This might have been the best little YA romcom ever 😭 I honestly loved every second of it and want to read it again immediately. I love how Lynn always has a fresh take on familiar tropes— and this one has a whole bunch that all worked effortlessly.

There was a light mix of meet disaster, hate to love, and workplace romance with a more intent focus on fake dating, opposites attract, and friends to lovers. All wrapped in some parent trap shenanigans, endlessly madeup fun and games, wholesome mischief and some harmless (mostly) wagering. It was hilariously heartfelt and sweet and just... so much fun. I could scarcely put it down. The prose, banter, and wit were vibrant. The playfulness more so. And the undercurrent of vulnerability and emotion squeezed my heart in a big, big Charlie-sized bear hug. I would like to bottle him and keep him for literally ever.

Charlie + Bailey = OTP.

Thank you to Simon Teen for the early copy!

Would I have enjoyed this book as a teenager? Probably. But as an adult, something felt a little off about it. It read as a teen romance written by someone who’s used to writing adult romances. It also had just about every romance trope ever created and I’m not sure if that was on purpose or not. Enemies-to-lovers, but somehow simultaneously friends-to-lovers. Fake dating, road trips, unwise betting, there’s just one bed, guy has random nickname for girl, helping with ex’s…I’m sure there’s more.

The other part that didn’t sit super well for me is Bailey’s relationship with her mom. It seemed to me like they were super close and so I didn’t feel like either of them were making a ton of sense where Scott was concerned. I felt like Bailey should have been more interested in her mom’s happiness and I felt like Emily should have been more communicative with Bailey regarding how serious things were with Scott. And it was super weird to me that Bailey didn’t meet Scott’s daughter until they were literally moving into his house.

And another weird thing is how we literally never see Charlie’s family. He talks about them, but Charlie never interacts with them during his POVs and Bailey never meets any of them. Overall, I’d give this one a pass.

Note: I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is the third YA novel by Lynn Painter I've read, and while I'm still not quite sure I understand the massive hype around them I can admit that they're good fun to read, and for the most part they're fairly cute. This book was no exception, and I have to say that I loved being able to see the dual POV. I also appreciated the fact that both of our MCs were dealing with the effects of divorced parents throughout the course of the novel, because that's a topic I don't see an enormous amount of coverage on, and I think Painter really nailed some of the feelings teens go through when experiencing it. The other thing I really loved here was the build-up of the relationship between our two MC and how it evolved from dislike to friends to something more. I thought it was really well done, and it had me smiling throughout much of the story. My two main "issues" with the book were, for the most part, fairly small, but certainly still there enough that I can't say that this is a complete 5-star read for me. First, there's the central plot revolves around. I guess there's kind of two, the one the our MC make with each other about two side characters, which I honestly didn't mind quite so much (although it was odd to me that Bailey, the FMC didn't say anything to her friend about her behavior. And it's not like that would go against whatever rules they had in place either). The one that I found extra strange was the one our MMC Charlie makes with another side character about Bailey. He says that he can "get with her" and much farther down the line that comes out and causes problems. The thing I didn't love about this was the fact that we didn't see it occur to begin with (the inception of it, I suppose) and it's not even brought up until well over half way through the book. That just seems weird to me, seeing as it's one of the main causes of non-sexual tension in the book. We also then don't know if Charlie really did say it as more of a throw-away or if it was a somewhat serious bet to begin with. I found it to be a little sloppy. The other issue I had was about the divorces both Charlie and Bailey experienced. One; Charlie is already in therapy for some issues, but somehow he doesn't seem to talk about all of the issues the divorce are causing him to feel (like anger and resentment and a whole host of other things). And two, Bailey is NOT in therapy. It just boggles my mind in today's day and age when you have a parent that seems fairly in tune with what's up with their kid completely ignores the fact that maybe a divorce and a move halfway across the country might require some professional help. And then to more or less jump into not only a relationship but a marriage and move-in with your BF (who also has a kid, but we don't ever see them) and NOT stop to think about how that might effect your kid(s)? Massive missed opportunity. And honestly just kind of all around lazy. Those two things aside though, I did enjoy this YA rom-com, and I can certainly see the appeal that Painter has for both teens and adults alike. I would be more than happy to recommend this book to a teen and hand-sell it to anyone who I think might enjoy it. I will also continue to read Painter's novels, because while they're not perfect they are a lot of fun and they have some good swoony moments and a lot of heart.

Lynn Painter can do no wrong. Young adult or adult romance and she is a star. She is my #1 auto buy author. I loved this story of Bailey and Charlie. It was kind of an enemies to lovers, friends to lovers, and fake dating all rolled into one. I loved how Charlie helped Bailey with her family problems while accepting all of her quirks. They were a total swoon worthy couple.

After reading Lynn Painter's "Better than the Movies", this was a no-brain Netgalley request for me. Painter writes easy-to-read, adorable, and swoonworthy romance novels that don't disappoint, and "Betting on You" is no exception! I thought the romantic plot was about as predictable as her other books, aligning with many of the tropes of the genre, but I thought it was much more organic and satisfying that her previous books. While I wasn't surprised about anything that happened in this book, it was a quick read that was enjoyable to read! Pick this one up if you're in a reading rut, enjoy romance, or just want some quick fun!

i have really loved lynn painter's YA in the past, but this one just felt like too much for me. there were so many tropes, so many when harry met sally quotes, so many taylor swift references, so many weird nicknames and in-jokes — i never felt like i had time to settle into the read. i'm bummed!

Lynn Painter does not ever miss. My girl is a cute romance queen and I will recommend this book until the end of my days!

Bailey is a Type A personality. She needs to see rules followed, she deconstructs her pizza before eating it, and she'd prefer her soda half-regular, half-diet. Charlie is... aggressively not these things. Fortunately, when the two are forced to sit next to each other on a flight from Fairbanks to Omaha, they both know they'll never have to see each other again. Until, three years later, they do.

Fresh off a breakup, the now-17-year-old Bailey runs into Charlie at her new job. But now he's more tolerable, even becoming something of a confidant as the pair are fellow children of divorce. It starts when Charlie floats a bet on whether Bailey's bestie will cheat with a coworker, expanding into Charlie becoming Bailey's fake boyfriend to frighten off her mom's new boyfriend. But a ski trip to Colorado changes everything, and soon they've gone from fake PDA to rile up the potential new dad to catching feelings for each other.

With a narrative that skips between Bailey and Charlie, we see both sides of the teen romance blossom. While Bailey fully (but reluctantly) embraces her growing feelings, Charlie—convinced that friendships between guys and girls never work and even romantic partners will always leave him—battles internally over which extreme to go to.

For teen readers, Betting on You is a deceptively competent look at friendship, romance, and the changing face of blended families. The book is a little rickety on its judgment call re: friendship between boys and girls, although it makes one or two last-minute attempts at saying something a little more solid on that front. Older readers may squirm a little at the (expected) lack of clear communication between the young protagonists; however, for its intended demographic, it's a fun and adorable read.

Bailey meets Charlie on an eventful plane ride and it's loathing at first sight. Now, three years later, they are thrown together at work and they are betting on still hating each other.

Lynn Painter is the YA romcom queen. Her books are literally like reading John Hughes movies. Betting on You is no exception. Bailey is adorable as she navigates an unwanted friendship with Charlie as well as her divorced mother starting to date again. Charlie is absolutely one of my favorite YA MMCs. He is genuine while also maintaining that cool guy attitude. But underneath all of that, he is a great representation for anxiety. His chapters are short, but give you such a look into his mind and fears.

Each page of this book is filled with heart and humor. If you are a YA romcom fan (books or movies) this is the book for you!


Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the gifted copy. My reviews are always honest.

I finished @lynnpainterbooks latest YA, #BettingOnYou and loved every single page. Whether she’s writing YA or adult romance, Lynn Painter is a master of buildup and banter and I couldn’t get enough of Charlie and Bailey’s story.

Bailey meets Charlie during one of the worst times in her life. It isn't a meet cute, but rather a meet hate, or at least a meet "really annoyed". Over the next few years, Baily will run into Charlie over and over and while she remembers everything he said about love and his outlook on life, can people change?
Charlie is a cynic. He has seen just what love gets you. Nothing but heartbreak and you lose people in your life that you want there. Charlie and Bailey are working at the same family fun place and he can't help but challenge her to a bet. A bet she doesn't want to take because it involves her best friend, but she does anyways because she does believe that girls and guys can be "just friends". While they embark on their friendship, Charlie can't help but have feelings, ones he swore he would never have. He knew that he couldn't just be friends with Bailey, but he never wants to lose her and that means they should never date.
Bailey can't believe she is falling for Charlie, but he is so much more than she thought he would be. They fill up eachother's days and their friendship means everything. So when it takes an unexpected turn, and all bets are off, will Charlie step up and admit that maybe there is more to what he is feeling or will he continue to friendzone?
I loved this book so much because the two of them reminded me of myself when I was younger. I absolutely loved that we got to see inside of Charlie's head too, not just from her POV. This helps me tremendously in books to know the struggles and see the pining that is happening. I need pining. Always.
Thanks to Lynn Painter, Netgalley and Simon and Schuster for an early copy.

This was my first Lynn Painter book... and let me say, I GET THE HYPE NOW!!! I am here for the Lynn Painter fan club, reporting for duty.

SYNOPSIS: Bailey met Charlie at an aiport, when he was on his less than exemplory behavior. He was rude, arrogant... but also really cute. Now a year later, they both show up for orientation for the same job, and end up falling into a pattern of (semi) friendship with lots, and lots of banter. He swears men/women can't be friends, without a romantic entanglement, and she swears they can. So when her bestie starts flirting with another one of their coworkers... who is NOT her boyfriend... they place a friendly bet. However, as two teens struggling with divorced parents and navigating a new family dynamic, they start to build more of a bond than just coworkers... and dare I say, more than friends?!

MY FEELS: I read this one for Netgalley November, and read the e-book on a couple different reading sprints, over a few days... and was lowkey embarrassed over how much I kept giggling out loud. This is the kinda romance that people are talking about when they say "giggling and kicking their feet". I get it, besties. I absolutely adored both characters, but especially Bailey - she is so charming and endearing. This book made me fall in love with Lynn Painter's writing, and now I want to devour her entire back log too.

5/5 Stars

[Gifted by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers & Netgalley - thank you! All opinions are my own.]

A chance meeting on a flight from Alaska to Nebraska, what are the chances of Bailey and Charlie ever meeting again? Without knowing each other’s names, they bump into each other at a movie theater, and again as coworkers at a local adventure park. Despite their unfavorable first impressions of each other, their banter and bond develop into the likes of friendship—the one thing Bailey needed to cope with her mom’s new boyfriend, but the last thing Charlie didn’t want. Because per Charlie, girls can’t be friends with guys. Or, could they?

Oh how I just love Painter’s writing! The lively banter and flow of the storyline made this so easy to binge! Loved how coping with divorce and adjusting to a new life when a parent has a new partner was a big part of this story. The romance part was of course golden because both characters were flawed yet perfect in their own ways. I really believed in Charlie and Bailey and was here for all the swoon! If you loved Wes from BETTER THAN THE MOVIES, then you will love Charlie! Because I did!

This new YA romcom from Lynn Painter is a good addition to her work. Fans of her previous YA titles, will get just what they’re expecting- sweet romance with many classic romcom tropes and references! This is another cupcakey teen romance between Bailey and Charlie who first meet as they are both flying solo from Alaska back home. They have a few meetings over the course of the next several years, and I liked how Painter employed these moments in quick secession leading up to the main timeline of the story. My biggest gripe with this book was the excessive language. I know language is becoming more and more common is YA fiction; however I wish that weren’t the case (especially with the f word). While I know in real life most YA readers are familiar with cursing, I just don’t think it has much place in books written for younger audiences. Besides that, the book was enjoyable!

Thank you for this ARC!

Another adorable YA rom-com from the YA legend herself, Lynn Painter. While I don't tend to pick up YA novels, especially romance, there was such an enjoyment present when reading. The characters still felt like teens falling in love without the immature nature that would make it hard to get through reading. It wasn't my favorite or a groundbreaking romance novel of the century, but it provided so much entertainment with many sweet moments.

This is a story about accepting your true feelings.  When Bailey's parents divorced, she moved from Alaska to Omaha.  On the flight to her new life, she encountered perhaps the most annoying boy she had ever met.  In the course of the flight, he shared many of his life philosophies, including his firm belief that men and women can never be friends (based, in part, on watching When Harry Met Sally with his mom).  A year later, she is less than excited to find out that boy, Charlie, is one of her new co-workers at a hotel waterpark.  Soon, though, Bailey realizes that instead of finding him irritating, Charlie is the person she most looks forward to seeing and hanging out with at work -- not least of all because he truly understands the difficulties of being a child of divorce with both parents seeing someone new.  

Bailey and Charlie find themselves hanging out even more outside of work. They even begin "fake dating" as a way to annoy Bailey's mom's boyfriend.  Soon Bailey and finds she is developing real, and strong, feelings for Charlie.  But although there are times where it seems Charlie may feel the same way, they are quickly followed by moments where Charlie seems to make clear it is all just a game to him.  Will the two ever be able to find their way to each other for real, or will the actual reason Charlie has been holding back keep them apart forever?

I really enjoyed this book.  I'm a huge fan of the author's previous novels, so I was excited to dig into this one.  Like her earlier books, it is a sweet, thoughtful, and entertaining story about two people with a strong connection whose lives often get in the way of their feelings.  The author deftly explored the differing and overlapping challenges that Bailey and Charlie faced being children of divorce, in particular the ways they often felt the need to hold back their true feelings so as not to overburden their parents.  I also appreciated the book's treatment of Charlie’s anxiety, particularly how it was triggered by the tension between what he felt he needed to present to his friends and peers and how he felt inside.  Most of all, like the best rom-coms, this one will have you rooting for Bailey and Charlie (even as you wish they would just communicate better) and laughing out loud in equal measure.

Strongly recommended!

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for an advanced copy! Lynn painter is a great romance novelist! She is becoming an auto buy author! Although I prefer her adult romances these YA closed door romance are so well done. I love how this book touches on parent divorce and remarriage as a teen. Bailey and Charlie meet years before on a long flight and end up as coworkers who become friends. There’s a bit of fake dating and they’re just too cute to resist. Can’t wait for more of their friends stories

Once upon a time Bailey and Charlie met at an airport. Reluctant seat mates, the pair quasi bonded as they commiserated over both being children of divorce. But aside from coming from broken homes, they didn’t have much else in common. Where Charlie was cool and confident, Bailey was reserved and regimented. On the long flight, Charlie also reveals he lives by the When Harry Met Sally adage that men and women cannot be friends. Agreeing to disagree, they go their separate ways.

Fast forward a few years and Bailey and Charlie cross paths again at a movie theater. This time around their run in is more fleeting, but it still registers with Bailey that the smooth and suave Charlie is actually in a committed relationship. Charlie notices Bailey is attached as well, but he also noticed her, period.

So when they meet AGAIN the following year, they cannot believe it. Both taking jobs at a local hotel waterpark, they are thrown together for lengthier stretches of time. Only now they have something new in common- they are both getting over bad breakups. The cynic in Charlie returning, he makes a bet about their mutual friends not remaining platonic. Fueled by the desire to prove him wrong, Bailey plays along.
Only as the two co-workers (who are definitely not friends thank you very much) begin to hang out with each other more, they begin to grow closer. Now the lines begin to blur and all bets, no pun intended, are off.

Amazingly I had never read a Lynn Painter novel until this year. After reading and falling in love with The Love Wager though, I was eager to dive into Betting On You. This book is classified as young adult and it’s an accurate classification- feeling a bit like Kate Goldbeck’s You Again’s younger sister. While the men in this story, Charlie and Bailey’s dad included, did some frustrating things, I found the relationships to feel real and relatable.

This sweet, friends to more romance will likely be another hit for Painter. In fact, it’s a bet I’d be willing to make.

After moving to Omaha following her parents divorce, Bailey, most comfortable when she has her nose in a book, has built a new life with her mom and her best friend. When she and her best friend start a new job at a hotel, she can't believe another of their co-workers is Charlie, a boy she met on that first plane ride to Omaha who seemed determined to irritate her. Baily expects more of the same, but she soon finds herself texting with Charlie regularly and hanging outside of work. Although Charlie insists that they are only co-workers, Bailey starts to develop real feelings for him, especially as Charlie keeps showing up for her when she most needs it -- and suspects he may feel the way. But as Charlie keeps pulling away, Bailey wonders what is really going on: is their chemistry all just an act or is there more beneath the surface keeping her and Charlie apart?

This was an engaging and well-written story. Bailey and Charlie are both strong and multi-faceted characters, working through real challenges in their family life while also figuring out the complications of their feelings for one another. This funny and heartwarming novel is another great book from this author.

Highly recommended

My ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I love Lynn Painter’s writing. It feels a bit weird at first to be reading a YA book as a 40 yo but as with all of the books by this author, this book was un-put-down-able. 😂