absolutely wild ride.
It’s definitely best to start with the previous Morelli books first, as were introduced to Rafe and Laurel.
Rafe and Laurel have a maddening get together, and their chemistry tops the charts. After parting ways, both never seem to believe they will see each other again. When we’re introduced to Rafe’s brooding enforcer, Sin, there most perfectly twisted story takes place.
I’m so excited to read the next book, I fell in love with Sin, but Rafe is a Morelli and has his own type of charm. Laurel is quirky and loveable, which also makes this story that much more amazing. You definitely can’t go wrong with any Morelli book, once you’re caught in their web of family business and flawless writing by Ms. Mariano, it’s tough to recover! – By Victoria
Twists and turns abound in this book! Completely unexpected and not what I thought it’d be after reading the blurb. I found myself quickly wrapped up in Staying In Vegas. I don’t want to give anything away, so trust me when I say this is one you just have to read! Between scorching heat, jaw dropping twists, and sweet moments that leave you feeling torn at the same time this book is a roller coaster of emotion that I couldn’t put down. I can’t wait to see what’s next!
I want more!!!
I first read Accidental Witness and I was hooked by the Morellis! They’re the kind of family you’d love to hate, and hate to love, but can’t help but be drawn to! Their stories are dark and twisted and soooo decadent, you can’t help but crave it!!!
With Rafe, Laurel and Sin, I honestly don’t know what’s gonna happen next, and that’s making me so excited to get to the next book.
4.5 Twix Stars
When Sam Mariano said she had a new series coming out that you could read without reading the Morelli Family Series, (I mean why haven’t you read this series anyway?) I said oh heck yeah!!!
This is a new series that takes place after the conclusion of The Morelli Family Series.
Easter break from college was the perfect time to experience Rafe. A no commitment weekend of the biggest distraction known to man-kind! Laurel is an innocent young college student who knows nothing about the Morelli men. But after celebrating her sister marrying Vince (Morelli), she quickly learned these men are to die for!!!
Fast forward and we are in Vegas. Rafe is feeling a tad bit overwhelmed with how his day is going. It’s one thing after another and not in a good way. One final ring of the doorbell and imagine the shock on his face when he sees who is there to visit.
Sin is the new player in this series and I need to know more about him and his background. Something is there, I just know it! Hot, Handsome and talented with his tongue and fingers He is Rafe’s enforcer…which can only mean one thing…dangerous!
This first book sets us up for one heck of a ride! Can Not Wait to see where we go in Sinning in Vegas (Vegas Morellis #2).
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