Reviews with content warning for Abandonment - Bet on It

Reviews tagging 'Abandonment'

Bet on It by Jodie Slaughter

40 reviews

witcheep's review

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.

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 –

just like Aja and Walker do in the end

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.

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karty_v's review against another edition

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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

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crumbles's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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monalyisha's review against another edition

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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.

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yreluctant's review against another edition

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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

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sfschroe's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.25

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3readingcircus's review

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3.5

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unsuccessfulbookclub's review against another edition

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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

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