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Settling Up
1 bald spot + 1 thirty year old = zero chance at love. If there's one thing statistics professor, Lauren Sinclair knows, it's probability. And she understands her current equation all too well.Desperate to get herself back into the dating game, Lauren relies on statistical analysis and a ridiculously detailed list to help her find the perfect man.Her friend Mack thinks it sounds like she's trying to find a car instead of a husband. What does he know? He's a tattooed, totally-not-her-type Blackjack dealer.But maybe this professor needs to learn that love is more than a numbers game.Previously published under author name, Eryn Scott.
242 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2016
257 people are currently reading
631 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
April 9, 2017
Clean, smart, and funny chick-lit romance. Eryn Scott has a new fan and might be one of my new favorite authors. This was so well written!
Sensuality content: 99.99% clean. Kisses. You are not shown or told, but it is implied once that an unmarried couple living together have sexual relations (AKA fade to black).
Source: My own purchased library.
Sensuality content: 99.99% clean. Kisses. You are not shown or told, but it is implied once that an unmarried couple living together have sexual relations (AKA fade to black).
Source: My own purchased library.
July 13, 2016
"Settling Up" was a very fun, sweet (as opposed to saucy) romance with a difference. Our heroine is a recently tenured statistics professor who has developed stress-induced alopecia (as an early-career academic, oh, how I empathize!). She also doesn't have a man, or a family, and is starting to think that maybe she needs that. She goes to a friend for advice, but ends up talking with Mr. Wrong, except that...is he Mr. Right? And will they both realize it before Lauren allows her love of lists to steer her in the wrong direction?
Although I would definitely categorize this as a romance, it's a bit different than your standard romance novel, with more emphasis on Lauren's inner development rather than the sexual tension between her and Mack. It's sort of a chick-lit/romance hybrid, which I personally found charming and refreshing, although die-hard romance fans might be a bit taken aback by it. And as an academic myself I definitely enjoyed the descriptions of Lauren's work life! As I mentioned above, it is funny and sweet rather than saucy, with no graphic sex: it's up to the reader whether that's a plus or a minus. I for one thoroughly enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it to other romance or chick lit fans.
Although I would definitely categorize this as a romance, it's a bit different than your standard romance novel, with more emphasis on Lauren's inner development rather than the sexual tension between her and Mack. It's sort of a chick-lit/romance hybrid, which I personally found charming and refreshing, although die-hard romance fans might be a bit taken aback by it. And as an academic myself I definitely enjoyed the descriptions of Lauren's work life! As I mentioned above, it is funny and sweet rather than saucy, with no graphic sex: it's up to the reader whether that's a plus or a minus. I for one thoroughly enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it to other romance or chick lit fans.
August 13, 2018
I loved it - so funny!
April 13, 2017
This book was surprisingly adorable, I adored Lauren and Mack, I never realised how much I enjoyed books where the girl is the one all put together and the guy is more care free, also, 10/10 in love forever with friends to lovers where we get to see them actually become friends and we are just there for the entire love ride, I just wish we could get more of the actual relationship in because a date between Mack and Lauren would be so cute *sobs*
November 28, 2016
This book was soooo cute! Lauren is one of those characters that sticks in your head afterward. She's insecure and adorable. Lauren goes on hilarious dates while searching for her perfect match. Of course, the perfect guy is right there. Of course, we know he's perfect for her, but the antics she goes through before she figures it out are what makes this story so entertaining.
The writing is great and the characters are engaging and develop perfectly.
The writing is great and the characters are engaging and develop perfectly.
May 13, 2018
3.5 stars. This one was a little difficult to get into for me. I found Lauren somewhat irritating at first, and the relationship with Mack awkward and rushed. But it did come together more organically as the book progressed, and once it did, the story really picked up and I found myself rooting for them and enjoying it quite a bit more. Quick and light read.
January 2, 2019
A cute, light read.
September 4, 2016
Beyond Cute
On a scale of cotton candy to Brussels sprouts, Settling Up by Eryn Scott is a dark chocolate salted caramel candy.
Mostly, I loved how nerdy, spaztastic, and hilarious the protagonist was, and I was pleased that this was a cute romance rather than an erotic one. I read the entire book with only a bathroom break. And it had a good reminder about girls and their perfect boy lists.
On a scale of cotton candy to Brussels sprouts, Settling Up by Eryn Scott is a dark chocolate salted caramel candy.
Mostly, I loved how nerdy, spaztastic, and hilarious the protagonist was, and I was pleased that this was a cute romance rather than an erotic one. I read the entire book with only a bathroom break. And it had a good reminder about girls and their perfect boy lists.
May 7, 2017
Statistics professor Lauren is desperate to settle down. Not only does she think that this will help her get a promotion (because, obviously, no woman is capable of getting a promotion on her own merit) but she is also worried that her looks will soon start to fade (because, obviously, this book is a feminist masterpiece). She has a gambling addiction that she thinks is completely normal because she just plays to relax and a weirdly personal relationship with not one, but two different blackjack dealers.
Wow, do I sound bitter or what?
Here’s the thing. This book should have been good. It had all the makings of a good book. It’s reasonably well-written. The hero is one of the best from recent memory. It’s just too bad that the message and the heroine were awful. Because, when it comes down to it, the message of this book is that a woman can’t be complete without a husband, that nobody would ever promote a woman incapable of settling down (i.e. getting married), and women should just marry someone before they get ugly.
Now, aside from my feminist flags flying all over this book, can I just mention that Lauren is an actual idiot? Like, I’m not entirely sure how she possibly passed all of those statistics classes to obtain the DOCTORATE that would be required for her to teach at any respectable university. (And, supposedly, her university is top-notch.) I say this not because Lauren is kind of flighty, or because she’s overly obsessed with finding a man, or because she’s into wearing cute clothes. I say this because Lauren is blind to things that are happening right in front of her eyes.
You see, Lauren has a list. The men that she dates must meet the criteria of her list. This is not a huge issue for me because who doesn’t have ideal characteristics in a partner? I mean, we don’t all write it down and assign various weights to different categories and refuse to date people who don’t meet a certain percentage threshold, but still. Everybody has preferences. Not a big deal. What is a big deal is that, historically, the men that Lauren has found from this list are terrible. They’re good on paper, but not in real life.
And then her favorite blackjack dealer, Mack, convinces her to throw out the list. Finally, a reasonable suggestion in this terrible book! So Lauren says goodbye to the list. She goes out with some rather odd picks that obviously don’t work out before reverting back to the list. She says she’s thrown it out the window, so I’m sure it’s purely a coincidence that Adrian, her new co-worker, meets literally every single bullet point and scores over 100%. Lauren can’t see it, but Adrian is disgusting. He’s so smarmy and possessive and GROSS. And I’m supposed to believe that she fell for him!
This is a very quick read. Reasonably well-written, as I said before. It’s just infuriating, and the thing that you want to happen doesn’t happen until about 95%, and by that point, I was just done. I’d already thrown in the towel. I didn’t even care anymore.
It seems like a lot of people have enjoyed this book, but I’m okay with being in the minority.
Wow, do I sound bitter or what?
Here’s the thing. This book should have been good. It had all the makings of a good book. It’s reasonably well-written. The hero is one of the best from recent memory. It’s just too bad that the message and the heroine were awful. Because, when it comes down to it, the message of this book is that a woman can’t be complete without a husband, that nobody would ever promote a woman incapable of settling down (i.e. getting married), and women should just marry someone before they get ugly.
Now, aside from my feminist flags flying all over this book, can I just mention that Lauren is an actual idiot? Like, I’m not entirely sure how she possibly passed all of those statistics classes to obtain the DOCTORATE that would be required for her to teach at any respectable university. (And, supposedly, her university is top-notch.) I say this not because Lauren is kind of flighty, or because she’s overly obsessed with finding a man, or because she’s into wearing cute clothes. I say this because Lauren is blind to things that are happening right in front of her eyes.
You see, Lauren has a list. The men that she dates must meet the criteria of her list. This is not a huge issue for me because who doesn’t have ideal characteristics in a partner? I mean, we don’t all write it down and assign various weights to different categories and refuse to date people who don’t meet a certain percentage threshold, but still. Everybody has preferences. Not a big deal. What is a big deal is that, historically, the men that Lauren has found from this list are terrible. They’re good on paper, but not in real life.
And then her favorite blackjack dealer, Mack, convinces her to throw out the list. Finally, a reasonable suggestion in this terrible book! So Lauren says goodbye to the list. She goes out with some rather odd picks that obviously don’t work out before reverting back to the list. She says she’s thrown it out the window, so I’m sure it’s purely a coincidence that Adrian, her new co-worker, meets literally every single bullet point and scores over 100%. Lauren can’t see it, but Adrian is disgusting. He’s so smarmy and possessive and GROSS. And I’m supposed to believe that she fell for him!
This is a very quick read. Reasonably well-written, as I said before. It’s just infuriating, and the thing that you want to happen doesn’t happen until about 95%, and by that point, I was just done. I’d already thrown in the towel. I didn’t even care anymore.
It seems like a lot of people have enjoyed this book, but I’m okay with being in the minority.
February 18, 2020
Quick Info
Standalone/Cliffhanger?: Standalone
Part of a Series?: No
----------------------------------
Meeting the Characters
Lauren Sinclair
Mack
----------------------------------
What happens?
Lauren Sinclair is having a crisis, she goes to her usual casino in search of her favourite dealer Rachel. Instead of finding Rachel she finds Mack, and shows him her bald spot.
Mack and Lauren strike up an unlikely friendship, and Mack begins to convince her she doesn't need to be so strict with finding a man, she shouldn't get so rigid in who will work for her and who won't.
Final thoughts
My summary of what happens is probably a little incomplete but I can't explain more without giving a big part of this book away.
I gave this 3 because its OK. Not bad, not fabulous just OK. Lauren got on my nerves at some point, shes a little too 'quirky' and a little too naive. Especially for a bright maths professor. You'd think she wouldn't be naive. Mack I also really liked. I thought he saved the book for me, he put up with her at parts I'd have ghosted her myself!
This was a feel good romance in the end, but it was lacking something and I can't put my finger on what.
Would I read again?: Yes
Would I read this author again?: Yes
Would I continue on with the series?: N/A
Standalone/Cliffhanger?: Standalone
Part of a Series?: No
----------------------------------
Meeting the Characters
Lauren Sinclair
Mack
----------------------------------
What happens?
Lauren Sinclair is having a crisis, she goes to her usual casino in search of her favourite dealer Rachel. Instead of finding Rachel she finds Mack, and shows him her bald spot.
Mack and Lauren strike up an unlikely friendship, and Mack begins to convince her she doesn't need to be so strict with finding a man, she shouldn't get so rigid in who will work for her and who won't.
Final thoughts
My summary of what happens is probably a little incomplete but I can't explain more without giving a big part of this book away.
I gave this 3 because its OK. Not bad, not fabulous just OK. Lauren got on my nerves at some point, shes a little too 'quirky' and a little too naive. Especially for a bright maths professor. You'd think she wouldn't be naive. Mack I also really liked. I thought he saved the book for me, he put up with her at parts I'd have ghosted her myself!
This was a feel good romance in the end, but it was lacking something and I can't put my finger on what.
Would I read again?: Yes
Would I read this author again?: Yes
Would I continue on with the series?: N/A
June 3, 2019
I'll preface this by saying I think it's purely personal preference that meant I didn't like this book as every other review I've seen seems to rave about it.
I just found the majority of the characters flat, boring and slightly stupid. I get having preferences on what you're looking for in a man but it be so blind to what's right in front of you and ignoring what you actually feel in favour of a list of, extremely unlikely to ever be fulfilled criteria, at the grand old age of 30 just seems silly.
The dialogue lacked the usual witty banter or dripping sarcasm that I like in a book and it left me wondering, in places, what the characters saw in each other. As I wrote that sentence I also realised that a lot of the romance books I like are usually written in dual perspective which maybe helps with this issue as I really couldn't have told you what Mack saw in what's her face, whose name I have already forgotten.
Considered DNF'ing it within the first 10% or so but decided to push on. It's not a "bad" book, I don't loathe the time I spent reading it but it was, in my opinion, rather forgettable and is likely to get a bit lost among other books of the genre
I just found the majority of the characters flat, boring and slightly stupid. I get having preferences on what you're looking for in a man but it be so blind to what's right in front of you and ignoring what you actually feel in favour of a list of, extremely unlikely to ever be fulfilled criteria, at the grand old age of 30 just seems silly.
The dialogue lacked the usual witty banter or dripping sarcasm that I like in a book and it left me wondering, in places, what the characters saw in each other. As I wrote that sentence I also realised that a lot of the romance books I like are usually written in dual perspective which maybe helps with this issue as I really couldn't have told you what Mack saw in what's her face, whose name I have already forgotten.
Considered DNF'ing it within the first 10% or so but decided to push on. It's not a "bad" book, I don't loathe the time I spent reading it but it was, in my opinion, rather forgettable and is likely to get a bit lost among other books of the genre
July 11, 2017
I decided to grab this book up because the main character is kind of like me. in a sense that she's into math. I love that the chapters are math related and most of them actually do connect with that particular part of the book. and I appreciate that very much.
the story is really adorable. Lauren is funny and Mack is such a gentleman. this book was made to make it funny. but though the writing style was good, they she wrote the comedic parts weren't all that funny. i also thought that Mack was too perfect. I love his personality and all the things that he do. but this guy doesn't have anything wrong with him except for his past.
i also wish the book was steamy. but then again, the book was really good as it is. There was just a part that I just want them to kiss already!
Really good book. so glad she skipped the parts that would make it dragging. and just the love story that came to be was perfect. this was light and make your heart melt.
the story is really adorable. Lauren is funny and Mack is such a gentleman. this book was made to make it funny. but though the writing style was good, they she wrote the comedic parts weren't all that funny. i also thought that Mack was too perfect. I love his personality and all the things that he do. but this guy doesn't have anything wrong with him except for his past.
i also wish the book was steamy. but then again, the book was really good as it is. There was just a part that I just want them to kiss already!
Really good book. so glad she skipped the parts that would make it dragging. and just the love story that came to be was perfect. this was light and make your heart melt.
July 18, 2019
This had a cute premise and cover. I was immediately drawn to it. However, I didn't feel I was invested in Lauren and Mack until about a third into the book. I don't know if it's because Lauren's mind was a bit all over the place for me, or I'm just understanding where she's coming from, but that's why this took a bit of time for me to read. However, if you like numbers and a peek at a 'black and white' type of person then you might breeze through this without any issues.
My favorite was Mack. I found his character to be equal parts a gentleman and a wounded soul. I wished we had a peek at his mind a bit more in the story. Kind of like how some story lines, you get his and her perspective in each chapter. I think I would have been more into the book if that happened here.
Nonetheless I think the premise was good, especially with the idea that a person can get themselves stuck if they follow a certain "list" for the perfect person for them.
My favorite was Mack. I found his character to be equal parts a gentleman and a wounded soul. I wished we had a peek at his mind a bit more in the story. Kind of like how some story lines, you get his and her perspective in each chapter. I think I would have been more into the book if that happened here.
Nonetheless I think the premise was good, especially with the idea that a person can get themselves stuck if they follow a certain "list" for the perfect person for them.
September 4, 2018
Wonderfully adorable!
I liked this book a lot! Lauren is so cute and logical and nerdy and overthinks everything. She is a mix of all women. And she just wants to find her perfect guy. And Mack is that understanding, attractive guy friend we all want to fall in love with us.
I found this book refreshingly realistic. The romance builds through friendship and spending time together. It's so sweet and you're just waiting for her to realize she's in love with him. I loved it.
This book is a great lesson on looking at that "Perfect guy/girl" list and really considering what truly matters. Being flexible when love could be right in front of you with someone you least expect.
I liked this book a lot! Lauren is so cute and logical and nerdy and overthinks everything. She is a mix of all women. And she just wants to find her perfect guy. And Mack is that understanding, attractive guy friend we all want to fall in love with us.
I found this book refreshingly realistic. The romance builds through friendship and spending time together. It's so sweet and you're just waiting for her to realize she's in love with him. I loved it.
This book is a great lesson on looking at that "Perfect guy/girl" list and really considering what truly matters. Being flexible when love could be right in front of you with someone you least expect.
October 14, 2016
This is my type of rom-com, I found the inner musings of neurotic Lauren, um...er... amusing! If a book can make me laugh out loud, I know it's something special and this book has many of those such moments!
30 something mathematician Lauren has a list for absolutely everything, a list of where she should be monetary wise, a list of where she should be career wise, and an extreme vetting list for prospective husbands! It's no wonder the stress of it all has caused her to start losing her hair, it's enough to make me want to pull mine out!
Lauren usually talks out her problems at the blackjack table of the local casino, but when her regular dealer is a no show, she starts up an unlikely platonic relationship with the tattooed new dealer Mack, it has to be a platonic relationship, because Mack has absolutely zero of the requirements on Lauren onerous list.
Instead, Lauren relegates Mack to the infamous "friend zone" and uses Mack, a recent widow, as a sounding board for her dating life and in the process they start to share parts of their life outside of the casino, in essence becoming BFF's. When Lauren thinks she's found her perfect match on paper, she starts to question if perfection is what she's looking for, can Lauren look past her list and see the perfect fit in front of her?
Great story? Check! Great narration? Check! This book is awesome, start to finish!
30 something mathematician Lauren has a list for absolutely everything, a list of where she should be monetary wise, a list of where she should be career wise, and an extreme vetting list for prospective husbands! It's no wonder the stress of it all has caused her to start losing her hair, it's enough to make me want to pull mine out!
Lauren usually talks out her problems at the blackjack table of the local casino, but when her regular dealer is a no show, she starts up an unlikely platonic relationship with the tattooed new dealer Mack, it has to be a platonic relationship, because Mack has absolutely zero of the requirements on Lauren onerous list.
Instead, Lauren relegates Mack to the infamous "friend zone" and uses Mack, a recent widow, as a sounding board for her dating life and in the process they start to share parts of their life outside of the casino, in essence becoming BFF's. When Lauren thinks she's found her perfect match on paper, she starts to question if perfection is what she's looking for, can Lauren look past her list and see the perfect fit in front of her?
Great story? Check! Great narration? Check! This book is awesome, start to finish!
December 28, 2017
Cute
This felt like a well developed character story that left me smiling but I didn’t feel a ton of heat. It felt like it built and then faded a little. I love the H, Mack. A casino dealer with a past life with deceased wife, he gives h love advice while silently holding a flame for her as well. I felt like the author over played the dorky aspect of the h, and for that it felt like four stars.
This felt like a well developed character story that left me smiling but I didn’t feel a ton of heat. It felt like it built and then faded a little. I love the H, Mack. A casino dealer with a past life with deceased wife, he gives h love advice while silently holding a flame for her as well. I felt like the author over played the dorky aspect of the h, and for that it felt like four stars.
May 14, 2019
This is a story about Lauren Sinclair's journey to finding her true self and falling in love in the process. Things are not always as they seem, and Lauren finds out that the perfect man she has envisioned and made a list about may not in fact be the perfect man for her. I loved heir banter! We are taken on a journey of self discovery, how to overcome balding and to go after what our hearts desire. This is a fun, funny, quirky, cute and sweet book to read
June 19, 2017
This was a freebie book I claimed a while back and did not read it until now. What a fun book, it was a light read compared to the intense mysteries that I have been reading and just what I needed. The characters were funny and I loved all of the math references. I will look for more books from Eryn Scott.
June 7, 2020
I’ve been eating up these quick, low-key reads lately to give my heart and mind a serious break. This one was another super fast, relatively mindless read for me. I liked Mack even though I thought he was woefully underdeveloped at times, but I didn’t necessarily like the rest of the characters - to include Lauren. Ugh. For its purposes though, I enjoyed the novel well enough.
August 29, 2025
A fun rom-com about a statistics professor who is more comfortable around numbers than people. She meets Mack at the blackjack table she likes to spend her spare time at and she tells him about a bald spot she discovered. They become fast friends and he opens up about his late wife.
A clean romance that is a quick, easy read.
A clean romance that is a quick, easy read.
May 19, 2017
Really enjoyed this unconventional love story between a girl who understands numbers more than people and her blackjack dealer! Found the telling of it from her perspective interesting, sweet and easy to read.
April 9, 2018
Lovely
Just a wonderfully honest story. Lauren has a mind for numbers. Incredibly smart but socially inept, she stumbles across Mack. She soon discovers that Mack is better than any equation in calming her anxieties.
Just a wonderfully honest story. Lauren has a mind for numbers. Incredibly smart but socially inept, she stumbles across Mack. She soon discovers that Mack is better than any equation in calming her anxieties.
May 10, 2018
This started off a little weak for me, but eventually it got much better. The relationship between Lauren and Mack seemed rushed and unnatural at first but eventually it felt more comfortable and real. Overall it was enjoyable but I didn’t love it. A quick, easy read.
April 2, 2019
I really enjoyed this book because of the lovable characters. The h was so adorably quirky and the H was so steady and nice. Would have given 5 stars but took 1 off because I dislike the dead wife trope.
March 16, 2021
This is a wonderful book to read even though I did get frustrated with her analytical mind. I felt bad for what she was going through and was happy they solved the problem. And everyone should have a friend as perfect as Mack!
September 25, 2023
A witty yet good read. I think the topic of the book - dating and standards - was pretty interesting. Not many people are brave enough to let go of what is familiar and try something new. I think this was well crafted fairytale.
March 8, 2017
geeky woman tries to find her soul mate using lists and statistics. Needless to say, love surprises her!
May 15, 2017
Another adorable story! As before, my biggest criticism is that she seriously needs to hire an editor for grammar and spelling. But otherwise, a cute and fluffy read!
July 17, 2017
A cute and funny chick-lit story
November 18, 2017
Sweet
This was a lovely, sweet romantic story. I loved both main characters, and I enjoyed the scenario too. Nice to have a giggle occasionally 😅
This was a lovely, sweet romantic story. I loved both main characters, and I enjoyed the scenario too. Nice to have a giggle occasionally 😅
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews