People will listen to what you have to say because you were one of the best players the game has ever seen. So make sure you say important things that change the world.
Leslie North
Celi-Bet
Format:
Audible. ebook is available to borrow via Kindle Unlimited. Note: This book has been bundled with the other two books in the Solomon Brothers series and the box set on Audible is significantly less than buying them individually. Box set is also available on KU.
Publisher’s Synopsis:
NBA star Chase Holbrook’s reputation with women is as legendary as his court stats. But his best scores have always come when he’s focused on his jump shot, not on the ladies. With a teammate putting up close competition for the offensive record, Chase needs to prove that he was worth every penny of his high-dollar trade. To be the top-scoring player, Chase accepts a team bet to steer clear of women. Shouldn’t be a problem for ultra-competitive Chase—especially when he learns it’s the annoyingly cute team mascot who’s tasked with monitoring his every move.
Team mascot Willow “Bolt” Bend has always been one of the guys. So it’s no surprise when she’s asked to help ensure the integrity of the bet. Willow doesn’t want to get involved, but her hesitation is sidelined by her desire to learn if Chase is as shallow as she thinks. With a sick cousin who’s eager to meet him, Willow wants to know if a good person is hiding inside the notorious playboy. All she has to do is not take her eyes off the gorgeous man mountain and cry foul if he breaks his celibacy—easy, right?
The perky cheerleader has always gotten under Chase’s skin, but with the celi-bet well underway, Willow’s starting to get to Chase in ways no one expected. As the spark between them begins to ignite, the bet keeping them apart may just be the thing that pulls them together.
Point of view:
3rd person. Alternating perspectives, not always by chapter, but it’s clearly defined.
Rellim’s Thoughts:
It’s not often that I find novellas that leave me feeling completely fulfilled. When I do, they’re generally scaffolded by a series. Leslie North has consistently given me stories that satisfy all on their own (precisely why I’m binging her catalogue). This has to be my favorite by far. While part of the Solomon Brothers series, Celi-Bet is a joy (and a few tears) all on it’s own. Chase and Willow are complex, flawed, yet lovable characters and listening to their relationship evolve was amazing. To weave all that North does into 4 hours is impressive.
Note: While this is book 2 of the series, and characters from book 1 & 3 appear – it is in a “cameo” sense and the books could truly be read/listened to in any order.
Narration:
It feels repetitive in my reviews, but I don’t know how else to state it. Rebecca Roberts did an excellent job narrating this book. Roberts perfectly expresses Willow in all her spunky femininity and yet has inherent “gravel” in her voice so that Chase sounds naturally masculine. She does a great job with the secondary characters as well.
Trigger Warnings (possible spoilers):
Death of a child from cancer.
I received a free copy of this audiobook and am voluntarily leaving a review.
My Favorite Quotes
People will listen to what you have to say because you were one of the best players the game has ever seen. So make sure you say important things that change the world. @leslienorthbook #audiobook narrated by @Rebeccas_Voice #SportsRomance #
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Just remember, you miss all the shots you don’t take. @leslienorthbook #audiobook narrated by @Rebeccas_Voice #SportsRomance
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Maybe finishing isn’t my thing. Maybe my gift is helping others start.@leslienorthbook #audiobook narrated by @Rebeccas_Voice #SportsRomance
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Rellim Reads 