Book Review: The Birthday Bid by Suzette D. Harrison | #DistinguishedGentlemenSeries

The Birthday Bid: Distinguished Gentlemen Series by Suzette D. Harrison

It’s blackmail, blindfolds, and her fortieth birthday. How else would beauty influencer, Senaé Dawson, wind up at a bachelor auction? Whisked away without a say, her besties treat her to a birthday bid at an auction featuring decadent Black men. Inevitably infected by the hype, Senaé’s excitement hits hyper drive until the blindfold’s removed from her eyes. She’s dumbstruck to discover she’s just “bought” her ex-husband.

Lexington “Lex” Ryde turned his love for cars into a multi-million dollar private transportation business serving Black Hollywood’s A-list. His line of work taught Lex to be prepared at a moment’s notice. But seeing his ex-wife face-to-face for the first time in twenty years leaves him feeling as if “sucker-punched by Tyson and Holyfield.” Thanks to their problematic past, neither is pleased with this bachelor auction “ridiculousness”, or the instant flare of hot, sexual attraction erupting between them. But being Mama Peaches’ first foster child, Lex can’t renege. He's stuck with the auction results...and the unpleasant truth that he's still in love with his ex.  

Take the ride with Senaé and Lex! They’ll confront a painful past, consider their present, and encounter an unwanted admirer who must be dealt with.


My Review

As a fortieth birthday gift, Sanae's well-meaning best friends drag her to a bachelor auction, intending to get their friend laid. As fate would have it, the bachelor they win turns out to be her ex husband, Lex Ryde. Neither of them is pleased, as there's too much pain in their past. Unfortunately, there are no returns and no refunds for the auction.


From the moment they meet, it is clear Sanae and Lex have unfinished business. The chemistry between them is raw. This story about second chance love was very sweet. It was refreshing to see two characters own up for their respective roles in how things went down in their previous relationship instead of holding on to their grudges. They'd clearly matured and were willing to do what it took to get what (who) they wanted. I enjoyed their journey to rediscover--and rediscover (ahem) they did. Both Lex and Sanae were likable and relatable. I particularly liked the hero's principled nature and his unwavering support for his woman's success.

Sanae's best friends, Lovie, Dove (confusing, cos I always read it as Lovey Dovey) and Ima, were a hoot. I hope Ms Harrison plans on writing their stories.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

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