Amanda Sellet’s second contemporary romance, The Odds of Getting Even, delivers a witty, snake-filled adventure that proves sometimes the best relationships start with the biggest misunderstandings. Following her debut Hate to Fake It to You, Sellet returns with another screwball comedy that channels the golden age of Hollywood hijinks while maintaining a distinctly modern sensibility.
A Meet-Cute That Actually Matters
The premise alone sells itself: Jean Harrington, a reluctant resort concierge with artistic ambitions, stumbles upon a bashful scientist during a late-night towel emergency. What follows is a masterclass in sexual tension disguised as poker lessons, complete with strip poker sessions that serve as both character development and comedic gold.
Sellet excels at creating characters who feel authentically flawed rather than quirky for the sake of being quirky. Jean’s commitment-phobic nature stems from genuine self-preservation, while Charlie’s reserved personality masks genuine vulnerability rather than simple shyness. Their initial connection feels earned rather than manufactured, particularly during their intimate painting sessions where Jean literally marks Charlie as hers.
The author’s background as a journalist shines through in her sharp dialogue and keen eye for detail. The hotel setting provides the perfect backdrop for their clandestine romance, with Jean’s concierge reports serving as delightful chapter breaks that add authenticity to the resort atmosphere.
Plot Mechanics: Where Chaos Meets Calculation
The story’s central conceit revolves around mistaken identities and hidden agendas, but Sellet manages to keep the increasingly complex web of deceptions from becoming overwhelming. When Jean discovers Charlie’s true identity as beer heir Charles Pike IV, her feelings of betrayal drive her to assume a false identity and crash his family’s centennial celebration.
This revenge plot could have easily devolved into mean-spirited territory, but Sellet maintains sympathy for both characters throughout their emotional journey. Jean’s partnership with ambitious journalist Hildy creates an interesting dynamic that explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the price of ambition.
The centennial celebration itself provides a perfect stage for the story’s climax, combining corporate politics, family drama, and romantic tension in a way that feels both intimate and epic. The poker tournament finale serves as an inspired metaphor for the characters’ emotional stakes, with each hand revealing deeper truths about their relationship.
Character Development: Beyond the Surface
Jean Harrington emerges as a compelling protagonist whose artistic aspirations feel genuine rather than token. Her struggles with commitment and trust issues are rooted in believable experiences, and her growth throughout the story feels organic. Sellet avoids the trap of making her too perfect or too damaged, instead creating a character who makes mistakes while remaining fundamentally likeable.
Charlie Pike could have easily become a stereotypical “shy nerd” archetype, but Sellet layers in enough complexity to make him fascinating. His passion for herpetology provides genuine character depth, and his family dynamics add realistic pressure to his choices. The revelation of his wealth and status creates legitimate conflict without making him unsympathetic.
The supporting cast, particularly Mugsy and Adriana Asebedo, adds color and depth to the story without overwhelming the central romance. Each character serves a specific purpose in the narrative while maintaining their own distinct voice and motivation.
Writing Style: Snappy Dialogue Meets Emotional Depth
Sellet’s prose sparkles with the kind of rapid-fire dialogue that made screwball comedies legendary. Her ability to balance humor with genuine emotional moments demonstrates impressive range. The chemistry between Jean and Charlie crackles on the page, whether they’re engaged in verbal sparring or tender moments of vulnerability.
The author’s handling of intimate scenes deserves particular praise. Rather than relying on explicit descriptions, she creates tension through emotional connection and playful banter. The painting scenes, in particular, serve as extended metaphors for their relationship’s development.
However, some readers might find the pacing occasionally uneven, particularly during the middle section when the revenge plot takes center stage. The transition from intimate character study to broader comedy of errors doesn’t always feel seamless.
Themes: Love, Identity, and Second Chances
Beyond the surface-level romance, The Odds of Getting Even explores deeper themes about authenticity and the masks we wear. Both protagonists struggle with being seen for who they truly are, making their eventual acceptance of each other’s flaws particularly meaningful.
“The Odds of Getting Even” also examines class differences and family expectations without becoming preachy. Charlie’s wealthy background creates legitimate obstacles without vilifying his privilege, while Jean’s working-class perspective adds authenticity to her character’s motivations.
Critical Analysis: Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Exceptional dialogue that crackles with wit and authenticity
- Well-developed characters with genuine emotional depth
- Creative use of poker as both plot device and metaphor
- Effective balance of humor and emotional stakes
- Strong sense of place in both resort and South Dakota settings
Areas for Improvement:
- Occasionally convoluted plot mechanics in the middle section
- Some secondary characters could use more development
- Pacing issues during the transition from romance to revenge plot
- Resolution feels slightly rushed given the complexity of the setup
Comparison to Similar Works
Readers who enjoyed Beach Read by Emily Henry or The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren will find similar appeal in Sellet’s work. Her ability to blend contemporary romance with screwball comedy elements places her in conversation with authors like Sophie Kinsella and Jen DeLuca.
Compared to her previous novel Hate to Fake It to You, this sophomore effort demonstrates growth in both character development and plot complexity. While maintaining the madcap energy of her debut, Sellet shows increased confidence in handling emotional depth.
Recommended Reading
For readers seeking similar romantic comedies with strong character development and witty dialogue, consider:
- Sophie Kinsella – What Does It Feel Like?
- Christina Lauren – The Unhoneymooners
- Emily Henry – Beach Read
- Jen DeLuca – Well Met
- Alicia Thompson – Love in the Time of Serial Killers
Final Verdict
The Odds of Getting Even succeeds as both a standalone romance and a worthy follow-up to Sellet’s debut. While not without its flaws, the novel delivers on its promise of witty banter, genuine emotion, and satisfying romantic payoff. The author’s voice continues to evolve, suggesting even stronger work ahead.
Jean and Charlie’s journey from strangers to lovers to adversaries and back again provides plenty of entertainment while exploring meaningful themes about identity, trust, and the courage required for genuine intimacy. Despite some pacing issues and plot convolutions, the strength of the central relationship and Sellet’s undeniable talent for dialogue make this an enjoyable read.
For romance readers seeking something with both humor and heart, The Odds of Getting Even offers winning odds indeed. It’s a book that reminds us why the best romantic comedies work: they make us laugh while making us care, and they leave us believing in the possibility of love conquering all obstacles, even the ones we create ourselves.
- Recommended for: Fans of contemporary romance, screwball comedies, and anyone who enjoys witty dialogue paired with genuine emotional depth. Perfect for readers who appreciate complex characters and aren’t afraid of a few plot twists along the way.
