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Auctioned #4
Played
The Auctioned Series is a journey packed with action, nail-biting suspense, family, and love. In Gray and Darius’s fight for freedom and a future where they aren’t haunted by the ghosts of their pasts, they’ll make you laugh, cry, possibly yell at your e-reader, and swoon just a little bit.
One last mission. One last operation—and the stakes had never been higher. Truth be told, Darius was exhausted. He didn’t want his past mingling with the life he was building with Gray and the kids, but he had no choice.
They were facing their biggest threat yet, and in order to even stand a chance, Darius had to revert to the man he’d once been. He had to set aside fatherhood and love and be the grunt, the private contractor, the soldier who went deep behind enemy lines.
It was time to rally the troops. With Gray by his side, Darius cashed in the last of his favors and put together a crew that would hopefully help them bring an end to this chaotic year. The desert waited for them. Again. So did Las Vegas.
The problem with Vegas…?
Just when you thought you knew how to play the game, it played you.
This story takes place in Cara Dee’s Camassia Cove Universe, a fictional town where all books/series’ stand on their own, unless otherwise stated. The Auctioned Series should be read in the following order: Auctioned, Stranded, Deserted, Played, and Finished.
1 pages, Audio CD
First published July 15, 2021
101 people are currently reading
561 people want to read
About the author
Cara Dee
97 books4,084 followers
I'm often stoically silent or, if the topic interests me, a chronic rambler. In other words, I can discuss writing forever and ever. Fiction, in particular. The love story—while a huge draw and constantly present—is secondary for me, because there's so much more to writing romance fiction than just making two (or more) people fall in love and have hot sex. There's a world to build, characters to develop, interests to create, and a topic or two to research thoroughly. Every book is a challenge for me, an opportunity to learn something new, and a puzzle to piece together. I want my characters to come to life, and the only way I know to do that is to give them substance—passions, history, goals, quirks, and strong opinions—and to let them evolve. Additionally, I want my men and women to be relatable. That means allowing room for everyday problems and, for lack of a better word, flaws. My characters will never be perfect.
Wait…this was supposed to be about me, not my writing.
I'm a writey person who loves to write. Always wanderlusting, twitterpating, kinking, and geeking. There's time for hockey and cupcakes, too. But mostly, I just love to write.
I'm often stoically silent or, if the topic interests me, a chronic rambler. In other words, I can discuss writing forever and ever. Fiction, in particular. The love story—while a huge draw and constantly present—is secondary for me, because there's so much more to writing romance fiction than just making two (or more) people fall in love and have hot sex. There's a world to build, characters to develop, interests to create, and a topic or two to research thoroughly. Every book is a challenge for me, an opportunity to learn something new, and a puzzle to piece together. I want my characters to come to life, and the only way I know to do that is to give them substance—passions, history, goals, quirks, and strong opinions—and to let them evolve. Additionally, I want my men and women to be relatable. That means allowing room for everyday problems and, for lack of a better word, flaws. My characters will never be perfect.
Wait…this was supposed to be about me, not my writing.
I'm a writey person who loves to write. Always wanderlusting, twitterpating, kinking, and geeking. There's time for hockey and cupcakes, too. But mostly, I just love to write.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
July 2, 2021
I can't review this book.
Well, I can, but it would be one ginormous spoiler tag which would basically be me giving the equivalent of:
🥰😍🤩
🔥😛🔥
Then heading somewhere into
🙁😟
🤯🤬
💣😶
(And yes, I'm totally stealing Layla's emoji format for that part.)
So, instead I will just say book five cannot come soon enough and it's a good job I don't bite my nails, because I'd be down to the knuckles.
This book has everything I'd expected, Dare and Gray are beyond fabulous, both as a pair and as dads to their rescued boys.
They're as smexy as connected as🔥🎆🎇🔥 but also both still a wee bit vulnerable, which leads to some gorgeous emotional dialogue.
There is an overlap with The Job, but even so, I seriously was NOT expecting what goes down.
If you've not picked this series up yet, I highly recommend it, but be prepared for trauma, angst, steamy sex, emotional highs, and an adrenaline spiked roller coaster of a ride.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Well, I can, but it would be one ginormous spoiler tag which would basically be me giving the equivalent of:
🥰😍🤩
🔥😛🔥
Then heading somewhere into
🙁😟
🤯🤬
💣😶
(And yes, I'm totally stealing Layla's emoji format for that part.)
So, instead I will just say book five cannot come soon enough and it's a good job I don't bite my nails, because I'd be down to the knuckles.
This book has everything I'd expected, Dare and Gray are beyond fabulous, both as a pair and as dads to their rescued boys.
They're as smexy as connected as🔥🎆🎇🔥 but also both still a wee bit vulnerable, which leads to some gorgeous emotional dialogue.
There is an overlap with The Job, but even so, I seriously was NOT expecting what goes down.
If you've not picked this series up yet, I highly recommend it, but be prepared for trauma, angst, steamy sex, emotional highs, and an adrenaline spiked roller coaster of a ride.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
July 19, 2021
2 stars is too brutal so i have decided to give it a 3. i was played no doubt in this. nothing really much happened except the last chapter. the ending of course is a fucking cliffhanger! but i wonder what will happen in the last book? i still loved these characters but this one defnitely dragged. more like a filler content for the next one. 3 stars for Gray and Darius and their coupley moments and the ending. i will probably be more okay with this if it was a novella. i got played big time. a lot happened in this but not much that really mattered for me.
July 18, 2021
3.2⭐
I haven't read the books in quite a while and maybe that's why I lost familiarity with the characters. More specific with Gray.
This time we have Darius's POV. I was anticipating it. And i liked it. I missed him.
But umm I didn't feel Gray's personality through Darius's eyes. I don't remember if his character was like that in the previous books. I spoke to Cal and he kinda felt the same, as if Gray was more off? Docile? We don't know but I had the impression that he had more intensity in the previous books. Only in a few moments did I see that spark but I wasn't in all the book. Anyway, I couldn't enjoy the book as I would have liked. 😐
In this book, the training takes a big focus. There were a few enjoyable moments.
But where are my couple moments???😩😩They were some good, the routine between the MCs was cute and cozy. But I wanted more. 🥺
Darius keeping secrets from Gray was a nop to me.
Justin is so cute. 🥰🥰🥰
I honestly didn't like the first twist. The character didn't matter to me at all, so if he/she died or did what he/she did it didn't really have an impact on me. 🤷♀️
Now the cliffhanger was better. I'm curious what else will happen in the last book.🤔
There are many who liked it so don't let this stop you from starting the series. The first three books are good! 🤗
I haven't read the books in quite a while and maybe that's why I lost familiarity with the characters. More specific with Gray.
This time we have Darius's POV. I was anticipating it. And i liked it. I missed him.
But umm I didn't feel Gray's personality through Darius's eyes. I don't remember if his character was like that in the previous books. I spoke to Cal and he kinda felt the same, as if Gray was more off? Docile? We don't know but I had the impression that he had more intensity in the previous books. Only in a few moments did I see that spark but I wasn't in all the book. Anyway, I couldn't enjoy the book as I would have liked. 😐
In this book, the training takes a big focus. There were a few enjoyable moments.
But where are my couple moments???😩😩They were some good, the routine between the MCs was cute and cozy. But I wanted more. 🥺
Darius keeping secrets from Gray was a nop to me.
Justin is so cute. 🥰🥰🥰
I honestly didn't like the first twist. The character didn't matter to me at all, so if he/she died or did what he/she did it didn't really have an impact on me. 🤷♀️
Now the cliffhanger was better. I'm curious what else will happen in the last book.🤔
There are many who liked it so don't let this stop you from starting the series. The first three books are good! 🤗
July 17, 2021
Sonofabitch!!! Major plot twist and the mother of all cliffhangers in the last 10%.
I forgive her because it's Cara Dee. But it was unnecessary IMHO to split the last two books. Had I known this I would have waited.
I forgive her because it's Cara Dee. But it was unnecessary IMHO to split the last two books. Had I known this I would have waited.
July 17, 2021
3.5 stars
I enjoyed this continuation, but I really feel like this should've been combined with Book 5. Not because of the cliffhanger, but because not a whole lot really happened in this book before the 80% mark.
I love seeing Darius and Gray together, and especially loved the vulnerable moments that Darius had with Gray.
I enjoyed this continuation, but I really feel like this should've been combined with Book 5. Not because of the cliffhanger, but because not a whole lot really happened in this book before the 80% mark.
I love seeing Darius and Gray together, and especially loved the vulnerable moments that Darius had with Gray.
July 31, 2021
This series definitely needs to be read in order, and be warned - this book ends on a major cliffhanger. (In fact, I'm docking it a star, because the whole book is a build-up to the action climax, and then you get dropped with nothing resolved, in a hugely tense moment.)
If you're attached to these characters, there's a lot to enjoy in here, as we see the guys and their two sons in the calm-before-the-storm moments. Darius is torn between gearing up for a final mission to take down the human traffickers (along with his old buddies), and being a lover and father and small homesteader in the quiet weeks before launch. He has a hard time separating his two lives, and his enthusiasm for the task at hand varies (especially given the inevitability of death and violence to come.)
Darius shows us his vulnerability, and his love for Gray and the boys. It's fun to watch the small family healing and bonding and figuring out their life. The boys are blossoming under loving and understanding care, and that was sweet.
The plan for the mission is violent retribution and murder, and the situation promises a lot of risks for the team going in to take down the operation. I really look forward to the final installment, but being dumped into the cliffhanger with nothing resolved and really no significant plot content in the rest of the book, was like spending an entire book being edged, and then having the other person walk away - annoying and disappointing. I'm not a fan of unannounced cliffhangers in general, but they're not as bad if the book had substantial other meat ahead of them. This did not, no matter how sweet time spent with the guys was.
I was always going to buy the next one anyhow, but I'll probably hold off till it's actually published, to be sure that it really is the end and a resolution to this emotional and engrossing series.
If you're attached to these characters, there's a lot to enjoy in here, as we see the guys and their two sons in the calm-before-the-storm moments. Darius is torn between gearing up for a final mission to take down the human traffickers (along with his old buddies), and being a lover and father and small homesteader in the quiet weeks before launch. He has a hard time separating his two lives, and his enthusiasm for the task at hand varies (especially given the inevitability of death and violence to come.)
Darius shows us his vulnerability, and his love for Gray and the boys. It's fun to watch the small family healing and bonding and figuring out their life. The boys are blossoming under loving and understanding care, and that was sweet.
The plan for the mission is violent retribution and murder, and the situation promises a lot of risks for the team going in to take down the operation. I really look forward to the final installment, but being dumped into the cliffhanger with nothing resolved and really no significant plot content in the rest of the book, was like spending an entire book being edged, and then having the other person walk away - annoying and disappointing. I'm not a fan of unannounced cliffhangers in general, but they're not as bad if the book had substantial other meat ahead of them. This did not, no matter how sweet time spent with the guys was.
I was always going to buy the next one anyhow, but I'll probably hold off till it's actually published, to be sure that it really is the end and a resolution to this emotional and engrossing series.
August 16, 2022
Vicious cliffhanger
I. HATE. CLIFFHANGERS. WITH. AN. ABSOLUTE. PASSION.
Grrr
Grrr
Grrr
Grrr
Grrr
Grrr
Grrr
Grrr
Grrr
Grrr
Grrr
Grrr
Grrr
I. HATE. CLIFFHANGERS. WITH. AN. ABSOLUTE. PASSION.
Grrr
Grrr
Grrr
Grrr
Grrr
Grrr
Grrr
Grrr
Grrr
Grrr
Grrr
Grrr
Grrr
February 17, 2023
These titles should be enough to warn me
This one was intriguing in that we are finally seeing the plan of attack for the Las Vegas trafficking ring being discussed, trained for, and carried out. It was way more tactical than the other books.
I do prefer when Gray and Darius are the focus, together. They were split up for a lot of it, yet their moments when they were together were even more impactful.
As always, I loved the kids in this and it’s amazing seeing the growth and love from Gray and Darius, Jayden and Justin.
That cliffy was a bitch 😫. I want them to have a HEA goddamnit, but I also don’t wanna leave this world and them. SO, FINE. BATTER MY HEART SOME MORE, Cara Dee.
This one was intriguing in that we are finally seeing the plan of attack for the Las Vegas trafficking ring being discussed, trained for, and carried out. It was way more tactical than the other books.
I do prefer when Gray and Darius are the focus, together. They were split up for a lot of it, yet their moments when they were together were even more impactful.
As always, I loved the kids in this and it’s amazing seeing the growth and love from Gray and Darius, Jayden and Justin.
That cliffy was a bitch 😫. I want them to have a HEA goddamnit, but I also don’t wanna leave this world and them. SO, FINE. BATTER MY HEART SOME MORE, Cara Dee.
July 15, 2021
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I have loved this series more than I ever imagined I would. This is a series that goes way beyond the first book where we met Gray who was kidnapped to be auctioned off. Darius to me was like a dream come true, he was probably that way for Gray also. Together Gray and Darius accomplished more than ust rescuing Gray, they fought to rescue every one of the kidnapped victims that they could. It’s been a heartbreaking journey but also a journey that saved so many and built a bond between Gray and Darius like no other.
Here we are in the fourth book already and this one is all in Darius’ POV. Is it just me or is Darius one of the sexiest characters ever??? I love him! He is super protective of his knucklehead (cutest nickname!!!) and their foster sons, Jayden and Justin. Darius never wanted to settle down and would never in a million years imagine he would be a father but he is so darn good at it! I love seeing him and Gray grow as characters, it’s been a journey that Cara Dee has taken us on that is special. These guys deserve all this and more.
There is one last task Darius needs to finish before he settles down completely and that is to take out the head of the trafficking ring, Alfred Lange. He assembles a team to plan a mission in Las Vegas where Lange is holding an auction. We see many characters in this book from other Dee stories and if you’ve read these stories you will love this! I haven’t read a lot of the other stories so for me it was a bit too many characters to keep straight. It did feel also that Dee was setting up some future storylines that I wasn’t interested in but I can appreciate her for doing so. I do love the worlds she has created and that she can intersect them. It just gets confusing for me at times.
What I didn’t like about this book was I thought it dragged a bit in the beginning. It was setting up for what was to come but also just showing us everyday scenarios. I loved the instances when it was just Darius, Gray and the boys but like I said before I wasn’t as interested in other characters. That’s just me though and if you read her other books you will most likely love this. I cannot count it against the story at all but just be aware if you aren’t reading a lot of her other books you will be inundated with characters.
I also missed Gray’s POV. He breathes a freshness into the story and I would have loved a dual POV. I also think this could have made the story longer, I felt it was too short. That’s me being selfish though because I always want more Darius and Gray!
The action doesn’t happen until almost the end of the book but it is nail biting! I thought this should have been a bigger part of the story instead of all the set up we get. Seeing the guys in action is one of the better parts of this series and I wish we had more.
I liked that we get more answers about Darius. We get to know more about his sexuality and also how he feels about his boyfriend being with another couple previously. Darius, for being so strong, is very sensitive when it comes to Gray. He feels too old for him sometimes and has doubts and I really was happy we saw these thoughts from him. I also liked his reactions and insecurity because it was real, I can see many feeling this way and I love how Dee handled this.
Now we wait. This ends on a cliffhanger folks and there is only one more book left! Be prepared, I hope we get much more action and also this lovely connection and family forming between Darius, Gray and their boys. Plus maybe we’ll get some other surprises on their relationship that I’d love to personally see!
*I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review
*All thoughts and opinions are my own
I have loved this series more than I ever imagined I would. This is a series that goes way beyond the first book where we met Gray who was kidnapped to be auctioned off. Darius to me was like a dream come true, he was probably that way for Gray also. Together Gray and Darius accomplished more than ust rescuing Gray, they fought to rescue every one of the kidnapped victims that they could. It’s been a heartbreaking journey but also a journey that saved so many and built a bond between Gray and Darius like no other.
Here we are in the fourth book already and this one is all in Darius’ POV. Is it just me or is Darius one of the sexiest characters ever??? I love him! He is super protective of his knucklehead (cutest nickname!!!) and their foster sons, Jayden and Justin. Darius never wanted to settle down and would never in a million years imagine he would be a father but he is so darn good at it! I love seeing him and Gray grow as characters, it’s been a journey that Cara Dee has taken us on that is special. These guys deserve all this and more.
There is one last task Darius needs to finish before he settles down completely and that is to take out the head of the trafficking ring, Alfred Lange. He assembles a team to plan a mission in Las Vegas where Lange is holding an auction. We see many characters in this book from other Dee stories and if you’ve read these stories you will love this! I haven’t read a lot of the other stories so for me it was a bit too many characters to keep straight. It did feel also that Dee was setting up some future storylines that I wasn’t interested in but I can appreciate her for doing so. I do love the worlds she has created and that she can intersect them. It just gets confusing for me at times.
What I didn’t like about this book was I thought it dragged a bit in the beginning. It was setting up for what was to come but also just showing us everyday scenarios. I loved the instances when it was just Darius, Gray and the boys but like I said before I wasn’t as interested in other characters. That’s just me though and if you read her other books you will most likely love this. I cannot count it against the story at all but just be aware if you aren’t reading a lot of her other books you will be inundated with characters.
I also missed Gray’s POV. He breathes a freshness into the story and I would have loved a dual POV. I also think this could have made the story longer, I felt it was too short. That’s me being selfish though because I always want more Darius and Gray!
The action doesn’t happen until almost the end of the book but it is nail biting! I thought this should have been a bigger part of the story instead of all the set up we get. Seeing the guys in action is one of the better parts of this series and I wish we had more.
I liked that we get more answers about Darius. We get to know more about his sexuality and also how he feels about his boyfriend being with another couple previously. Darius, for being so strong, is very sensitive when it comes to Gray. He feels too old for him sometimes and has doubts and I really was happy we saw these thoughts from him. I also liked his reactions and insecurity because it was real, I can see many feeling this way and I love how Dee handled this.
Now we wait. This ends on a cliffhanger folks and there is only one more book left! Be prepared, I hope we get much more action and also this lovely connection and family forming between Darius, Gray and their boys. Plus maybe we’ll get some other surprises on their relationship that I’d love to personally see!
*I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review
*All thoughts and opinions are my own
July 17, 2021
4.5 Stars
I'm so happy book 5 will be out in a month because Played has one doozy of a cliffy. I'm not going to be able to give this one a proper review, right now, but I love this whole series and I can't wait to see how it all wraps up.
I'm so happy book 5 will be out in a month because Played has one doozy of a cliffy. I'm not going to be able to give this one a proper review, right now, but I love this whole series and I can't wait to see how it all wraps up.
October 8, 2025
Well played
January 16, 2023
Just from the title I suspected there was going to be some big unexpected event but I was still surprised when it happened. Review later so I can move right on to #5.
We're back to Darius's POV here. A lot of this book is preparation to takedown the trafficking group that started it all. Amongst the many characters, old and new, training and planning for the operation there are quite a few moments that really solidify Gray and Darius as a forever unit, along with Jayden and Justin, and their happiness on the mountain. The last quarter of the book ratchets up the tension, the action and leaves things on a cliffie.
We're back to Darius's POV here. A lot of this book is preparation to takedown the trafficking group that started it all. Amongst the many characters, old and new, training and planning for the operation there are quite a few moments that really solidify Gray and Darius as a forever unit, along with Jayden and Justin, and their happiness on the mountain. The last quarter of the book ratchets up the tension, the action and leaves things on a cliffie.
June 5, 2025
(3.25/5) I don't know why I'm surprised by this ending. It just had to be too good to be true after all the sunshine and rainbows in book three. There had to be something bad coming. There was just no way around it.
September 17, 2023
All I have to say is that if book 5 wasn’t out yet I would find Cara Dee and make her tell me EVERYTHING! In other words this ends with the cliffhanger from satan himself!
August 13, 2021
4 stars even tho it was Dare's POV cuz I didn't get to him losing his butt virginity! (altho he seemed to have experienced SOMETHING once... but I thought it was just the scene in the shower which doesn't count).
January 4, 2023
Whoa that ending was just mean! I’m so glad I can read the next book immediately!
This one has lots of building up and planning. Things go sideways fast and you knew you were about to get a roller coaster ride of emotions but Yikes! Was not expecting that 🫣😳😳
Gray and Darius are definitely a forever unit now. Thankfully, they ironed all that angsty relationship drama out. Discussing things like true adults. It was nice. The kids are extra adorable in this one. We still have zero background on why Justin was at that shelter though. Jayden has a spectacular birthday celebration in this book. I’m glad we got the small moments as well as the big ones. I loved this storyline BUT the ending though is why it’s 4 stars ⭐️ instead of 5.
This one has lots of building up and planning. Things go sideways fast and you knew you were about to get a roller coaster ride of emotions but Yikes! Was not expecting that 🫣😳😳
Gray and Darius are definitely a forever unit now. Thankfully, they ironed all that angsty relationship drama out. Discussing things like true adults. It was nice. The kids are extra adorable in this one. We still have zero background on why Justin was at that shelter though. Jayden has a spectacular birthday celebration in this book. I’m glad we got the small moments as well as the big ones. I loved this storyline BUT the ending though is why it’s 4 stars ⭐️ instead of 5.
July 17, 2021
So, this is one of those books in a series that is all about character building. Seeing Darius in his natural environment, him dealing with getting older, and becoming a family man. All amid the backdrop of waiting to take down the baddies.
Some people live for the mundane details here. And I mean mundane in the sense that, while the writing is still always good, not a whole lot actually happens until the end…where there’s a pretty big cliffhanger.
So was this book necessary? Um. The jury is still out for me I’m afraid. It felt very much like the calm before the storm. I skimmed parts. A lot of them. Which I don’t usually do with Cara Dee. And yes it’s always nice to see characters just living their lives. But if this were a movie it would be condensed down to several minutes of a montage in between the huge bouts of action and romance.
It was nice but not satisfying because we’re not at the end yet. So, yeah. 3 stars.
Some people live for the mundane details here. And I mean mundane in the sense that, while the writing is still always good, not a whole lot actually happens until the end…where there’s a pretty big cliffhanger.
So was this book necessary? Um. The jury is still out for me I’m afraid. It felt very much like the calm before the storm. I skimmed parts. A lot of them. Which I don’t usually do with Cara Dee. And yes it’s always nice to see characters just living their lives. But if this were a movie it would be condensed down to several minutes of a montage in between the huge bouts of action and romance.
It was nice but not satisfying because we’re not at the end yet. So, yeah. 3 stars.
January 16, 2025
Oh man.
This book was the least of my favorites in the series.
I’m torn.
I’ll see how I feel once I finish book 5, but now I’m just angry.
This book felt unnecessary to be completely honest.
I got more and more anxious the closer I got to the end of this and kept hoping things would not get wrapped up so easily. Nothing really happened here. Except the mindfucking twisted cliffhanger at the end.
To complete my thoughts, I feel like book 3 did give an option to opt out with a HFN and there was a little suspense bait at the end if you decide to continue.
Book 4 felt like a filler middle piece here; if you decide to pick the series up again maybe after a break, it continues where everything’s been left off, with generally the same atmosphere while it starts the build up slooooooooowwwwwwwly for book 5.
While this book was very short at only 180 pages, it felt somewhat dragged at parts. In comparison to book 1 at 190 pages, Auctioned was fast and action packed. I feel like Played could have been summed up in 100 pages or so tops.
Cara Dee didn’t forget to mention the number “8392” and its significance either in this book. For my whole existence I’m hoping that there’s gonna be a reveal of what it means or what significance is behind it and I don’t have to start a gofundme to buy every copy existing and then burn them. No pressure.
I hope book 5 will pick up the pace again!
I wanted to be nice and round up 2.5 stars, but then I remembered that Cara Dee decided to let us know that Daddy Darius bottomed for the first time and we only learn about it from a conversation. No open door? EXCUSE THE LIVING FUCK OUTTA ME?! Are you fucking kidding me?
This book was the least of my favorites in the series.
I’m torn.
I’ll see how I feel once I finish book 5, but now I’m just angry.
This book felt unnecessary to be completely honest.
I got more and more anxious the closer I got to the end of this and kept hoping things would not get wrapped up so easily. Nothing really happened here. Except the mindfucking twisted cliffhanger at the end.
To complete my thoughts, I feel like book 3 did give an option to opt out with a HFN and there was a little suspense bait at the end if you decide to continue.
Book 4 felt like a filler middle piece here; if you decide to pick the series up again maybe after a break, it continues where everything’s been left off, with generally the same atmosphere while it starts the build up slooooooooowwwwwwwly for book 5.
While this book was very short at only 180 pages, it felt somewhat dragged at parts. In comparison to book 1 at 190 pages, Auctioned was fast and action packed. I feel like Played could have been summed up in 100 pages or so tops.
Cara Dee didn’t forget to mention the number “8392” and its significance either in this book. For my whole existence I’m hoping that there’s gonna be a reveal of what it means or what significance is behind it and I don’t have to start a gofundme to buy every copy existing and then burn them. No pressure.
I hope book 5 will pick up the pace again!
I wanted to be nice and round up 2.5 stars, but then I remembered that Cara Dee decided to let us know that Daddy Darius bottomed for the first time and we only learn about it from a conversation. No open door? EXCUSE THE LIVING FUCK OUTTA ME?! Are you fucking kidding me?
July 15, 2021
This book is a continuation of the Auctioned story and follows Gray and Darius now that they are moving on with their lives. They are now making a life for themselves living somewhat off the grid and adjusting to life as fathers of foster sons Justin and Jayden. Before they can fully sit back and enjoy life, they need to take out the head of the trafficking ring, Alfred, and they will soon be in position to do so.
So, with the help of many of Dare's friends, his brother, Ryan, and sister, Willow, aka Squeaky, along with a few from some of Ms. Dee's other stories, such as Casey and Boone from the Job, of which this story slightly overlaps, the Tenley Twins from the Game series and a few others, the plan is set in motion.
For me, this story dragged on a bit in the beginning with what seemed like idle chit chat that didn't add much to the overall story. I found myself wanting to skip ahead to get to the real meat of things. I also felt like I missed a bit, such as when Gray became so comfortable being around family and friends again when that was one of his major hurdles after being rescued. And while I know some people find it cute and sweet, the use of the Knucklehead nickname was a bit overdone for me.
That being said, once the raid was underway in the last 20% of the story, I was on the edge of my seat and things happened very quickly. Now I felt like we were back into the Cara Dee story I was missing. Not only did things happen fast, but there were twists from out of nowhere, followed by a whopper of a cliffy. I loved seeing the other characters again, and I'm dying to see how the rest of this series plays out. Hopefully, Ms. Dee doesn't make us wait too long to find out.
Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.
July 18, 2021
4 stars from me. This is a 'calm before the storm' story so not a lot actually happens...as the takedown of AJ Lange's trafficking empire has only just begun by the end of the story. Yes, the word treachery does loom large over the whole covert operation as someone amongst Dare's former military colleagues is NOT who they thought he/she was, and has given away their plans. Did we need this one separate from book 5?? Not sure really, maybe not.
Loved Dare and Gray's interactions with Jayden and Justin, and catching up with some of the other characters, including River and Reese from Breathless. Does everyone from the botched op make it out alive? No idea, but the finale Finished is out next month...bites nails nervously.
Loved Dare and Gray's interactions with Jayden and Justin, and catching up with some of the other characters, including River and Reese from Breathless. Does everyone from the botched op make it out alive? No idea, but the finale Finished is out next month...bites nails nervously.
July 15, 2021
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
Played is the latest book in Cara Dee’s Auctioned series. The series is best enjoyed being read in order and this review will naturally reveal plot points for the series in general.
It was great to connect again with Darius and Gray at home and their time together as a couple and as a family is what this book does best. I so enjoy these guys as a couple and seeing them settled and building a domestic life is a highlight. They have two boys now that they are fostering to adopt, and Darius finds the entire experience more rewarding than he thought possible. Darius, who has always been more solitary, now looks forward to his days as a family.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
Played is the latest book in Cara Dee’s Auctioned series. The series is best enjoyed being read in order and this review will naturally reveal plot points for the series in general.
It was great to connect again with Darius and Gray at home and their time together as a couple and as a family is what this book does best. I so enjoy these guys as a couple and seeing them settled and building a domestic life is a highlight. They have two boys now that they are fostering to adopt, and Darius finds the entire experience more rewarding than he thought possible. Darius, who has always been more solitary, now looks forward to his days as a family.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
April 27, 2023
3.5 stars
Somewhat scattered but a good instalment which builds on the relationships and action of the previous books in the Auctioned series.
This review contains mild spoilers for books 1, 2 and 3 of the Auctioned series
CW:
Representation: 40+ MC, neurodivergent side characters
The pacing of this one was a bit weird, and I think it should have been combined with the next book which is only 130 pages long. I think the only reason it wasn't done is because the author wanted to shift back to Gray's perspective but...you can do that in the same book.
Overall though, it had relationship development, family moments and fun action scenes. I enjoyed , but didn't like the cliffhanger.
The good
~ Darius surprising Gray with fake meet-cutes because Gray was disappointed they didn't get to start their relationship like a regular couple
~ super cute family time (and I don't even like kids in fiction!)
~ Gray and Darius are so supportive of each other - we've moved well beyond initially one-sided hurt/comfort bond
~ Darius asks a friend for advice
~ revenge
The less good
~ personal pet-peeve trope
~ cliffhanger - this book should have been merged with the next one
~ scattered plot
Sexual content: Explicit but infrequent.
◆◆◆◈◇ - Auctioned
◆◆◆◆◈ - Stranded
◆◆◆◆◆ - Deserted
◆◆◆◈◇ - Played
◆◆◆◈◇ - Finished
◇◇◇◇◇ - Prepared
Somewhat scattered but a good instalment which builds on the relationships and action of the previous books in the Auctioned series.
This review contains mild spoilers for books 1, 2 and 3 of the Auctioned series
CW:
Representation: 40+ MC, neurodivergent side characters
The pacing of this one was a bit weird, and I think it should have been combined with the next book which is only 130 pages long. I think the only reason it wasn't done is because the author wanted to shift back to Gray's perspective but...you can do that in the same book.
Overall though, it had relationship development, family moments and fun action scenes. I enjoyed , but didn't like the cliffhanger.
The good
~ Darius surprising Gray with fake meet-cutes because Gray was disappointed they didn't get to start their relationship like a regular couple
~ super cute family time (and I don't even like kids in fiction!)
~ Gray and Darius are so supportive of each other - we've moved well beyond initially one-sided hurt/comfort bond
~ Darius asks a friend for advice
~ revenge
The less good
~ personal pet-peeve trope
~ cliffhanger - this book should have been merged with the next one
~ scattered plot
Sexual content: Explicit but infrequent.
◆◆◆◈◇ - Auctioned
◆◆◆◆◈ - Stranded
◆◆◆◆◆ - Deserted
◆◆◆◈◇ - Played
◆◆◆◈◇ - Finished
◇◇◇◇◇ - Prepared
July 13, 2021
OMFG Cara!! Brilliant 👍💜🙃😯😲😱💯
No spoilers so this is my review!!
No spoilers so this is my review!!
October 14, 2021
Woaww! What a plot twist! 😱😱
And finished with a clifhanger!!!
So prepare yourself to see familiar faces from other series, new characters, combat training, planning, betrayal, bloodshed, bbq parties, family time and whatnot...
And finished with a clifhanger!!!
So prepare yourself to see familiar faces from other series, new characters, combat training, planning, betrayal, bloodshed, bbq parties, family time and whatnot...
March 9, 2023
4⭐️ Such an action-packed series. I love Darius and Gray and all their interactions together. The plot is smart and exciting.
September 11, 2021
This one was sort of like a mix of calm before the storm and bulding up to the tension.
Honestly, the gathering up a team and staying together part reminded me of Breaking Dawn part 1 and I actually enjoyed it for that. I also liked the life Darius and Gray built together, they’re really sweet together but still have their real relationship struggles to balance.
I do agree with other reviews that this one could be combined with the next book though. It ended right at the peak so the first and second parts of the book had a significant difference in pacing in my opinion. I’m glad I waited for the series to conclude before starting, I’ll say that. That ending was really frustrating. I also felt like Gray took a backseat in this one so I hope that’s fixed in the last book.
I’m still enjoying the series but this one was just okay in my opinion.
Honestly, the gathering up a team and staying together part reminded me of Breaking Dawn part 1 and I actually enjoyed it for that. I also liked the life Darius and Gray built together, they’re really sweet together but still have their real relationship struggles to balance.
I do agree with other reviews that this one could be combined with the next book though. It ended right at the peak so the first and second parts of the book had a significant difference in pacing in my opinion. I’m glad I waited for the series to conclude before starting, I’ll say that. That ending was really frustrating. I also felt like Gray took a backseat in this one so I hope that’s fixed in the last book.
I’m still enjoying the series but this one was just okay in my opinion.
January 16, 2023
3.75 out of 5 ☆’s.
“Determination, focus, assertiveness—and just a pinch of fear that he kept hidden from the world. A fear that never let him forget that this might be the assignment that sent him home in a body bag.”
ੈ✩‧₊˚
I would like to preface this review by reminding everyone to please do some research on this novel — and ensure that you read up on all of its trigger warnings — before beginning it.
Being a responsible reader and protecting your mental health should always be a priority. ♡
ੈ✩‧₊˚
Gosh — that ending!! 😩
I am soo happy that I get to be back with these characters again! I love the little family that Darius + Gray have built for themselves & I missed them dearly when I was reading ”The Job”.
ੈ✩‧₊˚
While I did enjoy ”Played” overall — I love when I get to see domestic couple content in novels — I do wish that there would’ve been a bit more build up plot-wise for the twist that happens at the end…
ੈ✩‧₊˚
I’m glad that I read ”The Job” before ”Played”, because now I know that Darius is going to be a-ok. ♡
“Determination, focus, assertiveness—and just a pinch of fear that he kept hidden from the world. A fear that never let him forget that this might be the assignment that sent him home in a body bag.”
ੈ✩‧₊˚
I would like to preface this review by reminding everyone to please do some research on this novel — and ensure that you read up on all of its trigger warnings — before beginning it.
Being a responsible reader and protecting your mental health should always be a priority. ♡
ੈ✩‧₊˚
Gosh — that ending!! 😩
I am soo happy that I get to be back with these characters again! I love the little family that Darius + Gray have built for themselves & I missed them dearly when I was reading ”The Job”.
ੈ✩‧₊˚
While I did enjoy ”Played” overall — I love when I get to see domestic couple content in novels — I do wish that there would’ve been a bit more build up plot-wise for the twist that happens at the end…
ੈ✩‧₊˚
I’m glad that I read ”The Job” before ”Played”, because now I know that Darius is going to be a-ok. ♡
August 7, 2021
I can't praise Cara Dee enough, she's one of my favorite writers, and Auctioned is one of her most pivotal works.
Gray and Darius just keep growing as a couple. You've got their found family.
This book was so good, but it's a major cliffhanger for the last book, which thankfully is already on the way.
I'm going to be so sad when this series ends. As with most Cara Dee books, things can get rough. This series deals with the topic of human trafficking. If you're on book four, hopefully, you're aware of that, but for those of you just looking into the series,
I really need my book five HEA.
5/5 Would read again and will buy the physical books.
Gray and Darius just keep growing as a couple. You've got their found family.
This book was so good, but it's a major cliffhanger for the last book, which thankfully is already on the way.
I'm going to be so sad when this series ends. As with most Cara Dee books, things can get rough. This series deals with the topic of human trafficking. If you're on book four, hopefully, you're aware of that, but for those of you just looking into the series,
I really need my book five HEA.
5/5 Would read again and will buy the physical books.
June 20, 2025
4.25 ✨
I want to SCREAM! Why would you put a spoiler in the title of a book???????? I’m so angry right now. The book itself was good, but the twist was IN THE TITLE!!! UGH. Relationship stuff was cute, loved the Tenley cameos, fun mix of military and domestic vibes, but I just cannot get over the fact that I couldn’t fully enjoy the book because the TITLE told me what was going to happen at the end. UGH!
I want to SCREAM! Why would you put a spoiler in the title of a book???????? I’m so angry right now. The book itself was good, but the twist was IN THE TITLE!!! UGH. Relationship stuff was cute, loved the Tenley cameos, fun mix of military and domestic vibes, but I just cannot get over the fact that I couldn’t fully enjoy the book because the TITLE told me what was going to happen at the end. UGH!
July 30, 2021
CARA DEE HOW DARE YOU END IT LIKE THAT
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