2⭐

LIKED:
- The plot (when the book gets to it) is pretty fun. It’s a little hidden identity on both sides and that’s cute.
- This book is very quick to read, and I mean that as a compliment. It’s not meant to be anything too heavy so you can just pick it up and get through it in one sitting relatively easy.
- I like this title. I wish it had anything to do with this book (They are not getting even. About anything. There is no revenge.)
- This cover is…fine. But the MMC looks so creepy. Why is hair stringy? What is he wearing? What is that expression? Just why.

LAMENTED:
- The pacing of this book is inefficient. We did not get to the actual meat of the story until 30% into the book. That is too far in. I know that the author needed to do some set up for the infatuation between the two, but it did not need to be that much. And then once we get to whatever Dakota it is, there still is not a lot of time spent on their relationship. The author is trying to do too much while not investing writing into what was most important.
- This romance made no sense. I did not care about either character or them getting together. They knew each other for like a day and a half and I cannot suspend my disbelief that this relationship would by any means last.
- I find the MMC to be really unappealing. He’s just kind of whiny and weird in a bad way. Also he’s supposed to be obsessed with reptiles but also we don’t really get to see why or how he wants it to be his dream. He does not feel fully fleshed out.
- I do not like the famous ex plot line. It just felt odd, personally, in how it was handled.
- There are too many side characters and they all feel really one dimensional. I did not care about any of them and, again, I just feel like they took away from the actual romance of the rom-com.

LONGED FOR:
- Any semblance of chemistry between the leads
- More actual focus on the romance
- Stronger pacing and less dilly-dallying when the book is quite plot focused

Will I read the next one? : No.

This is such a cute rom-com style book set in South Dakota. Jean and Charlie had chemistry from the first moment they met. Their banter made the book so good and I could picture it all happening as a movie in my head as I was reading.

This was a fun, wacky read! Jean and Charlie were such different characters and I loved how they fit together in the best possible way. There were so many great hijinks and miscommunications in this book and I was laughing the whole time. A lighthearted rom com perfect for summer!

I love a good feel good book and this was exactly it. I don't think there wasn't a single chapter where i wasn't giggling like a maniac.
the banter and humor was amazing and it felt like i was watching a rom com movie and i didn't know i needed this type of energy so bad rn.
The characters, the setting, and the writing was top tier and this is def one of my top books of the year :)

thanks to St. Martin's Press and netgalley for the ARC!

This book was just okay. The story just didn't hit the tropes for me, and the whole "revenge" plot was just kind of meh. That being said, it was a fun, low stakes, quick read that would be a great beach or vacation read for when you don't want anything complicated or crazy. I enjoyed the snake double entendres 🐍

Sadly, this book fell flat for me and it was a DNF.

Thank you, NetGalley and St Martin's for the e=ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I’m sorry to say that I found this book to be more annoying than adorable. From the first chapter, I never felt any chemistry between Jean and Charlie, which sadly meant that I didn’t feel a connection with them myself.

This book was such a gem—clever, funny, and full of heart. Amanda Sellet has this amazing way of making her characters feel totally relatable, even when they’re caught up in the most ridiculous (and hilarious) situations.

The humor had me smiling the whole time, and I loved the mix of snarky banter, heartfelt moments, and just the right dash of chaos. The friendships were a major highlight for me—real, messy, supportive in all the best ways. And the main character? Loved her voice—smart, a little awkward, and just trying to figure things out like the rest of us.

It’s the kind of book that sneaks up on you with deeper themes too—about growing up, figuring out who you are, and learning how to be okay with uncertainty. But it never feels heavy. Just thoughtful and fun.

If you’re into witty, character-driven stories with a touch of rom-com energy and great dialogue, this one’s totally worth picking up!

*thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

I really wanted to like The Odds of Getting Even, but it sadly just didn't work for me. What should have been a fun and quirky meet cute between the MCs gave me the ick.

title: The Odds of Getting Even

author: Amanda Sellet

publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

publication date: July 15, 2025

pages: 320

peppers: 3 (on this scale)

warnings: none

summary: Working her job at a Hawaiian resort, Jean brings extra towels to awkward Charlie, who's staying at one of the private cabins. Though they spark an immediate connection that grows stronger every day he stays, it turns out that he has a big secret that leads him back to North Dakota without a farewell and makes her want to track him down for revenge.

tropes:

nerdy, inexperienced man
speaks-what's-on-her-mind woman
secret identity
family business drama
vacation fling

what I liked: 

great banter
his quirkiness
extra characters
lots of threads weave together

what I didn’t like: maybe a little predictable

overall rating: 4 (of 5 stars)

This book balances romance and science in a way that feels natural and meaningful. The story carries the lightness of a romcom but is grounded by thoughtful, intellectual elements that give it real depth. The scientific details aren’t just decorative; they influence the characters’ choices and add layers to their experiences.

The characters are complex and believable, facing challenges that go beyond typical romantic storylines. Their development felt genuine, making their relationships and struggles resonate on a more personal level. There’s an honesty in their interactions that made the emotional moments hit with real weight.

What stands out is the author’s ability to blend humor and warmth with ideas that invite reflection. This book isn’t simply about falling in love—it’s about questioning, understanding, and connecting in ways that feel authentic. The story stayed with me long after I finished, prompting thoughts I hadn’t expected.

It’s a smart, heartfelt novel that delivers more than just entertainment. It’s a meaningful exploration of curiosity and connection, told through a romance that feels both fresh and sincere.

Jean works the night shift at an exclusive resort. She answers the call when Charlie asks for additional towels in the middle of the night. Jean finds him irresistible and quirky, perfect for a fling. Charlie is at the resort because he does not want to go home and is trying to hide away from the media. I loved the games they played while hiding out in Charlie’s cottage. Their few days together are magical until someone finds him, and he needs to flee. Jean is hurt and bound to find him and get even. I loved Charlie’s passion for snakes and how he speaks his mind, willing to do anything for Jean. When Jean shows up at his parents’ home she takes charge. This book is fun with lots of love and very interesting and different characters.

This delightful book is a wonderful homage to Hollywood screwball comedies. It also reminds me of a Shakespeare comedy – packed with masquerading characters/mistaken identities, numerous misunderstandings, secret love, and plenty of humorous situations. It is a fast-paced, quick read that makes a perfect breezy summer read.

The characters are so likeable – Jean is a firecracker; she is smart, playful and fun. But it is Charlie that is the absolute gem of this novel. (Jean is absolutely right when she calls him ‘painfully adorable’ and a unicorn.) They are a sweet ‘opposites attract’ couple, with near palpable energy and chemistry when they are together.

It is an all-around light-hearted, feel-good story. I am thankful to St. Martin’s Press, and to NetGalley for the ARC of this lively and fun story. I will be adding Amanda Sellet’s other books to my TBR list.

I’m still trying to wrap my head around that scene: the FMC walks into the MMC’s hotel room—where she works, no less—and finds him completely naked. Her response? “Nice snake,” followed by a totally casual chat about his tattoo. It was meant to be quirky or bold, I think, but it just came off as weird and a bit inappropriate.

What really threw me, though, was how the MMC ended up being the one to apologize. I understand and support strong female leads and gender equality, but this felt like an overcorrection. Instead of balance, it almost seemed like the story was tipping into territory where the male character couldn’t even react to being walked in on without being the one at fault.

There were some interesting moments and potential in the premise, but scenes like this made it hard to stay invested or root for the characters. If you’re looking for quirky banter and don’t mind some odd power dynamics, this might work for you—but for me, it missed the mark.

Opposites Attract
Insta-Love
Miscommunication
Beautiful scenery

I have a lot of mixed feelings about this book. I loved Jean and Charlie’s initial interactions, as I always enjoy a good opposites attract trope.

But then we hit the miscommunication, and that’s where it fell a bit flat for me. I liked the overall idea of the book, but I didnt love the book itself.

I do think others might enjoy it, but it was just ok for me.

[Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.]

This is a fast-paced, quirky book that has some cute moments. Jean is confident and chaotic while Charlie is a shy scientist obsessed with snakes. And somehow they work.

I enjoyed the start of things between Jean and Charlie but a lot of the book felt like a giant miscommunication. It felt forced since they were so honest in the beginning of their relationship. Then, in the second half they say what they mean but it’s interpreted totally wrong. It almost felt like two different books.

Even though I was frustrated by that, I kept reading because I enjoy Sellet’s writing. She balances humor and depth while creating unique and engaging characters.

Okay this book was cute! Super cute quick rom-com with a twist at the end. I enjoyed Jean and Charlie’s characters and story. I was a little worried about the miscommunication that was going to happen biased on the summary, but I thought it was done really well.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin Press for providing this ARC.

Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin's for an arc of this story.

I initially fell hard and fast for the first part of this story. Jean was fun and chaotic, Charlie was reserved and mysterious and they fit perfect. They were fun, spicy and had great potential. This was fast past paced but felt like a secret prince Hallmark movie. Giddy, cheesy and fun.

Unfortunately, last half of the book felt jumbled and full of silly miscommunication that caused me to loose interest. Jean and Charlie were still strong enough to keep me engaged but it just did not not hit for me. Since I kept reading and did enjoy some of the additional characters, I am going with a 3 star.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martins Press for the ARC of this book. I feel kind of conflicted about this book it was super cute and hilarious at parts. But Jean is absolutely obnoxious for about 75% of the book. I have just decided that the miscommunication trope is probably a no for me. There was so much in this book that kept people apart for no reason it was driving me crazy. I would give this book a like 2.75 stars. And that’s only because it was funny and Charlie is probably one of the sweetest characters ever written.

This is a story that gives you romance and some mystery. It is based in South Dakota and follows Jean and Charlie. Charlie was a bit insufferable due to his immaturity, and I felt like he and Jean were not a good match. Jean is so bold and risk-taking. There were humor and heartfelt scenes that I did enjoy, but overall it was not my favorite summer romance.