Did you ever wish you suddenly inherited a house from a family member you barely remember, find a new himbo bestie and a scorching hot one-night stands that ends up being your family lawyer?
Yeah, neither did Natalie Roche but that’s what happened.
In Betting on the House by Cassandra Medcalf, Natalie is a talent manager in LA for one of the largest music management firms. When one day she receives notification that her grandmother has passed, and she has been left the family home in Appalachian Maryland.
Her first day in Maryland, she befriends a labrador of a himbo friend at a local McDonalds who takes her to an out of the way bar. There she meets Bonnie, her supposed one night stand. Until she find out Bonnie is her family’s inheritance lawyer.
And to top it all off, she has a brother she didn’t know about.
The story is fast paced and engaging. I was almost finished before I realized. But while this is listed as a romance, there isn’t much romance in the story between Natalie and Bonnie. This story reflects instead Natalie’s “come to Jesus” moment of if she even wants to be in the musical talent business anymore. The one band she manages, a legacy rock band from the 80’s is slowly coming to a stop. She has to deal with a man-child, micro-managing boss, an alcoholic lead singer who keeps disappearing, and a half brother who wants her out of the house. Natalie’s decision to fix up the house with the help of new bestie Shawn is more entertaining in this book than the pseudo- romance of Natalie and Bonnie. Which consists of one one-night hookup. A make out session in Bonnie’s law office, and a meeting at the concert Natalie is trying to manage. There’s more interaction and character growth between Natalie and Shawn who are just great.
I do like the bisexual inclusion in Natalie as well as the sweet playful flirtations between her and Shawn that both know aren’t going anywhere.
Despite all of this, the story was very well written and entertaining. It is also book one of four so I’m hoping that later books expand on Natalie and Bonnie’s relationship while still giving us more friendship between Natalie and Shawn.
Absolutely a popcorn book. Something you can read and just enjoy.
Getting ready for Turkey day? I need to start stocking up on food so I don’t have to fight the crowds the week of. I also need to figure out where the hell I’m going to fridge a turkey.
I should probably just read.
This month’s independent bookstore is Left Bank Books in St. Louis, Mo. As always, all books will be linked to them and I’ll spotlight them later this month.
That’s it for this week friends. Enjoy the cooler weather. Get your coats out and as always, take time to curl up with a good book.
Mouse's Reading Nook 