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A Series About Fate #1
Betting on Fate
Best friends make bets all the time. But when the stakes involve taking your neighbor’s virginity, it’s never a good idea. Especially when he turns out to be your soul mate.
Charlotte Bowman thought all teenage boys were alike. She had been warned all her life that they were only interested in one thing. Then along came Ryan Taylor, her long lost neighbor. After a terrible car accident claimed his father’s life and seriously injured his mother, Ryan was forced to leave the prestigious Abbott Hall Academy in London and return home to South Carolina. His only intentions were to help his mother with her rehabilitation and take care of his out-of-control younger brother.
Though Charlotte hadn't talked to Ryan at all during the last six years, and had scarcely spoken with him since he returned home, she couldn't deny that there was a little chemistry there. On a whim she made a bet with her best friend, Olivia, that she could have sex with Ryan even though it was rumored that he was saving himself for marriage. Being a virgin herself, Charlotte quickly discovered she lacked the finesse needed to seal the deal. She ultimately finds herself stuck in a high stakes
poker game where she’s about to lose much more than a bet.
Charlotte Bowman thought all teenage boys were alike. She had been warned all her life that they were only interested in one thing. Then along came Ryan Taylor, her long lost neighbor. After a terrible car accident claimed his father’s life and seriously injured his mother, Ryan was forced to leave the prestigious Abbott Hall Academy in London and return home to South Carolina. His only intentions were to help his mother with her rehabilitation and take care of his out-of-control younger brother.
Though Charlotte hadn't talked to Ryan at all during the last six years, and had scarcely spoken with him since he returned home, she couldn't deny that there was a little chemistry there. On a whim she made a bet with her best friend, Olivia, that she could have sex with Ryan even though it was rumored that he was saving himself for marriage. Being a virgin herself, Charlotte quickly discovered she lacked the finesse needed to seal the deal. She ultimately finds herself stuck in a high stakes
poker game where she’s about to lose much more than a bet.
- GenresYoung AdultNew Adult
338 pages, Paperback
First published February 5, 2013
1 person is currently reading
893 people want to read
About the author
Joy Casey
2 books15 followersMy roots are in Lake Charles, Louisiana, but I have since called several locations home (dipping my toes in both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans). I have a need to create, and dabble in jewelry, photography, hair, graphic design and whatever else I can get my hands on. Other passions include a healthy super ball collection, God, coffee, candy, sushi, koi fish, tattoos, and my family.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 26, 2013
My dear Charlotte doesn't know how good she has it. I absolutely love this book. The ending was fantastic and I am dying for some more of Mr. Tuck, the rock star.
All good girls mentally venture into the unknown, but Charlotte's impulsive hot-heated self almosts takes her down roads she has no business being on. Lucky for her, Batman is there.
Uh, uh! You will just have to read it to find out.
Best part of the book...I can't tell you. (But there is a stage involved.)
Too many swoon-worthy patrs to name, but in conclusion....this is going on my fav list.
And I can recommend this to my teens I teach. Great job Joy and Wendy on achieving awesomeness.
All good girls mentally venture into the unknown, but Charlotte's impulsive hot-heated self almosts takes her down roads she has no business being on. Lucky for her, Batman is there.
Uh, uh! You will just have to read it to find out.
Best part of the book...I can't tell you. (But there is a stage involved.)
Too many swoon-worthy patrs to name, but in conclusion....this is going on my fav list.
And I can recommend this to my teens I teach. Great job Joy and Wendy on achieving awesomeness.
May 7, 2013
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!! Where is my Ryan Taylor? This book has it all love, drama, comedy, romance. I loved the plot and the characters. I felt like I really knew them and knew their emotions and felt what they were going through.
Fate brought Ryan back in to Charlotte's life but a bet between her and her best friend brought them together. When Charlotte and Liv made the bet on a whim she had no idea how important Ryan would become to her.
Ryan had returned from a private school in London after a tragic accident to help take care of his family. His only goal was to make their lives easier and get through senior year. Reconnecting with his neighbor since he was a child (Charlotte) seemed to make being back home a little easier.
The way the feel about each other and their chemistry made me melt. I literally LOVED this book and don't want to give anything away so just let me say the twists and turns are fabulous and I can't wait for book two!!!! Definitely going on my favorites list.
Fate brought Ryan back in to Charlotte's life but a bet between her and her best friend brought them together. When Charlotte and Liv made the bet on a whim she had no idea how important Ryan would become to her.
Ryan had returned from a private school in London after a tragic accident to help take care of his family. His only goal was to make their lives easier and get through senior year. Reconnecting with his neighbor since he was a child (Charlotte) seemed to make being back home a little easier.
The way the feel about each other and their chemistry made me melt. I literally LOVED this book and don't want to give anything away so just let me say the twists and turns are fabulous and I can't wait for book two!!!! Definitely going on my favorites list.
February 17, 2013
Though its in the young adult category, this is a great read for 'grown ups' too. Its fast paced and the central characters are well developed. It was hard to put down and I found myself talking out loud to the book (which is something I rarely do). I'm anxious to see where the rest of this series goes.
April 30, 2013
This was fun and not what I expected. I was curious how she would handle the whole "remain a virgin" topic in this world of quick self gratification and not come off as a religious zealot. Although sex is a topic best addressed privately, this was well done. No graphic thoughts or actions, No preaching, but by the sub-stories conclusion, a message is given. I wish more girls would demand boys have self control instead of excusing bad behavior as "uncontrollable" animal instinct. What an insult to all men. Real men, who really care about you and respect you, are putty in your hands and will do what ever you say... so say NO. I wish more boys would wake up and refused to be insulted by this attitude that they are less than capable of being men and not beasts. If reality is not your cup of tea, skip this book. If you want to know what the world is teaching kids today and be forearmed, this will do it... And maybe open an opportunity to discuss serious maters with your kids. The criminal side story is vague and unsatisfying in conclusion. The richy rich perfect guy next door, while sweet and dreamy, is not even close to reality but absolutely the kind of hero we all dream about. Good job dealing with a tough subject in a fun, hold your interest, clean story. Thanks for the good read!
May 8, 2013
This book was absolutely fabulous! It kept my attention the entire way through. The characters are well developed and you begin to feel as if you really know them. The story has plenty of twists and turns and the connection between Charlotte and Ryan in undeniable. Definitely recommend!!
October 5, 2013
3.5 STARS
Cover: 7/10
Plot: First love and the final year of school.
Writing style: 10/10
Heroine: 6/10
Hero: 9/10
Humour: 3/10
Jealousy: 3/10
Hotness: 0/10
Action: 3/10
Romance: 8/10
Ending: 8/10
Extra book Details: HEA. Part of a series – different leads (I'm assuming) in each.
Overall: Lovely YA, without a major plot or a ton of angst.
I totally got hooked to Ms Casey and Ms Gray's writing style. It was so clear, informative and just lovely to read. It was written very realistically. You don't feel as if you need to rush it to get to the big bits, it was a smooth and enjoyable ride.
Blurb: After his father dies and his mother is injured in a car crash, 17 year old entrepreneur Ryan leaves his All boys London Boarding School after several years, to be there for his family, and mostly his 15 year old brother.
Charlotte is shocked to see the kind of man her next door neighbour, Ryan has grown in to. He's stunning, sweet and clever. After hearing school gossip about Ryan saving his virginity, Charlotte's best friend, Liv, makes a bet with her. If Charlotte's can get Ryan to give up his virtue by Thanksgiving, Charlotte gets Liv's winning a ticket for a date with a rockstar, but if she loses she'll have to give up her Apple Mac. But Charlotte had no idea how important Ryan would become to her.
Ryan is incredibly wonderful, he has a lot on his plate, but is terribly mature about it all, he's not tortured and always knows the right thing to do. Charlotte though, she's a learn by your mistakes kind of girl, smart, pretty and sweet, but never sure what the right thing to do is.
The book brought up many teen issues, and had lots of underlying messages in it. Probably doesn't have enough drama or intrigue in it for most. But it's a great read for a 14-19 year old girl or a lover of sweet YA and first love.
Cover: 7/10
Plot: First love and the final year of school.
Writing style: 10/10
Heroine: 6/10
Hero: 9/10
Humour: 3/10
Jealousy: 3/10
Hotness: 0/10
Action: 3/10
Romance: 8/10
Ending: 8/10
Extra book Details: HEA. Part of a series – different leads (I'm assuming) in each.
Overall: Lovely YA, without a major plot or a ton of angst.
I totally got hooked to Ms Casey and Ms Gray's writing style. It was so clear, informative and just lovely to read. It was written very realistically. You don't feel as if you need to rush it to get to the big bits, it was a smooth and enjoyable ride.
Blurb: After his father dies and his mother is injured in a car crash, 17 year old entrepreneur Ryan leaves his All boys London Boarding School after several years, to be there for his family, and mostly his 15 year old brother.
Charlotte is shocked to see the kind of man her next door neighbour, Ryan has grown in to. He's stunning, sweet and clever. After hearing school gossip about Ryan saving his virginity, Charlotte's best friend, Liv, makes a bet with her. If Charlotte's can get Ryan to give up his virtue by Thanksgiving, Charlotte gets Liv's winning a ticket for a date with a rockstar, but if she loses she'll have to give up her Apple Mac. But Charlotte had no idea how important Ryan would become to her.
Ryan is incredibly wonderful, he has a lot on his plate, but is terribly mature about it all, he's not tortured and always knows the right thing to do. Charlotte though, she's a learn by your mistakes kind of girl, smart, pretty and sweet, but never sure what the right thing to do is.
The book brought up many teen issues, and had lots of underlying messages in it. Probably doesn't have enough drama or intrigue in it for most. But it's a great read for a 14-19 year old girl or a lover of sweet YA and first love.
July 6, 2013
This book is absolutely phenomenal! I seriously recommend reading it, because I know the minute you start reading the first page you will not be able to put it down. I actually started reading the book late at night, and I read throughout the whole night. It is truly that good. Betting on Fate is the type of book where once you start reading it, you look to see just how many pages you have left. Not in a "Oh my God, when is this going to end." situation, but instead you will find yourself looking and feeling sad that you are that much closer to the end.
I fell hopelessly in love with Charlie, Liv, and Ryan. Their characters build throughout the book, and I started to actually feel for them. Around the middle of the book, you will know which part I am talking about when you read the story, I started to cry because of the events that went down. The story was just so realistic!
If hearing me talk about the book above does not sell you on reading it, then I am sorry to say that you are truly missing out. Ryan is a handsome guy that does practically everything imaginable. He is truly the guy that every girl dreams about. Charlie is "average", although I would totally disagree because I am average, and I am NOTHING like her. She is beautiful, kind, and smart. Liv is Charlie's best friend who is optimistic, and she has a bold personality that would make any person envy her. This is a must read story, and I promise that when you read Betting on Fate, you will not be sorry that you did.
I fell hopelessly in love with Charlie, Liv, and Ryan. Their characters build throughout the book, and I started to actually feel for them. Around the middle of the book, you will know which part I am talking about when you read the story, I started to cry because of the events that went down. The story was just so realistic!
If hearing me talk about the book above does not sell you on reading it, then I am sorry to say that you are truly missing out. Ryan is a handsome guy that does practically everything imaginable. He is truly the guy that every girl dreams about. Charlie is "average", although I would totally disagree because I am average, and I am NOTHING like her. She is beautiful, kind, and smart. Liv is Charlie's best friend who is optimistic, and she has a bold personality that would make any person envy her. This is a must read story, and I promise that when you read Betting on Fate, you will not be sorry that you did.
March 7, 2013
I really enjoyed the story. I felt that Ryan was a little too perfect at times, but great story!
September 23, 2017
*I received this book for free in a Goodreads giveaway*
Overall I found this book to be incredibly predictable and unrealistic in every way possible. I would not recommend this book to anyone. I thought this was a very poorly constructed book and something a 15 year old girl, not a published adult author, would write.
Overall I found this book to be incredibly predictable and unrealistic in every way possible. I would not recommend this book to anyone. I thought this was a very poorly constructed book and something a 15 year old girl, not a published adult author, would write.
June 17, 2013
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads in exchange for a review.
This book was a great read and I'd rate it at 4.5 stars. And the only reason for that was the book felt like it should have been ended about 40 pages before the ending. Though sweet, in that it gave a look at Ryan and Charlotte's lives beyond the climax, and a great ending for Liv as well, those pages still seemed to drag a little.
However I am getting ahead of myself in this review. Betting on Fate by authors Joy Casey and Wendy Gray is about a rich elite private school boy moving back home after his parents are in a partial fatal car accident. Ryan ends up re-striking up an old friendship with the girl next door, Charlotte. And she, in a moment of thoughtlessness ends up making a bet with her best friend to lose her virginity to Ryan.
Ryan might just be the perfect teenage male. He's cultured, active, heroic, and intelligent. He saves Charlotte from damsel in distress moments more than once. He even wants to wait to be in love to have sex. And never mind the fact that he's rich from an invention and he can sing a bit too. So yeah, perfect guy.
And Charlotte likes him. She develops a crush on her old friend and turns border-line stalker on him. Their friendship is cute to watch unfold. At the beginning even though I related somewhat with Charlotte's character I wasn't sure I liked her. However that quickly changed as the story continued. Charlotte was a klutz, funny, intelligent, and more of the accidentally beautiful and popular type. She makes that bet with her great side character best friend Liv. And then she doesn't know what to do when she falls in love with Ryan.
Some great messages and heavy topics in this book: drinking, accidental overdoses, criminal behavior, sex too soon or too young, teen love, teen pregnancy scares, and the list continues. I would recommend it to teenagers and adults alike. Great read and I can't wait to see how the series continues.
This book was a great read and I'd rate it at 4.5 stars. And the only reason for that was the book felt like it should have been ended about 40 pages before the ending. Though sweet, in that it gave a look at Ryan and Charlotte's lives beyond the climax, and a great ending for Liv as well, those pages still seemed to drag a little.
However I am getting ahead of myself in this review. Betting on Fate by authors Joy Casey and Wendy Gray is about a rich elite private school boy moving back home after his parents are in a partial fatal car accident. Ryan ends up re-striking up an old friendship with the girl next door, Charlotte. And she, in a moment of thoughtlessness ends up making a bet with her best friend to lose her virginity to Ryan.
Ryan might just be the perfect teenage male. He's cultured, active, heroic, and intelligent. He saves Charlotte from damsel in distress moments more than once. He even wants to wait to be in love to have sex. And never mind the fact that he's rich from an invention and he can sing a bit too. So yeah, perfect guy.
And Charlotte likes him. She develops a crush on her old friend and turns border-line stalker on him. Their friendship is cute to watch unfold. At the beginning even though I related somewhat with Charlotte's character I wasn't sure I liked her. However that quickly changed as the story continued. Charlotte was a klutz, funny, intelligent, and more of the accidentally beautiful and popular type. She makes that bet with her great side character best friend Liv. And then she doesn't know what to do when she falls in love with Ryan.
Some great messages and heavy topics in this book: drinking, accidental overdoses, criminal behavior, sex too soon or too young, teen love, teen pregnancy scares, and the list continues. I would recommend it to teenagers and adults alike. Great read and I can't wait to see how the series continues.
June 17, 2013
"Betting on Fate" is an okay read if you happen to be a teen aged girl entering high school or in that vicinity.
Charlotte, known as Charlie, to the only person who'd ever call her that. Ryan, back after 6 years of an England boarding school. They've lived next door to each other all their lives, and only just realized they are attracted to one another. Like magnets draw together.
Charlotte makes a bet with her best friend Olivia (Liv) upon hearing that Ryan is still honorable (vigin) that she can claim his virtue. She betting a Mac and Liv betting a date with the lead singer of their favorite band.
Things get complicated though when too many hands are in the pot. Olivia tells her boyfriend Dominic and his best friend Cole all about the bet. Charlotte knows Ryan will hear all about it.
The story line for me was mundane. For me it was a typical script; that of any High School in America! Bored me. However, I wouldn't be hesitant to recommend it to a young reader.
Charlotte, known as Charlie, to the only person who'd ever call her that. Ryan, back after 6 years of an England boarding school. They've lived next door to each other all their lives, and only just realized they are attracted to one another. Like magnets draw together.
Charlotte makes a bet with her best friend Olivia (Liv) upon hearing that Ryan is still honorable (vigin) that she can claim his virtue. She betting a Mac and Liv betting a date with the lead singer of their favorite band.
Things get complicated though when too many hands are in the pot. Olivia tells her boyfriend Dominic and his best friend Cole all about the bet. Charlotte knows Ryan will hear all about it.
The story line for me was mundane. For me it was a typical script; that of any High School in America! Bored me. However, I wouldn't be hesitant to recommend it to a young reader.
May 20, 2013
This story was well written and the pace was good. But, there were just a few things that I didn't care for. The first being that Ryan was too unbelievable. I kept waiting for a flaw, something that would make him human, but instead the he just kept becoming more and more sickeningly perfect (not to say that's bad, but his character left me saying, "Oh, come on!")
There were also a few points in the story that I felt needed more elaboration. It was written so well that I thought the scene when she's following the arrows wouldn't have ended so abruptly! I thought there could have been more embellishment there to make me fall in love with the story again, but it just ended. There was so much leading up to that point and then it was done. I would have loved to hear some dialogue or what they did with the rest of the evening.
Overall though, I did enjoy it. Good YA book.
3.5-4 Stars
There were also a few points in the story that I felt needed more elaboration. It was written so well that I thought the scene when she's following the arrows wouldn't have ended so abruptly! I thought there could have been more embellishment there to make me fall in love with the story again, but it just ended. There was so much leading up to that point and then it was done. I would have loved to hear some dialogue or what they did with the rest of the evening.
Overall though, I did enjoy it. Good YA book.
3.5-4 Stars
May 29, 2013
Amazing book! The story flowed so well and was completely believable. I loved everything about it!
I've said before that it takes a great author to take a simple plot about daily life and turn it into a book that holds your interest throughout. I never thought I'd care so much about a highschooler's life but it was rather hard to put down! I'm definitely hoping for more from Ms. Casey in the future!
Well done!
I've said before that it takes a great author to take a simple plot about daily life and turn it into a book that holds your interest throughout. I never thought I'd care so much about a highschooler's life but it was rather hard to put down! I'm definitely hoping for more from Ms. Casey in the future!
Well done!
May 31, 2013
Very sweet book, I have to say! Ryan was just right the way he was written and even his 'perfection' was totally believable to me!!
But that is, too, why I had a few issues with the ending. Ryan was good and perfect and RIGHT, but now adding him to the supercool in band for a tour just seems to me like wanting too much... I think (and hope) it's just to lay a base for book two, but that I didn't like too much. The rest was amazing!!
But that is, too, why I had a few issues with the ending. Ryan was good and perfect and RIGHT, but now adding him to the supercool in band for a tour just seems to me like wanting too much... I think (and hope) it's just to lay a base for book two, but that I didn't like too much. The rest was amazing!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2014
Good
quick read that I read in one setting. it was a good little love story about high schoolers. overall good read. I would like to find out what happens between Olivia and Tuck though!
quick read that I read in one setting. it was a good little love story about high schoolers. overall good read. I would like to find out what happens between Olivia and Tuck though!
February 16, 2013
Romantic teen read with twists, turns and happy ending. No vampires or zombies, what a relief!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. I look forward to reading the rest of the series. The only thing I didn't like is that they seemed more like an old married couple instead of young love.
May 30, 2013
Such a sweet and beautiful read! Really great story writing! I loved the end the best actually!!! Soooooo sweet!!!!
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October 1, 2016Sorry, but this book was a little too "high school" for me. The writing style didn't engage me enough to want to keep reading. I'm sure other people will probably really enjoy it, just not me.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews