Review: Betting on the Brainiac by Melanie Jacobson

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

About the Book

I have twenty million reasons to marry the nerdiest coder in Austin for a year…

When my roommate’s friend needs a place to work on his software startup, I’m happy to let him use the daytime hours to work in my night club. The guy is harmless--super sweet, a little nerdy. He might even be cute if not for his hoodie habit and the fact that he thinks I’m a party girl airhead.

But then he hears an explosive fight between my father and me, and all my family secrets come tumbling out--including the truth about our wealth and the inheritance I won’t get until I’m married. I know: welcome to the eighteenth century.

At first, I’m mortified. But then Oliver comes up with a plan to benefit us both. Unlock my enormous inheritance, right my parents’ wrongs, make my business dreams a reality, and save his company.

We just have to get married.

It’s a perfect plan. Until it turns out nerdy Oliver has charm, moves, and serious abs. When a kiss changes everything and blurs the boundaries in our marriage of convenience, can I trust his feelings? Or am I walking into a multimillion dollar trap?

USA Today bestselling author Melanie Jacobson delivers in this closed door/just kisses marriage of convenience romcom. It’s all swoon, no spice. Perfect for fans of Jenny Proctor banter, Emma St. Clair shenanigans, and Courtney Walsh heart.


My Review

Wow, talk about romantic tension! I loved the chemistry between Oliver and Madi as their seemingly simple relationship becomes more complicated with each page turn. They slowly discover things about each other as their proximity at the club and with friends reveals aspects that are hidden under first impressions. I love that they bond over rescued kittens, have a secret masquerade kiss that leaves Madi reeling- and guessing, and there is so much fun quirkiness like the 7-11 themed wedding of convenience. Madi's relationship with her family is dysfunctional, and I loved seeing how the dynamic with her sister shifted throughout the story. Oliver is just too good to be true, and he was such a sweetheart with his own struggles and desires. The roommates are in full force, especially Ruby the Matchmaker, and I enjoy the way they support each other and their variety of personalities.

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.

The Betting on Love series . . .