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Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Copyright: 2004

Pages: 432

LOL Rating: Funny cause it's true

Rating:
Rating 5 Crowns

Min Dobbs knows that happily-ever-after is a fairy tale, especially with a man like Cal Morrisey, who asked her to dinner to win a bet. Cal Morrisey knows commitment is impossible, especially with a woman as cranky as Min Dobbs. When they say good-bye at the end of their evening, they cut their losses and agree never to see each other again.

But Fate has other plans, and it’s not long before Min and Cal are dealing with meddling friends, wedding cake, a jealous ex-boyfriend, Krispy Kremes, a determined psychologist, chaos theory, a frantic bride, Chicken Marsala, a mutant cat, snow globes, two Mothers-from-Hell, great shoes, and more risky propositions than either of them ever dreamed of including the biggest gamble of all–unconditional love.

This has to be my all-time favourite contemporary romance novel. To me it's just as good as watching a fantastic chic-flick like 27 Dresses and How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. Every moment is pure reading pleasure and you will certainly end up with that cloud-9 high when you're done.

I'm positive I would be great friends with the leading character, Min Dobbs also. Not only is she likeable, she is extraordinarily relateable and she's different. I don't know about you but I am used to reading about romance heroines who eat salad and go for a run when the hero does something stupid and hurtful. Not my Min! She's an insecure, comfort-eating kind of girl. In other words, she's normal. Not a fantasy version of myself. She's curvy and she has some body issues. Her character is so incredibly honest and self-deprecating that it made me want to cheer!

One of the most beautiful parts about this book though is the small changes that Cal makes in Min by expressing to her how sexy he finds her body. It's through him feeding her food and ensuring her that he loves her the way she is that she is able to become more confident. The way Jennifer Crusie writes it, it's not cheesy or overdone either. I believed that Cal found Min incredibly sexy and that he wanted her to keep her curves. Food and humour is foreplay to these two.

This book is a celebration of the curvy feminine silhouette. Reading it actually made me feel good about myself and helped me realise that the right guy thinks you're just right! Bet Me will have you laughing out loud, nodding in agreement and grinning from ear to ear every time Cal makes an appearance on the page. This will remain one of my all-time favourite romance novels and will continue to occupy a prized position on my shelf for years to come.

I bet you'll love it too ;-)

silly princess

9 comments:

Cheeky Girl said...

I love Jennifer Cruise and her heroines are always realistic size women readers can relate to! Thanks for the review, I'll have to add this to my TBR pile.

I'm currently listening to the audio book version of Anyone But You by Jennifer. I've read it before but love it!

Sabrina

TexasRed said...

I think the comparison of Jennifer Crusie's writing with a chick flick is perfect. Lots of sassy, bouncy, lighthearted fun.

Sharon said...

I have enjoyed lots of Jennifer Crusie books including this one. She is one of my favorites!

VampFanGirl said...

Great review Annie!

I too love a heroine who is more true to real life. I can definitely relate more with her in that respect.

I've read a couple of Jennifer Crusie books like 'Welcome to Temptation'. Crusie has an amazing wit and I'm always smiling during her books.

If you like Crusie, you should try Rachel Gibson. She has some great chic-lit with my favorite being 'Truly Madly Yours'.

;) VampFanGirl

Booklover1335 said...

Bet Me is my fav Jennifer Crusie book. I've read it several times, and love it each time :)

Teddyree said...

Enjoyed your review, haven't read it but it sounds like a hoot while being realistic. Might be one to borrow from you, if you'll let it move from the exalted position on your bookshelf lol?

Marg said...

Once I started reading Jenny Crusie books I couldn't get enough, all though I am not as keen on her collaborations.

I recently listened to this on audio book. I had forgotten how much I really enjoyed it!

The Book Resort said...

Too funny -- need to just have fun @ times & this week was fun.

So, should I try this as my first Cruise?

Terrific review as always!

Miss K said...

Thanks everyone This is my favourite Crusie! Diane - you should definitely start with this one first. You won't be disappointed.