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Salacious Players Club #5
Highest Bidder
He’s not just rich…he’s filthy rich. When I started working at Salacious Players’ Club, I never expected to end up on the auction block ready to grant a date to the highest bidder. This club is not really my scene. I’m not the kind of girl rich guys take home. I’m more a piano playing, van-living, free spirit kind of girl. So when Ronan Kade, the richest man at the club, puts down over a hundred grand for my time, how can I tell him no? But he’s too old. Too rich. Too cocky. And oh yeah…he once dated my mother. Except he doesn’t know that. He has no idea who I am. One date turns into a trip to Paris. And an offer to live with him in his penthouse. Then a promise to take care of me. Before I know it, I’m calling this silver fox my daddy . Ronan Kade only bid on one date, but I think he’s winning much more than that. Can we overcome the years between us to find happiness? And will he find it in him to forgive me when he learns the secret I’ve been keeping?
334 pages, Paperback
First published March 24, 2023
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About the author
Sara Cate
44 books19.9k followersSara Cate is a USA Today best-selling author of steamy romance and sexy book boyfriends. Although she writes a wide range of tropes, Sara is best known for her age gap and taboo romances. One thing you can expect from her entire collection is heaps of steam and plenty of angst.
Living in Arizona with her husband and kids, Sara spends most of her time reading, writing, or baking.
Find out more at: www.saracatebooks.com
Living in Arizona with her husband and kids, Sara spends most of her time reading, writing, or baking.
Find out more at: www.saracatebooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 6,463 reviews
April 30, 2023
i’m horny okay guys??!! 😭💅
update: this book made the horniness inside me shrivel up and die
update: this book made the horniness inside me shrivel up and die
April 30, 2023
2 ⭐️ *sigh* I’m just so disappointed 😔
"Call me a sick fuck, but I want to be her daddy. I'd teach her every fucking thing she wants to know. I'd take care of her and protect her and make her feel so goddamn good."
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ billionaire romance
✨ she's a bartender at the sex club
✨ he's her mother's ex and a widower
✨ insta love
✨ age gap (35 years)
✨ keeping secrets
✨ denial of feelings
✨ dual POV
✨ 🌶️🌶️/5 spice
✨ kinks: daddy/baby girl, dom/sub, praise, brat, breeding, exhibitionism, spanking, rigging
✨ MFF bdsm 'play' scene
✨ grief/healing
✨ tw: death of a parent, death of spouse/child
My Thoughts:
I had such high hopes, but after that 75% mark, I just…it all went downhill for me. I’m really disappointed because I love the potential of Ronan and Daisy. But this book was chaotic, and the ending was unsatisfying. There were too many things that felt glossed over or wrapped up without much explanation.
Buckle up because here's everything I thought was wrong with this story:
***SPOILERS AHEAD***
I never quite understood why Ronan and Daisy’s mom broke up in the first place. The logic wasn’t quite there. Ronan said it was because he was working too much, but then later on with Daisy, he says he doesn't need to work but only does it because he doesn't want to sit around and be idyl because it brings up painful memories and loneliness. Okay, so why didn't he just reduce his workload and be with Daisy's mom if he loved her so much? What was holding him back? This is probably the biggest plot hole that ruined any sense of believability in the story.
Also, it was so fucking weird when Daisy said, “knowing that I fell for the same man my mother did made me feel strangely close to her. Without thinking about the gross parts, of course. I love that her heartbeat for the same person mine did, and that means something. Like she’s still here.” That is just so icky! I get this is taboo, so being Eskimo sisters with your mom is just part of that (ick). But what makes this completely irredeemable is that Ronan and Daisy's mother were in LOVE - like almost got married. So if the breakup between the mom and Ronan never happened, Ronan would have been Daisy's stepfather, which makes me wonder if they would have developed this romantic/sexual relationship later on. It was just all so gross, and I could never quite get over it.
I had a couple of questions about Daisy's backstory.
1. Daisy sold her mom's house and only has enough money for a shitty van? She would have had plenty of money for a nice van and then some. Also, I didn't understand why she wasn't just rooming with Geo or somewhere else that wasn’t a van and city park from the beginning.
2. Where's Daisy's dad? She made it clear she was alone after her mom died but where was her dad? She talked about introducing Ronan to him, but there wasn't an explanation of a strained relationship.
Daisy's incapability to remember to eat was so fucking annoying. She is a perfectly capable adult who has low blood sugar but for some insane reason, forgets to eat and randomly passes out. I'm sorry, but you don't just forget, especially when it's been almost 24 hours and your stomach is cramping due to hunger. But what's ridiculous is there's even one scene where Daisy is feeling weak and lightheaded and thinks, "I just have to get through one more hour of my shift and then I'll eat." Ma'am, your job as a bartender isn't saving lives. Go for a break and eat. This just seemed like such a ridiculous part of her character that was only added to create situations for Ronan to take care of her when it could have been done in a million different better ways.
Something was missing from Daisy and Ronan’s relationship for me to believe they truly loved each other. In all honesty, I don't even know what they liked about each other to begin with. They have nothing in common besides both understanding grief and death of a loved one, but that's something a lot of people can relate to. . . I guess I just don't even see what Ronan liked about her so much.
There's not as much smut as the other books, nor was it as descriptive or good. The scenes were a lot shorter, less descriptive, and lackluster. Sara Cate usually crushes this, but I was let down. Didn't even feel tingly once.
Ronan is a pleasure dom, but we hardly see this. Unlike the other books, kinks are usually explained, but here, there's no deep dive into understanding exactly what a pleasure dom is. In the beginning, it's made clear Rlonan wants to take care of and pleasure Daisy for his (and her) enjoyment. But there aren't a lot of scenes that fully play this out to the degree I thought they would. Part of that is due to the fact the focus shifted to Daisy and her interest in impact/pain play. (See point below)
Daisy being suddenly interested in impact/pain play came out of nowhere. Was it because she wanted to be punished for the pain of her mom's death or her guilt for lying to Ronan or was it something else? I'm still not sure. It just felt so forced - like the author was trying to add more bdsm elements to the story even if they didn't quite fit. (See point below)
Daisy is into impact/pain play when Ronan is NOT. So, why pair these two together? Ronan is a pleasure dom who doesn't want to hurt his partner AT ALL, while Daisy wants to be punished. These kinks don't go, so why did they get paired in this book???
Also, Ronan is NOT into sharing! So having the scene with Daisy and Eden pissed me off (see point below). But also the fact Ronan and Daisy continue to play with others in the epilogue didn't seem believable either. It made me mad that Ronan changed something so perfect about himself all for Daisy's sake. He should have been paired with someone who wholeheartedly wants to be with a pleasure dom. I volunteer as tribute!
The scene with Ronan, Daisy, and Eden made me uncomfortable and feel so icky. It didn't reflect the safety and boundaries required during BDSM scenes.
Ronan does not want to bring Daisy pain nor does he want to share. But for her sake, he brings in Eden to fulfill Daisy's needs. But no real boundaries were discussed beforehand between Daisy, Ronan, and Eden. It was all about Daisy. The entire scene he is uncomfortable and talking about how he wishes just him giving her pleasure is enough. Ronan should never have gone into that scenario with that level of anxiety. And then when he finally gets out of his head and pays attention to what's happening, he realizes Eden is going down on Daisy! Instead of giving a safe word to stop the scene, he gets frustrated and ends up banging Daisy. No good dom would stay quiet if something was making him uncomfortable, especially one who's been doing it for so long! The entire scene felt so unnatural and forced - like the author was trying to sell drama and sex all at once. It didn't work. And this is such a harmful representation of these types of scenes.
AND WHAT'S WORSE, they never discuss Ronan's discomfort during this scene! I felt like Ronan and his desires were overlooked for Daisy's desires. I get that during this scene, maybe Ronan was using it as a coping mechanism to please her because he was afraid she'll leave him, but that's so harmful and again, never addressed.
The main conflict being that Daisy kept this secret from Ronan was weak. I think their issues should have centered more on their age / acceptance of their relationship and maybe her actually needing money, so he would wonder if she really likes him for the money or for him. Like a sugar baby transaction turned real love story.
Ronan's reaction to discovering Daisy's secret was overly dramatic and weird. He thinks, "Everything with Daisy has been. . . a lie." But I'm not sure why he's coming to that conclusion or what he's referring to. Daisy has money, so it's not about that. She loves Ronan and doesn't need him for anything other than his love. I'd be more freaked out that she's the daughter of a woman he loved, but again, how does that make their entire relationship a lie?
Ronan forcing Daisy to prove she can take care of herself and be on her own was so dumb. Especially when they get back together 2 months later and all she did was move into a friend's apartment and start singing at a piano bar. lol. Like, WOW, she sure did grow up! Not. Also, this idea you have to heal and work through things alone to be strong is such a joke. Everyone needs help. I've personally healed so much grief and trauma with the help of my partner by my side. I literally couldn't have imagined doing it alone. So Ronan pushing her away when she just needed help healing and recovering from the loss of her mom just seemed uncaring and unnecessary. It was also pointless considering he immediately takes her back when she becomes pregnant. (see point below)
Daisy's surprise pregnancy completely nullified any progress Daisy or Ronan made while apart - making the breakup pointless. When they reunite after 2 months apart, Ronan literally says he's not ready to be with Daisy because he hasn't fully dealt with his issues. But once they find out she's pregnant, none of that matters, which is wild considering they haven't really discussed the matter of having children! Instead, they get married, have the baby, move to Paris, and live happily ever after. It's as if the conflict to learn how to be self-reliant never really mattered, and if that's the case, WTF was the point of any of it?
Conclusion:
I love the Salacious Players Club series, but this was by far the weakest of the books. There were too many loose threads and unnecessary plot points. This story was overcomplicated, and the added drama with the mom and Daisy's secret hurt the overall romance. Ronan and Daisy deserved better. Instead, I wish that Daisy had a truly tragic backstory without any father figure so she wanted someone to take care of her; there had been no connection between her mother and Ronan; they would have built chemistry (no insta-lust); for Ronan to be domineering and possessive from the start; and for there to be no pregnancy.
"Call me a sick fuck, but I want to be her daddy. I'd teach her every fucking thing she wants to know. I'd take care of her and protect her and make her feel so goddamn good."
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ billionaire romance
✨ she's a bartender at the sex club
✨ he's her mother's ex and a widower
✨ insta love
✨ age gap (35 years)
✨ keeping secrets
✨ denial of feelings
✨ dual POV
✨ 🌶️🌶️/5 spice
✨ kinks: daddy/baby girl, dom/sub, praise, brat, breeding, exhibitionism, spanking, rigging
✨ MFF bdsm 'play' scene
✨ grief/healing
✨ tw: death of a parent, death of spouse/child
My Thoughts:
I had such high hopes, but after that 75% mark, I just…it all went downhill for me. I’m really disappointed because I love the potential of Ronan and Daisy. But this book was chaotic, and the ending was unsatisfying. There were too many things that felt glossed over or wrapped up without much explanation.
Buckle up because here's everything I thought was wrong with this story:
***SPOILERS AHEAD***
I never quite understood why Ronan and Daisy’s mom broke up in the first place. The logic wasn’t quite there. Ronan said it was because he was working too much, but then later on with Daisy, he says he doesn't need to work but only does it because he doesn't want to sit around and be idyl because it brings up painful memories and loneliness. Okay, so why didn't he just reduce his workload and be with Daisy's mom if he loved her so much? What was holding him back? This is probably the biggest plot hole that ruined any sense of believability in the story.
Also, it was so fucking weird when Daisy said, “knowing that I fell for the same man my mother did made me feel strangely close to her. Without thinking about the gross parts, of course. I love that her heartbeat for the same person mine did, and that means something. Like she’s still here.” That is just so icky! I get this is taboo, so being Eskimo sisters with your mom is just part of that (ick). But what makes this completely irredeemable is that Ronan and Daisy's mother were in LOVE - like almost got married. So if the breakup between the mom and Ronan never happened, Ronan would have been Daisy's stepfather, which makes me wonder if they would have developed this romantic/sexual relationship later on. It was just all so gross, and I could never quite get over it.
I had a couple of questions about Daisy's backstory.
1. Daisy sold her mom's house and only has enough money for a shitty van? She would have had plenty of money for a nice van and then some. Also, I didn't understand why she wasn't just rooming with Geo or somewhere else that wasn’t a van and city park from the beginning.
2. Where's Daisy's dad? She made it clear she was alone after her mom died but where was her dad? She talked about introducing Ronan to him, but there wasn't an explanation of a strained relationship.
Daisy's incapability to remember to eat was so fucking annoying. She is a perfectly capable adult who has low blood sugar but for some insane reason, forgets to eat and randomly passes out. I'm sorry, but you don't just forget, especially when it's been almost 24 hours and your stomach is cramping due to hunger. But what's ridiculous is there's even one scene where Daisy is feeling weak and lightheaded and thinks, "I just have to get through one more hour of my shift and then I'll eat." Ma'am, your job as a bartender isn't saving lives. Go for a break and eat. This just seemed like such a ridiculous part of her character that was only added to create situations for Ronan to take care of her when it could have been done in a million different better ways.
Something was missing from Daisy and Ronan’s relationship for me to believe they truly loved each other. In all honesty, I don't even know what they liked about each other to begin with. They have nothing in common besides both understanding grief and death of a loved one, but that's something a lot of people can relate to. . . I guess I just don't even see what Ronan liked about her so much.
There's not as much smut as the other books, nor was it as descriptive or good. The scenes were a lot shorter, less descriptive, and lackluster. Sara Cate usually crushes this, but I was let down. Didn't even feel tingly once.
Ronan is a pleasure dom, but we hardly see this. Unlike the other books, kinks are usually explained, but here, there's no deep dive into understanding exactly what a pleasure dom is. In the beginning, it's made clear Rlonan wants to take care of and pleasure Daisy for his (and her) enjoyment. But there aren't a lot of scenes that fully play this out to the degree I thought they would. Part of that is due to the fact the focus shifted to Daisy and her interest in impact/pain play. (See point below)
Daisy being suddenly interested in impact/pain play came out of nowhere. Was it because she wanted to be punished for the pain of her mom's death or her guilt for lying to Ronan or was it something else? I'm still not sure. It just felt so forced - like the author was trying to add more bdsm elements to the story even if they didn't quite fit. (See point below)
Daisy is into impact/pain play when Ronan is NOT. So, why pair these two together? Ronan is a pleasure dom who doesn't want to hurt his partner AT ALL, while Daisy wants to be punished. These kinks don't go, so why did they get paired in this book???
Also, Ronan is NOT into sharing! So having the scene with Daisy and Eden pissed me off (see point below). But also the fact Ronan and Daisy continue to play with others in the epilogue didn't seem believable either. It made me mad that Ronan changed something so perfect about himself all for Daisy's sake. He should have been paired with someone who wholeheartedly wants to be with a pleasure dom. I volunteer as tribute!
The scene with Ronan, Daisy, and Eden made me uncomfortable and feel so icky. It didn't reflect the safety and boundaries required during BDSM scenes.
Ronan does not want to bring Daisy pain nor does he want to share. But for her sake, he brings in Eden to fulfill Daisy's needs. But no real boundaries were discussed beforehand between Daisy, Ronan, and Eden. It was all about Daisy. The entire scene he is uncomfortable and talking about how he wishes just him giving her pleasure is enough. Ronan should never have gone into that scenario with that level of anxiety. And then when he finally gets out of his head and pays attention to what's happening, he realizes Eden is going down on Daisy! Instead of giving a safe word to stop the scene, he gets frustrated and ends up banging Daisy. No good dom would stay quiet if something was making him uncomfortable, especially one who's been doing it for so long! The entire scene felt so unnatural and forced - like the author was trying to sell drama and sex all at once. It didn't work. And this is such a harmful representation of these types of scenes.
AND WHAT'S WORSE, they never discuss Ronan's discomfort during this scene! I felt like Ronan and his desires were overlooked for Daisy's desires. I get that during this scene, maybe Ronan was using it as a coping mechanism to please her because he was afraid she'll leave him, but that's so harmful and again, never addressed.
The main conflict being that Daisy kept this secret from Ronan was weak. I think their issues should have centered more on their age / acceptance of their relationship and maybe her actually needing money, so he would wonder if she really likes him for the money or for him. Like a sugar baby transaction turned real love story.
Ronan's reaction to discovering Daisy's secret was overly dramatic and weird. He thinks, "Everything with Daisy has been. . . a lie." But I'm not sure why he's coming to that conclusion or what he's referring to. Daisy has money, so it's not about that. She loves Ronan and doesn't need him for anything other than his love. I'd be more freaked out that she's the daughter of a woman he loved, but again, how does that make their entire relationship a lie?
Ronan forcing Daisy to prove she can take care of herself and be on her own was so dumb. Especially when they get back together 2 months later and all she did was move into a friend's apartment and start singing at a piano bar. lol. Like, WOW, she sure did grow up! Not. Also, this idea you have to heal and work through things alone to be strong is such a joke. Everyone needs help. I've personally healed so much grief and trauma with the help of my partner by my side. I literally couldn't have imagined doing it alone. So Ronan pushing her away when she just needed help healing and recovering from the loss of her mom just seemed uncaring and unnecessary. It was also pointless considering he immediately takes her back when she becomes pregnant. (see point below)
Daisy's surprise pregnancy completely nullified any progress Daisy or Ronan made while apart - making the breakup pointless. When they reunite after 2 months apart, Ronan literally says he's not ready to be with Daisy because he hasn't fully dealt with his issues. But once they find out she's pregnant, none of that matters, which is wild considering they haven't really discussed the matter of having children! Instead, they get married, have the baby, move to Paris, and live happily ever after. It's as if the conflict to learn how to be self-reliant never really mattered, and if that's the case, WTF was the point of any of it?
Conclusion:
I love the Salacious Players Club series, but this was by far the weakest of the books. There were too many loose threads and unnecessary plot points. This story was overcomplicated, and the added drama with the mom and Daisy's secret hurt the overall romance. Ronan and Daisy deserved better. Instead, I wish that Daisy had a truly tragic backstory without any father figure so she wanted someone to take care of her; there had been no connection between her mother and Ronan; they would have built chemistry (no insta-lust); for Ronan to be domineering and possessive from the start; and for there to be no pregnancy.
April 10, 2023
Major spoilers in this, but I need a safe space to fully rant, and I can't hold back.
What, and I can't stress this enough, in the hell was that? How did we go from the perfection that was Give Me More to whatever flaming bag of insta-love psychotic guano this was? I spent most of this book just constantly checking how many chapters were left until the book ended. I didn't WANT to keep reading, but I felt obligated to because I'm a masochist, I guess.
The Taboo
The first thing you should know about this book is that the 2 main characters are in love with each other about 5% into the book, and it wasn't just lust, this was full insta-love.
The second most important thing to know about this book is the nature of the taboo relationship. I just could not get past the fact that the romance was between a 21-year-old girl and her dead mom's ex-boyfriend (who is 35 years older than her). I like taboo romance, but I have finally learned where the line is for me. It wasn't just the pairing--it was the way it was written that made it too much taboo for me--it was too weird and it gave me the ick. Daisy KNEW the whole time that Ronan used to be in love with her mom, and she actively sought him out and moved across the country to find him. The problem is that Ronan did not know that Daisy is the daughter of his ex. Daisy fully manipulated him into her bed. Ronan had no idea that he was sleeping with the little girl of a woman who he was head-over-heels in love with 10 years before. He was even still lovingly reminiscing about Daisy's mother, Shannon, at points of this book and comparing his love for Daisy to his love for Shannon. And Daisy knew. the. whole. time. She had Ronan talk to her about his ex girlfriends, hoping that he would tell her more about her mom, which is kind of sick. It also made it really obvious what the 3rd act breakup would be about. It felt a bit like Sara Cate went for the low-hanging fruit/the easiest conflict imaginable in this story.
I also thought it was weird as hell that Daisy thought Eden/Madame Kink reminded her of her mother and pictured talking to her mom when they chatted about sex. After that conversation, they then followed that up with having a very sexual threesome with Ronan (her "daddy") and Eden (a woman who reminds her of her mother). Eden was even referred to as "Mommy" a few times. Girl, are you ok??? I STG, if Eden's book is a mommy kink, I'm starting a riot.
The Age Gap
The age gap was also just too weird for me, and not sexy at all. Grandfather Ronan (as I like to call him) was just too much older than Daisy--he was getting to be an elderly man. The author clearly wants fans to call him Daddy Ronan, but the man was 56 years old, and I felt 0 attraction to him. Also, the fact that Gramps Ronan talked about his c*ck like a teenage boy about to bust his nut every 2 seconds and constantly "twitching" in his pants was really icky.
The Kink Mismatch
Ronan's kink is that he is a pleasure dom--he gets off on giving pleasure to his partner over and over again until they're begging him to stop. He does not like pain at all. Daisy has never tried kink before, but she realizes that she likes pain. The is why they end up having a threesome with Madame Kink/Eden--Eden can give the pain to Daisy that Ronan can't give her. In fact, Daisy's kink goes against exactly what Ronan's kink is. He does not want her to feel anyyyy pain--giving Daisy pain is literally painful for him (in a non-sexy way). After their scene with Eden where Ronan is uncomfortable the whole time, they have 1 conversation about how they can make this work when Ronan is uncomfortable giving her what she needs. This conversation ends with Ronan basically saying "I'll figure it out." Their kink mismatch is then literally never mentioned again before the book ends. How is this sexy to anyone? Daisy wants to be paddled, whipped, flogged, and put in clamps, which is all well and fine, but poor Grandpa Ronan is in agony the whole time that it's being done to her. I was literally waiting for Ronan (the dom) to say "Red" (the safe word) because he hates it so much. The worst is that Daisy just doesn't care that he's uncomfortable because she needs it, and Ronan will give her anything she needs even if he is unhappy.
The Worst Part of This Book: Daisy
Now let's get to the biggest problem of this book by far: Daisy. Daisy was manipulative, childish, and whiny. All of the scenes where she was possessive and jealous of other women even speaking to Ronan (after going on 1 date with him) just showed that she was immature. Her "sass" (that Ronan just found sooo charming) just gave me secondhand embarrassment and was generally very cringe. She also kept insisting that she is not a child, but similar to a child, she quite literally could not take care of herself. Daisy has a medical condition that requires her to monitor her blood sugar, but somehow she fully forgot to eat for days in a row until she fainted from low blood sugar MULTIPLE TIMES in this book. Let me be clear: at no point was it implied that she had an eating disorder, which I would understand. No, Daisy would just forget to eat because she has 2 brain cells. She also could not take care of herself to find an adequate place to live. She literally is filthy rich, but she had to crash on couches of friends and sleep in her van until Ronan came to the rescue. There is being adventurous and poetic, and then there is being irresponsible, immature, and juvenile.
So anyways, Ronan finally finds out about Daisy being Shannon's daughter when his P.I. checks out Daisy after he and Daisy get engaged (so not because Daisy ever told him). Then, Daisy starts crying and gets angry at Ronan being like "You promised you'd never hurt me...this hurts, Ronan" ....GIRL. Are you really blaming him for hurting YOU??? Daisy was fully gaslighting Ronan for being upset about her deception. Daisy deliberately did not tell him that he used to be in deep love with her mom. Of course he's going to think she's crazy and in it for the money. I had zero sympathy for Crazy Daisy, but we're forced to read endless chapters of her sorrow and pain. I wish this book just ended with Ronan finding out and kicking Daisy out because Daisy is a total ~victim~. Daisy also got mad that he was grieving for her mom right after he kicked out Daisy. Um Daisy girl, I know you're not the brightest bulb, but he literally just found out that Shannon's dead and he's engaged to her daughter...let the man have 1 second to be shocked and sad about his dead lover.
As a final side note, I think it's a red flag that Daisy has no friends at all. At one point, her coworker/the bartender Geo makes a joke about how he's her only friend, and she just rolls her eyes, but ...he's not wrong.
THE WORST ENDING EVER.
After Ronan discovers that Daisy withheld the truth from him and manipulated him, Ronan tells Daisy that they have to stay broken up while Daisy learns to take care of herself and he learns how to "be OK with not being needed" (this is fair considering Daisy acts like a 9-year-old 100% of the time). After that, the story fast forwards 2 months. At this point, Ronan fully admits that he has not improved at all--he still needs to be needed. Supposedly Daisy is doing better, but is she really? In one of the last few chapters, she faints again because she skips 2 meals while working (and she acknowledges in her head before she faints that she skipped 2 meals and Ronan would be mad at her). She also is proud of herself because she's "paying her rent on time," but then she goes on to spend literally every dime in her bank account in 10 seconds when Ronan is on stage during an auction at the club. The kicker is that he wasn't actually up for auction--he was just making an announcement, but Crazy Daisy is like here's $1,000,000!!!! When Ronan asks her why she spent all of her money, she explains that she can't bear to see another woman go on a date (even for charity) with her (ex!) boyfriend. Does that sound responsible or healthy? To literally bankrupt yourself in order to keep your ex-boyfriend from going on a charity date with another person? This girl is a nutjob. Then, after she faints, they find out she fainted because she is pregnant (which still should not detract from the fact that this girl is skipping meals still...she has learned nothing). Anyways, she is pregnant even though she was supposedly on birth control when she demanded that Ronan have raw sex with her the entire book (their first time they had sex, she said "I don't want anything between us" ....Ronan you are a billionaire who dated this girl for 1 month; can you be this much of an idiot?). This girl cannot care for herself at all, so is it any surprise that she fully forgot to consistently take her birth control while they were in Paris banging the life out of each other (which is also when she first asked him to f*ck her bare)? This girl really did trap Ronan into her life. I fully believe she is manipulative and psychotic. It was also really creepy that in the end, she was like, I feel more connected to my mom knowing that we both loved the same man, and I think she would've been happy about this. Daisy Daisy Daisy...you absolute delusional dimwit.
In my opinion, this book did not need to be added to this series. I wish the author just stopped after the original 4 books. I understand the urge to prolong a series that has been so successful, but this book really hurt my view of the series as a whole. I hated both Ronan and Daisy (more-so Daisy though, obviously), but I mostly hated everything about their relationship. This book gave me the serious ick.
What, and I can't stress this enough, in the hell was that? How did we go from the perfection that was Give Me More to whatever flaming bag of insta-love psychotic guano this was? I spent most of this book just constantly checking how many chapters were left until the book ended. I didn't WANT to keep reading, but I felt obligated to because I'm a masochist, I guess.
The Taboo
The first thing you should know about this book is that the 2 main characters are in love with each other about 5% into the book, and it wasn't just lust, this was full insta-love.
The second most important thing to know about this book is the nature of the taboo relationship. I just could not get past the fact that the romance was between a 21-year-old girl and her dead mom's ex-boyfriend (who is 35 years older than her). I like taboo romance, but I have finally learned where the line is for me. It wasn't just the pairing--it was the way it was written that made it too much taboo for me--it was too weird and it gave me the ick. Daisy KNEW the whole time that Ronan used to be in love with her mom, and she actively sought him out and moved across the country to find him. The problem is that Ronan did not know that Daisy is the daughter of his ex. Daisy fully manipulated him into her bed. Ronan had no idea that he was sleeping with the little girl of a woman who he was head-over-heels in love with 10 years before. He was even still lovingly reminiscing about Daisy's mother, Shannon, at points of this book and comparing his love for Daisy to his love for Shannon. And Daisy knew. the. whole. time. She had Ronan talk to her about his ex girlfriends, hoping that he would tell her more about her mom, which is kind of sick. It also made it really obvious what the 3rd act breakup would be about. It felt a bit like Sara Cate went for the low-hanging fruit/the easiest conflict imaginable in this story.
I also thought it was weird as hell that Daisy thought Eden/Madame Kink reminded her of her mother and pictured talking to her mom when they chatted about sex. After that conversation, they then followed that up with having a very sexual threesome with Ronan (her "daddy") and Eden (a woman who reminds her of her mother). Eden was even referred to as "Mommy" a few times. Girl, are you ok??? I STG, if Eden's book is a mommy kink, I'm starting a riot.
The Age Gap
The age gap was also just too weird for me, and not sexy at all. Grandfather Ronan (as I like to call him) was just too much older than Daisy--he was getting to be an elderly man. The author clearly wants fans to call him Daddy Ronan, but the man was 56 years old, and I felt 0 attraction to him. Also, the fact that Gramps Ronan talked about his c*ck like a teenage boy about to bust his nut every 2 seconds and constantly "twitching" in his pants was really icky.
The Kink Mismatch
Ronan's kink is that he is a pleasure dom--he gets off on giving pleasure to his partner over and over again until they're begging him to stop. He does not like pain at all. Daisy has never tried kink before, but she realizes that she likes pain. The is why they end up having a threesome with Madame Kink/Eden--Eden can give the pain to Daisy that Ronan can't give her. In fact, Daisy's kink goes against exactly what Ronan's kink is. He does not want her to feel anyyyy pain--giving Daisy pain is literally painful for him (in a non-sexy way). After their scene with Eden where Ronan is uncomfortable the whole time, they have 1 conversation about how they can make this work when Ronan is uncomfortable giving her what she needs. This conversation ends with Ronan basically saying "I'll figure it out." Their kink mismatch is then literally never mentioned again before the book ends. How is this sexy to anyone? Daisy wants to be paddled, whipped, flogged, and put in clamps, which is all well and fine, but poor Grandpa Ronan is in agony the whole time that it's being done to her. I was literally waiting for Ronan (the dom) to say "Red" (the safe word) because he hates it so much. The worst is that Daisy just doesn't care that he's uncomfortable because she needs it, and Ronan will give her anything she needs even if he is unhappy.
The Worst Part of This Book: Daisy
Now let's get to the biggest problem of this book by far: Daisy. Daisy was manipulative, childish, and whiny. All of the scenes where she was possessive and jealous of other women even speaking to Ronan (after going on 1 date with him) just showed that she was immature. Her "sass" (that Ronan just found sooo charming) just gave me secondhand embarrassment and was generally very cringe. She also kept insisting that she is not a child, but similar to a child, she quite literally could not take care of herself. Daisy has a medical condition that requires her to monitor her blood sugar, but somehow she fully forgot to eat for days in a row until she fainted from low blood sugar MULTIPLE TIMES in this book. Let me be clear: at no point was it implied that she had an eating disorder, which I would understand. No, Daisy would just forget to eat because she has 2 brain cells. She also could not take care of herself to find an adequate place to live. She literally is filthy rich, but she had to crash on couches of friends and sleep in her van until Ronan came to the rescue. There is being adventurous and poetic, and then there is being irresponsible, immature, and juvenile.
So anyways, Ronan finally finds out about Daisy being Shannon's daughter when his P.I. checks out Daisy after he and Daisy get engaged (so not because Daisy ever told him). Then, Daisy starts crying and gets angry at Ronan being like "You promised you'd never hurt me...this hurts, Ronan" ....GIRL. Are you really blaming him for hurting YOU??? Daisy was fully gaslighting Ronan for being upset about her deception. Daisy deliberately did not tell him that he used to be in deep love with her mom. Of course he's going to think she's crazy and in it for the money. I had zero sympathy for Crazy Daisy, but we're forced to read endless chapters of her sorrow and pain. I wish this book just ended with Ronan finding out and kicking Daisy out because Daisy is a total ~victim~. Daisy also got mad that he was grieving for her mom right after he kicked out Daisy. Um Daisy girl, I know you're not the brightest bulb, but he literally just found out that Shannon's dead and he's engaged to her daughter...let the man have 1 second to be shocked and sad about his dead lover.
As a final side note, I think it's a red flag that Daisy has no friends at all. At one point, her coworker/the bartender Geo makes a joke about how he's her only friend, and she just rolls her eyes, but ...he's not wrong.
THE WORST ENDING EVER.
After Ronan discovers that Daisy withheld the truth from him and manipulated him, Ronan tells Daisy that they have to stay broken up while Daisy learns to take care of herself and he learns how to "be OK with not being needed" (this is fair considering Daisy acts like a 9-year-old 100% of the time). After that, the story fast forwards 2 months. At this point, Ronan fully admits that he has not improved at all--he still needs to be needed. Supposedly Daisy is doing better, but is she really? In one of the last few chapters, she faints again because she skips 2 meals while working (and she acknowledges in her head before she faints that she skipped 2 meals and Ronan would be mad at her). She also is proud of herself because she's "paying her rent on time," but then she goes on to spend literally every dime in her bank account in 10 seconds when Ronan is on stage during an auction at the club. The kicker is that he wasn't actually up for auction--he was just making an announcement, but Crazy Daisy is like here's $1,000,000!!!! When Ronan asks her why she spent all of her money, she explains that she can't bear to see another woman go on a date (even for charity) with her (ex!) boyfriend. Does that sound responsible or healthy? To literally bankrupt yourself in order to keep your ex-boyfriend from going on a charity date with another person? This girl is a nutjob. Then, after she faints, they find out she fainted because she is pregnant (which still should not detract from the fact that this girl is skipping meals still...she has learned nothing). Anyways, she is pregnant even though she was supposedly on birth control when she demanded that Ronan have raw sex with her the entire book (their first time they had sex, she said "I don't want anything between us" ....Ronan you are a billionaire who dated this girl for 1 month; can you be this much of an idiot?). This girl cannot care for herself at all, so is it any surprise that she fully forgot to consistently take her birth control while they were in Paris banging the life out of each other (which is also when she first asked him to f*ck her bare)? This girl really did trap Ronan into her life. I fully believe she is manipulative and psychotic. It was also really creepy that in the end, she was like, I feel more connected to my mom knowing that we both loved the same man, and I think she would've been happy about this. Daisy Daisy Daisy...you absolute delusional dimwit.
In my opinion, this book did not need to be added to this series. I wish the author just stopped after the original 4 books. I understand the urge to prolong a series that has been so successful, but this book really hurt my view of the series as a whole. I hated both Ronan and Daisy (more-so Daisy though, obviously), but I mostly hated everything about their relationship. This book gave me the serious ick.
Read
April 4, 2023hard to tell if this one was just not my cuppa or if it was truly mid. i truly enjoyed books 2 and 3 in this series but 1, 4 and 5 are not my faves for various reasons
things i liked:
now that i'm sitting here trying to think of words to write i'm drawing blanks. the writing was pretty good? i'm really not trying to be bitchy... i didn't hate this book. but i can't think of any standout "likes" here.
things i didn't like:
- how big the age gap was. that's a totally personal thing. but i guess my age gap romance love does know bounds.
- daisy and her decision making... fr the conflict here made her look like a total dumb ass. she was also pretty whiny. makes sense given her age but it makes u wonder what a supposedly mature dude sees in her besides her youth.
- the kink and sex scenes. again. personal preference. but i found myself wanting to skim over the amount of sex scenes in this book. and i am fully aware this series is kink centered and has a lot of sex because of that. but the scenes here did nothing for me and felt boring after a while.
this was a quick read and it was fine. but i think i'm realizing that the palate cleansers and quick reads i'm looking for now don't tend to be smutty stories.
things i liked:
now that i'm sitting here trying to think of words to write i'm drawing blanks. the writing was pretty good? i'm really not trying to be bitchy... i didn't hate this book. but i can't think of any standout "likes" here.
things i didn't like:
- how big the age gap was. that's a totally personal thing. but i guess my age gap romance love does know bounds.
- daisy and her decision making... fr the conflict here made her look like a total dumb ass. she was also pretty whiny. makes sense given her age but it makes u wonder what a supposedly mature dude sees in her besides her youth.
- the kink and sex scenes. again. personal preference. but i found myself wanting to skim over the amount of sex scenes in this book. and i am fully aware this series is kink centered and has a lot of sex because of that. but the scenes here did nothing for me and felt boring after a while.
this was a quick read and it was fine. but i think i'm realizing that the palate cleansers and quick reads i'm looking for now don't tend to be smutty stories.
March 18, 2023
♾️ stars A MILLION STARS, ALL THE STARS FOR MY DADDY RONAN ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I am writing this at 4:20 am because I just finished and I need to get it all out. This book is fucking perfect, where is my pleasure dom who just wants to spoil me in Paris huh?!?! That’s right PARIS 🇫🇷 HOW DOES IT FEEL TO LIVE MY DREAM DAISY?!?!?! Lucky bitch I hate her. But I clearly also love her and Ronan because yes this book did make me cry MULTIPLE TIMES 😭 I can’t recall of many other books that made me cry during spicy scenes but this is one of them.
This book was HOT but also filled with heart and emotion like Sara likes to do with this series. She’s just such a master at her craft, I simply adore her. READ THIS WHOLE DAMN SERIES!!!!
****thank you Sara Cate for the ARC
This book was HOT but also filled with heart and emotion like Sara likes to do with this series. She’s just such a master at her craft, I simply adore her. READ THIS WHOLE DAMN SERIES!!!!
****thank you Sara Cate for the ARC
June 2, 2023
God, nothing hits like a Sara Cate novel. The way she writes always blows me away because the story is soooooo freaking good & emotional, but this one HITS SOME TABOOOOOO MARKS. YALL. The age gap is really gapping (and I’m so here for it 😛) but also omfg the connection between Daisy & Ronan. When the reveal happened my jaw dropped (cough cough* moms ex* cough cough) Oooooo baby.
I am so happy to be back at the salacious players’ club because DAMN I MISSED IT. Getting to see some of my favorite characters made me happy, but this is one story I was dying to read! And I love the voyeur rooms ;)
So now let’s get to the fun. One night, Daisy makes a bet against her bartender bestie, Geo, on who THE Ronan Kane will bet on during the auction. What she wasn’t expecting was to lose the bet, and to have to get up on the stage & be auctioned off herself. Especially when she snags the eye of daddy Himself!! And that her life will be ✨forever changed✨ I will say I’m glad that we get to see Daisy overcome some obstacles & grow, because there were some moments I wanted to shake her…lowkey she drove me nuts!!! Ronan will forever hold a special place in my heart because he was just so GOOD. Like the purest heart ever, while also being such a hot, dirty daddy. Ugh what a combo.
I enjoyed reading this book (it wasn’t my fave tho), and GOD IT WAS SO FCKING HOT. Hold onto your panties because you may need to switch those babies out for a new pair after you finish this book. AND IF YOU THINK ANYONE WHO ENJOYS READING AGE GAP ROMANCES IS WRONG THEN I DONT WANNA BE RIGHT!!!!!!
I am so ready for Eden’s story. Omfg. Hello mommyyyyy.
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶.5
Tropes:
Age Gap
Billionaire
Forced proximity
Taboo romance
Moms ex
I am so happy to be back at the salacious players’ club because DAMN I MISSED IT. Getting to see some of my favorite characters made me happy, but this is one story I was dying to read! And I love the voyeur rooms ;)
So now let’s get to the fun. One night, Daisy makes a bet against her bartender bestie, Geo, on who THE Ronan Kane will bet on during the auction. What she wasn’t expecting was to lose the bet, and to have to get up on the stage & be auctioned off herself. Especially when she snags the eye of daddy Himself!! And that her life will be ✨forever changed✨ I will say I’m glad that we get to see Daisy overcome some obstacles & grow, because there were some moments I wanted to shake her…lowkey she drove me nuts!!! Ronan will forever hold a special place in my heart because he was just so GOOD. Like the purest heart ever, while also being such a hot, dirty daddy. Ugh what a combo.
I enjoyed reading this book (it wasn’t my fave tho), and GOD IT WAS SO FCKING HOT. Hold onto your panties because you may need to switch those babies out for a new pair after you finish this book. AND IF YOU THINK ANYONE WHO ENJOYS READING AGE GAP ROMANCES IS WRONG THEN I DONT WANNA BE RIGHT!!!!!!
I am so ready for Eden’s story. Omfg. Hello mommyyyyy.
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶.5
Tropes:
Age Gap
Billionaire
Forced proximity
Taboo romance
Moms ex
March 30, 2023
2.5 stars
Ronan was such a sweet caring man. All he ever wanted was to find someone to love and care about. I kinda liked him. Daisy on the other hand, was such a brat and not in a “kinky” way or whatever. She was such a whiny brat. The book wasn’t that bad but for such a “kinky” book it was so bland and uninteresting. So meh and so insta-lovey.
Also, i like age gap romances, the hero didn’t have to be almost 60?? He didn’t act like an almost 60 years old tho, but every time it was mentioned it’s like a cold shower reminder that I was trying to avoid or forgot.
Ronan and Daisy didn’t have anything in common. As I said I like age gap romances, always because the characters have many thing in common, compatible, or the younger one is mature for their age. None of that was applicable here. They weren’t compatible (even their kinks weren’t the same or compatible with each other actually they wanted two opposite things and I was like what’s the point?), have nothing in common, and as I mentioned before the heroine was such an immature brat. Those two just weren’t made for each other.
Now there was one final thing that wasn’t resolved and I was really trying to understand. Why did her mother leave him all that time ago?? Because none of the reasons that was mentioned or was not made any sense to me. Oh and don’t even get me started on the reason why she didn’t tell him who she was from the beginning??
Ronan was such a sweet caring man. All he ever wanted was to find someone to love and care about. I kinda liked him. Daisy on the other hand, was such a brat and not in a “kinky” way or whatever. She was such a whiny brat. The book wasn’t that bad but for such a “kinky” book it was so bland and uninteresting. So meh and so insta-lovey.
Also, i like age gap romances, the hero didn’t have to be almost 60?? He didn’t act like an almost 60 years old tho, but every time it was mentioned it’s like a cold shower reminder that I was trying to avoid or forgot.
Ronan and Daisy didn’t have anything in common. As I said I like age gap romances, always because the characters have many thing in common, compatible, or the younger one is mature for their age. None of that was applicable here. They weren’t compatible (even their kinks weren’t the same or compatible with each other actually they wanted two opposite things and I was like what’s the point?), have nothing in common, and as I mentioned before the heroine was such an immature brat. Those two just weren’t made for each other.
Now there was one final thing that wasn’t resolved and I was really trying to understand. Why did her mother leave him all that time ago?? Because none of the reasons that was mentioned or was not made any sense to me. Oh and don’t even get me started on the reason why she didn’t tell him who she was from the beginning??
March 28, 2023
3/5 ☆
Highest Bidder was an enjoyable read, but it doesn't hold a candle to the rest of series. It fell flat and was really missing that emotional connection I enjoyed about the other SPC books. Daisy and Ronan's relationship was too insta-lovey for me and I couldn't see them connecting on a level other than physical. One thing I really enjoy about the other books in SPC is that bond that the main characters share with one another, and while Daisy and Ronan's history is unique, their relationship ultimately felt more like lust than anything else.
The smut here wasn't the spiciest I've seen from Sara, which I found surprising given the tropes, and definitely felt a bit parred down compared to the rest of the series. Nonetheless, for those looking to dip their toes in the taboo trope, this is a great introduction.
Highest Bidder was an enjoyable read, but it doesn't hold a candle to the rest of series. It fell flat and was really missing that emotional connection I enjoyed about the other SPC books. Daisy and Ronan's relationship was too insta-lovey for me and I couldn't see them connecting on a level other than physical. One thing I really enjoy about the other books in SPC is that bond that the main characters share with one another, and while Daisy and Ronan's history is unique, their relationship ultimately felt more like lust than anything else.
The smut here wasn't the spiciest I've seen from Sara, which I found surprising given the tropes, and definitely felt a bit parred down compared to the rest of the series. Nonetheless, for those looking to dip their toes in the taboo trope, this is a great introduction.
March 25, 2023
I’m probably being harsh with the 1 star but idc.
Spoilers ahead
Why would an author write a book about kinks, and then put two characters together who don’t share the same kink, AND THEN make one of them participate in said kink despite not enjoying it and being uncomfortable during the scene? This was soooo awful to read about and made me so uncomfortable. I hated it and it ruined the entire book for me.
The first 65% was okay, mildly entertaining but nothing great. I liked Ronan. He’s super kind and thoughtful and generous. Daisy is annoying as fuck. She’s whiny and immature and a huge brat. She acts like she’s 16. She can’t take care of herself and constantly forgets to eat. Maybe it’s just me but I find it annoying when women constantly talk about “forgetting” to eat. You are a grown ass woman. Please stop acting like a child.
The scene at 78% was gross and weird. Daisy wants to be beaten during sex and Ronan really doesn’t want to hurt her, so they bring in Eden to do it for him. Ronan is uncomfortable the entire time, because he hates seeing Daisy in pain. What is hot about this? When one of the participants is not into the sex it’s obviously a huge turn off. At one point Ronan thinks “why does she need pain? Why can’t she be happy with me treating her well and worshipping her?” Or something like that. I felt bad for him and pissed at Daisy for wanting to change him. I’m not trying to kink shame but I hated all of this. Eden creeps me out a little. And they never even talk about this scene after it happens. It literally never gets resolved.
I’d say I’m disappointed but I don’t really care about these books anyways ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Spoilers ahead
Why would an author write a book about kinks, and then put two characters together who don’t share the same kink, AND THEN make one of them participate in said kink despite not enjoying it and being uncomfortable during the scene? This was soooo awful to read about and made me so uncomfortable. I hated it and it ruined the entire book for me.
The first 65% was okay, mildly entertaining but nothing great. I liked Ronan. He’s super kind and thoughtful and generous. Daisy is annoying as fuck. She’s whiny and immature and a huge brat. She acts like she’s 16. She can’t take care of herself and constantly forgets to eat. Maybe it’s just me but I find it annoying when women constantly talk about “forgetting” to eat. You are a grown ass woman. Please stop acting like a child.
The scene at 78% was gross and weird. Daisy wants to be beaten during sex and Ronan really doesn’t want to hurt her, so they bring in Eden to do it for him. Ronan is uncomfortable the entire time, because he hates seeing Daisy in pain. What is hot about this? When one of the participants is not into the sex it’s obviously a huge turn off. At one point Ronan thinks “why does she need pain? Why can’t she be happy with me treating her well and worshipping her?” Or something like that. I felt bad for him and pissed at Daisy for wanting to change him. I’m not trying to kink shame but I hated all of this. Eden creeps me out a little. And they never even talk about this scene after it happens. It literally never gets resolved.
I’d say I’m disappointed but I don’t really care about these books anyways ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
March 24, 2023
ronan kade is the top daddy, daddiest of all daddies, HEAD HONCHO, and i will gladly die on that hill
i’m not gonna sit up here and lie..i definitely shed a few tears because ronan isn’t real and he isn’t my man🧍🏾♀️ in my defense, HOW COULD YOU NOT?? this man is everything you could ever ask for. fine as hell, rich, a pleasure dom, will take you on trips to paris, actually gives a fuck about your well being, did i mention rich??😭
i loved everything about ronan and daisy together! even though the relationship was very fast paced, it just worked so well for them and the story. there were so many beautiful, sweet moments between them that just melted my heart
one thing about sara cate, she’s not gonna just let you enjoy the hot, kinky shit, she’s is going to throw emotions at you like nobody’s business! i related to daisy in a lot of ways so this hurt way more than it needed to, sara had me looking in the mirror a few times
something i wasn’t prepared for was ronan and eden’s relationship (that also had me in tears) you can just tell they have so many love for each other and i can’t wait to see how that came to be in eden’s book
sara cate is a master at her craft and she has proven that time and time again, give the woman her flowers‼️
thank you sara cate for the arc!
i’m not gonna sit up here and lie..i definitely shed a few tears because ronan isn’t real and he isn’t my man🧍🏾♀️ in my defense, HOW COULD YOU NOT?? this man is everything you could ever ask for. fine as hell, rich, a pleasure dom, will take you on trips to paris, actually gives a fuck about your well being, did i mention rich??😭
i loved everything about ronan and daisy together! even though the relationship was very fast paced, it just worked so well for them and the story. there were so many beautiful, sweet moments between them that just melted my heart
one thing about sara cate, she’s not gonna just let you enjoy the hot, kinky shit, she’s is going to throw emotions at you like nobody’s business! i related to daisy in a lot of ways so this hurt way more than it needed to, sara had me looking in the mirror a few times
something i wasn’t prepared for was ronan and eden’s relationship (that also had me in tears) you can just tell they have so many love for each other and i can’t wait to see how that came to be in eden’s book
sara cate is a master at her craft and she has proven that time and time again, give the woman her flowers‼️
thank you sara cate for the arc!
March 28, 2023
4.5 stars
I've got a new favorite in the 'Salacious Players Club' and it is this book. Ronan and Daisy were fantastic. This couple not only had so much chemistry, but there was an unexpected and beautiful emotional connection between the two of them as well.
Highest Bidder is one of those books I didn't want to put down. I looked forward to picking it back up every time I had to put down. This age gap was pretty large, but for some reason things in this book that have bothered me in other books didn't bother me one bit. The ending wrapped up a little too quickly, but aside from that, I enjoyed it so much.
I've got a new favorite in the 'Salacious Players Club' and it is this book. Ronan and Daisy were fantastic. This couple not only had so much chemistry, but there was an unexpected and beautiful emotional connection between the two of them as well.
Highest Bidder is one of those books I didn't want to put down. I looked forward to picking it back up every time I had to put down. This age gap was pretty large, but for some reason things in this book that have bothered me in other books didn't bother me one bit. The ending wrapped up a little too quickly, but aside from that, I enjoyed it so much.
March 28, 2023
I’m so sad I didn’t like this one. I wasn’t expecting to love it as much as Give Me More, but to at least have a good time.
Sadly, this was a hot mess. The last part of the story in particular made me roll my eyes so many times, I was in danger of hurting myself.
The age gap was simply put, insane. We didn’t need this man to be almost 60 to enjoy a nice age gap romance, it was just too much. And on top of that, she was too young. And not only because she was 21, but because she was very immature. They just had nothing in common. In fact, at the beginning of the story, she doesn’t even find him attractive. Apparently her view changes once she moves to his luxurious penthouse and he takes her to Paris in his private jet, wondering why lol
Also, it just pissed me off how Ronan was almost 60, but looked and acted like he was 30. He was buff, hot and had stamina enough for 3 young men. Like, what’s the point? If you’re writing about an older man falling in love with a young girl, at least make it interesting and explore the natural struggles that come with age. I’m not saying we have to read about a sad fucker popping blue pills to perform, but I’m also not saying that wouldn’t be realistic lmao
What has me so salty is the fact that the Daddy Kink was completely ruined in this book. It was so wrong, it was the opposite of sexy. They really made me feel icky. She acted like a literal little girl, who couldn’t even remember to eat food, to the point of passing out!!!!! And he kept this woe is me speech about how young women used him for his money and kept on breaking his heart… Like sir, perhaps if you stopped fucking girls who could be your granddaughters, they’d respect you more. Ikd, a wild thought.
The final nail in the coffin for me was the scene with Eden and Daisy’s sudden interest in impact play and pain. Ronan was not into inflicting pain to his subs. He was a pleasure Dom, who liked to treat his subs like little princesses, take care of them and give them more orgasms than fingers in both their hands together. So the idea of hurting Daisy truly upset him, to the point that he couldn’t do it and had to ask his best friend, Madam Kink, to help him.
He was not into sharing though, which made the whole scene even more uncomfortable for me. Daisy was a jealous brat for literally nothing and then she let another person eat her out in front of Ronan. The hypocrisy was astonishing. And the fact that it’s said in the epilogue that they add people to their scenes at the sex club from time to time… knowing he wasn’t into sharing… It just rubbed me the wrong way.
Daisy being into pain and Ronan trying to force himself to please her, made me think they weren’t made to be together. So what was the damn point? Just adding a MFF scene for shock value?
And then Daisy’s secret and the irrational way she acted about the whole thing… What a hot mess. I hate it when characters don’t act like real people, and on top of her being the epitome of “not like other girls,” the fact that she refused to use his money, stalked him, started working at the sex club to keep tabs on him, without even talking to him, for months… Girl, get a grip. You’re a mess. And when he finds out and gets upset, she has the galls to play victim.
In case it wasn’t obvious, I didn’t like either of these characters. I think they were toxic to each other. And that “surprise” at the end…
Sadly, this was a hot mess. The last part of the story in particular made me roll my eyes so many times, I was in danger of hurting myself.
The age gap was simply put, insane. We didn’t need this man to be almost 60 to enjoy a nice age gap romance, it was just too much. And on top of that, she was too young. And not only because she was 21, but because she was very immature. They just had nothing in common. In fact, at the beginning of the story, she doesn’t even find him attractive. Apparently her view changes once she moves to his luxurious penthouse and he takes her to Paris in his private jet, wondering why lol
Also, it just pissed me off how Ronan was almost 60, but looked and acted like he was 30. He was buff, hot and had stamina enough for 3 young men. Like, what’s the point? If you’re writing about an older man falling in love with a young girl, at least make it interesting and explore the natural struggles that come with age. I’m not saying we have to read about a sad fucker popping blue pills to perform, but I’m also not saying that wouldn’t be realistic lmao
What has me so salty is the fact that the Daddy Kink was completely ruined in this book. It was so wrong, it was the opposite of sexy. They really made me feel icky. She acted like a literal little girl, who couldn’t even remember to eat food, to the point of passing out!!!!! And he kept this woe is me speech about how young women used him for his money and kept on breaking his heart… Like sir, perhaps if you stopped fucking girls who could be your granddaughters, they’d respect you more. Ikd, a wild thought.
The final nail in the coffin for me was the scene with Eden and Daisy’s sudden interest in impact play and pain. Ronan was not into inflicting pain to his subs. He was a pleasure Dom, who liked to treat his subs like little princesses, take care of them and give them more orgasms than fingers in both their hands together. So the idea of hurting Daisy truly upset him, to the point that he couldn’t do it and had to ask his best friend, Madam Kink, to help him.
He was not into sharing though, which made the whole scene even more uncomfortable for me. Daisy was a jealous brat for literally nothing and then she let another person eat her out in front of Ronan. The hypocrisy was astonishing. And the fact that it’s said in the epilogue that they add people to their scenes at the sex club from time to time… knowing he wasn’t into sharing… It just rubbed me the wrong way.
Daisy being into pain and Ronan trying to force himself to please her, made me think they weren’t made to be together. So what was the damn point? Just adding a MFF scene for shock value?
And then Daisy’s secret and the irrational way she acted about the whole thing… What a hot mess. I hate it when characters don’t act like real people, and on top of her being the epitome of “not like other girls,” the fact that she refused to use his money, stalked him, started working at the sex club to keep tabs on him, without even talking to him, for months… Girl, get a grip. You’re a mess. And when he finds out and gets upset, she has the galls to play victim.
In case it wasn’t obvious, I didn’t like either of these characters. I think they were toxic to each other. And that “surprise” at the end…
April 3, 2023
Rating: 5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
TW:
Daddy Kink
Praise Kink
Age Gap (35 yrs)
Forced Proximity
Pleasure Dom/Sub
Billionaire
Death of family members
Pregnancy
Low blood sugar/fainting spells
“Life can be very poetic, Daisy. But that doesn’t mean it will always be pretty.”
Highest Bidder by Sara Cate is part of the Salacious Players’ Club series. Meet Daddy Ronan and Daisy. This is a BDSM/sex club, age gap romance novel.
“You can’t kidnap young women living in their vans, even with good intentions.”
Sara Cate DELIVERED with this one. Ronan is 56 and Daisy is 21 when they meet each other. The connection between them was so real and you really forgot about the age difference while reading this. It was so easy to follow their story and feel like a part of it. You can easily related to them. This focuses a lot on how grief and joy coexist.
“It’s just years,” I say. “Who cares about the difference when it feels like this?”
This was a great addition to the series and automatically became one of my favorites. I am living for this series, it’s spicy and packs a punch. This is such an emotional journey for both Ronan and Daisy.
“Let me see you come, Daisy, because the minute she’s done with you, you’re mine. Understand? You can come for her, but you belong to me.”
Patiently awaiting Madame Kinks book. Eden is easily one of my favorite characters from Salacious 🖤
Happy Reading ⛓️
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
TW:
Daddy Kink
Praise Kink
Age Gap (35 yrs)
Forced Proximity
Pleasure Dom/Sub
Billionaire
Death of family members
Pregnancy
Low blood sugar/fainting spells
“Life can be very poetic, Daisy. But that doesn’t mean it will always be pretty.”
Highest Bidder by Sara Cate is part of the Salacious Players’ Club series. Meet Daddy Ronan and Daisy. This is a BDSM/sex club, age gap romance novel.
“You can’t kidnap young women living in their vans, even with good intentions.”
Sara Cate DELIVERED with this one. Ronan is 56 and Daisy is 21 when they meet each other. The connection between them was so real and you really forgot about the age difference while reading this. It was so easy to follow their story and feel like a part of it. You can easily related to them. This focuses a lot on how grief and joy coexist.
“It’s just years,” I say. “Who cares about the difference when it feels like this?”
This was a great addition to the series and automatically became one of my favorites. I am living for this series, it’s spicy and packs a punch. This is such an emotional journey for both Ronan and Daisy.
“Let me see you come, Daisy, because the minute she’s done with you, you’re mine. Understand? You can come for her, but you belong to me.”
Patiently awaiting Madame Kinks book. Eden is easily one of my favorite characters from Salacious 🖤
Happy Reading ⛓️
August 3, 2023
This book embodies everything I love about romance
March 25, 2023
This was lacking. Daisy and Ronan were very cute but they were unexciting; there was no real depth or conflict, and their love felt too instant. There was also no noticeable spark the other books had, the smut was good but it was nothing special. Nothing sets this book apart from any other daddy age gap story; I was expecting so much more.
Read
September 8, 2022IS THIS RONAN KADE'S BOOK???
I HOPE IT is!!!
I HOPE IT is!!!
September 23, 2023
Something about the way that Sara Cate writes her romances that has my heart aching. Every time. 🥹
I never expected this series to feel this comforting. I mean, it’s about a sex club, for gods sake. But it just works! 😍
“They gave me a place to truly be myself, without judgment or ridicule. I had almost forgotten how fulfilling a family like that could be.”
I’ve been nervous to read this one, but I should’ve just trusted that Sara Cate will always deliver the types of romances I like.
Whilst this wasn’t perfect, I still adored it. I loved our characters and how they fell for each other. As expected, the author delivers on chemistry and tension and intimacy.
Ronan was definitely the highlight. A man that takes pleasure in spoiling his woman? Who’s generous by nature? Is just kind and good to his soul? A Daddy?! I want him! 😭
Both characters have experienced loss and pain. Ronan loses a wife and a child to a car accident and Daisy has lost her mother to breast cancer. Both of them have sort of been floating through life because of it, numbing themselves from the pain.
There’s also a massive age gap between them and it was very much apparent. It didn’t bother me in the least though. I liked the way it was all handled. Basically stating that relationship is your relationship at the end of the day and who really cares for the opinions of others.
The overall conflict was handled a little too quick for my taste. I wish we had more therapy elements included from the start. I think that would’ve rounded out Daisy’s character more. Her lack of direction throughout her life was caused due to her grief and it stays that way a while.
Ronan had a deep need to feel needed in the right way and whilst Daisy provided that for him, he still had insecurities that affected him.
Whilst these aspects were highlighted for both characters, I could’ve done with some more insight, more exploration. They were there, just not nearly enough.
But, despite the flaws, I had an amazing time reading it. I couldn’t stop. I couldn’t help but fall for these two and root for them till the very end.
4.5 ⭐️
“And maybe that’s what love is—feeling unworthy and astonished that the man you think is the greatest person alive wants you. What a gift a love like that is.”
I never expected this series to feel this comforting. I mean, it’s about a sex club, for gods sake. But it just works! 😍
“They gave me a place to truly be myself, without judgment or ridicule. I had almost forgotten how fulfilling a family like that could be.”
I’ve been nervous to read this one, but I should’ve just trusted that Sara Cate will always deliver the types of romances I like.
Whilst this wasn’t perfect, I still adored it. I loved our characters and how they fell for each other. As expected, the author delivers on chemistry and tension and intimacy.
Ronan was definitely the highlight. A man that takes pleasure in spoiling his woman? Who’s generous by nature? Is just kind and good to his soul? A Daddy?! I want him! 😭
Both characters have experienced loss and pain. Ronan loses a wife and a child to a car accident and Daisy has lost her mother to breast cancer. Both of them have sort of been floating through life because of it, numbing themselves from the pain.
There’s also a massive age gap between them and it was very much apparent. It didn’t bother me in the least though. I liked the way it was all handled. Basically stating that relationship is your relationship at the end of the day and who really cares for the opinions of others.
The overall conflict was handled a little too quick for my taste. I wish we had more therapy elements included from the start. I think that would’ve rounded out Daisy’s character more. Her lack of direction throughout her life was caused due to her grief and it stays that way a while.
Ronan had a deep need to feel needed in the right way and whilst Daisy provided that for him, he still had insecurities that affected him.
Whilst these aspects were highlighted for both characters, I could’ve done with some more insight, more exploration. They were there, just not nearly enough.
But, despite the flaws, I had an amazing time reading it. I couldn’t stop. I couldn’t help but fall for these two and root for them till the very end.
4.5 ⭐️
“And maybe that’s what love is—feeling unworthy and astonished that the man you think is the greatest person alive wants you. What a gift a love like that is.”
March 28, 2023
“Highest Bidder” by Sara Cate
2⭐️/5⭐️
3🌶/5🌶
“Call me a sick fuck, but I want to be her daddy. I’d teach her every fucking thing she wants to know. I’d take care of her and protect her and make her feel so goddamn good.”
After the death of her mother, Daisy feels like she’s in limbo. When sorting through her mother’s belongings, she discovers a note describing a secret bank account for Daisy, containing one million dollars. The money is from a man named Ronan Kade. Who is this man? Daisy sets out to California to find him, and understand what his relationship was with her mother. Along the way Daisy ends up falling for Ronan, and the two embark on a whirlwind romance, where she discovers her affinity for being a submissive. But Daisy isn’t being totally honest with Ronan. Can she muster the courage to tell him why she moved to California?
-Ok…where do I even begin. I loved the first four books in this series, they’re unique and by the end of the story I felt like I learned something new about kinks and taboo relationships. I think ending the series with Maggie’s book would have been the smart thing to do, Ronan’s story doesn’t fit with the series. Why? Because he plays a minor role in the first four books. He’s less than a secondary character. So let’s dive into what went wrong with “Highest Bidder”.
-Daisy is an underdeveloped character. By the end of the book I feel like I still don’t know who she is. Here’s what I know: her mother died when she was 18, she plays the piano and composes music, she is wanderlust, she’s hypoglycemic, and she has never processed her mother’s passing. Other than those few things, I don’t understand who she is as a person; these small details make up her entire personality, and it wasn’t enough for me to feel invested in her story.
-The smut was incredibly disappointing and inconsistent. Ronan is supposed to be a pleasure Dom, someone who brings their partner to climax excessively, or draws out their climax (ex. edging) as THEIR form of pleasure. However, there is only one scene in this entire book where this kink is shown. Something I’ve appreciated with the other books in this series is that I learned about kinks I had zero knowledge of. I never heard about a pleasure Dom before, but was excited to learn about the kink through Ronan and Daisy’s story. Unfortunately, I still don’t know much about it because it was only shown once.
-There’s a moment when Ronan spanks Daisy, which leads to sex (I’d like to add that this scene felt very rushed), and at the end Ronan thinks to himself “That was the hottest thing I’ve ever done, and I’ve done a lot of shit.” Excuse me? The scene that just played felt so vanilla compared to everything that has happened in the entirety of this series, and doesn’t fit with the characterization of Ronan. In every single book he’s played up to be this mysterious rich guy that is super kinky, but that’s not who he is at all in this book. Maybe this says more to the perception we have of people, versus who they are behind closed doors, but I think that’s giving too much credit to the author.
-At the beginning of the book we already know what the big conflict is going to be in the third act. I was so annoyed every single time Daisy lamented to herself “I’m lying to him, I need to tell him that I’m my mother’s daughter”. And don't even get me started on
-Insta-love in contemporary romances are not believable, and I wish authors would think a little bit more about the timeline of their characters meeting, dating, and falling in love. Ronan and Daisy’s story takes place over the course of two weeks, maybe three. It’s incredibly fast. And yes, the point of romance books is not to be 100% accurate; these books are a form of escapism, I get it. However, insta-love in contemporary romances make no sense. Where are the logistics? Daisy went to Paris for a week. How did she get that time off from her job? She had only been working at Salacious for three months, it seemed like no one knew where she went during that time. Ronan’s a billionaire, why would he hesitate to do a background check on Daisy? That’s just due diligence, in my opinion.
-Overall I’m just incredibly disappointed with this book, and sad that the series didn’t just end with “Mercy” like it was originally supposed to. I don’t think the marketing for this book was entirely accurate, because it made it seem like a super kinky smutty book. It’s not a super smutty book. Yeah, there’s smut, but it’s not very detailed and doesn’t feel authentic to the characters and the story.
2⭐️/5⭐️
3🌶/5🌶
“Call me a sick fuck, but I want to be her daddy. I’d teach her every fucking thing she wants to know. I’d take care of her and protect her and make her feel so goddamn good.”
After the death of her mother, Daisy feels like she’s in limbo. When sorting through her mother’s belongings, she discovers a note describing a secret bank account for Daisy, containing one million dollars. The money is from a man named Ronan Kade. Who is this man? Daisy sets out to California to find him, and understand what his relationship was with her mother. Along the way Daisy ends up falling for Ronan, and the two embark on a whirlwind romance, where she discovers her affinity for being a submissive. But Daisy isn’t being totally honest with Ronan. Can she muster the courage to tell him why she moved to California?
-Ok…where do I even begin. I loved the first four books in this series, they’re unique and by the end of the story I felt like I learned something new about kinks and taboo relationships. I think ending the series with Maggie’s book would have been the smart thing to do, Ronan’s story doesn’t fit with the series. Why? Because he plays a minor role in the first four books. He’s less than a secondary character. So let’s dive into what went wrong with “Highest Bidder”.
-Daisy is an underdeveloped character. By the end of the book I feel like I still don’t know who she is. Here’s what I know: her mother died when she was 18, she plays the piano and composes music, she is wanderlust, she’s hypoglycemic, and she has never processed her mother’s passing. Other than those few things, I don’t understand who she is as a person; these small details make up her entire personality, and it wasn’t enough for me to feel invested in her story.
-The smut was incredibly disappointing and inconsistent. Ronan is supposed to be a pleasure Dom, someone who brings their partner to climax excessively, or draws out their climax (ex. edging) as THEIR form of pleasure. However, there is only one scene in this entire book where this kink is shown. Something I’ve appreciated with the other books in this series is that I learned about kinks I had zero knowledge of. I never heard about a pleasure Dom before, but was excited to learn about the kink through Ronan and Daisy’s story. Unfortunately, I still don’t know much about it because it was only shown once.
-There’s a moment when Ronan spanks Daisy, which leads to sex (I’d like to add that this scene felt very rushed), and at the end Ronan thinks to himself “That was the hottest thing I’ve ever done, and I’ve done a lot of shit.” Excuse me? The scene that just played felt so vanilla compared to everything that has happened in the entirety of this series, and doesn’t fit with the characterization of Ronan. In every single book he’s played up to be this mysterious rich guy that is super kinky, but that’s not who he is at all in this book. Maybe this says more to the perception we have of people, versus who they are behind closed doors, but I think that’s giving too much credit to the author.
-At the beginning of the book we already know what the big conflict is going to be in the third act. I was so annoyed every single time Daisy lamented to herself “I’m lying to him, I need to tell him that I’m my mother’s daughter”. And don't even get me started on
-Insta-love in contemporary romances are not believable, and I wish authors would think a little bit more about the timeline of their characters meeting, dating, and falling in love. Ronan and Daisy’s story takes place over the course of two weeks, maybe three. It’s incredibly fast. And yes, the point of romance books is not to be 100% accurate; these books are a form of escapism, I get it. However, insta-love in contemporary romances make no sense. Where are the logistics? Daisy went to Paris for a week. How did she get that time off from her job? She had only been working at Salacious for three months, it seemed like no one knew where she went during that time. Ronan’s a billionaire, why would he hesitate to do a background check on Daisy? That’s just due diligence, in my opinion.
-Overall I’m just incredibly disappointed with this book, and sad that the series didn’t just end with “Mercy” like it was originally supposed to. I don’t think the marketing for this book was entirely accurate, because it made it seem like a super kinky smutty book. It’s not a super smutty book. Yeah, there’s smut, but it’s not very detailed and doesn’t feel authentic to the characters and the story.
December 4, 2024
2,5/5⭐️
Nie wiem co myśleć… Niestety, ale odstaje nieco od reszty serii, jest moim zdaniem najsłabsza. Nie że jakoś zła, ale na tle innych wypada bardzo średnio. Jak na książki Sary Cate to trochę za płasko. Nie było takiej warstwy emocjonalnej jak w reszcie i było tak strasznie przewidywalnie.
Ten moment jak się rozstali bo ona sama musi stanąć na nogi, jest tak powielany w romansach, że aż przewróciłam oczami. Wolałbym przeczytać o wsparciu, trosce i pomocy w przejściu przez terapię itp.
Wydaje mi się, że między nimi zostało dużo niewyjaśnionych spraw, takie ucięte wątki, typu ich upodobania, potrzeby, kinki. Nie rozwiązali w końcu tego, a jedno zdanie na koniec w ogóle nie przybliża mi tej sytuacji.
Końcówka jakaś taka szybka.
Zabrakło mi tego czegoś co reszta serii w sobie ma.
Nie wiem co myśleć… Niestety, ale odstaje nieco od reszty serii, jest moim zdaniem najsłabsza. Nie że jakoś zła, ale na tle innych wypada bardzo średnio. Jak na książki Sary Cate to trochę za płasko. Nie było takiej warstwy emocjonalnej jak w reszcie i było tak strasznie przewidywalnie.
Ten moment jak się rozstali bo ona sama musi stanąć na nogi, jest tak powielany w romansach, że aż przewróciłam oczami. Wolałbym przeczytać o wsparciu, trosce i pomocy w przejściu przez terapię itp.
Wydaje mi się, że między nimi zostało dużo niewyjaśnionych spraw, takie ucięte wątki, typu ich upodobania, potrzeby, kinki. Nie rozwiązali w końcu tego, a jedno zdanie na koniec w ogóle nie przybliża mi tej sytuacji.
Końcówka jakaś taka szybka.
Zabrakło mi tego czegoś co reszta serii w sobie ma.
April 20, 2024
★★☆☆☆ - 2 stars
they were in a relationship faster than the 12 year olds at my school
they were in a relationship faster than the 12 year olds at my school
March 18, 2023
It was so great to be back with the Salacious Players Club! Thank you to Sara Cate for an ARC and for creating such a great world.
Ronan and Daisy were just so sweet! I wasn't expecting how kind and swoony Ronan would be. His praise, comfort, and consideration had me absolutely melting. I really just wanted to be hugged and cuddled by him and of course, swept off to Paris for a weekend!
This was one of the more subtle "daddy" romances I have read, and like Sara Cate does so well, I think you can still enjoy this if it is your first one or if you think you won't like it. The dynamics aren't overly used and it was just a little sprinkling that added some extra goodness.
I also really liked seeing Ronan and Eden's relationship, how they care about each other and have played with subs together without getting intimate themselves. That is a very special relationship. I also loved how protective Eden is.. I can't wait for her book!!
While this one didn't quite hit me as emotionally as previous books, I still think it was very well written and the characters are relatable and easy to enjoy. I had a bit of an issue with what the 3rd act conflict contained and the secret revealed. This is completely a personal preference though and I still liked this book so much!
4 stars
4 on the spice scale
CW: loss parent, loss of loved child & spouse, grief
Ronan and Daisy were just so sweet! I wasn't expecting how kind and swoony Ronan would be. His praise, comfort, and consideration had me absolutely melting. I really just wanted to be hugged and cuddled by him and of course, swept off to Paris for a weekend!
This was one of the more subtle "daddy" romances I have read, and like Sara Cate does so well, I think you can still enjoy this if it is your first one or if you think you won't like it. The dynamics aren't overly used and it was just a little sprinkling that added some extra goodness.
I also really liked seeing Ronan and Eden's relationship, how they care about each other and have played with subs together without getting intimate themselves. That is a very special relationship. I also loved how protective Eden is.. I can't wait for her book!!
While this one didn't quite hit me as emotionally as previous books, I still think it was very well written and the characters are relatable and easy to enjoy. I had a bit of an issue with what the 3rd act conflict contained and the secret revealed. This is completely a personal preference though and I still liked this book so much!
4 stars
4 on the spice scale
CW: loss parent, loss of loved child & spouse, grief
March 16, 2023
4.5 stars
Highest Bidder is the latest installment in Sara Cate's Salacious Players Club series! We've met the hero, Ronan Kade, briefly throughout the series. However, his character caught me off guard in the best way in this book!!! Ronan was the silver fox cinnadom hero I didn't know I needed in a book.
Ronan is one of the wealthiest members at SPC. Daisy is a drink server at the club. She loses a bet to the bartender, which results in her being part of the regular auctions the club has. Seeing how nervous she is, Ronan bids on her. Ronan doesn't intend to collect on his date at first, but when these two meet again, they're not able to stay away from each other.
Ronan and Daisy's connection was far more emotional than I thought it would be. Both characters have experienced loss and heartache. Despite Ronan's larger than life persona, he loves hard and wants to be loved in return for more than just his money and good looks. Daisy has her own reason for wanting to know Ronan, but ultimately he lights something in her that she never realized was missing.
And the daddy kink?!?! I was here for it. If daddy kink isn't your thing, don't read this because it's heavy in here. Their physical chemistry was through the roof and they easily fell into their roles with each other.
I couldn't quite give this 5 stars because I felt like the third-act conflict wrapped up a bit too quickly. Other than that, this was another successful addition to the SPC series! I can't wait for Eden's story next!
TROPES: sex club; BIG age gap (hero is 56; heroine is 21); wealthy hero; cinnadom hero; daddy kink/taboo; friends to lovers-ish; Paris; BDSM (pleasure Dom); forbidden
CONTENT WARNINGS (per the author's note in the beginning): heavy emphasis on grief, parental loss, child loss
Highest Bidder is the latest installment in Sara Cate's Salacious Players Club series! We've met the hero, Ronan Kade, briefly throughout the series. However, his character caught me off guard in the best way in this book!!! Ronan was the silver fox cinnadom hero I didn't know I needed in a book.
Ronan is one of the wealthiest members at SPC. Daisy is a drink server at the club. She loses a bet to the bartender, which results in her being part of the regular auctions the club has. Seeing how nervous she is, Ronan bids on her. Ronan doesn't intend to collect on his date at first, but when these two meet again, they're not able to stay away from each other.
Ronan and Daisy's connection was far more emotional than I thought it would be. Both characters have experienced loss and heartache. Despite Ronan's larger than life persona, he loves hard and wants to be loved in return for more than just his money and good looks. Daisy has her own reason for wanting to know Ronan, but ultimately he lights something in her that she never realized was missing.
And the daddy kink?!?! I was here for it. If daddy kink isn't your thing, don't read this because it's heavy in here. Their physical chemistry was through the roof and they easily fell into their roles with each other.
I couldn't quite give this 5 stars because I felt like the third-act conflict wrapped up a bit too quickly. Other than that, this was another successful addition to the SPC series! I can't wait for Eden's story next!
TROPES: sex club; BIG age gap (hero is 56; heroine is 21); wealthy hero; cinnadom hero; daddy kink/taboo; friends to lovers-ish; Paris; BDSM (pleasure Dom); forbidden
CONTENT WARNINGS (per the author's note in the beginning): heavy emphasis on grief, parental loss, child loss
May 26, 2023
Daisy finds herself in California trying to piece together the puzzle of a million-dollar account she found in her name following her mom’s untimely death. The mystery led her to Salacious Players Club, the exclusive club frequented by Ronan Cade.
Despite his history of heartbreak, Ronan finds himself intrigued by Daisy. But, can their connection hold up to all the tests – secrets, grief, and public scrutiny?
While the age gap is larger than I would typically enjoy, Ronan and Daisy have a love that truly defies convention, rendering age truly just a number.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Darkness: 🤍
Heat: 🌶️🌶️
Range of Emotions: 😩🫠🥵😢😍
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual}
🗂 Genre: Contemporary Romance
✨ Tropes: Age Gap (35), Forbidden, Forced Proximity, Rich AF
💋 Kinks: Daddy, Discipline/Punishment, Impact Play (Crop, Paddle), Sharing, Spanking
⚠️ Warning: This book may cause blushing, squirming, combusting panties, and/or self-care.
🚩 Safety Squad: Depression and other potentially triggering elements. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!
📣 Type: Highest Bidder is part of the Salacious Players Club series, but can be read as a standalone. While no other books need to be read in order to follow the story, reading prior books will enhance the experience.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
Despite his history of heartbreak, Ronan finds himself intrigued by Daisy. But, can their connection hold up to all the tests – secrets, grief, and public scrutiny?
While the age gap is larger than I would typically enjoy, Ronan and Daisy have a love that truly defies convention, rendering age truly just a number.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Darkness: 🤍
Heat: 🌶️🌶️
Range of Emotions: 😩🫠🥵😢😍
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual}
🗂 Genre: Contemporary Romance
✨ Tropes: Age Gap (35), Forbidden, Forced Proximity, Rich AF
💋 Kinks: Daddy, Discipline/Punishment, Impact Play (Crop, Paddle), Sharing, Spanking
⚠️ Warning: This book may cause blushing, squirming, combusting panties, and/or self-care.
🚩 Safety Squad: Depression and other potentially triggering elements. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!
📣 Type: Highest Bidder is part of the Salacious Players Club series, but can be read as a standalone. While no other books need to be read in order to follow the story, reading prior books will enhance the experience.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
March 29, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Daddy Ronan is by far the best daddy I’ve ever read!
From the very first page you get the drama. Nine years prior Ronan had a whirlwind summer romance with a woman who is closely related to our future FMC. He begged her to stay but she chose her daughter over him so he wrote a check to a little girl he never met for a million.
Now that daughter, Daisy, is working at the sex club they he helped build as a waitress. In a losing bet she’s forced to auction herself and that’s how this romance begins.
Sure they’re both reluctant but after a trip to Paris how could they possibly deny each other?!
The simple answer is they can’t.
I love Ronan, how can you not? He’s selfless and giving and charming and sweet. He’s fucking perfect! I also adore Daisy, her bratty behavior cracked me up because she knew just how to push all his buttons. But at the same time you grew to care for her as much as he did. I worried about her and wanted her to have the life she could only have with Ronan.
I particularly enjoyed the role that Eden played in this, I can’t wait for her book!
Obviously the smut was grade A, this is Sara Cate after all. But more than that, the affection, the neediness that bordered toxicity just the way I like it, was everything.
By far my favorite of the series.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Daddy Ronan is by far the best daddy I’ve ever read!
From the very first page you get the drama. Nine years prior Ronan had a whirlwind summer romance with a woman who is closely related to our future FMC. He begged her to stay but she chose her daughter over him so he wrote a check to a little girl he never met for a million.
Now that daughter, Daisy, is working at the sex club they he helped build as a waitress. In a losing bet she’s forced to auction herself and that’s how this romance begins.
Sure they’re both reluctant but after a trip to Paris how could they possibly deny each other?!
The simple answer is they can’t.
I love Ronan, how can you not? He’s selfless and giving and charming and sweet. He’s fucking perfect! I also adore Daisy, her bratty behavior cracked me up because she knew just how to push all his buttons. But at the same time you grew to care for her as much as he did. I worried about her and wanted her to have the life she could only have with Ronan.
I particularly enjoyed the role that Eden played in this, I can’t wait for her book!
Obviously the smut was grade A, this is Sara Cate after all. But more than that, the affection, the neediness that bordered toxicity just the way I like it, was everything.
By far my favorite of the series.
March 26, 2023
estaba lista para amar este libro, pero ... ¿POR QUÉ FUE TAN INSTA LOVE?
March 17, 2023
“The number of years a person has lived seems like such a trivial detail when you find someone who lights a spark in your soul and makes life worth living again.”
I’m shocked myself. Highest Bidder made a mess of me. I was in a constant state of swoon over Ronan.
Maybe I have a strong need to be reassured and comforted but the pleasure Dom in him had me LIVING.
The dynamic between Daisy and Ronan couldn’t of worked more perfectly. Two people from entirely unequal social and financial status’s felt completely equal - like nothing - money or position made a impact in how they viewed each other.
I found Daisy to be so relatable. Despite the 35 year age gap, both Daisy and Ronan just wanted to be loved and seen. Ronan’s ability to calm Daisy and give her exactly what she needed was my favorite part. The caretaking and comfort he provided was unmatched. Ronan is a man who loves intentionally and with full detail.
I didn’t think anyone could outshine Emerson for me but I’m anxiously weighing the pros of each Salacious man in my head and it’s looking like Ronan is taking the cake.
I’d also like to take a trip to Paris now, please.
Thank you Sara Cate for a ARC of this masterpiece.
I’m shocked myself. Highest Bidder made a mess of me. I was in a constant state of swoon over Ronan.
Maybe I have a strong need to be reassured and comforted but the pleasure Dom in him had me LIVING.
The dynamic between Daisy and Ronan couldn’t of worked more perfectly. Two people from entirely unequal social and financial status’s felt completely equal - like nothing - money or position made a impact in how they viewed each other.
I found Daisy to be so relatable. Despite the 35 year age gap, both Daisy and Ronan just wanted to be loved and seen. Ronan’s ability to calm Daisy and give her exactly what she needed was my favorite part. The caretaking and comfort he provided was unmatched. Ronan is a man who loves intentionally and with full detail.
I didn’t think anyone could outshine Emerson for me but I’m anxiously weighing the pros of each Salacious man in my head and it’s looking like Ronan is taking the cake.
I’d also like to take a trip to Paris now, please.
Thank you Sara Cate for a ARC of this masterpiece.
March 25, 2023
34 yr age gap, he calls her babygirl AND he used to fuck her mom when she was 8. naur
March 28, 2023
tropes: age-gap/sex club
I don’t even know what to say here folks. this book was marketed so poorly, you do not get what you think you’re getting which is so annoying because my excitement was fully based on this premise that being pushed. the entire book could have happened without the “bidding” scene so literally what was the point. This was giving friends to lovers more then anything taboo. NOT WHAT I SIGNED UP FOR. Even if Ronan hadn’t bid on Diasy, he still would have recognized her at the gas station, she still would have moved in, they still would have gone to Paris, blah blah blah. so what was the point?
both characters were so annoying and so stupid and just UGH I HATE WHEN I HATE PEOPLE BUT I HATED THEM! How was he 56 yet acting like a 12 year old. I love men with insecurities but he was just giving winning baby. Let’s not start with Daisy (which is such an overused name at this point) and her Incapability to just open her mouth and talk. Girly was also fainting left and right and I literally just kept rolling my eyes.
they say I love you after like two weeks, IMMEDIATELY NAUR! I love a fast paced storyline but this one made no sense. truly don’t know what their feelings were founded on. The spice was good but the scene with Eden was WEIRD and I wasn’t a fan.
so many little things were forgotten and not developed. What of the marriage proposal? what of him finding out his ex-lover died? what of his insecurity that he can’t give her pain like she wants? what about her introducing him to the dad?
I was played for a foul when it came to this book, I did not get what I was told to expect and I’ve truly never felt so bamboozled. Idk why this is inciting anger but it is. I’m angered.
I don’t even know what to say here folks. this book was marketed so poorly, you do not get what you think you’re getting which is so annoying because my excitement was fully based on this premise that being pushed. the entire book could have happened without the “bidding” scene so literally what was the point. This was giving friends to lovers more then anything taboo. NOT WHAT I SIGNED UP FOR. Even if Ronan hadn’t bid on Diasy, he still would have recognized her at the gas station, she still would have moved in, they still would have gone to Paris, blah blah blah. so what was the point?
both characters were so annoying and so stupid and just UGH I HATE WHEN I HATE PEOPLE BUT I HATED THEM! How was he 56 yet acting like a 12 year old. I love men with insecurities but he was just giving winning baby. Let’s not start with Daisy (which is such an overused name at this point) and her Incapability to just open her mouth and talk. Girly was also fainting left and right and I literally just kept rolling my eyes.
they say I love you after like two weeks, IMMEDIATELY NAUR! I love a fast paced storyline but this one made no sense. truly don’t know what their feelings were founded on. The spice was good but the scene with Eden was WEIRD and I wasn’t a fan.
so many little things were forgotten and not developed. What of the marriage proposal? what of him finding out his ex-lover died? what of his insecurity that he can’t give her pain like she wants? what about her introducing him to the dad?
I was played for a foul when it came to this book, I did not get what I was told to expect and I’ve truly never felt so bamboozled. Idk why this is inciting anger but it is. I’m angered.
October 26, 2024
4.5/5
Ja: nie lubię age gapu
Pani Cate: zrobię tak że polubisz🤌
Ja: nie lubię age gapu
Pani Cate: zrobię tak że polubisz🤌
March 4, 2023
Daddy Ronan has finally entered the Salicious Club series, and he takes no prisoners! Ronan is a wealthy Dom in his fifties that after several heartaches has given up on love. He only seeks out physical attachments where his heart can't get involved. Everything changes one day when young waitress Daisy is being auctioned at the club. Something draws him in differently than before, and he bids on her without intending to follow through on a date. But as their paths cross again unexpectedly, he feels the need to care for her, which launches a friendship full of sizzling tension and yearning on both sides. Daisy is stubborn and on a secret mission of her own to get answers from Ronan about her past and his ties to it. However, Ronan doesn't know they are connected and that these secrets of the past may destroy their future. This book was an effortless fit in a memorable series. It has so much steam but also balances that with strong emotional connections and a sprinkle of forbidden to top it all off. Ronan was a hero who was possessive of his woman, but his first priority was always taking care of Daisy. Daisy is young and feisty, but she loves Ronan for more than his bank account, unlike previous flings. Both are going through different journeys of grief while Daisy's is more fresh than Ronan's. The grief in this book felt tangible, and I was gutted for both characters and anyone who feels those losses. It was lovingly handled with a delicate touch while also encouraging hope. There was angst, steam, longing, and genuine love poured into this book that spilled out the pages. It's one of my favorite of the entire series!
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