A review by witcheep
Bet on It by Jodie Slaughter

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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