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Texas Cattleman's Club: Bachelor Auction #4
His Until Midnight
A Cinderella makeover turns best friends into lovers in this Texas Cattleman’s Bachelor Auction story by Reese Ryan.
To the highest bidder goes…a friendship with benefits? Or is this something much, much more…
When Tessa Noble takes the stage at a charity auction after a sexy makeover, her best friend Ryan Bateman must place the winning bid. It’s definitely not because he’s jealous. Their weekend getaway is a ploy for positive press… or so the rancher tells himself. But soon things take an unexpected turn from platonic to passionate, catapulting the couple from friends to lovers…
From Harlequin Luxury, scandal, desire—welcome to the lives of the American elite.
Don’t miss a Texas Cattleman’s Bachelor Auction story!
Book 1 — Runaway Temptation by Maureen Child
Book 2 — Most Eligible Texan by Jules Bennett
Book 3 — Million Dollar Baby by Janice Maynard
Book 4 — His Until Midnight by Reese Ryan
Book 5 — The Rancher’s Bargain by Joanne Rock
Book 6 — Lone Star Reunion by Joss Wood
To the highest bidder goes…a friendship with benefits? Or is this something much, much more…
When Tessa Noble takes the stage at a charity auction after a sexy makeover, her best friend Ryan Bateman must place the winning bid. It’s definitely not because he’s jealous. Their weekend getaway is a ploy for positive press… or so the rancher tells himself. But soon things take an unexpected turn from platonic to passionate, catapulting the couple from friends to lovers…
From Harlequin Luxury, scandal, desire—welcome to the lives of the American elite.
Don’t miss a Texas Cattleman’s Bachelor Auction story!
Book 1 — Runaway Temptation by Maureen Child
Book 2 — Most Eligible Texan by Jules Bennett
Book 3 — Million Dollar Baby by Janice Maynard
Book 4 — His Until Midnight by Reese Ryan
Book 5 — The Rancher’s Bargain by Joanne Rock
Book 6 — Lone Star Reunion by Joss Wood
148 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2018
125 people are currently reading
264 people want to read
About the author
Reese Ryan
177 books604 followersVivian Award-winning author Reese Ryan writes sexy, emotional, “grown folks” romantic fiction set in small Southern towns. Her characters find love while navigating career crises and family drama.
Reese's books have been featured on Entertainment Weekly, BuzzFeed, and BookRiot. She is the host of Story Behind the Story—her YouTube show where readers and authors connect.
Reese's books have been featured on Entertainment Weekly, BuzzFeed, and BookRiot. She is the host of Story Behind the Story—her YouTube show where readers and authors connect.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
February 1, 2019
Tessa Noble and Ryan Bateman have been best friends since they were toddlers. They know each other as well as they know themselves...except how their love for one another shifted from platonic to something more years ago. Now, they’re having to confront these feelings when circumstances cause Tessa to participate in a bachelor auction where Ryan is the winning bidder. They’ll be spending a “romantic” weekend together that’s being covered by the press.
I like friends to lovers romances as they tend to be between two people who know each other well and have a strong affection for each other because of their qualities, not their physical chemistry. This is one of those stories and Tessa and Ryan’s friendship was enviable. They knew each other’s body language and expressions so there were never any real secrets once their relationship crossed that line into intimacy. I loved that we got both characters’ points of view and experienced the evolution out of the friend zone. And, they were both interesting, well defined and extremely likable.
I’m a big fan of the author’s writing style, especially her characterizations, and her signature is all over this story. Tessa felt like someone I knew with issues and concerns that rang authentic. Ryan was a good guy but imperfect while remaining appealing. This was a lovely romance between two people who treasured their friendship and were unwilling to sacrifice it for the sake of initmate moments. And, even though this is the fourth book in the series, this one stands on its own very well (I rarely read out of order) as the others are crafted by different authors. The connections are obvious yet intriguing, enough that I’m inclined to start from the beginning and read the rest.
I like friends to lovers romances as they tend to be between two people who know each other well and have a strong affection for each other because of their qualities, not their physical chemistry. This is one of those stories and Tessa and Ryan’s friendship was enviable. They knew each other’s body language and expressions so there were never any real secrets once their relationship crossed that line into intimacy. I loved that we got both characters’ points of view and experienced the evolution out of the friend zone. And, they were both interesting, well defined and extremely likable.
I’m a big fan of the author’s writing style, especially her characterizations, and her signature is all over this story. Tessa felt like someone I knew with issues and concerns that rang authentic. Ryan was a good guy but imperfect while remaining appealing. This was a lovely romance between two people who treasured their friendship and were unwilling to sacrifice it for the sake of initmate moments. And, even though this is the fourth book in the series, this one stands on its own very well (I rarely read out of order) as the others are crafted by different authors. The connections are obvious yet intriguing, enough that I’m inclined to start from the beginning and read the rest.
September 29, 2019
I wanted to like this a lot more but in the end it was just an OK read for me. I didn’t find the story consistent and it would go from 0 to 💯 real quick and then back to 0 again. Tess and Ryan while enjoyable def not memorable, and their feelings were very seesaw. I’m a sucker for a best friends to lover trope but this one let me down 😔
A nice effort by the author but I’m a say that this one is just a pretty cover.
February 26, 2022
This was a great little best friends to lovers novel. His Until Midnight follows Tessa and Ryan who have been best friends forever, but aside from a kiss once in college, never anything more. But when Tessa takes the stage at a charity auction, complete with a sexy makeover, Ryan can't help but bid on her date, realizing he doesn't want anyone else to have it. Things get steamy on their weekend away and they have to decide if the possibility of love is worth risking their friendship. I enjoyed their dynamic and this is perfect if you're looking for a quick and satisfying romantic read. There is also a side plot involving two older characters, which was cute but a little odd in how it fit in this book specifically. I feel like this was too short to warrant having another POV plot happening and wish they had just gotten their own book. But overall, I enjoyed my time with this.
August 24, 2019
2019 Ripped Bodice Summer Bingo: Cowboys
I love Reese Ryan’s voice so much and the friends-to-lovers progression was excellent in this one. However, I had three major problems that prevented me from loving the book.
1) Evil Ex. It was terrible and horribly one-dimensional. I was cringing at the mention but then she actually showed up, which made it worse for me.
2) I didn’t like the conversation in the very beginning when they made fun of the women who had plastic surgery. I’m really tired of demonizing people who get Botox or plastic surgery.
3) The subplot with the Clayton/Slade families was jarring and took me out of the story. I get that they have a book coming up in the series, and I had absolutely zero interest in them.
Basically: I liked the romance a lot but these three things prevented me from loving the book.
I love Reese Ryan’s voice so much and the friends-to-lovers progression was excellent in this one. However, I had three major problems that prevented me from loving the book.
1) Evil Ex. It was terrible and horribly one-dimensional. I was cringing at the mention but then she actually showed up, which made it worse for me.
2) I didn’t like the conversation in the very beginning when they made fun of the women who had plastic surgery. I’m really tired of demonizing people who get Botox or plastic surgery.
3) The subplot with the Clayton/Slade families was jarring and took me out of the story. I get that they have a book coming up in the series, and I had absolutely zero interest in them.
Basically: I liked the romance a lot but these three things prevented me from loving the book.
January 9, 2020
This was recommended to me as a really solid category, and I totally agree! I appreciate that this was a pretty low angst flavor of friends to lovers, and the pacing was interesting -- it basically takes place over one party and then one weekend. All in all, a fun read that I'd recommend
January 22, 2019
This was my first ever Harlequin Desire read and I only read it because it was the pick for the WOC in Romance book club. (This is #4 in a multi-author series and I haven’t read the others in the series). I don’t EVER read rancher or western romance but was intrigued because I thought this would upend the stereotypical blonde white girl with blonde white Texan guy romance. But it didn’t? I’m so confused?
Based on the cover image I think Tessa might be a woman of color which I was anticipating based on it being the pick for the WOC book club but the book NEVER indicated anything about her family/culture/race beyond something very brief about the “warm brown skin” on her back. Or maybe it was a pick because the author is a woman of color? The only reason I’m fixating on this is because a WOC I deeply respect in the reviewing community had harsh words about how white readers depict race in their books, and gave me so many examples of how it should be done. The majority of books I read and rate highly give me a sense of who the character is, and the reviewer I refer to explained that race is an integral part of who a person is and should be explored through discussion of culture and heritage. There was NOTHING in this story about Tessa’s life in any form except for this romance. It made her a completely one-dimensional character and I don’t love that, regardless of race. As another reviewer here mentioned, it seems like erasure.
I guess I just wanted a lot more from the story - more character, more sense of place, more everything, but from my understanding that’s not really the way with Harlequin Desire - I didn’t understand going in that these are basically fairly simplistic novellas.
Rest assured, I’m not giving up - I have already purchased another book by this author in a different series that I look forward to reading!
Based on the cover image I think Tessa might be a woman of color which I was anticipating based on it being the pick for the WOC book club but the book NEVER indicated anything about her family/culture/race beyond something very brief about the “warm brown skin” on her back. Or maybe it was a pick because the author is a woman of color? The only reason I’m fixating on this is because a WOC I deeply respect in the reviewing community had harsh words about how white readers depict race in their books, and gave me so many examples of how it should be done. The majority of books I read and rate highly give me a sense of who the character is, and the reviewer I refer to explained that race is an integral part of who a person is and should be explored through discussion of culture and heritage. There was NOTHING in this story about Tessa’s life in any form except for this romance. It made her a completely one-dimensional character and I don’t love that, regardless of race. As another reviewer here mentioned, it seems like erasure.
I guess I just wanted a lot more from the story - more character, more sense of place, more everything, but from my understanding that’s not really the way with Harlequin Desire - I didn’t understand going in that these are basically fairly simplistic novellas.
Rest assured, I’m not giving up - I have already purchased another book by this author in a different series that I look forward to reading!
March 10, 2019
What started off as a strictly bachelor's auction ended with heroine, Tessa Noble as the surprise bachelorette at the Texas Cattleman's Club Auction. Hero and best friend, Ryan took notice but so did other bachelors in the town of Royal!
I loved Ryan and Tessa's friends to lovers sexy storyline. Tripp, Tessa's protective brother had me worried for a bit due to the promise Ryan had made to him not to touch his sister when they were teenagers... but after they figured out that they were incomplete without each other, nothing could or would ever keep them apart... not even Bo, Clem, Tripp or the Ryan's high maintenance ex, Sabrina who casually drops back into his world!
5 Enchanting bachelor auction stars *****!!!!!
August 24, 2019
Category romance has constraints that don't always work for me. I really enjoyed one of Reese Ryan's other books and was excited to try another one by her but this one had a few elements that rubbed me the wrong way: patriarchal brother and best friend/hero, evil ex, and general mean girl comments about women who get plastic surgery and/or care about their looks. Tessa's brother shouldn't have had any say in who she dated, much less in whether Ryan could date her. If he's best friends with both of them, how is he not "good enough" for his sister? And why can't Tessa be the judge of that? She did stand up for herself and correct them but she shouldn't have had to do that in the first place. I also didn't like when Ryan got angry at her later in the book because he was clearly in the wrong and if anyone should have been pissed off, it was Tessa. I didn't like that she thought she had something to apologize for and wanted him to be the one making the grand gesture. There was also a side plot that is probably setting things up for one of the next books in the series but it felt really out of place and it took away the impact of the central love story. Despite all this, it was an enjoyable enough read that went by fast. Tessa and Ryan had great chemistry together and my heart went out to Tessa for the way she felt overlooked over the years.
January 4, 2019
*impressed nodding gif*
but seriously i really enjoyed this one. i realized how few friends to lovers romance ive read and this one has me wanting to read more. looking forward to more from Ryan.
but seriously i really enjoyed this one. i realized how few friends to lovers romance ive read and this one has me wanting to read more. looking forward to more from Ryan.
November 29, 2018
Ryan and Tessa have been lifelong friends and their families are close friends as well. There is an underlying attraction but neither one will admit it or let alone act on it, until the auction happens. I really liked this story because you could feel the character's internal struggle on what their next move should be going forward. They have been friends since forever but a lot is at stake if this doesn’t work out. We do get some push and pull but I loved that it wasn’t dragged out and everything was settled in a mature matter.
This is book four in a series and I thought would be confused but I wasn't at all. I’m curious to see what will happen next in this series as there was a unexpected surprise in this book. Reese Ryan is an author that I just started reading and I have come to really enjoy her books. The writing is solid, the charters are diverse and easy to relate to and the plots are refreshing. If you’re a fan of friends to lover romances look no further!
“Received a review copy and I voluntarily provided an honest review."
For more reviews check me out at: https://shellysbookcorner.com
This is book four in a series and I thought would be confused but I wasn't at all. I’m curious to see what will happen next in this series as there was a unexpected surprise in this book. Reese Ryan is an author that I just started reading and I have come to really enjoy her books. The writing is solid, the charters are diverse and easy to relate to and the plots are refreshing. If you’re a fan of friends to lover romances look no further!
“Received a review copy and I voluntarily provided an honest review."
For more reviews check me out at: https://shellysbookcorner.com
October 23, 2018
We finally have made it to the Bachelor Auction in this TCC book. When Tripp has to back out of the auction due to food poisoning his sister Tessa is brought in as a "ringer" of sorts. She asks her best friend Ryan to bid on her if no one else does. But when she comes out his crush he has had on her for a long while blows up and he bids and wins the bid. But something hinky happens at the auction so Ryan and Tessa are asked to be followed on their date to get good press for TCC...When they go away for the weekend they finally let go and go with their attraction. But can they do that or will Tessa push back and say no that they have to remain friends.Both are miserable once they go home..It takes friends and family members to tell them they are in love..They know it but they have not admitted it. Meanwhile Gus and Rose who have been keeping their grandchildren apart let the spark that has been there through all the hurts go up in flames..Look forward to seeing where that goes in the next installment
December 28, 2018
His Until Midnight by Reese Ryan is a sexy friends to lovers romance and the fourth story in the multi-authored Texas Cattleman’s Club: Bachelor Auction series.
Tessa Noble is doing her ill brother a favor when she fills in for his role in the charity bachelor auction at the Texas Cattleman’s Club. She’ll be the only bachelorette on the stage, the last ‘date’ of the night, and she’s worried that no one will bid on her. Enlisting the help of her longtime best friend Ryan Bateman, she makes him promise to put in a bid if no one else does.
Ryan goes one better – he outlasts the competition and pays top price for a date with his favorite lady. Sure she’s his best friend and they’ve never considered becoming anything more (though they did share that one kiss several years earlier…). Regardless of her plans for a football game and steak dinner night out together, when they find out there will be a photographer going along on their date Ryan decides to treat Tessa to a special romantic weekend for two. It’s the perfect opportunity for them to find out if they could be something more. But will it be over and back to friends only when they return home?
For more of this review please visit Harlequin Junkie: https://harlequinjunkie.com/review-hi...
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher for review.
Tessa Noble is doing her ill brother a favor when she fills in for his role in the charity bachelor auction at the Texas Cattleman’s Club. She’ll be the only bachelorette on the stage, the last ‘date’ of the night, and she’s worried that no one will bid on her. Enlisting the help of her longtime best friend Ryan Bateman, she makes him promise to put in a bid if no one else does.
Ryan goes one better – he outlasts the competition and pays top price for a date with his favorite lady. Sure she’s his best friend and they’ve never considered becoming anything more (though they did share that one kiss several years earlier…). Regardless of her plans for a football game and steak dinner night out together, when they find out there will be a photographer going along on their date Ryan decides to treat Tessa to a special romantic weekend for two. It’s the perfect opportunity for them to find out if they could be something more. But will it be over and back to friends only when they return home?
For more of this review please visit Harlequin Junkie: https://harlequinjunkie.com/review-hi...
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher for review.
November 20, 2018
This was my first book in the series as I did not realize it was part of one. Tessa loves Ryan but values their friendship so much that she is afraid that a romance will ruin it, and Ryan is attracted to Tessa but thinks he is not good enough for her. I found the promise made to the brother to be ridiculous and unbelievable to think it held any weight. .
I like that most of the book was spent on the main characters since it was a short read. I was distracted by the chapters about other people because I did not realize this was a part of a series, so that I could have done without. It was nice to see Ryan be vulnerable about this feelings and uncertain about where he stood.
I would have liked more backstory on Tessa and Ryan's family, and I can only assume we will find out about her friend from the auction in a future book. It was strange how she was not mentioned again. Overall everything happened pretty quickly and there was a lot of romance and passion.
I did, however, find it difficult to determine if Tessa was supposed to be African American or not. there was some reference to brown skin and curly hair, but other than that there was no description of her brother and no other mention of her heritage. Harlequin seems intent on writing books that skirt around the interracial aspect and it is becoming more evident. This is the first one where the lead female did have a loving family instead of being an orphan, in foster care, passing for white or at odds with her family, so for that I appreciate it.
I did notice that the author seemed to love the word smirked. It was bizzare the number of times she used that, and in the strangest circumstances. It was so frequent I found myself counting them. I started to wonder if she knows what a smirk is!
Overall this was a great, quick read, but I don't know if I am interested enough in the rest of the books in the series.
I
I like that most of the book was spent on the main characters since it was a short read. I was distracted by the chapters about other people because I did not realize this was a part of a series, so that I could have done without. It was nice to see Ryan be vulnerable about this feelings and uncertain about where he stood.
I would have liked more backstory on Tessa and Ryan's family, and I can only assume we will find out about her friend from the auction in a future book. It was strange how she was not mentioned again. Overall everything happened pretty quickly and there was a lot of romance and passion.
I did, however, find it difficult to determine if Tessa was supposed to be African American or not. there was some reference to brown skin and curly hair, but other than that there was no description of her brother and no other mention of her heritage. Harlequin seems intent on writing books that skirt around the interracial aspect and it is becoming more evident. This is the first one where the lead female did have a loving family instead of being an orphan, in foster care, passing for white or at odds with her family, so for that I appreciate it.
I did notice that the author seemed to love the word smirked. It was bizzare the number of times she used that, and in the strangest circumstances. It was so frequent I found myself counting them. I started to wonder if she knows what a smirk is!
Overall this was a great, quick read, but I don't know if I am interested enough in the rest of the books in the series.
I
December 1, 2018
✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ 4-STAR ✩ REVIEW ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩
> > Judging a Book by its Cover < <
To be honest, the cover is not all-too flattering. The couple looks older than stated. Despite the pose, they feel too formal. That said, the synopsis did interest me so I opted to give this new-to-me author a try.
> > Looking Deeper < <
POV ~> Third-person
Tessa and Ryan are neighbors and best friends, have been since early-Elementary school. A charity bachelor auction is on the horizon and Tessa’s brother, Tripp, is up for bid… until food poisoning takes him out and Tess boldly opts to take his place.
Ryan’s only supposed to bid if no one else does, so why does he find himself laying down a chunk of cash in the amount of a winning bid after suffering from temporary caveman syndrome?
A reporter is assigned to them after a publicized scandal is narrowly avoided & what was supposed to be a date day turns into a passionate weekend and a day.
But when the weekend is over, will their friendship survive or will this tear them apart?
The main characters were likable, but I was on the fence about a couple secondaries. While this was the first book I’ve read in this series, I felt it easily stood on its own. However, I did not really see the importance of the quiet Rose/Gus story going on – although I imagine it was to help lay the groundwork for Alexis and Daniel to have a book. That still does not explain the whole Gail debacle.
.
Rating: [R] ~ Score: 4.3 ~ Stars: 4
==========================
⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I received a copy of this book from the Author/Publisher with the hope that I would voluntarily leave unbiased and unsolicited feedback. I was not asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review - nor was I compensated in any way. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". ***** ⭐ ⭐
> > Judging a Book by its Cover < <
To be honest, the cover is not all-too flattering. The couple looks older than stated. Despite the pose, they feel too formal. That said, the synopsis did interest me so I opted to give this new-to-me author a try.
> > Looking Deeper < <
POV ~> Third-person
Tessa and Ryan are neighbors and best friends, have been since early-Elementary school. A charity bachelor auction is on the horizon and Tessa’s brother, Tripp, is up for bid… until food poisoning takes him out and Tess boldly opts to take his place.
Ryan’s only supposed to bid if no one else does, so why does he find himself laying down a chunk of cash in the amount of a winning bid after suffering from temporary caveman syndrome?
A reporter is assigned to them after a publicized scandal is narrowly avoided & what was supposed to be a date day turns into a passionate weekend and a day.
But when the weekend is over, will their friendship survive or will this tear them apart?
The main characters were likable, but I was on the fence about a couple secondaries. While this was the first book I’ve read in this series, I felt it easily stood on its own. However, I did not really see the importance of the quiet Rose/Gus story going on – although I imagine it was to help lay the groundwork for Alexis and Daniel to have a book. That still does not explain the whole Gail debacle.
.
Rating: [R] ~ Score: 4.3 ~ Stars: 4
==========================
⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I received a copy of this book from the Author/Publisher with the hope that I would voluntarily leave unbiased and unsolicited feedback. I was not asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review - nor was I compensated in any way. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". ***** ⭐ ⭐
January 22, 2022
His Until Midnight was an enjoyable read featuring a friends to lovers romance.
With the bachelor auction at the Texas Cattleman's Club approaching, Tessa Noble is looking forward to bidding on a date for charity. After her brother falls ill and has to drop out leaving the auction one man short, Tessa volunteers to take his place. When Tessa takes the stage after a sexy makeover, her best friend Ryan Bateman doesn't hesitate to bid on her. And after their weekend getaway takes an unexpected turn, the pair have to decide if friends will be enough.
Tessa and Ryan have been best friends for most of their lives with both of them developing an attraction for the other in that time. However neither of them wanted to jeopardize their friendship so they never acted on their feelings. I enjoyed the pair's friendship and it's obvious they care about each other. I didn't love how Tessa's brother had Ryan promise not to hook up with Tessa and that Ryan agreed without issue. Tessa should be able to make her own choices and her brother and Ryan making that decision for her wasn't cool. After Tessa enters the auction, she asks Ryan to bid on her if there are no other bids but he finds himself jealous of anyone who tries to bid on her and places a large bid to ensure he wins. Their relationship turns physical after an accidental kiss and the scenes are well done. After their weekend away the pair struggle with their changed dynamic with both of them changing their minds on what they want more than once. I will say there was a bit too much waffling for my liking before they get together.
The Texas Cattleman’s Club: Bachelor Auction series is a sub-series of the larger Texas Cattleman’s Club series that in total includes over 100 books. Each story works as a standalone with the connection between them being the club and side characters. The auction takes place in the club and it was nice to be back in a familiar setting. We also got to see some characters that have popped up in other sub-series. There's also a new group of side characters that I'm interested in reading more about.
Overall His Until Midnight was an enjoyable read and I'm looking forward to reading other books in the series in the future.
With the bachelor auction at the Texas Cattleman's Club approaching, Tessa Noble is looking forward to bidding on a date for charity. After her brother falls ill and has to drop out leaving the auction one man short, Tessa volunteers to take his place. When Tessa takes the stage after a sexy makeover, her best friend Ryan Bateman doesn't hesitate to bid on her. And after their weekend getaway takes an unexpected turn, the pair have to decide if friends will be enough.
Tessa and Ryan have been best friends for most of their lives with both of them developing an attraction for the other in that time. However neither of them wanted to jeopardize their friendship so they never acted on their feelings. I enjoyed the pair's friendship and it's obvious they care about each other. I didn't love how Tessa's brother had Ryan promise not to hook up with Tessa and that Ryan agreed without issue. Tessa should be able to make her own choices and her brother and Ryan making that decision for her wasn't cool. After Tessa enters the auction, she asks Ryan to bid on her if there are no other bids but he finds himself jealous of anyone who tries to bid on her and places a large bid to ensure he wins. Their relationship turns physical after an accidental kiss and the scenes are well done. After their weekend away the pair struggle with their changed dynamic with both of them changing their minds on what they want more than once. I will say there was a bit too much waffling for my liking before they get together.
The Texas Cattleman’s Club: Bachelor Auction series is a sub-series of the larger Texas Cattleman’s Club series that in total includes over 100 books. Each story works as a standalone with the connection between them being the club and side characters. The auction takes place in the club and it was nice to be back in a familiar setting. We also got to see some characters that have popped up in other sub-series. There's also a new group of side characters that I'm interested in reading more about.
Overall His Until Midnight was an enjoyable read and I'm looking forward to reading other books in the series in the future.
March 13, 2019
This book, you guys.
It's a friends-to-lovers romance where our hero realises he's attracted to our heroine courtesy of a makeover (although he's always thought she was hot) and an auction. The auction results in a weekend away, which leads to a lot of sex.
Reese did such a good job describing these scenes. Like, it's some of the best I've read in a Desire. The emotion and the heat was off the chain. This hero is very sexy. And I'm here for heroes worshiping heroines physically literally always.
Wait, I'm getting distracted.
Our hero's never been serious about anyone in his life before, and our heroine wants more than just a sex buddy. (Did I mention the very hot sex?) Except, when he tries to give her that, the heroine doesn't believe she's good enough to accept it. The journey to love was believable, and it was such a great romance. There were also some secondary plots that were fab, including a plotting grandmother and grandfather (of two different families) getting it on.
So, you know, highly recommended.
It's a friends-to-lovers romance where our hero realises he's attracted to our heroine courtesy of a makeover (although he's always thought she was hot) and an auction. The auction results in a weekend away, which leads to a lot of sex.
Reese did such a good job describing these scenes. Like, it's some of the best I've read in a Desire. The emotion and the heat was off the chain. This hero is very sexy. And I'm here for heroes worshiping heroines physically literally always.
Wait, I'm getting distracted.
Our hero's never been serious about anyone in his life before, and our heroine wants more than just a sex buddy. (Did I mention the very hot sex?) Except, when he tries to give her that, the heroine doesn't believe she's good enough to accept it. The journey to love was believable, and it was such a great romance. There were also some secondary plots that were fab, including a plotting grandmother and grandfather (of two different families) getting it on.
So, you know, highly recommended.
May 9, 2024
Quick Summary: A best friends to lovers romance
My Review: His Until Midnight by Reese Ryan is associated with the Texas Cattleman's Club: Bachelor Auction series.
About the Book: Two best friends finally acknowledge their true feelings for each other.
My Final Say: I love this series, and I like this book. The end.
Other: I did not love the audiobook, which is weird to say.
Rating: 3.25/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Status/Level: 👍
Series: Yes
#libraryfind
My Review: His Until Midnight by Reese Ryan is associated with the Texas Cattleman's Club: Bachelor Auction series.
About the Book: Two best friends finally acknowledge their true feelings for each other.
My Final Say: I love this series, and I like this book. The end.
Other: I did not love the audiobook, which is weird to say.
Rating: 3.25/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Status/Level: 👍
Series: Yes
#libraryfind
January 4, 2023
His Until Midnight was a wonderful read with Cinderella elements. I enjoyed this friends to lovers romance. It was a sweet, sexy, quick and easy read. I devoured it in one sitting.
November 1, 2019
Three stars for the writing, mechanics wise.
I picked up this book because I assumed this was an interracial romance. It could've been but I'm not sure because you never really get a solid description of the hero and heroine. It might have been ironed out later in the book but I took my time back at the half way mark because of two things: 1. The story was just implausible 2. The lack of chemistry between hero and heroine.
About my first gripe, why would a newspaper send their photographer send to follow them for an entire weekend in another city for a charity event? And why would a charity event make them do it just becuase they've come up short? This is Texas where the tea runs thick and black and money can be found on trees. Can't the club make up the shortfall?
My second gripe: the chemistry. Just didn't feel it because I guess I didn't get a solid grasp of the characters identities not even their motivations for being ranchers. Heck I didn't even see them at work. Even the real owners of the ranches, the parents, were on a cruise.
I tried twice to finish this book but couldn't because I just couldn't stomach one more trope, standing on the outside trying to figure who these people are and just a weak premise to throw two people together who really didn't need one since they are friends.
Side note: what's up with all the colorism in Harlequin books written by black authors? Almost every heroine has light-colored eyes.
I picked up this book because I assumed this was an interracial romance. It could've been but I'm not sure because you never really get a solid description of the hero and heroine. It might have been ironed out later in the book but I took my time back at the half way mark because of two things: 1. The story was just implausible 2. The lack of chemistry between hero and heroine.
About my first gripe, why would a newspaper send their photographer send to follow them for an entire weekend in another city for a charity event? And why would a charity event make them do it just becuase they've come up short? This is Texas where the tea runs thick and black and money can be found on trees. Can't the club make up the shortfall?
My second gripe: the chemistry. Just didn't feel it because I guess I didn't get a solid grasp of the characters identities not even their motivations for being ranchers. Heck I didn't even see them at work. Even the real owners of the ranches, the parents, were on a cruise.
I tried twice to finish this book but couldn't because I just couldn't stomach one more trope, standing on the outside trying to figure who these people are and just a weak premise to throw two people together who really didn't need one since they are friends.
Side note: what's up with all the colorism in Harlequin books written by black authors? Almost every heroine has light-colored eyes.
March 10, 2019
Are you looking for a hot and steamy read? Well look no further, His Until Midnight had me fanning a couple of times. Ryan and Tessa are best friends that are very attractive to each other but dare not cross that line for fear of ruining their friendship. That all changes when Tessa appears in a charity auction with a makeover that blows her best friend mind and he places the winning bid.
I love Friend to Lovers romances and Reese Ryan did not disappoint at all. This was a page turner and it was not drawn out at all and I loved that. I knew this was a part of a series but did not realize it was number 4, I plan to read every book in this series I hope they deliver like Mrs Ryan did.
I love Friend to Lovers romances and Reese Ryan did not disappoint at all. This was a page turner and it was not drawn out at all and I loved that. I knew this was a part of a series but did not realize it was number 4, I plan to read every book in this series I hope they deliver like Mrs Ryan did.
January 2, 2019
His Until Midnight is my first Reese Ryan book and I throughly enjoyed it! Ryan and Tessa are lifelong best friends who have been denying their feelings for wayyy to long.
I’m a sucker for a good friends to lovers story and this one even has an element of friend’s little sister to it! The story is fast paced but definitely doesn’t feel like insta love and allows for Ryan and Tessa to struggle with the friendship issue without it becoming drawn out.
I’m excited to read more from Reese Ryan!
I’m a sucker for a good friends to lovers story and this one even has an element of friend’s little sister to it! The story is fast paced but definitely doesn’t feel like insta love and allows for Ryan and Tessa to struggle with the friendship issue without it becoming drawn out.
I’m excited to read more from Reese Ryan!
August 5, 2021
I don't usually read category romances, and probably wouldn't have picked up this one, but it was recommended for romance bingo in the "stable romp" category, so why not? (Also, that cover is so good!!) Waaaaay too much setup for a subsequent book in the series in this one - something like an entire chapter is about the characters in that book, which I am not going to read and did not enjoy having all the exposition for that book crammed into this one. I liked the friends to lovers plot here, even though there was a fair bit of "you dopes, just talk to each other!" going on. Honestly, sometimes I find a little yelling at the characters fun, so that's not a bad thing. I didn't love the weird shaming of some of the other female characters for daring to have bigger breasts or wear makeup; I'm always here for a tomboy/less femme FMC, but miss me with that "not like other girls" business, please. Anyway, this was a perfectly enjoyable way to pass a couple of hours, even though I won't be reading the rest of this series.
(Random side note from a Dallas-area native: what luxury hotel are they staying at that's apparently in Dallas, but an easy drive to the Cowboys' stadium in Arlington?? Downtown Dallas is 25 minutes away without traffic, and Arlington is ... not known for its luxury accommodations, to say the least.)
(2021 Summer Romance Bingo: "stable romp," would also work for friends to lovers, date auction, or fake dating)
(Random side note from a Dallas-area native: what luxury hotel are they staying at that's apparently in Dallas, but an easy drive to the Cowboys' stadium in Arlington?? Downtown Dallas is 25 minutes away without traffic, and Arlington is ... not known for its luxury accommodations, to say the least.)
(2021 Summer Romance Bingo: "stable romp," would also work for friends to lovers, date auction, or fake dating)
December 2, 2018
This bachelor auction shows you that members of the The Cattleman’s Club are more than meets the eye; Rancher to Glamour Girl….Saddled Horse to Maybach.
HIS TIL MIDNIGHT is Reese Ryan contribution to the Cattleman’s Club Series and is a great friend to lovers’ story.
Ryan and Tessa have been friends since they were knee-high to a grasshopper. Being around each other as much as they were it is expected they would have a certain amount of chemistry. Everyone except these two can see that they are love, not wanting to sacrifice their friendships and a broken promise to a friend for a potentially failed love affair, has them skating around their attraction for years.
When Tripp has to drop out of the auction, Tessa enters herself as a replacement and changes the entire dynamic of this bachelor auction. I couldn’t help but smile as I visualized Tessa stepping out on the stage with her makeover and everyone losing it, especially Ryan.
They are forced to deal with their attraction when asked to divert some negative press away from the Cattleman’s Club and the auction, the FRIENDLY BID turns real. I believe you will love watching them experience each for the first time.
I recommend this one to anyone that enjoy friends to lover story.
HIS TIL MIDNIGHT is Reese Ryan contribution to the Cattleman’s Club Series and is a great friend to lovers’ story.
Ryan and Tessa have been friends since they were knee-high to a grasshopper. Being around each other as much as they were it is expected they would have a certain amount of chemistry. Everyone except these two can see that they are love, not wanting to sacrifice their friendships and a broken promise to a friend for a potentially failed love affair, has them skating around their attraction for years.
When Tripp has to drop out of the auction, Tessa enters herself as a replacement and changes the entire dynamic of this bachelor auction. I couldn’t help but smile as I visualized Tessa stepping out on the stage with her makeover and everyone losing it, especially Ryan.
They are forced to deal with their attraction when asked to divert some negative press away from the Cattleman’s Club and the auction, the FRIENDLY BID turns real. I believe you will love watching them experience each for the first time.
I recommend this one to anyone that enjoy friends to lover story.
February 1, 2019
A great friends-to-lovers story! Reese Ryan's foray into joining the Texas Cattleman's Club: Bachelor Auction series was a great success in this reader's eyes. Tessa and Ryan's story is fast paced, humorous and heartfelt. Really enjoyed it!
When Tessa Noble's brother Tripp becomes sick just before his jaunt across the bachelor auction stage, Tessa somehow talks herself into getting dolled up and taking his place. She's a tomboy at heart, so to glam herself up like this is so far outside of her comfort zone that her anxiety level is through the roof!
Best friend to the rescue is the demand that Tessa puts on Ryan Bateman. Of course he's there for her no matter what, but when the guys start bidding on her, a seriously jealous feeling pounds through his bloodstream. The date they end up going on might be built up for the sake of the charity, but the feelings that start coming out of the woodwork certainly aren't fake!
When Tessa Noble's brother Tripp becomes sick just before his jaunt across the bachelor auction stage, Tessa somehow talks herself into getting dolled up and taking his place. She's a tomboy at heart, so to glam herself up like this is so far outside of her comfort zone that her anxiety level is through the roof!
Best friend to the rescue is the demand that Tessa puts on Ryan Bateman. Of course he's there for her no matter what, but when the guys start bidding on her, a seriously jealous feeling pounds through his bloodstream. The date they end up going on might be built up for the sake of the charity, but the feelings that start coming out of the woodwork certainly aren't fake!
December 12, 2019
The Texas Cattleman's Club is having a Bachelor Auction. But Tessa Noble's brother ate something dodgy and he's not able to go. So Tessa steps in to take his place. The organizers are ecstatic and tive her a makeover to help her get more money.
Her best friend, Ryan Bateman, is astonished to see her up there. He doesn't think of her... that way. But that doesn't mean that he is going to let someone else win the bid. He can win and they can just let the date go. But when a scandal threatens the auction, the people in charge ask Ryan and Tessa to allow a reporter to follow them on their date. So, they have to make it look good. And that's when it all starts to appear as if they only people they've been fooling are themselves.
I heard about this on the Fated Mates Stump Jen and Sarah episode and enjoyed it completely. It is a Harlequin Desire so it is shorter but a fun read anyway.
Her best friend, Ryan Bateman, is astonished to see her up there. He doesn't think of her... that way. But that doesn't mean that he is going to let someone else win the bid. He can win and they can just let the date go. But when a scandal threatens the auction, the people in charge ask Ryan and Tessa to allow a reporter to follow them on their date. So, they have to make it look good. And that's when it all starts to appear as if they only people they've been fooling are themselves.
I heard about this on the Fated Mates Stump Jen and Sarah episode and enjoyed it completely. It is a Harlequin Desire so it is shorter but a fun read anyway.
May 30, 2021
Okay--this is really my 3. (Enjoyable, but not much development--will tide me over until I can start something longer)
Light, short. Friends finally do the deed despite fears of ruining the friendship.
This is part of a group written series, so there are lots of asides to other parts of the series which makes for very light development of characters. The angst is primarily based on not wanting to hurt the other person--so #SweetAngst?
Sample:
"Time seemed to move in slow motion as Ryan dipped his head, his lips hovering just above hers. his gaze bored into hers. She didn't dare move an inch. Didn't dare blink.
"When she didn't object, his lips crushed hers in a bruising, hungry kiss that made her heart race. He tasted of Helene's famous Irish stew--one of Ryan's favorite meals--and an Irish ale."
Light, short. Friends finally do the deed despite fears of ruining the friendship.
This is part of a group written series, so there are lots of asides to other parts of the series which makes for very light development of characters. The angst is primarily based on not wanting to hurt the other person--so #SweetAngst?
Sample:
"Time seemed to move in slow motion as Ryan dipped his head, his lips hovering just above hers. his gaze bored into hers. She didn't dare move an inch. Didn't dare blink.
"When she didn't object, his lips crushed hers in a bruising, hungry kiss that made her heart race. He tasted of Helene's famous Irish stew--one of Ryan's favorite meals--and an Irish ale."
December 8, 2018
Who says best friends can't be lovers?
I suspected from the first interaction I encountered with Ryan and Tessa that there was more to what they felt for each other than just friendship. A blind person could see they loved one another and was too afraid to admit what and how they felt to first themselves and then to family and friends. Funny how the ex girlfriend in her bid to break our hero and heroine up ended up causing our hero to admit to his true feelings for our heroine. It turned out fine in the end and they found their families were already aware of what they had just now allowed themselves to finally see and act on. Excellent book and story that I thoroughly enjoyed.
I suspected from the first interaction I encountered with Ryan and Tessa that there was more to what they felt for each other than just friendship. A blind person could see they loved one another and was too afraid to admit what and how they felt to first themselves and then to family and friends. Funny how the ex girlfriend in her bid to break our hero and heroine up ended up causing our hero to admit to his true feelings for our heroine. It turned out fine in the end and they found their families were already aware of what they had just now allowed themselves to finally see and act on. Excellent book and story that I thoroughly enjoyed.
January 8, 2019
Friends to Lovers!!!
Tessa and Ryan have been best friends since they were children. When her brother falls ill and can't be in the Texas Cattleman's Club bachelor auction, Tessa decides to enter it herself. Fearing that no one will bid on her, Tessa asks Ryan to bid on her so she won't be embarrassed if she doesn't have any bids. Things go awry after the men in town see Tessa's makeover and a bidding war breaks out. Ryan saves Tessa from the situation and takes Tessa on a date that changes both of their lives forever. This story has romance, passion and is very well-written. Friends to lovers is my favorite trope and Ms. Ryan has done an excellent job of weaving Tessa and Ryan's story as they venture from best friends to lovers.
Tessa and Ryan have been best friends since they were children. When her brother falls ill and can't be in the Texas Cattleman's Club bachelor auction, Tessa decides to enter it herself. Fearing that no one will bid on her, Tessa asks Ryan to bid on her so she won't be embarrassed if she doesn't have any bids. Things go awry after the men in town see Tessa's makeover and a bidding war breaks out. Ryan saves Tessa from the situation and takes Tessa on a date that changes both of their lives forever. This story has romance, passion and is very well-written. Friends to lovers is my favorite trope and Ms. Ryan has done an excellent job of weaving Tessa and Ryan's story as they venture from best friends to lovers.
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