5⭐️

OH. MY. GOODNESS. first, this cover is gorgeous. second, while walker is pictured and described as being blond, he gives me MAJOR redhead vibes in the best way.

this book went so much deeper emotionally and discussed mental health/illness way more than i anticipated, and i LOVED EVERY SECOND OF IT. i found myself relating so much to both aja & walker, and i felt so much for both of them. love love love the healthy discussion around therapy!! this was emotional and it was HOT AF omg. i was blushing hardcore whole listening to this audiobook istg. i’ve already added this book to my list to buy on my next book haul because i NEED to have this amazing book in my hands, tabbed to hell & back, and taking up space on my bookshelf ASAP!!

⚠️tw/cw: panic/anixety attacks (on page), mc with anxiety, mc with PTSD, child abuse, negect/abandonment, drug abuse, alcoholism, addiction, bullying, ableism, mentions of self harm

thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me the audiobook arc!!

3.5⭐ rounded up for the audiobook.

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.

Aja is in the middle of a panic attack, caught in the middle of the Piggly Wiggly, when a stranger comes up to her and calms her anxiety. She doesn't look at him, she can't, but she thanks him all the same, makes her purchases and hightails it out of there.
Aja has trouble meeting new people, with her crippling anxiety she moved from DC to a small town trying to get away from the big city. Her social hour includes bingo with her buddy Mae. When Mae shows up to bingo with two broken arms and a hot grandson in tow, Aja knows she's done for. The grandson she realizes, is the one who helped her through her attack.
Walker knows anxiety when he sees it, with PTSD from his rocky childhood he wasn't keen on coming back to the little town that judged him so harshly, but he will do anything for his grandma. He begins a friendship with Aja, but soon he must face the fact that he is falling hard for this woman. The truth is, he is leaving soon, so this can't work, but with so much in common they need to enjoy it while it lasts.
I enjoyed the black, curvy girl representation in this story, I loved Aja and her sass. I also loved the mental health representation, because the truth is we don't talk about it enough. This started as an insta-love trope, but I would classify it as friends to lovers. They had built such a great foundation first. 3.5 stars.
I felt like the narration was off on this one, I think I might have enjoyed it more if I read it instead of listened. Walker was supposed to be a country boy and he wasn't portrayed that way at all. I had a really hard time picturing him as he was described due to the narration.
Thank you to Macmillian, Jodie Slaughter and Netgalley for an early audio copy.

4.5 ✨

Incredibly sweet, steamy and emotional. Bet On It was a rom com with so much heart. Jodie Slaughter did a phenomenal job with how she handled the topic of anxiety in this book. It was done in a way that was thoughtful and compassionate. I loved the understanding and care Aja and Walker had for each other. They were so fun with the best banter. On top of that, these two had smoking hawt chemistry. This cover may look sweet but it packs a spicy punch! I loved Aja and Walker’s journey from strangers to friends to lovers. This was my first book by Jodie Slaughter but it will most definitely not be my last. Angel Pean narrated and did absolutely spectacular! I look forward to listening to more books by her.

Bet on It by Jodie Slaughter. I listened to the audiobook via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Specifically regarding the audiobook, the narration was very good and I have no complaints about the quality and performance of the narrator. However, the initial quality of the audiobook sound made it difficult and a challenge to continue listening. There was an echo or feedback that was not related to my earbuds (I checked other audiobooks and they were fine). It was fuzzy and difficult to make out some of the words. Generally I listen to an audiobook to "press play and forget" while I listen to a story while doing chores, etc. In this instance, I had to stop whatever else I was doing because I had to use all my concentration to decipher words. Eventually the sound quality improved and I was able to listen to the story more easily/as typical after about 30 minutes. I almost gave up on the story because of the sound quality.

The story itself was worth struggling through the initiation sound issues. The absolute standout for me was the representation of anxiety and panic. It was so specific, authentic, accurate. Aja has a panic attack in the frozen food aisles at a Piggly Wiggly and handsome, kind stranger, Walter, recognizes her panic and talks her through it. A few days later, the two randomly meet again, this time at a bingo hall. Aja and Walter, connected through their experience with panic, become supportive friends and eventually more, engaging in some hot hookups, but only after a bingo wins.

Overall, this book had phenomenal representation of mental health, a plus sized heroine, some seriously sexy times and was a touching story of being kind, learning to trust and working through past issues and scars.

Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for access to this ALC in exchange for my honest review. This beaut comes out next Tuesday, July 12th.

I was grateful that the author, Jodie Slaughter, gave an author's note to start us off or I'm not sure I would've gone into the book with the right mindset. If you're hoping this is a pure romcom, you're going to be disappointed. If you go into this knowing that my previous hashtag, #smutwithsubstance, hasn't applied so well to a book in quite some time, and are prepared for that kind of a book, I really think you're going to like what you find.

Of all the places a book can be set, South Carolina has always been one of my favorite and, after finally getting to go there and have it restore my soul like nowhere else I've ever been, I was so excited to see that that's where we get to watch Aja and Walker fall in love. I also loved multiple references to Beaufort, my favorite city in that state.

I loved the way the author dealt with mental health, both with Aja and with Walker. I loved the steamy scenes having to fan myself off multiple times. "Peaches aren't for staring at, Walker. They're for eating" about made me trip over my own two feet. I loved the unique element that bingo played in this book and how Aja is fully cognizant at all times that it's odd she's playing with a bunch of old people but I love how she found somewhere she could relax and feel safe.

Walker, Walker, Walker... ooh, baby.. a brand new book boyfriend with some of my favorite attributes. Southern boy who loves the Atlanta Braves and worships the ground I (well, Aja for the moment) walk on? Sign me the heck up!

One problem with this one is that the narrator is absolutely perfect for the role of Aja but I really think that the role of Walker would've been better by a man with the accent I had to imagine in my head for Walker. These characters are just too different to use one voice.

As you can see, I absolutely loved this book. 5 stars across the board, leaving me wanting to get peach cobbler while in Atlanta in a few weeks.

Aja has issues...crippling anxiety attack in the frozen food section issues. Walker also has issues - decades long daddy issues and PTSD. You would think together they would be a hot mess and a half but they use their budding friendship in tiny town South Carolina to work through themselves to hopefully become something better. Who would think that BINGO, peach cobbler, and an old lady's broken arms could bring these two together in a way that just makes sense, especially when a bargain is thrown in?

Y'all.....woooo. I listened to this ARC via audiobook and the narration really brought this story to life...even the more *ahem* sultry parts. If you are a pearl clutcher this one is not for you because it is spicier than jalapeno cornbread and delightfully graphic. Slaughter does not shy away from calling it like it is in every dark and dirty detail. To me, this story was the perfect blend of plot and spice making it productively smutty. All of the characters are relatable, entertaining, and oh so sweet. The friendships and caring for others portrayed in this book bring out the best of small town charm. The friends to lovers trope plays out as predicted in this story, but even though the conflict was predictable, it was worth the trip. This is a great summer read, especially if you live in the South, because you will be sweating right alongside the MCs and feeling like you are there with them. This book even had me buying multiple BINGO cards on my cruise vacation trying to strike it rich and laughing alongside Aja and Walker.

This was a cute rom com with fantastic representation of mental illness. I could totally relate with both the MC’s. Not my favorite book this year but worthy of all 3 stars. I didn’t like the ending “miscommunication” . That really ruined it for me. You don’t love someone and make love then leave within seconds and then go back months later and ask forgiveness. I hated how she just forgave him… that is where my stars went.

Thanks for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

Aja has an anxiety disorder. She purposely moved to Greenbelt, South Carolina because it is a small town. Walker has PTSD and couldn't get away from the small town atmosphere of Greenbelt to the big city fast enough. Walker returns to take care of his grandmother and meets Aja where they find out they have a lot in common. They start out as just friends, but the sexual tensions gets in the way.

Loved this as a cute romance, but has deeper issues that make this story a bit more believable. Ienjoyed reading this advanced copy immensely.

Well, this wasn't exactly what I expected it to be, in some ways that I really enjoyed. Aja and Walker are two people whose mental health issues have them each running to and away from Greenbelt, SC, and in the process they find each other. This was WAY hotter and steamier then I necessarily thought it would be but it worked well, and the whole book felt unabashedly Southern. You could almost feel the summer heat throughout. I really enjoyed the narration here and think it added something to the atmosphere of the book. While this wasn't amazing for me, it felt like a good, steamy summer romance with some substance.

This was a good friends to lovers story. I loved how the author included characters with mental health issues that made them relatable and realistic. Aja and Walker both had their own personal demons to slay. Their anxiety prevented them from going after what they wanted. When they started their bet, I thought that was the perfect cover for them to given in to the feelings they couldn't quite voice. The characters' struggles with mental health lend itself to breaking the stigma of talking about it and seeking help. I loved how Aja and Walker balanced each other out and could be each other's support.

Angela Pean as narrator brought the story and characters to life. I loved her accent that really brought me to the heart of the story!

I received an advance copy of this audiobook at my request and voluntarily left this review.

Walker has no intention of staying in tiny Greenbelt, SC after his grandmother heals. Despite his powerful attraction to Aja, all they can have together is a temporary friends-with-benefits arrangement. But what happens when they catch feelings?

Despite the cover, this is an angsty, emotional contemporary romance. It's well-written with relatable characters and an engaging plot, but darker than I expected. The audiobook narration is easy to follow and capture the mood of the book.

CW: panic disorder and PTSD.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

As someone with anxiety, I really appreciated a romance where the main character deals with it. It was refreshing to see that dealt with. I really wish I had loved this book, but besides the anxiety rep, it was ok. Nothing about it stood out to me and I never truly felt the chemistry between the characters the way I have in other romances. It was good but not stellar.

Bet On It

I Picked Up This Book Because: The cover was cute and the blurb was intriguing.

Media Type: Audiobook
Source: Netgalley
Dates Read: 6/13/22 - 6/21/22
Stars: 4
Narrator(s): Angel Pean

The Characters:

Aja Owens :
Walker Abbott:
Walker’s Gram, Aja’s new found friends

The Story:

I was expecting a light hearted romp. A bit of conflict and a HEA but this book gave me so much more than that. These characters were very deep, struggling with issues outside of their relationship, though their relationship proved to have its ups and downs too.The chemistry between Aja and Walker was palpable. I loved each of their relationships with the grandmother, who was a hoot. There was just so much goodness.

This book started off slow for me and I was unsure but I wound up really enjoying it! The main character is a very relatable character in multiple aspects. I also love the make MC. Both characters are just good people who you are rooting for the entire time. Would recommend!

Meeting the man of your dreams while having a panic attack in the frozen foods aisle at the grocery store…check.

Being introduced to said man, who happens to be the grandson of your bingo buddy…check.

Making a sex pact based on bingo…check.

Bet on It is a sweet small-town romance. I loved the whole bingo aspect of this book! It made me want to find the nearest bingo hall! This book has several cute moments between the hero and heroine, Walter and Aja. Walter calls Aja “peaches” …swoon. Along with the romance, this book touches base on friendships and family relationships and how mental health can affect those relationships.

I did find the narration to be a little slow paced but I sped up the speed and it was fine.

I would recommend to all small-town romance fans who love a happily ever after.

thank you to netgalley for giving me this book in return for an honest review.
this is not your usual romance book both the main characters deal with different types of mental disorders. Aja Owens suffers from anxiety and Walker abbots suffers from ptsd due to things from his childhood. Aja is friends with his grandmother in bingo and they meet when he comes to help his grandmother after her accident. They make a bet based on a bingo game but not sure if they can stay to the terms. they are soo different, walker is not sure he can do it long term .. can they get over their own issues in order to be together?
i liked this both i dont suffer from anxiety but i liked learning how it can affect you in your daily life and the same with ptsd.

4.75 ⭐️
I REALLY loved this book and will be getting a physical copy for my shelf/to annotate.

Do not take the CW's at the beginning of this book lightly, as it has a VERY heavy entanglement of mental health representation in the plot; They both have anxiety and Walker has PTSD. Both the anxiety and ptsd rep felt as subtle as a slap across the face with a brick because of the accuracy and it was honestly a little hard to read in my current mental state BUT, I am not complaining at all...it was like therapy. There actually is therapy in this book and I love how casual the therapy is worked into the plot, also the sheer amount of coping skills added in and kindness/gentleness towards mental health that is throughout this book is very nice.

Aja and Walker's relationship is so cute and I love the bingo aspect of this book although it does become less prevalent throughout the book and I wish it had a bit more of an appearance towards the end but like I don't really care. The spice is a fairly average amount and not all that crazy but it is well written and at one point he says he's going to cry if he can't taste/eat her and I fucking love that for her, I am waiting for my physical copy for the rest of my quotes but the way the author describes Aja in one of the spice scenes made me have a lot of "queer panic"... just women 🥵

thankyou netgalley and Macmillan Audio for this ARC

Thanks to NetGalley for an early copy of the audiobook to review. This was an enjoyable read. I really enjoyed the relationship building between Asia and Walker. Since I live nearby where the book takes place, it was nice to recognize familiar things mentioned. Some scenes were a little more descriptive than I prefer. Overall, I really enjoyed the story and ending. 3.5 stars.

💜 𝔸𝕃ℂ ℝ𝔼𝕍𝕀𝔼𝕎 💜

𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒐𝒐𝒏!

▪️"𝗕𝗲𝘁 𝗢𝗻 𝗜𝘁" 𝗯𝘆 𝗝𝗼𝗱𝗶𝗲 𝗦𝗹𝗮𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗲𝗿
▪️𝗔𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗟𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵: 𝟭𝟬 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀, 𝟭𝟴𝗺𝗶𝗻𝘀
▪️𝗡𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿: 𝗔𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗹 𝗣𝗲𝗮𝗻
▪️𝗣𝘂𝗯: 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝟭𝟮𝘁𝗵 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟮

⭐⭐⭐⭐ • 4/5 stars

This is the perfect summer read! It's sweet, fun, and spicy (WHEW, holy spice Batman 🥵🌶️🍆🤤)! It also touches on important topics, like mental illness, dealing with past trauma, and developing friendships.

I am such a sucker for imperfect, messy characters and watching them grow and change and heal. Aja and Walker both have some "stuff" they're dealing with - from their past and present. I love how they found one another and leaned on one another for strength and support. It was such a pleasure to go on this journey with them (even though they made me blush at least once per chapter 😄).

DEFINITELY recommend "Bet on It" if you love well-written romance with spice. ☺️ It's out on the 12th of July!!!!

Thank you @NetGalley, Jodie Slaughter, and Macmillan Audio for my gifted ALC.