Thank you to Berkley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review! I absolutely adore Lynn Painter's YA books; I loved Better than the Movies and the Do-Over more than anything. Her Mr. Wrong Number was a miss for me, and I had hoped that The Love Wager would be better, but unfortunately, it was not. The premise is charming, but Painter's adult voice feels unnatural. I wouldn't really say that she keeps her young adult voice and it doesn't fit into her adult writing, but that her adult works just feel forced overall, both in plot and character. Nothing really stood out to me. Still an enjoyable rom com overall (and spicy) but I don't think Lynn Painter's adult books are really for me!

3.75 stars

<b>“Listen, Tiny Bartender.” He grabbed the plate of nachos and slid it in front of her, because they both knew she loved selecting the first chip. “You have bewitched me body and soul, and I love you three times. Please tell me my hands are cold so we can get on with our lives already.” </b>

Hallie & Jack. Partners in crime. Hallie is a tender little sweetheart of a girl! Jack = delightful boy. He might literally be Prince Charming. The chemistry!!! The humor!!! The tacos!!! The love!!! Just so chef’s kiss!!! GAH!! Every single one of Lynn Painter’s books is a FIVE star read!

🍟 THINGS AND STUFF 🍟
-dual pov
-friends to lovers
-looking4thereal dating app
-shopping for soul mates
-nicknames
-french fries in bed
-a bet. a wager, if you will… who could find love first
-tacos: cheese on the bottom, of course
-pizza, beer, & pride and prejudice the hand flex version
-fake relationship
-texting & banter
-#IsThisAKissingBook: open door. This is a pg-13 show! “I’ll be back.” “I’ll be in the ballroom, apparently.” She started pulling away, but he jerked her back and kissed the tip of her nose.

Thank you Berkley Romance for an earc! And thank you Lynn Painter for a physical arc!

Song: I like that by Adam Turley

I wanted to love this one so bad & I’m bummed I didn’t. The banter was very awkward & unnatural, & a lot of the conversations were cheesy & felt forced. It was a cute concept & I did enjoy some parts but overall it fell a bit flat for me.

<i>thank you berkley pub for the eARC of this book!</i>

everything about this book was a massive hit to me!

friends to lovers meets "they make a bet trope" meets one bed trope !!!! YES PLS

i'm a sucker for interconnected stand alones, and this book allows us to revisit the Mr. Wrong Number characters in a different light, spotlighting jack as our MC and a fun, silly new female lead who's genuinely so entertaining to read about.

the entire premise of this book is so perfectly romcom that as i read it, it played out so perfectly as a film (think <i>set it up</i> type romcom–there's a clear vision here) in my brain and i genuinely got SAD when i finished it. painter creates these perfectly crafted comedic timings while also keeping somewhat deeper themes in the book and it all adds up to this gem of a read.

the third act conflict was a slight miss for me, but thats just personal preference if we're being honest. i saw it coming from a mile away (lovely sort of foreshadowing, ms painter) but even so, i just wish it would have been done a bit differently. but all in all, SUCH a fun book.

4.25/5
surprise surprise, i absolutely loved it.
lynn painter just comes out with hit after hit and this is no exception. i fell in love with the characters and their interactions with each other, something that lynn painter has done with every book of hers i've ever read.
the banter... the chemistry... the comedy... all of it was just top tier. this is the kind of book that is a warm hug of a romance. hallie and jack's chemistry lights up the page and and just made it so easy to root for them. i loved them. and i can totally see this as a comfort read for me in the future.
im so excited for everyone to read this book. this is a romc-com for the rom com girlies. for my 27 dresses, for my how to lose a guy in 10 days, for my the proposal girlies. lynn painter understood the assignment, just as she always does, and i can say with confidence that this has only further solidified the fact that she is one of my favorite romance authors.

thank you so much to netgalley and berkley for letting me read this title early in exchange for an honest review! all opinions are mine and mine alone :)

It feels almost impossible to put my love for this book into words, but I'm going to try.

OH MY GOODNESS Y’ALL. I can tell this is going to be one of my favorite reads of the year. I absolutely adored this book. I was addicted since chapter 1 & I cannot get over Hallie and Jack’s relationship. They have the most delicious one night stand to best friends to fake dating romantic relationship ever. The tension is unreal and sizzles off the page.

I cannot stress enough how incredible of a romance book this is. It's an addicting, laugh-out-loud hilarious, and charming story that book lovers will adore.

The Love Wager comes out in March and I truly am excited for this to be out in the world. Lynn Painter’s books are a treat & this book has been a happy place for me to escape into the past few days

This book is perfect to read if you're a fan of Taylor Swift references, one night stand to best friends to lovers trope, fake dating for a wedding, dual POV, and mutual pining.

Lynn Painter has done it again! In an amazing follow up to Mr. Wrong Number, it's quite possible that Hallie and Jack have actually surpassed Olivia and Colin for my top spot (ok, ok, maybe it's tied) - fake dating, friends to lovers, amazing banter and some fabulous spice - what's not to love!

The Love Wager by Lynn Painter
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Publication date: March 14th, 2023
Book 2 after Mr. Wrong Number, can be read stand alone

This was my first book by this author, and I really enjoyed it! I didn’t realize that this was set after Mr. Wrong Number until after I read it and I didn’t feel like I was missing any information - you can definitely read it as a stand alone.

This one started off rocky for me with some tropes I don’t prefer, but it quickly turned into great chemistry, hilarious dialogue, and an interesting concept. I also enjoyed the unique rotating dual POVs within the same chapter!

I love love LOVED the chemistry between the MCs. I will miss their friendship, banter, and dialogue. 🥹

Perfect for you if you like:
Strangers to best friends to lovers
Fake dating + there’s only one bed
Bold and spunky FMC

🛑 multiple open door scenes and explicit language
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ four open door scenes, plot remains emphasis: plot is primary throughout and then there are multiple open door chapters back-to-back at the end.

Thank you @netgalley and @berkleyromance for an advanced review copy of this book!

Thanks to Let’s Talk Books Promo and Berkley for the copy of this book.

I’m pretty sure I had a stupid grin on my face the entire time I read this, which honestly was only a few short hours because I binged this in a day. First, obviously always here for a redhead MC. Second, the insta love was SO GOOD. Not usually a trope I’d say is a favorite, but pure perfection here. Third, the banter is amazing - so much sarcasm, great text exchanges, and absolutely delightful in-person interactions. I loved all the quirky supporting characters and the friendship + relationship built between our MCs. This was a really fun and swoony read!

Read if you like:
- Making sarcastic comments
- When the main characters make a bet
- Pride and Prejudice movie (2005)
- Insta love

This was such a cute read-Lynn Painter does it again! Hallie and Jack are adorable together and I loved the plot as well as their banter-books that make you laugh are the best :)

Hallie Piper is determined to get her act together. She's got a new haircut, some new clothes, and a new apartment. Now all she needs is someone to share her new life with. When her cousin convinces her to join a dating app, one of the first profiles Hallie sees is none other than the guy whose hotel room she belly-crawled out of. Jack Marshall has just been dumped by the woman he thought he was going to marry, and forced into online dating by his meddling sister. But his attitude changes when he reconnects with Hallie. But instead of dating each other, the pair place a wager on who can find their soulmate first. They schedule their dates at the same time and place, so if it's a bust, they can get tacos together and commiserate. But when Jack agrees to go to Hallie's sister's wedding as her fake boyfriend, the lines start to blur, leaving them wondering why they thought being together was a bad idea.

I'm obsessed with this book. I read it in one sitting because I couldn't put it down, and then once I finished, I went back to the beginning and re-read it to highlight my favorite parts. Spoiler alert: there were a lot of them. Painter's writing is so sharp and quick-witted, and her characters are so fun. Hallie and Jack were everything I could've wanted in a pairing. They had the playful, teasing banter I love so much, and their chemistry was palpable. I had a goofy grin on my face throughout the whole book because I couldn't get enough of them. There were some instances of miscommunication (my least favorite romance trope), but I never found myself that bothered with it here. If you're in the mood for an amusing yet swoony rom-com, I highly recommend checking it out.

A super fun and subtle sequel to Mr Wrong Number, we get all of the laughs that come with navigating online dating with a one night stand to friends to lovers plot. Hallie and Jack have undeniable chemistry. Like seriously, Jack can give me a nickname that sounds like an infectious disease ANY TIME. But also we get text exchanges that'll make you giggle and swoon, the best chaotic roommate ever in Ruthie, and Tigger, king of all cats. I spent last night trying not to laugh out loud while my fiancé was sleeping, but even then Lynn Painter made me bust out a few times. And the STEAM - this is definitely steamier than Mr Wrong Number, starting with a literal bang and more than a few more. Give me Jack Marshall and an elevator any day.

*Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review*

friends to lovers supremacy. i loved this so much, i started reading it in class because i was bored during my lecture and i was sucked in and didn't want to stop. i finally picked it back up today and i have not moved. it was so incredibly good and i loved their banter and their friendship. it was funny, the third act conflict was just enough to be conflict without being over the top.


anyway, thank you to netgalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

Three words to describe The Love Wager: cute, lighthearted, and swoony.

I loved so much about this book! It was such a quick read and was just what I needed to recover after a heavy sci-fi read. It takes place in the same world as Mr. Wrong Number and we even get some cameos from Olivia and Colin (Jack's sister and best friend, respectively). Now, I haven't read Mr. Wrong Number but you best believe that I bought it as soon as I finished The Love Wager because it was THAT CUTE.

I adored Jack and thought Hallie was a fun FMC to read about, even if I didn't relate to her very well. The third act breakup was handled quickly and without unnecessary drama, so I really appreciated that. I am not a fan of the dramatic third act breakups that could have been resolved in a single conversation.

All in all, this is the perfect read for romcom lovers. Mr. Wrong Number is officially on my TBR thanks to this book, and I have a feeling Lynn Painter is going to be an autobuy author from now on.

I was completely smitten with this book from the first few pages of the story! I could go on and on about how unique The Love Wager is, but the truth is that it is not your typical trope story. It is delightful, jovial, swoon-worthy, and incredibly steamy as well!

Just read it for yourself's sake!

This was actually refreshing to read because it was short, focused on the two leads, quick to chemistry, and not a lot of conflict. Sometimes romance gets bogged down with so much filler that it's nice to just read only the good parts.

One of the better romcoms I’ve read in a while as it’s actually romantic and also quite funny. Our main characters have great chemistry and funny banter. Their texts are actually entertaining to read, as they keep each other updated on their romantic exploits trying to see who will win their wager of who can find love first. Of course, their best option is right in front of them!

Very good, felt like a classic romcom and read like a movie in the best way. Looking forward to reading more from Lynn Painter, I’m actually a little surprised that I’ve not read her before!

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Books for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book is 1000% Lynn Painter - laugh out loud funny, exceptional banter, sizzling chemistry! Loved Hallie and Jack, loved getting to see Olivia and Colin again. Come for the tacos, stay for the vomit condoms and fake dating.

I enjoyed reading this book which is about two friends who make a deal that they need to find “the one” on the dating app in order to win the prize. This book takes place in the same universe as Mr. Wrong Number but you don’t have to read that book in order to understand the story. I enjoyed the plot of this book and was instantly hooked with the story. Painter is such an incredible writer who knows what the readers want. The storyline was enhoyable and it was fast paced that you won’t get bored with the story. I also enjoyed the different conflicts that were in the book which reminded me a bit of another book I can’t think of right off my head. This book is also in dual povs which was really enjoyable.

This book is written from both Hallie and Josh’s pov. Hallie is a bartender that is adventerous and fun. She kind of reminds of of Lucy from The Hating Game. Josh is an architect who is trying to find someone to commit his life too. I really enjoyed both characters and their development. Their chemistry was off the charts and I wish they knew way sooner. There are many side characters in this book whom you will enjoy. The romance is friends to lovers and I enjoyed it quite a bit. I just wish we got to see them as a couple for a good because it did take a while. There are also some closed steamy scenes in this book but nothing too detailed.

The ending was well done and I enjoyed how cute the book was. I wish we got to see the couple as a couple for a but longer then we have because the next thing you know that the book is done. It was very well written though and I enjoyed the story. Painter is an incredible writer and I totally recommend reading her books especially Mr. Wrong Number.

Sadly, this was a DNF for me. I thought Mr Wrong Number was cute, but it didn't really grab me. I forgot how much I didn't like Jack in that book and with this being his book... Well, it didn't make me like him any better.