WELCOME TO VEGAS

by Jennifer Probst

Setting is the backdrop of a story, and writers use location as an important tool to draw readers in. Setting can actually become an integral part of a series, such as small towns that become almost like a character.

So, when I envisioned my gorgeous heroes – The Steele Brothers – for my Decadent 1NSseries, I knew immediately there was no other place to tell my story than Vegas.

Why?

Ah, where to start? First, my heroes come from a long line of casino dealers so it’s in the blood. Each of them gets transported from Atlantic City to Vegas to work and deal cards. Where else can the sights and sounds of a casino and the dealer lifestyle be sketched out so vividly? Vegas also gave me a unique opportunity to bring the reader into certain establishments that can be glimpsed nowhere else. Secret nightclubs, themed restaurants, strip clubs, lush Penthouse suites where every fantasy can be played out...where day bleeds into night and time stops...the city is rich with opportunities to explore my characters.

In Catch Me, my heroine Tara is running from a brutal past, and still struggles with some demons. Here’s a quick snippet of dialogue to show how setting can be pulled in to make a scene richer and even bring depth to a character.

“Do you live in Vegas now?” He stroked her hair.

“Yes. I knew I’d have a new start here. Get lost. Find my own way.” A glimmer

of a smile ghosted her lips. “I like the idea of a tarnished city being my home. I

can paint myself up with makeup and glitter and clothes, but in the light of day, I

always felt lacking.

I hope you will join me in the journey and watch how each brother’s story plays out in the city of secrets and dreams. Here’s a quick blurb from the first book, Catch Me:

Meet the Steele Brothers. They work hard. Play harder. And they’re about to face the biggest obstacle of all…love.

Rick Steele has avoided women since he caught his fiancée cheating, but when he’s talked into spending a one night stand through Madame Eve, he’s not prepared for his emotional and physical reaction to his date. For the first time, he wants more than one night..but he needs to catch her first…

Tara Denton escaped a brutal past and needs one night with a stranger to break down her sexual and emotional limitations. On the brink of recovering her strength and independence, she wants nothing to do with a relationship. But Rick Steele does more than rock her body…he rocks her heart. Tara has to make a choice, and she’s not ready to get caught…

Come share your experience and thoughts on setting in a book. What are your favorites?