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The Sweetheart Wager
Valentina Hartly believes in true love, but from hookups to breakups, her luck in relationships has run out. So when the local café hosts another matchmaking service for Valentine’s Day, she thinks she’s finally found her answer. That’s until he shows up, the boy she spent her childhood sending love letters to. Only now he’s broad-chested and wears a wicked grin.
***
Town player, Eric Ardent, has done it again. He put his foot in his mouth, but not even that could stop him from offending someone. After watching Valentina walk away, he had to make it right, and there was one thing he could think to a date for Valentine’s Day. Except, it isn’t with him.
A date for a comic book— those are the terms, but the cute, annoyingly charming woman from his childhood remembers parts of him that he forgot. Making a deal comes with a cost, and Eric doesn’t think he’s willing to pay up.
***
Determined to win the bet and fall in love, Valentina agrees to all of Eric’s tests. The problem? Valentina can’t concentrate with him following her every move, and Eric continues to deny the satisfaction that blooms each time a contender fails.
Will their bet to find love turn into a game of hearts?
***
Town player, Eric Ardent, has done it again. He put his foot in his mouth, but not even that could stop him from offending someone. After watching Valentina walk away, he had to make it right, and there was one thing he could think to a date for Valentine’s Day. Except, it isn’t with him.
A date for a comic book— those are the terms, but the cute, annoyingly charming woman from his childhood remembers parts of him that he forgot. Making a deal comes with a cost, and Eric doesn’t think he’s willing to pay up.
***
Determined to win the bet and fall in love, Valentina agrees to all of Eric’s tests. The problem? Valentina can’t concentrate with him following her every move, and Eric continues to deny the satisfaction that blooms each time a contender fails.
Will their bet to find love turn into a game of hearts?
478 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 4, 2025
11 people are currently reading
128 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
March 3, 2025
Perfect little read for valentines Day.
The story is classic. Two people in love will they are, won't they get together, can they push past friendship.
I was able to read this in a day. Good pace of how the story moves and happy ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story is classic. Two people in love will they are, won't they get together, can they push past friendship.
I was able to read this in a day. Good pace of how the story moves and happy ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 22, 2025
First off - Thank you to the author for sending me an ARC of this book to read and review.
This is book 2 of the series - Eric and Valentina's story. Eric and Valentina have known each other since childhood. She had a crush on him but when he got a girlfriend in high school she was crushed. She's She still believes in love even though she hasn't been very lucky in finding love so she signs up for the matchmaking service for Valentine's Day at the cafe when she sees HIM-Eric- looking fine and he's now single and he notices her but Valentina remembers what a player he is. Eric no longer believes in relationships but he offers to help her land a date before the Cupid's match in exchange for a comic book. Then begins the hilarious adventure as Eric coaches Valentina through love lessons and they spend more time together he starts falling for her but doesn't feel worthy of her so he abruptly calls things off just days before Valentine's Day and her birthday.
I really enjoyed it even though it was a long book. I had no idea it revolved around Valentine's Day. It was a nice surprise. This was such a cute story about second chances, childhood crushes and slow burn and spicy.
This is book 2 of the series - Eric and Valentina's story. Eric and Valentina have known each other since childhood. She had a crush on him but when he got a girlfriend in high school she was crushed. She's She still believes in love even though she hasn't been very lucky in finding love so she signs up for the matchmaking service for Valentine's Day at the cafe when she sees HIM-Eric- looking fine and he's now single and he notices her but Valentina remembers what a player he is. Eric no longer believes in relationships but he offers to help her land a date before the Cupid's match in exchange for a comic book. Then begins the hilarious adventure as Eric coaches Valentina through love lessons and they spend more time together he starts falling for her but doesn't feel worthy of her so he abruptly calls things off just days before Valentine's Day and her birthday.
I really enjoyed it even though it was a long book. I had no idea it revolved around Valentine's Day. It was a nice surprise. This was such a cute story about second chances, childhood crushes and slow burn and spicy.
January 12, 2025
The Sweetheart Wager is about Eric and Valentina. They grew up together and she had a crush on him all the way through high school. He knew of the crush but never acted on it. After a bad break up, he no longer believed in relationships. She's been searching for the perfect guy since high school.
They meet by chance at the local coffee shop about to run a match making service for Valentine's Day. Eric tells Valentina he can be her dating coach and find her a date. As they hang out more, he starts to realize he likes being with her. Unfortunately, he doesn't think he deserves love or her. Can they work it out?
They meet by chance at the local coffee shop about to run a match making service for Valentine's Day. Eric tells Valentina he can be her dating coach and find her a date. As they hang out more, he starts to realize he likes being with her. Unfortunately, he doesn't think he deserves love or her. Can they work it out?
October 12, 2025
I liked that it was a valentine’s holiday themed book. I liked the premise that Valentina and Eric had known each other as kids and reuniting. I liked Valentina and Eric was endearing, each trying to navigate their own hang ups.
It went back and forth with the push and pull from Eric a little longer than Valentina. But I enjoyed reading the book, it was an easy read, the writing flowed.
A good contemporary second chance romance book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It went back and forth with the push and pull from Eric a little longer than Valentina. But I enjoyed reading the book, it was an easy read, the writing flowed.
A good contemporary second chance romance book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 16, 2025
I loved being back in this town! I love these couples.
You follow a gaming pharmacist and her childhood crush. They are back in each other's lives and I couldn't be happier. This book made me laugh and cry all at the same time. This wasn't just a surface level romance and the way they fought their feelings was hilarious
🌶️🌶️/5
You follow a gaming pharmacist and her childhood crush. They are back in each other's lives and I couldn't be happier. This book made me laugh and cry all at the same time. This wasn't just a surface level romance and the way they fought their feelings was hilarious
🌶️🌶️/5
December 25, 2024
Review to come after christmas
November 7, 2025
I came across this book on one of the stuff your kindle events and it sounded like something I would be interested it. I thought that it was going to be a fake-dating type (which is something I never thought I would read by the way and have come to enjoy). This book was different! But a good different! This was a “I’ll teach you how to find a good boyfriend” which reminded me a lot of “What’s your number”. One of my absolute favorite movies, mind you. Anyway, the story of this book was so well written. The characters I couldn’t help but absolutely LOVE. Valentina—sassy, cute, redhead, gamer, dog lover, introvert. I’m sorry—is she me? She had the best personality and I couldn’t help but want to be her friend. Eric—your typical playboy, keeps his heart in a locked cage, but has good intentions. Also, Valentina’s first crush—from the age of 12. The backstory of their childhood, their growth—how they became the people they are now was all so well done. It all flowed so perfectly. The banter between Valentina and Eric was “chefs kiss”. You could feel the emotions between the two. You could feel the tension through the pages. You could feel the pain that Eric held in his heart and knowing the reasons for that pain—shattered my heart. The side characters were even lovable. And not often do I love every other character. Don’t get me wrong, there was one I wasn’t too fond of—but she redeemed herself in the end. So I couldn’t exactly hate her anymore. But Richard, Margo, Armen (I’m going to need a story for him now), Cassie, Lyn, Valentina’s family. All of them absolutely wonderful. Link—Valentina’s senior pupper—obviously was the main man in this situation. Because who doesn’t love the dog in every book. He stole the whole book. For real though, I adored this story. I’m a little upset at myself that I didn’t read the first book in this standalone-series, but it doesn’t mean that I won’t now. This was a fast paced read with all the things I love. I just couldn’t get enough of it. Absolutely spectacular and I highly recommend to add this to your list.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2025
𝔹𝕠𝕠𝕜𝕤𝕡𝕣𝕠𝕦𝕥 𝔸ℝℂ ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨:
The story follows Valentina who's had the worst case of luck with men. When she thinks about signing up for a matchmaking service for Valentine's Day, a man from her past, Eric—who she had a crush on since they were kids—waltz in her life with a deal.
If he can coach her on the ways of men & score a date before she can go through with signing up with the service, then he can have the comic book that his cousin gave her (there's a whole backstory to that part; I know it sounds like an odd prize, but trust me on this)
Despite being a playboy, he ends up falling for her along the way. But because of his past/how he was treated by an ex gf he puts up this wall & ends up hurting them both. There was a lot of back & forth with these two. A very slow burn, if you will. It took some time for them to finally be on the same page with each other, but I admit it did frustrate the living shit outta me.
If you're curious about there being any spice, the answer to your question is yes there is & while there was a sprinkle of it it was hot 🥵
My favorite character had to be Armen, one of Eric's best friends & a side character (very on brand for me)
Ｑｕｏｔｅｓ:
𝘚𝘩𝘦’𝘴 𝘦𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘢𝘴 𝘪𝘧 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘸𝘯𝘴 𝘢 𝘴𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘦. 𝘐𝘵 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘦 𝘨𝘪𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘵-𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘰𝘹 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘪𝘵’𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴
𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘥𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘐’𝘥 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘺 𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘱𝘪𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘴.
𝘝𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘢 𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘳𝘰𝘰𝘵𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘺 𝘷𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘴 𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘺 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘦𝘹𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩.
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘪𝘱𝘴, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘧𝘭𝘦𝘹 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘶𝘴𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘴… 𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘪𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘺 𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘶𝘯𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘱𝘶𝘭𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨.
The story follows Valentina who's had the worst case of luck with men. When she thinks about signing up for a matchmaking service for Valentine's Day, a man from her past, Eric—who she had a crush on since they were kids—waltz in her life with a deal.
If he can coach her on the ways of men & score a date before she can go through with signing up with the service, then he can have the comic book that his cousin gave her (there's a whole backstory to that part; I know it sounds like an odd prize, but trust me on this)
Despite being a playboy, he ends up falling for her along the way. But because of his past/how he was treated by an ex gf he puts up this wall & ends up hurting them both. There was a lot of back & forth with these two. A very slow burn, if you will. It took some time for them to finally be on the same page with each other, but I admit it did frustrate the living shit outta me.
If you're curious about there being any spice, the answer to your question is yes there is & while there was a sprinkle of it it was hot 🥵
My favorite character had to be Armen, one of Eric's best friends & a side character (very on brand for me)
Ｑｕｏｔｅｓ:
𝘚𝘩𝘦’𝘴 𝘦𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘢𝘴 𝘪𝘧 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘸𝘯𝘴 𝘢 𝘴𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘦. 𝘐𝘵 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘦 𝘨𝘪𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘵-𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘰𝘹 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘪𝘵’𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴
𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘥𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘐’𝘥 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘺 𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘱𝘪𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘴.
𝘝𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘢 𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘳𝘰𝘰𝘵𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘺 𝘷𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘴 𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘺 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘦𝘹𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩.
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘪𝘱𝘴, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘧𝘭𝘦𝘹 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘶𝘴𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘴… 𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘪𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘺 𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘶𝘯𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘱𝘶𝘭𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2025
Thank you to the author for sending an ARC to read this, I'm happy to share all my thinks thought along the way :)
The number of times I screamed at this book for either Eric or Valentina to just TELL THEM about their inner thoughts of each other is unknow. It was a lot. I just wanted them to spit it the heck out!
The Sweetheart Wager is a fun rom-com, starting with a deal made over a comic book for a date. I loved how relatable Val was - she's a smart and nerdy lady, and her social awkwardness at times is something I connected to right away. It made her feel like a friend, really. Especially her thoughts on how she perceives Eric to be - which is where the comical part came in for me, because since we get to see his POV as well, we know he's trying his best for the most part.
I liked the way their friendship grew over the course of the book, I thought it felt natural in the sense that, yes, they would get together for the purpose behind the deal they made, but they seemed to have a lot of genuine moments that took them outside of that as well. It's a slow burn I giggled over, TBH.
The origin of how the comic book came about and Neil's part of the story, well that just about took me out. I thought it was something that was equal parts adorable and sad. It gave us a piece of both characters and a piece of their shared youth that added to getting to know them. And I liked how it wasn't given to the reader in just one section; we got bits of info on it sprinkled throughout the book, so it never left the back of my mind like "why is this comic book so important here" and part of what kept me engaged while reading.
The number of times I screamed at this book for either Eric or Valentina to just TELL THEM about their inner thoughts of each other is unknow. It was a lot. I just wanted them to spit it the heck out!
The Sweetheart Wager is a fun rom-com, starting with a deal made over a comic book for a date. I loved how relatable Val was - she's a smart and nerdy lady, and her social awkwardness at times is something I connected to right away. It made her feel like a friend, really. Especially her thoughts on how she perceives Eric to be - which is where the comical part came in for me, because since we get to see his POV as well, we know he's trying his best for the most part.
I liked the way their friendship grew over the course of the book, I thought it felt natural in the sense that, yes, they would get together for the purpose behind the deal they made, but they seemed to have a lot of genuine moments that took them outside of that as well. It's a slow burn I giggled over, TBH.
The origin of how the comic book came about and Neil's part of the story, well that just about took me out. I thought it was something that was equal parts adorable and sad. It gave us a piece of both characters and a piece of their shared youth that added to getting to know them. And I liked how it wasn't given to the reader in just one section; we got bits of info on it sprinkled throughout the book, so it never left the back of my mind like "why is this comic book so important here" and part of what kept me engaged while reading.
February 28, 2025
Eric and Valentina have known each other since childhood, with Valentina having once harbored a crush on him. However, when he got a girlfriend in high school, her heart was broken. Despite her past disappointments in love, Valentina still holds onto hope and decides to sign up for a Valentine's Day matchmaking service at a local café. That's when she sees Eric again—looking irresistible and newly single. He notices her too, but Valentina is cautious, remembering his player reputation.
Eric, who has lost faith in relationships, offers to help her find a date before Cupid’s big day in exchange for a rare comic book. What follows is a hilarious and heartwarming adventure as Eric gives Valentina “love lessons.” As they spend more time together, Eric begins to fall for her, but his insecurities make him push her away just days before Valentine’s Day—and her birthday.
I absolutely loved this story! Even though it was a long read, I was hooked from start to finish. I didn’t realize it would revolve around Valentine’s Day, and it was such a delightful surprise. The story was a perfect mix of second chances, childhood crushes, slow burn romance, and just the right amount of spice!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Eric, who has lost faith in relationships, offers to help her find a date before Cupid’s big day in exchange for a rare comic book. What follows is a hilarious and heartwarming adventure as Eric gives Valentina “love lessons.” As they spend more time together, Eric begins to fall for her, but his insecurities make him push her away just days before Valentine’s Day—and her birthday.
I absolutely loved this story! Even though it was a long read, I was hooked from start to finish. I didn’t realize it would revolve around Valentine’s Day, and it was such a delightful surprise. The story was a perfect mix of second chances, childhood crushes, slow burn romance, and just the right amount of spice!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 5, 2025
Ahhh this book was just as adorable as it's cover! This is my first book based around Valentine's Day and it gave me all the feels. Eric could be such a dick sometimes, which definitely left Valentina "hating to love" him. She knew that there was much more beneath his cocky exterior. I found it very relatable that Eric wanted to give Courtney a second chance, but realized they had both changed so much and he realized he didn't know why he held her up on such a high pedestal. It's relatable wanting to give your first love a second chance even if it is years later.
If you are looking for a Valentine's Day read with childhood crush, friends to lovers, 'She's All That' vibes then definitely pick this one up!
Thank you so much @torisamuels.writes for giving me an advanced copy to review!
"Women hold the power over a man's dick."
If you are looking for a Valentine's Day read with childhood crush, friends to lovers, 'She's All That' vibes then definitely pick this one up!
Thank you so much @torisamuels.writes for giving me an advanced copy to review!
"Women hold the power over a man's dick."
February 8, 2025
The Sweetheart Wager is a super sweet romantic comedy... Valentina named after Valentine's Day is looking for love and her happily ever after when she runs into her childhood crush the one and only...Eric Ardent. Val and Eric enter into a wager where he helps her find a date on her own rather than using a dating service...again. These two embark on a hilarious journey through the dating scene while discovering things about themselves and becoming enthralled with one another. This book is a super slow burn but totally worth the wait! I laughed, I cried, I fanned myself off, and fell in love.
If you're a fan of romantic comedies, second-chance romance, childhood crush to lovers, and slow burn with spice The Sweetheart Wager is for you.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
If you're a fan of romantic comedies, second-chance romance, childhood crush to lovers, and slow burn with spice The Sweetheart Wager is for you.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 3, 2025
I received a ARC copy of the book from booksprout.
Can you imagine the guy who broke your heart because of the unrequited love being to fix your heart?
This was the first book of the series for me and I enjoyed the read/ listen. This story was so close to home. I was happy for Eric and Valentina happy ending. Valentina is a big romantic who does not have the best luck with the men she dates. Eric has been a man whore since he broke up with his ex. The idea of Eric providing dating lessons to help her find a guy to date was funny and I enjoyed reading about their "lesson" shenanigans . I have to complete the series now. It's a good valentine story to get you into the loving mood.
Can you imagine the guy who broke your heart because of the unrequited love being to fix your heart?
This was the first book of the series for me and I enjoyed the read/ listen. This story was so close to home. I was happy for Eric and Valentina happy ending. Valentina is a big romantic who does not have the best luck with the men she dates. Eric has been a man whore since he broke up with his ex. The idea of Eric providing dating lessons to help her find a guy to date was funny and I enjoyed reading about their "lesson" shenanigans . I have to complete the series now. It's a good valentine story to get you into the loving mood.
February 10, 2025
I absolutely loved The Sweetheart Wager! It’s such a fun, heartwarming read with just the right balance of romance, humor, and emotional depth. I also loved how the main characters personal growth played a role in the story, making it more than just a romance but also about figuring out what you really want in love and life.
If you love small-town romance, childhood crushes rekindled, and a bit of banter-filled angst, this is definitely worth the read. Tori Samuels did such a great job with the character dynamics, and I found myself grinning the whole way through. Highly recommend!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
If you love small-town romance, childhood crushes rekindled, and a bit of banter-filled angst, this is definitely worth the read. Tori Samuels did such a great job with the character dynamics, and I found myself grinning the whole way through. Highly recommend!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 9, 2025
Great book, couldn’t put it down, read it in 4 days. Well written to the point I felt like I was right there with the characters experiencing it. It was great to read a book where I know the locations well, I was able to relate to the book more. The interactions between the characters was natural and smooth, nothing over the top or unbelievable. Brought me right back to my highschool crush and the what ifs. Can’t wait for the next one!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 12, 2025
This was a great book! It took me a second to get into but once I did, I didn’t want to put it down! and put it down I did not (except to sleep).
In the book, Valentina compares the wager to She’s All That, and I couldn’t agree more. Except they’re adults, it’s not 1999, and it gets spicy. The character arcs were amazing and there were moments like I really felt I was there feeling the same emotions the characters did.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
In the book, Valentina compares the wager to She’s All That, and I couldn’t agree more. Except they’re adults, it’s not 1999, and it gets spicy. The character arcs were amazing and there were moments like I really felt I was there feeling the same emotions the characters did.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 9, 2025
A great romance with lots of emotion, banter, and spice.
When Valentina finds herself making a deal with her high school crush, she doesn’t know what she’s let herself in for. The Sweetheart Wage is part of the Holi-fate series, and it was great fun to return to the much-loved setting and characters. This book is filled with banter as Val reunites with Eric. He’s a player and wants to teach her his ways. Can Val overcome her childhood crush or will her feelings get in the way?
A great romance with lots of emotion, banter, and spice.
When Valentina finds herself making a deal with her high school crush, she doesn’t know what she’s let herself in for. The Sweetheart Wage is part of the Holi-fate series, and it was great fun to return to the much-loved setting and characters. This book is filled with banter as Val reunites with Eric. He’s a player and wants to teach her his ways. Can Val overcome her childhood crush or will her feelings get in the way?
A great romance with lots of emotion, banter, and spice.
May 12, 2025
While The Sweetheart Wager had some promising elements—like a slow burn and second chance romance—I struggled to connect with the characters. Valentina was sweet and relatable, but Eric came off as rude and emotionally immature. Their dynamic felt more fitting for much younger characters, which made it hard to root for their relationship. That said, I do enjoy Tori Samuels' writing style and would definitely consider reading more from her in the future. This one just wasn’t for me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 15, 2025
Get ready to laugh, swoon, and fall in love with Eric and Valentina, This book is the perfect rom com, slow burn story. They met back when they were young, but upon meeting again, they strike a deal... he will help her to land a date for Valentine's Day in exchange for a comic book. But, all the fun adventures, the moments, the dormant attraction starts to bloom... will they go through the wager and celebrate her birthday together? you are going to love how this book develops through the pages.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 1, 2025
- Childhood friends to lovers
- Dating coach
- Miscommunications
This is such a cute story based on childhood friends that have reconnected when Valentina enlists Eric's help with dating in exchange for a rare comic book. Valentina is the definition of socially awkward and it makes their interactions that much more delightful.
Eric is not looking for love...in fact he is avoiding it! But soon he may change his mind as he and Valentina get to know one another better.
This is a lovely romance!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
- Dating coach
- Miscommunications
This is such a cute story based on childhood friends that have reconnected when Valentina enlists Eric's help with dating in exchange for a rare comic book. Valentina is the definition of socially awkward and it makes their interactions that much more delightful.
Eric is not looking for love...in fact he is avoiding it! But soon he may change his mind as he and Valentina get to know one another better.
This is a lovely romance!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 1, 2025
I received an e-arc of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you to Tori Samuels + Team for allowing me the opportunity to read your book before it was out.
I sadly couldn't get into this book. I tried for weeks and just wasn't connecting with the characters and there were just a lot of little things I couldn't get behind. I sadly DNF this read at roughly 25% through. I will be trying again in the next few months and will hopefully have a better outcome 🫶
I sadly couldn't get into this book. I tried for weeks and just wasn't connecting with the characters and there were just a lot of little things I couldn't get behind. I sadly DNF this read at roughly 25% through. I will be trying again in the next few months and will hopefully have a better outcome 🫶
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2025
Happy endings are my favorite!❤️
Valentina and Eric’s story started in high school with her having a crush on him. As adults a chance meeting in a coffee shop brings them back together.
What started out as a wager ending up in them finding love in each other even though they both felt unlovable.
Such a sweet journey and a book I didn’t want to put down!
If you are looking for a good feel good book, give it a read!
Valentina and Eric’s story started in high school with her having a crush on him. As adults a chance meeting in a coffee shop brings them back together.
What started out as a wager ending up in them finding love in each other even though they both felt unlovable.
Such a sweet journey and a book I didn’t want to put down!
If you are looking for a good feel good book, give it a read!
February 12, 2025
Valentina has the WORST luck when it comes to men. So she has decided to shake things up and sign up for a match making service just in time for Valentine's Day. Here enters her old childhood crush, Eric. He offers up a deal to help each other. That doesn't however stop the sparks from flying.
As someone who loves a good slow burn, this book gives you it's all. I loved the build up and the spice that Tori Samuels gives us. She makes it worth the wait and the build up.
As someone who loves a good slow burn, this book gives you it's all. I loved the build up and the spice that Tori Samuels gives us. She makes it worth the wait and the build up.
February 20, 2025
This is the third book of the Holi-FATE but is an interconnected standalone. But having loved the other books in the series, I was really looking forward to this one too. I loved Valentina and Eric's story as it is beautifully written and has a great storyline. I also really liked the characters themselves and the dynamics and chemistry between them. A very entertaining story!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 27, 2025
The fact that Eric knew that Valentina had a crush on him all through high school kind of annoyed me. It was cute that Eric told her he would be her dating coach and found out that he really enjoys being around her.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 4, 2025
This is book two in the Holi-Fate series. This is a cute holiday bet enemies-to-lovers romance. Great characters that you fall in love with. I really liked how the author built up the relationship between the two main characters. I was rooting for their happy ending through the whole book. I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 5, 2025
📚 Book Review: The Sweetheart Wager by Tori Samuels 💕
If you love swoon-worthy romance with relatable characters and a dash of small-town charm, The Sweetheart Wager is a must-read! Valentina believes in true love but keeps striking out—until she makes an unexpected bet with the town’s playboy, Eric. Cue the sparks, tension, and heartwarming moments!
If you love swoon-worthy romance with relatable characters and a dash of small-town charm, The Sweetheart Wager is a must-read! Valentina believes in true love but keeps striking out—until she makes an unexpected bet with the town’s playboy, Eric. Cue the sparks, tension, and heartwarming moments!
February 7, 2025
Spicy, male female, 1st person dual point of view, contemporary romance. I received a copy of this book and am leaving a review if my own accord. This is the 2nd book in the Holi-FATE series but there is also a prequel novel so I'd read it 3rd. But it is a standalone and you won't be lost if you read it first. Very cozy book with a happy ending.
February 10, 2025
This was a nice read about finding confidence and making all your high school crush dreams come true!
Small town vibes, crushes that never leave, and learning what makes you feel confident and amazing. I love how he finally took her interests into account.
I love that he also found how he could improve his own life and friendships. Both characters found themselves and it was satisfying!
Small town vibes, crushes that never leave, and learning what makes you feel confident and amazing. I love how he finally took her interests into account.
I love that he also found how he could improve his own life and friendships. Both characters found themselves and it was satisfying!
February 13, 2025
loved it !! love this series !! love Valentina and Eric ? well ... this is their story... a slow burn , wager love story... they knew each other in high school... she had a crush on him... he became a playboy.. she's had bad luck with guys... the wager... so good !!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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