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A review by aralalala
Betting On You by Lynn Painter
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
I think I like this a little more than Better Than The Movies.
As stated, Betting On You has the overarching “the bet” trope, but it didn’t actually feel like it was a big part of the story. It was more rivals-to-friends-to-lovers. And dang, did I eat this one up.
I like this more in terms of story mostly because (1) Bailey didn’t feel as overbearing and overdramatic (imo) as Libby from BTTM (but then again, who am I to judge), and (2) because their characters and relationship felt more natural and relatable. Understandably, BTTM has its own storyline, but this just felt more well-written than BTTM to me.
I love that they’re complex and complicated but not brats—navigating through the realities of their feelings towards being custody children, the betrayal, and the fear of making a mistake and losing something you never want to lose (totally relatable), all the while keeping the vibe very lighthearted and not borderlining melodramatic that it becomes so heavy. I also really like that we had more time with Nekesa as compared to our time with Joss in BTTM. The friendship here was deeper and had more actual friendship.
I do I have a few dislikes about this, like the overuse of pop-culture AND Taylor Swift references. One or two would’ve been forgivable, but beyond that just felt jarring and it pulls me out of the story every time (and I’m a Swiftie, too, so I know there were a lot of references).
The dual POV, I also have mixed feelings about, mostly because Bailey still had the most part and Charlie’s chapters were very short. I’ll forgive it but there’s definitely more room to explore there.
Overall, I think Lynn Painter got to step forward from BTTM in terms of her writing. Charlie and Bailey had more tangible development than Libby and Wes (imo).
As stated, Betting On You has the overarching “the bet” trope, but it didn’t actually feel like it was a big part of the story. It was more rivals-to-friends-to-lovers. And dang, did I eat this one up.
I like this more in terms of story mostly because (1) Bailey didn’t feel as overbearing and overdramatic (imo) as Libby from BTTM (but then again, who am I to judge), and (2) because their characters and relationship felt more natural and relatable. Understandably, BTTM has its own storyline, but this just felt more well-written than BTTM to me.
I love that they’re complex and complicated but not brats—navigating through the realities of their feelings towards being custody children, the betrayal, and the fear of making a mistake and losing something you never want to lose (totally relatable), all the while keeping the vibe very lighthearted and not borderlining melodramatic that it becomes so heavy. I also really like that we had more time with Nekesa as compared to our time with Joss in BTTM. The friendship here was deeper and had more actual friendship.
I do I have a few dislikes about this, like the overuse of pop-culture AND Taylor Swift references. One or two would’ve been forgivable, but beyond that just felt jarring and it pulls me out of the story every time (and I’m a Swiftie, too, so I know there were a lot of references).
The dual POV, I also have mixed feelings about, mostly because Bailey still had the most part and Charlie’s chapters were very short. I’ll forgive it but there’s definitely more room to explore there.
Overall, I think Lynn Painter got to step forward from BTTM in terms of her writing. Charlie and Bailey had more tangible development than Libby and Wes (imo).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders and Grief
Moderate: Cursing