which I loved. As such when the chance came for me to read Bet on Us I was excited. When I read the blurb I realised that this was completely different from Every Wrong Reason, however, I still expected to have an enjoyable experience.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I found myself laughing throughout most of the story. From the very first page I knew I was in for a treat.

“I blamed this on Kelly Clarkson. On Kelly-Freaking-Clarkson. The angry man standing across the kitchen island looked like he was about to throttle me. I had visions of large hands gripped firmly around my neck shaking me like a rubber chicken. His eyes flashed with frustration and I cursed Kelly Clarkson straight to the grave”.

This was a well-written story about two people who fell in love under the most unusual of circumstances. I had a hard time putting this one down. I was eager to see how it would all unfold.

What would you do if your roommate stole your identity, your furniture and left you holding the bag for a $7000 gambling debt? A debt which you know nothing about and then to add insult to injury, the person to whom the money is owed turns up at your door demanding payment. Personally, I would have called the police and sought the help of my family and friends. Ellie Harris had a different approach, not one I agreed with, but I understood why she took that stance. She wanted to prove that she could survive on her own without any interference from her family.

I loved Ellie, although there were times when I found her actions frustrating. She was feisty, strong-willed, proud and determined. When she sets her mind to do something there is no turning back. She is determined to see it through.

I understood her need to get out from under her family’s thumb, especially that of her overprotective brothers. However, I was glad to see her swallowing her pride and accepting the help offered. She finally realised that all they did was not because they wanted to control her, but because they loved her.

Finn was not what I had expected based on my initial introduction. As I got to know him, I realised that he was misunderstood. Sure, he is cocky, but beneath that cockiness lay a heart of gold. He was not the player he was purported to be. He had been through a lot has a child. He grew up rather quickly as he had to take up adult responsibilities at an early age.
I enjoyed the interaction between Finn and Ellie. I thought they were perfect for each other. They never expected to have these intense feelings for each other. Ellie tried to fight it, but Finn was determined that she would be in his life.

I loved the secondary characters. They played their part in making the story entertaining. I do hope the author considers going beyond book 2. I would love to see all of Ellie’s brothers getting their own story.

This was a sweet and lighthearted read, which I recommend to fans of New Adult romance.

Originally posted at Totally Addicted to Reading

Angie

Written on Jan 1, 2015

Bet on Us is super cute! It is New Adult, but it has none of the angst, darkness, or sex. It's just adorable and kind of funny. Ellie was just robbed...by her roommate who is nowhere to be found. Apparently, she has a gambling addiction, so her parents checked her into rehab, and she sold all of Ellie's furniture to pay off debts. On top of that, there's a strange man in her apartment demanding $7,000 in poker debts! Clearly, Ellie's roommate stole her identity to join in the illegal poker game, but Fin doesn't believe her since there's no proof. Now, Ellie has six weeks to pay off the debt while working as Fin's assistant for a break.

I was a bit unsure about Bet on Us in the beginning, because I didn't like how Ellie handled the whole situation. Well, it wasn't so much that I didn't like it, since there wouldn't be a story otherwise, but I didn't fully believe it. She doesn't go to the cops, even though she's been robbed and is a victim of identity theft. She also doesn't tell her parents, whom she knows would help her out in a heartbeat. Her reason? She doesn't want to give up her independence. I can understand that, but she was robbed! And now she has $7,000 of debt in her name! She's living off of Ramen noodles in an empty apartment and works part time as a hostess while going to school full time! I'd say a little help or intervention from the law was needed!

But, in spite of that, I couldn't stop smiling once the romance portion of Bet on Us started up. Ellie is a good girl, and not the good girl who is searching for some bad. She remains good, but still gets her man in the end. Fin may run an illegal poker game, but he's a good guy! He needs to money for something really noble, he loves his family, and I genuinely believed he cared about Ellie. I also loved their "issue." Ellie does like him, but she knows she couldn't respect herself if she started dating (or sleeping with) him while she owes him so much money, since he was willing to waive her debt. That's one expensive hooker! Kidding! Well, that's how Ellie would feel if she gave in before the money situation got worked out.

Bet on Us was such a nice surprise! I ended up liking it a whole lot more than I thought I would when I started reading it. It was so refreshing to read an upbeat, cutesie NA romance. While the whole gambling debt plot was a bit far-fetched, I did like that it touched on real issues that college students have such as balancing class and work, and budgeting. As well as realizing what relationships are worth pursing.

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.