Ethan... I find lost things and people for the MacTavish Scottish Mafia.
Sometimes, I return them to their proper owner. Sometimes, I make them disappear.
When I'm charged with bringing back runaway Sloan Masters to her father, the instructions are If you can't extract her, unalive her. I don't hurt women, I protect them. But I still have a job to do. When I find her, there's one more wrinkle. To retrieve her, I'll need to be the highest bidder at her auction. This pretty little runaway is expensive, but I suspect her sweet body will be worth every penny.
Sloan...They call him the Scottish Demon.
His name is uttered like a curse throughout the crime world, a horror story parents tell to children to make them behave.
So when he comes for me, I can’t run fast enough. Ethan MacTavish has the body of a Greek god and the charm of a sociopath bent on world domination. I can’t tell him the secret I’m hiding, the reason my stepfather sent the Demon after me. The more I fight, the tighter he holds me. Can I trust him with my secret, or will he make me disappear, too?
The Highest Bidder is a standalone dark mafia romance with a HEA and no cheating. If you love your men morally grey, you're going to fall in love with Ethan.
Action packed, not a dull moment. If your not a fan of lengthy descriptions wasting your time. You're going to love this book its quick paced, 2 pov. Definitely my favorite.
This book moves on to The Next Generation of MacTavishes, starting with Ethan, son of Cameron and Morana, who is now 30 years old. This means this book must take place a minimum of 30 years later than Relentless, which told the story of his parents’ marriage. This is a bit strange, because the books of series one were clearly set in the present day, complete with cell phones and a wired in world, but this book also seems to be set in the present day. There’s no sense that it’s 30 years in the future, no sci-fi edge to it. It’s too bad - I would have liked some acknowledgment of the passage of time, something like the see-through cell phones in the finale of Weeds that made that 13 year time jump believable.
Aside from that, it was a fine book, everything you would expect from Arianna Fraser. Not as funny as the last one, but funny enough, and exciting, and sexy, with enjoyable characters and a new priest to browbeat into performing marriages under dubious circumstances.
I did find Sloane’s running off by herself at the end rather annoying. I mean, yes, she has trust issues, but to think that she, by herself, could do a better job of protecting her brother and his nurse than her husband and his entire clan, is just ridiculous. And that was, of course, entirely true. If Ethan hadn’t followed her and saved the day, she and her brother would have been very very dead, and that was entirely predictable. I would prefer a heroine who used her brains more and her indignation less.
And I’m sorry, but I have had multiple broken ribs, and know what they feel like. I just don’t believe that anyone could have hiked through pathless mountains for two days, hung on to a man on a rope while going down a cliff, while aiming a gun and shooting multiple attackers, had vigorous sex many times etc etc, with four broken ribs on one side and one on the other. It’s just not believable. At least in the early parts of the book there were some mentions of her being in pain, but in the later parts, there wasn’t even that. And the later parts were only a few days later. It takes weeks, not days, for broken ribs to heal, and they are excruciating. So that was too unrealistic for me. I think it should have been written with a lesser injury.
Still, a fun book, and who doesn’t like a handsome devil with a Scottish accent? I’ll take another, please.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What can I say except Noone has yet to keep me in a Scottish mafia the way arianna does. Mafia Scottish forced marriage... lady napping... an fmc Sloan that knows how to 🔫 . Some bdsm tracking all the fun stuff 😉
This was my first time reading a novel by Arianna Fraser, and I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The characters felt authentic and well-developed, making it easy to connect with them and care about their journey. The story itself was engaging from start to finish, with a perfect balance of drama, humor, and romance. I also appreciated the way Fraser incorporated just the right amount of spice—it added depth to the relationships without overpowering the narrative. Her writing style is smooth and inviting, making it a pleasure to read. After this experience, I’m definitely looking forward to exploring more of her work and seeing what other captivating stories she has to offer.
2.5 I was enjoying this mostly, but the ending ruined it for me. The fmc was tstl, and unnecessarily put herself in danger. I didn't understand her reasoning, or what her plan was. Her stepfather was trying to kill her the whole book by sending assassins', the mmc was saving her the whole book but she takes off on her on. What exactly was she going to do on her own?
This was my first time reading this author’s work and it won’t be the last! I was pulled into the world of Ethan and Sloane and stayed up half the night finishing the book. I can’t wait to go back and start reading the series from the beginning.
The story was fine, spice was minimal but good when it was there. Ethan was golden retriever from the start, and Sloan definitely could have trusted him more throughout but I get she was on the run constantly so it made it hard.
However, I HATED the 'In which we...' at the top of every chapter, basically spoiling what each chapter was going to talk about. It felt like every chapter was an episode of Friends (The one where..) and I hate Friends. So having to see that every single chapter totally brought me out of the book.
Also, the FMC called her genitals, and I quote "girl parts" at one point and that immediately gave me the ick.
This book is part of the McTavish series and it is amazing. The Scottish Demon-Ethan was sent to locate the h-Sloan. Her stepfather wants her found, he is trying to kill her and her brother for their inheritance. The H finds her, kidnaps her and eventually marry her. The plot and characters are very well written. The characters are hilarious. I loved the chemistry between them. Despite all of their obstacles, they found their HEA. Great epilogue.
I almost DNF’d this - the first chapter or so I wasn’t sure I was in the mood for this type of book. But I am so glad I didn’t because as soon as we go to where Sloan & Ethan connect …boom! I LOVED IT. Ethan is so yummy (I love a little accent mixed in with the dirty talk). Lots of action, romance, found family. Even a little nod to the “one bed trope”. Going to go back and see what I’ve missed by this author since I stumbled across this one and I know there is more to the series.
I really loved the story. I thought it was 1 of Ms Frazier's best! 98% of it was fantastic. The only part I didn't enjoy was parts of the sexual case content that felt forced. I honestly could have done without it. It was not necessary In the realm of the warmth of the story. Great story line and Ethan was special.
Ethan and Sloan. Scottish and US mafia. Hes hunting for a runaway. Wanted dead or alive. But he doesnt kill woman or innocents. Someone close to her is sick and she needs money for their treatments and that leads to the auction. Hes in town hunting and stops at a friends bar. His luck has changed. The hunter buys his prey. She doesnt go willingly. They're in a plane crash. Running through the mountains dodging bullets. They are rescued and she finds out who he really is. Who hired him. She runs again. Shes caught and taken to his home. Shes very sick and he takes care of her. Their enimies bomb his penthouse and they barrally escape. Only one way to really keep her safe and she doesnt like it. Shes taken into their clan. Theres date night, then theres fun, then secrets are revealed, which makes Ethan livid, and Sloan still doesnt trust easialy, then the evil surrounds her and Ethan will walk through fire to save her and her family, Ethan is a patient man when it comes to torture and punishment. This is a well written romance with a devilishly scottish alpha who will protect what is his and make anyone disappear that dares to try and harm whats his. When reading his scottish dialoge it was like you could hear him talking in that deep raspy alpha voice. Couldnt put this book down I had to see what was happening next. Loved it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Loved the book I read it in one day. Great storyline the story unfolded as you read along but there were snippets along the way. No spoilers from me and a bonus scene too.
Really enjoyed, fast paced and great plot. 2 strong main characters and some awesome side characters. Whilst some have their own stories I've not read any so it's a great interconnected standalone. Dual pov, Spice, Angst and HEA
I honestly loved this book it was such a quick read. But absolutely action packed and really excelled what I was expecting. I'd thought 1 book surely wouldn't be enough to get all the answers. But everything I wanted was included. I'd say 1/5 spice but the story is great!
I started with the stolen brides Then I had to go and pick up the Ares Academy. Now I’m working through the heirs. Love these Scots. You, Arianna have your work cut out for you. I’m waiting. Keep up the with the characters and stories I love.
I'm so hook on this author,I love Ethan and Sloan, they are both stubborn ,strong,independent and not afraid to go out on a limb if needed.It started off where Sloan/Ivy needed more cash for her brother's treatments,so she got the ok to be in a auction and that's where Sloan mets Ethan,but he is there to get Sloan and get out and take her to Ethan's not her step father's because something doesn't feel right and he doesn't trust her stepfather and he knows Sloan is hiding something and she doesn't trust no one.Sloan and Ethan come under attack, she gets really sick,under attack again,she leaves Ethan behind,because she trust no one,her step father finds her and her brother and nurse but Ethan saves the day again,there is so much action in this book,it's nothing boring at all and worth more than five stars!
Honestly, I wasn’t sure if I was really going to like reading about the next generation of the MacTavish Mafia Clan as much as the first. I LOVED the MacTavish Stolen Brides Series. However, Adrianna Fraser has proven me wrong. The Highest Bidder was amazing! This is the story of Ethan MacTavish and Sloan Masters. Ethan is the tall, dark haired, brawny, and tattooed son of Cameron and Morana (Relentless). He is known and feared as the Scottish Demon, and his “profession” is to find lost people and things, and either return them to their owner or dispose of them. Yes, he is obviously a dangerous and scary killer, but he justifies his actions because these are really bad men who deserve to be offed! There is another side to side to Ethan as well, and his character is written with Ms. Fraser’s trademark humor. This is evident in his interactions with his cousins and their great Scottish banter with one another. Ethan loves his large extended family and he’s very loyal to them. He is asked by his Uncle Cormac, Clan Chieftain, to find the runaway stepdaughter of Gavin Masters, but this particular job is troubling to him. His assignment, per Master’s instruction, is to either retrieve Sloan or kill her. Ethan does have a code to not kill women, so after finding Sloan he plans to take her to the families’ Scottish compound for safety and to discover why her stepfather wants her dead. Sloan escaped from Boston 18 months ago when she discovered her stepfather’s nefarious deeds. While she is hiding under a false name and altered physical appearance, Sloan has two jobs, including working as a server at Club Vice in Milan. Sloan works hard in order to pay for the expensive medical treatment her brother needs. Nathan and his nurse, Carmella, are in hiding as well, but in another country. Sloan is a wonderfully written complex character who has been through so much after her late mother married her evil stepfather. She is very intelligent, resilient, and cunning when she needs to be in order to protect herself and those she loves. Sloan has been on her own for so long that she doesn’t trust easily. Desperate to cover the rising medical expenses, Sloan decides to enter an auction at the club where she’ll be the “companion” of the highest bidder for one night. Now it should come as no surprise that the highest bidder is none other than Ethan MacTavish who has easily tracked her down. So, the excellent adventure of Ethan and Sloan begins and the bad guys are hot on their trail! Does Ethan fly his own plane? Of course he does, but what happens when the fuel line is tampered with? You’ll have to read to find out, but I promise you there is a lot of non stop action and excitement as this duo tries to outrun and outsmart their enemies who just won’t stop coming after them! It’s obvious how smitten Ethan and Sloan are with one another from the very beginning. Even with her trust issues, they learn to depend on each other and work together as partners. Ethan has a great protective side that is swoon worthy. As for the spice level…well let’s just say our man is quite kinky and Sloan loves every minute of it! I loved meeting this new generation of the MacTavish Clan, and I look forward to reading their future stories as well. Thank you, Arianna Fraser, for always giving your readers so many hours of pure enjoyment!
The Higehest Bidder, had me laughing when I was not busy hiding under my blanket because I was worried about what was coming next. Great story, with plenty of twists and turns, crazy and strong characters, and not to forget the chemistry between Eathan and Sloan was sizzling hot.