When Arianna Bunnsley agrees to join her friends on a winter getaway, she's expecting nothing more than a cozy escape from reality. But when her high school crush shows up with his charming smirk and infuriating charm, things quickly start to heat up. The catch? It's her best friend's twin brother, Bennett Hayes. Bennett Hayes has always been a bit of a playboy, but when it comes to Arianna, hes a love sick puppy who can't get enough. As they are thrown into the close quarters of the cabin, the lines between friendly banter and something more begin to blur, sparking a game that neither is ready to admit they're playing. Will they find love in their snowy wonderland, or will it melt away like snowflakes at the first touch?
“in this moment, with the music wrapping around us like a soft embrace and the lights reflecting in her eyes, i realize that she isn’t just a part of my world, but the very essence of it.“
thank you so much to meagan mae for the opportunity to receive an e-arc copy of this book!
this was a short, sweet, and fun read! i adored the winter vibes and the banter between arianna and bennett, as well as the “everyone knows but them” trope. the perfect read if you’re looking for something cute and wintry!
★ best friend’s brother ★ it’s always been you ★ forced proximity ★ he falls first ★ everyone sees it but them
Did someone say my 2nd ever ARC read? Oh yeah! Let's get into it...
This debut novella by Meagan Mae was nothing short of wholesome! A quick, warming read for everyone out there looking to get in the romantic, festive spirit 🩷
Arianna actually has my heart. She is so down-to-earth and in-touch with her feelings, her chapters of the book were so refreshing to read. Her friendship with Jenelle was an absolute delight to read and reminded me a lot of myself and my bestie 🥰 The chemistry and banter between the two is so well established throughout the book, all I can ask for is... more!!
Now, on to Bennett. Oh yeah, he had me hooked in his chapters. If there is one thing I LOVE, it's the male protagonist's POV! 😍 Hearing how he felt about Arianna was simply wonderful. Did chapter 16 make me crumble? Absolutely. I think my heart sank probably almost as much as Arianna's did... However, do I forgive him? Heck yeah!
The chemistry Arianna and Bennet is so electric I could practically feel it jumping off the pages at me. I love them & I loved this book! ❤️
As far as spice goes, there wasn't any. But you know what, this book has shown me that I can still enjoy romance without a few naughty chapters 😅 I was beginning to think I needed smut to enjoy a book 😂
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this debut novella and can't wait to see what you write in the future! … Maybe Jenelle, Trevor and Rose could find their own happily ever afters? (just a thought 😉) Thank you Meagan for choosing me to be one of your arc readers! x
Meagan Mae it was enchanted to meet you! And these BEAUTIFUL, FUN, AMAZING characters!!
By the time I finished reading Wanna Bet? I wanted to read more about all of these characters, I wanted to talk to anyone who had read it, I DM the author, I was so in love!!
It is such a sweet, giddy, always loved you romance that you watch in movies. I am not going to lie, I did DM the author at a pivotal scene that made me want to punch our MMC, I was so in shock. BUT that's the beauty with this book and that's how you know it's a good one. It's not all romance and love but you feel connected to these characters (Bennett, Arianna, Jenelle, the entire gang). You want to jump in and be friends with them and be apart of this love story that's forming.
❄️ Cinnamon Roll MMC 🌨️ Best Friends Brother ❄️ He Falls First 🌨️ Forced Proximity ❄️ Friends to Lovers
When Arianna takes up a new role with a sports agency she was not expecting to run into her bestie Jenelle's twin brother, Bennett. He used to give her grief in high school and calls her Bugs, just to annoy her she thinks. Through a series of events Arianna and Bennett end up anonymously texting, knowing they have met but not who the other is. Here comes the first bet, that Bennett can figure out who she is.
Soon after a trip to a cosy cabin with friends throws Arianna and Bennett together again, where they soon discover their connection and quickly realise they have deeper feelings. Of course their friends knew all along they were crazy about each other. A series of bets throughout the story explains the title and there is a lot packed into the novella but it never feels rushed or complicated. There are so many sweet moments, as well as some steamy ones. Jenelle is the kind of bestie everyone wants, she's such a sweetheart.
My favourite moment is when Bennett tells Arianna why he calls her Bugs ... 🩷
This is Meagan's debut novella and it's a fantastic entrance, I'm looking forward to reading more of Meagan's work in the future! I received an advance review copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
*I received an ARC of this book; this review is voluntary, and any thoughts/opinions are my own*
"Of all the people to run into, why did it have to be him?"
Wanna Bet? was such a cute friends to lovers contemporary romance! Arianna & Bennett were so perfect & easy to love as MCs. All their friends were such fun characters as well.
I wish that it was a longer book because I wasn't ready to be done with the characters. I would love to see Meagan add to this universe because it would be nice to see the group of friends all find their HEA.
I look forward to seeing where Meagan's career takes her!
I’ve debated posting this review a number of times but this platform is for readers and readers only. So with that being said, I hope the author doesn’t read this or resent it.
I got this as an ARC, I was mindful that’s it’s their debut novella and as such handled it with leniency. Still, it was underwhelming and not close to what was advertised.
There was a full chapter of a scene where nothing happens, simply a description of a day with the FMC and her friends, added nothing to the plot and in an already short novella, only server to slow down the plot and annoy me.
I also found multiple errors to the point I made a list and even offered to send it to the author prior release. It looked like it hadn’t touched the hands of an editor or a second review before posting.
Also, it was advertised as spicy, which I understand can be an ambiguous term, but this was mild if not cold. The romance was underwhelming and the “enemies” were practically absent because the enemy detail was being called by a nickname as kids(???)
All in all, the story needed an edit, like a big one, it has potential? Not much, but it can be improved. I wish the author luck with her next projects but will not read them.
After being cruelly honest, I’ll leave and feel bad about posting this, but won’t change my mind.
Also, as a side note this is the list of errors, I had to stop at one point:
12% Page 18 than instead of then 29% Page 40 fourth game instead of third (golf,beer pong,spoons) 30% Page 41 game five instead of game four 35% Page 50 double use of today, one can be eliminated 48% Page 66 “-‘d” error in between sentences 53% Page 74 goes speechless instead of gets 54% Page 74 humanly instead of humanely 55% Page 76 satisfying instead of stratifying 60% Page 82 ends instead of sends 60% Page 83 “causes my pulse starts quicken” error, maybe “causes my pulse to quicken” or “causes my pulse start to quicken” 61% Page 83 “rhe” instead of the 63% Page 86 his palm instead of her palm 64% Page 88 bet Jenelle instead of beat Jenelle 65% Page 89 Scrolling (with capital S) instead of scrolling (in lowercase) 65% Page 89 “to hears the any” instead of “to hear any”
Bennett, sports agent who also happens to have a crush on his twin sisters best friends. Arianna, event planner working for a new company in which her best friends twin brother also works for. But he also happens to be her childhood crush that never really went away.
If you’re looking for a winter romance this could be an option. Friends take a trip to the mountains doing everything on a typical holiday checklist and along the way crushes are had, and feelings are felt. An amazing friendship group dynamic felt genuine like a long-standing friendship should and would feel like.
The beginning of the book was really good, setting the scene for both Bennett and Arianna. From the beginning I thought there would be a little more build up for them. They appeared to have a bit of tension between them. However, the feeling sort of came out of nowhere from Bennett which I did find a little confusing.
They did have some cute interaction throughout the book, some where a bit cringy and a bit cliche but somewhere genuinely cute, and it was in those moments where their feelings were believable. The 3rd act breakup made their feeling come into question to me, as it was like Bennett had just been having Arianna on for a holiday fling and after that I struggled to believe the ending and there reconnect/ comeback from that.
There were sometime when reading I got a bit lost, some of the writing was a bit jumpy. One paragraph they were somewhere the next paragraph it was the next day. For me it lacked a bit of structure in some aspects it wasn’t the whole book but definitely in parts.
This book was pure magic—a warm, cozy hug in the middle of winter. The chemistry between Bennett and Arianna was off the charts, and I adored every bit of their playful banter. The “everyone knows but them” trope had me grinning the whole way through, and I couldn’t put it down. I finished it in one sitting, completely swept up in their love story.
Arianna is the kind of character you can’t help but adore, and Bennett is everything you want in a romantic lead—steady, safe, and deeply in love. Every sweet moment, every shared look, felt like butterflies. And when the title clicked into place, I was beaming. It’s the perfect winter romance, full of warmth, joy, and all the feels. A must-read for anyone who loves a good, cozy love story!🥹💘
Tropes ❄️best friends twin brother ❄️friends to lovers ❄️Cinnamon Roll MMC ❄️secret glances ❄️forced proximity ❄️it's always been you
🩵My Favorite Quotes🩵
One thing that hasn’t changed since childhood: Arianna’s laughter is still my favourite sound in the world.
He kisses me like he needs my air to breathe. Like I’m the only thing in the world to him.
This is where I’m meant to be. I never want to return to a world where Arianna isn’t beside me. I’m enchanted by her. Hopelessly in love with her.
‼️Book coming out December 13th on Amazon, and I'm already so excited for everyone to read it and love it as much as I did‼️
Arc Review Wanna bet? By Meghan Mae Available December 14 4.75 ⭐
First off i would like to thank Meghan for the opportunity to read & review this book. Thank you for this gifted E-Arc.
This story follows Arianna & Bentley. When Arianna agree's to a winter getaway with her friends, she expects a cozy escape from reality. Then her high school crush shows up and the catch is her crush is her best friend twin brother. While Bentley has always been a bit of a playboy he tends to be a lovesick puppy for Arianna, so when they are thrown together the line between friends and something more starts to blur.
Arianna & Bentley are made for each other. The way these two had crushes on each other but never knew it but everyone else did is so amazing. They way Arianna is so sassy and witty & Bentley is the cocky teasing one makes them perfect for each other. The way Bentley will do whatever it takes to make Arianna laugh is beautiful. Also the friendship group was great and so much fun.
5/5 recommend this book. Meghan is a new author and this is her debut novella. Its funny and fast pace while never moving to fast. Her ability to write funny but relatable characters is beautifully done. So excited for what else is to come.
❄️ He falls first Meddling Friend ❄️ Forced Proximity Best Friend’s Brother ❄️ Friends to lovers Cinnamon roll MMC ❄️ Steamy Everyone sees it but them
A cozy winter romance with sizzling chemistry and playful banter! When Arianna ends up stuck in a cabin with her best friend’s twin brother—her high school crush—things heat up fast. Bennett’s charm and vulnerability make him irresistible, and their slow-burn love story is full of tension and heart. Perfect for fans of snowy settings, steamy moments, and flirty fun!
What makes Wanna Bet? so enjoyable is the natural progression of Arianna and Bennett’s relationship. From teasing exchanges to moments of undeniable connection, their chemistry sizzles on every page. Mae does a great job of capturing the nuances of unspoken feelings, making the emotional payoff deeply satisfying.
The wintery setting adds to the cozy, romantic atmosphere, making the book feel like a warm cup of cocoa on a cold night. While the plot leans into familiar romance tropes, Mae’s lively writing and engaging characters keep it fresh and entertaining
This Novella was such a cute and cozy read! The winter setting paired with an adoreable romance plot makes it the perfect book to cuddle up with a mug of hot chocolate and your favorite blanket for a romantic binge read when the cold weather arrives.
Meagan did an amazing job writing relateable characters with snarky & cute banter that keeps you hooked. Arianna and Bennett had me smiling while reading because of how adoreable they are.
I'm giving it 5 stars, beginning to end, I was hooked. I think this is an incredibly done debut from an indie author. It is the perfect light read between those bigger books on my reading list currently. I'm also usually a fantasy reader and adored this novella! I'm very excited to see what Meagan does next!
Arianna was such a sweet, confidence women. I love her and I love her friendship with Jenelle, how they were trying to put them together. The little was cute 🤭 I love bennett specially hearing his povs about her was like oh my god. Oh when he got jealous 🤭 I love him except at one scene i just wanted to go in book and punch him. How dare he do that. But we forgive him. I love the chemistry between, the banter, the spark and everything else. This man is clearly smitten. At some point I was like screaming , just confess, go talk about it. I love the end scene and how perfect it was. I want a men who think about me like Bennett’s pov about Arianna 😭😭.
This is an extremely cozy and a quick read, perfect for this season. I enjoyed Bennett and Ariana very much, they were sweet characters who were fun to read. Their little betting dynamic was cute and easygoing for the reader to keep up with.
The chapters with Bennet's POV were very nice to read because getting an insight of his thoughts and his feelings for Arianna made it swoon worthy.
All the characters were extremely fun, the side characters like Jeanelle and Trevor were top tier!!!
This debut novella is a fun and easy read and everyone should read it! Meagan Mae this was an amazing literary work!
Just a sweet, short, and cozy novella winter romance! Like easy 90 minute fluffy read.
Bennett and Arianna had crushes on each other as kids but during a winter holiday vacation end up falling in love again through a series of bets, flirty text messages, and banter.
Jenelle is the cutest little meddling sister/best friend. I hope we get to see more of Jenelle and Trevor.
If you like any of the following tropes, definitely check out this book for yourself! 💖 sisters best friend 💖 holiday trip romance 💖 mutual pining (for years!) 💖 everyone knows it but them
Title: Wanna Bet? By Meagan Mae Release date: December 13. 24
Tropes: ✨ Best Friend Brother ✨Friends to Lovers ✨He falls first ✨Cinnamon Roll MMC
This is the perfect cozy winter romance for these season! It’s is so well written, it is a sweet and fun read.
I fell in love with both the MMC + the MFC and not only that, I fell in love with every single character in this book, that I can only wish the author makes a book about each one of them.
**ARC review** What a cute cozy winter read! Short and full of sweet moments between the MMC and FMC. I loved the building of the relationship between Bennett and Arianna and everyone knows but them. What a great debut and I can’t wait to read more from Meagan!
Bonus challenge: find all the Taylor Swift song references 😉
•best friends brother •everyone knows but them •a group of best friends on a winter vacation •nickname
One of my favorite quotes:
“You still replied to it Bugs just saying.” “You know you’re the only one who calls me that right?” “Yes in fact I do You ever consider that I do it on purpose?” “But, why?” “Because it’s the one thing that reminds you of me and no one else”
Thank you Meagan for an arc in exchange for an honest review 🩵
Thank you to the author for providing me an ARC of this novella. A short cozy winter novella between our FMC and her best friend’s brother. It was cute but I feel like the spark between the FMC and MMC was missing / could’ve been more. Definitely a bit of insta love which isn’t my cup of tea. Overall still enjoyable.
Arianna & Bennett have been around each other for years but never once tried with each other until she gets a job interview at the company he’s a sports agent at for event planning! They go to a cabin for some time away with friends and that’s where they decide to try for more because the lines begin to blur.
I discovered Meagan Mae on Instagram & I am so lucky to have the opportunity to read and review her debut novella. This novella was a quick, heartwarming read right at the beginning of the holiday season.
The wintery setting was perfect! I loved the characters, especially Arianna! After a trip to a cozy cabin with friends, Arianna & Bennett are together where they discover their feelings are much deeper than they realized. They of course were last to realize, their friends have known all along 😊.
In a series of bets the story explains the title. I don’t want to give away too much of the story. There is a lot of info in this book but its not rushed. The pacing was perfect.
There are some incredibly joyful moments woven throughout the book that just make you feel good!
Did I cry? Yes.. The story was so sweet& I fell in love with how it all unfolded. This story truly touched my heart.
Another character I would be remiss if I didn’t mention is Jenelle , everyone needs a Jenelle in their life!!
I honestly hope there is a Sequel. 4.5 stars Pub date - December 13, 2024
📚: wanna bet (arc) by Meagan Mae — releasing Dec 11th
my rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
aesthetic: ❄️🔥💖🏔️🌲🎿☕🎭✨💑🌌🖤
tropes: best friend’s brother, it's always been you, forced proximity, he falls first, everyone sees it but them.
This book felt like wrapping myself in a cozy winter blanket. Arianna and Bennett’s story was full of banter, chemistry, and just the right amount of angst to keep me hooked. Arianna’s reluctance to fall for her best friend’s charming, playboy twin added layers of tension, and Bennett’s lovesick devotion melted my heart. Their snowy cabin retreat provided the perfect backdrop for their playful yet heartfelt connection to unfold.
I loved how their banter walked the line between playful and meaningful, revealing their hidden feelings. The pacing was just right, though I wished for more depth in some emotional moments. Still, the progression of their relationship felt natural, and the winter setting added such a romantic charm to the story.
If you're into cozy, feel-good romances with a side of wit and sizzling chemistry, this one’s worth reading! It’s a perfect snowy escape.
Such a fun and carefree, absolutely lovable contemporary friends-to-lovers romance featuring forced proximity, secret glances, and lots of banter. Arianna takes the opportunity to escape to a friends winter getaway weekend complete with rounds of competitive games and possibly the chance to connect with her high school crush and friend, Bennett-who also happens to be her best friend’s twin brother?! (Never have I ever wanted to be in a friend group so bad!) The way these two main characters both had it bad for each other and slowly recognized their love was enduring (open-door, some spice), I couldn’t help but have a few “kick your heels and squeal moments.” There were many elements that made this book enjoyable but to name a few: the meddling friend group, the texting, getting both points of view and the character growth, the overall playfulness and lighthearted feel to the plot and of course the HEA. A wonderful, cozy debut novella from the author!
This was a great short read perfect for a cozy or snowy day. Brother's best friend is always one of my favorite tropes. I enjoyed reading about this group of friends & their trip. This book also has plenty of Tayler Swift references if you enjoy finding those nuggets!
I had the pleasure of beta reading this novella and I am looking forward to seeing how it's developed! This is such a cute, short, and cozy lil winter romance!