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Bending Bethany

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When Bethany Howard meets international soccer star Jenson Abbot at a bar one night she never expects it will change her life forever. University classes and late nights spent studying fill her hours, but Jenson is determined to show her what she's been missing. She thinks it's only a one night stand, but Bethany is anything but a fling to Jenson. He's been waiting for someone to make him feel the way she does, her sharp tongue and delicious curves undoing him from the beginning.  Jenson is hellbent on proving he is the man for her, the only man that can make her eyes light up when she laughs and her body sing beneath his hands. But can Jenson convince Bethany that there's more to him than meets the eye? Or will his flirty grin and dogged persistence put her off men forever? Jenson is determined to find out, because he's got one last play tucked in his pocket, The Panty Play. Bending Bethany is a whirlwind week of syrupy sweetness with the nerdy girl next door and the MVP soccer star she can't quite shake. Be prepared to be wooed all over again!

54 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 4, 2016

110 people are currently reading
429 people want to read

About the author

Aria Cole

162 books1,372 followers
Aria Cole is the pen name of a USA Today bestselling author who published her first book in 2012 and began writing contemporary romance long before that.

Her books always feature possessive alpha men and the sassy, curvy, nerdy heroines who love them, along with a healthy dose of irresistible insta-love and happily-ever-afters sweet enough to make your teeth ache.

Follow Aria on Amazon for new release updates, or stalk her on social to see which daring book boyfriend she's writing next!

Newsletter - http://eepurl.com/ccGnRX
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5 stars
195 (26%)
4 stars
230 (31%)
3 stars
208 (28%)
2 stars
81 (11%)
1 star
10 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
Profile Image for Gi's Spot Reviews.
1,144 reviews1,366 followers
August 6, 2016
5 'Perfectly Bent' Stars

Amazing, delicious (Jenson sure put panties on a new perspective for me, LOL), light, super SWEET and HOT little read!!!!
From the very first moment their chemistry was sizzling! Jenson and Bethany really couldn't stay away from each other, and even with all the blocks Bethany tried to put, we could see that deep down she wanted him just as much as he wanted her! And boy, did he want her! He knew from the very start she was 'the one' for him and couldn't have fought more to make her see that until he completely bent her to the obvious!!!
Jenson really did a show on wooing Bethany, with some really original and funny ideas. He really used every weapon at his disposal!!! He couldn't have been a more PERFECT and sweet hero! Sigh....
Bethany was sassy (loved their banter), smart, and completely goal oriented, but no one could resist Jenson charm, devotion and special brand of persuasion, but it sure was delicious to watch her try!
And that epilogue... That's what fairy tales are made of! Absolutely PERFECT!!! <3 <3 <3 <3 <3


ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Chantal ❤️.
1,361 reviews912 followers
August 27, 2016
PLEASE DONT READ MILD SPOILERS AHEAD!
It may just be me but I don't like when I girl has drunken sex with a stranger.
I know the story is cute and sweet and I loved the epilogue.
But to me it exemplifies everything that is wrong with the youth of today or even modern relationships. You don't go to bars drink shots and go home with strangers.
On top of that he does not use a condom but even with her birth control here, he is a stranger.
This is just my thing here.
I enjoyed the book but for me it was not as good as her others.
Cute but honestly not my style.

Forgot to mention the Book Where she belongs by Dani Wyatt was also included in my download.
I bought this book already but for those who have not, it's a sweet read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Janie.
873 reviews81 followers
August 7, 2016
This book was ok but not my favorite by Aria Cole. This one was too short with not enough couple time. I liked Jensen a lot but Bethany got on my nerves a little bit. I understand having goals but her commitment issues never felt like they were really explained. The book was just too short for any kind of development. I will still read future works by Aria Cole though.
Profile Image for Michelle.
2,103 reviews1,415 followers
August 3, 2016
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review

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I must be in the minority of readers who thought this book was okay. Don't get me wrong I enjoyed it but I didn't loved it. It was one of those quick reads that you know what the ending is going to be. Bending Bethany was a very quick, sweet happily ever insta love story. So if you looking for a light, fast drama free HEA love story then this book might be for you.


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Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...

Profile Image for ♡Tonya♡.
2,062 reviews568 followers
August 9, 2016
This turned out to be a really sweet little story!

Initially, I wasn't too crazy about Bethany. I just felt she was very dismissive to Jensen. She did however grow on me later in the story.

Jensen was just the sweetest. Even though he was a famous soccer player, he was not a manwhore or partier. He set his sights on Bethany and didn't give up on her.

-sexy famous soccer player
-ok heroine
-no cheating or ow/om drama whatsoever
-hot sex scenes
-heroine pushed him away at first
-sweet epilogue with a HEA

I wouldn't mind having a story about Taylor and Luc!
Profile Image for Darlene I read WAY to many books.
3,675 reviews2,426 followers
September 16, 2019
3.5 ⭐

This one was soo cute and a alpha who didn't give up!! Jenson fell hard for Bethany when they danced and hooked up. But he got some feelings and left her his number knowing she would leave and she did.. when he doesn't hear from her he makes his move.. he announces he got something of hers on TV after his game LOLLLL!!

Bethany alittle embarrassed calls him and tells him she loves to see more but at this moment she is to busy with school and papers.. that doesn't stop Jenson oh no cute gifts, walking with her even if its for 20 mins he wants a date.. and see if things can go more.. he ups his games by sending flowers every day even panty flowers 🤣🤣🤣

They were just to adorbs for words

No ow/om drama, no cheating, slight secondary chara, Sexy times, No virgin's or manwhores

Recommend- yes
Cover-⭐⭐⭐

Instalove/lust
No condom
Safe
Slight push/pull from h
Public sex
Hea
Epilogue
Profile Image for Mizz.
1,074 reviews395 followers
August 14, 2016
https://romanticcynicblog.wordpress.c...

Beware of Spoilers!

Star Ratings:
Heroine (Bethany): 4/5
Hero (Jenson): 4/5
Plot: 3/5
Grovel: none
Cheating: none
HEA: yes with babies
Triggers: none

Average score: 3.5/5

Best Line: “I loved strong, independent woman who knew what they wanted, and maybe gave me a bit of a hard time while they were doing it. Challenges excited me.”

Worst Line: none

Personal Review:
A very quick romance between a soccer player and a college student

Random Ramblings:
•Good banter
•I love a good old-fashioned wooing

Overall Feeling:

A cheesy but fun romance!

Profile Image for Vashti.
1,233 reviews29 followers
December 21, 2016
Super short read about a drunken ONS that leads to HEA,loved the epilogue.
Profile Image for Paula  Phillips.
5,662 reviews340 followers
September 15, 2018
Looking for a good Cinderella romance tale? Bethany Howard is the type of girl to stay home, read a book and study. Her sister, on the other hand, is the partying type and the one to sleep around. One night Bethany's sister talks her into going clubbing with her and Bethany ends up meeting Jenson Abbot and eventually having a one-night stand with him. Jenson liked the fact that Bethany wasn't a fangirl of him as Jenson is an up and coming football star. Jenson wants to convince Bethany that he's her "one," but Bethany just saw it as a moment of passion and a one night stand. Can Jenson prove to Bethany that he wants her forever? I liked this story as it was sweeter than her usual smutty tales. Also had a Cinderella moment - but using her panties instead of a slipper. Bending Bethany is an excellent quick romance read that won't leave you disappointed.
Profile Image for Sania.
939 reviews
April 14, 2017
Standalone/Cliffhanger: Standalone
Ages of H and h: 20s
Multi-Luv'n/Ménages:
Was There Descriptive Sex:
Descriptive Sex &/Or Drama Between H/h With OW/OM:
>>If So, Before or After H/h Hookup:
Contains Cheating:
Amount of Sex In The Book:
HEA/HFN/etc Ending:
Will This Meet My 'Safety Gang' Buddies' Approval:
Any Triggers/Warnings: No
>>Detail: N/A
Do You Recommend This Book: Yes.
Will You Re-read This Book: No
Would You Read More Books By This Author: Yes

My Thoughts
Cute story that wasn't over the top
Profile Image for AJ.
3,242 reviews1,070 followers
August 10, 2016
This is a super short read (it took me 40 minutes to read it). Not long enough to allow for anything particularly deep or intense, but it’s a sweet, steamy read when you’re not in the mood for anything that’s going to get you too involved.

Bethany is a serious, ‘nerdy’ young college student. She is dragged along on a night out by her boisterous sister and after engaging in some banter and flirting (and shots) with gorgeous stranger, Jenson, she indulges in her very first one night stand. It’s hot, dirty and super-passionate, and they rock each other’s worlds before Bethany sneaks out in the morning.

Later that very same day she discovers that Jenson is actually a hot soccer star when she sees him interviewed on TV. And then she’s horrified when he calls out his ‘special girl’.

“Calm the fuck down.”
I scrunched up my nose at her disdain. “Easy for you to say. You didn’t screw a pro soccer player and have him announce that he has your panties all over national television!”
“I know, you’ve always been the lucky bitch.”

She contacts him but makes it clear she’s too busy for a relationship. But unlike most of the guys on his team, Jenson isn’t into meaningless hook-ups. He wants to date Bethany, and so he sets about pursuing her and wooing her until she agrees to go out with him.

“We’re doing this because I like you, Bethany. Because I’ve already had you in my bed once and I can’t stop thinking about it. Your skin under my hands, my lips across your body, the taste of you, the feel of you…I want more.”

“I don’t want to push you into anything you’re not ready for, but I’m here waiting. Okay? That’s all you need to know. I’ll be waiting.”

Hot, yet sweet. Nice.

This was an alright read. There’s not really much substance to the story, and it’s not long enough to get invested in the characters or even to really grow attached to them. I liked Jenson, he is so charming and his persistence was really sweet, though possibly a little intense and OTT with the cheesy ending. But it’s a HEA and there’s an epilogue which gives us a glimpse of where they get to in the future which is cute.

It was ok. 2 stars.

An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided in exchange for an honest review.


Profile Image for Lauren Seiberling (Romance Novel Giveaways).
649 reviews408 followers
August 6, 2016
A sexy, modern-day fairy tale!

This sure was one quick and steamy read! A perfect “lunchbox romance” to put a smile on your face for the rest of the workday!

The story itself was very low-stress with no real conflict to speak of. Jenson’s relentless pursuit of Bethany was cute, and I was interested to see if and how she would finally accept his persistent attempts at courting her.

A short epilogue wrapped everything up quite nicely, and I’m happy these two got their Happily Ever After!

***I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
Profile Image for Chastity Poeschel.
146 reviews3 followers
August 6, 2016
Just finished this lovely read and I really enjoyed it. Jenson was so persistent, he was so into Bethany of course I ate that up!! I love when a man is head over heels for a women and he definitely was. Now Bethany was trying to keep her distance from him, she felt that she would not have the time for a relationship because of college and her studies but Jenson quickly tossed that out the window. True love can't be denied. He was swoon worthy!
Profile Image for Jan .
2,156 reviews45 followers
August 19, 2016
Quick insta love story

Great characters and writing style told in dual pov's, sweet hea and a bit of hotness thrown in.

A hot soccer star falls for sweet girl and basically grinds her down with swoon worthy torture until she agrees to go to dinner with him.

Loved it, a recomended hot sweet read.

Looking forward to reading more from Aria Cole.

Arc gratefully received for review
Bbbf-sizzlereads-bestbookboyfriends
http://www.Bbbf-sizzlereads-bestbookb...
Profile Image for KceeReads.
159 reviews2 followers
September 29, 2016
4.5 STARS!!!!!!!

Bending Bethany's my first ever Aria Cole read. I was really shocked when I received her book because it's really, really short. I was like, "How can an author squeeze a complete story in this?". Well, did I judge the book really quickly!

Bending Bethany is the story of soccer star player, Jenson and good girl, Bethany. After meeting in a bar and sharing a hot as hell one night stand, J was very determined to make this beautiful nerd realize that he's not the kind of guy who just sends women off after the night. He's the kind who calls, and the kind who returns torned undies.

Aria Cole made it really clear that this book is a very short and insta-love story. Although it's a quickie read, Jenson and Bethany's story didn't fail to make me laugh and swoon! Aria also successfully squeezed all those sexy scenes in this quick escape.

I loved the characters so much, specially Jenson. I should commend the dude for being so persistent. Not even for one second he thought about giving up on an equally hard headed Bethany. Everything he does was either hot or extremeley cute. Our boyfriends should take wooing lessons from Jenson, seriously!!

I just really, really wish it were longer. I know Aria Cole has more plans for Jenson and the Red Bull guys, but I'm kind of wanting that "more" now.

If you're looking for drama-free, quickie yet still extremely sexy read, I'm highly recommending Aria Cole's book to you!!
Profile Image for Jo - •.★Reading Is My Bliss★.•.
2,429 reviews238 followers
August 3, 2016
3.5 stars

This was a complete love story, all wrapped up in novella.

When you find ‘the one’ something clicks and you just know that this is the person meant for you. As long as the other person feels the same way that is. Bethany meets Jenson one night, during a rare night out at a bar. Throwing caution to the wind she has a very sexy one night stand with him and does the morning walk of shame home whilst he is sleeping.

Bethany is very focused on her study and has no interest in being in a relationship with a guy as this will distract her from her end goal of being in the career she dreams of and having a successful life. Jenson did not get that memo though.

Bethany is surprised to discove that Jenson is a very well known soccer player, he didn’t mention it during the time they were together. All she really knows about him is how incredible he made her feel between the sheets.

Jenson cannot get this beautiful woman out of his head and he is determined to show Bethany that they are mean to be. Slowly but surely is his plan, if he woo’s her and shows her how good they could be together there is no way she can resist him right?

This was a fun, light hearted read and there is so much packed into this story that you forget it is only a novella. I enjoyed reading a story that got right to the point, without the need of too much back story as it wasn’t needed.
Profile Image for Lindsay.
2,234 reviews512 followers
August 11, 2016
I always hate going into a book after DNFing the previous book I’d read (in general), it just makes me nervous, that maybe the bad luck of the previous book will rub off on the next one…but it didn’t in this case. I was addicted to Bethany and Jensen’s story immediately. I couldn’t put it down after they met, and their chemistry kept me turning the pages.

I was a little surprised by how fast the book flew by. I felt like I blinked and it was over, and I don’t mean that in a bad way, just that it had me that into it that it flew by. While I would have loved to see the book be longer, it also didn’t feel like anything was left out. Jensen and Bethany meet, hook up and then he sets out to woo her when she turns him down for a date. He does a pretty great job too because
I loved his gifts and how inventive Jensen was with them. He made me fall in love with him as he set out to woo Bethany.

I’ll admit that I loved how much Jensen did to make Bethany agree to go out with him, even sitting through a really boring documentary just to get time with her. He’s like the perfect guy. I loved the epilogue, seeing into their future to see them happy.

This is definitely a must read for anyone that loves hot, quick, sports romances!

Profile Image for Bibliophile Wonderland Reviews.
416 reviews13 followers
August 3, 2016
What pulled me to read this um hello the title? Bending Bethany? I thought it was going to be something else considering the title but I was completely wrong. I was glad I was wrong turn out to be better then I imagined. Jenson Abbott soccer god extrodnaire play for the RedBulls. He is not a typical playboy like some of his teammates. He was focus was on soccer and his team that all changes we he meets a college bombshell named Bethany. Bethany is a what guys would call a sexy nerd. She amazingly smart and quick as a whip. Though you could say she is a bit of a prude. Hey a little dick never hurt nobody lol. On a chance encounter meet two strangers the drinks get to flowing. This was a refreshing read since I’ve been reading non stop lately. This felt like a breath of fresh air. It was funny, witty, and full of banter that I enjoyed.

ARC was provided by TRSOR in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Melinda.
866 reviews10 followers
August 8, 2016
Bending Bethany by Aria Cole

This *book* was just ok for me but I don't really think I can call it anything but a novella as it took me all of half an hour to read it. As a result, I felt that everything was really rushed. For example the characters weren't developed and the plot wasn't really fleshed out. I understand that as per the synopsis, this was a 'whirlwind week' but I still think there could have been so much more that would elevate this from an ok story to a great story.

The characters from what little we get are likeable. Nerdy Bethany has her arm twisted by her wild older sister to let loose and have fun one night and how does she. Unbeknownst to her, Jenson, the man she's flirting with is a famous soccer player, a fact she doesn't realize till the next day. The story was kind of over the top and cheesy but still very sweet.

*arc received in exchange for honest review.

*reviewed by Melinda for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog
Profile Image for Shannon.
2,724 reviews226 followers
August 7, 2016

3.5*

I have to say, Bending Bethany is probably my favorite of Ms. Cole's books so far! This is a really cute story of a determined college student vs a very determined star athlete...any guesses as to who's going to win this battle?!?

Jensen is a sweetheart- he really wants Bethany and pulls out all stops in his pursuit of her, which I kind of adored. But he wasn't pushy or aggressive in his pursuit, he just let her know he was there. Bethany's attitude doesn't stand a chance against him in his quest to make her his. I really liked how there wasn't any over the top drama between Bethany and Jensen, just a sweet love story.


***I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Lisa Guzman.
1,481 reviews6 followers
August 11, 2016
This was a super quick read while getting a pedicure. Insta love, hot soccer player, one night stand, college girl breaking out of her no party shell curtesy of her sister Taylor. Jenson is the soccer player who fell for his one night stand instantly and he wanted more but Bethany doesn't (well her mind is saying no but her body is screaming YESSSS!!!!). If you are looking for an insta love connection that goes from zero to 100 in a blink of an eye then look no further.

Side note this book does come with other bonus stories.
Profile Image for Marika.
4,842 reviews100 followers
August 8, 2016
So freaking good. A one night stand between a nerdy girl, Bethany, and a soccer star, Jenson...a great one night that brings Jenson to pursue Bethany relentlessly.
It's flirty and dirty and hot and so sweet..I could Def ask for more of these two!
Profile Image for Noa Shani.
56 reviews3 followers
August 11, 2016
i know that there's a warning that this story is short but i didn't expect it to end at 50%!!! the story was good, sweet and fun but i wanted more...
Profile Image for Bwmurf.
253 reviews10 followers
December 16, 2016
Sweet book

Kindle Unlimited

This was a short sweet read. First time reading this author but I will definitely read more by her.
Profile Image for Kimberly / Love Notes Book Blog.
2,616 reviews147 followers
August 31, 2016
3 stars. Kind of Meh. Not bad but not much to it. Super short. Not very much depth and nothing making it different than a million other books. Sweet, obsessive H and reluctant h,
Profile Image for Denise.
1,435 reviews41 followers
August 9, 2016
3.5 Stars

Nerdy girl meets the sports star.....guilty pleasure of mine. This was a cute, sexy short sports read. It was a little too short....wish there was a little more but still enjoyable.
Profile Image for MrsJoseph *grouchy*.
1,010 reviews82 followers
June 5, 2017
http://bookslifewine.com/r-bending-be...

Bending Bethany was really, really “meh”. It was quick so I finished it but damn it was boring.

I honestly can say that I barely remembered much about either of the characters – even while I was reading it. It’s another “big sports star meets regular girl” romance but unlike The Perfect Stroke , I didn’t have much to keep my attention (except for the fact I was sick at home).

The characters were boring, the storyline was boring. I was bored.

Bored.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews

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