This is the filthy, gritty, angsty soap opera you never knew you needed. Welcome to The Marriage Auction.
Meet the bidders
Rhodes - A billionaire single dad with a wounded heart and no desire to purchase a bride. The Madam of the auction has other ideas.
Naomi Shaw – A stylish, stunning, and shrewd businesswoman who owns a jewelry empire. In her experience, men have only been good at one thing, using her up. Since she no longer believes in true love, what’s the next best way to secure a man devoted to her and only her? Buy one.
Jack Larsen – A stoic and stern businessman who runs the largest brewing company in the world. As an orphan, his friends are the family he has chosen. All his life he’s wanted nothing but to find a woman who will stay and create a family with him. Since his best friend found the love of his life in the marriage auction, he believes he can too.
Giovanni Falco – An only child who lost his parents and their best friends in one fatal accident. He thought he could count on his fiancée to see him through, but she betrayed him with his best friend the night of their wedding rehearsal. When he receives a strange call from an old friend and a picture of his childhood crush in the marriage auction, he seizes an opportunity he can’t let slip through his fingers.
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This serial can be read as a standalone but is best read after TMA 1. Recommended for individuals 18+ as it contains graphic depiction of sexual acts and adult content that may trigger some readers. Please visit my website for a full list of sensitive content.
This part of the story delves into the main challenges faced by each couple, such as classism, family responsibilities, politics, domestic abuse, intense betrayal, and maybe even murder. The ending was definitely unexpected. I can't wait to see what happens next!
Since I read the series out of order, I re-read this book, which is just as good the second time around.
Second part of this group of bidders and auction participants. We get a better sense of who everyone is, and how perfect each pair seems to be for each other. Each couple has a completely different dynamic than the others, keeps it interesting. There's romance, some spice, some mystery and suspense.
Extremely interesting premise, I wonder if this would be legal to do in real life and if it would be more successful then other dating websites that are currently out there.
I predict all the couples staying together well beyond the three year requirement.
A newer to me author, I started a different series... International Man, Inc., which is also a completely different concept and equally as interesting, except not about pairing up people, not exactly anyway.
How does each book get better and better. In book 2 we dive into the bidders and candidates. So much happens in this book, we really go on a roller coaster ride. Madame Alana really brings the match matching out in this book. She’s like the fairy godmother. As we start to follow each couple it’s hard to believe that story line wise by the end of the book only a week or two has passed. There is so much that happens. Secrets, lies, deceptions the plot twists revealed. The broken souls and pasts of some. But, what I do love is that we start to see the relationships forming. The banter, sass, and spice is spot on. These couples even through hardships are so understanding, supportive and loving of each other. Loved it so much, on to the next book. So hard to put down. And, the audiobook is out now as well. Multiple cast members with great characterizations. Naomi and Memphis: She’s a smart, wealthy woman who has been let down in more ways than one. Especially, when it comes to her family. Oh boy her dad, Wowzers… I love that Memphis even while trying to figure out his life, is a ray of light for Naomi. He’s so supportive and confident, and gives her the love that needs.
Jack and Summer : Two successful and wealthy people in their own right. They are both looking for more. She’s sunshine and he’s straightforward. She shows him that there is more to life than the life he has been living. They do have a few hurdles to jump over but I love how they communicate.
Maia and Rhodes: Oh they way they met, the auction, they way he is so protective of her. This wealthy, single dad was enamored by her from the first time they met. They both have trust issues for different reasons. Maia’s past is a rough one. But, I love how Rhodes is all encompassing. He loved her through her past and gives her hope for the future. He is her safe haven.
Jules and Gio: Oh these two. Both come from wealth. They run the family businesses. They have a history and boy have they gone through it. Cheating fiancé, her brother is putting her through the wringer. Suspense, and drama. Audrey is not holding back . But one thing is for sure they have loved each other since childhood. What a ride they go one in this book.
OMG! My obsession with Gio and Julianne is obviously still as strong as in book one. I loved seeing them form a deeper stronger connection and fight against her brother and Gio‘s ex fiancé that are still trying to ruin their lives!
Memphis and Naomi have stolen the second spotlight in this book! I can‘t wait to see more of them! It will for sure be a ride!
Jack and Summer have some struggled to come to terms with but I think they will pull through! I‘m loving Summer‘s family so far!
Maia and Rhodes have been my least favorite couple but their story in book 2 has seriously intrigued me! Who is the mysterious woman that is threatening Maia and Alana??
Book 2 of the 2 series of the Marriage Auction and this one does not disappoint. It picks up where book 1 ended. You get to see each couple, from all their perspectives including Madame Alana. It won't disappoint... and it leaves on a huge cliffhanger which had me gasping out loud.
Featuring: Book Description - Synopsis, Meet the Bidders: Character Bios, Content Warning - Sequel Series, Sexually Explicit, Triggering Themes; Episodes, Multiple POVs, Contract Marriages, Titled Chapters, Secrets, Affluent People, Las Vegas, Nevada; The Hamptons, Sag Harbor, East Hampton, Long Island, New York; Family Drama, Businessmen, Businesswomen Jeweler, Manhattan, New York; Sexual Assault, Child Abuse, Bad Childhoods, Better Life Trope, Sisters, Sisterhood, Las Vegas, Nevada; Sex - Detailed, Atlanta, Georgia; Former NFL Player, French, Norwegian, Spoilers For Season One, Oslo, Norway; Los Angeles, California; Violence, Family Dynamics, Wedding Planning, Teen, Eureka, California; Filthy Girl, Found Family, Cliffhanger - To Be Continued, Links to Madam Alana A Marriage Auction Novella/ a 1001 Dark Nights novella by Audrey Carlan, Author's Links - Newsletter and Social Media, Full Bibliography for Audrey Carlan, Discover 1001 Dark Nights Collection Eleven Bibliography
Rating as a movie: XXX
Books and Authors mentioned: The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas with Auguste Maquet
Memorable Quotes: This is the filthy, gritty, angsty soap opera you never knew you needed. Welcome to The Marriage Auction.
Also, if you haven’t read Madam Alana (A Marriage Auction Novella) you might want to rectify that by clicking here! Madam Alana will continue to be featured in the coming books throughout the rest of this season and it’s more exciting to have read her beginning but it is in no way required to continue reading the novels.
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½💘🔥💍🤵🏿♂️👰🏽♂️👰🏼♀️🇺🇲🇳🇴
My thoughts:🔖Page 113 of 282 Episode 43 Brighter than the Sun JACK - Some of this drama makes no sense, but if it's what I think it is you can't skip Madam Alana's Novella before reading this series. 🔖153 Episode 47 Get Naked SUMMER - I had to stop suddenly earlier, so I finally finished the chapter. It's becoming very cliche for these people to get married have an immediate instant love match and then go straight to crisis mode with drama from the past. 🔖202 Episode 52 Make-up Sex JACK - So close but I need to rotate my other books and then I'll finish this one. There are some good storylines here.
I didn't like Jack in the previous collection and he's the weakest link in this story. Gio is the most annoying. It says you don't need to read the novella but I feel like the threat is tied to the previous season or the novella but we'll find out. Even though it is following a formula this is pretty good. I'm starting Book 3 immediately.
Recommend to others: Yes! This is better than television.
Marriage Auction 1. The Marriage Auction: Book One 2. The Marriage Auction: Book Two 3. The Marriage Auction: Book Three 4. The Marriage Auction: Book Four 4.5 Madam Alana: A Marriage Auction Novella 5. The Marriage Auction 2, Book One 6. The Marriage Auction 2, Book Two 7. The Marriage Auction 2, Book Three 8. The Marriage Auction 2, Book Four 8.5 A Christmas Auction: A Marriage Auction Novella
Marriage Auction 1. The Marriage Auction: Season One, Volume One (2023) 2. The Marriage Auction: Season One, Volume Two (2023) 3. The Marriage Auction: Season One, Volume Three (2023) 4. The Marriage Auction: Season One, Volume Four (2023) Madam Alana (2023) A Christmas Auction (2024)
Marriage Auction 2 1. The Marriage Auction 2, Book One (2024) 2. The Marriage Auction 2, Book Two (2024) 3. The Marriage Auction 2, Book Three (2024) 4. The Marriage Auction 2, Book Four (2024)
This series just continues to own me in every single way possible, and I am here for it. I am so consumed and addicted with everything in this world and these couples and these characters, and I truly cannot wait for more. As I sit here writing this review, all I can think about is that I want more of these characters and I want everything with these couples. I want more of their fierce connections, I want more of them all falling in love, I want more of them, putting their hearts on the line when I really matters. I want more of everything. This author has so fantastically created because I am obsessed.
The second installment to season two of the series was fantastic. It up the ante of everything. These characters fell more for each other, the drama intensified, and all of their stories started to converge in the best way. I love how this author seamlessly weaves together stories of love and fire and spirituality and emotion along with suspense and mystery. It truly makes for some seriously incredible romances to read and experience. And when I say, I can’t put these books down, I literally mean that. I am chomping through them all and I love it because that is how addicted I am to this world and everything these characters are giving me.
These couples are giving me life with their stories. I love that this author shows that even though many of them have just met or many of them are just now taking the steps in their relationship, that there is a fierce level of connection and feeling between them. It works for these couples and it works for the premise of this world. I truly can’t get enough of it and the way these characters feel what they do for each other, the way they are grownups and are honest with each other and vulnerable, and the way that they’re willing to work for what they all want is absolutely incredible. It makes reading and loving the story Even more enjoyable, and it is truly what I love the most about this world. These couples just feel meant to be, and you feel that in every page of this world and it is everything to experience that.
Audrey Carlan continues to show me again and again why she is one of my favorite authors. She just has such a way of writing a romance novel that I can’t get enough of. And the way that she has crafted this world, the way that she has invested me wholeheartedly with all of these characters, and the way that she just has me believing and everything with the Marriage Auction is truly the best. I just love the premise of these books and the way this author just completely puts me right in the thick of the story. The stories are fun and spicy and full of moments. I won’t forget. They consume me in every way, and I am truly addicted to them. They are just consuming and absolutely fantastic. The reading experiences I have been lucky enough to have with this series have truly been, and I really just can’t wait for more. I hope this author plans to continue this series for many many seasons because I will read any and everything she writes.
I highly recommend this series and especially the second season. It has been so fantastic being back in this world, and I love it. I love these couples, I love getting to be a part of their journeys to finding that happy ending together, and I am living for the wonderful craziness of this world. It is truly a remarkable series that I can’t get enough of. This series just continues to remind me why I love reading romance novels, especially novels with such strong characters and strong senses of love woven into them. It’s been so good reading this series and I truly can’t say that enough!
The Marriage Auction season 2 book 2. The auction has happened and time for the couples to meet! Memphis Taylor helped Jade through what happened to her that he missed the auction. This time he needs the auction to help his family with their dreams. He wants to help his parents and his sisters financially. He was waiting to find out who bid on him at the auction. To his surprise it was Naomi Shaw the woman he met at the bar the night before. He was so happily she was the one because he could not stop thinking of her. Naomi was making sure she got him. Memphis is about to met his in laws. Now how he expected to meet them. He gets see where Naomi came from and the lifestyle she is use to. Maia Fields is in the room ready to meet the man who won the bid. She doesn’t know Alana has a hand in Rhodes bidding on her. Rhodes and his daughter is family go her. Rhodes talked about the woman who pickpocket him. He can’t get her off his mind. When Rhodes walks in Maia starts hyperventilating. Rhodes just wants her but he will not force her into a marriage. Maia has her reasons for entering the auction. Rhodes has Emily his thirteen year old daughter. He wants to ease Maia into their lives. Maia has past demons and complications Rhodes will find out. Things change when Maia’s place was ransacked and a threatening message was left. Summer was waiting in the room. Who walks in Jack Larsen who she was stuck in the elevator with. She gave him a fake name and number. He was surprised to see her at the auction. She was not in the auction for the money. She has money. She needs help with the business side. Wait till he finds out what kind of business she has. She is so different from any woman he has ever met. Julianne Myers is Alana’s god daughter. She had a special auction. Alana hand picked the bidders for her auction. One special guest she has known all her life. Giovanni Falco. Gio was not letting any other bidder get this woman. Jules needs the money to stop her brother Brenden. Gio and Jules parents were best friends. They dies in a plane crash. The will pushed Jules out of the business. She has to fight to get back the business he brother fired her from. Gio has always wanted Jules. He was best friends with Brenden until Brenden screwed Gio over. Gio was hiding out at his family’s lake house until Alana called him and informed him of Julianne entering the auction. Gio had other plans. Gio stood up and informed the other bidders no one will outbid him. They have history but he signed the contract. They got married immediately. He got what he always wanted and that is Jules! Madam Alana has completed another auction. The contracts have been signed by all the couples. She can head to her home with her husband in France. She will be taking her niece Rhodes Davenport’s daughter Emily with her. Rhodes and Maia can get to know each other. While leaving Las Vegas she handed a note. This note changes everything. Who is is from and what is the meaning of it, Her husband takes charge to protect his wife and protect Emily while she is in their care. What will happen next. Things are moving fast for Rhodes when he finds out Alana and Maia have been threatened. Rhodes and Christophe will protect them
I really didn’t think the author could make the second auction series as good as the first, and I stand corrected!! I freaking LOOOVED these as much as the first auction! I want more!! Please, please, please give us endless auctions!!!♥️♥️♥️
Please note: this is book two in season two of this series. This is 2/4 books that complete this season. So if you have not read book one in season 2 go back!
This book picks up where the last book left off and continues the story for season two. We are given ample time to further our characters connections now that the auction has completed. We also are given everyone’s arc in their stories that will drive the rest of the books. I love that Audrey always gives us a lot of time for the characters to connect on a deep level, and that the plots are always ways for the characters to further connect and understand each other. Often going through trials and tribulations that inevitably bring them closer and show what these characters are really made of. This aspect of her books will really speak to readers who love alpha, protector types who are good communicators. That’s a huge draw for me to the series, the emphasis on consent, safety and partnership. The stakes are high and only get higher, and I cannot wait to see what happens next!
Please check all the CW/TW before reading this series, there are serious and spicy themes.
The narrators are continuing to bring so much emotional energy to the stories. They really give their all and help keep the stories and characters straight which is vital with a series with so many characters. My favorite narrator is definitely the voice of Giovani, and love his range and passionate delivery. Reading with audio really helps!
Thank you Brilliance Audio for the ALC in exchange for my honest thoughts
It began with a jaw dropper and ended with one too. These couples are a full amusement park full of twists and turns. So much love and surprise…angst and tension…sweetness and spice! Each couple is facing their own set of challenges, and each one brings a new level of wow! A perfect blend of all the feels. After a that final cliffhanger, I have to dive into book 3 now!
Holy Hannah!! The hits keep coming. In Book 2 of The Marriage Auction Season 2, Audrey Carlan takes us on a RIDE! I can’t seem to choose a favorite couple this season. Last season it was way easier for me. This season we have: - Maia and Rhodes: I knew her backstory would be tragic but my heart just breaks. I love watching Madam Alana teach Emily to be a proper lady. That little girl is just yearning for love and affection from a female role model. I love how Rhodes has stepped up for Maia. This storyline gives me all the best Cinderella remake vibes.
- Julianne and Giovanni: Who wouldn’t want a rich, successful, steamy hot Italian to come sweep them off their feet? This storyline has so many of my favorite tropes in it: office romance, brother’s best friend, romantic suspense, and a villain we can all agree to hate. Audrey Carlan does a wonderful job of building the suspense and intrigue, all wrapped up in the intricacies of the romance between Jules and Gio. And each time the book ends on this storyline with a bang, you can’t help but want to know what happens next?!
-Summer and Jack: I love the gentle way Summer has about her that covers a businesswoman with a spine of steel. She’s everything I want to be: earthy, witchy, wicked smart, with a head for business, and a core of natural values. She and Jack burn up the sheets, can anyone say make-up sex, and through it all, the respect he comes to have for the business she has grown is delightful to watch unfold.
-Memphis and Naomi: I’ll just say it. Her dad is a dick. Not a fan. I enjoy the cool way Memphis takes their sneers and snide comments and kills ‘em with kindness. I’m concerned about what Daddy Dearest is going to try next but I know these two are building a core that is strong enough to weather any storm. I can’t wait to meet Memphis’s granny! I can just tell she’s going to be a hoot and a half!
The serialization is at once brilliant and frustrating. It makes you desperate to keep reading to find out what happens next, and cycles through the couples enough that you want to know what happens next for all of them. It keeps you engaged and reading while at the same time, frustrated as all get out because you just want to know what happens next. It’s the reason I can’t read this as Vella episodes but dang if it doesn’t make for a brilliant read as a novel!
I can't beleive this series gets better and better. I'm loving all the Characters in this one. I can honestly says I enjoyed this better than TMA 1. The pairing of these couples is brilliant Audrey has done it again. It's fun, hot and keeps you wanting more. Like I said for the first season if it only was that easy to meet your perfect match haha. Made me wonder can I be in the auction? Cause I don't have money to buy a candidate lol. Umm maybe become Madame Alana. I know we all love to escape in our books do yourself a favor grab series 1 if you haven't. Then get second season. Audrey pleas tell me there will a third. Cause sign me up. Thanks for giving us a great escape In the world of love
What?! WHAT?! What just happened? Oh thank goodness I have all 4 books in my possession to read now! This book had some of the most outstanding writing. I’ve read in a long time! I am on the edge of my seat, dying to find out what happens next! Love, love, loved this book so much! I can’t wait to find out what happens in the next book! Absolutely amazing! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Julianne and Giovanni: Both rich and successful, with a history of longing for each other. Their story is an office romance, brother’s best friend, suspense, and an unsuspecting villain all wrapped into one. Audrey Carlan is building a suspenseful and intriguing story for Julianne and Gio, one that ends with a bang.
-Summer and Jack: Summer has a way about her. She is a successful businesswoman that is wicked smart with a strong propensity for wanting to help others. Jack is learning more about Summer, liking what he sees, as he gains knowledge of the reasons why her horticultural practices make sense.
-Memphis and Naomi: Memphis has been taught by a strong family unit and realizes that he can kill with kindness a set of traits that Naomi’s parents are lacking. Naomi has grown a successful business and now want a work life balance. She believes that will happen with Memphis if only her meddling parents listen to their daughter. I’m looking forward to meeting Memphis’s family!
Maia and Rhodes: Maia has a very troubling past that pulls at the readers heart strings. Rhodes has emerged as her protector that only wants to shower her with love and security. As Maia slowly opens up we see an emotional story developing. Rhodes daughter, Emily, has also began to mature and showing glimpses of a young lady who only wants love and stability. I see a bright future ahead for all involved!
OMGOSH these cliff hangers are killing me!!!! I want to cry especially like the first there are several couples I really want to see flourish, I hope that some of these things are going to get better cause I am so invested.
In book 2 of the Marriage Auction, season 2, we pick up where book 1 left us, learning more and more about each couple. To recap, we have Summer and Jack, Memphis and Naomi, Maia and Rhodes, and Julianne and Giovanni. And let’s not forget our season 1 favorite, Madam Alana. I love how the author is able to give each couple their own unique story, while still spinning a tale that provides an amazing storyline. I like that book 2 gives us so much more about each character and as the reader, we get to know them much more intimately, learning more about their secrets, hopes, fears, and desires. Again, I can’t say it enough, this author has a way of bringing her characters to life!
I knew book 2 was going to dig a little deeper into the couples and it’s so good. We get a little darker and there’s some menacing with certain couples and I can’t wait to see how it all unfolds. Now, can we talk about these endings?! Heart/Jaw droppers for sure. Very, very glad all 4 books were released together. THANK YOU MS. CARLAN!
Audrey is so great at getting me to care about her characters and in this second book of the new season, I was flipping out and holding my breath and wanting to jump inside my kindle to get involved! If you aren’t reading The Marriage Auction, you are missing out!!!
What I really love about TMA is the change in chapters. You have to keep up - it's not just one storyline, it's several you keep switching between, and I love that! At the same time I hate it, because when a chapter ends really exciting, you will have to wait with the following in that storyline, because one of the others are next. It's both love and hate at the same time in a good way! This series is one of my favevorits!
But! Hov can you end a book like that?! That's mean Audrey! But I still love it! It just gets better and better! I really love how the story is going! So happy I can go straight on to the next! Dear reader, you should too! Right away!
5 star Review The Marriage Auction (Season 2, Volume 2) by Audrey Carlan
When I read the blurb for this series, I just had to read it as I was intrigued. There was so much going on in this book that I had trouble putting it down when real life got in my way.
Each person has a different reason for entering into the Marriage Auction and that is what made this so entertaining. The characters were easy to relate to and their stories intriguing, There was a good balance of romance and heat with strong determined women who have goals and are focused on seeing them achieved, no mater the cost.
This was well written and I cannot wait for more in the series.
Wowza! I just finished book 2 and I can’t wait to start book 3 immediately! I loved how in Book 2 we really got to see the relationships blossom more and more between the 4 couples. I definitely have favorites but I love them all. I really can’t wait to see where the story is headed with not only Jules and Gio (omg the ending!) and with Rhodes and Maia. I also love how we are getting more Madam Alana too! Gah!!! Off to read book 3. I’m so glad I have two more books to go!
The Marriage Auction 2 Book 2 Audrey Carlan ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Oh my freaking God…. These endings gggaaahhh! So I had a great long planned review waiting in my brain, then boom I read that last chapter. Audrey Carlan you are genius, and all sorts of messed up in one amazing story teller! I loved the more in depth look into the lives of our wonderful auction-ettes, as each couple are brought to the forefront their inner battles and reasons for selling and purchasing in the forum. As always Madam Alana is there holding court and championing these couples. Every time I read a chapter, I think I’ve found my favourite couple, then boom it changes on the next. Memphis and Naomi are up there with an instant favourite, their insta-chemistry and quick wits make them a magical pair. I see a bumper future with her evil father, but can’t wait to read more! Summer and Jack, these 2 crack me up, him the uptight businessman and her the cannabis growing freelove… they are everything that should gel. Love them, and their sexy chemistry 🔥 Julieanne and Gio, these are my should have always been together couple. Both with inner demons and a huge personal wall in their way. I feel a bumpy ride and some serious karma coming their way! Then there is Rhodes, sexy dad, worth millions, has a brat daughter and the super skittish Maia. This little pickpocket has met her match, but with Demons and threats she’s my “oh god keep it together” couple. I know Rhodes has her! He’s the man!
This serial makes up four complete novels. Written in first person from multiple POV, all receive HEAs at the end of book 4. The story develops as the candidates and the bidders are introduced in book one. Four couples and Madam Alana’s ties to them are the focus of the series. Couple one: Memphis Taylor is a golden retriever hero who falls fast and hard for his bidder, Naomi. She is a complete boss babe, multi-millionaire. There is a focus on family in their story as they overcome obstacles on the way to being together forever. I loved how Memphis dotes on Naomi. I loved how Naomi sees Memphis and his family for the good people they are despite their disparate backgrounds. I loved their heat and the care they showed each other. Couple 2: Maia and Rhodes are drawn together as an unlikely couple. Maia has a tragic past and Rhodes is immediately protective of her because of her sad eyes. Though they have an age gap, it is never an issue because Maia has lived more life in her short 24 years than most. They have many challenges to overcome on the way to their happy ending. They too have a focus on family in their story. I love the relationship Maia builds with Rhodes’ daughter, Emily. I love the way Rhodes helps Maia get her family back. They are hot together and I adore that they are always on the same page once they get started. Couple 3: Jack and Summer are definitely in the opposites-attract category. She brings sunshine into his life like he never thought possible. Jack has lived a life with loss. He experiences more in this story, yet Summer stands with him all the way. They formed a beautiful relationship together and it made me cry and smile. Family is important to Summer, and it is all Jack ever wanted. Over the course of their story the realize their dream of a big, blended blood/found family. I adored Summer’s easy way of being. It was perfect for Jack. Couple 4: Julieanne and Giovanni have known each other their whole lives. When Madam Alana and the auction bring them together (finally), they start off a little rocky. It doesn’t take long for them to realize that together they can survive anything. Their story has loads of devastation that was handled carefully by the author. Their love was already there, the auction just allowed them to realize it. Madam Alana and Christophe play a large role in this series. Readers will gain the most by reading Madam Alana’s book before this series. Her past intertwines with the future of some of these couples in a way that was unexpected and full of suspense. I loved seeing her with Christophe as they navigate the challenges and danger they encounter in this story. I adored seeing the loving relationships she built with the auction participants. This serial was full of suspense, danger, loss, hot times, love, and family. Beautifully written, I couldn’t put it down. Originally published on the Kindle Vella platform, there were hints of a continuation of more books in this world. Now that Kindle Vella has announced it will be ending, the author plans to take a break and may or may not continue with more stories in this world. I am not a serial reader and I took advantage of the full novels once they were in kindle unlimited. I am hopeful that the author does continue with more stories. I would love to see both Autumn and Diego get their HEAs. If she does not, then I will try to imagine a HEA for them in my mind.
Book 2 of the The Marriage Auction, series 2, definitely ends on a cliffie. THE COUPLES: Summer Belanger and Jack Larsen – Jack Larsen gets to know Summer and her family more, and he keeps making judgmental blunders that had me... This couple is just okay, they will need some plot device or better tension in order to elevate to "more interesting."
Memphis Taylor and Naomi Shaw – Memphis meets Naomi's 1% filthy rich elite mother and father. They are entitled and see Memphis as low class, though the mother is slightly better than Naomi's rude father, but not by much. Memphis handles their snubbing and even Naomi's father's attempts to disrupt well.
There is the irony that the father may think Memphis can be swayed with money, but he has no idea that Naomi's already bought her man, LOL. {P.S. The narrators for Naomi and Memphis are good, until the intimate scenes; it's kinda cringey then; granted a lot of the intimate language is cringey but with the audiobook, these narrator's make it almost comical}
Maia Fields and Rhodes Davenport – Ok, once my fave couple and story, now not so much. For me, maybe this author is one I should not go to for the protector hero/damsel-in-distress trope. There are a lot of stories being told at once, so Maia and Rhodes' story suffers from lack of build up: Maia supposedy has a big bad enemy holding her family hostage but the reader only hears of it and then Maia wallows in her hurt feelings while just reminding all that she is a wounded bird but proceeds to give fellatio, find other family, and contemplate being a young stepmother, meanwhile; it all just negates her whole backstory, which we still don't get in book 2 I like Julianne and Gio, but it remains to be seen if their story will be top. Julianne Myers and Giovanni Falco – This couple, as I predicted inwardly, has a story that is gaining. Giovanni seems a but clueless but luckily Julianne has her finger on the pulse. When a villains rears their ugly head again, Gio is slow on the uptake and finds himself ...compromised, but then Julianne pulls the proverbial trigger.
Audrey Carlan's "The Marriage Auction 2: Book 2" delivers another dose of intense drama and romance in the gritty, high-stakes world of the marriage auction. This sequel continues to explore the complex dynamics between its unforgettable characters, offering a compelling blend of angsty soap opera flair and deep emotional engagement.
**Synopsis:** In this installment, the narrative dives deeper into the lives and hearts of four intriguing bidders who navigate the auction with their own motives and desires. Rhodes Davenport, a billionaire single father, is reluctant to participate in the auction, yet finds himself drawn into its web by the Madam’s plans. Naomi Shaw, a stylish business mogul with a jewelry empire, sees the auction as a strategic move to secure a devoted partner, having lost faith in traditional romance. Jack Larsen, a stern businessman and orphan, hopes the auction will help him find a woman who will stay by his side and build a family, inspired by his friend’s success. Giovanni Falco, dealing with betrayal and loss, seizes the chance to reconnect with his childhood crush through the auction.
**Characters:** - **Rhodes Davenport** is a wealthy single dad with a guarded heart, battling his own reluctance and emotional wounds. His character’s struggle with his past and the pressures of the auction adds a layer of depth and vulnerability. - **Naomi Shaw** is a glamorous and astute businesswoman who, disillusioned with love, turns to the auction to find a man who will be wholly devoted to her. Her journey is one of self-preservation and exploration of new possibilities. - **Jack Larsen** is a dedicated and stoic businessman who seeks to create a family with a woman who will truly commit to him. His quest is driven by a deep-seated desire for a lasting relationship and a sense of belonging. - **Giovanni Falco** faces the emotional fallout from a tragic betrayal and the loss of his parents. His chance to reconnect with a past love through the auction represents a pivotal moment of hope and redemption.
Audrey Carlan masterfully intertwines these characters' stories, revealing their vulnerabilities and desires against a backdrop of high drama and personal stakes. The book’s exploration of complex emotions and relationships is both engaging and thought-provoking.
**Rating: Five Stars**
For fans of emotionally charged romance and dramatic narratives, "The Marriage Auction 2: Book 2" is a must-read that delivers on every front. This installment promises to keep you hooked with its vivid characters and gripping storyline.