Title: The Bet
Series: The Bet #1
Author: Rachel Van Dyken
Paperback Release Date: April 29, 2014
Paperback Release Date: April 29, 2014
"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 . . .
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 . . .
PAPERBACK
EBOOK
4 Lighthearted Romantic Stars!
From emotionally touching stories to fun, easy ones, Ms. Rachel Van Dyken has a talent to make you feel like a part of the characters’ stories.
I enjoyed reading Jake, Kacey, and Travis’ friendship and romantic growth. It was a fun and completely delightful experience to read about these 3 characters. Do you remember all those 90’s teen romantic-comedy movies? The one that makes us feel good and in love while watching it? The one that we like to waste our 2 hours of the day to just to take our mind off things and distract ourselves with comedy and romance? But not without some twist and drama to the story? That was The Bet for me.
Travis was such a dorky, hilarious guy! The way he was during the prologue was very "aww" worthy and I can just imagine a 7-year old little boy acting the he does around his crush. Adorably annoying yet so very endearing and is a closet-sweet man. I want to hug his muscled goofiness! He is one of those guys you want to smack over the head while still laughing at him and finding him cute.
Jake is the young brother of Travis, the sweet one, the one who always say the right things, the playful brother. But when he grew up, he was still sweet and even more charming hence, the situation he got himself into with his business and his grandma and now, he needed Kacey’s help.
Kacey had been friends with Travis and Jake since they were little kids, but she and Jake are more close with each other. She is also a pretty funny lady, sarcastic, witty, and beautiful. I can imagine her as one of the 90’s romantic leading ladies who stars in movies alongside Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Julia Roberts.
I absolutely had a good time reading their banters, especially Travis! Obviously, you can see how much I adore the guy. And their Grandma. For an 85-year old, grandma still rocks! Grandma is hip and nutty and you will laugh at her cunning ways!
Ms. Van Dyken made my heart happy!
Stars: 4 stars!
Recommended to: If you’re looking for a breather, The Bet is an enjoyable pick! You’ll love Travis Titus.
POV: Third person. Multiple POV.
Series: Yes. But standalone.
Cliffhanger: No.
EXTRA COMMENT: Funny, cute, sweet! A light read for everyone to enjoy!
~ Review by Mara
3.5 Titus Stars
The Bet by Rachel Van Dyken is a cute sweet unrequited love story. Two brothers, one girl..who will capture her heart? If you are thinking love triangle, relax because there is no such thing. Right off the bat, readers will know which Titus brother has clear intentions and who loves Kacey for all the right reasons.
Jake and Kacey were childhood best friends. Growing up they were inseparable and had Jake's older brother, Travis always tagging along. Young Travis would tease and make fun of Kacey. You know what they say, you make fun of those of you like but in this case love. When Jake ask Kacey to be his pretend fiance to help his playboy image, the craziness in the Titus household ensues. What happens when the only girl who captured and owned Travis Titus heart comes back home in the arms of his playboy and inconsiderate brother, Jake? Will Kacey finally see Travis?
I enjoyed reading The Bet. It was sweet, cute, funny and a quick read. You can't help but fall in love with Travis Titus. So if you are in the mood for two childhood friends finally getting their shot at love, then go read The Bet.
~ Review by Michelle
I knew Rachel Van Dyken had successfully done her job as an author when I immediately hated Jake. “The Bet” is focused on the relationships between Kacey and brothers Jake and Travis Titus. Throughout the book all three mcs have to re-learn each other, and transition their relationships from childhood friends into adult friends. It is difficult to discuss this book without giving anything away (aside from personal biases), so I will stick to my emotional connection to the characters.
I liked the duality of the brothers with Jake the obvious player and Travis the loyal companion. Kacey’s relationship with each was different, and it took me awhile to fully grasp Kacey’s relationship with Jake. I understand that they have deep roots and were once best friends, but in the first 3rd of the book Jake clearly and unabashedly manipulates Kacey to get his way. I gave my kindle many dirty looks when he acted like a complete ass towards Kacey, and loved it when she didn’t put up with his shit! Needless to say, I was definitely rooting for Travis throughout the book.
Travis was the most complex character, and I had the biggest connection with him. While Jake’s intentions are not always clear, Travis has an obvious stake in attempting to win Kacey’s heart. While many times the antics pulled by Travis were a bit misguided or misunderstood by Kacey, he learned from his mistakes and always meant well. He was loyal to a fault, and was a great off-set to the flirtatious and hard to pin down Jake. The dynamic between the brothers vying for Kacey’s affection and attention was one of the highlights. Another favorite part of “The Bet” was the loving but meddling Grandma Nadine– she definitely brought in the comic relief when needed. I also loved that the story switches between povs so that the reader was able to see inside the heads of Jake, Travis and Kacey. It added a further understanding and insight necessary for the plot to develop that would not have happened with a single pov.
I am not one typically to enjoy a love triangle but this one definitely had me hooked! I was emotionally invested in the lives of Jake, Travis and Kacey for the whole story. Rachel Van Dyken is a fabulous writer, and overall give “The Bet” 3.5 stars.
~ Review by Alicia
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