This book is the story of Sam & Whitney and what starts out as a fake relationship for Sam to prove to his siblings he can slow down.  This book is on the short side but a cute read.

A sweet short novella and a great romantic story. Loved this one!

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

Whitney Carroll is back in Gatlinburg divorcing her cheating husband. She has worn off men for now and all that she desperately needs is a job to get back on her feet.

Sam Ellis is a workaholic. Trying to keep his family legacy alive he is over working himself and didn't take a single day off in the past year. Out of concern his siblings bets him to date a girl for thirty days or they will remove him as a CEO of the company.

Whitney is the perfect choice. She is the perfect candidate to work as a PR for his company and to also help him with the bet as they would be working together alot. But what started out as fake can turn into something real? When the time will come to choose whom will Sam pick work or love?

Review-

This is a short story novella kind of book. But I wish it was a full fledged story because everything just happens quick and fast. You don't get to connect with the characters. Their emotions are confusing and it keeps oscillating.

The plot had so much potential there could be some office romance, fake dates or maybe some family drama. Author could have described more about the characters by throwing them in different situations. At times I felt same thing was getting repeated again and again.

Even the twist at the end was felt rushed and not planned because the whole dynamics of the story changes based on a very trivial thing.

The most fun and interesting part of the story was Ellis siblings and the chemistry between the characters. Siblings interference, their planning and scheming just makes it so much fun to read.

Author banged the chemistry between Whitney and Sam. From the first encounter you can feel the connection between them. Though it happened very fast their love story still warms your heart.

If you are looking for something sweet, simple and short in romance, this is the perfect book for it.

Betting on Love is I think the second story in the Ellis family book series but it was easily read as a standalone series; although some slight confusion about one of the family units. 

The book was sweet and both a slow burn and incredibly fast. It was awhile before the story got going on the relationship but then it felt like it immediately went to love and forever. I think both characters are great but it ended up so fast and could have used more time to build the relationship once there was a first kiss.

I will read more in the series.

3 stars

I wish I knew this is the second book in a series. I wish I Rea d book one first. That would have helped a little. I felt a little lost. It was a fats read. A short book. I wished it was longer. More in depth.

This is a delightful contemporary fake relationship romance involving a family feud, a workaholic, a bet and a feisty, determined divorcee who is determined to not get involved with a man again . . . .

The Ellis family have suffered multiple tragedies, including the untimely death of their parents and eldest brother. Now Sam is endeavouring to keep all the family businesses thriving, even if it means working all  hours and not having fun. His siblings are concerned about him and coerce him into going to the local bar with them….and make a bet with him. In the bar he tries to come to the aid of Whitney Carroll, who actually didn’t need any help . . . the next day he offers her the job of his assistant. That’s when the fun starts. The two are attracted to each other but plan to have a fake relationship . . . . but what happens when the attraction proves too much to resist?

There’s plenty of family love in this story, with great characters, plenty of twists and turns and absolutely loads of humour to put a smile on your face. It is an easy read and proved to be heartwarming to escape into. I thoroughly enjoyed it and will be looking out for more stories about the Ellis siblings in future!

I requested and was gifted a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion after choosing to read it.

I thought the book was good, but it’s a very quick read and I was kind of disappointed we didn’t get more details on the story between Sam and Whitney. Highly recommend if you’re looking for a quick, light summer read!

If you're looking for a quick romance perfect for a cozy night by the fire, this book would be a great addition! 

Reading this one in just under a couple hours, I was here for them. I love reading books set close to me (i.e. Tennessee) and this one just screamed READ ME! 

I would have liked to have seen their office relationship blossom a little more, but as this is a shorter book, I couldn't complain too much. Despite the lack of fleshed characters, I thought their family drama created the right amount of angst. The steam is a bit milder, so if this is more up your alley, I recommend giving this one a try. 

A 3 out of 5 star read!

Having recently returned to her hometown of Gatlinburg after divorcing her cheating husband, the last thing that Whitney was interested in was a relationship.

Sam has spent the last year running the family business following the death of his father and older brother. He doesn’t have time to sleep, let alone be in a relationship.

How then did these two people from feuding families find themselves together? And despite the many odds against them, can they stay together.

Find out in this charming, sweet, and often funny tale of two people who really do deserve happiness and each other.

Betting on love is the story of Sam and Whitney. Sam is the CEO of his family’s company...a position he inherited after tragedy, and one he doesn’t believe he deserves. Although he is willing to work himself to death to prove otherwise...the only problem is...no one else needs him to prove himself. This is an inner battle. Whitney is returning to her hometown after a divorce from a cheating no good husband. She is looking for 2 things...a job and independence from men. When her marriage ended, she realized how much she had given up for that relationship and vowed not to put herself in that position again. After a chance meeting at a bar where instead of walking out with a phone number...she is walking out with an interview for a job that is perfect for her. Score one on her list! She nails the interview and accepts the job, but also learns about the bet. Sam needs a fake girlfriend for 30 days to prove to his siblings he can slow down, enjoy life, and take some time off from his workaholic lifestyle. If he loses the bet, he also loses his position as CEO. Whitney is torn in helping with this bet shenanigan...oh she is definitely willing to pretend to be Sam’s girlfriend...that is no problem, but does she want him to win the bet? Winning the bet means he would continue with his same current lifestyle of working 24/7, not eating, sleeping, and although she would be hard pressed to admit it.... no time for a real relationship…..





My thoughts:



This book is very short. Not sure if it is categorized as a novella but should be. I’m not really a fan of novellas/short stories. I really liked the amusement park element...super fun! The characters were likable, and I was rooting for them. Although there were times, I was hoping a ride of one of the roller coasters would jostle some sense into Sam. The feud storyline felt forced, underdeveloped, and unnecessary...like the author had to throw something in as an afterthought to add complication. Having said that...overall this is a cute read.



If you are looking for a very quick, very tame, fun, contemporary romance...I’m willing to “bet” you will enjoy this book!

For more book fun check out my blog @: http://beachbumbookworm.com/

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank Netgalley, the author Jennifer Hoopes, and the publisher for this opportunity.

After being betrayed by those she thought she could trust Whitney has returned to her hometown looking for a fresh start and that begins with a job. When she is offered the perfect opportunity, she accepts even if her now boss’s family have an ongoing feud with her family.

Since his parent’s passed away Sam is all work and no play as he is on a mission that he capable of taking over the family business. A bet with his siblings has him approaching Whitney at the bar and before he knows it not only is she his employee but pretending to be his girlfriend as well. It is only a matter of time before the relationship begins to feel very real but balancing his personal and professional life may be the biggest challenge of all.

I liked the relationships that Sam had with his siblings and how Whitley showed Sam that there was more to life than just work.

I really enjoyed this book. It was my first Jennifer Hoopes book, but it won't be my last, that's for sure.

This was a fun, quick read that focuses on a fake romance between Whitney and Sam. Whitney is getting over her cheating ex-husband, and Sam is too focused on the family business to have a relationship. When his family bet him he couldn't have a happy relationship for 30 days, he takes on the challenge. 

I could have read about Sam and Whitney for much longer, that's how much I was enjoying it.

This is a sweet story and I really enjoyed it. We meet Sam, the over worked brother that has spent every moment trying to prove himself. I loved the way that Whitney and Sam had this immediate connection, that pull towards each other. There's a flow to the story, I loved getting to know the family and looking forward to more.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.