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Some rules were made to be broken.

Layla Corbin loves her life as a technician on the deep space asteroid-mining ship, Kessel Queen. Great job, great companions, great money. Perfect, except she wants all four of her sexy crewmates. The rules of the ship state she can only have one – an impossible choice.

When Mace issued that order, he did it to protect his crew. He never imagined that they’d all fall for Layla.

**Note from the Author. This is the story that started it all. The first story I set in the Drift Universe, home of both the Drift and Nova Force series. This version of Blind Bet is a re-release with a new cover and revised/expanded content. Blind Bet is a standalone romance.**

154 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 5, 2013

106 people are currently reading
208 people want to read

About the author

Susan Hayes

97 books466 followers
Susan lives out on the Canadian west coast surrounded by open water, dear family and good friends. She’s jumped out of perfectly good airplanes on purpose and accidentally swum with sharks on the Great Barrier Reef. If the world ends, she plans to survive as the spunky, comedic sidekick to the heroes of the new world, because she’s too damned short and out of shape to make it on her own for long.

Writing is her joy, her escape from reality and the only way she knows of to quiet the nagging harridan of a muse the universe assigned to her.

To contact her about her books or to arrange end of the world team-ups, you can email her at susanhayesromance@gmail.com

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
Profile Image for Kelsey | Kipperblossom.
69 reviews1 follower
August 10, 2020
** A sort-of Galloping Abs Society special **

The GASpod gals decided to read the fourth book in this series for one of our episodes (because it was free on Amazon at the time, which is one of our requirements), and I ended up going on a binge reading the rest of the series in order. I haven’t written reviews for the first four (Book 4 will be reviewed on GASpod but I’ll probably also write a review of my own at some point), but I’ve been tearing through this series. Here we go for Book 7, which according to the author’s website was actually the first book/story she wrote in The Drift world.

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POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD. I haven’t really hidden much because I don’t feel like what I’ve written here are spoilers, but I might have different views than you. You have been warned.

You guys, this book was HOT. Like. I know in my review of the last book I was like “yeah I’m not into romance with four guys it’s too many” but I’m officially eating those words.

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The bad : I really don’t have anything negative to say about this except that it was really short, but honestly I think anything longer would have been unnecessary. The plot was basically “I can only have sex with one of you because the captain says so, oh wait captain realized his mistake so now let’s all have sex.” I don’t really consider that a spoiler because it’s… it’s literally all the book is.

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You get some sex and you get some sex and everyone gets sex

This book is just plain silly and ridiculous. I don’t really consider this a bad thing, but I’m putting it here because I just want you all to know that I recognize this. I don’t care. I had fun.

Having read almost all of The Drift books on a binge in the last few days I’ve realized that the author uses a lot of body part euphemisms that really don’t appeal to me, but at this point I’ve moved past it and I still really enjoy the sex scenes. Even the whole Avatar-cat-alien purring thing was kind of sexy. The use of alien/made up endearments always kind of annoys me but I got over it. Avatar-cat-alien even uses the word mate and I didn’t gag. I’m going soft, or it might have been the glass of wine I drank while reading this book. Whatever.

The good : I know some people might consider this bad but this book/novella was basically just steamy hot sex. Like, almost all of it. There was a moment of drama sandwiched by even more sex. That is it. Typically I might have more issues with that as well but this book really didn’t need anything else. Maybe it’s because I’ve read the rest of the series in literally the last three days so this just felt like a nice little sex interlude, but uh, yeah. I was fine with it. (This is the moment that I realize that most of the people who follow me on Goodreads are my family, so this is a good time to come out and let them know that I also co-host a comedy erotica podcast where we talk a lot about sex. If you’re reading this, hey guys! Welcome and I hope you aren’t too horribly scarred.)

Anyway, the sex in this book was good sex.

Also, there is a moment in this book where the male characters all get together and have an adult conversation about what it would mean for all of them to be in a relationship with one woman together (basically, a poly relationship). I really liked this. I appreciated that the author took a moment to include a healthy conversation about boundaries, what everyone wants, etc. I also appreciated that the female character in this book knew what she wanted and, when she realized she could, asked for it. Romance authors of the world - more of this, please.

Each of the male characters had their own personality but we don’t learn very much about their backstory - Jax felt like the exception and I feel the book would have been pretty much the same without him. However, I really enjoyed each character and what each of them brought to the, *ahem*, table. Each one was very sexy in their own way.

In the next book we might finally learn some more about the backstory/cyborg stuff that got dropped in Book 5, but I’m glad I didn’t go with my first instinct and skip these two novellas. They were a good time.

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Note about my rating system: 1 star - Didn’t finish, terrible, burn it all down. 2 stars - Finished it, wouldn’t recommend, barely made it through. 3 stars - Finished it, enjoyed it, probably won’t re-read but had a good time. 4 stars - Loved it, awesome, would recommend. Probably will re-read. 5 stars - What are you doing reading this? Go buy this book now and read it over and over again until you have it memorized. Comfort book, this is the bestest, 10/10 would recommend.
Profile Image for Heather.
697 reviews
February 18, 2019
FRAXXXXXXX! Yup... this book was that freaking hot. Seriously here is your warning, do not read in public or at a doctors office. Well, unless you want to try to explain your high blood pressure don't read before seeing a doctor. I loved this book. After six months of wanting her 4 sexy crewmates, Layla doesn't think her fantasies will ever become reality. Then a freak accident leaves her blind for a few days while she heals and she gets the chance of a lifetime. Her with her crewmates and all of her fantasies coming true. Mace, Tero, G'arn, and Jax all want their female crewmate, but she couldn't possibly want them.... right? Oh how wrong they are.
I loved the banter between all of the characters, I loved the heat, the overall journey to their HEA, and of course another Drift book in general.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Profile Image for Marie.
237 reviews3 followers
October 8, 2013
I received this a copy of this book from an blog contest.

Kinky Guess Who
I love to read poly stories. Even more, I love to read about shifters and other non human characters. This delivered a riveting mix of characters, from the sassy heroine (Laurli) to the sexy teddy bear (Mattero) to the catlike blue man (G'arn) to the captain with the soft side (Cass) and finally the emotional quicksilver (Jax). The different personalities played well to the multiple sides of the heroine's personality.


Would you recommend to a friend: Absolutely.
Profile Image for Lori.
Author 75 books719 followers
September 6, 2013
One human woman in a spaceship with four sexy men each with different attributes that make him uniquely delicious....OH YEAH! This books was HOT. I loved and hated that it was so short and to the point. It make the chemistry blinding hot between the characters, and left me wishing for another 30k words. I look forward to many more in this new Sci-fi series!
Profile Image for Amanda Bhear.
666 reviews4 followers
October 15, 2022
I love it! Layla signs on as a technician on a mining ship. She loves her job. The crew of 4 males all care for her & would like to make her their own. There is a brawl in the mess hall that causes her to be injured. She can't see for a few days but the medic assures everyone that she should be fine when the bandages come off. He gives her a shot of pain killer, making her sort of woozy. While she is feeling tipsy she lets it slip that the reason she hasn't been with any of them is because she can't choose. Since she can't decide, she has to stay away from them, Captain's orders. The crew meet the captain in the mess hall, wanting to know what Layla is talking about. The Captain, Mace, tells them that because a malicious woman had almost torn their family apart before, playing games with all of them, he had set one rule. When he hired Layla, he told her if she wanted a lover, fine, but only one. She could not do any bedhopping. They were not very happy with him after they found out she couldn't decide. They start to talk about it. They are a family, they share everything else, if she is for it, why can't they share her too? Mace had seen the picture in her room of her mother & 3 fathers, so he knows she is not unaware of the practice. When she wakes up later the crew put the idea to her to see what she thinks. Layla thinks it is a great idea & is willing to try it. The crew are thrilled that they will have their chance with her. After a day of just getting to know each other better & sleeping, it is agreed that the bandages can come off if the lights are turned down. A little more down time with of each of them and things are on the way. The ship is holding on to the side of an asteroid to wait out a storm. Something hits the hull knocking out some of the protection energy. Some of them are trapped with Layla in the mess hall & a few others are stuck deeper in the ship but can't get to them. The only way to reboot the system is in the bridge & the only way to get there is an air vent. Layla is the only one small enough to get there. None of the men want her to do it but there is no choice. She keeps her comm on & crawls up through the vents to the bridge. She gets to the Place she needs to be to reboot & while the other tech is talking her through it, she manages to get it restarted. She ends up getting radiation sickness & is back in med-bay. The crew were not certain she would make it but when she did they decided they want her with them for ever. They had all put their money together to keep building their budget. This was to be their last indentured run. After this they should have enough money all together to buy their ship & give it a few good add-ons. They aske her if she would like to join in with them & be their wife. They would be self employed after this. She very happily agrees. I love the story!
Profile Image for Shawna Sears.
309 reviews2 followers
June 20, 2019
Blind Bet is book 7 in The Drift series. According to the author's note, this was actually the first book written and has simply been re-released and updated. The final 'epilogue' chapter involves some of the characters we have met in the last 6 books, so I can say it definitely fits in how it's written now. This was my first reading of the book, so I can't say for sure what all the changes were.

Blind Bet follows a five 'man' crew of miners on a ship working the Drift. This is the first we've actually been exposed to miners even though that's the main draw of the Drift, and it was a fun little adventure. The book is very short, but it's sweet and full of steamy goodness. Though it fits nicely into the flow of the series, it does not further the underlying plot and works primarily as a fun side adventure.

Layla is the new addition to the mining crew that consists of the chief Mace, a cyborg, medical officer G'arn, of the blue 'tiger-like' race of Pherans, Tero, a half Torski giant, and Jax, the only other Terran or 'human'. The four men are essentially family after years of working together and act about like you'd expect. I adored each of them in their own right and understand why Layla fell for them. I'm not generally one for romances that involve more than three (I'm aware I read in a wholly fantasy universe, but I can never get past the ridiculous impossibility of more than three partners), but I still thoroughly enjoyed this book. I don't know that I would have if it was a long ride, but as it was, I found it perfect, even for my admittedly odd tastes for the genre.

Anyhow, the book is mostly sweet romance, steam, and a tad bit of drama with a smattering of our old friends there at the end. Definitely a good fit for the series and I suggest giving it a read just for the tooth-rotting sweetness of it. :D
3,165 reviews
February 18, 2019
Sensationally sexy, erotic and captivating…..
Layla has been an orphan since the death of her three fathers and her mother, adrift she had joined the crew of the Kessel Queen with the understanding that they were out of bounds, if she was interested in any it could only be one of the males and it could not be a mere whim.
However, over the six moths that Layla had been working as the Tech Officer she had realised that she loved each of the men, she had gone to much trouble to discover all that she could about them and it had made her only love and care for them more.
It was a simple accident that had made them realise that they loved each other dearly, they wanted to make her their mate and she wanted nothing more than to spend the end of her days with her wonderful men Mace, G’arn, Jax and Tero they were as close as brothers each having known pain and loneliness and all Layla wanted was to love them all, have a family and a place they could all call home.
When they reach the Drift and the visit Club Nova to celebrate their marriage, they discover that in the year much has changed they have discovered that the introduction of Medi-Bots to those that are not cyborgs has enabled them to have extended life cycles, they can in fact live as long as their cyborg partners and this is something they all desire very much, the thought of leaving Mace alone is something none of them desire, they all want to live, love and be happy together as one for centuries.
There are many things happening in the federation at the moment and it is a time of change and uncertainty
I voluntarily received and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.
1,240 reviews10 followers
February 26, 2019
Blind Bet is the seventh book in The Drift series, but can be read as a stand alone. Layla, Jax, G’arn, Tero, and Mace make up a small, five man team, and one night while waiting out a storm, Layla gets hurt. Under the influence of some pain medication, Layla lets out her biggest secret - she desires all four men, but knows she could never pick just one. What starts as a bet turns into so much more between everyone, but what will happen when Layla needs to risk her life to save everyone and the ship?

Oh my goodness, this book is everything! It’s sweet, steamy, intense at times, and chocked full of love! This is a completely new relationship dynamic for everyone, except Layla who grew up with a polyamory parental unit, but I loved how everyone jumped in with two feet, honesty, and an open heart. Layla is so brave and I loved what all she was willing to do to save those she loved. While her motivation to join the team stemmed from being all alone, she was quickly enveloped into the men’s family. The heroes in this book are all protective, able to share, alpha men, and I loved that they never wanted to risk Layla’s health, but allowed her to be the strong woman that she is. If you haven’t read any of the previous books in The Drift series, this is a great starter to see the world that Ms. Hayes has created, and the events in the book do not overly reflect what’s happened in the previous books. This book will definitely capture your attention, fill your heart with love, and make you feel right at home!
Profile Image for Daria.
2,002 reviews42 followers
February 27, 2019
Susan Hayes is one reason I love sci-fi, her stories are engaging and so much fun. Just the right length that the story catches you all the way to the end, without being bogged down.

Seven books in her series the Drift with this one and its amazing as the other 6. Today's lesson? Don't let your past dictate your future, you may miss something wonderful.

Layla is the exception of an all-male crew of four, she works hard at carrying her weight and making sure the crew sees her has just another one of the boys. Mace put the law down or so he thought so right up until things changed.

sassy and cute meets sexy, quiet, fun grumpy. A great story with a lot of heat, passion and love with a bit of danger to shake up things. enjoy
Profile Image for Kelly.
5,711 reviews228 followers
March 3, 2019
A small space, four sexy crewmen, and one lady who refuses to choose between them since she wants them all equally. I am ALL OVER Layla's story.

Seriously, though. The restrictions Mace put on Layla has her holding back from all of the men because she's equally attracted to all of them. So instead of indulging in one, she keeps to herself. Which works to a point. Until, you know, she gets loopy on pain meds after an accident and spills her guts to the guys.

Then all bets are off and the lady who can't choose doesn't have to.

I like this world. I like these humans and aliens. I like sexy times aboard a spaceship. Thumbs up all around.

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Profile Image for Jannie Cv.
1,082 reviews29 followers
February 16, 2019
A quick, steamy read for a delightful afternoon!
Layla is a spunky gal. Since she doesn’t have family around anymore, she joins a crew of men mining asteroids. She makes sure she follows the chief’s rules, no matter how challenging it is. As for Mace, Jax, G’arn, and Tero, they can get a bit testy with each other. It’s a good way to let off steam - until it causes an injury that they deeply regret. Their lives take a dramatic turn...
I’m thrilled with these folks and the family they’ve made for themselves. It’s great fun to see them connect with the people on Astek Station when they finish their contract.
Excellent reading!
61 reviews
February 27, 2019
What a great story. There are rules and then there are the rules that should never have been made and are in desperate need of being broken. This story has it all. It's sweet and yet intense, has humor, drama and a loyal self-made family that needs to bring the glue that will hold them together to its center. Layla is that glue and she has been fantasizing about her crew mates since she boarded their ship.
1,467 reviews3 followers
September 24, 2022
This is a really steamy RH romance on a mining ship with 4 men and 1 female named Layla. The rule was Layla could only select one male to be involved with. Previously a woman had caused problems with the crew of 4 hot men. After Layla gets hurt, the rule changes and she wants all 4 men forever and they all want her. But will they want her forever? Sexy times begin and ends with a happily ever after.
Profile Image for Judi.
1,919 reviews15 followers
February 26, 2019
This sexy sci-fi short is just enough to whet our appetite for another Drift book. The fact that Layla can’t choose a boyfriend from the three shipmates has given them time to get to know each other, though we don’t get to read that in detail we feel their comfort levels in this story. The action plays a very small part in this romance, but this tale will definitely rev your engines.
Profile Image for ObsessiveReader.
1,317 reviews
February 24, 2019
Previously released, there are not a lot of changes to the story. A few of the characters’ names were changed and Mace (previously named Cass) is a Cyborg in this version. This plays well in tying the story to the rest of the Drift Series. The epilogue is also different in this version, bringing in the Armas brothers and solidify the Drift connection.
1,429 reviews3 followers
February 27, 2019
The enforced stopover!

Flying out in a section of space that requires mining is dangerous work. One human female and four Alien males all work well for six months straight untill a storm makes them set up on an asteroid for 3 days. Steamy, sexy story that makes you want to read more. Can't wait to read of all the series.
Profile Image for Samantha Kane.
109 reviews3 followers
March 7, 2020
This was my second time reading this author. And Susan Hayes hadn’t disappointed in the least. Yes this book was a stand alone story as well as part of The Drift series. The hints of what is happening in the rest of The Drift world in the last chapter was all I needed to wet my interest. I shall be looking for my next Drift fix.
1,145 reviews2 followers
November 7, 2020
Good

A mining crew. 4 men and 1 woman. When Layla signed on with the crew as a tech. She fell in love with all 4 men. But, Made the captain forbid her to sleep with any one unless it was 1man for the entire journey. When there is an incident, they discover a secret. The men are determined to make Layla theirs. Forever. Nice story.
1,137 reviews3 followers
March 10, 2021
Blind Bet Drift book 7by Susan Hayes

Another absolutely marvelous addition to this wonderful series by Susan Hayes!💖I have enjoyed reading them all so much and can't wait to read more about the characters.I'm recommending this whole fantastic series!😍Characters and thourghly enjoyable story with plenty of everything that you would want to read about!💖
Profile Image for Carmen.
924 reviews2 followers
October 9, 2025
Different

If you like sci-fi and sexy men and Polly relations this books for you she signed a contract for a year and was the only female so she wanted to prove how good she was the boss had told her if she slept with one of the men it hadn't be the same one through there trip but she soon realised she couldn't pick just one she had hot dreams of the 4 of them
4,497 reviews24 followers
February 24, 2019
I enjoyed reading this book 📚, it has a good storyline. The interaction and chemistry between the characters is wonderful. I can't wait for more from this author. I received this book as a FREE ARC copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review.
800 reviews6 followers
February 28, 2019
Amazing!

Totally love this book. Space, the final frontier! And 4, count them 4! gorgeous hunks! Yummy! Can you say a girls dream come true? Heh, and the plot is pretty darn good also!
323 reviews2 followers
April 20, 2019
What a wish

After being hurt by hot soup she had to wear a bandage over her eyes and know 4 men felt guilty for her getting hurt.
Because she spilled the beans about how she felt for all 4 men the men now knew she loved them.
What a great story of a family coming together.
1,530 reviews1 follower
July 22, 2019
Blind Bet

This is the story that began the Drift universe. I loved the diversity of people on the mining ship, and their interactions with each other. I loved them together; it was sexy and romantic!
Profile Image for Nikisha.
421 reviews20 followers
December 5, 2023
Good writing, more spice than plot and I’m not mad about it
Sometimes you just need a quick spicy RH read to get you out of a slump - bonus that it is with aliens/otherworlders so it makes it more interesting

Profile Image for Kathryn.
1,010 reviews14 followers
August 6, 2025
Not Very Exciting

This story was mostly about 5 people trying to figure out 5 way love making. There was a little bit of drama with a ship malfunction. Then they got to meet up with the folks at Nova Club. This story was just filler. I hope the characters appear in later books.
Profile Image for Leenkie.
629 reviews
March 3, 2019
Short but hot, hot, hot! Wish it'd been longer.
Profile Image for Pet.
3,782 reviews8 followers
April 12, 2019
A little too short and quick, but still a good read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews

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