Bet On It by Jodie Slaughter was a romance that surprised me in all the best ways. Not only was it a fun book with plenty of heat and laugh out loud moments, but its discussion of anxiety and mental health was extremely well done.

4.5/5 stars

Aja moved to Greenbelt, South Carolina to escape life in the big city. Her anxiety is an overwhelming part of her life, and she takes careful steps to manage it. One of her favorite new activities is Bingo night, where she spends time with Ms. May and listens to the older woman rave about her handsome grandson. When Walker shows up for Bingo while Ms. May is recovering from an injury, Aja recognizes him as the kind stranger who helped her through a grocery store panic attack. Aside from being intensely attracted to each other, they carefully get to know each other while being mindful of each other’s mental health. But Walker lives in Charleston and has no intention of staying in Greenbelt. Hence, their Bingo pact is born.

Look, this book had me interested the second I heard “bingo-based sex pact,” and it delivered on the promise of the premise. These characters are adorable and sincere. Both Aja and Walker say “It’s just sex, it should be easy enough” to keep feelings out of the way. Hahahaha!

As someone who hasn’t befriended new people since my teen was in preschool, I appreciated Aja’s difficulty making new friends as adults, especially with her anxiety. Walker has plenty of his own baggage, and it’s tough to fault him for his mistakes when they are seen through the lens of his past. The discussion of anxiety and PTSD is carefully and respectfully included in this story. It’s not something for the characters to “just get over,” but a realistic part of their lives and how they interact with the world.

Bet On It is a romance that’s a well balanced combo of humor, heat and more serious moments. I thoroughly enjoyed my introduction to Jodie Slaughter and I can’t wait to read more of her work.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I received an ARC of this book to read through NetGalley. All opinions are my own. Bet On It by Jodie Slaughter was such a delight to read. From their first awkward encounter in the frozen foods aisle to their hard-won HEA, there is not a moment that you are not cheering for Aja Owens and Walker Abbot to find a way to make things work. The story is sexy and sweet, and the angst is so heart-felt because you know that these two are truly meant for each other. This book has some of the best descriptions of how crippling anxiety can be and that no matter how much we try to protect our hearts, sometimes the only way forward is through. I enjoyed this book immensely and highly recommend reading it. One might consider having Peach Cobbler on hand while reading it. Steam Level: Very. Publishing Date: July 12, 2022. #BetOnIt #JodieSlaughter #ContemporaryRomance #ContemporaryRomanceReader #RomanceReviewer #Bookstagram #Bookstagrammer #StMartinsPress #RomanceReader

4 stars / This review will be posted on goodreads.com today.

Aja is trying to settle into her life in her new town. The last thing she needs is to be having an anxiety attack in the frozen section of the grocery store. Perhaps if she just stays in that aisle it will pass before the store closes. But then a stranger approaches to make sure she’s okay. Just his presence helps to calm her so that she can gather her things and leave the store. She never even looks at him.

Walker never wanted to come back to Greenbelt. The trauma that he suffered in this town was more than any one human should have to bear. But when his grandmother May needs him, his love overcomes his fears, and he ventures back to the town he swore he’d never visit again. Little did he know that he would encounter a beautiful woman in the grocery store. A woman who seems to be struggling with her own demons.

When Walker and Aja end up at bingo night together, the tension and chemistry is there. But Aja has sworn off men for now, and Walker, well, he’s not planning to stay in this town. He can’t even think about starting a relationship with someone who lives here. But Ms. May has other plans for Walker and Aja.

This is a romance novel that not only deals with romance (and sex sex sex) but some pretty heavy mental health issues. There are trigger warnings at the start of this novel, due to the nature of Walker’s PTSD and Aja’s anxiety. No spoilers, just going to say that if you are triggered by certain things, you may want to check out Jodie Slaughter’s website to be sure that this book won’t set you off.

It was a fun novel for exploring when someone moves to a new town, struggles with meeting people, and how just a chance encounter can bring her out of her shell. Walker’s return to his hometown shows how someone can find good in any situation. Their connection is palpable. I loved how vivid their interactions were. This is a good story. Not all neatly tied in a bow at the end, but with hope and optimism. And did I mention sex sex sex?

Unfortunately I just did not vibe with this and gave up pretty quickly. I didn't like how the author wrote Walker's dialogue with his Southern accent—it was distracting—and I also didn't like how he thought about Aja. There was a lot of immediate sexualization of her in the first few chapters which really turned me off from him. I don't really want to read a romance novel where I am initially fully against one of the main characters/love interests. Just not for me!

Included as a top pick in bimonthly July New Releases post, which highlights and promotes upcoming releases of the month (link attached)

Unexpected small town loving starts at a very unexpected place.

I was pleasantly surprised by this story and the way the author incorporated mental health and body image right from the get go. Aja lives in a small town and doesn't get out much except to go play bingo with some of the lively elderly people of her town. She has anxiety and I think that was one reason she never put herself out there. Enter the son of her bingo playing partner, mister Walker Abbott. He's back in his hometown after many years away. The only reason he has returned is to care for his grandma. But these two have an undeniable chemistry and decide to help each other out with a little bingo bet. Will that help them overcome their fears, or will it only make their matters worse?

Bet On It was just a cute, small town romance that also marked a few other boxes.
Mental Health ✅
Body Positivity ✅
Small Town Romance with Drama ✅
Interracial Romance ✅
Bingo Bets ✅

It's the perfect light summer read with a side of some serious with the mental health and a past that Walker didn't want to deal with. Plus, peach cobbler? How could you go wrong??

I really enjoyed this cute rom com. It wasn’t as lighthearted as some—it dealt with some really heavy mental health and life issues—but it was sweet and sincere. Plus, I thought the bingo aspect was really unique and fun and set it apart from some other romance novels. I would recommend it, especially if you enjoy fat-positive representation in your romance like I do!

TW for anxiety, panic attacks, addiction, and childhood trauma

Having a panic attack in the middle of grocery shopping is not the typical way anyone thinks they will meet their next love. That is exactly what happens to Aja Owens. Aja and Walker meet as Walker tries to help Aja through her panic attack. Walker is in town helping his grandmother recover; Aja is a loner who only really goes out to grocery shop and play bingo a few times a week. She is particularly friendly with one of the older ladies at bingo who just happens to be Walker's grandmother. The three start attending bingo together and the attraction between Aja and Walker becomes something they can't ignore. However since Walker plans to leave town in just a few weeks, he doesn't want to complicate things between them so instead they make an unusual pact. A pact that stipulates whoever wins at bingo gets to choose what their prize is--and it goes exactly where you'd expect. When things start getting more involved than either Aja or Walker expect, their relationship inevitably gets complicated when it's time for Walker to leave town. Can they figure out a way to make this whirlwind relationship work?

THIS BOOK. I loved it so much! Aja is confident and does not refer to herself in a negative way at all throughout the story. This is what I want in my plus size heroines! Walker is so sweet, considerate, and sexy as hell frankly. Their steamy scenes are amazing and very well written. I have zero complaints about this book and can't wait to read more from this author!

Thank you so much to Jodie Slaughter, NetGalley & St Martin Press for an advance copy of this in exchange for an honest review.

This will be published on July 12.

I will be honest and say I was advised that this book was just "okay" and "would not recommend" but after reading it, I have to say the opposite. I really enjoyed reading this and the biggest reason, I finally read a book with a plus size MC and her size was NEVER an issue. And as someone who is plus size, I kept waiting for it to happen and it never did.

The opening of the book starts off with Aja grocery shopping when a panic attack comes over her. A young man sees that this is happen and stays with her through it until he knew she was okay. Fast forward to her big night out at the local bingo hall where she officially meets this young man as Walker, her bingo buddy's grandson.
Walker left the smalltown after years of teasing and rumors haunted him; where as Aja longed for the slow down pace of a smaller town after living in DC. The attraction between the two was felt from the start but neither knew how to approach. Walker knew that he was not staying around and Aja didn't want to get attach. After Walker won his first bingo game, the sexual tension was too much and they decide that anytime either would win a game, that would be the reward.

One thing that I loved was how there didn't need to be all the witty banter (which don't get me wrong I love) to understand that there were feelings between Walker and Aja. Casen point in this line: "The little intricacies of their time together didn’t need to be shared with everyone for his feelings to be understood."

I also loved how this book touched upon the idea the difficulty and nervousness of making friends as an adult. Aja had anxiety but knew she had to keep putting herself out there so she didn't continue being a hermit. She met Miri while doing some self care - getting her nails done which then led her to meet Miri's friends. One thing that Miri said towards the end of the book after Aja expresses that she is happy to have met her. She says "Me too, I'm glad you let us know you, Aja." So many times we hide ourselves and miss so many opportunities because we do not give ourselves the chance to let people in.

"Good friends could be the difference between being left splattered on the pavement or landing hard but steady on your feet."

Something that surprised me was that we got to know a lot about Walker's background and the root of his anxiety. Whereas with Aja, we didn't know when or perhaps why it started. Wish we could have gotten to know more about Aja's past.

I thought there was just enough steam in this. I thought Jodie did a great job in setting the scene. My only critique as being a plus size woman is trying to picture the mechanics of having sex in a vehicle but hey I guess it could happen! Walker loved her body the way it is and never asked her to change and Aja never hide her body from him.

Lastly, I am ready for more bingo romances! What a fun concept!

4 Stars

I was able to read an early copy of "Bet On It" by Jodie Slaughter on NetGalley. This was a great summer, beach read romance book. The main characters are Aja and Walker and Slaughter does a great job of making you feel you know them and their friends and family. I would definitely read another book by her!

This was a cute small town, friends to lovers romance. I found the characters to be a little awkward and un relatable. I did enjoy the mental health representation in this book. It was a nice change of pace. This book has some steamy moments, which made me cringe a little. Usually they don’t bother me, but for some reason, in this book, it did. But, I know a lot of others loved this book, so I recommend checking out their thoughts on it!

Thank you Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

A down to earth romance read that had just the right amount of spice but left me wanting a bit more.

Aja Owens and Walker Abbott were both brought to Greenbelt for different reasons. Aja, to escape the big city and Walker to return and help his grandmother. While both there for different reasons, a run in at the grocery store bonds them when Walker encounters Aja having an anxiety attack. They meet again at the bingo hall and their relationship continues to grow from there.

The way the anxiety of both Aja and Walker is described is very relatable. I marked a quote (something I often do not do) because it hit home. When describing how at the moment her anxiety wasn't present she says "All the shame and anxiety inside her wasn't gone, but it was sleeping. Like always, it decided when she got relief, not the other way around. And it would only last so long, so she decided to go with it."

The fun banter between Aja and Walker was so relatable. The interactions seemed genuine and nothing was rushed. It developed as how a relationship really would and the amount of spice between them seemed realistic. The spicy scenes were SPICEY but so tastefully done.

I did want a bit more on the relationship with Walker and his father and would have loved more of a backstory on Aja. I also felt that the middle of the story was lacking a bit. I was waiting for something else to happen beyond the discussion of trauma that never really went into detail.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/St Martin's Griffin for the ARC.

Aja and Walker...My heart is tied to these two. They have such a unique, honest, vulnerable relationship that makes you really believe in true love and all is fair and love and war...but in the sweet innocent way with a little spice here and there. These two are a perfect match. Anxiety and mental health were key parts in their relationship and evolution and Jodie did a great job navigating how difficult life can be at times. The beginning of the book was a little slow but the second half really drew me in and I found myself cheering for their relationship and then gasping when bumps in the road occurred. A great romance read with a great attention to body positivity and mental health, realities in today's society.

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 3.5/5

Aja Owens moved to a small town in South Carolina to escape the busy city life that was no longer benefiting her. One night while having a panic attack in the local Piggly Wiggly, she meets the man of her dreams. What a first impression, right? Naturally, Aja never expects to see this man again, only to be introduced to him as the long-estranged grandson of her elderly, bingo bff.

This friends to lovers bingo romance - yes, I said bingo romance - was oh so charming and focused on the mutual struggles both Aja and Walker had with their own mental health. Things were certainly not easy for these two, but together, they worked to overcome their anxieties and realized that what they feel for each other is real. I will say that I was surprised by the level of spice in this novel, but I am not complaining. Definitely recommend this one and hope you enjoy watching Aja and Walker fall in love as much as I did!

Bet on It will be published on July 12, 2022.

Thank you to Jodie Slaughter, St. Martin's Press (@stmartinspress), and NetGalley for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

My Thoughts
Anxiety Attacks and PTSD are both something that have reared their ugly heads in my life so personally this story hit home with me.

Luckily, like these characters have found, I have people in my life who have made all the difference for my mental peace of mind.

Sometimes life kicks you in the teeth one too many times leaving internal scars behind that only you can see.

Aja Owens and Walker Abbott are prime examples of people having to live with those internal scars yet still manage to get through their days to best of their ability.

When they find the trust to confide their issues with each other and got total acceptance, I cried. Not only with joy but with relief that these characters finally found that special connection and as Walker thinks to himself a kinship lots of people are never lucky enough to get!

What started off as a chance encounter friendship develops into something each had never dreamed they could have in a romantic relationship.

Not that there are no pitfalls before all is as it should be but Aja and Walkers journey to an HEA is well worth worth the read, warts and all!

[EArc from Netgalley]

On every book read as soon as it is done and written up for review it is posted on Goodreads and Netgalley, once released then posted on Amazon, Barnes and Nobles as well.

This book was unfortunately not for me. As much as I wanted to like it, the male main character was a 30 year old with an inner monologue of a thirteen year old who couldn't seem to keep his imaginative hands to himself. The male character had such promise but truly fell flat for me.

I loved the rep for anxiety, PTSD, and panic attacks in this book. I think that part was incredibly well done.

There's definitely an element of miscommunication, but that does go hand-in-hand with the anxiety disorders that surfaced.

The other part of the story that bothered me were the scenes that were meant to be intimate. I honestly love reading intimate scenes – the more detailed the better, but these often felt graphic and not in the pleasant way. They were crude and abrasive – and hey, some people are that way in their intimacy, but it didn't entirely feel like it fit these characters.

The overall plot I did enjoy, which is the only reason I continued reading – I just wanted more from the male MC. I enjoyed the female MC and found her a breath of fresh air compared to many other characters I've read recently.

My favorite part of this story is how well Slaughter captures the feelings of anxiety, panic, and learning to cope with these things in a very public world that still doesn't really get it. Slaughter also has a rich understanding of complex PTSD and trauma -- two things that are rarely captured well in contemporary fiction, much less in contemporary romance. For me, the character development around this really won the day, though the banter and chemistry also made this an easy read.

this was so good and cute!! it was an arc tho so no spoilers!! i loved the honest examination of anxiety and what it means for two anxious people to love each other and to have a relationship with each other. also the spicy scenes were impeccable. honestly the rep in this book is so amazing and the romance is so sweet and i can’t wait for other people to read it!!

SPOILERS FOR NETGALLEY:
WALKER WAITED OUTSIDE HER DOOR FOR FOUR HOURS??? also the peach cobbler to peaches nickname is everything especially when walker realizes how it represents what aja means to him???? honestly this book just hit rlly different, i loved it a lot.

CW: on page panic attack, anxiety, PTSD, parental neglect

Ok, that was so freakin’ cute! Is spicy fluff a thing, because that’s what this book was! The MC’s fall in love at bingo, it doesn’t get much fluffier than that!

Honestly I think the best way for me to write all the amazingness that was in this is to give you a list:
-Accurate and respectful anxiety and PTSD representation. I saw myself in a lot of the overthinking internal monologues and it made me feel a little less alone in my own struggles with anxiety.

-The entire book is wonderfully therapy positive, with both male and female MC’s currently in therapy or had positive experiences in therapy.

-Even though one of the familial support systems is lacking, both MC’s have incredible found family support systems who are completely accepting and conscientious of their friends’ struggles and do everything they can to help and make sure they are always comfortable

-Probably my favorite thing though is the complete and total body positivity of the book! The female MC is plus sized — she’s not vaguely described as “curvy”, but honestly described as fat and there is NOT ONE SINGLE NEGATIVE CONNOTATION when she’s described this way!!! She is confident in her body and has no shame or self consciousness about her body (especially shown when undressing in the spicy scenes!). The male MC worships her thick thighs, her soft stomach, her stretch marks, etc. without fetishizing her body, just 100% worshiping her. As a plus sized woman with some self esteem issues myself, it was incredibly refreshing and empowering to have a female MC who embraced her body and reveled in her love interest’s desire for her body.

Low on angst, medium on spiciness, high on accurate representation and beautiful body positivity, this was the fun, spicy fluff that I didn’t know I needed!

I'm a sucker for friends to lovers, and this 100% fit the bill. Add in a small town and characters to die for, this was the perfect way to kick off my summer reading!