Cover Image: Betting on Love

Betting on Love

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

Betting on Love was a quick read surrounding a fake relationship between Whitney & Sam. Whitney is trying to start over after her husband cheated on her, while Sam is all about the family business & has no real personal life to speak of. So, his siblings bet him that he couldn't make a woman happy for 30 days, while he said he could, and if he doesn't, he has to give up CEO. The premise for this story should have provided a 5 star read for me, and yet, it seemed a tad too rushed, so I didn't really feel heat or connection between Whitney & Sam. I did love them individually, was just meh with them together. I honestly believe if it had been a bit longer than these things would have been different for me, but hey, this is only my opinion so hit those one click buttons to decide for yourselves! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

Was this review helpful?

Betting on Love was a quick and sweet romance that I was able to read in one sitting.

Sam is a workaholic trying to maintain his family’s successful legacy. Whitney is back home trying to start over after her divorce. The two hit it off immediately even though they are from rival families. When Sam offers a Whitney a job at his company and mentions a bet, Whitney decides she wants to help after what he has done for her. When the bet is completed will they part ways or realize that there is more to their relationship than faking it?

This book was cute and quick. There wasn’t a ton of substance or back story but I didn’t care. I read it in one sitting and will definitely be reading more from this author.

Was this review helpful?

I’m sad to say that Betting on Love wasn’t my cup of tea.

I’ll start my review by saying I DNF’d it at around 12%. I wasn’t connecting to any of the characters and normally I would read more because 12% isn’t much time to get to know a character, but I found some of the early events (specifically the two almost bar fights that occurred within a page or two of each other as well, as the male posturing that contributed to those almost fights which could have easily been avoided) a bit too over dramatic for my tastes.

There wasn’t anything overtly bad about the book from the part I read, I just knew after reading it wasn’t going to be a book that I personally would enjoy, but I know a lot of people who would most likely enjoy it and will be recommending it to them.

Rating: 2 1/2 stars.

Was this review helpful?

This is a quick read!
I enjoyed the characters; Whitney & Sam.
But bets always make me a bit nervous because they usually never end well. However the author did a great job at approaching it and making it work out in a good way.
Whitney is recovering from a divorce and is trying to get back on her own two feet.
Well, sam is a workaholic who is trying to prove to his family and living up to his late father ideals.
This is where the bet comes into play; Sam’s siblings bet him to have a real relationship. Winning means keeping the head of the company
Downfall was this was part of a series and I felt like there was a bit of back story missing that might have helped give it a bit more. Also Sam and Whitney both had a few moments in the book that made me frustrated as they both assume the worst in people and scenarios.

Overall this was a cute story and if you are looking for a quick read. However I would suggest reading the first book just so you have the whole back story.

Was this review helpful?

When I signed up to review this book I was not aware that it's part of a series and that there is another book before this one. Being a bit of a completionist I wouldn't have requested this had I known that. I I think that the first book is referenced so much in this one that, even though we still get the backstory filled it, it took something away from this story.

As well, I'm not generally a fan of insta-love situations. This moved pretty quickly for feelings to have developed in such a short time. I realise it's more of a novella, but I felt as though I was being told how much they cared for one another rather than shown it.

Whitney was hard to connect with. While I sympathised with her situation, at times she seemed ungrateful for the help that she was being given.

Sam was a bit over-the-top in his actions. I understand that he was hurt by his father's words, but he would talk to himself and acknowledge that his actions weren't normal and that he'd never get his father to admit his false belief, and then continue the insane behaviour.

The "feud" between the families seemed included just to add a taboo aspect to the story, but it was never properly developed and then was forgotten until a tidy conclusion happened off page. Also, the rest of the story played out rather predictably, so much so that I had trouble immersing myself in the story. I was just too aware of what was coming, where the misunderstandings were going to cause issues, and that affected my enjoyment of the story. And don't get me started on the male character acting like an jerk-faced bully, but the female character ends up apologizing, too.

Overall, this author just isn't for me.

Was this review helpful?

This is the kind of story where you are bound to fall in love with the characters. I really liked each and every one of them, but of course, the two lead characters are my favorite. I think that Sam and Whitney are perfect for each other. Through in a family feud and it's perfection... I enjoyed every single minute of it. It was one of those books for me which you simply can't put down once you start reading.

Was this review helpful?

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Steam: 💨
Review: Happy #pubday to this quick, but enjoyable read. This one is the second book in the series and only 150 pages so I was able to read it in one sitting.

What I loved about this book:

1. Even though this is a series, you don't have to read the previous book to enjoy this one. Each book is a different couple (I read both books) and the only spoiler is that the first couple ends up together.

2. This one is full of family drama and has independent strong female characters. I love a good family drama. Sam and Whiteny are on opposite sides of the towns long standing family feud. While they aren't both 100% sure of the all the reasons they are feuding that doesn't mean it doesn't create angst and conflict.

3. Even though this one is a short book, the characters are interesting and well developed. They have depth I didn't expect and I enjoyed both their banter and heartfelt conversations. Whitney is recovering from heartbreak and Sam is trying to live up to his deceased father's legacy. Both scenarios make this story relatable and emotionally charged.

While this one is an instant chemistry whirlwind romance, I still liked it. I usually tend to enjoy a little build up in a romance and I think that is part of the reason I didn't rate this one higher. This one has a low steam rating so it will appeal to romance readers of all steam preferences. If you're looking to binge a fun, but emotional series, you should check this one out.

Was this review helpful?

What a great addition to this series! I loved Whitney and Sam! They were both a little vulnerable in their self worth, but very determined to prove themselves. My heart went out to both of them as I continued reading and smiling as they got to know each other better. They were beyond cute together, bringing the other out of their shells and remembering to live in the moment. I wish they did not put so much pressure on themselves, but totally understood why they felt they needed to. I loved all the family get togethers they had along with the personal scenes they had with fewer family members. Becky, Lucas, and Caleb were hoots with their advices and bets. They made the story that much more fun. I am really ready for their stories after seeing them in this one.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the publisher through Netgalley.

Was this review helpful?

This sweet book was so much fun to read!

Sam is running himself into the ground trying to lead his family's company. He is determined to keep it successful, but his family is worried about him.

Whitney is returning to town after her marriage ended. She meets Sam and ends up working in PR for him despite the fact that her family dislikes his.

They are both kind, thoughtful people and they cared about each other from early on. The story moved quickly but didn't feel rushed. Also, the conflict also felt believable with the concerns and issues they both faced.

I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series!

Was this review helpful?

First time in reading this author. The place it was in caught my attention. Once I started it I found the pages to keep turning as I enjoyed this one and the cute attitude. Whitney has those goals that life will sometimes say back as you think so? Sam is also a character in himself with his own attitude and match them together they get a attitude adjustment. Following that adjustment is the fun part but seeing where this all ends is the satisfaction part.

Was this review helpful?

The book was fairly quick I did however find that it felt rushed, I wish they would have developed the characters better. Whitney and Sam didn't grab me like some characters tend to do and you are rooting for them, with these two I didn't feel that and I also felt like the issue within families was never really given or answered. I did however like the secondary characters.

Was this review helpful?

Whitney comes back home after her life falls apart, and finds herself falling for Sam. He needs her to help prove to his family that he can be in a relationship. I loved this book for the family connections and the chemistry between the characters. I had not read the other book, but I am going back now to read the first book!

Was this review helpful?

Quick read about a fake relationship between Whitney and Sam. Ok read for me and I think that was because the story felt rushed to me. I also like my stories to have a little more heat and this didn’t. If you are looking for a quick, sweet read then this is the story for you.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving a honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Bets in a book make a me a little nervous because it never ends well. But I loved how the author decided to tackle the concept between Sam and Whitney. Betting on Love was my first read by Jennifer and it was a cute read. It was a little too short for my liking at only 150 pages, I think a bit more could have really developed not only their character, but relationship as well. By the end, I was really seeing the chemistry and connection between them and then we get the epilogue. And it didn't quite feel right.

I loved Whitney's character, she was no damsel and generally a strong heroine I prefer to read about. After what she went through with her ex-husband, she needed a new start more than anything. And I loved how driven she was to get it, a strong and independent woman that many readers will love.

I had no idea that this was part of the series, but I really loved seeing Sam's family in the background. They're hilarious and COMPLETE meddlers, but they're always coming from a good place.

When it comes to the romance, I'm not really a fan of the fade to black scenes when Sam and Whitney become intimate with each other.

This was an OK read for me, still very cute, but it definitely needed to be longer. I am looking forward to reading more about the Ellis family.

Was this review helpful?

Not for me. Dnf @ 25%. At 25% I didn’t like either main character and didn’t care about the outcome at all, not even enough to finish.

Was this review helpful?

In ‘Betting On Love’ we meet Whitney and Sam. Whitney has just divorced her cheating husband. After thinking her life was going good, everything changed and she found herself without a husband, house and job. The only thing Whitney could do was going back home and be with family. Now Whitney is determined to get her life back together. And when she meets Sam, things start to look up. A new job, and a handsome guy to hang around with. It’s a win win. And when Sam asks Whitney to help him win a bet, she figures why not.

‘Betting On Love’ was definitely a short story. I probably should have known that before I started reading, but I didn’t. And before I knew it, I was halfway through the book. ‘Betting On Love’ is definitely a fun read, but things move very fast.

I loved the two main characters Whitney and Sam. They where fun and seemed perfect for each other. There chemistry was definitely something I could feel, and I was rooting for them. But things went way to fast for me to really connect with them. I wished there was a little more character development. Now Whitney and Sam both had trouble trusting people, but they dived right into their little bet from the start.

The small town setting was great, but I wished we got to know the town a little more.

‘Betting On Love’ was definitely a fun and charming read.

Was this review helpful?

I didn't read the first book in the series and I have never read anything by this author so I wasn't sure what to expect. When I first started this book it seemed like so many other relationships of convince, however I liked all the characters they were fun and Family was first no matter what they faced. I loved Betsy she is a pistol and oh my I can't wait to read her story. I loved Whitney why she has a broken spirit from her divorce she was a fighter and willing to take on whatever was thrown at her. This book over all was a fun read it did have sex indicated but not in-depth. I can't wait to read more from this author and see what these fun characters are up to next.

Was this review helpful?

This is a quick read but with lots packed into the pages. This is the story of Whitney and Sam, following them through there fake dating to real romance. This is a well written story with well developed characters. You will fall in love with the characters as you read. This author definitely knows how to bring you quick fun light hearted romance reads.



I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book

Was this review helpful?

Jennifer Hoopes is a new-to-me author but you guys know by now that I’m always up for reading something by someone I’ve never read before. Even though my top 1-click authors put out more than enough to quench my thirst for amazing reads, I also like to give new authors a try because there are some true hidden gems out there. With that in mind, I jumped into Betting on Love.

Sam Ellis has worked himself nearly to burnout. His siblings dare him that he can’t maintain a relationship for thirty days, and he takes the bet because if he doesn’t win, his dad’s prediction will be proven to be true, and he’ll lose the company. Whitney Carroll’s life took a huge plunge when she caught her now ex-husband with her best friend. Back home and starting from scratch, she takes a job working for–and with–Sam, much to her cousin’s dismay. Oh, did I mention her family and his are in an epic feud that makes Romeo and Juliet’s families’ feud look like child’s play? To further confuse matters, Whitney agrees to help Sam win the bet and jumps into a fake relationship–and new job–with both feet. In a game like this, can there be any winners?

NICUnurse’s Rating: First of all, I need to say this. I read this book while in the middle of the Coronavirus shelter-in-place, and we were well into week three of isolation. I’ve found that, in the past, my attitude and emotions sometimes color how I view a book, no matter how great it might be in reality. I’m hoping this is the case with Betting on Love. The book was well written, but it kind of fell flat for me. The world-building and character development seemed to take up most of the book, and that made the plot seem to drag and circle around until the last quarter of the book where it seemed to pick up for me. But the climax seemed to fall flat and the ending seemed a bit too easy. I did love how the author depicted both main characters’ relationships with other family members, though. Especially Sam’s close-knit family. Whitney’s cousin just deserved a smack to the back of his head, but the relationship was still well developed between him and Whitney. The book had all the necessary pieces, and I know that my views regarding the issues I have with the storyline can be colored by what’s going on in my personal life, so I’m adding Betting on Love to the list of books to re-read when I’m in a much better headspace. If my views change, I will certainly update my review. For readers who love a sweet plus heat story that isn’t very complex, I think you’ll find a nice distraction with this book. But if you’re looking for a more complex storyline, this one might fall a bit flat for you, as well.

I give Betting on Love by Jennifer Hoopes 3 out of 5 stars!

Was this review helpful?

I was pleasantly surprised by this one, it's the first book I've read by Jennifer and it was super sweet.

Sam and Whitney are from two families that have a feud that goes back generations. Despite that these two are instantly attracted to one another and it's that bond that we see be strengthened throughout the book.

Whitney is recently divorced and is looking to start again in her hometown. By coming home Whitney is hoping to build a life of her own, on her own two feet.

Sam is a workaholic who is driven by the words of his deceased father. These words have forced Sam to push himself in a way that has impacted his health and relationships - all of his siblings are worried.

When a bet is made and a proposition is extended - we end up in a world of unnecessary complications.

Throughout the story we see both Sam and Whitney try to be open and honest with one another while not complicating the rest of their lives. The push and pull of these two makes you keep cheering for them to figure it out because they make each other better.

If you're looking for a super sweet, slow-burn this one is for you!

Was this review helpful?