Taryn Losing a long term boyfriend to my football career highlights one thing: it’s impossible for me to have both. With only a few years left to play, I decide to throw my full focus into the game. Then I meet Elliot. The flirty texts are immediate, trusting him comes easily, and when we’re together, I’ve never experienced something so explosive. Until he drops a real bomb on me. He’s a bookie. … bomb on me. He’s a bookie. And suddenly, being closeted is the least of my worries.
Elliot
I have a plan. Make a large amount of money in a short amount of time, set myself up for life, and then get the hell out of bookmaking. Good at it or not, it’s illegal, and that’s a very gray line I’d prefer not to keep crossing. Especially when I meet Taryn. He’s the first guy who’s been able to steal my focus away from my goal, and I’ll do anything to deserve him.
Even quit.
But the thing about illegal jobs is, they’re not always so easy to walk away from.
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I really enjoyed this book. I found it addictive right from the start and keeps you guessing right till the very end. It’s hot and sweet and I couldn’t get enough of this couple! Can’t wait to read more from this author
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
These two men had a lot going on. Between Taryn’s breakup and being closeted and Elliott’s non-relationship status, it took a lot of trust building and patience for them to get their happily ever after. I love that we see Rainer while he was on the mend to go back to Colton, and we got to see glimpses of Zane and Liam. This was a really good book about finding love when you least expect it.
When I started reading this story, I could not put it down. I read the book in one day. This author is an awesome writer. I can not wait to read more of their books. Keep up the great work. You should definitely read this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4 Cranky Stars
Taryn is a closeted NFL player and newly single. Although he agreed with his ex it puts him in a very uncomfortable position in life.
Elliott is open about his sexuality but not so much about his job. He has a 5 year plan to make the money he needs and retire. One complication in the form of a hulking super sexy football player is threatening his plans.
This story was cute and full of action and drama. While I think some parts were just overdone the story was well written. I look forward to reading more from this author.
It can be really dark and lonely in the closet. Taryn, WR in football, breaking up with Liam who he dated for six years, lived together for three. They started out as friends in college.Taryn is in the closet. Their relationship deteriorated back to the friend zone. Taryn’s life is football and football is his life. He may just be in love with the idea of love. Elliot, is a bookie. He has worked for Lewers and Co for 2 years. He plans on working for 5 more years and quitting when he is 30. Their encounter was anonymous until Taryn/T decided to be honest and trust Elliot with his identity. Then Elliot realized the risk and revealed his job. They were both emotionally invested, but . . .bookie/footballer?Their dilemma is a murphy’s disaster waiting to happen. Can Taryn quit? Can Elliot quit? Can they hide for 5 years? Lots of twists and turns keep the reader guessing. These are two of the nicest characters I’ve read in a long time. They are sweet, considerate, respectful, fun and sexy! Excellent story! I received an ARC from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Saxon James is a completely new author to me. And I must admit, I chose this read because of the hunk of a man on the cover. I mean, look at those pecs and shoulders! Sure, the level of drool-worthiness of the cover model might be a somewhat subpar way of choosing my reading. But luckily it worked out this time since Bet on Me was pretty awesome.
I really liked this story. I don’t know what it is about hot, gay athletes meeting the love of their life which eventually leads to them coming out that I find so captivating. But in my book, that trope never gets old.
Taryn and Elliot are very different characters, but it works. Taryn is the sweetest guy looking for someone to share his life with while Elliot tries to keep their relationship strictly physical so as not to get hurt. It’s beautifully described how these very different men grow to love each other.
There’s two very distinct parts in this story. The first half of the book is a slow-paced description of a tentative relationship growing more serious. In the second part, the story picks up pace when Elliot’s illegal bookmaking gets him in serious trouble. The turn the story took when that happened had me literally gasping in shock, so that was great writing by James. However, the final resolution of it all was perhaps a little too simple. An easy out that left me a bit unsatisfied as a reader. Also, Elliot’s healing capabilities felt a bit magical which I’m sure wasn’t the intent.
There aren’t that many side-characters in Bet on Me, but the ones who are there I would have loved to read more about. Elliot’s bestie Rainer will get his own book, Good Times and Tan Lines, but I’d much rather read about Taryn’s friend Zane. Hopefully he’ll be up next after that.
The smut-factor of Bet on Me is pretty average for an M/M read. There are some hot nudy scenes, but nothing to get too worked up about. The story is more of a romance in that aspect. But don’t let that discourage you this is still a great story for all man-lovers.
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This is book number in the Love's a Gamble series and it a m/m novel. Taryn is star football player in the NFL but is left with a broken heart after his boyfriend dumps him.Elliot is a bookie which isn't exactly legal. These two meet by chance and they start to hit it off. The flirty texts that they exchange leads to them going on a vacation together. But will secrets, lies,and broken promises be enough to tear these two apart. Taryn and Elliot have to face the many challenges that come with their jobs but can they push the challenges aside to give there relationship a chance and will they get there happily every after.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I love a sports romance, absolutely love a sports romance, even better when its M/M. And this one? oh my god, i dont know if i can put into words how much i loved this book
The storyline, the character development, the relationship between Taryn and Elliot , the chemistry between the two, was just…. it was everything. Just so so good
I loved Taryn and Elliot so much, their relationship was just so well done. They were what each other needed without realising it.
Another series to add to my list, and i honestly cant wait to read more
This is the first book of Saxon James that I have read and thoroughly enjoyed it. This is an m/m book, so if that’s not your thing than this isn’t the book for you. However, if it is; than I recommend this book! Taryn and Elliot are so different from one another. But the chemistry between these could not be denied. At first, Elliot did not know who Taryn was. And when he finally got to see the man under the hat he tried to stop the relationship from going any further. Taryn is a football player and Elliot is a bookie. These two things do not belong together. Also, Taryn is in the closet. But once again, the chemistry would not go away. They couldn’t stay away from each other. They talked a lot and became fast friends. Then much more! There is even a bit of suspense in this book. I really enjoyed this book and I think you will too!
Excellent book. It kept me interested from the first page. Loved the characters. I look forward to reading more books by Saxon James
Well, looks like I have another series on my neverending list of followed ones!
I loved the MCs and their emotions on such a full display! The author made them very real and likable. The storyline and all the complications made it really interesting and hard to put down. Looking forward to reading more!
Bet on Me is book one in the Love’s a Gamble series by Saxon James. This is my very first book by Saxon and I LOVED IT! This is a M/M sports romance, with my favorite insta-spark and also some surprising suspense. All of this together makes a big win-win!
Taryn Adderson is a wide receiver for the Philadelphia Sharks. His life is his football career. Taryn has been in a six year relationship with Liam, a man he thought he was in love with. But Taryn has never come out to his team. He’s convinced it would end his career. So Liam was always a secret. The relationship fell apart and Taryn decides to completely focus back on football. But that all changes when in a drunken haze, he comes face to face with Elliot.
Elliot Schultz spent his childhood always wanting for the basic necessities of life. Now as an adult, he has a plan. He will make as much money as he can to insure he has a solid nest egg, then find a better job, a legal one. Because his current job isn’t exactly legal. He’s a professional bookie.
The night Elliot first met Taryn, he didn’t realize who he was. Only that he loved the sound of his voice. And he seemed like he needed a friend. Elliot has never been in a relationship. He only does hook ups. All his focus needs to be on making money.
I loved how these two got to know each other, still not knowing who the other is, just talking. Through every conversation, that initial connection is present and grows stronger. And when they see each other again, sparks fly.
These two are hotter than hot. And what was supposed to be a one night stand becomes two. But what happens when they finally realize who each other is, a famous professional football player and a bookie. They have to walk away don’t they? Not only is Taryn in the closet, having a relationship with a bookie could risk everything. But what they feel for each other is too strong, the risk worth taking.
I loved this book. I loved Taryn and Elliot. Together they burned up the pages. But it was so much more than that. They were both men who didn’t even realize they were searching for what the other offered. They found a peace together, a connection neither ever imagined. Then everything is again threatened as things take a surprising suspenseful turn that had me flipping the pages as fast as I could. I literally could not stop reading until I knew how everything worked out.
These two completely stole my heart. This was such a wonderful book and I most definitely want to read more by this author.
“I thought I had it all planned. But I never planned for you.”
Bet on Me is book number one in the Love’s a Gamble series by Saxon James. This is Elliot and Taryn’s story.
I loved Taryn and Elliot’s characters. Their attraction and chemistry to one another was something that neither one could walk away from no matter the circumstances. This story took a different turn than I thought it would which at times had me on the edge of my seat.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Saxon James is new to me…and what a wonderful surprise Bet on Me was. Male/Male stories are becoming a dime a dozen these days and it is refreshing to read a different spin on the trope. (Lest you be upset, I read A LOT of M/M…it is a favorite for me). Football is generally your manly man sport and even in today’s REAL world you don’t often see football players come out so I can see how a gay man may want to keep things quiet. Add to that, that Tayrn is really not a hit and quit it guy. He is a relationship guy which makes things even harder for him. Throw in a little bit of taboo (it wasn’t what I thought it was going to be lol) and you have a story that is not only a wonderful love story, but a suspenseful and eye opening journey. Elliot and Taryn probably should never work but they make for a wonderfully, steamy love story.
Taryn and Elliot were so amazing together! They were both very likable and engaging characters. Elliot and Taryn pulled me into their story. A closeted professional football player who falls in love with a bookie. A very enjoyable read I definitely recommend!
This was my first read from this author and I must say I’m not the least bit disappointed. This story is an absolute touchdown in my book. I truly enjoyed every aspect of it. Taryn is a closeted football player, who falls for a bookie named Elliot. I loved the attraction, romance and relationship between Taryn and Elliot. The sparks between this pair jump off the pages. This story has violence, danger, steam, and love, and definitely did not disappoint. I recommend you read it for yourself you won’t be disappointed.
I’ve been looking forward to this book for ages it seems, fully expecting to love it, and Saxon James delivered. Bet on Me wreaked havoc on my heart, my soul and my blood pressure! What a ride! All the emotion, longing and love I could have wanted with a bit more angst and anguish than I was prepared for, but that just made the entire story even more intense and quite captivatingly perfect.
The author has a wonderful way with words and a great sense of timing in her writing. Every word pulls you into her world even more and the dialogue between the characters reads effortlessly natural. I love how real and genuine they all seem, not just Taryn and Elliot, but the secondary characters as well.
I absolutely adored both Taryn and Elliot, they were so amazing together! I loved the whole mystery about T’s identity in the beginning, and how they kept gravitating towards each other, even with all they didn’t have going for them. Things get pretty bad, a bit scarily so even, before they come out of their predicament, stronger than ever and happily in love.
I can’t wait to see what will come next, what an amazing start!
Bet on Me by Saxon James is a great story about a closeted professional football player who falls in love with a bookie. The story has suspense, danger, violence, steam, sweetness… and American Football. Elliot and Taryn were fantastic characters who really pulled me into their story. Highly enjoyable read.
Saxon James is a new-to-me author, so I didn’t know what to expect. But boy, am I glad I discovered this author. They wrote an excellent story, taking the well-known trope of a closeted pro athlete and adding a bit of mystery and danger, which resulted in a fascinating and captivating love story that’s not your cookie-cutter sports romance. Right from the start, I was hooked.
Taryn (love the name) and Elliot are interesting and well-developed characters that are not cardboard figures but real-life men. The first is an NFL player, the latter a bookmaker, so not really men who could or should get involved. And that’s the crux of the story. Not the fact that Taryn is not out to his team, but the issue of probable meshing careers is the difficult hurdle to overcome. They are well aware of this and do their best not to give in to their attraction. It gives us a lovely slow-burn romance that moves steadily forward at a good pace. Their chemistry is undeniable, shown through witty dialogue, sexy texts, and hot sex.
About halfway the events became more angsty than I expected, but they fit the story. I was sitting on the edge of my stool, with beating heart, not liking where the author took me, but at the same time trusting that it would turn out all right. And it did, sort of.
The book has a good cast of secondary characters, even though not all of them are equally likable.
I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to reading more from Saxon James.
4.5 stars
Heat Level: 4
A thrilling, exciting, and sexy tale that goes beyond the NFL star and the man that changes his world…
I really loved this story. Taryn and Elliot were brilliant together! While opposites and challenges from their jobs caused trouble, their dynamic was hot, sweet, and lovable. I loved the edge of thrill, suspense, and danger at every turn kept me hooked and needing to know what would happen next!
I found Taryn surprisingly open and trusting for such a closeted character. His care, love, and worry for Elliot was wonderful to see and unfold and just proves that when the right person comes along, it’s not hard to face your fears to keep them. Elliot was a unique character. I don’t feel like I’ve read anyone like him before. He’s driven, smart but not nerdy or sporty, he’s just Elliot. His dynamic with Taryn was hot from the start and grow into so much more. His job is somewhat dangerous and I was floored when Saxon actually included such violence towards a main character in a shady situation. It added a great level of authenticity to the overall story and proved she’s not me4ssing around with her characters!
Saxon’s writing was a breeze to read and I was caught up in the lust, attraction, and danger from the start. An awesome story that’s SO much more than a sports romance!!! I really can’t wait for more in this series and loved so many of the secondary characters I really hope we get their stories soon!! A highly recommended read!!
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