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Betting on the Boy Next Door: a Sweet Romantic Comedy (Betting on Love) Kindle Edition

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 1,963 ratings

"A delicious read that I loved from beginning to end. Melanie's witty banter and engaging writing style kept me hooked until the last, satisfying page." Becky Monson, bestselling author of The Accidental Text

Make one stupid bet and suddenly you’re fake dating your hot new neighbor...

There is nothing like hiding a secret identity from your roommate besties to complicate . . . everything. And when they decide I need a love life makeover, I can’t tell them why I don’t have time for their schemes.

Retirement home nurse by day, lead singer of a rock band by night. Not on the schedule? Men. I’d rather cuddle with Bernice, the hangry boa next door.

I can’t think of an excuse fast enough to get out of betting my prime parking space against them finding me true love, but luckily, they pick the worst possible guy for me.

Sure, our new neighbor, Josh, is hot, but he’s from an Austin family whose money is so old, it’s dusty. Been there, done that, and I’m not going back to be broken again by a man just like my ex.

This bet is as good as won.

The thing is, Josh isn't easy to shake, especially after he discovers my rock 'n' roll alter ego.

When a fake dating agreement, a cursing parrot, and our late-night balcony talks lead to kisses so hot they melt me, I’m forced to decide: can I gamble my heart on a society guy who is expected to settle down with someone exactly not like me?

USA Today bestselling author Melanie Jacobson returns with this laugh out loud romcom that delivers plenty of sparks without the spice.

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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BVYSW49X
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Four Petal Press (March 7, 2023)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 7, 2023
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2343 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 276 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 1,963 ratings

About the author

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Melanie Jacobson
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Melanie Bennett Jacobson is an avid reader, amateur cook, and champion shopper. She consumes astonishing amounts of chocolate, chick flicks, and romance novels. She grew up in Louisiana and now lives in Southern California with her family, a miniature schnauzer, and a series of doomed houseplants. She holds an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from the Vermont College of Fine Arts and is the four-time Whitney Award-winning author of nineteen romantic comedies and several novellas.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
1,963 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoyed the book. They found the romance charming and sweet, with a wonderful ending. The characters were relatable and likable, with great dialogue and emotional maturity. The writing quality was described as well-written and easy to read. Customers also appreciated the strong relationships between friends and family.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

60 customers mention "Fun read"60 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book. They find the characters relatable and the story engaging. The book is described as lighthearted, witty, and sweet.

"...The story is cute and engaging enough that I wanted to continue reading whenever I had some downtime. And, it's clean! No raunchy scenes...." Read more

"...Betting on the Boy Next Door is a funny, sweet, rock n’ roll romcom with witty dialogue, heartfelt romance, and lovable characters you want to cheer..." Read more

"Enjoyed this book. The characters were relatable and fun. Looking forward to the next book. Right amount of sweet romance." Read more

"...I really enjoyed this story. It was sweet, funny and lighthearted...." Read more

50 customers mention "Romance"50 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the romance in the book. They find the storyline engaging with a satisfying ending. The flirting is fun with no unnecessary detailed sex scenes.

"...The story is cute and engaging enough that I wanted to continue reading whenever I had some downtime. And, it's clean! No raunchy scenes...." Read more

"...Door is a funny, sweet, rock n’ roll romcom with witty dialogue, heartfelt romance, and lovable characters you want to cheer for...." Read more

"...Looking forward to the next book. Right amount of sweet romance." Read more

"...I really enjoyed this story. It was sweet, funny and lighthearted...." Read more

42 customers mention "Character development"42 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's character development. They find the characters likable, with a believable storyline and great relationships. The female characters are strong and emotional, and readers appreciate their vulnerability. They love the sweet and caring friendship between Josh and Sami.

"...The characters are likable and relatable. The banter and dialogue between characters is great and had me smirking often...." Read more

"...I only wished I could have heard Sami’s songs. The side characters were endearing, especially Grampa Jim, Grandma Letty, and Sami’s roommates...." Read more

"Enjoyed this book. The characters were relatable and fun. Looking forward to the next book. Right amount of sweet romance." Read more

"I really wanted this romance to work out! The characters are engaging, and I cared about the outcome from the very beginning of the story...." Read more

20 customers mention "Writing quality"20 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's writing quality. They find it well-written with likable characters and witty dialogue. The book is easy to follow along and keeps their interest. Readers also mention that it's a good read while on the beach, with a fast pace that keeps them engaged.

"...Well written with interesting characters a good plot and a fantastic ending." Read more

"I read this in 2 days because it was well written. It flows really well. All the characters are likable...." Read more

"This book was well written with fun characters in a while new world to explore. I have loved all of Melanie's books...." Read more

"Can’t wait to read the next Betting on Love book, because Melanie writes such good books!..." Read more

18 customers mention "Cute book"18 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book. They find the characters lovable and authentic. The romance is sweet and sassy, with plenty of chemistry between the main characters. The Rocker Chick theme is appreciated.

"...It's got 4 I've-got-your-back roommates, a hunky new guy next door, a secret identity, fake dating, flirty banter, swoony kisses plus lots..." Read more

"...I would definitely recommend this book if you are looking for a cute, wholesome story." Read more

"...This was a perfectly sweet rom com with plenty of chemistry between the main characters." Read more

"...❤️ If like a closed door romance with plenty of 🔥🔥, loveable and authentic characters, and some animal shenanigans (there’s a hangry snake!)..." Read more

13 customers mention "Relationship"13 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's relationships. They find the friendships between friends and family awesome, with a strong group of female friends. The romance is adorable, with great banter and tension. The family is important to the author, and the FMC is strong and independent.

"...thoroughly enjoyed it—the pace, the characters, the issues, development of relationships and story arc!" Read more

"...It's got great banter, a strong group of female friends, fake dating that's done right, and the best kind of HEA." Read more

"...I enjoyed the ups and downs of their relationship and them really wanting to be there for each other. I loved their grandparents." Read more

"...It had true emotion and struggle in it. I loved it. The FMC was strong and independent, but she didn't hate all men...." Read more

11 customers mention "Cleanness"11 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's cleanness. They mention it has no unnecessary detailed sex scenes, raunchy scenes, or violence. The innuendos are clean, and there is no swearing. The book is rated PG and is an easy, sweet read.

"...And, it's clean! No raunchy scenes. Easy, sweet read. (You know how it will end, just not the path it will take to get there.)..." Read more

"...It’s a fun, clean, romantic romcom I definitely recommend...." Read more

"...Clean, contemporary romance." Read more

"...It is clean but a little edgy and there’s mild swearing. I got this as an ARC but I also purchased it." Read more

6 customers mention "Emotion level"6 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's emotional depth and maturity. They find the female characters relatable, the relationships realistic, and the dialogue engaging. The banter, flirting, and angst are well-portrayed.

"...it's in the strength of the female characters, the emotional maturity of the relationships, witty and interesting dialogue, and most importantly..." Read more

"...Lots of emotions in this one, good clean fun and a great HEA, I'll recommend this one to friends." Read more

"...This book really nestled into my heart and stuck with me; Josh and Sami are easily on of my fave romcom couples ever! ❤️..." Read more

"...It had true emotion and struggle in it. I loved it. The FMC was strong and independent, but she didn't hate all men...." Read more

Start of something new
5 out of 5 stars
Start of something new
This is the first book of a new series that Melanie Jacobson had started. Ruby makes a bet that she can match Sami up.with an attractive guy but the question is who? Could it be the boy next door? Who is this attractive guy that moves in next door? The flirting is fun but Sami doesn't want history to repeat itself. Josh seems like a nice guy but deep down his heart starts to fall more and more for Sami. What happens in the end? Will Ruby win the bet and will Josh win the heart of Sami?
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2024
    This is my first time reading this author, and I enjoyed it. The characters are likable and relatable. The banter and dialogue between characters is great and had me smirking often. The story is cute and engaging enough that I wanted to continue reading whenever I had some downtime. And, it's clean! No raunchy scenes. Easy, sweet read. (You know how it will end, just not the path it will take to get there.) I'll give the next book a try!
    3 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 5, 2023
    4 1/2 stars!

    Loved this new romcom by Melanie Jacobson! Betting on the Boy Next Door is a funny, sweet, rock n’ roll romcom with witty dialogue, heartfelt romance, and lovable characters you want to cheer for. It’s a fun, he-fell-first, fake dating, hidden identity, next door neighbors romance that completely pulled me in.

    Sami is a rest home nurse by day and the secret rock n’ roll lead singer for Pixie Luna by night. When a new guy moves in next door, Sami’s roommate Ruby makes a bet she can’t refuse. Sami’s sure she’ll be able to resist the charms of the handsome attorney who’s from one of Austin’s prestigious families. After all, her ex boyfriend who broke her heart was also from a prestigious family and reinforced her mother’s teachings that she can’t rely on a man. So, despite the obvious attraction between them, Sami does her best to resist.

    Josh wants his family to believe he’s changed. In the past, he resented his parents’ planning his life, down to choosing his college classes and expecting him to join his father’s law firm. Despite his previous feelings though, he’s found he likes being an attorney, and has worked hard to prove he can do the job. When his parents and their old friends try to push him into a relationship, he turns to his beautiful, intriguing, next door neighbor to pretend be his fake girlfriend in exchange for much needed cash for her up and coming band. But, when Josh wishes their relationship was anything but fake, will he convince Sami he’s not like her ex?

    This darling comedy had me laughing, smiling, and swooning. Sami and Josh have undeniable chemistry. Their magnetic attraction is palpable and holy cow, there are some amazing, smoldering kisses between them. I loved their banter and the restaurant scene where Sami goes toe to toe with the would be girlfriend.

    Josh falls first, but he’s pretty irresistible and his grand gesture has a way of winning Sami’s heart. Sami makes her own grand gesture proving she really understands Josh and loves him right back. The rock n’ roll scene was fun especially when the frat boys come to support. I only wished I could have heard Sami’s songs. The side characters were endearing, especially Grampa Jim, Grandma Letty, and Sami’s roommates. I’m excited for the next book in the series!

    It’s a fun, clean, romantic romcom I definitely recommend. Content: a few mild swear words, mild innuendo, kissing make outs only, mentions of alcohol and drug use.
    6 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 16, 2024
    Enjoyed this book. The characters were relatable and fun. Looking forward to the next book. Right amount of sweet romance.
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 29, 2024
    This author is new to me, but I have to say that I'm a fan now. I really enjoyed this story. It was sweet, funny and lighthearted. I usually read a light of spicy romance, but have found myself just skipping through those spicy scenes, so this romance that still had spark while being clean was refreshing.
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 1, 2024
    I really wanted this romance to work out! The characters are engaging, and I cared about the outcome from the very beginning of the story.
    Clean, contemporary romance.
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 18, 2023
    Josh was great from the start. 10/10. Sami…..Sami is kind of immature, judgmental, hypocritical, and not very bright sometimes (who genuinely doesn’t realize that country clubs are a real thing at the age of 25? Like actually?).

    She made some VERY big mistakes and didn’t really grovel or even apologize. She acknowledged that she owned him apologies, but we never saw it happen. So was on the fence about her poor attitude and behavior from the start, but the breakfast meltdown really nailed the coffin shut. She didn’t redeem herself from that. Josh deserved way better. It shouldn’t have taken a big gesture FROM HIM in order for her to acknowledge that she owed him an apology. She should’ve been so sorry way before that. Very disappointing for an adult woman to behave that way. I wanted to yell at her to GROW UP many times over.

    Josh was great, patient, kind, smart, all the things.

    I’ll read the next ones, but man I hope the other women are more mature.

    Also, the stereotyping about lawyers was very off-putting. It’s 2023. Can we stop judging people entirely off of their job title yet? Lawyers are not inherently selfish and bad people. They don’t deserve this crap from a romance novelist in 2023.

    Overall, very “meh”. Not super mad I read it, but will make an attempt to forget it in the next few days.
    12 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 18, 2024
    I loved this sweet romantic comedy about fighting for your dreams and falling in love all at the same time. I'm excited to see who gets paired up next!
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 19, 2023
    Sami and her three friends form college live together in a condo. When someone new moves in next door they watch the furniture being unloaded and decide who is moving in. They were pretty accurate. The neighbor next door facilitates and introduction and he is instantly make a part of the friends in to complex. You have to love the elderly neighbor! When Sami's friend bets her she can find the perfect man for her Sami take the bet because she has no intention of finding a man. She is too busy to date. She is a nurse supervisor at a nursing home and in secret if the lead singer for a band. Josh is a lawyer working in his family's firm. With is work schedule he has no interest in dating.

    Josh is the perfect book boyfriend. Waiting patiently for Sami to be ready to date and overcoming the obstacles she places in the way. Sami and Josh are both dealing with situations from the past but as they learn what it is that they really want and go after it things come together for them. There is also the family issues they are both dealing with.

    Well written with interesting characters a good plot and a fantastic ending.

Top reviews from other countries

  • Bia
    5.0 out of 5 stars THIIIS BOOK!!! 🤍🤘🏻
    Reviewed in Brazil on May 6, 2024
    I had been putting off reading this book series for so long, but now I'm wondering why I waited so long. Yet, things happen at the right time. There couldn't have been a better moment to relieve so much stress and anxiety with such a light and fun read like this one!
    I loved every second spent with Sami and Josh; they are both wonderful, so easy to root for.
    Melanie once again delivers great characters who know what they want and are true to their feelings but have no pride in changing them if the process of deconstruction demands it. I'm so excited to continue the series! 🥰
  • Rhonda Cattani
    5.0 out of 5 stars Betting to win!!
    Reviewed in Canada on January 25, 2024
    So. So. So. Good!!
    I am not often surprised. But I was with this one. And the twists and turns didn’t make me motion sick, or frustrated, so that is also a huge win!!
    Full “rock on” fingers for this one.
  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars This was a good one.
    Reviewed in Australia on August 31, 2024
    So good! Definitely had a few breaks along the way to go hang out on the balcpny and make some good bacon, listen to some Paramore, City and Colour and even Fall Out Boy...
  • Christina
    4.0 out of 5 stars hit that sweet spot for me
    Reviewed in Canada on March 7, 2023
    Melanie Jacobson is quickly becoming one of my go to authors. Her books just hit that sweet spot for me, clean romance with a lot of tension and a bit of sizzle and enough real world drama to keep me hooked. This one started out a bit slow but honestly that is likely a reader problem as I was trying to keep all of the characters straight. I’ve read several of her other books and especially loved the Creekville Kisses series but Betting on the Boy Next Door is the first of a brand new series, which means a whole new set of characters to get to know.

    Sami is a mid twenties firecracker of a woman who shares a condo with her 3 best friends. She works as a nurse but her true passion is rock music, something she is secretly pursuing without letting her roommates know. She recently went through a bad break up and has found channeling her feelings through her lyrics and the music is helping her cope with how that relationship had made her feel.

    One day her roommate Ruby gets the idea to play matchmaker after a new guy moves in next door. Sami really doesn’t have the time or energy to be dating but she is not one to back down from a bet. However between her busy schedule and the fact this guy – Josh Brower – is just another stuck up suit who comes from old money she figures there is no harm as he is everything she doesn’t want. Only Sami didn’t factor in that maybe just as she is hiding her secret rock’n’roll persona Josh may not be who he appears. Soon we are thrown into a fun fake dating, real feelings rollercoaster and I loved every minute.

    This was another wonderful book by Melanie Jacobson, it took a little while to sort through the different characters back stories but once I got that straight I couldn’t put this book down. I loved Sami from the start. He life hasn’t been the easiest, she has had to work hard to get to where she is. Having gone through a relationship that left her blindsided and questioning herself she knows what she wants in a man and more importantly what she doesn’t. Right from the start she lets Josh know where she stands and she isn’t willing to compromise her values. Josh is a complete sweetheart. He is a buttoned lawyer who doesn’t quit till the job is done. He has made mistakes and has been working hard to prove himself to his father and the partners at the firm. When he accidentally discovers Sami’s secret he unlocks a part of himself he had tucked away. I loved how he was so patient with Sami and respected her boundaries and slowly chipped away at the walls she had build to protect herself from getting hurt again. Along with seeing the relationship between Sami and Josh I also loved seeing their relationship with their grandparents (spoiler alert – they were my favourite side characters).
  • Eisha
    3.0 out of 5 stars A fluffy read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 3, 2024
    This was my first Melanie Jacobson book and most definitely won't be my last. Such a fun and fluffy read. This storyline is not my cup of tea ordinarily but I'm so glad I took a chance on this book. Cannot wait to read the others in the series!

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