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From the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller, THE BET
THE WAGER
Lose a bet, lose your heart...
What is it about a junior-high crush that can send an otherwise intelligent woman into a tailspin? TV reporter Char Lynn wishes she knew. Jake Titus is too rich, too handsome, too arrogant: a trifecta that once lured Char into the best night-and worst morning-after-of her life. Now they've been thrown together in a wedding party. It's awkward, but survivable . . . until Jake stops acting like a jerk, and starts acting like the man she'd always hoped he could be.
If watching your brother marry your best friend is weird, being attracted to your best friend's other best friend is downright bizarre. Unfortunately for Jake, Char hasn't forgotten how he once tossed her aside. Worse still, Jake's already-nutty grandma is even crazier about Char. Cue meet-cute shenanigans and all manner of meddling, and somehow, Jake's falling. For Char. Now all he has to do is make her believe it . . .
85,000 words
AshleyBodette
Posted Sat Oct 05 00:00:00 EDT 2013
This is seriously one of THE FUNNIEST books I’ve ever read! I cannot even tell you how much I laughed while reading this book! And no lies, Grandma Nadine may be my most favorite secondary character EVER! If this book were a movie, Grandma Nadine would either be played by Betty White or Doris Roberts…I think you get the idea of what her personality is like.
Of course, there were also some tear-jerker moments in this book. Some sad things have happened in the lives of these main characters. Also, as absolutely hilarious as Grandma Nadine is, she also gives some sage advice…and let’s face it, grandmas giving sage advice tend to get the water works going.
So, our two “most” main characters, Jake and Char, are pretty close to your typical bad boy and good girl. Although they both have a few characteristics that make you believe from the very beginning that there is a way for them to meet somewhere in the middle. Since this book is told from multiple points of view, it is very easy to be frustrated with both these characters! It’s easy to see they both want each other, and not just in a lustful way, but do you think they could possibly (as I like to tell my pre-schoolers) “use their words?” Of course not! But you will love them, just the same. Jake wants to be a good guy, but he’s not sure he’s capable. And Char has wanted to be with Jake since she was a teenager, but with his philandering ways, she’s not sure he’s worth her time, no matter how bad she wants him.
There are two other characters that we get a few chapters from their point of view. Travis, Jake’s brother, and the lovely Kacey, Jake’s former best friend…who happens to be marrying Travis. Grandma Nadine has them sleeping in separate rooms until after their nuptials. This makes for some intriguing plans to ‘sneak around’ Grandma, and some gut-busting laughs! Seeing things from Travis and Kacey’s points of view also helps the reader to see Jake and Char’s relationship from an outsider’s perspective, which I liked very much.
Now, some of you may be thinking that the title stems from Jake and Char making a wager between the two of them, but you would be TOTALLY wrong! I’m not going to tell you who makes the wager, so it will be a fun surprise when you find out, because you must read this book!
And the epilogue?! Let’s just say that I can’t wait for the next book! :D
9 out of 9 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Thu Oct 03 00:00:00 EDT 2013
Gotta Love Grandma Nadine!!!
This was a GREAT Book...I Laughed, I Cried, I got Mad, & then I Laughed some more!!!
Loved Jake & Char...Loved their interactions Good, Bad, and Everything in between!!!!
I also Loved that we got more of Travis & Kacey...The Bet is in my Top 5 Favorite Books so getting more of them made me Happy!!!
Can't wait for the next Book...we all know there'll be a Book 3, since Grandma isn't done with her Meddeling!!!
Next up...Jace & Beth, and it'll be as much Fun as "The Bet" & "The Wager" Thank You Rachel for a Great Series so Far ;-)
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.It wasn't terrible.
This book made me laugh out loud once, and almost made me cry another time. In between, it was pretty unimpressive.
It wasn't bad. It just wasn't very good. The relationship between the lead characters wasn't believable, and Gramma was
just way over the top.
The writing was inconsistent and it was difficult to tell at times who was speaking - there were sections where the dialogue
tags didn't belong to the dialogue. I read this on my Kindle, and there were formatting issues as well.
At some point in the future, I might try another book by this author. After all, she made me laugh. It won't be any time soon.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.SaraJeanius
Posted Tue Feb 11 00:00:00 EST 2014
Predictable plot and somewhat boring story. First book in series was better. The mischievous grandmother storyline gets old.
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Sun Feb 02 00:00:00 EST 2014
Totally agree that Grandma Nadine is like Betty White and the story is developed...just not my sense of humor...a bit too slapstick. That said, author wrote developed characters and plot. Just so so for me...
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Tue Jan 14 00:00:00 EST 2014
I seriously cracked up reading this so many times. Amazing writing I cannot wait for the next one. There better be a next one. And I want a Grandma Nadine!!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Sun Oct 27 00:00:00 EDT 2013
23
1 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.DeeMcGee1
Posted Fri Oct 18 00:00:00 EDT 2013
If there is a book writing prize for completely redeeming a character from him jerk off ways in a previous book, then Rachel Van Dyken should win! After I read her first book, The Bet, I figured there was NO WAY she could make me like this character. His behavior was deplorable! But this is the exact reason why I love to read. I love when authors flip the switch on your preconceived notions.
The Wager begins with a flashback of Jake Titus showing me exactly why I can't stand him-he's selfish and clueless toward the people who care about him the most. I wasn't sure I wanted to take this trip with Jake. He pissed me off so much that I don't think I wanted him to get his happily ever after. But since Rachel's books are so funny, I decided to ride it out. I'm glad I did. The Wager is just as funny as The Bet. Her characters have depth and a deep history together. Rachel gives you a great back story with these characters, allowing you to really understand why they behave the way they do. But she doesn't let the drama overwhelm you. Rachel's is great at ripping your guts out in one scene, then making you laugh and forget how mad you were in the next scene.
Jake Titus's character had a lot of making up to do with me. In The Wager, he does exactly that. Rachel lays out all his sins and forces him to deal with the aftermath of his behavior. You see real remorse and attempts to atone for his behavior. Char Lynn probably has a bad case of whiplash watching him finally come to terms with who he is. Grandma Titus's character is a friggin' riot The crazy shenanigans she puts all her family through had me laughing so hard. I love that Kacey and Travis are in this book, too. The continuation of their story is wonderful to see, especially after what they both went through in The Bet.
The steamy sex factor is a bit low in this series. Rachel is very good at the sexual tension build up. You feel the chemistry between the characters. But the actual sex scenes aren't graphic.
The Wager was a sweet, upbeat read that you want to read in one sitting. So you may want to hide from your family and obligations if you intend to pick up this book. You won't want to put it down! I give The Wager by Rachel Van Dyken 4 out of 5 stars.
Written by Dee McGee - Booze, Bookz, and Bad Boyz
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I really loved The Bet but I was totally taken with The Wager. It had all the same humor, feelings, drama & tears that the first book did...but it was so much more! Rachel Van Dyken draws you into her characters so much that you cheer, laugh, and scream at them...they are real and you fall madly in love with all of them. Grandma steals the show...she is amazing and she is someone that everyone wants in their life. There were times that i was crying because I was laughing so hard...the cake topper just about killed me! This book brings to light so much more of Jake and what made him who he was...and you just end up cheering for him. This is a family romance book that steals your heart...when you are finished you feel GOOD!!! I LOVED IT!!!
Love is bright, it's like a star in the night sky. You can't help but see it. It's like the very sun; you can't help but feel it. It's like breathing; you can't help but breathe it...
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.The Wager is the follow-up to The Bet and I can honestly say I was in years before I finished the first chapter. Okay, to he honest they were tears of laughter, but you get the picture.
Char Lynn had a crush on Jake Titus in junior high. Then, after a one night stand as adults she vows to forget about him. Things don't always work out the way you want them to, especially in the company of Grandma Nadine. Jake and Char are thrown together at every turn with the pretense of getting things ready for Travis and Kacey's wedding.
This book had me laughing, crying and even screaming at my Nook a couple of times. In other words, I LOVED it. Even though Jake can be an a**, you see a much softer side of him in his interactions with Char. I was surprised when Rachel revealed some startling information about Jake's past. The fact that we were introduced to new characters had me wanting to read The Gamble the minute I was finished with this one.
I love Rachel's writing and the fact that she can jump from series to series without mixing up the characters. I can't, it takes me a minute to think about what characters I'm supposed to be reading about. The fact that I hated Jake in The Bet and ended up wanting more of him in The Wager goes a long way. Not too many authors can make my opinion of a character change so drastically. Great job Rachel!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Sun Jul 13 00:00:00 EDT 2014
This book and series altogether is pretty much amazing!! I loved Travis and Kacey together in the Bet and now I still love them when they are getting married! I'm excited that Jace is finally settling down and that it's with someone from his past too. I love all four of them, but I might just love Grandma Nadine the most because she is so hilarious and has no filter whatsoever. I just finished The Wager, look it up on here and get so excited when I see that there will be another book, The Dare! I'm kinda sad though that right now it's only a nookbook, because I have the other two in paperback, so hopefully soon it will be released in paperback. Excited and waiting! Loved these books so much! I thought I had a list of favorite books before these, but this series, and author might have just been pushed to the top of the list.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.BecsL
Posted Mon Jul 07 00:00:00 EDT 2014
If you haven’t read The Bet series by RVD you NEED to. This entire series is romantic comedy perfection. I loved The Bet and quickly fell for Travis and Kacey. To be honest, Jake was kind of the guy you wanted to punch in the face or kick in the… well... you know. The Wager is Jake’s story and I have to say it was utterly fantastic. Jake and Char’s story is every bit the emotional rollercoaster as The Bet with the same explosion of sarcasm and fire that had me rolling with laughter.
It has to be said. Grandma Nadine is divine. This is her world and we’re just living in it. Her meddling ways are kicked up a notch in The Wager and the hilarity that ensues will have your stomach hurting from laughing so hard. Grandma intends to ruin Jake before convincing him and Char that they were made for each other. As Maid of Honor and Best Man in Travis and Kacey’s wedding they are thrown together to complete a list full of wedding tasks. The things Grandma Nadine has in store for these two are absolutely insane.
There is a lot of depth and emotion behind each character and relationship in this story and their lives are so beautifully intertwined that you can’t help but find yourself choked up and the more touching moments. This book is filled with moments of doubt, self-reflection and guilt that will rip your heart out. But as only Rachel Van Dyken can do, she’ll make sure you’re smiling while you blink back tears. Filled with pop culture references, a limitless supply of sexual innuendos and squirrels (yes. Squirrels), The Wager does not disappoint. This is a must read.
MaryJoMI
Posted Sat Jan 25 00:00:00 EST 2014
Beware the hurricane known as Grandma Nadine ... jump on board for a fun and romantic ride! Jake, Jake, Jake ... I was frustrated by him in The Bet but knew deep down he had a good heart. I don't think he ever saw Grandma Nadine coming to ruin him and set him on the right path. Char is Kacey's best friend and has always been in love with Jake. For Travis and Kacey's wedding they are thrown together in their roles as best man and maid of honor ... from here Grandma Nadine charts a crazy course for these 2 to ensure she wins the wager with Travis and Kacey. Jake has to face some demons from his past and finds with Char all things are possible. Really liked their passion with each other whether fighting or kissing it was very intense and jumped off the page.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Sun Jan 12 00:00:00 EST 2014
FANFREAKINGTASTIC!!!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Sat Jan 04 00:00:00 EST 2014
It was a great book! Grandma is quite the character. The story keeps you going from the start. Very funny!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Tue Dec 10 00:00:00 EST 2013
This is just silly. I don't know why I ordered it since I didn't think the Bet was that good, but this was worse. Characters are not so endearing. Jake is a jerk and Grandma is just ridiculous. But, if you don't mind a simple--and I mean simple--love story this may be fine for you!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.CrystalMarie218
Posted Sun Dec 08 00:00:00 EST 2013
I really enjoyed this book!! I think like many other people who have read this book, Grandma is just hilarious!! I couldn’t stop laughing at parts of the story because of the things that she would say. Her attitude and just overall personality was amazing!
I did think that the book was a bit predicable, but the storyline itself was very entertaining. I think that the characters were written very well and where able to play off of each other throughout the story. I liked following along as Jake went through the ringer and came out a better person. I did feel like certain parts of the story felt rushed along. If I had someone pull what Jake did, I sure as heck wouldn’t take him back without any serious begging.
I have not read The Bet, but you can bet after reading this one, I will be sure to check it out!
*Received an ARC for honest review*
Anonymous
Posted Fri Nov 29 00:00:00 EST 2013
I have to say that I loved this book I was a little hesitant at first but glad I decided to read it . Grandma nadine is my fav fav fav favorite I love her,and can't wait for beth and jaces story. This book both made me laugh and cry I felt like I knew the characters and was right their with them. I can't wait to read the bet I know I'm backwards and the next series with this family lol! Thank you Racheal
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.catleecs
Posted Fri Nov 22 00:00:00 EST 2013
I thought The Bet was great but people let me tell you. Buy this book for a Friday night read and you will be double over with laughter. Great for the heart.
Still adore grandma
Anonymous
Posted Fri Nov 22 00:00:00 EST 2013
This book was a fun read. Great easy read.
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Overview
From the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller, THE BET
THE WAGER
Lose a bet, lose your heart...
What is it about a junior-high crush that can send an otherwise intelligent woman into a tailspin? TV reporter Char Lynn wishes she knew. Jake Titus is too rich, too handsome, too arrogant: a trifecta that once lured Char into the best night-and worst morning-after-of her life. Now they've been thrown together...