Lynn Painter’s novel, Betting on You, is a sweet, fluffy, 2000s romcom in a book. Charlie and Bailey meet at the airport as the two are moving from Alaska to Nebraska. At first, they couldn't stand each other. Bailey is annoyed with Charlie’s outward obnoxious manner, while Charlie can barely tolerate Bailey’s uptightness. The two are forced to sit together on their plane ride. After this, they depart and never see each other again- or so they think. After a few years of living in Nebraska, Bailey is stunned to discover that she and Charlie are going to be working at the new hotel entertainment resort in town. Bailey dreads her new coworker after her past endeavors with him, while Charlie enjoys getting under her skin. He believes that opposite genders can’t be “just friends.” Bailey decides she’s going to prove him wrong by becoming his friend. Eventually she looks forward to working with Charlie, and the two place a bet- will their flirtatious coworkers get together? In the midst of their bet, Bailey suggests that they fake date in hopes of getting rid of her annoying stepdad. As the two become closer, to Bailey, they’re just friends- even though he makes her face flush and her heart race. As for Charlie, it’s becoming harder and harder for him to control his feelings for Bailey. As they wait for the outcome of their bets, Charlie knows he’s hiding something from Bailey and must come to terms with his secret. Will Charlie's bets make or break him and Bailey in the long run?
This book is sure to swoop you off your feet! The story is well-paced, and you won’t want to put the book down. Betting on You includes many music references, specifically to Taylor Swift and Gracie Abrams. The end of the novel also includes an official soundtrack, which I loved listening to while reading. I recommend this novel for anyone wanting a cute, fun, easy read!