a betting manRating: 4 stars
Buy Links: 
 Amazon | All Romance
Length: Novella


Playboy extraordinaire Kent Samson has everything that he’s ever wanted – the job of his dreams, the Upper West Side apartment, and women begging to share his bed. So why, at the end of the day, does he feel like something is missing? Never one to turn down a bet, especially when placed with his best friend, Blaine, Kent finds himself in a situation he never imagined. The bet: to make the next person who walks through his office door fall in love with him in the next six months. Not only that, but it has to be evident to other people as well. When that person turns out to be a man, Kent is dumbstruck. He’s never been attracted to a man, but he refuses to lose the bet.

Bike messenger Terry Barron likes being invisible. He does his job and lives his life on his own terms. Meeting Kent was a fluke, just part of the job, but when the beautiful man asks him out, Terry can’t figure out why Kent would even bother, but he finds himself saying yes to a date regardless.

As they spend more time together and feelings grow, Kent realizes that Terry could be more than a bet. And Terry realizes that Kent is more than just a pretty face. But both men have secrets – secrets that can come between them if they’re hidden for too long. Both men must figure out if their relationship is worth revealing the skeletons in their closets before they lose everything.

A Betting Man is a seriously cute story. I immediately fell for Kent and Terry. Kent because he’s the untouchable, egotistical playboy. And Terry because he’s so endearing and trusting. They are from two different worlds, in so many different ways, yet they are so very perfect together. As I’ve said before, the gay-for-you trope is not everyone’s cup of tea, but I love it. And while the reasons for Kent being suddenly attracted to a man may not be all that convincing at first, eventually it makes sense. And it makes for such a charming read.

The story itself is a cross between How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days and a white knight fairy tale. The bet, the revealing of the man-behind-the-playboy, the conniving friend, and the impending disaster makes for an entertaining romantic comedy. There is even a proverbial white knight, Kent, and the not-so-damsel-in-distress prince, Terry. It is a fun and completely adorable story.

As with romantic comedies, there is always a predictability factor. My only quibble is that I wish it wouldn’t have been as predictable as it was. I could practically map it out. But otherwise it was a completely precious and enjoyable story.

A Betting Man is a cute prose with a high aww-factor. It’s a short, fun and easy read that I enjoyed from beginning to end. This is the first book I’ve read by Sandrine Gasq-Dion, but it won’t be the last. I definitely recommend A Betting Man by Sandrine Gasq-Dion.

crissy sig