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josie1999's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
I picked up this book on a whim and had seen it described as disability representation which was present throughout the story as both Aja and Walker deal with mental illnesses. I appreciated how forthcoming both characters were about their respective struggles. It was also wonderful to see that the women Aja became friends with were receptive to her anxiety and still welcomed her to the group and would make adjustments to their activities to accommodate her.
The concept of the bingo sex-pact was an interesting element of the story and I was looking forward to seeing that played out. However, I feel like it would have been more effective if it had been based on something that was more likely to occur. When we're made aware of Aja's experience with bingo, we're told she has not won in the eight months that she has been playing. That seems to set up a condition for the pact that seems very unlikely to occur. I felt like either the conditions could have been less restrictive or Aja and Walker could have been more willing to make exceptions to the rules.
I enjoyed the side characters and their additions to the story. From Ms. May playing matchmaker to Aja's supportive new friends. I found myself laughing out loud at the banter between Walker and Corey. I would have liked more of the background characters. I was waiting for a scene with Aja gossiping with her new friends after she hooked up with Walker.
A few additional highlights were the conversations about protection and getting tested and Aja's weight never being an issue or insecurity. Aja is described as curvy and a plus-size woman but it is never brought up as a bad thing. There are several scenes where food is involved and she is never shamed for what she chooses to eat. It was wonderful to see that she was just able to exist and not have her size acknowledged in a harmful way. The narrator also was the perfect voice for Aja. I really felt like I was listening to the character.
The biggest turn-offs for me were Walker's dialogue (particularly during the steamy scenes) and the use of the nickname "Peaches." Peaches were referenced so often either in reference to the peach cobbler or Aja that I was sure the last word was going to be "peaches." Every time Walker called Aja peaches I cringed. For me, Walker's dialogue a lot of the time felt like a guy trying to be suave or trying to be smooth rather than a man that actually was smooth or had the swagger that Walker seemed to be trying to emulate. I can understand in the context that he was nervous or trying to overcompensate for how he was feeling, the overly confident language would make sense but it also happened in scenes where he was comfortable we Aja. In the final sex scene, I found myself yelling at my phone for Walker to stop talking and for the book to just describe what was happening because the dialogue made me so uneasy.
Overall, it was a fun read and for people that don't have the same dialogue and nickname issues as me, it may be a fun lighthearted read. Yes, the story touches on several heavy topics, but it is done in a constructive way.
The concept of the bingo sex-pact was an interesting element of the story and I was looking forward to seeing that played out. However, I feel like it would have been more effective if it had been based on something that was more likely to occur. When we're made aware of Aja's experience with bingo, we're told she has not won in the eight months that she has been playing. That seems to set up a condition for the pact that seems very unlikely to occur. I felt like either the conditions could have been less restrictive or Aja and Walker could have been more willing to make exceptions to the rules.
I enjoyed the side characters and their additions to the story. From Ms. May playing matchmaker to Aja's supportive new friends. I found myself laughing out loud at the banter between Walker and Corey. I would have liked more of the background characters. I was waiting for a scene with Aja gossiping with her new friends after she hooked up with Walker.
A few additional highlights were the conversations about protection and getting tested and Aja's weight never being an issue or insecurity. Aja is described as curvy and a plus-size woman but it is never brought up as a bad thing. There are several scenes where food is involved and she is never shamed for what she chooses to eat. It was wonderful to see that she was just able to exist and not have her size acknowledged in a harmful way. The narrator also was the perfect voice for Aja. I really felt like I was listening to the character.
The biggest turn-offs for me were Walker's dialogue (particularly during the steamy scenes) and the use of the nickname "Peaches." Peaches were referenced so often either in reference to the peach cobbler or Aja that I was sure the last word was going to be "peaches." Every time Walker called Aja peaches I cringed. For me, Walker's dialogue a lot of the time felt like a guy trying to be suave or trying to be smooth rather than a man that actually was smooth or had the swagger that Walker seemed to be trying to emulate. I can understand in the context that he was nervous or trying to overcompensate for how he was feeling, the overly confident language would make sense but it also happened in scenes where he was comfortable we Aja. In the final sex scene, I found myself yelling at my phone for Walker to stop talking and for the book to just describe what was happening because the dialogue made me so uneasy.
Overall, it was a fun read and for people that don't have the same dialogue and nickname issues as me, it may be a fun lighthearted read. Yes, the story touches on several heavy topics, but it is done in a constructive way.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Drug abuse, Drug use, and Abandonment
ashbreadin's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, and Abandonment
headinthepages's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I really enjoyed this romance! I loved the small town setting, the themes of complex family, mental illness, new adult friendships, boundaries & moving on from the past.
The romance itself was great. I loved the tension and the “betting” trope done in a non problematic way! The bingo scenes were cute and made me want to go play!
The sex scenes were open door and steamy.
I can’t wait to read what the the author does next! :-)
The romance itself was great. I loved the tension and the “betting” trope done in a non problematic way! The bingo scenes were cute and made me want to go play!
The sex scenes were open door and steamy.
I can’t wait to read what the the author does next! :-)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Bullying, Child abuse, Cursing, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Medical content, Grief, Abandonment, and Alcohol
meaghancook's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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? Yes
4.25
Abolish the third act breakup!!!!!!!!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Addiction, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, and Abandonment
Minor: Bullying
milehightbr's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Drug abuse and Abandonment
chronicallybookish's review
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders and Sexual content
Moderate: Abandonment
kaschaller's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, and Abandonment
Moderate: Addiction
Minor: Bullying, Drug abuse, Drug use, and Injury/Injury detail
kassielovestoread's review against another edition
reflective
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? N/A
3.5
Bet on It by Jodie Slaughter is exactly the kind of book I was in the mood for, I'm really glad I picked this one up!
Don't be fooled by the adorable cover- this book packs an emotional punch with the addition of a super cute romance. The main characters, Aja and Walker suffer from chronic anxiety disorders and parental trauma PTSD. You can tell that the author has an intimate understanding of these conditions; the way the characters are described during their panic attacks is so on the nose. I think this could be a deeply cathartic read for those who suffer as Walker and Aja do. As I said, the romance was too cute and the spice was soooo good. The ending dragged on a little longer than I would have liked, but everything tied up nicely in the end.
I enjoyed this story a lot! However, I found myself struggling to read this book...the writing style was not my favorite unfortunately. I have a love/hate relationship with third POV in contemporary romance novels as it is and in this instance, I thought the third POV made the characters ambitions, thoughts and desires come off as a little stunted. Which sucks! I think when a book gets this deep about mental illness, you need that first person pov to make the story flow better. That's just a personal preference though. I'd still recommend this book! Especially to all who are looking for a fictional man who understands how essential it is to take care of yourself emotionally.
Don't be fooled by the adorable cover- this book packs an emotional punch with the addition of a super cute romance. The main characters, Aja and Walker suffer from chronic anxiety disorders and parental trauma PTSD. You can tell that the author has an intimate understanding of these conditions; the way the characters are described during their panic attacks is so on the nose. I think this could be a deeply cathartic read for those who suffer as Walker and Aja do. As I said, the romance was too cute and the spice was soooo good. The ending dragged on a little longer than I would have liked, but everything tied up nicely in the end.
I enjoyed this story a lot! However, I found myself struggling to read this book...the writing style was not my favorite unfortunately. I have a love/hate relationship with third POV in contemporary romance novels as it is and in this instance, I thought the third POV made the characters ambitions, thoughts and desires come off as a little stunted. Which sucks! I think when a book gets this deep about mental illness, you need that first person pov to make the story flow better. That's just a personal preference though. I'd still recommend this book! Especially to all who are looking for a fictional man who understands how essential it is to take care of yourself emotionally.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Abandonment
airin_reads's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
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? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Abandonment
kfmcf's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I loved the premise of this book. The idea of the Bingo Pact was cute and funny and I love the panic disorder rep.
However, the pact was almost like a Chekov's Gun in a sense where it's mentioned but then made...relatively unimportant. I really would have loved to see more of the tension built between the two because honestly their chemistry lacked a lot. They were obviously attracted to each other but the love aspect was missing. I think the Dual POV maybe didn't help this - the ML may have been better with a bit of mystery.
Building off of that, the side characters in this book stole the show. The FL's friend group and the ML's grandmother were the best by far. I wish this had just been a story about the FL and her growth as a woman with panic disorders striking out on her own and finding acceptance among this group of strong, funny women.
The way the ML spoke, eg the way his accent was written was distracting and took me out of the book. Also their 3rd act breakup was very forced and tropey. Also...the nickname "Peaches" was a bit cringe. He called her Peaches first because of her ass, fine, but then he pivots to say at one point that he wants to eat her out because peaches are "so juicy." Bit of a mixed metaphor with mixed up anatomy. Not a deal breaker but, again, took me out of the story.
I do like the way this author writes so I will keep an eye out for their next work.
However, the pact was almost like a Chekov's Gun in a sense where it's mentioned but then made...relatively unimportant. I really would have loved to see more of the tension built between the two because honestly their chemistry lacked a lot. They were obviously attracted to each other but the love aspect was missing. I think the Dual POV maybe didn't help this - the ML may have been better with a bit of mystery.
Building off of that, the side characters in this book stole the show. The FL's friend group and the ML's grandmother were the best by far. I wish this had just been a story about the FL and her growth as a woman with panic disorders striking out on her own and finding acceptance among this group of strong, funny women.
The way the ML spoke, eg the way his accent was written was distracting and took me out of the book. Also their 3rd act breakup was very forced and tropey. Also...the nickname "Peaches" was a bit cringe. He called her Peaches first because of her ass, fine, but then he pivots to say at one point that he wants to eat her out because peaches are "so juicy." Bit of a mixed metaphor with mixed up anatomy. Not a deal breaker but, again, took me out of the story.
I do like the way this author writes so I will keep an eye out for their next work.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, and Abandonment
Moderate: Body shaming and Fatphobia
Minor: Racism