I appreciated reading a romance about people my own age that didn't act like they were geriatric but also, they were kind of boring? It was okay, very sweet. Hallmark-y. Could have used more spice. Obviously the early 40s widow is next, and I know that one will be sweet too, because she seems super super sweet. Also, the dad changed his tune about Lou REALLY quick in the same phone call and that was weird. I had whiplash.

This ARC was provided to me via Kindle, from Entangled Publishing, LLC and #NetGalley. Thank you for the opportunity to preview and review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

Quick read with the perfect amount of cute, flirty, love and fun.

3.5 out of 5 Stars
First things first, thank you to Netgalley for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review...

This book was cute and a fun read. It was somewhat low stakes, and found a way to touch on a forbidden romance trope without it being too dark. I definitely think that this a good read if you're needing something fun and light.

That being said, the first couple of chapters introduced a lot of characters that bogged down the opening for me. I found myself struggling to remember who was who and it took me until about 3/4s of the books to get everyone's name down. Personally, I did think there could have been more angst over the sister's ex thing, and it seemed to kind of have some insta-love.

The third act breakup was decently done and believable, but it does drag on for awhile. If you don't mind that breakup lasting until the very end of the book, then it probably will work for you. I just thought it was a bit dragged out.

I still have fun reading this though, so definitely give it a shot!

*this review is my complete and honest opinion an ARC provided by Netgalley*
Not Betting on Forever initially grabbed my interest with the ex-brother in law relationship idea. I thought it was kind of uncommon and something I’d never really read before. However, I enjoyed how Melanie and Nicks relationship progressed. I love how their relationship developed from neighbors to friends/temporary lovers to eventually a couple not caring about anyones opinion. This was very much a slow burn romance and I wasn’t mad about it because when you get to the romance it’s so worth it. The main thing being the description of little things, such as “Nick pulled Melanie into his arms and murmured her name. He cradled her head in his hands and claimed her mouth with his heat and tongue.” or “He cupped her face and rained kisses while he spoke.” This might seem trivial to others but to me these little descriptions made the book. I loved having all the little details. The only thing I wanted more from this book, was for Nick to pursue Melanie some instead of just Melanie constantly making the first move
(Side note: I guess we kind of got it at the end)
Nonetheless, I still really enjoyed their banter, the competitiveness, and how everyone’s relationship improved toward the end.
Rating: 4.3/5

This read touched on a lot of good solid romance tropes, but it also had kind of a personal nope factor for me in that it was about former in-laws. Romancing your sister's ex-husband is just never going to be my cup of tea. That being said, the story was more grounded than most rom-com books in thanks to the ages of the protagonists. It was refreshing to have some new perspectives.

It was an easy read, fun and doesn't require too much thought.

Cute points for the forced proximity, the shared history and the mature characters. I would tell friends to read this book.

The idea behind this book was cute, but I just didn’t love it. The story seemed to DRAG, especially in the first half, but a lot of the story elements also lacked a lot of depth. I can’t really say I loved either MC because I never felt like we got to know them all that well-their descriptions and backstory were definitely lacking. The events in the story were just kind of chaotic-it was so weird to me that everyone had a negative opinion on these two grown ass adults beginning a relationship. I’m glad they got a HEA, but the story ended very abruptly-I would’ve liked a bit more.

I was given an ARC by NetGalley and Entangled Publishing. All opinions are my own.

This was cute! Melanie and Nick had an undeniable attraction and I loved their chemistry. The back and forth should we or shouldn’t we, drove me a bit crazy at times though. Overall, this was a quick and enjoyable read!

Look for Not Betting On Forever on August 8, 2022!

Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC. for this arc!

Was looking forward to reading this book after the description pulled me in. Thought it was going to have more flirting and interaction with the competition of BoB between the characters before they conceded to their uncontrollable attraction to each other. Once they admitted to liking each other the conversation went back and forth deciding if they should be together or not. Also thought Nick would be more of a grump and jerk but he seemed to be a nice guy.
It is a cute romance and glad it was about older couples with real problems. The ending was perfect for them.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

“The guy who was once her brother in law … The guy who’s always made her heart beat a little faster”
“‘You’re the one who always follow the rules’ … Like don’t fall for your sister’s husband?”
Hell yeah !!! This book had almost all of it!!!
Forced proximity, second chance at love, ex-wife’s little sister, rivals to lovers, banter and an undeniable chemistry and attraction the two main characters cannot simply hide !!!
Wow this one was good!!!
These two had both a common past that made it impossible to consider that maybe they could have something different.
And of course, knowing that he is her childhood crush, right when he married her sister made it all more complicated !!!!
But dealing with a drama sister, a distant ex-husband on a side and some works’ problems on the other, will make their life a living hell!!!
Melanie and Nick are just so good together and reading about their journey through one night stands, flings and a forced open relationship was really entertaining and funny!!
And the spice … so good!!!!!
I has so much fun reading this book!!! I honestly felt like I couldn’t put it down!!!
And the next door neighbour trope … chef kiss !!!! It added to the problem of forced proximity !!!!
People go and read this one as soon as it is out !!!
“I’m not thirsty. Except for you”

This book was cute. I usually feel a bit awkward reading romances with couples over 40 but it wasn’t that bad. Melanie and Nick’s relationship was fun, starting off with several bets, to starting a little fling to actually falling in love.

I loved the idea of BoB (battles of the businesses), it just adds a lot to the small town feel, with everyone getting together to compete or watch the games. I just wish we got to see more of it. I also loved to read about the growing of Nicks family business, whether it had to do with the employees, adding equipment and expanding.

I did enjoy the book but I felt it could get slow at times and a bit boring. And I wish we could’ve had more development between Melanie and Nick because I felt like they moved pretty fast, and then boom they’re already in love.

Overall, this was a cute love story between two business owners in a small town and i’m still glad to have read it.

Please note, I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review

I absolutely loved this story about a single mom and her attraction to her next door neighbor. So fun. Could not put it down.

I really, really enjoyed this book! It was cute, witty, and romantic and it hooked me from the very beginning.