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.

I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was an engaging read! I enjoyed the plot and would read it again.

Odds, Ends, and Hijinks: A Wild Rom-Com Ride in South Dakota

The Odds of Getting Even drops readers into the chaos of South Dakota, where Jean’s one-night fling with the elusive Charlie ends with him vanishing, sparking her mission for payback. What starts as revenge quickly turns into a whirlwind of mistaken identities, outrageous mix-ups, and razor-sharp banter. Drawing from the spirit of classic screwball comedies, Amanda Sellet crafts a romp bursting with witty dialogue, madcap adventure, and romantic twists that keep the pages flying.

Jean is a riot: clever, determined, and utterly relatable as she charges through misadventures fueled by pride and a stubborn sense of justice. Charlie is a mystery wrapped in charm, pushing Jean toward both comic disaster and unexpected self-growth. The supporting cast is just as lively, adding layers of heart and hilarity to every scene.

Sellet’s writing sprints along, heavy on crisp banter and sly observations about love and the ridiculousness of modern romance. The humour is big and bold, but there’s just enough emotional depth to keep things grounded. If you crave a story that crackles with energy and doesn’t slow down for a second, you’ll find plenty to enjoy.

The only real knock? The chaos sometimes teeters into full-on farce, and those wanting a slow-burn, deeply realistic romance may find themselves wishing for a bit more substance. Still, for fans of laugh-out-loud rom-coms that don’t overthink themselves, this is a total win.

Rating: 4 out of 5

I selected this one on NetGalley because I wanted to read a book set in South Dakota for my states challenge, but maybe I should've just left this one on the shelf.

For all intents and purposes, it was fine. The opposites-attract was cute and well-established, and the spice was well-written. The plot itself was just...not great. Maybe I just hate reading about rich people (and I hate when "tabloids" are involved). Or maybe I just don't like when miscommunications lead to overblown reactions and the characters go at it for no reason.

Oh well. At least I read a book set in South Dakota.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

This is the kind of book that will have you grinning like a fool from start to finish. It’s quirky, fun, and full of surprises, and I absolutely loved every moment of it. Their dynamic is so effortlessly sweet and hilarious, and it makes every moment of their interactions feel like pure gold. I really enjoyed the unpredictable nature of the romance. There’s no shortage of tension, but it’s not the kind that feels forced. It’s like two people trying to figure out how to make sense of this unexpected, ridiculous connection they have while dealing with their own baggage and insecurities. I was completely lost in it, and the only thing I hated was that it had to end.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC

This is my first reading anything from Amanda Sellet and I loved it.

I absolutely loved the characters in this novel. Jean is fun, loving and chaotic while Charlie is totally awkward, nerdy and smart. Of course, with these two being opposites, there’s a lot of banter which I enjoyed. It was very cute, and I was just here for it. They definitely have chemistry, and it was fun to see their relationship develop throughout the book. I also enjoyed the setting of South Dakota in the story. I felt that a town romance was the perfect fit for this adventure.

My only concern was that at first, I enjoyed the pace of the story, but it felt rushed towards the end. Otherwise, this was a great read. I definitely recommend this book to any rom com lover who loves adventure.

This was a sweet and thoughtful read with a charming plot and a heroine who truly stood out. Jean was a total powerhouse—smart, determined, and so easy to root for.

I enjoyed the way the storyline unfolded and appreciated its pacing. That said, I didn’t fully connect with her relationship with Charlie. Something about it felt a little off, and I found myself wishing his personality and quirks were more fleshed out. In general, the character development across the board could’ve gone a bit deeper.

Still, it had a lot of heart, and Jean’s strength really carried the story. A cozy, engaging read with a memorable lead.

What a fun read. I loved these characters and enjoyed watching them navigate through their stuff to finding true love. Just a fun book that I think a lot of readers would like.

This book is so much fun! Hilarity and hijinks central. Everything about the story was over the top, but in a relatable way, if that’s possible. At least, I found it more accessible than the author’s previous book. Jean and Charlie are characters with whom I’d truly hang out. So fun. Thanks to St. Martin’s for the ARC.

**3-Star Review of *The Odds of Getting Even* by Amanda Sellet**

*The Odds of Getting Even* by Amanda Sellet is a quirky, coming-of-age novel that blends humor with a touch of mystery. The protagonist, Olivia, is a high school senior who gets involved in a plan to help her best friend with some unorthodox revenge, which leads to an unexpected journey of self-discovery. The plot is lighthearted and has some fun moments, especially with the dynamic between Olivia and her friends.

While the characters are generally likable, some of their development feels a bit shallow, and the pacing at times drags with predictable twists. The novel tries to balance humor, friendship, and romance, but it doesn't always hit the mark, leaving certain emotional beats feeling underdeveloped.

Overall, it's an entertaining read for fans of YA fiction looking for a quick, fun escape, but it's not groundbreaking in terms of character depth or plot. If you're after something light and easy, *The Odds of Getting Even* will do the trick, but it doesn't leave a lasting impact.