Bet Me

By: Jennifer Crusie

Narrated by: Deanna Hurst

Min Dobbs knows that happily-ever-after is a fairy tale, especially with a man who asked her to dinner to win a bet. Cal Morrisey knows commitment is impossible, especially with a woman as cranky as Min Dobbs. When they say good-bye at the end of their evening, they cut their losses and agree never to see each other again.

But Fate has other plans, and it's not long before Min and Cal are dealing with a jealous ex-boyfriend, Krispy Kremes, a determined psychologist, chaos theory, a mutant cat, Chicken Marsala, and more risky propositions than either of them ever dreamed of, including the biggest gamble of all: real love.

©2004 Jennifer Crusie (P)2004 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Hurst's voice contains an energy and exuberance that leaves little doubt that she's the perfect narrator for Crusie's heartfelt comedy of errors....[A] zesty, vibrantly told tale." ( Publishers Weekly)

Cute, fun, lighthearted

This is a fun, mind-candy type of book. If you are looking for something "deep" this is not it, but boy is it fun.

Brilliant book, very good narration

This is by far my favorite Jennifer Crusie book and is really truly excellent. You cannot go wrong with this title. Romance, humor, friendship -- it has it all.

I felt as though the narration was very good -- an especially well-matched voice for Min, Bonnie, Liza and Tony. My only very small complaint is that the narrator does not change her voice much for other characters -- sometimes it ends up being a tad monotone. Still, for the excellent job done with Min (one of the main characters) and a pretty good job for Cal (the other main character), you just can't go wrong.

a piece of fun

an easy listen, loved the highlight of how mothers can have such high expectations of their daughters that are so unreasonable. Crusie did a great job of satire with the mother. One of Crusie's better books.

My favorite of Jennifer Crusie's!

Min Dobbs is a great character -average-looking woman who will never be model material, but has a quick wit and funny, caring personality (Like most of us!). Through a series of bets, insults and set downs, she turns prince charming inside out and makes him see how wonderful they both are. Funny, witty, quick moving with lots of twists and turns. I've listened to it over and over.

pretty good

Any additional comments?

writing is good, narration good, a cute story, the only thing that annoyed me was the way they kept describing how she ate fattening foods as if she was having an orgasm, kinda grossed me out. i get she is a bigger girl but that doesn't mean i want to hear about someones food porn. but that was the only thing that annoyed me, rest of story was good.

Love this book!

I love this book! And I think the audio reader did a great job with the voices. This book is funny and sexy! A great read!

Great read

Very entertaining and fun book. I definitely recommend checking it out. You will enjoy it.

You betcha!

Where does Bet Me rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Bet Me ranks close to the top. It's entertaining and keeps you going. It is a very chaotic novel with fun and lively characters. I have listened to or read books where it is chaotic, but only because the author doesn't seem to be able to get it together to write a clean, crisp story line. Jennifer Cruisie does this on purpose! This is like a opera singer being able to sing off key when she needs to.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Min who just seems to have a clutsy life and yes, chaos theory at its finest.

What does Deanna Hurst bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The ability to add a hint of sarcasm in her voice when it was appropriate.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

....say what?

Any additional comments?

I read this as I was keeping tabs on a philosophy class that a colleague was teaching regarding Cultural Theory through the ages. I have to agree with my colleague when she said, "This is a very intelligently written book." "Cruise got skill."

A Modern day romance!

I loved this book. It makes you laugh, cry, fall in love but mostly laugh. I have reread it a dozen times. A favorite book.

Not as Good as Fast Women

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Probably not. I think there are other books that are better...

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

The ending was very predictable... and once you read the first two chapters you knew what the ending was going to be.

What three words best describe Deanna Hurst’s voice?

Neither good nor bad.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No

Any additional comments?

I have only read two of Jennifer Cruise's books. Fast Women, which was good and this one. Now I am left wondering which one was the normal writing style and which was the accident.