Highest Bidder

by Charlotte Byrd

The auction was an opportunity of a lifetime…or so I thought.

After a bad breakup, a busy career and no time for a personal life, I went to a bougie party and auctioned myself.

The highest bidder would get one night with me.

I’ve slept with plenty of bad dates for free, why not make it worth my while?

One night with a billionaire would pay off all three years of my law school student loans. Afterwards, I could quit my thankless soul-crushing corporate job and focus my legal work on people who really need me.

Little do I know that the man who buys me is my worst enemy.

Anderson West is arrogant, obnoxious, but also incredibly easy on the eyes. He was my biggest bully growing up, and my primary rival at law school. He hates everything about me and will stop at nothing to make my life miserable.

What happens when I find out he’s the highest bidder when I’m naked in bed waiting for him?

Genres: Dark Romance, Dark

550 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 30, 2024

About the author

Charlotte Byrd is the bestselling author of numerous contemporary romance novels. She lives in Southern California with her husband, son, and a crazy toy Australian Shepherd. She loves dark books, hot weather and crystal blue waters.

BLACK EDGE Series (5 books!)

Mr. Black bought me at a secret auction on his yacht. I’ve never done anything like this before. What happens when one night isn’t enough?

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Write her here:
charlotte@charlotte-byrd.com

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Reviews

[Canan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ne umdum ne buldum 😅 rezaletti resmen 🤷🏻‍♀️

Her şey kurgudan beklendiği gibi gidiyordu. Ama sonra June kaçırıldı ve kitap kendini kaybetti😭 Kurgunun ortasında yazar, ben içeriği değiştireyim dedi herhalde ya da başkası yazdı ikinci yarıyı.

Söylenecek çok şey var ama enerjimi sömürdü kitap o yüzden pas!

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

HIGHEST BIDDER is the first instalment in Charlotte Byrd’s contemporary, adult HIGHEST BIDDER adult, erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on attorneys Anderson West, and June Devlin.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Anderson and June) HIGHEST BIDDER follows the childhood enemies to friends to arranged marriage between our story line couple. Throughout most of her adult life and law school, Anderson West bullied and tormented our story line heroine for no apparent reason then he was able to and allowed. Desperate to pay off her student loans, June Devlin offers herself up in a private charity auction only to find herself ‘purchased’ by none other than our story line hero but Anderson West is facing a crisis of his own, and in a desperate attempt to ‘please his father’ offers his hand in marriage to June Devlin. All does not go according to plan as June becomes a target, threats are made forcing Anderson to come to terms with what is happening and why, and our hero is currently in over his head. What ensues it the rapidly building relationship between June and Anderson, and the potential fall-out as Anderson is about to pay for the sins of his father.

The world building is detailed and complex as the unfolding reveals secrets and lies that are about to destroy our story line hero. Anderson West is oblivious to the truth, and in this, he will come face a familiar adversary, one who is currently controlling Anderson’s life.

The relationship between June and Anderson begins as an ‘auction win’ but a win that is predicated up secrets and lies. A one-night stand results in a fake-relationship proposition, and the relationship is threatened by everyone involved. The $ex scenes are erotic and intense.

We are introduced to several of June’s co-workers including Callie and Garrett, as well as Anderson’s father Harold West. The requisite evil has many faces.

HIGHEST BIDDER is a story of power and control, greed and manipulation, secrets and lies, dysfunctional family relationships, acceptance and love. The premise is intricate and intriguing; the romance is fated and provocative; the characters are desperate and dynamic. HIGHEST BIDDER ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

[C. L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highest Bidder Is Well Worth The Wait

The new book, “Highest Bidder” and new series are well worth the wait. I like Charlotte Byrd’s lighter, contemporary romances but I’m glad that she’s back to her dark romance roots in this book. No one does this sub-genre better than Charlotte Byrd. “Highest Bidder” is darker than her most recent series. This dark, romantic suspense book has a great premise and the story definitely lives up to it.

Here’s what I like about the book…

I like that the heroine, June, is a real woman with real curves and not a Victoria Secret model look-alike and that she’s a mature woman (28 years old) and not an 18 to 20 year-old ingenue like a lot of romance heroines. June is brave, feisty, and she cares for Anderson as much as he cares for her.

I like Anderson, the hero of the story. He is capable of being so sweet to June, saying, at one point in the book, “June, since the auction, you’re the reason I smile.” He shows that he cares about June and really redeems himself throughout the book (He used to bully June relentlessly in high school.)

The open door sex scenes are hot and advance the plot; they aren’t just gratuitous. Don’t get me wrong…there’s enough sexiness happening in the story to satisfy the reader but this is definitely a romance and not just erotica.

Here’s what I don’t like…that I’ll have to wait for the next book in the series. May can’t come fast enough!

[Yvania_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

He was my biggest bully and now I’ve found myself falling hard for Anderson West. I enjoyed the story of June who is a self made tax attorney. One night she is invited to an auction with her friend Callie and meet Camille who introduces her to a private auction where she will auction herself off to the highest bidder. Anderson west recognizes June and is the one who ultimately wins the bid for her for one night. When June finds out it was her bully who won the auction things go from anger and doubt to her falling for the man who didn’t know how to tell her he had a crush on her since they met. Fast forward a bit when it comes time for June to receive her money Anderson’s account are frozen by his father Elliot. Anderson and June come up with a plan to have his accounts unfrozen by pretending to be engaged and meeting the West family. After a night of meeting the family, dancing and passionate sex in the library of his family home, things take a turn for the worse when June gets kidnapped. Anderson will go to any lengths to get her back safe and sound even if it means getting his own hands dirty thanks to his dad’s Elliot involvement in some shady back door business deals. The book did end on a cliffhanger for me when Elliot finds June and Anderson in her apartment after getting the 400k June was owed only to take it back. Looking forward to the next book in this series.

[Virginia VanSaders · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great, great start to this series!

Anderson went to prep school and college with June. He was a privileged child and although he had a crush on June, he bullied her, but she totally stood up to him. He works at his family business as a lawyer. June works at a law firm but is not fond of where she works. She has to keep it to pay off her student loans. She’s just off a bad break-up and has no time for dating with the hours she works. She really wants to start her own photography business or possibly using her lawyer degree to help everyday people. One night her best friend asks her to go to a charity gala because her boyfriend can’t make it. June finds out about an auction at the gala where men bid on women to spend time with them. She decides to do it, and then she can pay off her debts. Anderson overhears her talking about it and decides to bid on her and win. Lo and behold, when June finds out it’s him, she filled with ire, and they have it out. Oh, but not for long. They have more ups than downs, but in the end can they put it all behind them? The end of this book has a whopper of a cliffhanger. Can’t wait for the next book about Anderson and June!

[Shelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG - I was hooked on this story from the first word!!!
In the beginning, there are so many twists and turns to how June and Anderson's relationship develops. I love hearing the POV from both sides. So many misunderstandings about the reason June felt she was bullied by Anderson when they were younger. I also love how their relationship grows to a very strong bond, even when it started as a fake relationship. My heart was racing throughout the book between the sexy, steamy scenes and the suspense that is catapulting you into the next book. I could not put this book down and I am on the edge of my seat for the next installment. Charlotte knows how to develop a story without loosing your interest. After the first book, I feel this is one of her best stories and I can't wait to see how she continues to develop the story. I know there will be plenty of surprises. Don't miss this exciting new story from Charlotte.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 🌟

“And I’m no femme fatale. I’m a femme ChapStick at best.”

Highest Bidder was a fun, spicy, Billionaire enemies to lovers story! Anderson is our gorgeous millionaire MMC and June is our tough as nails FMC.

"I got screwed. Then I got screwed over. Now, I’m getting revenge."

I really enjoy the way the bully situation was written. June really has to deal with her feelings on how it affected her and pushed her to work harder. She understood there was good and bad to it and really tried to understand Anderson's motivation. It felt realistic and not just a "Ok you're hot. I forgive you." sweep it under the rug situation.

"I don’t care what anyone says. Ice cream may not fix my life, but it will fix my mood for the moment."

The banter is funny and the spice is hot! There were some twists and turns I wasn't expecting and now I can't wait to see what happens in Book 2!!

Thank you Charlotte for my review arc!

[Karen Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG, I love this story right from the start, I love Anderson and June and what they are willing to go through to be together.


While at a charity function with her friend Callie, June entered herself in an auction to spend the night with the highest bidder to pay off her student loans and leave the job she hated, little did she know the highest bidder was her worst nightmare, Anderson West who bullied her throughout her life.

As the book goes on, the fake relationship grows into feelings until something happens to June, and Anderson is beside himself for the worry of the woman he is falling in love with.

Of course, there has to be a baddy in this and that is Anderson's father, he is evil and ruthless and Anderson doesn't know the side of the business his father is in.

this book is an easy 5 stars from me, brilliant book and I can't wait to see what happens in the next book.

[Janet Taggart Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

BIDDING, KIDNAPPING, BLACKMAILING, AND SUPER HOT STEAMY SCENES!

June is having a tough time working a million hours a week as a lawyer, having no social life, and buried under student loan debt. When she hears about a very private auction from her best friend in which she could make a couple hundred grand for one night, it is too tempting to pass up.

June's buyer, however, proves to be her arch nemesis from school all those years ago, her bully, Anderson. But what transpires is something you will have to read for yourself. Afterwards, June doesn't get paid and she has to seek Anderson out in order to try to get her money that will be life-changing for her. What ensues involves kidnapping, blackmailing, and some super hot steamy scenes! But we are left with a cliffy that sets us up for book #2!

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

1st reading: Very well written from a grammar/prose perspective, with a complex plot and fully realized and nuanced characters.
The book pulled me in from the start. The banter between June (MFC) and her co-workers is funny and engaging, and it doesn't feel forced as it often does in books of lower caliber. The chemistry between the two leads is also off the charts.
Things are shaping up for a cute (though dodgy) hook-up via an auction for June's company for the night. However, the financial exchange between June and Anderson doesn't go through, and things start to get complicated.
And then they turn down right dangerous. Have to say, didn't see that coming - which is unusual for me. So kudos! I love being surprised, and I love being so invested in the characters that I'm cringing and scared for them.
Truly looking forward to the next installment.

[Cathy Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

June Devlin is an intelligent lawyer who, despite her lack of wealth, attended a private school on scholarships and pursued her degree. She doesn't particularly enjoy her job, which involves assisting affluent clients with legal tax avoidance, but it pays the bills, albeit not sufficiently. Her life takes an unexpected turn when her best friend Callie convinces her to attend a gala, leading to a chance encounter with Anderson West, her high school and college tormentor. As the story unfolds, they discover that their perceptions of each other are not entirely accurate, and that Anderson's wealthy background doesn't guarantee happiness or love. This intriguing twist makes 'Highest Bidder,' the first book in the series, a compelling read, and sets the stage for an eagerly anticipated second book.

[Suzanne Normandeau Legault · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing heart throbbing suspense and thriller all mixed into one very CAPTIVATING book! I couldn’t put it down, it fast became a compulsive reading. Charlotte is exquisitely talented in delivering great books. This one is different in category from the previous ones I’ve read: deals with mob related issues, manipulating and deceitful behaviours, kidnapping, over the chart sexual chemistry between the main characters Anderson and June. Strong emotions are felt while reading this book. Good intentions are in the works from the beginning for Anderson and June but soon turn to nightmares they both face with great clarity and resilience and a cliff hanger you don’t see coming. A very captivating reading ! A 5 stars ⭐️ and more rating!

[Ainival · Rating 3 out of 5]

Little exciting

I felt like the author was trying to build tension and excitement in the story but its not quite reaching it peak and then flopping. I was okay with the story line until Anderson’s bank account got frozen. In what world does someone have that much power! It was frustrating.

Here’s a quick timeline: (1) Bidding happens (2) Bank frozen (3) Fake engagement (4) Kidnapping (5) Seedy underworld (6) Paid Ransom (7) Dad found out, the end.

The book didn’t even go into the ransom why’s and hows. It’s just something that happened.

Then Anderson was introduced to the dark side of business. But there wasn’t much details there, other than him realizing his dad isn’t so strait laced.

The book had potential. Just didn’t stick to one theme.

[Nancy Haggerty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anderson and June have known each other since high school. Anderson turned out to be her bully. After leaving school, June moved on with her life. Anderson and June both went on to become lawyers and to work for different companies. Anderson with his father and June for a different company. June gets dragged to a ball even though she doesn't want to go. She just wanted to stay home and have a quiet night. June finds herself in an auction, and her highest bidder happens to the gorgeous Anderson. They find that they have had feelings for each other and they also find themselves in a life they didn't want to live. The danger has only just begun for the two of them.

[Chaos · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5

My only complaint about this book is that it's not a standalone. However, the plot is plotting! There were so many twists and turns that I wasn't sure where exactly things were going. I love Anderson and June. They've known each other forever. Anderson was her bully in school, but he redeemed himself by the end of the book. June is so forgiving, but it doesn't make her soft. She understood his actions after he explained, but told him it wasn't an excuse. Their relationship had the time to develop into something sweeter. June suffered a lot in this one because of what Andersons father did, and I have a feeling it's going to get worse over the next two books.

[GKP2460 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anderson and June are a great introduction to this new to me author. The characters and storyline are completely CONSUMING and to say their journey is intense would be putting it mildly. This story has a turn of events you don't see coming and the chaos that ensues keeps you on the edge of your seat wondering what will be next. The characters already have history and it's not good history but you wouldn't know it based on the chemistry between them. Highest Bidder ends on a cliffhanger and I'm anxious to see what's next.

[J.p · Rating 5 out of 5]

And it’s a five star from me. The start of this book was thrilling and witty and addictive. June and Anderson have a history and not the best one but one night at an auction shows their chemistry is undeniable and from there is where the fun and adventure begins. Turns and twists I didn’t see coming but as I’ve said it’s addictive. That cliffhanger though! Wow. What an explosive start. June is a fire cracker and an amazing FMC. Anderson knows he did wrong by June when younger but wants to redeem himself in adulthood, a very likeable MMC. Can’t wait for the next book.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Anderson West is arrogant, obnoxious, but also incredibly easy on the eyes. He was my biggest bully growing up, and my primary rival at law school. He hates everything about me and will stop at nothing to make my life miserable."

I loved this story!

This is just one of the tropes that Ms. Byrd excels at!

I was in my glory for many delicious hours!

June and Anderson were rivals! Is Anderson really out to "harm" June? Or has there always been something else between them?

WARNING: This ended on a cliff-hanger, and now, the tough wait begins! OMG!

[Marilyn Mcmannis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highest Bidder - June and Anderson’s story is so well written. Charlotte has this nack to bring the pages of a book alive and she does not fail in this story. There are some amazing twists and turns, mystery and intrigue as you read the story. June and Anderson must deal with the lies and deceit caused my Anderson’s father, and he is one crazy man. And just when you think you got it all figured out………and POW! Just wait you will see.
GREAT book and I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.
Amazing work on Highest Bidder.

[Vicki Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highest Bidder is an intriguing and addictive book by Charlotte Byrd which keeps you guessing with its multiple plot twists. It is a well written dark romance between June and Anderson who share a past history which left them rivals. The book has well defined characters, mystery, deceit, and sizzling chemistry. This excellent book ends in a jaw dropping cliffhanger. Their story continues in the second book which is Bidding War.
I received a free copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Joan Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pity party

A man that is scared he would upset his father because he was never taught to be his own person. He was raised to believe money is everything in his world. He found out that money is the root of evil.
When he finally got the girl he wanted Since high school, he thought his life was getting better. But, he realized happiness comes with a price.

Anderson came across as a naive man. For this type of story, he should've been stronger, but kept in the dark about the true nature of the firm.

[Deborah Justice · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too dark for me

I guess I should have read the reviews of this book before I started to read it. There’s a reason I don’t like mafia romances. I had no idea this was one of them. I stayed with it to the end, just to see how ugly it would get. Very ugly. The two MCs are good people who get sucked into a world of extremely bad, completely heartless people. The worst part is they’re family.

The next book is out in a few days. I doubt I’ll try to continue with the series, even to see how the MCs extricate themselves and find their HEA.

[P Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lol!

I finished this book laughing! Not because it's a comedy but because of course that happened! I got about a quarter through this and thought I know what's going to happen then TWIST! What! It kept getting better, more intriguing, and kept me captivated until the end. June and Anderson have so much history between them. They have so much truth between them. They have a completely insane ride ahead to get through this story and I can't wait to find out what happens next.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!! Just WOW!!!! Highest Bidder by Charlotte Byrd is the thrill-a-minute story of Anderson and June. He was her tormenter in the past. She is a lawyer. Her friend informs her of a way to make some money….

This story was AMAZING!!!! One shocking twist after another!! Intense drama, twists and turns you won’t see coming, danger, excitement, family control, and plenty of romance!! Ends in a major cliffhanger….Sooooooooo good!!!

[K. Smock · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!! June and Anderson have tons of history with a definite attraction that can't be stopped. This enemies to lovers' book has really good twists and turns that keeps you reading to the last page. Charlotte Byrd is the queen of the cliffhanger though so you will need to wait and see what happens to them. Lots of good intrigue in this story with good characters.

I voluntarily wrote this review from reading an advanced copy of this book.

[Jo-Ann Forrest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense, edgy, suspenseful, thrilling, WOW can be describe how you will feel while reading Anderson and June's story. June puts herself up on the auction block to make some money to pay up her student loans. what she didn't was that highest bidder was her school tormentor and bully Anderson. The story will take you on a rollercoaster ride that see no end and will leave you on the edge! I can't wait to read the continuation of this captivating story.

[K Webz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highest Bidder will captivate and consume you! Absolutely loved this storyline and Anderson and June were such amazing characters.

Anderson was June’s bully growing up, her biggest rival throughout law school and now they both worked for different firms. So when he bids on her at an auction, what is his real reason behind it.

Fantastic chemistry between these characters, twists you didn’t see coming…..just an amazing read!

[Raeann Wolfley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhhhh What amazing start to this series! I love this Author and all the books I read by her. But…this one, I can honestly say I’m completely obsessed with! I love June and Anderson! The suspense in this one omg… Don’t even get me started with their chemistry and spice… Then the cliffhanger! Like whaaat? Never saw it coming… Now I have to wait and suffer until I can get my hands on the next book! Can’t wait…. If you haven’t read this book, you need to read it!

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read by Ms. Byrd. She once again brings strong characters and delivers a terrific book. She takes you into June and Anderson's lives with chemistry and heat and kept me reading with all the twists and turns throughout. I loved reading their story and am looking forward to the next book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way this book started, I thought it was another poor female needing money, puts herself on the auction block, the male hero buys her and they live HEA! BUT boy o boy was I wrong - yes it starts with the auction - but WOW that's just barely the beginning. The scenes are hot, the suspense is palpable, the romance is great, there is intrigue and did I say the scenes were HOT and it ends with a cliff hanger that really draws you in. So glad I am starting book 2 now!