From New York Times bestselling author Aurora Rose Reynolds comes the second book in the steamy, witty, and hilarious How to Catch an Alpha series.
Chrissie doesn’t have time for guys, hot or otherwise; most days, she barely has time to sleep. With a thriving bakery that demands her attention and plenty of proof that relationships aren’t worth the trouble, she’s content to go it alone. Too bad she’s unwittingly baited Mr. Tall, Dark, and Way Too Gorgeous—and he’s just waiting for a chance to bite.
Gaston is used to getting what he wants, but he also knows nothing good ever comes easy. From the moment he meets Chrissie, he realizes that this woman who makes him laugh, smells like cupcakes, and looks like a tasty snack is going to be his greatest challenge. And if he’s lucky, she’ll be his biggest reward.
But someone else wants to catch Gaston at all costs—even if it means endangering the lives of the people he loves. Somehow Gaston must thwart danger and convince Chrissie that he’s the perfect catch.
Aurora Rose Reynolds is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author whose wildly popular series include Until, Until Him, Until Her, Underground Kings and Shooting Stars.
Her writing career started in an attempt to get the outrageously alpha men who resided in her head to leave her alone and has blossomed into an opportunity to share her stories with readers all over the world.
Baiting Him is book two in the How to Catch an Alpha series by Aurora Rose Reynolds. This can be read as a stand alone. I haven’t read the first book in the series but loved this so much that I might have to go back and read it. This is an insta-love romance with a hero that made me swoon so much it’s a miracle I didn’t just melt. He checked off every one of my perfect hero boxes.
Gaston “Gus” is the owner of three successful bars. He’s used to women coming on to him in his bars. He’s good at deflecting their advances. What he isn’t used to is seeing a woman that captures his attention like no other woman ever has, a woman that stirs something inside him he didn’t know was there. And having her tell him to leave her alone!
Chrissie is a thirty three year old woman living her dream of owning her own bakery, The Sweet Spot. She works long hours seven days a week so she has little time for anything but work. But it’s her best friend’s bachelorette party. So it’s a rare night out for her. Then she saw him. When he spoke, his voice wrapped around her like honey. He was gorgeous, much too gorgeous for her. She’s seen men like this before, men who only want you for one night and throw you away afterwards. No thanks.
Gus isn’t taking no for an answer. He’ll give her a little time to come around, but then he’s going after her. There was something there, something he needs to find out what it means.
So begins Gus and Chrissie. Gus was just everything. All swoony and over-protective and just amazing. Both have such busy lives and trying to fit in a new relationship isn’t easy. But they somehow make it work. There is some family drama on Chrssie’s end and she is an easy crier so that sort of annoyed me a little bit. But not enough to take away from the amazing connection these two had. She made Gus laugh. I loved who he was with her.
“I feel the possessive brand of his mouth on mine and his hold, like he’s staking his claim, telling me without words I belong to him.”
This was just a feel good, swoony, steamy book that made me so happy. I want a “Gus” in all of my books. Seriously, I think I had butterflies most of the way through. I’ve read a few of this author’s books, but not many. I definitely need to go through her book list and see what I’ve been missing. Because if there are more “Gus’s” there, then I need to meet them.
This was a nauseating book about two people who meet, f*ck and order take out. The FMC giggles and cries her way through this book, gasping and looking at her man with stars in her eyes asking if he’s even real when he does regular mundane things like prepare dinner. The MMC is bossy and arrogant and advises his woman on every part of her life like he’s some perfect all knowing person and she’s some idiot. The book took place over a few days before Christmas yet lasted five years. It kept advancing by a couple of weeks and yet it’s still Christmas time until the last two chapters of the book. Seriously, I was either nauseated or bored reading this. The hero of the book is named Gaston, which is dumb and distracting and the heroine is Chrissie and she’s as stupid as her name (her brother’s name is Chris btw so this author just sucks at naming people). Chrissie is a hot mess too, she spends much of the book wondering why such a hot guy is with her, she has zero confidence or self esteem, and for a professional 33 year old adult, it’s annoying as hell. There are way too many side characters too and none of them really matter to the plot, basically because the plot is non existent. They just f*ck, sleep, order take out and then talk about how perfect they are together while he tells her how to run her life. I was so annoyed by this book. I will say again, this author must only know terrible, selfish, awful men if she thinks a man being supportive and helpful is rare. Men who return phone calls and occasionally make us a sandwich are not unicorns and don’t deserve parades or fanfare. This dude was not special, he was a walking red flag. Arg.
Baiting Him is the second installment in the How to Catch an Alpha Series and features Chrissie, Leah’s best friend from book one. This was a very enjoyable read. Super sweet, steamy, with fantastic writing as always and two amazing characters that had me hooked from the start. A heartwarming entertaining romance that focuses on what love is all about and leaves a warm fuzzy feeling!
“I feel the possessive brand of his mouth on mine and his hold, like he’s staking his claim, telling me without words I belong to him.”
“He makes me feel safe, he makes me feel at peace, and he makes me feel cherished and wanted.“
💝ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.💝
Baiting Him is super cute. We met Cassie in the first book of the series. She's a very sweet heroine with a bit of an emotional side to her. She's always there for everyone around her, and she protects the ones she loves even when she is hurting.
Gaston (love that name) is actually a toned down alpha from what I am used to seeing from this author. I mean, he's still alpha and protective but he wasn't as "caveman" as ARR's usual heroes. He came off more gentlemanly. He treated Cassie like a man should. He was also a sweet mama's boy.
There isn't very much conflict in the story which makes this a nice low angst read. There is some family drama but not much couple drama. I really like that in a book. There was a small bit of ow drama as well, but I really loved how Gaston handled it.
If you are looking for a fun, feel good story, this series is perfect. I hope there will be more to come.
Chrissie owns a successful bakery called the Sweet Spot that keeps her very busy. She hardly has time to date, and hasn’t made it a priority since her business takes up all her time and attention. Then she meets the insanely gorgeous and persistent club owner Gaston and everything changes. She goes from not being interested in a relationship, to giving him a chance as he relentlessly pursues her.
Gaston is used to usually getting what he wants, but then he crosses paths with Chrissie who at first doesn’t seem that interested in what he has to offer. He’s intrigued, and wants the chance to get to know her better. From the moment they met, there’s just something different about her, and he won’t give up. He loves her laugh, and how she smells like cupcakes. She’s absolutely stunning, and he wants her to be his. He is up for the challenge, and prepared to convince her he’s worth her time.
-I don’t think I’ve ever had a man look at me with so much desire; it’s a heady feeling.
-From the moment we met, Ive wanted more from you- more time, more kisses, more of you falling asleep next to me, more of your laughter, and a lot more of your love. I can’t get enough of you.
Baiting Him (How to Catch an Alpha #2) by Aurora Rose Reynolds is a fun, flirty, sexy romance full of humor and chemistry. I really enjoyed this story, and love Aurora’s writing! I hope we get more books in this series!
I am really struggling on how to review this book. I feel like just the fact Aurora Rose Reynolds wrote it should be enough said. But I guess I mean Aurora is one of my top auto buy authors and I love her writing. I love going in knowing the type of hero I'm going to get. And knowing I am going to be happy with the outcome.
Chrissie was sweet and loving and I was a big fan of hers from the start. She knew who she was and what she wanted and I liked that when she first met Gaston she didn't fall all over herself to get his attention.
Gaston was everything I love about the author. He is sexy but not a manwhore, driven but doesn't put his work before his friends and family. But mostly he knows who he wants and goes all out to win her over and convince her she's it for him.
Together they were so cute and the chemistry was scorching hot. Their relationship developed quickly but it still felt natural and I was right there the whole time with them. There was really minimal drama and the whole book was just one big warm fuzzy.
Baiting Him is the second book in Aurora Rose Reynolds' How to Catch an Alpha series and follows Chrissie, Leah's friend from book one. Chrissie has seen her friends through bad dates and relationships, and even her own mom through a failed marriage. Which leaves her less than excited to start her own relationship and the reason she first blows off Gaston aka Gus when they meet. But Gus is a man that knows what he wants and decides to not let Chrissie run scared.
These two had such a cute relationship and I loved reading about it. Gus wasn't as posessive as ARR usually writes her heroes but he was still a complete Alpha that made Chrissie is whole focus. The connection between them was sweet and heated with moments of strong passion. It made the book really intriguing and easy to get stuck in.
The story was very low on angst which left even more moments to focus on Chrissie and Gus, and their relationship. We did have some emotional scenes thrown in with Chrissie's family and they actually helped bring her even closer to Gus and provided a ton of cute moments.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Talk about yum-my! Not only did the food and scrumptious sweets that Chrissie created make my tummy rumble, but Gaston was the delicious hero every woman weak for an alpha dreams of. He was sexy, gorgeous, intelligent, articulate, kind and caring, successful, and everything Chrissie could ask for. They meet and, despite Chrissie's reluctance to take a chance on potential heartbreak, he was relentless in his pursuit of her (which I loved). The development of their relationship was a lot easier than I expected, not counting the sliver of drama towards the end. Gaston and Chrissie's love was smooth, effortless and inevitable. Their chemistry was on point, there was very little angst, and the sex scenes were exactly what I was hoping for. No fade-to-black here people!! It's been a long while since I've read anything from ARR, but if this is the type of story I've been missing, you better believe I'll be going back for more!
Aurora has done it again. Easiest five stars I think I’ve given to one of her books besides Until December. If you know me well, then you know I can never get enough of how ARR writes such easy romance. I love that there is hardly any angst. LOVE IT!
Chrissie and Gaston falling in love was so simple and flowed so well. It was easy and had so many moments that made me smile and swoon. For me, it doesn’t really any get better than that. Throw in a dog named LeFou and I’m obsessed.
ARR writes amazing alpha males. While Gaston is a bit tame compared to the Masons, I still adored him. I will always love a man who knows what he wants, doesn’t play games, and is absolutely dreamy.
Like I keep saying, this was such an easy romance to read. If you like alpha males, low to no angst, and super sweet stories then I think you would like this one.
All in all, I am still loving this series and can’t wait for the next book Hooking Him later next year. Hopefully, it’s about a certain redhead that works at the bakery!
I received an ARC via NetGalley for an honest review.
Cute, drama free, sexy read. I liked it! Alpha hero who was all in from the get go Sweet and loveable h with some daddy issues, she cried a bit to much for me but 🙍 Gaston 😂 I sang the song every time I read his name I'm really liking the covers for this series This author knows how to deliver Alpha heroes
Both non virgins but no deets or skeevy references OW drama from a woman who wanted the H but he definitely wasn't interested. I did think he should've been wiser in dealing with her but I guess it created the suspense for the plot
Ladies, I present you my first true pink fairy tale of the year. 💖 I’ve said before; only ARR can deliver a perfect alpha hero, but Gaston is out of this world perfect! You notice that he even has a fairy tale name, right? 😻
He’s a club and bar owner, who meets this dorky woman inside his club’s men toilette. He’s captivated because she’s also sassy, beautiful and funny in a cute kind of way, without even trying. He’s protective and dominant, not caveman style like the ones from the Until series. There’s simply no other way to describe him than perfect.
I got the most wonderful warm and cozy feeling while reading this story, drama free, hot and sexy, funny and charming, worthy of a 5⭐️ rating. I forgot to mention that our heroine owns a bakery called Sweet Spot 🥰 I mean, what more can you wish for?
So, if you want to feel as good as I did, make sure you preorder it now! It’s going to be release in just a few days, January 14th. Thank you, ARR for writing this one just for me. 😋
”ARC provided through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.”
It would be an absolute honor to have you as my guest on my blog too. Stop by anytime you want :)
Sweet and easy read. Very contemporary. Like following two people falling in love and a small drama following their steps. There could be a punch and a broken nose involved. There could be a trashed house or a fire too. BUT other than that pretty standard love story. There won't be movie about it.
Baiting Him is everything I love about reading an Aurora Rose Reynolds. Fun, flirting, and sexy! This one has an extra side of quirk that completely hit the spot. Gaston and Lefou, yep they’re a package completely owned Christie’s heart as well as mine!
Here’s what I loved: There was no beating around the bush with these two. Gaston knew what he wanted and went after it. He is very much the type of alpha we’ve come to know and love from this author. The emotional aspect of their pasts helped to cement their foundation. The steam in this one is just right. It was the perfect combination of light, sexy, flirty and fun.
Highly recommend if you’re looking for a quick and entertaining read!
I don’t know how I feel about this series yet. I remember thinking the first one was good but it’s not really my vibe and I think that’s the same for this one, too. I think for people who love a good sweet simple story, it’s fantastic, but I personally need a little more. This one gets four stars because I loved the beauty and the beast references and I also loved Gus. I appreciated the fact that he was a sweetheart down to his core and went after what he wanted. I do however think their first encounter was a bit TOO brief and maybe if it was a little longer, his fascination with her would have been more warranted. Regardless, while their relationship moved fast, it was incredibly cute. Short and sweet. That’s the best way to explain it.
This is one of those feel good, perfect afternoon reads that will leave you smiling and believing everything is right in the world. There is very little drama, although the heroine does have some family issues to work through and there’s a tiny bit of “villain” that pops it’s head up but is quickly dealt with. Otherwise, this is a relaxing romance of insta-desire and fast love. I enjoyed reading it as I reset myself after life had piled on the pressure. Perfect for a little escape from the real world!
Loved Gaston and Chrissie and their romance. He wasn't taking no for an answer, and she didn't fight to hard. Just a great book, and I love his name and his dog's name. Gaston is no villain, but the perfect man (and maybe an alien).
Dear editor (or maybe I should address this to Ms. Reynolds)...make sure someone has read the first book to catch continuation issues in book two. At the end of book one her BFF has a little girl and is pregnant with a second girl. In this book at the end the BFF has the girl, but the second child has changed to a boy. Sorry for the spoiler, but this just bugs me.
This story was really sweet. It wasn't as insta as other books by the author but when the couple meet they feel an instant connection but it is taken at a more realistic pace. There is some obvious other woman drama brewing but nothing too drastic between her and the Hero. There are no intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine. No cheating. Family issues for the heroine. HEA. Epilogue. Secondary characters introduced for possible future storylines.
I enjoyed this book a lot more than the first book in the series. In this second book, Leah's best friend Chrissie finds her true love. She meets Gaston ( whose dog is named LeFou, so CUTE) who owns several bars in the area. Chrissie owns a bakery called Sweet Spot. They meet and fall in love. Pretty simple stuff and not much happens in terms of the plot, but it is a really adorable story and very enjoyable. Gaston is a gentleman and he and Chrissie are adorable together.
The story of Gaston and Chrissie is pure perfection! You get all the feels while reading this book. I laughed. I cried. I yelled. It all eventually comes together in the most perfect way.
Gaston knows the minute he meets Chrissie, she is something special. Chrissie has a hard time determining what Gaston’s true intentions are. She does not want to be just another girl to him. Plus, she has some things from her past that stall her in making a decision to move forward.
When she finally gives in to her feelings and takes a chance, fireworks explode! The chemistry they have together is a once in a life time thing.
Gaston and Chrissie deal with some pretty serious stuff together, but since they always have each others back, they get through it and come out stronger in the end.
Lefou = LOL!
I am so excited for the 3rd book in this series. Aurora Rose Reynolds is one of my favourite authors to read <3
Chrissie doesn’t have time for guys, hot or otherwise; most days, she barely has time to sleep, doing what she loves her focus has been on her successful bakery. Out on her best-friends hen do she meets the owner of the club Gaston (Gus) - tall, dark and handsome he has no plans to only have a memory of one fleeting interaction with Chrissie. Whilst she's uncertain he is determined Chrissie will be his.
I do have to say the danger strand of the plot felt unfinished, and didn't feel truly integrated into the overarching story as I would have liked.
Overall an entertaining short read, I would read again, only if accessible via KU.
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this one more than the others I’ve read from this author so far. No insta-love but insta-attraction which is realistic. I loved how they built their love step after step, it felt organic. I still can’t believe the hero’s name is Gaston and his mother called his adorable dog LeFou it was hilarious
This story was really sweet. It wasn't as insta as other books by the author but when the couple meet they feel an instant connection but it is taken at a more realistic pace. There is some obvious other woman drama brewing but nothing too drastic between her and the Hero. There are no intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine. No cheating. Family issues for the heroine. HEA. Epilogue. Secondary characters introduced for possible future storylines.
I loved this one. Aurora Rose Reynolds is a one click author for me. She’s a guaranteed HEA Story with the right recipe of sweet and heat. Gaston and Chrissie’s story is just the fun read I needed. Definitely recommend.
Chrissie is at Leah’s bachelorette party, when she decides she doesn’t want to wait in the girls bathroom line...we’ve all been there haven’t we😉. She goes to the men’s bathroom, and that’s where she meets the bar owner, Gaston. Yes, that is his name and he is complete with his own LeFou dog….absolutely loved that. Yeah, she actually meets the love of her life when she goes to the men’s bathroom to avoid the lines…oh, and then she tells other women what she did to avoid the lines....his reaction was so funny. That whole scene. He takes it well and is instantly attracted to her. He is so smitten with her, he sends her flowers to her bakery after their meeting. She doesn’t respond, so he comes in to see her. That is one thing I loved about him, he just is who he is, all confidence without being arrogant, heady combination....oh, and he cooks too...did I mention that...trifecta. Ok, this whole scene was hilarious because when he comes in, she has two high school employees that are gaga over him and they are incapable of saying anything when he’s there…it’s hilarious. Here’s one of the teenagers quotes when she sees him outside, “Please tell me he’s not to old for me.”...😂. And they always say things like that, but once he’s in the bakery...it’s all running into each other and funny stuff like that. He actually has this effect on most of the women he comes into contact with, not that he notices, all except her of course, and it’s funny every single time.
This was a safe read. She tries to push him away, but that last about a hot second. I really liked Gaston, he was very alpha, but had such a sweet side with her. Oh, and he cooks...did I mention that he cooks...yup, I think I did, so I fell a little in love too😉. Add in that she’s a baker, I’m thinking dream team relationship goals. Hot….that’s what these two are. #CounterShenanigans #AllOverTheHouseShenanigans. A little suspense and great storyline. We also get to see Leah and Tyler from book 1, Catching Him. Baby batter, a sweet epilogue and an hea. More please….always want more Aurora Rose Reynolds. #SubtleLikeAMackTruck #BookCrackSeriesHangover
I had trouble getting into this story. I liked some some parts of the story. I liked the hero, Gaston, but I wasn't as fond of Chrissie. She was a little too weak for my taste. I don't mind a quiet, shy heroine, but the whole premise of "How to Catch an Alpha" seemed a little degrading. Chrissie does own her own business, so she does have a couple of strong points. The chemistry did get more convincing as the story went on. The ending wrapped up very neatly. I've read a few Aurora Reynolds books and I hope that I will have better luck in the future. 3.25-3.5 stars.