Scan barcode
ellar52's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
lesburrata's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
aliu6's review
4.0
4.25 stars
It's supposed to be the biggest night of Trina Lee's life so far. She's given up relationships and a personal life all so she can get the coveted Realtor of the Year Award. Except, when it comes time to call the winner's name, it's Kendall Yates who ends up walking away with the trophy. It wouldn't bother Trina if Kendall had actually earned the trophy, but Kendall has ridden the coattails of her real estate mogul father's success for her whole life, and one thing Trina hates is an unfair competition. Then Trina's boss poses a bet that will decide once and for all who the better realtor is. But as Trina and Kendall compete to sell as many units from a luxury high-rise as they can, their desire for each other just might overcome their desire to win...
cw: abusive father, mentioned homophobic family
This was a really entertaining read! This is my second book by Fiona Riley, the first being Media Darling, and I got into this one a lot more.
The Characters: Trina is the one in control for most of their relationship, easily getting under Kendall's skin with witty barbs and a loud personality. I loved Trina, and I was so glad that she was a person of color (Chinese-Vietnamese, which reminds me of Ali Wong). Kendall is more reserved, but I like how once she realizes that she likes Trina, she puts that relationship first and goes all in. They had great chemistry together. Also, there was a great cast of side characters! I especially enjoyed Trina's friendship with Lauren and Jax, who is non-binary.
The Romance: A lot of the romance was flirting and banter when they're competing against each other. The build-up to the romantic feelings is a bit long. I do think the initial switch from enemies to two people going on a coffee date seemed a little sudden, but I was into their relationship enough to be okay with it. I loved the two of them together.
The Plot: The plot centers around the competition between Trina and Kendall. It moves forward well, and I didn't really feel it dragging. At times, things are a bit trope-y, but again, I'm willing to forgive that in favor of the romance. It's not all smooth sailing; there's some conflict and angst thrown in, but I think for the most part, a pleasant read.
The Writing: It was solid and flowed well. Kudos especially to the dialogue. The wit was fantastic.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book! I would recommend it, especially if you are a fan of the enemies-to-lovers trope.
**I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
It's supposed to be the biggest night of Trina Lee's life so far. She's given up relationships and a personal life all so she can get the coveted Realtor of the Year Award. Except, when it comes time to call the winner's name, it's Kendall Yates who ends up walking away with the trophy. It wouldn't bother Trina if Kendall had actually earned the trophy, but Kendall has ridden the coattails of her real estate mogul father's success for her whole life, and one thing Trina hates is an unfair competition. Then Trina's boss poses a bet that will decide once and for all who the better realtor is. But as Trina and Kendall compete to sell as many units from a luxury high-rise as they can, their desire for each other just might overcome their desire to win...
cw: abusive father, mentioned homophobic family
This was a really entertaining read! This is my second book by Fiona Riley, the first being Media Darling, and I got into this one a lot more.
The Characters: Trina is the one in control for most of their relationship, easily getting under Kendall's skin with witty barbs and a loud personality. I loved Trina, and I was so glad that she was a person of color (Chinese-Vietnamese, which reminds me of Ali Wong). Kendall is more reserved, but I like how once she realizes that she likes Trina, she puts that relationship first and goes all in. They had great chemistry together. Also, there was a great cast of side characters! I especially enjoyed Trina's friendship with Lauren and Jax, who is non-binary.
The Romance: A lot of the romance was flirting and banter when they're competing against each other. The build-up to the romantic feelings is a bit long. I do think the initial switch from enemies to two people going on a coffee date seemed a little sudden, but I was into their relationship enough to be okay with it. I loved the two of them together.
The Plot: The plot centers around the competition between Trina and Kendall. It moves forward well, and I didn't really feel it dragging. At times, things are a bit trope-y, but again, I'm willing to forgive that in favor of the romance. It's not all smooth sailing; there's some conflict and angst thrown in, but I think for the most part, a pleasant read.
The Writing: It was solid and flowed well. Kudos especially to the dialogue. The wit was fantastic.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book! I would recommend it, especially if you are a fan of the enemies-to-lovers trope.
**I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
jennabeebs79's review
5.0
I love how Fiona Riley tells a tale! This book starts by introducing both Trina and Kendall as ruthless realtors not above cutting people off at the knees to make a sale. I honestly couldn't find any redeeming qualities about Trina for the first 1/4 of the book. Then what Fiona Riley did was share with the reader, the softer sides of both of our main characters. She showed how each, especially Trina, are caring and compassionate with the people they love. I really enjoyed the competition aspect of this book, it helped elevate the chemistry between Kendall and Trina. The supporting characters are great and added another layer to the plot. The only thing I wish was that there was a little more to the ending, perhaps an epilogue to share how Trina and Kendall's relationship progressed. Thanks Fiona for another amazing read!
I received an ARC copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
shancireads's review
2.0
Is this author serious with these names? Whitaker Sharkney? Zander Alter? Come on. I just cannot take books seriously with such ridiculous names
kburns2004's review
4.0
I read a lot of books from this publisher and they all follow the sameish format. Will they or won't they and then they do. Some bit of conflict leads to separation and then the happily ever after. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that, in fact about 90 percent of what I read these days is that format. It is my bowl of chilli on a cold day, just so much comfort and steam :) This book is exactly that.
angieinbooks's review
4.0
I'm sure the events of last week had something to do with the fact that it took me a long time to get into Bet Against Me--much longer than it normally takes me to get into books of its genre, but I did struggle until about the 35% mark and then I was hooked. But the start was rough, and I don't think current events are entirely to blame.
Bet Against Me revolves around a competition to the remaining 12 units in a newly-developed luxury condo between two of Boston's top realtors, Trina Lee and Kendall Yates--a competition that's formed after Kendall, a new realtor in Boston, wins the title for Realtor of the Year, an award Trina Lee thought she had in the bag.
I had a hard time getting into the novel, in part, because I don't care about real estate. And both of our protagonists seem to have no identity outside of real estate, so that was a hard sell for me. But Trina was very hard to root for in the beginning, displaying behavior that is so far past sore loser status, that I immediately wanted Kendall to destroy her. But eventually everything settles and I grew to love Kendall and Trina and hoped they could come to the end of the competition with their burgeoning relationship still intact. Their chemistry was really great!
Kudos to that first kiss. It might be one of the best first kisses I've ever read. And, also, major kudos for making at least one of mains a POC (Trina is of Chinese and Vietnamese descent.
Bet Against Me revolves around a competition to the remaining 12 units in a newly-developed luxury condo between two of Boston's top realtors, Trina Lee and Kendall Yates--a competition that's formed after Kendall, a new realtor in Boston, wins the title for Realtor of the Year, an award Trina Lee thought she had in the bag.
I had a hard time getting into the novel, in part, because I don't care about real estate. And both of our protagonists seem to have no identity outside of real estate, so that was a hard sell for me. But Trina was very hard to root for in the beginning, displaying behavior that is so far past sore loser status, that I immediately wanted Kendall to destroy her. But eventually everything settles and I grew to love Kendall and Trina and hoped they could come to the end of the competition with their burgeoning relationship still intact. Their chemistry was really great!
Kudos to that first kiss. It might be one of the best first kisses I've ever read. And, also, major kudos for making at least one of mains a POC (Trina is of Chinese and Vietnamese descent.
netgyrl's review
3.0
3.5 Stars - Audible edition - narrator: Melissa Sternenberg
This was a good read for me but not great. It was enjoyable. I wasn't really a Trina fan and I think that had me kinda dragging on listening. I didn't feel that "omg, I can't wait to keep listening" feeling, ya know? If the premise sounds like something you are interested in, I would definitely say check it out. The narration was good.
This was a good read for me but not great. It was enjoyable. I wasn't really a Trina fan and I think that had me kinda dragging on listening. I didn't feel that "omg, I can't wait to keep listening" feeling, ya know? If the premise sounds like something you are interested in, I would definitely say check it out. The narration was good.
hhushaw's review
5.0
An honest review thanks to NetGalley. I love Riley, she writes characters who chemistry literally jumps off the page and this book was no exception. The competition and rivals angle was refreshing seeing the enemy's to lovers play out which I absolutely love. This was a fantastic romantic read!
sapphicreader02's review
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Im not sure why i wouldnt give it a 5 star rating but it doesnt sit well with me so 4.75 will have to do. This book is amazing. Its rivals to lovers in the most heartbreaking and gutwrentching way. Absolutely loved the confidence of both women but at the same time their gentleness and kindness to one another. The relationship both had with their friends especially Trina really made me happy because what we saw in the beginning of the book was just false pretense. I enjoyed reading about their thoughts about eachother and how they felt more and more each day. My heart was beating so fast when Kendall confronted Trina that i almost closed to book and was afraid to read more.
Safe to say this book is just 🤌.
The rep tooo, with trans and lesbian and bi charachters. And yet again toxic f masculinity. Theres also some TW for domestic and emotional abuse. So watch out for that.
This book was just f great. Imma read more of Fiona Riley for sure
Safe to say this book is just 🤌.
The rep tooo, with trans and lesbian and bi charachters. And yet again toxic f masculinity. Theres also some TW for domestic and emotional abuse. So watch out for that.
This book was just f great. Imma read more of Fiona Riley for sure