The Rancher's Bargain

Texas Cattleman's Club: Bachelor Auction #5

by Joanne Rock

Can a bachelor auction gone wrong…

mean temptation for the rich rancher?

James Harris needs a nanny for his nephew—now! So when Lydia Walker’s sister reneges on an extravagant bachelor-auction bid, the Texas Cattleman’s Club president has an idea. He’ll cover the debt, and Lydia will care for the baby. Neither is prepared for the passion that blindsides them. But is a permanent personal arrangement more than they bargained for?

Genres: Romance

152 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 31, 2018

About the author

Joanne Rock is a USA Today bestselling author of over one hundred works of popular fiction, including domestic suspense and romantic suspense. A frequent speaker at regional and national writing conferences she enjoys giving back to the writing community that nurtured and inspired her early career. She has a Masters degree in Literature from the University of Louisville and has taught fiction, film, and writing at the college level. When she's not writing, Joanne enjoys travel to gather new ideas.

Reviews

[DeeReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very entertaining and sweet story from beginning to end. I loved the H/James and h/Lydia's instant attraction and how their story evolved around James needing an efficient nanny ASAP and Lydia's need to help her irresponsible sister, Gail fix a 100k bid to the Texas Cattlemen's Club- Bachelor Auction! The secondary character's Gus and Rose sidestory was engaging leading to a Hatfield and McCoy feud ending with a grand rustic wedding too but style left a few unanswered questions for me... so I won't say that this story is a standalone. Although, I haven't read the other books in this series, I'm really interested in knowing how the Bachelor Auction really works in the town of Royal! The story's epilogue ends nicely but now I'm left wondering how
will Rose and Gus repair the mess they started with their grandchildren, Daniel and Alexis since Alexis is pregnant... with Daniel's child... oh boy!

4 entertaining stars ****

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I quite liked this! Sometimes reading about two decent people falling in love without too too much drama is a nice experience. If you need that, I would recommend this book!

[Maria Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Rancher’s Bargain by Joanne Rock is a sexy single parent romance, and part of the multi-authored Texas Cattleman’s Club: Bachelor Auction series. Each story contains a standalone romance, but also the continuation of a few plot threads that weave their way through the series.

James Harris, President of the Texas Cattleman’s Club is pleased with the outcome of their most recent bachelor auction, though there is one problem: the spectacular bid by Gail Walker of $100,000 hasn’t come through yet. When Lydia Walker approaches him to try to make a deal for her sister’s foolish bid (as she knows full well the money doesn’t exist) he comes up with a plan that will help them both out. His brother and sister-in-law have tragically passed away, leaving him the sole parent for their eighteen month old son Teddy. He needs a nanny, now. And Lydia is just the woman for the job.

Lydia can’t believe her sister has put her in a bind again, but it’s going to damage her reputation and the plan to open her new child care business if people find out that her bid is a bust and that the pancreatic cancer society won’t be getting money from them. When she meets James and he offers her the paid job of nanny for his nephew while he figures out his next steps with the boy’s care in return for wiping out her sister’s debt, she reluctantly accepts. The attraction between her and James is another matter though. Sleeping with the ‘boss’ is such a cliche, but when things heat up between them, a heated affair ensues. Lydia has always wanted children of her own but James isn’t sure whether Teddy should really stay in his care and is still seeking out other options. Will they find their way to a happy ending for everyone?

For more of this review please visit Harlequin Junkie: https://harlequinjunkie.com/review-th...

A copy of this story was provided by the publisher for review.

[Lynn Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 1/2 STARS!

The yummy next segment in the Texas Cattleman's Club: Bachelor Auction saga is brought to us by Joanne Rock. James and Lydia were both strong-minded characters and quick to make me like them each individually, and as their stories unfold and they began to grow closer, the sweetness of their ready-made family stole the show. Really enjoyed them and their story! I find the Rose Clayton side story to be a distraction throughout this whole series and think it would have been more enjoyable as a whole if the auction was the sole connection. Overall a great book and a great continuing saga!

Lydia Walker can't believe her irresponsible sister has gone so far as to pledge a huge amount of money to charity in the form of a Bachelor Auction that she can in no way, shape or form afford! She's really tired of picking up the pieces of her dysfunctional family, yet she can't in good conscience let this one slide. How is she going to come up with a payment method?

Texas Cattleman's Club president James Harris has already made good on the charity payout so as not to put that kind of spotlight on the club when the bidder turned out to be a flake, but when Lydia walks in with the magic baby touch just when he's desperate for a nanny for his orphaned nephew, he figures he just might be on to a solution here! He'll forgive the debt if she takes over caring for his new charge ... but how long will they be able to fight the attraction flaring between them?

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can never go wrong when you pick up a book by Ms. Rock and this one is no exception.
Though it’s part of a series, rest assure it’s a stand alone. I have not read the other stories, and had no problems.
The story centers around James Harris, and Lydia Walker. Lydia has been a nanny for years and is planning to open a daycare in Texas. James , a wealthy rancher, has recently become a guardian to his nephew. When Lydia realizes her sister has bid 100k in an auction, money she doesn’t have, Lydia takes it upon herself to repay the debt. James needs a nanny and these two come to an agreement.
As any good romance, the attraction is there, but many obstacles and boss /employee divisions keeps them at a distance . Will the attraction win? The story also reminds us that family is complicated and at times difficult , but in the end , they are family.
The story is entertaining and the plot keeps you engage all the way to the end.
Another winner from this author.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won a copy of this book from the author, I was not required to give a favorable review. This is a great story of how 2 people can come together and make a positive influence on a child. Lydia's is trying to start a child care facility in her home but it is slow going. Her sister Gail is also suppose to be helping her, but she goes and make a bid on a millionaire at the Texas Cattleman's Bachelor Auction that she doesn't have the money to cover. So Lydia goes to James Harris to see what she can do to take care of the debt for her sister. James was given custody of his nephew when his sister-in-law & brother were killed in accident 3 months earlier. He didn't think he could do it. He was going through nannies like they were water. He is president of the Cattleman's Association. While Lydia is there talking to him his nephew and his new nanny come in and she quits but Lydia has a way with the little boy. He hires her to help take of of his nephew through the holidays and he will work with her on the debit. But will there be more.

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lydia finds out her sister bid money she did not have in this installment of the TCC Bachelor Auction series...She goes to the president of TCC and offers to pay off the debt her sister made..while there James nephew is brought to the office and she calms him..James asks her to be Nanny...While they are together sparks fly! Just when things are going good James tells her something that rocks her world and she is ready to leave..But can love conquer all and bring them together as a family? And what about Gus and Rose and the ending to their story? A Must read in the series to see what is happening now that the auction is over.

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked how you were hooked as soon as you started reading this book, Lydia is a level headed women who is close to having her dream of her own child care business and James is in way over his head trying to run his ranch, president of the TCC and be a stand in dad for his nephew Teddy. Lydia and James have an instant attraction however both try to keep it in check and not act on it, there is sexual tension, doubt, frustration, hope that they can find there way to be what they both need and a time or 2 where I wanted to smack their heads together lol. This is the first book I have read in the series and will have to go back and read others now!

[Dj · Rating 3 out of 5]

Can a bachelor auction gone wrong…mean temptation for the rich rancher? (Rancher) James Harris needs a nanny fast for his nephew Teddy—now! So, when Lydia Walker’s sister reneges on an extravagant bachelor-auction bid, the Texas Cattleman’s Club president covers the debt. Lydia has an idea, she will care for the baby to save her family name and repay the debt her sister Gail owes. Neither is prepared for the passion that blindsides them. But is a permanent personal arrangement more than they bargained for?

[karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

After years of taking care of her siblings and everyone around her, Lydia once again tries to make things right. She tries to pay a debt her sister Gail ran out on by offering to nanny for James Harris’ nephew who is now Guardian.
Not only does she finally help James see he is ready to be a father figure, but she fines love. They are good for each other.
I am so happy Gus and Rose finally put their family feud behind them and found love once again. Now if they can only help her nephew and his niece find their happiness after driving them apart

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joanne Rock takes on the Texas Cattleman’s Club series in her latest The Rancher’s Bargain. Lydia and James are engaging and fun characters. Their story is a slow burn versus a hot flame, but that makes it all the sweeter and more fun to read. Teddy, the nephew, completely steals the book and makes it very easy to root for these three characters to find their collective HEA.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this novel.

[Melinda M · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Rancher's Bargain by Joanne Rock is book 5 of Texas Cattleman's Club: Bachelor Auction. Joanne Rock is an author that I have read before and she does not disappoint. A bachelor auction that a sister bids and wins on without the money, a surprise baby nephew and series of nannies who quit make for an interesting so try that keeps you involved for beginning to end. It does well as a stand alone but a warning you will want to read the series.

[Vickie Cochran · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book about a toddler in the hands of his uncle after tragedy struck is an eye opener and heartfelt. A sister trying to help the other leads her to trying to pay off a debt broght the man and woman together to fall mad in love was so heartwarming and really touches you. It gives you hope when it comes to finding true love and a blended family coming together as one.

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very fun and enjoyable read. The well written, entertaining book gives readers James and Lydia's story. With a plot that offers a wonderful blend of heart, heat and also charming touches of humor. An emotional read that has a nice level of both sweetness and poignancy. This is my freely posted, frank review.

[Wioletta · Rating 5 out of 5]

James is a legal guardian for his nephew. He can't find a nanny, who stays more than a few days. Lydia finds out that her sister bid a lot of money on a man, she likes, at auction, money she doesn't have. Lydia has to fix this mess before people finds out. She meet James. Can they help each other???

[Peggy Clayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a part of the Texas Cattleman's Club and first the cover is just so sexy. Then you get into the meat of the book and you are hooked. When Joanne writes she knows how to keep the writer into the book and with this one she did just that. Joanne hit this one out of the park!

[Michelle Padilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good Texas Cattleman's Club: Bachelor Auction book. I really enjoyed the chemistry between James and Lydia. Both are fighting it and will the give in? Throw in baby Teddy and how can anyone not love this possible family.

[Ryan - Sweet Red Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I enjoyed Lydia and James' story, I think that I would have liked it more if I'd known the stories behind the many secondary couples that were mentioned. I think I may go back and start at the beginning of the multi-author series and perhaps that will help.

[NanaX8 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Rock weaves a wonderful love story around the paths of grief, hurt, wariness and love for a child to bring 2 people together who least expect to find love.

[Veda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sisterly love, babies, deceit, cowboy what more could a person want or need.

[Sherry Bohrmueller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. A very cute romance story.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it

[NanaX8 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Rock weaves a wonderful love story around the paths of grief, hurt, wariness and love for a child to bring 2 people together who least expect to find love.

[Shannan Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story. The author vividly showed real emotions from the characters and she did a great job.

[Elizabeth Mckernan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book

[Marcie Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Rancher’s Bargain” by Joanne Rock is book 5 in the Texas Cattleman’s Club Bachelor Auction continuity and features TCC president, James Harris, and childcare specialist, Lydia Walker.

Lydia grew up taking care of her siblings. When her sister makes a donation to the bachelor auction with money she doesn’t have, Lydia needs to protect her family name and goes to James to come up with an arrangement.
Lydia doesn’t expect to become the nanny for a toddler or the electric attraction she has toward James.
James is over his head in caring for his rambunctious nephew, Teddy, while still reeling from the death of his brother. Lydia showing up in his office is just what he—and his nephew—needs. There is also the unexpected and wild attraction he feels toward her. But he’s been burned before so he’s going to be very careful.

James and Lydia are perfect together. Their budding relationship is sensual and very romantic. And, the way they are with Teddy, brings an even more emotional element to the story.

In “The Rancher’s Bargain”, Ms. Rock does a wonderful job with integrating the story arc of previous books in the TCC: Bachelor Auction continuity as well as piquing readers’ interest for the next title.

[Jess Holden · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Rancher's Bargain by Joanne Rock is the 5th installment of the Texas Cattleman's Club: Bachelor Auction. Let me just tell you this one is to die for. I had to know how little Teddy's life was going to be impacted. This poor toddler has been dealt a tremendously rough hand already in life. It's no wonder his little emotions are all over the place.

James and Lydia come together to settle a debt that Lydia's sister owes. Lydia becoming a nanny to pay off this debt is miraculous and leads to so much chemistry. I was astounded to see the lengths Lydia would go for a child that's not hers nor no relation to her till I saw how much she loved this little boy. I absolutely adored this read.

[Harlequin Books]

Miniseries: Texas Cattleman's Club: Bachelor Auction