Count on love and truth in 'The Bet'

• Title: The Bet
• Author: Teisha Mott
• Reviewer: Ruth Howard

Young love is always an exciting experience. Especially first love. But that first relationship doesn't always end well - especially if it includes too many firsts too quickly. This is what protagonist Anne Dru Persaud (Andie) discovers in Teisha Mott's novel, The Bet.

Set in Kingston, Jamaica, with most of its events centering around the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona campus, the book explores doe-eyed, 18-year-old Andie Persaud's initiation into romance - and her first taste of heartbreak. The object of her affection? A highly sought after, very attractive and eligible curly-haired wonder known as Nathan Hansen. Andie finds herself drawn to the 20-year-old economics major, especially when he develops eyes only for her, and, out of the blue, provides desperately needed help for an in-course presentation.

THE PERFECT BOYFRIEND

To Andie, Nathan seems like perfect boyfriend material.

What Andie doesn't know is that Nathan's motives may not be as pure as they seem. In fact, his reason for going after her is to prove his sexual prowess to friend and long-time rival, Jeremy Malcolm. Jeremy gives Nathan eight weeks to woo Andie and sleep with her, or else he has to declare himself a virgin.

As time goes on, Nathan finds it increasingly difficult to fulfil the requirements of the bet. The fact that Andie's family comprises almost entirely of rich and influential power brokers - doctors, business moguls, and senior lecturers, including her father, who teaches him - does not make things any easier.

DECISIONS TO MAKE

Eventually, Nathan comes to a crossroads and has to make decisions that will seriously alter not only his life, but also Andie's.

Teisha Mott's first of four novels in the Persaud Girls series is a cautionary tale to the young and old alike. It intertwines themes of love, friendship, family, academics and religion, emphasising the ultimate triumph of truth - and true love - above all.

Anyone who has experienced the rigours of a first relationship will sympathise with Andie as she navigates the new and turbulent sea of emotions Nathan inspires with each look, smile, and touch. Parents will understand Janine Persaud's concern at how quickly her daughter gets serious about her relationship with Nathan. Those who have siblings will relate to Samantha Persaud's chagrin at her sister's situation, and anyone who has walked through college life will know the far-reaching implications of a bet gone wrong on a young girl's reputation.

The book offers a wide cast of characters, plenty of background information on its main players, and enough twists to keep the plot interesting. While some typos and misspellings detract from the overall finished feel of the novel, its invaluable life lessons, and the depth of personality given to different characters makes it a solid enough read.

If you love a nice plot, a well-paced story, and a book which provokes critical thought and discussion of some of the most prevalent relationship issues facing young people, you can bet on The Bet.