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Counter Bet #1
Counter Bet
“How about we play a little game?”
My name is Emily Brooks. Welcome to Hedgewood High, my domain.
I’m the head cheerleader. I date the star quarterback, and I have the homecoming crown in the bag.
My life is a cliché.
A mask I hide behind.
But the mask is slowly cracking.
On the outside, I have it all. Or so it seems.
Until one day, Ben and Dallas, two bored kids from the wrong side of the tracks make a bet, and I find myself as a piece on their chessboard.
It changes the whole game.
Can I find myself between the blurred lines, where wrong feels so right?
*Not intended for readers under 18
This is a dark high school, FFM romance. It contains explicit sexual content and sexual violence that some readers might find upsetting/offensive. Please don’t read this if any of that bothers you.
My name is Emily Brooks. Welcome to Hedgewood High, my domain.
I’m the head cheerleader. I date the star quarterback, and I have the homecoming crown in the bag.
My life is a cliché.
A mask I hide behind.
But the mask is slowly cracking.
On the outside, I have it all. Or so it seems.
Until one day, Ben and Dallas, two bored kids from the wrong side of the tracks make a bet, and I find myself as a piece on their chessboard.
It changes the whole game.
Can I find myself between the blurred lines, where wrong feels so right?
*Not intended for readers under 18
This is a dark high school, FFM romance. It contains explicit sexual content and sexual violence that some readers might find upsetting/offensive. Please don’t read this if any of that bothers you.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 8, 2021
65 people are currently reading
752 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
June 20, 2024
2 Stars
Maybe spoilers
I did not like it. Like no. First of all, I felt like this was more of a MF with some FF sprinkled on it and I didn’t like that. I felt like the "main" relationship was between Ben and Emily and Dallas was just there. I wanted more lesbian love, is that too much to ask for? 🤦♀️
Also, this book reminded me of After and not in a good way at all. The bet, the three break ups they had throughout a 300 and something page book, the miscommunication, it just annoyed me. Let me tell you I even shipped Matt with Emily more than Ben. I didn’t like him, he was annoying.
They also did my girl Dallas dirty. I wanted more scenes of her and Emily because they were actually very sweet and amazing. This book isn’t 1 star because Emily and Dallas together made me power through the book.
The plot was childish, it was more of a MF than FFM and it felt male gazey and the MMC was annoying, so no, I didn’t like it. Anyways, I do not recommend this book but if you wanna read it, do it. Toodles!
Maybe spoilers
I did not like it. Like no. First of all, I felt like this was more of a MF with some FF sprinkled on it and I didn’t like that. I felt like the "main" relationship was between Ben and Emily and Dallas was just there. I wanted more lesbian love, is that too much to ask for? 🤦♀️
Also, this book reminded me of After and not in a good way at all. The bet, the three break ups they had throughout a 300 and something page book, the miscommunication, it just annoyed me. Let me tell you I even shipped Matt with Emily more than Ben. I didn’t like him, he was annoying.
They also did my girl Dallas dirty. I wanted more scenes of her and Emily because they were actually very sweet and amazing. This book isn’t 1 star because Emily and Dallas together made me power through the book.
The plot was childish, it was more of a MF than FFM and it felt male gazey and the MMC was annoying, so no, I didn’t like it. Anyways, I do not recommend this book but if you wanna read it, do it. Toodles!
July 5, 2022
Well, that got me out of a reading slump. I absorbed this book in a matter of days. I do love a good high school romance (why weren't there guys/girls like this when I was in school?) This one is FFM which is different and fabulous. I loved all the ups and downs; it had me turning the pages hoping for a HEA, which did, I can report, finally come, but my goodness, those characters had to work for it. This book had me hooked, and it's the first one I've read by this author; it certainly won't be the last. I've now downloaded the next one. If you love high school romance and FFM, then grab yourself a copy of this one. You won't be disappointed.
January 4, 2022
I was given an advance readers copy of this book and have decided to write a voluntary honest review. I am rating this book 4.5 stars. First thing first this my second ffm book, my first experience with this genre did not go well at all. Now as for counter bet this was a completely different experience I really enjoyed it. It was honestly that good. Now some of you might be wondering if that is case why am giving it 4.5 instead of five starts and I will tell why. Some of the scenes I couldn't get on board with, and some may agree and may not. Second I felt that Emily and Ben had way stronger connection than Emily and Dallas. Don't get me wrong the scenes with Emily and Dallas were hot. But I still felt it deeper with Ben and Emily. I also felt for Rick along with Landon and Jack. And don't get me started on. Jamie and Hailey. I can't wait for more of these characters.
December 11, 2021
5/5
What a ride this was! This book is a high school romance with a unique relationship dynamic. VERY UNIQUE and spicy!! Never read something like it before. Hot is the word.
If I have to highlight only two things about this book they would be:
1. The emos. The "side characters" are f*cking hilarious! Oh the banter! They cracked me up. I wish I was part of their group.
And 2. Dallas. She's the perfect balance between feisty and cute and SHE'S MINE. She adds the emotional side to the story and I just want to hug her hard.
Did I say 2? I'll just add a third. The sex. I might be getting a bit excited just thinking about them. Jesus! There are bets involved. No filters. Characters exploring their dark sides...It's just a fantasy!
If you're not scared of something new that will probably leave you like.....wow! Then I'd definitely recommend it!
The only complain I have is that I want to know more about the emos so I hope the author gives us their own stories at some point. That would be awesome!
What a ride this was! This book is a high school romance with a unique relationship dynamic. VERY UNIQUE and spicy!! Never read something like it before. Hot is the word.
If I have to highlight only two things about this book they would be:
1. The emos. The "side characters" are f*cking hilarious! Oh the banter! They cracked me up. I wish I was part of their group.
And 2. Dallas. She's the perfect balance between feisty and cute and SHE'S MINE. She adds the emotional side to the story and I just want to hug her hard.
Did I say 2? I'll just add a third. The sex. I might be getting a bit excited just thinking about them. Jesus! There are bets involved. No filters. Characters exploring their dark sides...It's just a fantasy!
If you're not scared of something new that will probably leave you like.....wow! Then I'd definitely recommend it!
The only complain I have is that I want to know more about the emos so I hope the author gives us their own stories at some point. That would be awesome!
October 7, 2024
5+⭐️ I don’t know what Harleigh Beck puts in her books but I am officially addicted!! I’m obsessed with this book! It’s my first FFM and I went in thinking I was going to struggle, but I read it in a matter of hours.
Emily is a cheerleader dating the star quarterback, she has money, a fancy car and is the most popular girl in high school. She lives the life of dreams, but she’s not happy. She strives to be what everyone else wants her to be, denying herself in the process.
Ben and Dallas come along. Ben is most definitely my favourite ❤️ I loved him from the start. They make a bet and a counter bet between themselves and their friends. What could possibly go wrong???
This story was raw, gritty and beautifully written. It’s full of emotion and you can feel it all from the characters. The way I felt Ben’s hurt and heartbreak was so deep. The friendship’s, the love and the characters were done so perfectly. The side characters were a big part of the story and I loved them all!
Amazing book! I will honestly read this again and again!
Harleigh Beck is my queen! 👸
Emily is a cheerleader dating the star quarterback, she has money, a fancy car and is the most popular girl in high school. She lives the life of dreams, but she’s not happy. She strives to be what everyone else wants her to be, denying herself in the process.
Ben and Dallas come along. Ben is most definitely my favourite ❤️ I loved him from the start. They make a bet and a counter bet between themselves and their friends. What could possibly go wrong???
This story was raw, gritty and beautifully written. It’s full of emotion and you can feel it all from the characters. The way I felt Ben’s hurt and heartbreak was so deep. The friendship’s, the love and the characters were done so perfectly. The side characters were a big part of the story and I loved them all!
Amazing book! I will honestly read this again and again!
Harleigh Beck is my queen! 👸
December 14, 2021
5 ⭐️
Romance isn’t normally my chosen genre, I think I’ve read 3 books that fall into that category, but I’ve been following Harleigh Beck for a while now so there was no way I wasn’t going to read ‘Counter Bet’.
This was my first FFM based read so I wasn’t sure what to expect but trust me when I say this book could easily be devoured in one sitting, though you might need a few breathers! The sex scenes are one thing but this story has so much more to it than that. It broke my heart, made me laugh and left me wanting more. And the bonus chapter was just the icing on the cake!
I can’t wait for more from Beck and I’m hoping there will be lots more from these characters.
Romance isn’t normally my chosen genre, I think I’ve read 3 books that fall into that category, but I’ve been following Harleigh Beck for a while now so there was no way I wasn’t going to read ‘Counter Bet’.
This was my first FFM based read so I wasn’t sure what to expect but trust me when I say this book could easily be devoured in one sitting, though you might need a few breathers! The sex scenes are one thing but this story has so much more to it than that. It broke my heart, made me laugh and left me wanting more. And the bonus chapter was just the icing on the cake!
I can’t wait for more from Beck and I’m hoping there will be lots more from these characters.
January 26, 2022
This was my first FFM read so I wasn't sure what to expect. I read it within a day! I really liked the complex characters and you could really empathise with their angst. The spice was really well written too 🔥
December 12, 2021
Counter Bet - Harleigh Beck
✨✨✨✨✨
This book…..this book….I’m not sure what level of spice I was expecting going into this but this took it to the max! I was so excited this week when I saw this was being released and it was one of the quickest purchases I’ve ever made, I could’ve just rented it through Kindle Unlimited but this book is written by one of our fabulous and beautiful bookstagrammers so I had to support!
We follow Emily, a high school cheerleader who, on the outside, has it all! The quarterback boyfriend, the big house, the nice car, rich parents and an array of doting friends. But…she wears a mask and it’s starting to slip, she wants more, she wants adventure, she wants scandal, she wants the fiery passion that her perfect boyfriend doesn’t seem to want to give. (Little does she know what he’s really into….)
And boy does she get it!!! This is a FFM based relationship and one of the best written I’ve come across. Dallas is not only fiercely protective but she’s also got a heartbreaking backstory - brace yourself for some hard reading! Ben is our resident emo wrong side of the track guy who everyone secretly wants to get inside their panties! Definitely going to need to see your inspo….
If you want something to sink your teeth into and devour within 24 hours then pick this up and thank me later!! I can’t wait for the next instalment
✨✨✨✨✨
This book…..this book….I’m not sure what level of spice I was expecting going into this but this took it to the max! I was so excited this week when I saw this was being released and it was one of the quickest purchases I’ve ever made, I could’ve just rented it through Kindle Unlimited but this book is written by one of our fabulous and beautiful bookstagrammers so I had to support!
We follow Emily, a high school cheerleader who, on the outside, has it all! The quarterback boyfriend, the big house, the nice car, rich parents and an array of doting friends. But…she wears a mask and it’s starting to slip, she wants more, she wants adventure, she wants scandal, she wants the fiery passion that her perfect boyfriend doesn’t seem to want to give. (Little does she know what he’s really into….)
And boy does she get it!!! This is a FFM based relationship and one of the best written I’ve come across. Dallas is not only fiercely protective but she’s also got a heartbreaking backstory - brace yourself for some hard reading! Ben is our resident emo wrong side of the track guy who everyone secretly wants to get inside their panties! Definitely going to need to see your inspo….
If you want something to sink your teeth into and devour within 24 hours then pick this up and thank me later!! I can’t wait for the next instalment
January 29, 2022
Review of “Counter Bet” by Harleigh Beck - review copy
I had Never hurt about Harleigh or her books before. I came across her profile in a story on instagram and she got me curious on her books and she was writing.
How about we play a little game?” My name is Emily Brooks. Welcome to Hedgewood High, my domain. I’m the head cheerleader. I date the star quarterback, and I have the homecoming crown in the bag. My life is a cliché. A mask I hide behind. But the mask is slowly cracking. On the outside, I have it all. Or so it seems. Until one day, Ben and Dallas, two bored kids from the wrong side of the tracks make a bet, and I find myself as a piece on their chessboard. It changes the whole game. Can I find myself between the blurred lines, where wrong feels so right?
Assessment:
When I saw the cover, I was blown away, and the title got me even more curious. The story is well written and in an understandable English. I love Emily and I can really feel her thoughts and feelings so hard. I can see myself in Emily many times at it gives me a lot.
I gave this story 6 burning hearts out of 6 hearts, I know now that I’m not done With Harleighs books and I want more. I am looking forward to the next book which is coming so soon.
❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
I had Never hurt about Harleigh or her books before. I came across her profile in a story on instagram and she got me curious on her books and she was writing.
How about we play a little game?” My name is Emily Brooks. Welcome to Hedgewood High, my domain. I’m the head cheerleader. I date the star quarterback, and I have the homecoming crown in the bag. My life is a cliché. A mask I hide behind. But the mask is slowly cracking. On the outside, I have it all. Or so it seems. Until one day, Ben and Dallas, two bored kids from the wrong side of the tracks make a bet, and I find myself as a piece on their chessboard. It changes the whole game. Can I find myself between the blurred lines, where wrong feels so right?
Assessment:
When I saw the cover, I was blown away, and the title got me even more curious. The story is well written and in an understandable English. I love Emily and I can really feel her thoughts and feelings so hard. I can see myself in Emily many times at it gives me a lot.
I gave this story 6 burning hearts out of 6 hearts, I know now that I’m not done With Harleighs books and I want more. I am looking forward to the next book which is coming so soon.
❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
December 10, 2021
5/5
What a ride this was! This book is a high school romance with a unique relationship dynamic. VERY UNIQUE and spicy!! Never read something like it before. Hot is the word.
If I have to highlight only two things about this book they would be:
1. The emos. The "side characters" are f*cking hilarious! Oh the banter! They cracked me up. I wish I was part of their group.
And 2. Dallas. She's the perfect balance between feisty and cute and SHE'S MINE. She adds the emotional side to the story and I just want to hug her hard.
Did I say 2? I'll just add a third. The sex. I might be getting a bit excited just thinking about them. Jesus! There are bets involved. No filters. Characters exploring their dark sides...It's just a fantasy!
If you're not scared of something new that will probably leave you like.....wow! Then I'd definitely recommend it!
The only complain I have is that I want to know more about the emos so I hope the author gives us their own stories at some point. That would be awesome!
What a ride this was! This book is a high school romance with a unique relationship dynamic. VERY UNIQUE and spicy!! Never read something like it before. Hot is the word.
If I have to highlight only two things about this book they would be:
1. The emos. The "side characters" are f*cking hilarious! Oh the banter! They cracked me up. I wish I was part of their group.
And 2. Dallas. She's the perfect balance between feisty and cute and SHE'S MINE. She adds the emotional side to the story and I just want to hug her hard.
Did I say 2? I'll just add a third. The sex. I might be getting a bit excited just thinking about them. Jesus! There are bets involved. No filters. Characters exploring their dark sides...It's just a fantasy!
If you're not scared of something new that will probably leave you like.....wow! Then I'd definitely recommend it!
The only complain I have is that I want to know more about the emos so I hope the author gives us their own stories at some point. That would be awesome!
January 24, 2022
I wish I would’ve read this sooner!
Ok… first of all, daaaaaaang!!! This is one of the most #netherregiontingles inducing books I have EVER read!!! But it’s so much more than that.
The plot was reminiscent of Cruel Intentions in the first half… but without Sebastian’s tragedy . It’s a story of coming of age and figuring out who you are and what your place in the world is. It’s also a story of sexual exploration.
Emily, Ben, and Dallas all have their own demons they battle. Each of them makes mistakes. These characters were so well written that they each pulled on my heart strings. My heart broke in different ways as I watched them come together, fall apart, lash out, and then finally find their HEA.
This book is a high school FFM. There is a lot of hooking up, and not always within the main characters. I wouldn’t call any of it cheating per se, because there were no defined relationships when that goes down. It’s best to leave your inhibitions at the door for this one! There are also some pretty dark and hard to read scenes. Make sure you check the trigger warnings!!!
I never got bored with the plot, or felt like the book dragged as far as the pacing. The side characters were just as well developed as the main characters, and I hope to see more of them in the future!
I highly recommend this book!!!!
Ok… first of all, daaaaaaang!!! This is one of the most #netherregiontingles inducing books I have EVER read!!! But it’s so much more than that.
The plot was reminiscent of Cruel Intentions in the first half… but without Sebastian’s tragedy . It’s a story of coming of age and figuring out who you are and what your place in the world is. It’s also a story of sexual exploration.
Emily, Ben, and Dallas all have their own demons they battle. Each of them makes mistakes. These characters were so well written that they each pulled on my heart strings. My heart broke in different ways as I watched them come together, fall apart, lash out, and then finally find their HEA.
This book is a high school FFM. There is a lot of hooking up, and not always within the main characters. I wouldn’t call any of it cheating per se, because there were no defined relationships when that goes down. It’s best to leave your inhibitions at the door for this one! There are also some pretty dark and hard to read scenes. Make sure you check the trigger warnings!!!
I never got bored with the plot, or felt like the book dragged as far as the pacing. The side characters were just as well developed as the main characters, and I hope to see more of them in the future!
I highly recommend this book!!!!
March 19, 2022
This is my second read by Harleigh Beck and it was so good!
This is an MFF Romance. The dynamic the characters had was super intriguing to me. We meet Emily who is the good girl high school princess that wants more out of life. She has everything a girl could want beauty, money, the quarterback boyfriend but still feels lonely. In comes Dallas who’s new to the school and fits right in with the misfits and has a sad past. One of the misfits we meet is Ben the bad boy. Ben and Emily have known each practically their whole lives but have always run in different groups. One night at a party Ben and Dallas make a bet involving Emily and everything changes.
The dynamics and friendships in this book were really so great! The openness they had with each other was great to read and not something I feel isn’t in a lot of books I’ve read. This also had such good banter and I found myself laughing out loud throughout the book.
I would have like to see a little more groveling but that’s just my personal preference :)
This is an MFF Romance. The dynamic the characters had was super intriguing to me. We meet Emily who is the good girl high school princess that wants more out of life. She has everything a girl could want beauty, money, the quarterback boyfriend but still feels lonely. In comes Dallas who’s new to the school and fits right in with the misfits and has a sad past. One of the misfits we meet is Ben the bad boy. Ben and Emily have known each practically their whole lives but have always run in different groups. One night at a party Ben and Dallas make a bet involving Emily and everything changes.
The dynamics and friendships in this book were really so great! The openness they had with each other was great to read and not something I feel isn’t in a lot of books I’ve read. This also had such good banter and I found myself laughing out loud throughout the book.
I would have like to see a little more groveling but that’s just my personal preference :)
June 12, 2022
I REALLY loved this book! 🖤
This book is a high school MFF romance and it was everything I didn't know I needed. The three MC's, Emily, Dallas and Ben, oh my heart, I loved everything about each one of them.
And can we just talk about all the side characters for a second? Hilarious! I honestly felt like I was one of them at times. The banter between them all was absolute gold!
And let's not forget the spicy scenes 🌶🔥 Harleigh sure knows how to write a spicy scene and make you feel like you are there in the room/car/etc.
100% a 5 star read for me and an instant favourite.
This book is a high school MFF romance and it was everything I didn't know I needed. The three MC's, Emily, Dallas and Ben, oh my heart, I loved everything about each one of them.
And can we just talk about all the side characters for a second? Hilarious! I honestly felt like I was one of them at times. The banter between them all was absolute gold!
And let's not forget the spicy scenes 🌶🔥 Harleigh sure knows how to write a spicy scene and make you feel like you are there in the room/car/etc.
100% a 5 star read for me and an instant favourite.
December 19, 2021
I honestly was not expecting to enjoy this that much. I honestly haven't read smut since 50 shades came out and that's obviously not the best example...
But the praise and degradation kinks in this are written without judgement, which is very nice!
This is basically a kinky take on The Taming Of The Shrew? I think? Not that I've read that, but I know that 10 Things I Hate About You is based on it, so I'm rolling with it.
Also was really not expecting it to turn wholesome.
But the praise and degradation kinks in this are written without judgement, which is very nice!
This is basically a kinky take on The Taming Of The Shrew? I think? Not that I've read that, but I know that 10 Things I Hate About You is based on it, so I'm rolling with it.
Also was really not expecting it to turn wholesome.
November 24, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
cheesy and sexy time. I was living for this!!
cheesy and sexy time. I was living for this!!
May 11, 2022
Very spicy 🌶🌶🌶 I was happy to find a FFM book, which for some reason seems like a more rare pairing in romance books! I will definitely be reading the next book.
January 14, 2024
SO FUCKING GOOD!! I didn’t expect to love this as much as I did but omg. Loved the nostalgia of a high school romance.
February 17, 2022
I was so excited about the premise of this book, but it was absolutely nothing like I expected. I loved the whole idea of an FFM but there was too much ‘sharing’ between the main & side characters😭 THIS IS WHY I DONT READ BOOKS WHERE THE FMC HAS MORE THAN ONE ‘LOVE INTEREST’ OR OTHER PEOPLE IN THE PICTURE INTIMATELY.
(Ps not a reverse harem)
(Ps not a reverse harem)
July 23, 2023
Review of Counter Bet by Harleigh Beck
* * * * *
One hell of a romance that starts of the series in drama, desire and a bet that will bring them all together as well as tear everything they have built apart.
Emily was expected to always be perfect. Look good, do well in school, date the hot football player.
No one really knew what she desired.
Dallas and Ben were both from the other side of the tracks. They loved sex, causing trouble...and bets. Their new target...the gold haired princess.
What happens however when their fun little game becomes too real?
I am so happy I came across this romance and this author. It has a perfect mix of darkness, erotic cravings, love between friends and family, yearning and emotional devistation.
Harleigh has provided a great profile of characters. Particularly like that Emily's boyfriend Rick may not be the one she wants but he isn't the enemy or some jealous arrogant abuser, as some tend to me in a few of the books I have read where the plot usually follows this storyline: popular girl stuck with nasty rich handsome boyfriend when she wants someone else. Nope. Rick is her buddy and is always there for her. That was awesome. Dallas and Ben care and love each other in their own special way but seeing there own romance blossoming with Emily, together and separately, was great to read.
Their romance was an epic rollercoaster of forgiveness and betrayal and opening up. A must read!
* * * * *
One hell of a romance that starts of the series in drama, desire and a bet that will bring them all together as well as tear everything they have built apart.
Emily was expected to always be perfect. Look good, do well in school, date the hot football player.
No one really knew what she desired.
Dallas and Ben were both from the other side of the tracks. They loved sex, causing trouble...and bets. Their new target...the gold haired princess.
What happens however when their fun little game becomes too real?
I am so happy I came across this romance and this author. It has a perfect mix of darkness, erotic cravings, love between friends and family, yearning and emotional devistation.
Harleigh has provided a great profile of characters. Particularly like that Emily's boyfriend Rick may not be the one she wants but he isn't the enemy or some jealous arrogant abuser, as some tend to me in a few of the books I have read where the plot usually follows this storyline: popular girl stuck with nasty rich handsome boyfriend when she wants someone else. Nope. Rick is her buddy and is always there for her. That was awesome. Dallas and Ben care and love each other in their own special way but seeing there own romance blossoming with Emily, together and separately, was great to read.
Their romance was an epic rollercoaster of forgiveness and betrayal and opening up. A must read!
May 16, 2022
What I great intro to author Harleigh Beck. 🙌🏼
I loved this so much. High school will be high school and there is A LOT of discovery. It’s so relatable. I was literally hooked from the get go..
𝑨𝒎 𝑰 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍𝒔 𝒆𝒎𝒑𝒕𝒚 𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆?
All of the characters in this story are written to perfection. There’s a lot to people that no one will understand so to be sucked in by this story was easy. I liked that through their discovery they could find the perfect friendships 🖤
𝑻𝒓𝒖𝒆 𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑𝒔! 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒚𝒏𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒄𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒖𝒏𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒔? 𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒅𝒐 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖.
& then there’s who this story is truly about..
Emily, Ben & Dallas.. am I jealous!? Erm fuck yeh! If there was a world I could live in.. I would fit right in with this one. Their vibe and dynamic is just so frigging good. 💚
Im not going to go further into detail in my review because I think you should read it…
“𝑯𝒐𝒘 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒘𝒆 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒚 𝒂 𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝒈𝒂𝒎𝒆?”
It all starts with a bet….
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★.5
I loved this so much. High school will be high school and there is A LOT of discovery. It’s so relatable. I was literally hooked from the get go..
𝑨𝒎 𝑰 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍𝒔 𝒆𝒎𝒑𝒕𝒚 𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆?
All of the characters in this story are written to perfection. There’s a lot to people that no one will understand so to be sucked in by this story was easy. I liked that through their discovery they could find the perfect friendships 🖤
𝑻𝒓𝒖𝒆 𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑𝒔! 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒚𝒏𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒄𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒖𝒏𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒔? 𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒅𝒐 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖.
& then there’s who this story is truly about..
Emily, Ben & Dallas.. am I jealous!? Erm fuck yeh! If there was a world I could live in.. I would fit right in with this one. Their vibe and dynamic is just so frigging good. 💚
Im not going to go further into detail in my review because I think you should read it…
“𝑯𝒐𝒘 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒘𝒆 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒚 𝒂 𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝒈𝒂𝒎𝒆?”
It all starts with a bet….
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★.5
July 30, 2025
Almost DNF’d around 30% solely bc I knew a 3rd act breakup would absolutely gut me with these three — and it absolutely did 😭😭
I hateeee the style of why choose that revolves around one person so I was super upset when Dallas and Ben stopped 💥ing once Emily came into the mix. Dallas and Ben had AMAZING sexual chemistry too such a missed opportunity 🥲 Thankfully they are still besties, so that makes it a bit better but still not the same. They would be so perfect as a true throuple 😩
Their whole friend group was hysterical. I could read a book about each of them 😂
𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗟𝗟: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
𝗦𝗣𝗜𝗖𝗘: 🌶️🌶️.5
𝗛𝗘𝗔: 💖
𝗧𝗬𝗣𝗘: Standalone
𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗦: Count Bet #1
𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗢𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞: n/a
𝗣𝗔𝗜𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚: FFM
𝗟𝗚𝗕𝗧 𝗥𝗘𝗣: 🏳️🌈
𝗪𝗛𝗬-𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗦𝗘: ✅ + 🏳️🌈 (with FF)
🏷️ 𝗛𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦:
- why choose
- high school
- popular girl x outcasts
⛓️ 𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗞𝗦:
- scenes: MF, FF, FFM, MFFM
- exhibitionism
- voyeurism
- degradation (mild)
I hateeee the style of why choose that revolves around one person so I was super upset when Dallas and Ben stopped 💥ing once Emily came into the mix. Dallas and Ben had AMAZING sexual chemistry too such a missed opportunity 🥲 Thankfully they are still besties, so that makes it a bit better but still not the same. They would be so perfect as a true throuple 😩
Their whole friend group was hysterical. I could read a book about each of them 😂
𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗟𝗟: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
𝗦𝗣𝗜𝗖𝗘: 🌶️🌶️.5
𝗛𝗘𝗔: 💖
𝗧𝗬𝗣𝗘: Standalone
𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗦: Count Bet #1
𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗢𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞: n/a
𝗣𝗔𝗜𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚: FFM
𝗟𝗚𝗕𝗧 𝗥𝗘𝗣: 🏳️🌈
𝗪𝗛𝗬-𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗦𝗘: ✅ + 🏳️🌈 (with FF)
🏷️ 𝗛𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦:
- why choose
- high school
- popular girl x outcasts
⛓️ 𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗞𝗦:
- scenes: MF, FF, FFM, MFFM
- exhibitionism
- voyeurism
- degradation (mild)
March 25, 2024
such a good read!!!!!
This is a new author to me, so went in blind…….BUT I will definitely be reading more of her books now 😉
Emily (Em/Princess) is a cheerleader and the ‘typical’ cliche of going out with the jock Rick………but she witnesses something that has her questioning her life, even though she’d already been thinking that something needs to change
Dallas, living with her uncle, but hates it as you will find out, constantly struggles with her feelings and uses se# to feel, but Emily has made her feel ‘something’
Ben, tattooed coloured hair bad boy, has a ‘friends with benefits’ with Dallas, but then Emily is in his sights………
This is a very good high school romance with lots of dares/double dares and 🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵
Highly recommend this book to anyone
This is a new author to me, so went in blind…….BUT I will definitely be reading more of her books now 😉
Emily (Em/Princess) is a cheerleader and the ‘typical’ cliche of going out with the jock Rick………but she witnesses something that has her questioning her life, even though she’d already been thinking that something needs to change
Dallas, living with her uncle, but hates it as you will find out, constantly struggles with her feelings and uses se# to feel, but Emily has made her feel ‘something’
Ben, tattooed coloured hair bad boy, has a ‘friends with benefits’ with Dallas, but then Emily is in his sights………
This is a very good high school romance with lots of dares/double dares and 🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵
Highly recommend this book to anyone
November 8, 2024
I liked the original premise, but I think that it didn't go where it could have gone. I didn't feel the love between Dallas and Emily. I guess it was there between Emily and Ben, but there was really nothing given to the reader as to how or why they fell for each other. Emily is the best, blah blah blah. But I found Dallas to be a really good character who was given nothing to do.
Also, there were parts of this that felt so high school, I just couldn't. Yes, these teens are in high school. Got it. But the themes are adult, and maybe the tropes should have been more adult than teenagery. But that's only my opinion. I read it, and I read it fast. I just picked at it because I wanted to like it more than I did.
Also, there were parts of this that felt so high school, I just couldn't. Yes, these teens are in high school. Got it. But the themes are adult, and maybe the tropes should have been more adult than teenagery. But that's only my opinion. I read it, and I read it fast. I just picked at it because I wanted to like it more than I did.
December 14, 2022
This could have been good - I love darker, coming of age high school books but … it wasn’t. Spicy? Yes. But the potential in the premise and entertaining and charming characters suffered from a serious lack of editing. The amount of exclamation points in this book is alarming. Editing the prose and dialogue and flushing out the character development a little further would have done this book a world of good.
Spice wise… it was pretty solid. Couple wise? It was actually refreshing to have a “non-standard couple”.
Working on the editing, dialogue and character development while retaining the spice and charm of the characters would result in an excellent next book.
Spice wise… it was pretty solid. Couple wise? It was actually refreshing to have a “non-standard couple”.
Working on the editing, dialogue and character development while retaining the spice and charm of the characters would result in an excellent next book.
November 9, 2023
These stars are for steamy scenes, overall I didn't understand the plot, I love me a dark read but I was wondering what's dark about this, the childish games were fine since they are in high school but the repetition of it made it pointless, was the multiple sex partners supposed to be dark because I'm confused.
Emily...I want to say I understand her but I don't, I love Rick, that boy was the best.
I hate when they called Emily princess, like for what. It gave me Clarke vibes and even that was cringe. Let's not forget the relationship felt like it was stronger with Ben which is crazy because the build up with Dallas was great in the beginning until...
Emily...I want to say I understand her but I don't, I love Rick, that boy was the best.
I hate when they called Emily princess, like for what. It gave me Clarke vibes and even that was cringe. Let's not forget the relationship felt like it was stronger with Ben which is crazy because the build up with Dallas was great in the beginning until...
April 23, 2024
I really liked this book
There was so many things I really liked about this book and a few things i wasn't a fan of. First, I really loved Emily for the most part she had a great personality and didn't have the typical popular girl Stereotype. I really enjoyed the FFM relationship I haven't found a lot of FF relationships that i really liked but i did like Dallas and Emily'sr elationship. A few things I disliked we got more insight on their relationship after the break up that I would've loved to see on page. The entire conflict I hated. And the make up was a bit clumsy. But overall i really liked the story as a whole.
There was so many things I really liked about this book and a few things i wasn't a fan of. First, I really loved Emily for the most part she had a great personality and didn't have the typical popular girl Stereotype. I really enjoyed the FFM relationship I haven't found a lot of FF relationships that i really liked but i did like Dallas and Emily'sr elationship. A few things I disliked we got more insight on their relationship after the break up that I would've loved to see on page. The entire conflict I hated. And the make up was a bit clumsy. But overall i really liked the story as a whole.
June 1, 2024
Just finished reading Counter Bet by Haleigh Beck and I couldn't put it down! This dark high school romance had me hooked from the very first page. The story follows Emily Brooks, the head cheerleader at Hedgewood High, as she navigates the complexities of high school life and finds herself caught in a dangerous game between two boys from the wrong side of the tracks. The twists and turns in this book kept me on the edge of my seat, and I couldn't wait to see how it all played out. If you're a fan of dark romances with a high school setting, then this book is a must-read. Highly recommend! #CounterBet #HaleighBeck #BookReview
June 3, 2025
Okay, so first off—I had no idea this was an FFM book! Not usually my thing, but I went with it. It was... fine. Honestly, I didn’t really feel the spark between Emily and Dallas—it felt more like spicy scenes than actual connection.
Dallas had potential (she was a great character!), but it kind of felt like the story just poked her in and then forgot about her. Meanwhile, Emily and Ben randomly fell in love like... huh? Where did that come from?
The spice was definitely top-tier, no complaints there. I really wanted to love this more than I did, but in the end, it just didn’t hit the way I hoped so I’d give it 2.5 stars🙌🏼Still a fun little ride though!
Dallas had potential (she was a great character!), but it kind of felt like the story just poked her in and then forgot about her. Meanwhile, Emily and Ben randomly fell in love like... huh? Where did that come from?
The spice was definitely top-tier, no complaints there. I really wanted to love this more than I did, but in the end, it just didn’t hit the way I hoped so I’d give it 2.5 stars🙌🏼Still a fun little ride though!
February 15, 2022
2.5 stars
okay, so the story line was good but I didn't like how it progressed. I don't get when Emily was the one who was hurt and betrayed by the bet, why she had to grovel for it. this should have been the other way around.
there are multiple issues in the story but the author is an amazing storyteller. all the best to her.
okay, so the story line was good but I didn't like how it progressed. I don't get when Emily was the one who was hurt and betrayed by the bet, why she had to grovel for it. this should have been the other way around.
there are multiple issues in the story but the author is an amazing storyteller. all the best to her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2022
A new author for me. Kayleigh sucked me in from the very beginning.
This is unlike anything I've read before.
A FFM book based in high school and college.
A bet gone wild.
I loved the group dynamic for Harleigh and Bens friend group. Some hilarious moments that left me belly laughing.
This book was angsty, spicy and emotional.
I loved it and need more of Harleighs books in my life.
This is unlike anything I've read before.
A FFM book based in high school and college.
A bet gone wild.
I loved the group dynamic for Harleigh and Bens friend group. Some hilarious moments that left me belly laughing.
This book was angsty, spicy and emotional.
I loved it and need more of Harleighs books in my life.
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