Common Sense Media Review
By Mary Krawczyk
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Energetic, cute teen romance is frustrating at times.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 5 parent reviews
Based on 29 kid reviews
Kids say this book is a charming YA romance featuring lovable characters, slow-burn tension, and relatable themes such as divorce and friendship. Readers praise its engaging plot, witty banter, and appropriate content for mature teens, though some note the presence of swearing and brief sexual innuendos.
- relatable themes
- lovable characters
- engaging plot
- witty banter
- mature content
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In BETTING ON YOU, Bailey and Charlie meet -- and bicker -- for the first time as young teens on a cross country flight. They also connect and bond over their parents' divorces. A few years later, they run each other at a movie theater. Bailey's there with her boyfriend, and Charlie's there with his girlfriend. Flash forward to the present, and Bailey and Charlie are coworkers at a hotel waterpark. Their friendly and not-so-friendly banter eventually turns into a sort of friendship. They're both still hurting from break-ups and struggling with their family dynamics. Charlie doesn't think girls and boys can be friends. Bailey disagrees. They even make a bet about it. Will Bailey and Charlie end up as friends? Or something more?
Is It Any Good?
This romantic comedy for young adults is full of snarky banter, pop culture references, and rom-com cliches. In Betting on You, Lynn Painter writes a story with a familiar formula including frenemies and fake dating. For the most part, it's entertaining and fun. However, young people betting on the relationships of people they care about seems harsh at times and causes characters to act in ways that are mean and hurtful. There's a problematic suggestion that Bailey is somehow more attractive and worthy of Charlie's attention once she's gotten her braces off and straightened her hair. Serious issues, such as anxiety and divorce, are touched on but not developed in a meaningful way. On balance, both Bailey and Charlie are sweet and thoughtful. They regret their bad behavior and apologize. Readers who've been through the divorce of a parent may identify with and relate to the difficulties, emotions, and transitions involved. For fans of Lynn Painter and romcoms in general, this will likely be a satisfying read.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about divorce in Betting on You. Bailey and Charlie bond over their parents' divorces, changing family dynamics, and blended families. Have you experienced divorce yourself or through a friend or family member? How did it feel?
In the story, teens make "bets" about their friends' relationships, and people's feelings get hurt. Why do you think they made the bets in the first place? How did you feel about the bets?
Bailey and Charlie struggle a lot with each other and with their friends and family because they don't communicate their feelings. Have you ever had a situation when it was difficult to talk about your feelings? How did you eventually find a way to say what you needed to say?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Romance
- Topics : Friendship , School ( High School )
- Character Strengths : Communication , Compassion , Humility
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : December 19, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 14 - 18
- Number of pages : 432
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : February 17, 2026
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