He's never lost a bet in his life but she's playing for keeps! Cassandra Bishop's boyfriend is back. Only problem is.she doesn't want anything to do with him. Or his new fiancie. What the confirmed tomboy would like is to wring his neck. She might have done it, too, if he hadn't filled her in on the embarrassing truth that he'd left her at the altar because she wasn't woman enough to satisfy him. Her pride nearly settled for punching him in the nose.until she thought of something better-proving him wrong. High on Burke Hallifax's list of cataclysmic nightmares is having to look at his best friend as a real female. But when her ex-fianci makes his wedding a personal vendetta against Cass, Burke has no choice but to bet everything on her ability to out hot-girl the competition. Unfortunately, the entire town is betting as well-on whether Burke and Cass can pull off the makeover of the century.without losing their hearts in the process. Blue Ribbon Rating: 4.5 ..."Let's hear it for the tomboys! Cassandra is such a fun character. She's bold and brash yet still girly, but not in a makeup and high-heels sort of way. She wants to be loved and get married, even have kids but Luke's cruel comments push her into a deep-seated need to prove to everyone including herself that she is a woman. Burke loves Cassandra just the way she is, her changing forces him to realize that she is desirable and he's always been attracted to her, that's why he hates Luke so much. Matters of the heart are always a gamble, but it's so worth it when you bluff and win."~ Chrissy Dionne, Romance Junkies
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Cassandra Bishop (known by all as just CB) is one of the guys. She plays poker with the guys and works for her family's landscaping business. She's been comfortable with her life until she runs into her ex-fiancé Luke with his new fiancée Sally. But wait a sec - Luke left town and left her a letter telling her he was leaving her because he was gay - what's he doing with Sally? CB's run-in with Luke turns nasty - especially when he tells her that she's too much like a guy and not feminine enough for a man.
That run-in with Luke gets CB thinking about her life and what she wants out of it. She decides that she wants is to be treated like a woman. She also wants to be known as Cassie and wants a guy to treat her as if she was special. And she needs all this to happen in a couple of weeks so she can wow Luke at his wedding. CB decides that she needs someone to help her in her transformation - who better than her best friend - Burke Hallifax?
Burke Hallifax loves his friend CB just as she is and really doesn't want her to change at all. The last thing he wants to do is make her "womanly" - he really doesn't like change at all. But he's finding that he's very attracted to Cassie.
This is a cute story, though I thought Cassie was a little extreme - at 28, she's never worn makeup, read any 'girlie' magazines, needs to watch old movies to figure out what's feminine and so on. Burke was very cute as the guy who suddenly has his eyes opened to his old 'friend'. Secondary characters, like Hayne, Cassie's brother add a lot to the story.
If you expect this to be a "hot" novel (as this is published by Samhain), you'll be disappointed. The steaminess factor is really no hotter than a Harlequin novel - and maybe even less than that.
That run-in with Luke gets CB thinking about her life and what she wants out of it. She decides that she wants is to be treated like a woman. She also wants to be known as Cassie and wants a guy to treat her as if she was special. And she needs all this to happen in a couple of weeks so she can wow Luke at his wedding. CB decides that she needs someone to help her in her transformation - who better than her best friend - Burke Hallifax?
Burke Hallifax loves his friend CB just as she is and really doesn't want her to change at all. The last thing he wants to do is make her "womanly" - he really doesn't like change at all. But he's finding that he's very attracted to Cassie.
This is a cute story, though I thought Cassie was a little extreme - at 28, she's never worn makeup, read any 'girlie' magazines, needs to watch old movies to figure out what's feminine and so on. Burke was very cute as the guy who suddenly has his eyes opened to his old 'friend'. Secondary characters, like Hayne, Cassie's brother add a lot to the story.
If you expect this to be a "hot" novel (as this is published by Samhain), you'll be disappointed. The steaminess factor is really no hotter than a Harlequin novel - and maybe even less than that.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
The synopsis:
CB doesn't know if she's heart broken or just plain pissed off when her former fiancé, Luke, shows up a year after dumping her via a note and sneaking out of town just weeks before they were supposed to get married. Now Luke is back in town and with a blond Betty Boop he's now marrying, and in the church they were going to be married in too, just so Luke can rub CB's nose in it. Burke, CB's best friend since their ages were still single digits, gets furious at Luke coming back to stir up trouble and managing to make himself look like the injured party when Luke was caught cheating on CB. So in the middle of an argument during happy hour at the town's hot spot Berke bets CB's car that CB will show up at Luke's wedding and be the sexist most feminine woman there. The only problem is raised by her single dad CB is about as feminine as a butt crack showing teamster.
What I liked:
I loved that there was no secret love or secret longing. They were both just friends, best buds to the point that Burke thinks nothing of walking in on her in the bath and forcing her to walk around him naked because she is just one of the guys. CB, Burke and the supporting cast a great and fun to read about and the light fun feel of this book is a blast to read.
What I didn't like:
There could have been a lot better character development and in the end no matter how much I liked CB and Burke I didn't feel like I knew them. There was no reason given for why CB put up with Luke treating her so badly for YEARS, literally breaking up with her to sleep around then coming back when he and the other girl broke up, all the while telling the other girl CB broke his heart. She is such a strong woman and if we are supposed to believe that she never really truly loved Luke then why put up with it for so long?
The same problem is there with Burke's character. He is no where near as likable as CB but we never get a sense of who he is. Burke says he can't love and he is a serious commitment phobe and his sudden change to devoted lover came far to quickly and with no explanation as to why he was the way he was or why he changed. I love how Burke was an OCD neat freak but other than that his character was really blah. I personally am so tired of these stereotypical guys who just want women for sex and nothing more. Guys like that are jerks and in that way Luke (the villain) is practically a twin of Burke.
These guys are both jerks in my mind because Burke thinks he has a right to bet CB's car. I can get Luke thinking it's ok, but Burke thinks he has a right to bet items he doesn't own? WTF? And CB never even elbows him in the ribs, or even mentions the fact that Burke is REALLY over stepping. I know she is supposed to be a pushover when it comes to Burke but that is being pushed too far.
The Sum Up:
A pretty light story, a few laughs and a fun tone, but bogged down in poor characters who needed more development. I also found myself getting bored towards the middle where one "Train CB to be a girl" scene seemed to blend into the other. But if you don't expect too much from this it's a nice book to spend a few hours reading even if it could have used some judicious editing to pick up the pace in the middle.
3 stars.
CB doesn't know if she's heart broken or just plain pissed off when her former fiancé, Luke, shows up a year after dumping her via a note and sneaking out of town just weeks before they were supposed to get married. Now Luke is back in town and with a blond Betty Boop he's now marrying, and in the church they were going to be married in too, just so Luke can rub CB's nose in it. Burke, CB's best friend since their ages were still single digits, gets furious at Luke coming back to stir up trouble and managing to make himself look like the injured party when Luke was caught cheating on CB. So in the middle of an argument during happy hour at the town's hot spot Berke bets CB's car that CB will show up at Luke's wedding and be the sexist most feminine woman there. The only problem is raised by her single dad CB is about as feminine as a butt crack showing teamster.
What I liked:
I loved that there was no secret love or secret longing. They were both just friends, best buds to the point that Burke thinks nothing of walking in on her in the bath and forcing her to walk around him naked because she is just one of the guys. CB, Burke and the supporting cast a great and fun to read about and the light fun feel of this book is a blast to read.
What I didn't like:
There could have been a lot better character development and in the end no matter how much I liked CB and Burke I didn't feel like I knew them. There was no reason given for why CB put up with Luke treating her so badly for YEARS, literally breaking up with her to sleep around then coming back when he and the other girl broke up, all the while telling the other girl CB broke his heart. She is such a strong woman and if we are supposed to believe that she never really truly loved Luke then why put up with it for so long?
The same problem is there with Burke's character. He is no where near as likable as CB but we never get a sense of who he is. Burke says he can't love and he is a serious commitment phobe and his sudden change to devoted lover came far to quickly and with no explanation as to why he was the way he was or why he changed. I love how Burke was an OCD neat freak but other than that his character was really blah. I personally am so tired of these stereotypical guys who just want women for sex and nothing more. Guys like that are jerks and in that way Luke (the villain) is practically a twin of Burke.
These guys are both jerks in my mind because Burke thinks he has a right to bet CB's car. I can get Luke thinking it's ok, but Burke thinks he has a right to bet items he doesn't own? WTF? And CB never even elbows him in the ribs, or even mentions the fact that Burke is REALLY over stepping. I know she is supposed to be a pushover when it comes to Burke but that is being pushed too far.
The Sum Up:
A pretty light story, a few laughs and a fun tone, but bogged down in poor characters who needed more development. I also found myself getting bored towards the middle where one "Train CB to be a girl" scene seemed to blend into the other. But if you don't expect too much from this it's a nice book to spend a few hours reading even if it could have used some judicious editing to pick up the pace in the middle.
3 stars.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By PradaLover
Format:Kindle Edition
This was not my first book by Ms. Tenorio and therein lies the problem and hence the review. The first one I read was light, breezy, mildly entertaining, with a lot of flaws. If I'd bothered to review it, I'd have given it a 3. Not the worst couple of bucks I spent, but hardly great literature. So why come back? Because I thought the issues might be isolated to one book that had been poorly edited. So in the mood for light and breezy, I came back to Ms. Tenorio. I won't again. If you liked your first one, you might be wise to stop there.
The Good:
Light, breezy, and fun tomboy to hot girly romp. The writing was frequently witty and smart. I like the friends to lovers discovery.
The Bad:
I don't have ADHD, so on occasion I found the transitions in time, location, and speaker to be too abrupt and had to reread. Eventually, I quit caring and went into cruise mode. I hate to not finish a book, but she lost me emotionally somewhere in the middle when I got bored.
Just like her other book, the characters are not fully developed. The hero, the villain, and her brother could be the same guy - there's no change of voice, and nothing to differentiate them in behavior, except Burke is apparently a better lover (not that her brother is involved in that equation). Yes, I get the point of a romance - the emotional connection and the best sex ever, but hey, I want to know and like him. If I just want the best sex ever I can go read that online for free. There was never any closure about why he was avoiding her to begin with. The other thing is that we don't get to see his emotional growth. This is more like Burke takes the attitude of, "Well if that's what you want, then that's what you'll get!" Sexual tension, good sex, and bang (excuse the pun) he's now her devoted hero. Really? Is this young adult fiction with graphic sex?
The heroine is possibly more angst ridden at times than Bella in Twilight,and there were several times where I just didn't like her a whole lot - mostly when this bright, smart woman just got stupid and childish. She's underdeveloped - as in immature so all she does is get angry and then fight. But, when Burke bets her car (that she loves so much), she doesn't do or say anything. Unbelievable. I was unable to remain attached to the character after several moments in this book. In fact, I got to the point where I was hoping that Burke would wise up and lose her.
A failure to describe the main characters left me to my own devices. Then when I had a comfortable image (yeah, yeah, eyes and hair, thanks I saw them) the author tells me more than halfway through the book that our heroine is like 5'-8". It made me wonder what else I hadn't been told. If it was a mystery, this would have been one of those ones that give you the info in the reveal without ever giving you the clue in the book. Not nice.
The Ugly:
This book proves that professional editing and publishing is no better at times than self-publishing! Sure the typos and grammar problems weren't a big issue, but how about the lack of pacing and language choices. When the witty and smart disappeared (as it did in the middle) it became boring and the reality set in. Just like the other book, we had a great opening and hook (about the first three chapters) a really annoying and dull middle, and then some well written hot sex, and then the requisite wrap up, which was better written than the middle but not even close to the beginning. This leaves me to believe that someone polished the heck out of the first three chapters to attract the publisher, likes to write the sex, and then filled in the rest. Shame on the editor for letting this happen..
The point and giggle factor:
"Cass dazedly realized..." that's just tough to read and it's hard to realize anything if you are dazed. This needed some type of qualifier, "Even in her dazed state she realized..."
He's making passionate love to her and she's so excited she can hardly bear it as she watches through, "sleepy eyes" Really? Lids lowered in passion, hooded... but hey, if she's sleepy - it ain't that good.
"felt a sense of sensual power" Uhm maybe a rush of power? Calling all synonym finders - sense and sensual that close together is lazy!!!
"minimally happier" read that aloud - it's just not smooth.
Piddly - yeah. But it took me out of the story each time. And this happened in multiple places in both the books I read by this author. I felt each time as though the author had gone through and seen a word like "happier" and said to herself, "how was he happier?" and then went looking for adjectives to place in front of those words.
I really wish this author would focus on what she does well and apply it throughout the entire book. She's damn good in many sections, but she fails to maintain it. I was incredibly disappointed. And now realizing that the flaws aren't isolated to one book, I'll move on. I'll wait until the author offers a newer book for free before I try her again.
The Good:
Light, breezy, and fun tomboy to hot girly romp. The writing was frequently witty and smart. I like the friends to lovers discovery.
The Bad:
I don't have ADHD, so on occasion I found the transitions in time, location, and speaker to be too abrupt and had to reread. Eventually, I quit caring and went into cruise mode. I hate to not finish a book, but she lost me emotionally somewhere in the middle when I got bored.
Just like her other book, the characters are not fully developed. The hero, the villain, and her brother could be the same guy - there's no change of voice, and nothing to differentiate them in behavior, except Burke is apparently a better lover (not that her brother is involved in that equation). Yes, I get the point of a romance - the emotional connection and the best sex ever, but hey, I want to know and like him. If I just want the best sex ever I can go read that online for free. There was never any closure about why he was avoiding her to begin with. The other thing is that we don't get to see his emotional growth. This is more like Burke takes the attitude of, "Well if that's what you want, then that's what you'll get!" Sexual tension, good sex, and bang (excuse the pun) he's now her devoted hero. Really? Is this young adult fiction with graphic sex?
The heroine is possibly more angst ridden at times than Bella in Twilight,and there were several times where I just didn't like her a whole lot - mostly when this bright, smart woman just got stupid and childish. She's underdeveloped - as in immature so all she does is get angry and then fight. But, when Burke bets her car (that she loves so much), she doesn't do or say anything. Unbelievable. I was unable to remain attached to the character after several moments in this book. In fact, I got to the point where I was hoping that Burke would wise up and lose her.
A failure to describe the main characters left me to my own devices. Then when I had a comfortable image (yeah, yeah, eyes and hair, thanks I saw them) the author tells me more than halfway through the book that our heroine is like 5'-8". It made me wonder what else I hadn't been told. If it was a mystery, this would have been one of those ones that give you the info in the reveal without ever giving you the clue in the book. Not nice.
The Ugly:
This book proves that professional editing and publishing is no better at times than self-publishing! Sure the typos and grammar problems weren't a big issue, but how about the lack of pacing and language choices. When the witty and smart disappeared (as it did in the middle) it became boring and the reality set in. Just like the other book, we had a great opening and hook (about the first three chapters) a really annoying and dull middle, and then some well written hot sex, and then the requisite wrap up, which was better written than the middle but not even close to the beginning. This leaves me to believe that someone polished the heck out of the first three chapters to attract the publisher, likes to write the sex, and then filled in the rest. Shame on the editor for letting this happen..
The point and giggle factor:
"Cass dazedly realized..." that's just tough to read and it's hard to realize anything if you are dazed. This needed some type of qualifier, "Even in her dazed state she realized..."
He's making passionate love to her and she's so excited she can hardly bear it as she watches through, "sleepy eyes" Really? Lids lowered in passion, hooded... but hey, if she's sleepy - it ain't that good.
"felt a sense of sensual power" Uhm maybe a rush of power? Calling all synonym finders - sense and sensual that close together is lazy!!!
"minimally happier" read that aloud - it's just not smooth.
Piddly - yeah. But it took me out of the story each time. And this happened in multiple places in both the books I read by this author. I felt each time as though the author had gone through and seen a word like "happier" and said to herself, "how was he happier?" and then went looking for adjectives to place in front of those words.
I really wish this author would focus on what she does well and apply it throughout the entire book. She's damn good in many sections, but she fails to maintain it. I was incredibly disappointed. And now realizing that the flaws aren't isolated to one book, I'll move on. I'll wait until the author offers a newer book for free before I try her again.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Adorable Love Story
A good love story that keeps your interest from beginning to the end. An easy read in one sitting. There are other good books from this author you will want to read also.
Published 10 months ago by Nana B
4.0 out of 5 stars
Funny, Romantic
Betting Hearts is funny, romantic and kinda predictable, you would know they will end up together, but the real interest is how and when they will realize it. Read more
Published 10 months ago by lizodus
4.0 out of 5 stars
BET ON A TOMBOY!!!!
Super cute and funny plot... I'm a tomboy myself growing up with three bothers so I could totally relate to Cassie.. Read more
Published 10 months ago by Debbie S
4.0 out of 5 stars
Really good book, just not great.
I loved the story line, a lot! I was more of the "Tom Boy" type growing up, so I guess that's why I can relate so well to this story. And yes.... Read more
Published 11 months ago by CINDY F.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Book!!
This was a great read - I didn't put it down until I was finished. Everyone loves a story of the underdog coming out the winner - but for me I love it when that person happens to... Read more
Published 11 months ago by msimmang
5.0 out of 5 stars
I loved this book
I loved this book. I read until 2 a.m. to finish it because I had to get these two together before I could sleep.
Two childhood friends grow up as best friends. Read more
Two childhood friends grow up as best friends. Read more
Published 11 months ago by Gatorfan
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Read!!!
This book was very good. Although I have read books with a similar plot to this one, the author succeeded in making it original and different. Read more
Published 11 months ago by anonymous
4.0 out of 5 stars
Fun Friends to Lovers story!
Betting Hearts is a fun friends to lovers story by Dee Tenorio. What I love about this book though is the characters really have no romantic feelings for each other at the... Read more
Published 11 months ago by Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fun and flirty
Downloaded this on my Kindle this past weekend based on a friend's recommendation --- and loved it! Cassandra is a great lead character, desperate to prove her ex boyfriend wrong. Read more
Published on April 20, 2009 by Jackie J.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Let's hear it for the tomboys!
Cassandra Bishop, otherwise known as CB doesn't have the faintest idea how to be feminine. She's a rough and tumble sort of girl who's not afraid to get her hands dirty, inhale... Read more
Published on January 19, 2007 by C. Dionne
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More About the Author
Dee Tenorio has issues. It turns out she enjoys tormenting herself by writing sizzling romances of various genres spanning paranormal mystery dramas, contemporaries & romantic comedies. Luckily, there's no therapy designed for this yet!
To learn more about Dee and her books, please feel free to visit her website at http://www.deetenorio.com
To learn more about Dee and her books, please feel free to visit her website at http://www.deetenorio.com
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