![Bet Me to Stay by [Havens, Candace]](https://images-fe.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51V2P2uv1SL._SY346_.jpg)
Bet Me to Stay is by, new to me author, Candace Havens, and I loved every moment of it. This book was the perfect blend of romance, humour, and just enough drama to make it enjoyable, but not bog down the story.
The writing style just flowed, quickly switching between the POV of our two main characters. Character development was on point. Liam is almost the perfect book boyfriend. I liked that he admitted (to himself) that his view to have a 'casual fling' was in trouble from nearly the first moment. As much as he tried to talk himself out of it, he did not try to deny his feelings or try to sabotage the developing relationship unconsciously. Both characters accepted, on some level, what was happening, and it was refreshing not to have either of them self-sabotaging the relationship's development. Casey was a lovely character. She too recognised what was evolving, but she wouldn't allow herself to accept it. Her history with her family, how they treated her, and the secrets that she was keeping from Liam, left her too insecure to embrace it. However, I didn't find this annoying, as I do in many similar scenarios. I think because there were very practical reasons (and ones not overly exaggerated) for her hesitation, with her lack of self-confidence and self-worth being significant factors.
What does have me scratching my head though, is this book's categorisation as being an erotic romance or erotica. I'm the first to admit that the fine lines between book genres and types often eludes me. However, while there are some hot scenes, and these are very well done, I have read more graphic scenes in books categorised as regular romances.
To me, a true erotica story reminds me of my old Stargate SG1 fan fiction days (I’m probably showing my age here!) with the tag PWP (plot, what plot?) that signified an erotic story with very little substance.
In my most humble opinion, Bet Me to Stay just had too much heart to be classified as erotica. I know that tag along would stop many people from reading the story, thinking it's little more than a 'good time story', and that's a real shame.
Bet Me to Stay is one of those stories that stay with you, long after the book is finished. I've read it twice in the last six months, and I enjoyed it just as much the second time as I did the first. It is a beautifully crafted story packed with emotion, humour, and more than a little heat.
I’d highly recommend any reader of contemporary romances ignore the category tags and give this one a chance. I don’t think you will be disappointed.
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher. This voluntary review is unbiased and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Product Description
After a bet with his brother, Liam O’Connor has to date the next woman who walks into the pub. And he’s all in, because his pub is on the line. What he didn't expect was Cassie Meadows, who at first glance with her big glasses and bulky sweater looks like a woman who has many, many cats––but her wit and smile make him wonder what’s underneath her bulky armor.
Cassie Meadows aka sweet romance author Cassie O'Brian is about to lose everything. As in, her writing career is going down the drain because she can’t write the sexy stuff that’s selling these days. She needs inspiration in the worst way. That’s when she walks into the wrong pub at the right time. Sexy owner Liam is just what the writing doctor ordered. Her whole body is feeling inspired–-and when he makes a proposal she can't refuse––she’s all in. Oh, hell yes. Best. Sex. Of. Her. Life. Thanks to Liam, she's about to write a best-seller.
But having an erotic romance alter ego is nothing compared to the real secret Cassie is hiding—and that one could destroy everything.
