The Perfect Bet

by Anita Lemke

Will she open her heart to her perfect husband and win the bet?

She’s afraid to love anyone…

Solely focused on her career, ambitious Megan Rhodes never gets close to anyone – let alone a boyfriend. When her wealthy aunt offers her $200k to find the perfect guy, the goal is to draw Megan out of her shell. But Megan is determined to win the bet and start the ad agency she’s always wanted to run without risking her heart.

… when the perfect husband captures her heart.

Megan convinces her teenage crush, outdoorsy Alex Whitmore, to become her husband for hire. Alex will do anything he can to help Megan win her bet – and he has own reasons for doing so. But when Megan’s feelings for Alex become all too real, she must face her fears surrounding love while facing the very real possibility of losing the bet and the perfect husband.


A modern-day contemporary romance

190 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 18, 2020

Reviews

[May · Rating 1 out of 5]

*I was kindly sent this in exchange for an honest review via Netgalley*

This sadly wasn't for me. I really struggled to slog through this. Knowing it was only a short novel is what got me through most of the way.
Megan was insufferable. She was beyond horrible to everyone she met. Stuck up and entitled and completely aware of it but unwilling to change or care about her actions.
She has nothing in common with Alex but suddenly they are in love after no real connection or meaningful conversations between them.
The characters all felt very two dimensional and that they had no personality or quirks.
Despite being short it still had a lot of unnecessary parts thrown in, like all of her stuff at work. It just didnt seem to fit wirh the rest of the story.
It was also just really unnrealistic with the jumps between emotions for the characters and their actions.
Also, there was no real conclusion out with their relationship. There individual plots didnt feel tied up and the "bad guys" didnt get their comupance or anything so it just left me feeling a little empty.
Disappointing because I've liked Abita Lemke's writing in the past. Hopefully the next one in the series is better.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written book with strong characters in Megan and Alex. The author grabbed me right from the start reading their story. What starts as a bet worth $200K eventually turns into so much more. I loved watching their relationship evolve and grow as the story unfolds. She paints her scenes vividly and moves the story quickly and smoothly. It's a romantic love story and I loved reading it.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Perfect Bet hits the ground running. It's a super fun, fast-paced book about a workaholic and an adventure guide faking a marriage for $200K.

Megan's aunt doesn't want Megan to be alone and makes a bet with her for $200K if Megan finds love. Megan by chance meets Alex, her brother's childhood best friend who's in need of some money and decides to ask him if he wants to get fake married with the benefit of getting half the bet money. Alex agrees and we get to enjoy their ups and downs as they navigate their fake relationship.

I love fake relationship/marriage stories. I find them so amusing and extremely ridiculous and this was no different. After reading the first book in the series, I knew what I was getting and my expectations were set. I found Megan as a character very frustrating and irritating at times, but because the book is so short, we don't really see her tackling some of her problems. There were some moments of unnecessary drama in the form of an ex-girlfriend, but all in all, a great fun read if you have an afternoon free.

I received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.

[James L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very passionate, extremely detailed romantic story!

Beautiful, 28 year old Megan Rhoades entered a bet with her Aunt Mildred that she will be able to find her true love by Christmas of the coming year. What is at stake? $200K. Megan needed the money to start her own advertising agency. Hence, she entered into a business arrangement with Alex Whitmore, a handsome, very likeable young man she knew from her teen-age years, one who gave her her first kiss, and her brother’s best friend - as Alex also needed some money to start his own business. Despite coming up with marriage rules, Megan found herself falling in love with Alex. But will Alex reciprocate? Will Megan and Alex win the bet? What if Megan’s family finds out her secret? Read the book and find out the truth!

Thank you to the author for writing this very passionate, extremely detailed romantic story! We thoroughly enjoyed it!

James L. Jordan, PhD, PhD and Deovina N. Jordan, PhD, MD

[Deirdre Stokes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing from the bet Megan made with her aunt Mildred. But Megan got way over her head and at times I just wanted to shake her for being so stubborn. I just loved Alex and Megan together as they were so entertaining to read about as their relationship developed throughout the book. This book had me from the beginning and to me, that's a win-win. The story was well-writing that is something I love when reading a book because it makes it so smooth as you read along and just focus on how good Megan and Alex were as the main characters. I want to thank the author for writing this book and sharing it with us. I hope everyone takes the opportunity to read this story they will not be disappointed.

[The Book Dragon's Hoard by A.V. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting read, not least because of the character growth Megan experiences in this story by Anita Lemke. I've noticed several negative reviews criticising the character's selfishness, but I personally think that was the whole point and Lemke did a brilliant job of portraying it. I'm certain that a person who would make the kind of bet Megan agreed to with her aunt is an unsympathetic, selfish person, and hence that is a key plot point for this character's growth. Her "aha" moment was very cleverly done and I loved the added message that getting into a relationship for the wrong reasons is always going to end up in very awkward and seriously messed up shit.

Great read. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Melanie V. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Megan's given up on love, but her sweet, Southern auntie won't let that happen. She makes a bet that Megan can't refuse: find love and get a large sum of money. But clever business-minded Megan thinks she can outsmart her wise, intuitive aunt. Enter hunky, outdoorsy Alex and you've got yourself a page turner! This is the third book I've read in the Perfect Series and they keep getting better -- I need to pace myself so the author can put out more books! Highly recommend all the books in this series. If you start at the first book, you'll get introduced to characters that star in subsequent books, and it's so much fun to see what happens to them! Five stars! Note to Author: Keep writing!

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Megan is married to her job so her aunt makes a bet that if she found finds her true love by Xmas she will receive a sum of money which will help her start her own business. So she hooks in Alex her brothers best friend & the money will also help him with his own business.
However little did they know their ruse would become more.
Will a bit predictable it was still an enjoyable read. I did like Alex however at times Megan was a bit annoying. Overall a good book to relax with.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. 3.5*

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fast paced tale. The author really seems to want to get it all in and doesn’t waste time. I think a lot of things would of sounded better or come off better with a slower pa e. So t get me wrong it was good, just not great. I think if she came back to this and redid it in a couple years it would be amazing and I would totally read it again. I love the quirky things, like they had kissed before and was in love but didn’t know it. They both experienced loss and that was sad. It’s worth ready and you get your HEA. I just hope more comes from it later.

[Amy Vida · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of The Perfect Bet in exchange for an honest review. This was a short and quick read. I enjoyed the premise of the novel, but I did not like Megan at all. She does not value family, or others, and I wanted to cringe with the way she treated Alex.

I was able to put aside my distaste for Megan and finished the novel. Overall, I thought the writing and the story was good, and I'm already venturing into another novel by Ms. Lemke which I am enjoying much more.

[Dorcia Beland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not like the main character Megan throughout most of the book. I wasn't sure she had any redeeming qualities. Alex was an enigma. He didn't lose his cool even though he was being treated shamefully. I kept reading because the book was well written and the plot was intriguing. I had to know how the characters' relationship developed and ended. Big surprise, good writing, and a satisfying conclusion. I enjoy this author's writing style and her creativity.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was taken by the short blurb supplied by the author and chose to read this book based on it. I really liked the way the author crafted this story. It was an unbelievable idea that came to fruition and it was s stunning ride at the same time. The characters had some great scenes together and though I had moments of doubt with her sincerity, I bought into their relationship by the end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elizabeth Sanguedolce]

Creative Collaboration Meets The Big Lie

Winning at any cost is costly indeed. Megan and Alex have cooked up a deadly stew that looks like it will end up cooking them. Of course you and I know they will be winners in the end, but getting there is so much fun. And so intriguing. But will they win the bet?

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick romance read under the fake marriage trope. I wanted more of Alex's story because he just comes off as the perfect husband (never loses his temper at Megan, cooks, etc.) and we only get a small glimpse into the motivation behind his plans for the money toward the end.

Kindly received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Christine Galletly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story but there was not enough happening for me to keep the pages turning.

The storyline was ok but sadly there was not enough content to keep me fully engaged or hooked on the story. The characters were good but I was a little let down by the book and wanted more.

It is 3 stars from me for this one.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a good romance read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry. The story is an enjoyable modern-day contemporary romance read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Geraldine Streit · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s really difficult to like a book when you don’t like the character, and even if alex is ok, the rigidity of Meghan make it impossible to Ruth for her.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bookreviewgirl_xo · Rating 1 out of 5]

*This ARC was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Megan had a bet with her aunt about finding love before Christmas. If Megan won, her aunt would give her the money to open her own advertising agency. Meanwhile, Alex was going through some financial trouble as well. So Megan asked him to play along with her to get the money from her aunt. They ended up getting married. Megan worked more than spending time with him. Their plan was going well but they ended up falling in love. Then Alex's ex-girlfriend exposed their arrangement in front of Megan's whole family. After being miserable without each other, Megan finally confessed her love to Alex.

My Feelings -

- The author kept mentioning that Alex was Patrick's best friend but the author didn't mention about Alex in The Perfect Plan

- Not getting Alex's POV was irritating. We could only know what he was thinking from others or him saying out loud.

- Both Alex and Megan were insufferable immature brats. Megan always insulted Alex and lashed out at him without any apparent reason. I mean she was being a bitch to him all the time. I get that she's afraid to get close to someone but the world didn't revolve around her. And she couldn't really treat someone like that. And Alex didn't really stand up for himself. Ugh! What is it? A bully romance? Wait, there's no romance or chemistry between them whatsoever.

- The summary of the book would be work. ignore. lash out. argue. repeat.

- Megan had no problem asking help from her colleague but had problem with Alex helping her? Wow! I'm fed up with Megan thb.

- Megan was behaving like Patrick was a playboy. But he wasn't, right? At least, the author didn't mention him being a playboy in his book.

- What about Alex's sister? She was another irritating character who was more more loyal to her best friend than her own brother. Alex didn't even confront her? Oh, wait! We didn't know what he was thinking.🙄

This book is ridiculous. Like it's void of any emotions and feelings. Didn't really like it!

[Holly Doyal · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This is the 3rd book in the Perfect series (really the 4th if you count the shorter book numbered 1.5). I'm sorry to say that I probably liked this book the least of all of them. There are several reasons for that: 1) I felt like Alex totally duped me when I found out what he had promised his ex-girlfriend, Stephanie 2) I didn't really feel the chemistry between Megan and Alex 3) I couldn't stand Alex's sister 4) Who gets married at lunch and then returns to work for a 1:00 meeting? 5) I lost ALL respect for Alex when he just left Megan at the end and never even attempted to talk to her. Alex was going to become a treasured book boyfriend - NO MORE.

This book deals with Megan, Patrick's sister (from book 2). Megan is serious about work and never has any relationships. Boyfriends only last 1 or 2 dates; she sees her best friend maybe a few times each month for gym sessions; her father has been closed off since her mother died over a dozen years ago, etc. She is just hard to open up to people because she is always so focused driven. Her aunt recognizes this in her and offers her a $200k bet that Megan can't turn down. If she can fall in love before next Christmas, she will earn the money and can open her own advertising agency. Being her own boss is her dream. But she must find someone to marry. On the street one day she comes across one of Patrick's friends, Alex. He had just been turned down for a bank loan so she knows he needs the money. Can she convince Alex to marry her and will they convince her Aunt that they are truly in love?

I received this book in exchange for an honest review. The opinions stated above are mine without biases.

[Jade aka MrsTosh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the 'A Marriage of Convenience' series. One thing I like about these books is that they are easy to read. I have enjoyed the series so far.

This one follows the story of Megan and Alex, both are really strong, likeable characters. Megan places a bet with her Aunt about finding love before Christmas, wanting to win she enlists the help Alex who needs to money from the bet as much as she does. And they both get more than they bargained for as love blossom. This is another really nice rom-com from the author and I will definitely be reading more books by her.

Thank you to Netgalley, and the polished for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Merged review:

This is the third book in the 'A Marriage of Convenience' series. One thing I like about these books is that they are easy to read. I have enjoyed the series so far.

This one follows the story of Megan and Alex, both are really strong, likeable characters. Megan places a bet with her Aunt about finding love before Christmas, wanting to win she enlists the help Alex who needs to money from the bet as much as she does. And they both get more than they bargained for as love blossom. This is another really nice rom-com from the author and I will definitely be reading more books by her.

Thank you to Netgalley, and the polished for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[J Sadaya-Guillermo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This romance was definitely one under my book category of “can’t put down until I finish it” because that was exactly what happened. The story of Megan and Alex started with a ridiculous bet that both needed to win. But as the story progressed, their relationship developed into something the reader like myself was looking forward to. And add a brief history between the two made it for a beautiful and sweet love story... and yes, the Perfect Bet. The pace of the story and character development, in my opinion, was seamless and enjoyable. Didn’t I just say I couldn’t put the book down? I read the entire story in one night and I didn’t regret it. I rate this book 5 stars out of 5. I can’t wait to read the other stand-alone books in The Perfect Series by this author, Anita Lemke.

[Elayne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perfect Plan/Bet
I thought both these books lacked depth in characterisation of the main protagonists. And, to be candid, the endings would have been better start points for the stories.
These are stories that follow the trope too closely and don’t give enough angst and emotion. The writing was ‘nice’ rather than good; lacked humour even though there were plenty of opportunities for it; and I never quite got past instant lust into a meaningful relationship. Shame really as there was a good opportunity to plot well and provide readable and interesting books.
This review goes for both books as they are by the same author and her ‘failings’ are evident in both.
2-3 stars.

[Alissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story checks so many happy boxes: Brother's best friend, fake marriage, evil ex girlfriend, clashing with the family, trying to get money for a business. It's an enjoyable, fast, HEA read if you are looking for that. I enjoyed that even though it was a fast read, you got to know Megan, I just wish you got to know Alex more. The few things that were touched on were really interesting and I would have loved to know more about his passion project/ life goal / dreams.

[Maddi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Perfect Bet is a super fun and fast-paced romance about Megan attempting to find a fake husband in order to win 200k in a bet. The fake marriage trope is a definite favourite of mine and this was executed incredibly with likeable characters that I was rooting for the whole time. I thought the writing was great and entertaining which is exactly I need from a romance. I highly recommend and I definitely plan on going back to read the other books in this series!

[May · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love 'fake marriage' trope and I have read a lot of them.... This book is one of the better ones. The characters are likable. The inevitable fall-in-love scenes were well written. Love the happy ending too.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given

[Helena#bookdreamer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a short novel without any real character development. She proposed a fake marriage and he quickly agrees. Things get heated pretty quickly and the story goes on without any surprises. I was not impressed and lost interest quickly. Just not for me.

[Melissa B · Rating 2 out of 5]

Will she open her heart to her perfect husband and win the bet?
This is a short read that was sort of boring and had no character development, Megan and Alex were meh.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book received from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Cassandra's Rebellion · Rating 4 out of 5]

Complementary copy given for honest review and opinion from NetGalley. It was good to have a visit with the family. I felt like I knew so much about this family before the book. Another great romance that is sure to please the avid reader.

[Dawn Eggleton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fab fun read. Easy story to follow and you really root for Megan and Alex as they are really relatable. A little lie between friends that ends with love. I look forward to reading more by this author