i thought this book was really good and really ctue. it's full of likeable characters and that makes it even more amazing!!

Just a Little Bet is the second book in author Tawna Fenske’s Smoke Jumpers series and it was a very good story, but fans of Fenske should know that this was not a light rom-com that she’s known for. I liked this book, but at times it was a bit heavy mainly because I wasn’t expecting that when I picked it up. I did appreciate that the characters showed great personal growth throughout this book which in turn led them to the love they both wanted.

Kayla and Tony are best friends, they had a romantic relationship about one year prior, but it ended and they’ve maintained a steady friendship. On a night out with friends in which Tony breaks up with yet another girlfriend, he drinks more than he even does and ends up making a couple of confessions to Kayla.  When she suggests he accompany her on a road trip where she intends to photograph some former burn sites he worked on and at the same time they revisit some of his ex-girlfriends to try and figure out is he’s “a lousy boyfriend” as he claims or a “commitment phobe” as she claims, he agrees and off they go not realizing that along the way they will learn so much about themselves, each other, and life in general.

I enjoyed this book quite a lot; Kayla and Tony had fantastic chemistry, but it was their friendship that was truly special. I enjoyed watching Tony’s walls breakdown the closer they got and seeing Kayla discover that it was okay to want the things she did and she could have it all.  They had some fun times, there was quite a bit of unrequited lust before they succumbed and their inner dialog was amusing. Tony had some big time baggage stemming from his childhood and it has affected the way he looks at love, marriage, and quite frankly life. I felt Kayla was pretty well rounded, she feels a bit jealous of her sisters who have found love and are happily married and while she thinks she’s an awful person for being jealous, I think really it was more envy of something she wanted for herself but hadn’t been ready for until recently.

This book did deal with some pretty heavy issues and even Tony meeting with his ex-girlfriends at times were a bit heavy, but it also led to him opening himself up and dealing with his past so he could move forward in the future he wanted and deserved.

Just A Little Bet by Tawna Fenske was  a friends-to-lovers/second chance romance that was well written, packed with emotion, and completely satisfying.

**Disclaimer: I was provided an advance reader copy by the author in exchange for my unbiased review and opinions**

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

This the second book on the Smokejumper series, but can be read as a standalone. Although it is part of this series, there's not a lot of fire/smokejumper theme as it takes place while the hero is off work.

**Warning**: Although Ms. Fenske is known for her romantic comedies, please be aware this title delves into heavy life situations, so it's not going to be light and fluffy. If that's what you're looking for right now, you might want to read this at a later time.

We met Tony and Kayla during Grady and Willa's story, book #1. Although they dated for a hot minute, they are now best friends. Kayla is a photographer set for a road trip for work and she invites Tony along. But something happens before that road trip that changes the relationship dynamic between them. Kayla seems to have it all on the surface, except what she wants the most. This push and pulls causes friction with her well-intended family, even though there's a lot of love between them. Tony seems to go through girlfriends like they're going out of style. If he's such a good guy..why does this keeps happening?

In this book, we have two very flawed individuals trying to do the right thing by them and by their families. But what happens when those childhood scars don't stay buried in the past?

I tend to shy away from books that skirt too close to reality because who the hell wants reality in their fantasy? But one of the things I adore about the romance genre is how it isn't afraid to tackle the heavier issues and even educate us on how certain situations should be handled. How it really should be done. This book is a perfect example of that and it's something that Ms. Fenske does well: showing us the way without being preachy. I feel like I say this with every book she publishes, but I have to say this is the best book she's ever written (so far!)

This book has light depictions of domestic violence, both physical (teen) and psychological (spouse). These themes can be triggering for some readers (myself included), but Ms. Fenske handled them with such care I was able to read this book in its entirety. I wanted to keep reading.

The character arc of the protagonists is perfect. We see how they start, unsure and insecure and we see their evolution and how being with each other and having each other's back has made them better. And isn't that the goal of romantic love? Having a partner that encourages you to be a better human? While we witness their hurt and sadness, we get to see how love wins. I don't know about you, but that's what I want from my romance novels.

5 squishy stars for Just a Little Bet and Tawna Fenske

Just a Little Bet by author Tawna Fenske held promise from the synopsis. Kayla and Tony were stand out characters with Insta chemistry.
Review copy received from Entangled Publishing via Netgalley

Tony and Kayla are good friends and former lovers. After witnessing another Tony-breakup, Kayla makes a bet with Tony: she thinks he's afraid of commitment, while he thinks he's just a bad boyfriend. Tony agrees to meet with his exes while they're on a road trip in order to see who's right about the bet. The only thing either of them thinks they'll get out of it is a bottle of whiskey for whoever is right, but Tony and Kayla have both changed a lot since they dated. 

I enjoyed reading Just a Little Bet. The characters were interesting and I really rooted for Tony to figure his shit out. I realize this defeats the purpose, but things would just be so much easier Tony had just gotten some therapy when he was a teenager. I found parts of the story repetitive, but overall I would recommend this book if you enjoy romances that involve some self-help, cute dogs, and family drama. Despite the fact that Tony is a smokejumper, the story didn't focus on his job; his co-workers and friends are brought up, but not elements of his actual job. 

This is the second book in a series and you don't have to read the first to understand this one.

This is a friends-to-lovers/second chance romance. It is a story of finding yourself and your other half. The characters are ok, but the story is lovely although predictable. 
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for NetGalley

Tony Warren and his best friend, photographer Kayla Gladney, dated at one point, but became best friends instead of bf/gf.  Both of these characters are likable, but the did feel more like YA than the upper 20's. (This goes for both characters.). That said, I did really enjoy the book, it was just a little young for me.

This was a really light novel and the characters were interesting, I hadn't read any other from the author. It was enjoyable but a bit predictable, easy escape novel though!

This book gave me a "Something's Gotta Give" vibe; you know, the Jack Nicolson and Diane Keaton movie.  This is a friends to lovers and second chance romance book.  Kayla and Tony dated for a short time, but Tony is a commitment phobe so they went their separate ways as a couple but quickly remained friends; best friends actually.  When Kayla gets a job opportunity to photograph fire ravaged areas; the two go on a road trip.  Kayla for her pictures and Tony, to visit his ex's to learn about if he was a bad boyfriend and to get the ex's take on why they broke up.  It was clear that Tony and Kayla were going to be more on the trip, so the element of surprise wasn't there for me.  But it wasn't until the end of the book that we finally get a glimpse into Tony and his childhood trauma's that shaped the man he is today.  I enjoyed the last little bit of the book much more than the beginning.

A really enjoyable read. Uplifting and charming. I enjoyed this book so much, I immediately went and bought the other book from the series. I really enjoyed the look into people's past traumas that can inhibit relationships and getting to see the characters work past them.

Just a Little Bet by Tawna Fenske is the second book in her Smoke Jumpers series. I have only read this installment so I would say it works very well as a stand alone. I've read other work by Tawna Fenske before and I love her light, humor filled writing style. This book had so much emotional depth by the end I think her fans will be surprised and pleased. 

I loved the central characters and learning about their lives and careers. Kayla is a photographer (nature) and Tony jumps out of planes to fight fires all over the world! They dated about a year ago but called it quits. They have remained best friends. After a night out the two decide to make a personal bet on personal growth, Kayla gets Tony to accompany her on her road trip to photograph burn sites. On the way they can meet up with some of his ex-girlfriends to try and figure out why he doesn't stay in a relationship. 

I really loved this book once it got into the road trip. They have a special friendship, wicked chemistry and there are surprises all along the way. Kayla finds and adopts a dog! Tony's journey and past life unravel very slowly but make for an exciting ending. I didn't love the meet up with the ex-girlfriends but some of them include friendships and that was fun.

There are some heavy issues that pop at the end and Fenske writes them so well. Enjoyed this friends-to-lovers/second chance romance that was full of emotion and packed a punch near the end.

Thank you to #Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. #TawnaFenske. #JustaLittleBet

I like Tawna’s books. This one didn’t disappoint. They get you hooked and want to read everything in this series. I will and must read more of the books

So, the romance of this book was a good one for me. I love the second chance and best friends to lovers tropes that were used in this book. I loved these two together and I felt like they complimented each other well.

My biggest issue was with pacing. The beginning half was fine, but the second half just seemed rushed. It all just seemed to happen really quick and I would have liked for it to flow better. I also felt kind of disconnected from the characters. But even then, this wasn’t a bad read. It was a fun romance with a cute little doggo and these two best friends revisiting their lingering feelings for each other.

That being said, I don’t know if I will give this author another chance or not. I’m not fully convinced I wouldn’t connect with this author’s writing. So there’s always a chance I would give them another chance.

About the book:
Kayla Gladney wants love, marriage, kids, the whole lot. Her best friend (and one time boyfriend) Tony Warren couldn't be more different: love, and all the strings? Not for him. After a night out drinking the pair agree they're both lackluster in the relationships department, but aren't exactly sure why. So they make a bet - starting with Tony - they plan to meet up with some of his exes to uncover if he's a true commitment-phobe, or just a bad boyfriend. But on the long journey through his past, something keeps reminding them both that the fire between them? Maybe never went out.

TL;DR:
- Content warnings: abusive father figure, verbal abuse, domestic violence
- 4 stars
- Sweet best friends to lovers / second chance romance. Worth reading if you're looking for a pair with incredible chemistry who are willing to work through their flaws together.

Loved:
- This was a really really solid read. I enjoyed both Kayla and Tony a LOT. It's really refreshing to read characters who clearly have flaws and know they have them, but own up to them and have a genuine interest in improving as people.
- I know this may not be a popular take, but I also actually really enjoyed how the sources of their growth and improvement came from each other. The progress they made as characters came over the course of the book, but clearly also came as a result of their year+ long friendship. Tony had serious issues to work through with his dysfunctional parent-figures and he seemed to really want to work through them for Kayla.
- Extremely steamy. Like damn. The bathroom scene?! Not only hot, but incredibly sweet.
- Best friends is one of my favorite tropes, I will never get over it. I liked how this wasn't the traditional "omg, haha we'd never date, that's so funny!" but more the "we already tried it, lol, we're not right for each other right now." It left space for character growth driving the romance.
- Kayla's family, who at first come off very old-fashioned and seem to bait her for not being in a relationship while they all are, either grow out of it or snap out of it over the course of the book. We love to see it.

Less into:
- Despite the really well handled conversations around abuse, I personally don't love when it's used as a tactic to drive fear of relationships. Given that, it was well researched and represented. I've read some REALLY bad examples of this, and this wasn't that.
- A little slow to get into, I actually took a month break after the 35% mark. But the latter 50% are quick, and make up for it.

Overall it was nice romance, and Fenske writes some wonderful characters. This is my first of her novels and I will read more!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Great romance and story! Kayla is setting off to work on a coffee table book of fire sites and her ex Tony decides to join her since he's a smokejumper himself. Along the way they decide to meet up with some of his exes to figure out why his relationships never work and women constantly break up with him. Tony has a rough past that he never talks to anyone about. Along this trip though, he reconnects with Kayla and his past catches up with him.

This story is sweet and hot and poignant and very well written that it all blends together and it's hard to put down. I can't wait for the next story.

Thanks to the publisher for a review copy via NetGalley.

Tony and Kayla  have been friends for a few years, but they once dated and came to realize things were not working out. One night of drinking changes everything. Tony admits he wants marriage and kids and secretly Kayla has been desperate for it too. Her siblings are married and have kids and she sometimes gets jealous. 

Tony hasn’t had along relationship. He has his reasons but going on a road trip with Kayla opens his eyes. A little bet changes their world completely. It was great to read and I enjoyed it a lot.

In the second of Tawna Fenske’s Smokejumpers series, lovers-to-friends Tony and Kayla get a second chance at love. After their relationship burned out after a few weeks, the two decided to stay friends. They watch each other date other people, never lasting long, and Tony in particular seems fine bouncing along without commitment. Finally after a night at the bar with friends, Tony confesses that he really wants marriage and family and all the things he said he didn’t want. So Kayla proposes something unusual: a road trip to visit all his exes and ask them what went wrong. Maybe Tony can finally move forward, if he understands his past.

This was kind of a heavy book for Fenske, who often writes frothy romantic comedies. She lightens things up with an adorable mutt and some funny scenes, but the overall tone is pretty serious. There’s a bit of heroine-as-savior here too, although Kayla manages to set up some boundaries for herself. TW: domestic violence (secondary characters).

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for the ARC to review.

This was my first time for this author and I enjoyed her story very much.  I don't think I would have had the courage to go to the all the ex's like Tony did.   I enjoyed the way the story tied up at the end  - well thought out.  The characters were well thought out and I enjoyed learning about them.  Overall great book and I appreciated having the opportunity to read it.

Just a Little Bet is the second book in the Smokejumper series. This was a new author to me but I’m really a fan after reading this book.  The author was able to create a story that draws the reader in and makes them feel like they are part of the story.  I loved the best friend to lover troupe and the road trip was just the perfect way to put them in constant contact.  Tony Warren and Kayla Gladney had dated at one time, but Tony’s commitment phobia kept their relationship from growing.  They continued as best friends, but they were both bad at relationships.  Kayla was ready for love, marriage and children, while Tony believed that love and relationships were not for him.  Kayla and Tony make a bet to take a road trip and find Tony’s exes and ask why he was so bad at love.  Was it commitment phobia or was he just a terrible boyfriend?

Tawna Fenske’s Just a Little Bet is a fun and flirty contemporary romance full of sass and sizzle that is impossible to resist.

When it comes to relationships, Kayla and Tony are absolutely hopeless. Kayla seems to only attract losers and no-hopers who do not have a clue about what women really want and Tony’s track record is equally shocking. Having just been dumped by his latest girlfriend, Tony needs cheering up and his best friend – and former flame – Kayla seems to be the perfect person for the job. Although the two had dated briefly, they had remained the best of friends and they are always there for one another willing to lend a sympathetic ear and a shoulder to cry on when required. Tony has decided that relationships are strictly not for him. Despite his best efforts, he always ends up getting dumped and hurt and he has had enough. But his best friend Kayla is not about to let her friend languish in the dumps and hatches a plan that will determine once and for all whether Tony is just a terrible boyfriend or somebody who is completely and utterly terrified of commitment.

Tony cannot believe his ears when he hears Kayla’s suggestion! She must be out of her mind to think that he would hunt down all his exes and figure out why he has never managed to make a go of his relationships with any of them. But Kayla is very persuasive and before long, Tony finds himself taking a reluctant walk down memory lane and facing the ghosts of girlfriends past. However, as him and Kayla begin to spend more and more time together, he quickly realizes that he might have let his soulmate slip through his fingers and that his perfect woman had been right under his nose all along…

As passions ignite and long-buried feelings come rushing to the fore, will Kayla and Tony give their love a second chance? Or has too much water flown under the bridge for the two of them to be ever contemplate a future together?

A witty and heartfelt read that deftly balances humor and emotion, Tawna Fenske’s Just a Little Bet is a brilliant tale of rekindled passions, red-hot attraction and intense romance that features two wonderfully layered and complex characters readers are going to fall in love with. Kayla is smart, intelligent and loyal and Tony is a nuanced and charismatic hero you will simply adore.

If feel-good contemporary romance is what you’re after, then Tawna Fenske’s Just a Little Bet should be at the very top of your auto-buy list.