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Bachelor Bay #1
Domestic Goddess: Bachelor Bay Book #1
What do you do if your life is suddenly a fixer-upper?
TV lifestyle expert Bailey Holmes is about to take her show, Domestic Goddess, to the big time. With a larger network, new sponsor and series of shows around her upcoming wedding, she’s poised to be a media darling.
Until her fiancé announces he’d rather be the bride and a gossip reporter publishes an unflattering article about her. With her life going flatter than a sad souffle, she heads to Horseshoe Island for a family gathering and to hide-out.
Bailey’s family offers to let her renovate their ancient family fishing lodge for her show. There’s only one stipulation, they’ve already hired a carpenter to do the job, and he stays.
Max Cumberland is thrilled at the chance renovate Blue Moon Lodge, until he discovers the job is going to be part of a television show and he has to put up with a micro-managing domestic diva.
Despite clashing over plans for the lodge, there’s a sexy sizzle of attraction between Max and Bailey that quickly goes from simmer to steamy. Before long they’re spending long decadent nights together.
But once the lodge is renovated and the show has finished filming, will there be a second season for the couple, or will Bailey be off the island for good?
TV lifestyle expert Bailey Holmes is about to take her show, Domestic Goddess, to the big time. With a larger network, new sponsor and series of shows around her upcoming wedding, she’s poised to be a media darling.
Until her fiancé announces he’d rather be the bride and a gossip reporter publishes an unflattering article about her. With her life going flatter than a sad souffle, she heads to Horseshoe Island for a family gathering and to hide-out.
Bailey’s family offers to let her renovate their ancient family fishing lodge for her show. There’s only one stipulation, they’ve already hired a carpenter to do the job, and he stays.
Max Cumberland is thrilled at the chance renovate Blue Moon Lodge, until he discovers the job is going to be part of a television show and he has to put up with a micro-managing domestic diva.
Despite clashing over plans for the lodge, there’s a sexy sizzle of attraction between Max and Bailey that quickly goes from simmer to steamy. Before long they’re spending long decadent nights together.
But once the lodge is renovated and the show has finished filming, will there be a second season for the couple, or will Bailey be off the island for good?
217 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2016
61 people are currently reading
145 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Schneider
19 books15 followersAward-winning romance author Deborah Schneider writes Romantic Comedy, Western and Americana romance novels. She lives in the small town that has been the location of the Twin Peaks TV show and movies, near the Cascade Mountains in the Pacific Northwest.
She was employed for over twenty years by one of the busiest library systems in the country in a job that involved arranging author events and family programs. She feels lucky she was paid to be in charge of fun for fifty libraries. She serves on the board of the Pacific Northwest Writer’s Association. Deborah considers one of her greatest achievements was to be called “scary” by R.L. Stine.
As Sibelle Stone, she writes historical romance with paranormal elements, (things like magic, witches, and evil Druids) and steampunk. It’s the same person, with two different sides. Sibelle indulges in her love of steampunk fashion, science fiction, romance novels and hats. She has a lot of amazing hats!
She was employed for over twenty years by one of the busiest library systems in the country in a job that involved arranging author events and family programs. She feels lucky she was paid to be in charge of fun for fifty libraries. She serves on the board of the Pacific Northwest Writer’s Association. Deborah considers one of her greatest achievements was to be called “scary” by R.L. Stine.
As Sibelle Stone, she writes historical romance with paranormal elements, (things like magic, witches, and evil Druids) and steampunk. It’s the same person, with two different sides. Sibelle indulges in her love of steampunk fashion, science fiction, romance novels and hats. She has a lot of amazing hats!
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 30, 2025
Bailey is one of the worst people ever. And she never learns to be better, at most she claims to learn to be less controlled, but we never see that in practice. She calls her supposed bff a hag and a bitch, she insists Max is misogynistic multiple times and belittles him constantly, she seemingly hates her own family, she calls a 5yo an ogre and says someday she'll probably be a stripper???? She is always drooling after men and hating women. And she never learns to be kinder.
Max wants to talk about their relationship? (at the last three pages of the book) Too bad! Tehe! Tub sex instead!
Everyone on set seems to hate her, the kids all seem to not like her too. She's just an awful person.
She tells us that Dudley cheating on her was his way of saying they were moving too fast (which okay that's crazy). But then she's known Max a few months and is pressuring him to have her tv wedding before the year's out for the ratings 💀 and to have the exact wedding she planned with her ex!
The relationship never felt like more than a fling.
The tv show plotline didn't have a satisfying end. The sisters seeing their new lodge could have been a touching moment/last filming day thing. But who cares! Max needs to drive like a maniac, screeching around on two wheels to go have sex with Bailey.
I find Bailey unrelatable and unlikable.
I did get a lot of enjoyment out of this book buddy reading it, but it really just isn't for me.
Max wants to talk about their relationship? (at the last three pages of the book) Too bad! Tehe! Tub sex instead!
Everyone on set seems to hate her, the kids all seem to not like her too. She's just an awful person.
She tells us that Dudley cheating on her was his way of saying they were moving too fast (which okay that's crazy). But then she's known Max a few months and is pressuring him to have her tv wedding before the year's out for the ratings 💀 and to have the exact wedding she planned with her ex!
The relationship never felt like more than a fling.
The tv show plotline didn't have a satisfying end. The sisters seeing their new lodge could have been a touching moment/last filming day thing. But who cares! Max needs to drive like a maniac, screeching around on two wheels to go have sex with Bailey.
I find Bailey unrelatable and unlikable.
I did get a lot of enjoyment out of this book buddy reading it, but it really just isn't for me.
October 21, 2017
If you love watching shows with a food & home focus and enjoy a fast-paced romance, then definitely check out this book.
Bailey is the hostess of the show, Domestic Goddess, which shows viewers how to have a more beautiful life. She's got big plans for the next season with many of the opening shows set to chronicle her wedding. Only there's a little problem... the groom to be is more comfortable in a dress. There goes the wedding!
Off to visit her mother and aunt, she is uncertain about her future. Dared by her producer and friend, she wears a 'sexy' outfit on the ferry where she meets a guy who causes all sorts of internal turmoil. Then she learns he's her family's chosen contractor for renovations.
I won't give away the whole thing, but it does go through the typical attraction / fighting attractions / can't fight this attraction pattern used in many chick lit options. And, when they finally give into their attraction, clothes start flying.
Overall, a fun escape type of read.
Disclaimer: I was provided a digital advance reader copy from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Bailey is the hostess of the show, Domestic Goddess, which shows viewers how to have a more beautiful life. She's got big plans for the next season with many of the opening shows set to chronicle her wedding. Only there's a little problem... the groom to be is more comfortable in a dress. There goes the wedding!
Off to visit her mother and aunt, she is uncertain about her future. Dared by her producer and friend, she wears a 'sexy' outfit on the ferry where she meets a guy who causes all sorts of internal turmoil. Then she learns he's her family's chosen contractor for renovations.
I won't give away the whole thing, but it does go through the typical attraction / fighting attractions / can't fight this attraction pattern used in many chick lit options. And, when they finally give into their attraction, clothes start flying.
Overall, a fun escape type of read.
Disclaimer: I was provided a digital advance reader copy from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
October 6, 2017
Bailey Homes was the epitome of perfection. She did everything right and to the world she was poised and proper. Now, that the season was wrapping up on her show, Domestic Goddess, she could finally take it to the next level. During the next two months, she planned on organizing new episodes revolving around her upcoming wedding to Dudley. The new season was sure to take her show to the next level. Her level of detailing and planning would ensure that the first six episodes of the new season would showcase the "Wedding of the Century." Unfortunately, things don't always go as planned. She catches her fiance, Dudley in her dressing room, not quite looking like the man she knew. He was completely dressed up as a woman. To top it all off a reporter from the gossip rag, Chatterbox, catches Bailey whacking Dudley on the top of his bald head with a whisk. So much for showing the world how perfect she is!
Bailey decides maybe it would be a good idea to hide out at Horseshoe Island and regroup with her family. Her family owns the Blue Moon Lodge and agrees to let Bailey use the lodge as a renovation project for her show. The only drawback is Max Cumberland, the hot carpenter she met on the ferry ride over to the island who would also be a part of renovating the lodge. Sparks had already been flying between the two of them on the ferry ride. Now, that they would be renovating the lodge together, those sparks are about to get a lot hotter.
DOMESTIC GODDESS is a light and fun read. The character development of our main character, Bailey, really develops as the story progresses. She has faults and she learns to see herself in a new light and she really grows as a person. Max was the perfect hero for her. He was attracted to her right from the beginning. Their love story progresses and you find yourself really immersed in their romance. Secondary characters are well written and lend an air of humor into the story. All in all, I would recommend DOMESTIC GODDESS if you are looking for an easy and lighthearted read.
*I receives this book from NetGalley in return for an honest review*
Bailey decides maybe it would be a good idea to hide out at Horseshoe Island and regroup with her family. Her family owns the Blue Moon Lodge and agrees to let Bailey use the lodge as a renovation project for her show. The only drawback is Max Cumberland, the hot carpenter she met on the ferry ride over to the island who would also be a part of renovating the lodge. Sparks had already been flying between the two of them on the ferry ride. Now, that they would be renovating the lodge together, those sparks are about to get a lot hotter.
DOMESTIC GODDESS is a light and fun read. The character development of our main character, Bailey, really develops as the story progresses. She has faults and she learns to see herself in a new light and she really grows as a person. Max was the perfect hero for her. He was attracted to her right from the beginning. Their love story progresses and you find yourself really immersed in their romance. Secondary characters are well written and lend an air of humor into the story. All in all, I would recommend DOMESTIC GODDESS if you are looking for an easy and lighthearted read.
*I receives this book from NetGalley in return for an honest review*
August 15, 2017
This is a great book; this is the first book in the Bachelor Bay series written by Deborah Schneider. Bailey Holmes is about to take her show, Domestic Goddess, to the big time. With a larger network, new sponsor and series of shows around her upcoming wedding, she’s poised to be a media darling. Until her fiancé announces he’d rather be the bride and a gossip reporter publishes an unflattering article about her. With her life going flatter than a sad souffle, she heads to Horseshoe Island for a family gathering and to hide-out. Bailey’s family offers to let her renovate their ancient family fishing lodge for her show. There’s only one stipulation, they’ve already hired a carpenter to do the job, and he stays. Max Cumberland is thrilled at the chance renovate Blue Moon Lodge, until he discovers the job is going to be part of a television show and he has to put up with a micro-managing domestic diva. This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. This book will keep you reading long into the night. If you are looking for a great book, then you need to read this book. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this great author. A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
September 24, 2024
Oooooooodles of charm in this romcom! Bailey’s life as a tv host fails apart when she discovers her jerk fiancé getting it on with a fake friend in her dressing room just before she leaves for a family event.
She is devastated- who wouldn’t be? But as she begins to delve deeper w her bestie and producer pal Meg, she realizes she was lucky she didn’t marry her now ex fiancé. She heads home to her mom and aunt, considering what is next and meets a hot and hunky restoration specialist and carpenter, Max, who surprisingly knows her family.
Once she arrives home, even more shocking, she learns they have hired him to restore the family estate which has slowly declined, and so Bailey pitches a new show idea - the restoration of her family home as a diy project that she hosts and hunky Max is the crew foreman.
Sparks are flying like crazzzzzy and light into a raging forest fire between the two with hilarious shenanigans and mixups in between, but clearly these two are meant to work out as a pair.
With oodles of charm indeed, alot of laughter and a touch of spice, this delightful novel is certain to please and is a worthwhile read
She is devastated- who wouldn’t be? But as she begins to delve deeper w her bestie and producer pal Meg, she realizes she was lucky she didn’t marry her now ex fiancé. She heads home to her mom and aunt, considering what is next and meets a hot and hunky restoration specialist and carpenter, Max, who surprisingly knows her family.
Once she arrives home, even more shocking, she learns they have hired him to restore the family estate which has slowly declined, and so Bailey pitches a new show idea - the restoration of her family home as a diy project that she hosts and hunky Max is the crew foreman.
Sparks are flying like crazzzzzy and light into a raging forest fire between the two with hilarious shenanigans and mixups in between, but clearly these two are meant to work out as a pair.
With oodles of charm indeed, alot of laughter and a touch of spice, this delightful novel is certain to please and is a worthwhile read
April 28, 2023
I was going to try and at least finish up to 50% of the book, but I can't do it. Starting this book has caused a reading slump and I'm sick of it 😭😔
I feel that this book has the potential to be good, but because it's written from a third-person point of view, I keep finding myself getting confused about the characters. I'm 24% into the book but I don't like the FMC and literally cannot find it in me to care about her. I sympathised with her situation but at the same time, I wished there was something more. I also don't really feel the chemistry between the FMC and MMC which made the book pretty dull for me.
I don't know if I'll ever find the time to try and finish this book so who knows if my thoughts on this book will change?
I feel that this book has the potential to be good, but because it's written from a third-person point of view, I keep finding myself getting confused about the characters. I'm 24% into the book but I don't like the FMC and literally cannot find it in me to care about her. I sympathised with her situation but at the same time, I wished there was something more. I also don't really feel the chemistry between the FMC and MMC which made the book pretty dull for me.
I don't know if I'll ever find the time to try and finish this book so who knows if my thoughts on this book will change?
October 17, 2017
The premise of this book and it's setting in the San Juan islands of Washington made me excited to check it out.
I sympathized with Bailey in the beginning as she experienced personal and professional difficulties right before traveling to spend time with her family. However as the story progressed I had a hard time connecting with her character or any of the others.
I liked some of the banter and sweet moments she shared with Max, but overall found this story and characters fell short for me.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I sympathized with Bailey in the beginning as she experienced personal and professional difficulties right before traveling to spend time with her family. However as the story progressed I had a hard time connecting with her character or any of the others.
I liked some of the banter and sweet moments she shared with Max, but overall found this story and characters fell short for me.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 30, 2017
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
Still not sure what I think about this novel. I had to force myself to read it and I wasn’t impressed with lead female. I appreciate that she had faults but I didn’t enjoy her personality. Maybe because she felt more like a caricature of an actual reality star? I also couldn’t get into the plot. I didn’t feel the chemistry between the leads and there were multiple areas that drug. There was nothing wrong with the author’s writing style, I just didn’t enjoy the story.
Still not sure what I think about this novel. I had to force myself to read it and I wasn’t impressed with lead female. I appreciate that she had faults but I didn’t enjoy her personality. Maybe because she felt more like a caricature of an actual reality star? I also couldn’t get into the plot. I didn’t feel the chemistry between the leads and there were multiple areas that drug. There was nothing wrong with the author’s writing style, I just didn’t enjoy the story.
September 22, 2017
One thing I really love about this book is Bailey. She has faults, strengths and the book really shows how she grows as a person. I love that! Character development is natural and all characters are very relatable. The only thing I am disappointed about is the ending. It was a little sudden.
All in all, this book was well written. I can't wait to read more titles from this author.
All in all, this book was well written. I can't wait to read more titles from this author.
February 8, 2018
This book was an easy read and a good palette cleanser between other reads in that it was fun, but forgettable. The characters felt like caricatures and while I enjoyed the setting and the plot, it was not the most endearing or engaging read - it was simply okay.
I received a digital ARC of this book in exchange for my review from the publisher and NetGalley.
I received a digital ARC of this book in exchange for my review from the publisher and NetGalley.
July 23, 2020
Bailey Holmes has to decide the concept for her next TV show. She is at a stage where all her plans professionally and personally has fallen apart. Her family is planning to renovate their lodge with the help of contractor Max Cumberland. It was an okay read.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the eARC
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the eARC
August 16, 2017
What I liked:
The writing style
The characters
Part of a series: Bachelor Bay
Standalone
What I didn't like:
Cute ending but no epilogue
I look forward to reading more from this author.
I voluntarily received an ARC from NetGalley.
The writing style
The characters
Part of a series: Bachelor Bay
Standalone
What I didn't like:
Cute ending but no epilogue
I look forward to reading more from this author.
I voluntarily received an ARC from NetGalley.
January 30, 2023
Exception of a book
I’m so disappointed I could only find two books written by you. The books were entertaining from page one to the end of the story. They were romantic funny and silly I look forward to bringing more from you in the future
I’m so disappointed I could only find two books written by you. The books were entertaining from page one to the end of the story. They were romantic funny and silly I look forward to bringing more from you in the future
April 16, 2023
Sweet and steamy.
Such great characters and enough sexual tension to light anyone’s fire. I love how the anticipation kept building and that the characters weren’t predictable. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and absolutely want more.
Such great characters and enough sexual tension to light anyone’s fire. I love how the anticipation kept building and that the characters weren’t predictable. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and absolutely want more.
July 26, 2022
Reality TV
A fun romp through the filming of a TV remodeling show. The domestic goddess needs to loosen up and the restoration construction guy plans to help her with that.
A fun romp through the filming of a TV remodeling show. The domestic goddess needs to loosen up and the restoration construction guy plans to help her with that.
May 11, 2023
1.5 stars
Idk where to start honestly but I’ll just say 280 pages wasn’t enough and this was a rollercoaster of character development and plot. Max sounds hot but that doesn’t save the book for me.
Idk where to start honestly but I’ll just say 280 pages wasn’t enough and this was a rollercoaster of character development and plot. Max sounds hot but that doesn’t save the book for me.
November 15, 2025
Got better towards the middle, but I was never excited to pick it up and start reading.
February 25, 2022
This is my first time reading something by this author and it definitely won't be my last! I'm always on the lookout for a good enemies to lovers rom com and this one definitely fit the bill. This is the first book of the Bachelor Bay series, and it is a cute start to the series. The characters are fun and relatable and you are sure to fall in love with them. Bailey is a TV lifestyles expert and she is headed for big things. When an ugly break-up threatens her livelihood, she decides it's a good time to visit her family in Horseshoe Island. While there, she uses their old lodge for renovation for her show. The only catch is she has to go with the carpenter they hired, Max. While they definitely don't get along and are constantly butting heads about the plans for the lodge, the attraction between them is undeniable and the chemistry just sizzles.
I found this to be a cute and fun story and the romance was wonderful and there were plenty of humorous moments that had me laughing out loud or just generally left me with a smile on my face. A really entertaining and adorable story and am glad I had the opportunity to read it.
I received a complimentary copy from the author via StoryOrigin and am voluntary leaving my review.
I found this to be a cute and fun story and the romance was wonderful and there were plenty of humorous moments that had me laughing out loud or just generally left me with a smile on my face. A really entertaining and adorable story and am glad I had the opportunity to read it.
I received a complimentary copy from the author via StoryOrigin and am voluntary leaving my review.
August 1, 2016
I liked the sound of this book, when I was looking at the list of books on the Netgalley site. And I was not disappointed.
The characters were well defined and believable and I really liked Bailey and she came across as a woman serious about her career but lacking in fun.
She is like all of us, she wants to be in control of her life and doesn’t like it when things don’t go her way , but she works through it and deals with her mistakes.
Plus – I am not keep on detailed multiple sex scenes, personally I find they distract from the important parts of the story, and in this story although there is one detailed sex scene but that is it, Schneider clearly knows that she does not need to describe the act every time the two leads hit the hay, unlike some lesser writers.
All the characters were great in this book, from Meg, Bailey’s producer to Max, the carpenter and love interest, a great fun read perfect for summer and lying by the pool
This is the first in what will be a series of books and I for one am looking forward to the next instalment.
The characters were well defined and believable and I really liked Bailey and she came across as a woman serious about her career but lacking in fun.
She is like all of us, she wants to be in control of her life and doesn’t like it when things don’t go her way , but she works through it and deals with her mistakes.
Plus – I am not keep on detailed multiple sex scenes, personally I find they distract from the important parts of the story, and in this story although there is one detailed sex scene but that is it, Schneider clearly knows that she does not need to describe the act every time the two leads hit the hay, unlike some lesser writers.
All the characters were great in this book, from Meg, Bailey’s producer to Max, the carpenter and love interest, a great fun read perfect for summer and lying by the pool
This is the first in what will be a series of books and I for one am looking forward to the next instalment.
August 9, 2016
After finishing Domestic Goddess: Bachelor Bay Book #1, I can't wait to read the next book in the series! Deborah Schneider writes an interesting story with humor and wit. Bailey Holmes has the type of life that many of us have, nothing goes according to plan or wish. Then she meets Max, the handsome and sexy carpenter hired to help renovate her family's fishing lodge for a television show, and things really start to sizzle! Domestic Goddess is a fantastic book to read under a beach umbrella or curled up on the couch with a blanket. The characters are exciting, fun and well-written, and by the time you're finished reading Bachelor Bay Book #1, you'll definitely want to put Book #2 on your future reading list. I received a review copy of this book via NetGalley.
February 4, 2017
When I read the first few chapters of the book, I wasn't sure I would like it but it turns out I did. The characters, especially Bailey and Max were great and I found the plot quite humorous and enjoyable to follow.
I really liked everything in the book after Bailey arrived to Horseshoe Island and I really like how Bailey and Max ended up in the end.
Great and quick book to read!
* I received the ARC from the publisher via NetGalley
I really liked everything in the book after Bailey arrived to Horseshoe Island and I really like how Bailey and Max ended up in the end.
Great and quick book to read!
* I received the ARC from the publisher via NetGalley
March 15, 2017
4 STARS
I love lifestyle and home renovation TV shows, so when I read Domestic Goddess' blurb, I knew I had to read it. And guess what? I was not disappointed!
I couldn't put down, mainly because of Bailey and Max's chemistry, they were such an awesome couple. Definitely recommend it if you're looking for a fun and light read with great characters.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I love lifestyle and home renovation TV shows, so when I read Domestic Goddess' blurb, I knew I had to read it. And guess what? I was not disappointed!
I couldn't put down, mainly because of Bailey and Max's chemistry, they were such an awesome couple. Definitely recommend it if you're looking for a fun and light read with great characters.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews