Review: What Stays in Vegas by Beth Labonte

What Stays in Vegas by Beth Labonte

Publisher: self published

Published: May 30, 2011

Pages: 187

Received: from author for honest review

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Bored administrative assistant, Tessa Golden, is trapped in a life of lousy weather, irritating bosses, and mind-numbing secretarial work. Her dreams of being an artist have rapidly deteriorated into building things out of paperclips while on hold with tech support. To make matters even worse, the love of her life has gone off and married another woman.

So when Tessa is suddenly transferred to the Las Vegas branch of her company - playing wingwoman to her freshly divorced boss, juggling a client from hell, and catching the eye of one very eligible coworker - will her life finally be shaken up enough to straighten itself out?

I actually really liked Tessa's character - she's a bored and overworked administrative assistant who yearns for something more. She reminds me so much of myself - I pretty much do admin work and I have a passion for art/crafts/design. Maybe I can take a cue from her and find a way to give some time to my passions?

I've wanted out since day one. Not just day one of this job, but day one of every crappy job that has come before it. Pretty much ever since the day I unintentionally landed myself a career as an administrative "professional". Call me what you like, what I really am is a glorified secretary.

I actually really enjoyed watching Tessa grow as a person while she is in Vegas working for some higher ups in the company. I think she normally would have been loving the party life and shopping, but as she starts to mature and realize what she wants out of life, she seems to find those types of things uninteresting and just a tad annoying. As much as she is not wanting to live that life, she does entertain her boss by tagging along - almost like a babysitter than anything else. I did get a little annoyed with the number of scenes where she and her boss are out partying - I get it, her boss is heartbroken and trying to get over her ex (though that was only a minor problem for me).

My absolute favourite part of the entire book is the love triangle. She has had the biggest crush on a co-worker back home and he's finally decided to give her the time of day, but she's also met a new guy out in Vegas who seems to suit her more. I found myself cheering for Chris, the new guy and wanting Nick to just fly his ass home and leave her be. This triangle was great because it develops Tessa's character more. There is an amazing scene in a diner Tvessa and Nick - I will not give it away, but I was so proud of her! 

Overall I really enjoyed this book and wouldn't mind seeing what Tessa is up to now.

About the author:

Beth Labonte was born in Salem, Massachusetts and received a B.A. in Sociology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She is currently an administrative assistant by day, and a bored, frustrated, aspiring writer, also by day. By night she complains about going back to work in the morning.

Website: Secretary 4 Life