After my last break up, I know better than to gamble on love. And going after my best friend’s younger sister is a sure way to lose it all.
At thirty-four, I should be focused on buying my first house and funding my 401k–not dragging my best friend on a cruise to escape reality. But after a brutal breakup, this vacation is the only bright spot in my otherwise crappy life.
Not on my cruise itinerary? My best friend’s sister showing up…or gambling my heart with her in the worst rebound fling decision of my life. I’ve known her so long she may as well be my sister, too, but between our natural chemistry, protecting her from sleazy guys, and making sure she doesn’t fall overboard, I’m starting to think dirty thoughts about her that I know I shouldn’t.
It’s all I can do to just get through this week at sea. But when our cruise ends abruptly with us stranded, forcing us to work together to get out of this mess, I’m not sure how much longer I can fight these feelings… even if it costs me my best friend.
Fans of Lucy Score and Pippa Grant will love this steamy brother’s-best-friend romantic comedy.
Kate crafts fast-paced, spicy contemporary romance and romantic comedy. Growing up as one of five kids, she mastered the art of escaping into fictional worlds, often by "borrowing" her mom’s Nora Roberts books. These days, when she's not busy creating her own swoon-worthy tales, she's devouring Meghan Quinn and Elsie Silver novels like they're the hottest gossip at a family reunion.
When she's not embroiling her characters in yet another laugh-out-loud disaster, you can usually find her surrounded by animals or with her nose buried in a spicy read. Her pets behave as if they're the real brains behind her stories, but Kate remains unconvinced—though she admits they do have a knack for comedic timing.
Follow Kate on social media and sign up for her newsletter to hear Ollie’s life advice and book reviews. Disclaimer: Ollie is a German Shepherd. His judgment is questionable. Kate strongly advises against following his advice—unless you’re a dog, in which case, bark away.
Letting it Ride, book two in the Betting on Love Series by Kate Campfield- Rating: 3 ⭐️
In book one we meet Maddox and Holly. This book is about Maddox’s little sister, Addison and his best friend Cam. It’s marketed as a romantic comedy and…I think this one missed the mark, for me.
The best friend’s sibling trope has been done a lot. I think it’s difficult to find new approaches to make it a successful story. The plot with this one is fine. Addison and Cam wind up on a four day cruise together, giving them ample alone time, without anyone else interfering with their interactions. Another issue I have with this story is Addison herself. I just don’t like her. If I’m being honest, I didn’t like Cam much either. Addison is a 27 year old brat. She throws verbal tantrums and blames it on her fiery redheaded personality. And, she reminded the readers that she’s had a crush on Cam since she was a kid, way too many times. Cam started out as a great guy, trying to be respectful of the fact that while he was attracted to Addison, she was still his best friend’s baby sister. A fact, we were also told, way too many times. They go from each having been admiring the other over the years to hooking up, to instantly wanting a serious relationship. They were telling each other they loved each other within a week? Pretty fast, I think. Also, for being a romantic comedy, I didn’t find it all that humorous sans the scene with Cam changing a diaper and referring to the full diaper as “a shitload of shit.” The epilogue places us two months after they returned from their cruise and Cam is talking about marrying Addison. I just couldn’t buy into it.
The story was fine. The plot was fine. The spice was fine. The characters were…fine. The writing was fine. Queue Alanis Morrisette singing Hand in My Pocket ie fine, fine, fine. (The first book was much better.)
I received an advance reader copy and am leaving my review voluntarily.
Read if you like: - Brother's Best Friend - Forced Proximity - Forbidden Romance (Off Limits) - Slow Burn - Longtime Crush - Rom Com - Cruise (Bahamas) Vacation - Spring Break
This is the second book in the Betting on Love series. This was my first read by Kate Campfield, and this book did not disappoint.
This story follows Addie and Cam. Addie is Maddox's little sister. Cam is Maddox's best friend. After she revealed shocking information, Cam broke up with his on-and-off girlfriend, Ellie. Dealing with a broken heart, Cam decides to go on a cruise with Maddox. Maddox somehow booked the cruise for the same time he is to be on his honeymoon, so he asks Addie to go in his place. Addie is a hardworking teacher living on a meager salary and needs the break. Maddox forgot to pass the memo to Cam, so he has no idea Addie is going on the cruise in his place. Addie has had a crush on Cam for as long as she can remember, so this cruise is a chance to get Cam to see her as more than just Maddox's little sister.
I really enjoyed this book and couldn't put it down. I loved that they were on a cruise and that a good portion of the story takes place in the Bahamas. Cam and Addie had fantastic chemistry, and I was fully invested in their relationship. Cam is so sweet and responds perfectly to 'Hurricane Addie". Addie is a people pleaser and lets people walk all over her, but she gains more confidence throughout the story. This was a great read! It has humor, fun, and swoon-worthy moments.
"When you find something you want, you don't step away from the table. You place your bets and let it ride."
Thank you, Kate Campfield and Booksprout, for the e-ARC. Opinions expressed are my own.
I knew I was going to love it, right from the start. Brother's Best Friend, secret crush, forced proximity ... all tropes I love so much.
I really enjoyed the FMC in this one. She was so strong and confident, and wouldn't settle for any less than what she deserved. It took her a bit to cure her people pleasing, but her character growth was off the charts.
The spice was phenomenal and I could really feel the connection the main characters had, through out.
You get: • Contemporary Romance • Spicy • Forced Proximity • Poker Player • Toxic Ex • Brother's Best Friend • Secret Crush
I highly recommend this one! Available on KU, ebook, and paperback.
What an easy, lovable read. Addie has had a crush on her brother’s best friend for what seems like forever. Cam is the best friend. Cam is newly single and looking forward to going on the spring vacation cruise with Maddox, Addie’s brother. Little does he know Addie is going in his place. The start of the trip is rocky, but ends up better than ever. Tropes: brother’s best friend Forbidden 🚫 Small town romance
“Exactly. When you find something you want, you don’t step away from the table. You place your bets and let it ride.” Addie learns to stand up for what she wants and proves it can all be worth it!
I loved this book! I devoured Letting It Ride in one sitting and didn’t want it to end.
Kate Campfield has quickly become one of my favorite romance authors. Her writing is the perfect blend of swoony, funny, and heartfelt, and this book just proves that she keeps getting better with every installment in the Betting on Love series.
I’m such a sucker for the brother’s best friend trope, and this one totally delivered. The chemistry between the characters was so natural and believable, and the banter had me smiling the whole way through. Add in the cruise setting, the forced proximity, and the hilarious moments (yes, I laughed out loud more than once!), and it just hit all the right notes for me.
The characters felt so real, lovable, and perfectly matched. I genuinely cared about both of them and was rooting for their happily ever after from the start.
If you love funny, flirty romances with heart and heat, you need to read this one. I’m already excited to see what’s next in the series!
With every book I come to love each couple more than the last. Cam and Addie have known each other since they were kids. He's her older brother's best friend, so he's off limits... or not. Seeing them realize that they are in love with each other was beautiful. Addie finally learning to stand her ground and sticking up for their relationship was just one of the highlights in this romance. I can't get enough of this series and can't wait to finish it. If you love quick paced love stories, adoring main characters, and a friend group that would do all for each other you really need to read this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Brother’s best friend is my absolute favorite trope and Kate Campfield didn’t let me down with this one. Cam Allen thought he was going on spring break to teach the ins and out of poker and possibly score a rebound from a horrible ex. What he didn’t know, was he would fall head over heels for his best friend’s little sister. I loved the chemistry between Cam and Addie! When big brother, Maddox, thought he was going to over step and put an end to her happily ever after, Hurricane Abbie FINALLY put her foot down and told him she wasn’t a kid anymore. Cam is the most precious kind of MMC.
I loved Holly and Maddox’s story, but Cam and Addie are now my favorite couple in this series.
ARC Review ✨️ Brother's best friend 🫣💕 Cam and Addie are the best! This book was perfection! The banter between them was great! My favorite part was the airplane scene🤣🤣 The mile high club lmfao 🫣🤣 If you've read this book, you'll know what I mean! This is the second book of the Betting on Love series, and it was just as funny and loveable and the first one!! I was laughing so hard at some points and completely blushing at other spots!! I'm so excited for Miller's story! I can already tell it's going to be another great story!🖤😊
This was my first read by Kate Campfield and I loved it. Bestfriends brother is one my favorite tropes so I really enjoyed reading Letting It Ride. I loved the characters and the plot. Cam and Addie's story was one of my favorites. I'm looking Forward to reading more books by Kate Campfield in the future!
3.5⭐️ -really enjoyed this sequel. A solid series, will definitely continue. Brothers best friend/taboo, forced proximity, friends to lovers. I do think I liked the first book slightly better, but it was still good.
Letting it Ride by Kat Campfield is the second book in the Betting on Love series. Continuing with the poker theme, this rom-com proves that when it comes to love it's not time to fold, but to double down and call their bluff. Letting It Ride is an off limits, brother's best friend, friends to lovers, forced proximity romance, full of lighthearted humor, will they/won't they suspense, and all the emotional feels a reader is looking for. It's got great level of detail, storyline and character development. A must add to all 2024 TBR lists! Cam's girlfriend just gave him the news no guy ever wants to hear, I'm pregnant and it's not yours. Broken hearted and ready for a break from life, timing couldn't be better for the long planned cruise that he and his best friend Madox are planning to leave for in a few days. It will be some sun, some poker, and potential for a lot of distractions. Addie's heart has always belonged to Cam, problem was Cam always treated her like a little sister. When Madox reached out asking a favor by taking his place on a cruise teaching people how to play poker, she thought she has no plans while school was closed for spring break so why not it sounds like fun. When Madox reveals she'd be with Cam on the cruise, she's a little unsure but hey who cares if that means they are sharing a room together, she can be an adult and keep her hands to herself. What she didn't know until the morning of the Cruise was that Madox in his haste and life distractions forgot one big thing, to tell Cam that Addie was taking his place. Things are a little bumpy at first when Addie shows up instead of Madox, but quickly they get back to their usual comfortable and friendly routine around each other. Things change quickly when Addie decides it's now or never and ups the ante by strutting around in a bikini on the pool deck and Cam realizes Addie is no longer the young girl he grew up with, but everything he could want in a woman. Can Addie overcome the pressure of going along with what everyone around her wants and do what makes her happy? Can Cam let go of his fear that being with Addie means the end of his friendship with Maddox? Read Letting It Ride and find out if Cam and Addie bet it all on love or fold and walk away.
After reading Maddox & Holly's story in 'Going All In', I've been eagerly awaiting for more of Katie's writing! This book sure did not disappoint and was such a fun, easy and enjoyable read - filled with that slow burn angst and brother's best friend trope. Yeah... we had that going on 😉
Summary: Cam has officially split up with his one-off gf Ellie, after she reveals a shocking revelation where there's no coming back from. Feeling hopeless and shocked from Ellie's confession, he sees the upcoming (working) Carribbean Cruise with his buddy Maddox as a saving grace - to go off grid whilst he sorts his sh*t out. However, Maddox has accidentally double booked his honeymoon and cruise with Cam but offers his ticket to his sister, Addie. Addie who is overworked and underpaid working as a teacher jumps at the chance for a once in lifetime trip and agrees to go in his place. However, letting Cam know the change of plans has slipped Maddox' mind and Cam steps on board totally unaware Addie is about to join in on the fun 🤭
My thoughts: I loved that despite Addie being a people pleaser and putting others before herself, she finally put on her big girl panties and decided to be selfish for once and chase after the one thing she has always wanted - Cam. Hurricane Addie was unstoppable and was totally prepared to fight for them! Cam is a true hopeless romantic (hands down) and has this cute soft spot for Addie. Although he knows that she's off-limit and the obvious age gap difference between them, he can't deny the attraction he feels towards her. I adored how he knew what they had was real from the get go and couldn't help but root for them! Plus, the build up scenes of heated glances, innocent touches... The overall anticipation of 'will they, won't they' between Addie and Cam definitely kept me on my toes! 🔥🥵
Highly recommend this book for those who love the brothers best friend/forced proximity trope 🫶🏻 this is not one to be missed!
"When you find something you want, you don't step away from the table. You place your bets and let it ride."
I was really looking forward to Cam and Addie's story. Who doesn't love a brother's best friend romance?! Cam has been through the ringer with his ex-girlfriend and you get a little insight into that on again, off again relationship while reading Going All In (book 1). I definitely didn't expect their relationship to end the way that it did but because of that, there is no cheating by either main character so that's a plus. However, it leaves you feeling so bad for Cam.
Addie is a total contradiction which kind of rubbed me wrong. She is a people pleaser yet has this Hurricane Addie side. I get that whole aspect of letting things build up until you just explode but it's almost like she just lets people walk all over her but gets mad at the smallest, dumbest things. It seemed very immature yet she wanted Cam to see her for the adult she is now and not the kid that he met over a decade ago. She just had a lot of contractions that was hard to look past. I did appreciate that Cam saw her people pleasing side and helped curve that in a healthy way.
I liked the book for a light read; however, I kind of felt like the relationship between Cam and Addie took such a quick turn it almost gave me whiplash. Like one minute Cam is fighting it and doesn't want to ruin things with his best friend and then a second later everything is the total opposite. I do get the situation and how that could happen but I think a bit more angst would have been better. I know it's not real life but make the man work for it a bit more!
The spice wasn't my normal level of hotness but there is some so that's good.
Overall, it's a good book. It's a quick and light read so it was a good break from my trigger heavy books I have been reading. If you aren't looking for heavy spice and want something that's light in mood then this is probably a good one for you.
Letting It Ride was an easy and enjoyable read. We met Maddox in the first book, and now this is the story of his little sister Addie and his best friend Cam as they spend time together and realise their feelings are more than just friends.
Addie's character is a little contradictory at times, as she is nicknamed 'Hurricane Addie', known for her outbursts and tantrums, yet also labeled as a people-pleaser, always agreeing to what everyone else wants. It just seems a little bit at odds; however, I did like how, by the end of the book, she was quite happy to use her outbursts to vocalise her wants and needs and make herself a priority for a change. Cam had been damaged by love; his past relationship was hard work, with them constantly being on and off, but he always put that effort in because he thought that's what you had to do to be happy. Until his ex breaks things off permanently and lets him know he was always her backup plan, she doesn't think he's worthy of love. It's this mentality that stops him from wanting another relationship, so when things are just easy with Addie, it seems foreign to him, and so he makes excuses like the fact that his best friend is her brother. It was great to see them both realise that they deserved happiness, that they were enough, and that other people and their pasts weren't enough to stop them from being together.
It's a slow-burn read with them having more of an enemy vibe early on because, despite Addie's advances, Cam keeps pushing her away, and it hurts her, especially when he's openly flirting with someone else. Their constant close proximity forces them to re-evaluate everything, and it's after an incident when spending time together that Cam realises his true feelings. The author uses emails and text messages to help show not only the pressures Addie is under but also allow her to discuss her feelings about Cam with someone else rather than just the book relying on inner monologues.
What I’m Starry-Eyed Over: 🤩 Betting on Love series of standalones—such a clever idea to make a professional poker players series. 🤩 MMC Cam (Camden) Allen is a professional poker player on a “work” trip, cruise ship to the Bahamas style. And, he’s still a bit heartbroken from his most recent breakup. 🤩 FMC Addie (Addison) Anderson is a teacher on spring break! With her childhood crush. 🤩 And he’s her brother’s best friend (it’s the brother’s fault they’re on the trip together). 🤩 Secret pining, jealousy, and protectiveness—yes, please. 🤩 Thank goodness for Hurricane Addie to get the storms brewing! 🤩 I actually love both characters & their opposites attract type personalities. The author stays true to them so well. 🤩 I loved so much about Cam, but I especially adored him in the moment he knew the other girl (mini love triangle situations) wasn’t for him when she tried to pressure him into a drink after he already said no. 🤩 The conflict/drama in the plot (island adventures) is definitely my favorite part of the book and when I finally got to the have to binge it and cannot stop feels. ❤️🔥 🤩 Slow burn to big, and hot, and mine!!! 🥵 🤩 I get worried about the after the vacation time in a book, but this ending is fabulous, steamy & and oh so entertaining. I definitely laughed out loud during the babysitting.
What I’m Wishing/Dizzy About: 💫 I had higher hopes for the unique forced proximity. You can feel the tension in the slow burn, but my greedy self is feeling the missed opportunities of the only one and very small room. The slow burn felt a little repetitive. 💫 During the island times, I just need a little more . . . maybe I just don’t believe they would go 24 hours from the first time to the second time.
Addie is the baby in her family, but no longer a kid. At 27, she's a high school teacher, but still trying to prove to her family that she is a grownup. Cam is 34 and Addie's brother Maddox's best friend. They've known each other a long time, and Addie has had a crush on Cam from the beginning. That was never really a factor, since she was 13 when they met. But these days, Cam has more and more trouble ignoring the woman she's become. Cam's on-again off-again girlfriend breaks up with him in the worst possible way, and he's in a spiral. He's hoping a guy's trip with Maddox will help him get his head straight. They're supposed to deal and teach poker on a cruise ship for a few days. Well, Maddox just got married and he's going on his honeymoon. And he forgets to tell Cam that he's sending Addie in his place. The cruise is free because they're working, but they're also sharing a very small room, complete with bunk beds and a bathroom the size of a closet. Awkward! There's plenty of tension, and Cam keeps trying to ignore his growing attraction to Addie. That all changes when they go on a shore excursion and don't make it back to the ship on time. Cam realizes that he can't afford to lose Addie. But what will happen when Maddox finds out? Ooh - such great tension between these two! Addie is a self-proclaimed people pleaser, but she knows people take advantage of that, and it will stress her out until she blows up. It's a force of nature called Hurricane Addie. It can be entertaining to watch, unless it's directed at you - then it's as scary as a CAT5! Cam is the recipient of that force a couple of times. But when he finally accepts his feelings - aah! It's just SO good! This really was such a fun read, and I can't wait to read the rest of the series!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the second book in the series but could be read as a standalone. This story follows Cal who hopes to rant to his best friend on his cruise trip but finds his young sister in his spot instead. I haven’t read the first book and don’t feel like I missed anything. I really enjoyed the storyline of this book and the conflicts that were in the story. The pacing was great and I loved the different settings throughout this book. This story follows both Cal and Addison’s pov.
Cal is the MMC of this story and he wasn’t too bad of a character. I have to say he’s not my favorite guy out there as I saw some red flags. He didn’t have much of a development but I liked how he knew Addison is the one. Addison is the FMC and I really loved her character. She’s caring, sweet, and supportive of those around her. I loved learning about her and seeing how much she developed over the years. There are quite a few side characters. I lived Addison’s bff who’s amazing and really want to read her story. I didn’t like Maddox but I do know his story was the one from before. Romance is childhood friends to lovers, best friend’s sister, brother’s best friend, and miscommunication. I didn’t like the miscommunication that would happen or the fact that because of a small thing they couldn’t be together. There were some steamy scenes but nothing too explicit.
The ending was well done and there was a HEA. I liked this story and how the characters ended up together. There were some funny stories but I just loved the cruise aspect of the book. I recommend checking this book out especially starting with the first one to know more about the world. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
*this book was sent to me by the publisher to give an honest review in return*
This is the second book in this series and it does not let you down, although it's better to have read the first book Going All In, this can be read as a standalone. Addie is a school maths teacher she loves what she does. After being adopted she loves all her family but even though she's now twenty-seven her older brother Maddox still think she's a child. She's a people pleaser, always saying yes and never thinking about whether she really wants to. It's as if No is not in her vocabulary. She's always had a crush on Cam her brother's best friends, but even he treats her like a little sister to take care of. Cam is getting over a really bad breakup, his ex really knows how to hurt him the most and really take away his self confidence. Looking forward to a short cruise working nights teaching poker to holidaymakers. He's hoping to a few days with his friend to have a boys trip to boost himself back to normal. But who turns up Maddie as Maddox is on his honeymoon. Great the last person he wants to share a cabin with and how can he keep himself from acting inappropriate. This is the start of two people who each have hidden secrets and self worth problems. Maddie is known for her huge outbbursts and temper. Will they be able to at least meet halfway so at least the holidaymakers enjoy their trip. Although this is entertaining and quite funny in places, it is also quite steamy as well which only adds to make the story more believable. I'm looking forward to the next book in this brilliant series. I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I have. I received this as an ARC copy and this is my own personal and honest opinion of the book
This was marked as a romantic comedy and to be in similar in writing style to a couple authors I enjoy, so I grabbed the chance to read an ARC.
It’s a brother’s best friend slash forced-proximity with a longtime crush mashup and supposed to be a romantic comedy. Addie/Addison is a people pleaser who caves to the wants and needs of other at the expense of her own wants and time. Each chapter is prefaced with a couple of demanding emails that are asking Addie to do something for someone else. I’m not sure what these were supposed to do to other drive home she’s treated poorly by others. They really don’t add anything to the story.
Cam/Camden is her older brother’s longtime best friend and the book opens with him getting dumped by his longtime on/off girlfriend who tells him she’s pregnant with someone else’s child. Ouch! He books a cruise with his best friend for some guy time and to soothe his emotional well being only to be stood up with no communication from his friend and discovering the friend’s little sister substituted instead when she walks into the tiny cruise ship’s cabin.
Honestly, I ended up skimming the last half of the book just to find out what happened quickly so I could move on. When Cam’s best friend reacts to Cam being involved with the younger sister it was ridiculous- dude you bailed on your BFF and sent your sister to share a cabin on a cruise ship.
It is an ok book and 3 stars may be generous. Definitely not the caliber of a storyline of the author’s it was compared to so a disappointing experience for me!
I received a free ARC from the author and Hidden Gems; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.
Cam Allen and Maddox Anderson sign up for a 4-day cruise to the Bahamas. Lots of gambling is provided, and the guys are ready! After Cam’s long-time girlfriend announced she was pregnant, and it wasn’t his baby. He realizes she had never envisioned a future for them; he just made things easy for her. But he’s done with dating and love, and he is ready for a vacation to unwind with his best friend.
However, Cam was not expecting his best friend’s younger sister Addison (“Addie”) to show up as a favor to Maddox who had booked nonrefundable plane tickets for his honeymoon for the same date that he was to be on this Bahamas cruise! So Cam became protective of her and the two of them brought out the best in each other. But would they be willing to enter into a relationship together? And getting stranded after missing the ship’s departure from the island, and sharing a bed in the hotel until they can get a plane home, adds another opportunity to see each other as they really are and to recognize what they are feeling for each other.
Addie kind of drove me crazy with her allowing other people to constantly walk all over her. It’s great to be kind, but being a constant doormat is not attractive. So facing the challenges with how she feels about Cam, and needing to work together, it was a hopeful sign that maybe she would put herself first here and make an effort to finally claim what SHE wants. Or would she let others dissuade her, or put her back on her hamster-wheel of endless favors and servitude, when they get back home?
I really liked Going All In, so I was excited to read this next story. Cam's and Addie's characters seemed likeable and fun, and I was curious about the forced proximity and how it would play out on the cruise ship.
Cam and Addie have been eyeing each other for a long time when the book starts, but I might have liked to see some flashback action, to see their previous interactions and to watch their attraction grow. The tension when they were on the cruise was fantastic, especially when they played Marco Polo. I think I just wanted more of that before they finally get together.
The reason for Cam's not drinking didn't come through as being dramatic enough that his ex would leave him or that Addie would walk away after finding out. I think it may have worked better to tell us about the incident earlier on and have him flashing back and remembering, making it more intense and giving it more weight.
I loved Cam and Addie together, especially how he was able to calm her when she'd go into tornado mode. And I really appreciated that he recognized her tendency to become a doormat and do things for everyone else all the time and then told her how proud he was when she'd stand up for herself. It showed that he'd been paying attention all those years, that he really did know her.
I am so glad for the opportunity to read this ARC, and I am very much looking forward to reading Miller's story!
Ugh. This is going to be a very harsh review because while I did finish the book, it was a rough read for me. I just didn't like the book. 3 stars because overall this book was okay. The story itself was fine, the plot was okay, the spice was okay, it's just the characters that I didn't like. Mainly the FMC Addison. She was basically a 27 year old who acted like a brat almost the entire time throwing verbal tantrums in which she blamed on her redhead personality. I felt like it was way over mentioned that she had a crush on the MMC Cam since she was kid. I mean it was mentioned a lot, like okay we got it the first 5 times it was mentioned. Cam started out as a good character who was trying to be respectful to the fact that even though he was attracted to Addison, she was still the younger sister of his best friend. Also way over mentioned if you ask me. He goes from “no your my best friends sister”, to loving her within a week. I get that it's fiction and all that but sir it's been a week and you love her and want to marry her that quick. Even the insta love stories don't move that fast. This book is also characterized as a rom-com and I honestly didn't laugh once. I love rom-coms but if I'm reading on I want to laugh out loud and that just didn't happen. This entire book for me was a miss. I loved the first book in this series so this was just a total let down. I liked the fist book way better. This book just wasn't for me.
It's fun, funny and filled with perfect ‘second chance’ chemistry. From page one I felt instantly drawn into Cam and Addie’s lives.
Addie, who works as a teacher, has a passionate personality but is also prone to people-pleasing and finds it difficult to say ‘no’ when people need her. I loved seeing her character develop throughout the story as she gains more confidence and lets go of her insecurities to stand up for herself and go after what (and who) she wants.
Cam is so sweet in the book, he really understands her and as they spend more time together you can see how in sync they are. At one point he asks her ‘Do you want advice? Or just to vent?’ which is one of my favourite questions of all time - boyfriends of the world, take note!
The chemistry and build up between Addie and Cam is perfect; there’s palpable tension, there's misunderstandings and makeups, and a whole lot of fun. This is a book that will have you remembering your most intense crushes!
Featuring a classically overprotective brother, a wonderful cast of friends (we all need an Annika in our lives!) and a tropical vacation full of possibilities, this book left me feeling happy and with a whole new appreciation for poker, the perfect holiday read!
Thank you to the author Kate Campfield for providing me with a free ARC to review via Booksprout.
I enjoyed this book! It was an easy read, and I flew through it. This book follows Cam and Addison. Cam is best friends with Addison’s older brother and has known her since her early teens. Addison has had a secret crush on Cam for years, and now that she’s in her late 20’s is ready to act on it. She gets the perfect opportunity when her brother asks her to go on a cruise in his place to teach/help people learn how to play poker, which Cam is also going on. He doesn’t expect her to show up, and he immediately puts up walls because he, too, has noticed her over the years but has never acted on it because of Maddox, Addison’s brother. Stuck on a cruise ship together for a few days, Addison tries to get Cam’s attention, and Cam does everything in his power not to give in. Things take a turn when the ship docks in the Bahamas, and they go on an excursion, and something happens, causing them to miss the ship back out to sea. The tensions are at an all-time high when they end up having to share a hotel room. Reasons why they shouldn’t get forgotten… until they get home, and all heck breaks loose. Addison and Cam learn that they can’t make everyone happy, but at what cost? Cam was a super sweet and respectful guy. He took things in stride and didn’t do anything without intention. Addison was a spitfire when she was passionate about something or didn’t get her way, and Cam got the wrath of that in a few instances. Overall, I enjoyed this book, and I’m excited for the next one.
Summary: After a brutal breakup, a vacation is just what Cam needs. What he didn’t expect was his best friend’s little sister, Addie, to be there. Between trying to protect her from guys and knowing her for so long Cam begins to find it hard to resist her. He tried hard to fight his feelings but when the cruise ship leaves them stranded and they have to find a way to get back home, Cam isn’t sure how much longer he can fight these feelings…even if it may cost him his best friend.
My Thoughts: Cam!! He was so funny, honest and irresistible. I loved how he was always there for Addie and left her room and space to be in her feelings and thoughts. Addie was not shy about what she wanted, she wanted Cam to notice her. I loved that she went after what she wanted despite what others may feel. This was her first time living for herself and not others and I was so here for it!! Addie allowed Cam to be himself and helped him to realize that his past shouldn’t define him. Addie was such a people pleaser it was good to see her development throughout. The value in saying “no” and meaning it. It’s such a hard concept even for me so I loved her development in feeling like it’s okay to say no. This book is so great! You’re going to laugh and swoon.
Book 2 in the Betting On Love Series does not disappoint! I just love the way Kate roles out characters, and you can watch them grow and learn before your eyes, but with humor and love to keep you turning the pages to see what is next.
Cam was introduced in the first book as Maddox's best friend, along with his sister Addie. Maddox was booked for a cruise as a poker teacher, and it was supposed to be a bro trip since Cam is coming out of a relationship with a rough ending. Maddox can't go, so enter Addie!
Addie has had a crush on Cam for years, but brother's best friend means off limits. When she realizes it's her and Cam on this trip, she has to shoot her shot and try. My favorite part of Addie in the book is watching her come out of her shell and really finding her voice.
Of course, that means some much loved banter between Cam and Addie! Cam finds himself falling fast and hard, and he and Addie will be faced with some decisions. They both start to see how balanced they make each other.
I loved that this was a dual POV of FMC and MMC. I love seeing what both of them think along the way. Add in the forbidden brother's best friend, and this book has you wanting to read it in one sitting!
Thank you so much, @kcampfield19 and @booksprout for my copy to review!
Addie’s older brother’s best friend Cam is recently single. His former girlfriend did a number on him and he’s looking forward to a guys’ cruise to get back in the swing while they teach poker strategy to the customers. Unfortunately, Maddox scheduled his honeymoon for the same time and asked his sister Addie to go in his place. Addie has had a crush on Cam for most of her life. Four days with her crush, check. Sharing a very small cabin, check. Getting Cam to notice her as more than his best friend’s little sister…
This is the second book in the Betting on Love Series. It’s a fun and emotional read, as we learn more about Cam’s history and why he feels he’s just not good enough for Addie. I love that Addie learns to stand up for herself and not just acquiesce to what others want of her. Cam is sweet and loving, and the two work well together. You don’t have to read the first book in the series, ‘Going All In’, but it does introduce you to all the players. I received an arc of this book from Booksprout, and this is my honest review.
I'm absolutely hooked on this series! "Letting It Ride" is the second installment in the Betting on Love Series, centering around Addie and Cam, who were introduced in the first book featuring Maddox and Holly.
Addie, a hardworking teacher just scraping by, steps up to cover for her brother on a spontaneous 4-day cruise to the Bahamas. Cam who happens to be Maddox's best friend, has had a rough couple weeks and joins the adventure with plans for a rebound, and the two find themselves working side by side in the cruise ship's casino.
While Addie has always been in love with Cam nothing can ever happen between them due to their 7-year age gap and Maddox forbidding it. The two spend time together alone on the cruise and sightseeing but things take a turn for the worst when they miss getting back on board.
Will being stranded in the Bahamas together lead them to cross the forbidden line? Do they succumb to their chemistry, or does Addie remain Maddox's little sister forever? To unravel these compelling questions, dive into the pages of this book!
Absolutely loved this story. It’s an adorable read that kept me entertained all the way through. This is the second book in the series and was just as good as the first.
Cam is post breakup….a baaaaad breakup. Cam’s longtime girlfriend hurts him in a big way and at first Cam is a mess. However, Cam has a cruise coming up with a buddy and thinks, what the heck, maybe a rebound would be good. Cam’s friend that is set to go on the poker cruise with him double books the cruise and his honeymoon. Soooo he asks his sister, Addison, if she’d take his place. Addison is teacher in desperate need of a break and has a total crush on Cam. However, neither realize until last minute they’re going together and that the ship is tighhhhhht!
Watching the characters learn each other and maneuver their time/lives together is really good in this book. Addison has had a crush for forever and Cam is trying to keep her off limits but with attraction so many things can happen! This is just a super cute and sweet read.
Letting It Ride ♠️♥️♣️♦️by Kate Campfield ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (Book#2) My thoughts: I was very excited for this one, fully expecting the brother’s best friend trope and it’s exactly what was delivered. Addison had a crush on Cam since the beginning. She is a people pleaser and always put others above herself. Now that she’s grown up, 27 and grown up enough, she believes she has a right to happiness and one thing she wants in her life is Cam. Cam never made a move or tried to think of Addison as any more than his best friend’s little sister but Addison is grown now. Although she’s 7 years younger, he can’t fight this attraction towards her any longer. I enjoyed their communication and honesty with each other, super glad there wasn’t a miscommunication trope here. I do feel like the ending was kind of abrupt. I was expecting more drama and feel like the epilogue was a little unrealistic. The ending aside, I still recommend this if you enjoy brother’s best friend, age gap, forced proximity, dirty talking mmc, and lots of steamy scenes!