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gabigabi_'s review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment
Moderate: Addiction, Child abuse, and Panic attacks/disorders
witcheep's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This isn't a light read, even though the romance is swoonworthy and funny.
I like how the mental health struggles of the main characters' actually have a big impact on the plot and their relationship; too often in the romance genre mental health issues are just a sidenote even when the representation is done respectfully. Here, the PTSD and anxiety are seen affecting multiple areas of both Aja' and Walker's lives, and we get a good look into them finding ways to work with it and communicate about it with each other.
The book also brings up the topic of loneliness in a very tangible way, and reminds us that romantic relationships aren't the only place where people feel vulnerable seeking new connections. Forming new friendships takes courage and time, which is also reflected in the book.
I like how the mental health struggles of the main characters' actually have a big impact on the plot and their relationship; too often in the romance genre mental health issues are just a sidenote even when the representation is done respectfully. Here, the PTSD and anxiety are seen affecting multiple areas of both Aja' and Walker's lives, and we get a good look into them finding ways to work with it and communicate about it with each other.
The book also brings up the topic of loneliness in a very tangible way, and reminds us that romantic relationships aren't the only place where people feel vulnerable seeking new connections. Forming new friendships takes courage and time, which is also reflected in the book.
She wanted to meet people she could go out with, have fun with, talk to, but she wasn't sure she knew how to do that anymore.
Even if going along the ride of all the emotional turmoil in the plot takes an emotional toll on the reader, going through all the struggles with the main characters in the book is cathartic. In the end, this book feels like getting a solid embrace after a rough patch, finally finding your place to feel comfortable and cared for in –
Now he realized he knew exactly how eating that cobbler made him feel. Like he was home. [--]
Before, the cobbler had been the only thing that made him feel that way. But things were different. [--]Maybe that's why he'd started calling her Peaches without a second thought. [--] he unconsciously recognized that she made him feel as at home as the cobbler did.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Sexual content
Moderate: Bullying and Abandonment
Minor: Addiction and Vomit
karty_v's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Cute story but heavy in some parts
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Addiction and Abandonment
crumbles's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Child abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, and Abandonment
monalyisha's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I devoured this so quickly and now I want nothing more than to devour some peach cobbler just as quickly. That’s a lie. I also want to go to bingo…but I cant find anyone to accompany me to the Drag Bingo & Easter Bonnet Competition later this month. So, I guess I also want cooler friends…😅
Steamy and full of empathetic understanding for neurotypical folks (anxiety, PTSD rep). Loved the platonic friendships developed throughout the story. Could’ve used more sassy elders and fewer pairs of so-soaked-as-to-be-see-through-panties. I mean, good for them — but that particular detail was too oft-repeated (although sometimes, to be fair, they were soaked shorts worn without panties).
Jodie Slaughter’s writing is fun! I’ll definitely continue the series.
Steamy and full of empathetic understanding for neurotypical folks (anxiety, PTSD rep). Loved the platonic friendships developed throughout the story. Could’ve used more sassy elders and fewer pairs of so-soaked-as-to-be-see-through-panties. I mean, good for them — but that particular detail was too oft-repeated (although sometimes, to be fair, they were soaked shorts worn without panties).
Jodie Slaughter’s writing is fun! I’ll definitely continue the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Abandonment
yreluctant's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Child abuse, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Abandonment
sfschroe's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug abuse
Minor: Abandonment
3readingcircus's review against another edition
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, and Abandonment
unsuccessfulbookclub's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
In Bet on It, Jodie Slaughter captures small-town life from two distinct points of view - people who run TO small towns and the people who run FROM them. Aja, the FMC, has moved from DC to Greenbelt, SC to escape the hustle and noise of city life while Walker, the MMC, left Greenbelt for the city as soon as he could get out. Walker mainly to escape the oppressive history of living near people who think they know him, and who have seen him at his absolute worst.
Both Aja and Walker are dealing with intense mental health issues throughout this book. Their first encounter is when Aja is having a panic attack at the Piggly Wiggly, and Walker later experiences multiple symptoms related to his CPTSD diagnosis. I liked how Slaughter wove these aspects through the story in a way that made sense. I also LOVED the opening line of this book (on the second slide).
I loved the arc of this story, with Walker and Aja remeeting through Walker’s grandmother, and the fact that Aja was a regular at the bingo hall. The spice is spicing in this book, and the ending was really satisfying. The third act breakup was MESSY and PAINFUL but it made absolute sense. All in all, if you like stories about millennial angst but want a widely diverse cast of characters? This is a great book!
🎧 I listened to a good chunk of this on audio and Angel Pean knocked this narration out of the park. She brought an extra layer of detail to these characters that was a true joy.
👍🏻Recommended! A well done contemporary romance that deals with some heavy topics and gives a good dose of spice along with a nuanced and diverse look at small town life and mental health. If you like Talia Hibbert’s Ravenswood series or Denise Williams Fastest Way to Fall or Emily Henry’s Book Lovers, you will like this.
Romance Details & Tropes
Romance Details & Tropes
M/F romance
she’s Black, he’s white
She is plus-size
Contemporary
Emphasis on mental health and anxiety/PTSD
Small town
Sex pact/bargain
Banging “just to get this out of our systems”
Semi-public sex
Open door, explicit
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Bullying, Child abuse, Drug abuse, and Abandonment
theinkwyrm's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness and Abandonment
Minor: Drug use