Beginner's Bet Read online

  Beginner's Bet

  Synopsis

  Ellison Gamble owns the most successful luxury real estate firm in Boston, but the accomplishment feels hollow when she comes home to an empty house.

  Institutionalizing her mother for her own safety was the hardest thing Katie Crawford has ever done. The costs are becoming more than she can manage, and her only solution is to sell her childhood home that has fallen into disrepair.

  After a tense first interaction with Katie, Ellison eventually finds herself in an unlikely friendship and makes a risky offer to help Katie sell her mother’s home. Katie will do anything to help her mom, but being attracted to a woman for the first time was not in the plan.

  Will the risks they take be worth the reward? Or have they wagered on a losing bet?

  Praise for Fiona Riley

  Bet the Farm

  “Riley winningly showcases women’s friendships as integral to romantic success. This is a fluffy delight.”—Publishers Weekly

  Bet Against Me

  “Ms. Riley’s readers know that her books feature likable characters with great chemistry between them. This book has it in spades and, as usual, the author delivers pent-up sexual tension and hot intimate scenes…Overall, another entertaining, fun, and hot romance by Ms. Riley. I can’t wait to see what’s next in the series. 5 stars.”—Lez Review Books

  “This book is almost too sexy…almost!…This book is quintessentially Fiona Riley with the characters having off the chart chemistry, sizzling tension, and sexy sassy dialogue. I knew it would be a winner when I listened to Fiona read a scene from it recently in an author reading video. It screamed all the things I love about this author. It is 100% my new favourite Fiona Riley book. 5 Stars.”—Les Rêveur

  A Christmas Miracle (in All I Want for Christmas)

  “A girl walks into a bar and, wham, chemistry flares. Mira and Courtney are great together. Courtney brings out the best in Mira. Their connection and conversation is fabulous. Courtney’s sense of adventure and fun is the perfect way to end this anthology. Riley gives us a good old-fashioned holiday romance to celebrate Christmas with.”—Phoebe’s Randoms

  “[T]hese three short Christmas stories were worth the read and put me in the holiday spirit. A Christmas Miracle by Fiona Riley gives us a trillion tons of chemistry for the finale. A scrooge bar owner has to host a holiday party that Courtney is throwing for her workplace so that they will recognize her efforts to get that overdue promotion. The flirting in this story was top notch. Really enjoyed it.”—BookVark

  Not Since You

  “Riley strikes an impressive balance between steamy sex scenes and sweeping romance in this tender second-chance-at-love story…Riley endearingly captures the growth of Charlotte and Lexi’s relationship from when they were in high school to when they are reunited as adults. Readers will root for this well-matched couple.”—Publishers Weekly

  Not Since You “is well written and hot. So hot.”—Jude in the Stars

  “This book has all the elements of a perfect romance—beautiful characters seeking to rekindle a lost love with heat and passion under sunny skies and starry nights on a cruise ship traveling to a tropical paradise.”—The Lesbian Book Blog

  Media Darling

  “A great mix of characters, some great laughs, and a good romance. A great well written read that was emotional and fun.”—Kat Adams, Bookseller (QBD Books, Australia)

  “{A] sweet romance with the addition of a critique of the media role in their portrayal of celebrities. Both main characters are multi-layered with their personalities well defined. Their chemistry is absolutely off the charts…an entertaining, poignant and romantic story with a side of social critique to celebrity culture and the media. Five stars.”—Lez Review Books

  “I really dig the way Fiona Riley writes contemporary romances because they’re sexy and flirty with a whole lot of feelings, and Media Darling is no exception.”—The Lesbian Review

  Media Darling “was well-executed and the sex was well-written. I liked both of the characters and the plot held my interest.”—Katie Pierce, Librarian, Hennepin County Library (Minnesota)

  Room Service

  “The sexual tension between Olivia and Savannah is combustible and I was hoping with every flirtatious moment they would jump each other…[A] sexy summer read.”—Les Rêveur

  “Room Service by Fiona Riley is a steamy workplace romance that is all kinds of fabulous…Fiona Riley is so good at writing characters who are extremely likeable, even as they have issues to work through. I was happy to see that the leading ladies in Room Service are no exception! They’re both fun, sweet, funny, and smart, which is a brilliant combo. They also have chemistry that sizzles almost from the get-go, making it especially fun to watch them grow in ways that are good for them as individuals and as a couple.”—The Lesbian Review

  “Room Service is a slow-burn romance written from the point of view of both main characters. Ms. Riley excels at building their chemistry that slowly grows to sizzling hot.”—Lez Review Books

  “Riley is a natural when it comes to delivering the heat between characters and undeniable chemistry.”—Book-A-Mania

  Strike a Match

  “Riley balances romance, wit, and story complexity in this contemporary charmer…Readers of all stripes will enjoy this lyrically phrased, deftly plotted work about opposites attracting.”—Publishers Weekly

  “[A] quick-burning romance, with plenty of sex scenes hot enough to set off the alarms.”—RT Book Reviews

  “Strike a Match is probably one of the hottest and sexiest books I’ve read this year…Fiona Riley is one to watch and I will continue to get extremely excited every time I get one of her books to read.”—Les Rêveur

  “While I recommend all of the books in the Perfect Match series, I especially recommend Strike a Match, and definitely in audio if you’re at all inclined towards listening to books. Fans of the other two installments will be happy to see their leads again, but you don’t have to have read them to pick this one up. It’s sweet, hot, and funny, making it a great way to spend a day when you just want to hide away from the world and immerse yourself in a lovely story.”—Smart Bitches, Trashy Books

  “Strike a Match is Fiona Riley’s best book yet. Whether you’re a fan of the other books in the series or you’ve never read anything by her before, I recommend checking this one out. It’s the perfect remedy to a bad day and a great way to relax on a weekend!”—The Lesbian Review

  “I love this series and Sasha is by far my favourite character yet. I absolutely loved the gritty firefighter details. The romance between Abby and Sasha is perfectly paced and full of wonderful grand gestures, magical dates, and tender, intimate moments.”—Wicked Reads

  “Fiona Riley does a nice job of creating thorny internal and external conflicts for each heroine…I was rooting for Abby and Sasha, not only to be together, but also that both of them would grow and change enough to find a true HEA. The supporting cast of family members, friends, and colleagues is charming and well-portrayed. I’m looking forward to more from Fiona Riley.”—TBQ’s Book Palace

  Unlikely Match

  “The leads have great chemistry and the author’s writing style is very engaging.”—Melina Bickard, Librarian, Waterloo Library (UK)

  “Two strong women that make their way towards each other with a tiny little nudge from some friends, what’s not to like?”—The Reading Penguin’s Reviews

  “Unlikely Match is super easy to read with its great pacing, character work, and dialogue that’s fun and engaging…Whether you’ve read Miss Match or not, Unlikely Match is worth picking up. It was the perfect romance to balance out a tough week at work and I’m looking forward to seeing what Fiona Riley has in store for us next.”—The Lesbian Review

  Miss Match

  “In this sweet, sensual debut, Riley brings together likable characters, setting them against a colorful supporting cast and exploring their relationship through charming interactions and red-hot erotic scenes…Rich in characterization and emotional appeal, this one is sure to please.”—Publishers Weekly

  “Miss Match by Fiona Riley is an adorable romance with a lot of amazing chemistry, steamy sex scenes, and fun dialogue. I can’t believe it’s the author’s first book, even though she assured me on Twitter that it is.”—The Lesbian Review

  “This was a beautiful love story, chock full of love and emotion, and I felt I had a big grin on my face the whole time I was reading it. I adored both main characters as they were strong, independent women with good hearts and were just waiting for the right person to come along and make them whole. I felt I smiled for days after reading this wonderful book.”—Inked Rainbow Reads

  Beginner's Bet

  Brought to you by

  eBooks from Bold Strokes Books, Inc.

  http://www.boldstrokesbooks.com

  eBooks are not transferable. They cannot be sold, shared or given away as it is an infringement on the copyright of this work.

  Please respect the rights of the author and do not file share.

  By the Author

  Miss Match

  Unlikely Match

  Strike a Match

  Room Service

  Media Darling

  Not Since You

  A Christmas Miracle (In All I Want for Christmas)

  High Stakes Romances

  Bet Against Me

 
Bet the Farm

  Beginner’s Bet

  Beginner’s Bet

  © 2021 By Fiona Riley. All Rights Reserved.

  ISBN 13: 978-1-63555-734-3

  This Electronic Original Is Published By

  Bold Strokes Books, Inc.

  P.O. Box 249

  Valley Falls, NY 12185

  First Edition: September 2021

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without permission.

  Credits

  Editor: Ruth Sternglantz

  Production Design: Stacia Seaman

  Cover Design by Tammy Seidick

  eBook Design by Toni Whitaker

  Acknowledgments

  There are so many ways to have a family in this world, and each one is so, so important. I’ve been wanting to write Ellison’s story since the very beginning of storyboarding for Bet Against Me (Book 1 in the High Stakes Romance Series). I knew from the start that writing Ellison’s path was going to be challenging for many reasons, but perhaps the most challenging part was how closely her story of wanting to be a mother overlapped with my own.

  As many of you may or may not know, my journey with cancer is what got me into writing. And eventually, that same journey is what helped me realize my dream of becoming a mother. But it was a long and hard road with losses, disappointments, new cancer diagnoses, and a seemingly infinite number of setbacks along the way. I have spent many long hours in waiting rooms and doctor’s offices, weighing what seemed like unachievable options against impossible odds. But then I got lucky, because all those shots and procedures and tears and losses resulted in the birth of my first child. And then another. And while writing this book, we had another. Three perfect miracles in an imperfect world. And I know how very fortunate I am.

  There are so many ways to have a family. I’m glad I was able to tell a part of my story in Ellison’s and Katie’s. Because loss and love go together sometimes. And that’s an important story to tell, too.

  Thank you to everyone at Bold Strokes Books for encouraging me to tell the kind of stories that I want to see in the world. Your support is invaluable.

  To Jenn Rieken: There is no one in this world who understands what it’s like to be in my shoes more than you. Even though you have way more fashionable shoes. ;) I love you. Forever and always. You will forever be my sister, my confidant, and my heart. I don’t think you could ever understand how much just texting back and forth with you changes my whole day. I miss your face. Let’s get together again soon.

  To Ruth Sternglantz: Thank you for keeping me on schedule and for bending over backwards when our newest little love graced us a bit early and halted my book progress. Your patience is endless. And your heart is infinite. Much love to you, always.

  To Kris Bryant: Can you believe we had another baby while we wrote this book? Thanks for always making time to help me work out story issues and for sending diapers. Best. Auntie. Ever.

  To Melissa Brayden: I’m so glad we got to go through our pregnancy and motherhood journeys together during the writing of this book. And I’m so glad our littles nearly share a birthday—that’s something very special. You have been a gift in my life. Thank you.

  To my now *three* little gingers: Momma loves you!

  For Jenn

  My journey to motherhood would simply not have been possible without you. You are my whole world and you have given me the whole world—over and over again. Thank you for my beautiful family. And thank you for making this wild and wonderful parenting adventure so much fun. Because even on our most tired, sleep-deprived, and nerve-frayed days, you always make me laugh and remind me not to miss the littlest things.

  There is no one else I’d want to share my life with or build a family with. You’re simply the best.

  Chapter One

  Ellison Gamble’s every accomplishment had come through hard work, dedication, and tenacity. She’d made a career on taking chances and doubling down on success. And it had served her well in her forty-two years—she was more successful than she could have ever imagined. But all those successes amounted to nothing in this moment. Because this time she had gambled and lost. And there was nothing she could do about it.

  “Ellison?” Her fertility doctor, Dr. David Brinkley, looked concerned.

  “Hmm?” She knew he’d said something, but whatever he’d said after I’m sorry, you’ll never be able to successfully carry a baby to full-term had sounded like a rush of water in her ears. And the loud, thunderous roar that followed that statement made her feel like she was drowning.

  “Here,” he said as he handed her a box of tissues.

  She accepted one to be polite, but she wasn’t crying. She couldn’t cry. She was too shocked. She knew after her most recent miscarriage that they’d have to reevaluate things, but she wasn’t prepared to hear that just yet.

  “I know this is disappointing, but we have options,” he said as he came to her side of the desk. The pitifulness of the situation wasn’t lost on her when he sat next to her in the seat usually reserved for a patient’s significant other. She had none. Like everything else she’d done in her life, she was alone in this endeavor.

  She looked at him. He had a kind and ageless face. He was nearly twenty-five years her senior, but you’d never be able to tell by looking at him. She only knew how old he was because one of his nurses had let it slip when she’d started on this path nearly a decade ago. Her physician had encouraged her to harvest her eggs after her endometriosis diagnosis and had practically insisted on it once her mother died of cervical cancer shortly thereafter. That was about the same time her marriage to Peyton Stroker had started to dissolve, when after years of promising to start a family and telling Ellison she wasn’t ready yet, Peyton dropped the bomb that she’d never wanted kids to begin with. And try as she might not to hold contempt for Peyton, Ellison still failed miserably. Because Peyton was every bit the charming, silver-tongued art dealer in her personal life as she was in her professional one. After all, she’d sold Ellison on a picture of their future that was a fake. And a childless one, at that.

  Ten years. A lot had happened in those ten years, including the formation of her incredibly successful luxury real estate firm, Gamble and Associates, of which she was beyond proud. And though professionally she had prospered beyond her wildest dreams, her marriage to Peyton had combusted. Her attempts at subsequent romantic relationships had sputtered and flopped following her divorce, and her efforts at becoming a mother had stalled to the point of failure, it seemed. But not without complications, miscarriages, and devastation first. Because though she’d never wanted this day to come, deep down she knew it was inevitable.

  Dr. Brinkley placed a tentative hand on hers, drawing her back to reality. A reality that reminded her that now, though they were both a decade older since their first meeting, his unwaveringly youthful face was in better shape than her apparently hostile and aging uterus.

  He looked uncomfortable by her silence. She felt bad for him. No one wanted to deliver the news he just had. Too bad hearing it was worse than giving it.

  “Ellison,” he tried again.

  She sighed. “I’m fine.”

  She wasn’t. But she could wade through those feelings in the privacy of her Maserati on the way back to the office, where she was expected to be a totem of support for everyone else. She’d use those twenty or so minutes to fall apart if she needed to.

  He didn’t look like he believed her. “Look, we were friends long before you became my patient. And as your friend, I call bullshit on that.”

  Ellison laughed. She’d been instrumental in securing a sale on his city home as well as negotiating a sweet deal on his weekend home in the country long before she’d become his patient. David was a good man. And his husband Cole was absolutely darling. That was why she’d taken the steps to come to his practice to achieve the one thing she wanted more than anything in this world—to be a mother. She trusted him. She always had. And through her lowest fertility lows, he had been there with a strong hug and a level head. David never seemed to lack optimism or solutions. And she needed both right now.