Betting on You

A New York Times Bestseller

From the New York Times bestselling author of Better Than the Movies, this “entertaining” (Publishers Weekly) rom-com in the vein of She’s All That and 10 Things I Hate About You follows a teen girl who unwittingly finds herself at the centre of a bet while working at a waterpark.

Seventeen-year-old Bailey has just landed a summer job at a hotel waterpark, but her excitement is quickly dampened when she realises that one of her coworkers is an old acquaintance, Charlie. Their initial meeting was less than ideal: a tense interaction on a flight to Omaha during a tumultuous period in Bailey’s life.

At first, Bailey finds Charlie’s cynical outlook clashing with her own well-mannered and rule-abiding nature. However, as the summer progresses, the interactions that once annoyed her begin to intrigue her. The duo find amusement in observing the budding flirtations between their coworkers and decide to place a bet on whether one particular pair will actually get together. This wager triggers a series of events that force Bailey and Charlie to spend more time together, blurring the lines between their opposing personalities and igniting a connection neither of them expected.

Bailey and Charlie's bet extends beyond mere observation as circumstances force them into a "fake dating" arrangement to halt the overly amicable gestures between Bailey’s mother and her new boyfriend. This charade causes Bailey to view Charlie in a new light; he goes from being the annoying colleague to someone she can confide in and trust, unsettling her in ways she didn't anticipate.

All the while, Charlie struggles with his feelings for Bailey. His growing affection is complicated by a hidden secret—another bet, one which involved Bailey in ways she’s unaware of. As their feelings for each other deepen amidst the playful deception, Bailey starts to realise her heart is more invested than she thought, causing her hands to shake and her pulse to quicken in his presence.

Betting on You masterfully combines humour, heartfelt moments, and the tender uncertainty of first love. Author Lynn Painter crafts a compelling narrative that explores the complexities of teenage relationships, the challenges of blending families, and the unpredictability of love. As Bailey and Charlie navigate their faux relationship and unexpected feelings, readers will be taken on a rollercoaster of emotions, questioning whether their budding romance can survive the truths and lies that lie between them.