If you're a fan of heartfelt romance with authentic mental health representation, "Bet On It" is a gem. Jodie Slaughter masterfully captures anxiety, PTSD, and the healing journey, all wrapped in a spicy, small-town setting with bingo nights and charming, relatable characters. Readers looking for BWWM romance, diverse voices, or love stories featuring therapy and self-acceptance will find lots to love. The sweet and sexy chemistry between Aja and Walker, alongside their vulnerability, makes this an uplifting and engaging read.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Some readers might find the focus on anxiety and panic attacks a bit intense or even triggering, especially if they're hoping for a lighter romance. A few felt the pace slowed down in places or that the emotional development could have gone even deeper. If you want high drama or prefer romance that skims over heavy themes, this book might not fully satisfy.

A relatable, heartfelt romance that doesn't shy away from real mental health struggles, with lovable leads and genuine emotional depth. Perfect for those craving both spice and substance in their contemporary romance.

About:

'Bet On It' by Jodie Slaughter revolves around the journey of Aja and Walker as they navigate their mental health issues and traumas to find love and healing. The story delves into themes of anxiety, panic attacks, PTSD, and past trauma, highlighting the struggles and growth of the characters. The writing style is praised for its honest depiction of mental health issues, relatable characters, and a sweet, heartfelt storyline that keeps readers engaged and rooting for the couple.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed individuals who face and navigate their mental health challenges while fostering a meaningful connection.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by a genuine and relatable tone that effectively blends serious themes of mental health with lighthearted moments.

Plot/Storyline:

The story centers around the mental health journeys of two characters, incorporating themes of love, healing, and self-awareness in a relationship that develops through their shared experiences.

Setting:

The setting enhances the romantic and community-oriented feel of the story, grounding the narrative in a small-town atmosphere.

Pacing:

The pacing is steady and allows for emotional exploration, although some readers noted a few slower sections.

Notes:

The book features a Black female lead and a white male lead, showcasing interracial representation.

Both main characters deal with mental health issues, including anxiety and PTSD.

The story begins with a panic attack, highlighting the challenges faced by those with anxiety disorders.

The characters' relationship develops through shared activities like playing bingo and attending drive-in movies.

Therapy is presented as an important part of the characters' personal growth.

The author, Jodie Slaughter, is praised for her honest depictions of mental health struggles.

The book balances serious themes with sweet, romantic moments, making it engaging and relatable.

Readers appreciate the spice level in the romance, although some hoped for more intimate scenes.

The characters' uniqueness includes their love for bingo and the quirky way they bond over it.

The story addresses mental health without becoming overly depressing, focusing on healing and love.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Triggers and content warnings include anxiety, panic attacks, PTSD, and mental health discussions.

Has Romance?

Romance plays a central role in the narrative, with significant development between the characters.

explicit steam level

From The Publisher:

"A steamy Southern romance. Bet On It might just be the sexiest book about bingo ever." - People

"Jodie Slaughter is a must-buy author, and Bet on It is a perfect example of what makes her writing delicious. Aja and Walker's story is hot, sweet, and utterly unique, with a rock-solid emotional core." - Talia Hibbert, New York Times bestselling author of Act Your Age, Eve Brown

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.

"Bet on It reads like the first rays of sun on your face after a long winter. I loved Aja and Walker's story about two genuinely good people who are playful and sweet to each other, helping one another heal, while also having incredibly hot sex. With standout portrayals of beautiful, generous friendships in addition to the love story, this is a book to be savored." - Rosie Danan, author of The Intimacy Experiment and The Roommate

July 2022

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317 pages

Ratings (5)

Incredible (1)
Loved It (2)
Liked It (1)
It Was OK (1)

Reader Stats (14):

Read It (6)
Want To Read (7)
Not Interested (1)

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Bet On It

Jodie Slaughter

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