I've heard it said that indulging in scrumptious chocolate is just like having great sex. I will say that treating myself to my favorite dessert of dark chocolate and a cup of aromatic French roast coffee is like experiencing tiny orgasms of taste. Jennifer Cruise's latest novel BET ME is like that indulgence. Whether it is chocolate or great sex, the story has the same effect: absolute satiation.

The novel opened with our heroine, Minerva Dobbs, getting dumped by her latest boyfriend in a trendy singles bar surrounded by colleagues and friends. While most women would cringe at the thought, Minerva didn't seem to feel anything except disappointment because he was supposed to be her date to her sister's wedding. Min was a funny, hard working woman at the top of her corporate game, but in the romance department, she couldn't seem to hold any reviews greater than lackluster. But if being easy was what would garner better reviews, Min wasn't having any of it. Besides her pride and her intelligence, Min felt she didn't seem to have anything going for her; she was the fat one in her circle of friends.

Calvin Morrisey was all charm and he never lost out on a conquest whether in business or in romance, but he didn't have staying power: commitment was not a part of his plan. He wasn't a "love them and leave them" type; in fact he was a gentlemen, and treated women so well they would fall in love with him. Once love was in the picture, however, Cal was out of it. So hanging out in a trendy singles bar wasn't his idea of the greatest place to be, but that was where his business partners and clients were. Then, out of nowhere, one of his clients bet him that he couldn't get the dowdy brunette across the crowded bar to go to dinner with him and then sleep with him, but Cal was not about to accept. Taking bets about sex was beneath even him. Somehow, however, Cal was forced into asking the woman out. She definitely was not his type, but appeasing a huge client was worth a dinner.

Then they met--Minerva and Calvin, Min and Cal--and fireworks flew. The chemistry that ignited sparks between the characters was hot and fiery. Min, who knew about the bet, made Cal work for his dinner date. Cal, who didn't think Minerva was his type, was suddenly taken with her intelligence and her spunk, not to mention that he'd be damned because his infamous charm didn't seem to be having any effect on her. After that first dinner date, they parted ways, both aware that it was a one time date--but fate had a different idea.

Jennifer Cruise has an uncanny ability to climb into the head of her characters. Minerva and Cal were always true to the characters that Cruise established for them and neither compromised on the essence that made them who they are. I was taken with Cruise's wonderful feel for natural dialogue. As the reader, I was transported into the action and could watch the dialogue take place. Ms. Cruise's humor was riotous and I couldn't help but laugh with Minerva and Cal. I was pleasantly surprised that Cruise endeared Minerva's weight to the reader and most importantly to the hunky hero that loved Min just the way she was. Finally, as I closed the book after reading the final page, I opened it up to the first page and began reading it again--a sign that I have found a book that I will recommend and reread over and over. Jennifer Cruise's BET ME is a classic and I thank her from the bottom of my heart for writing a book for us women who enjoy indulging in the orgasmic taste of chocolate. After reading BET ME, I was completely satisfied.

Maci Walker ©2004