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The Winning Bid

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Desperate to gain funds needed to start a new life, Hannah goes to work as a submissive at an exclusive, members only club, agreeing to be auctioned off to the highest bidding dominate at the regular weekend auction. Drew, a rich, handsome VIP at the club, has had two weeks from hell and is looking forward to unleashing some much-needed stress. And what better way than with one of the lovely subs at auction? From the moment Hannah walks onto the stage, he knows he must possess her. Possess her he does, but is confused and overwhelmed by the feelings he quickly develops. Hannah walks away at the end of the weekend without looking back. Drew attempts to do the same, but can't erase her from his mind, his skin, and he fears, his heart. When a chance sighting of Hannah occurs outside the club, Drew discovers a secret that forces him to question everything he thought he knew about himself and his heart.

236 pages, ebook

Published October 4, 2016

590 people are currently reading
1324 people want to read

About the author

Michelle Windsor

51 books764 followers
Michelle Windsor is the author of over a dozen steamy, contemporary romances filled with alpha males and even stronger females.. She has achieved both Amazon and Barnes & Noble International Best Seller status, and was awarded Best Contemporary Romance Writer by Passionate Plume Ink in 2019. Her first book, The Winning Bid, was nominated for the Summit Indie Book Awards by Metamorph Publishing in 2017, and continues to be her best-selling book to date.

Michelle is married with three grown children, and lives north of Boston in the type of suburban neighborhood you read about in sweet romance books. When she’s not working on another book, you can find her spending time with her husband, hanging out with her three sisters, or snuggled up with her three cats, yes three, watching a movie or reading a book.

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5 stars
465 (45%)
4 stars
320 (31%)
3 stars
156 (15%)
2 stars
55 (5%)
1 star
34 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews
Profile Image for Talia.
614 reviews131 followers
July 17, 2017
4 Just choose me stars

This book starts in medias res, with a boom. We're catapulted in a submissive auction in which Hannah is being auctioned off for the first time. She needs the money to pay for her shop and is willing to sell herself for a weekend to the highest bidder in order to keep her dream afloat.

Even without being a fan of erotica and BDSM, I was immediately engrossed. I'm not well-acquainted with this world so the whole situation was interesting and new to me.

But first of all I want to say that the writing style is amazing. If my rating was to be based merely on the style, this book would be a solid 5 stars. The words flow flawlessly, the narration is on point, the dialogues realistic and the prose just catches you.

Despite the wonderful writing, it lost me a bit around the halfway point because the sex was still preponderant and I was ready to get a little deeper into their relationship besides the physical. I have to say, my wish was granted and I was pleasantly surprised by how normal their dynamics were at times. When I think of a Dom/Sub relationship, I expect more coldness and nonchalance from the hero, what with him always being in control. I also expect a way more submissive heroine. Instead, Drew is taken by surprise by his growing attraction and feelings for Scarlett (this is the name Hannah gives him) and his Dom mask slips more than once, revealing a guy who's not afraid to put his heart on the line.

Hannah is also a closet spitfire. She's a new submissive and even though she tries to fit the role, sometimes she talks back, pushes his buttons, teases him and doesn't know how to handle the situation.

I really appreciated this twist in the trope because it made it different, even though I must say I haven't read many books with this trope. Still, it felt different.

"Since the moment I saw you walk onto that stage last night, something about you captivated me. I don't usually take baths or sleep with my subs. You -- and what you're making me feel -- are what's confusing, Scarlett. I'm in unexplored territory here."


The pace of the story was good, although the plot wasn't that complicated. It was more focused on what was going on between them rather that involving other characters or external situations. I have a feeling that the outer world and both the MC's families will have a bigger role in the second book in the series.

My favorite part was undoubtedly their "date" after the masquerade ball. They were at their most genuine. The ending didn't really surprise me but knowing Drew and the length he'd go to be with his mysterious woman, I'm sure he'll manage to get his girl back no matter the cost.

Last, but definitely not least, the heath level. You can easily assume it was off the charts hot and you'd be right. I guess it also goes hand in hand with the great writing style. Nonetheless, there was a LOT of hotness. Maybe a little too much, as I already stated, for my very personal preferences. Still, I'm sure that readers who are more into this particular genre than me will adore it from start to finish.
Profile Image for Stephanie (Between the Coverz).
578 reviews5 followers
October 5, 2016
What did I just read? O.M.G. – Oh My Greatness!

You know that feeling you get, a little sadness mixed in with anticipation when you reach the end of the book? When you turn that last page and just want to scream, NOOOOOoooooo!!!! The need to go searching for the next book in the series even though you know that book is not out yet.

That is exactly what I was doing when I turned the last page. I didn’t want it to end. I wanted to read more. I wanted the author to magically have the next book ready. Unfortunately, it doesn’t happen that way however now my anticipation for the next book is heightened even more. I had to immediately go find this author on Facebook and Amazon and start following. (I don’t know about you but I do not want to miss the next book!)

I loved this book. It captured and kept my attention throughout the whole book. Page after page, I wanted more. I began to wonder what is going to happen next. I will say that I was not expecting the ending at all, definitely a cliffhanger, but well worth it. Now I anticipate the next book even more. I can’t wait to see where M. Windsor is going to go next with the story in book 2.

The writing was smooth and solid with a unique plot. I liked the different twists that were thrown into the book – definitely kept me on pins and needles. When I thought I knew what was happening next, the author surprised me with something different. I enjoyed not being able to anticipate the next thing that was going to happen.

If you enjoy reading about a romance mingled with some bdsm and secretiveness, then you need to grab a copy and start reading today. This is one book that you will not be able to put down.
Profile Image for Melenia.
2,731 reviews6 followers
April 16, 2019
A five star book until about 80%. Then it tanks. The female lead becomes a complete idiot and it’s a cliffy. I felt like the author was just making her an idiot to drag a second book out of it, but according to reviews she’s still an idiot for most of the second book. I won’t be reading it. In my head they meet. Resolve their issues and live HEA because I do think they made a good couple for most of the book.
Profile Image for Danielle's.
Author 1 book169 followers
Read
February 10, 2025
Reading for RARE.
Audiobook.

The winning bid ebook was free in the Amazon store so I managed to get the audiobook for £2.99.

✅dom/ sub
✅ smut
✅ continuous series

I’ll be honest… I read the title and not the blurb. Doh! I’m trying to read one book from every RARE attending author and I picked this up for the wrong reasons. If a sexy weekend is your jam you’ll enjoy this. It’s filled to the brim with steamy times.
Profile Image for Chloë [at the cottage].
424 reviews25 followers
November 12, 2024
A cliffhanger?! Boooo, wish I had done a bit more research before starting this one.

Otherwise, the story was engaging enough but I got whiplash from the emotional back-and-forth between Drew & Scarlett/Hannah’s budding feelings.
Profile Image for Love2ReadRomance.
264 reviews110 followers
May 5, 2017
Loved this book!!! Can't wait to read The Final Bid!!!
Profile Image for Amanda Walker.
70 reviews6 followers
February 11, 2017
Okay so I am not a huge fan of erotica, in fact I can usually do without overly described sex scenes. But, I was told The Winning Bid was an amazing book that I had to read, so I did. WOW! It really was amazing. There is no way this could be Michelle Windsor's first book. The characters, the story line, the writing itself was all great.

Scarlet (Hannah) decides to work as a submissive for a weekend to gain some funds, and that is really all we know about her. While reading I see very subtle hints as to who she really is and I think some of these hints will play out into the next book.

Drew, he is a VIP at the club the Scarlet is being auctioned off at. We learn his story throughout this book, but his change in character is what surprises me and I love it.

Let me tell you, I HATE 50 shades of Grey so I was thinking this was going to be another one of those stories. But NO WAY. This is far better in my opinion The writing alone has 50 Shades beat. Michelle Windsor should be proud. I am definitely looking forward to more from this author. She should definitly be on your other authors "watch lists" and on readers "TBR lists".
Profile Image for Helene Book Hoarder.
148 reviews5 followers
March 27, 2017
I'm BLOWN AWAY! I am the ONLY ONE in my close circle of friends who did not read this book. One, I am not fond of cliff-hangers. Two, I knew how Book 1 ended. Last but not least - I was SCARED that this will be a typical Dom/Sub story. I am so glad I waited till I had Book 2 secured in my hands because I would have been crazed to have to wait for more.

Michelle Windsor did a PHENOMINAL job removing the stigma of Dom/Sub story. There is nothing typical about Drew and Scarlett. Get ready to meet your next Book Boyfriend because you will fall in love with Drew.

I haven't been able to read because of migraines and with a full blown migraine I couldn't help but read because I was engrossed in the story. I spent most of the day sneaking reading on my phone because I was consumed with Drew. I can't wait to jump into Book 2, The Final Bid... and my full blown migraine is still lingering but I'll be starting tonight because I NEED MORE! I will always think of Drew Sapphire every time I'll hear "Brown-Eyed Girl".

First Five Words to come to mind to describe The Winning Bid, Conflicted, Adored, Cherished, Broken and Defeated.
Profile Image for Karrie Mellott Puskas.
672 reviews6 followers
December 10, 2016
Wow! I've been trying to read this other book for a week now and can't get into it. Enter reading slump.

So I stepped away from that book and saw this book during the author takeover on Facebook. So because it didn't sound too bad I bought. Hey it's only 99 cents and why not try a new author to you out. Well let me just say. Holy SMOKES!

This book captured me right from the start and I couldn't put it down. I fell in love with Drew almost immediately (love at first read). He is downright hot. I don't care who or what he does. Just do me!
Profile Image for Brittany.
46 reviews130 followers
February 27, 2017
***VERY MILD SPOILERS***

Intriguing novella about a woman who "sells" herself in an auction to a dominant for a weekend. She desperately needs the money and is a new submissive to an elite BDSM club. The winning dom is a wealthy, attractive man who stuns her with how tender he can be, and over the course of the weekend they find themselves falling for each other between bouts of steamy sex, and yes, there is kink. Cliffy at the end - am eager for the next installment!
Profile Image for Tabitha Schmer.
419 reviews13 followers
dnf
February 13, 2021
I made it about 50% through then just had to give up.... the BDSM aspect was poorly executed the H ran hot and cold, and there was absolute no clear expectations. The h sold herself to earn money to buy a shop ( no clue what kind) there was an instant-love vibe but it was so unrealistic that it was painful to read........I really dislike adding books to my DNF shelf but there was no way I was going to finish this one.
Profile Image for Haylee Thorne.
Author 16 books529 followers
March 13, 2017
Michelle Windsor is a amazing story teller, and her writing style is SEXY, it is enthralling and I fell in love with both Drew and Hannah and I cannot wait to get my hands on the next one. I bow down to her awesomeness. I'm a fan for life!
Profile Image for Bibliophage Divvy.
215 reviews3 followers
August 30, 2021
A really good book. Bdsm scenes are great. The plot is quite engaging and interesting. Though it ends with a cliffhanger.
Profile Image for Heather Miller.
1,488 reviews51 followers
September 5, 2018
I did receive a free ARC Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Holy Hotness!! Oh my!! Those are the first thoughts in my head after reading this book. I haven't read anything else by Michelle Windsor, I will have to keep her on my radar from now on.

The book is about a young woman, Hannah, who is going by the name of Scarlett, who is at a BDSM club auction. We aren't really sure why she is there other than to hopefully earn enough money to buy part of a store that she works in. The man bidding on her is Andrew "Drew" Sapphire, a wealthy, handsome Dom, who is looking at pounding something to get rid of his frustrations.

Drew only knows her by Scarlett. She isn't allowed to say anything about her 'real' life. If she doesn't feel comfortable talking about her life she doesn't have to. Drew is instantly drawn to her. He usually goes for the more experienced sub's, but, for some reason he wanted her, Scarlett.

Hannah and Drew have a falling out towards the end of the book. Drew tries to contact her again through the club, however, Hannah refuses his gift. Hannah walks away at the end of the weekend without looking back. Drew attempts to do the same, but can't erase her from his mind, his skin, and he fears, even his heart. Drew does run into her by chance again 2 months later, however, Hannah runs from him.

Will Drew be able to find out more about Hannah and her past? Will Hannah be able to go to Drew and give her heart what it wants?
Profile Image for Krissy loves to read.
372 reviews10 followers
February 5, 2017
Oh how sweet cruelty ran up my spine with this ending! Saying I'd swim many rivers to get to the next book, which I will mention is not coming out for a few months is quite the understatement of my night! How this feeling of bliss frustration will never die or get old for me...I loved every moment of it!! I know I'm sick! So saying all this....I absolutely loved this book! And may I add that this is a debut from the very talented Michelle Windsor! My first attraction to this book was of course the beautifully colored royal blue cover and also Michelle herself reading a few chapters live on my other blog called The Book Hoarders!  I was hook, line and sinker from the beginning!
A story of a women desperate for something and doing what she has to do to get it. A man that is awakened  for something that he didn't know he wanted.
There were so many things I loved about this story!! The characters, I love them already even though there is much more to learn about them. The whole story itself even though the subject is familiar the story which it is told is very different. Scarlett and Drew swept me up in a whirlwind escape. How and if that escape still goes on is for the eyes to see and not for my words to say.
All will love this! Starts off with a gripping beginning, flowing smoothly taking you in an enchanted world making this a one seated 5 star read! I'm truly excited to see what happens next!! 
Profile Image for Samantha Marie.
245 reviews15 followers
January 30, 2017
Read and reviewed on behalf of I am a Book Hoarder.

Five Stars for The Winning Bid by Michelle Windsor

I’m going to be honest, I was over auction stories… you know the stories where the girl who needs cash sells herself to the highest bidder for a few thousand dollars and her body is given over to a virtual stranger for a short period of time. Yup, I was totally over them. I usually found the lead female to be wishy-washy and weak – while the male lead was just down right forgettable.

That is NOT the case with The Winning Bid. Michelle Windsor was able to breathe new life this sub-genre of Romance.

Yes, Scarlett/ Hannah does indeed sell her body to the highest bidder, entering into submissive/dominate relationship with a stranger. The difference is that Scarlett is one strong, fiercely independent woman. She knows that this is the fastest way to achieve her immediate goals. She is lucky enough to be purchased by Drew. Drew is the epitome of a strong alpha male. He is sexy, sensual, at times fierce, as times gentle and caring. Drew is the PERFECT book boyfriend.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I must say that it is sooooo much better than similar stories in this sub-genre even one that is 100% mainstreamed!
Profile Image for Shabby  -BookBistroBlog.
1,936 reviews987 followers
March 18, 2022
Hot,sexy, juicy. It was everything you can expect from a kinky bdsm romance. Drew attends an auction of submissives at Club Timide and wins jackpot in form of Scarlett, a first time sub.
She has her reasons for auditioning.
Weekend leads to super hot sex, toys, spankings and somewhere Drew feels a pull he hasn't felt before.
After the weekend he wants to find Scarlet and he does.
But what a slap in the face he gets!!
I was stunned!
He was stunned!
Scarlet was stunned!
Oh boy what a Cliffie.
I need to read the next, I reckon.
4 stars for Masquerades
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Profile Image for Rebecca Austin.
3,150 reviews3 followers
February 3, 2022
Wow - I was not really expecting this book! This book was very hot but done in a realistic way. Some of the events wouldn't necessarily happen in real life but most of us are not in this type of relationship.

Hannah was interesting as she was needing money but did really enjoy Drew. When he began to offer her things I was shocked that she was turning things down. It was obvious how attracted she was to Drew but she was completely holding herself back. She wanted to know about him but didn't want to share any aspect of her life.

I really liked Drew as right away he felt a connection to Hannah and never wanted anything to happen to her. He was protective and right away felt a deep connection to her. You could tell that he felt so differently with her than with anyone else.

So the ending shocked the heck out of me and I truly didn't see that coming. I knew something was up but had no idea what. The saddest part is that I have to wait months for the next book to come out!!

I have never read this author before but I will definitely be reading her again after this one!!
Profile Image for Kath Dee at CLiK Books.
777 reviews26 followers
October 13, 2016
The Winning Bid by Michelle Windsor

This review is made on behalf of CLiK Book Blog.

Desperate times call for desperate measures, which is where our heroin Hannah finds herself. Needing to find a quick thirty thousand dollars, she friends herself accepting a place in a high end, luxury luxury resort submissive auction - submissive to a Dom, bought and paid for one weekend. Seems like a simple solution to her financial need.

Drew wants nothing more than to find a sub and forget his work week from hell. He's only looking for a little something that catches his eye and Hannah does that and more. Drew only anticipated a no string kind of weekend BDSM, but he didn't bargain for the effect Hannah would have on him.

Passionate, enticing and brilliantly written, The Winning Bid is my first foray into the work of a Michelle Windsor but definitely won't be my last. With this being Book one in the series, I happily accept that there's more to evolve with these great characters.
Profile Image for Amber - TBR Book Blog.
1,239 reviews46 followers
December 1, 2016
I loved the sound of the book from the synopsis. It made me think of FSOG but with a twist. Hannah knew exactly what she was signing up for. She just did not expect Drew. And Drew certainly didn't expect his visceral reaction to "Scarlett" or how she makes him feel.

They enter into this weekend expecting it to be a weekend of pleasure and games and BDSM. They both severely underestimated their chemistry. Drew falls for his Scarlett little by little and wants to know more. NEEDS to know more about her. He hasn't felt this way about one of his weekends ever, and just can't treat her as such. Scarlett knows once Sunday comes, she leaves and goes back to being Hannah and back to her life.

This ended on a cliffhanger and I immediately needed book 2! I got sucked into Drew and Scarlett's relationship and weekend. I'll definitely be re-reading this book, especially once book 2 comes out to get back to their relationship.
Profile Image for Big Joe  Rossi.
1,776 reviews49 followers
April 12, 2017
This may be Hannah's only chance at her dream, to own the florist shop she works at. To do so she is taking a big risk to get a big chunk of the needed down payment. She has recent finished training to be a submissive for a slave auction with a Dom for a weekend.

This is so out of her norm. But she has to do what she must to attain her dream. What she isn't expecting is Drew. He has a normal sub he buys but when he sees the newbie 'Scarlet' he sets his sights on her. While the interact lines blur. Feeling develop and then the roof caves in with twist galore. Safe words, surprised, secrets and more will keep you hungry for more. I know it did me.

I loved the slow build of want, sure the sex was hot from the start but the questioning of their wants. needs that is what sold me on these two.

This was a really great debut novel by Michelle Windsor. I am so interested in starting book #2 Final Bid.
Profile Image for Jennifer Ellis.
386 reviews
October 5, 2016
The Winner bid is the first book in the Auction Series by Michelle Windsor

Hannah,Scarlett otherwise known as Scarlett wants to buy the shop she works at. To earn the money for the down payment, she auctions herself off at a prestigious sex club.

After his marriage went bad, Drew decided that being a dominant at the club was a better choice for him. It allows him to unwind after a stressful work week in the company he owns.

What neither were counting on was the feeling they would develop for each other during their weekend together.

I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this book when I received my copy, but I was pleasantly surprised. The story line was great and believable. The dynamic between the characters was hot right up till the end.

The ending was quite a surprise and left me impatiently waiting for the next installment.
Profile Image for Dusty Summerford (Reviews by Reds).
339 reviews28 followers
February 13, 2017
Why did I wait so long to read this book??? Because I'm an idiot, that's why! So don't be an idiot, go one click right now!!

The Winning Bid is Book 1 of The Auction Series. In this book we meet Hannah. She is in desperate need of quick cash so she decides to participate as a submissive to be auctioned off to the highest bidder at the prestigious Baton Timide for one weekend as Scarlett.

Drew loves the no nonsense, no strings attached lifestyle that the auction offers him. He is married to his work so he likes to enjoy his down time with a beautiful submissive. Once he sees Scarlett on stage, he knows he has to win her.

This book is a page turner! I simply can't believe it is Michelle Windsor's Debut. It is flawlessly written and the characters are so intriguing! And that ending!!?? Omg! I am waiting not so patiently for the next book!
Profile Image for Jesper.
233 reviews16 followers
April 20, 2017
It's like a compact version of Fifity Shades of Grey if it dialed up the submissive BDSM relationship a bit and didn't take a turn down the romance lane so fast.

So yeah, it's 5 stars. It's well-written. It's a page-turner. It has lots of hot sex scenes. There's some foreshadowing in regards to the main character. And the ending is just a huge WTF-moment that will instantly propel you into the second book.

Now, for the pet peeve.
Can't we go back to the hot guy just being a millionaire or a multi-millionaire? Why do they always have to be billionaires these days? And can't they just have an average body or some un-interesting eyes or something?! Just something that makes them a little less like a clone of all the other Adonises in the myriad of romance stories these past years.

But yeah, it's a great book. Read it.
Profile Image for Kathy Rouchelle .
969 reviews15 followers
September 27, 2016
I really wasn't sure what to expect with this book, but WOW was it one hot read! I loved the characters, they were so well developed and each having their own little secrets, but none more secretive than Hannah "Scarlet". This proving to be a wonderful story line, which I can't wait to continue in the next book. The story is very well written and the scenes between the Dom and Sub are sometimes tender and romantic then BDSM HOT!!! Wonderful work, wonderful book! I DOES leave you wanting more (hint hint).
Profile Image for Naughty Book Blog.
624 reviews
October 7, 2016
Normally I have a really hard time getting into reading books written in the third person, but this book seems to be an exception because once I started it I didn't want to put it down. Also, books with a BDSM theme aren't usually my first choice, but there wasn't anything in here that was graphic or excessive. I was intrigued and captivated from start to finish. It was a little bit mysterious and a whole lot of sexy! There is a cliffhanger at the end so you're going to have to wait for the rest of the story, but I can't wait to see where it goes.
Profile Image for Sarah Stein.
Author 55 books518 followers
April 12, 2017
I can't wait for the second book. It definitely left you hanging, and not knowing much about Scarlett's life. I was all about Scarlett and Drew's relationship from the beginning. The reason why she decided to be part of a submissive auction isn't fully answered. That detail makes me want to read the next book. Drew shows Scarlett from the beginnings how much he craves her by not following the rules the auction set in place for the weekend. Michelle did an amazing job capturing those two characters.
Profile Image for Reckless Readers.
1,707 reviews89 followers
October 5, 2016
You are trying to kill me with that cliffhanger! Wow just wow. I couldn't put this down. I got lost in the world of Drew and Scarlett (Hannah). She's trying to make money and he is just blowing off steam. Only stubborn will could stop these two from falling in love and it's so hot to watch unfold. Shocking actions and the conclusion with leave you with wide eyes and mouth hanging open. I repeat are you trying to kill me?! A definite 10 stars must read!
578 reviews72 followers
February 21, 2024
The Winning Bid is a short and very very steamy read. I enjoyed getting to know Drew and Scarlett/Hannah, even though Hannah is still a big mystery. I can't wait to get my hands on The Final Bid and find out exactly what Hannah's story is. Why is she so adamant on keeping Drew at arms length?

I LOVED that Michelle Windsor shone a spotlight on PTSD and our veterans in her book. This is a cause I care deeply about and I think deserves more attention.
Profile Image for Kristen Holt.
Author 5 books6 followers
December 2, 2017
Wow, I am really in the minority here, but this book really doesn’t deserve all the 4 and 5 star ratings.

The insta-love was outrageously unbelievable, the D/s scenes were like 50 Shades for old church ladies, the character development was non-existent, and the cliffy just threw me over the edge. 2nd installment is $2.99; yes, this one was free, but really not interesting enough to warrant shelling out 3bucks for the next 100 pages.

Really disappointing.
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