I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Bet Me to Stay by Candace Havens Narrator: Vivian Hart
Published by Tantor Audio on May 31, 2022
Genres: Romance, Contemporary
Length: 5 hours 34 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
After a bet with his brother, Liam O'Connor has to date the next woman who walks into the pub. And he's all in, because his pub is on the line. What he didn't expect was Casey Meadows, who at first glance with her big glasses and bulky sweater looks like a woman who has many, many cats—but her wit and smile make him wonder what's underneath her bulky armor.
Casey Meadows aka sweet romance author Cassie O'Brien is about to lose everything. As in, her writing career is going down the drain because she can't write the sexy stuff that's selling these days. She needs inspiration in the worst way. That's when she walks into the wrong pub at the right time. Sexy owner Liam is just what the writing doctor ordered. Her whole body is feeling inspired—and when he makes a proposal she can't refuse—she's all in. Oh, hell yes. Best. Sex. Of. Her. Life. Thanks to Liam, she's about to write a best-seller.
But having an erotic romance alter ego is nothing compared to the real secret Cassie is hiding—and that one could destroy everything.
My top thoughts:
I have known Candace Havens from afar for several years now, as she serves as emcee for Buns and Roses (a charity tea I attend almost every year). She is hilarious so when I saw this book on Tantor’s list of books available for review, I snagged it up looking for that humor I’ve grown so fond of. It was funny but she’s much funnier in person.
What I liked/didn’t like:
I think my problem was that it tried really hard to be sexy and I didn’t connect. The heroine – Cassie – is an author who’s been told she needs to write sexier books. And the hero – Liam – has been challenged by his brother to date the next person who walks into their pub (guess who it was? lol). And Cassie sees his Irish sexiness as an opportunity to get some inspiration. Maybe I’ve just read way too much erotica and so this was tame for me?
I did like the characters and in general it was a sweet quick story that delivered the expected HEA. I enjoyed it and would consider reading more Candace Havens in the future. But I’d really like to see that humor I’ve come to love about her as an emcee transferred to a book. I bet it’s out there, I just haven’t picked up the right one.
Narrator thoughts:
I listened to Bet Me to Stay, narrated by Vivian Hart. I don’t believe I’ve listened to her narration before but I enjoyed her voices and wouldn’t hesitate to listen again. I listened at my normal 2x speed without any difficulty.
I have more trouble with romance these days. Not because I don’t love romance because it’s either too insta or there is no plot other than the romance, or the reasons they have the breakup before the commitment are just because they don’t talk to each other. I do like the funny.