The last place I want to be is on stage at the exclusive bachelorette auction. All of Manhattan society is here. My anxiety level goes full on code red the moment the bidding starts.
Up first?
My nemesis. Gabriel Rothburn. Self-made billionaire tech tycoon.
Next?
My ex. Don’t worry about his name.
And then my crush joins the fray.
Alexander Hunt. Gabe’s best friend.
How high will the bidding go? And what will my protective best friend do when he discovers I’ve been sold off to two possessive billionaires?
Author’s Three billionaires all falling for the same lucky woman? How’s a girl supposed to choose? she doesn’t have to in this steamy romp featuring one bed shenanigans, a surprise inheritance stipulation and a dash of age gap. Perfect for fans of rom-com, golden retriever heroes, and found family. Did I mention the secret maze make-outs, shopping sprees, and not-so-guilty pleasures?
The Heiress Auction is Book One in the Heiress Merger series which originally appeared as a serial.
Evie Croft crafts why-choose romances that will make you laugh and gasp. She also pens short, steamy, over-the-top romances that are sure to captivate. Hailing from the southern United States, Evie is a champion for the underdog, an animal lover, and a firm believer in the power of friendship. When she's not weaving tales of love and adventure, you'll find her enjoying a good book and a glass of wine.
3 stars. This was my first read by Evie Croft and it was the good start to a series. The Heiress Auction is the beginning of Katherine and her men's story. Katherine works hard running her family's company. Her overbearing mother sign's her up for a charity bachelorette auction. When no one bids for her at first, two men come to her rescue, Gabe and Alex. Gabe is a billionaire tech tycoon and her sometimes nemesis in business and Alex is his billionaire best friend. They begin a bidding war for a date with her at the auction. They both pledge a million dollars and she agrees to a date with each one, which causes a commotion and a flurry of press. The men whisk her away to hide until the firestorm is over. A romance starts to blossom between her and each of the men. In the meanwhile, Katherine's best friend, Kingston, who's been interested in her for years but has lived overseas, is finally back to let her know his feelings.
This was an interesting story and start to a series. However, it is merely the start and not a full story. Nothing much happens and there is a cliffhanger that ends mid-scene. The writing was pretty good and the series has potential. The men all have distinct personalities and I liked them all. But I would not have read it if I had known it was a serial. I am not a fan of multi-part books. Still, if you like serials and RH with some MM action, this would be an entertaining series worth reading. Overall, The Heiress Auction has heat, emotion and likeable characters with the potential for an enjoyable romance.
*arc provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
This book was so much more than I anticipated from the title. I suppose I thought it would just be a bit fluffy, but it isn't. All the main characters were interesting and different. Being privy to their thoughts made them larger and more relatable. Katherine, with her high profile social status and all the instincts of an introvert, pushed into an incredibly uncomfortable situation. Then there they are! Gabe and Alex. Already interested and invested, with Kingston flying behind the curve. The plot developed at a good pace, and I became totally invested in finding out what was going to unfold. And it did not disappoint. At all. But oh, we have a cliffhanger and three gorgeous men all wanting to make Katherine theirs. Yum. 💖💖💖💖💖
i am thankful to the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC this book started out strong. i was really loving it up until the morning after their first night in gabe’s unfinished house. i feel like this book was published half written. 300+ pages and you really didn’t learn anything of substance about the characters until the end?? and then the ending was just a gaping hole in the story??? it’s not often that a romance ends in a cliffhanger and i think it could have had the potential however it left me not wanting to read the next book in the series.
So, I think the reason this hits so low for me is the length to story depth ratio. We have a decently long book that feels as though every chapter is a repeated monologue we can't escape despite the authors I'm sure best efforts. Our main character can be summed up by hating her mother and being horny. We see that repeated in multiple ways throughout her pov and I'm not sure aside from her brief panic attack that we learn anything else about her. Gabe and Alex are internally upset about their bromance being tested and yet not caring and wanting to bang Katherine. Rinse and repeat. Barely anything else was learned. Surprisingly the one we learn the most about is Kingston because we have to actually check in with him. Honestly the character development just dragged this one down.
The plot seems interesting enough. Something has to be going on with her wealthy family and Gabes past and her inheritance because obviously. Her mother is more than likely a manipulative source of the issue behind the inheritance and that will all come to a head. But this plot also lived nowhere. The plot was you are hot, and so is your bestie, but since I'm horny and not in the city let's have fun. With a splash of how dare my sexy best friend have feelings for me while I have feelings for two new men. The end.
The only other thing was that an editor should've taken a closer look at some of these transitions. Multiple times we have an actual event occur and on chapter change we just jump time. Example: she gets off in the maze with Gabe and Alex catches them. We then junk forward to s'mores and hang times by the fire and don't address the topic at all. It happens in some conversations as well where the person they are talking to switches up.
I also think that Gabes attraction to his friend is forced all of a sudden on the plot. He didn't have any indication of that in his thoughts or in his thoughts surrounding the three of them together and we are just throwing it in for the threesome scene? Unrequited sexual attraction to your male best friend for 20+ years? Idk, this seems to be requested a lot by readers of RH and it can be divisive. When it doesn't feel like part of today character and more pondering to a popular trope it can fall flat. Kingston in contrast casually mentions his attraction to men in his inner monologue in a real organic way and I didn't think "hm, is she doing this because people like having the harem hookup?"
This was a freebie I got during another Stuff Your Kindle day, and now that the summer reading challenge is over, I'm devouring tons of non-fantasy books, including this reverse harem/why choose book. So let's start the basics, then...
POV: First person POV Character(s): Katherine, Kingston, Gabe, Alex Verb Tense: Present Trigger Warnings: None, I think Content Warnings: Reverse harem, so just know that Spice Level: One explicit scene, various steamy kisses
Normally I hate present tense books, but I think it worked for this book. In fact, I barely noticed till I had the thought of what I'd write in my review and considered the normal "first look" items I usually add in at the beginning of the reviews. And then I was surprised to realize this was written in present tense.
I picked this up because I've always had a soft spot for the ridiculous "auction off a date/kiss/etc" with someone trope. It's so unrealistic, but I find it a captivating trope and love how it usually winds up with the FMC and MMC getting together some way, somehow. This one takes that trope and turns it into a why choose fantasy of what happens when two men go head to head to get the girl and she offers both of them a date.
There's not a lot going on here. Sure, there's some plot in the background, but because this story was just the first in what appears to be a 4-book series, you only get snippets of the plot while the characters debate with themselves whether they'll go after the lust-filled dreams they have of one another or not.
It was a really fast read, so it's got that going for it. Unfortunately it does what so many books seem to do these days and just barely draws in readers with a hint of something interesting before ending on a cliffhanger and a "see what happens in book 2" promise.
We'll see if I wind up reading the sequel(s) or not. I mean, the premise was cute and fluffy, but it wasn't a true why choose because there wasn't a true ending. I'll probably debate about coming back to this series, but I've got plenty on my TBR to keep me busy for a good, long while.
Katherine is a force to be reckoned with. She is strong and fearless in the boardroom and constantly clashing with Gabriel. Gabe is the typical billionaire who knows he’s gorgeous, powerful and always gets what he wants. Alex owns a security company and is best friends with Gabe.
Katherine, is forced to participate in an auction for charity, even though she has made it very clear to her mother that she has no interest in taking part. She doesn’t like the spotlight and she just wants to be able to do her work and go home. After being forcefully entered into the heiress auction she’s bid on by not only an ex-boyfriend of hers, but her nemesis Gabe, as well as Alex,
The auction becomes an entire ordeal because, the participants bid millions. Katherine panics and needs to leave in a hurry. Alex and Gabe it upon themselves to get her out of there. Ultimately safety is their top priority and that is how this amazing chemistry is born between the three of them. Sparks fly and it’s beginning of something magical.
On the flipside you still have Kingston. He is the son of a famous designer and he hasn’t really wanted to be in the United States. He is Katherine’s best friend and confidant. He just wants to be free, but then he realizes that he’s very much in love with Catherine. When he hears that she she’s about to be a part of this auction, he makes his way back to the States. This story unfolds as everyone’s feelings begin to show and preconceived notions change. The main characters realize that people are more complex than first impressions. Humans have layers, and underlying thoughts and opinions. Ultimately there is more than meets the eye.
This story is an excellent beginning to what I believe will be a very interesting and enjoyable series. I look forward to reading the next book by Evie and seeing what happens with these four characters.
I was fortunate to receive an advance reader copy and was able to leave my honest opinion.
The Heiress Auction kicks off “The Heiress Merger” series with an intriguing premise and a compelling mix of characters. I particularly enjoyed the multiple points of view, which offered a deeper understanding of each character’s motivations and emotions.
Katherine is a determined woman, managing her family's business with skill and dedication. However, her overbearing mother signs her up for a charity bachelorette auction, a move that sets off a series of unexpected events. When no one bids on her at first, two men—Gabe, a billionaire tech mogul and occasional business rival, and Alex, his equally wealthy best friend—come to her rescue. They engage in a playful yet intense bidding war, each pledging a million dollars for a date with her. Katherine, caught in the whirlwind, agrees to a date with both men, which sparks media frenzy. The men take her away to avoid the chaos, and in their seclusion, romance begins to bloom between her and each of them. Meanwhile, Katherine’s best friend, Kingston, who has harbored feelings for her for years, returns to tell her his truth.
While the premise is promising and full of potential, I found the book’s pacing a bit off. It feels more like the first half of a larger story, rather than a complete narrative. Rather than offering a satisfying resolution, the book ends in a way that seems like it’s been cut short to set up the next installment. However, I found myself wishing for a more substantial conclusion. Unfortunately, this book did not intrigue me enough to continue the series. For readers who enjoy reverse harem and “why choose” romance, this series may be just the thing to dive into.
Ever Croft’s “The Heiress Auction” is a cute, fast-paced romance. A high level corporate heiress, Katherine, is manipulated into participating in an auction by her overbearing mother. She confides in her long-distance best friend, Kingston, who decides to confess his feelings to her and makes his way back to the States for the auction. While working out her frustration about having to attend the auction, Gabe, a board member that she typically clashed with, interrupts her gym session with his friend Alex in tow. Their interaction leaves the 3 of them curious about each other. They run into each other again at the auction. Alex and Gabe big against Katherine’s ex, Tyler, in order to gain dates with her. Given the amount bid, a media frenzy ensues. The men help her deal with the fallout of the auction by whisking her away and assisting in PR damage control. Kingston later shows up, having missed the auction, and kisses her which conflicts with the relationship she thought they had. Katherine finds her confidence when telling Alex and Gabe what she wants, but the end of this book leaves Kingston in the friend zone. Croft’s character development is spot on, the plot was fast paced, and romance was slow-burning. If you’re looking for a cute, easy read, I’d recommend giving it a read.
When her domineering mother entered her into a charity auction Katherine Montgomery was worried she wouldn’t receive any bids when in reality she attracted the attention of not one but two billionaires – best friends Gabriel Rothburn and Alexander Hunt who engaged in a bidding war for her attention. What a dilemma to have, two of New York’s most eligible bachelors basically jousting over you, lucky girl! When things reached a fever pitch, she agreed to two dates a decision which only threw fuel on the fire so all three did a disappearing act to avoid a ravenous press.
The characters were all likeable…...well except for Katherine’s mother and I wished Katherine would have shown more backbone and stood up for herself when dealing with her and lurking in the background, it turns out there is history, and I’m sensing not the good kind, between Gabriel and her family that may or may not be an issue to any chance of a relationship between them but overall this was a quick and easy read with a fair amount of spice and elements of why choose. There was definitely plenty of chemistry between Katherine, Gabriel and Alex. I did think The Heiress Auction was going to be a standalone read but as it turns out the story came with a twist in the tale leading to a cliffhanger ending but it wasn’t anything too WTF, more of a ‘to be continued’ but it has left me intrigued to find out just how this new development will effect the dynamics between the intrepid threesome.
Evie Croft is a new author to me, and as I began reading this rom-com, I enjoyed the different POVs in the story. What I didn’t enjoy as much was her mother, who constantly put her down and tried to control her life. It seems Kathrine enjoys the attention of two wealthy, good-looking men at once—or maybe even three? Katherine is a driven woman who skillfully runs her family's business. Her overbearing mother, however, thrusts her into a charity bachelorette auction, leading to a string of surprises. When no one initially bids on her, two men—Gabe, a billionaire tech mogul and occasional rival, and Alex, his equally wealthy best friend—step in to save the day. They engage in a lighthearted yet intense bidding war, each offering a million dollars for a date with her. Swept up in the chaos, Katherine agrees to go on a date with both men, igniting a media frenzy. This story is great, though it ends on a cliffhanger. I'm already diving into the next book in the series! It's an easy, enjoyable read, packed with emotional highs and lows. I can't wait to find out what happens with her childhood friend Kingston, who is wealthy and comes from old money.
The premise was good, the first half of the book gave me all the feels, but then the second half just devolved into a smut fest. There was no plot toward the end and no resolution. I know the synopsis quite clearly outlines that it’s a “why choose,” yet I still expected a choice or some sort of conclusion. While I guess that’s totally my fault for not realizing what I was getting into, it still at least could’ve been an emotional “why choose” with no choice. I did not care about Evie ending up with either of the MMC’s at the end. I did not care for Evie in general. Her character was immensely unbelievable. She’s a nepo baby in her young 20’s, and somehow both of these MUCH older, hot, emotionally available, self-made men want her? At no point are we given a good example of why Evie is supposed to be so smart and good at her job in spite of her nepo baby status, we’re just supposed to believe it. While in the male pov’s, the reader is given so much depth on the two male characters than we ever receive regarding Evie. Even Evie’s inner monologue was bland as hell.
This was actually a very easy book to read. The pacing is great, uncovering bits of information here and there instead of overwhelming and front loading the book with information that you can’t yet understand. The characters, specifically the FMC got on my nerves a bit but largely because I wanted more from her, less of the Ice Queen attitude. There was some nice spice in the story and I’m excited to see what book 2 holds.
The cliffhanger in this book feels like it comes out of left field, like mid-conversation and I was so shocked the book was already over and that what I read was the ending. I say this to say that I DID NOT know this was going to be a series and I’m a little sad about it.
Also here to say in case the author reads this… I got a vague impression that there may be some dominance in the future? Yes, pls if that’s the case 👀
I loved this book! The story just flew by and I couldn’t have enjoyed it more. The premise of three men falling for the same woman is a bit outlandish. Add to that each one is wildly attractive and wealthy? Yeah, you have to suspend your disbelief a bit. But boy is it worth it. And while a lot of sexual tension and some, ahem, physical fun is to be expected, there is actually a lot more to this book. The author manages to create interesting characters with depth and dimension. It’s a story that pulls you in and keeps you invested. My only complaint is that it’s only book one, so I have to wait to find out what happens next with Katherine, Gabe, Alex and Kingston. And you better believe I’ll be grabbing book two as soon as it’s released. Evie Croft has written one heck of a book and I can’t wait to see what she gives us next. Highly recommended!
A Bachelorette auction she didn't want to go to, two guys that are willing to save her. One, her nemesis whom she fights against in the boardroom, and his best friend slash bodyguard who sees too much. What will she do when she gets stuck in a house with the two men, unwilling to escape into the mess they left behind? And what will happen when you throw in a second chance romance precipitated by her very own best friend?
This was a good time, a fast read and good pallete cleanser. I wasn't emotionally connected to the characters and found the storyline to be a bit OTT and goofy but overall was a fun time. I did feel like Kingston's POV wasn't even necessary to have.. was just there for filler and to lengthen the book. Could have cut out his and the book would have more or less been the same. The spice scenes though! Oof 🥵 that was sexy af. Spit Roasted 😉
The Heiress Auction by Evie Croft is Book #1 in the Heiress Merger series and is the first book that I have read by this author. This is Gabriel “Gabe” Rothburn, Alexander Hunt (Gabe’s BF), Katherine Montgomery’s story? Look out for Kingston Saint. I can't wait to read more and have his story.
How can one girl get so lucky?!? Katherine was up for auction because of her mother, not a good thing for Katherine. But a good thing when she ended up having 2 billionaires bid on her! One a person that she has known for awhile, Gabe and Gabe’s BFF Alexander.
This book ended up with a cliffie! And the next book can’t get here soon enough.
I enjoyed reading the heiress AUCTION! A fun and sexy romp.
Whew! My first read from this author and I am HOOKED.
Katherine is easy to connect with, and I enjoyed her spirit. The friendship with Kingston was cute, and thankfully she had him for support when she dealt with her mother. And then I was like - really Kingston? IYKYK.
I liked how the friendship between Gabe and Alex was solid and supportive - which made what occurred at the auction (and after) even better. (You just have to read it!)
There's plenty of steamy chemistry between these characters, and watching it unfold was fun. Why choose, indeed!
But then - GAH! The dreaded cliffhanger... not loving that, tbh. You know I am counting the days until I get my hands on book 2!
Why this story end on a cliff hanger? I pray this author has a book 2 in the works. I need to know what happens? Katherine’s story I sad. I don’t understand how her mother can treat her the way she does. I guess it doesn’t matter if your rich or poor their is always a mother who wants to control their child’s life. Her mother decided it was a good idea to sigh Katherine up for a bachelorette auction, even though Katherine kept saying no. Now the outcome was crazy. Two eligible bachelors bidding for her. Who won the date with her? Did it go as planned? What does her best friend think about all of this? I hope there is a book 2, I can’t wait to see what happens.
Katherine finds herself being volunteered to participate in and exclusive society bachelorette auction, and she has her nemesis Gabriel, her ex, no name, and her crush Alexander, who is Gabe’s best friend. How will Katherine’s best friend react when he discovers she has been purchased by two possessive billionaires? This is a well written story which has family, friendships, why choose, emotions, humor, witty banter, intrigue, and love, which leads to an entertaining, and steamy rom com. I look forward to reading more from this author whose work I recommend.
This is beyond what I expected. Katherine is forced to attend an auction as her mother signed her up. Now she captures the attention of two wealthy eligible guys and her best friend also wants a shot as he traveled far to get there on time but luck wasn't on his side. However one ex is also wanting her and that moves the guys to protect her. Of course now there's other issues coming her way and she will have to face them but with the guys help at least she isn't alone. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
I actually love all the characters. I began reading on Kindle Vella... Then it was pay per chapter - not happening. Then all the sudden, SAME DAY, it's advertised on Kindle unlimited.. But only part 1. So while I'm annoyed I don't have part two.. It's better than paying per chapter!
I crushed this in a few hours. Alex... Oh good lord 🔥 Gabe... 🥵 Kingston... 😍 And Katherine is a fmc that I love to see! Strong, independent, speaks up for herself. Isn't so damn wishy washy and reliant on her billionaire boyfs.
Gabriel/ Gabe Rothburn and his best friend Alexander /AlexHunter bid for Heiress Katherine Montgomery sending anxiety through the roof.. there’s her thinking she wouldn’t get ANY bids and now she has two ! What’s a gal to do? I know get Kingston in on it too…Now she’s a triple date queen! Absolutely LOVED this book so darn much! It’s got everything plus it’s well written! Great cliffhanger…next book? Perfect characters and a wonderful plot . Brilliant read by Evie Croft , but of course that was something I COULD be sure of . I’m leaving my review voluntarily in my own words .
I was a little surprised as I started this book because I wasn’t really expecting it to be a series. It did flow pretty fast so I was at the end of this first book before I realized. The writing is good and the characters are likable. I’m not sure if I just glazed over it or if there was some character description missing, but I did feel like I was having to fill in blanks on their appearance. It’s a good storyline and it’s keeping my interest. On to book two…I can’t wait to get more Kingston.
This is the first book of a serie and it follows Katherine , Gabriel, Alex and Kingston.
I LOVED IT!! sometimes I just need a why choose 🫣and this was it it was easy to read, funny and I was just immediately absorbed in the story! This is the timeline of a few days (so a short story) and then the next book is after that etc... in this book you can already find a little spice Soo if you want a short book to read this is it! I'm trying to buy the other ones but Amazon is doing strange things 🫣🤣 so stay tuned for the rest!
It was a hot and spicy read with some intriguing moments. Katherine is sent by her mother to be auctioned off and her bids were unexpected. Gabe and Alex want her in ways that will steam up the pages, but will they be able to share? However, another man she thought gone returns wanting to claim her for his own. Will it be too late, or can she have it all? I can't wait till the next one to find out.
I received an ARC of this book and voluntarily leave this review.
Really don’t know what brought me to pick this one up. Needed a distraction from a serious book I’m reading I guess. I really don’t like why choose or RH niches but here we are. It was ok. Will I read the next? Idk maybe. This just ends in a weird spot and looking ahead this looks like it’s dragged into 4 books for no apparent reason. But also I kinda wanna know what happens lol 😇😈
I won this book in a goodreads giveaway! Fast paced and spicy, this is a very well done “why choose?”. Each of the characters are so different and lovable in their own ways. I can’t wait to read the second one! 4 stars!
Thank you to goodreads and the publisher for my copy
I couldn't put this book down from the beginning. The plot is so true to life even for the rich. With all life's irritating problems and people. The characters are so real, heartwarming, and lovable. There is steamy sex scenes . I recommend this book to everyone over 17. And especially to all romance lovers!
I need more... I can't stop. First.. our Kat is awesome, second... Gabe+Alex is going to be the end of me. Not sure how I feel about Kingston as of now, so I spare him till I see what he has do say on his defense in the next book! So far loving each interaction and desperate for G+A!
So far so good! I really thought that this book would follow a more traditional (if you could call a poly relationship “traditional”), predictable format with the characters, but there were a few interesting twists here & there. The build up was good, and when we got to spicy time it was muy bien! Can’t wait to see what happens next!