Series: Hot Vegas Nights
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Release Date: November 4th, 2022
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CW: mentions of threats, violence and abuse, brief scene of attempted rape, mentions of guns and murder
Sebastian Hernandez, a Las Vegas paramedic, is called to tend to a fallen performer in an acrobatic performance gone wrong. When he locks eyes with the dark beauty, her gaze holds so much more than the pain of her injury, and he’s drawn to her in a way he’s never been drawn to anyone before.
Kira Luan, an aerial acrobat, is trapped in a contract that keeps her at the mercy of her controlling ex-boyfriend. While she longs for a life free to perform, to live, and to find love, fear rules her every move. So much so that it distracted her to the point of injury.
When Kira is left with little choice but to accept Sebastian’s help — and offer of a place to stay — the distance from her problems and her growing closeness with Sebastian begin to crack open the well of her suppressed desires. With him, she heals in more ways than one and finally has the strength to end the relationship with her ex.
But now, both of their lives will be in danger as Kira faces her past to fight for her future. Will she win her freedom and the chance to be with Sebastian, or will she lose it all?
As part of the Hot Vegas Nights series of novellas, Melanie A. Smith’s contribution is a fast paced strangers to lovers that I had to force myself to read slowly. Once I met Kira and Sebastian, I didn’t want the story to end! You’d think that because it’s a novella, it wouldn’t be able to cover a lot of things. But it does. Melanie has a great way of telling her stories and giving you just the right amount of information that keeps you hooked and ready for more.
In Vegas Baby, you’ll find:
✨ a dancer looking for an escape
✨ a paramedic ready to catch her when she falls
✨ forced proximity
✨ protective hero
✨ a dash of angst
✨ a whole lot of feels
✨ strangers to lovers
Not only was Kira struggling in her life in Russia, she was also not given much of a choice when she was dragged to America to start a ‘new life’. When she falls during a practice session as an aerial acrobat/dancer, Kira is taken to the hospital by a man with the kindest eyes. For Sebastian, helping the young woman is part of his routine, but when he realises that she needs somewhere to go that isn’t with her controlling and maniacal ex-boyfriend, he offers his home as a safe space. Little do they know that being forced into a small space together makes it hard for them to fight the growing attraction or the dangers that lurk on the outside.
Kira and Sebastian’s relationship goes through quite a bit before they can enjoy their happily ever after and I loved the twists and turns this story took to get them there. I also really enjoyed seeing these two come together and bond over the little things like chick flicks and experiencing Vegas at her best. Sebastian is definitely a swoon-worthy hero and Kira is such a fantastic heroine, her strength and perseverance makes her stand out! There’s also some serious pining and a twist that I should have seen coming, but didn’t!
I’m definitely curious about the other books in this multi-author series, so I might check them out as they release.
Thanks to Melanie A. Smith for generously providing me with an advance copy. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
anna reads here 