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The Love Wager
Indie Monroe thought her best friend’s wedding would be the perfect excuse for a much-needed break from her startup grind. But this trip? It’s about to shake up her life in ways she never saw coming.
Brooks Holt was desperate for a Hail Mary to claw his way out of the mess he'd made. The fiery, sharp-tongued redheaded bridesmaid wasn’t even on his radar—until suddenly, she was all he could think about.
It's only one week. Will it make or break them?
Brooks Holt was desperate for a Hail Mary to claw his way out of the mess he'd made. The fiery, sharp-tongued redheaded bridesmaid wasn’t even on his radar—until suddenly, she was all he could think about.
It's only one week. Will it make or break them?
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 21, 2025
2 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
April 18, 2025
3.25 ⭐️
Decent book but didn’t love the plot. I love a grumpy sunshine trope but this wasn’t it. Brooks was grumpy for 2.5 seconds and then it went to insta lust. I like a little more build up. Additionally the wager itself didn’t make sense. Taylor wanted Indie to actually get to know someone instead of just hopping in the sac with every guy she meets. So what does Indie do?… Yea day 2 of knowing this guy. Didn’t that automatically disqualify her?
The writing was good but the plot just didn’t do it for me.
This book is for you if you like:
📚Banter
📚Country boys
📚Small town romance
🌶️Spicy Content
Decent book but didn’t love the plot. I love a grumpy sunshine trope but this wasn’t it. Brooks was grumpy for 2.5 seconds and then it went to insta lust. I like a little more build up. Additionally the wager itself didn’t make sense. Taylor wanted Indie to actually get to know someone instead of just hopping in the sac with every guy she meets. So what does Indie do?… Yea day 2 of knowing this guy. Didn’t that automatically disqualify her?
The writing was good but the plot just didn’t do it for me.
This book is for you if you like:
📚Banter
📚Country boys
📚Small town romance
🌶️Spicy Content
March 13, 2025
Oh my gosh where do I even start?!
First we have the sassy, independent hysterical Indie who’s hosting a bachelorette party for her best friend. When we get some Coyote Ugly action happening we get introduced to Brooks - the bar owner.
Grumpy meets Sunshine trope at its finest.
Right from the very beginning I was hooked with both of these characters. Individually they were so relatable and easy to love and as the story progress I found my self grumbling “Brooksie, you idiot!”
I laughed so hard at the picnic scene especially knowing friends were involved but can we actually talk about the truck?! Holy crap!!!
This is definitely one of my fav feel good, heartwarming, giggle out loud books that will stay in my rotation.
First we have the sassy, independent hysterical Indie who’s hosting a bachelorette party for her best friend. When we get some Coyote Ugly action happening we get introduced to Brooks - the bar owner.
Grumpy meets Sunshine trope at its finest.
Right from the very beginning I was hooked with both of these characters. Individually they were so relatable and easy to love and as the story progress I found my self grumbling “Brooksie, you idiot!”
I laughed so hard at the picnic scene especially knowing friends were involved but can we actually talk about the truck?! Holy crap!!!
This is definitely one of my fav feel good, heartwarming, giggle out loud books that will stay in my rotation.
March 16, 2025
Okay, this definitely reminded me of a 2000s rom-com. It's set in a small southern town, he's a grumpy bar owner and she's a big city girl, then throw in meddling best friends on both sides and you got a fun and cute read. Brooks and Indie were such fun, their banter and spice was top tier. Sparks were flying even before the wager, they were the only ones who didn't see it.
May 14, 2025
The 00s romcom vibes were everything and I loved it so much!
March 23, 2025
I’m a sucker for a fake dating type situation so it’s no surprise that I really enjoyed this book.
March 15, 2025
I have read multiple Cindy Dawson books but have never read a book by K.M. Mixon, this is an adorable novella by the combo and it was great. This one gives a great hallmark vibe, the grumpy bartender and the fiery city girl clash against each other in their first meeting but quickly join forces for a bet that would save them both. The banter and commentary was top tier throughout the book and the authors do a great job of still including realistic struggles with a cutesy romance. If you are typically a dark romance girl and need a light pallet cleanser this is a great choice. The spice is nicely placed throughout the story and the plot is interesting and kept me wanting to read from the minute I picked up the book. I received this book as an ARC which had no influence on my honest review.
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
March 21, 2025
2000s Rom-Com vibes? Check. Banter? Check.Wedding fling and a wager? Check and check!
This was my first time reading anything by Cindy Dawson and my first time reading non-dark romance by K.M. Mixon. If you need a palette cleanser, laughs while reading, or something just totally sweet that will put hearts in your eyes, THIS IS IT.
Brooks has found himself in a mess with his bar that he can't seem to get out of. Enter Indie and her karaoke skills at said bar. With a "GET OFF MY BAR" from Brooks, it's game, set, and match. A one-week wager turns into so much more.
Indie and Brooks are so on point together. I cannot say enough how great the banter is to where I was audibly laughing while reading this. I already want to reread this for the laughs! And don't worry... there's spice and it delivers, just like Brooks.
This was my first time reading anything by Cindy Dawson and my first time reading non-dark romance by K.M. Mixon. If you need a palette cleanser, laughs while reading, or something just totally sweet that will put hearts in your eyes, THIS IS IT.
Brooks has found himself in a mess with his bar that he can't seem to get out of. Enter Indie and her karaoke skills at said bar. With a "GET OFF MY BAR" from Brooks, it's game, set, and match. A one-week wager turns into so much more.
Indie and Brooks are so on point together. I cannot say enough how great the banter is to where I was audibly laughing while reading this. I already want to reread this for the laughs! And don't worry... there's spice and it delivers, just like Brooks.
March 14, 2025
A lighthearted, contemporary romance set in the 00’s where events planner/workaholic Indie has traveled from Cali to BFF Taylor’s home for pre wedding shenanigans in small town Georgia. Taylor hopes her friend will find a love like she has so, a wager is struck. Can Indie get to know & potentially fall for the surly bar owner, Brooks (even after Indie danced on said bar much to his annoyance!)?
This was a fun & quick read. Cindy is one of my fave authors so I was keen to read this collaboration with KM Mixon. I enjoyed the banter & I was pleased to see that Indie suffers with clumsiness much to the same degree as myself! Take a read if you want something that will make you smile and give you all the lovey feels!
This was a fun & quick read. Cindy is one of my fave authors so I was keen to read this collaboration with KM Mixon. I enjoyed the banter & I was pleased to see that Indie suffers with clumsiness much to the same degree as myself! Take a read if you want something that will make you smile and give you all the lovey feels!
March 20, 2025
Indie is a workaholic, but is looking forward to a good time at her best friends wedding. What she didn't count on was a grumpy bar owner being in those plans.
I absolutely adore Indie's relationship with her best friend, Taylor, and her part in this story. The relationships in Indie's life, I think, are what make this book.
I love a good grumpy/sunshine trope.
Brooks is the perfect, hunky, grumpy man for the MMC. The tension between Indie and Brooks is amazing, and so is their chemistry.
Probably why I finished this book in 24 hours, I just couldn't put it down! Will Indie be able to slow down enough to give the grumpy, smalltown Brooks a chance? Can Brooks trust Indie with his walled up heart? Definitely give this a read and find out!
I absolutely adore Indie's relationship with her best friend, Taylor, and her part in this story. The relationships in Indie's life, I think, are what make this book.
I love a good grumpy/sunshine trope.
Brooks is the perfect, hunky, grumpy man for the MMC. The tension between Indie and Brooks is amazing, and so is their chemistry.
Probably why I finished this book in 24 hours, I just couldn't put it down! Will Indie be able to slow down enough to give the grumpy, smalltown Brooks a chance? Can Brooks trust Indie with his walled up heart? Definitely give this a read and find out!
March 10, 2025
Did I read this the day I got it? Yes
Did I read it in one sitting? Also yes.
This was one was a cute and fun quick read for me. The dynamic was a little different than other books with similar tropes that I’ve read.
These two had the fun fighting banter from the start. They both wanted and needed something out of this arrangement. Both desperate for it really. They didn’t count on actually liking each other. Didn’t count on actually falling for each other. Now they have to figure it all out. Do they take the risk, is it worth it, where will the live….all the questions.
So fun and cute. I smiled a lot during this read. Highly recommend as a quick story with some unique twists.
Did I read it in one sitting? Also yes.
This was one was a cute and fun quick read for me. The dynamic was a little different than other books with similar tropes that I’ve read.
These two had the fun fighting banter from the start. They both wanted and needed something out of this arrangement. Both desperate for it really. They didn’t count on actually liking each other. Didn’t count on actually falling for each other. Now they have to figure it all out. Do they take the risk, is it worth it, where will the live….all the questions.
So fun and cute. I smiled a lot during this read. Highly recommend as a quick story with some unique twists.
March 21, 2025
This book has the same vibes as an early 2000's romcom, and I mean that in the absolute best way possible! Indie has an event planning business in the city that is financially struggling. Brooks is a bar owner in a small town who owes money to the bank. Their saving grace comes in the form of a little wager by Indie's best friend Taylor. Indie has to spend the week of Taylor's wedding getting to truly know a guy of Taylor's choice. And who better than the grumpy bar owner, and groomsman, who she can't help but sass?
The book was such a fun read, and the spice? Loved it!
The book was such a fun read, and the spice? Loved it!
December 31, 2025
While in town for her best friend's wedding, Indie finds herself in love wager she never saw coming. When her best friend matches her and the grumpy bar owner to get her to give love a chance, Indie never imagined she'd actually fall in the end.
Another Rom Com from Cindy that once again had me giggling and kicking my feet. I have loved everything this woman writes and this is no exception! Small town romance is always in my favor and pair that with fake dating. I'm a sucker.
❣️fake dating
❣️small town
❣️insta lust
❣️rom com
Another Rom Com from Cindy that once again had me giggling and kicking my feet. I have loved everything this woman writes and this is no exception! Small town romance is always in my favor and pair that with fake dating. I'm a sucker.
❣️fake dating
❣️small town
❣️insta lust
❣️rom com
March 14, 2025
I was lucky enough to receive this ARC to review. It was a cute story and did give the romcom vibes I was hoping for. Brooks is your classic grumpy bar owner but does have a softer side and knows how to please his woman. Indie is a fiercely independent boss babe who needs a break and, just maybe, a man to look after her. I do think the story ended a bit abruptly and went right to an epilogue but overall I was satisfied with the storyline and it kept me reading to the end.
March 16, 2025
Such a cute read with 2000 romcom movie vibes.
The Love Wager was a quick and cosy read to me. Not my first Mixon read, but my first Dawson one, and I definitely enjoyed their combined writing. The both of them are definitely matching very well.
If you need a quick read, a story with 2000 movies vibe, a sassy big town girl meeting a hot older small town guy, this will definitely be your next read.
The Love Wager was a quick and cosy read to me. Not my first Mixon read, but my first Dawson one, and I definitely enjoyed their combined writing. The both of them are definitely matching very well.
If you need a quick read, a story with 2000 movies vibe, a sassy big town girl meeting a hot older small town guy, this will definitely be your next read.
March 21, 2025
Very cute love story
This book was a cute story of love unexpected that can be read in a day. Their love was formed from a mutal understanding which we all know always ends in love. The banter between them was fun to read and it was so lighthearted with them. My heart broke a few times but I'm an emotional person so it's a me thing. I also really hope we get a story for Nick and learn more about him. Definitely add this story to your TBR.
This book was a cute story of love unexpected that can be read in a day. Their love was formed from a mutal understanding which we all know always ends in love. The banter between them was fun to read and it was so lighthearted with them. My heart broke a few times but I'm an emotional person so it's a me thing. I also really hope we get a story for Nick and learn more about him. Definitely add this story to your TBR.
March 23, 2025
This was such a sweet and spicy novella! I loved the way Brooks and Indie met, it absolutely reminded me of a 2000's romcom! Then I loved their instant chemistry once they started to get to know each other. Their banter was top tier, and there were moments that made me snort from laughing. Brooks is absolutely the perfect brooding book boyfriend and he meets his match with the spitfire that is Indie! I loved the way everything played out in this and highly recommend reading this book!
March 29, 2025
This story was so Cute! I love the little bet that starts it all. This was such a fast read. I laugh out loud multiple times. I love the spice. I really enjoyed the banter. I feel in love with Brooks and Indie from the start. I will so reread this. Great Palate cleanser from the dark romance I read. I have read all of Cindy books and love her writing. This is my First K.M. Mixon and I am going to go add some to my tbr to check her out more.
March 10, 2025
If you are looking for enemies to accomplices to lovers this is for you! Give me a small town with a MMC who is the town’s favorite and a FMC from out of town and you have a recipe for romance. Indie and Brooks had me giggling and kicking my feet with their schemes and how they fall in love. Cindy Dawson and K.M. Mixon did not disappoint with this one!
March 21, 2025
This short read was packed full of so much fricken cuteness, I couldn't help but giggle, squeal and kick my feet!!!!
The chemistry between the FMC and MMC was so amazing! What started out as a wager, turned into a lot more than they both bargained for, and I ate every bit of it up!!!!
The banter had to be some of my favorite parts in the book. The way they went back and forth with each other, was hilarious. "GET OFF MY BAR" bahaha....what Brooks does in that part had me cackling so hard lol.
What would you do if were offered a sum of money to let your best friend hook you up with any man of her choosing, and it happens to be the man who made your night in a small town a living hell? You live it up and try your best to get this man to fall for you to save your future in Cali. But nothing is as simple as it seems, and Indie is going to be in for a big surprise when the wager decides to take a little detour lol.
Forehead kisses, perfect picnic dates, and a timeline....what will happen? Better read to find out.
Cindy and K.M.....amazing book!!!! I loved every minute of it and hope to see more from you both together!!!!
Rating: 5⭐
Spicy: 3🌶️
The chemistry between the FMC and MMC was so amazing! What started out as a wager, turned into a lot more than they both bargained for, and I ate every bit of it up!!!!
The banter had to be some of my favorite parts in the book. The way they went back and forth with each other, was hilarious. "GET OFF MY BAR" bahaha....what Brooks does in that part had me cackling so hard lol.
What would you do if were offered a sum of money to let your best friend hook you up with any man of her choosing, and it happens to be the man who made your night in a small town a living hell? You live it up and try your best to get this man to fall for you to save your future in Cali. But nothing is as simple as it seems, and Indie is going to be in for a big surprise when the wager decides to take a little detour lol.
Forehead kisses, perfect picnic dates, and a timeline....what will happen? Better read to find out.
Cindy and K.M.....amazing book!!!! I loved every minute of it and hope to see more from you both together!!!!
Rating: 5⭐
Spicy: 3🌶️
March 17, 2025
This was such a cute rom-com-esq romance! You got big city girl, small town boy, wedding shenanigans, a meddling bestie, and a bet to save them both.
Very much had me giggling and rooting for these two! Indie and Brooks just went so well together! Honestly, couldn’t help but fall in love with them.
“I’ll wager it all to see her smile again, even if she’s not beside me when she does so.”
Very much had me giggling and rooting for these two! Indie and Brooks just went so well together! Honestly, couldn’t help but fall in love with them.
“I’ll wager it all to see her smile again, even if she’s not beside me when she does so.”
March 30, 2025
I loveeeeed this! I’ve read Cindy before but this is my first K M Mixon book and I adored it.
This book was giving all the rom com kicking my feet giggling screaming at the MC vibes the fmc indie was legit so nice to read she was sassy confident and funny I love her 🫶😅
The banter was on point and the book had a perfect plot to spice ratio this is now one of my fave small town romances
This book was giving all the rom com kicking my feet giggling screaming at the MC vibes the fmc indie was legit so nice to read she was sassy confident and funny I love her 🫶😅
The banter was on point and the book had a perfect plot to spice ratio this is now one of my fave small town romances
April 13, 2025
As Co- Authors, Cindy and K.M. did a great job! I have loved everything written by Cindy and now this makes me want to read something written independently by K.M..
This book has so many ranges of emotion but overall is a humorous read with some spunky characters.
Sassy FMC
Broody MMC
Fake Dating
Rom-Com
🥵Spicy! 🌶️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️
This book has so many ranges of emotion but overall is a humorous read with some spunky characters.
Sassy FMC
Broody MMC
Fake Dating
Rom-Com
🥵Spicy! 🌶️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️
March 14, 2025
This was such an adorable book. It was light-hearted and relatable. What started as a wager blossomed into something more. I did finish this book quite fast and it’s so cute! I really recommend that people should read it, especially if you want more of a light-hearted and relatable book.
March 22, 2025
This was such a fun spicy read! I was LEGIT OBSESSED with Indie and Brooks the second they met!! The way you could feel his LOATHING for her!! That right there told me it was going to be a great read!! Add in a meddling friend, a bet, and a spicy.. I mean “secret” agreement!! It’s a yes for me!
December 21, 2025
This was so cute. I loved it. The grin that stayed on my face the entire time has my jaw muscles sore today!
December 29, 2025
The audiobook was so good. This is a cute romcom with a grumpy bar owner and girl from the city that comes in and turns his world upside down.
March 30, 2025
Fav book of the year so far!!! Absolutely devoured this book! I started it last night and accidently stayed up until after 2am and finished it! I haven't read a whole book in a day in a very long time.
The angst and chaos and drama was absolutely spot on and I was here for ALL of it!! <3
So thankful I picked this one up last night cause I needed this.
The angst and chaos and drama was absolutely spot on and I was here for ALL of it!! <3
So thankful I picked this one up last night cause I needed this.
March 21, 2025
I loved this. Indie and Brooks ate the cutest. The banter that happened had me laughing. I felt all the things. It was everything I want in a book.
March 21, 2025
Indie is coming to town for her best friend’s bridal party. Girl is minding her business, doing her thang then her bestie makes some ridiculous bet. She isn’t one to back down from a bet.
Brooks, the bar owner doesn’t like that homegirl is on top of his bar and well the rest is history.
The banter is scrumptious. These two were meant for each other.
Thank you Cindy Dawson and K.M. Mixon for giving me the opportunity to read The Love Wager in advance.
Brooks, the bar owner doesn’t like that homegirl is on top of his bar and well the rest is history.
The banter is scrumptious. These two were meant for each other.
Thank you Cindy Dawson and K.M. Mixon for giving me the opportunity to read The Love Wager in advance.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews