Bet On It tells the story of two people troubled with generalized anxiety disorder. Aja Owens first meets Walker Abbott when she is in the midst of an anxiety attach while shopping at the local grocery store. Because Walker is familiar with the symptoms, he is able to assist Aja relax out of it so that she can finish her shopping. She meets Walker again when he is helping his injured grandmother enjoy her weekly Wednesday night Bingo game. Aja is seated immediately adjacent to Walker and through the weekly game night, the two become first friends and then much more. Long the way Aja learns a little about Walker, including the fact that he has had to deal with PTSD since he was young.

The book moves slowly at first as both the characters and the reader need to learn the intricacies of the conditions that both characters must live with. In that respect, Aja is far more upfront about sharing than Walker and that sets up the real conflict of the story: Walker’s troubled younger years with a horribly dysfunctional family.

The author carefully, caringly, and slowly moves us through the troubled romance as both characters must deal with the reality that Walker’s time in town has a time-certain end date. Neither character wants to fall in love, but both do. How they deal with that as well as the delicate nature of each other’s psychological issues provides the drama of this bittersweet romance.

I was fortunate to have been given the opportunity to read this book with the promise that I would provide an honest review.

A really sweet contemporary romance that I loved. I really enjoyed the bingo aspect and found the small town setting enjoyable. Both characters are really sweet together and both deal with their own issues which include anxiety disorder. . My first book by this author that didn’t disappoint. A new 2021 favourite for certain. Pick this one up when it releases. You won’t regret it.

I read half of this book and couldn’t carry on to the end.

It’s a non-traditional romance that takes place in a very small town in South Carolina. Aja, a young black woman, has recently moved there from DC, where she worked remotely (and continues to do so after her move), because she suffers from a severe anxiety disorder and needs a change of pace. There she meets Walker, a young White man from Charleston who has moved home temporarily to take care of his grandmother who had fallen down the stairs and broken both arms. He suffers from PTSD, something that started when he was very young.

I say this romance is not traditional not because it’s about an interracial couple, but because 1. the woman and man meet at bingo, where he’s helping his grandma, and, 2. because I don’t think I’ve ever read a story about two people whose initial bond is over what is described in the book as mental illnesses. I actually found that appellation strange, as while they may have psychiatric disorders identified in the DSM, they are both completely functional (except socially awkward) and have received and continue to receive therapy and are both quite insightful. Heck - I have taken antidepressants for decades and neither I nor anyone I know, socially or professionally, would ever label me as mentally ill. So I have a lot of trouble with calling people who are able to cope with anxiety, depression, PTSD, what have you, mentally ill.

So Aja and Walker are immediately physically and sexually attracted to each other, as though they are opposing poles of a magnet. They make a pact that they will have sex with each other when either one wins at bingo.

Henceforth, the bulk of the story is about lust and how each one experiences it, with a little plot tossed in. I am no prude but I do get tired of reading about short short shorts that leave one wondering if the wearer had on underwear (nor do I even want to think about that) and the various ways men and women experience arousal. It just got kind of gross and boring.

2.5, grudgingly, rounded down to two. Two for bringing anxiety and other disorders and their challenges and personal coping strategies to a novel. Reading this book could provide support to readers who live with these extremely unpleasant conditions. Half star for the writing, which is sophomoric. And I’ll say nothing more about how the lust was portrayed, except to observe that if that’s what you want, go get heaving and panting novel and enjoy it for what it is.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with this ARC.

This book truly touched my heart. It is such a deep and well written novel, filled with love, angst, passion, pain, and redemption. I enjoyed the love story between Aja and Walker. They had amazing chemistry from the start but the path to their happy ending is long and arduous. The way they fall for one another makes so much sense in light of who they are and what they have been through. They grow to love one another based on their attraction to one another as well as the demons they face within their own souls. They are three dimensional characters that are not “perfect”, but they are perfect for one another.
More than anything, I enjoyed that the heroine was a plus size woman of color. Walker sees Aja was the most beautiful woman he’s ever known. Her weight is not seen as something he needs to look beyond. Walker sees her body as sexy and perfect. He describes her realistic body in ways that are sensual and desirable. Her weight isn’t even really discussed. She’s seen as beautiful by everyone who meets her. As a plus size woman, this book makes me feel seen as someone worthy of love and romance; not someone’s last choice. Overweight women of all colors are often used as foils to the main female characters. They are shown as comic relief, sloppy, lazy, food obsessed, and someone to be sidelined in a love story, not a desirable participant in it. I recommend this novel for anyone who enjoys a good love story with heart and meaning.

Alright, this book was damn cute but also really hit home with the references to anxiety, ptsd, trauma, etc.

We meet Aja as she is having a panic attack in the middle of a store in the small town she moved too. Suddenly, a stranger is there helping her breathe through it. (Swooning already.) Fast forward, she meets this stranger again at the weekly bingo night she attends and BOOM, from there on out we experience Aja and Walker slowly falling in love, regardless of how hard they resist. I loved their story, but I think what made it even better was how real and relatable both Aja and Walker were. As someone who has experienced anxiety throughout my entire life, I constantly found myself relating to the experiences of both MCs.

I really loved this story, my only complaint is that I wish it was longer. I really feel like this story could have been extended. But maybe I'm just being selfish for more.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book before its publishing date!

This was a beautiful, achingly sweet, steamy book. The main characters are complex, layered, and easy to love. The heroine is a gorgeous plus sized black woman. The ancillary characters were fleshed out just the right amount to add perspective without negativity impacting the pace of the story.

I HIGHLY recommend this gorgeous book.

I requested to read and review this book for free from St. Martin Publishing Company. This book is set in the South. It has romance, mystery, and self discovery. I loved that this story took an issues many deal with on and everyday basic. It makes you take a step back and think hmm. It's a great perspective for others that may not deal with this. I loved how they the writer showed up how theses characters get through through day. Walker and Aja are very strong characters that has a great support system as well. This book is for a mature reader and can be read anywhere.

I flew through this book. I mean, this book is ignore-your-responsibilities-and-lose-sleep good. The romantic leads are both so flawed and realistic. I loved reading as they fell in love and into bed. The only thing that was a drawback for me is Walter's accent. It was distracting at times to read vernacular dialogue. However, this was only mildly irritating because, did I mention the spice?? I will definitely be reading future books by Jodie Slaughter and I can't wait to see what she does next. Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The first time Aja Owens encounters the man of her dreams, she’s having a panic attack in the frozen foods section of the Piggly Wiggly. In Walker Abbott’s mind, the peach cobbler and his grandma are only two worthwhile things in Greenbelt, South Carolina. He’s counting down the days until Gram heals and he can get back to his real life.. But then he met Aja....

A hastily made bingo-based sex pact is supposed to keep this…thing between them from getting out of hand. Especially when submitting to their feelings means disrupting their carefully balanced lives. But emotions are just like bingo callers—they refuse to be ignored.

This is a cute book. I like how it's very sensitive about mental health. Both of the main characters suffer from mental health issues and they are trying their best to deal with their issues. The secondary characters (the family members and friends) are very entertaining.. They also make Bingo sexy which I didn't think was possible. :) I don't think I will see Bingo the same way every again!

Thanks to the publisher for providing an ARC.

4.5 ⭐️

It’s not often that I come across a romance book that touches on mental health—especially in a way that’s relevant to myself. Needless to say I loved that I could identify with Aja, plus being a South Carolinian I had to jump on the chance to read this book.

This is my first novel by Jodie, and I was blown away. I instantly fell in love with Aja and Walker and their story. Besides, who can turn down a book about bingo based sex pacts?!

Bet on It by Jodie Slaughter is one of the cuter books I have read this year. The fact that both characters have mental illness and it is actually talked about throughout the books is what made me fall even more in love with this book. Gram is adorable and we all have someone like her in our family.

Aja and Walker "meet" at Bingo after he witnesses/keeps her company while she has a panic attack at the grocery store. He understands because he too has a history of PSTD and anxiety. Great potential for a good book. Characters are like able enough, supportive and understanding of each other. Sounds good. There's even some decent spice thrown in for good measure.

But I did not like this book. It was like trudging through mud. Very repetitive. And really, two adults that can't be intimate, because of a sex pact they made, unless they win a bingo game?! I'm sorry, not for me..

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Bet On It carefully and realistically describes extreme anxiety and panic attacks in two people destined for love. The characters are well defined and the story is well crafted to draw you into life as it changes and evolves. A very deep and thoughtful novel.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is a really delightful book and I enjoyed this book a lot! It has everything a good romance needs - characters with depth, a believable plot. and some hot sex scenes. Watching Aja come to grips with her relationship while managing her health had me flying through the pages.
Overall I thought Bet on It was wonderful and I look forward to reading more from this author.

ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I found Bet On It to be a tedious novel and wound up skipping through to find out what happens in the end...which was exactly what I thought was going to happen. Nothing new here. Very disappointed that the novel didn't live up to its potential.

Thank you to the author, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

Bet on It by Josie Slaughter is a great contemporary romcom that had me captured from the first page and continued to keep me coming back for more until the end. I really liked this one.

This book has a little something for everyone: contemporary romance, fun flirty characters, lol moments, some steamy moments, and it also tackles some serious issues such as anxiety.

The author does a great job in balancing all of these subjects and aspects well. Nothing takes precedence over the other, light and heavy, serious and fun…it is all blended naturally…kind of like life.

I loved Aja and Walker. They are so down to earth and entertaining at the same time. Their discussions and grappling with anxiety episodes and issues are so real and honest, and it makes each character more endearing separately and together. They match up just so well despite their differences.

I also loved the inclusion of the family members and bingo! Sassy, fun, unique, and entertaining…all while bringing home an honest message.

Well done.

4/5 stars

Thank you NG and St Martin’s Griffin/Press for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.

This ARC dropped in my inbox as a surprise earlier this week and I was so excited! It was one of my most anticipated books for next year and I'm so happy I got to read it early.

I loved everything about this book. Aja. Walker. Walker's grandma. Aja's group of girlfriends. The tension. The portrayals of anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health struggles in the main characters. And of course, how the author somehow made something like BINGO full on sexy.

Honestly, this was a delight all around and I hope to read more of her works in the coming years!

This is the perfect book to curl up with on a gloomy day. It's ultimately a feel-good story, but is layered with a lot of complexity and seriousness that isn't typically found in rom-coms. I appreciate and related to some of the depictions of mental health and how they were handled with such sensitivity. I also loved the bingo hall setting -- it was such a charming way of adding levity and humor to the story.

This is my first read written by Josie Slaughter and I absolutely love it! Bet On It is the story of a woman and a man who experience a “meet-cute” that might be better described as a “meet-awkward.” And let’s face it, in real life an awkward first meeting between two strangers is probably more frequent than the proverbial happy go-lucky meet-cute.

This story of two self-conscious people drew me in right from the start. The fact that Aja and Walker shared a similar social malady made this story feel genuine. And despite their similarities, Aja and Walker do have enough differences to make this story a compelling read. I also want to touch on the fact that this story is most definitely a romance. While this couple may be a bit unusual they do manage to enjoy a steamy romance.

I very much enjoyed reading Bet On It and would love to read more from this author. I will also post a full book review on my book club reporter website soon.

Bet On It by J. Slaughter, published by St. Martin's Press, is a stand-alone romance novel.
Aja Owens' meet cute takes place in a mini mart and is everything else than cute.
Walker Abbott is back i town after 10 years away. And he wants to leave again as soon as possible. And then he stumbles over our heroine.
This book is such a fun and witty read, emotional at times too. A beautiful smalltown romance set in Georgia with lol scenes. The story has everything I love in a great read, characters easy to connect with a witty storyline with great plottwists, excellent writing. A fantastic, highly entertaining read, 5 stars.