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Lake City High #1
The Summer Bet
Wanna make a bet?
That’s Ford Cross’ go to line whenever he sees me.
He’s Mr. Popular,
Mr. high school quarterback, and
Mr. all the girls want me.
And me, Hannah Clark?
I’m just a quiet brainiac who wants high school to be over.
Ask me if I’ve ever made a bet with Ford?
Not a chance.
At least not until he has the ultimate wager.
I’d be stupid not to take this bet; but if I lose, my life will never be the same.
***Note: The Summer Bet ends on a cliffhanger.
That’s Ford Cross’ go to line whenever he sees me.
He’s Mr. Popular,
Mr. high school quarterback, and
Mr. all the girls want me.
And me, Hannah Clark?
I’m just a quiet brainiac who wants high school to be over.
Ask me if I’ve ever made a bet with Ford?
Not a chance.
At least not until he has the ultimate wager.
I’d be stupid not to take this bet; but if I lose, my life will never be the same.
***Note: The Summer Bet ends on a cliffhanger.
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Published July 29, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
October 15, 2022
It started off cute then it got really dramatic and weird, and so much crying and back and forth. I also thought calling the step mom mom was weird. Her dad forced her into it, I know people that the step mom understands when a parent dies we will never be replaced. Also the ending was really weird and dramatic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2023
a cute romance, but it took forever to get through i thought! it just had no type of "oomph" to keep me interested which sucked because it was still so cute.
April 29, 2024
1. Main girl character cries wayyyy to much.
2. He calls her baby ick babe is fine baby?? Ickkk
3. Too much sex had to skip
4. Its a freaking cliff hanger!!!! Bro warm us before we read it.
5. Other than that not totally repulsive.
2. He calls her baby ick babe is fine baby?? Ickkk
3. Too much sex had to skip
4. Its a freaking cliff hanger!!!! Bro warm us before we read it.
5. Other than that not totally repulsive.
September 30, 2022
Yeah no
So the idea behind the book is great but as someone said too much crying and there is a part two. This could have been done in one being its a 300+ page book. It dragged. Want to know what happens but I'm not reading book 2.
So the idea behind the book is great but as someone said too much crying and there is a part two. This could have been done in one being its a 300+ page book. It dragged. Want to know what happens but I'm not reading book 2.
September 6, 2022
I have to wait until December for the second installment 😭
dnf
March 18, 2024dnfed at like 60% yeah i should have just powered thru but i couldn’t there was no plot all vibes & not even that fun of vibes idk how this is a four book series
May 28, 2025
Ok so why does no one talk about this book. I literally reread it so often it isn’t even funny anymore.😭😭
In between- Gracie Abrams
In between- Gracie Abrams
March 6, 2024
“Wanna make a bet?” Never once did Hannah take on a bet made by her frenemy Ford because she knew better than to ever entertain the idea. But when the bet involves Hannah’s best friend and her stepbrother, she is confident that she’d win… only to find out, she actually lost. So, what does Ford get for winning? Hannah gets to spend 4 hours per day every day of summer with Ford. Any girl would be delighted, but this was torture for Hannah. Until things shift between them and she doesn’t know what to do.
Ok, this was a KU read I discovered while perusing through YA romance books, and I can’t believe it’s the first of a series until I got to the end and was left hanging lol. I enjoyed a good bunch of this story—the forced proximity, frenemies to lovers, family coming together, believing in oneself. The bullying drove me nuts (those girls were catty) and a few scenes that I could’ve done without so it didn’t feel so long. I will definitely pick up the second book eventually because I am curious to see how senior year goes for Hannah and Ford.
Ok, this was a KU read I discovered while perusing through YA romance books, and I can’t believe it’s the first of a series until I got to the end and was left hanging lol. I enjoyed a good bunch of this story—the forced proximity, frenemies to lovers, family coming together, believing in oneself. The bullying drove me nuts (those girls were catty) and a few scenes that I could’ve done without so it didn’t feel so long. I will definitely pick up the second book eventually because I am curious to see how senior year goes for Hannah and Ford.
July 11, 2023
This story is about Hannah and Ford, two teenagers who try to deal with the difficulties their lives bring. They try to grow stronger together and deal with their emotions. Despite the description, this isn't a drama story. It is an easy to read ya story where we can see how teenagers feel and how they try to grow. It was a good summer read! I really enjoyed it!
July 23, 2024
surprised
To be honest I was really surprised with this book, the story flowed well, wasn’t too rushed and kept me not wanting to put it down, and for a YA romance novel is normally hard for me cause I get bored pretty easy.
To be honest I was really surprised with this book, the story flowed well, wasn’t too rushed and kept me not wanting to put it down, and for a YA romance novel is normally hard for me cause I get bored pretty easy.
September 29, 2022
It’s a cute story of best friends. She’s a nerd and he is most popular and football player. But they have to get to know each other better than just just arguing and smarty comebacks. So he makes a bet he is sure to win
September 16, 2022
Wanna make a bet?
Who could have known that four words would change the course of 2 peoples lives in just one summer?
Hannah and Ford have been frenemies since they were in 4th grade. Hannah is both smart & funny and keeps Ford on his toes.
Ford is also her step brother Jack's bestfriend and are very popular in high school, where Hannah on the other hand is not.
In the course of an end of school year party, a secret is discovered, a friendship is lost, and a bet, which changes everthing, is made.
And by the end of summer, a family will be mended and Hannah is a stronger person because of it all.
This story has all the feels - I was crying, laughing and in some cases wishing I could jump through the book to deal with mean girls...grr.
I don't want to give spoilers - all I can say is that you need to read this book!!
The story of Ford & Hannah is not over...their story is to continue in book 2 which comes up in Dec 2022, which I will be impatiently waiting for...I really hope their is an HEA at the end of book 2!
Who could have known that four words would change the course of 2 peoples lives in just one summer?
Hannah and Ford have been frenemies since they were in 4th grade. Hannah is both smart & funny and keeps Ford on his toes.
Ford is also her step brother Jack's bestfriend and are very popular in high school, where Hannah on the other hand is not.
In the course of an end of school year party, a secret is discovered, a friendship is lost, and a bet, which changes everthing, is made.
And by the end of summer, a family will be mended and Hannah is a stronger person because of it all.
This story has all the feels - I was crying, laughing and in some cases wishing I could jump through the book to deal with mean girls...grr.
I don't want to give spoilers - all I can say is that you need to read this book!!
The story of Ford & Hannah is not over...their story is to continue in book 2 which comes up in Dec 2022, which I will be impatiently waiting for...I really hope their is an HEA at the end of book 2!
February 5, 2023
This was an easy read. Hannah is indeed a bit whiny but she also has a lot of sh*t going on and at times it seems like it’s really tough to be her. So I won’t judge her for being upset a lot.
I did feel like it was long and was surprised to see that there’s not just one but two more books
What really bugged me was all the spelling, grammar and punctuation mistakes and there was a ton. Lots of quotations missing around speech text. Fords name misspelled. Incorrect use of they’re/their etc.
I did feel like it was long and was surprised to see that there’s not just one but two more books
What really bugged me was all the spelling, grammar and punctuation mistakes and there was a ton. Lots of quotations missing around speech text. Fords name misspelled. Incorrect use of they’re/their etc.
September 19, 2022
So much crying
Book was meh. The whole idea behind the bet is cute but I could not stand Hannah. She spent the majority of the book crying. Literally crying at everything. To add insult to injury this was a book one, meaning there is another coming.
I can’t.
Book was meh. The whole idea behind the bet is cute but I could not stand Hannah. She spent the majority of the book crying. Literally crying at everything. To add insult to injury this was a book one, meaning there is another coming.
I can’t.
August 6, 2023
I didn’t find any of these characters likeable. Hannah is always crying and not sticking up for herself. Ford is a self important jerk who I never felt truely cared for Hannah. Jack is a horrible brother. Alison is a villain with no redeeming qualities. Parents are uninvolved and show no interest in what their kids (especially Hannah) are up to.
I have zero interest in following them into the second book to see what’s next for them.
I have zero interest in following them into the second book to see what’s next for them.
January 16, 2023
love
Ugh…I laughed..I cried and man was I disappointed when I got to the last page and realized it was over! This book was a roller coaster of emotions and I loved every moment of it!….impatiently awaiting the second book!
Ugh…I laughed..I cried and man was I disappointed when I got to the last page and realized it was over! This book was a roller coaster of emotions and I loved every moment of it!….impatiently awaiting the second book!
September 1, 2023
i love this book it’s a really fun read, especially when they werent together yet. i love it, the teasing and anticipation got me kicking my feet and giggling but when they got together well, all those things were expected and it just didnt hit as much as it did before they got together. heheh.
also, ford as a boyfriend is really sus, of course he is sweet and i bet his love language is physical touch, but he kinda like hides their relationships at first, and him letting other girls GIRLS kiss his cheeks??? outrageous!!! i wouldnt let that happen to MY boyfriend, or no matter how outgoing he is it is just NOT right, i think?? iDKKK girls were lining up to him to kiss him hmm yeah no.
anyway also, they are bad at communicating, although they hang out like everyday but when it’s about the stuff that matters, they dont talk!! it kinda frustrates me, how they dodge the drama (which i can feel is coming), and the anticipation of something terrible is going down really ate me, i kept waiting for that third act break up. ford is a sus boyfriend. although him having hannah as his passcode was sOOOO CUTE. and everything is just so adorable and cute, i love them but i hope theyd communicate more so that it does not feel like it’s just physical between them.
also hannah was always crying, i wish she had another man on the side just to be petty and made ford tasted his own medicine, hopefully next book.
spoilerrr below
also, ford as a boyfriend is really sus, of course he is sweet and i bet his love language is physical touch, but he kinda like hides their relationships at first, and him letting other girls GIRLS kiss his cheeks??? outrageous!!! i wouldnt let that happen to MY boyfriend, or no matter how outgoing he is it is just NOT right, i think?? iDKKK girls were lining up to him to kiss him hmm yeah no.
anyway also, they are bad at communicating, although they hang out like everyday but when it’s about the stuff that matters, they dont talk!! it kinda frustrates me, how they dodge the drama (which i can feel is coming), and the anticipation of something terrible is going down really ate me, i kept waiting for that third act break up. ford is a sus boyfriend. although him having hannah as his passcode was sOOOO CUTE. and everything is just so adorable and cute, i love them but i hope theyd communicate more so that it does not feel like it’s just physical between them.
also hannah was always crying, i wish she had another man on the side just to be petty and made ford tasted his own medicine, hopefully next book.
spoilerrr below
January 20, 2024
This book felt like the the draft before the first draft. It’s clear that little to no editing occurred for this book, which is sad because the premise for this book seemed so cute but that’s all it was - a cute premise.
I feel as though the author had an idea for a high school romance and instead of building a cohesive and coherent plot she just plucked out idiotic tropes and stereotypes and prayed that people forgot that that’s not how actual people act or behave IRL.
The writing was also really repetitive. The author was constantly describing the same thought or scene but with slight variation where I found myself able to read one line of the paragraph and understand what was going on.
Show not tell doesn’t exist within these pages.
Really wished I could have enjoyed this book but it felt like a preschool book.
A favourite quote from the book:
“ chest keeps rubbing against mine and my boobs really, really like the feeling. If he keeps doing it, I'm going to melt into a puddle of goo. “
I feel as though the author had an idea for a high school romance and instead of building a cohesive and coherent plot she just plucked out idiotic tropes and stereotypes and prayed that people forgot that that’s not how actual people act or behave IRL.
The writing was also really repetitive. The author was constantly describing the same thought or scene but with slight variation where I found myself able to read one line of the paragraph and understand what was going on.
Show not tell doesn’t exist within these pages.
Really wished I could have enjoyed this book but it felt like a preschool book.
A favourite quote from the book:
“ chest keeps rubbing against mine and my boobs really, really like the feeling. If he keeps doing it, I'm going to melt into a puddle of goo. “
September 1, 2023
4.5 stars
Honestly, after reading so many new adult books and all the “adult scenes” I really do get tired of them after a while. Thanks to that, sometimes it takes me back to Young adult books, with all the cheesiness and bubbly chapters. This book is exactly what I was looking for. I know for some people there may be complaints about the grammar or how immature some of them we’re being. But it is what it is.
I actually loved Ford! From the beginning, you can see that he had a small crush on her. It was adorable seeing how Hannah had no idea whatsoever. Hannah was a great character as well, seeing her grow was amazing! When Ford and Hannah got to together, pretty early in the book, I thought I was gonna not finish it. However, I was still hooked! The drama and the mean girls where pretty entertaining. There are things got annoying. But I let it go, because there High school kids. I enjoyed the book. I recommend it if you’re looking for a light romance book.
Honestly, after reading so many new adult books and all the “adult scenes” I really do get tired of them after a while. Thanks to that, sometimes it takes me back to Young adult books, with all the cheesiness and bubbly chapters. This book is exactly what I was looking for. I know for some people there may be complaints about the grammar or how immature some of them we’re being. But it is what it is.
I actually loved Ford! From the beginning, you can see that he had a small crush on her. It was adorable seeing how Hannah had no idea whatsoever. Hannah was a great character as well, seeing her grow was amazing! When Ford and Hannah got to together, pretty early in the book, I thought I was gonna not finish it. However, I was still hooked! The drama and the mean girls where pretty entertaining. There are things got annoying. But I let it go, because there High school kids. I enjoyed the book. I recommend it if you’re looking for a light romance book.
October 11, 2025
This book was so good and it was the best book to listen and read whenever I worked out!!!!! It left a big cliff hanger at the end of the book… I can’t wait to see what happens next between Ford and Hannah. I really hope everything works out between them and really looking forward to reading book 2 to keep reading the series as well as reading them all the way through book 5! I also can’t wait to see what ideas the author had for 2-5, with there being this many books in the series that allows so much to happen in each book! I feel like I’ll be sad whenever I finish this series b/c this is one book I don’t want to stop reading. I keep wanting to know what happens next and that means it’s a really good book that keeps my interest! Love books like that!!
March 1, 2023
The 4 stars are because I lovedddd the IDEA behind the story. The execution wasn’t so great. I find it tough to believe these “mean girls” are actually that awful with little to no consequences, even from the adults…?? Also, the spelling and grammar errors drive me absolutely crazy! I really like the storyline and can’t wait to read the next book of the series, but I’m just having a hard time dealing with the fact that someone was likely paid money to edit this book and did such a horrible job with the proofreading. I mean a few issues here and there is one thing, but the blatant misuse of their/they’re/there and your/you’re is killing me!
July 30, 2023
Although some say it dragged, I thought it was a good story line. I read this on my kindle, and did find some major edits that needed to be made (grammatically), but other than that I loved the whole idea for it. I thought that the whole bet was cute, and really brought the main character out of her shell. I liked how much they talked about family, and how the protagonist begins to develop more and more love for her blended family. it’s nice to see her growing more accepting of what her family is, and to let in her step mom even more. The character development had its ups and downs but I loved the story.
July 22, 2025
i only made it about 70%.
everytime i thought it was the end, I only made it 5%-10% further. i kept saying "im okay ending it here" and finally just called it done. I gave it 3 stars, because I was supper invested and into it about the first 50%, but then it felt like it started dragging. i rate it a level 1 spice (if that), but you dont really get there until the second half of the book.
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SPOILERS
i looked up and saw spoilers said there was a cliffhanger. I wasnt wanting a series, just a quick read before book clubbing a new book. I also felt this could've ended after the fourth of july trip. the rest afterward kinda felt like dragging on.
everytime i thought it was the end, I only made it 5%-10% further. i kept saying "im okay ending it here" and finally just called it done. I gave it 3 stars, because I was supper invested and into it about the first 50%, but then it felt like it started dragging. i rate it a level 1 spice (if that), but you dont really get there until the second half of the book.
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SPOILERS
i looked up and saw spoilers said there was a cliffhanger. I wasnt wanting a series, just a quick read before book clubbing a new book. I also felt this could've ended after the fourth of july trip. the rest afterward kinda felt like dragging on.
March 30, 2023
This was such a cute high school rom. I feel like everything was so age appropriate in what was said and reactions/actions. That’s usually my biggest beef with high school stories.
Anyway Hannah is an outcast, but ford has always been around her and joked with her. They make a bet that she has to spend the entire summer with him. They end up falling for each other. I love their relationship development. I love that Ford helps Hannah have a better relationship with her family and with Jack.
This books does end on a cliffhanger, but that’s okay
Anyway Hannah is an outcast, but ford has always been around her and joked with her. They make a bet that she has to spend the entire summer with him. They end up falling for each other. I love their relationship development. I love that Ford helps Hannah have a better relationship with her family and with Jack.
This books does end on a cliffhanger, but that’s okay
February 16, 2024
unfortunately will be reading the next book
I enjoy a good simple, cute, back and forth romance book. This definitely was all that. However, it went on for aaaaggeesssss where it really didn’t need to be dragging along. Between that and all the grammatical errors, I didn’t want to finish the book. I pulled through and despite all that I will probably read the next book in the series, because after spending a few days with Ford and Hannah I am invested in their life and need to see what is next in their story. 🙃
I enjoy a good simple, cute, back and forth romance book. This definitely was all that. However, it went on for aaaaggeesssss where it really didn’t need to be dragging along. Between that and all the grammatical errors, I didn’t want to finish the book. I pulled through and despite all that I will probably read the next book in the series, because after spending a few days with Ford and Hannah I am invested in their life and need to see what is next in their story. 🙃
May 13, 2024
This is book 1 in the series
I was looking for a summer book and this is the perfect YA summertime story I was hoping for.
Ford and Hannah had my heart from the get go. I couldn’t put this book down and I was so invested in it, once it ended, I couldn’t wait to dig into book 2
Tropes:
- frenemies to lovers
- brother’s best friend (I love these!!!!)
- summer vacation
- high school drama
- football
I love how Jenny Cole pictured those characters and I fell in love with them after just a few chapters in. Now to book 2 I go.
I was looking for a summer book and this is the perfect YA summertime story I was hoping for.
Ford and Hannah had my heart from the get go. I couldn’t put this book down and I was so invested in it, once it ended, I couldn’t wait to dig into book 2
Tropes:
- frenemies to lovers
- brother’s best friend (I love these!!!!)
- summer vacation
- high school drama
- football
I love how Jenny Cole pictured those characters and I fell in love with them after just a few chapters in. Now to book 2 I go.
March 25, 2023
I’m glad I wasn’t the only one who thought there was a lot of crying in this book. It’s why I didn’t give it five stars. The rest of the book was really good and funny and made me happy. I loved it! I’m on to the next book and I hope the second book is just as good. I hate when I read a series and the first book is the only good one. I feel like I wasted my time and should’ve just left well enough alone. Keeping my fingers Crawford Crossed 🤞🏼lol.
May 3, 2023
More than I bargained for
When I read what this book was about, I really thought it was going to be a fast funny read. I was wrong. They story was pretty good and grabs you right from the start. I think Hannah cried too much, but then she had a lot of drama going on in all aspects of life. The title says romantic comedy, but I don't feel like this was a comedy. Too many hard things to deal with. It is worth the read.
When I read what this book was about, I really thought it was going to be a fast funny read. I was wrong. They story was pretty good and grabs you right from the start. I think Hannah cried too much, but then she had a lot of drama going on in all aspects of life. The title says romantic comedy, but I don't feel like this was a comedy. Too many hard things to deal with. It is worth the read.
June 12, 2023
It was an easy storyline to follow which I enjoyed, as that was what I was looking for. Despite this, the story was much harder to read than it should’ve been for many reasons. One, there are so many typos and grammatical errors that I found myself having to try to figure out what was actually trying to be said, at times. Two, I feel like this book was unnecessarily long which made it feel like it was dragging on. Despite this, it was a good book to read.
August 2, 2023
Fantastic Summer Read
I can’t remember how I came upon this novel, but with the power of a good book description, I downloaded it to my TBR pile. And let me just say, the description did not disappoint. This is one of the best, true young adult novel I’ve read this year. It’s witty, clever, and heartfelt. I’m not a huge fan of romantic books that end in cliffhangers, but this one was done well, and I look forward to the next one.
I can’t remember how I came upon this novel, but with the power of a good book description, I downloaded it to my TBR pile. And let me just say, the description did not disappoint. This is one of the best, true young adult novel I’ve read this year. It’s witty, clever, and heartfelt. I’m not a huge fan of romantic books that end in cliffhangers, but this one was done well, and I look forward to the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews