Cassidy Smith is desperate for some excitement. Her free-spirited best friend keeps her on her toes with the occasional misadventure, but deep down, she just needs... more. When the girls stumble into a bar known for its bad reputation and a tattooed, bad boy owner, Cassidy’s left daydreaming about what it would be like to ditch her boring life and find a way to fit in with the rough, rowdy crowd of The Pound.
Jack Campbell’s got a one-track mind. He works hard to provide for the guys who work for him and even harder to keep his bar running in tip-top shape. He can’t afford the temptation of Cassidy being more than just a temporary employee, but against his better judgment, he offers the beautiful blonde a job at his bar. Things get more complicated for Jack when his older brother starts stirring up trouble in town, etching a target on his back and forcing him into a world he promised never to turn back to.
With their hearts on the table and a deck full of secrets, will they bet it all... or give up their hand?
Loren is a connoisseur of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos and raunchy romance novels, and when she's feeling particularly wild, she might even pour herself a glass (or four) of her favorite vino. She lives in Texas with her husband, son, and furry besties - a corgi and mini-Aussie who keep her on her toes. You'll often find her lost in a good book or embarking on wild and wacky adventures with her crew.
Gah I love this book so much. This was right up my alley. I was so hyped for it and it did not disappoint.
♣️ Grumpy/sunshine ♦️ Forced proximity deal ♠️ Suspenseful ♥️ Omnipresent bad guy ♣️ Sexy and Sweet ♦️ First in a series
Cassidy is sweet but fiery and Jack doesn’t stand a chance when it comes to her. Despite their meet cute…er meet rude? She’s a sweet southern girl but don’t be fooled, she can take care of herself, change a tire and take on a burly doorman … and win.
Jack is a dreamboat bar owner with a tortured past, but damn, if he isn’t just the sweetest ever with Cassidy (once she breaks down that rough exterior). He doesn’t want to drag her into his life but she’s just too irresistible. Love me a grumpy tattooed hero. Especially if he’s got a soft spot for the heroine, bonus points if he can hold his own in a fight and/or perform and win a bartending flair competition. Those are my simple requirements, is it really so hard? 😏
As with her debut book, The Art of Loving Ellie, Loren can write her side characters with as much depth as the mains without them overtaking the story. read: I’m so damn excited for the next two in the series.
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 Steam Rating: 🔥
I was provided an arc in exchange for my honest review. Betting Blind is out June 18th
I had the honor of being an arc reader for Loren Beeson's second novel Betting Blind that releases on June 18th, 2021. It will be the first of 3 in a series titled 'Betting On Love'. I for one am chomping at the bit for the next in series... however we have to get through the release of this one! **sigh
The story: Cassidy is a smart and caring twenty- something waitress that works hard in a diner full time plus cares for her physically disabled mother. She loves caring for her mother, but can't help but feel like she's missing something. She's desperate for adventure and a change in her mundane life.
Enter Jack; a sexy, tattooed and broody bar tender with a dicey past and even more tragic child hood. When Jack's brother ends up in trouble due to the dark past they share, Cassidy finds the adventure she's looking for and some she wasn't betting on as she falls for Jack.
Review: Spice level:🌶🌶🌶 Cassidy and Jack are the epitome of soft to hard. Their chemistry and banter had me from word GO. They're funny and easily likeable characters. The plot was interesting and had me dying to see how it ends. The spice definitely kept me entranced which is a must for me! This book has everything: danger, action and steam! If you're a steamy romance reader, you'll love this!
So like i knew I was gonna like Loren’s books from the moment I met her and her assistant at the writers on the River event last month. I literally thought all her books sounded great and panicked and didn’t buy any while she was standing in front of me 🤦🏻♀️ now when I say this book was soo good i freaking mean it! The writing style. The gruff burly mmc. The hilarious fmc and her bestie. The strength in her moms character. I’m obsessed. BRB running to buy all the merch and start the next book!
If you’re still with me lol, our fmc Cassidy is down on her luck and needing some money so ends up taking a job at a biker bar owned by mmc and his brother. Mmc, jack has a troubled past but is a hard worker and has earned respect and gotten his feet under him. Until his past catches up with him and threatens everything he’s worked so hard for. The twists and turns! The plot! The spice! The devotion!
📖: Cassidy leads a normal life. She works at a diner, takes care of her disabled mother, and spends all her extra time with her best friend. Jack is a bossy, tattooed bar owner with secrets. When their two worlds collide, Cassidy and Jack have to learn to work together to save each other. And betting blindly on love isn’t always as easy as it seems.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: Loren Beeson is wonderful! Her writing is so intricately detailed and beautiful. This story was fun, flirty, passionate, thrilling and secretive all in one. I loved that I went into it thinking it was a love story but then was pulled into the thriller part of it as well. I couldn’t put it down, I needed to know all the secrets and where they led Cassidy and Jack! There was family drama and family devotion all wrapped up in one. And the steamy love part of it was just as amazing! 🤤
Definitely a huge fan and can’t wait to read the next book in this storyline!
This book is seriously so good, I could not put it down. I had to find out what was gonna happen next and I connected so deeply with the characters! It was just like hanging out with my own friends. I loved their relationships and closeness too, they developed connections quickly just like friends of mine who immediately felt like family. I loved reading Jack’s perspective too. Definitely one of my favorite things about the book. There are several other favorite parts but I don’t want to put in any spoilers!!
This book is hot, steamy and pulls at your heart strings all at once! Jack Campbell is a tattooed, protective bar owner, yet sweet underneath his tough exterior. Cassidy is the girl next door but she’s also strong and tenacious. Their chemistry the whole book was HOT! While their relationship progressed quickly it was just the right speed and the story will have you wanting more when you’re finished. I absolutely LOVED Juliana so much and cannot wait to here how her relationship progresses with Derrick.
It wasn’t just a love story, it was also a story of two brothers fighting to find their paths in life after a rough childhood. Struggling through addiction, deceit and what depths you’d go to to save someone you love.
I could not put this book down and the writing was amazing!!
“Don’t. Please.” He tilts his head slightly to the side. “Don’t what?” “I appreciate what you’re doing, I do. But I don’t need the pity.” Jack’s arms slowly lower as he takes two careful steps toward me. His dark brows cut inward, forming the start of that classic scowl. “You don’t always have to be a hard-ass you know.” He reaches out to place his palm against the side of my face, resting his thumb over my cheekbone. His hand is big enough to cover my cheek and still touch the base of my skull with his fingers, and I tilt my head back as every one of the tips tingle against my scalp. “It’s not pity I feel for you, woman.”
Cassidy Smith has lived quietly and boringly her whole life, and she’s sick of it. So when her car breaks down and she gets offered a job at a local bar, Cassidy decided to accept so she can get some extra cash. What she wasn’t planning on, however, was Jack Campbell, the owner. Jack lights a fire in her the way no one else ever has, and she doesn’t know what to do about it. Jack is darkly handsome, incredibly quick witted, and extremely closed off, but she can’t help but be drawn to him anyway.
Okay, so this book was absolutely amazing!!! I really adored Cassidy and Jack’s bickering. I also loved that Beeson didn’t make Cassidy the typical dumb blonde bombshell; Cassidy is actually really smart and super tenacious. Jack has this broody bad boy vibe going on, and I thought it was amazing. Their chemistry was absolutely off the charts. Highly recommend!!!
Family, friendship and romance all rolled into one? Okay! I liked this story line and appreciated that it wasn’t your typical romance novel. There was depth within the MC’s backstories, and an element of danger that played out with the male MC, too. He’s the bad boy, she’s the reluctant girl next door, but through dual narratives we’re able to get inside each of their heads, which leaves the reader with a nicely balanced contrast that keeps the story moving forward.
My one critique is that it was a little bit of a slow start for me, but I soon found myself invested in these characters and really enjoyed this book.
This was my first read from indie author, Loren Beeson, and I look forward to the next in series!
Omg such a great book. I'm so in love with Jack. All of the characters and their situations are relatable. A must read! Can't wait for the next book!!!!
Betting Blind is a great read. Loren Beeson perfectly combined a book that was both fun and flirty with a little thrill and excitement to carry through until the end.
Jack and Cassidy are the stars of the show and one can't help but root for them along the way. Brooding Jack meets sweet and feisty Cassidy for this HEA novel that is just the first in a series. Both have pasts making them the people they are today that helps shape the storyline. Their inner circle have well written characters that continue through into book two in a way that has, for the first time, created a desire to continue a series with spin-off characters.
This story is the perfect blend of broody/sunshine characters, slight enemies-to-lovers romance, steamy encounters, friendship and suspense. Loren writes well rounded stories with great characters and plots. This isn't your typical basic "romance" story and it has set the bar for sure!
How will Jack and Cassidy overcome their pasts and the hurdles thrown their way? Grab a copy and find out!
I really loved this book! It’s a really fun high stakes romance. I loved the characters I thought Loren did a really great job at developing the storyline to leave you wanting more! I cannot wait for the second book I need more Juliana and Derrick!
This is the first book I have read by Loren Beeson and I absolutely love her writing style. I really enjoyed reading Jack and Cassidy's story, if I had to pick a favorite character tho it would have to be Juliana. She is the bestie we all need in our life. Betting Blind took you on a roller coaster ride like no other, there was so much suspense at each turn of the page. The twist at the end, I so did not see coming but loved it. I also loved the way Jack and Cassidy's story ended but want to read so much more not just from these characters but the other characters in the story. I really can't wait to see what else Loren Beeson has in store for this series.
As seen on my blog (Jessie's Reading Corner): Betting Blind is a steamy slow burn, grumpy meets sunshine story that I could not put down! It’s the first of a three book series with the second book set to release in October and does not end in a cliffhanger.
Jack Campbell is a dreamboat; tattoos, beard, muscles…*swoon!* (Loren’s muse for him is Levi Stocke according to her Instagram and he is dreamy!) He has to be one of my favorite characters I’ve read. I love how he opens up when he’s around Cassidy, I love his nickname for her and I love how he cares for his brother when he could easily abandon him and let him lie in the bed he made. I also really like Cassidy. I did think some of the decisions she made were a little hair-brained and I wasn’t a fan of her questioning Jack’s loyalty after all that had happened so far.
In addition to Jack and Cassidy, I really loved Derrick and Juliana and I can’t wait to read their story next! I also am really intrigued by Ben and can’t wait to find out what happens next; if he’ll get a story (I’m assuming his will be the third) and who he’s paired up with. I thought I detected something so it’ll be interesting to see if it pans out.
I cannot find the words to describe how much I enjoyed this book, but I will definitely try!! I really loved the fiesty and independent nature of the main character Cassidy. And the sexy, tatted and bearded Jack?? Yes please! These two had amazing chemistry. Just the right amount of spice and steam that left me wanting more!
I can't wait for the second book of this series! The plot left off with great resolution to the main points of the first book (and with an exciting and clever epilogue!), and with such intriguing thoughts of what adventures are next to come for the characters! I can't wait to see what Loren writes next!
Betting Blind || Release Day • Congrats to @loren_beeson_books for her latest book, Betting Blind. • Cassidy Smith is desperate for some excitement. Her free-spirited best friend keeps her on her toes with the occasional misadventure, but deep down, she just needs... more. When the girls stumble into a bar known for its bad reputation and a tattooed, bad boy owner, Cassidy’s left daydreaming about what it would be like to ditch her boring life and find a way to fit in with the rough, rowdy crowd of The Pound.
Jack Campbell’s got a one-track mind. He works hard to provide for the guys who work for him and even harder to keep his bar running in tip-top shape. He can’t afford the temptation of Cassidy being more than just a temporary employee, but against his better judgment, he offers the beautiful blonde a job at his bar. Things get more complicated for Jack when his older brother starts stirring up trouble in town, etching a target on his back and forcing him into a world he promised never to turn back to.
With their hearts on the table and a deck full of secrets, will they bet it all... or give up their hand? • Read if you like ⏱ fast paced novels, I read this in less than a day! 📺 Two Broke Girls and Oceans 11 🌶 steamy romance 🧗♀️ wanting more! • So, I finished this book in a day and told Loren I needed more; lucky for me the next book is being worked on, but it’s not out yet. The characters were so easy to connect with. Loren writes the storyline and you are immediately transported into whatever scene she is describing - Vegas, the diner, the rundown bar, etc. if you’re looking for action, steam, and a book that will have more to look forward to go check this out today! -
All 👏 Of 👏 It 👏. From the first few pages I was like ‘this is going to be a belter’, and thankfully I was proved right. Our lovely heroine, Cassidy, has been through some tough times. After losing her father at a young age and taking care of her partially disabled mother, she’s just trying to keep her head above water. When her and her hilarious best friend Juliana end up at local dive bar The Pound, little does Cassidy know that this is the moment her life will change. And did someone say hot, grumpy tattooed bar owner? Jack, our wonderful hero, is a tortured soul and is more than happy with running his bar and spending time with his best friend Derrick. When Cassidy and Jack meet, there’s chemistry right from the off, and neither were expecting to fall as hard or as fast as they did. I adored this story and all of the characters; Jack tried so hard to keep his distance from Cassidy, scared that his past would taint her, but she didn’t give up easily, and I loved that she wasn’t afraid to stand up for herself. And the part where he takes her out to look at the stars? Woah Momma 🥵 if you know you know. Gorgeous characters, sizzling chemistry and a plot that kept me hooked right until the last page, abetting Blind was an absolute joy from start to finish. Bring on the next in the series!
THE BAD ☹️
Not a damn thing.
OVERALL THOUGHTS: A brilliant start to what will no doubt be an incredible series, Loren Beeson has herself a new fan STEAM LEVEL: 🔥🔥🔥🔥 STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Obsessed! Jack and Cassidy planted an obsession with this exciting and hot story, which I’m sure is only the start of an amazing romantic suspense series!
Well, this was certainly an amazing read full of surprises and unexpected turns. It was an intriguing plot full of dark pasts, danger, mysterious enemies and the true love of friends and family. The entire package!
First, I loved the grupmy/sunshine dynamic between Jack and Cassidy! She certainly was the rsy of sunshine he needed in his life. I loved how kind and selfless she was and how deeply she cared about the people she loved. Jack’s complicated life broke my heart several times, he just wanted to make things right and have a better life than the one he was used to. I loved his protective side and how tender he was behind that tough facade. The chemistry and connection they shared was unique and so beautiful to read, the moments they shared and how they allowed themselves to open up to each other and trust each other made their romance simple perfection!
I am a sucker for a good friend circle forming in a book and I enjoyed so much seeing Cass and Jack interacting with Derrick and Juliana (whose book I am now dying to read!), even with Ben, who I’m intrigued to get to know too!
This was such a sexy and captivating romance that made me swoon, smile and gasp from start to finish and I can’t recommend it enough!
Book hangover level 100000000 😍😍😍😍😍
A million thanks to Loren Beeson for gifting me a copy if this book in exchange for a review! Can’t wait to read book 2!
Summary: Cassidy Smith is desperate for some excitement. Her free-spirited best friend keeps her on her toes with the occasional misadventure but deep down, she just needs...more. When the girls stumble into a bar one night known for its bad reputation and a tattooed, bad-boy owner, Cassidy‘s left daydreaming what it would be like to ditch her boring life and find a way to fit in with the rough and rowdy crowd of The Pound.
Jack Campbell’s got a one-track mind. He works hard to provide for the guys who work for him and even harder to keep his bar running in tip-top shape. He can’t afford the temptation of Cassidy being more than a temporary employee, but against his better judgment, he offers the beautiful blonde a job at his bar. Things get more complicated for Jack as his older brother starts stirring up trouble in an underground casino in town, etching a target on his back, and forcing him into a world he promised never to turn back to.
My thoughts: This was was so much more than a steamy read (and it was 🔥!). There was back and forth pull between Cassidy and Jack, their baggage and how it affected their growth as a person/couple. The introduction to secondary characters was woven in lovely - which beautifully sets the stage for a series in the making.
The addition starts with the book cover….yeah…yeah…yeah don’t judge a book by its cover they say ….well we all do it and this one here it is the scratch to your itch or better yet the filling to your oreos! Speaking of filling…..wait, that’s for later. Within the first chapters you get the panoramic view of whom you’re dealing with! This is the first book starting off the Music City Billionaires series so be prepared for the books to come as it seems it is going to be a really great series. I will say this make sure you are buckled up because there are so many twists and turns and with each page the suspense builds. Cassidy sweet, board with where she is in life right now and a best friend who makes sure she has some excitement here and there. Jack is sexy as all get out tattooed, dangerous bar owner, who is tough as nails on the outside but oh sow sweet once you get past his hard shell. The chemistry is intense from the moment they meet and the magnetic pull can’t be ignored so will they give in as fate would have it, will she get the excitement she is after and can they have happiness?
Thanks to the Goodreads Giveaways program for my copy of the book in exchange for my honest thoughts. There was a hot, steamy romance going on in this story, along with engaging characters and strong, supportive friendships. Cassidy, small town waitress, meets Jack, bad boy bar owner. Favorite elements: * The romance between the two main characters, a successful use of the opposites attract trope. * Setting - great use of description, both of the physical environments (the diner and the bar) and the people populating them. I could picture the events happening in them, which always makes a story more enjoyable. * Main character - who doesn't want to root for a young woman discovering herself? * Friendships - both Cassidy and Jack have best friends who were three dimensional, feisty and loyal. Send one my way. Not as enjoyable: * Timeline - Cassidy has a need to take care of her mother, to her own life's detriment, but it's difficult to figure out how this evolved as it turns out she was only 6 when a tragic event occurred. So obviously, her mother had managed to take care of her for years . . .
Betting Blind is full of sexual tension, lies and some plot twists I didn't see coming. I think you will enjoy this book just as much as I have or even more!
Cassidy is a beautiful 28-year-old that has been taking care of her mom ever since the accident. She works full time at a diner with her best friend, but she is barely making ends meet. She has been so focused on taking care of her mom she forgets what it's like to have a little fun. Cassidy didn't know that by accepting a job bartending on the weekends for just a couple weeks to earn a little bit of money, would bring her way more than just a little bit of fun.
To most people Jack is just a big, tattooed, sexy grump that owns a bar full of bikers. But really, he is just a broken little boy that is just trying not to go back to the life he used to life. His main focus his best friend, his brother, his bar and his customers. He isn't looking for anything else. When he offered Cassidy a job, he knew it would fine because she wasn't his type. By doing that he woke up a part of him he didn't know was there.
I love Loren's books more and more with each book that I read. I am excited to read the next two books in this series.
“It drives me crazy when you do that.” He traces the outline of my jaw with his thumb, stopping where my lower lip should be🔥🔥 yaaasssss🤤
As someone who loves a slow burn, I enjoyed the progression of Cassidy and Jack’s relationship. As readers, we tend to think we want the steam to happen straight away, but I’ve found I’m disappointed when that happens. I need the angst and the build-up, and the subtle flirtation. Loren - thank you for making me wait.
I loved Cassidy’s caring and loyal nature and thought Juliana was sassy AF. I also can’t wait to learn more about Derrick. But let’s be real, Jack was my favourite🖤 A sexy bad boy hero with a beard, tattoos and eyes that steal your soul? #sold
Loren has a beautiful way of crafting descriptive scenes. When I was reading, I kept thinking “she uses such a variety of words, my editor would love her.” Haha.
Congratulations Loren on the success of this release and for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review🎉 Imma go daydream about that scene in the stairwell.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Loren Beeson's Betting Blind is a romance that breaks the mold. It is what I would describe as an edgy romance, or romance thriller. All bets are on the table when it comes to this steamy romance, and you'll be clinging to your seat as Cassidy and Jack tackle all things love, family, and loyalty.
What starts out as a seemingly familiar addition to the romance genre, chalk full of all the heart and heat we love [add in some delicious southern sass and a delightful slow burn🔥], Betting Blind quickly morphs into the sharpened edge of a back alley at midnight. This book STANDS OUT.
Tackling issues of abuse, addiction, and caregiver burnout, Beeson seamlessly ties in fun, heat, and heart. Character building is huge in this novel, and not just for our mains. The best friend support characters are easily two of the best I've read.
The best part of this novel? DUAL PERSPECTIVE. Beeson writes one heck of a male perspective, and her quotes on friendship will hit you in the feels.
Cassidy lives in a small town in East Texas. She lives a predictable life working as a waitress and caring for her disabled mom. She loves her life, but wishes for more. A chance encounter with a broody bartender changes everything and reveals even the most boring small towns have deep dark secrets.
I enjoyed reading this story. While slow to start, the pacing revs up quickly and we see Cassidy bloom in new and exciting ways. Cassidy is a strong and well written character who faces challenges head on and is unafraid of standing up for what she believes. I loved watching her grow through this story.
Filled with strong willed and feisty characters, this book kept me engaged and I can honestly say I did not put the book down until finished. The mystery surrounding Diablo was very intriguing. The author has set up an overarching story that I cannot wait to see move forward in the next book.
I received a free copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.
Okay, here we go... let's start by saying, I've never read a book by Loren Beeson. That being said, I must admit I was extremely surprised. I mean holy crap, this woman can write. From the moment I started reading this book I was hooked. Cassidy is the person who is kind and caring. Nurturing if you will. Juliana is the ultimate best friend. I mean she embodies the definition. Jack is this sexy, gorgeous, broody, scowling beast. Derrick is such an incredible friend to Jack. He knows all of Jack's traits and can handle each one. He is more of a brother to Jack than just a friend. Oh and Jack's older brother, Ben, he is sexy, handsome, hunkie and he is also a problem. Bruce, well, you'll just have to read about him. So, why the rundown on the characters? It is just an intro to other readers who are looking for an incredible, steamy story, that has some twists and turns which lead to surprise after surpise. This is a book you don't want to miss.
This one was fun! Definitely not what I expected from the outset, but it was a pretty good time. Jack and Cassidy were a perfect little (kinda) enemies-to-lovers duo with that grumpy/sunshine thing going on and Cassidy was definitely a fish out of water in Jack's world, but they were very much good for one another. Cassidy softened Jack and he managed to pull her out of her own little rut, and so it was wonderful seeing that in action (plus the tension!!)
Fun, steamy, a little cheesy, with a dash of suspense, Betting Blind was more than I bargained for and I wouldn't have it any other way. If you enjoy two people from different worlds who so clearly belong together, a little bit of action, and a whole lot of wonderful characters, this one is for you.