Bachelor at her Bidding

I was gifted an ARC of Bachelor at her Bidding by Kate Hardy for an honest review. With this story Ms. Hardy managed create a heartwarming laugh out loud feel good book. Very good read.

Rachel and Ryan both avoid relationships because of personal issues in their pasts and presents. I thought it was interesting that Ryan's main issue was taking care of his grandmother as it was a different impediment to a romance.

Hardy writes a story that will have you laughing out loud. Bachelor at Her Bidding features Rachel and Ryan who begin their connection after a gifted charity bid. Great plot, great writing, a guaranteed good read.

Bachelor at her Bidding by Kate Hardy, is the second book from Tule Publishing's Montana Born Bachelor Auction series. The first book is terrific and this one is quite good as well. Each story is set in the small town of Marietta, Montana, where everyone knows your name, rank and serial number. This novella is about Ryan Henderson, a Parisian trained chef whose specialty is creating beautiful, sumptuous desserts. He was on the route to pastry chef stardom when he had to return home to take care of his beloved grandmother, who is suffering from dementia. Being part of a bachelor auction is not his cup of tea, but it is for a very good cause.

Dr. Rachel Cassidy is recently divorced, with a new life planned in her hometown with friends, family and a new physician practice. Due to her ex-husband's harsh words and actions, she has very low self-esteem. However, with a little help from of her girlfriends, she is the lucky recipient of a gourmet meal prepared by the good-looking and kind-hearted chef. Amazing chemistry doesn't even begin to describe the pull Ryan and Rachel feel toward each other, so each time they hook-up, there are fireworks.

This is a cute story with sweet characters and even sweeter confections. Ms. Hardy describes each cake that Ryan creates with mouth-watering detail. Her skill to describe continues into the bedroom, with the scorching sex scenes. However, it took me a little while to connect to Ryan and Rachel's sizzle. I liked the plot and enjoyed the camaraderie between Rachel and her friends. This is a nice addition to Bachelor Auction series and I am looking forward to reading the next one.

A really sweet book, This is the second book of the bachelor series and I enjoyed ever minute of it. Ryan is the sweetest man Ive read about. The book was a little short for me. Working on the 3rd one now. A must read series. I like that they all start around the same time and have their own stories. When the book starts Lily has not started the auction yet so she hasnt been recruited all the bachelors yet. This is so far my favorite of the series.

I have thoroughly enjoyed all the Montana Born Books that I’ve read in the last six months and this one in no exception! This is the second in the Bachelor Auction series and the background to all of them is that Molly’s son, Josh, has been injured in a serious accident resulting in him now being unable to walk. Her friends, led by Lily Taylor, want to help them so have arranged an event to help raise money to help modify their home to make it more accessible for Josh and to help them generally. The event is something special - they are going to auction off dates with some of the town’s most eligible bachelors! The men concerned aren’t quite sure how they’ve been talked, cajoled or manipulated into agreeing to this, but they have agreed to go on a date of their choosing with the highest bidder.

This story concerns Dr Rachel Cassidy, who has come back to Marietta after divorcing her cheating husband and becoming determined not to let romance into her life again. Her sister and friends attend the auction with her. Rachel is determined not to bid but her sister and friends actually buy her a very special birthday treat! One of the handsome bachelors up for auction is Rayan Henderson, a Parisian trained delectable pastry chef and his date is going to have a very special meal cooked up for them. He’s returned to Marietta to look after his Gram, who had brought him up after his parents were tragically killed because she has developed dementia and needs caring for. The meal won’t be a date for either of them - or so they say! But put together a couple who are mutually attracted to each other, some delicious food and desserts that are “better than sex” and you’ve a recipe for a great romance. Add in some spicy moments and misunderstandings and you’ve got a winner. As for the desserts that Ryan cooks up - they’ll have your mouth watering!

I love how these books are written by different authors yet all relate to each other with some characters, settings and events in common. Congratulations on whoever coordinated the series on doing a spectacular job!

Received a ARC copy in exchange for a honest review. Loved it Ryan & Rachel are as stubborn as each other as they have both been hurt in the past. Can they find love again with each other? I really enjoyed their story

Kate Hardy has written another great story. Good plot and character development. NICE!

Two people with so much to give, afraid to let anyone else in.

My heart ached for both Rachel and Ryan. Rachel's ex did a number on her self-esteem and left her wanting to keep herself isolated from hurt. Ryan, likewise, was put through the emotional wringer by his ex and has an elderly grandmother to worry about. How could they ever find their way to each other? Read and see.

This was such a touching story. Rachel and Ryan were such likeable, fun characters. As always the secondary characters were wonderful and make you want to pack up and move. And who in the world could resist Seduction By Cake?! This was a sweet, funny, and yes very sexy read. I can't wait for the next Bachelor story!

When Dr Rachel Cassidy comes back to Marietta with a divorce under her belt, she doesn’t want to date, even if top pastry chef Ryan Henderson is a key part of the package. Ryan doesn’t have time for dating, either – he’s back in Marietta to look after his sick grandmother. But when the attraction between them flares, they both discover that they just might dare to love again.

Then tragedy strikes, pushing them apart.

Ryan is a Parisian trained chef, a loving grandson who is caring for his ill grandmother, and is a committed bachelor for the foreseeable future. He agrees to be auctioned off as a date for a local fundraiser. Rachel is a recently divorced physician who has moved to the area, has no plans for doing a real relationship anytime soon (or perhaps at all), and who is unhappily surprised when her friends bid on and win a date for her at the bachelor fundraiser auction. Truth be told, neither are interested in seeing this date through, but as Ryan learns Rachel’s birthday is coming up, he convinces her that cooking for her as her winning bachelor would be a good way to spend her birthday. Sparks fly! But trouble is in the making when their jobs get in the way of anything that could be a lasting relationship.

This is a very enjoyable book to read, the characters are fun and have a way of making you want to be part of their group! I definitely recommend this book.

Thank you to the author and publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

4 Stars- Using the Auction as the thread with all of these books, we have a handsome and talented Paris Trained chef up for a bid on a special dinner and dessert. Dr. Rachel is tricked by her friends pooling together and gifting her the winning bid for the special dinner with Ryan. We experience a couple who have been gun shy about romance; too much in their lives and past hurts.... so when the two do get together- sparks and delicious cakes end up being the way to the heart. Cute story and the cakes.... fantastic!

This was a cute story. I liked the premise of the story, but I felt like the characters were a little flat and not very developed. I also felt like the progression of their relationship was unrealistic. They never really were dating and never really acted like they liked each other that much or really knew each other outside of the physical relationship, but then he proposed , which I felt came out of no where. I didn't feel I connected with the story and characters that much. However, I did love all the food references and descriptions. They sounded yummy and kept me reading.

Sometime doing something you don't want to do puts you in touch with someone who may have your best interest at heart. Rachel moved back to Marietta feeling a bit broken and bruised only to have to deal with small town gossip which left her feeling lonely and empty. Ryan is back in Marietta to help his grandma after all she has done for him its the least he can do for her not that she is aging and getting sick, however he come back broken and not ready to deal with anything other then cooking so really get food for Grey's and helping his grandma as she ages. I really loved this book it was so "sweet" and I loved how even though both are broken that is not was the storyline was built on. The chemistry in the book has you turning each page from beginning to the end just to see what is going to happen next. The story really does leave you with a mouth watering feeling in the end. Cake and Chocolate is a way to win most people over but will it work to ask for forgiveness?

Bachelor Auction Series Book 1: Bound to the Bachelor Book 2: Bachelor at her Bidding Book 3: The Bachelor's Baby Book 4: What a Bachelor Needs Book 5: In Bed with the Bachelor Book 6: One Night with her Bachelor

It was second book out of Bachelor series. This story was about divorcee Rachael and Ryan falling in love from Bachelor Auction. I loved it when Ryan started backing cakes for her forgiveness. he trying to win everyone's heart including Rachael's family. It really made me wanting cupcakes and different type of cakes while reading it. Ryan being a pastry chef, I could picture some of the desert he was making. it was cute. I did enjoy reading the story. It's short and literally sweet until the end.

Ryan Henderson, another Marietta bachelor, is up on the auction block and he is bought by a group of women as a birthday gift for their friend, Rachel Cassidy. Their date is a huge success and things seem to be going along well until they're not. Realizing he has messed up a great thing Ryan goes on a baking campaign to win her back!

I thought this was a wonderful fun story! What I wouldn't do for one of Ryan's desserts! I definitely recommend this one.

And here we join the next bachelor to go on his date. The Parisian chef, Ryan Henderson. For him life right now is about taking care of his grandmother and cooking. He has no time for anything else. Lily on her game, has convinced him to give a dinner cooked by him away as a date during the bachelor auction. Of course he couldn't say no.

Rachel has been back in town after her divorce and isn't ready for anything.

A dinner with Ryan is only suppose to be a birthday dinner, but nothing goes as planned and they end up in a "relationship"

It's a cute read and fun to read quick also. I think I liked this one a little more than Lily and Beau's but all in all i can't wait to read the rest.

Bachelor At Her Bidding delivers readers a sweet love story between two people who have bee burnt by former partners and don't want to risk their hearts again. For Rachel it's easy to say she has no time for romance as she builds her career as a family doctor in Marietta, while Ryan gave up a promising career as a pastry chef to return to Marietta and care for his grandmother, who suffers from dementia. Ryan has been talked into offering one lucky lady a date involving a chef cooked meal, and Rachel's friends think he's just the date for her so they bid for him. Despite their best efforts Rachel and Ryan can't fight their mutual attraction. They agree to have a fling with no strings attached but along the way they fall in love. This story is well written with a nice balance between sex and romance. I enjoyed it.

Short quick read. I enjoyed this little story about two people who overcome painful past to fall in love with each other, I loved the characters and all the sweets that were made. I look forward to finding more from this author and reading.

I was given a copy by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Bachelor at her Bidding by Kate Hardy is the second book in the Montana Born Bachelor Auction series, it is a cute story. Dr. Rachel Cassidy came back to Marietta after her marriage fell apart and she vowed to not date anymore. She felt that her friends, family, and work were enough for her. Well, she was surprised when her friends chipped in and bought her chef Ryan Hendrson for her birthday. Ryan agrees to come over and cook Rachel dinner on her birthday and while in her kitchen sparks fly. He doesn't want to date anyone because of a bad experience with his ex and the need to care for his ailing grandmother. I really enjoyed watching their love story unfold and when he screws up, Ryan does one of the most romantic things to make it up to Rachel. My heart actually skipped a beat when I read it. I give this story 4.5 stars and highly recommend it.

Loved how 2 hurting people came together to be a perfect match. They helped heal each other, take care of each other and showed people how to really love someone (and apologize). Plus it involves wonderful descriptions of food that make you want to jump into the book and eat it.

I thought this book was a great second book in the series. Ryan and Rachel have been in relationships that ended badly and have no interest in looking for love. When Ryan agrees to participate in the bachelor auction, he just plans on cooking a meal not having a real date. When Rachel's friends bid on Ryan as her birthday gift, she has the same idea as Ryan. But, when they get together, sparks fly and they find themselves getting in deeper than they planned.

I enjoyed the slower pace of the relationship in this book. Both people have doubts about letting another person in their heart and they have issues to resolve before they can really be happy. Ryan has loyalty to his grandmother and her needs which adds another bump in the road, I thought the author did a great job of telling the story of a caregiver and the pressures that come with that role. She also showed how difficult it can be to be the friend or loved one who has to tell the caregiver when it's time to let someone help them.

This is a sweet romance with two nice people who have a possibility of HEA if they can just hold on and ride out the bumps. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

3.5 - "He's skilled with his hands... You can't ask for more than that." Stars!

Kate Hardy is an author new to me, Tule Publishing and the quality books and novellas that they release are not. Being the second in the Montana Born Bachelor Auction Series, I have absolutely no reservations in picking up this little gem from Netgalley.

"One night. One dinner."

Although a series, after reading the first two books, I don't think it would offer any problems too read these books as standalones, this story is wholly separate from the first book, although as you would expect there is a little character crossover.

"You're lovely as you are."

Another great thing about the second book in the series, is that it offers a totally different type of romance from its predecessor, this one is strictly romance by numbers, with tried and tested tropes, written beautifully and with great like-able characters, an easy going pace, and plenty of action in the cooking and bedroom department, I was a happy reader.

Ryan and Rachel were both down-to-earth, easy to get along with characters, I wanted this couple to get their 'Happily Ever After' their story, and the outcome was an absolute delight to read.

The Bachelor's Baby is up next, I am looking forward to reading Dani Collins' addition to this wonderful series.

ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.

3.5 stars. This is another sweet, easy read from Marietta, using the setting of the bachelor auction to head in another romantic direction.

Ryan and Rachel are two people who have both been badly hurt by their last serious relationship, with Ryan having the added defensiveness about the care of his sick grandmother. They’re both nice people, living as best they can, trying to avoid romance – until Ryan gets guilted into appearing in the auction and Rachel’s friends buy a date with him for her.

It’s all pretty sweet and straightforward, and of course something was going to happen to ruin things.

It’s cute, feel-good and very easy to read. You might want to have a snack to hand though, because all those cakes will probably make you peckish.

Once bitten, twice shy! Parisian-trained chef Ryan Henderson and Dr. Rachel Cassidy are on the same boat. Their respective exes did a number on them so both are wary to be in another relationship.

But, fate has a way of messing with even the best laid plans. Rachel’s sister and best girlfriends bought Ryan in the Bachelors Auction charity event to force Rachel in the dating game.

It should have been a homerun, right? Wrong… Between Rachel and Ryan’s work schedules plus caring for a relative, it was hard to find time to be together. So, will it be a happily ever after for both, or are they going to be their rebound lovers after all?

“Bachelor at her Bidding” will tug at your heartstrings as you see Ryan struggle between his dreams and his responsibilities. Then Rachel also has to find her center before she can even be serious about Ryan.

“Bachelor at her Bidding” is Rated M for Mature due to sexual content.

Chef Ryan's turn, the successful pastry chef, whose sweet confections was "almost better than sex".

Ryan didn't want to fall in love; he didn't believe in dating, and heck, he even didn't have time to even find the one for him. All he cared about was his grandmother Phyllis, who had stood by him eversince he was a child, eversince he lost his mom and dad in an accident. When her last relationship failed, he vowed to focus all his energy and attention to his ailing grandmother.

Meanwhile, Dr. Rachel Cassidy was back to her hometown after an ugly divorce. People at Marietta looked down on her; they thought she would never find a man again who'd take her seriously nor love her because her attention is all on her books. Sometimes, she thought, all those hurtful rumors might just be true.

Until one night, during the Bachelor Auction bidding, these two lonely and brokenhearted souls found each other. Then came the dates, the cakes, the flowers, the sweets, the affection, the emotions. When Grandma Phyllis's delicate condition worsened, things started to get sour between the lovers. Would there ever be a happy ending for them at all?

I thought I liked Beau & Lily's story in the first Bachelor Auction series. Turns out, I was wrong. I think I like Rachel & Ryan's story better, because theirs was sweet and mushy and fun. There was an instant attraction between them, but both were afraid to take the plunge, so they decided to test the waters and waddle slowly. I liked that kind of relationship, not pushing too much, not expecting too much. I say, this is a perfect afternoon read!

I like this Bachelor Auction series, it has been a lovely surprise for me.
First, let me just get this out there, the desserts and cakes Ryan is making are a delight, and brought back a lot of great memories to me. Made me want to go to the kitchen and create a cake again. Ah, the pastry chef in me was getting a treat indeed. Okay, back to the book review...
Ryan and Rachel have both been hurt by the people they loved. Their trust is hard to come by, and they are vulnerable, fragile, stubborn and a bit ornery when it comes to issues they were let down and hurt before.
Nothing happens fast, they have weeks of getting to know each other, they pretend to have just a fling, but feelings do get involved, things get complicated, and feelings get hurt.
But it took ten days with glorious cakes, and true graveling from Ryan, for Rachel to give up her stubborn streak, and to be able to vulnerable, to trust again.
The story is well written, with a lovely flow in it, that took me right into it, and I read it in one sitting. Yes, it is a novella, but it is an interesting story, and the issues are real, how the dementia of Ryan's grandmother was dealt with was actual and authentic, and heartwarming. The problems in the past, and current, relationships were true and raw, and how they were dealt was satisfying. The tale is easy to relate to on many levels, and great addition to the stories from Marietta, Montana
~ Four Spoons

Bachelor at her Bidding by Kate Hardy is part of the Bachelor Auction Series. Don’t let the cheesy covers fool you, these are well- written heart felt stories. I can honestly say I have enjoyed this series as much as I have any of the Marietta, Montana books. None more than this one. Just reading about the cakes that Ryan made is worth every penny for this book.

Ryan is perfect as the stubborn chef who is determined to look after his grandmother. As someone with similar family responsibilities, I completely identified with him. He is reasonable and irrational at the same time. Boy, is that a realistic portrayal! His love interest, Dr. Rachel Cassidy is like some professional women, I have met; so confident in their work but not so much in their personal lives.

This is a beautiful story of finding the strength to face what life throws at you. That includes taking the risk to find love with someone special. Old fashioned romance at its best.

4.5 stars

Kate Hardy has done a great job with the second addition to the Bachelor Auction series. Rachel Cassidy and Ryan Henderson’s story grabs you from the first chapter and doesn’t let you go until the end. I LOVED it!

Hold on to your seat and get ready for the ride! The chemistry between Rachel and Ryan is explosive. The more time they spend together, they both realize that something has been missing in their life. Is this it? Neither of them is looking for love – or any kind of relationship.

Kate Hardy has a way of getting the reader involved in the story. You feel like you are a part of it. You feel the characters. She takes you on an emotional roller coaster ride that you never want to get off of. I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED the story of Rachel and Ryan, and I think you will, too! Let’s face it – everybody likes cake!

*An advance reading copy was generously provided by the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

yea :) MORE bachelor fun :) lol (it's the litle things in life lol)
Bachelor at her Bidding is the second story in the Montana Born Bachelor Auction series. It is just as FUN as the first! And even better, we get a very descriptive dessert line up thru the book that really waters your mouth! It really set the book apart! And this story was sooooo sweet. We have Ryan, the chef, who's only focus in life is cooking and taking care of his grandmother (that right there made me swoon lol) and Rachel, back in town after her divorce and wants nothing to do with any 'romance'. SO her friends pull their money together and win her Ryan in the auction. And as they say, the rest is history! lol Both Ryan and Rachel were easy characters to like and relate to. They were fun to read and their chemistry gave this book just the spark it need to be a page turner! ANOTHER great end of day relaxing read!!

ARC provided by Tule Publishing via NetGalley for an honest review.

Ryan is a chef who gave up his job in the city to look after his grandmother in his home town where everybody knows everybody. Having been hurt in the love department, he is a sworn batchelor and his priority is his grandmother's welfare whilst working in the town's restaurant.

Rachel is a doctor who has returned to her hometown after her divorce which has left her emotionally scarred and she too has sworn to staying away from getting involved and giving her heart to another. She also lacks confidence due to the way, she was treated by her ex husband. Ryan is roped in being a candidate at the bachelor's auction at the last minute and he does so begrudgingly as the money raised is going towards a good cause. Rachel's sister and her friends convince her to go along under the guise of just having a good time, conveniently omitting the fact that she is having a surprise birthday present which happens to be a date with Ryan.

The date consists of dinner for two cooked by Ryan himself who is a skilled chef trained in Paris. They both come to term with the date as it's only dinner right? Little do they know that the mutual attraction they have for each other will spark something more.

Ryan and Rachel are both down to earth as well as being lovable characters and I like the way Ryan tries to find his way back into Rachel's heart. It's an easy and believable read, which I found very touching.

I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Pitching in for a good cause, Chef Ryan has no clue that the dinner he's whipping up for Dr Rachel will mean serving up his heart. Both of them having being burned by previous relationships have resolved not to get involved but as fate throws them together it seems that they have no other choice but to fall in love. Being adamant about their "no falling in love" rule, we see how they struggle and resist until they both realize that life is too short and love is worth fighting for.

Here comes Bachelor #2, Ryan, a chef, who is bought as a birthday gift from a group of women, for the new Doctor in town, Rachel Cassidy. For their date Ryan prepares a dinner for Rachel. So yummy! Both are cming off previous bad relationships and not looking for for love. Ryan gives Rachel much more than food though.

Who doesn't love food and love. I am a sucker for it and loved it. All those wonderful sweets that Ryan prepared to win over Rachel, put five pounds on me, by just reading.

Loved this story, along with the other Bachelor Auction books. They are all stand alone books, but highly recommend that you read them all.

This was a great book! It is a well written, smoothly flowing, quick read. I really enjoyed all the character interactions. I loved Rachel and Ryan, they had great chemistry and I really enjoyed watching them fall in love. And the groveling, Ryan does excellent groveling (with dessert). I’m really enjoying this multi author series and am eagerly awaiting the net installment. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

Sometimes love hurts. More often than we really want to admit. Rachel and Ryan have both been badly hurt recently. Neither want to ever go “there” again – so what’s a girl supposed to do when her friends set her up with a handsome chef who’s food is better than sex – so, what’s guy to do when he’s put on the spot by a well-meaning, stubborn friend to be a stand in bachelor for the auction to help out an injured kid. Go along with it and hope it’s over fast. Yeah, right. *wink*

This was a lovely fun love story. Two people who have been badly hurt in the love department come together in spite of their reluctance. She vows to never let a man close enough to hurt her again. He has such a strong sense of family that he won’t allow anyone to help him take care of his grandmother who is now in failing health. But no one can do it all… alone.

The romance is sweet. These two deserve to find their happy ever after together – but just when things start to look good… Ryan makes a huge – huge – mistake and Rachel backs away, forever in her mind. Now it’s up to Ryan to convince her that his love is worth the risk in the way he does best. Bombarding her with a cake a day until she sees he is the one for her.

I would recommend this novella to anyone who just wants a sweet, loving and sexy love story. It’s a short read, but a powerful story. It gets a 4 outa 5 rating from me. Enjoy.

*I received an e-ARC of Bachelor At Her Bidding from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*

The Bachelor Auction in Marietta continues with the second book in the series, “Bachelor At Her Bidding” as Ryan Henderson, the Parisian chef and eligible bachelor goes up on stage to be auctioned for his culinary skills and giving the winner the most delectable and scrumptious dinner he ever laid on the table.

Rachel Cassidy moves back home to Marietta after a disastrous marriage and a painful divorce. Working as a family doctor, and trying to put her life back together, she ends up winning Ryan Henderson in the auction as a birthday gift, courtesy her sister and friends.

Ryan has a super busy life as a chef and taking care of his grandmother suffering from dementia. He does not have time for a relationship, yet when he meets Rachel to fulfill the auction win, he can’t control his attraction to the beautiful doctor. Rachel is still licking her wounds, and she is not ready to give her heart to the sexy chef. And both lose the fight against their feelings for each other and end up in a relationship.

But then the path of love is never easy and past pain and insecurities lead Ryan to a decision that takes Rachel away from his life. And by the time he realizes his stupidity, Rachel is hurt and keeps Ryan far away to keep put the pieces of her broken heart back together. And Ryan really needs to come with an outstanding and creative way to woo Rachel back into his life.

Another sweet and delicious story of the series, Kate Hardy is good with her narration and keeps the readers charmed and captivated. I loved Rachel, with her positivity and ability to be reasonable as the situation presents. Ryan is more emotional where family is concerned and has a hard time reconciling to things in life. Both characters make you fall in love with them and be frustrated with them.

Another short and mesmerizing story of love, friendship and support that leaves us with happiness and warm fuzziness.

www.alimalivzletlivz.com

Bachelor at Her Bidding was a sweet little romance that I couldn’t put down.

Ryan Henderson is a Parisian trained pastry chef who gave up his dream job of working as a pastry chef in the city to move back to his hometown and care for his elderly grandmother. He’s been hurt before by women who put themselves before his grandmother and he’s not going to go down that road, but Rachel is too tempting to resist.
Dr. Rachel Cassidy has come back to her hometown after her divorce. Her ex-husband has left her emotionally wounded and filled with self-doubt, but when her friends purchase Ryan’s date during the bachelors auction, there is no denying that she’s attracted to him.
This is the second installment in the Bachelor Auction Series and it was another brilliant addition.
Ryan is one of my favorite heroes from this series. His dedication to family was touching and he was a brilliant chef. And his desserts had my mouthwatering.
I liked Rachel but her whole ‘my husband didn’t find me attractive, so no man will find me attractive’ bit got on my nerves. I would have liked to have seen her have a bit more confidence.
Both Rachel and Ryan have been hurt before so they were a bit hesitant before jumping into a relationship but they had this amazing chemistry. Although what got under my skin was the fact that they decided to sleep together to get each other out of their systems.
The pacing had a nice flow to it and I found that I had most of the book read before I realized it.
Overall, I enjoyed this one. It was a lovely little foodie romance that has me searching for a recipe for red velvet cheesecake.
.

Rachel moves back to her hometown after bitter divorce. She had no intentions of dating. Her sister and friend invites her to a bachelor auction and bid on Ryan for her. They feel and instant attraction to each other but both are not interested in a relationship. Ryan has to take care of his grandmother who has dementia and Rachel does not trust men after her divorce. They decide to pursue a relationship. After his grandmother has a stroke their relationship is tested but Ryan comes throught with creative apologies.

"Bachelor at her Bidding," is the second novella in Tule Publishing's Montana Born Bachelor Auction series and very well done.

The opening of the story starts with Lily Taylor, still recruiting for her fund raising bachelor auction and working her magic at securing Ryan Henderson, Marietta's very own Parisian trained chef into being a bachelor on the auction block. Ryan valiently tries to escape such a fate , after all he does not have time for dating and relationships, between work and being the sole caretaker of his grandmother. But, he is no match for Lily's tenacity.
Obvioisly Ryan's offering for the auction will be dinner and dessert made esclusivley for the lucky auction winner.

Dr Rachel Cassidy, divorced, broken hearted and recently returned to her hometown of Marietta. Rachel wants nothing to do with men or dating right now,she does not really want to attend the Auction;
but figures showing support for a local fund raiser while enjoying a night out with her girlfreinds will not hurt, it is not like she will be bidding.

Of course, no one ever said her girlfreinds would not be doing the bidding for her,whats worse is Ryan and Rachel seem to have a mutual atraction to each other that neither one wishes to move on.

These two lonely people however ,can not seem to keep it at a platonic relationship and quickly opt for a no strings attached fling. A stolen hour here, a stolen hour there and a small town full of people egging them on to more.

Since, these two both have battle scars from previosu relationships; Ryan's Grandma taking a turn for the worse serves as a catalyst to an argument and an almost insermountable rift between them.

Once Ryan realizes the error of his ways, his dessert Du Jour apology is sweet and beyond adorable.

Lovely quick read with wonderful flow.

Arc graciously provided by Tule Publishing via Netgalley for an honest review.

Another wonderful romance book that I will happily recommend to my listeners and readers.

***This ebook was provided by Tule Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***

Bachelor at Her Bidding is book #2 in the Bachelor Auction series and like the first book in the series I enjoyed reading it.

Dr Rachel Cassidy comes back to Marietta after divorcing her cheating husband and the last thing she is looking for is dating, but when her sister and friends buy her dinner made by top pastry chef Ryan Henderson as part of the bachelor auction the sparks between them are too strong to ignore and it looks like maybe fate has another ideals for Rachel.

Ryan has no time for dating since he came back to Marietta to take care of his sick grandma. The all town is willing to help him take care of his grandma but he feels like it's his responsibility to take care of her and it's very hard for him to ask for help.

On top of it,Ryan was hurt by his ex girlfriend that told him to put his grandma in a home and not move back home in order to care for her by himself so he's really not looking for a romantic relationship but when he makes dinner for Rachel it seems like his plans are about to change.

I really enjoyed reading about Rachel and Ryan, they both had to overcome pain from previous relationship and try to find a way to be together.

I loved reading about all the cakes and dessert Ryan made and I just wish I could eat them all LOL

Bachelor at her Bidding was a quick read full of emotions and I enjoyed reading it.

The 2nd book in the Montana Born Bachelor Auction series, it functions good as stand-alone but reading the other books will certainly enhance your enjoyment of this. This focuses on Rachel, the new doctor in town and Ryan, a "native grandson" home to care for his aging grandmother.

This is a good story with the "the way to a girls heart (and thongs, apparently) is through her stomach". Lots of mouthwatering (pun intended) situations involving food and sex, and not always mutually exclusive.

There's a serious thread about Alzheimers woven through that played really well with the characters and highlighted their characters and emotions.

Quick but satisfying read.

Rachel Cassidy is back in Marietta after a painful divorce that has shaken her self-esteem. She is busy building her family practice and has no desire for a man, much less a relationship. Chef Ryan Henderson, who trained in Paris, gave up a chance at his own restaurant in a bigger city to come home to Marietta and take care of the Grandmother who raised him and is showing signs of dementia.
Ryan has been recruited for Marietta's Bachelor Auction, offering a gourmet meal to the highest bidder. Rachel's friends decide the dinner would be a great birthday present, and win him for Rachel.
These two spark right away, but are gun-shy when it comes to a relationship. They decide to enjoy the right now, but keep it to themselves. There is hurt and misunderstanding on both side, and Ryan has to convince Rachel to give him another chance...and the way he does it was amazingly yummy!
This was a quick read that, while part of a series, works well on its own. I loved the descriptions of Ryan's food, especially his desserts, and would really love his famous Red Velvet Cheesecake...yum!
A fun addition to the Bachelor Auction and Marietta in general.

While the sexy factor was pretty mild emotions were high. A deep love for his grandmother gave this chef a chance to be the perfect guy. He bakes cakes and luscious desserts on a whim while wooing the town's doctor, a recent divorcee. A fun book with lots if romance. On to our third bachelor. My copy was given for an honest review through Netgalley.

Rachel Cassidy has been back in Marietta, Montana for some time now and is happy to be closer to her family and friends and to slowly but surely establish herself as a family doctor. One thing she doesn't want her loved ones to know is how lonely she is. She doesn't miss her cheater of an ex-husband but she does miss having someone by her side. But after being rejected and humiliated by her ex, she isn't quite ready to get back in the dating pool, what more being in a serious relationship with another man.

Ryan Henderson returned to Marietta to take care of his grandmother who is suffering from early dementia. He's shelved his dreams of opening his own restaurant for now and ended up losing his girlfriend after she accused him of being selfish and not thinking of her needs. Even with his Paris-honed skills, Ryan doesn't mind being in a small town and he refuses to pass on his responsibilities to someone else. His grandparents were there when his parents died and family will always come first.

When Rachel's sister and friends bid on and win Ryan at the bachelor auction, Rachel is surprised when they, in turn, tell her that the dinner he's promised his date is their birthday gift for her. Both Rachel and Ryan don't have the time or inclination to get seriously involved with anyone but when the birthday dinner results in something unexpected. As they try to navigate their way through a new relationship, fate throws them a hurdle that will bring old fears back and threatens to end what has only just begun.

Bachelor at Her Bidding by Kate Hardy is the second book in the multi-authored Bachelor Auction series from Tule Publishing. This story of two individuals who have gone through their respective heartbreaks and are trying to live their lives free of romantic entanglements only to find love when they least expect it was touching. I liked that you could see how their relationship progressed over a number of weeks and that they were building on mutual trust and a respect for each other's wants and needs.

Another great aspect of the book was the love for family both characters had. Rachel and Ryan obviously came from loving families and had strong support systems. These were two genuinely good people who had not-so-good experiences in the love department and deserved their own happily-ever-after. I'm not sure if any of the other supporting characters newly mentioned have had their own stories published before but Bachelor at Her Bidding works well as a standalone and gets 4.5 stars. ♥

I was given this book Via netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts and a review.

This is the second book in the six part bachelor auction series,

Iv read many Kate Hardy books before and i cant fault her, iv always enjoyed her books and found them easy to read and well paced.

How to win a girl in ten cakes…

Dr Rachel Cassidy comes back to her home town Marietta with a broken heart and a divorce under her belt, Going to a Bachelor Auction fundraiser does not sound like Rachel idea of a good time at all. and then her sister and friends decide between them to “buy” her a dinner date with Gorgeous Parisian trained pastry chef Ryan Henderson.

But Rachel may change her mind sooner than she thinks

Ryan has no time at all for dating after all he’s even put his dreams to the side and come back to Marietta for his sick Grandmother. But then he agrees to help a charity fundraiser by offering to cook a very special meal to one lucky bidder, he gets so much more than he ever bargained for and discovers a woman he might just fall head over heels in love with.

But when tragedy strikes, Just when Rachel and Ryan believe that they might have a future together, This tragedy opens up old scars and pushes them apart.

If these too love birds have a chance together then they must fight, and Ryan knows just how to fight back not with words but by his cakes.

This book is sweet and tasty all rolled in to one, i loved how Ryan uses cakes to entice Rachel its a real novel way of winning your lady back i swear i could taste the cakes that's how good Kate Hardy is.

Of course my favorite character was Ryan like how couldn't any lady want a man that can keep her satisfied in bed and out ......

5 Out Of 5 Hearts From Cariad Books

I love this Marietta Mini series the writers chosen to take part all work well together. You can tell that different authors have written each novel but the writing styles complement each other and Josh Dekkers story that runs throughout the series. this is Ry and Rachels story and they are each tricked into taking part in the auction by well meaning friends and have both been left a little jaded by previous relationships making them reluctant to get involved and more than a little untrusting of the other. My honest review I haven't been able to stop reading the book since I started and have been actively looking for more books in the series since reading the 1st.

**I received an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion**

Rachel, as a doctor is a smart cookie; as a woman, she's brokenhearted. For a birthday gift, her friends "buy" her a bachelor at a fundraiser auction. The prize--Ryan, a gourmet chef extraordinaire. And, his gift ends with an unexpected "extra" dessert. Suddenly, they're friends with benefits. The problem with that is sometimes the heart wants more than the other will give based on life's other obligations. Neither is good with interpersonal relationships--trust issues galore. But, Ryan finds a way back into Rachel's heart, and together, they find a way to balance life, and love.

I absolutely loved this book! I loved the chemistry between Rachel and Ryan. I loved the idea of a guy making a cake every day to show how much he loves her.

I loved the way the story unfolded in this book. That Rachel and Ryan's (and their names match!) relationship started slowly and developed quite gradually was refreshing. Part of the Montana Born Bachelor Auction series, Bachelor at her Bidding has Rachel being gifted a bachelor for one date from her friends as a birthday gift. Ryan, a local boy who's a Paris trained pastry chef never imagined he'd be roped into being auctioned for a good cause when he came back home to take care of his grandmother. Both Rachel and Ryan have been burned at love's altar and both are shying away from any committed relationship. But when the dinner date was upon them and the dessert about to be served they couldn't resist taking a taste of what they might have instead. This was truly one unique twist in the blind date set up by friends trope. Rachel and Ryan are truly delightful, well developed characters with some obvious hang ups that are quite believable. The obstacle that derailed their romance was quite on point seeing how both their last relationship ended. And the desserts in this book was simply mouthwatering, so if you like your romances paired with great desserts then this is definitely for you.

I received this book as an ARC for my honest review from Net Galley.

Somehow I stumbled upon this excellent series about a bunch of sexy Bachelors that are being auctioned off for a great cause. I love the idea of the series although it is about the same town and the same auction the books are written by different Authors. With it being written this way you are getting a fresh look from different points of view but all with the same beautiful result. Great idea, Great series!

This is the first book that I have read by Kate Hardy and it was very good. I loved the detail that she put into this book to describe the cakes and emotion she adds into every line. I felt that this book was very realistic, I could understand every ones point of view. It had a heartache that was not over played but described just right.

I usually fall in love with the female character but I found that I loved both Rachel and Ryan. Great book for a great price.

The 2nd book in the series was much stronger in plot and interest. Although the first book set up the background, this book was better at showing the reasons the two struggled to be together. Fun book, although the author could have included some recipes too. Would recommend this series.

Professional Chef Ryan Henderson only has time for one person, his grandmother; so when Lily (from book 1) persuades him to be a bachelor at the auction he is very hesitant. He agrees under the condition that if he has to cut the date short because his grandma needs him he can.

Dr. Rachel Cassidy is back in town after her divorce (her husband was such a jerk), she is still healing (very slowly); but what are friends for if not to annoy you and get you a birthday dinner with a super hot chef.

Ryan and Rachel gradually come together and get to know each other. Ryan was such a great character, he is like the perfect guy. He's good looking, can cook (super bonus there) and is super attentive to his ailing grandma (aww). Rachel is smart and kind and like any girl she has her insecurities, but she was such a real character.

The story is sweet and nice; the characters are very enjoyable and their chemistry really shows.

Rating 5 out of 5 Read@Book

Sweet(in many ways lol), fun read! Who wouldn't love a french trained pastry chef cooking for them? Great little read when you're looking for quick and fun. Enjoying this series!

Bachelor at her Bidding is book 2 of the Bachelor Auction Series. I was able to read an ARC copy thanks to NetGalley.
Ryan Henderson is a Parisian Chef that moved back to Marietta to take care of his Grandmother. He is also recovering from a bad break up and doesn't want a relationship.
Rachel Cassidy is a family physician that moved back after her divorce from her cheating husband. She has low self-esteem and is not wanting to risk her heart again.
Rachel's friends set her up by bidding for Ryan to cook her dinner for her birthday.
The sparks start to fly and they decide to be friends with benefits. Ryan's grandmother has a stoke and because of his fears really messes things up with Rachel. To win her back he decides to put his pastry chef talents to work.
This is a very sweet read.

Love happens when you don't expect or necessarily want it...this is the case for Rachel and Ryan.

Rachel is back in Marietta divorced and with a broken heart. Ryan has returned to Marietta to care for his grandmother, his only family.

Bachelor at her Bidding is the second in the Montana Born Bachelor Auction series. Rachel and Ryan's story is showing character growth, trust and love. Looking forward to more in the series.

I loved this Book! This book can be read as a stand alone but don't deprive yourself of reading the other 3 books by various authors published by Tule! This is Ryan and Rachel's story! Rachel comes home to Marietta to recover from her divorce. Her friends buy her a date at the charity bachelor auction. They hit it off but as in real life stuff happens! Ryan realizes what he needs to do to get Rachel back. It's not easy but cakes a plenty might do the trick! Great read!

A wonderful romantic story!

This is Rachel Cassidy and Ryan Henderson's story. Using the Auction as the thread with all of these books, we have a handsome and talented Paris Trained chef up for a bid on a special dinner and dessert. He will make dinner and desert to the lucky lady that wins him at the auction . Dr. Rachel is tricked by her friends pooling together and gifting her the winning bid for the special dinner with Ryan. She hadn't planned on going to the auction or even doing anything. she returned home broken hearted and in spirit also. She got a surprise from her friends all right . ,whats worse is Ryan and Rachel seem to have a mutual attraction to each other that neither one wishes to move on.
. until the auction they were just going to pussyfoot it with each other . get it to find out how hot the attraction is

Bachelor at Her Bidding is a sweet surprise. Ryan Henderson's brand of sweet is... better than sex. He's a Parisian-trained pastry chef and can he ever make pastry - and a whole lot of other things!

Ryan is guilted into doing the Bachelor Auction and offers up a gourmet dinner. Rachel Cassidy "wins" his dinner, thanks to her sister and their friends. Neither is looking for a relationship; both have been burned badly. But the chemistry, and not the food chemistry, is off the charts and they can't keep their distance. A dinner turns into a no-strings affair, slowly turning into more.

This was more Ryan's story than Rachel's. Though both have character arcs, his is the more powerful and emotional. His motivations and feelings are more deeply and carefully explored. Rachel isn't handled cursorily, but she lacks the depth that Ryan is afforded.

I really enjoyed the foodie parts of this book *a lot*. Ryan as chef and as pastry chef was explored a great deal, with a lot of food descriptions and a lot of talk about how food is his passion. And I do want to hightlight one foodie bit that really caught my attention and made me very happy. At one point, eclairs are mentioned and described with cream filling and chocolate glaze. I can't begin to say how happy I was with that. Where I live, eclairs get totally messed up (think "chocolate eclair" with chocolate filling and chocolate glaze) and it drives me up a wall because a chocolate eclair is what is described in the book - an eclair always has cream filling. So reading about all that foodie stuff and having it be correct? Oh yeah!

I really enjoyed Ryan and Rachel and loved how sweet and tender and loving it all was.

This is the second book in the Bachelor Auction series. It is a sweet story. These books take place in Marietta, Montana a small town where everyone knows your name and your business. Neither Ryan or Rachel are looking for a serious relationship but sometimes love pops up when we least expect it. This is a nice story that will make you smile. Ryan messes up and tries to convey his feelings through what he does best....baking. It is a different take on showing love and for him it really works. I would recommend this book if you are looking for a quick read that will leave you with a smile on your face.

As sweet and tempting as the cake Ryan cooks, for sure!!

Neither Ryan nor Rachel are looking for a relationship. He's back in Marietta to care for is ailing Grandmother after a stint as pastry chef in Bozeman, by way of Paris, and she's home in the wake of her failed marriage. But when a Bachelor Auctions results in Ryan cooking a gourmet meal for Rachel, their chemistry all boils down to one thing...they can't deny they want each other.

Sexy and charming, Bachelor at her Bidding is a little sugary, occasionally flowery but always enjoyable. Who doesn't love a man that cooks? More specifically, a man who cooks delicious, decadent desserts designed to melt in your mouth...and melt your heart. That's Ryan, loveable, noble, loyal Ryan. He was stubborn at times, and some of his 'thouhts' in this 3rd person book were a little feminine for my tastes, but I couldn't help falling for him.

This series is a lot of fun. Nothing taxing, not overly long: it's just straight up simple romance and will keep you to the last page. ~ 3.5 stars

This has been a fantastic series. Loved each of these books. Fun, fluff, sexy reads that make for a great read at the beach or pool during the summer.

Very nice.

Ryan and Rachel are both a bit gun shy, but they cannot deny the instant attraction that sizzles between them.

And, oh, to have a ten cake apology...delicious. :-)

this is the first book i have read by Kate Kardy and I look forward to reading many more. She knows how to pull you in from the get go.
The story flows and the characters are well developed.

This is the story of Rachel Cassidy and Ryan Henderson

Both Rachel and Ryan have been hurt in the past and they are not sure if they are willing to give in to love as they are both afraid of being hurt again. (Who could blame them)

Rachel moves back to Marietta Montana to recover fro her divorce. Her friends by her a date at the auction.

Ryan come to Marietta to help out with his sick grandmother.

Great read (and series!)

Editing and formatting of the book was not complete. It was very confusing to the reader with the words often pushed together. The book should have been proofread; too many grammar & spelling mistakes.
Easy storyline, cute plot. Rachel, doctor newly divorced, was celebrating her birthday with her friends at a local bar/restaurant. They were watching a bachelor auction take place to raise money for a little boy who was in a serious life altering accident. Her table bid on a Bachelor and ended up winning him. Little did she know that the bachelor that they bought is a gourmet chef who will now cook her a delicious dinner and dessert at her place. Not only is Ryan talented, he's gorgeous. When the big night comes, Ryan & Rachel hit it off immediately. Besides the explosive physical chemistry between them, they just click mentally as well. After Rachel's awful divorce, she never thought that she would meet a guy who would make her feel butterflies in the belly again. Ryan is blown away by Rachel. He can tell that she's been hurt, but he likes what he sees. After an AMAZING night of more than just dinner, they decide to meet up again another night. He takes care of his elderly grandmother, so dating right now isn't an option or priority. Yet they both want to see each other, casually. One night turns out to be more than a friend's with benefits package. Real feelings on both sides are on the line. When Ryan realizes too late he's in love with Rachel, he acts out and hurts her. Being in LOVE is where and how he lost his dream years ago. Hurt the one you love before they can hurt you. His past repeating itself. Will this couple survive the insecurities from their individual pasts? After all the hurts, will Rachel take Ryan back?
Read On!