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Betting on Love #4
Betting on the Best Friend: a Sweet Romantic Comedy
I helped all my roommates find love. Now they want revenge.
When my besties present me with a plan to find the man of my dreams, I pass. Easily. Until my recent ex of five years very publicly announces his engagement to someone he just met. If dating shows him I’m happy and thriving, I’m all in.
But after half a dozen nightmare dates, I’m having doubts. My roommates say they’re only “repaying the favor,” but this experiment feels more like payback.
Thank goodness I have my best friend Charlie. He had my back through my breakup, and he’s got it now. He’s the rock I can always count on—until he shocks me with a confession that threatens our friendship.
Now, I have to prove to Charlie nothing has to change—while I try to survive my roommates’ deluded matchmaking.
But with the rift between Charlie and me growing deeper by the day, I’m starting to wonder if he’s right. Am I missing what’s right in front of me?
Maybe the perfect guy has been here all along…
When my besties present me with a plan to find the man of my dreams, I pass. Easily. Until my recent ex of five years very publicly announces his engagement to someone he just met. If dating shows him I’m happy and thriving, I’m all in.
But after half a dozen nightmare dates, I’m having doubts. My roommates say they’re only “repaying the favor,” but this experiment feels more like payback.
Thank goodness I have my best friend Charlie. He had my back through my breakup, and he’s got it now. He’s the rock I can always count on—until he shocks me with a confession that threatens our friendship.
Now, I have to prove to Charlie nothing has to change—while I try to survive my roommates’ deluded matchmaking.
But with the rift between Charlie and me growing deeper by the day, I’m starting to wonder if he’s right. Am I missing what’s right in front of me?
Maybe the perfect guy has been here all along…
291 pages, Paperback
Published October 27, 2025
185 people are currently reading
255 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
November 3, 2025
This was one of the best friends-to-lovers books I've ever read. I normally don't like the trope but read it because I've enjoyed this series. This was a fantastic read and did not disappoint.
November 16, 2025
This was SO good! What an excellent ending to a very enjoyable series. The wit! The romance! The loving relationships with friends and family! I especially enjoyed the comeuppance scene which was very, very satisfying along with a great HEA.
This book can be read as a standalone and the author includes a summary of the first, three books at the beginning of the story. However, to really appreciate this story, I recommend reading all the prior stories first.
No profanity and some really, great kissing. Yay!
I actually loved it so much that I'm going to read it again!
This book can be read as a standalone and the author includes a summary of the first, three books at the beginning of the story. However, to really appreciate this story, I recommend reading all the prior stories first.
No profanity and some really, great kissing. Yay!
I actually loved it so much that I'm going to read it again!
November 8, 2025
I am so glad that we get a extra hour of sleep tonight. But even with that I still stayed up 3 hours past my bedtime. I could not put this one down!
This is the final book in the Betting on Love series. It is a kisses only contemporary romcom. Please read the other books in this series before reading this one. Doing that will give you the background on the characters and the set up for this book. Many of the events that are referenced in this story have taken place in those books. You'll really enjoy the ride much more.
Ruby, the mastermind behind the series of bets and setups, finally gets the rest of her story. At the beginning of this one, I was a little afraid that it was going to be a rehash of a previous story. While it did have some similar elements, this book stood on its own very well. It is a unique storyline despite my original hesitation. And I use that word very lightly. I love Melanie Jacobson's writing and appreciate the efforts she goes through to craft a well developed plot.
I may be in the minority, but I LOVE A FRIENDS TO MORE romance more than an enemies to more. I know many get frustrated with this trope because it often is has the same old roadblocks. This author put in the time to make this trope work and work well. I just loved it.
I was given the opportunity to read an advanced digital copy of this book but have also purchased the paperback myself. I'm leaving an honest review.
This is the final book in the Betting on Love series. It is a kisses only contemporary romcom. Please read the other books in this series before reading this one. Doing that will give you the background on the characters and the set up for this book. Many of the events that are referenced in this story have taken place in those books. You'll really enjoy the ride much more.
Ruby, the mastermind behind the series of bets and setups, finally gets the rest of her story. At the beginning of this one, I was a little afraid that it was going to be a rehash of a previous story. While it did have some similar elements, this book stood on its own very well. It is a unique storyline despite my original hesitation. And I use that word very lightly. I love Melanie Jacobson's writing and appreciate the efforts she goes through to craft a well developed plot.
I may be in the minority, but I LOVE A FRIENDS TO MORE romance more than an enemies to more. I know many get frustrated with this trope because it often is has the same old roadblocks. This author put in the time to make this trope work and work well. I just loved it.
I was given the opportunity to read an advanced digital copy of this book but have also purchased the paperback myself. I'm leaving an honest review.
November 3, 2025
It was so fun to see Ruby's story wrapped up. The story took a delightful turn from what I had anticipated, but I think it just truly helped the characters and their personalities shine. I've loved Charlie and Ruby from the start of the series, so it was satisfying to conclude with their story, but now I need to know Sydney's!
November 2, 2025
I have loved the entire Betting on Love series and have been SO excited for Ruby’s story (and to see her be DONE with Niles!) and her story was well worth the wait!!
Ruby Ramos has been setting her roommates up one by one and helping them find the loves of their lives. Now, it’s Ruby‘s turn to fall in love with the help of her roommates and best friend Charlie! What she doesn’t know, is that the ultimate goal is for her to see Charlie as more than just her “best friend.“
Oh my gosh! I loved this book so much! I often hear people say friends to more is not their favorite trope but this one was done so well and with a the little bit of a different approach that just made it all the more enjoyable to read!
Ruby and Charlie really did have the ultimate friendship! I loved their banter, their puns, their nicknames for each other, their nerdy jokes, their comfort level with each other, the way they really knew each other, and the way they loved and supported each other! They really were a match made in heaven, even if it took Ruby some time to figure it out!
Just a few of my favorite quotes:
“Ruby is the worst thing for my system, and yet . . . no matter how bad the side effects are, I keep coming back for more. I was hooked the first time I got a hit of her smile when she started work here three years ago, but she’d mentioned right off that she had a boyfriend. Since I’m not a punk, that path was not open, so instead, I’ve been friends with the fiercest, funniest, most generous, hilarious, and sexiest girl I’ve ever known ever since.”
“I know she’ll be fine because I know what’s waiting for her next: me.”
“That’s what my plan has to be. Creating opportunities for that epiphany to happen. For Ruby to go, Whoa, Charlie, I’ve just realized I want to make out with you all the time and this chemistry has been there all along.”
Ruby Ramos has been setting her roommates up one by one and helping them find the loves of their lives. Now, it’s Ruby‘s turn to fall in love with the help of her roommates and best friend Charlie! What she doesn’t know, is that the ultimate goal is for her to see Charlie as more than just her “best friend.“
Oh my gosh! I loved this book so much! I often hear people say friends to more is not their favorite trope but this one was done so well and with a the little bit of a different approach that just made it all the more enjoyable to read!
Ruby and Charlie really did have the ultimate friendship! I loved their banter, their puns, their nicknames for each other, their nerdy jokes, their comfort level with each other, the way they really knew each other, and the way they loved and supported each other! They really were a match made in heaven, even if it took Ruby some time to figure it out!
Just a few of my favorite quotes:
“Ruby is the worst thing for my system, and yet . . . no matter how bad the side effects are, I keep coming back for more. I was hooked the first time I got a hit of her smile when she started work here three years ago, but she’d mentioned right off that she had a boyfriend. Since I’m not a punk, that path was not open, so instead, I’ve been friends with the fiercest, funniest, most generous, hilarious, and sexiest girl I’ve ever known ever since.”
“I know she’ll be fine because I know what’s waiting for her next: me.”
“That’s what my plan has to be. Creating opportunities for that epiphany to happen. For Ruby to go, Whoa, Charlie, I’ve just realized I want to make out with you all the time and this chemistry has been there all along.”
November 7, 2025
This was such a fun read! I’ve been anticipating Ruby and Charlie’s story since this series started. And wow they did not disappoint!
Friends to more. Workplace romance. Forced proximity. Only one bed. Meddling besties. Love bets. Scorching kisses. Epiphanies and denials and HEAs.
Melanie is the queen of fantastic banter! Hands down. This book is so funny! The obvious chemistry and long friendship of Ruby and Charlie gives them so much room for banter. They are hilarious! Their texts are witty and full of personality. Their conversations are filled with inside jokes and random facts. They are just so delightful! Then we get the roomies involved and the banter and wit and cleverness just compounds. I love this group of friends!
I loved all the new twists Melanie puts on the classic friends to more trope. While there is some lack of communication early, mostly these two are not quiet about how they feel. Where the surprises come is in their reactions to each others’ feelings. We get denial, surprise, anger, skepticism, hope and (FINALLY) acceptance. There are moments when they are each pining for each other. And others when they can’t believe what the other says. That tension is fantastic and when they finally realize they are on the same page, the chemistry is electric.
Loved all the characters in this one. Rubys family is the best. Loved seeing all the besties living their HEAs and love when Charlie supports Ruby against the ridiculousness of her lame ex. That library tea party is my favorite scene in the books.
Can’t believe the series is over! What a fun journey to see all these best friends find love!
Friends to more. Workplace romance. Forced proximity. Only one bed. Meddling besties. Love bets. Scorching kisses. Epiphanies and denials and HEAs.
Melanie is the queen of fantastic banter! Hands down. This book is so funny! The obvious chemistry and long friendship of Ruby and Charlie gives them so much room for banter. They are hilarious! Their texts are witty and full of personality. Their conversations are filled with inside jokes and random facts. They are just so delightful! Then we get the roomies involved and the banter and wit and cleverness just compounds. I love this group of friends!
I loved all the new twists Melanie puts on the classic friends to more trope. While there is some lack of communication early, mostly these two are not quiet about how they feel. Where the surprises come is in their reactions to each others’ feelings. We get denial, surprise, anger, skepticism, hope and (FINALLY) acceptance. There are moments when they are each pining for each other. And others when they can’t believe what the other says. That tension is fantastic and when they finally realize they are on the same page, the chemistry is electric.
Loved all the characters in this one. Rubys family is the best. Loved seeing all the besties living their HEAs and love when Charlie supports Ruby against the ridiculousness of her lame ex. That library tea party is my favorite scene in the books.
Can’t believe the series is over! What a fun journey to see all these best friends find love!
October 31, 2025
"I want to be chosen because Ruby wants me. Because she recognizes there's a tension that isn't safe or tidy simmering beneath our friend chemistry, something that could burn us both if we gave into it."
"Basically, you're waiting for your superpower to kick in for yourself."
Ruby points at me like, Yes, that.
It kills me that her superpower isn't kicking in for her either. I'm right here.
"This is too important for less than total honesty. There are so many ways this can go wrong while you wait for everything to come together perfectly, too many ways it could make it hard for you to stay friends. You have to tell her...If you tell her, you might ruin the friendship. But if you don't, you definitely will. It's already changing."
I have loved this series and now we finally get Ruby's story with Charlie, who we've known from the start is her endgame while she cluelessly matches her friends. I love the friends-to-lovers trope and Charlie was the ultimate best-friend-to-more book boyfriend! He was so intentional - first in strategically allowing changes to get her to notice, in deliberately pursuing her and being honest, and in honoring her boundaries and timing while setting his own as well. I love an intentional man - and he was so swoony!
There was definitely some angst to this one - suffice it to say Ruby doesn't handle change well. 😂 But there were many sweet and hilarious moments and LOADS of chemistry in between. I also love how Ruby's family and friends 100% supported her while challenging the beliefs and issues holding her back. Not to mention the roomies having a bit of matchmaking revenge! Such a satisfying, fun and swoony to a fabulous series!
"Basically, you're waiting for your superpower to kick in for yourself."
Ruby points at me like, Yes, that.
It kills me that her superpower isn't kicking in for her either. I'm right here.
"This is too important for less than total honesty. There are so many ways this can go wrong while you wait for everything to come together perfectly, too many ways it could make it hard for you to stay friends. You have to tell her...If you tell her, you might ruin the friendship. But if you don't, you definitely will. It's already changing."
I have loved this series and now we finally get Ruby's story with Charlie, who we've known from the start is her endgame while she cluelessly matches her friends. I love the friends-to-lovers trope and Charlie was the ultimate best-friend-to-more book boyfriend! He was so intentional - first in strategically allowing changes to get her to notice, in deliberately pursuing her and being honest, and in honoring her boundaries and timing while setting his own as well. I love an intentional man - and he was so swoony!
There was definitely some angst to this one - suffice it to say Ruby doesn't handle change well. 😂 But there were many sweet and hilarious moments and LOADS of chemistry in between. I also love how Ruby's family and friends 100% supported her while challenging the beliefs and issues holding her back. Not to mention the roomies having a bit of matchmaking revenge! Such a satisfying, fun and swoony to a fabulous series!
November 15, 2025
“Ruby is the worst thing for my system, and yet…no matter how bad the side effects are, I keep coming back for more.”
I’ve been dying to get my hands on Ruby’s story for quite a while now and it did NOT disappoint. Friends-to-love can be a very tricky trope, especially when they’re best friends and co-worker librarians, and Melanie Jacobson manages to deliver a perfect story. Am I surprised? Nope–her writing is superb, her characters are magnetic–real, yet flawed–and this series is ideal.
Ruby has been a matchmaker and better for all of her friends and roommates, and now it’s her turn for love. They all set up with everyone and Charlie decides it’s finally time to rock the boat. In this he-falls-first romance, the stakes are high, the nicknames are sweet and hilarious, and the meddling is off the charts.
I loved the tight friendship, as well as the smattering of chemistry that laced every interaction on each page. Full of humor and wit, loyalty and fun, this one gets a big stamp of approval, embracing everything there is to love about a romcom.
Content: mild romance
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
I’ve been dying to get my hands on Ruby’s story for quite a while now and it did NOT disappoint. Friends-to-love can be a very tricky trope, especially when they’re best friends and co-worker librarians, and Melanie Jacobson manages to deliver a perfect story. Am I surprised? Nope–her writing is superb, her characters are magnetic–real, yet flawed–and this series is ideal.
Ruby has been a matchmaker and better for all of her friends and roommates, and now it’s her turn for love. They all set up with everyone and Charlie decides it’s finally time to rock the boat. In this he-falls-first romance, the stakes are high, the nicknames are sweet and hilarious, and the meddling is off the charts.
I loved the tight friendship, as well as the smattering of chemistry that laced every interaction on each page. Full of humor and wit, loyalty and fun, this one gets a big stamp of approval, embracing everything there is to love about a romcom.
Content: mild romance
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
November 1, 2025
What a lovely and perfect conclusion to the series!
Friends to lovers but also workplace romance… bets and challenges… so much making each other jealous. All the texting & banter. Nicknames. One bed. Movie quotes and book references galore.
After all of her plotting and shenanigans, I couldn’t wait for Ruby’s book… and I loved every minute. I read it in one sitting and stayed up waaaay too late finishing 🤣
Poor, sweet, lovely Charlie who has been waiting for her to be single and see him. The rollercoaster of emotions I was on throughout the book! So invested! Rooting for him from page one.
I don’t want to say much more for fear of spoilers. Go read this series!!
Thank you Melanie for the chance to enjoy an advance copy.
Now it’s time to go reread Dropping the Ball so I can see a little more of this lovely cast of characters (and get in the festive spirit🎉).
Friends to lovers but also workplace romance… bets and challenges… so much making each other jealous. All the texting & banter. Nicknames. One bed. Movie quotes and book references galore.
After all of her plotting and shenanigans, I couldn’t wait for Ruby’s book… and I loved every minute. I read it in one sitting and stayed up waaaay too late finishing 🤣
Poor, sweet, lovely Charlie who has been waiting for her to be single and see him. The rollercoaster of emotions I was on throughout the book! So invested! Rooting for him from page one.
I don’t want to say much more for fear of spoilers. Go read this series!!
Thank you Melanie for the chance to enjoy an advance copy.
Now it’s time to go reread Dropping the Ball so I can see a little more of this lovely cast of characters (and get in the festive spirit🎉).
December 10, 2025
I was super excited to read this book as I have read the others in the series but it just wasn’t as good as the rest. It was still a fun read but something was off with this book. It might be because the main character in this book is one of the background characters in other books who helped matched her girlfriends up with partners and now her being the main character wasn’t the same. It was almost like she was different person - which is fair as she was in the background in previous books. This book just felt a bit boring compared to the rest.
I would still read other books by this author and this series was fun! Actually, as I’m writing this, I’m thinking I’m glad I read this last because if I read this first, I’m not sure I’d finish the series. So if you are interested in reading this book, start with book 1 in the series!! Curious to see if I’m the only one feeling this way!
I would still read other books by this author and this series was fun! Actually, as I’m writing this, I’m thinking I’m glad I read this last because if I read this first, I’m not sure I’d finish the series. So if you are interested in reading this book, start with book 1 in the series!! Curious to see if I’m the only one feeling this way!
November 9, 2025
This was a good book, but poor Charlie! He’s been through the ringer. If you love a good he falls first. Wants to win the girl romance, then this will be a great book for you!
November 5, 2025
Mmm
This is going to be long and rambly and full of spoilers, so with that preamble out of the way..
I've made no secret that the "friends to more" trope is one of my least favourite. Previously I thought this was because it's hard to nail the characters. Either there's no sparks, or one party seems beyond oblivious to the other person's feelings. I realised with this book though that my actual complaint is that friends to more, perhaps more than other tropes, can really lend itself to stagnant storytelling. Hear me out, and I promise I will eventually talk about this book.
With a standard friends to more plot, usually one party is in an unrequited situation, or both parties have feelings but for an assortment of reasons (i.e. fear of rejection, fear of changing a winning dynamic etc.) neither is willing to take the next step. From this premise the reader then spends time with either or both parties often not doing anything. Sure there might be plot machinations to drive both characters together, but most of the books I've read with the friends to more banner feel really repetitive once we leave the premise. The characters tends to circle around emotionally for the whole book which I hate as someone who needs plot momentum and character movement.
I say all this because I think this book nailed the friends to more trope. I won't quite say it's the best that I've read in this specific sub-genre, but that's only because I'm too lazy to go back and do the research. But if it's not the best then it's definitely up there. And it all boils down to plot movement. This story moves.
We've met Charlie and Ruby in other books so this wasn't exactly an introduction to them, but we do get to delve in properly into them as characters. That's definitely in the plus column for this book, as there were no shortcuts with the character development simply because this is the fourth book in the series. Both Ruby and Charlie felt entirely fleshed out as people, and this is a strength through each entry in this series.
So we come into this story already knowing that Charlie has massive feelings for his bestie Ruby who he's known for about 3 years through the Librarian jobs. Immediately the story solves one of the pitfalls of stagnation as to why nothing's happened up to this point. Ruby was in a long term relationship when she first met Charlie therefore there was never an opportunity to act on anything. Charlie therefore spends most of his friendship with her trying to squash these feelings.
When Ruby breaks up with her loser ex, Charlie actively formulates a plan to try and get her to see him in a different line. He's proactive. When his plan doesn't quite work, he confesses his feelings, again proactively. When Ruby doesn't seem to reciprocate (she hates change), he changes course to try and reconfigure their dynamic so he can protect his heart a bit more.
This is a really brief overview but all this to say is that the story didn't stay in one place narratively or emotionally which I really really enjoyed and appreciated (hence my epiphany that if more friends to more books were similarly paced I would probably enjoy them more). The other part of why this was so effective is it added to making the main characters feel like real people. Charlie musing on what he would do if Ruby never felt any romantic interest for him felt real and sympathetic.
So why just 4 stars? mm While I really enjoyed this, and couldn't quite stop turning pages, it was still missing a little spark for me. I never really felt swept up with Charlie and Ruby, the way I did with the couples in the previous novel. And I'm not sure if that's a symptom of friends to more or just this particular pairing. While I enjoyed Charlie and Ruby as characters, I think the book was so much about solving their relationship dynamic that I never really got to enjoy the Ruby/Charlie of it all. Super subjective, but that's my rating.
All in all, my least favourite of the series (still high praise), but has convinced me to view the trope from a different lens which is incredible.
This is going to be long and rambly and full of spoilers, so with that preamble out of the way..
I've made no secret that the "friends to more" trope is one of my least favourite. Previously I thought this was because it's hard to nail the characters. Either there's no sparks, or one party seems beyond oblivious to the other person's feelings. I realised with this book though that my actual complaint is that friends to more, perhaps more than other tropes, can really lend itself to stagnant storytelling. Hear me out, and I promise I will eventually talk about this book.
With a standard friends to more plot, usually one party is in an unrequited situation, or both parties have feelings but for an assortment of reasons (i.e. fear of rejection, fear of changing a winning dynamic etc.) neither is willing to take the next step. From this premise the reader then spends time with either or both parties often not doing anything. Sure there might be plot machinations to drive both characters together, but most of the books I've read with the friends to more banner feel really repetitive once we leave the premise. The characters tends to circle around emotionally for the whole book which I hate as someone who needs plot momentum and character movement.
I say all this because I think this book nailed the friends to more trope. I won't quite say it's the best that I've read in this specific sub-genre, but that's only because I'm too lazy to go back and do the research. But if it's not the best then it's definitely up there. And it all boils down to plot movement. This story moves.
We've met Charlie and Ruby in other books so this wasn't exactly an introduction to them, but we do get to delve in properly into them as characters. That's definitely in the plus column for this book, as there were no shortcuts with the character development simply because this is the fourth book in the series. Both Ruby and Charlie felt entirely fleshed out as people, and this is a strength through each entry in this series.
So we come into this story already knowing that Charlie has massive feelings for his bestie Ruby who he's known for about 3 years through the Librarian jobs. Immediately the story solves one of the pitfalls of stagnation as to why nothing's happened up to this point. Ruby was in a long term relationship when she first met Charlie therefore there was never an opportunity to act on anything. Charlie therefore spends most of his friendship with her trying to squash these feelings.
When Ruby breaks up with her loser ex, Charlie actively formulates a plan to try and get her to see him in a different line. He's proactive. When his plan doesn't quite work, he confesses his feelings, again proactively. When Ruby doesn't seem to reciprocate (she hates change), he changes course to try and reconfigure their dynamic so he can protect his heart a bit more.
This is a really brief overview but all this to say is that the story didn't stay in one place narratively or emotionally which I really really enjoyed and appreciated (hence my epiphany that if more friends to more books were similarly paced I would probably enjoy them more). The other part of why this was so effective is it added to making the main characters feel like real people. Charlie musing on what he would do if Ruby never felt any romantic interest for him felt real and sympathetic.
So why just 4 stars? mm While I really enjoyed this, and couldn't quite stop turning pages, it was still missing a little spark for me. I never really felt swept up with Charlie and Ruby, the way I did with the couples in the previous novel. And I'm not sure if that's a symptom of friends to more or just this particular pairing. While I enjoyed Charlie and Ruby as characters, I think the book was so much about solving their relationship dynamic that I never really got to enjoy the Ruby/Charlie of it all. Super subjective, but that's my rating.
All in all, my least favourite of the series (still high praise), but has convinced me to view the trope from a different lens which is incredible.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2025
Ahh, I’ve absolutely loved the Betting on Love series & couldn’t wait to read about the matchmaker herself, Ruby. After all the bets & set ups, it’s finally her turn. In this sizzling friends to more, he falls first, kisses only romcom, the sparks fly, & I was here for every moment!
Ruby’s a little devastated when her recent ex who strung her along for five years gets engaged. After they broke up, her friends offered to set her up just like she’s done for all of them but she declined, until now. Secretly though, all this time, the perfect man has been lurking right under her nose - her best friend & coworker Charlie.
Charlie’s done playing games. He’s been pining for Ruby for years. After all, they can communicate with just a glance, & spend every moment together not just at work, but afterwards & with their mutual friend group. He’s been muscling up doing rock climbing & composing playlists dedicated to her, but now that Niles is finally out of the picture, it’s time to show her they can be more than best friends. But, what will it take for the woman who’s still a little hung up on her ex to see the man who’s been there all along?
Best friends to more is always a favorite trope & Melanie Jacobson does such a brilliant job conveying that angst when one of the friends falls first. Charlie is such a patient sweetheart. My heart sank a little every time Ruby acts like he’s her boyfriend, i.e. sitting on his lap, cuddling with him, sharing her deepest thoughts, etc. She’s strong, opinionated, & endearing, but totally in denial about her feelings. Ruby’s clueless, until she isn’t. She gets a chance to one up her ex with Charlie, & that changes everything. Then Charlie has his doubts. Is he just the rebound guy? I loved watching these two find their way to each other with the help of their friends & a creative grand gesture.
Betting on the Best Friend is the perfect capstone to this delightful, funny series. These endearing characters have taken up residence in my heart & I’ve loved all their stories. Ruby’s is perhaps the most satisfying since she’s the original matchmaker behind it all. Highly recommend this book & the entire series! I received an advanced copy from the author but also purchased in Kindle Unlimited. All opinions are my own & provided voluntarily.
Ruby’s a little devastated when her recent ex who strung her along for five years gets engaged. After they broke up, her friends offered to set her up just like she’s done for all of them but she declined, until now. Secretly though, all this time, the perfect man has been lurking right under her nose - her best friend & coworker Charlie.
Charlie’s done playing games. He’s been pining for Ruby for years. After all, they can communicate with just a glance, & spend every moment together not just at work, but afterwards & with their mutual friend group. He’s been muscling up doing rock climbing & composing playlists dedicated to her, but now that Niles is finally out of the picture, it’s time to show her they can be more than best friends. But, what will it take for the woman who’s still a little hung up on her ex to see the man who’s been there all along?
Best friends to more is always a favorite trope & Melanie Jacobson does such a brilliant job conveying that angst when one of the friends falls first. Charlie is such a patient sweetheart. My heart sank a little every time Ruby acts like he’s her boyfriend, i.e. sitting on his lap, cuddling with him, sharing her deepest thoughts, etc. She’s strong, opinionated, & endearing, but totally in denial about her feelings. Ruby’s clueless, until she isn’t. She gets a chance to one up her ex with Charlie, & that changes everything. Then Charlie has his doubts. Is he just the rebound guy? I loved watching these two find their way to each other with the help of their friends & a creative grand gesture.
Betting on the Best Friend is the perfect capstone to this delightful, funny series. These endearing characters have taken up residence in my heart & I’ve loved all their stories. Ruby’s is perhaps the most satisfying since she’s the original matchmaker behind it all. Highly recommend this book & the entire series! I received an advanced copy from the author but also purchased in Kindle Unlimited. All opinions are my own & provided voluntarily.
November 9, 2025
Perfect end to a fantastic series!
After Ruby’s ex announces a whirlwind engagement, she agrees to her best friends’ matchmaking scheme to prove she’s thriving, but a string of disastrous dates leaves her questioning the plan.
Through it all, her best friend Charlie remains her constant support, until a shocking confession threatens their friendship and Ruby begins to wonder if the perfect guy has been right in front of her all along.
What you'll love:
best friends to lovers
dual pov
he falls first
workplace romance
librarians
the nicknames
one-bed trope
so much banter!!
meddling roommates and their boyfriends
Ahab the cursing parrot
The kiss to end all kisses
BE.STILL.MY.BEATING.HEART! This one is for all the haters who say the friends to lovers trope never has chemistry. Charlie and Ruby were the perfect mix of chemistry and comfort, proving that best friends really can set your heart on fire!
Charlie has known his heart all along and deserves an award for his patience as he waited and helped Ruby figure out hers. His step-by-step plan, along with a little help from Ruby's matchmaking roommates, was as adorable as it was effective! Their close friendship, full of nerdy puns, inside jokes, nicknames, and traditions made the romance feel so grounded and was the perfect foundation for something so much more. And once Ruby fell? Let's just say every romance needs a library kiss!
I loved all of the cameos from the roommates and their partners! Seeing them together while watching them help Ruby find her HEA was the perfect way to end the series. This is the fourth and final book, and while you can enjoy it on its own, reading the others first will make this story all the sweeter!
If you love friends with chemistry, witty banter, and swoon-worthy romance, this book has it all plust that signature Melanie touch that makes it unforgettable. ALL THE LOVE!!
I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.
After Ruby’s ex announces a whirlwind engagement, she agrees to her best friends’ matchmaking scheme to prove she’s thriving, but a string of disastrous dates leaves her questioning the plan.
Through it all, her best friend Charlie remains her constant support, until a shocking confession threatens their friendship and Ruby begins to wonder if the perfect guy has been right in front of her all along.
What you'll love:
best friends to lovers
dual pov
he falls first
workplace romance
librarians
the nicknames
one-bed trope
so much banter!!
meddling roommates and their boyfriends
Ahab the cursing parrot
The kiss to end all kisses
BE.STILL.MY.BEATING.HEART! This one is for all the haters who say the friends to lovers trope never has chemistry. Charlie and Ruby were the perfect mix of chemistry and comfort, proving that best friends really can set your heart on fire!
Charlie has known his heart all along and deserves an award for his patience as he waited and helped Ruby figure out hers. His step-by-step plan, along with a little help from Ruby's matchmaking roommates, was as adorable as it was effective! Their close friendship, full of nerdy puns, inside jokes, nicknames, and traditions made the romance feel so grounded and was the perfect foundation for something so much more. And once Ruby fell? Let's just say every romance needs a library kiss!
I loved all of the cameos from the roommates and their partners! Seeing them together while watching them help Ruby find her HEA was the perfect way to end the series. This is the fourth and final book, and while you can enjoy it on its own, reading the others first will make this story all the sweeter!
If you love friends with chemistry, witty banter, and swoon-worthy romance, this book has it all plust that signature Melanie touch that makes it unforgettable. ALL THE LOVE!!
I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.
October 31, 2025
I have read and enjoyed each one of the books in Melanie Jacobson's Betting on Love series, but the whole time I've been waiting for Ruby's story. Ruby, the roommate who (successfully) set each of her roommates up. Ruby, who for some reason we do not understand has been dating the irritating Niles for years. Ruby, who has a BFF relationship with her co-worker Charlie that we are smart enough to know will be the real deal when she finally notices him.
Well ”Betting on the Best Friend” is finally here and it was all kinds of satisfying. Which is good, because I feel like friends to lovers can be one of the harder tropes to write. They have to have a believable reason that they didn't notice that they were perfect for each other before. And then it has to be a convincing relationship arc from best friends to totally in love, with enough angst to make it interesting but not so much ridiculousness that it's annoying.
Jacobson threads this needle perfectly, getting the "too easy" roommate set up out of the way almost immediately, and leaving us to watch Charlie try to figure out how to get Ruby to notice him in a whole different way. It's said that the path of true love never runs smooth and this is very true for Ruby and Charlie, because when she finally starts catching different feelings for him, he freaks out that her experience has been so different from his.
Thankfully that leaves a lot of space for help from her delightful roommates (that we already know and love), along with help from new friends and a "special" cameo by the always irritating Niles and his new fiance. All of this culminating, of course, in the HEA we've been wanting for Ruby since Betting on the Boy Next Door came out 2.5 years ago! Thanks Melanie, it was worth the wait! ❤️
Well ”Betting on the Best Friend” is finally here and it was all kinds of satisfying. Which is good, because I feel like friends to lovers can be one of the harder tropes to write. They have to have a believable reason that they didn't notice that they were perfect for each other before. And then it has to be a convincing relationship arc from best friends to totally in love, with enough angst to make it interesting but not so much ridiculousness that it's annoying.
Jacobson threads this needle perfectly, getting the "too easy" roommate set up out of the way almost immediately, and leaving us to watch Charlie try to figure out how to get Ruby to notice him in a whole different way. It's said that the path of true love never runs smooth and this is very true for Ruby and Charlie, because when she finally starts catching different feelings for him, he freaks out that her experience has been so different from his.
Thankfully that leaves a lot of space for help from her delightful roommates (that we already know and love), along with help from new friends and a "special" cameo by the always irritating Niles and his new fiance. All of this culminating, of course, in the HEA we've been wanting for Ruby since Betting on the Boy Next Door came out 2.5 years ago! Thanks Melanie, it was worth the wait! ❤️
November 11, 2025
🌟 5/5
🌶 PG
📍Austin, TX
• Librarians
• Best Friends to Lovers
• He Falls First
⚠️ Caution: Possible Spoilers Ahead ⚠️
What I Liked;
The Angst
• This is the first best friends to lovers story (as far as my memory can grab) that truly considers the risks and considerations two people can experience when taking a close friendship to the next level. I love how this was written and approached. We see the turmoil both feel and at different times. We see how it goes when one falls first, and when the other eventually realizes their feelings.
The Closet Scene
• I don't even know where to begin, but this scene was gasp worthy and so full chemistry. It's one of many scenes, but this was just the beginning.
How MJ writes a BIPOC character
• I've read a few books where the execution of writing a BIPOC character fell flat coming from a non BIPOC author. Some authors tend to overdo the emphasis on that culture, which can come off as disingenuous. MJ did an awesome job of acknowledging that Ruby and the Ramos family are of Spanish or Latin American descent.
The Swiftie References
• I have no idea what type of work MJ did to incorporate all the Swiftie references for a book released shortly after TLOAS, but it was so worth it. Ruin the Friendship is Charlie and Ruby's song.
End of Chapter 32 to Beginning of Chapter 33
• No words.
Tin Man
• The Ruby Red heart had me 😭😭😭😭
Pitch A Date
• Both times!
HEA That Was Worth The Wait
• I was introduced to Melanie Jacobson through Betting on the Boy Next Door. Ruby and Charlie were the longest slowburn. You knew they were destined to be together from this book. I am so glad MJ didn't just give them a HEA. I loved that she broke down the realities of what taking this next step means because it makes it all the more believable.
🌶 PG
📍Austin, TX
• Librarians
• Best Friends to Lovers
• He Falls First
⚠️ Caution: Possible Spoilers Ahead ⚠️
What I Liked;
The Angst
• This is the first best friends to lovers story (as far as my memory can grab) that truly considers the risks and considerations two people can experience when taking a close friendship to the next level. I love how this was written and approached. We see the turmoil both feel and at different times. We see how it goes when one falls first, and when the other eventually realizes their feelings.
The Closet Scene
• I don't even know where to begin, but this scene was gasp worthy and so full chemistry. It's one of many scenes, but this was just the beginning.
How MJ writes a BIPOC character
• I've read a few books where the execution of writing a BIPOC character fell flat coming from a non BIPOC author. Some authors tend to overdo the emphasis on that culture, which can come off as disingenuous. MJ did an awesome job of acknowledging that Ruby and the Ramos family are of Spanish or Latin American descent.
The Swiftie References
• I have no idea what type of work MJ did to incorporate all the Swiftie references for a book released shortly after TLOAS, but it was so worth it. Ruin the Friendship is Charlie and Ruby's song.
End of Chapter 32 to Beginning of Chapter 33
• No words.
Tin Man
• The Ruby Red heart had me 😭😭😭😭
Pitch A Date
• Both times!
HEA That Was Worth The Wait
• I was introduced to Melanie Jacobson through Betting on the Boy Next Door. Ruby and Charlie were the longest slowburn. You knew they were destined to be together from this book. I am so glad MJ didn't just give them a HEA. I loved that she broke down the realities of what taking this next step means because it makes it all the more believable.
November 4, 2025
Ruby and Charlie’s story was definitely worth the wait!
This story took me by surprise in all the best ways. Departing from the formulaic “one confesses their feelings and the other immediately realizes their own, too”, this was a refreshing take on the Friends to Lovers trope. We get to see struggle and hard examination of feelings along with the romance and lighter side of falling in love
I have been in Charlie’s shoes more times than I would like to admit and I really felt for him as he struggled to find a way to stay friends with Ruby when he decided to “ruin the friendship.” Neither of them really know what to do, but they do know they need each other. Charlie and Ruby are the best of friends and seeing them struggle to find their way to each other was heartbreaking and beautiful all at the same time.
Because we all know there’s going to be an HEA, I don’t find it spoiler-y to say that the first kiss was SCORCHING! And Ruby’s post-kiss download was perfection! Seriously…so good!
This story is full of some of the best banter and so many good rock puns! Ruby and Charlie have such an easy friendship that it’s hard to imagine that they haven’t been in love this entire time.
I love the cast of side characters. Between Ahab the cursing parrot and the trio of roommates and their boyfriends, it’s a fun throwback to the rest of the series. Plus, we get to see Niles get what he deserves after years of being the absolute worst.
I loved this conclusion to the Betting on Love series. It has been a delight to be alongside Sami, Ava, Madison, and Ruby as they find their happily ever afters.
This story took me by surprise in all the best ways. Departing from the formulaic “one confesses their feelings and the other immediately realizes their own, too”, this was a refreshing take on the Friends to Lovers trope. We get to see struggle and hard examination of feelings along with the romance and lighter side of falling in love
I have been in Charlie’s shoes more times than I would like to admit and I really felt for him as he struggled to find a way to stay friends with Ruby when he decided to “ruin the friendship.” Neither of them really know what to do, but they do know they need each other. Charlie and Ruby are the best of friends and seeing them struggle to find their way to each other was heartbreaking and beautiful all at the same time.
Because we all know there’s going to be an HEA, I don’t find it spoiler-y to say that the first kiss was SCORCHING! And Ruby’s post-kiss download was perfection! Seriously…so good!
This story is full of some of the best banter and so many good rock puns! Ruby and Charlie have such an easy friendship that it’s hard to imagine that they haven’t been in love this entire time.
I love the cast of side characters. Between Ahab the cursing parrot and the trio of roommates and their boyfriends, it’s a fun throwback to the rest of the series. Plus, we get to see Niles get what he deserves after years of being the absolute worst.
I loved this conclusion to the Betting on Love series. It has been a delight to be alongside Sami, Ava, Madison, and Ruby as they find their happily ever afters.
November 30, 2025
Betting on the Best Friend by Melanie Jacobson
Betting on the Best Friend is the last book in Melanie Jacobson’s Betting on Love series. This story focuses on Ruby, the mastermind matchmaker from the previous books, and Charlie, her best friend and coworker. The story begins 6 months after Ruby breaks up with her boyfriend. Charlie knows that if he wants Ruby to fall for him, now is the time to change up their relationship. Unfortunately, Ruby has placed Charlie firmly in the friendzone. The story follows Charlie as he tries to win Ruby’s heart while her roommates set her up on dates with other guys.
I adored every minute of reading this book. I laughed, I cringed, I felt embarrassed for the characters, and I swooned. I could not put the book down. It was so good.
Ruby was bold and smart and loyal. I loved how she loved and protected her people. Even though I adored Ruby, I was frustrated with her at times. She was so clueless and blind at times. It was so fun to see her realize that everyone but her knew about Charlie’s feelings for her. Her conversations with her parents, brother, and roommates were so good. I loved how Jacobson kept me guessing on how the story would go.
Charlie was so fabulous! He was kind, loyal, and so supportive of Ruby, even when it broke his heart. Jacobson did a wonderful job of making me think Charlie might not ever win Ruby’s heart. Yes, I knew an HEA was coming, but Jacobson’s writing made me doubt that. It was so well done.
I adored this fresh take on the friends to lovers trope. It was such a fun, satisfying read. This book needs to be on your TBR.
Thank you to the author for the gifted. All opinions are my own.
Betting on the Best Friend is the last book in Melanie Jacobson’s Betting on Love series. This story focuses on Ruby, the mastermind matchmaker from the previous books, and Charlie, her best friend and coworker. The story begins 6 months after Ruby breaks up with her boyfriend. Charlie knows that if he wants Ruby to fall for him, now is the time to change up their relationship. Unfortunately, Ruby has placed Charlie firmly in the friendzone. The story follows Charlie as he tries to win Ruby’s heart while her roommates set her up on dates with other guys.
I adored every minute of reading this book. I laughed, I cringed, I felt embarrassed for the characters, and I swooned. I could not put the book down. It was so good.
Ruby was bold and smart and loyal. I loved how she loved and protected her people. Even though I adored Ruby, I was frustrated with her at times. She was so clueless and blind at times. It was so fun to see her realize that everyone but her knew about Charlie’s feelings for her. Her conversations with her parents, brother, and roommates were so good. I loved how Jacobson kept me guessing on how the story would go.
Charlie was so fabulous! He was kind, loyal, and so supportive of Ruby, even when it broke his heart. Jacobson did a wonderful job of making me think Charlie might not ever win Ruby’s heart. Yes, I knew an HEA was coming, but Jacobson’s writing made me doubt that. It was so well done.
I adored this fresh take on the friends to lovers trope. It was such a fun, satisfying read. This book needs to be on your TBR.
Thank you to the author for the gifted. All opinions are my own.
November 1, 2025
such a great read!
This book has been one I’ve been so looking forward to reading! I knew Melanie was going to have a lot of fun with Ruby’s story, and she didn’t disappoint.
Ruby and Charlie were really well-written. I’ve always been a fan of Melanie’s wit and banter, but these two had it in spades. Between movies, books, research, and more, they truly understood the other person and how they thought.
I appreciated the take on a friends-to-lovers story where one person actually “ruins the friendship.” Charlie and Ruby had such a strong bond that they couldn’t see a way forward without sustaining some sort of connection. Inevitably, when one person catches feelings, that relationship will have to change. Navigating that was where Melanie got to play with the plot to ultimately have Ruby choose Charlie.
I did want to shake Ruby at times, because the outside observer could tell Charlie would be so good for her! I loved that the other girls got to help out & try to get her to see what she wasn’t all along. In true Ruby fashion, it required a bet, revenge, lots of sass, and eventually, coming to the conclusion herself.
Overall, such a great read!!! Loved the pop culture references, song choices, and total vibe. Do yourself a favor and read the entire Betting on Love series to watch Ruby and her friends find love. 🫶🏻
CW: This is a closed-door romance with mild language and kissing only.
This book has been one I’ve been so looking forward to reading! I knew Melanie was going to have a lot of fun with Ruby’s story, and she didn’t disappoint.
Ruby and Charlie were really well-written. I’ve always been a fan of Melanie’s wit and banter, but these two had it in spades. Between movies, books, research, and more, they truly understood the other person and how they thought.
I appreciated the take on a friends-to-lovers story where one person actually “ruins the friendship.” Charlie and Ruby had such a strong bond that they couldn’t see a way forward without sustaining some sort of connection. Inevitably, when one person catches feelings, that relationship will have to change. Navigating that was where Melanie got to play with the plot to ultimately have Ruby choose Charlie.
I did want to shake Ruby at times, because the outside observer could tell Charlie would be so good for her! I loved that the other girls got to help out & try to get her to see what she wasn’t all along. In true Ruby fashion, it required a bet, revenge, lots of sass, and eventually, coming to the conclusion herself.
Overall, such a great read!!! Loved the pop culture references, song choices, and total vibe. Do yourself a favor and read the entire Betting on Love series to watch Ruby and her friends find love. 🫶🏻
CW: This is a closed-door romance with mild language and kissing only.
November 28, 2025
This is by far one of my favorite romcom series and what a way to end it! Ruby and Charlie are all of the best friends to more trope goals!
Charlie has been in love with Ruby for years but not until she breaks things off with her horrible boyfriend does he believe he has a chance of winning her over. And since he’s best friends/in love with the Queen of Matchmaking Strategy, he gets to work in planning all the ways to get her to choose him. But things get complicated when the Besties step in and try to set Ruby up with other guys. Will his plan be foiled completely or will things work out in the end?
Ruby is bold and loves deeply. She also hates change. Her progression over the course of the story is a little slower since she has some major emotional catchup to do. But once she gets there, she is ALL IN. Charlie has the most back and forth moments throughout. He’s an over thinker for sure and occasionally this just negates any progress he’s made. But what I love the most about these two is their loyalty and devotion to each other and their friendship. They really belonged together and nothing was going to ruin what they had. Thankfully everyone ends up on the same page at the same time and cue all the confetti! This was a great way to end the series and I enjoyed every minute.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Charlie has been in love with Ruby for years but not until she breaks things off with her horrible boyfriend does he believe he has a chance of winning her over. And since he’s best friends/in love with the Queen of Matchmaking Strategy, he gets to work in planning all the ways to get her to choose him. But things get complicated when the Besties step in and try to set Ruby up with other guys. Will his plan be foiled completely or will things work out in the end?
Ruby is bold and loves deeply. She also hates change. Her progression over the course of the story is a little slower since she has some major emotional catchup to do. But once she gets there, she is ALL IN. Charlie has the most back and forth moments throughout. He’s an over thinker for sure and occasionally this just negates any progress he’s made. But what I love the most about these two is their loyalty and devotion to each other and their friendship. They really belonged together and nothing was going to ruin what they had. Thankfully everyone ends up on the same page at the same time and cue all the confetti! This was a great way to end the series and I enjoyed every minute.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 21, 2025
Ruby has set up her roommates and helped them find love, but now the tables have turned and they want to "return the favor." After her long-term boyfriend announces his engagement to a woman he hasn't known for long, Ruby reluctantly agrees, hoping to prove she’s happy and thriving. What follows is a string of dates so cringe-worthy you can’t help but laugh.
But through it all, her best friend Charlie is steady and supportive, the safe place she runs to when every date goes sideways. Their friendship is the heart of the story, and I was rooting for them from the start. But when Charlie confesses how he really feels about her, it changes everything between them, and Ruby is forced to confront the truth she’s been avoiding: maybe the man she’s been searching for has been beside her all along.
This book blends humor with heartfelt emotion. Ruby’s roommates bring the comedy, the dates bring the chaos, and Charlie brings the swoon. Their slow transition from friends to something more is believable, and the emotional tension kept me turning pages. This is a great read for those who enjoy best friends-to-lovers stories, comedic dating disasters, and supportive yet meddling roommates.
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions in this review are my own.
But through it all, her best friend Charlie is steady and supportive, the safe place she runs to when every date goes sideways. Their friendship is the heart of the story, and I was rooting for them from the start. But when Charlie confesses how he really feels about her, it changes everything between them, and Ruby is forced to confront the truth she’s been avoiding: maybe the man she’s been searching for has been beside her all along.
This book blends humor with heartfelt emotion. Ruby’s roommates bring the comedy, the dates bring the chaos, and Charlie brings the swoon. Their slow transition from friends to something more is believable, and the emotional tension kept me turning pages. This is a great read for those who enjoy best friends-to-lovers stories, comedic dating disasters, and supportive yet meddling roommates.
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions in this review are my own.
October 29, 2025
What a rollercoaster of a ride this was! Just when I had an idea of how things would go, a curve ball would be presented.
Charlie and Ruby had been the best of friends for three years, all of which Charlie was secretly pining for her but couldn't make a move since she was in a relationship. But now that it was over, he had his chance. Getting her to see what was in front of her was the hard part.
I loved her roommates' involvement in this book. They each had their own methods to get her dating again, all the while Charlie watched helplessly and tried his own tactics. The chemistry was off the charts when Charlie turned on his charm.
When it all got messy, I was torn for the both of them. I did love how they processed their emotions, not just jumping into what seemed obvious but making sure it was the right thing to do. It made for a sweet reunion.
Friends to lovers can be hit or miss for me but this is an amazing example of how it can be done right. Absolutely loved it!
Thank you to the author for an ARC. All opinions are my own.
Rating: 5⭐
Steam level: 1🌶️ Kissing only
Charlie and Ruby had been the best of friends for three years, all of which Charlie was secretly pining for her but couldn't make a move since she was in a relationship. But now that it was over, he had his chance. Getting her to see what was in front of her was the hard part.
I loved her roommates' involvement in this book. They each had their own methods to get her dating again, all the while Charlie watched helplessly and tried his own tactics. The chemistry was off the charts when Charlie turned on his charm.
When it all got messy, I was torn for the both of them. I did love how they processed their emotions, not just jumping into what seemed obvious but making sure it was the right thing to do. It made for a sweet reunion.
Friends to lovers can be hit or miss for me but this is an amazing example of how it can be done right. Absolutely loved it!
Thank you to the author for an ARC. All opinions are my own.
Rating: 5⭐
Steam level: 1🌶️ Kissing only
November 19, 2025
Betting on the Best friend is a sweet friends to lovers story. If you've followed the series you know that Charlie and Ruby are destined to be together. You know it, I know it, Charlie knows it, but Ruby is clueless. Charlie and Ruby have been friends for years but since Ruby was already in a relationship when they met, a very boring relationship, Charlie has hidden his feelings for Ruby. But now that Ruby is single again and has had some time to heal, Charlie is ready to convince her that he is just what she needs. I love the easiness of Charlie and Ruby's relationship, they get along so well that it make sense for them to be a couple but the transition from friends to more can be tricky. Melanie pulled it off very well in a very believable and entertaining way. I definitely recommend this book and if you're not up to reading the whole series and only want to read this one book, she has a nice little summary of the other books at the beginning that will prep you for this read.
Favorite line: This is as startling as if he’d announced he’d decided to run for city dogcatcher.
Favorite line: This is as startling as if he’d announced he’d decided to run for city dogcatcher.
October 31, 2025
Melanie Jacobson does it again! This book had me laughing, swooning, and grinning from start to finish. Ruby, the self-appointed matchmaker of her college friend group suddenly becomes the one her friends are determined to find love for. Meanwhile, her best friend and fellow librarian, Charlie, has been secretly in love with her for years and decides it’s finally time to make his move.
Charlie’s attempts to win Ruby over are the perfect mix of sweet, funny, and real. He’s methodical, determined, and genuinely the kind of cinnamon roll hero you can’t help but root for. And Ruby? Her heartbreak, sass, and hesitant hope make her incredibly relatable.
The story is filled with laugh-out-loud moments, clever cultural references, and the kind of slow-burn tension that keeps you flipping pages to get to the HEA.
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of this book, and this is my honest and unbiased review.
Charlie’s attempts to win Ruby over are the perfect mix of sweet, funny, and real. He’s methodical, determined, and genuinely the kind of cinnamon roll hero you can’t help but root for. And Ruby? Her heartbreak, sass, and hesitant hope make her incredibly relatable.
The story is filled with laugh-out-loud moments, clever cultural references, and the kind of slow-burn tension that keeps you flipping pages to get to the HEA.
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of this book, and this is my honest and unbiased review.
November 5, 2025
I have loved all of the Betting on Love series by Melanie and was excited to finish it with Ruby’s story. After she helped all of them find love, they want to help her too. Though through many experiences, Ruby can’t help but feel they don’t know her at all
Charlie has always been there for Ruby. He has been her constant at the library and everywhere else in her life and Ruby has been the same to him. Is there a way to move beyond the friend zone without risking what they have?
This book doesn’t follow the traditional friend to lover trope where they both confess their feelings at the same time. Rather, it takes one of them longer to realize it and even longer for one to accept.
I loved the growth both characters had throughout this book and of course all the jokes and comedy all of Melanie’s books have. It was the perfect ending to the series.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Charlie has always been there for Ruby. He has been her constant at the library and everywhere else in her life and Ruby has been the same to him. Is there a way to move beyond the friend zone without risking what they have?
This book doesn’t follow the traditional friend to lover trope where they both confess their feelings at the same time. Rather, it takes one of them longer to realize it and even longer for one to accept.
I loved the growth both characters had throughout this book and of course all the jokes and comedy all of Melanie’s books have. It was the perfect ending to the series.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
November 14, 2025
3.5 - I liked it, didn't LOVE it as much as the others
I was so excited when this book finally came out, bc I've loved this series! My expectations were very high, which is certainly not the author's fault, it's mine. To be fair, this book had fantastic moments, especially after the 50% mark. The first half felt a little thrown together, with some pop culture references that made it feel like it was written at the last-minute. That really took me out of the story. I quickly got tired of that and Charlie's pining-but-going-on-double-dates thing. I nearly DNF, but I kept reading, hoping it would get better, and it did. The best friends trope is a VERY hard trope to write, so I commend Melanie for her courage and hard work. I loved the last 30% of the book. The roommates and Ramoses are the best part of these books! Overall, I think Melanie did well, especially with the pressure of wrapping up a beloved series and a tough trope. Good work!
I was so excited when this book finally came out, bc I've loved this series! My expectations were very high, which is certainly not the author's fault, it's mine. To be fair, this book had fantastic moments, especially after the 50% mark. The first half felt a little thrown together, with some pop culture references that made it feel like it was written at the last-minute. That really took me out of the story. I quickly got tired of that and Charlie's pining-but-going-on-double-dates thing. I nearly DNF, but I kept reading, hoping it would get better, and it did. The best friends trope is a VERY hard trope to write, so I commend Melanie for her courage and hard work. I loved the last 30% of the book. The roommates and Ramoses are the best part of these books! Overall, I think Melanie did well, especially with the pressure of wrapping up a beloved series and a tough trope. Good work!
November 25, 2025
I hadn’t read the other books in the Betting on Love series before, but now I want to! I enjoyed these characters so much that I can’t wait to spend more time in their world.
This story follows Ruby, a natural matchmaker who’s always busy finding love for her friends. Now that she’s finally single, her friends decide it’s time to return the favor—and help her realize that Charlie, her best friend, might just be the love of her life.
I absolutely love the best-friends-to-lovers trope, and this book did not disappoint. It even surprised me at times because it wasn’t predictable. Ruby and Charlie must overcome insecurities and self-doubt before they can fully fall for each other and watching that journey unfold was so satisfying.
Overall, this was a fun, romantic read with wonderful characters. I highly recommend it!
I received an advanced copy of this book and am leaving an honest review.
This story follows Ruby, a natural matchmaker who’s always busy finding love for her friends. Now that she’s finally single, her friends decide it’s time to return the favor—and help her realize that Charlie, her best friend, might just be the love of her life.
I absolutely love the best-friends-to-lovers trope, and this book did not disappoint. It even surprised me at times because it wasn’t predictable. Ruby and Charlie must overcome insecurities and self-doubt before they can fully fall for each other and watching that journey unfold was so satisfying.
Overall, this was a fun, romantic read with wonderful characters. I highly recommend it!
I received an advanced copy of this book and am leaving an honest review.
November 30, 2025
Thank you to the author for the eARC of Betting on the Best Friend! I loved this book so much, and it was the perfect end to the series.
Now that Ruby has broken up with her long term boyfriend, her roommates turn the tables on her to try to set her up. They bet amongst themselves, so whoever picks *the* guy will win, but Ruby doesn’t know what those stakes are.
Ruby’s best friend, Charlie, who has been waiting patiently for her to break up with her boyfriend for 3 years, puts his own plan into motion to make Ruby see him the way he sees her.
Lots on antics ensue, this gave a lot of “they don’t know we know they know” vibes à la Friends. Sydney was the surprising side character I loved and I would love to find out more of her story! I did get really annoyed with Charlie toward the end, with his obstinance, but he redeemed himself in the end. Overall this was a great read and I’m sad to see this series end!
Now that Ruby has broken up with her long term boyfriend, her roommates turn the tables on her to try to set her up. They bet amongst themselves, so whoever picks *the* guy will win, but Ruby doesn’t know what those stakes are.
Ruby’s best friend, Charlie, who has been waiting patiently for her to break up with her boyfriend for 3 years, puts his own plan into motion to make Ruby see him the way he sees her.
Lots on antics ensue, this gave a lot of “they don’t know we know they know” vibes à la Friends. Sydney was the surprising side character I loved and I would love to find out more of her story! I did get really annoyed with Charlie toward the end, with his obstinance, but he redeemed himself in the end. Overall this was a great read and I’m sad to see this series end!
December 3, 2025
I can’t believe it’s time to say goodbye to yet another series — but what a wonderful journey it’s been. Melanie Jacobs has a gift for building found families that feel lived-in and emotionally rich, and this final installment delivers a parting shot with real power.
Even though Friends to Lovers is one of my least-read tropes (I often find it lacks the sizzle and pop of enemies to lovers), Charlie and Ruby’s story completely won me over. Maybe it’s because we’ve watched them dance around each other since book one, or maybe it’s because when a favorite author brings her mastermind matchmaker to the realization that it’s time to find love… how could I say no?
There’s a great cookie crumb trail through the previous three books, plus cameos from earlier couples, but this one can be read as a standalone. That said, for maximum humor and Easter egg delight, I’d recommend reading in order.
Five stars for a finale that honors the journey and leaves me smiling
Even though Friends to Lovers is one of my least-read tropes (I often find it lacks the sizzle and pop of enemies to lovers), Charlie and Ruby’s story completely won me over. Maybe it’s because we’ve watched them dance around each other since book one, or maybe it’s because when a favorite author brings her mastermind matchmaker to the realization that it’s time to find love… how could I say no?
There’s a great cookie crumb trail through the previous three books, plus cameos from earlier couples, but this one can be read as a standalone. That said, for maximum humor and Easter egg delight, I’d recommend reading in order.
Five stars for a finale that honors the journey and leaves me smiling
November 1, 2025
This is Ruby and Charlie’s book. I just loved this story. The best friends to lovers genre is one of my favorites. These two have been meant to be since book one. I just love their banter. They are the best. This book can be read as a solo book but I encourage you to read all of the books in the series. They are all so good! Ruby is the one that is so good and matchmaking and set up all of her friends after her jerk boyfriend proposes to her in the most unflattering and hurtful way! Now it;s time for her to fine her forever love. She just doesn’t realize he’s been in front of her all along. All of her friends and Charlie all know but she is oblivious. This book has the best set ups for blind dates by her friends “trying to find her Prince Charming”. This was a fun read and I just loved it.
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