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Matched by Mistake #2
The Christmas Bachelor Auction
Bidding at a bachelor auction is just asking for trouble...
Cara Marconi promised to bid at her town’s charity bachelor auction, but never with any intention to win. So, when she accidentally bids too high and wins her best friend’s brother, she’s a little freaked out. Mostly because of that one time they kissed and never spoke of it again.
Justin Riggs was expecting to chaperone an old lady around town, not worry about hurting Cara when he leaves after Christmas. Of course, that’s not exactly how their conversation goes after the auction. He may have called her out on her crush on him … and added some other accusations that will live to haunt him forever. Now, Cara never wants to talk to him again, and he’s realizing too late that he’d like a lot more than her forgiveness.
Cara’s stuck. By winning a date with Justin, she’s also won the marketing headache that goes with it. As much as she’d like to Photoshop their heads together and call it good, the town expects to see them out together having fun. So, Cara has a plan. She'll friendzone the heck out of him, hide her heart where he can’t reach it, and conquer this crush by the time he leaves town.
Curl up with this sweet and sassy Christmas tale about mistaken motives and secrets revealed.
Cara Marconi promised to bid at her town’s charity bachelor auction, but never with any intention to win. So, when she accidentally bids too high and wins her best friend’s brother, she’s a little freaked out. Mostly because of that one time they kissed and never spoke of it again.
Justin Riggs was expecting to chaperone an old lady around town, not worry about hurting Cara when he leaves after Christmas. Of course, that’s not exactly how their conversation goes after the auction. He may have called her out on her crush on him … and added some other accusations that will live to haunt him forever. Now, Cara never wants to talk to him again, and he’s realizing too late that he’d like a lot more than her forgiveness.
Cara’s stuck. By winning a date with Justin, she’s also won the marketing headache that goes with it. As much as she’d like to Photoshop their heads together and call it good, the town expects to see them out together having fun. So, Cara has a plan. She'll friendzone the heck out of him, hide her heart where he can’t reach it, and conquer this crush by the time he leaves town.
Curl up with this sweet and sassy Christmas tale about mistaken motives and secrets revealed.
125 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2020
118 people are currently reading
149 people want to read
About the author
Rachel John
50 books510 followersRachel John is the author of books filled with awkward humor and sigh-inducing romance. When not burning dinner or chasing kids, Rachel can be found working on family history, writing, reading, or putting off writing by staring at Facebook. She lives in Arizona with her husband, four crazy kids, and her desert tortoise.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
November 26, 2019
This is well written and has a nice flow. I just didn't think there was anything amazing or heart tugging or brilliant. It was just a story about a girl and boy who have had a crush on each other forever and finally make love a priority. It was a nice read.
October 16, 2020
1.5 stars
I really don't know why I bothered with these books
So the story is about Cara who is in love with Justin her friend's brother, but when she tells him she loves him he flips her off and travels, then he returns five years later and decides he loves her for some reason
I don't like this trope ( either the second chance, or the best friend brother ) so this one was a no no for me
I really don't know why I bothered with these books
So the story is about Cara who is in love with Justin her friend's brother, but when she tells him she loves him he flips her off and travels, then he returns five years later and decides he loves her for some reason
I don't like this trope ( either the second chance, or the best friend brother ) so this one was a no no for me
November 5, 2019
What a fun read! A Christmas bachelor auction brings Cara and Justin back together after many years of absence. Cara had made her feelings known and Justin ran. Now they're accidentally stuck with each other for several days. Cara holds back for fear of repeating the past. Justin is finally seeing things clearly, but it might be too late. I loved this funny, sweet holiday romance. The characters were entertaining and relatable. I received an advance reader copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
December 25, 2022
Cara is helping her best friend run the Christmas Bachelor auction to help increase tourism to their small town in Arizona, but when Justin Riggs, her childhood crush (and her best friend's brother) comes back to town and is one of the bachelors, things get tricky. Especially because the last time she saw him, five years before, she declared her love for him and kissed him, and so when she ends up with the winning bid for him, they are forced to go on a series of dates with each other. And the more they are together, the more sparks begin to fly.
Cute, clean story, and I enjoyed it.
Cute, clean story, and I enjoyed it.
November 7, 2022
Sweet and unique
Christmas Bachelor Auction was so fun! It definitely went different than I expected but it was adorable and well worth the read. I was new to this author and love her writing. It had a unique way to it that sets it apart but still gives it that sweet romance/hallmark feel. I definitely recommend this story.
Christmas Bachelor Auction was so fun! It definitely went different than I expected but it was adorable and well worth the read. I was new to this author and love her writing. It had a unique way to it that sets it apart but still gives it that sweet romance/hallmark feel. I definitely recommend this story.
December 24, 2022
Rachel John cannot disappoint.
December 16, 2024
Eekkkk I loved it!
There's something about a best friends brother that just hits the romance trope spot. This one is no different! It was so much fun with the bachelor auction, dates, and then the family drama thrown in to really help these two main characters grow together as couple.
I loved the Christmas elements and how they upped the swoony romance.
Most of all, I loved the way they talked through things, forgave, grew together, and ultimately fell in love.
Loved it!
💋Swoony kisses
There's something about a best friends brother that just hits the romance trope spot. This one is no different! It was so much fun with the bachelor auction, dates, and then the family drama thrown in to really help these two main characters grow together as couple.
I loved the Christmas elements and how they upped the swoony romance.
Most of all, I loved the way they talked through things, forgave, grew together, and ultimately fell in love.
Loved it!
💋Swoony kisses
March 20, 2024
Cara's helping her best friend run the Christmas Bachelor Auction to help increase tourism to their small Arizona town. What could go wrong? Winning a date with the guy you've been crushing on but haven't seen in 5 years!! And it's not just a date--it's a package date that includes stops all around town. Will Cara be able to keep Justin in the friend zone?
This second chance romance was a fun, quick read.
This second chance romance was a fun, quick read.
August 10, 2022
And that I call dibs because I’ve been in love with you since elementary school.” That last part was sort of embarrassing, but he should probably know what he was getting into.
He looked so happy about it she couldn’t be mad at him for laughing.
“Dibs, huh?” he asked.
“Is that a problem?”
He shook his head, trying so hard to look solemn. “No, ma’am. I accept your claim on me and offer you all the assorted benefits that come with it.”
“What kind of benefits?”
He shrugged. “You get to kiss me whenever you want. Hand holding at the movies, butter free. Loyal boyfriend. Personal pest. We should make a list.”
“Sounds good. All of it sounds good.”
He squeezed her hand. “I love you, Cara. Wherever you are is where I want to be.”
Bidding at a bachelor auction is just asking for trouble…
Cara Marconi promised to bid at her town’s charity bachelor auction, but never with an intention to win. So, when she accidentally bids too high and wins her best friend’s brother, she’s a little freaked out. Mostly because of that one time they kissed and never spoke of it again.
Justin Riggs was expecting to chaperone an old lady around town, not worrying about hurting Cara when he leaves after Christmas. Of course, that’s not exactly how their conversation goes after the auction. He may have called her out on her crush on him…and added some other accusations that will live to haunt him forever. Now, Cara never wants to talk to him again, and he’s realizing too late that he’d like a lot more than her forgiveness.
Cara’s stuck. By winning a date with Justin, she’s also won the marketing headache that goes with it. As much as she’d like to Photoshop their heads together and call it good, the town expects to see them out together having fun. So, Cara has a plan. She’ll friend zone the heck out of him, hide her heart where he can’t reach it, and conquer this crush by the time he leaves town.
Will that really work?
I was missing out on Justin and Cara’s feelings for each other. I didn’t feel any chemistry between them. I still enjoyed their banter and the story. The story line was cute. It just wasn’t something amazing. 3 stars.
He looked so happy about it she couldn’t be mad at him for laughing.
“Dibs, huh?” he asked.
“Is that a problem?”
He shook his head, trying so hard to look solemn. “No, ma’am. I accept your claim on me and offer you all the assorted benefits that come with it.”
“What kind of benefits?”
He shrugged. “You get to kiss me whenever you want. Hand holding at the movies, butter free. Loyal boyfriend. Personal pest. We should make a list.”
“Sounds good. All of it sounds good.”
He squeezed her hand. “I love you, Cara. Wherever you are is where I want to be.”
Bidding at a bachelor auction is just asking for trouble…
Cara Marconi promised to bid at her town’s charity bachelor auction, but never with an intention to win. So, when she accidentally bids too high and wins her best friend’s brother, she’s a little freaked out. Mostly because of that one time they kissed and never spoke of it again.
Justin Riggs was expecting to chaperone an old lady around town, not worrying about hurting Cara when he leaves after Christmas. Of course, that’s not exactly how their conversation goes after the auction. He may have called her out on her crush on him…and added some other accusations that will live to haunt him forever. Now, Cara never wants to talk to him again, and he’s realizing too late that he’d like a lot more than her forgiveness.
Cara’s stuck. By winning a date with Justin, she’s also won the marketing headache that goes with it. As much as she’d like to Photoshop their heads together and call it good, the town expects to see them out together having fun. So, Cara has a plan. She’ll friend zone the heck out of him, hide her heart where he can’t reach it, and conquer this crush by the time he leaves town.
Will that really work?
I was missing out on Justin and Cara’s feelings for each other. I didn’t feel any chemistry between them. I still enjoyed their banter and the story. The story line was cute. It just wasn’t something amazing. 3 stars.
November 27, 2019
(4.5 stars) - Now I regret putting off reading this one!
I wasn't that drawn in by the premise of this story when I first saw it, and decided to read some other books instead. I should have known better - Rachel John's books are always entertaining.
I love the way the author interplays Cara's perspective with Justin's - you can totally see how they each arrive at the mistaken conclusions they make. It's not funny, but at the same time, it is.
I don't generally like miscommunication stories, but this one isn't contrived to artificially draw out the story. It's a sort of comedy of errors that epitomizes Cara & Justin's frustrated relationship.
And you can't help but want their relationship to succeed. Their friendship is fun & lighthearted, and even when they get upset with each other, they can't hold on to it for long.
I think Justin's waffling went just a smidge longer than ideal because I was starting to feel frustrated with him, but it wasn't major so it didn't mess up the pacing significantly.
The ending was also a pleasant surprise as it took a slightly different turn than I anticipated, but it was even better than the one I was expecting.
I'm counting this easy and enjoyable read among my favorites of 2019!
*Clean romance level: passionate kisses
I wasn't that drawn in by the premise of this story when I first saw it, and decided to read some other books instead. I should have known better - Rachel John's books are always entertaining.
I love the way the author interplays Cara's perspective with Justin's - you can totally see how they each arrive at the mistaken conclusions they make. It's not funny, but at the same time, it is.
I don't generally like miscommunication stories, but this one isn't contrived to artificially draw out the story. It's a sort of comedy of errors that epitomizes Cara & Justin's frustrated relationship.
And you can't help but want their relationship to succeed. Their friendship is fun & lighthearted, and even when they get upset with each other, they can't hold on to it for long.
I think Justin's waffling went just a smidge longer than ideal because I was starting to feel frustrated with him, but it wasn't major so it didn't mess up the pacing significantly.
The ending was also a pleasant surprise as it took a slightly different turn than I anticipated, but it was even better than the one I was expecting.
I'm counting this easy and enjoyable read among my favorites of 2019!
*Clean romance level: passionate kisses
November 11, 2019
Fun story! Great quick, sweet read.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists,
and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive
reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this
in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists,
and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive
reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this
in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.
October 25, 2022
I never really felt the romance in this. The main characters needed more chemistry to make it believable. Some characters and storylines just kind of disappeared about halfway through.
November 27, 2024
Cara is helping to plan the town's Christmas bachelor auction with her best friend, Laurie. It seems like a great idea to raise money for the senior center until Laurie's brother, Justin, enters the auction. Justin is Cara's long time crush who left town years ago right after Cara kissed him for the first time. Now he's back in town and Cara is trying to avoid him. But when Cara ends up winning a date with Justin at the auction, the two must spend even more time together. Cara has determined that Justin will remain in the friend zone but Justin may have another idea in mind.
This is book 2 in the Matched by Mistake series and my first time reading Rachel John. This was a cute Christmas novella although I would say it is pretty light on the Christmas stuff. I enjoyed the story and thought it was well paced for the most part but the end did seem to be a bit rushed. I loved the idea of a Christmas bachelor auction and liked seeing Cara and Justin on their various dates. It was a cute idea. I just wish that there had been more of it. But that's often the problem with novellas, not enough time to enjoy those moments and draw out the romance. Overall, it was a sweet second chance romance with a cute idea that could have benefited from being a bit longer.
This is book 2 in the Matched by Mistake series and my first time reading Rachel John. This was a cute Christmas novella although I would say it is pretty light on the Christmas stuff. I enjoyed the story and thought it was well paced for the most part but the end did seem to be a bit rushed. I loved the idea of a Christmas bachelor auction and liked seeing Cara and Justin on their various dates. It was a cute idea. I just wish that there had been more of it. But that's often the problem with novellas, not enough time to enjoy those moments and draw out the romance. Overall, it was a sweet second chance romance with a cute idea that could have benefited from being a bit longer.
December 21, 2024
Cara Marconi is helping her friend, Laurie Riggs with a Bachelor Auction. Laurie's brother, Justin, come home to help his parents with advice about their business. The story takes place in Edge Creek, AZ. When in high school Cara had a crush on Justin. She does not want to run into Justin because of an incident that happened between them. But this is impossible, as Cara goes over to help her BFF with the auction. While Justin is home anyway, the ask Justin to be one of the bachelors, he said "no". But finally gave in.
Well, she keeps bidding against an older lady, the bid goes higher and higher. Finally the older lady gives in, she wanted a date for her daughter. Cara said she only bid high as the money was to help the senior center with roof replacement. So she wins, so they are expected to go on dates with the vouchers for the dates. But they decide these are not dates, she friends doing activities together.
Justin is to leave town for a photography job, which is out of the country. But that all will change are his outings with Cara. Enjoy the read and see what happens. This is a fast short read, as it is only 125 pages long.
Well, she keeps bidding against an older lady, the bid goes higher and higher. Finally the older lady gives in, she wanted a date for her daughter. Cara said she only bid high as the money was to help the senior center with roof replacement. So she wins, so they are expected to go on dates with the vouchers for the dates. But they decide these are not dates, she friends doing activities together.
Justin is to leave town for a photography job, which is out of the country. But that all will change are his outings with Cara. Enjoy the read and see what happens. This is a fast short read, as it is only 125 pages long.
March 22, 2020
Sweet, clean, fun holiday romance
I loved this quick read so much. I'm disappointed there wasn't another in this series. I've enjoyed both in this series. I thought the h was adorable. Both the h & H were written as relatable & genuine. Nothing in the story or characters felt cookie cutter, too perfect or cheesy. This is set at Christmas time but I read it in March and it was just as fabulous. I likes the way Rachel John wrote their path towards romance & their obstacles. Being a novella you can't spend too much time on elements of the story. You can't rush it for the reader either or else it seems to contrived. This had a great balance and so it made for a satisfying read. I had a smile on my face the whole time.
I loved this quick read so much. I'm disappointed there wasn't another in this series. I've enjoyed both in this series. I thought the h was adorable. Both the h & H were written as relatable & genuine. Nothing in the story or characters felt cookie cutter, too perfect or cheesy. This is set at Christmas time but I read it in March and it was just as fabulous. I likes the way Rachel John wrote their path towards romance & their obstacles. Being a novella you can't spend too much time on elements of the story. You can't rush it for the reader either or else it seems to contrived. This had a great balance and so it made for a satisfying read. I had a smile on my face the whole time.
January 21, 2025
Her Old Flame Comes Home
Cara Marconi works for her best friends family, the Riggs. Her best friend Laurie decides to have a Charity Bachelor Auction to raise money to pay for a new roof for the Community Center. Car a agrees to help with organizing and advertising the event. When Laurie tells Car a that her brother, Justin, is coming home and had agreed to be one of the bachelor's to be auctioned, Cara is stunned. She knows she had set aside to money for the auction and wonders if she will bid on Justin.. Cara has loved Justin for a long time but she doesn't know how he feels about her. This is a clean romance read that needs to be explored by you, the reader.
MK
Cara Marconi works for her best friends family, the Riggs. Her best friend Laurie decides to have a Charity Bachelor Auction to raise money to pay for a new roof for the Community Center. Car a agrees to help with organizing and advertising the event. When Laurie tells Car a that her brother, Justin, is coming home and had agreed to be one of the bachelor's to be auctioned, Cara is stunned. She knows she had set aside to money for the auction and wonders if she will bid on Justin.. Cara has loved Justin for a long time but she doesn't know how he feels about her. This is a clean romance read that needs to be explored by you, the reader.
MK
December 27, 2019
Sweet second chance romance!
Cara has been in love with her best friend Laurie's brother Justin since elementary school. Justin is a travel photographer. Five years ago before he left on his first assignment, Cara told Justin how she felt and they kissed and then he pushed her away.
Five years later he has come home and agrees to be part of the bachelor auction in order to raise money for a new roof for the senior center. Cara bids on him at the auction and wins. They have vouchers to go on several dates around town.
Cara still has feelings for Justin. Will he ever feel the same?
Cara has been in love with her best friend Laurie's brother Justin since elementary school. Justin is a travel photographer. Five years ago before he left on his first assignment, Cara told Justin how she felt and they kissed and then he pushed her away.
Five years later he has come home and agrees to be part of the bachelor auction in order to raise money for a new roof for the senior center. Cara bids on him at the auction and wins. They have vouchers to go on several dates around town.
Cara still has feelings for Justin. Will he ever feel the same?
December 18, 2022
This author has a very clear, easy to read, writing style when it comes to romance. I read her Pride & Prejudice retelling and enjoyed her modern take on Jane Austen's classic story. So when I saw Rachel John's Christmas novella was free, I snapped it up.
This second chance romance did not disappoint in terms of fun-themed Christmassy dates. But there were no real surprises and the story itself did not have much of a wow factor. That said, the book is short enough to get a pleasant dose of Christmas romance over the holidays without having to commit to a full length novel.
This second chance romance did not disappoint in terms of fun-themed Christmassy dates. But there were no real surprises and the story itself did not have much of a wow factor. That said, the book is short enough to get a pleasant dose of Christmas romance over the holidays without having to commit to a full length novel.
February 10, 2024
Getting What You Paid For
Cara and Justin are a fun story with misunderstandings as a basis. I love Cara's heart and talent. She leads a quiet, humble life. Enter Justin, who has preconceived ideas about what is going on at home during his long absence. Enter Laurie, his sister, with the idea of a bachelor auction to raise money. Who votes for who and why leads to so many funny moments and the happy ending. Great story, characters, dialog, friend and family dynamics. I'm enjoying this whole series which is totally binge worthy.
Cara and Justin are a fun story with misunderstandings as a basis. I love Cara's heart and talent. She leads a quiet, humble life. Enter Justin, who has preconceived ideas about what is going on at home during his long absence. Enter Laurie, his sister, with the idea of a bachelor auction to raise money. Who votes for who and why leads to so many funny moments and the happy ending. Great story, characters, dialog, friend and family dynamics. I'm enjoying this whole series which is totally binge worthy.
April 6, 2024
Cara Marconi never planned to win the bachelor auction, but wanted to save her best friend’s brother, Justin Riggs from the neighbor’s daughter. She isn’t interested in falling for him again since he broker her heart the last time by leaving town. They are forced to go on several dates to use up the vouchers from the auction and to help publicize it. An uplifting story of second chances and trust.
November 15, 2019
Cute, quick and fun read with likable characters. I do wish the ending had been longer and more detailed. Would have liked to have read more about their relationship and more Christmas-y stuff in this story. Overall this story was entertaining though. Looking forward to continuing reading books by Rachel John.
February 15, 2021
A quick, clean holiday read
It wasn't amazing, but it wasn't terrible. Likeable characters. Some confusing transitions that could have been fleshed out more for easier, better informed reading. Im not sorry I read it, but I probably wouldn't read it again. Appropriate for any audience.
It wasn't amazing, but it wasn't terrible. Likeable characters. Some confusing transitions that could have been fleshed out more for easier, better informed reading. Im not sorry I read it, but I probably wouldn't read it again. Appropriate for any audience.
June 10, 2021
Cute, pretty short, sweet read. Nothing overly memorable about it though. Justin and Cara were both likeable, but it felt like things progressed at warp speed considering they hadn’t seen each other or spoken in 5 years. It went from reunion to love declarations and life changes within a couple of weeks (and only a handful of interactions).
July 9, 2021
Save the Senior Center
Cara and Justin are a great pair. I liked reading as they learned to grow and forgive. I very much liked some of the minor characters who were either fun, supportive, or quirky, if you like second chance romance you should read The Christmas Bachelor Auction.
Cara and Justin are a great pair. I liked reading as they learned to grow and forgive. I very much liked some of the minor characters who were either fun, supportive, or quirky, if you like second chance romance you should read The Christmas Bachelor Auction.
April 21, 2022
Such a cute, clean romance. Slightly reminiscent of a hallmark movie, but without all the cheesiness, and just enough romantic tension without being overly dramatic. This is the second book I’ve read in this series. I didn’t want to put either of them down. Both were quick reads. Longer than a novella, but shorter than most novels I’ve read.
September 3, 2022
The Christmas Bachelor Auction is book two in the Matched by Mistake series. I thought this was a really cute and funny story. I could relate to the “crush” on the best friend’s brother trope. This is a short book and great for a Sunday afternoon read. There are only a few kisses in it. Can’t wait to read the next one in this series.
December 2, 2023
This fun Christmas romance has wonderful characters. Cara kissed Justin five years ago, just before he left town. Kissing her best friends brother was a horrible idea! When Justin returns home for Christmas, Laurie his sister talks him into being a bachelor for auction in a fund raiser for the town senior center. Light, fun read!
November 10, 2019
A cute story!
Though not a fast-paced story, The Christmas Bachelor Auction was a fun read. Full of attraction, meddling neighbors, and plenty conflict preventing a happily ever after. I'm so glad Justin & Cara found their happiness!
Though not a fast-paced story, The Christmas Bachelor Auction was a fun read. Full of attraction, meddling neighbors, and plenty conflict preventing a happily ever after. I'm so glad Justin & Cara found their happiness!
November 21, 2019
A fun Christmas and sweet story. He leaved to be good enough for her. She was angry he left. He comes back and show her how much he does love her. I love the end though it seemed a little quick that she trusted the way she fought it the whole time, but it was still a sweet story.
February 10, 2020
Review of The Christmas Bachelor Auction
This was a very good book and I will recommend her books to anyone who loves romance novels. She keeps you involved from page one until the end.
This was a very good book and I will recommend her books to anyone who loves romance novels. She keeps you involved from page one until the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews