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Smokejumper #2
Just a Little Bet
After a night of too many drinks, smokejumper Tony Warren and his best friend, photographer Kayla Gladney, come to the realization that they’re both bad at love. They even tried dating each other, but that crashed and burned, too. Now he’s got the hangover from hell and the certain conclusion he’s just a shit boyfriend. But Kayla thinks he’s a straight-up commitment-phobe.
So they make a bet—they’re going to hunt down his exes and decide once and for all why he’s so unlucky in love. Terrible boyfriend or commitment-phobe. Why does either answer feel like he’s still losing?
But between roadside burgers and late night detours, they discover some fires never burn out—like the one slowly smoldering between them. And suddenly losing feels a whole lot like winning again.
So they make a bet—they’re going to hunt down his exes and decide once and for all why he’s so unlucky in love. Terrible boyfriend or commitment-phobe. Why does either answer feel like he’s still losing?
But between roadside burgers and late night detours, they discover some fires never burn out—like the one slowly smoldering between them. And suddenly losing feels a whole lot like winning again.
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First published October 26, 2020
105 people are currently reading
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About the author
Tawna Fenske
73 books1,616 followersWhen Tawna Fenske finished her English lit degree at 22, she celebrated by filling a giant trash bag full of romance novels and dragging it everywhere until she’d read them all. Now she’s a RITA Award finalist, USA Today bestselling author who writes humorous fiction, risqué romance, and heartwarming love stories with a quirky twist. Publishers Weekly has praised Tawna’s offbeat romances with multiple starred reviews and noted, “There’s something wonderfully relaxing about being immersed in a story filled with over-the-top characters in undeniably relatable situations. Heartache and humor go hand in hand.”
Tawna lives in Bend, Oregon, with her husband, step-kids, and a menagerie of ill-behaved pets. She loves hiking, snowshoeing, standup paddleboarding, and inventing excuses to sip wine on her back porch. She can peel a banana with her toes and loses an average of twenty pairs of eyeglasses per year. To find out more about Tawna and her books, visit www.tawnafenske.com.
Tawna lives in Bend, Oregon, with her husband, step-kids, and a menagerie of ill-behaved pets. She loves hiking, snowshoeing, standup paddleboarding, and inventing excuses to sip wine on her back porch. She can peel a banana with her toes and loses an average of twenty pairs of eyeglasses per year. To find out more about Tawna and her books, visit www.tawnafenske.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
September 18, 2023
"Pariul pe dragoste" este o lectură intensă, plină de emoții, care te face să speri că o poveste de dragoste va avea un final fericit.
Este povestea lui Tony și Kayla, cei mai buni prieteni ai cuplului Grady și Willa, perechea din primul volum al seriei.
Kayla este o tânără fotografă decisă să pornească într-o călătorie cu cel mai bun prieten al ei, Tony.
Tony este pompier parașutist, un tip curajos, care are mereu o glumă la îndemână.
Ambii au însă o singură problemă: nu au o relație stabilă.
Călătoria lor prin locuri afectate de incendii pentru ca tânăra Kayla să facă fotografiile pentru noul proiect la care lucrează, constituie de fapt, o călătorie a conștientizării de sine, a acceptării greșelilor din trecut, a dorinței de a deveni mai bun, dar mai ales, a împăcării cu propria persoană.
Impresiile mele aici:
https://justreadingmybooks.wordpress....
Este povestea lui Tony și Kayla, cei mai buni prieteni ai cuplului Grady și Willa, perechea din primul volum al seriei.
Kayla este o tânără fotografă decisă să pornească într-o călătorie cu cel mai bun prieten al ei, Tony.
Tony este pompier parașutist, un tip curajos, care are mereu o glumă la îndemână.
Ambii au însă o singură problemă: nu au o relație stabilă.
Călătoria lor prin locuri afectate de incendii pentru ca tânăra Kayla să facă fotografiile pentru noul proiect la care lucrează, constituie de fapt, o călătorie a conștientizării de sine, a acceptării greșelilor din trecut, a dorinței de a deveni mai bun, dar mai ales, a împăcării cu propria persoană.
Impresiile mele aici:
https://justreadingmybooks.wordpress....
October 27, 2020
Favorite Quotes:
What woman wouldn’t want a chance to tell a guy how he screwed up? … If an ex came to me and asked me to list all the ways he’d messed up, damn straight I’d share. Hell, I’d build PowerPoint presentations for some of them.
“Let’s get one thing straight right off the bat— everyone screws up. Your doctor screws up. Your hairstylist screws up. Your accountant screws up.” “I can’t decide if this is reassuring or terrifying.”
My Review:
While still a humorous romantic comedy at its core, considerable family drama, angst, and delicately handled issues of domestic abuse were also found on the pages of this insightfully written missive. I was enthusiastically rooting for Tony and Kayla and intrigued by the premise of visiting ex-girlfriends to unravel the underlying causes of relationship failures and following the not so woo-woo advice of a self-help guru. It was entertaining, smirk-worthy, and deliciously steamy between Tony's angsty bouts of self-doubt. I’m ready for more sexy smokejumpers in my life and already looking forward to the next installment.
What woman wouldn’t want a chance to tell a guy how he screwed up? … If an ex came to me and asked me to list all the ways he’d messed up, damn straight I’d share. Hell, I’d build PowerPoint presentations for some of them.
“Let’s get one thing straight right off the bat— everyone screws up. Your doctor screws up. Your hairstylist screws up. Your accountant screws up.” “I can’t decide if this is reassuring or terrifying.”
My Review:
While still a humorous romantic comedy at its core, considerable family drama, angst, and delicately handled issues of domestic abuse were also found on the pages of this insightfully written missive. I was enthusiastically rooting for Tony and Kayla and intrigued by the premise of visiting ex-girlfriends to unravel the underlying causes of relationship failures and following the not so woo-woo advice of a self-help guru. It was entertaining, smirk-worthy, and deliciously steamy between Tony's angsty bouts of self-doubt. I’m ready for more sexy smokejumpers in my life and already looking forward to the next installment.
November 2, 2020
Just a Little Bet is the second book in author Tawna Fenske’s Smoke Jumpers series and it was a very good story, but fans of Fenske should know that this was not a light rom-com that she’s known for. I liked this book, but at times it was a bit heavy mainly because I wasn’t expecting that when I picked it up. I did appreciate that the characters showed great personal growth throughout this book which in turn led them to the love they both wanted.
Kayla and Tony are best friends, they had a romantic relationship about one year prior, but it ended and they’ve maintained a steady friendship. On a night out with friends in which Tony breaks up with yet another girlfriend, he drinks more than he even does and ends up making a couple of confessions to Kayla. When she suggests he accompany her on a road trip where she intends to photograph some former burn sites he worked on and at the same time they revisit some of his ex-girlfriends to try and figure out is he’s “a lousy boyfriend” as he claims or a “commitment phobe” as she claims, he agrees and off they go not realizing that along the way they will learn so much about themselves, each other, and life in general.
I enjoyed this book quite a lot; Kayla and Tony had fantastic chemistry, but it was their friendship that was truly special. I enjoyed watching Tony’s walls breakdown the closer they got and seeing Kayla discover that it was okay to want the things she did and she could have it all. They had some fun times, there was quite a bit of unrequited lust before they succumbed and their inner dialog was amusing. Tony had some big time baggage stemming from his childhood and it has affected the way he looks at love, marriage, and quite frankly life. I felt Kayla was pretty well rounded, she feels a bit jealous of her sisters who have found love and are happily married and while she thinks she’s an awful person for being jealous, I think really it was more envy of something she wanted for herself but hadn’t been ready for until recently.
This book did deal with some pretty heavy issues and even Tony meeting with his ex-girlfriends at times were a bit heavy, but it also led to him opening himself up and dealing with his past so he could move forward in the future he wanted and deserved.
Just A Little Bet by Tawna Fenske was a friends-to-lovers/second chance romance that was well written, packed with emotion, and completely satisfying.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
Kayla and Tony are best friends, they had a romantic relationship about one year prior, but it ended and they’ve maintained a steady friendship. On a night out with friends in which Tony breaks up with yet another girlfriend, he drinks more than he even does and ends up making a couple of confessions to Kayla. When she suggests he accompany her on a road trip where she intends to photograph some former burn sites he worked on and at the same time they revisit some of his ex-girlfriends to try and figure out is he’s “a lousy boyfriend” as he claims or a “commitment phobe” as she claims, he agrees and off they go not realizing that along the way they will learn so much about themselves, each other, and life in general.
I enjoyed this book quite a lot; Kayla and Tony had fantastic chemistry, but it was their friendship that was truly special. I enjoyed watching Tony’s walls breakdown the closer they got and seeing Kayla discover that it was okay to want the things she did and she could have it all. They had some fun times, there was quite a bit of unrequited lust before they succumbed and their inner dialog was amusing. Tony had some big time baggage stemming from his childhood and it has affected the way he looks at love, marriage, and quite frankly life. I felt Kayla was pretty well rounded, she feels a bit jealous of her sisters who have found love and are happily married and while she thinks she’s an awful person for being jealous, I think really it was more envy of something she wanted for herself but hadn’t been ready for until recently.
This book did deal with some pretty heavy issues and even Tony meeting with his ex-girlfriends at times were a bit heavy, but it also led to him opening himself up and dealing with his past so he could move forward in the future he wanted and deserved.
Just A Little Bet by Tawna Fenske was a friends-to-lovers/second chance romance that was well written, packed with emotion, and completely satisfying.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
March 8, 2022
Tony and Kayla had a short term romance but it didn't work out so they decided to be best friends. Kayla is a photographer and Tony is a smokejumper who is away fighting fires for lots of days during fire season. Kayla is looking for love and marriage and knows that Tony, who dates lots of women all for short periods of time is not the man for her. Both decide that they are bad at love and that Tony is a commitment-phobe.. When she takes a trip to photograph old forest burn sites, Tony goes with her. They decide that they should meet some of Tony's old girlfriends to see how they remember him - was he a bad boyfriend or did he just not want to get in a committed relationship. The more time that the best friends spend together, the more that the spark between them grows. By the end of the story, we know if both of them are bad at love or if there is a committed relationship in their future.
I really liked Kayla in this story - she had a great career and worked hard to be a success. Tony wasn't my favorite character at the beginning but once I learned about his childhood, he became much more likable and I could picture the two of the together.
This is a cute romance with lots of passion and some lighter moments to balance it out.
I really liked Kayla in this story - she had a great career and worked hard to be a success. Tony wasn't my favorite character at the beginning but once I learned about his childhood, he became much more likable and I could picture the two of the together.
This is a cute romance with lots of passion and some lighter moments to balance it out.
March 21, 2022
4.5
Wow. It took me a minute to read this book-not because it’s bad but life has been crazy busy…but you know what!? It was such a good book to have on the go, dip in and out of and I’m so happy I took my time with it.
This was a fun second chance road trip romance with a hero who is truly haunted by his past. It has some redemption in there I wasn’t expecting but was so thankful to see. Tawna Fenske really nailed internal conflict the hero in this one.
Such a good second book.
Onto book three!
Wow. It took me a minute to read this book-not because it’s bad but life has been crazy busy…but you know what!? It was such a good book to have on the go, dip in and out of and I’m so happy I took my time with it.
This was a fun second chance road trip romance with a hero who is truly haunted by his past. It has some redemption in there I wasn’t expecting but was so thankful to see. Tawna Fenske really nailed internal conflict the hero in this one.
Such a good second book.
Onto book three!
October 29, 2020
Oh you had to go there Tawna Fenske. I read for an escape, to get away from every day life. But you had to bring politics or the name of, into this book. I immediately stopped reading it, and probably won't read another book by you again. You're a writer, write a book WITHOUT your personal views on politics, nobody cares!
December 5, 2020
*This is the second book in the series and I do hope you read that one first. So this book mentions that Kayla and Tony were best friends but I didn't get that since I read the first book, but hey what do I know they could have become best friends. Anywho back to story so Kayla and Tony hit it off tried the dating scenario and crashed and burned, he figures he is not good at relationships, she sees it that he is a commitment phobe and so they set out to find out what it is that is going on. I enjoyed it and since again I read the first book I was a little bit more prepared to read about some heavy issues so just a warning it is not an all hearts book, but I liked that they figured things our and as you can imagine while they spend time together the burning scinders begins a nice fire..Enjoy!
Rcvd an ARC at no cost to author..(Netgalley) Voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions.
Rcvd an ARC at no cost to author..(Netgalley) Voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions.
October 3, 2022
Another fabulous book by Tawna Fenske. I love these smokejumpers!
October 20, 2020
This story has all the heat and all the heart!
A little road trip, a little self-help book, and a little Fireball add up to make this a deeply emotional, sexy, heart-pounding love story. It's both a second-chance and a friends-to-lovers story, as Kayla and Tony have kept their friendship despite their break-up a year ago. Now, Kayla needs to tour old wildfire sites for her upcoming photography book and since the fire season has ended, Tony is the perfect tour guide.
Because it's set in the off-season this book doesn't deal with the smoke jumpers on the job, but it still has plenty going on. In an effort to figure out why he hasn't been able to maintain a lasting relationship, Tony agrees to include interviews with a few of his exes on this road trip. Between those insightful (and sometimes hilarious) scenes and the thought-provoking excerpts from the self-help book Kayla's sister recommended, these two find that laying their souls bare to each other is the most intimate thing either has ever done.
The emotions are sometimes gut-wrenching but necessarily so, while the physical attraction between them is not ignored either. These two go through an entire lifetime of experiences together in just a couple weeks and my heart was captivated every step along the way. Their HEA is hard-won and absolutely perfect for them. I loved every bit of their story, and highly recommend it. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
A little road trip, a little self-help book, and a little Fireball add up to make this a deeply emotional, sexy, heart-pounding love story. It's both a second-chance and a friends-to-lovers story, as Kayla and Tony have kept their friendship despite their break-up a year ago. Now, Kayla needs to tour old wildfire sites for her upcoming photography book and since the fire season has ended, Tony is the perfect tour guide.
Because it's set in the off-season this book doesn't deal with the smoke jumpers on the job, but it still has plenty going on. In an effort to figure out why he hasn't been able to maintain a lasting relationship, Tony agrees to include interviews with a few of his exes on this road trip. Between those insightful (and sometimes hilarious) scenes and the thought-provoking excerpts from the self-help book Kayla's sister recommended, these two find that laying their souls bare to each other is the most intimate thing either has ever done.
The emotions are sometimes gut-wrenching but necessarily so, while the physical attraction between them is not ignored either. These two go through an entire lifetime of experiences together in just a couple weeks and my heart was captivated every step along the way. Their HEA is hard-won and absolutely perfect for them. I loved every bit of their story, and highly recommend it. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
August 2, 2021
3.25
I liked this book quite a bit, but I felt it fell short for me in several aspects.
It didn't quite captivate me enough to make me not want to put it down.
It lacked a lot more road trip moments - especially at the end. I've said this a billion times before and I'm sure I'll say it a billion times more - GIVE US THE STUFF *AFTER* THEY GET TOGETHER!!! Seriously though, this is the problem with these books that part of a series ~bUt NOt rEaLly~ is that you're left with so many questions! I wanna know more about Connie and Bud and that whole mess; I wanna see that Oregon - Ohio road trip!; I wanna see Tony meet her parents and her sisters and her million nephews!; what happened with her book???? Like yeah she did the gallery thing but wasn't it the whole point of the road trip to take pictures for her book?
I don't regret reading this book, and I'll for sure read the next one (someday) but I wanted more of these two characters! A lot was left unsaid and open-ended and I'm not a fan...
I used to think long series and fantasies weren't for me, but maybe I do need one of those to be able to have enough of a character... And I do understand that these books can't go on forever, but... Give us a little more! Give us at least a couple of chapters of the characters being together - ACTUALLY TOGETHER, NOT TOGETHER FOR TWO MINUTES FOR DRAMA'S SAKE - before you close out the book.
I liked this book quite a bit, but I felt it fell short for me in several aspects.
It didn't quite captivate me enough to make me not want to put it down.
It lacked a lot more road trip moments - especially at the end. I've said this a billion times before and I'm sure I'll say it a billion times more - GIVE US THE STUFF *AFTER* THEY GET TOGETHER!!! Seriously though, this is the problem with these books that part of a series ~bUt NOt rEaLly~ is that you're left with so many questions! I wanna know more about Connie and Bud and that whole mess; I wanna see that Oregon - Ohio road trip!; I wanna see Tony meet her parents and her sisters and her million nephews!; what happened with her book???? Like yeah she did the gallery thing but wasn't it the whole point of the road trip to take pictures for her book?
I don't regret reading this book, and I'll for sure read the next one (someday) but I wanted more of these two characters! A lot was left unsaid and open-ended and I'm not a fan...
I used to think long series and fantasies weren't for me, but maybe I do need one of those to be able to have enough of a character... And I do understand that these books can't go on forever, but... Give us a little more! Give us at least a couple of chapters of the characters being together - ACTUALLY TOGETHER, NOT TOGETHER FOR TWO MINUTES FOR DRAMA'S SAKE - before you close out the book.
October 27, 2020
This is a fun, best friends/second chance romance.
Romances never seem to work out well for Tony Warren or his best friend, photographer Kayla Gladney - not even dating each other worked for them. After one more relationship ends in another friendship and Tony drinking a load of shots, he agrees that whilst the two of them are off touring so she can photograph past burn out sites they'll take the opportunity to ask some of his ex-girlfriends just why their relationship ended. Will it prove he's a terrible boyfriend or a total commitment-phobe? However, as the journey progresses, the heat between the two of them grows . . . .
This is a story of a journey, both a physical one around the burn sites and another to the past and developing awareness of its impact on present day attitudes and behaviours. It is a family drama, one which includes secrets, abuse, developing self-awareness and going for your dreams. Much is inspired by a book Kayla reads and it helps them both open up to each other and to love. However, a call about his Mum may change all that forever . . .
This is a great addition to the series and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The revelations are moving and explain such a lot - but I'm not going to tell you what they are, you need to read the book for yourself to discover them! I'll definitely be looking out to read the third book in the series when it becomes available!
Thanks to Entangled and NetGalley for my copy of this book which I have voluntarily read and honestly reviewed.
Romances never seem to work out well for Tony Warren or his best friend, photographer Kayla Gladney - not even dating each other worked for them. After one more relationship ends in another friendship and Tony drinking a load of shots, he agrees that whilst the two of them are off touring so she can photograph past burn out sites they'll take the opportunity to ask some of his ex-girlfriends just why their relationship ended. Will it prove he's a terrible boyfriend or a total commitment-phobe? However, as the journey progresses, the heat between the two of them grows . . . .
This is a story of a journey, both a physical one around the burn sites and another to the past and developing awareness of its impact on present day attitudes and behaviours. It is a family drama, one which includes secrets, abuse, developing self-awareness and going for your dreams. Much is inspired by a book Kayla reads and it helps them both open up to each other and to love. However, a call about his Mum may change all that forever . . .
This is a great addition to the series and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The revelations are moving and explain such a lot - but I'm not going to tell you what they are, you need to read the book for yourself to discover them! I'll definitely be looking out to read the third book in the series when it becomes available!
Thanks to Entangled and NetGalley for my copy of this book which I have voluntarily read and honestly reviewed.
May 10, 2022
Tony Warren & Kayla Gladney
Tony and Kayla became "best" friends after a failed attempt at a relationship the year before.
I had a hard time with the best part of their friendship. Especially since there were things he still didn't share with her. My friend knows all about my family history, the good and the bad, because that's my person.
Anyway, not only does there romantic relationship not work out, but they both have a hard time holding on to one. Kayla's issue seems to be her horrible taste in men, but Tony's is more elusive. Is he a commitment phobe or just a horrible boyfriend?
Since Kayla has asked him to accompany her on her trip to get photos for her book, they decided to use this road trip to to also meet up with his exes and ask what went wrong.
Everyone thinks it's crazy for exes to go on a road trip together. Were they right?
I enjoyed getting to see the interactions between Tony and his exes, and Kayla's reactions to some of them. It was great to see characters actually go through the growth process throughout the book. However, I felt that if Tony would have shared about his family life, it would have revealed some of his issues without visiting the ghost of girlfriend's past (had to do a romcom reference since they talked out them in the book).
Tony and Kayla became "best" friends after a failed attempt at a relationship the year before.
I had a hard time with the best part of their friendship. Especially since there were things he still didn't share with her. My friend knows all about my family history, the good and the bad, because that's my person.
Anyway, not only does there romantic relationship not work out, but they both have a hard time holding on to one. Kayla's issue seems to be her horrible taste in men, but Tony's is more elusive. Is he a commitment phobe or just a horrible boyfriend?
Since Kayla has asked him to accompany her on her trip to get photos for her book, they decided to use this road trip to to also meet up with his exes and ask what went wrong.
Everyone thinks it's crazy for exes to go on a road trip together. Were they right?
I enjoyed getting to see the interactions between Tony and his exes, and Kayla's reactions to some of them. It was great to see characters actually go through the growth process throughout the book. However, I felt that if Tony would have shared about his family life, it would have revealed some of his issues without visiting the ghost of girlfriend's past (had to do a romcom reference since they talked out them in the book).
November 2, 2020
*I won this novel for my Amazon Kindle from a giveaway on GoodReads and was asked for an honest review*
This novel is #2 in the series, "Smokejumper" by author; Tawna Fenske. I have not read the first novel in this series so this is my first read by this author. Even though I have not read the first novel in this series, this novel could easily be read as a standalone. This really was a great story of friendship that goes deeper to become more. The chemistry between the two main characters is great! This really was an entertaining read along with some deep issues throughout the novel. I would recommend this novel and author for all you Romance readers out there. Happy Reading!
This novel is #2 in the series, "Smokejumper" by author; Tawna Fenske. I have not read the first novel in this series so this is my first read by this author. Even though I have not read the first novel in this series, this novel could easily be read as a standalone. This really was a great story of friendship that goes deeper to become more. The chemistry between the two main characters is great! This really was an entertaining read along with some deep issues throughout the novel. I would recommend this novel and author for all you Romance readers out there. Happy Reading!
October 11, 2020
I love this book. Love friends to lovers romances.
It was cute and sweet, and alerts us type of abuse.
Words hurt. And you should be careful what you say and how you say it.
This was a 4 stars for me.
It was cute and sweet, and alerts us type of abuse.
Words hurt. And you should be careful what you say and how you say it.
This was a 4 stars for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2020
Another absolute gem from Tawna Fenske! I just adore her writing, and reading Just a Little Bet was delightful...and also eye-opening and heartfelt.
This has got to be one of the best friends-to-lovers romances I’ve read. The dynamic between Kayla and Tony is electric, and equal parts funny and sweet. Their banter is on point, and their road trip one that shows the highs and lows of friendships, relationships, love, and family.
With a serious subplot to balance everything out, but enough lighthearted feels to make everything feel good, I can safely say that Just a Little Bet is more than just a little bit wonderful.
This has got to be one of the best friends-to-lovers romances I’ve read. The dynamic between Kayla and Tony is electric, and equal parts funny and sweet. Their banter is on point, and their road trip one that shows the highs and lows of friendships, relationships, love, and family.
With a serious subplot to balance everything out, but enough lighthearted feels to make everything feel good, I can safely say that Just a Little Bet is more than just a little bit wonderful.
October 17, 2020
-- Read this review, and others, on my blog at https://hookedbythatbook.com --
Tony Warren, smokejumper and commitment-phobe, decides to accompany his best friend, Kayla Gladney, on a road trip for a photography project that Kayla is working on. She also happens to be his ex-girlfriend. Tony believes he is just a bad boyfriend, and Kayla is convinced it’s because he is afraid of commitment that he can’t seem to hold on to a girlfriend. They decide to visit the girlfriends of Tony’s past as part of their road trip, to find out what went wrong, and settle the bet that they had going on.
Imagine, if you will, a slider on a line of intimacy in a relationship. Tony and Kayla started off way at the left, where everything is easy-breezy and light. And as they came closer to the end of their trip together, that slider crept slowly to the right. With the increase in intimacy, came a lot of introspection and they had to find what it is that they want for themselves first. Both had to face harsh truths about themselves and their relationships with their family.
I wouldn’t call it light, or fluffy. It dealt with some very hard real-life issues, and what Tony and Kayla had to face and overcome, was definitely not easy. There is a lot of growth here for both characters.
Overall, I enjoyed it. There is plenty of lighter moments, and lots of steam.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Tony Warren, smokejumper and commitment-phobe, decides to accompany his best friend, Kayla Gladney, on a road trip for a photography project that Kayla is working on. She also happens to be his ex-girlfriend. Tony believes he is just a bad boyfriend, and Kayla is convinced it’s because he is afraid of commitment that he can’t seem to hold on to a girlfriend. They decide to visit the girlfriends of Tony’s past as part of their road trip, to find out what went wrong, and settle the bet that they had going on.
Imagine, if you will, a slider on a line of intimacy in a relationship. Tony and Kayla started off way at the left, where everything is easy-breezy and light. And as they came closer to the end of their trip together, that slider crept slowly to the right. With the increase in intimacy, came a lot of introspection and they had to find what it is that they want for themselves first. Both had to face harsh truths about themselves and their relationships with their family.
I wouldn’t call it light, or fluffy. It dealt with some very hard real-life issues, and what Tony and Kayla had to face and overcome, was definitely not easy. There is a lot of growth here for both characters.
Overall, I enjoyed it. There is plenty of lighter moments, and lots of steam.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 31, 2020
Boring and not remotely romantic.
Gosh, what a slow, laborious story this was. I loved the blurb and the first half of the book—such fun. Two people on an adventure to discover why they failed in all their relationships. Was it self sabotage, selfishness, commitment phobia? Then in the middle, the story sunk into a morass of victimhood lead by Tony. At 86% of the information I pulled the escape cord. I don't read romance to be educated on emotional abuse in a parents life that, in turn, affects the protagonist to avoid long term relationships. I loved light, flirty Tawna romances. I guess the authors need to reinvent themselves; I would suggest the author abandon romance writing and move into self-help books. If the book is available for .99, then read to see if you agree with me. However, at $8.00, your money is better spent elsewhere.
Gosh, what a slow, laborious story this was. I loved the blurb and the first half of the book—such fun. Two people on an adventure to discover why they failed in all their relationships. Was it self sabotage, selfishness, commitment phobia? Then in the middle, the story sunk into a morass of victimhood lead by Tony. At 86% of the information I pulled the escape cord. I don't read romance to be educated on emotional abuse in a parents life that, in turn, affects the protagonist to avoid long term relationships. I loved light, flirty Tawna romances. I guess the authors need to reinvent themselves; I would suggest the author abandon romance writing and move into self-help books. If the book is available for .99, then read to see if you agree with me. However, at $8.00, your money is better spent elsewhere.
October 16, 2020
Firstly huge thanks to the publisher for my advanced readers copy. This book tells the story of Kayla and Tony who are best friends that have dated before but it didn't work out. Who after Tony's latest breakup something good comes out of (definitely not going to spoil for anyone). It's a awesome story with great characters and two cups of swoonworthy love. Definitely recommend it if you need a second chance romance with friends that you root for
October 20, 2020
Good friends-to-lovers/second chance story. Tony and Kayla were a couple for a short time before they decided they were better friends than lovers. Since then, they have become best friends, sharing movie nights and romantic woes. After yet another break-up, Tony drinks a bit too much and confesses to Kayla that he wants more from his life but doesn't know how to get it. He's convinced that he is a crummy boyfriend, while Kayla thinks he's afraid of commitment. Kayla has a similar problem. She is a successful photographer, but she also wants a husband and kids of her own. None of her love interests have worked out either. Her sister gave her a self-help book to help Kayla figure out how to stop sabotaging herself.
Kayla has a road trip planned to photograph old burn sites for a book. As a smokejumper, Tony worked many of the fires that she wants to document and had girlfriends there too. Kayla suggests that Tony accompany her and visit some of his ex-girlfriends to find out which it is. They have a small bet going as to the reason he's so unlucky.
I enjoyed seeing the development of the relationship between Kaylan and Tony. The night that Tony got drunk and she took him to her place to sleep it off, something shifted a little in their friendship. There was a new awareness of each other that both were determined to ignore rather than risk their friendship. The trip started with snacks and general conversation, and Kayla reading out loud from the self-help book. I liked how each chapter that she read from tied in somehow to what they experienced that day.
Early in the book Kayla acquires a pup she names Fireball, who provides some comic relief when things start to get a little dark. Fireball also instigates a scene that brings out Tony's deeper, caring side that he often keeps hidden. As the trip continues, and they meet with several of his exes, Tony takes more ownership of his mistakes. I liked his determination to change his ways. The more time that he and Kayla spend together, the more the sparks of attraction between them build. And with the attraction comes deeper feelings.
Kayla sees a link between life and the fire sites that show new growth and wonders if it could be the same with her. Tony finds himself wondering "what if..." but his history makes him believe that he can't have it. Just when it looks like he might take a chance, that history comes roaring into his present. I ached for Tony and the pain he had to face. I wanted to shake him for pushing Kayla away, but I also understood that it was something he needed to confront. I liked the conversation between Tony and his brother and how it gave Tony the courage he needed. I loved the scene at his childhood home and the difference it made to his feelings about himself. While Tony faced his past, Kayla had some significant revelations of her own. A timely phone call from her mother helped her realize that she was harder on herself than she should be. I loved her mom's statement: "We're family. Awkward comes with the territory."
The ending was fantastic. I loved Tony's sweet, awkward apology and their acknowledgment that a relationship takes work. Perfect isn't possible, but owning up to mistakes and doing better is what counts. The epilogue was awesome, from the description of the exhibition (I LOVED the "Bloopers and Bonus Shots) to Tony's surprise for Kayla.
Kayla has a road trip planned to photograph old burn sites for a book. As a smokejumper, Tony worked many of the fires that she wants to document and had girlfriends there too. Kayla suggests that Tony accompany her and visit some of his ex-girlfriends to find out which it is. They have a small bet going as to the reason he's so unlucky.
I enjoyed seeing the development of the relationship between Kaylan and Tony. The night that Tony got drunk and she took him to her place to sleep it off, something shifted a little in their friendship. There was a new awareness of each other that both were determined to ignore rather than risk their friendship. The trip started with snacks and general conversation, and Kayla reading out loud from the self-help book. I liked how each chapter that she read from tied in somehow to what they experienced that day.
Early in the book Kayla acquires a pup she names Fireball, who provides some comic relief when things start to get a little dark. Fireball also instigates a scene that brings out Tony's deeper, caring side that he often keeps hidden. As the trip continues, and they meet with several of his exes, Tony takes more ownership of his mistakes. I liked his determination to change his ways. The more time that he and Kayla spend together, the more the sparks of attraction between them build. And with the attraction comes deeper feelings.
Kayla sees a link between life and the fire sites that show new growth and wonders if it could be the same with her. Tony finds himself wondering "what if..." but his history makes him believe that he can't have it. Just when it looks like he might take a chance, that history comes roaring into his present. I ached for Tony and the pain he had to face. I wanted to shake him for pushing Kayla away, but I also understood that it was something he needed to confront. I liked the conversation between Tony and his brother and how it gave Tony the courage he needed. I loved the scene at his childhood home and the difference it made to his feelings about himself. While Tony faced his past, Kayla had some significant revelations of her own. A timely phone call from her mother helped her realize that she was harder on herself than she should be. I loved her mom's statement: "We're family. Awkward comes with the territory."
The ending was fantastic. I loved Tony's sweet, awkward apology and their acknowledgment that a relationship takes work. Perfect isn't possible, but owning up to mistakes and doing better is what counts. The epilogue was awesome, from the description of the exhibition (I LOVED the "Bloopers and Bonus Shots) to Tony's surprise for Kayla.
October 24, 2020
Content warnings:
Road trip, lovers-to-friends-to-lovers, second chance romance? Hello, all my catnip in one shiny package! This is the second in a series about smokejumpers, but I read as a stand-alone. I should just note, for anyone looking for firefighter content, while he is a smokejumper, the book happens during the off-season, so there’s very little related content.
Kayla and Tony dated for a while but broke up amicably – he wasn’t looking for anything serious while she wants to start a family – and they’re best friends now. But everything changes after his latest breakup – on his parents wedding anniversary – leads to him drunkenly confessing to her that he does want the whole marriage and kids thing. Kayla, spurred on by a self-help book her happily married sister recommended to her, decides on a plan. Tony was already planning to accompany her on a road trip to photograph old fire complex sites, so they’ll also interview Tony’s exes to figure out whether he just sucks as a boyfriend or there’s some other issue.
I mean, that’s classic rom-com material right there, isn’t it? I liked Kayla and Tony, and I especially liked them together. They have great chemistry, a great sense of humor, and the sex scenes are steamy. The ex interviews are funny and unique, though they don’t play as much of a big part as you’d think. It’s clear pretty quickly though why Tony has pushed away all his girlfriends, and his childhood trauma is deep and still very much present in the book. Despite his longing for a family – which he seems to barely want to admit to himself – he’s afraid he doesn’t know how marriage works and worries that he’ll only end up hurting Kayla if he tries to have a relationship with her. Kayla has her own issues – namely, being the only unwed one of her sisters – but it’s overshadowed by Tony’s family history.
And that leads me to my main problem with this book. There’s just too much going on – the self help book, the ex interviews, the random dog (sure, Fireball’s adorable, but what in the world?), the estrangement with his mom. It felt like there were a lot of disparate threads and the tone differences between them all were jarring. Is this a madcap road trip comedy? A heartfelt story about recovering from childhood trauma? I’m not really sure. That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy all those parts – I did! – but that I was often left with a bit of whiplash.
Overall, I’d give this 3.5 stars. While I think it had some tone issues, it was overall a funny and enjoyable read.
I received an advance review copy of this book from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Road trip, lovers-to-friends-to-lovers, second chance romance? Hello, all my catnip in one shiny package! This is the second in a series about smokejumpers, but I read as a stand-alone. I should just note, for anyone looking for firefighter content, while he is a smokejumper, the book happens during the off-season, so there’s very little related content.
“And you’re thinking they’ll just—what? Open up and give me all this insight into why I’m a bad boyfriend? Why would they do that?”
“Are you kidding?” She laughed. “What woman wouldn’t want a chance to tell a guy how he screwed up?”
Tony frowned. “That’s encouraging.”
Kayla and Tony dated for a while but broke up amicably – he wasn’t looking for anything serious while she wants to start a family – and they’re best friends now. But everything changes after his latest breakup – on his parents wedding anniversary – leads to him drunkenly confessing to her that he does want the whole marriage and kids thing. Kayla, spurred on by a self-help book her happily married sister recommended to her, decides on a plan. Tony was already planning to accompany her on a road trip to photograph old fire complex sites, so they’ll also interview Tony’s exes to figure out whether he just sucks as a boyfriend or there’s some other issue.
“I want—” He started there, then stopped himself. There were a million ways he could answer that.
I want to know what a good, solid, healthy relationship feels like.
I want the kind of marriage where no one loses themselves.
I want to be someone’s safety instead of someone’s trap.”
I mean, that’s classic rom-com material right there, isn’t it? I liked Kayla and Tony, and I especially liked them together. They have great chemistry, a great sense of humor, and the sex scenes are steamy. The ex interviews are funny and unique, though they don’t play as much of a big part as you’d think. It’s clear pretty quickly though why Tony has pushed away all his girlfriends, and his childhood trauma is deep and still very much present in the book. Despite his longing for a family – which he seems to barely want to admit to himself – he’s afraid he doesn’t know how marriage works and worries that he’ll only end up hurting Kayla if he tries to have a relationship with her. Kayla has her own issues – namely, being the only unwed one of her sisters – but it’s overshadowed by Tony’s family history.
“I kissed Tony and adopted a dog and almost had two strangers catch me bare-assed in the woods.” She paused, wondering if she should have started with hello. “Not necessarily in that order.”
“Wow.” Willa fell silent. “You’ve been gone three days, girl. What’s your plan for tomorrow, bank robbery?”
And that leads me to my main problem with this book. There’s just too much going on – the self help book, the ex interviews, the random dog (sure, Fireball’s adorable, but what in the world?), the estrangement with his mom. It felt like there were a lot of disparate threads and the tone differences between them all were jarring. Is this a madcap road trip comedy? A heartfelt story about recovering from childhood trauma? I’m not really sure. That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy all those parts – I did! – but that I was often left with a bit of whiplash.
Overall, I’d give this 3.5 stars. While I think it had some tone issues, it was overall a funny and enjoyable read.
I received an advance review copy of this book from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
October 24, 2020
JUST A LITTLE BET is the second instalment in Tawna Fenske’s contemporary, adult WHERE THERE’S SMOKE romance series (formerly known as Smokejumper). This is smokejumper / firefighter Tony Warren, and thirty-one year old, photographer Kayla Gladney’s story line. JUST A LITTLE BET can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.
Told from third person perspective JUST A LITTLE BET follows former lovers now friends smokejumper / firefighter Tony Warren, and photographer Kayla Gladney as they embark on a cross country journey to face down a number of Tony’s ex-girlfriends in an effort to understand why all of his relationships fail. Meanwhile, Kayla has been contracted to do a coffee table book of photography focusing on the burned-out remains of several forest fires so their journey together forces Tony to remember a painful past that is about to come full circle. What ensues is the rebuilding romance between Tony and Kayla, and the potential fall-out as Tony believes he is incapable of love or ever being loved, in return.
Tony and Kayla dated in the past. For whatever reason their romantic relationship fizzled and died but the embers remained hot and the palpable sexual energy continued to burn. But Tony’s dark past is about to rear its’ proverbial ugly head, and in the aftermath Tony struggles with his relationship to the woman with whom he had fallen in love. As Tony faced down the women from his past, Kayla offered support, sometimes pretending to be Tony’s new girlfriend. As their journey continues Kayla begins to examine all of her own failed relationships and comes to the conclusion that she and Tony were meant to be.
The relationship between Tony and Kayla is a former lovers to best friends to lovers, once again, relationship wherein our couple agree to a ‘friends with benefits’ relationship while on the road but the heart wants something more when Tony professes his love then everything begins to spiral out of control. Late night dinner dates and sunrise photography sessions pull our couple closer together but the past is about to intrude once again, forcing Tony to push Kayla away. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We are reintroduced to Willa and Grady (The Two-Date Rule #1), Kayla’s friend Aislin, as well as Tony’s best friend Leo , nurse Nyla, Tony’s mother Connie, and Kayla’s mom Patty, Tony’s brother Joel, and a string of Tony’s ex’s who let him know exactly how they feel.
JUST A LITTLE BET is a story of second chances, revelations, expectations and moving forward. The premise is heart warming and emotional; the romance is seductive; the characters are little bit broken, colorful and energetic.
www.thereadingcafe.com
Told from third person perspective JUST A LITTLE BET follows former lovers now friends smokejumper / firefighter Tony Warren, and photographer Kayla Gladney as they embark on a cross country journey to face down a number of Tony’s ex-girlfriends in an effort to understand why all of his relationships fail. Meanwhile, Kayla has been contracted to do a coffee table book of photography focusing on the burned-out remains of several forest fires so their journey together forces Tony to remember a painful past that is about to come full circle. What ensues is the rebuilding romance between Tony and Kayla, and the potential fall-out as Tony believes he is incapable of love or ever being loved, in return.
Tony and Kayla dated in the past. For whatever reason their romantic relationship fizzled and died but the embers remained hot and the palpable sexual energy continued to burn. But Tony’s dark past is about to rear its’ proverbial ugly head, and in the aftermath Tony struggles with his relationship to the woman with whom he had fallen in love. As Tony faced down the women from his past, Kayla offered support, sometimes pretending to be Tony’s new girlfriend. As their journey continues Kayla begins to examine all of her own failed relationships and comes to the conclusion that she and Tony were meant to be.
The relationship between Tony and Kayla is a former lovers to best friends to lovers, once again, relationship wherein our couple agree to a ‘friends with benefits’ relationship while on the road but the heart wants something more when Tony professes his love then everything begins to spiral out of control. Late night dinner dates and sunrise photography sessions pull our couple closer together but the past is about to intrude once again, forcing Tony to push Kayla away. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We are reintroduced to Willa and Grady (The Two-Date Rule #1), Kayla’s friend Aislin, as well as Tony’s best friend Leo , nurse Nyla, Tony’s mother Connie, and Kayla’s mom Patty, Tony’s brother Joel, and a string of Tony’s ex’s who let him know exactly how they feel.
JUST A LITTLE BET is a story of second chances, revelations, expectations and moving forward. The premise is heart warming and emotional; the romance is seductive; the characters are little bit broken, colorful and energetic.
www.thereadingcafe.com
October 27, 2020
**Disclaimer: I was provided an advance reader copy by the author in exchange for my unbiased review and opinions**
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This the second book on the Smokejumper series, but can be read as a standalone. Although it is part of this series, there's not a lot of fire/smokejumper theme as it takes place while the hero is off work.
**Warning**: Although Ms. Fenske is known for her romantic comedies, please be aware this title delves into heavy life situations, so it's not going to be light and fluffy. If that's what you're looking for right now, you might want to read this at a later time.
We met Tony and Kayla during Grady and Willa's story, book #1. Although they dated for a hot minute, they are now best friends. Kayla is a photographer set for a road trip for work and she invites Tony along. But something happens before that road trip that changes the relationship dynamic between them. Kayla seems to have it all on the surface, except what she wants the most. This push and pulls causes friction with her well-intended family, even though there's a lot of love between them. Tony seems to go through girlfriends like they're going out of style. If he's such a good guy..why does this keeps happening?
In this book, we have two very flawed individuals trying to do the right thing by them and by their families. But what happens when those childhood scars don't stay buried in the past?
I tend to shy away from books that skirt too close to reality because who the hell wants reality in their fantasy? But one of the things I adore about the romance genre is how it isn't afraid to tackle the heavier issues and even educate us on how certain situations should be handled. How it really should be done. This book is a perfect example of that and it's something that Ms. Fenske does well: showing us the way without being preachy. I feel like I say this with every book she publishes, but I have to say this is the best book she's ever written (so far!)
This book has light depictions of domestic violence, both physical (teen) and psychological (spouse). These themes can be triggering for some readers (myself included), but Ms. Fenske handled them with such care I was able to read this book in its entirety. I wanted to keep reading.
The character arc of the protagonists is perfect. We see how they start, unsure and insecure and we see their evolution and how being with each other and having each other's back has made them better. And isn't that the goal of romantic love? Having a partner that encourages you to be a better human? While we witness their hurt and sadness, we get to see how love wins. I don't know about you, but that's what I want from my romance novels.
5 squishy stars for Just a Little Bet and Tawna Fenske.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This the second book on the Smokejumper series, but can be read as a standalone. Although it is part of this series, there's not a lot of fire/smokejumper theme as it takes place while the hero is off work.
**Warning**: Although Ms. Fenske is known for her romantic comedies, please be aware this title delves into heavy life situations, so it's not going to be light and fluffy. If that's what you're looking for right now, you might want to read this at a later time.
We met Tony and Kayla during Grady and Willa's story, book #1. Although they dated for a hot minute, they are now best friends. Kayla is a photographer set for a road trip for work and she invites Tony along. But something happens before that road trip that changes the relationship dynamic between them. Kayla seems to have it all on the surface, except what she wants the most. This push and pulls causes friction with her well-intended family, even though there's a lot of love between them. Tony seems to go through girlfriends like they're going out of style. If he's such a good guy..why does this keeps happening?
In this book, we have two very flawed individuals trying to do the right thing by them and by their families. But what happens when those childhood scars don't stay buried in the past?
I tend to shy away from books that skirt too close to reality because who the hell wants reality in their fantasy? But one of the things I adore about the romance genre is how it isn't afraid to tackle the heavier issues and even educate us on how certain situations should be handled. How it really should be done. This book is a perfect example of that and it's something that Ms. Fenske does well: showing us the way without being preachy. I feel like I say this with every book she publishes, but I have to say this is the best book she's ever written (so far!)
This book has light depictions of domestic violence, both physical (teen) and psychological (spouse). These themes can be triggering for some readers (myself included), but Ms. Fenske handled them with such care I was able to read this book in its entirety. I wanted to keep reading.
The character arc of the protagonists is perfect. We see how they start, unsure and insecure and we see their evolution and how being with each other and having each other's back has made them better. And isn't that the goal of romantic love? Having a partner that encourages you to be a better human? While we witness their hurt and sadness, we get to see how love wins. I don't know about you, but that's what I want from my romance novels.
5 squishy stars for Just a Little Bet and Tawna Fenske.
Read
October 26, 2020~4.5⭐Rating~
“You’re a dude with serious commitment issues. Can’t fault a girl for not wanting to sit around indefinitely twiddling her thumbs.”
Who doesnt love a road trip? But one with your ex? Now that's not something most people would sign up for but not smokejumper Tony and photographer Kayla. After sharing a drunk night together where both realise they are definitely doing something wrong in the relationship department, Kayla suggests that while they are road tripping to capture old burn sites they should meet up with Tony's ex's to find out where he went wrong with all his relationships.
••
"Her hand dragged down his chest, leaving a path of fire in its wake, and the friend theory flew out the window. This kiss was different. Hot and sexy and tender and gentle, and he didn’t know how all those things could coexist. All he knew was that she felt fucking amazing."
What started out as the two of them searching to find answers for where Tony went wrong with all his relationships soon turns into the two of them realising that just maybe their spark is not out just yet. But with Tony's past fears surfacing will he let them chase away get another relationship or will Kayla be able to help him open up to love?
••
“I love you, Kayla.” She looked up with a start , and he grinned. “Not just as a friend , though you’re the best friend I have. I love you as the woman I love more than anyone I’ve ever met before. This sentiment, the stupid words on that stupid hanging—they’re what I always wished for, but I’d given up hoping I could really have it.”
I absolutely loved this second chance romance, both main characters were brilliant. I love how real both of these two characters were and that their back story is one that many face. Another thing I loved was that both characters were dealing with their own respective issues but they over come them together. I absolutely loved the cute little Fireball and that Kayla adopted the lost little pup.
••
Overall this was a great read that incorporates the steamy romance that we love and real hard issues that need to be spoken about. I would definitely recommend reading Just A Little Bet
“You’re a dude with serious commitment issues. Can’t fault a girl for not wanting to sit around indefinitely twiddling her thumbs.”
Who doesnt love a road trip? But one with your ex? Now that's not something most people would sign up for but not smokejumper Tony and photographer Kayla. After sharing a drunk night together where both realise they are definitely doing something wrong in the relationship department, Kayla suggests that while they are road tripping to capture old burn sites they should meet up with Tony's ex's to find out where he went wrong with all his relationships.
••
"Her hand dragged down his chest, leaving a path of fire in its wake, and the friend theory flew out the window. This kiss was different. Hot and sexy and tender and gentle, and he didn’t know how all those things could coexist. All he knew was that she felt fucking amazing."
What started out as the two of them searching to find answers for where Tony went wrong with all his relationships soon turns into the two of them realising that just maybe their spark is not out just yet. But with Tony's past fears surfacing will he let them chase away get another relationship or will Kayla be able to help him open up to love?
••
“I love you, Kayla.” She looked up with a start , and he grinned. “Not just as a friend , though you’re the best friend I have. I love you as the woman I love more than anyone I’ve ever met before. This sentiment, the stupid words on that stupid hanging—they’re what I always wished for, but I’d given up hoping I could really have it.”
I absolutely loved this second chance romance, both main characters were brilliant. I love how real both of these two characters were and that their back story is one that many face. Another thing I loved was that both characters were dealing with their own respective issues but they over come them together. I absolutely loved the cute little Fireball and that Kayla adopted the lost little pup.
••
Overall this was a great read that incorporates the steamy romance that we love and real hard issues that need to be spoken about. I would definitely recommend reading Just A Little Bet
October 27, 2020
Tawna Fenske is a new-to-me author. I love finding new authors that I am able to connect with their writing and want to come back for more, and this author certainly falls into that category. I was told recently that her books were “so fun” and that helped push me into reading this story. And I’m so very glad I did. While this book is labeled a rom-com, I have to say that it actually is a little more heart-wrenching than I imagined it would be. It deals with the very heavy subject of abuse and highlights just how much emotional abuse affects those that fall victim to it. However, there are many light, laugh-out-loud moments as well.
NICUnurse’s Rating: My friend that told me Tawna Fenske’s books were fun did not lie, and now I feel like I’ve missed out on too much hilarity. I’ll be hitting her backlist post haste! If you like your rom-coms with a touch of reality thrown in, Just a Little Bet is going to be right up your alley. It’s a friends-to-lovers, second chance romance, as well. Her writing flows really well and even though this book is technically part of a series, it’s truly a standalone book as she does a really amazing job incorporating her previous characters and their backstories into this one without making you feel like you’ve missed an integral part of the previous story. And the hero and heroine are kind of badass and adorable all at the same time. And their chemistry is unmistakeable. I have to admit, though, that I struggled to fall into the story until about halfway through chapter two for some reason. It really could have been just me. But once they started talking about the bet, I was a gonner. From that point on, it was really hard to put it down. Like I said, I enjoyed this author’s writing style a lot and plan to read a lot more of her books from now on, and I think you should join me in doing just that!
I give Just a Little Bet by Tawna Fenske 4.5 out of 5 stars!
NICUnurse’s Rating: My friend that told me Tawna Fenske’s books were fun did not lie, and now I feel like I’ve missed out on too much hilarity. I’ll be hitting her backlist post haste! If you like your rom-coms with a touch of reality thrown in, Just a Little Bet is going to be right up your alley. It’s a friends-to-lovers, second chance romance, as well. Her writing flows really well and even though this book is technically part of a series, it’s truly a standalone book as she does a really amazing job incorporating her previous characters and their backstories into this one without making you feel like you’ve missed an integral part of the previous story. And the hero and heroine are kind of badass and adorable all at the same time. And their chemistry is unmistakeable. I have to admit, though, that I struggled to fall into the story until about halfway through chapter two for some reason. It really could have been just me. But once they started talking about the bet, I was a gonner. From that point on, it was really hard to put it down. Like I said, I enjoyed this author’s writing style a lot and plan to read a lot more of her books from now on, and I think you should join me in doing just that!
I give Just a Little Bet by Tawna Fenske 4.5 out of 5 stars!
October 20, 2020
Thank you NetGalley, Entangled Publishing and Tawna Fenske for gifting me an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
Exes Tony Warren and Kayla Gladney have never let their past keep them from being best friends. Even though their relationship didn’t work out, their chemistry still burns white hot and their bond is still strong. After yet another breakup and a very drunken night, Kayla and Tony take off on a roadtrip to find Tony’s exes and ask them the big question: What went wrong? The more exes they visit and the more miles they cover, the clearer it becomes that they are a lot more than just friends. A childhood of trauma and inconsistency has left Tony with serious commitment issues and goals of getting married and starting a family are keeping Kayla from settling. Can they meet in the middle and make it work?
I’m such a sucker for a second chance romance and the friends to lovers trope that I was instantly down to read this one! Just a Little Bet is the second book in Tawna Fenske’s ‘Smokejumper’ series and I had no problem reading this as a read alone. There wasn’t a lot of fire talk in this book besides mentioning that being Tony’s career, but the author does mention that in her end adkowledgments and says book one lays that info out better.
There were a few moments I found hard to believe, but for the most part I really liked this one! Tony and Kayla have fantastic chemistry and their banter kept some of the heavier subjects this book tackles from weighing the story down too much. WARNING: the intimate scenes are spicy! The book felt quick and was super easy to get into but you still get to know the characters and finish feeling like the story was completed! I ended this feeling happy for these two and is there anything more you could ask for from a romance?
Exes Tony Warren and Kayla Gladney have never let their past keep them from being best friends. Even though their relationship didn’t work out, their chemistry still burns white hot and their bond is still strong. After yet another breakup and a very drunken night, Kayla and Tony take off on a roadtrip to find Tony’s exes and ask them the big question: What went wrong? The more exes they visit and the more miles they cover, the clearer it becomes that they are a lot more than just friends. A childhood of trauma and inconsistency has left Tony with serious commitment issues and goals of getting married and starting a family are keeping Kayla from settling. Can they meet in the middle and make it work?
I’m such a sucker for a second chance romance and the friends to lovers trope that I was instantly down to read this one! Just a Little Bet is the second book in Tawna Fenske’s ‘Smokejumper’ series and I had no problem reading this as a read alone. There wasn’t a lot of fire talk in this book besides mentioning that being Tony’s career, but the author does mention that in her end adkowledgments and says book one lays that info out better.
There were a few moments I found hard to believe, but for the most part I really liked this one! Tony and Kayla have fantastic chemistry and their banter kept some of the heavier subjects this book tackles from weighing the story down too much. WARNING: the intimate scenes are spicy! The book felt quick and was super easy to get into but you still get to know the characters and finish feeling like the story was completed! I ended this feeling happy for these two and is there anything more you could ask for from a romance?
November 17, 2020
This is one of my favorite friends to lover books that I have read so far. I was completely enchanted with the two characters and how their relationship played out in this book.
The very first thing is that I am really enjoying the theme of firefighters that the author, Tawna Fenske, has incorporated into this series of books. There are many interesting facts and tidbits shared along the way. If you don’t already know you may also find out the difference between smokejumpers and hotshots along the way.
What I found truly remarkable about this book is how once again Tawna manages to incorporate interesting aspects for the main character’s scenarios into the plot line of the book. The way that she handles the introspective, and then self-realizing progression for both of the characters was handled expertly. If I were a person going through the same type of self-discovery exercise I would expect it to play out in similar fashion. It is so realistic in the way that it comes across to the reader which is like sharing the experience.
Additionally, Tawna does a masterful job of explaining and incorporating some of the personal history and challenges in a way that was very meaningful. Without giving away spoilers, if you are someone who has any experience with the type of history that the leading man has you will recognize the behaviors and impacts right away. What is so expert is the touching way in which Tawna blends this type of serious and real life challenge along with her signature style of writing with humor, heart, and realistic characters.
I would highly recommend that you pick up this book for a read, especially in a year when so many of us have to be eternally grateful for all of the efforts of those who have helped in such a tragic year of fighting forest and wildfires across our country.
The very first thing is that I am really enjoying the theme of firefighters that the author, Tawna Fenske, has incorporated into this series of books. There are many interesting facts and tidbits shared along the way. If you don’t already know you may also find out the difference between smokejumpers and hotshots along the way.
What I found truly remarkable about this book is how once again Tawna manages to incorporate interesting aspects for the main character’s scenarios into the plot line of the book. The way that she handles the introspective, and then self-realizing progression for both of the characters was handled expertly. If I were a person going through the same type of self-discovery exercise I would expect it to play out in similar fashion. It is so realistic in the way that it comes across to the reader which is like sharing the experience.
Additionally, Tawna does a masterful job of explaining and incorporating some of the personal history and challenges in a way that was very meaningful. Without giving away spoilers, if you are someone who has any experience with the type of history that the leading man has you will recognize the behaviors and impacts right away. What is so expert is the touching way in which Tawna blends this type of serious and real life challenge along with her signature style of writing with humor, heart, and realistic characters.
I would highly recommend that you pick up this book for a read, especially in a year when so many of us have to be eternally grateful for all of the efforts of those who have helped in such a tragic year of fighting forest and wildfires across our country.
October 26, 2020
This was an excellent follow up to the first book in the Smokejumpers series, The Two Date Rule. We met Kayla and Tony in the first book as they briefly got together, then split, but became close friends, both agreeing that they were better off as friends rather than lovers. The only problem is that they have tons of chemistry and attraction, and it's only a matter of time before their chemistry once again ignites.
Although not as lighthearted as the first book, this one had plenty of fun moments, interspersed with more serious ones. Kayla bets Tony that the reason he can't stay in a relationship is that he's a commitmentphobe, while he insists that's not the reason, it's that he is just not a good boyfriend. To prove the bet one way or the other, they go on a road trip together, ostensibly in order for Kayla to shoot a series of photographs at old burn sites for a book she's working on, but also to meet up with some of Tony's exes to get their perspective on why the relationship didn't work out. By the end of the book, they've both gotten a fair amount of insight into their previous behavioral patterns, giving the reader hope that they can finally make their own relationship work. Both Kayla and Tony were strong, likable characters whom it was easy to root for. The only thing I didn't like about the book was that Kayla was way too wrapped up in how badly she wanted to be married with children and that got a bit tiresome at times. However, that's a minor niggle that didn't drag the book down. I'm not sure who the next book will be about, but I'll be looking forward to it. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Although not as lighthearted as the first book, this one had plenty of fun moments, interspersed with more serious ones. Kayla bets Tony that the reason he can't stay in a relationship is that he's a commitmentphobe, while he insists that's not the reason, it's that he is just not a good boyfriend. To prove the bet one way or the other, they go on a road trip together, ostensibly in order for Kayla to shoot a series of photographs at old burn sites for a book she's working on, but also to meet up with some of Tony's exes to get their perspective on why the relationship didn't work out. By the end of the book, they've both gotten a fair amount of insight into their previous behavioral patterns, giving the reader hope that they can finally make their own relationship work. Both Kayla and Tony were strong, likable characters whom it was easy to root for. The only thing I didn't like about the book was that Kayla was way too wrapped up in how badly she wanted to be married with children and that got a bit tiresome at times. However, that's a minor niggle that didn't drag the book down. I'm not sure who the next book will be about, but I'll be looking forward to it. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 30, 2020
I really enjoyed this second chance romance.
Kayla and Tony dated years ago, however when their relationship finished they became best friends. Kayla has had bad luck when it comes to love. Whilst Tony has given up the idea of love. In order to get the bottom of Tony's relationship situation, Kayla proposes that Tony will accompany her on a trip. During this trip Tony will meet some of his exes in order to find out if he is a commitment phobe or just a bad boyfriend.
I love the pace of this book. You could really sense the tension and chemistry between these characters. I love how strong Kayla was and how she was determined to find her happily every after. She knew that's what she wanted and she accepted it.
I loved Tony's vulnerable side. Even though he was a smokejumper he does show his fears and dreams.
In my opinion there was a perfect amount of slow burn, tension, angst, drama and yet a funny lighthearted side.
I love to the secondary characters I found they were very supportive and encouraging throughout this book.
This is the 1st book I've read from this author however it won't be the last. This book is part of series however it can be read as a standalone.
I've not read the previous book and in saying that I didn't feel lost within the storyline or with the characters. I think the author did an amazing job filling in the blanks and keeping the reader captivated. I felt invested in the characters love story and also in their life goals.
Overall I recommend this book.
Thank you to the author and inkslinger pr for giving me this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
Kayla and Tony dated years ago, however when their relationship finished they became best friends. Kayla has had bad luck when it comes to love. Whilst Tony has given up the idea of love. In order to get the bottom of Tony's relationship situation, Kayla proposes that Tony will accompany her on a trip. During this trip Tony will meet some of his exes in order to find out if he is a commitment phobe or just a bad boyfriend.
I love the pace of this book. You could really sense the tension and chemistry between these characters. I love how strong Kayla was and how she was determined to find her happily every after. She knew that's what she wanted and she accepted it.
I loved Tony's vulnerable side. Even though he was a smokejumper he does show his fears and dreams.
In my opinion there was a perfect amount of slow burn, tension, angst, drama and yet a funny lighthearted side.
I love to the secondary characters I found they were very supportive and encouraging throughout this book.
This is the 1st book I've read from this author however it won't be the last. This book is part of series however it can be read as a standalone.
I've not read the previous book and in saying that I didn't feel lost within the storyline or with the characters. I think the author did an amazing job filling in the blanks and keeping the reader captivated. I felt invested in the characters love story and also in their life goals.
Overall I recommend this book.
Thank you to the author and inkslinger pr for giving me this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
October 26, 2020
Four and a half stars
Just a Little Bet by Tawna Fenske is the second in her Smokejumper series but stands well alone. It's a friends-to-lovers, second-chance, road trip story, full of heart and heat and humor and a charming dog, Fireball, who threatens to steal the show.
Tony Warren and his best friend, photographer Kayla Gladney, agree to a road-trip after a night of overindulging. "It seemed like a great idea at the time" sets the stage for their journey to various burn sites, and Kayla figures it's an excellent way to combine her capturing these areas with Tony's fire expertise with meeting some of Tony's exes to get the low-down on why they'd called it quits. To help Tony get to the root of his relationship issues, of course.
Naturally this is both the best and worst idea ever. Tawna Fenske's characters are definitely a delight--Tony and Kayla are great together, and seeing them sort out their baggage is hilarious and incredibly moving. Ms Fenske does not let them shy away from the hard work of their history, and it is incredibly satisfying to see them willing to address their issues and find some resolution.
This is not to say that Just a Little Bet is all deep, emotional drudgery! Ms Fenske balances the story and character development very well, and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough as I followed Kayla and Tony on their literal and emotional journey. I'm eager to catch up with the first in the Smokejumper series, and look forward to more in this series.
Just a Little Bet by Tawna Fenske is the second in her Smokejumper series but stands well alone. It's a friends-to-lovers, second-chance, road trip story, full of heart and heat and humor and a charming dog, Fireball, who threatens to steal the show.
Tony Warren and his best friend, photographer Kayla Gladney, agree to a road-trip after a night of overindulging. "It seemed like a great idea at the time" sets the stage for their journey to various burn sites, and Kayla figures it's an excellent way to combine her capturing these areas with Tony's fire expertise with meeting some of Tony's exes to get the low-down on why they'd called it quits. To help Tony get to the root of his relationship issues, of course.
Naturally this is both the best and worst idea ever. Tawna Fenske's characters are definitely a delight--Tony and Kayla are great together, and seeing them sort out their baggage is hilarious and incredibly moving. Ms Fenske does not let them shy away from the hard work of their history, and it is incredibly satisfying to see them willing to address their issues and find some resolution.
This is not to say that Just a Little Bet is all deep, emotional drudgery! Ms Fenske balances the story and character development very well, and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough as I followed Kayla and Tony on their literal and emotional journey. I'm eager to catch up with the first in the Smokejumper series, and look forward to more in this series.
October 26, 2020
Original review
This book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Entangled: Amara!
Just a Little Bet is the second book in the Smokejumper series and tells the story of Kayla and Tony. Although this is the second book in the series, it can be read as a standalone.
I love second chance & best friends to lovers Romance books so when I read the synopsis of this book, I knew that I was going to like it. I really enjoyed reading the first book in the series, The Two-Date Rule, and the second book was really enjoyable too! I really liked reading about Willa and Grady again and I liked discovering Kayla and Tony’s story.
I really liked Kayla’s passion for photography, and I think she’s funny. As for Tony, I wish he’d opened up about his feelings sooner, but I guess that’s a typical man move. Besides that, I really liked Tony, he’s funny and caring. I think that Kayla and Tony are a great couple and I liked reading about them.
Just a Little Bet was a fun and fast-paced read and I really liked reading it. If I’d had more time, I would’ve finished this book in one sitting. Just a Little Bet is a quick and well written read, and I recommend reading the Smokejumper series. I’m really excited for the next book in the series!
This book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Entangled: Amara!
Just a Little Bet is the second book in the Smokejumper series and tells the story of Kayla and Tony. Although this is the second book in the series, it can be read as a standalone.
I love second chance & best friends to lovers Romance books so when I read the synopsis of this book, I knew that I was going to like it. I really enjoyed reading the first book in the series, The Two-Date Rule, and the second book was really enjoyable too! I really liked reading about Willa and Grady again and I liked discovering Kayla and Tony’s story.
I really liked Kayla’s passion for photography, and I think she’s funny. As for Tony, I wish he’d opened up about his feelings sooner, but I guess that’s a typical man move. Besides that, I really liked Tony, he’s funny and caring. I think that Kayla and Tony are a great couple and I liked reading about them.
Just a Little Bet was a fun and fast-paced read and I really liked reading it. If I’d had more time, I would’ve finished this book in one sitting. Just a Little Bet is a quick and well written read, and I recommend reading the Smokejumper series. I’m really excited for the next book in the series!
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