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Pine Haven #2

Winter Wager

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Cocky and annoyingly handsome, Scott Dunn just strolled over to my table and extended a glass of wine to me as though I’d been expecting him.

“Uh, thanks for the wine? As much as I’d love to chat, I’m waiting for my date.”

I hated how the curl of his lips made my stomach flutter. “Here I am, darling. You look stunning and as surprised as I feel.”

OMG, help! When I said that I wanted a hot boyfriend, I didn't mean the guy who convinced my first love to break up with me!

I could never date Scott. He's an arrogant, rich jerk!

Worse yet, his dark eyes sparkle with mischief each time they lock with mine.

We have too much history, too much pent-up emotion, too much everything.

But if he pours me one more glass of wine and gives me one more heated gaze with his teddy-bear-brown eyes, I might be foolish enough to take him up on his ridiculous offer.

He can't possibly be the only one who can help me stop my family from obsessing over my single status. Can he?

What if no one believes our lie?

What if my heart does?

Will this winter wager lead us to love or to heartbreak?

If you enjoy SWEET and STEAMY winter romances set in small towns with alpha males who go on blind dates and enemies turn into lovers with the help of a fake romance, then you need to read this book! It will make you laugh and sigh and leave you cheering over its heart-melting ending!

195 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 5, 2020

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Jenn Sable

17 books59 followers

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5 stars
112 (60%)
4 stars
39 (21%)
3 stars
27 (14%)
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6 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
Profile Image for Char (1RadReader59).
3,334 reviews19 followers
February 3, 2021
Tess and Scott, have a long history of turmoil with their relationship. Their toughest patch, during college, setting a hard sarcastic tone, it now carries. But, at the same time, there is starting to be more humor and less sarcasm, which is always, a plus.

Not to mention, each of their best friends, Melissa and Clay, is married to one another now, and this makes getting along much more appealing. The bickering they do is almost foreplay for them they even carry a glow in their eyes while bantering. They aren’t so bad, that their friends don't want them to, be godparents. A moment of peace, and tranquility between them.

Then, back to the reality of Scott, being Scott. The scene when Scott, comes to the rescue instead, of Sophie, is so funny, but I could feel her, pain. My hubby was an eternal joker. There is a time, place, and audience for every act/joke but that was neither. It was still funny on our end. Grandpa likes to meddle in everyone and everything. Which is funny with his house key.

Where was Kevin Rite getting all his inside information? Is he really on the up and up? Is the next book about him and Sophie? Free on Kindle Unlimited.
Profile Image for BP34.
6,378 reviews47 followers
December 13, 2020
Imagine a blind date that turns out to be your arc enemy. There are so many themes in this story it 's hard to keep up at times - A fake romance, enemies to lovers, friends to lovers and small town romance. A one night blind date soon turns in a wager that will change their lives forever. This is a cute story that is hard to put down once you start reading. The banter between Tess and Scott is hilarious at times. The story is well written with some twists and entertaining characters. I read an arc via Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.
3,114 reviews26 followers
January 6, 2021
I really liked this, but I'm still not sure how she fell in love with him. Then again it's a fine line between love and hate.
Profile Image for geri.
87 reviews
February 2, 2021
Tess lives a structured life. As a youth she knew what she wanted and she planned out how she could meet her goals. Tess has had a good life with a loving family and a fantastic best friend and yet she is glaringly aware that although she has a thriving profession and a beautiful family that would move heaven and earth for each other there are still a couple of things missing... marriage and children and the beautiful home with all of the trappings. All was going to plan until the last two of her goals were denied! Determined to fulfill her goals Tess choses the method of todays new dating scene and went on a man hunt! Unfortunately for Tessa, yet again, her plan was thwarted... how can she get over this?!?!?!

Scott, cousin of the best friend of Tess, is a complete and utter pain in the biscuits! It's not enough that he torments Tess for no reason but to place her reputation and her business in jeopardy because of his prepubescent games is just wrong on all levels! Will it ever end?! The most disturbing part for Scott is that he holds no grudge against Tess at all... that is soo far from what he feels... and thinks. If anything Scott is all to aware of Tess and would love to get to know her a whole lot better and in a lot of positions... but for some reason she treats me like she hates me... go figure! If he can't get her to treat him nicely then let the prepubescent games begin! Although... it couldn't hurt if I just went soft on her... could it??

I absolutely love Pine Haven and the scenery and the people... it reminds me of every day small town America... except in my case our small town does not have billionaires... lol! All of the characters were well thought out and well developed and the storyline was fluid and took me on a wonderful ride that left me rejuvenated and refreshed with a huge dose of hope all that real love is and stands for! Such a wonderful read... thank you!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,020 reviews12 followers
January 16, 2021
His Testy snow pea wildcat
This is an enemies-to-lovers romance story about Tess and Scott. They’ve known each other for a long time, but certainly aren’t friends. An unfortunate dating break-up (with someone else) in college has caused her to hate him. But not everything is as it seems.
Tess is out on her 49th first date when they see each other again. Scott seemingly comes to her rescue from an awful date with an outlandish story that angers her – but was also pretty funny. She swears off men but her friends convince her that maybe she just needs to round it up to 50 (one of my favourite numbers) to even things out before the new year.
Mutual friends of Tess and Scott’s unknowingly set them up on a blind date when they all go out to dinner together. They’re both surprised but not too disappointed, making the best out of the situation. They share an already sizzling-hot attraction for each other – one they wouldn’t admit, so when they broker a deal that is mutually-beneficial for them, the bet’s on!
These two are slow to realise just how perfect they are for each other. Their feelings grow organically, and it’s beautiful to watch and read about. Everyone else around them can see their potential and helps to guide them together. There’s a lot of fun, laughter, frustration, angst, confusion, miscommunication, misunderstanding, forgiveness, family, love and steamy passion.
I love that she finally gets the three goals she wanted to achieve – well on the way anyway. I was disappointed it ended when it did, so I’m now really looking forward to reading ‘Reservations for Mr. Right’, and finding out how Sophie’s love-finding adventures go! I give this book four and a half snow-dancing stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
126 reviews
December 14, 2020
5+++ stars  

Tess's last date which happens to be a blind date brings lots of excitement.  

Tess hasn't had much luck with dating.  While on a date that isn't going so well, she seeks rescue from her best friend Sophie and she sends her cousin Scott.  Tess doesn't get along with him because she believes he caused her breakup in college but there's a little more to that story.  
Sophie and Scott are cousins but close like siblings.  They were closely raised by their grandfather.  He is still involved in the family company.  The Dunn company has used Tess's interior design services and Grandpa Dunn loves her.  
Between Tess's family and Scott's things get hilarious.  The characters are all wonderful you can't help but love them.  Scott and Tess start getting closer when he hires her for his new house.  Also along with that they are to be the godparents of the first child a their good friends.  
It's is so great seeing the relationship between Scott and Tess change and grow.  A couple meant to be together, things get steamy and hot along with two people caring about each other.  
I loved this book.  It is a favorite that I will read again.  Jenn Sable wrote a great book.  I recommend it especially if you want to experience laughter and great characters along with the relationship between Tess and Scott.  A definite book to read and enjoy. 

I purchased this book because I loved it and also I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.   
Profile Image for Kelly  DeMarco.
1,941 reviews4 followers
December 12, 2020
Wager on a whim
Winter Wager (Pine Haven Book 2) by Jenn Sable is a well written holiday romance with an enemies to lovers feel. To say there’s misunderstood history between these two is an understatement. Scott and Tess have know each other for some time, have best friends in common, but until Melissa and Clay named them their child’s future godparents, the two rarely came into contact with one another. Scott is the ultimate playboy, much to his Grandfather’s dismay, and Tess is actively looking for love. Dating often, hoping to find the one man that will help her realize her last goal and dream of having a family of her own.
The plot of this book, the wager, made on a whim, quickly becomes more than a wager. An agreement that was supposed to get everyone off their backs for the holidays, quickly places them in constant close proximity, giving real feelings to surface, emotions are acted upon and the fake relationship becomes real. Of course, the antagonists can not let well enough alone. Miscommunication, misleading information, a serious illness and an unwillingness to understand brings this couple to a utter standstill.
Overall, this holiday romance has a HEA with the sweetest and most swoon-worthy moment of declaration of love. You don’t want to miss this one!
I read an arc of this book and am voluntarily sharing my review.
Profile Image for Oriana Becerril-Vazquez.
74 reviews4 followers
December 13, 2020
I was provided an ARC for an honest review.

Pine Haven is a charming small town, filled with love in the most unexpected places. I knew Tessa and Scott's story would be fun to read (especially after being introduced to us in the 1st book of this series Her Plus One), but I was not expecting the depth of feeling, emotion, and genuine portrayal of how love transforms us, even when we are not aware of it. Every word author Jenn Sable plastered on the pages, delicately and accurately drew a picture of a love even greater than our main characters could ever imagine. The slow build of the burning 🔥 passion between them had me screaming at the screen saying 'Kiss her...hold her close to you already', but it was so perfectly executed. I found myself just wanting more of them and not wanting the story to end. And let's not forget wonderful grandpa Dunn. Trust me, you will love him!

This was a 5 ☆ read for me! This small town has become one of my favorite places and I can't wait to see what happens next. You will fall in love with Tessa and Scott, and everything Pine Haven! You will not be disappointed. Jenn, thanks again for giving us real characters that we can relate to and who so magically convey the magic of not only the season, but of the scariest gamble of all: Love!
Profile Image for Lorraine Brattin.
589 reviews4 followers
November 26, 2021
This little town and it's people have their hooks in me!

Loved this story about Scott and Tess! In the last book they found out that they were going to be godparents for their best friends. They have been in a weird love/hate relationship for years. Scott definitely knows how to push Tess's buttons.

When Scott walks in on a horrible blind date that Tess is on he approaches them and claims that Tess is pregnant with his child and scares the other guy off, it surprises no one that their family members heard this claim and try to put them together for real.

Scott's grandpa is a hoot. He sees more in Scott than Scott sees himself. Scott has always sworn to be there for his family and their business before he ever thinks of himself. He tells Scott how important his love life is and that he needs to make it a priority before he loses himself in his job.

Tess has been dating lots this past year as she pledged to her family this was her final year of being single. Now it's coming on December and she still hasn't found "the one". They get set up together on a blind date and things change for them.

They both have things to work through but I love how the come together. So funny in parts and so hot in others! Great little town with lots of funny characters. Thank you Jenn Dable for writing such an addictive story. Enjoy!
129 reviews2 followers
December 14, 2020
A delightful book about Tess who is on her 49th date of the year. Unfortunately it isn't going well so she sends a SOS text to her best friend, Sophie, to help her. Sophie knows she can't get there soon enough so she sends her cousin Scott. Scott's mischievousness and humor cause him to chase the date away with some outlandish statements. Tess was not a fan of Scott and hadn't been since he broke up her long term relationship with Chad.
Scott and Tess were set up on a blind date by friends.
Scott needs a Christmas date to appease his grandfather and get him to go see a doctor. He sees an opportunity and makes a bet with Tess that she can't be his girlfriend and stay with him until after New Year's Eve. But will they be able to fool his grandfather or will they grow to dislike each other even more?
This is a great Christmas read and I can't wait until the next book. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. (I know you will)

I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
2,605 reviews43 followers
December 7, 2020
A delightful romance with fun characters and amusing dialog. We met Tess York and Scott Dunn in the previous book “Her Plus One”. Tess and Scott have known each other for years, but they always seem to strike parks off of each other. When Scott tries to rescue Tess from a disastrous blind date, he only succeeds in embarrassing her. That was blind date #49 and Tess is done with dating! She can’t avoid Scott as they will soon be godparents to their best friends’ baby. Tess has a design business and Scott asks for her help, but an early storm catches them unaware. When they are caught in an innocent, but compromising position, they agree to “date” for the holidays to appease their parents. Such fun dialog between the two main characters and the addition of the extended families makes this a wonderful holiday or anytime read! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation from the author. (by paytonpuppy)
1,446 reviews5 followers
December 12, 2020
This book was a pure Christmas delight! I loved both Tess and Scott and could tell immediately that they were perfect for each other. Too bad neither one of them could see that as easily, although I do think that Scott was aware of his attraction to Tess but was selectively downplaying every time it would float to the forefront of his mind. Tess took a lot longer to come around to the idea due to the actions of her boyfriend back in college who had cited Scott as the reason for his breaking up with her and Tess had never forgiven Scott. Ex-college boyfriend Chad comes back into her life and once again tries to use underhanded methods against Scott in order to get Tess back but this time Scott has much more at stake and is not about to let Chad get away with it! A great book with lots of snark, snappy dialogue, wit and humor, and one fantabulous book boyfriend in Scott!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
601 reviews6 followers
December 10, 2020
I really enjoyed reading Winter Wager by Jenn Sable because it was such a feel good book about Tess and Scott. They had known each other back in high school and Scott constantly teased Tess. She was so bothered by him. She was currently trying to find a special someone to take to her family's holiday party, but she kept meeting losers. Scott shows up on her date with someone and creates a bit of a scandal with her and made her the talk of the town. I loved Tess and Scott together. They didn't like each other, but after spending time their feelings changed. I loved the sweet name he always called her. I would highly recommend reading this book. It was a great book that had rooting for the two of them to get together for real.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Book Addict.
1,845 reviews5 followers
December 12, 2020
#50 is the winner

Tess and Scott knew each other for a long time and ignored the sparks that seemed to fly off of each other.
College is when it got a little dicey with what Tesss boyfriend at the time said to break up with her.
Tess is done with men and Scott does not do relationships.
Boy they are both in the same boat and they are both using the oars the wrong way.
Scott saves her from a horendous date and the guy does not take kindly to it as he tries to sabotage her current relationship.
This story had lots of hills and mountains along with plenty of valleys.
Love this book as this was so lifelike and exactly how some couples are.
I really hope you enjoyed this book as much as I have and I can not wait for the next one to come my way.

I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
6,613 reviews28 followers
December 12, 2020
This is the second book in this fun series but it reads as a total stand alone though we do meet Tess York and Scott Dunn in that book and while you may not need to read do yourself a favour and read it you won't be disappointed

Tess has never forgiven Scott for the fact that he talked her boyfriend into dumping her and now her worst nightmare has happened he is the one to rescue her from a blind date she has been set up with. When the two of them are caught in a compromising situation they decide to date one another over the holiday then have a amicable break up so taking the dating pressure of both of them the only thing is hast hey spend more time together they begin to like one another and even maybe love one another Will they admit that they are both starting to have feelings You will have to read to see if they end up with a HEA
2,520 reviews12 followers
January 7, 2021
Scott and Tess had never really gotten along very well, and they had known each other clear back in high school. They were now approaching the thirty year old mark, and both of their families thought it was time they settled down. Tess had been on forty-nine first dates in the last eleven months, and Scott only did casual dating nothing that would lead to a relationship. They did have remarkable chemistry when together, and they seemed to always be running into each other. Their best friends had asked them to be Godparents. This story was unpredictable, there was no way to guess what might happen next, there was lots of humor throughout the book. You will not put it down until you finish.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
128 reviews1 follower
December 7, 2020
The dynamic between Scott and Tess made me laugh in the previous book, "Her Plus One". In Winter Wager, we get their story. They've had a contentious relationship since college, while at the same time having an undeniable attraction to each other. Scott rescues Tess from a bad date, a date that says is her final one for the year. That is until she is convinced to be set up on a blind date, one who happens to be Scott. Sparks fly throughout the book until they realize that there is no denying their attraction and feelings. I really enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
105 reviews1 follower
December 8, 2020
Each book Jenn Sable writes is better than the last, and this book, her latest, is now my favorite. Her descriptions of the characters, both main and supporting, are very intertaining, and her turn of words will have you laughing out loud. From friends to lovers, Scott and Tess's verbal interactions are witty and fun. The little bit of drama is enough to make the story interesting but not enough to ruin the romance of it, and I loved the part when Tess met Natasha (I'll only say that it wasn't what I was expecting). This book is the perfect read for the holidays, and it will warm your heart.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
435 reviews6 followers
December 10, 2020
Hate is the other side of love.

Tess and Scott have never gotten along. Scott decides to rescue Tess from blind date number forty-nine with disastrous results. She is talked into blind date number fifty, which is her last date of the year, and she and Scott are set up to be partners on the date.

Read about the comedy of errors and relatives who shouldn't have keys to a bachelor's house when the two are caught in a compromising position. Can you blame them for banding together to fool their meddling relatives? What will happen when an ex gets involved?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for blueyed_cntry_girl.
1,584 reviews4 followers
December 14, 2020
Tess has been on several and I mean several blind dates trying to find someone to take to her family for Christmas. Her and Scott have known each other for years and have been at each other’s throats the whole time. Can they put the past behind them just to get through the holidays pretending to be together? The only thing is the chemistry between the two is steamy and neither wants to admit to the other what they’re feeling. Will this holiday season make or break them ? I love the bantering between them.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Rachael.
726 reviews1 follower
December 15, 2020
Scott and Tess-frenemies to lovers

Tess is an almost thirty year old woman that’s put a lot of focus on her business and after 49 first dates has almost given up. Scott is an acquaintance through the years and has also put a lot of focus into his family’s business. When his granny has a heart to heart with him, Scott knows it’s time to get serious about his own feelings and wishes. From frenemies to friends to lovers, Scott and Tess push each other into happiness. Quick paced, a little rushed but fun banter and some sweet with a few sexy moments and HEA...technically a standalone but first book should be read first.
Profile Image for Anna.
1,081 reviews4 followers
December 29, 2020
Jenn has a 5++++ star review on her hands with Winter Wager. This is book 2 in the Haven Holiday Romance Series and it is Tess and Scott’s story. Scott and Tess have mutual friends and they have been selected to be the godparents of their baby. The only thing is they don’t get along. They have a past and Scott didn’t leave a good impression and Tess hasn’t been able to get past what he done. When these two keep crossing paths things begin to shift for both of them.
So, no spoilers here just grab this book and enjoy a sweet holiday romance that will melt your heart. The storyline was great and you can’t help but love Scott and Tess! Job well done Jenn!! Thanks for allowing me to be a part of your arc team and this is my voluntary honest review.
Profile Image for Korkoi.
7,441 reviews34 followers
December 6, 2020
The Foreplay To Their Love -
I really loved reading this book and found it hard putting it down. It was quite entertaining to read the engaging banter between Tess and Scott. It was fun watching them try to fight their feeling for each other, whilst keeping to the terms of their agreement. I will definitely recommend this book, as it is easy to read, with likeable characters and a great storyline. You won’t be disappointed if you download it.

I received an ARC of this book from Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kathy.
1,436 reviews36 followers
December 13, 2020
A very sweet holiday romance with some heat. Love Scott and Tess and their snarkiness. They seem to run each other the wrong way but after going on 49 first dates in one year Tess is willing to try anything. Since Scott's family is giving him a hard time about not settling down they decide to join forces and pretend to be a couple. Can they make it a reality? Really funny banter and wonderful characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,353 reviews19 followers
December 15, 2020
A romance that's enjoyable and has all the wonderful feels of a romance that starts around the holidays. A small town romance that you're swept up in shortly after you start reading. The story flows smoothly from page to page making it hard to stop turning each page. The characters are fun, enjoyable, easy to get to know, easy to love and feel like great friends when you've finished the book. A perfect read for the holiday season.

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

Profile Image for Teri Ruscak.
2,136 reviews19 followers
Read
September 3, 2021
Her Winter Wager
Jenn Sable

Winter Wager: Stand-alone, Blind Date, Enemies to Lovers, Small Town Holiday Romance (Pine Haven Holiday Romance Book 2)
Jenn Sable
A fun read with Tess, who just had her 49th blind date, and her best friend's cousin Scott, whom she blamed for breaking up her long term relationship in college.
It is hilarious watching these two with their Winter Wager of fake dating to get their parents off their backs.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for gwendolyn Robin.
488 reviews2 followers
December 7, 2020
Swoon worthy! That's how I'll sum up this book. Tess and Scott we're likeable characters that will keep you entertained as they negotiate the terms of their agreement and fall in love along the way. Scott has a reputation as a lady's man. He has his work cut out to convince Tess it's all in the past. Jump aboard this baby as the water turns to steam and their romance comes to a boil.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
419 reviews2 followers
December 12, 2020
Jenn Sable's Winter Wager has wonderful characters, Tess and Scott. We meet Tess on her 49th first date that year and it was a bad one ! She swears no more dating. Scott is her best friend's cousin and he helped get her out of that bad date but they are not interested in each other. Another feel good book by Jen Sable that will leave you smiling.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Heather.
1,995 reviews25 followers
December 12, 2020
This is a mash up between enemies to lovers and fake romance. It works surprisingly well for Tess and Scott's story. A past misunderstanding led to Tess's annoyance with Scott and has had her dating life on a downhill path ever since. Scott has never had a serious relationship and has never wanted one. Both their families want to see them happy and so the fake romance is born. Their happy ever after is a bit predictable but the journey was well worth it. Overall a wonderful holiday romance.
Profile Image for S.
571 reviews
December 13, 2020
This was the best ending ever in this series! Tess was so broken she had no clue how to believe in others or trust her own self esteem but Scott was determined to convince her otherwise despite their history. Then the hospital parking lot was so romantic. Yes, with my review you MUST read the book to grasp it lol.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews