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kfmcf's review
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
literaryintersections's review
funny
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
I enjoyed Bet On It and it's perfect for romance readers who like a little steam and a lot of deep issues. Both of the main characters have anxiety and that is a huge part of the story. Aja and Walker were great (Aja especially), but honestly I think having a man main character with a disability, in therapy, with strong, loving friendships was so nice to read. He was hot and alpha without being completely out of touch with his feelings. I loved the normalization of therapy! I loved Aja and Walker growing in their friendship. I loved the Bingo, the small town, and the grandma. And I loved that Aja is plus sized, it was mentioned, it felt important to the story, and Walked commented on her stretch marks and her thighs (and commented sexually!). She was hot to him and that was so wonderful to read (as a mid-sized person).
Both Walker and Aja also had great supportive friend groups and I really want to see if Jodie continues any of their stories (Miri especially!)
Both Walker and Aja also had great supportive friend groups and I really want to see if Jodie continues any of their stories (Miri especially!)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Racism
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