The cover picture is a little sad. I was happy to see that the story didn't follow that same trend. Adrian is a blackjack dealer for one of the big casinos in Las Vegas, as well as a dancer at one of the strip clubs nearby. On his way back to his car after work, he passes yet another man begging on the street in front of the Bellagio fountain. He almost continues to walk by, but there is something different about this man that catches his attention, so he goes back. The man is well dressed... well dressed in a suit no less, and on his feet...expensive shoes...so what is he doing on the street? His broken his expression nearly does Adrian in. Adrian offers him dinner at one of the nearby buffets and eventually is accepted by the man. During dinner the two men begin to talk. The homeless man is Max, from California who has gotten himself into a desperate, seemingly hopeless situation. He had lost everything and made the decision to take what little money he had left and blow it all in Vegas...then take a handful of pills and put an end to it all...all his misery...all his mistakes. He stops just in time, but all his money is gone, his job is gone, leaving him with nothing. He is surprised by the kindness of a complete stranger...then he recognizes Adrian as the dealer at whose table he lost all his money. What must this young man think of him? Finally, he shoves his pride to the background and accepts the help that Adrian offers. I don't think many...if anyone, would invite a total stranger into their home like Adrian did...but it worked well for the storyline. He was lucky that Max was a really good guy. Things happened fast between the two guys but it's a short book...less than 200 pages. Adrian and Max get way more than either of them thought they were going to, and I got more than I expected out of this story...but that shouldn't have been a surprise...it is L.A. Witt. ( )

First, the good. I loved the sweetness between these characters. That's what carried me through this story, plus I know Witt's good for a HEA that leaves me satisfied. Their circumstances were realistic enough that the conflict did not bug me. It felt really well supported and sad from both sides.

That said, this could have used a fierce edit to eliminate repetition. It's not that long a book. Really unnecessary to repeat reasoning more than once, in full. Witt also has dialog phrases that nearly every single character she writes uses, which is LAZY. "Don't mention it." "Tell me about it." A couple more. I long for an editor who will call her on this. ( )