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Bet on It
The first time Aja Owens encounters the man of her dreams, she’s having a panic attack in the frozen foods section of the Piggly Wiggly. The second time, he’s being introduced to her as her favorite bingo buddy’s semi-estranged grandson. From there, all it takes is one game for her to realize that he’s definitely going to be a problem. And if there’s anything she already has a surplus of, it’s problems.
In Walker Abbott’s mind, there are only two worthwhile things in Greenbelt, South Carolina. The peach cobbler at his old favorite diner and his ailing grandmother. Dragging himself back after more than a decade away, he’s counting down the days until Gram heals and he can get back to his real life. Far away from the trauma inside of those city limits. Just when he thinks his plan is solid, enter Aja to shake everything up.
A hastily made bingo-based sex pact is supposed to keep this…thing between them from getting out of hand. Especially when submitting to their feelings means disrupting their carefully balanced lives. But emotions are just like bingo callers—they refuse to be ignored.
Jodie Slaughter's Bet on It is a heart-stoppingly fun, emotional romance that will have readers falling in love until long after the last page is turned.
In Walker Abbott’s mind, there are only two worthwhile things in Greenbelt, South Carolina. The peach cobbler at his old favorite diner and his ailing grandmother. Dragging himself back after more than a decade away, he’s counting down the days until Gram heals and he can get back to his real life. Far away from the trauma inside of those city limits. Just when he thinks his plan is solid, enter Aja to shake everything up.
A hastily made bingo-based sex pact is supposed to keep this…thing between them from getting out of hand. Especially when submitting to their feelings means disrupting their carefully balanced lives. But emotions are just like bingo callers—they refuse to be ignored.
Jodie Slaughter's Bet on It is a heart-stoppingly fun, emotional romance that will have readers falling in love until long after the last page is turned.
320 pages, Paperback
First published July 12, 2022
About the author
Jodie Slaughter
7 books664 followersJodie Slaughter is a twenty-something romance author who spends most of her days hunched over a computer for her day job and her nights hunched over a different computer for her novels. While her back is definitely suffering, she wouldn’t have it any other way. She loves love, so she writes romance novels full of heart, passion, and heat. When she isn’t putting steamy scenes or declarations of devotion on the page she can normally be found being generally hilarious on twitter, dreaming about brisket, or consuming way too much television.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,938 reviews
November 9, 2022
Another romcom causing such an extreme overwhelm of emotion that I am compelled to dump text about it on Goodreads? Seems about right.
We follow Walker and Aja, who are both recent transplants in Greenbelt, South Carolina. He’s returned home to care for his injured grandmother and she’s trying to start a new, quieter chapter in life. After a rocky first meeting, the two become fast friends—sharing peach cobbler and bingo tips—before their mutual attraction morphs into a saucy lil sex pact.
While Walker and Aja’s chemistry alone could have easily carried the book, I appreciated the attention that Jodie Slaughter placed on deepening their relationship. The sweet, slow pining and southern backdrop were a dream to read about. I loved the unabashed adoration that Walker had for Aja (seriously, his POV was a delight) and how her kind-hearted, attentive energy towards him was never unrequited. There’s also some great anxiety representation and it’s clear that a lot of care was taken in giving the characters healthy and (relatively) realistic arcs. Lastly, of course, I would be remiss to not mention the truly *scrumdidlyumptious* smut that Bet On It had to offer. Finger lickin’ good shit, literally. Coochie smoochin’ that could save a life…I’ve said all I need to say.
And that’s all I’ve got!!! This story was a wonderful example of why I love me a romance ALWAYS, why fiction will never not be FAR superior to reality, and why my Google history is currently FULL of small town real estate searches.
We follow Walker and Aja, who are both recent transplants in Greenbelt, South Carolina. He’s returned home to care for his injured grandmother and she’s trying to start a new, quieter chapter in life. After a rocky first meeting, the two become fast friends—sharing peach cobbler and bingo tips—before their mutual attraction morphs into a saucy lil sex pact.
While Walker and Aja’s chemistry alone could have easily carried the book, I appreciated the attention that Jodie Slaughter placed on deepening their relationship. The sweet, slow pining and southern backdrop were a dream to read about. I loved the unabashed adoration that Walker had for Aja (seriously, his POV was a delight) and how her kind-hearted, attentive energy towards him was never unrequited. There’s also some great anxiety representation and it’s clear that a lot of care was taken in giving the characters healthy and (relatively) realistic arcs. Lastly, of course, I would be remiss to not mention the truly *scrumdidlyumptious* smut that Bet On It had to offer. Finger lickin’ good shit, literally. Coochie smoochin’ that could save a life…I’ve said all I need to say.
And that’s all I’ve got!!! This story was a wonderful example of why I love me a romance ALWAYS, why fiction will never not be FAR superior to reality, and why my Google history is currently FULL of small town real estate searches.
July 12, 2022
Happy pub day! 🎉🥰🥳🎈🍾🥂
Oh my goodness! Definitely lovely mixture of sweet friends to lovers theme centered on small town, personal growth, anxiety issues, adorable characters and bingo game where the matchmaking games take place by older women!
This book was emotional, intense with its realistic approach to anxiety issues that two main characters suffer and fight against!
Aja is new in town, having her own insecurities and Walker reluctantly returns back to take care of his grandma, counting his days to get out of the place. His grandma’s bingo partner Aja picks his interest. Actually their bingo based sex pact gets out of control. Both of them start to open up about their issues and the book’s story takes more serious, realistic turn than I expected.
Both of the characters were so genuine, easy to sympathize and care for!
I loved to see the evolving of Aja’s character: she finally learns to exceed her own limits, deciding to leave comfort zone and connect with outside world. Walker made me a little pissed off at the last third of the book. But he was too adorable so I couldn’t stay mad at him!
It started soft and sweet YA romcom but in the middle with that serious turn of events add more realistic, thought provoking tone by emphasizing the anxiety issues which were wholeheartedly and honestly approached.
I’m giving four lovely, bingo game , self improvement, taking chances stars!
Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/ St. Martin’s Griffin for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
Oh my goodness! Definitely lovely mixture of sweet friends to lovers theme centered on small town, personal growth, anxiety issues, adorable characters and bingo game where the matchmaking games take place by older women!
This book was emotional, intense with its realistic approach to anxiety issues that two main characters suffer and fight against!
Aja is new in town, having her own insecurities and Walker reluctantly returns back to take care of his grandma, counting his days to get out of the place. His grandma’s bingo partner Aja picks his interest. Actually their bingo based sex pact gets out of control. Both of them start to open up about their issues and the book’s story takes more serious, realistic turn than I expected.
Both of the characters were so genuine, easy to sympathize and care for!
I loved to see the evolving of Aja’s character: she finally learns to exceed her own limits, deciding to leave comfort zone and connect with outside world. Walker made me a little pissed off at the last third of the book. But he was too adorable so I couldn’t stay mad at him!
It started soft and sweet YA romcom but in the middle with that serious turn of events add more realistic, thought provoking tone by emphasizing the anxiety issues which were wholeheartedly and honestly approached.
I’m giving four lovely, bingo game , self improvement, taking chances stars!
Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/ St. Martin’s Griffin for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
July 30, 2022
this was cute! and surprisingly steamy 👌🏻
but i’m unsure about the romance itself. i enjoyed the mental health rep and the hero was fantastic. but i think i wanted more light hearted moments and more time spent in this sweet small town. i mean in a technical sense the whole book is set in the small town but i wanted more of the side characters and charm.
excited to see what this author writes next though because it’s rare to find a traditionally published romance that goes there with the steam. don’t get me wrong i’m not a smut fiend like i used to be, but sex can be an important component in some people’s romances and i think it’s often glossed over in these illustrated cover books. not the case here!
but i’m unsure about the romance itself. i enjoyed the mental health rep and the hero was fantastic. but i think i wanted more light hearted moments and more time spent in this sweet small town. i mean in a technical sense the whole book is set in the small town but i wanted more of the side characters and charm.
excited to see what this author writes next though because it’s rare to find a traditionally published romance that goes there with the steam. don’t get me wrong i’m not a smut fiend like i used to be, but sex can be an important component in some people’s romances and i think it’s often glossed over in these illustrated cover books. not the case here!
August 28, 2022
This was extremely sweet and so REAL! Slaughter did not hold back on what the characters were feeling, instead, she gave us enough for us to understand and connect with the characters immediately. We get a lot more individual character development and less relationship development which I usually don’t mind. This made it easier to understand Aja and Walker’s relationship and how they were good for each other. Still, I couldn’t fully connect with the story because sometimes I just don’t connect with books without being to explaining why. At least I was thoroughly entertained with some super steamy scenes.
December 3, 2021
Bingo! This was just the 🔥 rom-com I was hoping for.
Aja just moved to Greenbelt, South Carolina. A more desirable, smaller town. A quiet place where she can more easily manage her daily struggles with anxiety. And today is no exception. A simple shopping trip to the local Piggly-Wiggly has Aja frozen in place, ironically enough, next to the frozen foods section in the midst of a full blown anxiety attack.
A simple gesture of kindness from a stranger.
Walker instinctively recognizes what’s happening to Aja and offers to simply stand by her side until the attack passes. He understands only too well, because he too deals with the same issue. And yet another chance encounter finds the two meeting again at the Wednesday night bingo event.
I‘ve noticed lately that many rom-coms have started delving into heavier topics such as mental health. Jodie Slaughter does an exquisite job of shining a light on many of the effects anxiety can have in someone’s life. The support and love from their families and friends was truly touching and heartfelt.
I loved both characters as they navigated their way towards love while also looking after their own hearts and minds. The attraction and chemistry felt oh so real.
Looking forward to reading more from this very talented author.
⚠️ be prepared…this is a very spicy rom com!
Posted to: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend...
Thank you to NetGalley and St Martins Press
Aja just moved to Greenbelt, South Carolina. A more desirable, smaller town. A quiet place where she can more easily manage her daily struggles with anxiety. And today is no exception. A simple shopping trip to the local Piggly-Wiggly has Aja frozen in place, ironically enough, next to the frozen foods section in the midst of a full blown anxiety attack.
A simple gesture of kindness from a stranger.
Walker instinctively recognizes what’s happening to Aja and offers to simply stand by her side until the attack passes. He understands only too well, because he too deals with the same issue. And yet another chance encounter finds the two meeting again at the Wednesday night bingo event.
I‘ve noticed lately that many rom-coms have started delving into heavier topics such as mental health. Jodie Slaughter does an exquisite job of shining a light on many of the effects anxiety can have in someone’s life. The support and love from their families and friends was truly touching and heartfelt.
I loved both characters as they navigated their way towards love while also looking after their own hearts and minds. The attraction and chemistry felt oh so real.
Looking forward to reading more from this very talented author.
⚠️ be prepared…this is a very spicy rom com!
Posted to: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend...
Thank you to NetGalley and St Martins Press
June 17, 2022
3.5 rounded up to a 4! Omg, I do believe that I have found myself a new romance author to obsess over. The tone of this book was honestly unlike that of any other romance I've ever read. It somehow perfectly straddled the line of being sexy while also being quirkily cute but also being extremely heartfelt and emotional????? While I will admit that this wasn't a perfect read for me, I fell HARD for both Aja and Walker and their chemistry leapt off the page. I couldn't help but to be absolutely charmed by this book and I really hope that we get to spend more time in this universe in potential future books that may or may not have been teased (Miri???!!!) in this one. Honestly this was just a delight and I am so excited to read more from Jodie Slaughter in the future. I definitely recommend checking this one out when it comes out in July!
CW: severe anxiety, panic attacks (on page), ptsd, self harm, addiction, child endangerment
CW: severe anxiety, panic attacks (on page), ptsd, self harm, addiction, child endangerment
October 17, 2022
This is a Romance. There are some cute times in this book, but I found the characters to be weird and awkward not in a good way. I just did not felt connected to any of the characters, and I am a character driven reader. I also found the sexy times parts very weird, but they did get hot and heavy. I just wanted more fun and cute times with characters that I could feel in love with. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (St. Martin's) or author (Jodie Slaughter) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
Note: I also won a Goodreads ARC copy of this book.
Note: I also won a Goodreads ARC copy of this book.
December 27, 2021
3.5 Stars
Oh my word how much I was loving this book. From the meet/cute via way of a panic attack at the local Piggly Wiggly to the real but not preachy talk regarding mental health to the Bingo bet to the characters to the chemistry between Aja and Walker – I was feeling like a Mickey D’s commercial and saying ♬♫♬ da da da da daaaaa I’m loving it ♬♫♬. But then . . . .
There was a PUBLIC FINGERBANGING INCIDENT . . .
In the G.D. Bingo hall parking lot . . . .
And then later some public cunnilingus on a sofa in the dang Mayor’s mansion . . . .
Your girl is a prude. 4 Stars for the story, but 0 Stars for the smexytimes.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley!
Oh my word how much I was loving this book. From the meet/cute via way of a panic attack at the local Piggly Wiggly to the real but not preachy talk regarding mental health to the Bingo bet to the characters to the chemistry between Aja and Walker – I was feeling like a Mickey D’s commercial and saying ♬♫♬ da da da da daaaaa I’m loving it ♬♫♬. But then . . . .
There was a PUBLIC FINGERBANGING INCIDENT . . .
In the G.D. Bingo hall parking lot . . . .
And then later some public cunnilingus on a sofa in the dang Mayor’s mansion . . . .
Your girl is a prude. 4 Stars for the story, but 0 Stars for the smexytimes.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley!
September 3, 2022
really enjoyed the anxiety rep, but otherwise found this to be pretty average
July 25, 2022
I devoured this the way Aja and Walker devoured Ms. Minnie's peach cobbler. It was hot, sweet, and downright delicious. There were such real and touching discussions of anxiety, panic attacks, and PTSD; so many people in Aja and Walker's lives loving them for who they were, meeting them where they were, wanting them to feel safe. This book felt deeply compassionate and kind toward mental illness and I loved seeing how Aja and Walker in particular recognized each other's struggles and always wanted to help each other be happy and comfortable and feel known. This book had just enough plot to keep me intrigued about what came next but not too much to overshadow or impinge on the soft, steady, endearing character development and character-driven storytelling that truly made this story shine.
Perfect for lovers of small town romance and Talia Hibbert's Ravenswood series, BET ON IT is out now! I can't wait to read what Jodie gives us next.
Content notes: mentions of parental addiction and neglect; portrayal of anxiety, panic attacks, and PTSD; discussions of mental illness and mental health.
Perfect for lovers of small town romance and Talia Hibbert's Ravenswood series, BET ON IT is out now! I can't wait to read what Jodie gives us next.
Content notes: mentions of parental addiction and neglect; portrayal of anxiety, panic attacks, and PTSD; discussions of mental illness and mental health.
June 13, 2022
Loved this book! Such a cute read. The anxiety part truly was understandable as I have anxiety myself. This was so crazy how bingo nights can change a life. The main character's love interest is so sweet and great and understanding. I loved this story! Beautifully written! Loved the narrator and how she made the characters sound, was such an easy listen!
I received this audiobook by NetGalley and the publishers to read and review. The statements above are my true opinion after fully listening to the audiobook.
I received this audiobook by NetGalley and the publishers to read and review. The statements above are my true opinion after fully listening to the audiobook.
June 5, 2022
This was a cute read. It takes place in a small town in South Carolina and our two main characters meet while playing Bingo. They both have anxiety and PTSD and bond through that and bingo. Overall it was a cute, steamy read. Perfect for a summer read.
January 26, 2023
3.5⭐ rounded up for the audiobook.
Featuring ~ dual 3rd person POV, friends with benefits to lovers, steamage
CW from the author ~ mental illness, panic attacks, drug abuse, child endangerment.
Aja and Walker first meet mid panic attack. Walker soothes Aja and they don't think they'll ever see each other again. Flash forward to bingo night and lo and behold they are both there. Thank you Gram! Bingo sex pact begins and thus sets forth their eagerness to win every week. They have good chemistry and there's a good amount of very detailed hanky panky times happening, some public~ish.
I like that they each have a common bond of suffering from anxiety and panic attacks. I don't have a first hand account, but I feel the author did a good job of capturing what they might feel like.
I have lived in Georgia for 8 years and I'm embarrassed to say I have yet to have a peach cobbler. What is wrong with me? I must hit up the peach stand guy asap and whip one up. Also, go Braves!!
Narrated by Angel Pean for 10 hours and 15 minutes and easy to follow at 2x. She did a lovely job, I even liked her Walker voice.
This is my first time with this author and I'd read her work again.
*Thanks to Macmillan Audio, Jodie Slaughter and NetGalley for the advance audiobook. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
Featuring ~ dual 3rd person POV, friends with benefits to lovers, steamage
CW from the author ~ mental illness, panic attacks, drug abuse, child endangerment.
Aja and Walker first meet mid panic attack. Walker soothes Aja and they don't think they'll ever see each other again. Flash forward to bingo night and lo and behold they are both there. Thank you Gram! Bingo sex pact begins and thus sets forth their eagerness to win every week. They have good chemistry and there's a good amount of very detailed hanky panky times happening, some public~ish.
I like that they each have a common bond of suffering from anxiety and panic attacks. I don't have a first hand account, but I feel the author did a good job of capturing what they might feel like.
I have lived in Georgia for 8 years and I'm embarrassed to say I have yet to have a peach cobbler. What is wrong with me? I must hit up the peach stand guy asap and whip one up. Also, go Braves!!
Narrated by Angel Pean for 10 hours and 15 minutes and easy to follow at 2x. She did a lovely job, I even liked her Walker voice.
This is my first time with this author and I'd read her work again.
*Thanks to Macmillan Audio, Jodie Slaughter and NetGalley for the advance audiobook. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
April 8, 2022
Jodie Slaughter knocked it out of the park with Bet on It. A BINGO-BASED SEX PACT?!!! Exactly. The two main characters make a sex pact: every time they win at bingo, they can have sex. But they are so horny for each other and feelings are getting in the way, so obviously they break all their carefully crafted rules to be together. I love that.
Look, I'm such a huge fan of Jodie's books and I've read every single one of them except the mafia book (which I'm definitely reading one day FOR SURE but I want to have a Jodie book in my emergency stack still!). Bet on It is her first trad romance book and it was so good. I hope everyone reads it when it comes out because it's both emotional and romantic AF.
I really love the anxiety rep on this book. I feel like I've been reading a lot of romance books in a row with anxiety rep and I'm loving this so much. Yes to more! I feel like Jodie Slaughter did such a good job with this one and I felt so much of what they (the characters) were feeling. This book has so much care and love in its page, so much care that you feel it when you read it. Thank you Jodie for writing this story, their story, for writing Aja and Walker, for blessing us with such a beautiful novel.
Look, I'm such a huge fan of Jodie's books and I've read every single one of them except the mafia book (which I'm definitely reading one day FOR SURE but I want to have a Jodie book in my emergency stack still!). Bet on It is her first trad romance book and it was so good. I hope everyone reads it when it comes out because it's both emotional and romantic AF.
I really love the anxiety rep on this book. I feel like I've been reading a lot of romance books in a row with anxiety rep and I'm loving this so much. Yes to more! I feel like Jodie Slaughter did such a good job with this one and I felt so much of what they (the characters) were feeling. This book has so much care and love in its page, so much care that you feel it when you read it. Thank you Jodie for writing this story, their story, for writing Aja and Walker, for blessing us with such a beautiful novel.
July 29, 2024
Eine unverhoffte Liebe mit Hindernissen
In dem Buch Unperfekt verliebt (Das große Los 1) von Jodie Slaughter, geht es um Aja, welche unter Stress Panikattacken bekommt und gerne Bingo spielt. Ihre gute Freundin beim Bingo Ms May kommt wochenlang nicht zum Bingo und Aja weiß nicht warum. Dann plötzlich kommt sie wieder mit ihrem Enkelsohn Walker Abbot. Sie lernt Walker kennen und sie gehen zusammen etwas Essen nach dem Bingo. Beiden hat es gut gefallen und jetzt wollen sie sich Montags zum Bingo treffen und gemeinsam Montags Bingo spielen. Beide empfinden mehr für den jeweils anderen, aber keiner sagt etwas darüber und würde eine Beziehung überhaupt Sinn machen, weil Walker doch nur solange bleibt bis bei seiner Oma der Gips an den Armen entfernt wird ? Danach würde er am liebsten nie wieder den Ort Greenbelt besuchen oder betreten.
Meine Meinung:
Ich fand die Geschichte spannend geschrieben und flüssig zu lesen. Es ist schön zu lesen das auch Themen wie PTBS angesprochen werden und trotzdem, das ganze nicht zu viel Raum einnimmt, sodass die Liebesgeschichte noch im Vordergrund steht. Das Thema PTBS wird immer wieder angesprochen und thematisiert, wie Freunde und Familie damit umgehen, zwar nur im groben, aber es wird behandelt. Auch wie es sich für die jeweilige Person verhält und wie es ihr damit geht. Die Geschichte ist gleichzeitig leicht mit der Liebesgeschichte und gleichzeitig schwer durch die PTBS und den anderen Themen. Trotzdem fand ich sie wirklich schön und leicht zu lesen. Ich finde außerdem noch gut, das die Liebe nicht die PTBS heilen kann und auch kein Therapeut, sondern nur vielleicht mit jahrelanger Arbeit an sich selbst und Unterstützung.
Fazit:
Eine spannende Geschichte über die Liebe und ihre Hindernisse. Über PTBS, Familie, Freunde und andere Dinge.
In dem Buch Unperfekt verliebt (Das große Los 1) von Jodie Slaughter, geht es um Aja, welche unter Stress Panikattacken bekommt und gerne Bingo spielt. Ihre gute Freundin beim Bingo Ms May kommt wochenlang nicht zum Bingo und Aja weiß nicht warum. Dann plötzlich kommt sie wieder mit ihrem Enkelsohn Walker Abbot. Sie lernt Walker kennen und sie gehen zusammen etwas Essen nach dem Bingo. Beiden hat es gut gefallen und jetzt wollen sie sich Montags zum Bingo treffen und gemeinsam Montags Bingo spielen. Beide empfinden mehr für den jeweils anderen, aber keiner sagt etwas darüber und würde eine Beziehung überhaupt Sinn machen, weil Walker doch nur solange bleibt bis bei seiner Oma der Gips an den Armen entfernt wird ? Danach würde er am liebsten nie wieder den Ort Greenbelt besuchen oder betreten.
Meine Meinung:
Ich fand die Geschichte spannend geschrieben und flüssig zu lesen. Es ist schön zu lesen das auch Themen wie PTBS angesprochen werden und trotzdem, das ganze nicht zu viel Raum einnimmt, sodass die Liebesgeschichte noch im Vordergrund steht. Das Thema PTBS wird immer wieder angesprochen und thematisiert, wie Freunde und Familie damit umgehen, zwar nur im groben, aber es wird behandelt. Auch wie es sich für die jeweilige Person verhält und wie es ihr damit geht. Die Geschichte ist gleichzeitig leicht mit der Liebesgeschichte und gleichzeitig schwer durch die PTBS und den anderen Themen. Trotzdem fand ich sie wirklich schön und leicht zu lesen. Ich finde außerdem noch gut, das die Liebe nicht die PTBS heilen kann und auch kein Therapeut, sondern nur vielleicht mit jahrelanger Arbeit an sich selbst und Unterstützung.
Fazit:
Eine spannende Geschichte über die Liebe und ihre Hindernisse. Über PTBS, Familie, Freunde und andere Dinge.
April 18, 2022
Between 3.5 & 4 stars - I absolutely loved the writing and the character work in this one! I've heard great things about Jodie Slaughter in the past, and this book definitely delivered: I thought it was very thoughtful about its portrayal of complex trauma responses, including PTSD and GAD. I loved that our h/h could understand that part of each other's experience and be supportive of each other (also, a meet cute in a Piggly Wiggy during a panic attack? iconic). The only thing that didn't totally work for me was that I expected a romcom in terms of tone, and that's just not really what I think this is book is. There are moments of humor, but I just felt like it was overall heavier than the marketing pitched it as, so that just set up the wrong expectations for me going into the story. Still, I will definitely seek more from the author & once I adjusted what I thought I was reading, I enjoyed this overall
CW: PTSD, anxiety, drug abuse
CW: PTSD, anxiety, drug abuse
September 11, 2022
3 stars
Can two anxious people overcome their obstacles and find love over a bingo card? Strap in for an emotional and lingering journey.
Concept: ★★★★
Pacing: ★★
Representation vs. Romance: ★★
Enjoyment: ★★★
A small disclaimer for this review: my rating has nothing to do with this book's actual contents. It has more to do with my perception of what this story was going to be based on its description and pitch.
Aja spends each of her days walking hand in hand with her anxiety disorder. It's her constant companion, it affects how she goes about her day, and it occasionally severely impacts how she deals with people and experiences.
So when she has a panic attack in the grocery store one night, the last thing she wants is to meet a cute guy. Said cute guy supports her during her attack, and afterwards Aja flees into the night. She'll never see him again, right?
Well, then the cute guy shows up at Aja's weekly bingo night with the town's senior citizens. Turns out his name is Walker, he's super cute in person, and he's going to be bopping around Aja's life for the next several weeks.
Walker's dealing with some anxiety and other issues on his own, so he not only gets Aja—he's interested in her. Cue the sparks...
Aja and Walker end up in a bizarre bingo pact together that promises to deliver some steam... and they're both very much on board with placing bets on who will come out on top. (In more ways than one.)
I thought Bet On It was a very cute concept for a romance novel. Bingo isn't a sexy activity, really, but the idea of the two young people in a sea of senior citizens having a connection was kind of adorable, and the addition of Aja and Walker's anxieties gave it a very realistic edge.
However... this book kind of lost me when it came to the romance and pacing. I heard "sexy bingo bets" and thought this would be smutty, funny, and quickly paced. Not sure why I thought "quickly paced," exactly, but the other two points seemed like a given.
Instead of a lot of banter and smut, Bet On It delivered on some serious plot points, emotional deep dives, and personalized healing journeys. On a large scale. Not a bad way to go for a general fiction novel about healing from trauma and coping with mental illness, but again, given the hook of "sexy bingo bets" I was...confused. (And bored. I kept getting a bit bored.)
Overall, I thought this novel was extremely sweet and a story of personal triumph over struggle. I will be recommending it to those looking for anxiety representation in stories, and for those who enjoy emotional journey-dominant tropes in their general adult fiction.
Thank you to the publisher for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
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Can two anxious people overcome their obstacles and find love over a bingo card? Strap in for an emotional and lingering journey.
Concept: ★★★★
Pacing: ★★
Representation vs. Romance: ★★
Enjoyment: ★★★
A small disclaimer for this review: my rating has nothing to do with this book's actual contents. It has more to do with my perception of what this story was going to be based on its description and pitch.
Aja spends each of her days walking hand in hand with her anxiety disorder. It's her constant companion, it affects how she goes about her day, and it occasionally severely impacts how she deals with people and experiences.
So when she has a panic attack in the grocery store one night, the last thing she wants is to meet a cute guy. Said cute guy supports her during her attack, and afterwards Aja flees into the night. She'll never see him again, right?
Well, then the cute guy shows up at Aja's weekly bingo night with the town's senior citizens. Turns out his name is Walker, he's super cute in person, and he's going to be bopping around Aja's life for the next several weeks.
Walker's dealing with some anxiety and other issues on his own, so he not only gets Aja—he's interested in her. Cue the sparks...
Aja and Walker end up in a bizarre bingo pact together that promises to deliver some steam... and they're both very much on board with placing bets on who will come out on top. (In more ways than one.)
I thought Bet On It was a very cute concept for a romance novel. Bingo isn't a sexy activity, really, but the idea of the two young people in a sea of senior citizens having a connection was kind of adorable, and the addition of Aja and Walker's anxieties gave it a very realistic edge.
However... this book kind of lost me when it came to the romance and pacing. I heard "sexy bingo bets" and thought this would be smutty, funny, and quickly paced. Not sure why I thought "quickly paced," exactly, but the other two points seemed like a given.
Instead of a lot of banter and smut, Bet On It delivered on some serious plot points, emotional deep dives, and personalized healing journeys. On a large scale. Not a bad way to go for a general fiction novel about healing from trauma and coping with mental illness, but again, given the hook of "sexy bingo bets" I was...confused. (And bored. I kept getting a bit bored.)
Overall, I thought this novel was extremely sweet and a story of personal triumph over struggle. I will be recommending it to those looking for anxiety representation in stories, and for those who enjoy emotional journey-dominant tropes in their general adult fiction.
Thank you to the publisher for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
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April 9, 2023
3.75⭑
Tropes;
- Plus Size Rep
- Friends to Lovers
- Friends with Benefits
- Small Town Romance
- Mental Health Rep - GAD (h) & CPTSD (H)
- Third Person
- Dual POV
This was a super cute romance and I loved the development of friends into lovers. The romance felt a bit basic at times but i wasn’t mad at it either.
Both characters suffer from panic attacks as well as generalised anxiety disorder (heroine) and Complex PTSD (hero) and I think the author did a great job at representing this.
I also heavily enjoyed the descriptions of the female main character, especially during the hero’s inner monologue!!! She is a fat woman who is happy with the way she looks and I loved the fact that he acknowledged she is bigger and didn’t try to pretend that she wasn’t.
Tropes;
- Plus Size Rep
- Friends to Lovers
- Friends with Benefits
- Small Town Romance
- Mental Health Rep - GAD (h) & CPTSD (H)
- Third Person
- Dual POV
This was a super cute romance and I loved the development of friends into lovers. The romance felt a bit basic at times but i wasn’t mad at it either.
Both characters suffer from panic attacks as well as generalised anxiety disorder (heroine) and Complex PTSD (hero) and I think the author did a great job at representing this.
I also heavily enjoyed the descriptions of the female main character, especially during the hero’s inner monologue!!! She is a fat woman who is happy with the way she looks and I loved the fact that he acknowledged she is bigger and didn’t try to pretend that she wasn’t.
September 12, 2022
3.5 stars
Bet on It is my first Jodie Slaughter book and I enjoyed it. It fantastic representation for mental health/anxiety. Walker and Aja were great characters and I loved them both, but I wanted to feel more with them together. I guess it was just missing that chemistry/spark for me personally, but I still appreciated a lot about it.
Bet on It is my first Jodie Slaughter book and I enjoyed it. It fantastic representation for mental health/anxiety. Walker and Aja were great characters and I loved them both, but I wanted to feel more with them together. I guess it was just missing that chemistry/spark for me personally, but I still appreciated a lot about it.
Audio book source: Libby
Story Rating: 3.5 stars
Narrators: Angel Pean
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Romance
Length: 10h 15m
February 1, 2022
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: July 12, 2022
When Aja meets Walker for the first time, she is in the middle of a grocery store, battling a panic attack. Embarrassed, she desperately tries to avoid him only to run into him again at the local bingo hall, where Aja has unknowingly befriended his kind grandmother. Walker though, is only in town to help his grandmother while she recovers from surgery, and he makes it no secret that he cannot wait to leave the town behind him. Aja hopes to start a life in her new town, and she knows any romance with Walker is doomed to fail.
Jodie Slaughter is a romance novelist, and “Bet On It” is a cute, yet sappy, smoldering story that fits this bill. Walker, a stereotypical White Southern boy, meets Aja, a Black woman from out of state, and they are immediately attracted to each other, though the relationship cannot possibly survive. But of course, star-crossed lovers is the stuff great romance stories are made of.
Aja is a great character, and I immediately connected with her anxiety disorder. Walker, too, suffered from PTSD and anxiety, which formed the basis of their initial connection and subsequent relationship. Slaughter has taken the romance novel into the 21st century, and it made for an instant rapport between character and reader.
I am normally not a romance reader (although I love novelists like Nicholas Sparks, who have just the right amount of sweet and sappy) and “Bet On It” is definitely romantic, but it is also erotic and almost smutty. I am not a fan of novels that are inundated with sex and sexual innuendos, and this novel is RIFE with them. Right from the start, Walker’s internal monologue about Aja made me want to take a shower. (I skipped pages of text that were related to “soaking wet panties” and “riding d*@k”, for example) . Walker and Aja’s friendships with people from their home towns were juvenile, and their conversations were difficult to read (there was a lot of “hey girl” and “yo bro”, for example) but I did sincerely enjoy the adult, connected friendship between Aja and Miri.
Overall, this novel is a cute Southern romance with two modern millennials who connect over the challenges faced by their psychological disorders. Aja is a charming and admirable character, who I enjoyed immensely, and Walker eventually grows on you. A lot of smut, a little romance, and an occasional Bingo win or two, and “Bet On It” is bound to please.
Expected publication date: July 12, 2022
When Aja meets Walker for the first time, she is in the middle of a grocery store, battling a panic attack. Embarrassed, she desperately tries to avoid him only to run into him again at the local bingo hall, where Aja has unknowingly befriended his kind grandmother. Walker though, is only in town to help his grandmother while she recovers from surgery, and he makes it no secret that he cannot wait to leave the town behind him. Aja hopes to start a life in her new town, and she knows any romance with Walker is doomed to fail.
Jodie Slaughter is a romance novelist, and “Bet On It” is a cute, yet sappy, smoldering story that fits this bill. Walker, a stereotypical White Southern boy, meets Aja, a Black woman from out of state, and they are immediately attracted to each other, though the relationship cannot possibly survive. But of course, star-crossed lovers is the stuff great romance stories are made of.
Aja is a great character, and I immediately connected with her anxiety disorder. Walker, too, suffered from PTSD and anxiety, which formed the basis of their initial connection and subsequent relationship. Slaughter has taken the romance novel into the 21st century, and it made for an instant rapport between character and reader.
I am normally not a romance reader (although I love novelists like Nicholas Sparks, who have just the right amount of sweet and sappy) and “Bet On It” is definitely romantic, but it is also erotic and almost smutty. I am not a fan of novels that are inundated with sex and sexual innuendos, and this novel is RIFE with them. Right from the start, Walker’s internal monologue about Aja made me want to take a shower. (I skipped pages of text that were related to “soaking wet panties” and “riding d*@k”, for example) . Walker and Aja’s friendships with people from their home towns were juvenile, and their conversations were difficult to read (there was a lot of “hey girl” and “yo bro”, for example) but I did sincerely enjoy the adult, connected friendship between Aja and Miri.
Overall, this novel is a cute Southern romance with two modern millennials who connect over the challenges faced by their psychological disorders. Aja is a charming and admirable character, who I enjoyed immensely, and Walker eventually grows on you. A lot of smut, a little romance, and an occasional Bingo win or two, and “Bet On It” is bound to please.
June 20, 2022
This was a beautifully told story of mental health issues and how that might impact a relationship where both parties suffer from debilitating anxiety, panic attacks, childhood trauma, and ptsd.
Aja meets Walker in a Piggly Wiggly during a panic attack when he recognizes the symptoms in her. They bond over that and both feel a powerful attraction to one another. And eventually enter into a bingo sex pact.
I enjoyed this overall, it was largely character driven through the mental health struggles, almost exclusively so. So much of the lens was focused on that issue for both parts of the couple that any other aspect of the story was lost. It was beautifully done, but I can see this being a lot for someone to read who struggles with anxiety themselves. The overall tone of the book was really heavy, definitely at odds with the cover.
I think if you go into this knowing you are getting more of a story about 2 people struggling with mental health and trying to live and thrive both alone and together, rather than a straight up romance you'll enjoy this.
But it hit a bit too close to home for me and seeing such trauma under a microscope wasn't a great time.
The shining star however was that the heroine was plus sized and her beautiful body was wildly accepted and described here.
I received an ARC for review from the publisher
CW: anxiety, panic attacks, ptsd, childhood abuse, parental addiction
Aja meets Walker in a Piggly Wiggly during a panic attack when he recognizes the symptoms in her. They bond over that and both feel a powerful attraction to one another. And eventually enter into a bingo sex pact.
I enjoyed this overall, it was largely character driven through the mental health struggles, almost exclusively so. So much of the lens was focused on that issue for both parts of the couple that any other aspect of the story was lost. It was beautifully done, but I can see this being a lot for someone to read who struggles with anxiety themselves. The overall tone of the book was really heavy, definitely at odds with the cover.
I think if you go into this knowing you are getting more of a story about 2 people struggling with mental health and trying to live and thrive both alone and together, rather than a straight up romance you'll enjoy this.
But it hit a bit too close to home for me and seeing such trauma under a microscope wasn't a great time.
The shining star however was that the heroine was plus sized and her beautiful body was wildly accepted and described here.
I received an ARC for review from the publisher
CW: anxiety, panic attacks, ptsd, childhood abuse, parental addiction
February 5, 2023
It’s cute that’s for sure but it’s not like over the top, it’s the first third person book that didn’t annoy me
February 20, 2023
Honestly, I couldn't get invested in the plot. It wasn't the worst thing I've read but most of it left me bored. Like watching a dripping faucet and waiting for it to stop. The anxiety rep was okay (especially the first 1/3) but it got to the point that it seemed to be the only characteristic of the main characters. The bingo rules and numbers (ex: N4, I36, 092, etc. being used) made no sense. That's literally not how actual bingo games work. lol
May 31, 2022
4.5 stars rounded up
This was excellent! I've heard great things about Jodie Slaughter and I'm glad I finally got to read something by her. One thing worth noting is that while this does have some fun moments, overall it's a heavier version of a romance novel that is dealing (very sensitively!) with mental health issues including generalized anxiety disorder and complex PTSD.
Both characters go through panic attacks and in fact they initially meet when our heroine is having a panic attack in a grocery store. We have scenes with our heroine talking to her therapist and it's very pro-therapy in general which is great, and this emphasizes growth, healing, and coping mechanisms rather than anyone being "fixed". Mental health is a major theme throughout the book and the characters connect over some of their shared experiences.
We also have a fat heroine and I thought the representation was handled beautifully! She feels good about herself, comfortable in her skin, and doesn't have a problem getting sexy with the hero. (for the record this is a pretty steamy book!) She isn't weird about eating and enjoys food, no one around her is fatphobic either. The hero is definitely into her body, but it doesn't feel fetishized in a weird way. Personally, this is exactly the kind of fat representation I enjoy in my romances.
Their relationship starts as a friendship, then a short term sex pact, but it's clear they are both developing feelings. It's also adorable how they get to know each other through bingo where they're definitely the youngest people and he's in town to help out his grandmother while she recovers from an injury.
On top of all that, we also get some great female friendships developing! Our heroine is new to town and doesn't really know anyone, but ends up making some great friends despite her insecurities about getting to know new people. Loved it. This was just a great book and I would definitely read more from this author in the future. The audio narration is great too! Loved the voice of the narrator. I received an audio review copy of this book via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
This was excellent! I've heard great things about Jodie Slaughter and I'm glad I finally got to read something by her. One thing worth noting is that while this does have some fun moments, overall it's a heavier version of a romance novel that is dealing (very sensitively!) with mental health issues including generalized anxiety disorder and complex PTSD.
Both characters go through panic attacks and in fact they initially meet when our heroine is having a panic attack in a grocery store. We have scenes with our heroine talking to her therapist and it's very pro-therapy in general which is great, and this emphasizes growth, healing, and coping mechanisms rather than anyone being "fixed". Mental health is a major theme throughout the book and the characters connect over some of their shared experiences.
We also have a fat heroine and I thought the representation was handled beautifully! She feels good about herself, comfortable in her skin, and doesn't have a problem getting sexy with the hero. (for the record this is a pretty steamy book!) She isn't weird about eating and enjoys food, no one around her is fatphobic either. The hero is definitely into her body, but it doesn't feel fetishized in a weird way. Personally, this is exactly the kind of fat representation I enjoy in my romances.
Their relationship starts as a friendship, then a short term sex pact, but it's clear they are both developing feelings. It's also adorable how they get to know each other through bingo where they're definitely the youngest people and he's in town to help out his grandmother while she recovers from an injury.
On top of all that, we also get some great female friendships developing! Our heroine is new to town and doesn't really know anyone, but ends up making some great friends despite her insecurities about getting to know new people. Loved it. This was just a great book and I would definitely read more from this author in the future. The audio narration is great too! Loved the voice of the narrator. I received an audio review copy of this book via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
May 18, 2022
I buddy read this with my friend Allie <3
Absolutely phenomenal contemporary romance with the worst cover. I'm sorry, this cover is Not Great, but the story is so swoony and wonderful and has amazing anxiety rep.
Aja Owens meets a handsome stranger in the grocery store while having a panic attack and it turns out he's the grandson of her best bingo buddy. Walker Abbott is in town only to help his grandmother during her recovery from two broken arms, and he's not looking for any long term relationship, especially any that would keep him in his hometown, scene of judgement and the development of his PTSD and anxiety.
But Aja Owens is beautiful, understands him, kisses like a dream; and she's not interested in leaving small town life for the big city Walker currently resides in.
So very swoon worthy, Walker is so smitten with Aja, loves her body (and ahem is definitely a hero who eats). The bingo hall setting, the senior characters, the TRUCK (Slaughter writes the best car sexy times okay), so much to love. I urge everyone to pick this one up!
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC.
Content notes: Aja is a fat, black woman. Walker is a white, muscly man. panic attacks (on page), discussion of mental health/anxiety/PTSD. Parental trouble/toxic relationships (Walker's father is a recovering drug addict), small town gossip (hurtful).
Absolutely phenomenal contemporary romance with the worst cover. I'm sorry, this cover is Not Great, but the story is so swoony and wonderful and has amazing anxiety rep.
Aja Owens meets a handsome stranger in the grocery store while having a panic attack and it turns out he's the grandson of her best bingo buddy. Walker Abbott is in town only to help his grandmother during her recovery from two broken arms, and he's not looking for any long term relationship, especially any that would keep him in his hometown, scene of judgement and the development of his PTSD and anxiety.
But Aja Owens is beautiful, understands him, kisses like a dream; and she's not interested in leaving small town life for the big city Walker currently resides in.
So very swoon worthy, Walker is so smitten with Aja, loves her body (and ahem is definitely a hero who eats). The bingo hall setting, the senior characters, the TRUCK (Slaughter writes the best car sexy times okay), so much to love. I urge everyone to pick this one up!
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC.
Content notes: Aja is a fat, black woman. Walker is a white, muscly man. panic attacks (on page), discussion of mental health/anxiety/PTSD. Parental trouble/toxic relationships (Walker's father is a recovering drug addict), small town gossip (hurtful).
September 11, 2022
The first thing that really stands out about Bet on It by Jodie Slaughter is that it has some serious anxiety representation. Going into it, I thought this was going to be a funny, more romcom-type story but found it to be much more serious than that. Aja struggles with crippling anxiety and panic attacks, while Walker suffers from some anxiety of his own as well. I loved the idea of the concept because who doesn't love bingo? but the book didn't really dive into it as much as I had hoped it would. There were definitely a few steamy scenes and some romance, but I think the contemporary fiction reader may prefer this over a normal romance reader. I really appreciated Slaughter putting a sensitive content disclaimer right at the start of the book, and it refers you to her website which provides more information on what exactly this book entails. I would highly recommend checking that out prior to reading if you are triggered by certain things.
The pacing is a bit on the slower end, so I was happy I had gotten the audiobook which is narrated by Angel Pean. I would personally have loved another narrator for Walker's chapters, but Pean was great to listen to and she nailed the emotion of the story. She even did a great job with Walker's voice! The sex scenes are fairly graphic (at least they were for me), so if you are a lover of steamy scenes that don't leave much to the imagination, I think you would enjoy them. I really loved how real the characters and their struggles were, and I honestly think Bet on It did a wonderful job of showing how people can overcome adversity. Despite the serious tone of the story, there were still plenty of humorous moments which really helped break things up a bit. I wanted Aja and Walker to work out, and I was a huge fan of both of them as well as other characters in the book. I had never read Slaughter before, but I definitely will again.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The pacing is a bit on the slower end, so I was happy I had gotten the audiobook which is narrated by Angel Pean. I would personally have loved another narrator for Walker's chapters, but Pean was great to listen to and she nailed the emotion of the story. She even did a great job with Walker's voice! The sex scenes are fairly graphic (at least they were for me), so if you are a lover of steamy scenes that don't leave much to the imagination, I think you would enjoy them. I really loved how real the characters and their struggles were, and I honestly think Bet on It did a wonderful job of showing how people can overcome adversity. Despite the serious tone of the story, there were still plenty of humorous moments which really helped break things up a bit. I wanted Aja and Walker to work out, and I was a huge fan of both of them as well as other characters in the book. I had never read Slaughter before, but I definitely will again.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
February 24, 2022
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press for the ARC Bet On It by Jodie Slaughter. This is the first book ever I’ve won on Goodreads and am so excited to get such a great book on my first win!!
You know how it takes forever to get into a book? This book ISN’T one of them. Our main character is having a panic attack immediately when we meet her, and who doesn’t feel for someone going through so much pain in a public location?!! You quickly fall in love with each precious character and the hard part is the book ending page by page and all you want to do is keep hanging out with Aja and Walker and Ms May and have some cobbler. I could smell fresh cobbler and had hunger pains for almost the entire book, so thanks Ms . Slaughter. And who doesn’t want to find a Walker?!!! He’s a dream we all deserve, right ladies? This fun book would be a great beach read so I’m glad it’s being released well beforehand, although Aja and her girlfriends wouldn’t be on the beach because… well, you need to read the book to know why not, don’t you?
You know how it takes forever to get into a book? This book ISN’T one of them. Our main character is having a panic attack immediately when we meet her, and who doesn’t feel for someone going through so much pain in a public location?!! You quickly fall in love with each precious character and the hard part is the book ending page by page and all you want to do is keep hanging out with Aja and Walker and Ms May and have some cobbler. I could smell fresh cobbler and had hunger pains for almost the entire book, so thanks Ms . Slaughter. And who doesn’t want to find a Walker?!!! He’s a dream we all deserve, right ladies? This fun book would be a great beach read so I’m glad it’s being released well beforehand, although Aja and her girlfriends wouldn’t be on the beach because… well, you need to read the book to know why not, don’t you?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2023
The slut in me enjoyed how hot and steamy this was, and the 83 year old grandma in me enjoyed the bingo parts.
October 11, 2022
A delightful book with heavier topics such as anxiety representation and substance abuse.
May 11, 2022
✨”And I’m supposed to think bingo isn’t a euphemism for eating pussy???”✨
The relationship is cute but it was just a fraction of the book and the book itself was very boring. I love a good bingo night and totally relate to bingo-induced anxiety. The fear of mishearing the numbers has literally prevented me from claiming bingos I’ve won in the past. This book also deals heavily with general anxiety (both main characters) and PTSD (hero). It was really cool to see both characters understand anxiety and find solace in their shared (and also unique) experiences.
There just seemed to be way too much exposition and not much else left to propel the plot. For example, there was an entire chapter about her getting a manicure. It was important for her and the plot, but as a reader it just wasn’t fascinating. A lot of that chapter was just internal monologue, which reflects the book as a whole.
Like I said, the relationship was the best part but it really didn’t feel like the main part. I wanted more depth from the “falling in love” stage. Their first kiss was immediately followed by sex. Hot sex but very abrupt. That was at like 45% so it wasn’t quite slow burn. However, it felt like slow burn because it was all I really wanted to read about. After the initial bang, they made a sex pact and there was a lull in basically everything physical. This derailed the little excitement I was feeling from the afterglow of hot car sex.
In addition to car sex, there was another full scene and a half of one. The language was explicit and there were a couple different positions. I wanted more because the writing was great during the sex scenes. However, I think instead of having him runout after the second scene, and drop her off after the first, there needed to be more emotional impact from the sex scenes. They were hot but not very intimate.
I didn’t have issues really with either main character, and the third-act breakup was pretty well handled. I liked the overall concept, but found issues with the execution. I was never angry, but I also never felt much of anything. The bingo concept remains immaculate.
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶.25/5
The relationship is cute but it was just a fraction of the book and the book itself was very boring. I love a good bingo night and totally relate to bingo-induced anxiety. The fear of mishearing the numbers has literally prevented me from claiming bingos I’ve won in the past. This book also deals heavily with general anxiety (both main characters) and PTSD (hero). It was really cool to see both characters understand anxiety and find solace in their shared (and also unique) experiences.
There just seemed to be way too much exposition and not much else left to propel the plot. For example, there was an entire chapter about her getting a manicure. It was important for her and the plot, but as a reader it just wasn’t fascinating. A lot of that chapter was just internal monologue, which reflects the book as a whole.
Like I said, the relationship was the best part but it really didn’t feel like the main part. I wanted more depth from the “falling in love” stage. Their first kiss was immediately followed by sex. Hot sex but very abrupt. That was at like 45% so it wasn’t quite slow burn. However, it felt like slow burn because it was all I really wanted to read about. After the initial bang, they made a sex pact and there was a lull in basically everything physical. This derailed the little excitement I was feeling from the afterglow of hot car sex.
In addition to car sex, there was another full scene and a half of one. The language was explicit and there were a couple different positions. I wanted more because the writing was great during the sex scenes. However, I think instead of having him runout after the second scene, and drop her off after the first, there needed to be more emotional impact from the sex scenes. They were hot but not very intimate.
I didn’t have issues really with either main character, and the third-act breakup was pretty well handled. I liked the overall concept, but found issues with the execution. I was never angry, but I also never felt much of anything. The bingo concept remains immaculate.
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶.25/5
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