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Review: Vegas Girls by Heather Skyler



Blurb from Goodreads:
Vegas Girls begins when three former high school friends, now in their mid-thirties, reunite in their hometown of Las Vegas—a city they vowed to escape as soon as they could—to celebrate their new lives and revisit old haunts. But what starts out as a week-long, sun-kissed reunion takes a strange turn as mysterious gifts appear, familiar faces pop up in unexpected places, and each woman reveals a secret, private quest.

Ramona is searching for a son she gave up for adoption before their high-school graduation. Jane is trying to leave her husband of eleven years, even with her two kids in tow. And Ivy, who has a new baby, is haunted by the memory of her mother abandoning her twenty years ago—and she has begun spotting her everywhere. Add to this a darkly charismatic ex-boyfriend of Ivy’s who won’t give up hope of rekindling their romance, and a strange, new friend of Jane’s in need of help, and the week quickly begins to unravel.

Set against desert heat, swimming pools, and casino lights, and told masterfully through five different points of view. 
My Review:
 
I was immediately drawn to reading this one because I, too, grew up in Las Vegas and the three friends in this book are less than ten years older than me.  While their experience is not necessarily my own, this did make me feel nostalgic in its descriptions of the desert. Places, past and present, were referenced that I could see so vividly and I really appreciated the authenticity of this book.  I liked it more than I had probably anticipated because I really liked each of the MCs -- Ivy, Jane and Ramona.  They were all working something out in this weekend that brought them together, back to Las Vegas, and it felt very real to me.  I also really liked all five POV in this book -- without giving anything away, they all fit and worked together. Scenes weren't re-told but the entire trip flowed through these POVs, which doesn't always work out. The tone and feeling of this book ended up a bit melancholy but I still enjoyed this a lot.

Vegas Girls came out earlier this week on October 4, 2016 and you can purchase HERE. I definitely recommend this one if you're looking for a realistic portrayal of the existential crisis we all face and feel if we move away from our hometown or even if we stay.
There was nothing wrong, Jane knew, with being a good person, but this past year she could feel a rising craving inside of her to do something bad.  It had begun with the editor at work and reached some sort of height today on that sunny bed with Rex. It may have something to do, she thought, with not getting enough wickedness out of her system in high school or college, but there was more to it than that.  It was the mere act of being a mother that sometimes made her want to rebel against her better judgment.   

Comments

  1. I hadn't heard of this one but I like the way it sounds. I am up for melancholy. I love reading books from where I am from too and being able to relate t the places and such. Great review!!

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  2. How fun this reminded you of your time in Vegas. And of course the characters sound fantastic.
    Great review!

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  3. That's Awesome the author could manage 5 POV's well, most authors struggle with two! Great Review! Tori @ In Tori Lex

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  4. It takes great talent to blend all those view points together and do it well.

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  5. I agree with Heidi, it does take talent. Wonderful review for this and I hope you have a nice weekend!

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  6. wow thats a lot of POV's, I am always so hesitant with that. I am glad you enjoyed the book :)

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  7. oh wow...this book sounds pretty amazing!!! I love seeing multiple characters like this balance out a story so well and the premise is very intriguing.

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  8. Our own life experience always adds a layer to a book. And I can understand your nostalgia given that this book was set in Las Vegas and you grew up there. I was struck with nostalgia when I read I’ll Meet You There. It was not a place, but a scene where the heroine danced. I used to dance when I was in college, and that scene was so well-written…

    I always on the lookout for good books with multiple POV. You are right it doesn’t always work out. Glad to hear the author managed to write a story with five POV. Thanks for bringing this book to my attention. Great review, Eva!

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  9. I like this! The women and their relationships sound damn complicated and it sounds like it made for an intense read.

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  10. This sounds like a great read Eva, I like the realistic tone that the author takes with all three ladies, and I think this is a sort of book that I would actually enjoy too! Thank you for putting this book on my radar! Another lovely review Eva! :)

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  11. I like the sound of this one. Slightly older characters (fun sometimes to read about characters closer to my own age), set in Vegas, and a reunion with mysterious twists. I'll be checking my library for this one. Great review, Eva!

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  12. I hadn't heard of this but I really like the cover. It's always fun when a book can remind you of your past and experiences you've had. Great review!
    Genesis Latte Nights Reviews

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