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Maple Springs #1
Billion Dollar Bet
What would you bet for a chance at true love?
Hopeless romantic Kian Bellevue can’t help falling for the wrong guys. Maybe it’s because he lost his parents so young, maybe it’s just his caring nature, but he can’t stop diving in when he should be heading for the hills. And just when he decides to swear off guys for the summer, he meets drop-dead gorgeous Jack Thorsen, who might just be the man of his dreams.
It’s not fair, because Kian doesn’t even have time for guys right now. His hometown of Maple Springs, Minnesota is considering selling miles of pristine wilderness to a Wall Street billionaire who wants to open a resort and play at being a hotelier. But Kian’s spent his whole life fighting against big businesses and he’s ready to go toe-to-toe with the mystery mogul - until he realizes that the billionaire is Jack himself.
“So what’s your flaw? Why are you still single?”
“Well, for starters, I always fall for jerks.”
“Should I be relieved, then, that you don’t want to go out with me?”
“The problem is, Jack, I think you’re exactly my type.”
Billionaire Jack Thorsen is married to his work and likes it that way. Growing up in foster care taught him to look out for himself and since the day he left for college, he’s never stopped striving. Despite his best friend’s urging, he’s not looking for a guy. Even after he meets sweet and sexy Kian Bellevue, he’s still determined to keep his guard up. People can’t hurt you if you never let them close.
But it’s not like Jack doesn’t have a heart. When he finds out that Maple Springs, the home he left behind, is on the brink of bankruptcy, he proposes to buy their unused public lands and create an eco-resort. It’s an obvious win-win - who could oppose it? That is, who, other than Kian, the guy he can’t get out of his head.
“Are you sure this is a good idea? Things with us are complicated.”
“So is life. But you make me feel good. And I need that tonight.”
Jack needs Kian on his side if he wants the town to vote in favor of his resort and he’s not afraid to play dirty. His proposition: Kian spends the summer with him. If Jack convinces Kian to support him, Kian will get the town on Jack’s side. But if he fails, Jack will withdraw the proposal completely. It’s a crazy bet, but Kian would be crazy to turn it down - right?
There’s only one problem. Jack - tall, handsome, and emotionally unavailable - is exactly Kian’s type. And Kian is surprisingly good at breaking down the barriers Jack spent years putting up. With their hearts on the line as well as a hotel, will both men risk it all for a chance at love?
Billion Dollar Bet is a 55,000 word, stand-alone romance novel with sizzling summer heat. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed HEA.
Available for $0.99 for a limited time!
Hopeless romantic Kian Bellevue can’t help falling for the wrong guys. Maybe it’s because he lost his parents so young, maybe it’s just his caring nature, but he can’t stop diving in when he should be heading for the hills. And just when he decides to swear off guys for the summer, he meets drop-dead gorgeous Jack Thorsen, who might just be the man of his dreams.
It’s not fair, because Kian doesn’t even have time for guys right now. His hometown of Maple Springs, Minnesota is considering selling miles of pristine wilderness to a Wall Street billionaire who wants to open a resort and play at being a hotelier. But Kian’s spent his whole life fighting against big businesses and he’s ready to go toe-to-toe with the mystery mogul - until he realizes that the billionaire is Jack himself.
“So what’s your flaw? Why are you still single?”
“Well, for starters, I always fall for jerks.”
“Should I be relieved, then, that you don’t want to go out with me?”
“The problem is, Jack, I think you’re exactly my type.”
Billionaire Jack Thorsen is married to his work and likes it that way. Growing up in foster care taught him to look out for himself and since the day he left for college, he’s never stopped striving. Despite his best friend’s urging, he’s not looking for a guy. Even after he meets sweet and sexy Kian Bellevue, he’s still determined to keep his guard up. People can’t hurt you if you never let them close.
But it’s not like Jack doesn’t have a heart. When he finds out that Maple Springs, the home he left behind, is on the brink of bankruptcy, he proposes to buy their unused public lands and create an eco-resort. It’s an obvious win-win - who could oppose it? That is, who, other than Kian, the guy he can’t get out of his head.
“Are you sure this is a good idea? Things with us are complicated.”
“So is life. But you make me feel good. And I need that tonight.”
Jack needs Kian on his side if he wants the town to vote in favor of his resort and he’s not afraid to play dirty. His proposition: Kian spends the summer with him. If Jack convinces Kian to support him, Kian will get the town on Jack’s side. But if he fails, Jack will withdraw the proposal completely. It’s a crazy bet, but Kian would be crazy to turn it down - right?
There’s only one problem. Jack - tall, handsome, and emotionally unavailable - is exactly Kian’s type. And Kian is surprisingly good at breaking down the barriers Jack spent years putting up. With their hearts on the line as well as a hotel, will both men risk it all for a chance at love?
Billion Dollar Bet is a 55,000 word, stand-alone romance novel with sizzling summer heat. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed HEA.
Available for $0.99 for a limited time!
166 pages, ebook
First published September 13, 2016
144 people are currently reading
188 people want to read
About the author
Spencer Spears
44 books442 followersSpencer Spears writes LGBTQ+ stories that are snarky, sweet, and will break your heart in all the best ways. Spencer believes we all deserve to write our own happy endings. When not at the computer, Spencer can be found gardening, knitting, or curled up with a good book. Visit www.spencerspears.com for free books, updates, and more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
November 21, 2016
Kian is a judgmental prick. Jack is an emotionally constipated adolescent trapped in an adult's body.
Can these two zany kids find love?
Who cares?
Can these two zany kids find love?
Who cares?
August 27, 2019
Life Changes
This is a Cute story to help cleanse your palate. Likable characters who don’t stray outside their lane. I’m looking forward to the other books in this series. Don’t like that you have to sign up for the author’s newsletter to get the epilogue. Oh well. 3.25 for movie references.
This is a Cute story to help cleanse your palate. Likable characters who don’t stray outside their lane. I’m looking forward to the other books in this series. Don’t like that you have to sign up for the author’s newsletter to get the epilogue. Oh well. 3.25 for movie references.
July 28, 2022
This was really 3 1/2 stars for me. I loved the story. This was my second book by Spencer Spears and I had the same complaint with the other book as well. There is just too much inner monologue. The stories themselves are sweet and well written. It’s just something I don’t like a lot of. Anyway I still plan to read other books in this series.
friends-say-no
June 6, 2017I'm going to pass because of lukewarm friend reviews.
February 5, 2017
Plus One
It has been an interesting experience reading a book series backwards. I hadn't planned to do this. It was entirely accidental. I even mentioned to the author the need to indicate that these stories weren't just interrelated by their location in Maple Springs, Minnesota. There is actually a story arc build up and character development from this book thru the next two: BENEATH ORION #2 and SUGAR SEASON #3.
Of course they can be read separately in whatever order you like, heck I just read them backwards. But if your intention is to read them all you might as well start with BILLION DOLLAR BET Book #1. I had a completely different image of characters I thought I knew from their individual stories. I can see now certain dynamics I missed initially.
I had such a different impression of Jack after reading Colin's story. I met a whole new Jack who returned to Minnesota from London! WTF? What was he doing in London. I was so confused. Before they became a couple Kian and Jack were adversaries. Mutually attracted to one another, but on opposite ends of the development plans that Jack had in mind for Maple Springs.
Getting to know Graham and Charlie then finding out they were Kian's friends initially not Jack's was so surprising. Being such a passionate advocate for their town and area had his friends encouraging him to speak up at a town meeting about more promised redevelopment & jobs in the area. Promises that had been made and broken many times before.
Kian seemed like such a minor character in the other stories, overshadowed by Jack, but here he was one of the main characters. His life, hopes, dreams, and insecurities are what we learn about him. His passion for helping others and seeing the good in others is something that distinguishes him among his peers. He is highly regarded at his job by both his employers and his clients. His love life though not so great. He doesn't trust his instincts anymore when it comes to guys. Besides he has so many other things on his mind. His job downsizing, the town considering another bad idea to earn quick money, and his clients more in need of help than ever.
Then there's Jack. He is a Superman. He built up his life from very humble beginnings, excelled in college, created his own international firm with the help of a wonderful woman. He valued her counsel and advice, except when it came to his love life or lack thereof, he didn't listen. They worked so hard & so closely together he was amazed that she had a husband and child at home. One thing Jack's colleague and best friend, Annie didn't understand was why he couldn't see what a prize he'd be if he allowed himself to lower his guard. Or why he was so determined to pursue the Maple Springs project.
The strong mutual attraction between Kian and Jack on first sight is upset when they discover they are adversaries in the potential community development project. Jack quickly realizes that he has to get Kian to believe in the project if he expects to get the cooperation of the rest of the town. Because they are so reluctant to get into an intimate relationship they hold back around each other, yet despite everything something else unexpected happens -- a friendship.
This first book in the Maple Springs series sets the tone for the rest of friends crater sized potholes in the road to love. It's not easy. You might break a tire rod, or mess up your alignment, maybe just scare the bejesus out of yourself when you unexpectedly drop down into one at night. But love and life are messy, scary, and hearts are broken, sometimes it's lives that get messed up. But in the end you get back in your car (maybe after visiting a mechanic) and set aside any fears of what may be coming, because when you get to that wonderful destination of HEA it is worth all that you had to endure.
It has been an interesting experience reading a book series backwards. I hadn't planned to do this. It was entirely accidental. I even mentioned to the author the need to indicate that these stories weren't just interrelated by their location in Maple Springs, Minnesota. There is actually a story arc build up and character development from this book thru the next two: BENEATH ORION #2 and SUGAR SEASON #3.
Of course they can be read separately in whatever order you like, heck I just read them backwards. But if your intention is to read them all you might as well start with BILLION DOLLAR BET Book #1. I had a completely different image of characters I thought I knew from their individual stories. I can see now certain dynamics I missed initially.
I had such a different impression of Jack after reading Colin's story. I met a whole new Jack who returned to Minnesota from London! WTF? What was he doing in London. I was so confused. Before they became a couple Kian and Jack were adversaries. Mutually attracted to one another, but on opposite ends of the development plans that Jack had in mind for Maple Springs.
Getting to know Graham and Charlie then finding out they were Kian's friends initially not Jack's was so surprising. Being such a passionate advocate for their town and area had his friends encouraging him to speak up at a town meeting about more promised redevelopment & jobs in the area. Promises that had been made and broken many times before.
Kian seemed like such a minor character in the other stories, overshadowed by Jack, but here he was one of the main characters. His life, hopes, dreams, and insecurities are what we learn about him. His passion for helping others and seeing the good in others is something that distinguishes him among his peers. He is highly regarded at his job by both his employers and his clients. His love life though not so great. He doesn't trust his instincts anymore when it comes to guys. Besides he has so many other things on his mind. His job downsizing, the town considering another bad idea to earn quick money, and his clients more in need of help than ever.
Then there's Jack. He is a Superman. He built up his life from very humble beginnings, excelled in college, created his own international firm with the help of a wonderful woman. He valued her counsel and advice, except when it came to his love life or lack thereof, he didn't listen. They worked so hard & so closely together he was amazed that she had a husband and child at home. One thing Jack's colleague and best friend, Annie didn't understand was why he couldn't see what a prize he'd be if he allowed himself to lower his guard. Or why he was so determined to pursue the Maple Springs project.
The strong mutual attraction between Kian and Jack on first sight is upset when they discover they are adversaries in the potential community development project. Jack quickly realizes that he has to get Kian to believe in the project if he expects to get the cooperation of the rest of the town. Because they are so reluctant to get into an intimate relationship they hold back around each other, yet despite everything something else unexpected happens -- a friendship.
This first book in the Maple Springs series sets the tone for the rest of friends crater sized potholes in the road to love. It's not easy. You might break a tire rod, or mess up your alignment, maybe just scare the bejesus out of yourself when you unexpectedly drop down into one at night. But love and life are messy, scary, and hearts are broken, sometimes it's lives that get messed up. But in the end you get back in your car (maybe after visiting a mechanic) and set aside any fears of what may be coming, because when you get to that wonderful destination of HEA it is worth all that you had to endure.
October 2, 2016
Oh, I think I found a new favorite author.
I LOVED this book. Both Kian and Jack are great MCs. Kian is a social worker - yeah, social workers! - who has more work than hours in the day. He lives in a small, northern Minnesota - yeah, northern Minnesota! - town called Maple Springs. The town is in dire financial straits and is thinking of selling land to either a mining company or a private equity firm that wants to build an eco-resort on the land. Kian is against both of them and is talked into speaking out against the 2nd larger proposal from the private equity firm.
He meets Jack in the town bar and is immediately attracted to him. They exchange numbers, and it isn't until the town meeting that he realizes that his "Jack, the mysterious stranger" is the owner of the private equity firm. He still speaks out against the proposal, but agrees to a bet with Jack. He just has to keep an open mind and listen to the proposal, giving Jack his honest opinion and suggestions. If after all of that, he continues to dislike the proposal, Jack will withdraw it. And with that, the two of them start to spend time together.
I LOVED these two. Kian is such a kind and caring person. He is honest and trustworthy. He accepts people as they are and wants the best for them. Jack is a successful billionaire who has put all his time into his job, but meeting Kian brings out something he had hidden away for years - his big, caring heart. He has a secret about why this project in Maple Springs is so important for him. He had never had a relationship before that he didn't sabotage, but being with Kian - just as a friend - has him wanting more.
I loved this book, as I said before, and it left me in a feel-good place. I definitely want to check out the author's backlist.
I LOVED this book. Both Kian and Jack are great MCs. Kian is a social worker - yeah, social workers! - who has more work than hours in the day. He lives in a small, northern Minnesota - yeah, northern Minnesota! - town called Maple Springs. The town is in dire financial straits and is thinking of selling land to either a mining company or a private equity firm that wants to build an eco-resort on the land. Kian is against both of them and is talked into speaking out against the 2nd larger proposal from the private equity firm.
He meets Jack in the town bar and is immediately attracted to him. They exchange numbers, and it isn't until the town meeting that he realizes that his "Jack, the mysterious stranger" is the owner of the private equity firm. He still speaks out against the proposal, but agrees to a bet with Jack. He just has to keep an open mind and listen to the proposal, giving Jack his honest opinion and suggestions. If after all of that, he continues to dislike the proposal, Jack will withdraw it. And with that, the two of them start to spend time together.
I LOVED these two. Kian is such a kind and caring person. He is honest and trustworthy. He accepts people as they are and wants the best for them. Jack is a successful billionaire who has put all his time into his job, but meeting Kian brings out something he had hidden away for years - his big, caring heart. He has a secret about why this project in Maple Springs is so important for him. He had never had a relationship before that he didn't sabotage, but being with Kian - just as a friend - has him wanting more.
I loved this book, as I said before, and it left me in a feel-good place. I definitely want to check out the author's backlist.
August 10, 2017
I was wary of a story packing so many romantic tropes into one novel (selfless social worker in small town stands up to seemingly evil billionaire who wants to buy up part of the town but then starts to fall for him) BUT it really REALLY worked.
The story was a big jumpy at times, some of the miscommunications go on too long, and to be honest, a lot about Jack was hard to swallow for me. His motivations for doing some awful things in the past were never explained besides simply being acknowledged, which made it hard to trust that he was as good a person at THIS point in the story as the author seemed to want to paint him. I believed it by the end, but by fleshing out his past a bit more I wouldn't have had to work at it mentally. This leaves my last complaint- the intimate scenes, when they finally come, are hot as a blacksmith's kiln... but a bit out of place in tone. I appreciate when the intimate scenes mirror the tone of the rest of the story, which didn't feel the case here, with a big of raunchy and intense romping sandwitched between the slow evolving and vanilla love story.
Despite these issues, however, the romance is quite sweet, the plot develops at a good pace, and it was enjoyable to read.
3.5/4, rounded down because of the issues mentioned above... but still a book I would highly recommend.
The story was a big jumpy at times, some of the miscommunications go on too long, and to be honest, a lot about Jack was hard to swallow for me. His motivations for doing some awful things in the past were never explained besides simply being acknowledged, which made it hard to trust that he was as good a person at THIS point in the story as the author seemed to want to paint him. I believed it by the end, but by fleshing out his past a bit more I wouldn't have had to work at it mentally. This leaves my last complaint- the intimate scenes, when they finally come, are hot as a blacksmith's kiln... but a bit out of place in tone. I appreciate when the intimate scenes mirror the tone of the rest of the story, which didn't feel the case here, with a big of raunchy and intense romping sandwitched between the slow evolving and vanilla love story.
Despite these issues, however, the romance is quite sweet, the plot develops at a good pace, and it was enjoyable to read.
3.5/4, rounded down because of the issues mentioned above... but still a book I would highly recommend.
March 20, 2017
Super sugary story that worked well for me
Sappy, sappy, sappy.
While at least one of the concluding chapters was definitely high on the syrupy sentimental scale to me, in this case, that schmaltz was sweet and just enticing enough to be a rather enjoyable read.
There's a Bridget Jones reference and, although this story was fairly different, there are parallels with that movie - an emotional one in a couple of the characters as well as another in the fact that I found both stories to be plenty cheesily romantic at times, but both in ways that worked well for me.
Sappy, sappy, sappy.
While at least one of the concluding chapters was definitely high on the syrupy sentimental scale to me, in this case, that schmaltz was sweet and just enticing enough to be a rather enjoyable read.
There's a Bridget Jones reference and, although this story was fairly different, there are parallels with that movie - an emotional one in a couple of the characters as well as another in the fact that I found both stories to be plenty cheesily romantic at times, but both in ways that worked well for me.
June 24, 2020
I loved the characters and the chemistry between the Jack & Kian. The story was sweet and had limited unnecessary drama. I loved the way they opened up to each other and the way they helped each other grow. It was a very cute story. The reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 was because it ended kind of abruptly. The ending didn’t feel fully fleshed out, but maybe the ending will seem more compete after reading the sequels.
July 29, 2017
Small Town Guy Meets Tycoon
I really liked this book by Spencer. Environmental and economic concerns versus a playground for the wealthy. How can two opposing forces agree? Maybe by talking, learning about the finer points and compromising. A sweet story about finding love and correcting old mistakes.
I really liked this book by Spencer. Environmental and economic concerns versus a playground for the wealthy. How can two opposing forces agree? Maybe by talking, learning about the finer points and compromising. A sweet story about finding love and correcting old mistakes.
November 7, 2017
I never really felt like the characters gripped me
Never see them have sex for the first time which, for a story like this, seems important
Seems like the ending is just trying to wrap the story up really quickly -- no real resolution.
Never see them have sex for the first time which, for a story like this, seems important
Seems like the ending is just trying to wrap the story up really quickly -- no real resolution.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2025
This is the only remaining series I haven't read from Spencer Spears and I think it's actually the first one.
Kian is a social worker in tiny Maple Springs, Minnesota, and he does great work. He's constantly busy, but he makes a huge difference with the kids in his charge. He's just kinda living his life in the small town when he finds out that one of the companies that was previously trying (unsuccessfully) to purchase a large part of the town just doubled their offer.
Kian and many other citizens are totally against the proposal. Although the company claims they want to better the town by opening up a nature conservatory, among other things, Kian is skeptical.
He's chilling in the bar where his sister works one day when the most gorgeous guy he's ever seen comes in. Jack is his name, and they hit it off immediately and plan a date for the next day, since they both have plans that evening.
When Kian shows up later to the town meeting, he's shocked to find out that Jack is the billionaire who wants to buy up a chunk of the town and develop it. He lives in London now, but he actually grew up in Maple Springs as a foster kid himself.
Kian is ready to fight, but Jack makes him a bet: Kian gives Jack a few weeks to change his mind. If he is unable to change Kian's mind, Jack will withdraw the proposal.
Of course this leads to more time spent together, more interest, more spark. But Jack says himself he's not a relationship guy, and Kian doesn't want to get hurt. Do they even have a future?
Man. I love Spencer's work, but this one was not my favorite. I know it's their first series but I'm so glad I didn't read it first because I don't think I would have read their other spectacular books. It just felt clunky and awkward, storylines started but didn't really play out, and the spice wasn't spicin'.
Maybe skip this one.
Rating 🔥🔥🔥
Kian is a social worker in tiny Maple Springs, Minnesota, and he does great work. He's constantly busy, but he makes a huge difference with the kids in his charge. He's just kinda living his life in the small town when he finds out that one of the companies that was previously trying (unsuccessfully) to purchase a large part of the town just doubled their offer.
Kian and many other citizens are totally against the proposal. Although the company claims they want to better the town by opening up a nature conservatory, among other things, Kian is skeptical.
He's chilling in the bar where his sister works one day when the most gorgeous guy he's ever seen comes in. Jack is his name, and they hit it off immediately and plan a date for the next day, since they both have plans that evening.
When Kian shows up later to the town meeting, he's shocked to find out that Jack is the billionaire who wants to buy up a chunk of the town and develop it. He lives in London now, but he actually grew up in Maple Springs as a foster kid himself.
Kian is ready to fight, but Jack makes him a bet: Kian gives Jack a few weeks to change his mind. If he is unable to change Kian's mind, Jack will withdraw the proposal.
Of course this leads to more time spent together, more interest, more spark. But Jack says himself he's not a relationship guy, and Kian doesn't want to get hurt. Do they even have a future?
Man. I love Spencer's work, but this one was not my favorite. I know it's their first series but I'm so glad I didn't read it first because I don't think I would have read their other spectacular books. It just felt clunky and awkward, storylines started but didn't really play out, and the spice wasn't spicin'.
Maybe skip this one.
Rating 🔥🔥🔥
May 30, 2020
This is a saccharine sweet romance in which two very agreeable guys melt off into the sunset. The only obstacle in their way is that both are so considerate of placing the other one in an awkward position that they hesitate to share their growing feelings, erroneously believing it to be one-sided.
I enjoyed the first half or so of the book as their is a lot of playful banter between a cast of likable characters. I was surprised when the author intruded on her very light tone to give some of the characters a very harsh backstory. Even more puzzling. the details ended up being treated as window dressing as they have no impact on the characters outlook or response to any situation. In particular Jack, the billionaire spends a great deal over fretting over Colin's response to him after having walked out his life 14 years ago. Spoiler: The payoff is so non-existent that I simply don't get why the author bothered to taint her unicorns and billionaires perfect puppy fantasy world with such ugliness.
For a sweet romance, which admittedly is not my thing, this is pretty decent. However, I did find myself growing bored by the end. I don't have any interest in reading any more books from this series.
I enjoyed the first half or so of the book as their is a lot of playful banter between a cast of likable characters. I was surprised when the author intruded on her very light tone to give some of the characters a very harsh backstory. Even more puzzling. the details ended up being treated as window dressing as they have no impact on the characters outlook or response to any situation. In particular Jack, the billionaire spends a great deal over fretting over Colin's response to him after having walked out his life 14 years ago. Spoiler: The payoff is so non-existent that I simply don't get why the author bothered to taint her unicorns and billionaires perfect puppy fantasy world with such ugliness.
For a sweet romance, which admittedly is not my thing, this is pretty decent. However, I did find myself growing bored by the end. I don't have any interest in reading any more books from this series.
August 20, 2024
This is a very good start to the Maple Springs series, although I am glad that I read Spencer's only standalone novel Sea Kissed first, which had a completely different construct to a "series book". Sea Kissed was clearly written as a complete story in and of itself, without the usually obvious set-up of a following book. I do rather wish that the author finds time to write another standalone, using characters from the novel...
This is another form of writing that I enjoy, where side characters are reasonably well fleshed- out. If or when it comes to their turn to be the MCs in a follow-up novel, the reader already knows enough about them for the mise- en-scene and plot arc to be easily set out.
The coupling of Jack and Kian is well-written, and the outcome is obvious but not in an "in your face" manner. Quite the opposite, actually, as the storyline progresses; the steam is good and kink-free, and not the be-all and end-all, as it often is in many series, which are basically rickety structures upon which to hang a whole books' worth of smut.
NB: I bought the complete four-book series. However, I am choosing to post reviews on each of the individual books because that is not allowed for in the four- pack, at the end of each book.
This is another form of writing that I enjoy, where side characters are reasonably well fleshed- out. If or when it comes to their turn to be the MCs in a follow-up novel, the reader already knows enough about them for the mise- en-scene and plot arc to be easily set out.
The coupling of Jack and Kian is well-written, and the outcome is obvious but not in an "in your face" manner. Quite the opposite, actually, as the storyline progresses; the steam is good and kink-free, and not the be-all and end-all, as it often is in many series, which are basically rickety structures upon which to hang a whole books' worth of smut.
NB: I bought the complete four-book series. However, I am choosing to post reviews on each of the individual books because that is not allowed for in the four- pack, at the end of each book.
April 23, 2020
I had trouble finishing this story, as the plot and the personalities were too sophmoric for my taste. Both characters have so much negative self-talk through most of the book, it was frustrating and tiring. They were both around 30 but had the emotional maturity of perhaps a High School student. Because of Jack's serious Wounded Child issues I don't see how he could have been an uber successful businessman and I found Kian at times to be an immature whiner and occasionally prejudiced. They both seriously needed to be in therapy, and I don't believe these two people would have found each other, or found healing in a relationship: they just would have had a co-dependent relationship. Sorry just not my cup of tea. Toasted from my Ebook Library as I won't re-read.
April 14, 2019
Absolutely loved this book. This is a new author for me and the start of a new series and it is perfect. Kian is such a lovely guy, a social worker, he puts in long hours to help his clients and he loves his work. Jack is a successful businessman with a plan for Kian‘s hometown, one Kian isn’t very fond off and that puts them at loggerheads. Especially as Kian is the person half the town listens to and supports. To win over the town, Jack has to convince Kian his plans are good for the area. So the bet is made and 7 weeks of negotiations and schmoozing begins.
The couple really are so good together and so utterly hopeless at communicating their feelings.
The couple really are so good together and so utterly hopeless at communicating their feelings.
August 1, 2019
This is a really lovely story!
I’ve read a few low-star reviews due to the story being unlikely?
A kind-hearted multi-millionaire winning over the underdog-friendly social worker fighting against the system may not be the most realistic of stories, but isn’t this one of the reasons we love romance, to escape reality? I know it is for me.
So, is this book a very nice and enjoyable way to lose oneself in a fairy-tale-like story? It really is.
The story is a slow-burn, they’re basically friends trying to battle their mutual attraction for most of the book.
I loved both Kian and Jack, and all the plethora of secondary characters.
I’ve read a few low-star reviews due to the story being unlikely?
A kind-hearted multi-millionaire winning over the underdog-friendly social worker fighting against the system may not be the most realistic of stories, but isn’t this one of the reasons we love romance, to escape reality? I know it is for me.
So, is this book a very nice and enjoyable way to lose oneself in a fairy-tale-like story? It really is.
The story is a slow-burn, they’re basically friends trying to battle their mutual attraction for most of the book.
I loved both Kian and Jack, and all the plethora of secondary characters.
February 23, 2023
This was a good book with a rip off of an ending because you have to sign up for the email to get the epilogue. If not it feels like we get robbed of the happy ending. It just ends.
The characters of solid trope characters. It feels like a nice book. At times a little drug along but still nice.
Jack the handsome Billionaire and Kian the over worked struggling social worker. The resort that Jack wants to build gets morphed pretty quickly and I agreement against it doesn't make sense as it is not a factory but then Native American seems to just float in an out. It needed more. It should have played into the story more.
The characters of solid trope characters. It feels like a nice book. At times a little drug along but still nice.
Jack the handsome Billionaire and Kian the over worked struggling social worker. The resort that Jack wants to build gets morphed pretty quickly and I agreement against it doesn't make sense as it is not a factory but then Native American seems to just float in an out. It needed more. It should have played into the story more.
March 30, 2025
I liked it to a degree.
Jack is a billionaire who is also a workaholic and doesn't have time for relationships so he thinks. He has come to Maple Springs to build a resort to give back and to find his stepbrother. He finds more than that. Kian is a social worker and is a workaholic to boot. He resents the resort until he meets the man who's going to build it. Now the negative, I don't understand why authors write a book that's supposed to be M/M but there is always one MC that's the underlying female. Can't both MCs have a set of balls?
Jack is a billionaire who is also a workaholic and doesn't have time for relationships so he thinks. He has come to Maple Springs to build a resort to give back and to find his stepbrother. He finds more than that. Kian is a social worker and is a workaholic to boot. He resents the resort until he meets the man who's going to build it. Now the negative, I don't understand why authors write a book that's supposed to be M/M but there is always one MC that's the underlying female. Can't both MCs have a set of balls?
January 18, 2020
Competently written but lacks dramatic stakes.
I abandoned you! -S’alright.
I’ve been fired! -Overnight in Florida?
I looked through your private stuff! -Oh thank god you did.
You are bespoiling our beautiful land and cultural heritage. -No I’m not. -Okay.
For a book called Billion Dollar Bet, the bet is pretty much on lock from the day after it’s made.
Suffers from a significant lack of sexy.
I abandoned you! -S’alright.
I’ve been fired! -Overnight in Florida?
I looked through your private stuff! -Oh thank god you did.
You are bespoiling our beautiful land and cultural heritage. -No I’m not. -Okay.
For a book called Billion Dollar Bet, the bet is pretty much on lock from the day after it’s made.
Suffers from a significant lack of sexy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2022
meh
I want to love this book, but it left a lot to be desired. I’m sure Kian and Jack are great characters and a great couple together. But I wouldn’t know it from reading this. There were so many gaps in this. Perfect example: chapter ends with the end of their first date/hang out . Next chapter begins a month later with a quick recap of how their last month had been. Huh? Less telling and more showing.
I want to love this book, but it left a lot to be desired. I’m sure Kian and Jack are great characters and a great couple together. But I wouldn’t know it from reading this. There were so many gaps in this. Perfect example: chapter ends with the end of their first date/hang out . Next chapter begins a month later with a quick recap of how their last month had been. Huh? Less telling and more showing.
April 9, 2019
Good writing, good characters, good book! I'm glad I finally got around to reading something by this author, and I'm sure it's just the first of many books by them. Time to add more stuff to my TBR...
So I just looked at Spencer's other books, and it turns out this isn't the first time I've read their work. Hmm, I guess I'll see how I feel after I read the next in this series.
So I just looked at Spencer's other books, and it turns out this isn't the first time I've read their work. Hmm, I guess I'll see how I feel after I read the next in this series.
January 11, 2022
This book is pleasant and feather light. The characters are barely there. The inciting conflict regarding the resort doesn’t make much sense and most of the emotional work that the characters go through to overcome it happens off page. This was my first book by this author and while I’ll give him another shot, it might not be soon.
June 6, 2017
This was a sweet story with great characters. I also liked that it brought up some important issues. Poverty isn't just in urban cities. Nor is it just in select cultures. I love when an author writes about what they care about. It comes through in the quality of their work. Great job.
October 29, 2017
Loved it
A Social Worker and a self made Billionaire a story made in heaven right? Well it takes two for it to work and with both having secrets well it might take longer. But as with all good stories love conquers in the end.
A Social Worker and a self made Billionaire a story made in heaven right? Well it takes two for it to work and with both having secrets well it might take longer. But as with all good stories love conquers in the end.
May 6, 2018
Billion Dollar Bet
Omg this book was absolutely amazing. This book was a page turner that I just couldn't stop reading until the end. I had absolutely loved reading this book. I would highly recommended this book.
Omg this book was absolutely amazing. This book was a page turner that I just couldn't stop reading until the end. I had absolutely loved reading this book. I would highly recommended this book.
February 3, 2025
Totally romantic
A good read which kept me reading straight thru.
I liked the guys and supporting characters.
Too much angst and soul searching:
I am not a fan of explicit sex details of people l come care about.
And remember I did read it straight through.
Namaste.
A good read which kept me reading straight thru.
I liked the guys and supporting characters.
Too much angst and soul searching:
I am not a fan of explicit sex details of people l come care about.
And remember I did read it straight through.
Namaste.
July 5, 2025
I wanted a book to effortlessly transport me into a tender and flirty love story. This was the one. The minimal stress in this storyline is exquisite. And the sexiness is both eloquent and carnal. I read over half of it the first time I opened it, and I tend to nurse the books I read.
October 22, 2016
Pretty good, especially for a Kindle Unlimited title. Nothing to really complain about, but for me, nothing to really love either.
May 25, 2017
2.5 stars.
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