Review: The Bet by Rachel Van Dyken

The Bet

Author: Rachel Van Dyken
Series: The Bet #1
Publisher: Forever
Genre: NA Contemporary
Format: Paperback
Release Date: April 29, 2014
Source: Gifted from Meghan @ Sweet Tea, Sassy Reads (Thanks!)
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Add to Goodreads
Buy the Book

Synopsis from Goodreads:

"I have a proposition for you." Kacey should have run the minute those words left Seattle millionaire Jake Titus's mouth. It's been years since Kacey's seen her childhood friend Jake, but the minute Jake mentions his ill grandmother, Kacey is ready to do anything for the sweet old woman. And if that means pretending they're engaged for her sake-so be it.

But Kacey wasn't counting on Jake's older brother Travis still being there. She calls him "Satan" for a reason: she's never forgotten the way he teased and taunted her. Yet when they meet again, Travis's gorgeous smile is a direct hit to her heart . . . and Kacey's more confused than ever. As the days pass, only one thing starts to become alarmingly clear-she never should have accepted Jake's deal . . .

My Review:

This is not your typical new adult novel, though you may think it is from the synopsis. Billionaire playboy making a deal with a girl? I was a bit skeptical, but my good friend, Meghan, swore that it was amazing and then when she mailed me a copy I decided to give it a try. She was definitely right. I really enjoyed this book! It was exactly what I needed after coming off of a very emotional read.

The Bet is light and fun with just a touch of seriousness that was the perfect combination for me after coming off of an extremely emotional read. I really liked the main character, Kacey. She was pretty quiet and subdued at first, but you really saw her playful, fun side come out around Travis.

Speaking of Travis….holy swoon. This man was hot. There were times when I wanted this book to become a typical NA just so there could be more sexy times. But this book was about more than that. Travis was so multi-dimensional. I loved that his character had so many layers and I loved peeling them back as I read. He’s definitely harboring some jealousy and animosity towards his brother. I think that Travis has self-esteem issues that he won’t let show. Walls that he puts up that he won’t let down. Except for Kacey, that is. I do have one small complaint though and it has to do with the ending. I just felt like the thing that happened was kind of abrupt.

But the real star of the show had to be Grandma. Oh my gosh, this woman was hilarious. She reminded me a bit of my own grandma actually because of the wildly inappropriate things she would say. This woman had me rolling.

If you’re looking for a feel good, light read that will make you laugh, The Bet is for you. It was just what I needed and I’ll definitely be reading the second one and looking for more from this author. Happy reading all!  

Have you read this one? What did you think of Kacey? Did you swoon over Travis? Did you die laughing whenever Grandma was around? How did you feel about the ending?