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Scandalous Bid

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One drunken bid. An unforgettable date. A promise to never see each other again.

Jenna Grant, an up-and-coming PR phenom, is working her ass off for the promotion that will finally get her family out of crushing medical debt. She doesn’t have time for distractions – especially the romantic kind. So when she finds herself the accidental tipsy winner of her firm’s charity auction, going on a lavish 24-hour dream date with New York’s hottest NHL player is the last thing she wants. Not that she can afford the vomit inducing fifty-thousand-dollar price tag either. So when the bachelor proposes a deal to cover her debt, ensuring the bid doesn’t fall to the next highest bidder, his unhinged celebrity ex, Jenna reluctantly agrees to a day of romance to save herself from financial ruin.

Determined to keep things strictly professional, Jenna vows to maintain a "no strings attached" mantra. But Dalton Ward, with his six-foot-two frame, piercing green eyes, and undeniable charm, is anything but a strictly professional kind of guy. Their connection is explosive, igniting a passion that threatens to derail her carefully constructed life.

Can Jenna juggle her demanding career, Dalton’s vengeful ex who's out to ruin her reputation, and a promise to forget the most unbelievable man she’s ever met? Doubt it.

285 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 22, 2025

7 people are currently reading
107 people want to read

About the author

Kay Rockland

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5 stars
87 (61%)
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48 (33%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
Profile Image for ♡❀Caroline. K❀♡.
114 reviews23 followers
June 30, 2025
This Hockey Romance had me HOOKEEEDDDD from start to finish!!!!! An absolute favorite, had me giggling and kicking my feet. I loved the sweet and tender moments they would have. I couldn't get enough of these characters. The way Dalton and Jenna characters bounced off one another. Made their chemistry feel natural and fun. The side characters were unforgettable. If this turns into a series involving the side characters/hockey team. I will Definitely read them!!

3.5/5 🌶️


I want to thank BookSirens and Kay Rockland for the ARC. This is my honest review, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Shana .
405 reviews69 followers
Read
July 29, 2025
DNF @ 10%
I got 10% in and realised it wasn't for me unfortunately. Thank you to the author for this arc and congrats on your newest release
1 review
May 16, 2025
I LOVED this book. I have read some hockey romances that didn’t quite hit the spot but this one was perfect. Cute, flirty, sexy perfection! The fitting room scene lives rent free in my head! A must read!
Profile Image for Laura Wolff.
187 reviews5 followers
June 20, 2025
Oh My God! This book is EVERYTHING you want in a hockey romance. Well everything I wanted. I have never read a book by this author before but it was so amazingly wonderful! I can’t even… I don’t have words. Ahhhh!

Ok so this is the story of Jenna, an aspiring PR marketing assistant with big dreams of running her own firm one day and Dalton Ward, dreamy Captain of the NY Rangers hockey team. After a drunken oops Jenna wins a charity auction bid for a date with hottie mchottie for $50k, which spoiler alert - she doesn’t have. Dalton figures this out and pays her bid for her and so begins the shenanigans.

I loved this story from start to finish. I’m a sucker for a hockey romance anyways. I love the team dynamic and let’s be real hockey guys are freaking hilarious. This was a little light on the actual hockey playing but you knew it was the focus for Dalton.

This is a steamy little book and a very quick read but Kay did an amazing job of ending the story in a tear jerking way.

I had characters I loved like the main two and characters that if they were on fire I wouldn’t pee on them. You’ll have to read it to see if you feel the same way. Very rarely do I have such a visceral reaction to a fictional character by man oh man did America’s sweetheart make me want to slap a hoe.

This book is 282 pages of pure perfection! I hope she expands it into a series so we can see if her bff ends up with a hockey hunk also!

I love the power plays between the two main characters (pun intended). It was so much fun to go through this journey with them. It was certainly an emotional ride but omg it was so good. I felt all the feels with this one.

If you love a funny, charming, sexy as sin but also down to earth mmc, Dalton Ward is your man. And Jenna is sassy, spunky, funny and wicked smart. I love how these two complimented each without trying.

If you’re looking for a new author and love a good hockey romance I highly suggest this one! Kay Rockland just made my top ten list. I can’t wait to see what else she has out.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Katie Anderson.
28 reviews
June 28, 2025
This book was absolutely AMAZING!!!! I was lucky enough to get the chance to read the ARC of this book! This was my first ARC and I’m so happy it was! This book had me laughing and falling in love with Dalton and Jenna! I can’t wait for this book to come out Physically so I can add it to my Book Trophy Shelves!!!
10/10 would recommend!!!
Profile Image for Victoria Rodriguez.
86 reviews
July 15, 2025
4.75 🌟 I am so honored to have received an ARC from the author and I'm leaving this review voluntarily. I truly enjoyed this book from beginning to end! I was hooked and did not want to put it down! This is a slow burn, fake dating, strangers to lovers. Cinnamon roll hockey player MMC who is supportive in every way meets feisty FMC who is always thinking of others before herself! This book had it all: force proximity, a dream date, spice, amazing banter, blackmail, revenge, etc! The connection that these two characters made was so beautiful. I went through so many emotions happy, giddy, angry, and I did even tear up a little at the end! Highly recommend, It’s definitely a must read!

Release date July 22nd! 🎉
Profile Image for Amanda.
395 reviews12 followers
July 21, 2025
Dalton and Jenna.

Scandalous Bid from start to finish had me locked in. Nothing like a good 'ole fake dating, bet/terms, sports book to get the juices flowing.

I loved this book so much because sometimes it only takes 24...48...72 hours to find the one you want to spend time with. The character development, story, and flow of the whole novel was so well thought out. & I know it wasn't over 400 pages but the side characters were really well written and added so much to the story.

I think the only thing I didn't like was near the end here we are thinking they were going to figure it out to have Dalton's ex mess it all up. My HEART KAY MY HEART cannot take it. LOL

P.S. Dalton's ex is a nightmare so be prepared to have some feelings.

If you are looking for a under 300 page wonderful hockey romance that ends with a HEA. This should be on your TBR. This is my 1st book by Kay but it will not be my last.

Thank you to the author for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Amee.
815 reviews52 followers
July 9, 2025
Scandalous Bid, book one of the new Boss Babe series, blew me away and I can’t wait for the next in line. I hope it’s our FMC’s boss, Ramona. She was terrifyingly awesome and I was jealous of her ability to keep cool and stop someone with just a look.

Dalton and Jenna went from strangers to relationship goals in only a few months, but I wouldn’t classify this as “instalove,” which I credit to the pacing of the story. It flowed perfectly really. Though Dalton is the Captain of the local professional hockey team, the story isn’t filled with hockey scenes, it’s definitely romance forward. The banter between these two was fun and light hearted, and their “meet cute” had me cracking up. Alcohol and a bidding paddle don’t mix especially when you factor in a crazy ex you’re hiding from.

Thanks to BookSirens for this ARC and for those who read my review of it. Definitely a 2025 favorite romance of mine.
Profile Image for Leah Richmond~ Chapterbooks_andcoffee .
44 reviews16 followers
July 22, 2025
Well, this one just slapped me in the face with love!

Hottie and hockey captain, Dalton, and Jenna, the fiesty banter filled FMC, have thee hottest chemistry!

At a bachelor charity auction for her PR firm, Jenna finds herself in a tough, alcohol induced situation. Dalton, trying to get away from his own predicament, is grateful for Jenna's accidental bid for him.

What starts as a 24-hour, no strings attached date, turns into something more. The way Dalton spoils Jenna is drool worthy. I loved how sweet they were to eachother. The spice was perfection🥵 This book really just hooked me in, and I was here for it! Thank you, Kay Rockland, for the early copy!
Profile Image for Audrey.
1 review
May 20, 2025
This book was such a fun read!!! I enjoyed every second of it. It’s cute, flirty, & has the perfect amount of spice!!🌶️🌶️
Profile Image for Nikolett Ungor.
102 reviews6 followers
August 2, 2025
Disclosure: I received an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of this book in exchange for an honest review. As someone who loves supporting indie authors, I always aim to share thoughtful, fair feedback. While I have personal reading preferences like a love for fantasy, horses, or specific tropes, I never let that impact my rating unless it is relevant to the book’s intent or audience. I review with the genre and readership in mind.

Star rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️

Since my fiancé is an ex hockey player and we are in the hockey world, this book was a must read for me. I had good laughs, I was frustrated, I was happy and heated. The start was absolutely amazing and set a really fun tone for the book. I mean, accidentally bidding away 50 times your current savings? Hilarious and scary!

I was pleasantly surprised by how layered the plot was. It went deeper than I initially expected, and there were moments that helped me really understand both Dalton and Jenna’s actions. The side characters were so entertaining, and I got both excited and slightly horrified by all the drama. It made me genuinely appreciate not being part of such chaotic rich circles, even though I’d probably just hide in my personal library anyway.

Toward the end I had a full-on what just happened moment. I sat up yelling “What???” and almost threw my phone. The plot thickened so unexpectedly. I missed the signs completely, but it all made sense looking back, it definitely wasn't spelled out for me, I should have thought a bit more what just might happen with a psycho ex.

This is the first book in the series and I’m seriously hoping I get to stick around for the rest. If I had one small gripe, it’s that I wish Jenna had trusted her boss more. She’s described as ruthless and badass, but honestly she seemed like an incredible boss who deserved more faith and trust from both Jenna and Abby. Maybe later on in the series she will get some?

All in all, I definitely recommend this one to romance lovers and hockey fans who enjoy juicy plot twists and a bit of heat.
Profile Image for Cristina.
322 reviews35 followers
July 20, 2025
First off, I would like to thank the author for sending me a digital copy of her book and for the patience she had with me.

Scandalous Bid is a fresh RomCom, with witty characters, a crazy ex, spicy scenes and full of banter.

The dynamic between Jenna and Dalton is pure fire and flourishes without any problem at all. I also liked how the story played out and how the author wrote it down. No unnecessary details, short and on point.

The adventure starts when our heroine, Jenna Grant, at the hand of her boss has to attend a charitable bidding event. Registered under a different name, and extremely down, she outbids her opponent. An opponent she doesn't have any idea who she is, but will find out soon.

Dalton, is one of the hot guys, all the ladies "throw their panties at" and is understandable. Even with all his fame, he's been really unlucky in love. Until he meets ..her.

And here's where the true dynamic and chemistry between the two of them grows more and more, and makes the book light up like fire in your hands.
Profile Image for Sam.
346 reviews31 followers
July 9, 2025
Rating: 3.5 ⭐️

This was a good debut from Kay Rockland! There were a lot of good parts, but there were a few things that were a miss for me, personally. I liked the banter and ease between Jenna and Dalton; they were always so comfortable with each other and I admired that in their relationship. I liked how hard Jenna worked and how determined she was to do well in her job, and I appreciated that Dalton supported her in that throughout the story. I will say, there wasn’t really any hockey on the page, so I’m not sure it could be considered a hockey romance so much as a romance where the MMC plays hockey. That wasn’t an issue (and it certainly isn’t the first book I’ve read that’s labeled a sports romance with little to no sports) it’s just something that I wanted to note in case anyone was looking for a true hockey romance. I also felt that, at times, there was a little too much happening at once and it was a bit disjointed because of that. There were a lot of conflict plotlines that occurred during the story (mostly with Dalton’s ex) that, for me, just came off as too much. I also felt that Jenna was a bit wishy-washy in regards to wanting to be with Dalton. I understand her reasoning for hesitating to be in a relationship with him, but there was so much back and forth with her and it was a lot to handle and made me feel sad for Dalton because he was always all in. All in all, this wasn’t a bad book or storyline, it just felt like a bit too much for me at times. If you like a friends(ish) to lovers, he falls first, fake(ish) dating book, this one will be right up your alley!


Thank you, Kay, for providing me with an ARC
Profile Image for Tanisha FantasyBooksandBudgets.
108 reviews8 followers
July 22, 2025
Looking for a book that's just a straight-up fun time? Look no further!!
Kay absolutely did not disappoint. This book is absolutely hilarious and cozy all wrapped up with a cinnamon roll MMC sporting a six-pack. What could be better?
I laughed out loud and kicked my feet. The characters have depth, and the pace of the story is so well done so that you are never bored. I really loved the added tugs of your heart strings, especially with Second Chance.
I'd bid on Dalton anytime!
Profile Image for Melissa.
8 reviews
July 20, 2025
ARC Review
Scandalous Bid 🏒🥅⛸️
Kay Rockland

EN
First of all, I would like to thank Kay Rockland for the opportunity to read this ARC. It’s my first book from this author, and I can honestly say I loved it!

What if I told you that you accidentally bid on New York’s hottest NHL player and ended up with a 24-hour date with him? Grab your bid paddle for this one! 🤭

Jenna, a seat-filler, accidentally bids on Dalton—New York’s hottest NHL player—and wins a 24-hour date with him. She doesn’t have the money to pay, but the next highest bid is from Dalton’s crazy ex. To avoid her, Dalton offers to cover the cost himself. Jenna reluctantly agrees to a day of romance that neither of them will regret. 😉

I loved this book from beginning to end. It had me kicking my feet the entire time, and the spice… 🤭
I’ll definitely be reading more from Kay Rockland!



SP
Antes que nada, me gustaría agradecer a Kay Rockland por la oportunidad de leer este ARC. Es el primer libro que leo de esta autora, ¡y puedo decir honestamente que me encantó!

¿Qué pasaría si te dijera que accidentalmente haces una oferta por el jugador de hockey más sexy de Nueva York y terminaste con una cita de 24 horas con él? ¡Prepara tu paleta de subastas para esta historia!

Jenna, una suplente de asientos, hace una oferta por error por Dalton— el jugador de hockey más atractivo de Nueva York— y gana una cita de 24 horas con él. No tiene el dinero para pagar, pero la siguiente oferta más alta es de la exnovia loca de Dalton. Para evitarla, Dalton se ofrece a cubrir el costo él mismo. Jenna acepta a regañadientes pasar un día lleno de romance que ninguno de los dos olvidará.

Me encantó este libro de principio a fin. Me estuve riendo todo el libro, y el spice…
¡Definitivamente leeré más de Kay Rockland!

🏒24 hr date
🥅Cinnamon roll MMC
⛸️ One bed
🏒Hockey romance
🥅Eyes on me
Profile Image for chapterswithcarly.
105 reviews2 followers
July 20, 2025
✨ARC REVIEW✨ Thank-you Kay Rockland, for allowing me to read Scandalous Bid early! The best stumbled upon tweet ended up with the sweetest romantic comedy that I absolutely ATE UP!

✨ fake dating
✨ forced proximity
✨ forbidden romance
✨ 24 hour dream date
✨ spice and banter
✨ crazy ex girlfriend
✨ he falls first & hard
✨ cinnamon roll mmc / fiesty fmc

Jenna is the assistant to PR boss babe Ramona, who hosts an incredible gala where dream dates with eligible bachelors are auctioned off for charity. Jenna's job? To sit and be a seat filler among NYC's most wealthy women, easy right? ... a few too many glasses of wine leave Jenna accidentally bidding for the NYC Vortex's hunky captain with the highest bid of the entire night. YIKES - she can barely afford a fancy latte, how is she going to pay $50k?!

An anonymous donor, a crazy ex-girlfriend and a 24 hour dream date with Dalton Ward. What could go wrong?

Undeniable chemistry and the best date either of them have ever been on. After 24 incredible hours spent together, Dalton won't let her go and Jenna knows she can't lose this connection, she's never felt this way before. The magical date ends and days later The Vortex become the newest client at Jenna's PR firm.. Dalton and Jenna will be spending lots of time together after swearing they'd never speak again.

Love, learning, growth and run-in with a crazy teammate and psycho ex-girlfriend. This story is laugh out loud, sweet and romantic - everything you'd want from a good romantic comedy.

3 🌶️
change room hookup, spicy shower scene and one beautiful gown 😏

I am so excited to see who we get to follow in book 2 of the Boss Babes series from Kay. 🩷
Profile Image for Melanie Walker.
440 reviews18 followers
July 22, 2025
ARC Review: 4⭐️
Scandalous Bid is book 1 in the Boss Babes series featuring Dalton Ward and Jenna Grant and is told solely from Jenna’s POV.

Jenna is at a bachelor auction that she and her boss organized. She accidently places a $50,000 bid on Dalton which ends up being a winning bid. She has no idea how she’ll b able to afford it, and tries to figure out a way out of it. While talking out loud to herself, dalton over hears her and ends up paying the money.

When she gets to the table to make excuses she’s told it’s been paid in full and is handed a note to meet the payer at the hotel bar. She goes in search of him and they wind up having drinks together.

Daltons crazy ex shows up at the hotel and dalton finds refuge hiding from her in Jenna’s room. He convinces her to go on the private date with him that she won, even though she doesn’t want to.

They have a perfect date day and Dalton doesn’t want it to end and keeps trying to convince her to extend it, but Jenna doesn’t want to get fired from her job. But the attraction becomes too much to ignore.

When daltons crazy ex makes another appearance will she force the two of them a part before they even get a real shot ?

This story was super fun and spicy! I felt that Jenna really was a boss babe and I felt she was super relatable ! Dalton was so gone for her so fast and I loved that we did a get a couple chapters at the end from his POV!

Thank you Kay for the ARC, I can’t wait for more in this series !
Profile Image for Jackie Stout.
57 reviews15 followers
September 24, 2025
OOF!!
This book.
🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵

When Jenna is drunkenly at her PR firm’s yearly charity bachelor auction, she scores none other than dalton who’s simply trying to escape his ex 🫣

“Then you got to see firsthand the circus shit show mine is.”

What started out as 24 hours ended up turning into more. Low and behold when their auction date is over, Jenna thinks she will never see him again. But does she have a rude awakening coming…

but the way dalton shows Jenna show she really should be treated is completely heart warming and wanting them to have a HEA😭🥹🫶🏻

“The difference is, he put the puck on my stick. In this fucked up fairytale, somehow I’m both Cinderella and Prince Charming.”

This book was so good. With all the plot twists and real life twist it made it feel as though it as a real life situation. Thank you @authorkayrockland for such a good book and execution this with us wanting more and not wanting to put this down! Can’t wait for what comes next!! ❤️

Quote that made me laugh: “These abs belong on the cover of one of the scandalous romance novels I’m ever grateful my Kindle helps keep discreet.” 🫣🤣

Tropes:
🏒hockey player x publicist
🔥he falls first
🏒 Cinderella date
🔥banter
🏒one bed
🔥cinnamon roll MMC
🏒forced proximity
🔥forbidden/secret romance
🏒 feisty boss FMC

Profile Image for Suzanne.
319 reviews3 followers
July 5, 2025
Kay Rockland kicks off her Boss Babes series with Scandalous Bid, a sparkling, chemistry-charged romance that’s equal parts swoony and heartfelt.

Jenna Grant is having a day straight out of a rom-com nightmare: ex-boyfriend drama, best-friend betrayal, and a glass (or three) too many at a work event. What was supposed to be a behind-the-scenes role suddenly turns into the talk of the night when Jenna accidentally places a winning bid on a bachelor she was never meant to claim.

Enter Dalton Ward — the irresistible, eligible bachelor who sees Jenna’s slip-up and can’t help but be charmed. One “non-date” dinner turns into a 24-hour adventure, then a one-night stand that is absolutely not supposed to happen again. Of course, fate (and undeniable attraction) have other plans.

Jenna and Dalton’s connection goes beyond steamy chemistry. They see each other for who they really are: two people with complicated pasts, deep compassion, and a drive to make a difference in the world. Jenna isn’t just another admirer of Dalton’s good looks and success, and Dalton doesn’t treat Jenna as just another pretty face. Their bond is built on something more authentic and real — making them a couple worth rooting for.

Dalton is the ultimate book boyfriend: caring, sexy, protective, and emotionally available in the best ways. Jenna is his perfect match, balancing her vulnerability with strength and wit. Their journey toward love faces plenty of external obstacles, but the payoff is well worth it.

If you love a feel-good, modern romance with a touch of glamor, a swoon-worthy hero, and a relatable, smart heroine, Scandalous Bid will deliver — and leave you eager for the next Boss Babe installment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Justine.
50 reviews
July 13, 2025
Dalton Ward, the man that you are 🥵❤️‍🔥 Easily one of my favorite fictional boyfriends to date! A man who knows how to…worship his lady and take care of her FIRST; respects her boundaries even when it kills him bc he is selfless AF; empowers her by stepping back to let her stand up for herself, but also stepping in when necessary; cares for her without expectation or the need for credit—honestly, I could go on and on about it how much I love and adore Dalt, our precious captain and ultimate gem of a man.

Jenna Grant is one of the few FMCs I don’t hate. She’s driven, head strong, family-oriented, and damaged yet still loyal AF. She’s flawed but not an idiot. Yes, there were times I could not stand how much she fought her desires and suffered *totally avoidable* pain in the process, but I respected her reasons (and so did Dalton 🥺).

Things I absolutely loved about this story:
🥰 the many adventures from their first date
🥺 the way he fiercely protects her anonymity & boundaries
🥵 the way he always takes care of her first (IYKYK)
❤️‍🔥 their slow burn (which def pays off, y’all)
💸 his nickname for her, which doesn’t make me cringe
🥹 the epilogue our author provided us *cries*

Thank you to the author for allowing me the opportunity to read an eARC! I’m beginning to really enjoy sports romance now and hope to see more from this series in the future. Maybe a story for Lacey or Abby??? I’ll even take an interconnected story based on Ramona if our couple can have cameos 😭🙏🏼
Profile Image for Danielle Renno.
150 reviews3 followers
July 20, 2025
Did I almost read this all in one sitting? Yes, yes I did. Did I immediately go slide into the author's DMs to ask for other works? Absolutely! I...still am struggling with words. But I loved this story! I have yet to read anything similar and I truly do love that aspect, especially in the romance world.

We have an FMC who is trying to make a name for herself in the PR world and an MMC who is the captain of a professional hockey team. A bachelor auction event gone wrong leads them to discover each other and have the best 24 hours of their life. The problem is what happens once that deadline hits.

I love the concept of a Cinderella date. I also loved that neither of them could internally handle said date ha. I did find myself struggling at points because I felt like Dalton was all in and fairly clear when things started to shift - but Jenna did a lot of back and forth with him. I get WHY she did. But I'm just not a huge fan when it feels like someone is half in and out at the same time. I also enjoyed the backstories that both characters have that got them to where they are at. There's some parental issues going on with them both!

Highly recommend if you're looking for a hockey romance with minimal game play (I know the game can be important to some readers), an FMC that is feisty and determined, spicy scenes that are delicious, and a revenge plot that shakes up the last part of the book!
Profile Image for Marie.
815 reviews16 followers
June 24, 2025
Reading this book has been so easy to do, I really can't recommend it enough. Having not read any of Kay's books before I wasn't sure what to expect but wow her stories certainly are captivating and keep you reading. Jenna can't believe how her life keeps imploding. First her ex cheats on her, then they get engaged and now she's just won an auction she wasn't even bidding on. Can her life get any more complicated, she knows her boss is going to be annoyed plus she doesn't have the money to pay the cancellation fee let alone the winning bid. Dalton can't believe he's been saved from a date he really didn't want to have. Being captain of the team he has to set an example to his team mates, and this auction is for charity he needs to appear with his date and the stranger is perfect. One night and both their lives change but will it all end in tears. This spicy and complicated story just keeps giving but can either of them have the ending they want. The way Dalton keeps calling Jenna fortyeight is so endearing. But can Jenna finally drop her carefully build walls. I'm really hoping Lacy will get a story of her own. Sit back and enjoy you definitely won't regret reading this book. Five stars 🌟 isnt enough
Profile Image for Shelby Hicks.
99 reviews1 follower
July 15, 2025
-We all love the moment when we have too much to drink and do stupid stuff. Thus, usually too late, is when we realize that we messed up. Fortunately for most of us that’s when YOUR person ALWAYS comes to save you. And in this book, it just happens to be a GORGEOUS hockey player that saves you. (I would let Dalton Ward save me anyday)

-Dalton. Ward. You are the SWEETEST and THAT DATE?! ICONIC. It had me wishing my husband would plan a date that like for me IRL. But, you really are THAT GUY. The way that you make her feel comfortable, wanted, and respect her privacy is what had me swooning over you from beginning to end.

-Jenna Grant, GET OUT OF YOUR OWN HEAD, LET THAT MAN PAMPER, WORSHIP, & LOVE YOU ALREADY! This is what I caught myself screaming, in my head of course, several times throughout this story. But when she finally does get out of her head, it is EVERYTHING. I found myself in Jenna several times because I, myself, have a very hard time letting others take care of me. Its a bad habit of mine, but like Jenna when I do it’s THE BEST FEELING. (Maybe this is a sign I need to let others take care of me sometimes.)

-Trent and Ellie are THE WORST characters I have met in AWHILE. The shit they do to keep Jenna & Dalton apart are SO BAD. THE BLACKMAIL? THE HIT? Like are your serious? I figured Ellie would do something, but what TRENT did? TBH I kind of lived for it, but only because I DIDN’T see what he did coming! I was in total and utter shock when I read that part. But they got what they deserved, so I’m good.

-This book was a cute read that I couldn’t put down for sure, but I would have loved a little bit more to it as well. The only thing I would have changed to make it even better than it already is, is more description in certain areas and parts throughout the book. But other than that I would not change a thing. YOU DID KILL IT THOUGH, especially for it being your debut book!
Profile Image for Megan.
158 reviews2 followers
July 23, 2025
This book completely took me by surprise—in the best possible way! I went in 100% blind, not even glancing at the synopsis, and I’m so glad I did because it made the experience even more fun. I had such a blast reading this one that I truly didn’t want it to end.

The premise and storyline were such a refreshing change. I haven’t read a book with this kind of setup in a while, and now I’ll definitely be looking for more like it. We meet Jenna, an up-and-coming PR journalist/agent attending a charity auction where people bid on dates with celebrities. She works for a PR firm, but when the night unfolds, she accidentally finds herself in a sticky situation with the amount she claims she’s willing to bid. Enter Dalton—a professional hockey player—and what starts as a fun, platonic evening between them turns into so much more.

The chemistry between Jenna and Dalton is off the charts from the very first interaction. Their banter, the natural flow of their connection, and all the unexpected twists kept me hooked the entire time. I loved how each turn in the story surprised me, and I just kept craving more.

Scandalous Bid was such a fun, addictive read. I had a huge smile on my face the entire time, and by the end, I didn’t want to leave Jenna and Dalton’s world.

I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
248 reviews2 followers
July 3, 2025
Oh, this book was so good! Sports romcoms have been very hit or miss for me lately, and this one was fantastic. Technically, this is a hockey romance, but there is almost no hockey in this book. This could be plug and play for any team-based sport, so don't skip this just because it is hockey.

Dalton is utter perfection and Jenna is a boss bitch in training. There was drama, there was suspense, there was steam, but most importantly, there was respect and healthy boundaries. Nothing makes me swoon harder than when a MMC says I will respect your boundaries, but I'm going to make you cross them.

I actually loved the 3rd act conflict. Sometimes, there is no right answer. Jenna did what was best for everyone at the expense of herself, but it was resolved immediately. You know who (no spoilers) got exactly what was coming to them, and I cackled like the petty witch I am.

My only question with this book is, where is the series going to go? Typically, it is pretty obvious who is going to be the focus of the next book, but we didn't actually meet any of the other players long enough to connect with them. I can only assume it will be about Lacey since she is the only character that was given more than a cursory description.

Thank you to BookSirens and Kay Rockland for the free eARC.
Profile Image for Michele.
148 reviews
July 22, 2025
Jenna has had a day, and gets herself further in trouble when she accidentally bids on a bachelor at her boss’ event. She was there to seat fill, not break records for bids. Swallowing her pride, she heads to the bidding table to cancel her bid, but instead finds a note to meet her in the bar. Enter Dalton, the local hockey star known for his skills and his looks. Paying for the bid was a two way street, but where will it lead them?

I can’t describe how I feel about these two. I want them to be my friends. She is full of sass and determination. He is kind and thoughtful. These two are absolute fire together. First the lighthearted banter when they accidentally get to know each other. Then the winning date, where they start to catch feelings, knowing it can’t go further. The tension is fabulous, the characters are just sure of themselves and get you to root for them. I loved this book from the first chapter. It has some angst for the plot, but everything is handled like adults. It was a great read.

This is the first in a series and I will for sure be reading more from Kay. 5/5⭐️ 4/5 🌶️

I received an advance copy of this book.

16 reviews1 follower
June 28, 2025
ARC Review

I’d like to start off with my appreciation for the opportunity to receive an advanced copy of this book.

Scandalous Bid delivers exactly what a great hockey romance should: slow-burning chemistry, layered characters, and just enough emotional curveballs to keep your heart racing until the final chapter.

The romance unfolds with a semi-slow burn pace, and that works beautifully here. Both characters have room to grow, both individually and as a couple.

What really sets this apart is what happens late in the story. Just when you think you know where it’s going, a twist — both emotional and situational — changes everything. It doesn’t feel forced or dramatic for the sake of it; it deepens the characters, raises the emotional stakes, and makes their connection that much more powerful.

The hockey backdrop adds a strong sense of atmosphere, but it never overshadows the romance. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just here for the love story, you'll feel right at home.
Profile Image for Carmen.
66 reviews
July 7, 2025
Thank you to Kay Rockland for this ARC! All opinions are my own.

I loved every minute of this book. The way I was giggling like a schoolgirl at 1 a.m. while reading about Dalton Ward… lord in heaven, they truly don’t make men like him anymore. He is a unicorn and I’m obsessed.

Jenna works at one of the top PR firms in New York and ends up playing seat filler at her boss’s charity event. Things spiral quickly when she accidentally bids on one of the bachelors at the auction and actually wins. She panics because she has no way of paying, but finds out someone already covered the cost and left her a mysterious note to meet at the bar next door.

That someone turns out to be NHL superstar Dalton Ward, and let me just say… the man does not disappoint. He has a little proposition for her and they end up going on one unforgettable date. The plan is to walk away like it never happened, but that plan crashes and burns the second real feelings get involved.

This story was so much fun and I loved every bit of the plot. If I could change one thing, I would have loved to see it in dual POV. Still, this book was such a great read and I definitely recommend it.
2,015 reviews15 followers
July 13, 2025
If my stalking is on point, I believe this is the first romance book this author has ever written. I honestly take my hat off to you if this is true, because this is hands down one of the best books that I have read this year.
I was first drawn to this story because I thought it was going to be a sports romance novel as they are my absolute favorites. After finishing it, I wouldn’t necessarily say that it is one in the sense that there is little to no on ice action. The only nod towards it is that Dalton plays hockey for the NHL.
Normally this would be somewhat of a negative to me, but the way this story was so well written I honestly didn’t miss it at all. Dalton and Jenna are what all romance novels should aspire to. Their connection is instant, their banter is top tier and the way their relationship unfolded had me near beside myself wanting to see what happens next, but also wishing for their story to keep going on and on.
I cannot praise this author enough and I look forward to whatever she releases next.
43 reviews1 follower
July 16, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ARC REVIEW
Pretty Woman Vibes + Hockey Romance? Yes please!

If you’re craving a story packed with banter, spice, and forbidden romance, this one delivers. The dynamic between the broody, charming hockey player and the sharp, no-nonsense publicist is absolute fire from the first page. Their connection crackles with tension — think Pretty Woman vibes but with more locker room temptation and media spotlights.

I couldn’t put this one down. The mix of professional boundaries, undeniable attraction, and emotional vulnerability made every moment between them feel electric. Add in laugh-out-loud dialogue, steamy scenes, and just enough angst to keep your heart racing — and you’ve got a perfect romance recipe.

If you’re into sports romance, forbidden love, or just want to be swept away by a story that’s equal parts sweet, spicy, and addictive, The Scandalous Bid is a must-read. Kay Rockland nailed it. 🏒🔥💋
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