A Very Bad Bet

Cider Cove #2

by Elana Johnson

Sometimes a wager only makes things more fun...

She’s got seniority over the obnoxious grump next door, and she's determined to beat him out for the top job in their charming hometown. But a bold bet spins their rivalry into a flirty attraction that could change everything.


I was born to be the Cider Cove City Planner. But Beckett Fletcher—the hothead who works next door to me—wants the job too. We can hardly stand each other on a good day, much less compete for the same promotion.

So I make him a Whoever proves they best know the citizens' needs and submits the top proposal for the Christmas Festival gets to apply first.

I've got seniority and a solid plan. What can go wrong?

Well, this bet also means talking to Beckett daily. I can't believe I've done myself dirty like this.


Not only that, but the more we're together, the more I see he's not just a competitive grump. Suddenly I'm noticing things like his cute dogs, and how he cares for his sick aunt.

Do we have more in common than I thought? And why does my pulse do cartwheels when he walks in the room?

But I refuse to be distracted by my insane attraction to the man trying to steal my dream job. I set out to win the bet—and the job—but keep losing focus thanks to Beckett's handsome face and extraordinary kisses.

Can our rivalry and this very bad bet spark something very right?

Sometimes the worst wagers have the sweetest outcomes.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

430 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 20, 2024

About the author

3-time USA Today bestselling author Elana Johnson writes adult contemporary beach romance. She is the author of over 130 books across two names, and there's nothing better than sun, sand, and swoon-worthy kisses! Unless it's a sweet-and-sexy cowboy - read those under her pen name of Liz Isaacson. Or an emotional, heartfelt women's fiction novel - read those under her pen name of Jessie Newton.

Learn more at:
www.elanajohnson.com
www.lizisaacson.com
www.authorjessienewton.com

Reviews

[Julie Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Come join the fun in Cider Cove! This group of roommates at what they lovingly call, "The Big House," are so much fun! I love the dynamics between all of them and the love and support they give each other. There's nothing better than reading a book with characters that pull you in just add a fun dynamic to the story. I also really like how Elana Johnson adds in a few chapters here and there from the POV of a roommate who will be the main character for the new book in this series. It's fun to learn a little more about them and see how she's setting up what's in store for the roommates and for us readers!

Claudia and Beckett have a bit of an enemies vibe going on. And they're now both in the running for the Cider Cove City manager position. Claudia thinks she knows who Beckett is but she doesn't really. The "meet cute" moment in the book had me laughing. It's not their first meeting but considering they aren't on the best of terms and then have a run in with each other while outside of the office where they both work, I think constitutes a good "meet cute." And boy oh boy, do sparks fly! I loved this book from the get go and how these two interacted with each other. They have some ups and downs, all things considered. And that bet that Claudia throws out there... she's just set herself up for falling hard! *Smirks*

Just make sure you think twice before making a bet with your enemy. ;-)

Content: Clean. Some kisses and a couple making out scenes but nothing graphic or more than kissing.

I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

[Suzan · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Any man with even one working eye can see how gorgeous Claudia is. I’ve never entertained those thoughts for long, because it’s clear the woman dislikes me greatly. I can admit I’ve never made it easy for her – for anyone – to like me, but the know-it-all, arrogant grump has kept my heart safe for a long time now.”

What a cute and fun enemies to lovers, workplace romance!

Claudia and Beckett are both up for a big promotion, and whoever comes up with the best plan for the town festival has the best chance of getting it. A bet is made and the competition begins. What could possibly go wrong?

Claudia can’t stand Beckett, thinking he’s an obnoxious, hotheaded grump, but as they work closely together, she sees a side of him that he’s kept well hidden. It’s not long before she catches feelings for her former enemy.

I loved seeing their walls come down around each other and romance blossom. I especially loved Beckett. He had a golden retriever personality, and was so open and eager. The way he felt about Claudia, and how he helped her, melted my heart.

What I loved:
He falls first
Midnight Beauty
Seinfeld references
His texting
Paint color swears
The janitorial closet
Bantering
The roommates in The Big House
Southern charm
HEA

This is the second book in a series, but can be read as a standalone.

I received an ARC from the author, but a positive review was not required.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sweet book. I liked how the characters mellowed each other out. I like the roommate group. I wished the trope was more different than the first book in the series (black cat, golden retriever, enemies to lovers). It has light Christmas themes, but not much, so if you're a "Christmas books are read at Christmas time" purist, be aware. 😄 I felt like it ended a little abruptly, but it was very sweet.

[Alicia (aliciasalwaysreading) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Genre: romcom
Content: just kisses

A Very Bad Bet is the second book in the Cider Cove Sweet Southern RomComs series. Admittedly, I haven’t read book 1, A Very Terrible Text, but I didn’t feel like I was missing anything.

Beckett and Claudia both work for the city. Prior to the beginning of the book, they were enemies; however, in the first chapter, they have a literal run-in and Beckett can’t get Claudia out of his mind. He starts pursuing her, much to her initial confusion. They start building a relationship even though they are both applying for a job as the new city planner. You’ll have to read it to find out who gets it. 😏

Claudia and her paint color thoughts made me laugh. Sometimes she paired the paint colors with her emotions and sometimes with her swears. Beckett’s texting also made me laugh! He was a bit neurotic, which was endearing most of the time.

A couple things that weren’t my favorite:
-It was marketed as “enemies to lovers” but they stop being enemies in the first chapter so you didn’t get any of the delicious banter that I love.

-Sometimes the conversation was jumpy and I couldn’t follow— like when Beckett was upset that she was talking about him with Tabby & Sybil.

-I like the Ryanne chapters but felt the way they were randomly interspersed with Beckett & Claudia’s was kind of odd. (I am quite intrigued about what’s happening with her Elliott though!)

-Beckett’s frustration with Claudia talking about him bugged me. Like…you are in a relationship. Of course your SO is going to talk about you to her friends and family! I understand having insecurities but this felt over the top and unrelatable to me.

This one is up on the author’s website NOW and it becomes available on KU on February 20th!

Quotes I Liked:
😂Part of me wants to reach for her hand and feel her skin against mine again, and the other—louder—part of me wants to keep my hands attached to my body, thank you very much.

😍 "I'm not kissing you on the tiny landing at the back of our building, so stop looking at me like that."

❤️ He makes me feel strong and sexy and supremely female, and I love that. I love that he cherishes me for who I am right now.

*I received a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions are my own. No positive review was required.

[Abby Huffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one! Oh Beckett🫠, he was so sweet and fell so hard for Claudia. He was just such a great guy! I loved how Claudia associated things with paint colors, that was fun & really unique and clever. Loved that we got to see more of the Southern Roots characters too!

[Jennifer Cagle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good romance

This is a charming and tender romance narrated in the first person, providing insight into the character's thoughts throughout the story. I found it enjoyable.

[Berly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series. It has very much the same feel as the first one did. You don't need to have read that one to read this one. But there are roommates that make repeat appearances.

"The truth is, Beckett and I have a relationship like a yo-yo."

This is a quote from Claudia and it completely summed up the whole book for me. There are parts that I really liked and then there are parts that have me scratching my head. It seemed like it bounced around all over the place at some points. I won't go into plot specifics because I don't want to give spoilers but I will mention one example next.

I don't know why the author likes to throw in random chapters from a different roommates point of view that have a thing to do with the main characters but are more of a teaser for a future book. These are in the middle of the story, not just at the end, and really upset the flow for me, especially when I was already having a bit of a hard time keeping up.

After saying that, there is something about this group of people that keeps me coming back for more despite the frustration.

I was given an advanced copy of the ebook and am leaving an honest review. The book is currently available on the author's website and will be on other platforms in February.

3.5 stars rounded up to 4. And I'll probably read the next one and get frustrated then too!

[Jen Fox · Rating 3 out of 5]

(AUDIO BOOK 2 stars) - I should have liked this story, but I listened to the audiobook and I didn't like the vocal talent. Especially the male voice. His narration was so boring to listen to, no or little expression. It was very hard to listen too. I was going to give 2 stars but felt that low mark was because of the audio and shouldn't affect her story. I wouldn't recommend the audiobook. I might read the story and see if it's better.

[clean.reads.corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I'm like one of her leashed canines. I want to be where she is, and I want to trot along at her side and ask her questions, get to know her, share myself with her, all to find out if a woman like her could ever fall in love with a guy like me."

"My mama always taught me to hide my flaws, you know."
He grins at me, his expression softening as he slides his hand up my bare arm to cradle my face in his hand. "I like your flaws." He kisses me again, and I swear every pore on my body raises in awareness.

"I don't care that we're standing in the foyer of the Big House. I don't care if all of her roommates crowd into the doorway that leads into the kitchen and watch. I don't care if I pour too much of how I feel into this about-to-happen kiss. I just want to kiss my gorgeous girlfriend when I'm feeling so many things, so I gather Claudia close and do exactly that."

Read if you like:
* Enemies to Lovers
* Workplace Romance
* He Falls First
* Dual POV (mostly, there are two short chapters from Ryanne's POV)
* Witty Banter
* Part of a series/can be read as a stand alone

I absolutely adored this story! I loved watching as Claudia and Beckett went from enemies/work rivals to grudging coworkers to friends to more. I like that they put in the work to become their best selves together.
The friend/sibling relationships really added an extra dimension to this story. I loved how supportive the girls were even though they were in shock at the developing relationship. I loved Beckett's relationship with his sister and all of her advice for him (even if he didn't always take it).

Favorites:
* Paint color cursing
* "Beckett-With-His-Body"
* Seinfeld references
* "What would you recommend to a butter virgin?"
* Beckett's verbose over eager texting
* "Ah, someone wants to kiss me again."
* Chemist puns
* "Stop doing you fast-texting-short-sentences in person."
* The supply closet
* "There are infernos with you."

I loved the hints at who would get their story told next. I can't wait for the next book in this series to find out.

[Sierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reader’s Notes:

– this is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone

– this is told mainly from Claudia & Beckett’s points of view (with two chapters from Ryanne’s)

– some of the characters’ parents are divorced & aren’t as close to their adult children as the children would like

Review:

Beckett was such a sweetheart. I loved that he was clearly nervous about even reaching out to Claudia under the guise of work and would get into his own way in his excitement/discomfort combo. I loved that he had such a great relationship with his sister and felt comfortable reaching out to her for solid advice on how to pursue Claudia, even if he didn’t always take it. I loved seeing the ladies from the Big House again and getting hints about possible future couples. I also loved getting to see the ladies not only support Claudia through this odd change with Beckett, but also weren’t afraid to point out that she was causing a later issue if she kept the bet with Beckett. I loved that the relationship forming between Claudia & Beckett caused both of them to change a bit for the better at work and that their secretaries caught onto the changes.

Summary:

Claudia is determined to get the City Planner position that’s about to be open. She’s the best and she knows that job should be hers, but there’s one other person that might be a good candidate for the position as well: Beckett Fletcher. Her coworker & office neighbor is a prickly and loud person that sets Claudia constantly over the edge. But when they are given the opportunity to show their worth by planning the town’s annual Christmas Festival, Claudia is willing to push aside her dislike to make a bet with the enemy that will no doubt work in her favor. But unfortunately, that bet also makes it so that Claudia has to spend more time with Beckett…

Beckett knows that Claudia doesn’t like him, but when they randomly bump into each other outside of work, he finds himself fighting feelings for her that he hasn’t felt since before she put him on her enemies list. In an effort to try and move forward and see if she could be interested after all this time, Beckett invites Claudia out on a date under the guise of it being a dinner meeting to discuss work. That’s when she presents a bet that will only make it so they have to continue working closer together than they have in the past and Beckett is all for it. With each meeting and date they go on, the more Beckett finds himself falling and Claudia softening toward him. But he knows Claudia’s determination won’t allow her to do anything but win the City Planner job and if they don’t do something it could break the bond they’ve been forming…

I received an ARC from the author & am not required to leave a positive review.

[DayDreamer8912 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5
📚Book/ARC Review 📚
A Very Bad Bet by Elana Johnson (@elanasweetromcomvibes)
Rate: 4/5
Genre: Clean Romance

Read it if you like
📑Dual POV+ Ry’s POV
📑Bets
📑 Friendship
📑 He Falls First
📑 Dreams
📑 Enemies to lovers
📑Family

Favourite Moments
📑 The janitor’s closet scene (can’t spoil it)
📑 He tries his best to win her love
📑 Them guessing each other favourite food
📑 Him being sweet to his aunt
📑 Them encouraging each other and also planning the Christmas Festival together

Swoony Moments
📑 He falls for her first
📑 He cares for his family
📑 He supports her to go after her dream
📑 Him trying to win her heart.

Synopsis
Beckett and Claudia don’t see eye to eye and often bicker with each other. They both are wanting the position at City Planner and going to go for the position. However, Christmas Festival is coming and they both have to work together to make it happen. What is going to happen? And Claudia proposed a bet to Beckett too? What will it be? And who will get the position at City Planner. Read A Very Bad Bet to find out!

Review:
This is the 2nd book of Cider Cove Sweet Southern Series. Love them bickering and flirting with each other. And Claudia loves to make bets even with her friends. And also love the fact that she uses paint colours to describe her how she feels. Beckett is just so sweet and he find ways to win her heart because she seemed to not like him but he likes her. Though he is a grump he has a hidden side of him that he cares for his aunt and also his sister and he is quite insecure but Claudia helps him through the process though it takes time. And haha.. their time in the janitor’s closet. (can’t spoil it). And love that his sister gives him advice and also her friends have a gathering to talk to each other about stuffs. This book made me laugh, smile, a little frustrated and swoon. And also love the sneak peek of Ry and Elliot’s story.

Thank you, Elana Johnson for the ARC! All opinions are my own.

Can’t wait for the 3rd book it will be Ry and Elliot’s story. It will be a friends to lovers trope.

You can purchase this e-book early before it goes to other retailers from
https://feelgoodfictionbooks.com/prod... on February 20th

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this second book of the series just as much as the first. (Which was a lot.) it was a really fun read. The group of roommates in “The Big House” (“‘Don’t they know that’s what prisons are called’”) were so entertaining. I really like the characters in this series. I enjoy how they have such entertaining quirks. For instance, Claudia’s paint sample name curses in this book. Great, fun characters and wonderful romance. There was no love lost between Claudia and her annoying coworker Beckett, who was applying for the same promotion as her. A weekend run-in pushed Beckett to approach Claudia differently, which got the ball rolling on significant changes to their relationship. “Perhaps this attraction between us has always been there, and we’ve simply built walls around it. And bam, with the smallest of cracks, it’s all come spilling out.” A bet that could impact their burgeoning romance came into play early on. “‘But I do know one thing about bets: There’s always a winner…and a loser.’” I liked the feeling in this book of really sitting in the progressing relationship and all the bumps in the road, rather than so much focus on getting to an actual relationship. There was excellent chemistry between the main characters, but the ups and downs came as they learned to harness it and direct it the right way. It wasn’t all easy. “The truth is, Beckett and I have a relationship like a yo-yo. Sometimes it’s up, and sometimes it’s down, and sometimes it’s been thrown around.” There were lots of great swoony moments. The texting is a fun element of this book too. There is a lot of character carryover from book one of the series, and this story is set up with some chapters in book one so I suggest reading both books in order. However, this book would still read well as a standalone. This is a clean story with mild innuendo and no harsh language.

[Nicky W. (Bookstacks_and_Coffeecups) · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Very Bad Bet
by Elana Johnson

Cider Cove Sweet Southern RomCom Series : Book 2
Release Date: February 20,2024

A Very Bad Bet is a rival co-workers, enemies to lovers closed door romance.

Things I Loved:
-Getting to know the roommates at The Big House more in this book. I love how they continue to support and care for each other. (This is continued from book 1 but you wouldn’t be out of the loop if you read this as a standalone)
-Becketts nickname for Claudia and how he came up with it
-How flustered Beckett gets
-Becketts flirting
-First Kiss location importance
-Secret Meetings in the Janitors closet
-Becketts Grand Gesture

Things I didn’t so much love:
- The story was great but a little all over the place.
- The enemies to lovers part is very brief but it’s like they kept fighting off and on and even though they date and like each other there’s a ton of miscommunication
- Claudia is kind of unlikable for the beginning of the book and Becketts kind of unlikable for the second half.
- the author inserts random chapters about the couple to be featured in the next book. This was done in Book 1 as well and it completely took me out of this story. It would have been much more welcome as an epilogue
- A lot of repeated unnecessary details (ie. we’re told that a side character works at the hardware store next to the roommate three separate times, or multiple times that one of the roommates never leaves clutter out)

-MFC Claudia “curses” in paint colours as well as uses them to calm her down and describe moods. In book 1 the MFC was obsessed with and did the same with Potato dishes and in the next book it appears the MFC does this with M&M flavours and other candies …it seems to be meant to make each girl seem unique and quirky as she can “curse” without cursing but the whole thing comes off a little weird and neurotic.

All in all it was a bit of an up and down book but ultimately I still enjoyed the overall love story and despite some of the quirks I am still looking forward to book 3 and finding out more about Ryanne and Elliott

Thank you to the author for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Amanda (The Little Book Spot) · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Depends on what you say,” I tell him. “I mean, are you going to say it was the best kiss of your life? Then that’s fine. If you’re going to tell her you’re going to have to end things with me, because there wasn’t any spark, then I don’t want to know.” “Claudia, sweetheart,” he says, his voice almost a whisper. “There are infernos with you.”

💞

How did I overlook him for seven years? I’ve always known he knows how to put every detail in place, but his perfection used to annoy me. Now, it draws me closer to him.

——

Claudia and Beckett work in side by side offices and don’t have the best professional relationship- er, that is they are more like work enemies. However, when a new job position comes along both Claudia and Beckett want the new promotion. Claudia gets the brilliant idea to wager a little bet with Beckett that whomever submits the best proposal and ideas for the towns Christmas festival gets to put in their application first, giving a little heads first for the job. But, in order to plan the towns Christmas festival Beckett and Claudia need to meet more and discuss the details of the program. Soon, both are realizing they may have more in common than they ever thought possible and is there perhaps a zing of attraction, too? Now, Claudia is second guessing whether a bet was a good idea in the first place as her and Beckett get closer… and their relationship even more complicated.

Thank you so much to @elanaromcomvibes for sending me this advanced readers copy of the book. I thoroughly enjoyed Claudia and Beckett and their at times, intense rivalry and likewise, intense attraction!

Small town vibes, office competitions, close knit friendships, hilarious banter and swoon worthy kisses are all a part of this fun, closed door rom com which releases to the public January 1st!

[Chrissy D (Chrissysliterarybites) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was excited to read A Very Bad Bet because I had read the prior book, A Very Bad Text, so I was excited for this one! This one is about another of the roommates from The Big House, Claudia. She has been working with Beckett for years and they seem to loathe each other but one day they run into each other while walking dogs and something changes. Neither quite believe it. They start falling for each other but one problem, there is a huge promotion on the line that both of them want. Also people can’t quite believe Beckett and Claudia are dating after years of seemingly despising each other. I really enjoyed this book like I did the first book. I liked how it brought back characters from the first book even though it changed the focus to Claudia. Beckett was a sweet golden retriever type (for the most part) who talks a lot and wears his heart on his sleeve, but did have a little immature streak where he’d randomly fly off the handle and get mad over something really silly sometimes. It drove me a little nuts how mad he’d get if she “talked about him” behind his back- what girl doesn’t talk to their friends about their boyfriends?? Claudia was sweet as well but much quieter and kept her feelings hidden a lot. It took her longer to fall 100%. She speaks in paint colors and he is obsessed with Seinfeld. Some chapters ended abruptly (ex the Halloween party and their 1 month anniversary) I felt they could have been longer while other chapters didn’t need to be so long. Overall I really enjoyed it and can’t wait for the next book, A Very Merry Mess!

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 stars

Let me start off by saying that I did enjoy this story. The reason for the rating is there was just one or two things that bugged me about the story throughout that I couldn't ignore. The first was the bet. It didn't pan out like I thought it would and seemed to kind of disappear for a good chunk of the story. I wish it had been a bigger part to the story. The biggest thing though was Beckett's hot and cold attitude about Claudia, especially when it came to her talking about him "behind his back". She was never saying anything bad and she was talking to her friends. That's what girls do! It was a huge over reaction and it happened multiple times! That was very offputting for me.

Take that out of the equation, however, the story was a sweet one. I liked Claudia and how confident she was in her job. I loved that she was a boss lady who went after what she wanted and I also liked that as her feelings for Beckett grew, she adjusted her priorities but didn't give up her career dreams.

Beckett was a flawed male character in many ways, but I truly liked how he made Claudia a priority in his life, his interactions with his family and the banter between the two of them was fun.

Overall, it was a sweet story, I just could have done without so much of the miscommunication. I'm very much enjoying this series though and I'm excited to see what's in store for Ry and Elliot! I loved the glimpses into their story! It sounds like it's going to be a good one!

[Priscila · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first time in a while that I was both looking forward to how the story would end, while at the same time not wanting it to end, lol. Beckett and Claudia's story was just what I needed and I definitely enjoyed both the romance and the laughs. I loved their growth, their turn from frenemies to attracted and more, and how they learned to help and complement each other (it reminded me a bit of Julie Christianson's The Even Odder Couple). I loved how the bet played out, making for a starting point/nudge in their relationship, but not being too drawn out. It was fun that they were both coworkers and had a few things in common, like a love of dogs and (some) family.

It was great seeing past characters again, and considering how long it's been since I read the first one, I was surprised that it didn't take me as long to differentiate all the roommates. I loved the updates on how they're doing, and I especially enjoyed the peek into Ry's POV, as well as the hints for a couple of the other roommates.

For real, I was sad to come to the end of this book, since I feel like I'm going to miss these characters (Claude and Becks) but that's also why I'm glad this is a series, and we'll get updates from characters of previous books in the next ones. I'm definitely looking forward to Ry and Elliott's story! ~ 4.5 stars

[Bookish801 · Rating 5 out of 5]

What would you do if your office mate slash archnemesis was applying for the same promotion? Try and beat him for the job, right? What if you also had a huge crush on him and just happened to make a bet about this new position and the bet is a lose-lose from the get-go? Claudia is in trouble, both with the bet she made with Beckett and because she is really falling for him.

I am really enjoying this series and loved this particular book! It's very funny, it's sweet, it gives you just the right amount of small-town Southern flavor. It's your perfect enemies to lovers, office romance read. I really enjoyed the dual POV. And if you're a Seinfeld fan, you'll find all the references quite hilarious. I loved that this is a wholesome romance with a tiny bit of 🌶️. Food, cooking and restraint scene are a huge part of this narrative, so you may get hungry while reading! Just a friendly warning 😃 I would love to visit Better Than Butter restaurant!

This book really leaves you with a fuzzy, feel-good vibe and puts a smile on your face. I honestly cannot wait for the next Christmas-themed installment of this series featuring Claudia's roommate Ry and her crush Elliott. 4.5/5 ⭐ from me.

[Randi Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Very Bad Bet is the second book in the Cider Cove Sweet Southern RomComs series. I had not personally read the first book and found it read fine as a standalone, though there were a few times where it seemed like there might have been a little backstory I wasn't aware of... not so much where I was confused or unable to enjoy the story... just enough to make me wonder what I'd missed.

This was a cute read! When the story starts Claudia and Beckett have a bit of an office rivalry going on. But when they have a little run in outside of the office, they begin to see each other differently. These characters were imperfect and had their issues, but I really enjoyed them together. It seemed to have a bit of a slower pace and took place over the course of a few months, so it was really nice to see their relationship develop as it went on. We are also given some peeks into what is going to happen next in the series, which certainly had me looking forward to the next book!

A Very Bad Bet is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language.

**I received an ARC for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Joelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first book in the Cider Cove series, but let me tell you, I LOVED this second installment. I am obsessed with Claudia and Beckett. So much, it is kind of ridiculous. I can't even tell you the moment when, all of a sudden (towards the beginning of the story) I was 100% in and I loved how their romance came together. The buildup of the chemistry, the office romance aspect, the learning to trust...all of it. It all just came together beautifully.

From office interactions and the park run in that changes it all Claudia and Beckett are two characters who are able to grow throughout the story and become so much more individually to the readers and together as a book couple. And you guys, Beckett is so gosh darn thoughtful and not who anyone thought he was. He wouldn't even like me saying that in my review;) But seriously, he stole my heart.

All things southern and charming with this latest addition to the Cider Cove Sweet Southern RomComs series and I can't wait to see the next roommates romance bloom.

*I received a complimentary ecopy from the publisher/author and all opinions are my own.

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book two in the Cider Cove Sweet Southern Romcoms Series, a small-town, neighborly series. I enjoyed the first book 𝐀 𝐕𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐱𝐭, so I was happy to see what the roommates at the “Big House” were up to.

Claudia lives with her roommates at Cider Cove's “Big House.” They are so fun and supportive. But now Claudia is focused on getting the Cider Cove City Manager job. She believes the position is meant for her.

One problem: Beckett Fletcher - he is the guy who works in the office right next to hers and is determined to get the job, too. Claudia and Beckett are fierce rivals, but the sparks fly as they vie for the same position. There’s lots of fun flirtation, along with some great teamwork.

Claudia has this quirk about paint colors - she pairs paint colors with just about everything. Beckett, well, he seemed a little odd, especially when it came to texting. But he’s very sweet, and I loved that he was a dog lover.


🌼Grumpy / Sunshine
🌼Rivals to Lovers
🌼Small-town romance
🌼Office romance
🌼Cute dogs

Thank you @authorelanajohnson for a gifted copy.

[WeLoveBigBooksAndWeCannotLie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Would you rather go out to dinner or cook at home?🥘

I always love going out to eat, I am not the greatest cook. In A Very Bad Bet by Elana Johnson, Claudia and Beckett were always going out to eat or grabbing coffee at a café. I always love reading books that include food!

I adored this book! It reminded me of The Hating Game, and now I’ve realized, I don’t just love enemies to lovers, I love it even more when it takes place at work! Claudia and Beckett are both city planners for Cider Cove but are in competition for the top spot!
She has seniority and he’s always a grump, but maybe they can work together? Or even better! Claudia comes up with a fiercely competitive bet because she loves bets that she can win! But after her feelings start to change for Beckett, she realizes this bet might not be a good idea, because someone must lose.

This was a cute and quick read! Thank you @elanaromcomvibes for this gifted copy!
A Very Bad Bet published last month and is available on Kindle Unlimited, you can find this on our Amazon Storefront!🧜🏼‍♀️🌺

[Leann Arave · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am loving this Cider Cove Sweet Southern Romance series. This story focuses on Claudia and Beckett, two coworkers that are always at odds with each other. When they have an encounter outside of work, they see each other with different eyes. The story has some twist and turns that keep it interesting. The characters are pretty well rounded. Each of the stories in this series is about a different roommate that live in “ the big house” so we get to know a lot of side characters. There are parts that I liked and parts I didn’t. I did think it was a little long. It is a dual point of view of Claudia and Beckett. There was one chapter where the characters change. It threw me not realizing it was part of the set up for book 3. I did like the sneak peek for book 3. It sounds like a fun fake dating story. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Darla · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Very Bad Bet
Elana Johnson

Happy Pub Day Elana! Thank you so much for this #gifted copy!

This is book two in the Cider Cove Series but can be read as a stand-alone.

Beckett was such a sweet MMC. I love a book where he falls first and he falls hard. Even though he worked together with Claudia for seven years she didn’t really notice him until a chance encounter in the park.

A Very Bad Bet was created on one of their first dates that sets the tone for the rest of the story. One where they have to work together on a work project.

While I really enjoyed this story and the main characters, sometimes their flirty bickering felt strange to me. Also the way they’ve been working so closely together for seven years and he didn’t recognize her in the park at first didn’t totally make sense.

Read if you like:
✨Workplace Romance
✨Enemies to lovers
✨He falls first
✨Dual POV
✨Good female friendships

[Natalie L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A relaxing read for a lazy summer day

This is a story with no major crisis or dark characters- it cruises along at a cosy pace. Beckett is brilliant at work, loving towards his family, indulgent towards his dogs, and totally awkward and rather insecure when it comes to the girl he likes. And when he's awkward and nervous, he rambles on, even in phone messaging. He sulks like a child when upset. Oh wait, and he wears a turkey-print Tee for Thanksgiving get-together with his niece and nephew. What's not to like about this cute thirty-five year old boy-man!
For me, the show-stealer is Sybil, the petite bird-like office secretary. My laugh-out-loud graphic moment in this book:
"Sybil takes a break from her typing and leaks back in her chair. She's so tiny, it looks like it might swallow her up and burp out feathers."
If you have a lazy summer day, and want a relaxing read, this book may be the choice.

[Belinda Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This kind of book is my catnip.
Claudia and Beckett ate perfect enemies to lovers in this sweet, closed door romcom.
I loved that they get together sooner rather than later and that all the normal misunderstandings and hiccups at the beginning of a relationship were included and not blown out of proportion.
I laughed out loud when Beckett's mouth got away on him and kicked my feet at the swoony sweet parts. I really enjoyed the dual POV, which worked so well because Beckett and Cludia had quite different takes on the situations they found themselves in.
Elana also added in a few teaser chapters about Ryanne, one of Claudia's roommates, so cute, and I can't wait to keep reading about the girls from "the big house"
I highly recommend that if you like sweet, romantic, funny reads with lots of flirty banter and kissing only (no spice), you will really enjoy A Very Bad Bet.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving the Cider Cove Romcom Series. Each of the ladies living in the big house seem to have an intriguing story. I really can't wait to read more of them!

This one features Claudia and Beckett. Claudia is annoyed so badly by everything Beckett does. He's loud and obnoxious. And worst of all...he wants the job that Claudia wants. I loved the way she is forced (by him) to work together with him. And the way he changes in her eyes.

I loved Beckett. He's not really the guy Claudia thinks he is. I loved the way he cared for his aunt. And the way he was always looking to do something nice for Claudia. He pushed her to be something more than she was. And he gave up something he wanted, in order for her to have something she wanted.

This book is so good! I smiled the whole time I was reading it!

I was sent an e-copy of A Very Bad Bet from the author. All opinions are my own.

[Denice · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a fun book and the second in the Cider Cove series. I love how Claudia and Beckett finally recognize each other in a way other than just as a work nemesis for 7 years. I would have to say it was a cute meet-cute when they both look at each other differently. I love how it was Beckett who fell first and was willing to admit to his feelings. I loved the witty banter and the swoony moments. I love the texts between them and Becketts crazy texting. I also thoroughly enjoyed reading about other friends and also about the places and people in her other rom-com series. You don’t have to read the others to enjoy this book but since I have it made it even more fun for me. I highly recommend this book and series.

[Shelley Wahls · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me laugh out loud, and Claudia and Beckett were quite the pair, he feel for her quickly, she is a bit of a black cat and she maybe took a bit longer. BUT she is a fun and great heroine, I loved how they meet outside of work and he basically doesn't recognize her at first. I love me some enemies to more, and this fits the bill. These enemies are going for the same promotion, they add dating to the mix. I really did not see a way out of this with out someone getting hurt, BUT once again Elana does a fantastic jon wrapping up this story. There are no cliff hangers, but a few glimpses of future couples in future books, so teasers, which I like. It is clean and so cute and funny. Claudia is a hoot and Beckett is so sweet!!

[A Novel Approach · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ 4.25/5. So far I’ve read 2 of the 5 books in the series and there’s several things I love:

#1: FMCs that like to move and are healthy, but are also plus sized, confident, and love food.
#2: Each FMC has a great set of made up swear words. In the first book it was potato dishes (ie “oh tater tots!”) and in the second book it was paint colors (“oh dormitory brown” or “stupid salmon”).
#3: There’s not too much strife and always a happy ending
#4: Elana Johnson has written characters that love my favorite foods—potato dishes and broccoli cheddar soup.

Book 2 in this series is a feel-good romance between co-workers and it has the following themes:


💻 Enemies/rivals to lovers
💻 Office romance
💻 Tight friend group
💻Plus-sized FMC