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1Night Stand #88
A Bid For Love
Anthony Conlin is a forty-one year old workaholic in love with his twenty-nine year old neighbor, Reece Whitmore, who looks like he belongs on the cover of GQ magazine. Anthony longs for Reece to the point of obsession, but doesn’t think he stands a chance because of their difference in age, his graying hair and a less than rock hard physique.
When Anthony’s friend, Jagger Castillo urges Anthony to try the matching services of 1Night Stand, Anthony still refuses because of his crush on Reece. But Jagger, along with the help of Madame Evangeline, the owner of the 1NS has something up their sleeves to make certain Anthony and Reece finally get together.
A charity auction sets the stage and rolls into motion a night Anthony and Reece will never forget.
When Anthony’s friend, Jagger Castillo urges Anthony to try the matching services of 1Night Stand, Anthony still refuses because of his crush on Reece. But Jagger, along with the help of Madame Evangeline, the owner of the 1NS has something up their sleeves to make certain Anthony and Reece finally get together.
A charity auction sets the stage and rolls into motion a night Anthony and Reece will never forget.
43 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 12, 2012
About the author
K.T. Grant
63 books205 followersKT Grant is a self-proclaimed eccentric redhead who not only loves to read a wide variety of romances, but also loves writing it. KT has a bad coffee and LEGO set addiction, and doesn’t shy away from voicing her opinion A proud native of New Jersey, KT is multi-published and writes Gay, Lesbian and Straight romance. KT has also been a top ten best-selling author at Amazon.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 17, 2012
Anthony and Reece may not seem like the ideal match, but each of them thinks of the other as his fantasy man. Too bad real life (and excruciating shyness) keep intruding. Their story is one that made me smile – getting them together with a somewhat unconventional twist to a charity auction was a nice variation on the ‘bid for your man’ concept.
Anthony is far too shy for his own good. His low self esteem is even getting in the way of noticing Reece’s interest. While I felt sorry for him on the one hand, I also thought he was overdoing it without much good reason (that I could see). At least he knows what he wants and, in the end, has enough brain cells left to make the right decision.
Reece knows exactly what he wants, but has no idea how to approach Anthony without scaring him away. I can’t believe it took him two years to make it happen, but when he does the result is pretty spectacular. In many ways the two deserve each other – while Reece isn’t shy, he is definitely not decisive either.
This story is another installment of the successful and fun One Night Stands series. Featuring two main characters who can’t quite seem to manage getting together on their own, this story was one of the more difficult challenges for Madame Eve, who runs the matchmaking service. If you like reading about two men who do not seem like the ideal couple at first glance, have an age gap to deal with, and aren’t the outgoing type, you may like this story.
NOTE: This book was provided by Decadent Publishing for the purpose of a review on QMO Books.
Anthony is far too shy for his own good. His low self esteem is even getting in the way of noticing Reece’s interest. While I felt sorry for him on the one hand, I also thought he was overdoing it without much good reason (that I could see). At least he knows what he wants and, in the end, has enough brain cells left to make the right decision.
Reece knows exactly what he wants, but has no idea how to approach Anthony without scaring him away. I can’t believe it took him two years to make it happen, but when he does the result is pretty spectacular. In many ways the two deserve each other – while Reece isn’t shy, he is definitely not decisive either.
This story is another installment of the successful and fun One Night Stands series. Featuring two main characters who can’t quite seem to manage getting together on their own, this story was one of the more difficult challenges for Madame Eve, who runs the matchmaking service. If you like reading about two men who do not seem like the ideal couple at first glance, have an age gap to deal with, and aren’t the outgoing type, you may like this story.
NOTE: This book was provided by Decadent Publishing for the purpose of a review on QMO Books.
July 25, 2018
3.66 stars
February 27, 2012
Rating: D
Originally reviewed at Brief Encounters Reviews
I wasn’t sure when reading the blurb if A Bid for Love was going to be one of those crazy comic capers that I really enjoyed, or if it would just be over the top melodrama. Unfortunately for me, it fell into the second category, but I’m sure there will be readers out there who disagree.
What particularly attracted me to the story from the blurb was the figure of Anthony Conlin: a slightly pudgy man who believes himself to be over the hill at forty-one. You don’t see many heroes in this age bracket in m/m romance, and having one with a flabby waistline is almost unheard of. In this respect, I think KT Grant is to be applauded, as the less than perfect certainly deserve their shot at love too. Anthony is a rather tragic figure, who despite his success as a financial broker in Vegas, turns into a self-proclaimed “tongue-tied, thirteen-year-old boy” when confronted with the object of his obsession: neighbour Reece Whitmore.
Reece is a freelance graphic designer who also happens to be crushing on his neighbour. Unfortunately, despite his confidence in other areas and amazing good looks, he is utterly incapable of making an obvious enough move on his neighbour – for reasons I never fully grasped. Rather than spelling out his interest in terms that obtuse Anthony couldn’t fail to understand, Reece has been pining after him for a long time. The extent of this is revealed later in the story so I won’t spoil the surprise, but I’m afraid it left me incredulous rather than thinking “how sweet”, as I suspect was intended.
The whole plot of the story is built on interfering friends setting up Reece to appear in a charity auction, which for some reason Anthony not only agrees to attend (which is out of character), but also ends up bidding for the masked Reece. I still don’t understand why the friends thought this plan would work and why Reece played along with it. He says he’s ready to take action and doesn’t want to wait around for Anthony any longer. Why not just march up to his front door and tell him, then?
I felt that the machinations of the plot sprang less from what the characters would really do in that situation, and more from a desire to include a bidding frenzy and a posh hotel bedroom scene. It could have worked for me if the author had played it as more of a screwball comedy, acknowledging the ridiculousness of the situation and making the most of it. Instead there were more angsty moments, as Anthony struggled with not only the sex, but also finding out about the way he’d been played by his so-called friends. I actually thought his performance anxiety and reaction to the betrayal were nice touches, but for me it was too little too late.
The other thing I must mention is the author’s use of pronouns. Admittedly, this was a review copy so it’s possible some of the more confusing instances will have been caught before publication, but I was left scratching my head on several occasions. One memorable sentence used the word “he” three times, twice referring to one character and once to the other (as far as I could work out)
Anyway, for me the confusing pronouns, stilted dialogue, ludicrous plot and out of character actions spoilt the story, but other readers may find their mileage varies. The sex is certainly energetic and the two heroes are sweet enough, so I’m sure there will be many who are perfectly happy with things the way there are. I’m sorry to say that for me, though, it just didn’t work.
Originally reviewed at Brief Encounters Reviews
I wasn’t sure when reading the blurb if A Bid for Love was going to be one of those crazy comic capers that I really enjoyed, or if it would just be over the top melodrama. Unfortunately for me, it fell into the second category, but I’m sure there will be readers out there who disagree.
What particularly attracted me to the story from the blurb was the figure of Anthony Conlin: a slightly pudgy man who believes himself to be over the hill at forty-one. You don’t see many heroes in this age bracket in m/m romance, and having one with a flabby waistline is almost unheard of. In this respect, I think KT Grant is to be applauded, as the less than perfect certainly deserve their shot at love too. Anthony is a rather tragic figure, who despite his success as a financial broker in Vegas, turns into a self-proclaimed “tongue-tied, thirteen-year-old boy” when confronted with the object of his obsession: neighbour Reece Whitmore.
Reece is a freelance graphic designer who also happens to be crushing on his neighbour. Unfortunately, despite his confidence in other areas and amazing good looks, he is utterly incapable of making an obvious enough move on his neighbour – for reasons I never fully grasped. Rather than spelling out his interest in terms that obtuse Anthony couldn’t fail to understand, Reece has been pining after him for a long time. The extent of this is revealed later in the story so I won’t spoil the surprise, but I’m afraid it left me incredulous rather than thinking “how sweet”, as I suspect was intended.
The whole plot of the story is built on interfering friends setting up Reece to appear in a charity auction, which for some reason Anthony not only agrees to attend (which is out of character), but also ends up bidding for the masked Reece. I still don’t understand why the friends thought this plan would work and why Reece played along with it. He says he’s ready to take action and doesn’t want to wait around for Anthony any longer. Why not just march up to his front door and tell him, then?
I felt that the machinations of the plot sprang less from what the characters would really do in that situation, and more from a desire to include a bidding frenzy and a posh hotel bedroom scene. It could have worked for me if the author had played it as more of a screwball comedy, acknowledging the ridiculousness of the situation and making the most of it. Instead there were more angsty moments, as Anthony struggled with not only the sex, but also finding out about the way he’d been played by his so-called friends. I actually thought his performance anxiety and reaction to the betrayal were nice touches, but for me it was too little too late.
The other thing I must mention is the author’s use of pronouns. Admittedly, this was a review copy so it’s possible some of the more confusing instances will have been caught before publication, but I was left scratching my head on several occasions. One memorable sentence used the word “he” three times, twice referring to one character and once to the other (as far as I could work out)
Anyway, for me the confusing pronouns, stilted dialogue, ludicrous plot and out of character actions spoilt the story, but other readers may find their mileage varies. The sex is certainly energetic and the two heroes are sweet enough, so I’m sure there will be many who are perfectly happy with things the way there are. I’m sorry to say that for me, though, it just didn’t work.
March 4, 2012
My Rating: 3.5 stars: Liked it a lot - recommend (B+)
Tony and Reese have been neighbors for a few years, both men are completely hung up on and attracted to the other. However, neither is willing to make the first move, that is until Reese decides he will take a chance. But his flirting doesn’t get far, and poor Tony is completely tongue-tied. When a mutual acquaintance offers Reese a way into Tony’s bed (and hopefully his heart), Reese jumps at the chance for love.
This was my first 1 Night Stand (1NS) novella and the second novella I’ve read by KT Grant. I am impressed with her ability to create intimate romances in such a short space. The characters are real enough, relatable on some level, and don't require lots of background and superfluous details to enjoy the story. We know these two men long for each other, and Ms. Grant is able to quickly build the need and frustration.
For those wondering, each 1NS story is independent, using a somewhat mysterious character, Madame Evangeline, as a match maker with a 100% track record in finding the perfect long-term mate. In this book it's a suitable vehicle used to get the men together in a fairly short span.
I adored Tony and Reece. They both were a bit shy, but once together, passion explodes. And wow--there are some completely sexy scenes involving a hot tub! At times I thought that Tony was too hung up on the age difference and the fact he was tricked into the date. I felt like he was determined to see the relationship fail before giving it a chance. I also question the need for such an elaborate set up to bring them together, however it added tension and fun to the novella, and in the end--it all worked.
A Bid For Love is a delightful, sexy romance. I enjoyed the overall story and recommend it for a quick, entertaining read.
Tony and Reese have been neighbors for a few years, both men are completely hung up on and attracted to the other. However, neither is willing to make the first move, that is until Reese decides he will take a chance. But his flirting doesn’t get far, and poor Tony is completely tongue-tied. When a mutual acquaintance offers Reese a way into Tony’s bed (and hopefully his heart), Reese jumps at the chance for love.
This was my first 1 Night Stand (1NS) novella and the second novella I’ve read by KT Grant. I am impressed with her ability to create intimate romances in such a short space. The characters are real enough, relatable on some level, and don't require lots of background and superfluous details to enjoy the story. We know these two men long for each other, and Ms. Grant is able to quickly build the need and frustration.
For those wondering, each 1NS story is independent, using a somewhat mysterious character, Madame Evangeline, as a match maker with a 100% track record in finding the perfect long-term mate. In this book it's a suitable vehicle used to get the men together in a fairly short span.
I adored Tony and Reece. They both were a bit shy, but once together, passion explodes. And wow--there are some completely sexy scenes involving a hot tub! At times I thought that Tony was too hung up on the age difference and the fact he was tricked into the date. I felt like he was determined to see the relationship fail before giving it a chance. I also question the need for such an elaborate set up to bring them together, however it added tension and fun to the novella, and in the end--it all worked.
A Bid For Love is a delightful, sexy romance. I enjoyed the overall story and recommend it for a quick, entertaining read.
April 28, 2012
This book in the ongoing 1Night Stand series features Anthony,forty-one year old financial broker, wanting Reece, twenty-nine year old graphic designer. It should have been easy for the two to become more than just friends as they've been neightbors for three years but neither is willing to take a chance. It will take the skills of Madame Eve to once again give fate a helping hand to get these two together.
Recent installments in this series have minimized the Madame Eve 1Night Stand dating aspect. Vague references or a quick paragraph and Madame Eve disappears. I am so happy that this book embraces and uses the elusive, mysterious Madame Eve as an active character in the book. Her mysticism and ability to match her clients with their perfect match is one of the reasons I enjoy the series.
This is a gay erotica read with a romantic feel to it. Don't get me wrong the sex scenes are great and steamy but the lead up to them is equally as alluring. The author makes use of the short story length to pace the storyline without craming too much in a short period of time scenrio. By the time these two came together I knew they were meant for each other and would have their HEA. That let me enjoy the journey of this read instead of trying to second guess if the outcome would support the plot. And the author cameos characters from other books in the series which is always a plus for me too.
Recent installments in this series have minimized the Madame Eve 1Night Stand dating aspect. Vague references or a quick paragraph and Madame Eve disappears. I am so happy that this book embraces and uses the elusive, mysterious Madame Eve as an active character in the book. Her mysticism and ability to match her clients with their perfect match is one of the reasons I enjoy the series.
This is a gay erotica read with a romantic feel to it. Don't get me wrong the sex scenes are great and steamy but the lead up to them is equally as alluring. The author makes use of the short story length to pace the storyline without craming too much in a short period of time scenrio. By the time these two came together I knew they were meant for each other and would have their HEA. That let me enjoy the journey of this read instead of trying to second guess if the outcome would support the plot. And the author cameos characters from other books in the series which is always a plus for me too.
March 31, 2012
A Bid for Love was romantic. Completely. I couldn't stop swooning. There were tons of aww's and come on's thrown in there too. Just a little warning to all the people who don't mind male on male. This book is graphic and not for young readers. Graphic but well written. KT Grant is awesome and her installment into the Night Stand series was excellent. I'm looking forward to reading the other books in the series written by other authors that will entail different other characters (duh).
Tony is my favorite character, he's an introvert and excessively shy. Well, so he says. I found all his qualities cute. And the fact that he's into his neighbor who is way younger than him makes his cute quality stronger. Old he may be but cute nonetheless.
Reece is another story. He's incredibly hot and a used to be player. Now, he's saving himself for Tony. (I know right). Thing is they're both too scared to say anything to each other. (awh)
A Bid for Love is a short (40+ pages), sweet, romantic, and sexy (incredibly) read. Its good for one sitting and a reaaaal page turner. Love the part at the auction. :D
Tony is my favorite character, he's an introvert and excessively shy. Well, so he says. I found all his qualities cute. And the fact that he's into his neighbor who is way younger than him makes his cute quality stronger. Old he may be but cute nonetheless.
Reece is another story. He's incredibly hot and a used to be player. Now, he's saving himself for Tony. (I know right). Thing is they're both too scared to say anything to each other. (awh)
A Bid for Love is a short (40+ pages), sweet, romantic, and sexy (incredibly) read. Its good for one sitting and a reaaaal page turner. Love the part at the auction. :D
December 30, 2012
My Review:
This was an interesting format for this series, having these two men who have been circling each other for years and then Madame Eve and Jagger Castillo step in to get them to connect. It was a hot book with a cougar-type story line (if a gay man can qualify as a cougar).
Anthony is a middle-aged guy with middle-aged issues. He's not so sure of his appeal anymore because things aren't so tight anymore. As a result, he's never acted on his attraction to his neighbor Reece although Reece is trying to send out all the right signals. Physically, Anthony may not be the hottest guy around, but Reece sees that he's so much more than that and is attracted to who Anthony is. BUT Anthony is just not seeing that Reece likes him too.
Finally with a bit of manipulation by Anthony's friends (Jagger and Madame Eve) the two are able to connect.
I liked this book. I just wish that Anthony's self-flaggelation had been downplayed a tiny bit more. I like this series and it was fun to see Jagger and Madame Eve play a little bit larger role within this book than they normally do.
This was an interesting format for this series, having these two men who have been circling each other for years and then Madame Eve and Jagger Castillo step in to get them to connect. It was a hot book with a cougar-type story line (if a gay man can qualify as a cougar).
Anthony is a middle-aged guy with middle-aged issues. He's not so sure of his appeal anymore because things aren't so tight anymore. As a result, he's never acted on his attraction to his neighbor Reece although Reece is trying to send out all the right signals. Physically, Anthony may not be the hottest guy around, but Reece sees that he's so much more than that and is attracted to who Anthony is. BUT Anthony is just not seeing that Reece likes him too.
Finally with a bit of manipulation by Anthony's friends (Jagger and Madame Eve) the two are able to connect.
I liked this book. I just wish that Anthony's self-flaggelation had been downplayed a tiny bit more. I like this series and it was fun to see Jagger and Madame Eve play a little bit larger role within this book than they normally do.
May 20, 2013
Reviewed by: Nichelle
Book provided by: publisher
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
Anthony Conlin and Reece Whitmore are very easy to relate to and believable characters. Anthony thinks he’s too old for Reece and of course Reece doesn’t think Anthony would give him the time of day because he is a younger man. This conflict is so true to life. So much like real life and how people relate to one another.
The plot is great and kept my interest. It’s developed well for a short story and I didn’t want to put the book down. The plot was a basic one of man wanting another man but not sure if that other man would want him back. It’s the basics of a regular relationship whether one is gay or straight. We all have had that experience of wanting someone and not sure if they even liked us enough to have a relationship. Which made this story so relateable on so many levels and a fun read. This is my first venture into the 1NS series by Decadent Publishing and it won’t be my last.
Book provided by: publisher
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
Anthony Conlin and Reece Whitmore are very easy to relate to and believable characters. Anthony thinks he’s too old for Reece and of course Reece doesn’t think Anthony would give him the time of day because he is a younger man. This conflict is so true to life. So much like real life and how people relate to one another.
The plot is great and kept my interest. It’s developed well for a short story and I didn’t want to put the book down. The plot was a basic one of man wanting another man but not sure if that other man would want him back. It’s the basics of a regular relationship whether one is gay or straight. We all have had that experience of wanting someone and not sure if they even liked us enough to have a relationship. Which made this story so relateable on so many levels and a fun read. This is my first venture into the 1NS series by Decadent Publishing and it won’t be my last.
June 22, 2012
Another enjoyable 1 Night Stand story. This one involves two neighbors who have been shyly circling around each other for years. They are both connected to Jagger Castillo, a character from his own 1 Night Stand story, who figures largely in their even date. Madame Eve is a player once again in this little scenario. Their story was romantic and sweet with a little bit of drama thrown in for some spice.
February 15, 2012
3.5*
I've read a few in this series and have enjoyed them.
Two totally different men have been lusting for each other for over 2 years, but as usual they need the help of meddling friends and the mysterious Madame Evangeline to get the job done!
A quick and easy read that I enjoyed.
I've read a few in this series and have enjoyed them.
Two totally different men have been lusting for each other for over 2 years, but as usual they need the help of meddling friends and the mysterious Madame Evangeline to get the job done!
A quick and easy read that I enjoyed.
April 14, 2012
Another enjoyable 1Night Stand book! Check out my review at Mrs. Condit Reads Books!
http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
June 23, 2012
Sweet and sexy. I've read a few 1NS series books and have liked them all. This is my first read by KT Grant, and I believe I'll be seeking out more of her work.
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April 26, 2011I wrote this.
June 19, 2012
3.5 - It lost a half for me with the auction.
June 28, 2012
3.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews