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purplepenning 's review for:

Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie

I read this early 2000s mainstream contemporary romance/women's lit for Reasons and will likely be unable to recall most of the details within a couple of weeks so I'm leaving this note here as a reminder. It's not really a review. This is a pretty amusing enemies-to-lovers with good banter that is fairly unique and complex in how it incorporates alternative viewpoints on love and relationships. It's definitely not my scene — with socioeconomically advantaged bros, investors, and actuaries picking each other up at bars — and it's way too long, somewhat repetitive, and has some seriously toxic parents and minor characters in it. There are two decent sets of friend groups that merge, a 30-something main character who is successful and smart and plus sized (and parent/society damaged), and a prince charming love interest who is successful and smart (and parent damaged ... and unfairly slut shamed). Definitely some problematic thoughts and scenes involving food, bodies, and boundaries. And I definitely rooted for these two worthy idiots to get together (even as I was annoyed at the short timeframe: two couples engaged within a month. yikes).