Reality Check: Betting on Love

By Jennifer O'Malley

Not everything is glitz and glamor when you're a reality television star. 

This is especially true for Trent Williamson. He and his husband started a successful reality show almost a decade ago. Then tragedy struck and the only thing holding him together was his daughter. Two years later, he has a new show with hotshot Gage Carson and for the first time since he lost Allan, he feels alive.

Sparks flew almost immediately for Gage and Trent, and not just because a light had burst during their first take of shooting. Gage quickly feels an attraction to Trent, but the last thing Gage wants is to be anyone's replacement--on TV or in bed, so he tries to keep things as professional and distant as possible. He's there to do a job and raise his son, nothing more and nothing less. But that's hard to do once the show premieres and their chemistry is there on screen for the world to see.

Take a dose of reality and one-click now to tune in to see if Gage and Trent can put aside their pasts and look to the future they could build together or if they'll fold when the stakes get too high.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jennifer O'Malley
• Release date: Jan 31, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224276639

Jennifer O'Malley

Jennifer O'Malley is the author of the contemporary romance series BETTING ON LOVE, which features a new couple each month as they fall prey to the magic of Vegas and falling in love. She grew up in a small town where she didn’t have much but her imagination to keep her occupied. As far back asshe can remember, she always needed a pen in her hand to jot down storyline notes. She now lives in the city with her family, including her human and fluffy kids, and enjoys all things romance, paranormal, and horror. She's excited to be introducing some of those YA loves that she enjoyed, to her kids.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

GAGE

Isat in the stiff chair, which was definitely not as comfortable as it looked, and fidgeted as the the crew worked on the lights. They kept swinging around and blinding me, and no matter how much I tried to ignore them, I couldn’t help flinching every time they shone in my eyes.

Ahh, Gage Carson! I heard a woman shout with excitement.

I turned from the lights, the smile on my face brighter than the lights I’d just been cursing, as I stood and embraced Kiki Wallace, the host of Vegas Tonight. She was the only reason I was looking forward to the press event for Haunted Vegas, the new reality show I was hosting.

My eyes swept around the stage and locked with Trent Williamson, my co-host. He smirked and shot me a wink as one of the girls fussed with his hair.

Okay, maybe not the only thing I had to look forward to tonight.

Not that I could let myself go there. It was just a job. Trent was just another host.

It’s good to see you again, Kiki, I said softly as we parted, a frown marring my face as I considered the ramifications of doing this new show with Trent.

What’s the matter, handsome? Concern was written all over her face as she stared up at me.

I tried my best to smile and brush it off, but of course that was when Trent came sauntering over. He threw his arm around my shoulders as if it were nothing.

Maybe it was?

Hey, there, Kiki. How’s it going? When he gave her a wink, my heart sank. Not that I had suspected he had been flirting with me earlier.

He’s just friendly. And you’re his co-host. He’s just being nice and trying to make sure this show is a success.

But the way his arm flexed while it was draped across me and his hand gripped my shoulder, it seemed almost possessive.

That couldn’t be right though. Because I wasn’t Trent Williamson’s.

I never could be.

Because I couldn’t be someone’s replacement.

I’m doing great. Thanks for asking. She beamed up at him, eyebrow quirked up as she glanced between the two of us. I suppose things are going good on this front? Her hand waved between the two of us and I froze.

Couldn’t be better, Trent said and I found myself frowning even deeper.

While what he said wasn’t a complete lie, it also wasn’t the truth. We got along great and we had a lot in common, but it was strictly professional all the time. I’d yet to be able to crack that hard exterior of his, yet there he was, acting like we were best of friends.

Then again, I knew I couldn’t just blame Trent for the way things were between us. I had my barriers up with him too.

Places! a woman whose name I couldn’t remember, shouted from behind one of the cameras.

My stomach dropped as Trent’s arm fell from my shoulder and I scolded myself for acting like a schoolboy with a crush.

As I sat back my seat, I was glad Vegas Tonight wasn’t filmed in front of a live audience. The last thing I wanted was for people to get the wrong idea about Trent and me. Though, from the way Kiki was looking between us, it was obvious she might already have the wrong impression.

God, please don’t go there, I plead to the universe.

I zoned out for the next few minutes and focused on my breathing while the final adjustments were made.

You okay? Trent leaned over his chair and asked quietly.

When I looked up, I got caught in his caramel colored eyes. Truth was, I wasn’t okay.

Or, I hadn’t been until Trent asked. Coming from a modeling background, I wasn’t used to all this press and interviews. Usually, I showed up, looked pretty, got paid, and went on my way.

I took a deep breath and nodded.

There’s nothing to worry about. You’re fine. It’s not even live so they can edit out anything stupid you say.

As I turned back around, I saw the woman behind the cameras give us our cue and I turned my attention to Kiki. "

Trent, Gage, welcome to Vegas Tonight! It’s wonderful to have you two here. Kiki smiled and my palms began to sweat. What can you tell us about Haunted Vegas?

Well, as