What do you think?
Rate this book
Winning Owen
Harper
I wasted years in a sham of a marriage to my high school boyfriend. All he left me with was a hefty mortgage and a pile of insecurities to match. Uncertain that I’ll ever meet someone again, I’ve resigned myself to the single life. I have great friends, a loving family and a rewarding career. What more do I need other than iced coffee and my endless romance book TBR list? That is until my younger brother’s best friend moves back to town. The droolworthy man he is now is far from the awkward teen I remembered. When he volunteers for the local bachelor auction fundraiser, he gains a lot of attention. I might just need to save him!
Owen
I’ve loved my best friends sister from afar for years. She’s finally single for the first time in her adult life and I think it’s time I let her know I want to be more than friends. I want her to be mine.
This steamy, brothers best friend romance will have you clenching your thighs and reaching for a cocktail!
Join these curvy Aussie beauties in the small town of Hartwood Bay as they accidentally win dates with the men who have been craving their love.
Each book in the Valentine Cove Bachelor Auction series can be read as a standalone.
I wasted years in a sham of a marriage to my high school boyfriend. All he left me with was a hefty mortgage and a pile of insecurities to match. Uncertain that I’ll ever meet someone again, I’ve resigned myself to the single life. I have great friends, a loving family and a rewarding career. What more do I need other than iced coffee and my endless romance book TBR list? That is until my younger brother’s best friend moves back to town. The droolworthy man he is now is far from the awkward teen I remembered. When he volunteers for the local bachelor auction fundraiser, he gains a lot of attention. I might just need to save him!
Owen
I’ve loved my best friends sister from afar for years. She’s finally single for the first time in her adult life and I think it’s time I let her know I want to be more than friends. I want her to be mine.
This steamy, brothers best friend romance will have you clenching your thighs and reaching for a cocktail!
Join these curvy Aussie beauties in the small town of Hartwood Bay as they accidentally win dates with the men who have been craving their love.
Each book in the Valentine Cove Bachelor Auction series can be read as a standalone.
- GenresContemporary
118 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 11, 2024
14 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
March 9, 2026
My fave one yet! 🥹
October 22, 2025
This is a short but sweet love story about a younger brother's best friend who has been in love with his plus-size older sister. However, she ends up marrying a guy from high school whom she started dating at fifteen. The book opens with Harper Lucas ogling Owen Cross, twenty-eight through her kitchen window, and her bestie teasing her about it. Owen’s muscles rippled as he took grip of the lawnmower handles and began pushing. She’d been zoning out, checking out her younger brother’s best friend. The awkward boy who’d moved away a decade ago to attend university had grown into a fine man.
And by fine, she meant hot, smoking hot. Like the hot that should be on the cover of a romance novel. The kind that she devoured. Chelsea giggled. “That’s not what I mean, and you know it.” Chelsea subtly tilted her head, pointing out the kitchen window. “I’m talking about the little show Owen’s putting on for you.” I was a washed-up, broken woman. “Owen is just helping us out. He knows I have an allergy to grass pollen.” “You live in a house with two housemates, plus you have family nearby.
There are plenty of people who can mow the lawn.” “That man has the hots for you.” At 30, she was divorced from the only man who’d ever paid any attention to her. A man who’d constantly reminded her that no other man would find her attractive. Then he’d knocked up another woman and run off to the Gold Coast, leaving her in the huge house that he insisted they build. The house that she was struggling to pay for and had filled with her best friends as housemates. She hadn’t told anyone that it wasn’t the first time Trey had cheated on her; she didn’t tell anyone the first couple of times.
He’d told her it was a mistake, and he wouldn’t do it again. Naïve she believed him. Maybe she was just in so deep that Harper didn’t want to believe anything else. Harper she started dating Trey when she was 15 and then only had eyes for him. Some small part of him couldn’t deny that when the job opportunity came up for him to transfer back home, that hope bloomed that maybe it was a sign. That crush bloomed again too. Harper was in the final stages of signing her divorce papers when he moved back.
Zach Harper was still living in the monstrosity of a house that Trey wanted to build. Harper had wanted a big house to fill it with kids; Trey wanted a big house as one more thing to brag about. Owen stepped forward and started doing odd jobs around Harper’s house; it was the most blissful torture, but it also meant that he got to see her a few times a week. Can these two people who obviously have a huge crush on one another put their past insecurities away for good to finally go after what they have wanted for the longest time? Each other? Read and find out with this short and sweet love story.
And by fine, she meant hot, smoking hot. Like the hot that should be on the cover of a romance novel. The kind that she devoured. Chelsea giggled. “That’s not what I mean, and you know it.” Chelsea subtly tilted her head, pointing out the kitchen window. “I’m talking about the little show Owen’s putting on for you.” I was a washed-up, broken woman. “Owen is just helping us out. He knows I have an allergy to grass pollen.” “You live in a house with two housemates, plus you have family nearby.
There are plenty of people who can mow the lawn.” “That man has the hots for you.” At 30, she was divorced from the only man who’d ever paid any attention to her. A man who’d constantly reminded her that no other man would find her attractive. Then he’d knocked up another woman and run off to the Gold Coast, leaving her in the huge house that he insisted they build. The house that she was struggling to pay for and had filled with her best friends as housemates. She hadn’t told anyone that it wasn’t the first time Trey had cheated on her; she didn’t tell anyone the first couple of times.
He’d told her it was a mistake, and he wouldn’t do it again. Naïve she believed him. Maybe she was just in so deep that Harper didn’t want to believe anything else. Harper she started dating Trey when she was 15 and then only had eyes for him. Some small part of him couldn’t deny that when the job opportunity came up for him to transfer back home, that hope bloomed that maybe it was a sign. That crush bloomed again too. Harper was in the final stages of signing her divorce papers when he moved back.
Zach Harper was still living in the monstrosity of a house that Trey wanted to build. Harper had wanted a big house to fill it with kids; Trey wanted a big house as one more thing to brag about. Owen stepped forward and started doing odd jobs around Harper’s house; it was the most blissful torture, but it also meant that he got to see her a few times a week. Can these two people who obviously have a huge crush on one another put their past insecurities away for good to finally go after what they have wanted for the longest time? Each other? Read and find out with this short and sweet love story.
September 30, 2024
Winning Noah is a standalone contemporary romance by Tilly Tait, and is part of the Valentine Cove Bachelor Auction series.
Set in the small town of Hartwood Bay, this is a small town Australian romance, that brings together two unlikely characters. (I'm not gonna lie, being an Australian I'm always suckered into reading romances set here, I spent a good deal of time figuring out exactly where this is set, lol). Being that I live in regional Australia, I found the feel of Hartwood Bay very relatable to my experiences of moving from capital cities to a regional tourist town where it seems all the good men are married/in a relationship. Also, being that my mother's and her family are Italian migrants, I relate to that aspect of the male main character.
Noah D'Amico is a policeman, he's a sergeant and has moved to Hartwood Bay to do a stint in regional Australia (though he comes from a small town out in western NSW, Yass - yes, the Yass of the popular MacDonalds sign meme). He has a one night stand with one of the local women, Isabella Steele. Bella is definitely "Steel" by name and "Steele" by nature.
These two have insatiable passion and chemistry that comes off the page. I really enjoyed this novella and would love to read more from this author. I love finding new authors, especially one that is local to me and thus relate more (thanks to that acknowledgement to country, I know I'm not all that far away on Biripi land).
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Set in the small town of Hartwood Bay, this is a small town Australian romance, that brings together two unlikely characters. (I'm not gonna lie, being an Australian I'm always suckered into reading romances set here, I spent a good deal of time figuring out exactly where this is set, lol). Being that I live in regional Australia, I found the feel of Hartwood Bay very relatable to my experiences of moving from capital cities to a regional tourist town where it seems all the good men are married/in a relationship. Also, being that my mother's and her family are Italian migrants, I relate to that aspect of the male main character.
Noah D'Amico is a policeman, he's a sergeant and has moved to Hartwood Bay to do a stint in regional Australia (though he comes from a small town out in western NSW, Yass - yes, the Yass of the popular MacDonalds sign meme). He has a one night stand with one of the local women, Isabella Steele. Bella is definitely "Steel" by name and "Steele" by nature.
These two have insatiable passion and chemistry that comes off the page. I really enjoyed this novella and would love to read more from this author. I love finding new authors, especially one that is local to me and thus relate more (thanks to that acknowledgement to country, I know I'm not all that far away on Biripi land).
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 30, 2024
Love next door.
Harper recently got out of a bad marriage. She's had two friends living with her to help pay the mortgage. They've been encouraging her to get out and date again, but she's not sure she's ready. They convince her that the upcoming bachelor auction is the perfect opportunity to get out there with no expectations. But the only guy she can think about lately is her younger brother's best friend.
Owen is back in town after about a decade. His best friend convinces him to sign up for the bachelor auction. He's shy and doesn't really think he'll attract much attention. And he knows that the one woman he would want to bid on him won't.
Harper wasn't going to bid at all, but she heard a couple of women talking about Owen like a piece of meat, so she made sure she outbid them. Owen is ecstatic, until his friend says he's the perfect "practice" date for Harper. He wants her to think more of him than that.
How can he convince Harper that she's always been the one for him?
Harper was hesitant to get into another relationship after how her ex had treated her. But Owen was really sweet and patient, not to mention handy. Shirtless, sweaty guy mowing the lawn for you? Yes, please!
This was a fun, sweet and spicy read, with a woman trying to restart her life, and the younger man who only has eyes for her.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Harper recently got out of a bad marriage. She's had two friends living with her to help pay the mortgage. They've been encouraging her to get out and date again, but she's not sure she's ready. They convince her that the upcoming bachelor auction is the perfect opportunity to get out there with no expectations. But the only guy she can think about lately is her younger brother's best friend.
Owen is back in town after about a decade. His best friend convinces him to sign up for the bachelor auction. He's shy and doesn't really think he'll attract much attention. And he knows that the one woman he would want to bid on him won't.
Harper wasn't going to bid at all, but she heard a couple of women talking about Owen like a piece of meat, so she made sure she outbid them. Owen is ecstatic, until his friend says he's the perfect "practice" date for Harper. He wants her to think more of him than that.
How can he convince Harper that she's always been the one for him?
Harper was hesitant to get into another relationship after how her ex had treated her. But Owen was really sweet and patient, not to mention handy. Shirtless, sweaty guy mowing the lawn for you? Yes, please!
This was a fun, sweet and spicy read, with a woman trying to restart her life, and the younger man who only has eyes for her.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 7, 2024
ARC winning Owen
Harper Owen
This was a super cute short read. Harper is recently single after a long relationship with her first boyfriend. She starts to acknowledge her feelings for her younger brothers best friend (2 years). Owen has been in love with Harper forever, but finally sees his chance to make a move. When a charity bachelor auction pairs these two up- will they finally admit their feelings and let rhwir love bloom? Or will past hurt prevent them from getting their happily ever after?
I love Owen’s patience with Harper. His understanding of her past and being patient was wonderful. It probably didn’t hurt that her friends were giving him their support and encouragement.
There were a lot of side characters that I would love to read their stories!
If you love:
❤️brothers best friend
❤️reverse age gap (2 years)
❤️love after divorce
❤️ childhood crush
❤️some spice
❤️ happily ever after
Then add this to your TBR.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Harper Owen
This was a super cute short read. Harper is recently single after a long relationship with her first boyfriend. She starts to acknowledge her feelings for her younger brothers best friend (2 years). Owen has been in love with Harper forever, but finally sees his chance to make a move. When a charity bachelor auction pairs these two up- will they finally admit their feelings and let rhwir love bloom? Or will past hurt prevent them from getting their happily ever after?
I love Owen’s patience with Harper. His understanding of her past and being patient was wonderful. It probably didn’t hurt that her friends were giving him their support and encouragement.
There were a lot of side characters that I would love to read their stories!
If you love:
❤️brothers best friend
❤️reverse age gap (2 years)
❤️love after divorce
❤️ childhood crush
❤️some spice
❤️ happily ever after
Then add this to your TBR.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 20, 2024
Harper married her high school sweet heart at a young age after years of emotional abuse she discovers that he has been cheating on her with another woman in town along with that he has left her with a large mortgage. To get help with the mortgage she has a few friends move in to help cover costs and her brother's friend Owen comes over to help with yard work. Owen is no longer a young man she now notices him as "all man." Owen has always seen her as something more he has had a crush on his friends sister for years and at this point figures that is how it will always be... until one night when he ends up as a bachelor in the local charity auction and his dream girl Harper ends up with the highest bid he doesn't want to miss this opportunity to show that he can be so much more. Cute and sweet, quick read some spice this was the first book I read in this series want to read the rest of the series to hear about the other friends and their auction won dates!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 25, 2024
This story was so adorable! Noah was the perfect gentleman and seemed to know just how to melt Bella. Clearly she had some hang ups and was protecting herself and I mean let’s face it, who doesn’t! But Noah was not going to let her push him away. Loved that! He was so kind, how could she refuse?! The spice was just right, although quick, it was well done and not overbearing in a short story so it complimented the story rather than being the whole story. Gotta love a happy ending,
I think my favourite thing about this book is that there was no miscommunication between the characters. When she pushed, he just came closer, he told her exactly how he felt and what he wanted without being a pushy jerk. He gave her the freedom she needed to come to him. LOVE THIS!
Thanks for the opportunity to read Winning Noah
I think my favourite thing about this book is that there was no miscommunication between the characters. When she pushed, he just came closer, he told her exactly how he felt and what he wanted without being a pushy jerk. He gave her the freedom she needed to come to him. LOVE THIS!
Thanks for the opportunity to read Winning Noah
September 11, 2025
Being in love with your best friends older sister.....stupid!
Waiting 15 years to tell her while watching her languish in a loveless marriage with a douche..... ridiculous!
Owen pines for Harper for literally all of his adult life, she is the ideal that he holds all other women to and they never quite live up to her.
Harper married her first boyfriend and he systematically gaslit her into forgetting her worth until they finally divorced.
Owen is exactly what Harper needs to mend her broken heart and remember how awesome she is! Bring on the Bachelor Auction and those meddling mothers who steal the show with their complete lack of filter or subtlety!!
This quick read takes you through all the emotions in a short space of time, and has plenty of spice keeping you invested until the end!
Waiting 15 years to tell her while watching her languish in a loveless marriage with a douche..... ridiculous!
Owen pines for Harper for literally all of his adult life, she is the ideal that he holds all other women to and they never quite live up to her.
Harper married her first boyfriend and he systematically gaslit her into forgetting her worth until they finally divorced.
Owen is exactly what Harper needs to mend her broken heart and remember how awesome she is! Bring on the Bachelor Auction and those meddling mothers who steal the show with their complete lack of filter or subtlety!!
This quick read takes you through all the emotions in a short space of time, and has plenty of spice keeping you invested until the end!
November 14, 2024
Owen has always had a crush on his best friends’s older sister, Harper. Harper is now a divorcee, and finally single. However, Owen is hesitant and afraid to start something new.
Thank God that Harper wins a date with him at the bachelor auction! Their first date was so sweet but with Harper still scarred by her marriage, can she learn to accept Owen’s love for her?
This is a novella which is sweet and also spicy. You will love it if you like your heroes to be cinnamon rolls – someone who cooks and mow your lawns!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Thank God that Harper wins a date with him at the bachelor auction! Their first date was so sweet but with Harper still scarred by her marriage, can she learn to accept Owen’s love for her?
This is a novella which is sweet and also spicy. You will love it if you like your heroes to be cinnamon rolls – someone who cooks and mow your lawns!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 10, 2025
3.5⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Vibes - Fine
Moving on and moving up
After her divorce Harper's confidence is knocked so her friend's convince her to get back out there by going to a bachelor auction but the only person she can think about is her brother's best friend who's recently back in town. Owen has had a crush on Harper since childhood and now that she is since for the first time in her adult life he's not gonna miss his chance. Owen is so patient with her and her friends were really supportive too. I liked this bite sized love story.
Tropes
-Plus Size
-Brother's Best Friend
-Small Town
🌶️🌶️
Vibes - Fine
Moving on and moving up
After her divorce Harper's confidence is knocked so her friend's convince her to get back out there by going to a bachelor auction but the only person she can think about is her brother's best friend who's recently back in town. Owen has had a crush on Harper since childhood and now that she is since for the first time in her adult life he's not gonna miss his chance. Owen is so patient with her and her friends were really supportive too. I liked this bite sized love story.
Tropes
-Plus Size
-Brother's Best Friend
-Small Town
January 17, 2025
Winning Owen is the beautiful love story between Harper and her brothers best friend Owen. It’s an unrequited childhood crush romance and it’s gorgeous.
A quick read for those who find slow burns tedious!
After a particularly bad divorce, Harper had lost a lot of her courage and Owen was exactly what she needs.
Rating: 3.5 ⭐️
Spice: 1 🔥
Tropes: Brothers Best Friend, Post-Divorce, Childhood Crush, Small Town, Instalust, Cinnamon Roll
A quick read for those who find slow burns tedious!
After a particularly bad divorce, Harper had lost a lot of her courage and Owen was exactly what she needs.
Rating: 3.5 ⭐️
Spice: 1 🔥
Tropes: Brothers Best Friend, Post-Divorce, Childhood Crush, Small Town, Instalust, Cinnamon Roll
October 21, 2024
Who out there doesn't want to be with the man that has been secretly wanting them? From hotel rooms to charity auctions - there is no denying the chemistry between Noah & Bella.
This is part of the Valentine Cove Bachelor Auction series which can be read as a standalone.
#ShortRead.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is part of the Valentine Cove Bachelor Auction series which can be read as a standalone.
#ShortRead.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 27, 2024
This is an entertaining secret auction short story romance book that grabs your attention from the start and hold it to the very end. The storyline is intriguing and dramatic as the elements unfold. The characters are well written with steamy chemistry together. I enjoyed this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 5, 2024
I absolutely adored this book. It was quick but packed with lots of love. The characters were well written. I love a shy hot guy who doesn't seem to know how hot he is. The MFC is broken but love heals in the end and man her ex is a loser.
Will look for this author again. :).
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Will look for this author again. :).
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 18, 2024
Totally sweet and spicy short romance. This one hits you right in the feels. Owen helping Harper overcome the damage her ex did to her self esteem was so satisfying. Looking forward to the next book in the series <3.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 11, 2024
Totally sweet and spicy short romance. This one hits you right in the feels. Owen helping Harper overcome the damage her ex did to her self esteem was so satisfying. Looking forward to the next book in the series <3.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 18, 2024
Really enjoyed this sweet read. Harper is finally out of her disastrous marriage. Her younger brother's bf has crushed on her for years. Was lovely seeing Owen build her up and adore her properly. Received a free copy.
November 25, 2024
This book kept me hooked and I couldn't put it down.
Secret feelings + Bachelor Autction??? Definitely a book green flag.
This book had me hooked from the start.
It was a quick and easy read and something about second chances always gets me.
I just wish it were longer :(
Secret feelings + Bachelor Autction??? Definitely a book green flag.
This book had me hooked from the start.
It was a quick and easy read and something about second chances always gets me.
I just wish it were longer :(
November 26, 2024
Owen has loved Harper for hears but she was married to her high school sweetheart. When her marriage finally ends, he sees this as his chance to get her to see that they belong together. Will he get her to see what they could have?
May 28, 2025
This is now one of my favourite series! This book was such a fun read ! I love a brothers best friend romance. I love the MC’s connection in this story!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 20, 2025
good
This was a good book. I’ve liked all three books in the series from this author. I’m glad the his best friend her brother got on board with their relationship. It was a very good ending.
This was a good book. I’ve liked all three books in the series from this author. I’m glad the his best friend her brother got on board with their relationship. It was a very good ending.
November 8, 2024
Love a novella!
Argh, I really loved the Harper and Owen story! It was so loved filled! Couldn’t get enough!
Really enjoying the whole series and looking forward to book 4! 🖤
Argh, I really loved the Harper and Owen story! It was so loved filled! Couldn’t get enough!
Really enjoying the whole series and looking forward to book 4! 🖤
November 12, 2024
This book was wonderful book—had me wanting more and it and Owen is swoon-worthy. Gives me nice guy gets the girl vibes, love it! 😍
November 18, 2024
I really liked reading this story. I loved the characters and how everything played out. Lots of laughs. Y'all have got to get this one. It's so good.
November 20, 2024
I really liked this story. I connected with the female character. I have a lot in common with her and I love the love story her and Owen have in the book.
November 21, 2024
The story and characters are well written and developed. I enjoyed the drama, chemistry and journey. Good read.
November 25, 2024
~ Harper and Owen ~
A super sweet and heartwarming story about dealing with what life throws at us, second chances, and the fear and feeling of not being enough
A super sweet and heartwarming story about dealing with what life throws at us, second chances, and the fear and feeling of not being enough
July 2, 2025
Loved it! Steamy, sassy, cosy and easy reading.
November 17, 2024
Harper's first marriage had been the worst from his tearing down her self-esteem and the getting another woman pregnant. She had bought the house he had built for them, but she had to work extra hours and have roommates to help pay for it. Owen has been her younger brother's best friend; all the while being in love with her. When Brock, Harper's young brother, convinced Owen to be part of the bachelors' auction fundraiser; Harper bid on Owen to save him from another woman's plans. Harper admired Owen when he helped her out around the lawn; but he was 2-years younger than her and her brother's best friend. Owen expresses his feelings near the end of their date; and Harper runs from him when they kiss. What is Owen to do? Will their friends be able to help when he doesn't hear from Harper? What will Brock have to say about his best friend hitting on his sister?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 17, 2024
This is book three in the “Valentine Cove Bachelor Auction” series and can be read as a standalone. Harper has had her confidence knocked after marriage to a man who betrayed and belittled her, and feels trapped in the cage of their former home. When her brother’s best friend Owen returns to Valentine Cove, she allows herself to admire the man he has become since he left ten years before but doesn’t believe that any man would want her. Owen has wanted to be with Harper since they were at school so when he finds himself in the Valentine Cove Bachelor Auction, he is hoping that Harper will bid for him. Harper feels compelled to win the auction to save Owen from another woman’s pursuit. The author really makes you feel Harper’s lack of confidence and the emotional weight she bears from her past, and in Owen has created the balm to soothe Harper. Recommended for readers looking for an emotional connection to the story, with a swoon worthy, decent man, satisfying steam and a sense of deep contentment.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews