What a fun read centered around an encounter in a small town bingo event. I loved how anxiety was reflected with realistic characters you rooted for as the story progressed.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for the ARC.

#betonit #netgalley

Bet on It is a cute (but a bit too steamy for me) read. Bonding over bingo, and eventually, a sex bet, Bet on It is definitely unlike any other romance I've read.

3/5 Stars

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, St. Martin's Griffin for providing me with an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

When I see the name Slaughter, I always think of psychological thriller writer Karin Slaughter, but as you can perhaps tell from the modern, bright-colored cover of Bet On It that is currently supremely trendy, this is 100% a light, fun rom-com. Although it is a lighter romance read, it does tackle issues and focuses heavily on mental health and anxiety.

Main characters Aja and Walker meet at Bingo, an unlikely hangout for young professionals, but uniquely adorable. Aja moved to the tiny town of Greenbelt to enjoy a slower pace in hopes of helping her manage her anxiety. Walker grew up in Greenbelt and fled as soon as he could, but this summer he returns to take care of his grandmother after she took a fall. Walker also struggles with anxiety and PTSD stemming from his childhood trauma.

The two form a friendship predicated on their loneliness and lack of friends with an underlying current of attraction that they try to fight at first because their relationship has an expiration date. Once Walker’s grandmother heals, he’ll go back to his big city life again. It’s a romance novel, so of course, we know how this is going to go – from the obvious bumps in the road to the inevitable conclusion.

I’ve been slowly getting into more and more romance novels this summer. While this isn’t my favorite, it’s definitely a fun, easy read with some funny dialogue. I really enjoyed Aja’s discovery of a friend group in Miri, Olivia, and Jade. It was wholly unrealistic that new friends would be so attuned and considerate to how their new friend might be feeling in overwhelming situations because unfortunately, most people are just too self-involved and narcissistic to realize it. However, it was refreshing and sweet to see how much these friends checked in on each other and I hope this, along with the growing openness to discussing our mental health, becomes more and more common.

As someone who suffers from anxiety, I was so glad to see the representation here! There were many things that I loved about this book. Walker is back in his hometown to help take care of his grandmother after a nasty fall. One of his grandmother's friends happens to be Aja, and there is definitely a spark between the two when they first meet I loved the interracial aspect of their friendship and relationship, and I loved that this book showed both a male and a female that suffered from anxiety. These are the types of books that we need more of to breakdown the stigma about anxiety, and bring awareness about the importance of mental health. I liked that Aja and Walker were both successful, or what society would deem successful- jobs, friends, etc. Although from Aja's perspective, we know that she has trouble making friends and Walker has a small circle of friends. I also liked how it showed that anxiety can have different causes, whether that be childhood trauma or something else. Walker was sweet to Aja the entire book, and I also enjoyed how the characters communicated their feelings and expectations to each other. Walker wasn't afraid to tell Aja how he felt, and I thought both characters were very mature in communicating their needs to each other. The steam and chemistry between the two of them was the icing on the cake to this story. It was entertaining and a great read. Thank you to the publisher for giving me the chance to read an early copy of this book.

Aja moved to Greenbelt to escape her crippling anxiety with the hopes that a slower pace of life can help. Walker left Greenbelt because of his anxiety but when his Gran needs him, he returns to help. The two meet at a weekly Bingo game. Aja is hoping to defeat her anxiety there and Walker's Gran is a regular attender. When the two make a bet over Bingo, romance ensues.
Opinion
This book was hard for me. While I loved the plot, the parts of the book that are not consistent with how things are done aggravated me. As a backstory, I learned to play Bingo at a young age and it was the game that convinced me to learn my numbers (so I could win or course.) The way Slaughter described the Bingo games was inaccurate, at least the way the traditional game is played. As a teacher, I know that the game has been modified to fit curriculum. (For example, a teacher may put words in the boxes and show beginning readers pictures for them to find.) However, at a Bingo parlor, I would expect them to play the traditional game. At one point in the book, Aja was one away from winning. It was the center square. Bingo cards have the center square as a "free space" that would negate the need to wait for that spot to be called.
At another point in the book, Slaughter referenced going back to school right after the 4th of July. While I recognize that there are schools that are year round, it frustrated me because more than likely, they would have had an extended break for a major holiday.
That being said, there was plenty I liked about the book. Aja having a fuller figure appealed to me. The fact that the two characters were of different races and nothing was mentioned against them dating (in the south even) gives me hope that we are moving past racism. The plot was absolutely charming and a sweet read. I loved the fact that when the Bingo callers called out numbers they had cute sayings for the numbers.
Overall, had I not been a huge Bingo fan and a teacher, I think I would have given this a higher rating.
Many thanks to Net Galley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with an ARC of this book.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

WOW! What a fantastic book! This was an engaging and engrossing novel that I seldom wanted to put down. It was so much fun. I haven't had this much fun reading a romance in quite some time. Jodie killed it!

I really really tried to finish this book but I just couldn't. As someone who deals with anxiety, this book was a lot. I use reading as an escape and I felt like I could not escape from my world of anxiety. I do appreicate the author using main characters that both have mental health issues and are working on fixing it but we are in the main characters head the entire time and it was too much. If we weren't in their head, I think I could have finished the book and given it a good rating. I was hoping for so much from this book and I just did not get it unfortunately.

This is a DNF for me. It was too slow of a read for me.

I did like the anxiety representation, it felt very real and honest.

Jodie Slaughter's Bet on It is a rom-com with a grounded premise. Aja is a woman experiencing a panic attack the first time she encounters Walker. Walker's calming presence helps her through that moment and she never expects to see him again. Little does she know he has recently returned to the small town he grew up in to temporarily care for his grandmother (who happens to be Aja's Bingo pal). Walker and Aja become fast flirty friends and one thing leads to another.

This was a different kind of romantic comedy for me wherein both leads were struggling mentally. The conversations around mental health were realistic and fitting to the narrative.

Overall Bet on It was a successful book. However, I wanted more spark. Aja and Walker seem suited for each other, but that zing was missing in some of their scenes for me. I also struggled with how quickly the ending came together. I think there needed to be more there to understand (and believe) their HEA would be long lasting.

I’m always in search of books that offer up something a little bit different. When you’re an avid reader, sometimes the tropes, settings, and characters in novels can feel like you’ve already been there and done that. Well, Bet on It was promising something a bit different. To the best of my recollection, I have never read a novel in which the two main characters’ first encounter was during a panic attack at a grocery store, or their second encounter at a bingo hall, so, naturally, I was intrigued.

Aja and Walker were in Greenbelt, South Carolina for very different reasons. She chose Greenbelt because she wanted to be away from the hustle and bustle of a big city, and Walker was only back in Greenbelt to help care for his grandmother. He preferred the big city and its anonymity to the small-town gossip of his past.

While these two main characters may have seemed like opposites, they had more in common than one might have assumed. Aja and Walker had a lot going for them as characters. They weren’t perfect, which made them more relatable. I enjoyed witnessing their interactions and seeing them connect. They developed a friendship and, while there was a lot of southern charm and sweetness, don’t be fooled, they also had a heck of a lot of steam and chemistry.

While I did enjoy my overall time reading Bet on It, I didn’t feel as connected as I would have liked. Whenever I pick up a book to read, I want to escape into the story, to feel glued to the pages and not want to put it down. Despite liking the premise of the story and the characters, I never felt overly invested or compelled to sneak in every spare minute I could find to read it. Bet on It is well written, sweet, and steamy, but it just didn’t hold my attention as much as I had hoped.

*3.5 Stars

This was one of my most anticipated reads for 2022. I was thrilled to be able to read it early! It definitely lived up to my expectations. I loved the small town romance vibes but also very real depiction of anxiety / panic attacks. I found myself rooting for Aja and saw so much of my own story in her. Watching her growth and romance with Walker was beautiful!

Is it possible for two anxiety ridden adults both who have emotional challenges such as social anxiety disorder and panic attacks, both who are lonely and feel they are missing out on life, but are afraid to take a step ahead out of fear, can meet and fall in love? Bet on it!!

Aja Owens has fled to Greenbelt a small town because big cities give her too much anxiety. But even in a small town she still finds some things difficult, which is where she finds herself when at the Piggly Wiggly in the frozen food section she feels the panic coming. Using the tools she has been given by her therapist she tries to calm down, but nothing seems to be working until a handsome stranger comes over to her, takes pity on her and helps her through the crisis.

Walter Abbott fled Greenbelt years ago to live in a big city. He knows all about small town gossip and being made to feel like a loser. His parents had both been drug addicts and when they couldn’t take care of him, his grandmother stepped in. Of course, the whole town knew his story and taunted him from a young age. He began to have anxiety in social situations because he never knew what he would be facing. So, even though he loves his Gram he left for the city after college and has not returned since. Yes, he misses his Gram and the peach cobbler at the local restaurant, but nothing will ever get him to return. Until Gram has an accident and needs his help.

But when he takes his Gram to her weekly bingo game which accident or no accident, she cannot miss, lo and behold there sitting next to his Gram and talking to her no less as if they are long lost friends is the beautiful woman he helped at the Piggly Wiggly. He certainly knows the signs of a panic attack and although he did not want to embarrass her, he wanted to give her some encouragement.

Aja is shocked to see her knight in shining Piggly Wiggly armor and cannot believe he is related to the one person she is not too afraid to talk to, but to her surprise he never mentions their first encounter. Is he too good to be true? Aja, who has never won at bingo only goes for the companionship of Walter’s gram.

As they begin to get to know about each other and both awkwardly flirt, what starts out as a new friendship starts to become something more. Something neither of them knows really what to do with. And with Walter already saying he can’t wait to get back to the city, Aja decides to take this slow and agrees to go to a date with Walter to a different bingo hall because he has never won at bingo either!

After their first bingo date, and neither coming out a winner, they decide to continue going and place a bet on which of them will win bingo first, and let’s just say the prize is not money…

As their story continues and they realize they have so much in common and can feel each other’s fear and begin to understand that they are good for each other in so many ways, they still have certain obstacles which somehow, they are unable to get past. Knowing Walter will be going back home, Aja knows she can’t go with him, her anxiety too deep to go back there again. How do they proceed when it’s time to end this romance when Gram is back up on her feet again?

Bet on It is a wonderfully funny, yet empathetic look at what anxiety and stress can do to someone. And no one’s story is the same. But it hopefully will show those who suffer from this that they are not alone and if you keep at it, perhaps even if the anxiety never goes totally away, you can live a full life, by being honest with those who know you, get stronger and with that strength you can win whatever prize you dream of.

Thank you #NetGalley #St.Martin’sPress #BetonIt #JodieSlaughter for the advanced copy.

Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin Press for the opportunity to give my honest review on bet on it

Bet On It is a story about Aja who relocated to a small town to work on herself and live a slower life. She goes to Bingo every Wednesday and has a bingo buddy names Ms. May. Ms. May injures herself and didn’t show for a few weeks and she shows up with her Grandson Walker. Her Grandson is also the same guy that Aja met at the Piggly Wiggly when she had a Panic Attack.

This book shares how people who suffer from Panic Attacks think and how they can work through it all. Both Aja and Walker suffer from Panic Attacks and for two different reasons. Walker had a lot of traumatic things happen in his childhood.

Loved this book and the representation of a Plus Size Black Woman and those who suffer from panic attacks!

Aja has moved to a small town in South Carolina to find a less stressful life to help her anxiety levels. Walker left the same town to go to college and escape his bad childhood and is reluctantly back for two months to help his grandmother while she recovers from breaking her arms. Sparks start flying that they try to ignore. The story started out slowly for me and got better as it went along. I would give it 3.5 stars.

I received a free copy of this book to review through NetGalley.

There were so many things I loved about this book, I don’t even know what to mention first! I loved both Aja and Walker as characters and their personal growth was beautiful! The anxiety representation in this book was unexpected but completely appreciated as someone who has struggled with social and generalized anxiety my entire adult life. There was also some great spice while also keeping the relationship wholesome and cute. I loved the way the two main characters understood each other and the side characters don’t disappoint either! I definitely recommend picking this up if you’re looking for a new author to get hooked on.

Check triggers**

Read this if you like: Anxiety disorder representation, PTSD representation, small towns, mixed couple, curvy mc, low conflict romance, spicy 🔥

Aja Owens is having a panic attack in the frozen foods section of the Piggly Wiggly when she meets a gorgeous guy. 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.

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 grandmother, who recently had a bad fall. 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.

A hastily made bingo-based sex pact is made. That's just hilarious. I really loved this book. I was immediately drawn to Aja. I have anxiety and have panic attacks. This book represented the experience well. There are a lot of sex scenes and very minimal conflict. I do wish there was a bit of actual conflict. Overall I found this book funny, sexy, and so good. Highly recommend! Pick it up July 12th or pre-order now.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and St. Martin's Press for the gifted copy!

Not my favorite romance. I appreciate the author bringing in mental health and illness as a piece of how these two get together, but honestly, their anxiety and PTSD made ME anxious and nervy as well. Not quite the escape I was looking for.

Read “Bet On It” by Jodie Slaughter if you like:
✔ M/F contemporary romantic comedy
✔ Small Town Romance
✔ South Carolina backdrop
✔ Interracial romance
✔ Third person narration with dual perspectives
✔ Anxiety & PTSD rep
✔ Spicy romance
✔ Complete standalone

Aja Owens goes to bingo at the Greenbelt City Bingo Hall every Wednesday evening so she can feel a bit of calm and socialize a tiny bit. She has a bingo friend in Ms. May Abbott, an elderly white woman. When Ms. May gets injured, her grandson Walker comes to help her, even with her bingo game.

Aja has anxiety and Walker witnesses her having a panic attack at the Piggly Wiggly and helps her with his presence. It is at first unknown to Aja, but Walker has had panic attacks for much of his life. He’s attracted to Aja when they first meet at the bingo game but decides they should just be friends since he’s going back to Charleston in eight weeks.

Aja and Walker are open and honest with each other when discussing their mental health. It’s really refreshing to see frank discussions about anxiety in a romance. As they become closer and the tension ratchets up they decide to have a bet on bingo games: whenever one of them wins, they will sleep with each other.

As they grow closer to each other they have to keep reminding themselves that Wilder is leaving Greenbelt so they shouldn’t get too entangled. This gets more and more difficult for them. What will they do and who will get hurt when Walker leaves?

The depictions of anxiety and panic attacks by two people who have the experience of therapy are so special and realistic. It shows that therapy is helpful and worthwhile as it gives you tools to deal with your issues but is a process that is never really complete. It was wonderful to read about two people connecting over their previously private hurts and being so happy to find one another.

“He could be raw and honest with her about the parts of him that he normally kept hidden away.”

“Bet On It” is a heat-filled and passionate romance with characters that you will root for.

CW: mental illness, panic attacks, drug abuse, child endangerment

I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.

This was one of my most anticipated romances of the year and unfortunately it did not work for me.

I loved Aja as a character. Her mental healthy journey was important to see on page and seeing her making friends filled me with joy! But, Walker was just okay and I only like him for Aja since she liked him so much. I wish this book had been single POV and we got more time with Aja and seeing her adapt to this small town. I think it's so important to see adults lonely and making friends in romances and wish more page time had been spent with them.

I also liked the sort of trope subversion or the small town romance, but instead of a quirky cute town full of nice people, most people are mean here.

Ultimately, I liked what was happening in this story (mostly), but the pacing and the writing just did not work for me.

I had to DNF at 53%. I love the mental health rep and the focus on the work each of the MCs has done for themselves. I also love Aja’s character and personality. But I found myself struggling to stay interested in the romance. It felt forced and like there was a lot of telling but no showing.