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The Winslow Brothers #1
Bidding on Brooks
Bidding on Brooks is the first of four books about the Philadelphia-based, wildly-handsome Winslow brothers who are all on the look-out for love.
(Except Preston. He's been down that road before and only escaped by the skin of his teeth. And maybe Cameron, because he's super hot, but too hot-headed to be decent boyfriend material...)
Railroaded into a bachelor auction by his sister, Jessica, Brooks Winslow asks his friend, Skye Sorenson, to bid on him to avoid the possibility of any romantic entanglements. Fiercely competitive and protective of those he cares for, Brooks was profoundly affected by the loss of his father at an early age. A witness to his mother’s terrible loneliness and his siblings’ grief, the ex-Olympian has never allowed himself to fall in love.
Skye Sorenson, the plucky mechanic at Sorenson Marina, where Brooks moors his three sailboats, is a credible sailor in her own right…and has quietly lusted after Brooks for years. But her longstanding friendship with Brooks has always made romance seem impossible.
When Skye agrees to bid on Brooks, the two cast off for a weeklong ocean adventure on Brooks’ sailboat, The Zephyr, where the last thing Skye expects to lose is her heart.
Return to the world created in the English Brothers books with this fresh foursome of scorching hot Winslow Brothers!
*****
*The Winslow Brothers books are a companion series to the English Brothers books, but all can be read as standalones. All books in The Winslow Brothers series are approximately 200 pages. The RWA classifies this as "Mid-length Contemporary Romance."
(Except Preston. He's been down that road before and only escaped by the skin of his teeth. And maybe Cameron, because he's super hot, but too hot-headed to be decent boyfriend material...)
Railroaded into a bachelor auction by his sister, Jessica, Brooks Winslow asks his friend, Skye Sorenson, to bid on him to avoid the possibility of any romantic entanglements. Fiercely competitive and protective of those he cares for, Brooks was profoundly affected by the loss of his father at an early age. A witness to his mother’s terrible loneliness and his siblings’ grief, the ex-Olympian has never allowed himself to fall in love.
Skye Sorenson, the plucky mechanic at Sorenson Marina, where Brooks moors his three sailboats, is a credible sailor in her own right…and has quietly lusted after Brooks for years. But her longstanding friendship with Brooks has always made romance seem impossible.
When Skye agrees to bid on Brooks, the two cast off for a weeklong ocean adventure on Brooks’ sailboat, The Zephyr, where the last thing Skye expects to lose is her heart.
Return to the world created in the English Brothers books with this fresh foursome of scorching hot Winslow Brothers!
*****
*The Winslow Brothers books are a companion series to the English Brothers books, but all can be read as standalones. All books in The Winslow Brothers series are approximately 200 pages. The RWA classifies this as "Mid-length Contemporary Romance."
256 pages, ebook
First published May 11, 2015
770 people are currently reading
1830 people want to read
About the author
Katy Regnery
117 books4,273 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Katy Regnery has a heart for smart romance featuring strong women and decent men. Almost exclusively self-published, Katy claims authorship of over 60 titles, including three RITA® finalists. Translated into French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, and Turkish, Katy has sold over 1.8 million books worldwide.
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May 11, 2015
RATING 4.5 STARS
Bidding on Brooks is book one in The Winslow Brothers series by Katy Regnery.
Skye Sorenson has known Brooks Winslow most all her life. Her father owns and manages the marina where Brooks keeps his boats. She stood on the dock and would watch him sail when he was just a teenager. They have always been friends and no matter how handsome she thought he was or how much she dreamed of him at night, she was just a boat mechanic, usually running around in her coveralls with her hair in a ponytail and grease on her hands. He didn’t see her as anything more than a friend, occasional sailing companion and expert mechanic. Just a buddy.
Brooks is a thirty four year old man who spent most of his youth raising his three younger brothers and little sister after his father died at the young age of forty of a heart attack. His father had seemed to be a healthy man until the day he died. After seeing the grief his mother endured, Brooks has vowed never to cause that much pain to someone else. So he does not allow himself to ever become emotionally involved with a woman. He considers his own days numbered.
“He knew his type, and it didn’t include a certain marina mechanic who was more comfortable with a socket wrench than a champagne glass.”
His sister has dragged him into a bachelor auction, the prize being that he will take the winning bidder on a week long sailing cruise all alone. To save himself from getting stuck on his boat with any random woman, he asks his good friend Skye to bid on him. He knows she’s good on boats so they will have a fun sail, just two friends on the boat. But he is not prepared for the Skye that shows up at the auction, The Skye that is clean, manicured, buffed and dressed in a beautiful gown.
“How had he missed that Skye Sorenson was one of the sexiest, loveliest women he’d ever seen? And now that he knew it, how was he going to keep his hands off of her while they shared a small boat for a week?”
Skye and Brooks both have secrets, things that have held them back their entire lives from opening themselves up to love. It was wonderful watching both of them break down each other’s walls during their time on the boat. Brooks who was usually such a remote man, turned out to be such a gentle and nurturing man to Skye. But he still can’t let her fall in love with him. He can’t offer any more than this week.
“Like a fool, he wanted forever, when all he could have was today.”
Along the way, they are met at each stop by a scheduled reporter that was supposed to be documenting their trip. But the sleazy reporter wants more. He wants dirt. And he is willing to do anything to get it.
“He wanted her, but even more, he needed her. Like the wind and the water, she was a part of him, and he needed to belong to her.”
This really was a wonderful book. I loved experiencing the transformation that both Skye and Brooks went through. I absolutely loved the epilogue. I think it was my favorite part of the whole book. This is the first of a four book series. Book two, Proposing To Preston, will be out in July.
Bidding on Brooks is book one in The Winslow Brothers series by Katy Regnery.
Skye Sorenson has known Brooks Winslow most all her life. Her father owns and manages the marina where Brooks keeps his boats. She stood on the dock and would watch him sail when he was just a teenager. They have always been friends and no matter how handsome she thought he was or how much she dreamed of him at night, she was just a boat mechanic, usually running around in her coveralls with her hair in a ponytail and grease on her hands. He didn’t see her as anything more than a friend, occasional sailing companion and expert mechanic. Just a buddy.
Brooks is a thirty four year old man who spent most of his youth raising his three younger brothers and little sister after his father died at the young age of forty of a heart attack. His father had seemed to be a healthy man until the day he died. After seeing the grief his mother endured, Brooks has vowed never to cause that much pain to someone else. So he does not allow himself to ever become emotionally involved with a woman. He considers his own days numbered.
“He knew his type, and it didn’t include a certain marina mechanic who was more comfortable with a socket wrench than a champagne glass.”
His sister has dragged him into a bachelor auction, the prize being that he will take the winning bidder on a week long sailing cruise all alone. To save himself from getting stuck on his boat with any random woman, he asks his good friend Skye to bid on him. He knows she’s good on boats so they will have a fun sail, just two friends on the boat. But he is not prepared for the Skye that shows up at the auction, The Skye that is clean, manicured, buffed and dressed in a beautiful gown.
“How had he missed that Skye Sorenson was one of the sexiest, loveliest women he’d ever seen? And now that he knew it, how was he going to keep his hands off of her while they shared a small boat for a week?”
Skye and Brooks both have secrets, things that have held them back their entire lives from opening themselves up to love. It was wonderful watching both of them break down each other’s walls during their time on the boat. Brooks who was usually such a remote man, turned out to be such a gentle and nurturing man to Skye. But he still can’t let her fall in love with him. He can’t offer any more than this week.
“Like a fool, he wanted forever, when all he could have was today.”
Along the way, they are met at each stop by a scheduled reporter that was supposed to be documenting their trip. But the sleazy reporter wants more. He wants dirt. And he is willing to do anything to get it.
“He wanted her, but even more, he needed her. Like the wind and the water, she was a part of him, and he needed to belong to her.”
This really was a wonderful book. I loved experiencing the transformation that both Skye and Brooks went through. I absolutely loved the epilogue. I think it was my favorite part of the whole book. This is the first of a four book series. Book two, Proposing To Preston, will be out in July.
May 4, 2015
Let your heart set sail with this phenomenal romance!
I loved The English Brothers series - five brothers, five separate personalities, five gorgeous stand-alone romances... When Katy Regnery blessed us with cousin Kate's book, I though What a sweet treat for her fans... because I can't get enough of these fabulous characters and their generous hearts... When I heard that The Winslow Brothers were getting their own spin-off series I was practically bouncing with excitement.
Katy Regnery consistently delivers touching emotional romances which will make even the most jaded reader fall in love... I'm not saying I cried happy, sweet, sentimental tears... But I'm not not saying that either. *clears throat* Anyway...
Brooks Winslow
Brooks is the oldest Winslow brother - when his father died from an unexpected heart-attack, Brooks stepped up and became the patriarch. He was thrust into maturity and adulthood - looking out for his siblings and practically raising them. He attended all the father-child functions for his siblings, and now that his baby sister is marrying Alex English, he's preparing to perform the most honored patriarchal tradition: walking the blushing bride down the isle on her wedding day.
He's proud of Jessica, but she's causing all sorts of trouble... First and foremost, little sister is playing match-maker. She's forcing Brooks to participate in a charity bachelor auction, and whomever places the highest bid on the eligible Brooks Winslow will be taking a one-week cruise aboard his restored sail boat.
Brooks has no intention of spending a week with some spoiled little debutante aboard his boat. He has a plan - ask his friend to bid on him. He'll pay for everything. It's a win-win-win.
Brooks doesn't get subjected to his sister's matchmaking deviousness.
He spends a week in his new boat with an experienced sailor.
The charity still gets their money.
What could possibly go wrong?
Skye Sorenson
Skye doesn't know the first thing about black-tie galas or designer dresses. She doesn't care about wealth or celebrity status. She knows boats (inside and out) she values sunsets over the sea, and she's more interested in a man's sailing ability than in his checkbook...
Skye works as a boat mechanic at her father's marina. It's the place Brooks Winsow, Former-Olympian sailing champion, too good looking for his own good, and trust fund kid keeps his boats. Skye has been working around Brooks almost all her life. Long enough to respect him as a sailor (and, ya know, appreciate the scenery) - but the two couldn't be further apart when it comes to anything off the water.
Sky appreciates that Brooks wants to help out his sister with the auction, but she's hugely resistant to playing the part of rich-girl-renting-a-boy-toy. Brooks eventually makes the mechanic a deal she can't refuse and she agrees to the charade.
Who knew there was a bombshell under those oil-stained overalls?
Brooks thought he would be safe sailing with Skye, but the winds have changed, and there's an electricity in the air between them. One they're BOTH working hard to ignore.
Skye sort-of has a boyfriend... I mean, he left her behind so he could sail the world without her - he's out living their shared dream while she stayed at her father's marina...
Brooks doesn't do relationships... His reasoning behind his self-imposed bachelorhood will break your heart.
This friends to lovers romance will keep you smiling long after you've finished the book. Is it possible to die of swoons? I think I came close.
This is split POV, which I just loved. So nice to be able to see inside both characters' heads and have a deep understanding of their motivations and fears. This truly was a joy to read.
I can think of two little details which might have made this a better experience for me:
1. I need more of Clay the stylist in my life. He was a bit-character that shined bright and had sage advice for Skye when she needed it most. I hereby petition Katy Regnery to include him in future books ;)
2. As a sailing novice, I had to do some googling about various details ascribed to The Zephyr. It's not that I got lost in too many details, I just like to have a visual. I think a diagram of the boat and maybe a short glossary of sailing terms might have benefited me... Something to think about.
Here they were, trapped together on this boat for the next seven days... with a storm of sexual tension swirling between them.Katy Regnery delivers another beautifully written contemporary romance that will warm your heart.
I loved The English Brothers series - five brothers, five separate personalities, five gorgeous stand-alone romances... When Katy Regnery blessed us with cousin Kate's book, I though What a sweet treat for her fans... because I can't get enough of these fabulous characters and their generous hearts... When I heard that The Winslow Brothers were getting their own spin-off series I was practically bouncing with excitement.
Katy Regnery consistently delivers touching emotional romances which will make even the most jaded reader fall in love... I'm not saying I cried happy, sweet, sentimental tears... But I'm not not saying that either. *clears throat* Anyway...
Brooks Winslow
He was falling in love with her. Like a fool, he wanted forever, when all he could have was today.If ever there was a fictional man I just wanted to HUG - it would be Brooks Winslow - At the age of thirty-five, Brooks seems to have the whole world resting on his shoulders.
Brooks is the oldest Winslow brother - when his father died from an unexpected heart-attack, Brooks stepped up and became the patriarch. He was thrust into maturity and adulthood - looking out for his siblings and practically raising them. He attended all the father-child functions for his siblings, and now that his baby sister is marrying Alex English, he's preparing to perform the most honored patriarchal tradition: walking the blushing bride down the isle on her wedding day.
He's proud of Jessica, but she's causing all sorts of trouble... First and foremost, little sister is playing match-maker. She's forcing Brooks to participate in a charity bachelor auction, and whomever places the highest bid on the eligible Brooks Winslow will be taking a one-week cruise aboard his restored sail boat.
Brooks has no intention of spending a week with some spoiled little debutante aboard his boat. He has a plan - ask his friend to bid on him. He'll pay for everything. It's a win-win-win.
Brooks doesn't get subjected to his sister's matchmaking deviousness.
He spends a week in his new boat with an experienced sailor.
The charity still gets their money.
What could possibly go wrong?
Skye Sorenson
He couldn't have her, but he wanted her. It was as simple and stupid as that.Skye was a lovely character to read - she was smart, strong, and sweet to begin with, but she really flourished as she had the opportunity to prove herself.
Skye doesn't know the first thing about black-tie galas or designer dresses. She doesn't care about wealth or celebrity status. She knows boats (inside and out) she values sunsets over the sea, and she's more interested in a man's sailing ability than in his checkbook...
Skye works as a boat mechanic at her father's marina. It's the place Brooks Winsow, Former-Olympian sailing champion, too good looking for his own good, and trust fund kid keeps his boats. Skye has been working around Brooks almost all her life. Long enough to respect him as a sailor (and, ya know, appreciate the scenery) - but the two couldn't be further apart when it comes to anything off the water.
Sky appreciates that Brooks wants to help out his sister with the auction, but she's hugely resistant to playing the part of rich-girl-renting-a-boy-toy. Brooks eventually makes the mechanic a deal she can't refuse and she agrees to the charade.
Who knew there was a bombshell under those oil-stained overalls?
Brooks thought he would be safe sailing with Skye, but the winds have changed, and there's an electricity in the air between them. One they're BOTH working hard to ignore.
Skye sort-of has a boyfriend... I mean, he left her behind so he could sail the world without her - he's out living their shared dream while she stayed at her father's marina...
Brooks doesn't do relationships... His reasoning behind his self-imposed bachelorhood will break your heart.
This friends to lovers romance will keep you smiling long after you've finished the book. Is it possible to die of swoons? I think I came close.
This is split POV, which I just loved. So nice to be able to see inside both characters' heads and have a deep understanding of their motivations and fears. This truly was a joy to read.
I can think of two little details which might have made this a better experience for me:
1. I need more of Clay the stylist in my life. He was a bit-character that shined bright and had sage advice for Skye when she needed it most. I hereby petition Katy Regnery to include him in future books ;)
2. As a sailing novice, I had to do some googling about various details ascribed to The Zephyr. It's not that I got lost in too many details, I just like to have a visual. I think a diagram of the boat and maybe a short glossary of sailing terms might have benefited me... Something to think about.
June 19, 2017
I went camping this weekend and this was the book I took. This is the first book in the Winslow brothers series and I will admit I didn't enjoy it as much as the other Blueberry Lane books . No particular reason, it just wasn't my favourite.
I will move onto the next one and hope it grabs my attention even more!
I will move onto the next one and hope it grabs my attention even more!
June 1, 2015
3.75 'friends to lovers' stars
Bidding on Brooks is one feel good friends to lover romance about this couple who both love sailing. When they both start getting on to those sailing jargon, they sound so dirty in my pervy ears. I swear the heroine get breathless and on the verge of orgasmic pleasure when the hero let her skip on his Cutter for a week.
Brooks Winslow, an ex-Olympian, is the eldest brother in the Winslow family. Ever since his father drop dead from a cardiac arrest when he was fifteen, Brooks had took upon the role as the father figure in the family and the possibility of inheriting his father's disease is looming on the horizon.
Skye Sorenson works for her father as a mechanic at the marina. She knew Brooks since she was ten and they have been friends due to their mutual passion for sailing. When Brooks asked for her help to bid on him during a charity event in return for a week-long sailing trip on his new Cutter, Skye was just too happy to set sail and spent a week with her long time childhood crush. He even sweetened the deal by letting her to be the skipper.
Brooks' predicament with his health concern lead him to live his life without forming any attachment with other people beside his family. His loneliness and the way he resort to using escort was just plain sad and heartbreaking. I feel so much sympathy for Brooks throughout the whole book, especially when he keep thinking he won't be able to enjoy a long fulfilling life and when he was struggling not to fall for his best friend.
Skye is a practical woman who loves getting her hands dirty. She never thought Brooks will learn to finally see her as a woman. With a selfish boyfriend off to circumnavigate the globe without her, she decided to chase her own dreams by setting off to her own adventure with Brooks, only to have herself falling for the imperfect man who believes in her worth.
"The wind and the water. Skye and Brooks. We were always supposed to be together." ~ Brooks
Bidding on Brooks is one feel good friends to lover romance about this couple who both love sailing. When they both start getting on to those sailing jargon, they sound so dirty in my pervy ears. I swear the heroine get breathless and on the verge of orgasmic pleasure when the hero let her skip on his Cutter for a week.
Brooks Winslow, an ex-Olympian, is the eldest brother in the Winslow family. Ever since his father drop dead from a cardiac arrest when he was fifteen, Brooks had took upon the role as the father figure in the family and the possibility of inheriting his father's disease is looming on the horizon.
Skye Sorenson works for her father as a mechanic at the marina. She knew Brooks since she was ten and they have been friends due to their mutual passion for sailing. When Brooks asked for her help to bid on him during a charity event in return for a week-long sailing trip on his new Cutter, Skye was just too happy to set sail and spent a week with her long time childhood crush. He even sweetened the deal by letting her to be the skipper.
Brooks' predicament with his health concern lead him to live his life without forming any attachment with other people beside his family. His loneliness and the way he resort to using escort was just plain sad and heartbreaking. I feel so much sympathy for Brooks throughout the whole book, especially when he keep thinking he won't be able to enjoy a long fulfilling life and when he was struggling not to fall for his best friend.
Skye is a practical woman who loves getting her hands dirty. She never thought Brooks will learn to finally see her as a woman. With a selfish boyfriend off to circumnavigate the globe without her, she decided to chase her own dreams by setting off to her own adventure with Brooks, only to have herself falling for the imperfect man who believes in her worth.
"The wind and the water. Skye and Brooks. We were always supposed to be together." ~ Brooks
April 7, 2018
My first Winslow brothers book.
These boys are not the English brothers - they have a different family dynamic, a different history - but like their neighbors on Blueberry Lane, the Winslows have a strong sense of family, and they'd do just about anything for each other.
Brooks broke my heart a little...for that matter, so did Skye. But, when you put wind and water together, you get perfect harmony. (Eventually.)
These boys are not the English brothers - they have a different family dynamic, a different history - but like their neighbors on Blueberry Lane, the Winslows have a strong sense of family, and they'd do just about anything for each other.
Brooks broke my heart a little...for that matter, so did Skye. But, when you put wind and water together, you get perfect harmony. (Eventually.)
September 1, 2020
Brooks ♥
Lagana, prava letnja ljubavna priča za opuštanje, bez puno drame.
Obožavala sam braću Ingliš i izgleda da braća Vinslou neće biti izuzetak.
Lagana, prava letnja ljubavna priča za opuštanje, bez puno drame.
Obožavala sam braću Ingliš i izgleda da braća Vinslou neće biti izuzetak.
May 8, 2015
5 “Never say never" STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Again, I am just blown away by the amazing writing, the compelling story and the extraordinary characters.
Katy can take me on a journey like no other.
This beautiful friends-to-lovers romance touched my heart with such true and honest love. Brooks and Skye were both dealing with personal issues and imperfections they had to come to terms with for themselves but also had to learn to love in the other. They were flawed characters with so much genuine heart and spunk. I got to see more of my favorites English Brothers characters, learn about sailing and how falling in love can really be that easy.
I can't wait for more!!
“Because if you were mine, there’s no chance in hell I would have left you behind."
Again, I am just blown away by the amazing writing, the compelling story and the extraordinary characters.
Katy can take me on a journey like no other.
This beautiful friends-to-lovers romance touched my heart with such true and honest love. Brooks and Skye were both dealing with personal issues and imperfections they had to come to terms with for themselves but also had to learn to love in the other. They were flawed characters with so much genuine heart and spunk. I got to see more of my favorites English Brothers characters, learn about sailing and how falling in love can really be that easy.
I can't wait for more!!
February 18, 2018
Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup. (posting 4/11/18)
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2Fcp9BY
Sweet, steamy, make you smile goodness. I had a great time with Bidding on Brooks.
The Gist: Family is difficult and when you're the eldest you have to deal with a lot of crap. Like your baby sister auctioning you off for a charity fundraiser. Yeah. Thank goodness for good friends you can convince to buy you out from under a bunch of man hungry society women. Mmhm. Spending a week alone on a sailboat, though? That...will be interesting.
Brooks and Skye were fun. They both have a love of water and sailing. She's a boat mechanic, a tomboy and romantically challenge. He's an ex-Olympian, racer and... just as romantically challenged. I just liked these two and loved watching their years of being just friends get turned all upside down as they spent a week sailing together. Dealing with the media, family, some newfound feelings and some old desires not to mention the trials and dangers of speed sailing.
Things do get steamy and oh man there are some heart jerking moments, too, as they both deal with some difficult family issues that greatly influence their love lives and relationships.
My only complaint with Regnery so far is things could use a bit more editing.
Overall, though, the story, the characters, the heart...all lovely. Bidding on Brooks left me smiling and looking forward to more from Blueberry Lane.
April 18, 2018
Bidding on Brooks was the first book in Katy Regnery’s The Winslow Brother’s series. It was a sweet journey of friends who became more. It took place primarily on the sailboat, The Zephyr, while sailing the waters between Baltimore and Charleston.
Brooks Winslow was a gorgeous and rich Olympian who won bronze in sailboat racing. He was one of the most eligible bachelors and to his dismay, was up for auction for a charity.
Skye Sorensen was the tomboy mechanic at Sorenson Marina. She had known Brooks since she was ten. Brooks convinced her to bid until she won so he could control who he spent his time with. The caveat was that she could skipper his boat.
It was a fairly quick and predictable read; yet still enjoyable. They each had some baggage that had to be resolved which created some drama but that’s pretty much where the drama ended. The rest was a journey of acceptance, understanding and love. It was a 3.5 Rating for me, which rounded up to a 4 on this review site.
Regnery introduced us to Brooks’s siblings - which looks to be a promising and sexy series. We’ll get Preston next in Proposing to Preston.
Brooks Winslow was a gorgeous and rich Olympian who won bronze in sailboat racing. He was one of the most eligible bachelors and to his dismay, was up for auction for a charity.
Skye Sorensen was the tomboy mechanic at Sorenson Marina. She had known Brooks since she was ten. Brooks convinced her to bid until she won so he could control who he spent his time with. The caveat was that she could skipper his boat.
It was a fairly quick and predictable read; yet still enjoyable. They each had some baggage that had to be resolved which created some drama but that’s pretty much where the drama ended. The rest was a journey of acceptance, understanding and love. It was a 3.5 Rating for me, which rounded up to a 4 on this review site.
Regnery introduced us to Brooks’s siblings - which looks to be a promising and sexy series. We’ll get Preston next in Proposing to Preston.
Read
August 28, 2018A whole lotta nope in the past 5% — I’m on speed grading with these books— DNF 17%
Good luck, Skye, I hope you find love, some better friends...and mostly yourself. Brooks seems like a shallow jackass to only now notice your immense beauty vs you know...your talent, humor, hard work. Cheers, hope you have a happy life.
Good luck, Skye, I hope you find love, some better friends...and mostly yourself. Brooks seems like a shallow jackass to only now notice your immense beauty vs you know...your talent, humor, hard work. Cheers, hope you have a happy life.
May 6, 2015
5+ Stars
Wow! I LOVED LOVED LOVED IT! Bidding on Brooks is Katy Regnery’s first novel in her new Winslow Brothers’ series, a spinoff from The English Brothers, and is, dare I say, exactly like Mary Poppins: practically perfect in every way! Once again, Ms. Regnery has captured my undivided attention from the inception of the story with this sweet and entertaining tale of love. She has made me giggle, made me teary, and at times left a lump in my throat as I ponder some of the beautiful and touching words shared between Brooks and Skye. And, once again, I have a new book boyfriend as I am positively in love with Brooks Winslow.
Brooks is the oldest sibling who, since his father died, has always focused on taking care of and watching out for his family. Having witnessed firsthand the hurt from which they all suffered because of their loss, he swore to himself to always avoid any attachments or entanglements of the heart. So when his sister puts his name up on the bachelor auction block to win a week-long sailing trip, Brooks decides to ask his good friend Skye to bid on him. Having known each other for 20 years, Brooks has never seen anything more in Skye other than the grease-covered woman who worked as a mechanic on the docks. But if he can convince Skye to help him, Brooks is certain he’ll have no difficulties keeping ahold of his heart.
Skye met Brooks when she was 10 while hanging out at the docks and has always felt an attraction to him. So when he asks her to help him out with the auction, Skye reluctantly agrees despite her concern of losing her heart being trapped for a week on a boat alone with Brooks. But when Skye shows up at the auction devoid of her overalls and the grease having been replaced by a gown revealing a stunning beauty underneath, something stirs deep inside of Brooks. And despite his promise to her that they will only ever be friends, as the days pass Brooks comes to realize the special connection they share of a love for sailing which begins to peel away the protective layers he had always kept around his heart.
Bidding on Brooks is a sweet and passionate story of two souls that started out simply as friends sharing a love for the wind and water which metamorphoses into a deep love for one another revealing two souls meant to spend a lifetime together. As I expected, Katy has begun her new series with a bang telling an amazing story of two hearts which learn to open up and trust and find their way to a love that will last forever.
Wow! I LOVED LOVED LOVED IT! Bidding on Brooks is Katy Regnery’s first novel in her new Winslow Brothers’ series, a spinoff from The English Brothers, and is, dare I say, exactly like Mary Poppins: practically perfect in every way! Once again, Ms. Regnery has captured my undivided attention from the inception of the story with this sweet and entertaining tale of love. She has made me giggle, made me teary, and at times left a lump in my throat as I ponder some of the beautiful and touching words shared between Brooks and Skye. And, once again, I have a new book boyfriend as I am positively in love with Brooks Winslow.
Brooks is the oldest sibling who, since his father died, has always focused on taking care of and watching out for his family. Having witnessed firsthand the hurt from which they all suffered because of their loss, he swore to himself to always avoid any attachments or entanglements of the heart. So when his sister puts his name up on the bachelor auction block to win a week-long sailing trip, Brooks decides to ask his good friend Skye to bid on him. Having known each other for 20 years, Brooks has never seen anything more in Skye other than the grease-covered woman who worked as a mechanic on the docks. But if he can convince Skye to help him, Brooks is certain he’ll have no difficulties keeping ahold of his heart.
Skye met Brooks when she was 10 while hanging out at the docks and has always felt an attraction to him. So when he asks her to help him out with the auction, Skye reluctantly agrees despite her concern of losing her heart being trapped for a week on a boat alone with Brooks. But when Skye shows up at the auction devoid of her overalls and the grease having been replaced by a gown revealing a stunning beauty underneath, something stirs deep inside of Brooks. And despite his promise to her that they will only ever be friends, as the days pass Brooks comes to realize the special connection they share of a love for sailing which begins to peel away the protective layers he had always kept around his heart.
Bidding on Brooks is a sweet and passionate story of two souls that started out simply as friends sharing a love for the wind and water which metamorphoses into a deep love for one another revealing two souls meant to spend a lifetime together. As I expected, Katy has begun her new series with a bang telling an amazing story of two hearts which learn to open up and trust and find their way to a love that will last forever.
May 8, 2015
My Rating:
4.5
Favorite Quotes:
“Really? Because it seems to me he left you for two years. Sorry to be the homo harbinger of ghastly news, but that doesn’t scream ‘commitment’ in my book.”
“He couldn’t have her, but he wanted her. It was as simple and stupid as that.”
“Her history was instantly rewritten, because she thought she’d been kissed before, but she was wrong.”
“I may not be the man of your dreams anymore, but I’m going to try like hell to make your dreams come true.”
My Review:
Katy Regnery must be a sweet person as she writes sweet endings to her love stories, although she always makes the reader and characters work for it before we get there. I enjoy and admire her writing style, plot lines, and characters – who all turn out to be hidden gems with moderate flaws and a history of personal pain. Skye and Brooks knew of each other since childhood, and had spent time with each other during adulthood, but actually knew little about each other. There is a lot going on under the surface of both. Worlds collide, sparks fly, perceptions are shattered, and life plans are realigned, thankfully, all for the better. Katy Regnery’s writing is unfailingly entertaining, easy to read, well-written, and addicting. Of course most of the men in her stories are rich and successful alphas of considerable prowess. Hmm, sign me up for that neighborhood.
4.5
Favorite Quotes:
“Really? Because it seems to me he left you for two years. Sorry to be the homo harbinger of ghastly news, but that doesn’t scream ‘commitment’ in my book.”
“He couldn’t have her, but he wanted her. It was as simple and stupid as that.”
“Her history was instantly rewritten, because she thought she’d been kissed before, but she was wrong.”
“I may not be the man of your dreams anymore, but I’m going to try like hell to make your dreams come true.”
My Review:
Katy Regnery must be a sweet person as she writes sweet endings to her love stories, although she always makes the reader and characters work for it before we get there. I enjoy and admire her writing style, plot lines, and characters – who all turn out to be hidden gems with moderate flaws and a history of personal pain. Skye and Brooks knew of each other since childhood, and had spent time with each other during adulthood, but actually knew little about each other. There is a lot going on under the surface of both. Worlds collide, sparks fly, perceptions are shattered, and life plans are realigned, thankfully, all for the better. Katy Regnery’s writing is unfailingly entertaining, easy to read, well-written, and addicting. Of course most of the men in her stories are rich and successful alphas of considerable prowess. Hmm, sign me up for that neighborhood.
April 3, 2016
Lately I've been reading a lot of emotionally intense stories and when I decided to lighten things up a bit, Katy Regnery immediately came to mind. She writes lovely, warmhearted romances that might give you a tear or two (never ugly crying though) but mostly make you smile and believe in the power of love. When the opportunity came to review her latest story, Betting On Brooks, I jumped at the chance.
Betting on Brooks is the first of the Winslow Brothers series (a spin-off of her highly successful English Brothers' series) and features Brooks, the eldest sibling. Since his father died suddenly at the age of 17, Brooks has been the man of the house, a parent figure to his younger brothers and sister and the responsible one. So responsible in fact, that fearing an early death like his father and not wanting to burden anyone with that, he's steered clear of relationships, preferring one night stands where no expectations are on the table. When his sister Jessica enlists his help for a charity bachelor auction, he frantically thinks of the one person he can rely on to get him out of this jam - his friend and boat mechanic, Skye. Since teenagers they've had a solid working relationship, one of trust and friendship and pleasant company. She knows her way around boats and would be the perfect companion for the week long sailing journey he is donating as a prize. He just has to convince her to help him out.
'Was he honestly wooing his friend to sail with him by selling her on the antique boat's original bathroom? Why, yes. Yes, he was. He had resorted to the equivalent of sailboat seduction, because the thought of being trapped on a sailboat for a week with some privileged, stuck-up miss, who had no respect for the art of sailing was unbearable.'
Skye has had a tender spot in her heart for Brooks since she first laid eyes on him, but he has always seen her as a tomboy, a friend but never lover material. She'd given up on any romantic interaction with him long ago, instead starting a relationship with Pat, a local sailor and one she thought would be her forever after. Then Pat abandoned their plans for a voyage together and took off on his own for a 2 year round the world cruise. Though they hadn't broken up, it was becoming clear to Skye that the future she had envisioned with Pat was not going to happen. When Brooks offers her the chance to crew with him for a week long cruise on his newly restored antique sailboat, it doesn't take much convincing. Having access to Brooks' money to doll herself up for the auction and place a bid for him, she goes all out and just makes it on time...
'Brooks braced himself for the crowd's response to his tomboy friend presenting herself in some skirt and T-shirt combination with dirty fingernails and a straggly braid. And likely wearing eau de epoxy. Oh well, he thought, grinning to himself. Skye was saving him from Felicity and ensuring him a decent week of sailing, and frankly, that was all that mattered.
All that mattered, until the crowd parted.
When it did, his jaw dropped, like the hinge had just been busted. The most beautiful woman he'd ever seen stepped between the tuxedoed shoulders of several male guests, striding confidently up the center aisle where eager bachelorettes checked her out with wide eyed envy. Her blonde hair was pulled back in a soft bun, and her slim body sparkled with crystals on a dress that outlined the perfection of her figure, including the mouthwatering valley between her breasts that spilled precariously over the top of the elegant gown. From her ears dangled two twinkling earrings , and her face, tan and even with pink, pouty lips and sexy, wide eyes made the blood in his head sluice south to just below his waist.'
Like a one, two punch, Brooks suddenly sees Skye for the woman that she is, and this sets the stage for a week long cruise between two people who are suddenly very aware of each other in a new and exciting way.
There were several aspects of this story that I really liked. Sailing is not a sport I'm familiar with but it was obviously meticulously researched and was explained really well. The scenes on the boat were interesting and I didn't feel bogged down by terms I didn't know. Both Brooks and Skye were engaging, charismatic characters. They each have experienced something significant in their pasts that has affected how they've gone about their lives, and as their relationship starts to develop in a more romantic fashion they know that sharing these issues is going to be the key to how deeply they get involved. Skye's boyfriend Pat plays a role in the story as well, as Skye struggles with her growing feelings towards Brooks and the ever increasing distance (figuratively and literally) from Pat. She's not a cheater, and she has to make some hard and fast decisions about what she wants for her future. Skye is a dependable, competent sailor and Brooks' trust in her to sail his ship with him means a lot. She's a friendly, fun and likeable woman. Brooks is one of the good guys - strong, reliable, loyal, always helping others and thinking of them before himself. In fact, his wants are usually last until Skye changes his outlook on his future. The sexual tension between them heats things up as they spend time alone together eventually leading to some touching and emotional love scenes.
There are some great interactions with Brooks' siblings that give you a sense of their individual characters and I'm delighted to know that they'll each get a story of their own. This was a lovely, warmhearted start to a new series with a unique setting, likeable characters and a strong romance. 4 stars!
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the author for review.
Note: this review also appears as a blog post on Straight Shootin' Book Reviews
Betting on Brooks is the first of the Winslow Brothers series (a spin-off of her highly successful English Brothers' series) and features Brooks, the eldest sibling. Since his father died suddenly at the age of 17, Brooks has been the man of the house, a parent figure to his younger brothers and sister and the responsible one. So responsible in fact, that fearing an early death like his father and not wanting to burden anyone with that, he's steered clear of relationships, preferring one night stands where no expectations are on the table. When his sister Jessica enlists his help for a charity bachelor auction, he frantically thinks of the one person he can rely on to get him out of this jam - his friend and boat mechanic, Skye. Since teenagers they've had a solid working relationship, one of trust and friendship and pleasant company. She knows her way around boats and would be the perfect companion for the week long sailing journey he is donating as a prize. He just has to convince her to help him out.
'Was he honestly wooing his friend to sail with him by selling her on the antique boat's original bathroom? Why, yes. Yes, he was. He had resorted to the equivalent of sailboat seduction, because the thought of being trapped on a sailboat for a week with some privileged, stuck-up miss, who had no respect for the art of sailing was unbearable.'
Skye has had a tender spot in her heart for Brooks since she first laid eyes on him, but he has always seen her as a tomboy, a friend but never lover material. She'd given up on any romantic interaction with him long ago, instead starting a relationship with Pat, a local sailor and one she thought would be her forever after. Then Pat abandoned their plans for a voyage together and took off on his own for a 2 year round the world cruise. Though they hadn't broken up, it was becoming clear to Skye that the future she had envisioned with Pat was not going to happen. When Brooks offers her the chance to crew with him for a week long cruise on his newly restored antique sailboat, it doesn't take much convincing. Having access to Brooks' money to doll herself up for the auction and place a bid for him, she goes all out and just makes it on time...
'Brooks braced himself for the crowd's response to his tomboy friend presenting herself in some skirt and T-shirt combination with dirty fingernails and a straggly braid. And likely wearing eau de epoxy. Oh well, he thought, grinning to himself. Skye was saving him from Felicity and ensuring him a decent week of sailing, and frankly, that was all that mattered.
All that mattered, until the crowd parted.
When it did, his jaw dropped, like the hinge had just been busted. The most beautiful woman he'd ever seen stepped between the tuxedoed shoulders of several male guests, striding confidently up the center aisle where eager bachelorettes checked her out with wide eyed envy. Her blonde hair was pulled back in a soft bun, and her slim body sparkled with crystals on a dress that outlined the perfection of her figure, including the mouthwatering valley between her breasts that spilled precariously over the top of the elegant gown. From her ears dangled two twinkling earrings , and her face, tan and even with pink, pouty lips and sexy, wide eyes made the blood in his head sluice south to just below his waist.'
Like a one, two punch, Brooks suddenly sees Skye for the woman that she is, and this sets the stage for a week long cruise between two people who are suddenly very aware of each other in a new and exciting way.
There were several aspects of this story that I really liked. Sailing is not a sport I'm familiar with but it was obviously meticulously researched and was explained really well. The scenes on the boat were interesting and I didn't feel bogged down by terms I didn't know. Both Brooks and Skye were engaging, charismatic characters. They each have experienced something significant in their pasts that has affected how they've gone about their lives, and as their relationship starts to develop in a more romantic fashion they know that sharing these issues is going to be the key to how deeply they get involved. Skye's boyfriend Pat plays a role in the story as well, as Skye struggles with her growing feelings towards Brooks and the ever increasing distance (figuratively and literally) from Pat. She's not a cheater, and she has to make some hard and fast decisions about what she wants for her future. Skye is a dependable, competent sailor and Brooks' trust in her to sail his ship with him means a lot. She's a friendly, fun and likeable woman. Brooks is one of the good guys - strong, reliable, loyal, always helping others and thinking of them before himself. In fact, his wants are usually last until Skye changes his outlook on his future. The sexual tension between them heats things up as they spend time alone together eventually leading to some touching and emotional love scenes.
There are some great interactions with Brooks' siblings that give you a sense of their individual characters and I'm delighted to know that they'll each get a story of their own. This was a lovely, warmhearted start to a new series with a unique setting, likeable characters and a strong romance. 4 stars!
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the author for review.
Note: this review also appears as a blog post on Straight Shootin' Book Reviews
October 25, 2019
Nice read. Loved the water thing.
May 11, 2015
4 to 4.5 Stars
Bidding on Brooks is a great start to a new series by Katy Regnery. I loved all the English Brothers books, and looked forward to this new spin-off. I'm happy to report it stays true to Katy's wonderful writing, yet is another fresh, creative story. You do not need to read the other series before diving into this one. It's a standalone, but may inspire you to check out the others.
Brooks: I find myself fluctuating between frustrated/disappointed with and feeling sorry/sympathy for pre-Skye Brooks. For a 35 year old, it was a bit pathetic to see where his life was. Sure, he had his love for sailing and all, but his personal choices were so shallow. I was surprised that it took me longer to warm up to Brooks than it did for Alex English. And Alex was a hard sell for me. Katy plunged into some interesting territory with Brooks' past and recent present. But then Regnery waved her magic wand, and made me see through to Brooks' lonely heart and self-imposed isolation, and was somehow able to portray his many dimensions and reasonings with a compassionate heart. I was able to truly feel for the guy and his loneliness and conflict over protecting others should he die like his dad. And I loved how his love for Skye forced him to see life in a new light.
Skye: Oh dear, sweet, low-expectations Skye. This girl, on the surface, is an awesome boat mechanic extraordinaire. But under the grease and ballcap is a girl who has never been seen beyond the surface and has become accustomed to taking the minimum. Case-in-point: her loser boyfriend Pat. Even the legally blind could see this guy's douchery. And this made Skye her own level of frustration to read about as well. Settling for mediocre scraps, Skye needed a self-esteem boost, and to see that someone could love her for all of her. And that someone appeared to be a certain oblivious-turned-aware sailor. But even as new opportunity presented itself, Skye was somehow able to balance staying true to herself, yet being bold enough to go after what she realized she wants, and I loved that.
Story: Brooks and Skye were very unique characters, giving me all kinds of food for thought as their story progressed. And their story was full of fun and tenderness, excitement and romance, and a bit of controversy as well. But I loved that their relationship was founded on a friendship full of respect. Then watching their relationship deepen as they spent more time together felt very authentic. Also, for someone with limited sailing experience, I also had a great time sailing along with Brooks and Skye. There were lots of technical terms, but I found them entirely engaging and not distracting.
Overall: In all things Katy writes, she always knows the way to weave a beautiful, touching story, where hurts are healed, and faith and forgiveness are reaffirmed. Bidding on Brooks was a thoughtful, compassionate, sweet, exciting, romantic friends-to-lovers story, set on the seas of love. I was left with a happy heart, especially after the epilogue with all the feels. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.
Bidding on Brooks is a great start to a new series by Katy Regnery. I loved all the English Brothers books, and looked forward to this new spin-off. I'm happy to report it stays true to Katy's wonderful writing, yet is another fresh, creative story. You do not need to read the other series before diving into this one. It's a standalone, but may inspire you to check out the others.
Brooks: I find myself fluctuating between frustrated/disappointed with and feeling sorry/sympathy for pre-Skye Brooks. For a 35 year old, it was a bit pathetic to see where his life was. Sure, he had his love for sailing and all, but his personal choices were so shallow. I was surprised that it took me longer to warm up to Brooks than it did for Alex English. And Alex was a hard sell for me. Katy plunged into some interesting territory with Brooks' past and recent present. But then Regnery waved her magic wand, and made me see through to Brooks' lonely heart and self-imposed isolation, and was somehow able to portray his many dimensions and reasonings with a compassionate heart. I was able to truly feel for the guy and his loneliness and conflict over protecting others should he die like his dad. And I loved how his love for Skye forced him to see life in a new light.
Skye: Oh dear, sweet, low-expectations Skye. This girl, on the surface, is an awesome boat mechanic extraordinaire. But under the grease and ballcap is a girl who has never been seen beyond the surface and has become accustomed to taking the minimum. Case-in-point: her loser boyfriend Pat. Even the legally blind could see this guy's douchery. And this made Skye her own level of frustration to read about as well. Settling for mediocre scraps, Skye needed a self-esteem boost, and to see that someone could love her for all of her. And that someone appeared to be a certain oblivious-turned-aware sailor. But even as new opportunity presented itself, Skye was somehow able to balance staying true to herself, yet being bold enough to go after what she realized she wants, and I loved that.
Story: Brooks and Skye were very unique characters, giving me all kinds of food for thought as their story progressed. And their story was full of fun and tenderness, excitement and romance, and a bit of controversy as well. But I loved that their relationship was founded on a friendship full of respect. Then watching their relationship deepen as they spent more time together felt very authentic. Also, for someone with limited sailing experience, I also had a great time sailing along with Brooks and Skye. There were lots of technical terms, but I found them entirely engaging and not distracting.
Overall: In all things Katy writes, she always knows the way to weave a beautiful, touching story, where hurts are healed, and faith and forgiveness are reaffirmed. Bidding on Brooks was a thoughtful, compassionate, sweet, exciting, romantic friends-to-lovers story, set on the seas of love. I was left with a happy heart, especially after the epilogue with all the feels. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.
November 20, 2015
You don't have to but I can only recommend to read The English Brothers first.
So we met the Winslow Brothers in the book "Anyone but Alex" and I ran straight tó my Notebook and asked Ms. Regnery "Will they get books as well?" Praise the Lord my wishes were heard.
Bidding on Brooks is the first one in The Winslow Series.
Brooks Winslow, ex-Olympian who only came in third is in a bit of a bind. He is being auctioned off by his sister for a good cause. A week cruise either with Felicity or with his oldest friend Skye from the marina.
Brooks sure does know how to open mouth and insert foot.
Skye Sorenson had a crush on Brooks since she was 10 years old and faced the fact that they were only ever going to be friends. That is until Brooks neds a favour. He convinces Skye to go on the cruise with him and lets her skip.
Skýe reluctantly agrees but does it anyway. Skye had her dream knocked down by her boyfriend/ex. She pressed sent.
I really liked the chemistry from friends to Lovers although it was an unlikely match, so they thought. They had more in common than expected.
Brooks has been looking after his siblings since their father died at the age of 40. He is worried about his mortality. So he has denied all attachments.
Skye has her own past to deal with. But they get there in the end.
This is very well written and I enjoyed every mment of it.
So we met the Winslow Brothers in the book "Anyone but Alex" and I ran straight tó my Notebook and asked Ms. Regnery "Will they get books as well?" Praise the Lord my wishes were heard.
Bidding on Brooks is the first one in The Winslow Series.
Brooks Winslow, ex-Olympian who only came in third is in a bit of a bind. He is being auctioned off by his sister for a good cause. A week cruise either with Felicity or with his oldest friend Skye from the marina.
Brooks sure does know how to open mouth and insert foot.
Skye Sorenson had a crush on Brooks since she was 10 years old and faced the fact that they were only ever going to be friends. That is until Brooks neds a favour. He convinces Skye to go on the cruise with him and lets her skip.
Skýe reluctantly agrees but does it anyway. Skye had her dream knocked down by her boyfriend/ex. She pressed sent.
I really liked the chemistry from friends to Lovers although it was an unlikely match, so they thought. They had more in common than expected.
Brooks has been looking after his siblings since their father died at the age of 40. He is worried about his mortality. So he has denied all attachments.
Skye has her own past to deal with. But they get there in the end.
This is very well written and I enjoyed every mment of it.
November 22, 2018
2.5 Stars
On the one hand, Regnery's writing is fluent and flows well. There are few grammatical issues and she is obviously skilled at her trade. On the other hand, Bidding on Brooks was so needlessly melodramatic that I couldn't stop rolling my eyes. Brooks is a commitment-phobe because his father died young and he fears he might too, but has no such qualms r.e. his siblings getting hitched. He keeps a potentially very damaging secret, hoping it won't come out, when hello - has he never read a book or seen a film? These things always come out. Worrying about ruining the friendship would've been enough angst without all the other shit. Oh, and we finish with that romance novel trifecta: love, . Over the course of max three months because of course we do.
It's truly a shame because the writing genuinely is decent but the author killed it by over sensationalising the story.
On the one hand, Regnery's writing is fluent and flows well. There are few grammatical issues and she is obviously skilled at her trade. On the other hand, Bidding on Brooks was so needlessly melodramatic that I couldn't stop rolling my eyes. Brooks is a commitment-phobe because his father died young and he fears he might too, but has no such qualms r.e. his siblings getting hitched. He keeps a potentially very damaging secret, hoping it won't come out, when hello - has he never read a book or seen a film? These things always come out. Worrying about ruining the friendship would've been enough angst without all the other shit. Oh, and we finish with that romance novel trifecta: love, . Over the course of max three months because of course we do.
It's truly a shame because the writing genuinely is decent but the author killed it by over sensationalising the story.
December 20, 2015
4.25 STARS
I really loved this book! The best part was the non-traditional setting. I loved that most of the story took place at sea. The story follows Skye and Brooks as they sail down a portion of the East Coast. How the two end up sailing together is just as wonderful as the sail itself.
This book came at the right time for me. I was struggling to find something to capture my attention, and I was DNFing books left and right. Bidding on Brooks was a breath of fresh air and definitely put the wind back in my reading sails.
I really loved this book! The best part was the non-traditional setting. I loved that most of the story took place at sea. The story follows Skye and Brooks as they sail down a portion of the East Coast. How the two end up sailing together is just as wonderful as the sail itself.
This book came at the right time for me. I was struggling to find something to capture my attention, and I was DNFing books left and right. Bidding on Brooks was a breath of fresh air and definitely put the wind back in my reading sails.
September 7, 2017
I went into this knowing that the author had stated that this would be different from the English Brothers chapter of Blueberry Lane, as it was a different family with a different dynamic. Even knowing that, I found the differences to be very harsh, and they didn't really hold up to the standard that the Englishes had set.
I really hated Brooks overall. He was too manipulative, too standoffish to make for a decent hero to Skye. He felt that image was everything, and hated anything that "rocked the boat" of his life or challenged his beliefs.
Skye had some problems of her own, but it was the supporting characters around her that I found underdeveloped, most especially her dad and Clay. I felt it was a wasted opportunity with them.
Don't get me wrong, this was a good book, just one series that I may take a bit to warm up to.
I really hated Brooks overall. He was too manipulative, too standoffish to make for a decent hero to Skye. He felt that image was everything, and hated anything that "rocked the boat" of his life or challenged his beliefs.
Skye had some problems of her own, but it was the supporting characters around her that I found underdeveloped, most especially her dad and Clay. I felt it was a wasted opportunity with them.
Don't get me wrong, this was a good book, just one series that I may take a bit to warm up to.
September 12, 2015
5+ Stars
Wow! I LOVED LOVED LOVED IT! Bidding on Brooks is Katy Regnery’s first novel in her new Winslow Brothers’ series, a spinoff from The English Brothers, and is, dare I say, exactly like Mary Poppins: practically perfect in every way! Once again, Ms. Regnery has captured my undivided attention from the inception of the story with this sweet and entertaining tale of love. She has made me giggle, made me teary, and at times left a lump in my throat as I ponder some of the beautiful and touching words shared between Brooks and Skye. And, once again, I have a new book boyfriend as I am positively in love with Brooks Winslow.
Brooks is the oldest sibling who, since his father died, has always focused on taking care of and watching out for his family. Having witnessed firsthand the hurt from which they all suffered because of their loss, he swore to himself to always avoid any attachments or entanglements of the heart. So when his sister puts his name up on the bachelor auction block to win a week-long sailing trip, Brooks decides to ask his good friend Skye to bid on him. Having known each other for 20 years, Brooks has never seen anything more in Skye other than the grease-covered woman who worked as a mechanic on the docks. But if he can convince Skye to help him, Brooks is certain he’ll have no difficulties keeping ahold of his heart.
Skye met Brooks when she was 10 while hanging out at the docks and has always felt an attraction to him. So when he asks her to help him out with the auction, Skye reluctantly agrees despite her concern of losing her heart being trapped for a week on a boat alone with Brooks. But when Skye shows up at the auction devoid of her overalls and the grease having been replaced by a gown revealing a stunning beauty underneath, something stirs deep inside of Brooks. And despite his promise to her that they will only ever be friends, as the days pass Brooks comes to realize the special connection they share of a love for sailing which begins to peel away the protective layers he had always kept around his heart.
Bidding on Brooks is a sweet and passionate story of two souls that started out simply as friends sharing a love for the wind and water which metamorphoses into a deep love for one another revealing two souls meant to spend a lifetime together. As I expected, Katy has begun her new series with a bang telling an amazing story of two hearts which learn to open up and trust and find their way to a love that will last forever.
Wow! I LOVED LOVED LOVED IT! Bidding on Brooks is Katy Regnery’s first novel in her new Winslow Brothers’ series, a spinoff from The English Brothers, and is, dare I say, exactly like Mary Poppins: practically perfect in every way! Once again, Ms. Regnery has captured my undivided attention from the inception of the story with this sweet and entertaining tale of love. She has made me giggle, made me teary, and at times left a lump in my throat as I ponder some of the beautiful and touching words shared between Brooks and Skye. And, once again, I have a new book boyfriend as I am positively in love with Brooks Winslow.
Brooks is the oldest sibling who, since his father died, has always focused on taking care of and watching out for his family. Having witnessed firsthand the hurt from which they all suffered because of their loss, he swore to himself to always avoid any attachments or entanglements of the heart. So when his sister puts his name up on the bachelor auction block to win a week-long sailing trip, Brooks decides to ask his good friend Skye to bid on him. Having known each other for 20 years, Brooks has never seen anything more in Skye other than the grease-covered woman who worked as a mechanic on the docks. But if he can convince Skye to help him, Brooks is certain he’ll have no difficulties keeping ahold of his heart.
Skye met Brooks when she was 10 while hanging out at the docks and has always felt an attraction to him. So when he asks her to help him out with the auction, Skye reluctantly agrees despite her concern of losing her heart being trapped for a week on a boat alone with Brooks. But when Skye shows up at the auction devoid of her overalls and the grease having been replaced by a gown revealing a stunning beauty underneath, something stirs deep inside of Brooks. And despite his promise to her that they will only ever be friends, as the days pass Brooks comes to realize the special connection they share of a love for sailing which begins to peel away the protective layers he had always kept around his heart.
Bidding on Brooks is a sweet and passionate story of two souls that started out simply as friends sharing a love for the wind and water which metamorphoses into a deep love for one another revealing two souls meant to spend a lifetime together. As I expected, Katy has begun her new series with a bang telling an amazing story of two hearts which learn to open up and trust and find their way to a love that will last forever.
May 6, 2017
Katy, what in the world do you do to me?
I absolutely love how Ms. Regnery takes us on a journey with her characters. You will experience depth, emotions, turmoil, sadness, happiness.. well, let’s just say a little bit of everything. We all go through so much in a lifetime, and this author takes us through it, we witness character build, and transformation. You truly fall in love with them.
Brooks, he is oh, so broken, but yet so charming, handsome, wealthy, and overall very reserved. He has so much heartache, but learns how to take the wheel. He doesn’t let anyone get too close, but yet he realizes just how much of him is falling apart.
Skye, who knew she could use her magic. Brooks and her have been friends for a very long time, and it seems Brooks was hiding most of his life away from her, but she didn’t give up. There friendship started when Skye was ten, but it didn’t come off weird at all. Their relationship was very genuine.
I loved how she helped pulled him out of darkness, and how he turned around. Brooks is a keeper, but Skye, she is a gem. A one in a life time gem. She is loyal, fun, passionate… one true, forever friend.
They have a lot in common. You don’t realize it until it is all laid out, now they have a bond that will never be broken, and who knew it would all start because Brooks wanted her to Bid on him in a Bachelor Auction that his sister set up. I really enjoyed the Auction scene, I was pulled right into the book. I could imagine the dress Skye was wearing, her hair do, everything. This book was also a dual POV, you can get inside Brooks and Skye’s thoughts which I always love that.
There was one character that I was hoping would come back in the book, Clay! He had some sound advice for Skye and his personality shined like a star! Oh, it was like watching a rainbow, seriously.
My Visions:
View the Dress —->> https://www.pinterest.com/pin/3737988...
View the Hairdo —>> https://www.pinterest.com/pin/3943465...
We're Jumpin' Books
I absolutely love how Ms. Regnery takes us on a journey with her characters. You will experience depth, emotions, turmoil, sadness, happiness.. well, let’s just say a little bit of everything. We all go through so much in a lifetime, and this author takes us through it, we witness character build, and transformation. You truly fall in love with them.
Brooks, he is oh, so broken, but yet so charming, handsome, wealthy, and overall very reserved. He has so much heartache, but learns how to take the wheel. He doesn’t let anyone get too close, but yet he realizes just how much of him is falling apart.
Skye, who knew she could use her magic. Brooks and her have been friends for a very long time, and it seems Brooks was hiding most of his life away from her, but she didn’t give up. There friendship started when Skye was ten, but it didn’t come off weird at all. Their relationship was very genuine.
I loved how she helped pulled him out of darkness, and how he turned around. Brooks is a keeper, but Skye, she is a gem. A one in a life time gem. She is loyal, fun, passionate… one true, forever friend.
They have a lot in common. You don’t realize it until it is all laid out, now they have a bond that will never be broken, and who knew it would all start because Brooks wanted her to Bid on him in a Bachelor Auction that his sister set up. I really enjoyed the Auction scene, I was pulled right into the book. I could imagine the dress Skye was wearing, her hair do, everything. This book was also a dual POV, you can get inside Brooks and Skye’s thoughts which I always love that.
There was one character that I was hoping would come back in the book, Clay! He had some sound advice for Skye and his personality shined like a star! Oh, it was like watching a rainbow, seriously.
My Visions:
View the Dress —->> https://www.pinterest.com/pin/3737988...
View the Hairdo —>> https://www.pinterest.com/pin/3943465...
We're Jumpin' Books
May 10, 2015
I love settling down to read a Katy Regnery book because I know I am going to be reading a book with likeable characters and a gorgeous romance that will make me smile, laugh and feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
I know this because I have read and loved every single book she has written and she has never failed to deliver.
Some would say that every author fails to hit their mark at some point but Katy just gets better and better with each book and Bidding On Brooks is no exception!
It is a wonderful story.
I guess you'd call it a friends to lovers story, but it's not a traditional one where they are BFFs and both lusting for more but not wanting to jeopardise their friendship... blah blah etc.
Nope! With this friends to lovers you're getting a couple who have known each other for about 20 years but have only ever been friends, and only ever wanted friendship from each other, and their entire relationship was based around their love of boats!
It's a story of trust, respect and admiration growing into something more when sexual attraction stirs and fate sticks them on a boat together - alone - for a week.
I loved the passion that developed between the pair as the story moves along, passion made solid and real by the genuine care and affection between them. I love how they change and grow throughout the story. I liked the fact that the setting was different and how I felt like I was on deck with the sun shining down on me while reading...
The feels just jumped off the page and wrapped themselves around me so that I could feel the love between them and the entire thing just made me happy.
For those who read - and loved - the English Brothers don't mourn the end of their series as they appear in this series too and after reading Bidding On Brooks I'd say that the Winslow Brothers look set to kick ass, steal hearts and rock your world every bit as much as their predecessors did.
Can't wait for the next one!!
I know this because I have read and loved every single book she has written and she has never failed to deliver.
Some would say that every author fails to hit their mark at some point but Katy just gets better and better with each book and Bidding On Brooks is no exception!
It is a wonderful story.
I guess you'd call it a friends to lovers story, but it's not a traditional one where they are BFFs and both lusting for more but not wanting to jeopardise their friendship... blah blah etc.
Nope! With this friends to lovers you're getting a couple who have known each other for about 20 years but have only ever been friends, and only ever wanted friendship from each other, and their entire relationship was based around their love of boats!
It's a story of trust, respect and admiration growing into something more when sexual attraction stirs and fate sticks them on a boat together - alone - for a week.
I loved the passion that developed between the pair as the story moves along, passion made solid and real by the genuine care and affection between them. I love how they change and grow throughout the story. I liked the fact that the setting was different and how I felt like I was on deck with the sun shining down on me while reading...
The feels just jumped off the page and wrapped themselves around me so that I could feel the love between them and the entire thing just made me happy.
For those who read - and loved - the English Brothers don't mourn the end of their series as they appear in this series too and after reading Bidding On Brooks I'd say that the Winslow Brothers look set to kick ass, steal hearts and rock your world every bit as much as their predecessors did.
Can't wait for the next one!!
May 12, 2015
After falling in love with the English brothers, I wasn't so sure I could love the Winslows as much but if Bidding for Brooks is any indication of anything I can say for sure that I'm going to love them just as much.
In this story, we get Brooks Winslow. He's the eldest of the Winslow children and has been the father figure to his youngest siblings since before college. He took on that responsibility without an afterthought and has been there for everyone. Ex-sailing Olympian he loves the water and has a HUGE love of boats. His long time friend and mechanic, Skye has been around for decades and they've shared a love for sailing from the beginning.
A favor for a fundraiser is the catalyst for that friendship to change in ways neither expected. Winning time with Brooks at a charity auction put them in close quarters for a full week while they sail to several destinations. During that time they truly get to know each and the friendship only deepens until they're fighting feelings much stronger than that.
Brooks has deterred from relationships for fear that what happened to his father would happen to him and he'd leave a family behind.
Skye felt she was out of his league. Comparing herself to the women she's seen with and didn't think she'd have a chance but when it's fate, there's nothing they can do.
The progression was at a great pace, the characters were relatable and likeable and the story as a whole was passionate, sweet and entertaining.
Katy Regnery has gift of telling such heartwarming stories of love between the well sought after bachelor and girl next door types. Bidding on Brooks follows the same great formula that worked so well with the English Brother novels. It's a perfect format that works so well with how the story is told and I wouldn't want it any other way.
In this story, we get Brooks Winslow. He's the eldest of the Winslow children and has been the father figure to his youngest siblings since before college. He took on that responsibility without an afterthought and has been there for everyone. Ex-sailing Olympian he loves the water and has a HUGE love of boats. His long time friend and mechanic, Skye has been around for decades and they've shared a love for sailing from the beginning.
A favor for a fundraiser is the catalyst for that friendship to change in ways neither expected. Winning time with Brooks at a charity auction put them in close quarters for a full week while they sail to several destinations. During that time they truly get to know each and the friendship only deepens until they're fighting feelings much stronger than that.
Brooks has deterred from relationships for fear that what happened to his father would happen to him and he'd leave a family behind.
Skye felt she was out of his league. Comparing herself to the women she's seen with and didn't think she'd have a chance but when it's fate, there's nothing they can do.
The progression was at a great pace, the characters were relatable and likeable and the story as a whole was passionate, sweet and entertaining.
Katy Regnery has gift of telling such heartwarming stories of love between the well sought after bachelor and girl next door types. Bidding on Brooks follows the same great formula that worked so well with the English Brother novels. It's a perfect format that works so well with how the story is told and I wouldn't want it any other way.
May 7, 2015
Katy Regnery is a total " auto buy" for me. Th first book I read of her's was the first in her English Brothers series, Breaking Up With Barrett. It was free and sounded like a fun quick read. So I one-clicked! I read the book that day and immediately bought the rest of the series. I devoured them in like 10 minutes! Ok so that's a bit of an exaggeration. It took me about a week and a half. I LOVED THEM. So when I found out she was writing a companion series staring another group of smoking hot filthy rich brothers from PA I had a small dance party for one in my bedroom.
When I found out I was selected to read an ARC of the first book in this series I just about fainted from excitement ( I have no life in case you haven't worked that out yet). Bidding On Brooks is the first in this series and KR knocked it out of the park. Brooks Winslow is HOT! He's caring and protective. He's also an ex Olympic sailor! How cool is that?
When he asks his long time friend Skyye if she will bid on him at an auction for a charity event his sister roped him into, they set off for a romantic sail down the coast. Neither of them expected to fall in love but come on! Just the two of them on a sailboat? Alone? That's the perfect set up for a love match!
Brooks and Skyye are perfect together. But then again, air and water usually go well together :) She grounds him and he sets her heart on fire. It's all quite " elemental"!
This book was fabulous. The characters are well developed and believable. I want to move to Blueberry Lane and hang out with everyone!
Now please hurry up with Preston's book. I need that one like yesterday!
*ARC generously provided by author in exchange for honest review*
When I found out I was selected to read an ARC of the first book in this series I just about fainted from excitement ( I have no life in case you haven't worked that out yet). Bidding On Brooks is the first in this series and KR knocked it out of the park. Brooks Winslow is HOT! He's caring and protective. He's also an ex Olympic sailor! How cool is that?
When he asks his long time friend Skyye if she will bid on him at an auction for a charity event his sister roped him into, they set off for a romantic sail down the coast. Neither of them expected to fall in love but come on! Just the two of them on a sailboat? Alone? That's the perfect set up for a love match!
Brooks and Skyye are perfect together. But then again, air and water usually go well together :) She grounds him and he sets her heart on fire. It's all quite " elemental"!
This book was fabulous. The characters are well developed and believable. I want to move to Blueberry Lane and hang out with everyone!
Now please hurry up with Preston's book. I need that one like yesterday!
*ARC generously provided by author in exchange for honest review*
May 14, 2015
Five beautiful, unashamedly romantic stars!
The wind and the water – Skye and Brooks. They were meant to be!
After twenty years of friendship, Skye does Brooks a favour by bidding on him at a bachelor auction. At the same time, she completely opens his eyes to the real Skye. She’s not the scruffy, nondescript woman hiding under a ball cap and baggy overalls, but a beautiful goddess, who’s fun, sassy and brave. He’s woken up to a dream and finds himself falling in love with his friend,
Skye has had a crush on him since she was ten, but has always accepted that they are from different walks of life and that he is unattainable, so she settles for their comfortable friendship, with their love of sailing in common.
Brooks has avoided falling in love, thinking that he is doomed to his father’s fate and an early death. He uses an escort service to avoid relationship complications and hurting anyone.
Their love story unfolds over a week of sailing together and living at close quarters. I adored how comfortable Brooks and Skye were with one another and I loved how simple and fulfilling their love story was, with some wonderful, sexy tension between them. They encountered hiccups along the way, but nothing insurmountable. Loved it!
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The wind and the water – Skye and Brooks. They were meant to be!
After twenty years of friendship, Skye does Brooks a favour by bidding on him at a bachelor auction. At the same time, she completely opens his eyes to the real Skye. She’s not the scruffy, nondescript woman hiding under a ball cap and baggy overalls, but a beautiful goddess, who’s fun, sassy and brave. He’s woken up to a dream and finds himself falling in love with his friend,
Skye has had a crush on him since she was ten, but has always accepted that they are from different walks of life and that he is unattainable, so she settles for their comfortable friendship, with their love of sailing in common.
Brooks has avoided falling in love, thinking that he is doomed to his father’s fate and an early death. He uses an escort service to avoid relationship complications and hurting anyone.
Their love story unfolds over a week of sailing together and living at close quarters. I adored how comfortable Brooks and Skye were with one another and I loved how simple and fulfilling their love story was, with some wonderful, sexy tension between them. They encountered hiccups along the way, but nothing insurmountable. Loved it!
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 12, 2016
You can never read more than enough of the friends to lovers trope because that's probably one of the sweetest story lines in the romance genre. Bidding On Brooks is a sweet, easy read that kicks of the spin off to Katy Regnery's the English Brothers series.
We have a hero who's a player and his long time friend, the heroine, who's been in love with him ever since they met. When the hero's sister entered him in a bachelor auction, he asks the heroine to bid for him with his own money, so he won't have to take any woman with him on a week-long cruise.
As a whole, I definitely enjoyed this book. There was an easy way to the author's storytelling that makes readers keep going until one finishes the entire book. It was nice witnessing the hero and the heroine's feelings for each other develop from friendship to love.
The one thing I liked the least about this book was that the conflict was simple. There wasn't really a big bang towards the ending. Getting into the book, you already know what the main issue is going to be eventually, so when it finally happens, you're no longer surprised. It was written in a very good way, so I still really enjoyed the book despite that.
We have a hero who's a player and his long time friend, the heroine, who's been in love with him ever since they met. When the hero's sister entered him in a bachelor auction, he asks the heroine to bid for him with his own money, so he won't have to take any woman with him on a week-long cruise.
As a whole, I definitely enjoyed this book. There was an easy way to the author's storytelling that makes readers keep going until one finishes the entire book. It was nice witnessing the hero and the heroine's feelings for each other develop from friendship to love.
The one thing I liked the least about this book was that the conflict was simple. There wasn't really a big bang towards the ending. Getting into the book, you already know what the main issue is going to be eventually, so when it finally happens, you're no longer surprised. It was written in a very good way, so I still really enjoyed the book despite that.
May 3, 2015
Full Disclosure: I have a huge girl crush on Katy Regnery. This book did nothing to temper that. I adored Brooks and Skye. I love that they weren’t perfect, I love that their imperfections were something they had to learn to love about themselves and each other. I also love that, despite the fact that the cover looks innocent, this book packs some steam.
“I’ll be gentle,” he promised. Her eyes jerked to his, dark and languid, and she stepped forward until the soft skin of her belly just grazed his ruby head. “I never said I needed gentle,” she whispered, her tongue swiping over her lips.
This was just a beautiful friends-to-lovers romance. I loved the respect that Brooks had for Skye. I loved the relationship between Brooks and his family. In fact, the way Ms. Regnery writes the sibling relationships is one of my favorite things – full of humor and affection, it’s ALMOST as rewarding as the romance itself. Almost. If you’re looking for something lighthearted and sweet (with a punch of steam), definitely check this one out! ~ Shelly, 4 stars
“I’ll be gentle,” he promised. Her eyes jerked to his, dark and languid, and she stepped forward until the soft skin of her belly just grazed his ruby head. “I never said I needed gentle,” she whispered, her tongue swiping over her lips.
This was just a beautiful friends-to-lovers romance. I loved the respect that Brooks had for Skye. I loved the relationship between Brooks and his family. In fact, the way Ms. Regnery writes the sibling relationships is one of my favorite things – full of humor and affection, it’s ALMOST as rewarding as the romance itself. Almost. If you’re looking for something lighthearted and sweet (with a punch of steam), definitely check this one out! ~ Shelly, 4 stars
May 4, 2015
I was really lucky to win an ARC of Bidding on Brooks and totally enjoyed it. Brooks is an imperfect hero. Because of something that happened in the past, he thinks that he cannot and must not fall in love. Skye also has scars from her past so she is also afraid of falling in love. I really enjoyed the development of their love story. Although I was a little frustrated with Brooks some of the time, I thought he was really sweet and loved certain things that he did for Skye. This is a great start to a new series and I'm hoping that the rest of the books will be even better.
July 8, 2015
Anddddd... now I have a new Meghan Trainor song stuck in my head. I loved The English brothers series and this was a good start to the spin off. Brooks had his typical share of eldest syndrome but that worked out. This one had some angst to it to start but the the transition from friends to more was pretty smooth. Heck a sailor and a mechanic that had both loved sailing and the ocean, the poetic vibe between them was sweet. I can't wait to see what's next and Preston does sound interesting to start.
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July 9, 2017I just finished reading this on kindle. And once I got started every time I had to stop for some reason I hated having to. I absolutely loved this. I loved how Skye had known even when she was 10 that Brooks was the one for her and even said that she would marry him someday. As they each told the other the reasons for their trying not to fall in love and they got through those I knew the axe was going to fall and she would find out about him using escorts. I was happy that she did agree to marry him even though she still took her time to completely forgive him from what it said in the epilouge. And she deserved that time because he should have been up front with her about it. I can't wait to read more from Blueberry Lane.
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