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Bet Me

by Jennifer Crusie (Goodreads Author)

3.94 of 5 stars 3.94 · rating details · 34,519 ratings · 1,727 reviews

Minerva Dobbs knows all about risk management, which is why it's such a shock when David, her extremely logical choice for a boyfriend, dumps her three weeks before her perfect sister's wedding: David was not supposed to be a wild card. So when Min overhears David make a bet with his old nemesis--the gorgeous and successful Calvin Morrisey--that Cal can't get Min into bed...more

Kindle Edition, 432 pages

Published February 20th 2004 by St Martins Press (first published January 1st 2004)

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Feb 08, 2013 Lady Heather rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: contemporary romance, humor

Recommended to Lady Heather by: Duchess Nicole

Shelves: adult, chick-lit, contemporary, contemporary-romance, fiction, humor, kindle, kindle_own_tbr, my-virgin-read-of-this-author, older-romance-books, romance, jennifer-cruise, favorites, kick-ass-female-leads, released-in-2004, when-food-is-erotic

WOW!
Great story!
Excellent writing!
Amazing Characters!

Min..

Great decision!

Cal...

We KNOW you didn't make the bet

so..

.. in the end

it made me want to eat LOTS, AND LOTS of Krispy Kreme donuts!.. *sigh*

26 likes · like · see review

May 02, 2011 Sangria rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, i-own-on-kindle-3

Such a Treat!

This is my first Jen Crusie book and I can’t believe how long I’ve deprived myself from reading this book that I’ve had in my possession for months.

I’m not going to give you a book summary of what the book is about – you can read it when you pull the book up in Goodreads. But let me tell you this, I don’t read a lot of chic-lit books because they tend to fail to keep me interested, but this book surprised me. Not only did it keep hold my attention, but it kept me smiling and laughi...more

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Jan 28, 2008 Samantha rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

God bless Chick-lit. Especially Chick-lit that's happy and filled with sexual tension and innuendo!

Here's the story: Min Dobbs (yes, horrible name, but it illustrates how 'plain' she sees herself) gets dumped in the opening sentences by David, who then meets up with God's gift to women, Cal Morrisey and bets him that Cal can't bed Min in a month (because David couldn't in two). At the exact same moment, Min and her girlfriends are checking out Cal and daring Min to go over to him. She does and o...more God bless Chick-lit. Especially Chick-lit that's happy and filled with sexual tension and innuendo!

Here's the story: Min Dobbs (yes, horrible name, but it illustrates how 'plain' she sees herself) gets dumped in the opening sentences by David, who then meets up with God's gift to women, Cal Morrisey and bets him that Cal can't bed Min in a month (because David couldn't in two). At the exact same moment, Min and her girlfriends are checking out Cal and daring Min to go over to him. She does and overhears the bet, with one slight misunderstanding and the game begins.

It's full of little heart-stopping girly-girl fantasy love life moments, from both main characters, and naturally several $10 bets. And, of course, the uncaring, mean spirited, unattentive-to-what-their-child-really-needs/wants parents who jump in
now and then, creating doubt about what seems too good to be true. All of the characters were interesting, and those that wouldn't be were for the most part ignored (the immediately in love friends, Min's father and likely secretary/lover) and a few curve balls were sent (like when the domineering best friend who knows the secret to all beastly men NOT hooking up with the constantly-looking good-natured lesbian bartender).

Just about everybody had a theory for love -- Chaos theory, the Fairy Tale -- but the one that was
my favorite, the one I thought I should have copied down, was Cynthie's theory. She said there were four stages of love:

1. Assumption: subconcious cues that the person you're with is someone you assume you'd be attracted to
2. Attraction: looking to see if the person you're with is appropriate for you. This phase is chockfull of various clues, like copulatory gazes, accepted touches, mirroring each other's moves, etc.
3. Infatuation: attraction reinforced with joy and or pain leads to infatuation, in which you make a connection and attach to each other
4. Mature, Unconditional Love: the final stage; nothing can separate you now

Like I said: happy Chick-lit. Made me giggle more than once, made my heart stop in anticipation and envy, and left me with a smile on my face every time I stopped the disc.

My one major complaint about this book (which may not be a problem for people who read the actual book rather than listen,
cause I'm sure it wouldn't have bothered me then): SAID

It seemed as though Jennifer Cruise (pronounced "cruise-y, by the way) had never read a thesaurus for alternative choices for "said". And it popped up almost every sentence. "Blah blah blah," Min said. "Yadda yadda yaadaaa," Cal said. Et cetera et cetera...That's the only time the book annoyed me or made me roll my eyes. One other item that has kept me from reading more by Cruise was her fascination with specific food items/meals, in this case Krispy Kreme donuts and Chicken Marsala.(less)

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May 05, 2013 Mo rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Until recently, this was not available on KINDLE in Europe and I really wanted to read it so what's a girl to do - had to order the paperback. Loved it. No sooner had I the paperback than it became available on KINDLE in Europe. What's a girl to do? Download it and read it again ... Great, great story.

14 likes · like · see review

Jul 28, 2011 D.G. rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary-romance, audiobook, reviewed

After reading this, I don’t think I’ll eat Chicken Marsala ever again.

The heroine of this book ate Chicken Marsala in two different restaurants, twice for takeout, at a wedding, at a dinner with her friends and cooked it 4 times with different levels of success. I don’t know if there’s anything more boring than a person who never tries anything new (if I’d been the hero, I’d have stopped dating her just because of this.)

I enjoyed the first part of the book – the humor was not over the top and...more After reading this, I don’t think I’ll eat Chicken Marsala ever again.

The heroine of this book ate Chicken Marsala in two different restaurants, twice for takeout, at a wedding, at a dinner with her friends and cooked it 4 times with different levels of success. I don’t know if there’s anything more boring than a person who never tries anything new (if I’d been the hero, I’d have stopped dating her just because of this.)

I enjoyed the first part of the book – the humor was not over the top and the plot was wacky but not creepy. Then as the book progressed, I found two of my big pet peeves: adults that don’t confront their parents when they’re out of line and the demonizing of men. You see, I had a mother like Min’s so I totally understand what it is to live with constant criticism regarding my figure. But when I was in my 20s, I had a very firm chat with my Mom about it and told her I wouldn’t tolerate that behavior. Did my Mother stop completely? Of course not, but at least now it’s manageable and not humiliating like it used to be. And that’s why I cannot respect Min who at 33-years old, should not let her mother choose her hairdo, her clothes or the food she eats.

I HATED how Cal was demonized because he dated a lot. He was so nice and thoughtful that women fell in love with him in droves and when he realized they were more serious than him, he would break up with them. The bastard! Doesn’t he know that once a woman falls in love with him, he owes her a ring no matter his feelings? He made them fall in love! It’s his fault! Because you know, women are little girls that cannot take responsibility for their own feelings and must get every man they want. **Throwing up now**

Then the ending was so saccharine, I don’t think I’ll eat anything sweet for a month.

The narration was good but I don’t think that Cal’s voice was distinctive enough. But what makes this narration really irritating is the author’s writing style. Almost every line of dialogue ends in ‘he said’ or ‘she said’ so after a while, I wanted to shoot myself. I had to speed up this book a lot, just to see if I could stop hearing ‘so and so said’ after every sentence.

Because I liked the humor, I was thinking that I should give this author another shot, but then I thought that for the first time ever, an author has put me off food. If nothing else, that’s my clue that I should never read anything by this author again. She's liable to make me swear off bread or chocolate and THAT I couldn't stand.(less)

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Jul 25, 2011 Lady Valee rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: cont-romance

It was a sweet story, but more chick lit than contemporary romance. While I admit there are some moments when it's nice to read a light funny read, I must say they are not my favorites. In this type of reads I just feel like something's missing. I had a nice time reading this book but it didn't make an impression on me, I could have go on with my life just fine without having read it.

Maybe my main problem was that I never connected with the heroine. I usually like them strong, with a bad ass at...more

9 likes · like · see review

Apr 22, 2011 Autumn rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: chick-lit, contemp-romance, library-rentals

As i was reading this book i was trying to place a proper "feeling" to it,because even though it was a romantic comedy it deals with a lot of current issues woman struggle with in our society.

So, i will say what worked for me.

- I was very pleased with the premise of the book.that is to say i loved that it was based on typical characters that you can relate with. I liked the way Crusie developed Min with her self stem issues, and the way they fitted in the story. She didnt try to change her, or...more As i was reading this book i was trying to place a proper "feeling" to it,because even though it was a romantic comedy it deals with a lot of current issues woman struggle with in our society.

So, i will say what worked for me.

- I was very pleased with the premise of the book.that is to say i loved that it was based on typical characters that you can relate with. I liked the way Crusie developed Min with her self stem issues, and the way they fitted in the story. She didnt try to change her, or do a make-over.. she needed to accept her self the way she was. I also liked her way of thinking, which balanced the other two friends .. Min was realistic if not perhaps a little sarcastic (which i particularly enjoyed) she saw life in a very practical way. The hero Calvin. I loved him!! he was flawed? yes.. womanizer by default?: perhaps.. emotionally dysfunctional?:definitely! But Cruise gave an excellent sneak peak for the root of his behavior and short comings. So i just loved him through the story!!

- the camaraderie,between friends, the sincerity of the issues at hand ( dealing with self stem issues,both physically and emotionally from the all the characters)

- Calvin`s refreshing honesty towards Min!! the bluntness yet caring way he spoke his mind. and the way Min didn't fought it,but rather made fun of it.

- the dialog was fantastic!! so many punch lines, humorous remarks made this book a fun read!

Now, the things that didnt click IMO:

- It kept screaming chick flick movie all the time because it had such funny dialog but such mild steam or romance!! it was fun yes, but excuse my french ( it took 3/4`s down the book before they got laid!!) so that was a Meh for me. I wanted Min to work thru her issues with intimacy much earlier in the book..It could have added some depth to the story.

- sometimes it went far to unrealistic.. too hasty, it jumped from one event to another.. even though the book wasn't rushed i felt their emotions were.

- call me picky.. but im all about description.Well thats the pt of reading a book isnt it??I wanted to know how curvy Min was.. her height, dress size.. more detail... she was just "curvy" with curly hair.i love to make my own characters and dress them and the whole works,hence i need as many details as possible!! but she went too general for a character whose main issue was physical appearance.

- SHOES! all right my last one here.. but.. Plastic shoes fashionable?? maybe i need a graphic on that one,but the description of Min`s shoes were like children`s footwear. (ok blame it on my imagination) but,plastic fish, cherries and flowers attachments...was beyond me.. dunno why Calvin was worked up on that..but i will give it a break

so, i went a little too picky because the story itself was really good!! I will definitely recommend it to those who love romantic comedies!! (less)

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Dec 22, 2008 Jennifer rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2005, jennifer-crusie, romance

I really liked this one. The story focuses on Minerva Dobbs - and 33 year old overweight woman who just got dumped. While at the bar with girlfriends she overhears her jerk ex-boyfriend bet one of his friends (Calvin Morrisey - hunk alert!) that he can't take her home and do the horizontal tango. Minerva decides to screw with them both by stringing Calvin along. Her evil ex dumped her just before her sisters wedding so she figures this will be perfect - she can bring the hunky lap dog with her a...more

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Apr 01, 2010 Zeek rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites-all-time, contemp-rom, romance

Fantastic Contemporary Romance!

I've been wanting to read Bet Me for some time now after seeing all the good reviews- despite the fact I tried one or two other Cruise books awhile ago and wasn't all that hip to them. I liked them well enough but nothing really demanded she become an "autobuy" author. Bet Me might change that.

I thoroughly enjoyed this one!

Min Dobbs has everything a girl could want, good, stable job, close friends, who cares if she has less than ideal weight? And okay, in the men d...more Fantastic Contemporary Romance!

I've been wanting to read Bet Me for some time now after seeing all the good reviews- despite the fact I tried one or two other Cruise books awhile ago and wasn't all that hip to them. I liked them well enough but nothing really demanded she become an "autobuy" author. Bet Me might change that.

I thoroughly enjoyed this one!

Min Dobbs has everything a girl could want, good, stable job, close friends, who cares if she has less than ideal weight? And okay, in the men department, she's a bit lacking too.

The story starts off with Min being dumped by a less then perfect boyfriend, David. Immediately her friends try to help by getting her to hook up with the handsome man standing on the balcony- right next to recent dumpee boyfriend.

When Min decides to take on her friends challenge and meanders over to meet the admittedly attractive man, she freezes in horror when she overhears Dumpee Dave making a bet with sexy new man, Cal Morrissey, that he can't get Min to sleep with him in a months time.

More horrifying, Cal promptly follows Min after she returns to her girls. Because she wants a date for her sister's wedding in 3 weeks, she decides to take him up on his offer for dinner- figuring she'll play the bet against him.

One problem. Cal's not a bad guy. He's smart and more down to earth then Dumpee Dave ever was. And yep, she falls for him- hook, line (well, maybe not every line) and sinker.

Cruise does a fantastic job of characterization and dialogue and I couldn't put this one down. I really loved Min and Cal, especially Min and Cal together. The side characters were just as much fun and I wonder if Min's friend Liza is going to get her own book eventually??

I think what I liked most is that her characters felt so real. Min and crew could be any one of us modern girls trying to make their way in shark-infested waters. Cruise also plays around with our desire for Happily Ever Afters and how that struggles against the fact that those are hard to come by now-a-days.

It's a fun, fast read and I recommend it to anyone who hasn't read it yet- which is admittedly very few!

(less)

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Feb 29, 2012 Anyta Sunday rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

3.5 - 4

This was a fun, light, romantic read. It certainly managed to crack a smile from me on a couple of occasions--and that when I wasn't in the best of moods!

What I loved about the book, is that I didn't (practically)feel guilty about eating as I was reading it. In fact, it almost went hand-in-hand. :P

This was my first Jennifer Crusie book and not my last.

Edit:

It is NOT my first Crusie book, LOL. I just realized I read another of hers a year or so back. But this one was better.

4 likes · like · see review

Jul 30, 2007 Wealhtheow rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I heard about Jenny Crusie through fandom_wank, and thence found myself at Arrgh Ink, her amusingly written blog about writing. Her blog was so funny that I randomly chose one of her novels and read it. Bet Me is not as funny as her blog, but it does have its moments. The plot is thin, the characters are cardboard cutouts, and the ending is as preordained as it gets. Nevertheless, Julian and I both finished it, so it can’t be that bad.

3 likes · like · see review

Mar 25, 2013 Jen rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary-romance

Oh, Christ, I gave her a feral cat

I adore this book and I'm currently on my 58th reread, approximately. Any book that can rouse my hunger for both chicken marsala and serious shoe shopping at the same time is a winner.

3 likes · like · see review

Jul 02, 2011 Tori rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: anyone who loves an honest to goodness romance.

Shelves: jennifer-crusie, my-favorite-books

Probably one of my favorite Jennifer Crusie books. This book is a romance for romance sake and I love the little references like the shoes (cinderella).

6 likes · like · see review

Jun 18, 2012 JG (The Introverted Reader) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: audio, chick_lit, fiction, 4_stars, author_american, just_plain_fun, read_in_2012, reviewed, setting_us

Minerva Dobbs is a sensible girl. She's an actuary, the man she's dating is a sensible choice, and her clothes are sensible and "slimming." But then there are her shoes. Her shoes hint at the real Min. Her shoes are fun, frivolous concoctions.

One night, Min meets Calvin Morrissey in a bar. As she's heading over to introduce herself to him, she hears her just-minutes-ago-turned-ex-boyfriend make a bet with him that Cal can't get her into bed within a month. Ouch. >_< That one stings a littl...more

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Dec 09, 2011 Mary rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance, e-book, my-fav, chicklit

It's my first Crusie's book I read, and I'm glad it's a good choice to start.

I adored chicklit genre couple years ago before my current YA favourit choice of readings.
Reading this book reminds me what I missed from a book that mainly YA genre fail to fulfilled. The maturity, the uncertainty, the freedom, the fear and the power of being a single and happy female. I love and very much enjoy reading Bet Me, I don't want this book to be finished when I achieved The End on the last page of the book....more It's my first Crusie's book I read, and I'm glad it's a good choice to start.

I adored chicklit genre couple years ago before my current YA favourit choice of readings.
Reading this book reminds me what I missed from a book that mainly YA genre fail to fulfilled. The maturity, the uncertainty, the freedom, the fear and the power of being a single and happy female. I love and very much enjoy reading Bet Me, I don't want this book to be finished when I achieved The End on the last page of the book.

How can you resist falling in love with a man who adores you for what you are? With her plain face, round body, awful taste of fashion but great collection of shoes, Min knows she's not a goddess. While for 30 years her mother stamped her as a plain fat duckling and her ex-boyfriend always pointed on her weight, Cal made her feel sexy and beautiful. But with his commitment phobia, Min knows he isn't good for her.

Calvin Morrisey is every girls' secret dream, God's Gift to Women. Success, gorgeous, empathetic, amazing in bed and alergyc to relationship. But annoyingly he was distracted by Min, a chubby, average looking female his friend bet him to sleep with in a month. Despite his annoyance on Min's bitchiness and self consciousness, he adores the smart, kind and funny Min. His nephew is crazy for her, his lesbi next-door friend worship her, and he lust on her soft body, her deprave angelic face, her cute toes and fantatic choice of shoes.
Bad past experince made Min a man-hating bitch who never believe on a happily ever after stories, while Cal is a woman-fearing coward. When they fall for each other, both keep to fight the attractiveness and go separate way of each other, but several weird coincidents keep made them end up with each other anyway. So under Min's lack of trust to him, Cal insist to chase her. Would the bet destroyed their sweet relationship?

I like every characters in this book, I love the solid bonding on Min-Bonnie-Liza friendships, I love the light, fresh and even the bitchy dialogs in it, I adore the romance scene and the chemistry building between Cal and Min, I was cracking out loud everytime Cal or Min carelessly injured themself (literally) when they tried to oppose their feelings. Oh, and I really love Crusie's writing style. It's very fresh and entertaining.
I'm glad I found this book and willing to be recommended to other Crusie's lovely books.(less)

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Nov 17, 2010 Cheryl rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: borrowed, romance

This was my first book that I have read by Jennifer Crusie. It was entertaining and I laughed out loud several times, but it also drove me nuts at the same time! So, I give it 3 1/2 stars!

I typically love a book where the hero and heroine have a love/hate relationship. You know, where their bodies love one another, coming alive and sizzling at the touch of the other, and yet their minds hate one another, telling themselves that they do not want to be in a relationship with this person and making...more This was my first book that I have read by Jennifer Crusie. It was entertaining and I laughed out loud several times, but it also drove me nuts at the same time! So, I give it 3 1/2 stars!

I typically love a book where the hero and heroine have a love/hate relationship. You know, where their bodies love one another, coming alive and sizzling at the touch of the other, and yet their minds hate one another, telling themselves that they do not want to be in a relationship with this person and making up every excuse why they shouldn't be together. And in this book, the hero, Cal, and the heroine, Min, definitely have that type of relationship. Their bodies react when they are together but they are constantly telling themselves and each other that they don't want to be involved with each other. As a matter of fact, they tell one another "goodbye" and "have a nice life" several times. But fate has different plans for the two of them!

What I liked about the book: It was funny! I really did laugh out loud a lot. Cal and Min were constantly arguing and their banter was quite comical at times!

What I didn't like about the book: The amount of time it took for Cal and Min to see that they were meant to be together! It took just about the entire book and their denying one another was driving me crazy at that point! Also, Min was a fuller-figured girl, which I liked, but she was soooo concerned about what she ate all the time! About every other page had some type of mention of what type of food she shouldn't be eating- maybe it's that this hit a little too close to home, a little too much like reality for me to enjoy it! And then there just seemed to be too much conflict in the book; His parents were uptight and snobby, her parents fought all the time, and her mother was constantly on her about losing weight. And then there was the conflict of the ex's! Both Cal and Min's ex's were out to get them back and keep the two of them from getting together... it was just exhausting!

So overall, it was entertaining and I will definitely not give up on Jennifer Crusie- I can't wait to try another of her books!
(less)

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Jun 10, 2010 Jill Dunlop rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Minerva Dobb's boyfriend David has just broken up with her in a trendy local bar. The thing is Min is not really upset about it other than the fact that now she won't have a date to her sister's wedding. Min's two best friends Bonnie and Liza insist that Min needs a real man and scope out the bar for a potential candidate. Liza zeroes in on Cal Morrisey, a handsome man who exudes testosterone. Min usually avoids these type of men, but with Liza's insistence she heads over to him. When she gets c...more

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Apr 11, 2012 Carrie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary, read-2009, humorous, chick-lit, re-read, read-2011, manipulative-friends-family, audio, read-2012

I read this 2 years ago and loved it. I read it again over the weekend and still love it. The dialog is wonderful. Even the internal monologing is wonderful. I did find I was much less tolerant of Liza and Min's mother, Nanette. I've gotten to where I hate mean family members and interfering friends in romance novels. It's just not funny to me any more. Liza redeems herself when she decides to stop treating Min like a clueless adolescent, but I never liked the mother.

4/10/12
Listened to the audi...more I read this 2 years ago and loved it. I read it again over the weekend and still love it. The dialog is wonderful. Even the internal monologing is wonderful. I did find I was much less tolerant of Liza and Min's mother, Nanette. I've gotten to where I hate mean family members and interfering friends in romance novels. It's just not funny to me any more. Liza redeems herself when she decides to stop treating Min like a clueless adolescent, but I never liked the mother.

4/10/12
Listened to the audiobook narrated by Deanna Hurst. Hurst did an excellent job on the narration. Definitely a 4 to 5 star narration. She doesn't try to change her voice much for the male characters, but she manages to distinguish them very well.

*****Spoiler Alert*****
This was my third reading of Bet Me. The first and perhaps second time I read it, I was mostly caught up in the sometimes humorous, sometimes poignant story of plus-sized Min and emotionally damaged Cal trying to find their way to love. This time, I was most struck by the way Crusie showcases all the different couples in the book. Min and Cal get their HEA, as do Roger and Bonnie, but in very different ways. Both have the "fairy tale" but their fairy tales take different paths. We also see Tony and Liza, Diane and Greg, Cynthie and David, and to a lesser degree Shanna and the girl of the day, Nannette and George, Cal's parents (can't think of their names) and Reynolds and Bink. Crusie gives the readers sometimes opposing, sometimes complimentary explanations about how love works (Tony's chaos theory, Bonnie's fairy tale, Cynthie's "four levels" and Liza's cynicism). A psychologist (one who is more gifted than Cynthie at least) could have a field day speculating on Crusie's meaning in bumping all these couples (and views of relationships) up against each other and seeing what falls out.

This time around, my reaction to the story became more of pondering why some relationships work and how expectations impact outcome. The many characters in this book who aren't able to actually communicate with each other is also worth contemplating. The book is almost a primer on how many ways there are to NOT talk and NOT hear what others are saying. Through it all, even with their missteps and failings, Min and Cal get it right, seeing past outward appearances (both perfect and not-so-perfect) to see the worth of the person within.

Some characters, like Liza, irritate me, but I like the book even more for it's less than perfect people.(less)

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Dec 26, 2011 Bookgirl89 rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

i got ill reading this book, i like chick-lit but this was way toooooo much. the "i love you but you're the devil" and the "she got so dizzy looking in to his dark eyes" thing got on my nerves!!!!!!!!!

the word dizzy is used more than 90 times in this book.

its not bad but its not good, this is the kind of book to read when you have nothing else to do. nothing at all, nothing on TV, no good books, no one to call, its raining outside and you can go out, you also can't fall asleep or feel like eat...more

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Apr 13, 2011 Sarah rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: sarah-s-absolute-favorites, read-in-2009, re-reads, read-in-2011

OK, just gonna say it - I LOVE Bet me. This is probably my third or fourth time reading it.

Min Dobbs and Cal Morrisey meet as a result of a bet - her jerk of an ex-boyfriend bets him that he can't get Min to go to dinner with him. Cal always wins the bets he makes and sure enough they go to dinner. But dinner doesn't quite go as planned - Min doesn't respond to Cal's normal charming lines, and Cal accidentally elbows her in the face. After dinner they tell each other to have a nice life and go t...more OK, just gonna say it - I LOVE Bet me. This is probably my third or fourth time reading it.

Min Dobbs and Cal Morrisey meet as a result of a bet - her jerk of an ex-boyfriend bets him that he can't get Min to go to dinner with him. Cal always wins the bets he makes and sure enough they go to dinner. But dinner doesn't quite go as planned - Min doesn't respond to Cal's normal charming lines, and Cal accidentally elbows her in the face. After dinner they tell each other to have a nice life and go their separate ways. Fate however seems to keep throwing them together, and slowly but surely they develop an attraction, a friendship, and then a true love. This is the first romance book I ever read, and it's still my absolute favorite. In all fairness, it doesn't even seem to belong in the romance category - there's not a ton of sex, there's a great cast of characters, it's funny... it seems more like fiction to me. But anyways.

Min is a GREAT main character. She's self-conscious about her weight (she's kinda chubby), but she's also smart enough to know she doesn't deserve to be treated crappily. She's snarky and witty and has a sweet-side. And she has some great best friends - Liza is tall, skinny, and kind of shark-like; she likes change, and is a bit of pessimest. Bonnie is the exact opposite - a short blonde pixie-ish woman, who believes in fairy tales. I honestly wish I had a little group of friends this awesome.

Cal is also one of the best male characters I've seen in a romance. He has the whole dark & chiseled look going on, and he's been known to date and dump a lot of women (though cheating is not in his history, so he's not a man-slut). He's runs a business with her two best friends Roger and Tony, and he's a bit of a gambler but he's good at it. Not like casino gambling mind you, but he likes to make bets. He's a total softie on the inside, and had a lot more depth than Min initially gives him credit for. And he makes her feel sexy. His friends are awesome too - Roger is big and lovable and instantly has the hots for Bonnie. And Tony is a big manly-man who likes his life nice and uncomplicated. Again, a great little group.

Throw in some great shoes, interferring exes, kid's baseball, mangy cats, and lots of chicken marsala and voila! You've got Bet Me. And if my rambling hasn't convinced you how awesome this book is, know this: I got my boyfriend to read it, and even HE really liked it. He gave it 4 stars.(less)

6 likes · like · see review

Nov 13, 2009 Barbara M. rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: all-time-favorites

5 Stars...

What a fabulously outstanding hilarious read. The dialogue has to be just right for me to enjoy a book like this. There were more than one romance in the works, and a lot of characters interacting...but let me tell you...It was perfect!

This quirky and out of the Historical/Otherworldly genre box novel will have you laughing and pulling for this not so perfect girl.

Min is by today's standards chubby, therefore not like other ladies that grace the pages of our books. I'll be honest and a...more

11 likes · like · see review

Apr 06, 2009 Allison (The Allure of Books) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: chick-lit-and-contemporary, own-it, loved-it

If I had to chose a book to be my best friend, I'd choose this one. I have read it many times. If something horrible is going on in my life, you can bet that it won't be long before I pick up my (rather worn) copy of this. If I have a few unexpected days off (like say, during the recent snow storm)...this is the comfort read I'll be sinking into.

Jennifer Crusie's brand of humor is all her own. Every single character is infused with something that makes them feel so real - maybe that is why I lov...more If I had to chose a book to be my best friend, I'd choose this one. I have read it many times. If something horrible is going on in my life, you can bet that it won't be long before I pick up my (rather worn) copy of this. If I have a few unexpected days off (like say, during the recent snow storm)...this is the comfort read I'll be sinking into.

Jennifer Crusie's brand of humor is all her own. Every single character is infused with something that makes them feel so real - maybe that is why I love the book so much. The characters feel more and more real every single time I read the book. Kinda like Harry Potter - every time I pick it up I feel like I'm visiting family.

Minerva Dobbs is probably the number one character I would choose to be friends with IRL. We have so much in common - she really does remind me of me in so many ways. Which is good, because I wouldn't say no to a Cal if I happened to run into one...maybe she'll bring me luck. I also love the way that she and her two best friends are complete opposities to the point that their personalities clash - that is how it is with me and my friends. We're all so different, if we weren't friends...we wouldn't be friends. haha. I know that doesn't make sense, but I bet you know what I mean.

Even though a lot of the book is about Min and her "shortcomings" and her trying to come to terms with who she is versus what everyone else expects her to be...she is very confident. There is this great scene with Cal...they're in the park...and they start talking about Elvis only to discover that she is talking Presley and he is talking Costello. She says something like "Good thing this isn't a date, or we'd have a really awkward moment trying to come back from that one." That scene always sticks with me as an example of being comfortable with yourself and just taking things as they come.

It has been so long since I read this for the first time that I don't remember when, how or why I ended up with a copy...I just remember reading it three times in a row because I loved Min's story so much. So if you're a contemporary romance or chick-lit fan and you haven't read this...do so immediately. (less)

5 likes · like · see review

Aug 14, 2008 Kate rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction, favorite-books, chick-lit-women-s-lit, romance, books-i-own, humor, the-100-in-2007, books-read-2008, books-read-2009, 5-star-reads, books-read-2010

This is my ultimate guilty pleasure, beach book piece of fluff, and consequently I read it in its entirety while I was at the beach this weekend. Whenever I'm in the dumps, there are 2 books I pick up, and this piece of hardcover romantic comedy is one of them. When I broke my leg, I probably read it 5 times in those 3 months.

Bet Me is the story of Min Dobbs, insurance actuarial at large. She is "chubby" by her mother's standards, has a fetish for fun shoes, has lousy luck picking men, adores h...more

5 likes · like · see review

Oct 20, 2007 Nicole P rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I loved this book. This is the 4th book that I have read by this author and she really has a way with showing real life relationships, with all the flaws, perfections, and everything in between. The books that she writes are not your average romance novels, they are weird, and quirky, true to life kind of situations, no fluff!!
The main famale character, Minerva Dobbs (dumb name) who was a plus sized woman with a petite (overbearing, scutinizing) mother and sister. She worked as an actuary, had t...more

3 likes · like · see review

Jul 27, 2011 Brandy Painter rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: adult-fiction, contemporary-fiction, romance

This is a light romantic chick lit book, which is not a genre I read much of. However, I was looking for some brain candy one night and remembered how many people have recommended Jennifer Cruise and so I picked it up and was really surprised by how much I enjoyed it. It is predictable and follows the plot line of most romances but there was more depth to the characters than I have found in books of this genre I have tried out before.

2 likes · like · see review

Nov 13, 2011 Hannah rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary, romance, read-2011

What a charming novel! I enjoyed this entertaining novel immensely. I particularly loved the fact that Jennifer Crusie was willing to have a plump heroine and didn't try to qualify it by trying to define "plump" as, say, a size 6. Kudos to Crusie for writing about a normal-sized woman and making her sound sexy.

The development of Min's relationship with Cal is well-paced and extremely satisfying, in spite of the fact that there is very little sexual content. Some of the secondary characters are...more

1 like · like · see review

Feb 08, 2013 Kate rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance, morrisey-sighting

I was told this was the best gateway book to the romance genre. However, I am a ruiner.

The book was good, possibly even better than good.

I found it distracting to read a romance novel with a hot guy that shares a name (first and last) with my dad. Thank goodness he opted for a nickname!

I found it distracting that a food lover eats the same food every single day. I have nothing against chicken masala, hot dogs, and doughnuts - but come on! Sex things up with some rice pudding or puttanesca (whi...more

1 like · like · see review

Jun 02, 2012 Nadioz rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fav-contemp-romance

This is my 3rd chick-lit this month, that's because I keep reading good ones, so I can't help but try to find more and I was in need of a fast, funny and romantic read, and "Bet me" was perfect for that.
I didn't like the tone of the story at the beginning but after the 1st chapter I couldn't put it down, I can't read this type of books without likable leads and I loved Min and Cal right away, they're both smart, funny and complicated just like the story. Loved it.

1 like · like · see review

Dec 13, 2012 Stephanie Sun rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I cringed while reading this so many times, not because I could relate to the characters, but because of the writing.

Crusie seems to think that falling in love, for a guy, means looking at the girl's boobs a lot.

That was the general level of subtlety throughout the book.

I can kind of see why it's so loved--there are flashes of wit and irony here and there, and even poetry, but this is no Annie Hall.

1 like · like · see review

Sep 17, 2011 April rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: own, romance, highly-recommended

It all starts with a bet. Actually, back that up, Bet Me by Jennifer Cruise starts with Minerva Dobbs getting dumped by a douchbag named David. Minerva believes fairy tales are not for her, and at this point believes there are no good men left in the world. After overhearing a bet between her ex David and Calvin Morrisey, who is a ladykiller, Minerva agrees to a dinner date with Calvin if only to get back at David, figuring why not have a bit of fun with this pants melting male specimen.

Read the ...more

1 like · like · see review

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Discuss This Book

topics	posts	views	last activity
Who would your Min be IRL?	4	35	May 16, 2013 02:27am
Large / rubenesque heroines	8	100	Apr 15, 2013 02:14pm
Who would Cal be IRL?	26	140	Apr 05, 2013 10:12pm
Are books like Bet Me ruining my future love life	23	197	Nov 29, 2012 07:09am
Great book!	9	68	Jul 08, 2012 03:00pm
What do you think about it?	60	198	Apr 27, 2012 01:12pm

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About Jennifer Crusie

Jenny Crusie is the NYT bestselling author of twenty some novels and lots of other stuff. Her latest novel, Maybe This Time, hit shelves in August, 2010.

Jenny lives on the Ohio River where she often stares at the ceiling and counts her blessings.

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Trivia About Bet Me

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Quotes from Bet Me

“Nobody in my life has ever known me the way you do. Nobody in my life has ever made me feel as good as you do. You know me, you know everything about me, and when you leave me, you're going to be leaving the real me, the me nobody else has ever seen, that's who you're going to be rejecting.” — 177 people liked it

“I'm Min's fairy godmother, Charm Boy,' Liza said, frowning down at him. 'And if you don't give her a happily ever after, I'm going to come back and beat you to death with a snow globe.'

What happened to "bibbity bobbity boo"?' Cal asked Min.

That was Disney, honey,' Min said. 'It wasn't a documentary.” — 149 people liked it

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