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The Odds of Getting Even: A Novel
A fling with a mysterious stranger leads to a rollicking adventure in the wilds of South Dakota in this madcap and romantic follow-up to Amanda Sellet’s Hate to Fake it to You.
The last thing reluctant resort employee Jean Harrington expected to find on a middle-of-the-night towel run was a bashful scientist in desperate need of company . . . and clothes. Charmed by his awkwardness and endearing tangents about reptiles, she returns the next day to give the handsome mystery guest she knows only as “Charlie” lessons in poker.
He’s reserved and she’s chaotic, but together, the two of them just click. It’s like a honeymoon without the hassle of a wedding, until Jean discovers there’s a lot more to Charlie’s story than shyness and snakes—and she isn’t the only person with a pressing interest in his whereabouts, not to mention his secretly scandalous dating history.
When Charlie has the audacity to abandon her without a word, Jean has a score to settle. She’ll do whatever it takes to get him back—no, get back at him—even if it means chasing him across an ocean to brave the wild west of his remote hometown, and the famous family business he neglected to mention. With flames from their pasts raising the stakes, Jean is gambling she can get the upper hand before Charlie calls her bluff.
The real trick will be remembering what they’re playing for, when the biggest risk is putting all their cards on the table.
The last thing reluctant resort employee Jean Harrington expected to find on a middle-of-the-night towel run was a bashful scientist in desperate need of company . . . and clothes. Charmed by his awkwardness and endearing tangents about reptiles, she returns the next day to give the handsome mystery guest she knows only as “Charlie” lessons in poker.
He’s reserved and she’s chaotic, but together, the two of them just click. It’s like a honeymoon without the hassle of a wedding, until Jean discovers there’s a lot more to Charlie’s story than shyness and snakes—and she isn’t the only person with a pressing interest in his whereabouts, not to mention his secretly scandalous dating history.
When Charlie has the audacity to abandon her without a word, Jean has a score to settle. She’ll do whatever it takes to get him back—no, get back at him—even if it means chasing him across an ocean to brave the wild west of his remote hometown, and the famous family business he neglected to mention. With flames from their pasts raising the stakes, Jean is gambling she can get the upper hand before Charlie calls her bluff.
The real trick will be remembering what they’re playing for, when the biggest risk is putting all their cards on the table.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 15, 2025
18 people are currently reading
17413 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Sellet
6 books445 followersAmanda Sellet is a Gen X ex-journalist who loves old movies, baked goods, and banter.
On the comedy/tragedy question, she is team comedy all the way.
On the comedy/tragedy question, she is team comedy all the way.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
August 15, 2025
So this is really, really cute - and definitely gets better as the story goes along! The first 50 pages didn't hook me, but the rest of the story grabbed my attention as I was reading descriptions of South Dakota (a place I've only briefly been and would like to see more of), trying to figure out who liked whom and if our heroine's childhood nemesis was going to receive his comeuppance.
- Cinnamon roll (super ooey gooey sweet) male main character (MMC)
- Artsy sassy heroine
This is one of those books that I read primarily for the plot, because while there is some cracked door spice, I'm not a huge fan of this style of MMC. I like my men strong and opinionated lol - but what really kept me coming back was that I just wanted to know how all the loose threads came together!
**Thank you to St. Martin's Griffin for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR 🖤
Follow me on Instagram for honest reviews, bookish freebies & giveaways! 🦋 || Southern Lady Reads YouTube channel coming soon!!
- Cinnamon roll (super ooey gooey sweet) male main character (MMC)
- Artsy sassy heroine
This is one of those books that I read primarily for the plot, because while there is some cracked door spice, I'm not a huge fan of this style of MMC. I like my men strong and opinionated lol - but what really kept me coming back was that I just wanted to know how all the loose threads came together!
**Thank you to St. Martin's Griffin for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR 🖤
Follow me on Instagram for honest reviews, bookish freebies & giveaways! 🦋 || Southern Lady Reads YouTube channel coming soon!!
June 26, 2025
Sometimes I’m not sure what I’m thinking when I choose a book for review. This one made me question myself. The main male leading character is obsessed with snakes.
This girl absolutely hates snakes. So what was I thinking?
I think the author was trying to make these two so completely opposite that it became a basis for building a relationship. As the saying goes, opposites attract, and the author did a great job with the basis of their relationship.
What was interesting, however, was the way that Sellet wrote the story. The beginning was odd. Their conversations were very odd, and you almost had to pick through the dialogue to figure out what they were talking about.
Again, I think that’s the author just trying to build that ultimate connection between the two characters that they knew each other on another level. Which is fine, but in some instances, it came off very weird and definitely different.
I have a love-hate relationship with many parts of this book. Definitely the snakes – number one – not fond of that. Some of the vibe that came off with it was different, and something you have to get used to as you read the story.
The story had a lot of areas where simple communication could’ve solved everything. However, the story really was built on the lack of communication. Because without that, there wouldn’t have been a storyline at all.
The Odds of Getting Even is a bit campy and tends to offer some word soup that could’ve been tightened up a lot.
I did enjoy how the author developed the characters as they were getting to know each other, and the fact that they would stand up and protect each other. Together, they had good qualities and a hot connection.
What I thought was strange was how the female lead character was acting at the end of the story. It was just really odd to pretend to be someone else so she could be mad at him – that was just weird. Although she is a fun, positive character, there were spots where she was a jerk, and like the title says, getting even, in her mind anyway.
Overall, the story is entertaining when you read between the lines. Some will find it adorable and humorous. I found it a bit off center.
~~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/the-odds-of-...
This girl absolutely hates snakes. So what was I thinking?
I think the author was trying to make these two so completely opposite that it became a basis for building a relationship. As the saying goes, opposites attract, and the author did a great job with the basis of their relationship.
What was interesting, however, was the way that Sellet wrote the story. The beginning was odd. Their conversations were very odd, and you almost had to pick through the dialogue to figure out what they were talking about.
Again, I think that’s the author just trying to build that ultimate connection between the two characters that they knew each other on another level. Which is fine, but in some instances, it came off very weird and definitely different.
I have a love-hate relationship with many parts of this book. Definitely the snakes – number one – not fond of that. Some of the vibe that came off with it was different, and something you have to get used to as you read the story.
The story had a lot of areas where simple communication could’ve solved everything. However, the story really was built on the lack of communication. Because without that, there wouldn’t have been a storyline at all.
The Odds of Getting Even is a bit campy and tends to offer some word soup that could’ve been tightened up a lot.
I did enjoy how the author developed the characters as they were getting to know each other, and the fact that they would stand up and protect each other. Together, they had good qualities and a hot connection.
What I thought was strange was how the female lead character was acting at the end of the story. It was just really odd to pretend to be someone else so she could be mad at him – that was just weird. Although she is a fun, positive character, there were spots where she was a jerk, and like the title says, getting even, in her mind anyway.
Overall, the story is entertaining when you read between the lines. Some will find it adorable and humorous. I found it a bit off center.
~~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/the-odds-of-...
July 12, 2025
THAT'S A WAY TO START A BOOK! 😃
so.. i expected to love this book.
I haven’t read any other of her books but i do plan to. (this book hasn’t spoiled me from the rest of Amanda’s work 😗)
I loved the effort!! all of the snake facts.
"Charlie would hate that.. Jean thought, before giving herself a mental slap. What did she really know about him? Nothing true."
girl be so fr, everything you know about him IS true.
THIS is what I hated about the book the absolute MOST... 🗣1..2..3..🗣 MISUNDERSTANDINGS!!!!! dude, 💀
I hate the misunderstanding trope more than I can possibly admit, but this tops the cake, ok. Charlie and Jean (👖) just so happen to find each other, right?
Charlie orders towels delivered to his cottage..
Jean.. who works at the resort Charlie is staying at (JSYK.. 2000$ a NIGHT) and is the one to deliver said towels.
They end up becoming friends.
Spend a couple days and dates together, before sadly and unexpectedly Charlie has to leave.. but not before Jean sees a beautiful woman in Charlie's cottage..
Instant... jealousy?? "No, No. I am never jealous" -Jean
So Jean finds out some unexpected things about Charlie. (basically he didn't really tell her WHO he and his family was.. big whoop) So when one of Jean's old friends (who happens to be an aspiring magazine editor, and is working on a piece about a certain SOMEONE.) except.. Jean didn't know anything about this certain someone except that his name.. is Charlie.
Turns out.. Charlie is really famous.
And Jean is left.. heart broken?? NO, seeking revenge 😈.
Charlie thinks she (Jean) ratted him out to the news outlet.. for money? maybe?
Jean never got to confront Charlie about what she learned about him.
Both are left feeling emotions and BOTH do NOT have the full story, and I just WISH OMG that they could have avoided it all, and i KNOW that if they avoided it, there literally wouldn't be a book but it was such an easy fix imo.
"Jean was in full command of the situation" there's a difference in being in control of the situation vs being a malicious prude!!!! xoxo
honestly I just don't like reading about revenge.. like.. at all. but I gave the book it's fair shot. This had been sitting on my shelf since I won the giveaway.. and let's just say that I was definitely thinking of not even reading it to post the ARC review.
and honestly.. im not sure if I would recommend this to anyone. i dont want anyone to think I'm a freak.. WHICH leads us to the next part of the review!! #wedgies and #nudity!!
I will !!!!NEVER!!!! get over Jean! Giving CHARLIE a WEDGIE. yup, a wedgie :)
and proceeded to stroke/tap his left butt cheek.. bc he has "nice ink" .. embarrassing. despicable. worrying.
JEAN WAS A FREAK OK? My sister was having to listen to me read out EVERY freak-esque thing she did. *BIG SIGH* I hate giving an arc a bad rating, because almost all of my arcs are giveaways. and I'm definitely anything but ungrateful.
But the wedgie definitely did something bad to my image on the book. so sorry Amanda.
and #nudity!! The first time the two of them meet? Charlie is naked! so...
Like I said in the beginning, I was expecting a heavy cowboy romance. (which I love those.) BUT it wasn't one, instead!! it had a forced love triangle (🤮SORRY I JUST DISLIKE THEM) and misunderstandings!!
ohwww mama a clown behind you xx 💋
𝘞𝘩𝘺 𝘥𝘪𝘥𝘯'𝘵 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘮𝘦?
"That was what it boiled down to, when everything was said and done. If she'd felt for Charlie a fraction of what he felt for her, Jean wouldn't gave traded information about him for money."
"And yet how could he blame her for not loving him? That wasn't something you could force on another person, because what was love worth if not freely chosen?"
See, this right right here is why I didn't DNF the book OR give it 2 stars. It's written beautifully. The author has all of the right tricks to make things sound better and absolutely beautiful and poetic.
"It felt like being one of those cardboard cutouts they prop up in movie theater lobbies: resembles a real person from the front, but it's flat and empty inside. A stiff wind could have knocked Charlie over, and he wasn't sure he’d get up again. Lying on the ground seemed like a reasonable response to his current predicament."
AWWH ☹️ ACTUALLY STOP, this was kinda really sad? and realistic. Charlie is the nicest most caring man I've ever read about, and that's saying something.
Overall it's like a 3.2⭐️'s just because I liked some aspects.. likeee Charlie. ik I said it before (maybe?)
Charlie was funny, timid, very shy but really caring. He constantly asked how Jean was, (and despite only knowing her for a little while) he knew about her tendency to bottle her feelings up and just 'laugh so she doesn't cry' in a way.
however I have never been to South Dakota.. or Hawaii. But I have been to South Carolina.. and Florida.. if it matters? I guess.
tbh, I completely forgot that Jean was an artist. I didn't feel a connection to her.
Every once and a while she would say "spoke to her artists eye" and I would be like.. "ohhhhh yeahhh"
okay! time to not be so negative!
A thing I absolutely loved about this book?
IT'S CHAPTERS, if you have read this book.. you know what I mean.
Right before the chapters theres like these notes! and depending on what part of the book you're in, the chapters correlate to what's going on! Like in one of the chapters (this is a teeny spoiler kinda..)🚨
It's on chapter 3, and it's basically just a writing Charlie made when he was 8..
I like snakes, by Charlie, age 8
Snakes are very smooth. They move fast.
Snakes are good at hiding.
They like to be left alone.
THIS IS LITERALLY ON THE CHAPTER PAGE, *sigh* I love when books have stuff like this.
It was very entertaining to push through the book and read every little chapter.
BUT, not every chapter has one⇪ (literally just contradicted myself.. 🤗)
only 16 out of the 36 (I'm including epilogue as a chapter, bc.. duh? .. sue me) chapters have these little gems.
See for yourself, read this book. you may love it. 🫶
ALSO, I'm almost entirely positive that you can read all of this on the back description (in a more accurate, shorter way) so this is a no spoiler review!
the writing was good.
the banter was good.
the misunderstanding? not good.
the plot.. was objectively good I suppose.. mostly avoidable, but good.
i loved the ending sm more than i thought i would!
thank you so much Amanda Sellet and
St. Martin's Griffin for the arc.
Although I won this book in a giveaway, all thoughts are my own.
(3.2/5)⭐️🐍
so.. i expected to love this book.
I haven’t read any other of her books but i do plan to. (this book hasn’t spoiled me from the rest of Amanda’s work 😗)
I loved the effort!! all of the snake facts.
"Charlie would hate that.. Jean thought, before giving herself a mental slap. What did she really know about him? Nothing true."
girl be so fr, everything you know about him IS true.
THIS is what I hated about the book the absolute MOST... 🗣1..2..3..🗣 MISUNDERSTANDINGS!!!!! dude, 💀
I hate the misunderstanding trope more than I can possibly admit, but this tops the cake, ok. Charlie and Jean (👖) just so happen to find each other, right?
Charlie orders towels delivered to his cottage..
Jean.. who works at the resort Charlie is staying at (JSYK.. 2000$ a NIGHT) and is the one to deliver said towels.
They end up becoming friends.
Spend a couple days and dates together, before sadly and unexpectedly Charlie has to leave.. but not before Jean sees a beautiful woman in Charlie's cottage..
Instant... jealousy?? "No, No. I am never jealous" -Jean
So Jean finds out some unexpected things about Charlie. (basically he didn't really tell her WHO he and his family was.. big whoop) So when one of Jean's old friends (who happens to be an aspiring magazine editor, and is working on a piece about a certain SOMEONE.) except.. Jean didn't know anything about this certain someone except that his name.. is Charlie.
Turns out.. Charlie is really famous.
And Jean is left.. heart broken?? NO, seeking revenge 😈.
Charlie thinks she (Jean) ratted him out to the news outlet.. for money? maybe?
Jean never got to confront Charlie about what she learned about him.
Both are left feeling emotions and BOTH do NOT have the full story, and I just WISH OMG that they could have avoided it all, and i KNOW that if they avoided it, there literally wouldn't be a book but it was such an easy fix imo.
"Jean was in full command of the situation" there's a difference in being in control of the situation vs being a malicious prude!!!! xoxo
honestly I just don't like reading about revenge.. like.. at all. but I gave the book it's fair shot. This had been sitting on my shelf since I won the giveaway.. and let's just say that I was definitely thinking of not even reading it to post the ARC review.
and honestly.. im not sure if I would recommend this to anyone. i dont want anyone to think I'm a freak.. WHICH leads us to the next part of the review!! #wedgies and #nudity!!
I will !!!!NEVER!!!! get over Jean! Giving CHARLIE a WEDGIE. yup, a wedgie :)
and proceeded to stroke/tap his left butt cheek.. bc he has "nice ink" .. embarrassing. despicable. worrying.
JEAN WAS A FREAK OK? My sister was having to listen to me read out EVERY freak-esque thing she did. *BIG SIGH* I hate giving an arc a bad rating, because almost all of my arcs are giveaways. and I'm definitely anything but ungrateful.
But the wedgie definitely did something bad to my image on the book. so sorry Amanda.
and #nudity!! The first time the two of them meet? Charlie is naked! so...
Like I said in the beginning, I was expecting a heavy cowboy romance. (which I love those.) BUT it wasn't one, instead!! it had a forced love triangle (🤮SORRY I JUST DISLIKE THEM) and misunderstandings!!
ohwww mama a clown behind you xx 💋
𝘞𝘩𝘺 𝘥𝘪𝘥𝘯'𝘵 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘮𝘦?
"That was what it boiled down to, when everything was said and done. If she'd felt for Charlie a fraction of what he felt for her, Jean wouldn't gave traded information about him for money."
"And yet how could he blame her for not loving him? That wasn't something you could force on another person, because what was love worth if not freely chosen?"
See, this right right here is why I didn't DNF the book OR give it 2 stars. It's written beautifully. The author has all of the right tricks to make things sound better and absolutely beautiful and poetic.
"It felt like being one of those cardboard cutouts they prop up in movie theater lobbies: resembles a real person from the front, but it's flat and empty inside. A stiff wind could have knocked Charlie over, and he wasn't sure he’d get up again. Lying on the ground seemed like a reasonable response to his current predicament."
AWWH ☹️ ACTUALLY STOP, this was kinda really sad? and realistic. Charlie is the nicest most caring man I've ever read about, and that's saying something.
Overall it's like a 3.2⭐️'s just because I liked some aspects.. likeee Charlie. ik I said it before (maybe?)
Charlie was funny, timid, very shy but really caring. He constantly asked how Jean was, (and despite only knowing her for a little while) he knew about her tendency to bottle her feelings up and just 'laugh so she doesn't cry' in a way.
however I have never been to South Dakota.. or Hawaii. But I have been to South Carolina.. and Florida.. if it matters? I guess.
tbh, I completely forgot that Jean was an artist. I didn't feel a connection to her.
Every once and a while she would say "spoke to her artists eye" and I would be like.. "ohhhhh yeahhh"
okay! time to not be so negative!
A thing I absolutely loved about this book?
IT'S CHAPTERS, if you have read this book.. you know what I mean.
Right before the chapters theres like these notes! and depending on what part of the book you're in, the chapters correlate to what's going on! Like in one of the chapters (this is a teeny spoiler kinda..)🚨
It's on chapter 3, and it's basically just a writing Charlie made when he was 8..
I like snakes, by Charlie, age 8
Snakes are very smooth. They move fast.
Snakes are good at hiding.
They like to be left alone.
THIS IS LITERALLY ON THE CHAPTER PAGE, *sigh* I love when books have stuff like this.
It was very entertaining to push through the book and read every little chapter.
BUT, not every chapter has one⇪ (literally just contradicted myself.. 🤗)
only 16 out of the 36 (I'm including epilogue as a chapter, bc.. duh? .. sue me) chapters have these little gems.
See for yourself, read this book. you may love it. 🫶
ALSO, I'm almost entirely positive that you can read all of this on the back description (in a more accurate, shorter way) so this is a no spoiler review!
the writing was good.
the banter was good.
the misunderstanding? not good.
the plot.. was objectively good I suppose.. mostly avoidable, but good.
i loved the ending sm more than i thought i would!
thank you so much Amanda Sellet and
St. Martin's Griffin for the arc.
Although I won this book in a giveaway, all thoughts are my own.
(3.2/5)⭐️🐍
June 8, 2025
i was excited to get this because it takes place in south dakota (and nothing happens here) - it was west river tho 😔
unfortunately, this book was not for me. the first 30% or so was pretty boring, and then we get into the plot, which was interesting but also extremely random.
you have an mmc who loves snakes, an fmc who works at a resort in hawaii, they end up in south dakota for a beer celebration, there's a famous ex, love triangle/square, misunderstandings, it's a lot.
just wasn't for me unfortunately - weird and both boring and too fast.
**thank you to st. martin's griffin for an ARC copy**
unfortunately, this book was not for me. the first 30% or so was pretty boring, and then we get into the plot, which was interesting but also extremely random.
you have an mmc who loves snakes, an fmc who works at a resort in hawaii, they end up in south dakota for a beer celebration, there's a famous ex, love triangle/square, misunderstandings, it's a lot.
just wasn't for me unfortunately - weird and both boring and too fast.
**thank you to st. martin's griffin for an ARC copy**
December 29, 2024
My face hurts from smiling so hard the entire time I raced through this book. It’s nonstop wit and humor, and yet it isn’t fluff. If you aren’t paying attention, you will miss the minute details that make the writing so spectacular. I want to be every character; I see myself in every character; I feel for every character, flaws and all (mostly…;). Devour this when you need to feel alive. 🥰
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advanced copy!!
@amandajsellet
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advanced copy!!
@amandajsellet
July 30, 2025
The Odds of Getting Even by Amanda Sellet
2nd in a series following Hate to Fake it to You. Contemporary romcom.
I really enjoyed the flirting and comedy of attraction in the first half of this story. Jean is full of joy and Charlie is shy and willing to do anything for Jean. Sweet and sexy and provocative.
The second half of the book gets serious, complicated and sometimes confusing. Maybe it was me and their names or the fact that I can’t do two of the same genre similar books in a row.
I reread the last quarter of the book a second time and really enjoyed the humor and longing for each other. An example: “Charlie almost fell over from the relief of finding her, and also because one of his shoes had come untied.”
It’s adorable and sexy and funny and irreverent.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
2nd in a series following Hate to Fake it to You. Contemporary romcom.
I really enjoyed the flirting and comedy of attraction in the first half of this story. Jean is full of joy and Charlie is shy and willing to do anything for Jean. Sweet and sexy and provocative.
The second half of the book gets serious, complicated and sometimes confusing. Maybe it was me and their names or the fact that I can’t do two of the same genre similar books in a row.
I reread the last quarter of the book a second time and really enjoyed the humor and longing for each other. An example: “Charlie almost fell over from the relief of finding her, and also because one of his shoes had come untied.”
It’s adorable and sexy and funny and irreverent.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
July 18, 2025
Thank you @amandajsellet and @youhadmeathea for the giftedbook
TITLE: The Odds of Getting Even
AUTHOR: Amanda Sellett
PUB DATE: 07.15.2025
🎲 A Wild, Witty Ride That Deals a Winning Hand of Heart and Hijinks! 💘🌵
The Odds of Getting Even by Amanda Sellet and I’m in full-on rom-com bliss. Imagine a towel run gone rogue, a hot (and hopelessly awkward) scientist talking about reptiles in the middle of the night, and a chaotic heroine who accidentally turns a fling into a globe-trotting mission of romantic revenge… and you've got the perfect summer read. 💕♠️🐍
Jean is hilarious, bold, and totally unpredictable, while Charlie is the shy scientist dreamboat with more secrets than snakes in his suitcase. Their chemistry is electric, their banter is gold, and the twists? Chef’s kiss. From wild South Dakota landscapes to secret family empires, this book had me laughing, blushing, and gasping in equal measure.
It’s a little bit enemies-to-lovers, a little bit runaway romance, and 100% charming chaos. If you're into witty, offbeat heroines and soft, secretly spicy heroes, this book is your next obsession. Plus, who doesn’t love a little “are-we-flirting-or-just-playing-poker?” energy? 😏🃏
TITLE: The Odds of Getting Even
AUTHOR: Amanda Sellett
PUB DATE: 07.15.2025
🎲 A Wild, Witty Ride That Deals a Winning Hand of Heart and Hijinks! 💘🌵
The Odds of Getting Even by Amanda Sellet and I’m in full-on rom-com bliss. Imagine a towel run gone rogue, a hot (and hopelessly awkward) scientist talking about reptiles in the middle of the night, and a chaotic heroine who accidentally turns a fling into a globe-trotting mission of romantic revenge… and you've got the perfect summer read. 💕♠️🐍
Jean is hilarious, bold, and totally unpredictable, while Charlie is the shy scientist dreamboat with more secrets than snakes in his suitcase. Their chemistry is electric, their banter is gold, and the twists? Chef’s kiss. From wild South Dakota landscapes to secret family empires, this book had me laughing, blushing, and gasping in equal measure.
It’s a little bit enemies-to-lovers, a little bit runaway romance, and 100% charming chaos. If you're into witty, offbeat heroines and soft, secretly spicy heroes, this book is your next obsession. Plus, who doesn’t love a little “are-we-flirting-or-just-playing-poker?” energy? 😏🃏
July 15, 2025
Thanks to Netgalley & St. Martin's Press for the arc! Really enjoyed! Loved the characters & the setting. Banter was really good too. Will read more from this author.
January 18, 2025
How was this such an adorable book???
I can’t wait to write a more in depth review.
There is so much banter and humor and just all around fun that really keeps you wanting to read the story. Setting is in South Dakota too and was set perfectly, there are so many little details throughout the places you go.
Jean was chaotic and fun, she’s EXACTLY what I want in a FMC and Charlie was her perfect opposite. These two has great chemistry on page and even through some secrets that were revealed they remained rooted.
I loved this book because it reads like a rom com movie. It would make an incredible movie. (I like movies too okay, sue me).
4/5! Thank you NetGalley and St Martins for the eArc 🫶🏻🩷
I can’t wait to write a more in depth review.
There is so much banter and humor and just all around fun that really keeps you wanting to read the story. Setting is in South Dakota too and was set perfectly, there are so many little details throughout the places you go.
Jean was chaotic and fun, she’s EXACTLY what I want in a FMC and Charlie was her perfect opposite. These two has great chemistry on page and even through some secrets that were revealed they remained rooted.
I loved this book because it reads like a rom com movie. It would make an incredible movie. (I like movies too okay, sue me).
4/5! Thank you NetGalley and St Martins for the eArc 🫶🏻🩷
July 13, 2025
Jean is working as a concierge at a fancy resort (she's really an artist) when she meets Charlie, a charmingly awkward #hotnerd and would-be herpetologist who may or may not be hiding there for mysterious reasons. Hijinks ensue when the real world catches up to Charlie and Jean realizes that he wasn't what he seemed. Or was he? Oh, I liked these two! Jean had just the right level of snark, and Charlie is adorably sweet. The plot relies heavily on the misunderstanding/miscommunication trope, which got a little frustrating after awhile. Despite that, I loved Jean and Charlie and their opposites-attract energy!
This was a quick and fun fade-to-black insta-love romance, and was faster-paced than I expected. The author has us jump right into the story, and there was a madcap element throughout that I really enjoyed. It's a follow-up to Hate to Fake It to You with throwbacks to characters from that book, but it works fine as a standalone. The author has a fun writing style with lots of subtle and not-so-subtle humor. I've read her before (including the previous book) and I look forward to reading whatever is next! Publishes 7-15-25. This review was based on a complimentary copy of the eARC, all opinions are my own.
This was a quick and fun fade-to-black insta-love romance, and was faster-paced than I expected. The author has us jump right into the story, and there was a madcap element throughout that I really enjoyed. It's a follow-up to Hate to Fake It to You with throwbacks to characters from that book, but it works fine as a standalone. The author has a fun writing style with lots of subtle and not-so-subtle humor. I've read her before (including the previous book) and I look forward to reading whatever is next! Publishes 7-15-25. This review was based on a complimentary copy of the eARC, all opinions are my own.
October 19, 2025
His over protective friend caused almost all this chaos. The revenge didn't go too hard, I wanted more scorched earth lol, but this was more of a miscommunication trope.
February 26, 2025
3.75 rounded to 4 ⭐️
While I am not a fan of snakes I was able to put aside my fear for this cute story line! Jean and Charlie meet in a not so typical fashion but it’s the way they meet that allows for the sweetest beginning of this love story. I love a good weirdos relationship where everyone accepts each other as they are. Just like any relationship, communication is key and these two are not the best at it. All their problems could’ve easily been solved with an honest conversation. They rectify it swiftly and we get the happily ever after we always want in a romance.
While I am not a fan of snakes I was able to put aside my fear for this cute story line! Jean and Charlie meet in a not so typical fashion but it’s the way they meet that allows for the sweetest beginning of this love story. I love a good weirdos relationship where everyone accepts each other as they are. Just like any relationship, communication is key and these two are not the best at it. All their problems could’ve easily been solved with an honest conversation. They rectify it swiftly and we get the happily ever after we always want in a romance.
July 16, 2025
Amanda Sellet's second contemporary romance delivers a witty, snake-filled adventure that proves sometimes the best relationships start with the biggest misunderstandings. Following her debut Hate to Fake It to You, Sellet returns with another screwball comedy that channels the golden age of Hollywood hijinks while maintaining a distinctly modern sensibility.
A Meet-Cute That Actually Matters
The premise alone sells itself: Jean Harrington, a reluctant resort concierge with artistic ambitions, stumbles upon a bashful scientist during a late-night towel emergency. What follows is a masterclass in sexual tension disguised as poker lessons, complete with strip poker sessions that serve as both character development and comedic gold.
Sellet excels at creating characters who feel authentically flawed rather than quirky for the sake of being quirky. Jean's commitment-phobic nature stems from genuine self-preservation, while Charlie's reserved personality masks genuine vulnerability rather than simple shyness. Their initial connection feels earned rather than manufactured, particularly during their intimate painting sessions where Jean literally marks Charlie as hers.
The author's background as a journalist shines through in her sharp dialogue and keen eye for detail. The hotel setting provides the perfect backdrop for their clandestine romance, with Jean's concierge reports serving as delightful chapter breaks that add authenticity to the resort atmosphere.
Plot Mechanics: Where Chaos Meets Calculation
The story's central conceit revolves around mistaken identities and hidden agendas, but Sellet manages to keep the increasingly complex web of deceptions from becoming overwhelming. When Jean discovers Charlie's true identity as beer heir Charles Pike IV, her feelings of betrayal drive her to assume a false identity and crash his family's centennial celebration.
This revenge plot could have easily devolved into mean-spirited territory, but Sellet maintains sympathy for both characters throughout their emotional journey. Jean's partnership with ambitious journalist Hildy creates an interesting dynamic that explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the price of ambition.
The centennial celebration itself provides a perfect stage for the story's climax, combining corporate politics, family drama, and romantic tension in a way that feels both intimate and epic. The poker tournament finale serves as an inspired metaphor for the characters' emotional stakes, with each hand revealing deeper truths about their relationship.
Character Development: Beyond the Surface
Jean Harrington emerges as a compelling protagonist whose artistic aspirations feel genuine rather than token. Her struggles with commitment and trust issues are rooted in believable experiences, and her growth throughout the story feels organic. Sellet avoids the trap of making her too perfect or too damaged, instead creating a character who makes mistakes while remaining fundamentally likeable.
Charlie Pike could have easily become a stereotypical "shy nerd" archetype, but Sellet layers in enough complexity to make him fascinating. His passion for herpetology provides genuine character depth, and his family dynamics add realistic pressure to his choices. The revelation of his wealth and status creates legitimate conflict without making him unsympathetic.
The supporting cast, particularly Mugsy and Adriana Asebedo, adds color and depth to the story without overwhelming the central romance. Each character serves a specific purpose in the narrative while maintaining their own distinct voice and motivation.
Writing Style: Snappy Dialogue Meets Emotional Depth
Sellet's prose sparkles with the kind of rapid-fire dialogue that made screwball comedies legendary. Her ability to balance humor with genuine emotional moments demonstrates impressive range. The chemistry between Jean and Charlie crackles on the page, whether they're engaged in verbal sparring or tender moments of vulnerability.
The author's handling of intimate scenes deserves particular praise. Rather than relying on explicit descriptions, she creates tension through emotional connection and playful banter. The painting scenes, in particular, serve as extended metaphors for their relationship's development.
However, some readers might find the pacing occasionally uneven, particularly during the middle section when the revenge plot takes center stage. The transition from intimate character study to broader comedy of errors doesn't always feel seamless.
Themes: Love, Identity, and Second Chances
Beyond the surface-level romance, The Odds of Getting Even explores deeper themes about authenticity and the masks we wear. Both protagonists struggle with being seen for who they truly are, making their eventual acceptance of each other's flaws particularly meaningful.
The novel also examines class differences and family expectations without becoming preachy. Charlie's wealthy background creates legitimate obstacles without vilifying his privilege, while Jean's working-class perspective adds authenticity to her character's motivations.
Critical Analysis: Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
Exceptional dialogue that crackles with wit and authenticity
Well-developed characters with genuine emotional depth
Creative use of poker as both plot device and metaphor
Effective balance of humor and emotional stakes
Strong sense of place in both resort and South Dakota settings
Areas for Improvement:
Occasionally convoluted plot mechanics in the middle section
Some secondary characters could use more development
Pacing issues during the transition from romance to revenge plot
Resolution feels slightly rushed given the complexity of the setup
Final Verdict
The Odds of Getting Even succeeds as both a standalone romance and a worthy follow-up to Sellet's debut. While not without its flaws, the novel delivers on its promise of witty banter, genuine emotion, and satisfying romantic payoff. The author's voice continues to evolve, suggesting even stronger work ahead.
Jean and Charlie's journey from strangers to lovers to adversaries and back again provides plenty of entertainment while exploring meaningful themes about identity, trust, and the courage required for genuine intimacy. Despite some pacing issues and plot convolutions, the strength of the central relationship and Sellet's undeniable talent for dialogue make this an enjoyable read.
For romance readers seeking something with both humor and heart, The Odds of Getting Even offers winning odds indeed. It's a book that reminds us why the best romantic comedies work: they make us laugh while making us care, and they leave us believing in the possibility of love conquering all obstacles, even the ones we create ourselves.
A Meet-Cute That Actually Matters
The premise alone sells itself: Jean Harrington, a reluctant resort concierge with artistic ambitions, stumbles upon a bashful scientist during a late-night towel emergency. What follows is a masterclass in sexual tension disguised as poker lessons, complete with strip poker sessions that serve as both character development and comedic gold.
Sellet excels at creating characters who feel authentically flawed rather than quirky for the sake of being quirky. Jean's commitment-phobic nature stems from genuine self-preservation, while Charlie's reserved personality masks genuine vulnerability rather than simple shyness. Their initial connection feels earned rather than manufactured, particularly during their intimate painting sessions where Jean literally marks Charlie as hers.
The author's background as a journalist shines through in her sharp dialogue and keen eye for detail. The hotel setting provides the perfect backdrop for their clandestine romance, with Jean's concierge reports serving as delightful chapter breaks that add authenticity to the resort atmosphere.
Plot Mechanics: Where Chaos Meets Calculation
The story's central conceit revolves around mistaken identities and hidden agendas, but Sellet manages to keep the increasingly complex web of deceptions from becoming overwhelming. When Jean discovers Charlie's true identity as beer heir Charles Pike IV, her feelings of betrayal drive her to assume a false identity and crash his family's centennial celebration.
This revenge plot could have easily devolved into mean-spirited territory, but Sellet maintains sympathy for both characters throughout their emotional journey. Jean's partnership with ambitious journalist Hildy creates an interesting dynamic that explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the price of ambition.
The centennial celebration itself provides a perfect stage for the story's climax, combining corporate politics, family drama, and romantic tension in a way that feels both intimate and epic. The poker tournament finale serves as an inspired metaphor for the characters' emotional stakes, with each hand revealing deeper truths about their relationship.
Character Development: Beyond the Surface
Jean Harrington emerges as a compelling protagonist whose artistic aspirations feel genuine rather than token. Her struggles with commitment and trust issues are rooted in believable experiences, and her growth throughout the story feels organic. Sellet avoids the trap of making her too perfect or too damaged, instead creating a character who makes mistakes while remaining fundamentally likeable.
Charlie Pike could have easily become a stereotypical "shy nerd" archetype, but Sellet layers in enough complexity to make him fascinating. His passion for herpetology provides genuine character depth, and his family dynamics add realistic pressure to his choices. The revelation of his wealth and status creates legitimate conflict without making him unsympathetic.
The supporting cast, particularly Mugsy and Adriana Asebedo, adds color and depth to the story without overwhelming the central romance. Each character serves a specific purpose in the narrative while maintaining their own distinct voice and motivation.
Writing Style: Snappy Dialogue Meets Emotional Depth
Sellet's prose sparkles with the kind of rapid-fire dialogue that made screwball comedies legendary. Her ability to balance humor with genuine emotional moments demonstrates impressive range. The chemistry between Jean and Charlie crackles on the page, whether they're engaged in verbal sparring or tender moments of vulnerability.
The author's handling of intimate scenes deserves particular praise. Rather than relying on explicit descriptions, she creates tension through emotional connection and playful banter. The painting scenes, in particular, serve as extended metaphors for their relationship's development.
However, some readers might find the pacing occasionally uneven, particularly during the middle section when the revenge plot takes center stage. The transition from intimate character study to broader comedy of errors doesn't always feel seamless.
Themes: Love, Identity, and Second Chances
Beyond the surface-level romance, The Odds of Getting Even explores deeper themes about authenticity and the masks we wear. Both protagonists struggle with being seen for who they truly are, making their eventual acceptance of each other's flaws particularly meaningful.
The novel also examines class differences and family expectations without becoming preachy. Charlie's wealthy background creates legitimate obstacles without vilifying his privilege, while Jean's working-class perspective adds authenticity to her character's motivations.
Critical Analysis: Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
Exceptional dialogue that crackles with wit and authenticity
Well-developed characters with genuine emotional depth
Creative use of poker as both plot device and metaphor
Effective balance of humor and emotional stakes
Strong sense of place in both resort and South Dakota settings
Areas for Improvement:
Occasionally convoluted plot mechanics in the middle section
Some secondary characters could use more development
Pacing issues during the transition from romance to revenge plot
Resolution feels slightly rushed given the complexity of the setup
Final Verdict
The Odds of Getting Even succeeds as both a standalone romance and a worthy follow-up to Sellet's debut. While not without its flaws, the novel delivers on its promise of witty banter, genuine emotion, and satisfying romantic payoff. The author's voice continues to evolve, suggesting even stronger work ahead.
Jean and Charlie's journey from strangers to lovers to adversaries and back again provides plenty of entertainment while exploring meaningful themes about identity, trust, and the courage required for genuine intimacy. Despite some pacing issues and plot convolutions, the strength of the central relationship and Sellet's undeniable talent for dialogue make this an enjoyable read.
For romance readers seeking something with both humor and heart, The Odds of Getting Even offers winning odds indeed. It's a book that reminds us why the best romantic comedies work: they make us laugh while making us care, and they leave us believing in the possibility of love conquering all obstacles, even the ones we create ourselves.
July 17, 2025
This book started off strong and had me hooked right away. From the opening pages, I was completely pulled into the world Amanda Sellet created.
Jean immediately stood out. She reminded me so much of Krysten Ritter’s character in *Don’t Trust the B* in Apartment 23*: bold, confident, hilariously blunt, and endlessly entertaining. While she mellowed out by the end, that shift made her more relatable and rounded out her character nicely.
Charlie, on the other hand, was overwhelmingly charming. A sweet, nerdy snake enthusiast with a heart of gold. His naivety made him endearing, and was a nice switch up from the typical male roles I've been reading lately. I absolutely adored him. Together, Jean and Charlie had that kind of chemistry that made me wish I could live in their quirky little bubble forever.
Normally, I’m not a fan of the miscommunication trope, but in this case, it worked beautifully. Thanks to Charlie’s innocence and lack of experience, the misunderstanding felt organic and believable rather than forced or frustrating.
I tore through this book in just over a day and enjoyed every second. My only complaint was the ending... it felt a bit random given the circumstances, even if things ultimately worked out well.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for the e-ARC! This was the perfect poolside read; fun, fast-paced, and full of heart.
Jean immediately stood out. She reminded me so much of Krysten Ritter’s character in *Don’t Trust the B* in Apartment 23*: bold, confident, hilariously blunt, and endlessly entertaining. While she mellowed out by the end, that shift made her more relatable and rounded out her character nicely.
Charlie, on the other hand, was overwhelmingly charming. A sweet, nerdy snake enthusiast with a heart of gold. His naivety made him endearing, and was a nice switch up from the typical male roles I've been reading lately. I absolutely adored him. Together, Jean and Charlie had that kind of chemistry that made me wish I could live in their quirky little bubble forever.
Normally, I’m not a fan of the miscommunication trope, but in this case, it worked beautifully. Thanks to Charlie’s innocence and lack of experience, the misunderstanding felt organic and believable rather than forced or frustrating.
I tore through this book in just over a day and enjoyed every second. My only complaint was the ending... it felt a bit random given the circumstances, even if things ultimately worked out well.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for the e-ARC! This was the perfect poolside read; fun, fast-paced, and full of heart.
July 12, 2025
Some of the craziest calls came in from hotel guests on the night shift and at first this one seemed rather tame. Jean is asked to deliver more towels to one of the luxury $1000/ night cabins and she knocks and let's herself in only to encounter the snake tattooed bum of a very flustered guest. Charlie is a scientist there to escape a family obligation and, in his awkwardness, can't help from spouting random reptile facts at the beautiful hotel employee who caught him so exposed. Jean knows better than to get involved with a guest, but Charlie is just so awkwardly charming she can't stay away. Until she finds out the truth he so expertly hid from her and she's bent on revenge.
This story started out hilarious and fun and I loved Charlie's awkward nerdy vibe mixed with Jean's fun loving attitude and banter. But back at the South Dakota ranch for the centennial, everything just seemed confused and jumbled and the story just kind of fell apart for me. Too many extra characters and side stories made me lose interest.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This story started out hilarious and fun and I loved Charlie's awkward nerdy vibe mixed with Jean's fun loving attitude and banter. But back at the South Dakota ranch for the centennial, everything just seemed confused and jumbled and the story just kind of fell apart for me. Too many extra characters and side stories made me lose interest.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 29, 2025
Yikes.
(I think that sums up how I felt after I finished this one)
I had to assign myself a certain # of chapters to read each day, just because I was determined to finish this one so I could provide an honest review.
Um, I really didn't like this one. I felt like the characters had no true chemistry (I think they only knew each other for maybe a week? - unsure of the timeline). Jean (FMC) gets in her head that she needs to get *revenge* on Charlie (MMC), after he leaves the resort she's working at (again, they don't know each other enough for her to have feelings as intense as she did - it was very weird to me and I felt second-hand embarrassed for her). Honestly, none of the characters were likeable and the story felt all over the place. I think the whole idea was for this to be a romcom, but I didn't find myself laughing at anything.
Not going to spoil the plot for anyone who plans to read this.
I'd like to thank St. Martin's Press & St. Martin's Griffin for the eARC of this book.
(I think that sums up how I felt after I finished this one)
I had to assign myself a certain # of chapters to read each day, just because I was determined to finish this one so I could provide an honest review.
Um, I really didn't like this one. I felt like the characters had no true chemistry (I think they only knew each other for maybe a week? - unsure of the timeline). Jean (FMC) gets in her head that she needs to get *revenge* on Charlie (MMC), after he leaves the resort she's working at (again, they don't know each other enough for her to have feelings as intense as she did - it was very weird to me and I felt second-hand embarrassed for her). Honestly, none of the characters were likeable and the story felt all over the place. I think the whole idea was for this to be a romcom, but I didn't find myself laughing at anything.
Not going to spoil the plot for anyone who plans to read this.
I'd like to thank St. Martin's Press & St. Martin's Griffin for the eARC of this book.
July 2, 2025
I loved this book! The first half had me smiling and laughing the whole time, and the second half had me on the edge of my seat to see how everything would turn out.
Resort employee Jean answers a late-night call for extra towels, only to walk in on a hot, naked scientist. This encounter begins a friendship and eventual romantic interest between these two polar opposites, until Jean learns about Charlie's secret fame and fortune just as he leaves without saying goodbye. Jean follows Charlie back to his home state of South Dakota and is determined to get under his skin and exact her revenge for keeping secrets and leaving her behind.
I hate hate hate the miscommunication trope, but the miscommunications and misunderstandings in this book are done so well that I enjoyed these elements! This is a fun and chaotic story that I loved from start to finish!
Read this book if you like:
- Secret/Hidden Identities
- Nerdy MMCs
- Snakes
- Western/Cowboy Vibes
- Revenge Plots
Thank you so much to St. Martin's Press/ You Had Me at HEA and NetGalley for the free ebook in exchange for my honest review!
Resort employee Jean answers a late-night call for extra towels, only to walk in on a hot, naked scientist. This encounter begins a friendship and eventual romantic interest between these two polar opposites, until Jean learns about Charlie's secret fame and fortune just as he leaves without saying goodbye. Jean follows Charlie back to his home state of South Dakota and is determined to get under his skin and exact her revenge for keeping secrets and leaving her behind.
I hate hate hate the miscommunication trope, but the miscommunications and misunderstandings in this book are done so well that I enjoyed these elements! This is a fun and chaotic story that I loved from start to finish!
Read this book if you like:
- Secret/Hidden Identities
- Nerdy MMCs
- Snakes
- Western/Cowboy Vibes
- Revenge Plots
Thank you so much to St. Martin's Press/ You Had Me at HEA and NetGalley for the free ebook in exchange for my honest review!
October 4, 2025
Thank you @youhadmeathea for my #gifted copy of The Odds of Getting Even! #TheOddsOfGettingEven #YouHadMeAtHEA #stmartinspress
𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐎𝐝𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐀𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐭
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟏𝟓, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓
Have you ever read a book that you both enjoyed but also really struggled with at the same time? That was this book for me. The premise of this book felt so right, but the execution didn’t work for me. With that said, there were other parts that I really loved, like the banter and the quirkiness of the characters. But the misunderstanding that was a central part of the plot was a sticky point for me. I did enjoy how this book and the plot was different from your typical romcom and so were the characters. Jean and Charlie were both super intriguing and I did appreciate their inquire qualities. While this book wasn’t exactly a hit for me, it could still definitely appeal to others who like more of a chaotic storyline.
𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐎𝐝𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐀𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐭
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟏𝟓, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓
Have you ever read a book that you both enjoyed but also really struggled with at the same time? That was this book for me. The premise of this book felt so right, but the execution didn’t work for me. With that said, there were other parts that I really loved, like the banter and the quirkiness of the characters. But the misunderstanding that was a central part of the plot was a sticky point for me. I did enjoy how this book and the plot was different from your typical romcom and so were the characters. Jean and Charlie were both super intriguing and I did appreciate their inquire qualities. While this book wasn’t exactly a hit for me, it could still definitely appeal to others who like more of a chaotic storyline.
July 17, 2025
2.5/5
Some books really pull you in from the start…this wasn’t one of them for me. I just felt like I had to force myself to stay focused while reading it.
I loved both of our main characters as individuals but I felt like they lacked both the emotional maturity and the chemistry when it came to their romance.
I also felt like I could have enjoyed this book story a lot more if the characters communicated more and talked about their issues instead of avoiding each other.
Throughout the book, a few characters randomly popped up and we were never given information/ insight about who they were or what their purpose was in the story, it really made the plot feel disjointed.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the E-ARC of this book!
Some books really pull you in from the start…this wasn’t one of them for me. I just felt like I had to force myself to stay focused while reading it.
I loved both of our main characters as individuals but I felt like they lacked both the emotional maturity and the chemistry when it came to their romance.
I also felt like I could have enjoyed this book story a lot more if the characters communicated more and talked about their issues instead of avoiding each other.
Throughout the book, a few characters randomly popped up and we were never given information/ insight about who they were or what their purpose was in the story, it really made the plot feel disjointed.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the E-ARC of this book!
June 30, 2025
Not sure if I was in the wrong headspace for this one but I didn't connect with it as much as others who I have seen have reviewed it. I liked it but it wasn't anything that stood out to me. There was a lot of miscommunication and failed communication attempts which could have been made to avoid a lot of the situations that arose and I struggled to feel the chemistry between the two main characters.
July 24, 2025
What a fun book! TOOGE was a quick and funny read. I love Charlie so much. He's just such a cutie pie. There were so many fun plot twists towards the end, and I really appreciate how Charlie and Jean learned to fix their communication issues. I highly recommend The Odds of Getting Even for your next summer read.
Thank you to the publisher for the e-copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher for the e-copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 27, 2025
Cute concept and fun tension. I think the first half setting up the premise was stronger than the second half of the book trying to tie everything together.
December 31, 2024
I don't know with this one. On the one hand, I liked Jean and Charlie. On the other hand, the plot and conflict is entirely contrived, and sometimes the whole thing feels like it's being quirky just for the sake of being quirky and also wanting you to be aware of just how quirky it's being. You can see the twist coming a mile away. That being said, the resolution is satisfying and the hijinks are fun, so 3.4 or so rounded up.
I received a free ARC from Netgalley.
I received a free ARC from Netgalley.
July 19, 2025
This book had me hooked from the first chapter! What a meet cute HA. This book follows Jean and Charlie and their budding friendship that includes Jean teaching Charlie how to play poker. Jean is so witty and her humor kept me laughing out loud the whole time. Charlie had that sweet charm about him that made him so lovable to me. I enjoyed this book and recommend it for anyone looking for a quick and fun summer read! Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the gifted eARC. All opinions are my own.
April 24, 2025
This was a sweet and thoughtful read with a charming plot and a heroine who truly stood out. Jean was a total powerhouse—smart, determined, and so easy to root for.
I enjoyed the way the storyline unfolded and appreciated its pacing. That said, I didn’t fully connect with her relationship with Charlie. Something about it felt a little off, and I found myself wishing his personality and quirks were more fleshed out. In general, the character development across the board could’ve gone a bit deeper.
Still, it had a lot of heart, and Jean’s strength really carried the story. A cozy, engaging read with a memorable lead.
Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC
I enjoyed the way the storyline unfolded and appreciated its pacing. That said, I didn’t fully connect with her relationship with Charlie. Something about it felt a little off, and I found myself wishing his personality and quirks were more fleshed out. In general, the character development across the board could’ve gone a bit deeper.
Still, it had a lot of heart, and Jean’s strength really carried the story. A cozy, engaging read with a memorable lead.
Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC
July 21, 2025
Book Review: The Odds of Getting Even by Amanda Sellet
Let me preface this by saying: I love a quirky rom-com. I will happily root for an offbeat, awkward couple with weird hobbies and questionable judgment, as long as they have chemistry and a smidge of emotional depth. Amanda Sellet’s The Odds of Getting Even delivers exactly that—plus some snakes, fake names, and a woman delivering towels in the middle of the night who accidentally walks into her own personal romance plot.
Jean Harrington, our narrator, is a concierge at a luxury Hawaiian resort and also a bit of a chaos gremlin. She’s cynical, sarcastic, and mostly uninterested in the guests… until one of them answers the door completely naked and starts spouting facts about reptiles. That would be Charlie. Charlie is a soft-spoken, painfully shy scientist who is hiding from the world for reasons that only get more dramatic as the book unfolds. Jean is amused. Then intrigued. Then smitten. And before you know it, she’s teaching him how to play poker and maybe falling for him, though she would absolutely deny it.
The first third of the book is a cozy, oddball rom-com in a resort setting. The banter is sharp, the vibes are tropical, and Charlie is peak lovable nerd. Their connection is instant—but not in a saccharine way. They’re opposites, yes, but they fit. Her sarcasm bounces off his quiet literalness, and even their mismatched energy works somehow. Jean likes people with quirks, and Charlie is one big, walking endearing quirk. As she says: “There were few things more disappointing than people who oozed through life with no intriguing quirks.” No risk of that here.
Then Charlie disappears.
Literally. Just gone. No goodbye, no note, no explanation. And Jean? She doesn’t cry into a pint of ice cream. No, she partners with an ambitious journalist and flies to South Dakota under a fake name to crash Charlie’s family’s beer company’s centennial party. Why? For revenge, of course. To make him feel as bad as she did. Is that emotionally mature? Absolutely not. Is it entertaining? Oh, yes.
The rest of the book is a wild ride of mistaken identities, high-society drama, old flames, poker metaphors, and one man who would honestly rather be researching snakes than talking to people. The tone shifts into screwball comedy territory, with layers of misunderstanding that would make Shakespeare raise an eyebrow. Jean pretends to be someone else—to Charlie’s face—and he somehow goes along with it. There’s a whole subplot about corporate succession, a live TV moment, and a love triangle that tries to sneak in the back door. It’s a lot. It leans hard into the absurd, and sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn’t.
I’ll be honest: I struggled with the middle section. Once Jean arrives in South Dakota, the plot starts juggling too many balls. The emotional stakes get a little fuzzy, and the revenge angle gets murky. Jean is pretending to be someone else, but she’s also clearly just hurt and confused. Charlie is trying to handle family drama while still moping about Jean. And no one is having the conversation they clearly need to have. The miscommunication isn’t just a trope here—it’s the entire foundation of the conflict. And while I get it (without it, there’s no book), I was internally screaming, “Please, for the love of God, just talk!”
That said, the writing saves it. Amanda Sellet’s prose is crisp, clever, and sneakily emotional. She has a gift for sneaking in a sucker-punch of vulnerability right after a joke, and it makes the characters feel real despite the larger-than-life plot. Charlie, in particular, is a standout. His shyness isn’t just a quirk—it’s a shield. The man is deeply lonely, painfully self-aware, and trying his best not to disappoint anyone, including Jean. There’s a moment where he reflects:
“It felt like being one of those cardboard cutouts they prop up in movie theater lobbies: resembles a real person from the front, but it’s flat and empty inside.”
It’s such a simple, sad image—and it explains everything about him.
Jean, on the other hand, is not always easy to like, and that’s what makes her interesting. She’s petty, defensive, and impulsive. She gives Charlie a wedgie. She taps his tattooed butt cheek. She’s got revenge plans that fall apart halfway through execution. But she’s also funny, honest in her own backward way, and slowly figuring out how to let people matter again.
The romance eventually gets back on track, and the ending is satisfying—if a little abrupt. I would’ve liked a bit more time in the emotional payoff, especially after all the chaos. But I did appreciate that both characters grew. Charlie learns how to stand up for himself. Jean learns that maybe her heart’s not as fireproof as she thought. And they both realize that love—actual, messy, weird, wonderful love—means showing up and not running away.
Would I recommend this book? Yes, with caveats. If you like cozy rom-coms with a heavy dash of absurdity, if you enjoy flawed characters who make terrible decisions but still earn your affection, and if you’re okay yelling “JUST TALK TO EACH OTHER” at the page a few times, this one’s for you. It’s sweet, sarcastic, and kind of bonkers. In a good way.
Let me preface this by saying: I love a quirky rom-com. I will happily root for an offbeat, awkward couple with weird hobbies and questionable judgment, as long as they have chemistry and a smidge of emotional depth. Amanda Sellet’s The Odds of Getting Even delivers exactly that—plus some snakes, fake names, and a woman delivering towels in the middle of the night who accidentally walks into her own personal romance plot.
Jean Harrington, our narrator, is a concierge at a luxury Hawaiian resort and also a bit of a chaos gremlin. She’s cynical, sarcastic, and mostly uninterested in the guests… until one of them answers the door completely naked and starts spouting facts about reptiles. That would be Charlie. Charlie is a soft-spoken, painfully shy scientist who is hiding from the world for reasons that only get more dramatic as the book unfolds. Jean is amused. Then intrigued. Then smitten. And before you know it, she’s teaching him how to play poker and maybe falling for him, though she would absolutely deny it.
The first third of the book is a cozy, oddball rom-com in a resort setting. The banter is sharp, the vibes are tropical, and Charlie is peak lovable nerd. Their connection is instant—but not in a saccharine way. They’re opposites, yes, but they fit. Her sarcasm bounces off his quiet literalness, and even their mismatched energy works somehow. Jean likes people with quirks, and Charlie is one big, walking endearing quirk. As she says: “There were few things more disappointing than people who oozed through life with no intriguing quirks.” No risk of that here.
Then Charlie disappears.
Literally. Just gone. No goodbye, no note, no explanation. And Jean? She doesn’t cry into a pint of ice cream. No, she partners with an ambitious journalist and flies to South Dakota under a fake name to crash Charlie’s family’s beer company’s centennial party. Why? For revenge, of course. To make him feel as bad as she did. Is that emotionally mature? Absolutely not. Is it entertaining? Oh, yes.
The rest of the book is a wild ride of mistaken identities, high-society drama, old flames, poker metaphors, and one man who would honestly rather be researching snakes than talking to people. The tone shifts into screwball comedy territory, with layers of misunderstanding that would make Shakespeare raise an eyebrow. Jean pretends to be someone else—to Charlie’s face—and he somehow goes along with it. There’s a whole subplot about corporate succession, a live TV moment, and a love triangle that tries to sneak in the back door. It’s a lot. It leans hard into the absurd, and sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn’t.
I’ll be honest: I struggled with the middle section. Once Jean arrives in South Dakota, the plot starts juggling too many balls. The emotional stakes get a little fuzzy, and the revenge angle gets murky. Jean is pretending to be someone else, but she’s also clearly just hurt and confused. Charlie is trying to handle family drama while still moping about Jean. And no one is having the conversation they clearly need to have. The miscommunication isn’t just a trope here—it’s the entire foundation of the conflict. And while I get it (without it, there’s no book), I was internally screaming, “Please, for the love of God, just talk!”
That said, the writing saves it. Amanda Sellet’s prose is crisp, clever, and sneakily emotional. She has a gift for sneaking in a sucker-punch of vulnerability right after a joke, and it makes the characters feel real despite the larger-than-life plot. Charlie, in particular, is a standout. His shyness isn’t just a quirk—it’s a shield. The man is deeply lonely, painfully self-aware, and trying his best not to disappoint anyone, including Jean. There’s a moment where he reflects:
“It felt like being one of those cardboard cutouts they prop up in movie theater lobbies: resembles a real person from the front, but it’s flat and empty inside.”
It’s such a simple, sad image—and it explains everything about him.
Jean, on the other hand, is not always easy to like, and that’s what makes her interesting. She’s petty, defensive, and impulsive. She gives Charlie a wedgie. She taps his tattooed butt cheek. She’s got revenge plans that fall apart halfway through execution. But she’s also funny, honest in her own backward way, and slowly figuring out how to let people matter again.
The romance eventually gets back on track, and the ending is satisfying—if a little abrupt. I would’ve liked a bit more time in the emotional payoff, especially after all the chaos. But I did appreciate that both characters grew. Charlie learns how to stand up for himself. Jean learns that maybe her heart’s not as fireproof as she thought. And they both realize that love—actual, messy, weird, wonderful love—means showing up and not running away.
Would I recommend this book? Yes, with caveats. If you like cozy rom-coms with a heavy dash of absurdity, if you enjoy flawed characters who make terrible decisions but still earn your affection, and if you’re okay yelling “JUST TALK TO EACH OTHER” at the page a few times, this one’s for you. It’s sweet, sarcastic, and kind of bonkers. In a good way.
July 13, 2025
This is the second book I’ve read by Amanda Sellet, and I was curious to see if she would base this story on a classic movie, as she did with Hate To Fake It To You. Without an author’s note or any hints in the acknowledgments, I’m still not sure, but the book’s laid-back, easygoing pace was a refreshing change from the high-energy, formula-driven contemporary romances that currently saturate the market. In The Odds of Getting Even, the focus shifts to Libby’s friend Jean, and we get to see just how far she’s willing to go when she feels betrayed.
Every day in Jean Harrington’s world is exactly the same: another late night working at the hotel, the same guests, the same requests - rinse and repeat. That is, until a routine request for towels leads Jean to walk in on a guest stark naked, causing her predictable life to take an unexpected turn. Jean didn’t know what to expect from Charlie, but she certainly never imagined that a chance encounter would develop into such a strong connection with this awkwardly adorable scientist. As their days together unfold, so does Jean’s growing infatuation. She can hardly believe Charlie is real - when a visit from an old friend reveals her worst fears: not only has Charlie deceived her, but apparently the whole world is looking for him, including an ex who isn’t ready to let go. Determined to confront Charlie and learn the truth, Jean faces another unpleasant surprise—then he disappears. Refusing to be anyone’s fool, Jean is determined to seek revenge on the only man she’s let into her heart in a long time. With Hildy’s connections and a secret Charlie has shared, Jean discovers what Charlie is really up to and is ready to prove she’s not someone to mess with.
Like Amanda’s last book, this was a sit-back-and-watch-the-story-unfold kind of read. The story wasn’t larger than life; the characters were just everyday people (or at least Charlie really wanted to be). It wasn’t grandiose as you often find in other contemporary romances. Charlie wasn’t 6’7” with rippling muscles and built like a Greek god - he was adorable with a soft middle, inexperienced, and just as lovable as can be. Same with Jean - they may have been average to everyone else, but they were heart-stoppingly beautiful to one another.
I also appreciated getting to read Jean’s story after her introduction in Hate to Fake It to You. One detail I especially liked was the brief check-in with Libby and Jefferson; their story isn’t a fairytale with a perfect ending. Libby is still working at the food truck; Jean still has a dead-end job and is struggling to make ends meet. Good things happen, but their lives aren’t magically transformed - they remain relatable and real.
Another thing I enjoyed was the little pieces of bait Amanda left throughout the story. When Charlie is initially introduced, he refuses to give his last name and is extremely anxious about being seen, raising the suspicions of the reader. Instead of coming straight out and clarifying what is going on - or, despite being a dual POV, having Charlie's inner thoughts reveal what he is hiding - Amanda does a great job of dropping hints without confirming the reader’s suspicions. She keeps them engaged as they continue to progress through the story, speculating on what’s true and what is part of the hinted misunderstanding.
For those seeking a closed-door romance, intimate moments were kept behind closed doors or described off-page as recollections. There were glimpses of moments leading up to those situations, but again, Amanda kept everything very modest and even used humorous names to describe some of their time together.
The overarching message of this book was simply about being yourself and trusting that who you are is enough.
Amanda Sellet delivers another comfortable, well-written read. I have a soft spot for her books because they’re easy to put down and just as easy to pick back up again. They aren’t high-energy, so you don’t feel sucked in, and the story unfolds at its own pace - there’s no rush to get to the resolution. The hijinks, banter, and just overall lovable characters make for great company until you turn the last page, satisfied that everything worked out as it should, with an ending that feels genuinely realistic.
Spoilers have been removed
Every day in Jean Harrington’s world is exactly the same: another late night working at the hotel, the same guests, the same requests - rinse and repeat. That is, until a routine request for towels leads Jean to walk in on a guest stark naked, causing her predictable life to take an unexpected turn. Jean didn’t know what to expect from Charlie, but she certainly never imagined that a chance encounter would develop into such a strong connection with this awkwardly adorable scientist. As their days together unfold, so does Jean’s growing infatuation. She can hardly believe Charlie is real - when a visit from an old friend reveals her worst fears: not only has Charlie deceived her, but apparently the whole world is looking for him, including an ex who isn’t ready to let go. Determined to confront Charlie and learn the truth, Jean faces another unpleasant surprise—then he disappears. Refusing to be anyone’s fool, Jean is determined to seek revenge on the only man she’s let into her heart in a long time. With Hildy’s connections and a secret Charlie has shared, Jean discovers what Charlie is really up to and is ready to prove she’s not someone to mess with.
Like Amanda’s last book, this was a sit-back-and-watch-the-story-unfold kind of read. The story wasn’t larger than life; the characters were just everyday people (or at least Charlie really wanted to be). It wasn’t grandiose as you often find in other contemporary romances. Charlie wasn’t 6’7” with rippling muscles and built like a Greek god - he was adorable with a soft middle, inexperienced, and just as lovable as can be. Same with Jean - they may have been average to everyone else, but they were heart-stoppingly beautiful to one another.
I also appreciated getting to read Jean’s story after her introduction in Hate to Fake It to You. One detail I especially liked was the brief check-in with Libby and Jefferson; their story isn’t a fairytale with a perfect ending. Libby is still working at the food truck; Jean still has a dead-end job and is struggling to make ends meet. Good things happen, but their lives aren’t magically transformed - they remain relatable and real.
Another thing I enjoyed was the little pieces of bait Amanda left throughout the story. When Charlie is initially introduced, he refuses to give his last name and is extremely anxious about being seen, raising the suspicions of the reader. Instead of coming straight out and clarifying what is going on - or, despite being a dual POV, having Charlie's inner thoughts reveal what he is hiding - Amanda does a great job of dropping hints without confirming the reader’s suspicions. She keeps them engaged as they continue to progress through the story, speculating on what’s true and what is part of the hinted misunderstanding.
For those seeking a closed-door romance, intimate moments were kept behind closed doors or described off-page as recollections. There were glimpses of moments leading up to those situations, but again, Amanda kept everything very modest and even used humorous names to describe some of their time together.
The overarching message of this book was simply about being yourself and trusting that who you are is enough.
Amanda Sellet delivers another comfortable, well-written read. I have a soft spot for her books because they’re easy to put down and just as easy to pick back up again. They aren’t high-energy, so you don’t feel sucked in, and the story unfolds at its own pace - there’s no rush to get to the resolution. The hijinks, banter, and just overall lovable characters make for great company until you turn the last page, satisfied that everything worked out as it should, with an ending that feels genuinely realistic.
Spoilers have been removed
July 18, 2025
I have to admit that I was ready to dnf this new-to-me author since the story felt like a jumbled mess from the start. However, I'm glad I kept going since it turned out to be quite the unique story full of good characters and the crazy they both cause and encounter. And maybe the 3rd person narrative threw me a bit although it usually doesn't bother me but at times I felt as if I didn't really get to know Jean enough. To me, she was the star of this nutty show and perhaps being inside her head a bit would have helped me understand her a bit more. However, that all being said, I enjoyed her independence and how she went after what she wanted, no matter what. No obstacles were ever too much for this brave woman and the fact that she finds a way to face Charlie once he leaves their Hawaii paradise without warning was something to behold.
The story is an interesting one as Charlie and Jean's 'love affair' was at times wacky yet wonderful just the same. That each felt seen for the first time as they could be true selves no matter what. Jean's finding out after the fact who Charlie really was only fueled her desire to find him in again and tell him how much he hurt her. Jean has a vulnerability she doesn't like to show all that often but I understood trying to keep your guard up when her time in high school taught her how cruel the world could be.
As Jean and Charlie's worlds collide in the wild ways, I wish that they could have resolved their issues a bit quicker. Jean kept backing down or Charlie would be pulled away by his family and I was like: "get on with it already and have that darn conversation!" It simply took too long for the right things to be said, with so much background noise getting in the way. Much is happening with Charlie's family's legacy together with former lovers, friends and rivals all vying for the spotlight at one time or another. Allowing Jean and what he desperately needed to say to her always getting pushed aside.
The steam is light as most of their trysts while in Hawaii were fade to black yet there is great comic relief in how Jean teases Charlie using many euphemisms for his physical traits and actions. They are quite the pair and I'm confident they'll be each other's person for a long time to come.
Again, this was a book that had to grow on me before I felt like I could connect with the story and the characters. A good 75 pages could've been shaved off since my frustration with Jean and Charlie in finding a minute to say what they needed to one another mounted quickly for me. But in the end, I'm glad I gave it an honest chance and am mostly satisfied with how everything turned out.
3 stars.
The story is an interesting one as Charlie and Jean's 'love affair' was at times wacky yet wonderful just the same. That each felt seen for the first time as they could be true selves no matter what. Jean's finding out after the fact who Charlie really was only fueled her desire to find him in again and tell him how much he hurt her. Jean has a vulnerability she doesn't like to show all that often but I understood trying to keep your guard up when her time in high school taught her how cruel the world could be.
As Jean and Charlie's worlds collide in the wild ways, I wish that they could have resolved their issues a bit quicker. Jean kept backing down or Charlie would be pulled away by his family and I was like: "get on with it already and have that darn conversation!" It simply took too long for the right things to be said, with so much background noise getting in the way. Much is happening with Charlie's family's legacy together with former lovers, friends and rivals all vying for the spotlight at one time or another. Allowing Jean and what he desperately needed to say to her always getting pushed aside.
The steam is light as most of their trysts while in Hawaii were fade to black yet there is great comic relief in how Jean teases Charlie using many euphemisms for his physical traits and actions. They are quite the pair and I'm confident they'll be each other's person for a long time to come.
Again, this was a book that had to grow on me before I felt like I could connect with the story and the characters. A good 75 pages could've been shaved off since my frustration with Jean and Charlie in finding a minute to say what they needed to one another mounted quickly for me. But in the end, I'm glad I gave it an honest chance and am mostly satisfied with how everything turned out.
3 stars.
July 11, 2025
Edit: I didn’t realize this was a retelling of the 1941 movie The Lady Eve. Same character names and very similar plot. I guess I might like it more if I had seen the movie?
I debated between 2 and 3 stars. I honestly just didn’t like either main character. And I didn’t see any chemistry between them. It was I guess lust at first sight? But I couldn’t figure out what they saw in each other. Their banter was confusing and it seemed like they were speaking in riddles to each other. The FMC Jean was so impulsive and acted without thinking so I never knew what she was thinking or feeling until after the fact. And the MMC Charlie seemed inconsistent. I couldn’t decide if he was neurodivergent or just really introverted. His mother treated him like he was mentally disabled. And his best friend treated him like a child. But even in his interactions with Jean he seemed either unaware of social cues or just extremely sheltered. Even in the parts from his POV I wasn’t sure.
This was definitely an entire plot built on miscommunication. After their initial encounter, both mains believed something untrue about the other and refused to have a conversation or listen to the other’s explanation throughout most of the rest of the book.
The revenge plot was strange to me. Jean used a fake name/persona to get into Charlie’s parents’ company party but then kept using that fake persona with Charlie as if he didn’t know who she was. Even to the point of talking about herself as two different people and getting mad at Charlie for being attracted to her alter ego?
My other complaint was that the story seemed disjointed. Things happened without explanation and scenes jumped without resolution. I felt like I had to fill in gaps myself because the connections weren’t explained well.
The ending left a lot to be desired as well. Several people had abrupt changes of character. And the character that had been annoying the whole time was suddenly revealed to be the mastermind antagonist and was then just allowed to leave without much fanfare.
There were several threads that just weren’t tied up well at the end. Overall i just really didn’t like this book. Which I think means I give it 2 stars.
Thank you to Netgalley and St Martin’s Press for the chance to review this ARC
I debated between 2 and 3 stars. I honestly just didn’t like either main character. And I didn’t see any chemistry between them. It was I guess lust at first sight? But I couldn’t figure out what they saw in each other. Their banter was confusing and it seemed like they were speaking in riddles to each other. The FMC Jean was so impulsive and acted without thinking so I never knew what she was thinking or feeling until after the fact. And the MMC Charlie seemed inconsistent. I couldn’t decide if he was neurodivergent or just really introverted. His mother treated him like he was mentally disabled. And his best friend treated him like a child. But even in his interactions with Jean he seemed either unaware of social cues or just extremely sheltered. Even in the parts from his POV I wasn’t sure.
This was definitely an entire plot built on miscommunication. After their initial encounter, both mains believed something untrue about the other and refused to have a conversation or listen to the other’s explanation throughout most of the rest of the book.
The revenge plot was strange to me. Jean used a fake name/persona to get into Charlie’s parents’ company party but then kept using that fake persona with Charlie as if he didn’t know who she was. Even to the point of talking about herself as two different people and getting mad at Charlie for being attracted to her alter ego?
My other complaint was that the story seemed disjointed. Things happened without explanation and scenes jumped without resolution. I felt like I had to fill in gaps myself because the connections weren’t explained well.
The ending left a lot to be desired as well. Several people had abrupt changes of character. And the character that had been annoying the whole time was suddenly revealed to be the mastermind antagonist and was then just allowed to leave without much fanfare.
There were several threads that just weren’t tied up well at the end. Overall i just really didn’t like this book. Which I think means I give it 2 stars.
Thank you to Netgalley and St Martin’s Press for the chance to review this ARC
June 5, 2025
2⭐
LIKED:
- The plot (when the book gets to it) is pretty fun. It’s a little hidden identity on both sides and that’s cute.
- This book is very quick to read, and I mean that as a compliment. It’s not meant to be anything too heavy so you can just pick it up and get through it in one sitting relatively easy.
- I like this title. I wish it had anything to do with this book (They are not getting even. About anything. There is no revenge.)
- This cover is…fine. But the MMC looks so creepy. Why is hair stringy? What is he wearing? What is that expression? Just why.
LAMENTED:
- The pacing of this book is inefficient. We did not get to the actual meat of the story until 30% into the book. That is too far in. I know that the author needed to do some set up for the infatuation between the two, but it did not need to be that much. And then once we get to whatever Dakota it is, there still is not a lot of time spent on their relationship. The author is trying to do too much while not investing writing into what was most important.
- This romance made no sense. I did not care about either character or them getting together. They knew each other for like a day and a half and I cannot suspend my disbelief that this relationship would by any means last.
- I find the MMC to be really unappealing. He’s just kind of whiny and weird in a bad way. Also he’s supposed to be obsessed with reptiles but also we don’t really get to see why or how he wants it to be his dream. He does not feel fully fleshed out.
- I do not like the famous ex plot line. It just felt odd, personally, in how it was handled.
- There are too many side characters and they all feel really one dimensional. I did not care about any of them and, again, I just feel like they took away from the actual romance of the rom-com.
LONGED FOR:
- Any semblance of chemistry between the leads
- More actual focus on the romance
- Stronger pacing and less dilly-dallying when the book is quite plot focused
Will I read the next one? : No.
*Thank you to SMP & NetGalley for providing this ARC!
LIKED:
- The plot (when the book gets to it) is pretty fun. It’s a little hidden identity on both sides and that’s cute.
- This book is very quick to read, and I mean that as a compliment. It’s not meant to be anything too heavy so you can just pick it up and get through it in one sitting relatively easy.
- I like this title. I wish it had anything to do with this book (They are not getting even. About anything. There is no revenge.)
- This cover is…fine. But the MMC looks so creepy. Why is hair stringy? What is he wearing? What is that expression? Just why.
LAMENTED:
- The pacing of this book is inefficient. We did not get to the actual meat of the story until 30% into the book. That is too far in. I know that the author needed to do some set up for the infatuation between the two, but it did not need to be that much. And then once we get to whatever Dakota it is, there still is not a lot of time spent on their relationship. The author is trying to do too much while not investing writing into what was most important.
- This romance made no sense. I did not care about either character or them getting together. They knew each other for like a day and a half and I cannot suspend my disbelief that this relationship would by any means last.
- I find the MMC to be really unappealing. He’s just kind of whiny and weird in a bad way. Also he’s supposed to be obsessed with reptiles but also we don’t really get to see why or how he wants it to be his dream. He does not feel fully fleshed out.
- I do not like the famous ex plot line. It just felt odd, personally, in how it was handled.
- There are too many side characters and they all feel really one dimensional. I did not care about any of them and, again, I just feel like they took away from the actual romance of the rom-com.
LONGED FOR:
- Any semblance of chemistry between the leads
- More actual focus on the romance
- Stronger pacing and less dilly-dallying when the book is quite plot focused
Will I read the next one? : No.
*Thank you to SMP & NetGalley for providing this ARC!
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