Over the weekend I met up with Lori, Tracy and Nikki for lunch and book shopping. We had an awesome time talking books, life and gossiping about all of you making plans for RT (we’ll be there!). Before I go on, I want to thank the girls for allowing me to invite myself to their lunch (the bitches wouldn’t invite me on their own..I had to invite myself). Love you girls.
Anyway, we went to Borders in Santa Clarita, which, sadly, is closing. They still had a really great selection of older (nothing released in the last month) romances @ 50% off. I ended up buying 4 books for $16, and one of them was The Iron Duke in trade (I misplaced my copy). It was a good day.
As we were wandering around the store, we came across a copy of Bet Me
Naturally Nikki, Tracy and I encouraged her to stop being so pigheaded and give it a try. She said she would, if she happened to get it for free, and Nikki said “DONE! I’ll send you my copy.”. Lori said, fine, if Nikki sent her the book she’d read it. And if she enjoyed it she’d write a review letting the world know Holly Was Right.
Which got me to thinking about when Casee had to admit to the world that I was right. A few years ago, Casee too was being pigheaded refused to read Bet Me. She said Cruise wasn’t for her and that was that. But then we shamed gently persuaded her to try it and guess what? She loved it. She gave it a 5 out of 5.
Course the downside is that if Lori hates the book I’ll never hear the end of it. But really, I think my track record speaks for itself. Lori will love it. It has Krispy Kremes, Brats and Elvis. What’s not to love?
What do you think? Will Lori love Bet Me? Let’s convince her to read it quickly so we can prove that I am right, not that there’s any doubt find out for sure.
Casee, do you care to weigh in?
Let me say right off the top, I LOVE Jennifer Crusie’s work…which makes me doubly sad that I gave a thumbs down to ‘Bet Me’. Min was one of the most unlikeable heroines I have encountered in my years of romance reading. She was not reprehensible or anything, I just did not like her…at all. Cal was a pretty good H, but my problem with Min just colored the whole read for me. My fave JC book is ‘Manhunting’, one of her ‘smaller’ works, but what a great H/h in Jake and Kate!
I hope Lori likes ‘Bet Me’ as much as you did, but if not, do not be too hard on her. Perhaps, like me, it was just not the right fit for her.
At least we finally talked her into reading it. I thought she was going to be uber-stubborn and not accept the challenge. Good for you, Lori! Let’s hope she likes it.
The commenter above and omy friend Jen are the only two people I know who didn’t like Bet Me – for different reasons. 🙂
Totally Agree! Bet Me is, IMO too, JC’s best and also one of my all time fave contemps. Love It!
Disagree … you are coo-coo for coca puffs, just sayin!
LOL
LindaLou
The first romance I read (aside from a few Harlequins in college) was Crusie’s “Anyone But You” with Fred the basset hound on the cover. Then I read all the Crusies I could get my hands on. I liked “Bet Me” because Minn was so prickly. And the Krispy Kremes and the snow globes.
@Teenyann – I don’t really care if Lori likes the book (though I’m confident she will). I’m just sad that she’s never read it.
@LL – you have a blog?? YAY!!! I’ve missed you. 🙂
@Sheree – and the bunny slippers!
OMG, now I have to re-read it.
All this Bet Me discussion is pushing me toward a re-read and I have other stuff I need to be reading. Hmmph…I hope you’re all happy with yourselves. 😉
I mentioned on Lori’s blog that Bet Me is one of my very favorite books. I think she will like it – how could she not? So much fun!
@Rowena–In my opinion, there is not one superfluous or wrong word in ‘Manhunting’ (it is one of only 2 romance books other than some of the ‘In Death’ series that have been 5 stars reads for me). I too loved the scene you mentioned (i.e. the sinking boat). Actually, sitting here at my computer, my toes are curling just thinking about Jake. If I remember correctly (it has been a while since I read the book), he had a moustache and that was just one reason among many to love him.
First off, LORI HAS NEVER READ BET ME???? That should be against the law. Everyone must read that book and I’m confident that you have this one in the bag, Holly.
I’m looking forward to Lori’s post. =P
@teenyan- It’s been a while since I’ve read Bet Me but I can see how Minn wouldn’t win everyone over.
I LOVE Jake and Kate. Their romance had me laughing from beginning to end. Going out on the boat, the scene where the boat was sinking and Jake was still cracking jokes, oh man Crusie sure knows how to write books that leave me in fits of giggles and that’s a great one!
@LindaLou: YOU HAVE A BLOG! Why didn’t you tell me! I’m on my way over there right now! I’m so happy you decided to try your hand at writing reviews.
Oh how I miss you! I’m so glad to see you around still sweets!
What are you reading right now?
I’m sure Lori will come through, as would most aficionados of contemporary romance. You’ve given her the free book. Give her time; she’ll get there.
You know, all this ganging up doesn’t make me feel the pressure. At. All.
Cause ask my hubby. I. Am. Stubborn.
But, I will read it (paper version, just sayin) and give my honest opinion.
And, if I don’t care for it, Holly has to leave it be. That will make it worth it. And I propose she has to write a post about it and how she will never ever push Crusie on me again.
Nodding. Yes, that’s the ticket.
I love Bet Me – it’s my favourite Crusie – which is saying something because she’s written some majorly awesome books.