Souled

Bid on Love #1

by K.L. Shandwick

Most people think they know me. Being famous I get to hide the real me behind that. But not in my home town. There… I’m just McKenna. So why would anyone pay to date me? Volunteering for a bachelor’s auction will be fun they said. Time out with a rock star will be a date to remember they said. When Charlotte bid on love her expectations were nothing like reality and forced her to face issues buried in more ways than she anticipated. The Bid on Love series unites the talents of eight romance authors to bring you stories that will leave you breathless and begging for more! Book 1: Souled by KL Shandwick Book 2: Going, Going Gone by Samantha A. Cole Book 3: Joker by M.A. Stone Book 4: A Chance at L.O.V.E. by KL Myers Book 5: For Her Amusement by Heather Anne Book 6: Stab at Love by Kristine Mason Book 7: Bidding on the Bodyguard by Kristi Avalon Book 8: Afraid of Love by Annelise Reynolds

126 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 19, 2018

About the author

K.L. Bio
FB group > https://bit.ly/2FyznAZ
Website > http://klshandwick.com/
K.L. Shandwick is an international bestselling author of over twenty-five novels. She writes New Adult, Contemporary Romance, and Romantic Suspense stories. Her writing is inspired by imperfect people; each striving to carve out their own piece of happiness from life. Her emotional novels have gained a loyal following for her 'real to life' characters who sometimes face challenges in their quest for love. Many readers have fallen for her book boyfriends and when K.L. isn't writing, she lives in the English countryside with her husband and enjoys live music and socializing with friends

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Available in ebook, paperback, and in some cases, audio and foreign editions:

Everything Series
Enough Isn’t Everything
Everything She Needs
Everything I Want
Love With Every Beat
Just Jack
Everything Is Yours

Exhale and Move On

The Last Score Series
Gibson’s Legacy
Trusting Gibson
Gibson’s Melody
Piper: A Last Score Spin-Off
Last Score Box Set

Ready For Flynn
Ready For Flynn, Part 1
Ready For Flynn, Part 2
Ready For Flynn, Part 3
Flying Under the Radar
Ready For Flynn Box Set

Missing Beats

Notes On Love

Free to Breathe

Souled

Another Life

LuvLuck Series
- Lucky Break
- Lucky Chance
- Lucky Star
- Lucky Valentine
- Lucky Man

Wild Romance Saga writing under Kelly Shandwick
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

Pulsetunes Rock Gods
Until Jude Book 1
Until Levi Book 2
Until Deakon - Book 3
Until Korry - Book 4
Until Greg - Book 5

Reviews

[Wendy Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Souled by KL Shandwick started 18th May finished 19th May 5*


A charity auction for a date with a hot guy, sounds great doesn’t it? Mckenna is home to visit and is asked to step in and help out his friend. There is some angst and some suspense in this story, not everything goes to plan, there are feelings involved, high emotions that cause some friction. It is a highly charged read from start to finish, the sparks fly in more ways than one which keeps it interesting. I really enjoyed the idea of this and KL Shandwick did a fantastic job with the content, there is plenty here for readers to love and get to grips with, the heat gets off the scales hot at times, certainly got me squirming in my seat. Loved it.

[Nikki Costello ***Crazy Cajun Book Addicts Blog*** · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fabulous novella from KL Shandwick that packs a lot in to a great story. I was hooked from the first page if Souled. This lady always managers to create storylines and characters that you can't help but fall in love with.

McKenna is a rockstar doing his bit for a charity close to heart auctioning himself off for a date.
Charlotte is his childhood friend, she also has winning bid. Is it just lust between then or is love on the horizon?

As always a fantastic read from this author and I'm hoping we will see more from McKenna and Charlotte in the future.

***Complimentary copy recieved for an honest review***

[Theresa Ritchie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read

This book was amazing was hooked from the start couldn't put it down if you fancy a quick read then I highly recommended this book looking forward to reading the others

[atomickitten · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 stars

DNF

If a guy came to pick me up for a date and didn't even bother to come and ring the fucking door, only honked at me from his car, I would show him my middle finger and tell him to fuck off.



The heroine, however, didn't mind that because the douche hero was a famous rock star and her secret crush since when they were kids. Plus she was more than ready to jump his bones.

I saw zero connection and felt zero chemistry.
The characters know nothing about each other when they start making out.
The writing style wasn't my cuppa, a lot of telling, zero showing.
It all felt kinda flat, juvenile, and one-dimensional, especially the characters and their dumb decisions.

I didn't like anything here apart from the concept and I just gave up at 55 %.
And that's a novella, so that just tell you something.

I am, however, going to try other books from the series because I know each book was written by someone else. And I do like this idea.

But this one definitely wasn't for me.

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[Kendra Needs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one book in a series of eight, but can be read as a stand alone, and can most definitely be devoured in one sitting.

This book is short and sweet and too the point and has so much going on that you will forget that it is just a novella. From the story to the characters, you will not be disappointed.

McKenna is back home to help take of his mother, and when he is catching up with old friends he is roped into a charity bachelor auction and when Charlotte saves him from being won by a clingy old girlfriend, McKenna plans the perfect weekend date, that will set McKenna and Charlotte up for an amazing new relationship (hopefully).

From swoony moments, to heart stopping moments this book is well worth the read

[Nese's reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet story that left me feeling frustrated and hot all at once.
If ever there was a story of mixed signals, off the charts chemistry
and unrequited passion, this is it.

McKenna is a rock star , he is every girls bad boy fantasy.
His reputation for being a womaniser is widely acknowleged, always being photographed with endless women.
McKenna unexpectedly has to returns to his home town ,
while he is there to look after his mother, he also catches up with some childhood friends.
When a chance to help a charity close to his heart appears, McKenna jumps at the offer.

How hard could it be to appear at the charity auction ?
What could the winning lady expect from him ?
Mckenna knows how to show the ladies a good time, what could possibly go wrong ?

Charlotte is beautiful, strong , independant, local woman,
but she is hiding a secret, she has had a crush on McKenna since their childhood.
She is determined to win the auction, she wants her "time" with the rock star.

Charlott has paid a lot of money to win at the auction,
so McKenna is determined to show her a good time, and takes her to his cabin in Colorado.
What he didn't expect was the strong attraction he felt for Charlotte.
She stirred unexpected feelings in him, so he would treat her good, not like the other girls.
Charlotte wanted McKenna, so she kept trying to seduce him.
McKenna was determined he wouldn't be used by anyone again, so he would put the brakes on the passion.

An unexpected appearance in a music video and an incident on the slopes changes everything.
With so much sexual tension flying around, how much longer can he deny them both ?
Can they come away unscathed from such a highly charged weekend ?

As always with any KL Shandwich book, you will be swept away by the story,
the well rounded characters and intense feelings.
As always beautifully written.

[Saoirce · Rating 3 out of 5]

It Was Okay

I always enjoy K.L. Shandwick's books,so it was a no brainer to get this novella. I knew from the description that it was one date, but all the same, I did expect somewhat more than I got.

This is not to say the writing wasn't impeccable as usual, but it was left so open ended, it just threw me. One minute I was reading a story and the next minute it was over. The ending gave me whiplash. I just wasn't expecting it.

I certainly didn't expect a happily ever after, instalove story, because those have me rolling my eyes most of the time as well. I just would have liked the story to maybe have an epilogue that would lend itself to giving us hope for a future for these two people. Another date perhaps, sans auction.

Ms. Shandwick's characters usually have a huge and soulful connection of some kind which I didn't get from these characters. That also could be because of the length of the book, I don't know. I just didn't feel any heat between these characters. Perhaps that is because the layers that are usually there in all her heroes and heroines are thoroughly fleshed out in her previous books, but I didn't get that in this book.

All of this said, I love K.L. Shandwick's books and cannot wait for another rockstar series, pretty please! Maybe a continuation or another spinoff of my personal favorite, "The Last Score". Love me some Gibson and Chloe. One of my all time favorite couples as well as all of the supporting characters, even Keiran. We all need someone to hate after all.

You will always be one of my few one click authors!!! :-) :-) :-)

[Ann (Literary Lust) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved reading Souled. I’ll be honest and say that I am favouring reading books that are shorter in length at the moment, so I surprised myself when I realised that I didn’t want this story to end.

I cannot fault this book. I loved the storyline, the characters, the settings and the way this story made me feel. I connected with and loved spending time with both McKenna and Charlotte, and the moments that they shared together brought out all the emotions in me. From the first chapter to the last, this story is jammed packed with scenes that flowed seamlessly and kept me turning the pages. I would have read this book in one sitting if I could live off having no sleep.

Souled is a book that I highly recommend to you to read. I really do hope that this isn’t the last that we see of McKenna and Charlotte. They have the most incredible chemistry and connection, plus a history that gives them a sound foundation to build upon. I would love to witness their relationship as they settle back into their usual routines - maybe the author will write this one day.... fingers crossed.

[Tricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Souled is the delightful story of rockstar McKenna and his former childhood friend Charlotte. After successfully bidding on McKenna in a charity auction, much to her surprise, Charlotte is whisked off to Colorado to McKenna’s cabin for the weekend. Just looking for fun and adventure, she has no idea what life is about to throw her way.

This may be novella length but it’s action packed, with a little angst and lots of heat and sexual tension to spice things up. I almost felt sorry for McKenna, whose is determined to stop things going too far, whilst Charlotte does her best to test his resolve! He’s certainly met his match. A lovely story and a great start to this series of books.

[Ann Meemken · Rating 5 out of 5]

McKenna is a rock star. He goes home to care for his mom. While he is home takes time to catch up with his friends back home. He helps out a charity close to his heart. He is bid on at a bachelor's auction. He is surprised by who just won the bid. His long time friend Charlotte.

This story was a bit different than your typical rock star story. McKenna is portrayed as being just a normal guy. He wants her to see the real man and not the rock star. He wants to show Charlotte a good time on their date. I enjoyed the sexual tension and chemistry they shared.

This story is a short and steamy read. I loved every minute of it.

[Renee Entress · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Star

I was pulled right into this short story. The story has pain, secrets, and heartbreak.

This is Charlotte and McKenna’s story. Charlotte has had a crush on McKenna since her childhood and when she finds out he is part of the auction she jumps at the chance to finally have him. McKenna is a Rockstar who is known far and wide for his player status. After all he is with a different woman almost every day. What happens when a little fun turns to wanting more? Will they both get what they want out of the auction?

I felt I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read.

I recommend this book.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This stand alone novella begins the Bid on Love series with a bang! This isn't the typical rockstar story, it's a guy who makes music coming home to see his mother and visit friends and gets wrapped up in a charity bachelor auction. This glimpse into two peoples lives as they circle each other over a long weekend filled with heat, anticipation, disappointment, frustration, action packed excitement and drama and an off the charts hot music video shoot.

I was on the edge of my seat during the action sequence. Geez, that was good!

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This stand alone novella begins the Bid on Love series with a bang! This isn't the typical rockstar story, it's a guy who makes music coming home to see his mother and visit friends and gets wrapped up in a charity bachelor auction. This glimpse into two peoples lives as they circle each other over a long weekend filled with heat, anticipation, disappointment, frustration, action packed excitement and drama and an off the charts hot music video shoot.

I was on the edge of my seat during the action sequence. Geez, that was good!

[Carmel's Addictive Nighttime Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

McKenna and childhood sweetheart Charlotte or Charlie as was known crossed paths again at a charity auction where Charlotte bid to spend a wonderful weekend in the company of rockstar McKenna.

The sexual chemistry was electric between the two but was more than a bit of fun especially for McKenna who couldn't just use Charlotte even though she would allow he wanted the option of more.

With so much sexual tension, a dramatic unexpected heart pulling moment this novella is all you expect and more. Who will get their way in the end though?

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm slowly but surely working my way through KL Shandwicks books so when Souled was up next I couldn't wait to jump in.
If you are looking for a fun, quick, face paced read then this is the story for you.
McKenna gets more than he bargained for when he heads home to see his mum when he ends up in an auction and has to go on a date with local girl Charlotte.
Little does he know that she is someone who he already knows and little Charlie is all grown up!
Intense chemistry.. fun and laughter.. a crazy ski trip and a steamy video shoot what else could you want in a book?
*Read as part of KU*

[Sydney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet, sexy story between two childhood friends reuniting. I loved the little tikes intuitive their pasts and how they realise how much they've both changed throughout the book. They both have their own pain and commitments, but they work well together.

I would have liked more about McKenna's music career throughout the book. We know he's a rockstar but I'd have liked to hear more about his music and maybe read a few lyrics during the video shoot.

[Teresa Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it!!

This is a beautifully written story of a rockstar and a woman he has known since childhood. She isn't a little girl anymore Charlotte meets her crush again at the charity auction she helped planned. The winner of the date with McKenna, Charlie is not prepared for the weekend he dreamed up for her. I like these characters and would like to see them again, hunt hint K.L.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a big fan of KL Shandwick's writing. This novella was a great read, and features a rock star and the girl he knew before he was famous.
Charlotte bids on McKenna at an auction, and then spends the weekend getting to know the grown up version of her school girl crush. This is a story of how expectation vs reality, and how to trust.

[Yvonne Nelson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three stars

This book left me a little confused although I enjoyed the story but I felt there were parts that felt like they dragged. I felt McKenna led Charlotte on too much at times and Charlotte I don't really know what I thought of her. The ending for me also felt a little flat even though I know it was only about the date and weekend.

[Pam James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rocking HEA

Enjoyable read. He is a Rock Star, auctioned off for charity. She is the winning bidder. Parts of the dialogue was repetitive. Was on the edge of my seat with the avalanche scene. It does have an HEA. Looking forward to the next book in this series.... Pam James.

[Julia Butterfield - Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short but hot, sweet story. A date for charity, a weekend adventure, chemistry, mixed signals and a rockstar trying to do the right thing by a childhood friend! Enjoyed this, hopefully there will be more to come in the future?

[karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the start of this series. I sure hope we hear more of McKenna and “Charlie” and how their future progresses. Two long ago friends reunited is always special. Good excitement in the book. Looking forward what the next book brings.

[Jeanette montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend!!!!

This is my first time reading any of this authors books, and can’t wait to read more.

I loved this book from start to finish.

I love the characters and the story.

[Em · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super sweet novella with some right darn sexy scenes too. My first by this author and I enjoyed it. It did feel a little repetitive at times, and unfortunately, even though there was a HEA, it fell a little short, but I liked the overall story.

[Isabella Bazz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing contemporary rocker romance. Loved the book, beautifully written. McKenna comes back home for a bachelor auction, charlotte outbids everyone. Steamy romance

[Linda Rimer-Como · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick read but very enjoyable. The story line is cute and the characters have great chemistry throughout. Found this to be a great start to what I am sure will be a wonderful series.

[Anuschka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining, easy to read, lovely little story. Not much more to say.

[T.L. Wainwright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fab quick read with a feel good factor x

[Tammy Dove · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome story that I couldn’t put down

[Iluvbooks44 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly Recommend!!!!

This is my first time reading any books by this author, and can’t wait to read more.

I loved this book from start to finish.

I love the characters and the story.