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kebreads's review
5.0
I loved this story.
Content: clean - passionate kissing, innuendo, a few mild swear words
Content: clean - passionate kissing, innuendo, a few mild swear words
lolloreads00's review
4.0
After one successful setup Ruby decides to give it another try, this time it’s Ava’s turn. She’s a workaholic, spending so much time in the lab but now her schedule has freed up for a few months and her roommates are dead set on getting her out on the dating scene again. But there’s one problem, Ava’s been in love with Ruby’s brother since she was a teenager. They would never work together in the long run so Ava’s decided now’s the time to get over him.
This book has so many amazing elements of representation. Women in STEM, ADHD, adoption/fostering, I mean that’s just amazing. It also has a pretty fun makeover story, that doesn’t take away from Ava as a strong FMC. Her friends are the ride or die kind and they just want what’s best for her. Unfortunately Sami (on of the four roommates) is only mentioned in this book, I love her character! But Ruby and Madi are amazing to.
Joey sees Ava almost as a sibling at first, his little sisters best friend that he wants to protect. But as he gets involved in the bet and becomes Ava’s dating coach things start to change. It’s an interesting angle, I only wish things progressed a little faster because it’s sooo slow burn. I don’t usually mind slow burn books, the tension it creates is so good but when it’s to slow you miss out on the actual relationship part which is a problem imo.
Other then that i really enjoyed this one! It’s the second book in the series and imo they can be read as standalone. But I highly recommend you read Betting on the boy next door because it’s so good!
This book has so many amazing elements of representation. Women in STEM, ADHD, adoption/fostering, I mean that’s just amazing. It also has a pretty fun makeover story, that doesn’t take away from Ava as a strong FMC. Her friends are the ride or die kind and they just want what’s best for her. Unfortunately Sami (on of the four roommates) is only mentioned in this book, I love her character! But Ruby and Madi are amazing to.
Joey sees Ava almost as a sibling at first, his little sisters best friend that he wants to protect. But as he gets involved in the bet and becomes Ava’s dating coach things start to change. It’s an interesting angle, I only wish things progressed a little faster because it’s sooo slow burn. I don’t usually mind slow burn books, the tension it creates is so good but when it’s to slow you miss out on the actual relationship part which is a problem imo.
Other then that i really enjoyed this one! It’s the second book in the series and imo they can be read as standalone. But I highly recommend you read Betting on the boy next door because it’s so good!
smalltownbookmom's review
4.0
I am OBSESSED with this newest series about four roommates and their matchmaking bets from Melanie Jacobson! In this one, workaholic scientist Ava is forced to scale back at the lab and her bestie Ruby takes the opportunity to get her to agree to try a series of dates in the hopes she'll find 'the one.'
The only problem? There's only ever been one guy for Ava and it's her best friend's older brother, Joey. The stakes get even higher when Joey agrees to help 'coach' Ava, only to have the tables turned on him when he realizes he wants to be the guy for her if only he can convince Ava he's serious about giving up his playboy ways.
My only complaint about this dual POV romance was that Joey and Ava don't actually get together until the last chapter in the book! I wanted more real relationship page time for them. Still a great read with EXCELLENT ADHD and chronic illness rep (congenital heart disease). I read and reviewed an early copy and all opinions are my own.
Now to try to wait patiently for Madison and Ruby's books!
Steam level: kissing only
The only problem? There's only ever been one guy for Ava and it's her best friend's older brother, Joey. The stakes get even higher when Joey agrees to help 'coach' Ava, only to have the tables turned on him when he realizes he wants to be the guy for her if only he can convince Ava he's serious about giving up his playboy ways.
My only complaint about this dual POV romance was that Joey and Ava don't actually get together until the last chapter in the book! I wanted more real relationship page time for them. Still a great read with EXCELLENT ADHD and chronic illness rep (congenital heart disease). I read and reviewed an early copy and all opinions are my own.
Now to try to wait patiently for Madison and Ruby's books!
Steam level: kissing only
melissasbookshelf's review
4.0
Thoroughly enjoyed this second book in the “Betting on” series! The whole premise was so much fun. I loved the My Fair Lady like transformation, the STEM representation, Ruby’s uncanny ability to help her friends find true love, Ava’s pining for her best friend’s brother, and the heartfelt romance Melanie Jacobson is known for.
Ava is reaching her 27th birthday, the same age her father was when he died unexpectedly from a genetic heart condition. She’s determined to find a screening test to save others from her heartbreaking loss. As a result, she spends every free minute in the lab. When her boss tells her she needs to cut down on her lab time, her friend Ruby steps in with a bet. She wants to find Ava the perfect match to help her find some balance in her life. Unfortunately, Ava’s been secretly pining for Ruby’s handsome older brother Joey.
Being consumed with her lab work has made Ava’s dating and fashion sense go by the wayside, and Ruby’s determined to give her a makeover along with plenty of blind dates. Joey just happens to be an expert at marketing and Ruby enlists his help in coaching Ava. He’s also trying to land a contract with a makeup company and ropes Ava into helping him by undergoing an Eliza Doolittle like transformation, enhancing her already gorgeous looks. Little does he realize his coaching will help him see Ava in a whole new way. Her unrequited crush on him might just become a reality.
I loved Ava and Joey! How they get together is so much fun and I have to hand it to Ruby, she knows her stuff. I loved the way Joey would “just happen” to show up on her dates. I loved his persistence once he realized his feelings. Their first real kiss was a scorcher! I loved the Sunday dinners with the families, the parrot with his mild potty words, and the flashbacks to when Ava was in high school. It’s a sweet, clean, charming romance that will have you hurriedly flipping those pages.
I can’t wait for the next book in the series! I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author, but also purchased a copy through Kindle Unlimited. All opinions are my own and voluntarily given.
CW: mild innuendo, a few very mild swear words and crude words
Ava is reaching her 27th birthday, the same age her father was when he died unexpectedly from a genetic heart condition. She’s determined to find a screening test to save others from her heartbreaking loss. As a result, she spends every free minute in the lab. When her boss tells her she needs to cut down on her lab time, her friend Ruby steps in with a bet. She wants to find Ava the perfect match to help her find some balance in her life. Unfortunately, Ava’s been secretly pining for Ruby’s handsome older brother Joey.
Being consumed with her lab work has made Ava’s dating and fashion sense go by the wayside, and Ruby’s determined to give her a makeover along with plenty of blind dates. Joey just happens to be an expert at marketing and Ruby enlists his help in coaching Ava. He’s also trying to land a contract with a makeup company and ropes Ava into helping him by undergoing an Eliza Doolittle like transformation, enhancing her already gorgeous looks. Little does he realize his coaching will help him see Ava in a whole new way. Her unrequited crush on him might just become a reality.
I loved Ava and Joey! How they get together is so much fun and I have to hand it to Ruby, she knows her stuff. I loved the way Joey would “just happen” to show up on her dates. I loved his persistence once he realized his feelings. Their first real kiss was a scorcher! I loved the Sunday dinners with the families, the parrot with his mild potty words, and the flashbacks to when Ava was in high school. It’s a sweet, clean, charming romance that will have you hurriedly flipping those pages.
I can’t wait for the next book in the series! I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author, but also purchased a copy through Kindle Unlimited. All opinions are my own and voluntarily given.
CW: mild innuendo, a few very mild swear words and crude words
emily_loves_2_read's review
5.0
Betting on the Best Friend’s Brother
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Author: Melanie Jacobson
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from Melanie Jacobson and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: I don’t want a dating coach. Especially not one I’ve been in love with since junior high. My roommates say I’m a workaholic. But when my boss temporarily suspends my extra lab time, my best friend and bossiest roommate makes fixing my love life her summer project. My love life is non-existent, but makeover schemes and blind dates with her weird library patrons are not the answer. When she takes drastic measures and calls in her brother, Joey—one of Austin’s hottest heartthrobs—to consult, it’s my worst nightmare. I fell for Joey when I was fourteen, and no other guy has ever measured up. I’ll do anything to keep Joey from finding out—including putting up with a bombshell transformation—if it hides my true feelings when he looks at me. He rejected me once, and it nearly broke me. I’ll never give him that chance again. Opposites attract in this swoony romcom. A brilliant geneticist versus a hotshot trendsetter she's secretly loved more than half her life. Dive in for meddling roommates, quirky neighbors, Ahab the cursing parrot, found family, a sneaky matchmaker, and makeover shenanigans.
My Thoughts: This is book no. two in the Betting on Love series. While this is part of a series, you do not have to read the first book to follow along, although it would give a better character background. I loved the first book and this one did not disappoint. Ava is a scientist who is a workaholic and does not have time to ‘date.’ This series follows a bet made, that Ruby will find the roommate love, and when she does, Ruby gets a perk. In this case, the bedroom with a bathroom. Since Ava does not date much, Ruby enlists her brother, Joey for help. Unbeknownst to Ruby, Ava has secretly pined after Joey for years. I just love the setup for the book. The tropes followed is best friend’s brother, women in STEM, forced proximity, and friends to lovers. This is a closed door romcom. The author does a phenomenal job at representing mental health.
The story is narrated in a dual narration by both Ava and Joey, in a dual POV. I adore the friendship group, every woman should have this. Ava is independent, strong, yet sensitive, and is dedicated to her work as a scientist. Joey is charming, sincere, and is loyal. The characters were well developed with depth, witty banter (awesome banter), great chemistry, and creatively built throughout the story. The author’s writing style was complex, swoony, humorous, and brilliantly written. Jacobson’s storytelling ability with swoony love is so creative, the betting brings the plot up a level, and her stories always puts a smile on my face. The plot is delivered in a perfect swoony fashion and the ending is phenomenal!
I loved this novel as much as I did the first one. I am grateful for the ARC copy, even if my review is a little late due to surgery and completing my master’s degree. I look forward to the third book next Spring (2024) to see how Madison’s story unfolds. I HIGHLY recommend picking up this book and the prior one. It is just a heartwarming, feel good read that made me smile. Go pick up this novel today, available on Amazon and KU.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Author: Melanie Jacobson
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from Melanie Jacobson and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: I don’t want a dating coach. Especially not one I’ve been in love with since junior high. My roommates say I’m a workaholic. But when my boss temporarily suspends my extra lab time, my best friend and bossiest roommate makes fixing my love life her summer project. My love life is non-existent, but makeover schemes and blind dates with her weird library patrons are not the answer. When she takes drastic measures and calls in her brother, Joey—one of Austin’s hottest heartthrobs—to consult, it’s my worst nightmare. I fell for Joey when I was fourteen, and no other guy has ever measured up. I’ll do anything to keep Joey from finding out—including putting up with a bombshell transformation—if it hides my true feelings when he looks at me. He rejected me once, and it nearly broke me. I’ll never give him that chance again. Opposites attract in this swoony romcom. A brilliant geneticist versus a hotshot trendsetter she's secretly loved more than half her life. Dive in for meddling roommates, quirky neighbors, Ahab the cursing parrot, found family, a sneaky matchmaker, and makeover shenanigans.
My Thoughts: This is book no. two in the Betting on Love series. While this is part of a series, you do not have to read the first book to follow along, although it would give a better character background. I loved the first book and this one did not disappoint. Ava is a scientist who is a workaholic and does not have time to ‘date.’ This series follows a bet made, that Ruby will find the roommate love, and when she does, Ruby gets a perk. In this case, the bedroom with a bathroom. Since Ava does not date much, Ruby enlists her brother, Joey for help. Unbeknownst to Ruby, Ava has secretly pined after Joey for years. I just love the setup for the book. The tropes followed is best friend’s brother, women in STEM, forced proximity, and friends to lovers. This is a closed door romcom. The author does a phenomenal job at representing mental health.
The story is narrated in a dual narration by both Ava and Joey, in a dual POV. I adore the friendship group, every woman should have this. Ava is independent, strong, yet sensitive, and is dedicated to her work as a scientist. Joey is charming, sincere, and is loyal. The characters were well developed with depth, witty banter (awesome banter), great chemistry, and creatively built throughout the story. The author’s writing style was complex, swoony, humorous, and brilliantly written. Jacobson’s storytelling ability with swoony love is so creative, the betting brings the plot up a level, and her stories always puts a smile on my face. The plot is delivered in a perfect swoony fashion and the ending is phenomenal!
I loved this novel as much as I did the first one. I am grateful for the ARC copy, even if my review is a little late due to surgery and completing my master’s degree. I look forward to the third book next Spring (2024) to see how Madison’s story unfolds. I HIGHLY recommend picking up this book and the prior one. It is just a heartwarming, feel good read that made me smile. Go pick up this novel today, available on Amazon and KU.
bookishkenyannerd's review
4.0
I love that Ava wasn't clueless about dating as Joey thought she was. She took charge when she wanted to and rendered him speechless once in a while
rfrockwood's review
2.0
I love Melanie Jacobson's writing, but this one unfortunately did not hit the mark for me. If the character has continually emphasize that she's "feminist" then I instantly start to doubt the credibility, especially when the plot is centered around finding fulfillment through a man. The first page of the epilogue was my favorite part of the book and it felt most sincere because it focused on her professional achievements, which are supposed to be a major character trait for her.
In the end, I think we got an Eliza Dolittle, My Fair Lady, retelling, that was equally problematic and charming as the original. No matter how many times the characters explicitly said it wasn't.
Always excited to try her next book, but this one was unfortunately a miss for me.
In the end, I think we got an Eliza Dolittle, My Fair Lady, retelling, that was equally problematic and charming as the original. No matter how many times the characters explicitly said it wasn't.
Always excited to try her next book, but this one was unfortunately a miss for me.
thebookscript's review
4.0
I finished this book back in June so this one’s long over due!
In pure Melanie style she puts the com in rom and delivers with a fun, sexy, yet sweet story about unrequited love, missed chances and future possibilities!
I loved our two main characters! Ava is no non sense and intelligent scientist but can’t deny her unrequited crush. Joey is her best friends brother…he’s charismatic and cute but he sure is clueless.
I loved the little moments created where the characters flirt and interact and Melanie always knows how to write a good kissing scene! This couple had real chemistry together. Anytime someone coaches someone on dating you know it’s going to backfire! But in the best way.
There’s also a bit of makeover trope but I loved that Ava was seen for her wit and humor!
All in all this was my favorite of the series so far! I don’t love grand gestures (I’m more of a quiet love girl) so the ending reveal was not to my preference but it definitely fits the genre! I think I just wanted a little more solo Joey and Ava time! BUT I just can’t wait for you know who’s comeuppance
In pure Melanie style she puts the com in rom and delivers with a fun, sexy, yet sweet story about unrequited love, missed chances and future possibilities!
I loved our two main characters! Ava is no non sense and intelligent scientist but can’t deny her unrequited crush. Joey is her best friends brother…he’s charismatic and cute but he sure is clueless.
I loved the little moments created where the characters flirt and interact and Melanie always knows how to write a good kissing scene! This couple had real chemistry together. Anytime someone coaches someone on dating you know it’s going to backfire! But in the best way.
There’s also a bit of makeover trope but I loved that Ava was seen for her wit and humor!
All in all this was my favorite of the series so far! I don’t love grand gestures (I’m more of a quiet love girl) so the ending reveal was not to my preference but it definitely fits the genre! I think I just wanted a little more solo Joey and Ava time! BUT I just can’t wait for you know who’s comeuppance
elizabethwild's review
4.0
What a fun book!! I did not see the twist at the end and it was awesome!!