Dec 19, 2016 – The first in Van Dyken's Bachelors of Arizona series charms readers with a decidedly modern retelling of the Cinderella story. After Jane's father's death, she inherited her family's cleaning business and the care of her two spoiled sisters which includes bailing them out of debt, cooking for them, and more. Wealthy orphan Brock Wellington has always put the needs of others before his own, so when his scheming grandfather blindsides him with the idea of auctioning himself off for marriage to the highest bidder, Brock feels he can't say no. After Jane breaks a heel at a Wellington event, Brock solicitously plays the prince. But when Brock's grandfather hires Jane to clean his late parents' ranch without telling him, Brock turns into a surly knave. Brock's extreme pain at being in his childhood home is evident; there are memories in every corner and rituals he can't unlearn. Van Dyken (The Dare) also deftly portrays Jane's insecurities and her confusion about Brock's transformation from charmer to jerk. A lively cast of supporting characters particularly Brock's brothers, Bentley and Brant provide numerous opportunities to chuckle and cheer in this lighthearted, eminently readable treat.
Jane and Brock come from two different sides of the tracks. But yet they have more in common then they realize. As if it was fate, Jane lands in his arms of her destined Prince. But not without a little bumps.
The whole idea behind this book was enjoyable. It was easy to fall into and adore. I don't want to give much of the story away. I think that this is a light hearted story, about finding your way, and finally realizing what you really want in life.
The Bachelor Auction is a classic RVD romance. Filled with flawed people, who only want to find someone to love and accept them for who they and to make life on their own terms.
Jane only goal is to keep a promise she made to her father on his death bad. She has sacrificed everything in order to keep her sisters happy and their family intact. However, Jane's decision has left a void in her life and she is starting to drown with the consequences of her choices. Brock is man haunted by the death of his parents and carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. at 12 years of age the word "no" changed his life forever and has devoted his life to becoming a yes man. This has cost him the very essence of his soul and now he is a man adrift.
I loved how broken Brock was, he was a shell of a man that couldn't let go the ghost of past. Jane is perfect the foil, thought her life is not perfect it never broke her and she was what Brock desperately needed. someone that would not take his BS and call him on his brokenness but loves him enough to never give up on him. I also love how dealing with Brock required Jane to finally deal with her family and to take a stand in her life, even if she doesn't end up with the guy.
The secondary characters in this book are fantastic, the twins Brant and Bentley are the best and I can not wait to read their stories. They had me busting out laughing throughout this story and of course we got a Grandma Nadine cameo and all is right with the world now.
A great start to this series and a muss read for all RVD fans and people who love a good romance story.
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