Bet Me

By: Jennifer Crusie

Narrated by: Deanna Hurst

Length: 12 hrs

Publisher's summary

Min Dobbs knows that happily-ever-after is a fairy tale, especially with a man 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 a jealous ex-boyfriend, Krispy Kremes, a determined psychologist, chaos theory, a mutant cat, Chicken Marsala, and more risky propositions than either of them ever dreamed of, including the biggest gamble of all: real love.

©2004 Jennifer Crusie (P)2004 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Hurst's voice contains an energy and exuberance that leaves little doubt that she's the perfect narrator for Crusie's heartfelt comedy of errors....[A] zesty, vibrantly told tale." ( Publishers Weekly)

Fun and entertaining

I loved this story - it spoke to those of us who aren't blonde, gorgeous, thin and all that. It was carefree and entertaining - the gorgeous didn't get the guy for a change. The narration was excellent and easy to listen to. Well worth my credit!

I love these chick lit books

This is a wonderful and fun beach read. If you enjoy chick lit then you'll love this!

4.5 for SURE!

Wow, how have I moved so far into this genre and never picked up a Jennifer Cruise book. Shame on me. But, oh how i've remedied this conundrum! Bet me was hilarious! Although the betting did kinda get out of hand there... it was awesome. Min wasn't my favorite character ever, but I loved Cal. So while it was kinda funny to have them together... the book in its entirety made up for it, and then some. Especially if you throw in the meddling Ex's! All in all, very credit worthy!

Finally

Finally a book that tells what happens after the happily ever after. I really enjoyed the narrator as well.

Others Have Said It: Def the Best Crusie Book

Would you listen to Bet Me again? Why?

Oh, I have. And I will. And will re-read my old tattered copy as well. And heck, I might just buy the Kindle version too.

What other book might you compare Bet Me to and why?

That is tough. Jennifer Crusie has such a witty, unique voice in her books that it's hard to compare; within her own titles I'd align it with Faking It, which is only a smidgen away from unseating Bet Me as my favorite Crusie. From other authors, I might say Susan Elizabeth Phillips' Nobody's Baby But Mine, or Susan Donovan's He Loves Lucy.

Which scene was your favorite?

Oh I can't - there's too many.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Antagonistic banter has never been so fun, or so sexy.

Any additional comments?

Jennifer Crusie writes real people in her books, with believable flaws that just make readers more easily identify with them. That's part of the reason the book is so swoon-worthy, is that you can easily find yourself stepping into Minerva's fabulous shoes and eating donuts in the park. Crusie's auxiliary characters also have the ability to steal any scene they are in; from the restaurant owner to the nephew, they are so much more than just plot devices. If you've never read a Crusie book, start with this one; you'll be hooked.

Jennifer Crisie books. 5 stars

Enjoyed reading all of Jennifer Crusie’s books. And now I am enjoying listening to them. They make me laugh.

Funny love story

The characters are all great. They play off each other very well. I’ll definitely listen to another one of her books.

My favorite Crusie book. Wonderfully witty lines.

Guaranteed to make you feel good. I did not want to stop reading.

The book starts with a well done mis-communication - the bet. David bets Cal that he can’t get Min to bed in a month. Cal refuses but says he’s willing to bet ten dollars that he can walk out the door with her. Min overheard part of the bet but not all of it, and she thinks it’s a bet to have sex with her. She is angry, but she leaves with Cal because she wants to be rude to him. Their paths keep crossing, and each time she insults him. But at the same time they are kind of falling for each other, but they don’t want to. It’s a fun set up with clever dialogue.

One of the best things about Bet Me were the character definitions. The good guys had flaws and weaknesses.

Min is caring and smart and works as an actuary. She has a round shape and will never be thin. Her mother has bullied Min her entire life about dieting and losing weight. Min tries to diet to please her mother but it doesn’t work. Cal encourages her to eat forbidden foods: bread, butter, doughnuts. He enjoys watching her sensual love of food. And he likes her looks.

Cal was dyslexic which had limitations for him, yet he was smart about people and did well in business because of that. He too was bullied by his mother who was rich, thin, unaccepting of other people, and uncaring about other people.

Cynthie was a psychologist studying dating and mating habits. She was writing a book. She was so sure she was right about Cal and Min - spouting things like they are in this stage or that stage and here’s what’s going on. Yet she was sooooo wrong - almost stupidly wrong.

Bonnie was sweet, innocent, and naive appearing. Yet she was the most successful at finding and knowing a guy was right for her from the moment they met. She was smart in that way - so opposite from Cynthie who thought she knew it all, but was all wrong.

A great scene is when Min has dinner with Cal’s family. I read this book several years ago and that dinner scene stayed vivid in my mind ever since.

AUDIOBOOK NARRATOR:
Deanna Hurst did an excellent job.

DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Story length: 391 pages. Swearing language: strong, including religious swear words but not often used. Sexual language: none. Number of sex scenes: one. Setting: current day southern Ohio. Copyright: 2004. Genre: humorous contemporary romance, plus size heroine.

Taking a Gamble on Love

On the night that Min's boyfriend, David, dumps her (in a bar!), he also bets handsome and successful businessman, Cal Morrisey, that he can't get her to sleep with him in a month. Cal is loath to make the bet, and decides to counter David's bet with a less offensive one...that he could get her to have dinner with him that night. Unfortunately Min, who was about to approach him at the behest of her friends, overhears (and misunderstands) part of the conversation. As Min & Cal get to know each other, often trying to avoid their mounting attraction and feelings toward each other, that first night's events continue to haunt them. All of this is compounded by and ex-boyfriend an ex-girlfriend who can't seem to let go, and continually interfere in hopes of getting their exes back.

Jennifer Cruise has included a wonderful cast of characters whose witty conversations are matched by their deep friendship. There are also multiple sub-plots in the book which helps keep every minute fun & exciting. What's really interesting is that Cruise has managed to depict a great attraction between Cal & Min with almost no sex scenes. Deanna Hurst does a good job as narrator. I thought her child's voice was especially adorable.

Always a Pick-Me-Up ;)

This book always makes me smile. I had actually listened to this audio book a long time ago and always had fond memories of it so it is fantastic to now own it so I can listen to it any time. It's full of wit and romance. Enjoy!