All Ellie Harris wanted was a life of her own. In a shortsighted decision, she follows her high school boyfriend to college, only to get cheated on and then dumped. And to add insult to injury, her overprotective family is suddenly clinging to her again, fighting to control every part of her life. Bad luck follows her hasty decision and when her roommate steals her identity and leaves town, Ellie is left to clean up a gigantic mess. Fin Hunter insists Ellie owes him seven thousand dollars from an online poker game and he won't stop until he collects it. Determined to keep her family out of her life, Ellie agrees to work for Fin in his illegal online poker operation. He's given her six weeks to pay off the debt. Soon sparks are flying between them and the only thing keeping her from falling for him is the debt she still owes and the money she doesn't have. At the end of those six weeks, Ellie will have to pay the mistaken debt or bet that her feelings for Fin will be worth more than the money.

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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This is my second book by Rachel Higginson.  I was first introduced to her work when I read Every Wrong Reason, 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.

The romance was sweet. 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.

Verdict: 

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

 

About Rachel Higginson

Rachel Higginson is the best-selling author of The Five Stages of Falling in Love, Every Wrong Reason, Bet on Us and The Star-Crossed Series. She was born and raised in Nebraska, and spent her college years traveling the world. She fell in love with Eastern Europe, Paris, Indian Food and the beautiful beaches of Sri Lanka, but came back home to marry her high school sweetheart. Now she spends her days writing stories and raising five amazing kids.

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