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Betting on Brian
When wishes and dreams collide, love finds a way.
Krisi St. Clare has always lived a life of luxury at her family’s mansion just outside Nashville. But let’s face it, even golden cages start to lose their luster. Desperate for a taste of freedom, Krisi dreams of ditching her scripted debutante life and moves into The Athenian, downtown Nashville’s most luxurious apartment complex.
The Athenian isn’t just a beacon of wealth—it’s a fortress of secrets and the city’s unofficial hub for celebrity gossip. Here, melodies and drama mingle like a well-mixed cocktail.
Brian Streatt is the doorman and manager of The Athenian, armed with a smile that could disarm security alarms and a knack for knowing more about the residents than they do themselves. Beyond managing baggage (literal and emotional), Brian harbors secrets he’s not sure he’s ready to share.
Cue the entrance of Senator Michael Black, a villain with ambitions as shady as an oak tree. His sinister goal? Revenge.
As Krisi and Brian’s lives entangle, they discover the greatest adventures might just happen in their own backyard - or maybe, rooftop. Will the senator ruin Krisi and Brian’s shot at true love?
This heartwarming and humor-filled Aladdin retelling proves that sometimes, the best magic is the kind you make yourself—with a little laughter, a lot of courage, and maybe a touch of Nashville charm.
Krisi St. Clare has always lived a life of luxury at her family’s mansion just outside Nashville. But let’s face it, even golden cages start to lose their luster. Desperate for a taste of freedom, Krisi dreams of ditching her scripted debutante life and moves into The Athenian, downtown Nashville’s most luxurious apartment complex.
The Athenian isn’t just a beacon of wealth—it’s a fortress of secrets and the city’s unofficial hub for celebrity gossip. Here, melodies and drama mingle like a well-mixed cocktail.
Brian Streatt is the doorman and manager of The Athenian, armed with a smile that could disarm security alarms and a knack for knowing more about the residents than they do themselves. Beyond managing baggage (literal and emotional), Brian harbors secrets he’s not sure he’s ready to share.
Cue the entrance of Senator Michael Black, a villain with ambitions as shady as an oak tree. His sinister goal? Revenge.
As Krisi and Brian’s lives entangle, they discover the greatest adventures might just happen in their own backyard - or maybe, rooftop. Will the senator ruin Krisi and Brian’s shot at true love?
This heartwarming and humor-filled Aladdin retelling proves that sometimes, the best magic is the kind you make yourself—with a little laughter, a lot of courage, and maybe a touch of Nashville charm.
216 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 24, 2024
8 people are currently reading
1813 people want to read
About the author
Becki Lee
20 books62 followersBecki has been around books her whole life. But, it didn't occur to her to write one until the idea for Finding Dolly popped into her head in January of 2022.
It is a whole different ball of wax writing a story versus reading one. But, with the help of some fabulous friends, great editors, and guardian angels to keep her on track, Finding Dolly is finally ready for her preview!
When not writing, Becki has a podcast - Literary Escapes, and a book club - Literary Escape Book Club that keep her busy.
Becki resides in Florida with her husband and very fluffy cat, Miss Kitty.
It is a whole different ball of wax writing a story versus reading one. But, with the help of some fabulous friends, great editors, and guardian angels to keep her on track, Finding Dolly is finally ready for her preview!
When not writing, Becki has a podcast - Literary Escapes, and a book club - Literary Escape Book Club that keep her busy.
Becki resides in Florida with her husband and very fluffy cat, Miss Kitty.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 11, 2024
ARC Review! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Betting on Brian was my first book from the author and I really enjoyed this one! Krisi and Brian meet each other in a chance encounter, and that one meeting sparks a whole series of butterflies and feelings.
If you’re looking for a sweet contemporary romance with characters in their 30s, I’d recommend checking this one out! The author does a wonderful job delivering in a sweet romance that takes place in an intriguing story. I didn’t know what to expect from this Aladdin retelling, but I really liked the nods to one of my favorite childhood movies.
Krisi may come across in the tabloids as someone who is stuck up because of her wealth, but she’s anything but. I really liked how confident she was in who she was and that she didn’t feel the need to apologize for that. Brian is definitely a strong MMC with a tender heart.
He loves his sister and cares deeply about his job. The way he was so kind to Krisi really endeared me to him. Also! His sister’s name is Shelby! She’s actually NICE!! I can’t tell you the amount of stories I read where the Shelby is evil.
Betting on Brian is out now on Kindle and available in paperback! All opinions are my own.
Betting on Brian was my first book from the author and I really enjoyed this one! Krisi and Brian meet each other in a chance encounter, and that one meeting sparks a whole series of butterflies and feelings.
If you’re looking for a sweet contemporary romance with characters in their 30s, I’d recommend checking this one out! The author does a wonderful job delivering in a sweet romance that takes place in an intriguing story. I didn’t know what to expect from this Aladdin retelling, but I really liked the nods to one of my favorite childhood movies.
Krisi may come across in the tabloids as someone who is stuck up because of her wealth, but she’s anything but. I really liked how confident she was in who she was and that she didn’t feel the need to apologize for that. Brian is definitely a strong MMC with a tender heart.
He loves his sister and cares deeply about his job. The way he was so kind to Krisi really endeared me to him. Also! His sister’s name is Shelby! She’s actually NICE!! I can’t tell you the amount of stories I read where the Shelby is evil.
Betting on Brian is out now on Kindle and available in paperback! All opinions are my own.
July 8, 2025
Book Review: Betting on Brian by Becki Lee
⭐ 5/5 stars for this charming, heartfelt Aladdin-inspired romance
Betting on Brian feels like rubbing a magic lamp and finding not gold or riches—but quiet hope, healing friendships, and a sunrise kind of love. Becki Lee weaves a tale of wishes, wonder, and a slow-burn romance that grows with every shared moment.
Krisi is the kind of heroine who stays with you. Gentle, graceful, and grounded in her roots, she’s deeply kind without being naïve. Her morning ritual—rubbing her genie-lamp necklace and making three wishes—is one of the most endearing parts of her character. Like jasmine blooming in the night air, she brings warmth and softness to every page.
♥️ Brian is no prince in disguise—he’s real, thoughtful, and refreshingly grounded. As he and Krisi watch sunrises together, their connection deepens not with grand gestures but with quiet consistency. His steady presence, protective nature, and slow realization of his feelings make their love feel earned and lasting.
🫶🏻 Nikki and Krisi’s friendship? Pure magic. It radiates the same joy and loyalty as Tiana and Lottie in The Princess and the Frog. The fact that Nikki’s mom once cared for Krisi as a nanny adds such a tender, rooted dynamic—showing how love (in all forms) shapes who we become.
Their story sparkles with soft touches: 🪞A reflection in an antique mirror A gold necklace with a genie lamp charm 🌅 Rooftop sunrises and whispered wishes 🌾 Wandering through farmers markets in Nashville 🍃The scent of citrus, vanilla & bergamot trailing behind Krisi like a dream
If you love: 🧞♂️ Aladdin-style inspiration with modern flair
🫶🏻Deep, soul-tied friendships 💗 Clean, kisses-only slow-burns 🪄 Magical realism grounded in everyday wonder …Betting on Brian will grant every bookish wish in your heart.
⚠️ Content Warnings: – Sexual harassment (handled sensitively) – Kisses only (closed-door throughout) – Mentions of alcohol – Parental death & conflict – Cheating by ex (not romanticized) – A few innuendos
Aesthetic Vibe: Perfume-laced air in a sunlit Paris sidewalks, silk curtains swaying with morning light, three whispered wishes into a gold charm, citrus-scented hope, and a hot air balloon rising into a soft, lavender sky.
📖 Final Thoughts: With rich character depth, sweet traditions, and a swoon-worthy finale, Betting on Brian is a sigh-and-smile kind of story.
Like Becki Lee writes—sunrises mean new beginnings. ☀️You’ll close this book believing in second chances and the quiet power of a wish.
- Elizabeth
⭐ 5/5 stars for this charming, heartfelt Aladdin-inspired romance
Betting on Brian feels like rubbing a magic lamp and finding not gold or riches—but quiet hope, healing friendships, and a sunrise kind of love. Becki Lee weaves a tale of wishes, wonder, and a slow-burn romance that grows with every shared moment.
Krisi is the kind of heroine who stays with you. Gentle, graceful, and grounded in her roots, she’s deeply kind without being naïve. Her morning ritual—rubbing her genie-lamp necklace and making three wishes—is one of the most endearing parts of her character. Like jasmine blooming in the night air, she brings warmth and softness to every page.
♥️ Brian is no prince in disguise—he’s real, thoughtful, and refreshingly grounded. As he and Krisi watch sunrises together, their connection deepens not with grand gestures but with quiet consistency. His steady presence, protective nature, and slow realization of his feelings make their love feel earned and lasting.
🫶🏻 Nikki and Krisi’s friendship? Pure magic. It radiates the same joy and loyalty as Tiana and Lottie in The Princess and the Frog. The fact that Nikki’s mom once cared for Krisi as a nanny adds such a tender, rooted dynamic—showing how love (in all forms) shapes who we become.
Their story sparkles with soft touches: 🪞A reflection in an antique mirror A gold necklace with a genie lamp charm 🌅 Rooftop sunrises and whispered wishes 🌾 Wandering through farmers markets in Nashville 🍃The scent of citrus, vanilla & bergamot trailing behind Krisi like a dream
If you love: 🧞♂️ Aladdin-style inspiration with modern flair
🫶🏻Deep, soul-tied friendships 💗 Clean, kisses-only slow-burns 🪄 Magical realism grounded in everyday wonder …Betting on Brian will grant every bookish wish in your heart.
⚠️ Content Warnings: – Sexual harassment (handled sensitively) – Kisses only (closed-door throughout) – Mentions of alcohol – Parental death & conflict – Cheating by ex (not romanticized) – A few innuendos
Aesthetic Vibe: Perfume-laced air in a sunlit Paris sidewalks, silk curtains swaying with morning light, three whispered wishes into a gold charm, citrus-scented hope, and a hot air balloon rising into a soft, lavender sky.
📖 Final Thoughts: With rich character depth, sweet traditions, and a swoon-worthy finale, Betting on Brian is a sigh-and-smile kind of story.
Like Becki Lee writes—sunrises mean new beginnings. ☀️You’ll close this book believing in second chances and the quiet power of a wish.
- Elizabeth
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2024
OVERALL STAR RATING: 4/5
CLEAN RATING: 5/5
What a fun read! This is a modern-day Aladdin retelling, and you can immediately label who each of the main characters is representing. I had no idea that this new Billionaires series would tie in a bit to the Nashville Hearts one. I read and loved Finding Dolly, so it was a fun surprise to have reference to some of the characters from that book. 100% NOT necessary to have read any of those first, just a little added fun to have already met some of them.
Krisi St. Claire is a Nashville socialite…born into an obscene amount of wealth but has always felt trapped in the world that her parents created for her. She wants freedom to cultivate her own life and decides to move into The Athenian, known for their luxury apartments. It’s there that she meets and strikes up a friendship with Brian, the doorman and property manager. It feels as though more than friendship could be brewing, but Krisi knows her father would frown upon her daughter being in a relationship with anyone other than a man in the spotlight and a fountain of wealth themselves. Her father is actively pressuring her to date Senator Michael Black. He’s got a good 20 years on Hope and is about as creepy and disrespectful as a dirty politician can get. It's all about status in the St. Claire world though…something that Hope is going to continue to fight against.
Senator Black is clearly the villainous Jafar character in this Aladdin retelling. While nothing is too overly graphic, please be aware that he does become a bit physically abusive if that’s a trigger for you as a reader. We are meant to dislike him, and Becki does an excellent job of writing his creepy and sinister personality.
A very enjoyable read with some surprises at the end. This story will inspire you to dream big and open up your life and heart to “a whole new world”.
For more reviews and bookish content, be sure to follow me on Instagram @aliciasbooksanctuary
CLEAN RATING: 5/5
What a fun read! This is a modern-day Aladdin retelling, and you can immediately label who each of the main characters is representing. I had no idea that this new Billionaires series would tie in a bit to the Nashville Hearts one. I read and loved Finding Dolly, so it was a fun surprise to have reference to some of the characters from that book. 100% NOT necessary to have read any of those first, just a little added fun to have already met some of them.
Krisi St. Claire is a Nashville socialite…born into an obscene amount of wealth but has always felt trapped in the world that her parents created for her. She wants freedom to cultivate her own life and decides to move into The Athenian, known for their luxury apartments. It’s there that she meets and strikes up a friendship with Brian, the doorman and property manager. It feels as though more than friendship could be brewing, but Krisi knows her father would frown upon her daughter being in a relationship with anyone other than a man in the spotlight and a fountain of wealth themselves. Her father is actively pressuring her to date Senator Michael Black. He’s got a good 20 years on Hope and is about as creepy and disrespectful as a dirty politician can get. It's all about status in the St. Claire world though…something that Hope is going to continue to fight against.
Senator Black is clearly the villainous Jafar character in this Aladdin retelling. While nothing is too overly graphic, please be aware that he does become a bit physically abusive if that’s a trigger for you as a reader. We are meant to dislike him, and Becki does an excellent job of writing his creepy and sinister personality.
A very enjoyable read with some surprises at the end. This story will inspire you to dream big and open up your life and heart to “a whole new world”.
For more reviews and bookish content, be sure to follow me on Instagram @aliciasbooksanctuary
June 29, 2024
This is pitched as an Aladdin retelling and follows two perspectives - Krisi, an heiress from a prominent Nashville business family; and Brian, the manager of a high end apartment building.
This was a fun, quick read. I really liked the sibling relationships and the descriptions of sunrise.
Although it does reference Aladdin and have various allusions to the story, it didn't read like a retelling.
There is a villain in the story and we are given a couple of brief chapters in his perspective. I would have liked this fleshed out a bit more. The reveal about his motives at the end was a bit sudden and could have used some more detail.
The romance is cute. The dialogue and internal thoughts get a bit cheesy at times, but I did like the two leads together.
My biggest drawback was the family drama. There were some very serious, even toxic, things that happened and none of it was really addressed.
Overall I enjoyed my time with this story and think it would be appealing to anyone who wants a sweet romance centered around the rich and famous.
This was a fun, quick read. I really liked the sibling relationships and the descriptions of sunrise.
Although it does reference Aladdin and have various allusions to the story, it didn't read like a retelling.
There is a villain in the story and we are given a couple of brief chapters in his perspective. I would have liked this fleshed out a bit more. The reveal about his motives at the end was a bit sudden and could have used some more detail.
The romance is cute. The dialogue and internal thoughts get a bit cheesy at times, but I did like the two leads together.
My biggest drawback was the family drama. There were some very serious, even toxic, things that happened and none of it was really addressed.
Overall I enjoyed my time with this story and think it would be appealing to anyone who wants a sweet romance centered around the rich and famous.
July 14, 2025
I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading this modern day retelling of "Aladdin", but was pleasantly surprised. I'm still puzzling a bit over the twist and the conclusion because it seems like there's more than one villain in this story who is worthy of being punished. But, I imagine since this book is part of a series, if I keep reading, I'll likely find out what happens to the secondary antagonist (GSC).
June 29, 2024
We're back in Nashville and meeting new friends! I enjoyed getting to know Brian and learning more of his backstory. I'd love to see more about what's in his 'one day' folder!
It's a fun, whirlwind romance with intrigue and secrets to keep everyone on their toes. Krisi handled everything fantastically and I look forward to reading more in this series!
It's a fun, whirlwind romance with intrigue and secrets to keep everyone on their toes. Krisi handled everything fantastically and I look forward to reading more in this series!
July 2, 2024
This is a spinoff series from her previous series. Brian is the manager of the building that Grace and her friends lived in when they found their HEA. Now it's his turn. Krisi moves into the building when her father tries to get too involved in her personal life. There's an instant connection with Brian, unfortunately someone else has set their eye on Krisi and they don't play fair, or legally. Will Brian and Krisi be able to prevent what is planned behind their backs? What happens to the other guy and why is he set on her?
I received a copy of this book from the author. Review voluntarily given.
I received a copy of this book from the author. Review voluntarily given.
September 21, 2024
This was such a heart warming story. It was like watching one of those Hallmark stories that you get sucked into within the first 5 minutes and you gotta see what happens so you stay for the end. I read this book in a matter of just a few hours. It was a fun, easy enjoyable read! Highly recommend!
December 30, 2024
A fun twist on a favourite story.
I enjoyed this Aladdin-inspired romance. Having been a pre-teen when the original animation came out, I was a huge fan, so I saw many of the parallels and enjoyed the twists and turns.
I enjoyed this Aladdin-inspired romance. Having been a pre-teen when the original animation came out, I was a huge fan, so I saw many of the parallels and enjoyed the twists and turns.
July 10, 2025
Don’t judge a book by its cover could be applied to both Krisi St. Clair and Brian Streatt. Neither one are as they appear at first or even second glance. When we look beneath the surface, we get romance, humor, a villain, blinded by ambition parents, and a few surprises. Someone needed to learn to not mess with Southern women. I enjoyed this book.
June 29, 2024
What a fun read. Romance with a touch of suspense.
February 9, 2025
A sweet romance set in Nashville. Characters had nice chemistry. Enjoyed it!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews