The first in the Bachelor Auction Returns series, this is a story of second chances. Hayley and Cody parted ways after high school - her to become a Hollywood star and he to join the Army. After 11 years, Cody is back in Marietta looking after his uncle's ranch and Hayley comes home to close up her grandmother's house after she has passed away. Hayley needs Cody's security expertise to protect her from a stalker, but Cody is reluctant, so she buys him in the bachelor auction for an astronomical sum. The old sparks are still there, but they both have their own issues to deal with before they can have a chance together. ( )

This book had a nice plot but I had a little bit of an issue with the way the story flowed. I felt it was a little jumpy and disconnected. I can't exactly pinpoint what was wrong so I'm not sure whether it is an editorial issue or a writing one. I tend to "feel" what the characters feel but somehow I just could not feel the emotion of the story. In fact, it felt staged. I think maybe it lacked background or insight into the characters. Whatever was there felt brief and abrupt. I don't usually like to give a negative review, but I feel if this story is tweaked some more with a little bit of character and background buildup and some editorial work, it could turn into a smashing story because the romance factor is definitely there.

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review. ( )

I obtained this book with the agreement to give it an honest review. Ex-Army Sergent and now a security expert, Cody Matthews, left Texas to work at his elderly uncle's ranch in Montana. He had been in Marietta for five months and he enjoyed the hard work of a rancher life, no sooner than he hit the final nail than a pair of gorgeous legs stood behind him.

Movie starlet, Haley O'Malley had a decent life after her parents dumped her on her granny without a backward glance as she was sure she was a mistake, but her grandma loved her even though she caused her grief until the day she left for Hollywood. After her grand's death she took time to got back to settle her estate and maybe rekindle the flame that burned so bright between them long ago. ( )

This book had a nice plot but I had a little bit of an issue with the way the story flowed. I felt it was a little jumpy and disconnected. I can't exactly pinpoint what was wrong so I'm not sure whether it is an editorial issue or a writing one. I tend to "feel" what the characters feel but somehow I just could not feel the emotion of the story. In fact, it felt staged. I think maybe it lacked background or insight into the characters. Whatever was there felt brief and abrupt. I don't usually like to give a negative review, but I feel if this story is tweaked some more with a little bit of character and background buildup and some editorial work, it could turn into a smashing story because the romance factor is definitely there.

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review. ( )