by Rachel Van Dyken
Series: Bachelors of Arizona #1
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Heat Level:
Cinderella never had to deal with this crap.
Jane isn't entirely sure that Cinderella got such a raw deal. Sure, she had a rough start, but didn't she eventually land a prince and a happily-ever-after? Meanwhile, Jane is busy waiting on her demanding, entitled sisters, running her cleaning business, and . . . yep, not a prince in sight. Until a party and a broken shoe incident leave Jane wondering if princes---or at least, a certain deliciously hunky billionaire---maybe do exist.
Except Brock Wellington isn't anyone's dream guy. Hell, a prince would never agree to be auctioned off in marriage to the highest bidder. Or act like an arrogant jerk---even if it was just a façade. Now, as Brock is waiting for the auction chopping block, he figures it's karmic retribution that he's tempted by a sexy, sassy woman he can't have. But while they can't have a fairy-tale ending, maybe they can indulge in a little bit of fantasy . .
I was drawn to the Bachelor Auction by Rachel Van Dyken the first in the Bachelors of Arizona series because of its Cinderella angle. After all, everyone wants Cinderella to get her happily ever after. Toss in some bachelor brothers and Kimberly’s a happy reader. Siblings, snark, farm animals and a male arse made this retelling a quick, fun, and entertaining romance.
Coffee dates with The Bachelor Auction
- First Date: Dyken introduces us to Jane, a.k.A Cinderella, and her obnoxiously demanding sisters. Her sister’s had me wanting to bring out eighties terminology, like “gag me with a spoon.” A spoon I wanted to use on the back of their heads. Jane is level headed and sacrificed to keep her father’s cleaning business and provided for her siblings. The sisters want to go to a high power party, in hopes of snagging a deep-pocketed hubby and drag poor Jane along. The author also introduces us to Brock Wellington, the oldest brother of three. The responsible one. The brother who cannot say no to his grandfather and bails his brothers out of trouble. I like Brock when we first meet him even if later I want to put him in time out. Brock has just discovered he is going to be put up for auction at a charity event, one in which is grandfather will pick his “future bride.” Sounds fun, right? Both Brock and Jane attend the party, and a mishap has him coming to her rescue before she is gone and he is left with only her first name and a shoe.
- Second Date: I adore stories with siblings and meddling family members. Jane has reached her emotional limit between her work hour and siblings. Brock wants to tell his grandfather to piss off, but it never seems to work out. The synopsis is vague, and I will be too. Through a series of events, the two of them end up spending time in the same place. There are good and bad memories for Brock here, and instead of facing them, he acts like a bit of an arse. I wanted to smack him, but thankfully Jane sets him straight. Animals cause a stir as did the arrival of Brock’s twin brothers. Yes, ladies twins, and we will be learning their fates in the next two books. The conflict for this romance is the auction, one which Jane could never afford to bid. It was fun seeing the chemistry escalate into more. Time alone allowed the two of them to open up and share.
- Third Date: I am having fun on my dates with the Bachelor Auction but somethings niggled at me keeping this from a four plus coffee cup rating. Brock’s behavior ran hot and cold, and while the author did explain the baggage behind it, I found it made my feelings in the middle of the story lukewarm. The heat was fun, but the first sex scene had me stopping and talking to myself aloud. View Spoiler » The buildup to the climactic ending was funny, entertaining and even romantic giving me the warm fuzzies. Brock redeems himself, and we see growth in both characters. We learn some interesting things and get hints at the next books. My third date wrapped up nicely and left me looking forward to the next Bachelor of Arizona book.
Despite a few bumps, I enjoyed the Bachelor Auction and thought Dyken’s twists to this Cinderella retelling were fun.
The Bachelor Auction by Rachel Van Dyken was a quick, fun and entertaining romance Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Debbie Haupt
Your review has me chucking and interested Kim
kimbacaffeinate
Your comment made me gigglesnort Debbie!
Bookworm Brandee
Gag me…there’s a blast from the past! LOL This sounds like a fun read and I’m happy you enjoyed it for the most part. I’ve read a few of Van Dyken’s books and they’ve always been pleasant, if middle of the road, reads for me.
kimbacaffeinate
This was my first by her, so good to know 🙂
The Bibliophile Babe
It sounds so fun! I don’t think I’ve read a book with a Cinderella theme yet.
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you try it, modern retellings are fun 🙂
Katherine
I love a Cinderella theme and this sounds really fun! Not so sure about Brock’s hot and cold behavior or the spoiler (of course I peeked!) . Neither are my favorite plot devices and it’s definitely weird that the spoiler is a thing if it doesn’t actually pertain to the story. Overall, this sounds like fun and definitely a series I need to look for! You have been awful for my TBR lately!
kimbacaffeinate
Despite those issues, I honestly had fun with this twist on Cinderella
Cyn
I’ve been thinking of picking this one up! It sounds cute and I love the Cinderella spin too it. Glad it was enjoyable (: Lovely review, Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy, this was fun
Braine
Sounds entertaining enough. At least the hero managed to redeem himself in a satisfying way 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Agreed, and I had fun despite a bump or two 🙂
Heidi
Books with meddling families tend to be fun. Sounds like a nice, light read even if you had a few niggles.
kimbacaffeinate
Exactly that, I had a good time Heidi and will try the next one.
Angela Adams
“Her sister’s had me wanting to bring out eighties terminology, like “gag me with a spoon.” A spoon I wanted to use on the back of their heads.” — My chuckle of the day! Thanks for the review!!
kimbacaffeinate
hehehe…..glad you had a chuckle.
Laurie
That spoiler is indeed a weird one!
kimbacaffeinate
Right. But I enjoyed it despite the weirdness.
Sophia Rose
A Cinderella plot sure does make me perk up and pay attention. Hot and cold behavior would have me wanting to flick a spoon at the back of his skull, too. But as long as he got with the program, I can see this one being fun. Twin brothers, gah. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
It was fun Sophia, with moments of humor 🙂
Lampshade Reader
Oh this sounds about right up my alley! You had me lol-ing on “A spoon I wanted to use on the back of their heads.” I love it when characters make me want to hurt them. 😀 Nice review! ~Aleen
kimbacaffeinate
Bwahaha..yes I like to slap them on the back of the head and lock couples in closets until they talk it out. <3
sherry fundin
Warm fuzzies are a good thing. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Always, especially this month
Quinn's Book Nook
I definitely want to read this. I’ve heard the twin brothers are a total blast in this book. Glad you enjoyed it, even with a few bumps.
kimbacaffeinate
I will be curious to see what you think Quinn.
kindlemom1
I do love a good retelling and it’s hard to resist a Cinderella one. 😉 Lovely review Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
Me too Ali. Hope things are well with you. 🙂
Toady
I was attracted to this book the first time that I saw it. It reminded me of one of my favorite installments of the Cedar Cove Series where there was a bachelor auction. I like the retelling angle here too.
kimbacaffeinate
I loved the Cedar Cove series. I hope you enjoy it.
Lexxie
Have you read other books by this author, Kim? I have read two, and they just really didn’t work for me – and I totally think it’s all on me… Not sure I’ll pick up another one, though, as there are just so many books out there.
I’m glad you enjoyed the cinderella feel of this one 🙂
Have a wonderful Wednesday and happy reading!
kimbacaffeinate
No,this was a first time read for me by this author Lexxie. I had fun, but did have some issues. I will try the next book in this series.
Melliane
Oh CInderella retelling, that’s so much fun there! It’s nice to find a new series like that, I’m curious as well
kimbacaffeinate
Thank you Melliane, I love a good retelling or twist to a classic
Kimberly
This one sounds like a cute story and I like the Cinderella angle. Not sure this one is for me though but I’m glad you enjoyed it 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Kimberly.
blodeuedd
I do not think I have heard gag me with a spoon before, lol
kimbacaffeinate
Bwahaha…totally eighties expression. Google it and have fun 🙂