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To the Highest Bidder
LGBT Erotic Contemporary
Ben Searcy's best friend and business partner presents him with a very unusual birthday gift. Becca has bid on and won an auction and she's handing her winnings over to Ben. The highest bidder gets the privilege of sharing lunch with Mitch DeSantis, star of wildly popular television show, Case Files.
Though he's a huge fan of the show and not above entertaining a steamy fantasy or two starring Mitch, Ben's not particularly thrilled with the idea. After all, how do you make conversation with someone you see on television every week? As it turns out, he needn't have worried. While Mitch is as gorgeous in person as he is on screen, he's also rude, arrogant, and a complete ass. Ben leaves before the main course is served, hoping never to see Mitch DeSantis again.
Fate has other plans. A completely changed and contrite Mitch shows up with an apology, a heart-stopping smile, and an invitation to dinner. It's a combo Ben finds hard to resist. This new Mitch is someone Ben could lose his heart to, but it's a one-time thing, right? No danger of that happening.
If he'd only known. Mitch has an ulterior motive that could lead to something neither one of them expected.
Publisher's This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find Anal play/intercourse, male/male sexual practices.
Ben Searcy's best friend and business partner presents him with a very unusual birthday gift. Becca has bid on and won an auction and she's handing her winnings over to Ben. The highest bidder gets the privilege of sharing lunch with Mitch DeSantis, star of wildly popular television show, Case Files.
Though he's a huge fan of the show and not above entertaining a steamy fantasy or two starring Mitch, Ben's not particularly thrilled with the idea. After all, how do you make conversation with someone you see on television every week? As it turns out, he needn't have worried. While Mitch is as gorgeous in person as he is on screen, he's also rude, arrogant, and a complete ass. Ben leaves before the main course is served, hoping never to see Mitch DeSantis again.
Fate has other plans. A completely changed and contrite Mitch shows up with an apology, a heart-stopping smile, and an invitation to dinner. It's a combo Ben finds hard to resist. This new Mitch is someone Ben could lose his heart to, but it's a one-time thing, right? No danger of that happening.
If he'd only known. Mitch has an ulterior motive that could lead to something neither one of them expected.
Publisher's This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find Anal play/intercourse, male/male sexual practices.
106 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 8, 2008
5 people are currently reading
278 people want to read
About the author
Kate Steele
71 books171 followersAs a kid, from the time I learned to read, I've treasured books. Fiction mostly, because I'm the type of person who likes to be taken on journeys of imagination. I guess it was only natural I'd try to orchestrate some of those journeys myself, and share them with others.
Writing can be fun, frustrating, and sometimes even frightening, but it sings a siren song that entices. And whether you end up in the arms of a gorgeous muse, or wreaked on the rocks of broken thought, when you feel the urge to write, you do it.
I do my writing in a turn-of-the-century house located in the midst of Indiana farm country. In addition to dogs, cats and lovebirds, my family keeps me company. When not writing, I read, am an enthusiastic grower of iris, and a fanatic fan of Japanese manga and anime.
Writing can be fun, frustrating, and sometimes even frightening, but it sings a siren song that entices. And whether you end up in the arms of a gorgeous muse, or wreaked on the rocks of broken thought, when you feel the urge to write, you do it.
I do my writing in a turn-of-the-century house located in the midst of Indiana farm country. In addition to dogs, cats and lovebirds, my family keeps me company. When not writing, I read, am an enthusiastic grower of iris, and a fanatic fan of Japanese manga and anime.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
June 22, 2009
Kate Steele is one of those authors that I automatically buy whatever book she writes. Ironically, she is one of those authors that are either a hit or miss with me. There is usually no in between with her. Her book, To the Highest Bidder has been released for some time. It’s one of the endless books that I have been pushing aside to read others. I am glad I finally decided to give this one a shot, because I really liked it.
Ben Searcy was more than a little shocked when his best friend and business partner, decided to surprise him for his birthday by winning a lunch date with one of his favorite actors Mitch DeSantis. Just coming out of an unsuccessful relationship not too long ago, he is ready to go out and enjoy himself in the company of a very attractive man. Even if he is straight.
To Ben’s dismay, Mitch turns out to be a total jerk, and he ends up leaving shortly after they sat down to eat. Who would have thought Mitch, who normally has a reputation as being a nice man, ended up being such a homophobic jackass?
As soon as Mitch laid eyes on Ben he knew he was in trouble. First he was roped into this dinner for charity, then he finds out his ex-boyfriend is getting married right before he meets Ben. Unfortunately for Ben, he took out his anger and frustration on the attractive man. As soon as Ben abruptly left, Mitch was almost immediately contrite, and decided to make it up to Ben by going to his business to apologize and with an offer to cook him a home cooked meal.
As soon as Mitch walked into his shop, Ben’s first instinct was to tell Mitch to go play in heavy traffic. But, the more Mitch apologizes and the more Ben is around Mitch he soon discovers that Mitch just might be not only a nice guy, but the man of his dreams after all. But, will Mitch feel the same way?
I liked this book. It’s got a strong storyline, interesting characters, steamy sex scenes and a very happy ending, which I loved. It doesn’t have a lot of angst in it. So if you like your book real angsty, this one may not be for you. Once they become friendly with one another, they are pretty much attached to each other from that point on without any more conflict. It was a very sweet romance and a great escape on a hot summer’s day!
Solid 4 Stars
Ben Searcy was more than a little shocked when his best friend and business partner, decided to surprise him for his birthday by winning a lunch date with one of his favorite actors Mitch DeSantis. Just coming out of an unsuccessful relationship not too long ago, he is ready to go out and enjoy himself in the company of a very attractive man. Even if he is straight.
To Ben’s dismay, Mitch turns out to be a total jerk, and he ends up leaving shortly after they sat down to eat. Who would have thought Mitch, who normally has a reputation as being a nice man, ended up being such a homophobic jackass?
As soon as Mitch laid eyes on Ben he knew he was in trouble. First he was roped into this dinner for charity, then he finds out his ex-boyfriend is getting married right before he meets Ben. Unfortunately for Ben, he took out his anger and frustration on the attractive man. As soon as Ben abruptly left, Mitch was almost immediately contrite, and decided to make it up to Ben by going to his business to apologize and with an offer to cook him a home cooked meal.
As soon as Mitch walked into his shop, Ben’s first instinct was to tell Mitch to go play in heavy traffic. But, the more Mitch apologizes and the more Ben is around Mitch he soon discovers that Mitch just might be not only a nice guy, but the man of his dreams after all. But, will Mitch feel the same way?
I liked this book. It’s got a strong storyline, interesting characters, steamy sex scenes and a very happy ending, which I loved. It doesn’t have a lot of angst in it. So if you like your book real angsty, this one may not be for you. Once they become friendly with one another, they are pretty much attached to each other from that point on without any more conflict. It was a very sweet romance and a great escape on a hot summer’s day!
Solid 4 Stars
July 5, 2013
This is another ordinary Joe meets famous celebrity romance but it's definitely one of the better ones. What lifts this one is the chemistry between Ben, a young gay bookstore owner who has been single for 12 months after a bad break up with his cheating ex,and who is now wary of getting into a new relationship and Mitch, a gorgeous, famous TV star who is the lead ( and crush )in one of Bens favourite shows. For Ben's birthday his best friend and business partner, Becca wins him a charity auction for a lunch date with Mitch. The date turns out to be a disaster as Mitch is rude and obnoxious, practically ignoring Ben then telling him he's guessed Ben is gay and attracted to him , but not to get his hopes up as he doesn't date guys so an incensed Ben tells him exactly what he thinks of him and walks out before the main course is served! Ben expects that to be it, over and done with but a few days later Mitch turns up at the bookshop, cap in hand, apologises and invites Ben out to dinner again. Ben is wary but Mitch seems genuinely sorry and persuades him to accept. (Note: all the above info is found in the plot review so does not contain any spoilers.) To be honest from this point on not a lot happens apart from watching the journey of their growing attraction/love that ends with a very satisfying HEA, but Kate Steele writes this very cleverly so you never feel short changed . The sexual tension sizzles and the love scenes are both sweet and tender but also hot at the same time. Ms Steele has a real knack for getting the reader to feel the spark between her romantic leads. A really good feel good romance that leaves you feeling warm and fuzzy. Nice!
July 6, 2013
I first read this one in August 2011 but for some reason didn't remember or review, so I am rereading.
Ben is a bookstore owner and all around nice guy, he's still coming off a bad break-up, so his best friend gives him a lunch date with his favorite TV star as a birthday gift.
Mitch agreed to be 'auctioned' off for a lunch date and the precedes go to a great cause, but he gets news that day that upset him and cause him to be a real ass to Ben during lunch.
It's explained, even if I think he should have had more self contort and human decency to not be such a jerk, he makes it up to Ben later.
That was also the only real conflict in the story, the rest was a sweet light easy and fast romance.
Ben is a bookstore owner and all around nice guy, he's still coming off a bad break-up, so his best friend gives him a lunch date with his favorite TV star as a birthday gift.
Mitch agreed to be 'auctioned' off for a lunch date and the precedes go to a great cause, but he gets news that day that upset him and cause him to be a real ass to Ben during lunch.
It's explained, even if I think he should have had more self contort and human decency to not be such a jerk, he makes it up to Ben later.
That was also the only real conflict in the story, the rest was a sweet light easy and fast romance.
May 31, 2015
I couldn't make a connection with either one of the MCs. The first meeting is so bad that Ben walks out on Mitch. Mitch comes to apologize a few days later and they plan a dinner date that turns into a one night stand, at least that's how Ben sees it. Mitch does not feel that way, he goes looking for Ben and all of the sudden they are talking about relationships. Whuuuut?
Something that peeved me. The MCs are so distrustful of each other that they insist on condoms during oral sex, and yet the second time they have sex they use sesame oil (cooking) for lube??? First the smell alone had me cringing. Second, that's not safe sex. Oil and condoms don't go together guys.
I probably could have skipped this one.
Something that peeved me. The MCs are so distrustful of each other that they insist on condoms during oral sex, and yet the second time they have sex they use sesame oil (cooking) for lube??? First the smell alone had me cringing. Second, that's not safe sex. Oil and condoms don't go together guys.
I probably could have skipped this one.
June 16, 2012
3.5 stars
What makes this so good is the attraction that Ben and Mitch have for each other. Yes, their initial first date turns into a disaster, Mitch is a jerk and up himself, proclaiming bullshit at the time. Eventually Mitch comes around and persists in taking Ben out again, spending time together, getting a feel for each other. It made me feel good, its a lovely, sweet story and nicely written.
What makes this so good is the attraction that Ben and Mitch have for each other. Yes, their initial first date turns into a disaster, Mitch is a jerk and up himself, proclaiming bullshit at the time. Eventually Mitch comes around and persists in taking Ben out again, spending time together, getting a feel for each other. It made me feel good, its a lovely, sweet story and nicely written.
November 15, 2010
^^ I BID FAREWELL TO THIS BOOK!^^
2.5
This was my least favourite book by Kate Steele, I am a huge fan of her paranormals but this one was quite forgettable and I doubt I will read it again. It was not horrible but I had a hard time developing feelings for the characters and in the end they remained quite forgettable.
Ben owns a book store and is a fan of a crime show on tv, best friend wins auction to have lunch with lead character and gives it to Ben as a birthday present. Ben is excited and really quite happy to meet Mitch DeSantis and was hoping for a wonderful meeting.
Lets say this meeting goes to hell, Mitch is a bastard and comes off like a homophobe, spends all his time texting on his phone and completely ignores his fan. Ben gets pissed leaves and tries to forget the horrible man.
This book is pretty clear on how it will play out, there will be remorse, sex, and evil ex-boyfriends who could have ruined a perfectly good relationship if not for their assholeish behaviour in the past.
As I said before could not love this book, the characters were just there, the overall story is pretty good, a gay man making it in show business and all that. I was just not into this one I finished it and could not remember who and what it was about. Well, if you want a light easy read this book will work for you but don’t expect fire works and hot man love.
2.5
This was my least favourite book by Kate Steele, I am a huge fan of her paranormals but this one was quite forgettable and I doubt I will read it again. It was not horrible but I had a hard time developing feelings for the characters and in the end they remained quite forgettable.
Ben owns a book store and is a fan of a crime show on tv, best friend wins auction to have lunch with lead character and gives it to Ben as a birthday present. Ben is excited and really quite happy to meet Mitch DeSantis and was hoping for a wonderful meeting.
Lets say this meeting goes to hell, Mitch is a bastard and comes off like a homophobe, spends all his time texting on his phone and completely ignores his fan. Ben gets pissed leaves and tries to forget the horrible man.
This book is pretty clear on how it will play out, there will be remorse, sex, and evil ex-boyfriends who could have ruined a perfectly good relationship if not for their assholeish behaviour in the past.
As I said before could not love this book, the characters were just there, the overall story is pretty good, a gay man making it in show business and all that. I was just not into this one I finished it and could not remember who and what it was about. Well, if you want a light easy read this book will work for you but don’t expect fire works and hot man love.
April 25, 2010
I read this short novella while waiting for my plane to take off so it was the perfect size and pace for an easy, forgettable but fun story. The characters play on classic archetypes but inject some fresh perspectives to keep the story from being a re-tread of any number of classic themes. The decent writing and crisp prose keeps the story as a cute, entertaining read but light enough that the relationship between the men never really develops any intensity or angst.
The extended summary above gives the basis for the story. Ben is set up on a lunch date with a popular TV star whom turns out to be a homophobic ass. However Mitch has a good reason for his behavior and sets out to make things right between them. The spark of attraction both felt is something Mitch is determined to explore and he quietly courts the young bookseller.
As I’ve said this is an easy and light read that is pretty entertaining. The beginning scenes with Ben and his partner are funny and when Mitch is finally introduced as an ass, the encounter is reminiscent of many Hollywood tales. The story takes a bit of a turn though when Mitch admits that he’s only ever been gay for one man in the past and he’s not sure what it means to be attracted to Ben. Mitch is a strong personality and doesn’t let anything or anyone get in the way of a potential connection so after his initial bad behavior, he is determined to be with Ben. He doesn’t worry about the ramifications and is willing to take any and all risks to ensure his connection to the other man is explored. This is a refreshing change, even if an unusual one, and allows Ben to be the one with doubts and misgivings.
The characters are well developed and each has reasons and context for their behavior. There are various secondary characters that move in and out of the story from Ben’s partner to Mitch’s publicist and although each is funny and interesting in their own way, none are that important as the focus is on Ben and Mitch. The short length of the story doesn’t allow for much focus on after their initial relationship starts. For example, there are several problems and complications the two would face being together such as Mitch’s fame, Ben’s Family, their work but all of it is virtually ignored and glossed over with a neat bow in the epilogue. Instead the novella just introduces the men, gives them a lot of hot sex scenes and leaves the reader with a happy ending.
As a fast, breezy story with some fun themes, this story delivered and was exactly what I wanted at the time. This isn’t a heavy, intense angst but if you’re looking for an entertaining story with well matched men, think about checking out this particular story.
The extended summary above gives the basis for the story. Ben is set up on a lunch date with a popular TV star whom turns out to be a homophobic ass. However Mitch has a good reason for his behavior and sets out to make things right between them. The spark of attraction both felt is something Mitch is determined to explore and he quietly courts the young bookseller.
As I’ve said this is an easy and light read that is pretty entertaining. The beginning scenes with Ben and his partner are funny and when Mitch is finally introduced as an ass, the encounter is reminiscent of many Hollywood tales. The story takes a bit of a turn though when Mitch admits that he’s only ever been gay for one man in the past and he’s not sure what it means to be attracted to Ben. Mitch is a strong personality and doesn’t let anything or anyone get in the way of a potential connection so after his initial bad behavior, he is determined to be with Ben. He doesn’t worry about the ramifications and is willing to take any and all risks to ensure his connection to the other man is explored. This is a refreshing change, even if an unusual one, and allows Ben to be the one with doubts and misgivings.
The characters are well developed and each has reasons and context for their behavior. There are various secondary characters that move in and out of the story from Ben’s partner to Mitch’s publicist and although each is funny and interesting in their own way, none are that important as the focus is on Ben and Mitch. The short length of the story doesn’t allow for much focus on after their initial relationship starts. For example, there are several problems and complications the two would face being together such as Mitch’s fame, Ben’s Family, their work but all of it is virtually ignored and glossed over with a neat bow in the epilogue. Instead the novella just introduces the men, gives them a lot of hot sex scenes and leaves the reader with a happy ending.
As a fast, breezy story with some fun themes, this story delivered and was exactly what I wanted at the time. This isn’t a heavy, intense angst but if you’re looking for an entertaining story with well matched men, think about checking out this particular story.
April 23, 2010
This book, in a way, reminds me of "Notting Hill" -- and I love that movie so much. Here we have a famous TV star and a bookstore owner as well. I think, for a novella, this one is written wonderfully. I must admit, when Ben meets Mitch for the first time, I want to slap Mitch for being an arrogant prick. But the story flows nicely, explaining Mitch's behavior ... and well, the epilogue in the end is just lovely.
February 5, 2013
Loved this. Sweet and short. But it had two lovely MC's and I just fell in love with it. The epilogue was even better. Highly recommend this short story. :)
August 12, 2014
I liked Ben, but Mitch? He was an ass. Never really connected with Mitch.
March 11, 2012
Ben is delighted when his partner presents him with lunch with his favorite TV star for his birthday. Unfortunately, Mitch is seemingly nothing like the character he plays on TV, being such an ass that Ben can't escape their awkward meeting soon enough. When Mitch contacts him to apologize for his behavior, it seems too good to be true. Can it really work between a gay bookstore owner and a supposedly straight TV star?
Ben is an affable character, likable enough that it's no struggle to enjoy his point of view. I cheered his walking out from lunch with Mitch, but it seemed as though his spine deserted him after that; by the time he left Mitch's house after Mitch's apology, I was wondering what had happened to his self-regard. That parting seemed gratuitous to me, not something I would expect from the grown man I'd been led to believe Ben was.
Mitch never really appealed to me, though I can't pin down why. He was perhaps too good to be true, initial douchebaggery aside, so that I couldn't really identify with him as a character. His traumatic past struck me as unnecessary, or at least built up to an unnecessary degree--again, gratuitous.
Given the length of the story, it's pretty much a given that supporting cast is thin on the ground. Becca was really the only consistent secondary character, and she was never developed beyond the stereotypical super-supportive straight female best friend. A little variance would have been refreshing.
The chemistry between Ben and Mitch was okay, but the sex never really pulled me in. Some ridiculous sex talk didn't really help; I can't read "shoot my wad" and take it seriously. I just can't. I also have to confess to being a bit put off by the description on an erect penis as a stalk. It might be correct by definition, but I can't help but picture said erect penis as rather more green and leafy.
There were a fair number of grammatical errors scattered throughout, though nothing particularly heinous. However, I think there was a sale at the adjective store. One of Ben's orgasms was so overly described as to be ridiculous; I really didn't need that much information about his come. Some of the dialogue was also... weird. I don't understand the conversation at the end of chapter 3 much at all, for example; the allusions could go in so many directions, for all that none of the ones I could come up with struck me as particularly funny.
Not directly related to anything... why is the clean conversation so prevalent? "By the way, I always use a condom and get tested, so I'm clean." "Oh, me, too. I just got tested and also always use condoms. You'll not be catching any vile STDs from me!" Is this part of foreplay to which I've never been introduced? Or does it only apply to gay men? It baffles me, especially when the characters themselves even outright acknowledge it as mood-killing. It's not necessary, it's sure as Hell not hot, so why include it? Are we supposed to assume that any character not having the clean conversation is secretly a festering pit of venereal disease?
For a novella, I took me far too long to finish; once I put it down, it was a struggle to pick it up again. I liked the premise, but I think that the execution has a long way to go.
Ben is an affable character, likable enough that it's no struggle to enjoy his point of view. I cheered his walking out from lunch with Mitch, but it seemed as though his spine deserted him after that; by the time he left Mitch's house after Mitch's apology, I was wondering what had happened to his self-regard. That parting seemed gratuitous to me, not something I would expect from the grown man I'd been led to believe Ben was.
Mitch never really appealed to me, though I can't pin down why. He was perhaps too good to be true, initial douchebaggery aside, so that I couldn't really identify with him as a character. His traumatic past struck me as unnecessary, or at least built up to an unnecessary degree--again, gratuitous.
Given the length of the story, it's pretty much a given that supporting cast is thin on the ground. Becca was really the only consistent secondary character, and she was never developed beyond the stereotypical super-supportive straight female best friend. A little variance would have been refreshing.
The chemistry between Ben and Mitch was okay, but the sex never really pulled me in. Some ridiculous sex talk didn't really help; I can't read "shoot my wad" and take it seriously. I just can't. I also have to confess to being a bit put off by the description on an erect penis as a stalk. It might be correct by definition, but I can't help but picture said erect penis as rather more green and leafy.
There were a fair number of grammatical errors scattered throughout, though nothing particularly heinous. However, I think there was a sale at the adjective store. One of Ben's orgasms was so overly described as to be ridiculous; I really didn't need that much information about his come. Some of the dialogue was also... weird. I don't understand the conversation at the end of chapter 3 much at all, for example; the allusions could go in so many directions, for all that none of the ones I could come up with struck me as particularly funny.
Not directly related to anything... why is the clean conversation so prevalent? "By the way, I always use a condom and get tested, so I'm clean." "Oh, me, too. I just got tested and also always use condoms. You'll not be catching any vile STDs from me!" Is this part of foreplay to which I've never been introduced? Or does it only apply to gay men? It baffles me, especially when the characters themselves even outright acknowledge it as mood-killing. It's not necessary, it's sure as Hell not hot, so why include it? Are we supposed to assume that any character not having the clean conversation is secretly a festering pit of venereal disease?
For a novella, I took me far too long to finish; once I put it down, it was a struggle to pick it up again. I liked the premise, but I think that the execution has a long way to go.
September 28, 2016
Considering I found this on a Cinder-fella shelf, my first comment has to be this book is not cinder-fella at all!
It was okay. There was nothing wrong with it, my two stars are because it was not even a little bit exciting or romantic.
It was okay. There was nothing wrong with it, my two stars are because it was not even a little bit exciting or romantic.
September 20, 2016
I'm really going to have to start reading some longer books. I've been in a shortie phase and the stories just aren't ever "whole". I do loved the way this one started out with Mitch being a total d-bag and Ben walking out. Mitch had to work a little bit. Not much, but some. Another sweet love story, no angst, no giant blowups and some lovely sex with my biggest pet peeve. Condoms and blowjobs....no thanks. Still a cute read.
December 6, 2014
So it's not secret I like a Pretty Woman type story. I love when the normal average everyday person gets someone either rich, famous, or otherwise seemingly out of reach in terms of attainment. This is a shorter story but very satisfying. The relationship does have a build - and an epilogue finishes it off nicely so you don't think "OMG that was so obnoxiously insta-love"! There was def. insta lust - but hey I've had that happen. Enjoyed this one!
September 20, 2009
I have only given this 4 stars because it was a bit short. It could easily have had a lot more content without challenging the writer's skills too much. There were quite a few points where it could easily have gone off at a tangent for a while.
April 1, 2011
The first two thirds of this book were wonderful. The characters had a great chemistry -- that is, until they fell into bed, when the story got pretty boring and their interactions became too sweet with not much substance. I ended up skimming the last short bit of the story.
July 4, 2012
3.5 stars
May 28, 2021
Very cute MCs and very enjoyable reading. I think this book will stuck into my memory.
Read
August 3, 2009This is a very nice novella, it's a bit sexy and naughty but mostly it's romantic and sweet. Ben is a bookstore owner (and also for this chosen career I would have found him nice), but he is not the classical library mouse; he is young, 26 years old, pretty and gay. Apparently he has also no problem to find companionship when he wants, but Ben is now looking only for true love. Even if he has had a bad experience in the past, he still believe in love. Ben's lover left him since Ben wasn't willing to have an open relationship; in reaction to the dumping, or maybe to prove to himself that his idea of committed love was stupid, Ben spent months sleeping around, only to awake one day realizing that it wasn't what he wanted. Now Ben prefers to be alone if the man he has in front is nothing serious. But don't get me wrong, Ben is not some hermit, it's less than one year that he took that decision, so maybe, if fate didn't help him, it wouldn't have been long that he maybe reconsider.
Anyway Ben's best friend, Becca, decides to give him a special birthday present, a lunch date with Ben's favorite television star, Mitch. Mitch is really gorgeous and on screen he seems also very nice and with a deep personality. But the day of the appointment, Mitch is sullen and rude, and Ben leaves thinking that it's only true what they say of the stardom. This is probably the best part of the novella: it would have been simple to write a Cinderfella like story, where mousy Ben falls in love, with the big star Mitch, and he is reciprocated. And obviously, being Mitch famous and wealthy, it would have been simple to make him also the strong partner in the relationship.
Instead Mitch is, like often actors are, a man with a lot of complex, with a poor childhood and youth (poor of feelings not of money) and who, like Ben, was burned by love. Mitch is probably acting in life like he is acting on screen: he is trying to avoid some inner questions since he doesn't like the answer. His only long term relationship was with a man, and it was also his only same sex relationship, and it didn't go well. So now Mitch is having only female partners (and few up to all), telling himself that he is bisexual and that he is not attracted to men. For me instead, Mitch's conscience knows that he can fall in love only with a man, and so it avoids to be involved with one so it's not possible to break his heart again.
So there is nice contraposition between Ben and Mitch: Ben is the one with the low profile job, but he is also the one with a better self-esteem and comfortable with his sexuality; Ben has also a supportive family and circle of friends, where Mitch is practically alone. On the other hand, when they are in bed, it's always Mitch who plays the top; more, when it's the moment to be serious and real with their relationship, despite his sexuality issues, it's Mitch who faces the situation with more steadiness and certainty.
To the Highest Bidder is a story that gives more than expected, with two nice characters, very well developed; it has also the type of closing scene I love, where the author gives a glimpse on the couple after their happily ever after.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002D9ZLZ0/?...
Anyway Ben's best friend, Becca, decides to give him a special birthday present, a lunch date with Ben's favorite television star, Mitch. Mitch is really gorgeous and on screen he seems also very nice and with a deep personality. But the day of the appointment, Mitch is sullen and rude, and Ben leaves thinking that it's only true what they say of the stardom. This is probably the best part of the novella: it would have been simple to write a Cinderfella like story, where mousy Ben falls in love, with the big star Mitch, and he is reciprocated. And obviously, being Mitch famous and wealthy, it would have been simple to make him also the strong partner in the relationship.
Instead Mitch is, like often actors are, a man with a lot of complex, with a poor childhood and youth (poor of feelings not of money) and who, like Ben, was burned by love. Mitch is probably acting in life like he is acting on screen: he is trying to avoid some inner questions since he doesn't like the answer. His only long term relationship was with a man, and it was also his only same sex relationship, and it didn't go well. So now Mitch is having only female partners (and few up to all), telling himself that he is bisexual and that he is not attracted to men. For me instead, Mitch's conscience knows that he can fall in love only with a man, and so it avoids to be involved with one so it's not possible to break his heart again.
So there is nice contraposition between Ben and Mitch: Ben is the one with the low profile job, but he is also the one with a better self-esteem and comfortable with his sexuality; Ben has also a supportive family and circle of friends, where Mitch is practically alone. On the other hand, when they are in bed, it's always Mitch who plays the top; more, when it's the moment to be serious and real with their relationship, despite his sexuality issues, it's Mitch who faces the situation with more steadiness and certainty.
To the Highest Bidder is a story that gives more than expected, with two nice characters, very well developed; it has also the type of closing scene I love, where the author gives a glimpse on the couple after their happily ever after.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002D9ZLZ0/?...
February 6, 2017
Enjoyable romance, lots of fun. Ben is a book store co-owner and his partner and best friend gave him a unique birthday gift; a meal with his favourite tv actor. She is secretly hoping it will work out for him in more than one way, because Ben has been in a funk ever since his lover left him a year ago at Christmas. Ben knows that is unrealistic but hopes he can have a nice lunch with this actor, maybe discuss the show. What neither expects is that the 'date' goes horribly wrong.
Mitch is a tv star, but he's never been overly comfortable with the very public side of that life. He has been opening up though and his manager convinced him to get involved in this auction, helping out a charity he loves and opening up to his fans. But the day of the lunch he finds out that someone he loved is getting married. Even more surprising, he is attracted to the man who shows up for his lunch and lashes out in retaliation. When Ben storms off but still manages to keep from damaging Mitch's reputation to paparazzi, Mitch knows he has made a mistake he needs to fix and sets out to do so, and maybe more.
The two characters were interesting. They both had issues with past relationships, mostly to do with commitment and abandonment. There are some small surprises that you find as the story goes that were enjoyable. The needless conflicts or overdone dramas don't occur, which I quite appreciated, and the story flowed nicely. What I couldn't get over sometimes was the ridiculous language.
This person standing in such close proximity to him wasn't Mitch DeSantis, television star; he was a potential mate, a sexual being capable of indulging in decadent acts of physical pleasure.
This grand shift in thinking for Ben was after a brush of Ben and Mitch's fingers. That evoked this weird language and other times Ben would would have thoughts along these lines that seemed provoked by such small things that really didn't match to what he would think about. It was just a bit incongruent to everything else and kept me at arms length from the story at times. Otherwise, fairly enjoyable read.
Mitch is a tv star, but he's never been overly comfortable with the very public side of that life. He has been opening up though and his manager convinced him to get involved in this auction, helping out a charity he loves and opening up to his fans. But the day of the lunch he finds out that someone he loved is getting married. Even more surprising, he is attracted to the man who shows up for his lunch and lashes out in retaliation. When Ben storms off but still manages to keep from damaging Mitch's reputation to paparazzi, Mitch knows he has made a mistake he needs to fix and sets out to do so, and maybe more.
The two characters were interesting. They both had issues with past relationships, mostly to do with commitment and abandonment. There are some small surprises that you find as the story goes that were enjoyable. The needless conflicts or overdone dramas don't occur, which I quite appreciated, and the story flowed nicely. What I couldn't get over sometimes was the ridiculous language.
This person standing in such close proximity to him wasn't Mitch DeSantis, television star; he was a potential mate, a sexual being capable of indulging in decadent acts of physical pleasure.
This grand shift in thinking for Ben was after a brush of Ben and Mitch's fingers. That evoked this weird language and other times Ben would would have thoughts along these lines that seemed provoked by such small things that really didn't match to what he would think about. It was just a bit incongruent to everything else and kept me at arms length from the story at times. Otherwise, fairly enjoyable read.
January 16, 2016
3,5 stars
Ben is in his late twenties. Gay, single and owns a bookstore with his friend Becca.
Becca bids on and wins a lunch with a popular tv actor, whose show Ben likes. This lunch becomes an early birthday present for Ben.
Becca sees this as a matchmaking opportunity as she has heard rumours that the actor, Mitch, is bi.
At the lunch, however, Mitch quickly disabuses Ben of any such notion as he makes it perfectly clear, that he doesn't date guys.
And really, even if he did, Ben wouldn't be interested. Because in spite of his good looks and how much Ben enjoys his TV show, Mitch is such an arrogant prick that Ben actually leaves the lunch early and decided to forget the whole sordid thing ever happened.
But then Mitch suddenly shows up at the book store to apologise and sparks seem to fly...
----
This was short, hot and sweet. A very light, quick Notting Hill inspired romance.
The writing was engaging and the characters likeable. I enjoyed following them. This is a short read, only just over 100 pages long, so the relationship develops a bit too quickly for my personal preference, but it works with out feeling too rushed.
The sex is hot and sweet and funny... and - halleluja! - an author not afraid of the topic of safe sex. And one who choose to have the "mood killing discussion" slap bang in the middle of the moment. Yes, it kills momentum, but it is also so much more realistic - in my personal experience anyway! I really liked that!
I do applaud the authors attempt to give both characters a solid back story, in spite of the short story, but to me Mitchs' story became a bit too heavy and clumsy, when we didn't get to delve more into it.
There is a lovely little epilogue at the end, which was very enjoyable. Especially because the original story really leaves off at a HFN moment. But with the epilogue we get to see the HEA and it is lovely.
Perfect litlle warm cuddly story for me here in the middle of another sleepless night. Would recommend to anyone who wants a sweet light romantic read.
Ben is in his late twenties. Gay, single and owns a bookstore with his friend Becca.
Becca bids on and wins a lunch with a popular tv actor, whose show Ben likes. This lunch becomes an early birthday present for Ben.
Becca sees this as a matchmaking opportunity as she has heard rumours that the actor, Mitch, is bi.
At the lunch, however, Mitch quickly disabuses Ben of any such notion as he makes it perfectly clear, that he doesn't date guys.
And really, even if he did, Ben wouldn't be interested. Because in spite of his good looks and how much Ben enjoys his TV show, Mitch is such an arrogant prick that Ben actually leaves the lunch early and decided to forget the whole sordid thing ever happened.
But then Mitch suddenly shows up at the book store to apologise and sparks seem to fly...
----
This was short, hot and sweet. A very light, quick Notting Hill inspired romance.
The writing was engaging and the characters likeable. I enjoyed following them. This is a short read, only just over 100 pages long, so the relationship develops a bit too quickly for my personal preference, but it works with out feeling too rushed.
The sex is hot and sweet and funny... and - halleluja! - an author not afraid of the topic of safe sex. And one who choose to have the "mood killing discussion" slap bang in the middle of the moment. Yes, it kills momentum, but it is also so much more realistic - in my personal experience anyway! I really liked that!
I do applaud the authors attempt to give both characters a solid back story, in spite of the short story, but to me Mitchs' story became a bit too heavy and clumsy, when we didn't get to delve more into it.
There is a lovely little epilogue at the end, which was very enjoyable. Especially because the original story really leaves off at a HFN moment. But with the epilogue we get to see the HEA and it is lovely.
Perfect litlle warm cuddly story for me here in the middle of another sleepless night. Would recommend to anyone who wants a sweet light romantic read.
April 17, 2012
Ben, part owner of a book store, is still recovering from a 3 year relationship that left him alone and hurting. His friend Becca bids on a charity auction and lands him a date with TV star Mitch DeSantis. Little does Ben know that the rather surly and rude Mr. DeSantis is hiding a secret of his own...namely the loss of the only man he ever loved after his own 5 year relationship. Now Mitch is attempting to be straight, is drawn inexorably to Ben and Ben is intent on running from the possibility of yet another painful relationship.
This novella had all the potential to be a sweet romance that blossomed into true love. While it did indeed do that, the road that author Kate Steele took to get there was less than even. I wish we had seen less of these two characters between the sheets and more of them learning about each other. The times that Ms. Steele chose to focus on the characters was sweet and well written. But the dialogue, the quips and cute banter between the two mc's rang hollow for me--they simply did not have enough of a relationship established in the beginning to be so familiar with one another--so easy and cute. There was so little build before we were thrust into a relationship that was going 90 miles an hour.
To the Highest Bidder has all the makings of a good novella, but the pacing, the build, was too rushed for me. I will definitely check out this author's work. While this may have been a bit rushed the novella remains a good story. I believe she has a good writing style that bears a closer look!
This novella had all the potential to be a sweet romance that blossomed into true love. While it did indeed do that, the road that author Kate Steele took to get there was less than even. I wish we had seen less of these two characters between the sheets and more of them learning about each other. The times that Ms. Steele chose to focus on the characters was sweet and well written. But the dialogue, the quips and cute banter between the two mc's rang hollow for me--they simply did not have enough of a relationship established in the beginning to be so familiar with one another--so easy and cute. There was so little build before we were thrust into a relationship that was going 90 miles an hour.
To the Highest Bidder has all the makings of a good novella, but the pacing, the build, was too rushed for me. I will definitely check out this author's work. While this may have been a bit rushed the novella remains a good story. I believe she has a good writing style that bears a closer look!
August 1, 2011
This is a short, cute story about a guy, Ben, who gets a lunch with a TV star, Mitch, as a birthday present from his best friend and business partner. Becca has won an eBay charity auction and decides this would make an excellent gift. Unfortunately things don't go very well at the lunch and it ends up pretty much a bust from Ben's perspective.
Mitch feels bad about how things turned out and there were some extenuating circumstances that led to his bad behavior at the lunch. He and his publicist decide he should apologize and make amends. That's when things get interesting. Turns out Ben and Mitch have more in common than they thought.
While short (less than 90 pages), this story was fun and believable. I liked the writer's style and Mitch's character was given some depth and history that was very helpful in understanding his actions. Ben is definitely a very nice man and that comes across in his character - although he is not a pushover which was also refreshing.
I enjoyed the books and have some other Kate Steele books to read that I will hopefully get to shortly.
Mitch feels bad about how things turned out and there were some extenuating circumstances that led to his bad behavior at the lunch. He and his publicist decide he should apologize and make amends. That's when things get interesting. Turns out Ben and Mitch have more in common than they thought.
While short (less than 90 pages), this story was fun and believable. I liked the writer's style and Mitch's character was given some depth and history that was very helpful in understanding his actions. Ben is definitely a very nice man and that comes across in his character - although he is not a pushover which was also refreshing.
I enjoyed the books and have some other Kate Steele books to read that I will hopefully get to shortly.
February 8, 2010
The characters and their interaction were very interesting, there's nothing like some good bickering to bring up the sexual tension. The realization that his idol is actually not like in the movies was a nice trait, since this is usually the reality of things. It was intriguing to see this story exploit that aspect of fame.
I really loved it but it was cut much, much too short. The story ended just when it felt like it was starting. We get some time skip as an epilogue to keep us from whining too much I guess but it's like baking a cake and coming back to see it was eaten without you and you're left with the cleaning up...
I really loved it but it was cut much, much too short. The story ended just when it felt like it was starting. We get some time skip as an epilogue to keep us from whining too much I guess but it's like baking a cake and coming back to see it was eaten without you and you're left with the cleaning up...
October 29, 2013
This was a really cute story and I totally enjoy it.
We have Ben, who owns a bookstore (which I considere a dream come true to every bookworm) and his best friend give him a pre-brithday gift that is a luch date with Mitch DeSantis, the star of Ben's favorite TV show. But when the luch takes place Ben is completly ignore by the snob actor, and he leaves without a last glance.
After some time, Mitch reappear and with a complete change of attitude. And after a dinner, sexy time, and a chase; Ben and Mitch find that this might be it and they decide to give it a shot. At the end, we find out that they happily married.
We have Ben, who owns a bookstore (which I considere a dream come true to every bookworm) and his best friend give him a pre-brithday gift that is a luch date with Mitch DeSantis, the star of Ben's favorite TV show. But when the luch takes place Ben is completly ignore by the snob actor, and he leaves without a last glance.
After some time, Mitch reappear and with a complete change of attitude. And after a dinner, sexy time, and a chase; Ben and Mitch find that this might be it and they decide to give it a shot. At the end, we find out that they happily married.
September 3, 2011
I loved it! Beyond being funny and cute it was well written. She gives you full character details, along with well written book details. I think the fact that the MC acted like an ass only added to the story. Who wants perfect characters? The connection between the MC could have been better, I kind of felt like all the talking in the sex took away rather than added a solid connection but I still felt it. I truely loved this book :)
April 5, 2012
I love this premise and, after reading several stories in a row where the story didn't live up to the blurb, I was thrilled that this one worked.
The MCs are sweet, even Mitch who is an utter prick to Ben when they first meet. He comes back and apologises and heat happens! The sex is steaming in this, and the boys make a real connection, both emotionally and physically.
This was a funny, sweet, sexy story. I'd recommend it to anyone who wants a fun, light read.
The MCs are sweet, even Mitch who is an utter prick to Ben when they first meet. He comes back and apologises and heat happens! The sex is steaming in this, and the boys make a real connection, both emotionally and physically.
This was a funny, sweet, sexy story. I'd recommend it to anyone who wants a fun, light read.
September 27, 2014
What a cute, quick read!!! Mitch and Ben both were very appealing as MCs...and Becca added a "strong, supportive" best friend...that I feel is a plus in any story!!! The guys had a slightly "rough" beginning...but as they say..."All's well, that end's well"!!! Just went to check, and yes this is my first book by this author!!! I am sure I will be reading more in the future!
July 19, 2014
This book did not agree with me. The premise of the book was okay but this is one of the books that wasn't a hit with me.The plot was okay, but halfway through the story i was skipping just to see what happens in the end. hence 2.5 - 3 stars for you.
September 29, 2014
I don't think I needed to know all the furniture and fittings in the MCs houses. Discounting that it's not a bad story with enough character information to want to find out what will
happen and what did happen in the past.
happen and what did happen in the past.
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