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Distinguished Gentlemen
A Bid on Forever
He’s cautious…Trent Thatcher doesn’t realize just how empty he is until he returns home to Southlake Park to participate in a bachelor auction to raise money in an effort to help revive the place he once called home. So many memories exist for him here, including the one of being crushed by the only woman he’s ever loved. Three years hasn’t diminished his feelings for his ex-best friend and lover, Macie Shaw. And when their paths cross, the fire that used to burn scorching hot between them reignites. His head says run, but his heart is far more courageous....but she’s determined.Years ago, Macie made a horrible decision, causing her to lose the one person in her life who had always been real and true. Trent Thatcher. Now he's back, and a winning bid just might give her the chance to make things right. But can she rid Trent of three years of heartache in one week? Especially when he seems to hate her.
126 pages, Paperback
First published March 8, 2019
159 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
About the author
Joy Avery
40 books226 followersBy day, Joy Avery works as an engagement manager. By night, the North Carolina native travels to imaginary worlds—creating characters whose romantic journeys invariably end happily ever after.
Since she was a young girl growing up in Garner, Joy knew she wanted to write. Stumbling onto romance novels, she discovered her passion for love stories; instantly, she knew these were the type stories she wanted to pen.
Real characters. Real journeys. Real good love is what you’ll find in a Joy Avery romance.
Joy is a member of Romance Writers of America.
Since she was a young girl growing up in Garner, Joy knew she wanted to write. Stumbling onto romance novels, she discovered her passion for love stories; instantly, she knew these were the type stories she wanted to pen.
Real characters. Real journeys. Real good love is what you’ll find in a Joy Avery romance.
Joy is a member of Romance Writers of America.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
October 15, 2019
I really enjoyed Macie and Trent’s second chance love story. This novella is short, but delivers a satisfying ending. I also loved that both protagonists were entrepreneurs.
December 27, 2019
A satisfying, short friends to lovers novella. The author does a very good job with the characters in this story, which is the norm for all of her stories. Very Good Job
June 29, 2019
If you are looking for a fresh twist on a tried and true romance trope, second chance love, then Joy Avery’s A BID ON FOREVER is the book for you. Mama Peaches, the catalyst behind the renovation and revitalization of her neighborhood, Southlake Park, is also the foster mother of the neighborhood who took in children, loved and nurtured them to become successful adults. When Mama Peaches calls, her “Gents” answer. Trent Thatcher answers the call to return to Southlake Park, Illinois from Charlotte, North Carolina to participate in a bachelor auction, an important fundraiser that will generate much needed funds for the Southlake Park revitalization campaign. Growing up in Southlake Park holds a myriad of memories for Trent, some good and some bad. Macie Shaw, as far as Trent is concerned, falls in the bad memory category. For Macie, Trent was the love of her life until a bad decision caused them to break up.
I liked this couple because the moment they are reunited, it is evident that the chemistry is still there. They are still in love with each other, but how they handle that chemistry and the feelings they still have is the heart and soul of this story. The bidding scene is hilarious. Macie’s boldness comes with a lot of help from Ms Geraldine’s (Mama Peaches’ wig wearing partner-in-crime )”Joy Juice” . The HEA is everything!
A BID ON FOREVER is a delightful and engaging story that I guarantee will satisfy your romantic sensibilities. I recommend it, and the other books of this series.
April 16, 2019
Forever in love
This author is a first for me and I must say , no pun intended, a Joy.
Macie and Trent’s story is very relatable. Trent wants to give Macie the world, but in doing so alienates her. Macie just wants to be with Trent and help him conquer the universe, but is resentful of the time he spends away from her. Instead of telling him, she pushes him away when she needs him the most.
Trent’s pain was palpable on the pages. He refused to let Raina get past his defenses because of how she hurt him. You can also tell that Raina has matured herself. She owns up to what she did and her part in their break up. She allows him the space the make the decision about their future, even if it is to go separate ways. Fortunately, the love and desire they had for each other was stronger than the hurt their breakup had caused.
I enjoyed this little nugget and will read more from this author is the future.
This author is a first for me and I must say , no pun intended, a Joy.
Macie and Trent’s story is very relatable. Trent wants to give Macie the world, but in doing so alienates her. Macie just wants to be with Trent and help him conquer the universe, but is resentful of the time he spends away from her. Instead of telling him, she pushes him away when she needs him the most.
Trent’s pain was palpable on the pages. He refused to let Raina get past his defenses because of how she hurt him. You can also tell that Raina has matured herself. She owns up to what she did and her part in their break up. She allows him the space the make the decision about their future, even if it is to go separate ways. Fortunately, the love and desire they had for each other was stronger than the hurt their breakup had caused.
I enjoyed this little nugget and will read more from this author is the future.
May 5, 2019
Trent and Macie's relationship ended 3 years ago. Devastated by the break-up, Trent vows to never return to Chicago. Even though he made this vow, when Mama Peaches asks Trent to return to Chicago to take part in the Southlake Park bachelor auction, he can't turn her down. Trent is surprised to learn that Macie has returned to town but he is determined to not have anything to do with her. But with Ms. Geraldine's glory juice and one bid, Macie claims Trent as her bachelor. Since Trent now lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, he invites Macie to go home with him so he could fulfill his date obligation. Once they start spending time together, they rediscover the passion they once shared. They have never gotten over each other but hurt feelings and anger stop them from telling each other about the love they still feel. In the end, they are able to work through their issues. This was a great second chance at love book that I definitely recommend.
December 9, 2024
I Say Yes To A Bid On Forever!!
Trent and Macie were inseparable before he moved to North Carolina. Macie shattered both of their hearts when she broke things off between them. In the meantime, she met someone else and was engaged to marry. She ended up calling the engagement off, because he wasn't Trent. Trent was a participant in the bachelor's auction. Macie ended up winning the bid on Trent! He wasn't happy about it at all. He took her to North Carolina for their date. While there, they became reacquainted with each other. When Macie left North Carolina to return to Chicago, she was hoping that Trent would ask her to stay. He didn't, but he did end up in Chicago, where he asked her to marry him. Of course she said yes! I'm living this series more and more! Thank you Joy Avery! ❤🔥
Trent and Macie were inseparable before he moved to North Carolina. Macie shattered both of their hearts when she broke things off between them. In the meantime, she met someone else and was engaged to marry. She ended up calling the engagement off, because he wasn't Trent. Trent was a participant in the bachelor's auction. Macie ended up winning the bid on Trent! He wasn't happy about it at all. He took her to North Carolina for their date. While there, they became reacquainted with each other. When Macie left North Carolina to return to Chicago, she was hoping that Trent would ask her to stay. He didn't, but he did end up in Chicago, where he asked her to marry him. Of course she said yes! I'm living this series more and more! Thank you Joy Avery! ❤🔥
June 8, 2019
And what a bid it turned out to be!!!!
Trent and Macie young lovers whose careers and an almost tragic attack on Macie caused her to walk away from Trent without telling him what had almost happened to her. Trent on the other hand planned a surprise proposal for one day later but enroute to make his plea Macie called to end their relationship. They each carried love and hurt for one another for three years before Mama Peaches was able to orchestrate an event that led to their reunion, eventual marriage and a little over a year a beautiful healthy baby boy. Macie bid on Trent during the Bachelor auction put on by Mama Peaches anytime one of her "Gents" needed a heart adjustment. I am really enjoying these Distinguished Gentlemen stories.
Trent and Macie young lovers whose careers and an almost tragic attack on Macie caused her to walk away from Trent without telling him what had almost happened to her. Trent on the other hand planned a surprise proposal for one day later but enroute to make his plea Macie called to end their relationship. They each carried love and hurt for one another for three years before Mama Peaches was able to orchestrate an event that led to their reunion, eventual marriage and a little over a year a beautiful healthy baby boy. Macie bid on Trent during the Bachelor auction put on by Mama Peaches anytime one of her "Gents" needed a heart adjustment. I am really enjoying these Distinguished Gentlemen stories.
March 1, 2021
Glad she placed that bid
This was my first book by this author and it was a really good read.
We can make some horrible decisions sometimes. Decisions that we make that can affect people in a good or bad way, decisions where we assume we have the other persons best interest at heart, decisions that are life altering and may not be redeemed.
The things that drive us to these decisions - passion, love, success, drive, hurt and pain - should always make us pause and think things through before acting on them.
Taking the risk maybe good but will you be happy if you lost it all.
These two had a world of hurt between them because of actions they took.
The lessons they learned along the way made them finally own their portion in the breakup and opened the way for healing.
This was my first book by this author and it was a really good read.
We can make some horrible decisions sometimes. Decisions that we make that can affect people in a good or bad way, decisions where we assume we have the other persons best interest at heart, decisions that are life altering and may not be redeemed.
The things that drive us to these decisions - passion, love, success, drive, hurt and pain - should always make us pause and think things through before acting on them.
Taking the risk maybe good but will you be happy if you lost it all.
These two had a world of hurt between them because of actions they took.
The lessons they learned along the way made them finally own their portion in the breakup and opened the way for healing.
October 20, 2023
Wow… just wow
This series has been great so far. But something about this book really pulled me in. By the time I made it to chapter 10, I was in tears. I’ve read a few second chance romance books but this one really had me in my feelings. It was like I could feel the raw emotions that these two shared.
At first, I thought it was a really slow burn to get these two back to loving each other, but then I realized that it was necessary. We needed to feel the different emotions and uncertainty from the both of them. So that when things came back, we could feel the warmth and love that they shared.
So far this is my favorite from The Distinguished Gentlemen Series. Thank you Joy for this story.
This series has been great so far. But something about this book really pulled me in. By the time I made it to chapter 10, I was in tears. I’ve read a few second chance romance books but this one really had me in my feelings. It was like I could feel the raw emotions that these two shared.
At first, I thought it was a really slow burn to get these two back to loving each other, but then I realized that it was necessary. We needed to feel the different emotions and uncertainty from the both of them. So that when things came back, we could feel the warmth and love that they shared.
So far this is my favorite from The Distinguished Gentlemen Series. Thank you Joy for this story.
April 23, 2019
A Bid on Forever
After having had his heart shattered when the love of his life, Macie, became engaged to someone else, Trent had no reason to return to Southlake Park - that is until Mama Peaches summoned him to participate in the bachelor auction. Unbeknownst to Trent, Macie owns a drycleaning business and has volunteered her services to get the bachelors wrinkle free and runway ready. Trent has plans to leave town following the auction. Macie spies her nemesis Simone flirting with Trent and ends up drunkenly outbidding Simone for the opportunity to get her hands back on Trent's tempting body, this time forever.
After having had his heart shattered when the love of his life, Macie, became engaged to someone else, Trent had no reason to return to Southlake Park - that is until Mama Peaches summoned him to participate in the bachelor auction. Unbeknownst to Trent, Macie owns a drycleaning business and has volunteered her services to get the bachelors wrinkle free and runway ready. Trent has plans to leave town following the auction. Macie spies her nemesis Simone flirting with Trent and ends up drunkenly outbidding Simone for the opportunity to get her hands back on Trent's tempting body, this time forever.
May 5, 2019
Trent and Macie the truth shall set you free
3 years lost and a lifetime gained.
What you learn from this story just as any real life relationship is the importance of communication. The break down in communication can lead to dire consequences. Thus the story of Trent and Macie. You find yourself saying just speak up and yet that's too surface level. Especially when you get to the root in which caused the breakdown. I will say this Mama Peaches, Mrs. Geraldine and Collette are my type of people. They support you and call you out when necessary.
Y'all will like this road to redemption romance.
3 years lost and a lifetime gained.
What you learn from this story just as any real life relationship is the importance of communication. The break down in communication can lead to dire consequences. Thus the story of Trent and Macie. You find yourself saying just speak up and yet that's too surface level. Especially when you get to the root in which caused the breakdown. I will say this Mama Peaches, Mrs. Geraldine and Collette are my type of people. They support you and call you out when necessary.
Y'all will like this road to redemption romance.
December 27, 2021
Get Out Of Your Head & Follow Your Heart
Omg! This is my favorite of the Distinguished Gentlemen Series so far! The love and passion between Macie and Trent was palpable and felt so real. They definitely made some mistakes that had they gotten out of their heads and followed their heart would have saved them 3 years of heartache. She should have been truthful with what she was feeling and with what happened to her, and he should have not let her go that easily.
This is a beautiful love story that shows you it’s never too late, especially when you finally allow your heart to lead you home.
Omg! This is my favorite of the Distinguished Gentlemen Series so far! The love and passion between Macie and Trent was palpable and felt so real. They definitely made some mistakes that had they gotten out of their heads and followed their heart would have saved them 3 years of heartache. She should have been truthful with what she was feeling and with what happened to her, and he should have not let her go that easily.
This is a beautiful love story that shows you it’s never too late, especially when you finally allow your heart to lead you home.
April 9, 2019
Wow
Another great read by the great Joy Avery. A love story without a bunch of drama and no negative inputs from others involved. I loved Trent and Macie's shyness toward each other or was it just their way of dealing with loving and missing someone at the same time. Although they the each other probably better than they knew themselves. Mama Peaches and Ms. Geraldine were hilarious, I wonder what was all in that juice, they reminded me of my grandmother and her sister when the two of them would get together. So glad Simone lost her bid.
Another great read by the great Joy Avery. A love story without a bunch of drama and no negative inputs from others involved. I loved Trent and Macie's shyness toward each other or was it just their way of dealing with loving and missing someone at the same time. Although they the each other probably better than they knew themselves. Mama Peaches and Ms. Geraldine were hilarious, I wonder what was all in that juice, they reminded me of my grandmother and her sister when the two of them would get together. So glad Simone lost her bid.
August 19, 2023
Another cute , quick story
These short novellas by Joy Avery have been giving me life all summer. I'm not a lover of the second chance trope but she does it so well. The feelings Trent and Macie have have never faded. Over the 3 years they've been apart over stubbornness and misunderstanding. I enjoyed watching the walls fall back down. Ms Averys dialogs is some of my favorite. She really let's her characters reveal their feelings. Not sure why it often revolves around an auction. Lol
These short novellas by Joy Avery have been giving me life all summer. I'm not a lover of the second chance trope but she does it so well. The feelings Trent and Macie have have never faded. Over the 3 years they've been apart over stubbornness and misunderstanding. I enjoyed watching the walls fall back down. Ms Averys dialogs is some of my favorite. She really let's her characters reveal their feelings. Not sure why it often revolves around an auction. Lol
May 5, 2019
Great..Second..Chance
This is a really good second chance romance book. Trent and Macie two people who were madly in love when Macie broke his heart. Three years later, they were thrown together for a Bachelor auction. Can they leave the past in the past? What a great story, Joy Avery has done it again, anger, romance, steamy sex and love. Now on to the next book in the Distinguished Gentlemen Series.
This is a really good second chance romance book. Trent and Macie two people who were madly in love when Macie broke his heart. Three years later, they were thrown together for a Bachelor auction. Can they leave the past in the past? What a great story, Joy Avery has done it again, anger, romance, steamy sex and love. Now on to the next book in the Distinguished Gentlemen Series.
May 20, 2019
Loved it
Lovers reconnecting is one of my favorite types of love stories. Trent Thatcher and Marcie Shaw broke up 3 years ago he's still angry and she is too prideful to admit she made a mistake. An unexpected bid at the bachelors auction, an unexpected invitation to Charlotte throws these two together for a week. Delve into their story and watch them reconnect. Wished their story was longer.
Lovers reconnecting is one of my favorite types of love stories. Trent Thatcher and Marcie Shaw broke up 3 years ago he's still angry and she is too prideful to admit she made a mistake. An unexpected bid at the bachelors auction, an unexpected invitation to Charlotte throws these two together for a week. Delve into their story and watch them reconnect. Wished their story was longer.
April 14, 2019
Yes To Second Chances
Second chances won’t always come easy, but they’re worth taking that step! That’s why Macie and Trent had to take that leap of faith! And have mercy, Ms. Geraldine and her Glory juice had me dying with laughter! Kudos, Joy Avery, on another excellent story! Highly recommended! 💜
Second chances won’t always come easy, but they’re worth taking that step! That’s why Macie and Trent had to take that leap of faith! And have mercy, Ms. Geraldine and her Glory juice had me dying with laughter! Kudos, Joy Avery, on another excellent story! Highly recommended! 💜
April 22, 2019
Another good story
This is a story about Marcie and Trent and the story of their second chance at love. Trent is want to Mama Peaches Foster boys that she raised he's at the auction and runs into his first love Marcie. Their Story begins from there and it's a nice story they end up happily ever after.
This is a story about Marcie and Trent and the story of their second chance at love. Trent is want to Mama Peaches Foster boys that she raised he's at the auction and runs into his first love Marcie. Their Story begins from there and it's a nice story they end up happily ever after.
April 24, 2019
Loving this Series...A Bid on Forever
This installment of the Distinguished Gentlemen Series is so Joy Avery...Trent and Macie were a great couple with that soul love. I loved how their HEA was destined. I really enjoyed how Joy Avery added to Mama Peaches and Geraldine. The purse libations was the best.
This installment of the Distinguished Gentlemen Series is so Joy Avery...Trent and Macie were a great couple with that soul love. I loved how their HEA was destined. I really enjoyed how Joy Avery added to Mama Peaches and Geraldine. The purse libations was the best.
May 1, 2019
Trent and Macie💗💗💗
A Bid on Forever is a wonderful second chance at love. This book had me laughing out loud at the antics of Mama Peaches, Ms. Loretta, Macie, Lette and Trent. These characters are truly awesome. The tension between Macie and Trent had me turning pages and feening for that action! Joy Avery always get it right. Check out this author and her books!💯
A Bid on Forever is a wonderful second chance at love. This book had me laughing out loud at the antics of Mama Peaches, Ms. Loretta, Macie, Lette and Trent. These characters are truly awesome. The tension between Macie and Trent had me turning pages and feening for that action! Joy Avery always get it right. Check out this author and her books!💯
May 18, 2019
Lasting love
I always enjoy a story of finding your true love and owning it. Macie and Trent are true couple goals and they show how unspoken words can cause you more pain then joy. Throw in some no holds barred elderly woman, amazing sex, and friends who refuse to let you miss out on your forever love. What a story and what a ride
I always enjoy a story of finding your true love and owning it. Macie and Trent are true couple goals and they show how unspoken words can cause you more pain then joy. Throw in some no holds barred elderly woman, amazing sex, and friends who refuse to let you miss out on your forever love. What a story and what a ride
May 24, 2021
This book dragged
It was a great story.. But if that love was so strong ...never mind..I enjoyed the book overall..it jyst seems like none of these super couples communicate until it's way late..I'd like to see one story where a chick he didn't know just got lucky and made a love connection..fairytale stuff😂😂😂
It was a great story.. But if that love was so strong ...never mind..I enjoyed the book overall..it jyst seems like none of these super couples communicate until it's way late..I'd like to see one story where a chick he didn't know just got lucky and made a love connection..fairytale stuff😂😂😂
December 10, 2022
A Bid On Forever
This was a love story about Macie Shaw and Trent Thatcher. They had been separated over three years and became of an action for charity they rekindled. She won the bid for Trent but by the end of the auction was totally drunk. After spending a week together in his new hometown it led to happily ever after.
This was a love story about Macie Shaw and Trent Thatcher. They had been separated over three years and became of an action for charity they rekindled. She won the bid for Trent but by the end of the auction was totally drunk. After spending a week together in his new hometown it led to happily ever after.
April 20, 2019
A long time coming!
Macie and Trent were meant to be together but they let their own desires get in the way but time really did heal the hurts and now they have their HEA! Great story loving these Distinguished Gentlemen!
Macie and Trent were meant to be together but they let their own desires get in the way but time really did heal the hurts and now they have their HEA! Great story loving these Distinguished Gentlemen!
May 17, 2019
Great read
Great read, I liked the storyline and characters. Trent and Macie were soulmates, who reunited at a bachelor auction. They had some past issues to rehash. They eventually admitted to themselves, that they never stopped loving each other and belonged together.
Great read, I liked the storyline and characters. Trent and Macie were soulmates, who reunited at a bachelor auction. They had some past issues to rehash. They eventually admitted to themselves, that they never stopped loving each other and belonged together.
June 29, 2019
Wow
Marcie and Trent were friends and lovers who were meant to be. This is a great story. Mama Peaches special drink have non drinker Macie the courage to bid on Trent at the auction.
Marcie and Trent were friends and lovers who were meant to be. This is a great story. Mama Peaches special drink have non drinker Macie the courage to bid on Trent at the auction.
April 8, 2020
Romantic
Trent and Macie story is truly romantic dream. To have a love for someone that never fades and also knowing that your life doesn't move in a full circle without one another. Love the book!!!!
Trent and Macie story is truly romantic dream. To have a love for someone that never fades and also knowing that your life doesn't move in a full circle without one another. Love the book!!!!
March 7, 2021
Tent and Marci's story was just ok. Trent, another one of Mama Peaches adopted sons, relocated to North Caroline to live vowing to never return to the windy city. But when an invite to a charity in Chicago comes his way, will he accept it? You have to read it to find out.
3/7/2021.
3/7/2021.
April 14, 2019
Good book
April 15, 2019
Loved it!
I loved the Lassiter Sisters series by this author and now I love this installment in the Distinguished Gentlemen series. Another great book!
I loved the Lassiter Sisters series by this author and now I love this installment in the Distinguished Gentlemen series. Another great book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews