“He was my best friend…” I say more to myself than her. “Yeah, so was I but you seem to have forgotten that part of your life.”The bet was simple. You draw a name from the hat. That’s the girl you have to seduce. It wasn’t hard for me to do, in fact, it was something I did all the time. I was known for breaking hearts. Sex was just that, sex. And it didn’t take me very long to get a woman on her … very long to get a woman on her back.
And then I drew her name: Jules Peterson.
My former best friend. My first kiss. My first love. Three years ago, she shattered my heart into a million pieces. She left me right when I needed her most.
And as fate who have it, she had entered my life once again, at almost the perfect time.
She was a transfer, fresh meat, and she had just put a target on her back. It was my turn to make her pay. It was my turn to break her heart.
Holding onto that hate, that anger, that f*cking heartbreak. It does something to you. It breaks you, and it broke me, it tainted me, just like I would do to Jules.
She used to be my everything, but now she was nothing but The Bet.
**The Bet is book one in the North Woods University series. It is a full length, standalone, novel. It contains adult themes and contents that are not suitable for all readers. It is NOT a young adult novel.**
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You two blow things out of the water on every book you write, the words the characters it’s just everything. Are you sure you two are sisters? Or family? I love and can’t wait for more.
4 STARS
The Bet is the first book in the North Woods University Series. I really enjoyed this book since it covered so many romance tropes from second chance, to brother’s best friend, enemies to lovers, friends to lovers and bully romance.
Remington Miller and Jules Peterson were childhood friends/sweethearts, but familial circumstances caused a separation beyond their control at such a delicate time in both their lives. Despite the distance, the emotions they share for the other are still raw and when they reunite three years later their chemistry is off the charts. At first with anger and hate from Remmy’s side and happiness then shortly confusion from Jules. They eventually hash out their differences, but outside factors come into play.
“Whatever you want Jules. I’ll give you whatever you want, but you can’t leave me. I won’t make it through losing you again.”
This was a quick and easy read that touches on heartbreak and misunderstandings. This book does cover some tough issues, so fair warning. The Bet is the first book that I’ve read from J.L. Beck and Cassandra Hallman. I highly recommend reading this book as it is a MUST read and I am anticipating the next instalment in this series. The Bet by J.L. Beck and Cassandra Hallman will join the ranks of the BIBLIO-ELITE!!!
“You are the most selfish, self-absorbed person I have ever met in my entire life. You never deserved her, never. She loved you, and you destroyed her. You literally could’ve ripped her heart out of her chest, and it would have hurt less.”
Remington and Jules had known each other since kindergarten. Best friends, they were inseparable, confident and over time, all the love they felt for each other became something more. But with their reluctance to assume this sentiment, there has been no change in the sentimental field. All was well, until Jules broke the news of her move as a result of her parents’ divorce. What would be a sad and farewell moment, ends up becoming a festival of tears since Remington delivery harsh words that hurt Jules. Already having the experience of being abandoned by his mother, he could not deal with the fact that another woman in his life was leaving him again.
Three years later, when an unexpected tragedy shakes Jules’ life, she moves to a new college. When she ran into Remington after so long, she thought she had met an old acquaintance. But the boy who welcomes her rudely does not remember the boy of the past. The years modified him, hardened him, he became a cold person, unscrupulous and indifferent.
When the bet that gives title to the book is made, Remington ends up taking the name of Jules. The plan? To seduce the girls, sleep with them, and when they seem passionate, expose that everything was just a bet. And with that opportunity, he hopes to take revenge on the woman who broke his heart according to him.
Reading the book is not easy. The authors themselves warn that controversial issues are addressed. Remington does abominable things in his quest for revenge. Humiliate Jules is the least of the problems, he abuses her physically, psychologically and even sexually (yes, the bedroom scene was a violence). There is no defense for the characters. Both are controversial.
Remington is the typical person who does not know how to handle the issues that life presents. Instead of accepting a loss, living a feeling, he blames others for his inability to deal with. Blaming Jules because she moved while he claimed he needed her was selfish. In the period of her absence, he became an abominable man, using women, betting with his friends, all with the excuse that he was suffering. He has all the hallmarks of a sociopath, who blames others for his own mistakes.
Jules, in turn, does not have a good relationship with her mother and the death of her father and brother, two people she loved, leave her vulnerable and lonely. When she meets her old friend, she seeks a connection with a time when she was happy, it brings safety and comfort. She allowed herself to seek excuses for his behavior, or to find that it was not abuse because her body reacted, just show how badly she needed therapy.
Another character appears in the plot to play the villain role. It was foreseeable that he would disrupt the couple, but did not expect the direction and consequences of this action.
After many mishaps, the happy ending is guaranteed, but for me it was bittersweet. I do not know if it would be possible to trust someone who humiliated me for revenge. Remington’s brothers and father were the voice of reason in a complicated situation and aroused my interest.
As already said above, the book is controversial. The characters were well-built, even within this ambiguous universe. Some questions went unanswered, some loose ends remained in the plot. I do not think it’s a novel. Far from it. I think it’s an analytic look at a dysfunctional couple, about two people who should seek help but who decided to stay together. Whether it is right or wrong, only they can judge that decision. Each one knows the weight of the burden that they can carry.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest Review *
While I’m trying (more like failing) to get down from my emotional high this book has wrought from me, let me first say, I freaking love it! Remington and Jules chemistry is off the charts and explosive! The angst and feels just about floored me! Goodness gracious!
Yes, I’m shouting my love for this book here because there is just no way I can’t express it without exploding from the shared agony of what these characters went through on this book.
Remington (okay I can’t say his name without a dreamy sigh!) was broken when Jules left to move with her father. This happened when they were in teen years. They had a history; bestfriends since they were in childhood that evolved into something more without them even acknowledging it verbally. They already know it back then that what they have was real and true. When Remmy’s mother left, he was hurt but when Jules left too, he was devastated. Jules loved Remmy her whole life but was afraid that he would lose her bestfriend should they choose to cross that line. So she left without letting Remmy know what she really felt. Three years later, Jules came back to town after a tragic loss to her family. By then, Remmy was a broken man and lashed out to women in general, by playing bet with his friends of who could bed a girl faster. It was bad enough he could see her around but when she became his next bet, old pain resurfaces.
Remington was the perfect bully to this story. They had a lot of history, pain, hurt, anger and betrayal to “justify” his revenge to Jules. That’s why, in my opinion, this book was a perfect bully romance with those formula/factors. I’m not saying I liked what Remmy did to Jules to get his revenge. Bullying in any form is not nice. What I liked was how he regretted and paid for it at the end, and had his happily ever after with the woman he loves.
I loved the flow of the story and its characters. I can’t help but be sucked into this and get emotional while reading it. Even the other Miller men (Seb, Lex and Papa Miller) were characters that I have grown to love like a family. I was certainly intrigued about the bit of backstory that the authors revealed about Seb and Lex and wished that they would have their own story too. But for now, I’m looking forward to the second book with its intesting teaser at the end of book 1.
Misunderstandings lead to chaos during this intense book by two great authors. The mystery encompasses most of the book and as the tiny reveals are exposed, you might find your loyalties shifting from one character to the next. Great intensity with palpable chemistry between the two main characters. His family is to die for – I wish they were real. I’m anticipating more books with his family as they were very interesting and extremely entertaining. I can’t wait for more from this series and these authors.
Tough read, but the story pulls you in!
So first off – you need to pay attention to the trigger warnings. This was not an easy book to read. For the first 1/3 of the book Remington was beyond all things wrong!!
“Remmy” feels betrayed by Jules three years ago. Now it’s understandable that he was hurt, but he really takes it beyond too far. Jules is more forgiving than I would have been, but it speaks to the person Remmy was before that she doesn’t give up on him.
There are numerous tough scenes – verbal abuse, uncomfortable sexual situations, etc. To be honest – I wasn’t sure I was going to like the book. But there was just something about the story that pulled me in and kept me wanting to know more. And at the heart of it – will Remmy find his redemption and can these two piece back together some semblance of a relationship.
If you can get past the triggers – this is a good read, but it truly is a bully romance.
I voluntarily requested and read an advance reader copy.
Solid 3.75 stars for me.
I was nervous because of the beginning, but thankful for the trigger warning once I started reading. I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to understand Remington or get past his nastiness but I was! This pair is a classic set of lifetime soulmates that hit a time in their adolescence where things changed and they both got hurt. How they maneuver their issues about this is the difference and where a lot of the drama in their story comes from.
At the end of the day, this was a (honestly really sadly) relatable story and these characters and situations feel very authentic. You can’t help but root for Jules and Remmy – they’ve been through some stuff and you want them to be happy together on the other side.
Recommend if you like a bully read!
Shes a blast from his past, the creator of his darkness, and the thief that stole and shattered his heart three years ago.
North Woods was not where he ever thought she would be, but here she is and anger swells inside of him.
Its him, it really is! Her childhood best friend. Hope blooms in her chest at the sight of him.
Why does he look at her with such hatred? is he not happy to see her…
Oohhh this book really excited me from the first time I saw the cover till the last word in the epilogue.
I love young adult, college dramas with a healthy dash of bullying, and this book fit the bill one hundred percent!
Angst, drama, hatred, vendetta and retribution ohh deliciousness!
Jules so sweet and innocent ripe for the plucking. Goodness seeps out of her very being.
Remington the guy who lost his heart and became hardened to love and romance.
These two really clashed, and battled. Fought and hurt each other. The past ruling the present and the future they could have.
It was thrilling to see such passion between two characters. Their chemistry was off the charts and riveting.
The whole book had me captivated. The characters seduced me with their dance, and the story had me completely engrossed. The world around me vanished as I lost myself.
I havent read either author before this and now I want and need more of their work!!
I cant wait to read Dare, the next book in this series, which I know is going to be equally amazing!
The authors, JL Beck and Cassandra Hallman have written a book tackling a very serious issue. The book is a quick read and portrays the issues that can arise from a combination of immaturity (on the part of the lead man, Remington) and the arrogance of some people when approaching their own sexual and social behaviour. The authors provide a warning, so do not be surprised by the seriousness of the subject matter.
The book tells this story quickly and clearly. The immaturity of Remmy was frustrating at times but he is also on a steep learning curve. This is a book which will likely stimulate some positive discussion about a sensitive, important issue.
After growing up together, Jules became very close with Remmington and his family. But when Jules’ parents separate, her and her brother leave to be with their dad. Remmington takes her separation the hardest, but takes it like she ghosted him and ever since, has been living in a fog of sorts over the hurt she left behind. So what happens when you see your long lost love again? Are you a bully to her? Make her life hard-er?
Jules is back in town and she is glad to see Remmy again, but after their reunion, it is clear to her that she is no longer welcome in Remmy’s life. But why? Will things change?
There are triggers in this book, be ware, so this may not be the book for you. I loved the book. It took you on a ride through life and ended in two people getting passed their history to be in each other’s lives again. The chemistry between Jules and Remmy is so hot and raw, it will grip you. Their story is emotional, but keep going!!! I received an ARC of this book from the author.
This was a good read. I’m anxiously waiting for The Dare.
These two authors write so well together and this book, like all the others is absolutely amazing! Two best friends who got separated when one moved away has now returned. This is dark at times as the male character, Remington sets out to break the female character, Jules’ heart. This story is so easy to get wrapped up in and is a definite page turner. I loved the plot and the way these authors told it. There’s a lot of emotion in this story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
An amazing emotional storyline. This well written edge of my seat romance had me biting my nails with the sadness, betrayal, love, bullying, and laughter. Just when I thought I knew where things where headed it twisted as Jules and Remmy overcome so much with and without the support and love of family. A truly fantastic must read in a enemies to lovers / second chance entertaining addicting storyline with awesome supporting and main characters with a villian or two. I voluntarily reviewed this ARC.
OMG…the dynamic duo have done it again! This book far exceeded my expectations! It was a page-turner! I have to say Remington and Jules are my favorite couple yet! I cried so much reading this book. I was rooting for Remington and Jules from the start.
Finally I finished reading this!
I love that this has a simple plot. Jules and Remington’s powerful character is the one that made this wonderful. Their undeniable love, attraction, passion, overflowing angst, and deep longing with each other made me hooked with this and dang that unexpected twist (or that psycho! ) really made my blood boiled.
This whole book made me insane crying non stop with so much hurt and happiness from start to end.
I can say that this is one of the best books I’ve read so far!
The Bet was an amazing story. A great plot and twists that you did not see coming. I devoured this book in one day. Another winner. Highly recommend!!
Heartbreaking, full of angst and bittersweet story
Very emotional, heartbreaking, full of angst and action packed read. Not many authors can write such fantastically broken heroes and resilient full of fire and determination heroines that are strong beyond belief.
Remington is closed in his own pain with feelings and emotions that he hasn’t been able to cope. His way to deal with heartbreak and overwhelming feeling of abandonment and betrayal is to hurt others and indulge himself in meaningless acts of sexual encounters. He is so closed off that even his own family is struggling to stand by and watch how he’s changed. He is fuelling his hatred toward Jules and despise her so much that he only wants to hurt her in the first place. He doesn’t acknowledge that she also suffers from heartbreak and his drive for vengeance.
Jules struggling with her own emotions and grief doesn’t understand why Remington suddenly hates her so much.
When finally both of them reach the moment when they can’t hurt each other anymore and talk to each other as mature people seems like everything will fall into place. But one unthinkable event shatters both of them, their hearts and souls. It seems almost impossible to put the pieces back together. Would they overcome what happened to them both? Are they going to find it in them and forgive each other?
The Bet by Jl Beck and Cassandra Hallman
Where to start….. Remington “Remmy” Miller is out of control,lost,angry, selfish bully who uses girls like tissues and throws them away after one use. He wasn’t always that way he grew up next door to a girl named Jules since elementary school. Then when she was 15 years old she moved away he felt lost abandoned when he needed her the most. Jules was his heart his bestfriend. Angry he lashed out before she left “I do not care about you. Leave. Now. You’ve ruined us. Our friendship.” “I can’t change something I have no control over, Remmy.” “Neither Can I. Now get out of my face. I never want to see you again.”
Jules Peterson is back in town after a devastating loss and is trying to get her life back on track. She has transferred to Northwoods University not realizing that Remmy was already attending the school. Excited to see him after 3 years until his hatred and anger shocked her after she hugged him. She thought she would be with him forever, he would be her first, her last, her everything. She quickly realizes he has changed, he is cruel, ruthless, bitter and not the boy she grew up loving. Now he has set out to make her life a living HELL.
This story has a lot of situations that had me wanting to punch Remmy and shake Jules as well as a few others! He needed to face consequences for what he did to her. With that being said he did come around and realized his mistakes and worked on making admends. She was to easy to forgive him for all the nasty twisted things he put her through. I did love his family and their support and love for her. I would have like to know more about her family and what happened to her brother and father. Also why did his family not tell Remmy that they died and she was going to be attending the same university? They new he was troubled why not help him get counseling also why let him continue to blame her when she was only 15 with no choice but move.
Four
This is the first book in a new series from this dynamic duo of authors’. Jules and Remington used to be the best of friends, and it left them both heartbroken when she moved away. Now Jules is a new transfer, and Remmy draws her name out of a hat for “The Bet”. No spoilers; this is a definite must read, you will not be disappointed! This is a well written story which is raw, gritty, dark, gripping, intriguing, as well as having angst and twists, redemption, and secrets, which all lead to a powerful and emotional roller coaster journey. I was totally captivated throughout this addictive page turner, and look forward to reading more in this series, and I recommend for all.
The Bet blew me away! This angsty read had me on edge from beginning to end! J.L. Beck and C. Hallman have really gave us a great story snd some fabulous characters to have a love/hate relationship with.
Remington and Jules have been BFF’s since they were 5 and when Jules parents separate she is forced to leave behind her best friend that she loves. When she leaves, Remington is lost without her and chooses to let his anger turn him into a cold hearted person that even he does not like. Three years later, Jules returns with her own personal heartaches and finds Rrmington not only changed, but even worse, a man that seeks revenge against her for leaving him.
If you enjoy a great angst romance, then you will love The Bet I can’t wait to see where this series takes us in book 2!