Review: Betting on the Boy Next Door by Melanie Jacobson

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

I’m a nurse who wants to be a rock star—a secret I don’t even tell my best friends and roommates. So when one of them—Ruby—gets it into her head to find me a man, I can’t explain why I don’t have time for her matchmaking. Ruby turns it into a bet to make sure I go along with it. I say yes, but won’t matter. My ex taught me the most important thing about men: you can’t count on them.

When Ruby picks the worst possible guy for me, I know I’ve got this in the bag. Sure, our brand-new neighbor, Josh, is hot, but he’s the privileged scion of an Austin family whose money is so old, it’s dusty. Been there, done that, and I’m not going back.

The thing is, Josh isn't easy to shake, especially not after he discovers my secret double-life. With the help of a fake dating scheme, a cursing parrot, and our late-night balcony talks, I’m starting to think he’s a risk worth taking—even when all the evidence says I better run.

My Review

What a fun book! I love Sami's rock star persona and the release she finds there creatively and emotionally. Poor Josh doesn't stand a chance since he has the same privileged upbringing as Sami's ex who inspired her angry-girl-rock lyrics. I loved his humility and determination to pursue her in long-game style, waiting for her to be ready for him, all while showing her how he can bet here for her in the ways that are most meaningful to her. Sami and Josh both have their emotional baggage, and they help each other slowly unpack it and let go during their lovely friendship and rocky romance full of chemistry and frustrating tension. I just gotta say, the scene with the snake Josh is baby-sitting is one of my favorites this year! Fans of rom-coms with depth won't want to miss this book!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.