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Distinguished Gentlemen
The Closing Bid
There were few bright spots in MLB Relief Pitcher Christian Knight’s life, and Mama Peaches was one of them. When she requests his presence at her neighborhood bachelor auction, he agrees—under one condition. His participation must be kept under wraps. He may be one of the best “closers” in the league, but the last thing he needs is a media circus. Unfortunately, the persistent woman who wins his company is a reporter. She stands for everything he tries to avoid, but their instant connection and her undeniable beauty are slowly breaking through his exterior whether he likes it or not.
One night, one goal. That’s all sports journalist Ashton Joy (A.J.) Cook needs to land the exclusive interview of her dreams. She’s worked overtime to earn respect and interviewing the mysterious baseball player is an opportunity too delicious to pass up. Using her sly reporter skills, A.J. arranges the auction’s winning bid for Christian. Yet, the man behind the legend is infuriating in more ways than one. Their explosive chemistry is giving her whiplash and soon, A.J. must decide between doing what’s best for her career or following what she feels in her heart.
One night, one goal. That’s all sports journalist Ashton Joy (A.J.) Cook needs to land the exclusive interview of her dreams. She’s worked overtime to earn respect and interviewing the mysterious baseball player is an opportunity too delicious to pass up. Using her sly reporter skills, A.J. arranges the auction’s winning bid for Christian. Yet, the man behind the legend is infuriating in more ways than one. Their explosive chemistry is giving her whiplash and soon, A.J. must decide between doing what’s best for her career or following what she feels in her heart.
- GenresAfrican American Romance
134 pages, Paperback
Published April 3, 2019
166 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
About the author
Elle Wright
61 books422 followersBorn and raised in Southeast Michigan near Ann Arbor, Elle learned the importance of reading from her mother. It was also her mother who, later on in her life, gave Elle her first romance novel: Indigo by Beverly Jenkins. From that moment on, Elle became a fan of Ms. Jenkins for life and a lover of all things romance. An old journal she wrote back in college became her first book (which she still wants to publish one day).
Elle is hard at work on her next novel.
Elle is hard at work on her next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
June 10, 2019
And despite it all, the bid was closed!
AJ a well respected journalist penned an investigative article that ended up capturing a high profile ball player's wife in a prostitution ring ran by the manager of an opposing team that she the wife was also in an adulteress relationship with. Fast forward to an important announcement by the high profile baller that had almost every sports magazine vying for the opportunity to write his swan song. Christian the high profile baller and also one of Mama Peaches' Gents had to decide whom he would entrust his story too. AJ who wanted the story had enough to outbid for him at the Southlake Park Community Auction! After a good amount of time where Christian examined his attraction to AJ they went on the auctioned date and love began to bloom. He finally gave AJ's magazine and AJ in particular the exclusive to do his story. How many of you know that once the article was a huge success Christian' lowlifed ex wife and her criminal boyfriend tried to throw a monkey wrench in the relationship between Christian and AJ. AJ was not that gullible nor that thirsty and she saw right through what the ex wife and her boyfriend was trying to do and shut them down but not without the sleazy boyfriend ambushing her at lunch to make it appear she agreed to do their story. I like Zara Christian's manager for she was the voice of reason that kept him from making a huge mistake and missing out on making AJ his wife and a little over two years later the mother of his beautiful daughter. I am really liking this Distinguished Gentlemen Sereies and all of the authors involved. On to the next "bid"!
AJ a well respected journalist penned an investigative article that ended up capturing a high profile ball player's wife in a prostitution ring ran by the manager of an opposing team that she the wife was also in an adulteress relationship with. Fast forward to an important announcement by the high profile baller that had almost every sports magazine vying for the opportunity to write his swan song. Christian the high profile baller and also one of Mama Peaches' Gents had to decide whom he would entrust his story too. AJ who wanted the story had enough to outbid for him at the Southlake Park Community Auction! After a good amount of time where Christian examined his attraction to AJ they went on the auctioned date and love began to bloom. He finally gave AJ's magazine and AJ in particular the exclusive to do his story. How many of you know that once the article was a huge success Christian' lowlifed ex wife and her criminal boyfriend tried to throw a monkey wrench in the relationship between Christian and AJ. AJ was not that gullible nor that thirsty and she saw right through what the ex wife and her boyfriend was trying to do and shut them down but not without the sleazy boyfriend ambushing her at lunch to make it appear she agreed to do their story. I like Zara Christian's manager for she was the voice of reason that kept him from making a huge mistake and missing out on making AJ his wife and a little over two years later the mother of his beautiful daughter. I am really liking this Distinguished Gentlemen Sereies and all of the authors involved. On to the next "bid"!
May 7, 2019
The Closing Bid is part of the Distinguished Gentleman series. Each story is
centered around the celebrity charity auction hosted by “Mama Peaches”; the
anchor and a Mother figure who has had a positive impact on all the hero’s
lives. Christian Knight is a relief pitcher in Major League Baseball who is
winding down his successful career. Ashton Cook (A.J.) is a sports journalist who has one goal, and that is to interview Christian.
A.J. is really feeling Christian, and that puts a wrinkle in her goal to keep her business and professional life separate after she wins the bid for him in the auction. Ms. Wright has created characters that just naturally connect with each other and have chemistry. They have plenty in common, including their love of baseball. There were some cute baseball related scenes in the story that lead to them both really letting their guards down. On the surface, things move really fast, however the attraction has been simmering for a little while.
In addition to Mama Peaches, the story has fun characters that round out the story. AJ has a sweet relationship with her Mom, who is quite frankly a trip. I must also mention Christian’s interaction with his mentees. He is a really good guy. I like how Ms. Wright highlights life beyond baseball and how Christian gives back to his community. Overall, Ms. Wright hits a home run with The Closing Bid.
centered around the celebrity charity auction hosted by “Mama Peaches”; the
anchor and a Mother figure who has had a positive impact on all the hero’s
lives. Christian Knight is a relief pitcher in Major League Baseball who is
winding down his successful career. Ashton Cook (A.J.) is a sports journalist who has one goal, and that is to interview Christian.
A.J. is really feeling Christian, and that puts a wrinkle in her goal to keep her business and professional life separate after she wins the bid for him in the auction. Ms. Wright has created characters that just naturally connect with each other and have chemistry. They have plenty in common, including their love of baseball. There were some cute baseball related scenes in the story that lead to them both really letting their guards down. On the surface, things move really fast, however the attraction has been simmering for a little while.
In addition to Mama Peaches, the story has fun characters that round out the story. AJ has a sweet relationship with her Mom, who is quite frankly a trip. I must also mention Christian’s interaction with his mentees. He is a really good guy. I like how Ms. Wright highlights life beyond baseball and how Christian gives back to his community. Overall, Ms. Wright hits a home run with The Closing Bid.
Read
July 19, 2024I'm not sure how to feel about the pairing between a sports star Christian Knight & a sports reporter A.J. Cook (SN: Hey, that's a real actress's name!). I think the synopsis fell flat upon arrival/the start. You wanted to root for them but in many ways felt that at some point if they become a couple ONE WOULD HAVE TO DO THEIR JOB in the event that THE OTHER DIDN'T HAVE A GOOD NIGHT.
For instance, if the Baseball relief pitcher FAILED TO CLOSE RESULTING IN HIS TEAM LOSING, THE SPORTS REPORTER WOULD HAVE TO DO THEIR JOB & REPORT WHAT A OCCURRED & HOW THE CLOSER FAILED TO HOLD OFF THE OPPOSING TEAM AT THE PLATE TO PREVENT THEM FROM WINNING.
Just figuring out how to word the report could go awry & cause problems in A.J. & Christian's relationship, WHICH WAS WHY i FELT HOW I FELT ABOUT THIS PAIRING IN THE LONG RUN.
THE FABULOUS CITY OF CHICAGO WAS ONCE AGAIN THE ATTRACTION IN THE STORY FOR ME!
For instance, if the Baseball relief pitcher FAILED TO CLOSE RESULTING IN HIS TEAM LOSING, THE SPORTS REPORTER WOULD HAVE TO DO THEIR JOB & REPORT WHAT A OCCURRED & HOW THE CLOSER FAILED TO HOLD OFF THE OPPOSING TEAM AT THE PLATE TO PREVENT THEM FROM WINNING.
Just figuring out how to word the report could go awry & cause problems in A.J. & Christian's relationship, WHICH WAS WHY i FELT HOW I FELT ABOUT THIS PAIRING IN THE LONG RUN.
THE FABULOUS CITY OF CHICAGO WAS ONCE AGAIN THE ATTRACTION IN THE STORY FOR ME!
December 4, 2024
Oh My Gawd!
Not only did AJ get her story, but she got her man as well! AJ was a journalist for a sports magazine, and Christian Knight was a pro baseball player. Christian wanted to not like her due the story that AJ had written that involved Christian's ex wife and her affair with the manager of the baseball team. That story caused the demise of Christian and Meena's marriage. AJ ended up with the winning bid on Christian, at a charity bachelor's auction. After he saw that it was AJ that had won the bud, he wasn't happy. However, he was very attracted to her. He ended up taking her on the date. Afterwards, they ended up in her bed. They burned up the pages after that! They made such a cute couple! I loved their pet name for sex, "whatever"! Whatever is how they got started. I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Thanks Elle Wright! Now I have to read the rest of the books in the series! ❤🔥
Not only did AJ get her story, but she got her man as well! AJ was a journalist for a sports magazine, and Christian Knight was a pro baseball player. Christian wanted to not like her due the story that AJ had written that involved Christian's ex wife and her affair with the manager of the baseball team. That story caused the demise of Christian and Meena's marriage. AJ ended up with the winning bid on Christian, at a charity bachelor's auction. After he saw that it was AJ that had won the bud, he wasn't happy. However, he was very attracted to her. He ended up taking her on the date. Afterwards, they ended up in her bed. They burned up the pages after that! They made such a cute couple! I loved their pet name for sex, "whatever"! Whatever is how they got started. I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Thanks Elle Wright! Now I have to read the rest of the books in the series! ❤🔥
April 29, 2019
Whatever
While grieving the death of his last remaining relative, following the public shaming due to an article written by A.J. Crooks, Christian "the closer" Knight has decided to retire from MLB. Christian will do anything for his former babysitter, Mama Peaches, even volunteer to participate in the Southland Park Auction to benefit the community. In A.J.'s quest to cover "the closer's" groundbreaking story of retiring from his baseball career, she overhears his plan of helping out Mama Peaches with the auction. After Christian refuses A.J.'s request for an interview, she devises a plan to "purchase" him at the the auction. A mutual attraction, a drunken admission, and a "whatever" moment seals The Closing Bid.
While grieving the death of his last remaining relative, following the public shaming due to an article written by A.J. Crooks, Christian "the closer" Knight has decided to retire from MLB. Christian will do anything for his former babysitter, Mama Peaches, even volunteer to participate in the Southland Park Auction to benefit the community. In A.J.'s quest to cover "the closer's" groundbreaking story of retiring from his baseball career, she overhears his plan of helping out Mama Peaches with the auction. After Christian refuses A.J.'s request for an interview, she devises a plan to "purchase" him at the the auction. A mutual attraction, a drunken admission, and a "whatever" moment seals The Closing Bid.
May 4, 2021
A. True Closer
A.J. And Christian ! What a pair I really loved these two my heart went out to A.J because all she was trying to do was to Be the best Sports journalist she could be without doing harm to Famous Baseball pitcher Christian Knight. Unfortunately an unethical editor added something to her story that caused
Christiana a great deal of hurt and embarrassment.
When it came to reporters A.J. Cook was the last person Christian ever wanted to be interviewed by.
Everything started to change when the charity auction that Mama Peaches asked Christian to participate came to A.J.’s attention All I will say is that A.J. Proved to Christian she was not only a great ethical journalist , she was also a true closer. ☺️
A.J. And Christian ! What a pair I really loved these two my heart went out to A.J because all she was trying to do was to Be the best Sports journalist she could be without doing harm to Famous Baseball pitcher Christian Knight. Unfortunately an unethical editor added something to her story that caused
Christiana a great deal of hurt and embarrassment.
When it came to reporters A.J. Cook was the last person Christian ever wanted to be interviewed by.
Everything started to change when the charity auction that Mama Peaches asked Christian to participate came to A.J.’s attention All I will say is that A.J. Proved to Christian she was not only a great ethical journalist , she was also a true closer. ☺️
May 13, 2019
I am in love with A.J. & Christian. The story of these two kept me completely enthralled. It was like a rollercoaster 🎢 ride.
Both of their back stories were laid out for us with supporting characters. The buildup to their meetings, and capitulation to the inevitable was riveting.
The sensuality and conflict was like ‘boom boom boom’. It was an up and down ride that I couldn’t get enough of 🙂.
I really really do recommend this book, you won’t be disappointed, ‘I promise’ 🙏🏾😉.
Both of their back stories were laid out for us with supporting characters. The buildup to their meetings, and capitulation to the inevitable was riveting.
The sensuality and conflict was like ‘boom boom boom’. It was an up and down ride that I couldn’t get enough of 🙂.
I really really do recommend this book, you won’t be disappointed, ‘I promise’ 🙏🏾😉.
April 6, 2019
The Closer
I've been looking forward to the novellas in this series for a few months now. The Closing Bid did not disappoint. The cast of characters keep the story moving with humor and a little drama. AJ and Christian are hot together and I enjoyed their "whatever" journey a lot.
I've been looking forward to the novellas in this series for a few months now. The Closing Bid did not disappoint. The cast of characters keep the story moving with humor and a little drama. AJ and Christian are hot together and I enjoyed their "whatever" journey a lot.
May 5, 2019
A.J. much on the line
Integrity is important as it defines your character. What is one willing to do for a story. What has already been done for a story. Here we have baseball as the underlying story and the star pitcher being at the root of the story. When mistrust and actuation are at play how does a relationship move forward. Communication.
Integrity is important as it defines your character. What is one willing to do for a story. What has already been done for a story. Here we have baseball as the underlying story and the star pitcher being at the root of the story. When mistrust and actuation are at play how does a relationship move forward. Communication.
May 9, 2019
Whatever
I loved AJ & Christian's story it was short, sweet and to the point. It had just the right touch of everything. Whatever is one of my favorite words to say and I loved how Elle used it in the story. I also enjoyed how the author threw in events that are currently going on and in cooperated things from her other books. Great job.
I loved AJ & Christian's story it was short, sweet and to the point. It had just the right touch of everything. Whatever is one of my favorite words to say and I loved how Elle used it in the story. I also enjoyed how the author threw in events that are currently going on and in cooperated things from her other books. Great job.
May 22, 2019
Nice Read!
This is my first book read from this Author! I really enjoyed it! I enjoyed how she pulled you in along with the main character, Christian, to fall for the woman, A.J., in the the story! I think everyone who reads this book will enjoy it! I definitely recommend it to others!
This is my first book read from this Author! I really enjoyed it! I enjoyed how she pulled you in along with the main character, Christian, to fall for the woman, A.J., in the the story! I think everyone who reads this book will enjoy it! I definitely recommend it to others!
July 14, 2019
She’s a beast!
When I say Elle Wright knows how to write a good book! I’m not lying! I love every book that has her name on it! && this book A.J. and Christian!! Listen! This book was everything! It all started when she just wanted to interview him, but she ended up getting the man and the interview! I loved their happily ever after 🥰🥰 as always Elle Wright never disappoints!
When I say Elle Wright knows how to write a good book! I’m not lying! I love every book that has her name on it! && this book A.J. and Christian!! Listen! This book was everything! It all started when she just wanted to interview him, but she ended up getting the man and the interview! I loved their happily ever after 🥰🥰 as always Elle Wright never disappoints!
October 10, 2019
A.J. Cook needs to stick and land the biggest interview of her career with baseball star Christian Knight, but there’s only one SMALL problem, he does not trust her. Will she hit a home run to secure the exclusive interview or will he strike her out of the game? The Closing Bid is a quick, catchy, and entertaining Sports Romance. Ashton Joy and Christian’s ride starts out bumpy but is so worth the read. I recommend this story to any reader.
December 31, 2022
The Closing Bid
This was a love story about Ashton Cook and Christian Knight. They met when she wrote a story about his cheating ex-wife. Now she placed the winning bid for him in the bachelor auction for charity. On their date which was the prize for the bid they were attracted immediately. That attraction over several months led to their happily ever after
This was a love story about Ashton Cook and Christian Knight. They met when she wrote a story about his cheating ex-wife. Now she placed the winning bid for him in the bachelor auction for charity. On their date which was the prize for the bid they were attracted immediately. That attraction over several months led to their happily ever after
April 9, 2019
Beautiful love story👏🏾
This is so beautiful, love every bit of it, the way they fell in love 🥰 Bradley and Meena deserve each other. Amazing ending marriage, baby and lots of love 💕 love Christian and A J 💯
This is so beautiful, love every bit of it, the way they fell in love 🥰 Bradley and Meena deserve each other. Amazing ending marriage, baby and lots of love 💕 love Christian and A J 💯
April 15, 2019
I loved Christian and A.J.'s love story.
I adored this story, and loved both Christian’s and A.J.’s characters. He was strong, yet vulnerable. She was ambitious and determined, but also sweet and genuine. And I love Elle’s voice and storytelling.
I adored this story, and loved both Christian’s and A.J.’s characters. He was strong, yet vulnerable. She was ambitious and determined, but also sweet and genuine. And I love Elle’s voice and storytelling.
April 21, 2019
Another Yes! 👍🏽💯⚾️🙆🏽♀️👌🏽
Elle, you knocked this out of the park! I loved both A.J. and Christian! He may have been “The Closer” but A.J. proved to be an even better “Closer” as well! Another winner in this Series! Kudos, Elle! Excellent Book! Highly recommended! 💜
Elle, you knocked this out of the park! I loved both A.J. and Christian! He may have been “The Closer” but A.J. proved to be an even better “Closer” as well! Another winner in this Series! Kudos, Elle! Excellent Book! Highly recommended! 💜
April 23, 2019
I'd place a bid
I enjoyed all the books in this standalone series so far. This story was great. Sometimes things aren't necessarily how they seem and Christian learned to take a chance on A.J. and she didn't disappoint. These stories certainly make bachelor auctions more enticing.
I enjoyed all the books in this standalone series so far. This story was great. Sometimes things aren't necessarily how they seem and Christian learned to take a chance on A.J. and she didn't disappoint. These stories certainly make bachelor auctions more enticing.
April 24, 2019
A true love!
A.J. and Christian weren't supposed to be together. It was supposed to be about an exclusive but the heart wants what it wants and after winning the Bachelor's Auction they became destined. A wonderful story, loved it!
A.J. and Christian weren't supposed to be together. It was supposed to be about an exclusive but the heart wants what it wants and after winning the Bachelor's Auction they became destined. A wonderful story, loved it!
May 13, 2019
Best I've read of the series
Loved the storyline. Did not waver from keeping my interest. I love her writing style. Plot flows smoothly from beginning to end. Makes me want to read everything she has written.
Loved the storyline. Did not waver from keeping my interest. I love her writing style. Plot flows smoothly from beginning to end. Makes me want to read everything she has written.
June 1, 2019
Love unexpected
I enjoyed this novella and as always Ms. Wright has penned characters flawed and beautiful in their own right. The timing of this love affair was perfectly imperfect and hot and steamy all the makings of a great novella.
I enjoyed this novella and as always Ms. Wright has penned characters flawed and beautiful in their own right. The timing of this love affair was perfectly imperfect and hot and steamy all the makings of a great novella.
June 17, 2019
Knocked out of the park
Loved Elle’s first foray into sports related characters. Christian and AJ were a cute couple to read about their journey from adversaries to love. Another great story from Elle.
#cillasbookmaniacs
Loved Elle’s first foray into sports related characters. Christian and AJ were a cute couple to read about their journey from adversaries to love. Another great story from Elle.
#cillasbookmaniacs
June 30, 2019
Great story!
Surprising twists and turns to this story. They had more in common than they realized. Both had suffered loss of people they loved that shaped the people they had become.
Surprising twists and turns to this story. They had more in common than they realized. Both had suffered loss of people they loved that shaped the people they had become.
August 11, 2019
So worth it.....
I was so happy to finally see a GOODREAD dealing with romance and one of my favorite sports. If you could make this into a series, that would be great. I was really hoping Zara had a story next.
I was so happy to finally see a GOODREAD dealing with romance and one of my favorite sports. If you could make this into a series, that would be great. I was really hoping Zara had a story next.
September 7, 2019
First time reading this author
I enjoyed reading my first book by this author. This was a sweet story that connected with the series but stood alone. Christian & AJ were good together & showed how love can sneak up on you!
I enjoyed reading my first book by this author. This was a sweet story that connected with the series but stood alone. Christian & AJ were good together & showed how love can sneak up on you!
December 23, 2019
I loved this authors story, as well as the other ones in the stand alone series. Elle always does an amazing job with her stories, especially with how the characters relate to each other, as well as the secondary characters, and of course this story is no exception. Great Job as always
April 15, 2020
Rough beginning but a smooth ending!
Christian and AJ the couple is hot and their story even hotter. I enjoyed reading this book and it kept me wishing there was more. The start to their relationship was a little rocky but how can you fight what is meant to be.
Christian and AJ the couple is hot and their story even hotter. I enjoyed reading this book and it kept me wishing there was more. The start to their relationship was a little rocky but how can you fight what is meant to be.
June 26, 2020
Closer
An awesome read . You get a scandal exposed by journalist , divorce , journalist jockeying for an exclusive , journalist win bid at auction and love heals all hurts
An awesome read . You get a scandal exposed by journalist , divorce , journalist jockeying for an exclusive , journalist win bid at auction and love heals all hurts
April 7, 2019
Excellent Read
Great read from the beginning to the end. Loved the connection between A.J. and Christian and how they were able to find love , trust and commitment.
Great read from the beginning to the end. Loved the connection between A.J. and Christian and how they were able to find love , trust and commitment.
April 7, 2019
Good read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews