Who doesn't love a small town romance? Especially a crush from when you were younger!
I found this to quickly invite me into wanting to keep listening very early on, so many books almost lose me before finally reeling me in. So not the case with this book. Were there cheesey moments? MANY, but still it was good.
Overall 4/5

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I enjoyed this very much. The premise was fun, and reminded me slightly of Sweet Home Alabama with Billy Ray trying to get them together. I loved the small town feel, and completely related to just how deeply childhood crushes could go. I also appreciated that bear boxes were brought up. My mother is an avid backpacker and has drilled that into me since childhood. I was excited to see that basic survival was noted. Thank you for the opportunity to enjoy this.

Double or nothing! Such a cute book.

Tessa had been crushing on Logan since they were kids. They both experienced some loss in love which lead them to the point they were both skeptical of love.

They took a bet that said that they would win a truck if they "dated" the whole summer (set up by their friend Jake), held hands on every date, and shared at least one kiss and did NOT fall in love when the summer was over. They thought this would be easy for them, but the more time they spent together, the more difficult this was seeming to be.

Overall, this book was adorable. Fine as a standalone (Although part of a series I am going to start reading ASAP). Gave me lots of great date ideas and made me love love even more.

Would recommend! 5/5

This book was so much fun to read. I thoroughly enjoyed the character banter. All of the details scream southern and I love that as well being from the South. It’s sweet and well written. Witty banter. Lovable characters. Small town vibes. Can’t wait to read her other novels after this one!

5⭐️
I finished this in less than 24 hours, it was so cute!

Tessa is back in her home town and guess whose also back for the summer… her best friends older brother who she’s been in love with since she was 8 years old. Tessa just got her heartbroken by a player and Logan has been a well known player for years but due to the scheming of a mutual friend, Jake, and a once in a life time bet, Tessa and Logan must survive a summer of dating WITHOUT falling in love. But after an evening in the mud, the line between winning the bet and falling in love gets blurred. Will Tessa be able to put her heart on the line again and will Logan be able to change his player ways or break Tessa’s heart.

This was so stinking cute, I was kicking my feet and giggling throughout. The banter was so fun, and the story was so entertaining. Since its dual POV we get to know how Logan and Tessa are feeling. The growth both characters has throughout the story is so well done. They are able to drop their guard with each other and really show true vulnerability. They were able to come to terms, not just with their previous dating history but also with what they truly wanted to do with their lives. While I absolutely HATED the third act breakup, it was resolved quickly and done with justice for both characters. Where you could have been left hating one of the characters for their actions (like other books I’ve read) I found it easy to forgive and move on.

THE ORCHARD SCENE, THE COUPON OMGGGGGG MY HEART
Also where can I go play Fugitive?! It sounded like so much fun!

If you want a story featuring dual POV, small-town romance, friends to lovers, forced proximity, childhood crush, best friends brother, farm town, great side characters, slow burn, and banter with no spice (just some kissing) this ones for you! While some romance books can get overly tropey and makes things feel rushed and forced, Cindy Steel does it so right. Everything works so well and feels so authentic, which just made for a great listen!

I haven’t read the other books in the Pride and Pranks series and found that this stood up well as a stand-a-lone but I am excited to read That Fine Line which focuses on Kelsey and Cade’s story. I am also hoping that he next book will focus on Jake! I’m worried about him after that epilogue 👀 I am available for an ARC if needed 👀🙏

I received the audiobook version which was narrated by Stacey Glemboski and David Bendena. Stacey was magnificent (👀), her male voices were great and I loved the emotion she was able to portray. David was also excellent, that accent! OMG where can I find my own cowboy! His female voices weren’t the best and I found it difficult to tell if Logan or Tessa was speaking but that freaking accent!

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for an advanced audio copy for an honest review. I love you guys 💕

Double or Nothing by Cindy Steel
⭐️5/5

Logan may have been Tessa’s childhood crush, but she’s always been little Tessa to him. Logan is back in their small town for the summer and he’s turned into a shallow player. Tessa has had her heart broken and is not looking to get played again.

What could go wrong when a mutual acquaintance bets them something they can’t refuse?

I loved everything about this wholesome romcom. The banter between the MC and their friends made me smile. There were cringe worthy moments that made me laugh and sweet moments that reminded me of a Hallmark movie.

I didn’t know this was part of a series. I read it as a stand-alone and was not confused. I do plan to read the rest of the series since I loved this book!

I listened to the audiobook and really liked the dual POV. Both narrators were excellent!

Thank you to @netgalley for the audio copy in exchange for my honest review.

#bookreview #doubleornothing #netgalley #KU #kindleunlimited #booklover #bookstagrammer

If you are looking for a cute PG rom-com, this is the book for you. It is a sweet, small town, dual POV, fake dating/bet, best friend's brother, forced proximity that follows Tessa and Logan as they slowly fall in love over one summer. Like I said, it is very PG (only kissing, and not even really steamy kissing at that), and I didn't realize when I requested my ARC that it was the 4th book in a series (I was able to understand everything fine, but definitely missed out on the impact seeing previous book couples had as we see them have their HEA). It is cute and very readable (I binge listened to the audiobook in a few days) but it's probably better if you've already read the series.
I enjoyed the audiobook, especially the female narrator Stacey Glembosk.

I really enjoyed this book. I like the competition. I loved the easy romance. What a fun, quick read. I love the effortlessness of this book. I can't wait to read more from this author.

Double or Nothing by Cindy Steel

Tessa has had a lifelong crush on her best friend’s older brother, Logan. He’s gone out of this way to make a joke of it to keep Tessa from being embarrassed.
But now they’re all grown up and Logan is back in town. Tessa is determined not to let him ruffle her feathers as he’s got a reputation as a player and that is not where her priorities lie now. The stakes are raised substantially when a friend proposes a “deal.” If they pair can follow his dating plan and make it through the summer without falling in love, the pair will win joint custody to his truck. Will Tessa make it though unscathed and be victorious or will she taste a different kind of victory?

This was a very fun book. It was a fast paced book that kept me engaged, anxious to see who would one-up who next. The playful banter that leads to meaningful conversation was gold. This is perfect for those who love a good grumpy and sunshine and/or friends to enemies to lovers read.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - 4/5

This was my first Cindy Steel novel. I immediately purchased some after finishing this one. I loved it. Simple story but a great listen. I enjoyed the characters and wit. Made me laugh and swoon.

4/5

I have not read anything else by this author. I read this book as a standalone. You do not have to read the others in the series to read this book.

This was a really really good read, but a couple of things prevented it from being 5/5. One of those things is that Logan calls Tessa “jail bait” as a nickname. That is an instant red flag for me. Some might say that it can be cute, but no, I do not think it is cute. I don’t think it is necessary. It comes off as weird and icky. Another thing is the over the top embarrassing crush that Tessa has. She alludes to still having a scrapbook of him even at the start of the series when she is an adult. This could set up a weird dynamic where she does not see the real Logan because she has built him up on a pedestal for so long. That is a weird dynamic that might work for others but did not work for me.

Other than that, it is a very funny and comfy read. The setup for the fake-ish dating was unconventional. Jake (the matchmaker) was hilarious. The dates were cute and had funny moments (while running, camping, etc).

In the audiobook, the male and female narrators did a really good job. I found myself laughing out loud on many occasions.

Although there were a couple of things that I hated (above), it was worth reading!

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed the audiobook version of this book. Both female and male narration did a great job representing their characters. I frequently have a hard time listening to an audiobook of I find the voices annoying, they constantly trip up words or heavy breathe. I noticed none of these things and liked the narration.
I have not read the rest of the books in this series but after reading this one I would like to. It was well written and not a story I’ve read a dozen times before. The characters often find themselves in awkward or embarrassing situations that honestly could happen to any of us.
I gave this book 5 stars because I would recommend it to anyone looking for a book in this category. If I was looking for a feel good, funny, light hearted story I would definitely read it again or seek out other stories from this author. It is an enjoyable read that you won’t want to put down.

4 1/2 ⭐️. I adored this audiobook. Didn’t realize it was part of a series but it works as a standalone. The characters felt relatable, and the story dealt with the difficulties of moving on and opening up again after heartbreak in a realistic way. Most of all, it was FUN! The banter was terrific - flirty and sarcastic. You will find yourself rooting for Tess and Logan, and enjoying their adventure. Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for my audio copy.

I adored this best friend's brother spin on a second chance romance. She had a crush on him for a decade while growing up, before finally moving on and meeting the guy she thought was the one. But when she's left at the altar and ends up back home helping her brother's physical therapy business, they meet again. He works for the construction company building her brother's office in town. When a mutual friend bets them an 80,000 truck that they can't spend time together all summer without falling in love, well, that's when things get good.

For fans of the brother's best friend, second chance romance, fake dating, prank wars, small town, and one-bed tropes. These two are just so stinking cute. The banter and flirting is A+, the spicy scenes are plenty, and the genuine respect and admiration between the two shines. I wish I could read this again for the first time. I also highly recommend the audiobook. The story is told in dual POV with two narrators. I think this achieves a few of the same themes as Tessa Bailey's Hook, Line, and Sinker but in a less spelled-out and maybe even smoother manner.

I wasn't sure where this book was going to go at the start of it but I am so glad I stuck with it. I ended up really like this book
I did not realize that this was a series but the author says that each book follows a different character so that it would be okay but that the other characters would show up in the book. This could be why I was a little lost a first.
I do want more on Jake's story though!

This may be my new favorite romcom read this year, Cindy Steel completely wowed me with this hilarious and swoony book! If I could give this ten-stars, I would.
Logan and Tessa had the best chemistry. I loved everything from their past shared history, to the way in which they became friends and fell in love now. Their banter was top notch. I just felt the connection between them coming right off the page. The plot was super fun too. It just flowed so well and there was never a moment I was disengaged. I also liked how things felt natural and realistic. Freaking Jake was a perfect side character and I am definitely crossing all my fingers we get his story next.
This is a clean romance. It will deliver all the swoony and romantic vibes you can wish for, while keeping the content nice and wholesome.
I did a reread of this story via audiobook in December 2022 and loved it! The female narrator in particular did an excellent job and really brought Tessa and all her emotions to life. The narration for both POVs was clear and easy to follow along as well as entertaining where I didn't want to stop listening. I recommend this book in audio and really all formats.
Thank you Dreamscape audio and Netgalley for the advance listening copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I loved this book! I could not stop reading it! Love is in the air! This is funny and romantic! Read this today! You will not be disappointed!

This is one of those books that you never pass up. It is just so dang cute and sweet and witty and funny!!
Logan is THAT guy. You know the guy you had a crush in in high-school, that was your best friends brother, that you spent a-lot of time with because you were always at his house. But you were invisible because you were just a kid. He was always super hot, and funny, and confident. Even that one time when you… ahem… saw something you shouldn’t have. Awkward!!!
Tessa was the friend. She was the awkward friend of his sisters who was always around. She was fun to tease and was a cute little thing, but jailbait because, well he was older than her and that would just be weird.
Until the friend decides to stir the dang pot… (why do friends always get involved). The deal is ridiculous, but also intriguing. What would Tessa be like now that she is older and attractive and adorable? Would Logan be attracted to her? Could her heart handle the entire summer with Logan, over a bet?
I am just sayin, its good! So good! Its clean, lots of kisses, lots of funny moments and witty banter. This book has it all.

Loved it! Cindy Steel knows how to bring wit and pranks and romance into her stories. I absolutely loved this boy next door, best friends brother, not so secret forever crush with forced proximity, a bet and some sly pranks story! Logan and Tessa have some baggage and think they can just slide through summer without letting nothing slip. It’s a treasure of laughs and Hallmark romcom feels. You need to read it!!!
I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the dual narration. It was very well done.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

This was just the sweet read I hoped it would be! Best friend’s older brother, fake dating, small town… and a bet.

Great audiobook- loved the dual narration.

Some great laugh out loud and swoony moments. Highly recommend for sweet romance fans!

Thank you netgalley & dreamscape media for the chance to review the audio copy.