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A review by poisonivy70
The Wager by Rachel Van Dyken
3.0
The Premise
The second book in this series, the story is not a cliffhanger but it does continue the story of the Bet. Kacey and Travis, the H/h of the first book, are getting married and the family is all getting together for the festivities. This gives Jake and Travis’ grandmother a chance to continue her matchmaking ways. The leads in this story, Char and Jake, have a complicated history. Kacey is best friends with Jake and Char, but Jake and Char have gotten on like oil and water since they were kids. They had a one night stand once upon a time, which Jake feels guilty for and Char just wants to kill him for. Jake has spent a lifetime living down to people’s expectations and Char has spent that same lifetime calling him on it.
The Good
Jake is a hero in transition, wanting to be a better man, but having trouble figuring out how to do that. His attraction and love for Char really goes a long way in redeeming him from the jerk he was in the first book. I was surprised how much I liked him and his love scenes with Char are very sweet and elevate this book. This book also benefits from the fact that you feel as if you know these characters better than the first.
The Not so Great-ish
It’s still a fluffy bit of fiction and the characters can come across as a bit immature, and the “to do list” that Grandma gives Jake and Char is very ridiculous.
The Bottom Line
Surprisingly touching at times, very silly the rest of the time, I actually enjoyed this book much more than the first one.
The second book in this series, the story is not a cliffhanger but it does continue the story of the Bet. Kacey and Travis, the H/h of the first book, are getting married and the family is all getting together for the festivities. This gives Jake and Travis’ grandmother a chance to continue her matchmaking ways. The leads in this story, Char and Jake, have a complicated history. Kacey is best friends with Jake and Char, but Jake and Char have gotten on like oil and water since they were kids. They had a one night stand once upon a time, which Jake feels guilty for and Char just wants to kill him for. Jake has spent a lifetime living down to people’s expectations and Char has spent that same lifetime calling him on it.
The Good
Jake is a hero in transition, wanting to be a better man, but having trouble figuring out how to do that. His attraction and love for Char really goes a long way in redeeming him from the jerk he was in the first book. I was surprised how much I liked him and his love scenes with Char are very sweet and elevate this book. This book also benefits from the fact that you feel as if you know these characters better than the first.
The Not so Great-ish
It’s still a fluffy bit of fiction and the characters can come across as a bit immature, and the “to do list” that Grandma gives Jake and Char is very ridiculous.
The Bottom Line
Surprisingly touching at times, very silly the rest of the time, I actually enjoyed this book much more than the first one.