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Arcane Falls #2

The Highest Bidder

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When 21-year-old Roman Falsten, a cocky college hockey god, is disowned after blowing through a sizable inheritance, he recklessly auctions off his virgin ass to the highest bidder, hoping it will piss off his dad. Except once he's in, he can't extract himself, and too little too late, Rome realizes that his rash decision not only has the potential to ruin his relationship with his entire family, but he's liable to lose the person he loves most, his oldest brother Francis.

At 31, Francis is the stoic Falsten brother. He runs his father's empire, he ensures his brothers stay out of trouble, and above all, he maintains absolute control over his emotions. Except his youngest brother happens to be his one weakness. He's always loved Rome more than what he considers healthy. However, with the upcoming sex auction, Francis runs out of options, especially when others seem interested in getting a taste of his brother. As the bids climb higher and higher, a decision must be made, even if it means crossing a line Francis swore he'd never cross.

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Published June 27, 2025

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Kaitlyn Ash

6 books30 followers

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5 stars
55 (47%)
4 stars
37 (32%)
3 stars
19 (16%)
2 stars
2 (1%)
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2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for Misty.
226 reviews12 followers
June 27, 2025
Arcane Falls Has Me in a Chokehold!

I have been dying to get back to Arcane Falls, a quaint town where anything goes, a town where secrets simmer beneath the surface and love doesn’t play by societal rules. I am absolutely obsessed with this town!

The Highest Bidder centers around the Falstens, a tight knit family led by the imposing Daddy Falsten and his four grown sons, Francis, the twins Jacob and Leo, and the baby of the bunch, Roman.

When Roman ends up broke and in trouble, Daddy Falsten decides it’s time he learns a lesson and forbids the other brothers from bailing him out. Roman’s solution? Sign up for the annual flesh auction. Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like and no, I could not look away. It was so freaking hot!

I loved everything about this book and I can’t wait for Jacob and Leo to get their own book and I have my fingers crossed that Francis and Roman play a big part in it!

If tab00, boundary pushing stories aren't for you, consider this your warning. But if you're here for messy, forbidden, scorching-hot family drama with real emotional undercurrents, buckle up. This ride is wild. Kaitlyn never fails to deliver the unexpecte, and as much as I loved Stalk Me, The Highest Bidder is even better!
Profile Image for Kat_MM_Reader.
181 reviews16 followers
July 8, 2025
I’m so sad I didn’t like this one. I hate that we didn’t get any heat until 80% in and then there were only 3 scenes after this and less than 80 pages of them being together. The first 80% dragged on and on and because of this I didn’t feel their connection. If this wasn’t a slow burn, I think I would have loved it. I am excited for the next 2 books. I was hoping the twins would make an appearance at the end and watch them together.
Profile Image for Caia.
328 reviews11 followers
June 18, 2025
This was one of the best books I've had the pleasure to read in 2025!

Full review to come, still have to collect all my words.
Profile Image for M's ☆~HEA~☆.
1,350 reviews58 followers
July 8, 2025
I had to stew on this for awhile before I came up with a response to reading it. First, let me mention this book commits one of my 7 Deadly Book Sins and adds a dynamic to an existing relationship. The triad from book 1 appear in this book and begin setting up a gang-bang situation with Roman. It is not followed through with in this book but there is mention at the end of the book that the MCs from HB are open to playing with others together. And it is stated that the triad from the first book will appear in the future book. I do not want to see any established couples that are not already in that dynamic enter into situations such as those. It will literally ruin the couple/throuple for me. I didn't realize that "incest town" was synonymous with "fuck everyone" town so if this is going to be a free-for-all I'm going to have to pass on the next book. Yes, this is a me problem but this is my review.
“When I’m around him, the feelings in my chest scare the shit out of me. They feel too big and out of control, but at the same time, Rome’s the only person who can make me feel that way.”“What way?”“Alive,” I blurted.
This would have been sweet as hell if all the "sharing" talk didn't cloud my enjoyment. We even go so far as older bro giving consent to baby bro to hook up with others when he's on the road with his team. This does not happen in the book, but it comes up more than once. I mean you're already screwing your own brother what more could you want, right? So dumb.
I turned my blindfolded face in the direction of Leo’s voice and grinned at him. “Thanks Leo.” A soft hand cupped my jaw. “We got you, baby brother.” That was Jacob’s voice. “You’re doing great.” It was a surreal experience to have one brother protect me, while another brother cupped my face affectionately, while my oldest brother’s face was buried in my ass.
So this was a s-l-o-w burn but I enjoy those. I found the brothers' dick pick group chat hilarious and fun. I liked how the story wasn't exactly predictable and the auction happened differently than I imagined. I enjoyed the descriptions of the MCs, especially baby bro, I love that he was a hot hockey player. The twins' involvement with the sex at the auction and subsequently wanting to watch their brothers have sex was fine. Kinda hot kinda not. I'd rather keep it in the family if you're going to add others for sure.

Why am I giving it 4 stars even though I mostly complained? Because it's well-written and I'm aware that a lot of MM erotica readers don't have the same hang-ups as I do about sharing etc and I do think it's a good story.
Profile Image for bookishandferal.
86 reviews6 followers
June 27, 2025
The Highest Bidder is the second novel set in the Arcane Falls universe, where getting a little zesty with your family members is just another Tuesday. Roman Falsten is a hockey playing college party boy who squandered his inheritance. When his dad shuns him, Roman decides to auction off his v!rginity to the highest bidder in a secret flesh auction. Roman’s oldest brother Francis has always been there for him and refuses to abandon his baby brother in his time of need. Except this time, boundaries are pushed and lines are crossed…

I love reading taboo romance and always struggle to find taboo books that are more than just pure smut. Kaitlyn Ash delivers taboo spicy yumminess with plot again in The Highest Bidder. I already can’t wait for her next Arcane Falls novel!
Profile Image for dahlia.
70 reviews
July 6, 2025
this book was labeled as slowburn romance. however, you can't build a slowburn romance in a span of week. sure, francis was having almost three years of secret fantasies with his brother, however in the present time, i didn't see any build up about them. and if we're talking about Roman, he felt desires toward his brothers yet the emotional build up wasn't there. and that present time from before and during the auction only last for a week. just because the sex and the happy ending hit the past 50% mark it doesn't mean it's a slowburn romance. lastly, their chemistry seems dragging. i'm already past half of this book and i still can't find their chemistry.

i am also intrigued between Max and Bash.
Profile Image for Rae_Reads.
136 reviews7 followers
June 23, 2025
Kaitlyn takes us back to Arcane Falls where a little bit of love within the family is something that's accepted and celebrated. This story dives into the lives of two brothers—Francis and Roman—whose contrasting personalities make their dynamic all the more compelling.

Francis, the eldest, is the epitome of control and composure. He’s responsible, reserved, and always seems to have everything together. But beneath that polished exterior lies a heart full of longing and conflict, especially when it comes to his youngest brother, Roman.

Roman is a whirlwind of energy and chaos—a rising hockey star with a rebellious streak and a carefree attitude. His impulsive nature often lands him in trouble, but it’s clear that his actions stem from a place of innocence and a lack of understanding rather than malice

When Roman pushes things too far and burns through his entire four-million-dollar inheritance, his father draws a hard line—cutting him off financially, evicting him from his apartment, and ordering his brothers to stay out of it. Roman then makes another impulsive decision to earn some quick cash by selling his body to the highest bidder. Unfortunately for him, his father's enemies see the auction as an opportunity to hurt and embarrass him, rather than enjoy Roman's body.

When Francis finds out what Roman has signed up for he's devastated. Not only does he not want Roman hurt, but also the thought of anyone else touching him, especially his first time with another man, breaks Francis' heart. He quickly jumps into problem solving mode and looks for a way to stop the auction but as time goes on he realizes it's useless and he's going to be forced to watch as someone else has their way with the person he loves.

Their relationship is tender and beautifully written. Francis’s quiet devotion to Roman is heart-wrenching, and Roman’s gradual realization of his own feelings adds a layer of emotional intensity that builds throughout the book. The slow burn is incredibly satisfying, and when the emotional walls finally come down, it’s nothing short of electric.

Beyond the main characters, the book also shines with its vibrant cast of side characters and a strong sense of continuity with the rest of the Arcane Falls series. I especially enjoyed the cameo appearances from Jared, Aiden, and Keller, offering a glimpse into their lives after Stalk Me.

I absolutely loved this story and would definitely recommend! I can't wait to see what Kaitlyn writes next.

Vibes:
Taboo
Brothers
Sex auction
Queer-awakening
First times
Pining
Slow burn
Age gap
Voyeurism

Rating: 5⭐️
Spice: 2.5🌶
Profile Image for Lana.
203 reviews8 followers
June 16, 2025
🌶️💜 The Highest Bidder 💜🌶️

I’ve been counting down the days until this beauty landed in my hands—and let me tell you, it DELIVERED 😮‍💨 I first fell in love with Arcane Falls in Stalk Me—a town where taboo isn’t just accepted, it’s the norm 😏 And The Highest Bidder takes us right back into the heart of it, peeling back even more delicious, twisted layers of this secretive little town. I was HOOKED from page one and devoured it like my life depended on it 💀

This time, we meet the Falsten family and oh my GOD—what a bunch 😍 I fell hard for all four brothers, but Roman?? That chaotic, gremlin little disaster?? Obsessed doesn’t even cover it. His life gets turned upside down when Daddy Falsten (who I swear I didn’t like at first, but now kinda love??) takes everything away after Roman blows through his inheritance 💸

Enter big bro Franny—Francis if we’re being proper—the ever-composed, in-control, always-responsible oldest brother. Who still can’t help but swoop in and save Rome, even when Daddy Falsten says no 😏

The twins? UNHINGED. I was cackling every time they showed up. Kaitlyn, I am BEGGING you to give us more of them (👀 with each other, maybe??). And don’t even get me started on the family group chats—they had me in stitches 😂 And Roman’s ✨pics✨?? IYKYK and I am not okay 😳😂

What makes this book stand out is the SLOW BURN
Like seriously, grab a fan and hydrate—this is tension with a capital T. The chemistry between Rome and Franny?? Off. The. Charts. And when the spice finally hits? WHEW. I had to pause and just breathe. But it’s not just heat—the tenderness and emotional pull between them? Just as addictive 💕

This full-length format is EVERYTHING. It gives Kaitlyn’s taboo world the space is deserves to breathe and grow, and I need so much more. The pacing, the tension, the family chaos, the world-building?? Flawless. I could’ve read 300 more pages of Rome and Franny with zero complaints.

Arcane Falls owns my soul at this point. If you're into taboo, family dynamics and tension, chaotic boys with too much charm and zero chill, and a slow burn that aches—this one’s for you 🔥

*I received a complimentary copy of this book but this is my honest and voluntary review!*
Profile Image for Rachel Emily.
4,472 reviews380 followers
July 2, 2025
Well I think I have a brand new favorite taboo book yall!

I loved the first book from Kaitlyn Ash and this one is even better! It has a delicious slow burn to it, and a sizzling build up to these two finally admitting things and being together.

I adore the premise of this - Roman has squandered away his inheritance, so he enters into a flesh auction for his last virginity to try and pay his father back. I loved Roman - OK, he's brash and young and gets knocked down a few when this happens, but I adore his personality. I LOL-ed at his texts with his brothers. Then we have Francis, the oldest brother of the family and the one who Roman is the closest with. He's stern, seemingly set in his ways, and totally gone for his brother lol. These two!!

This book and series is set in a fictional town where taboo relationships are welcome and known about, but Francis still resists his feelings. I love the tension and build up to how things would play out at the auction. And when things finally do? BOOM. Kaitlyn wrote this so, so well!

Now I'm trying to figure out about their twin brothers (there's gotta be something there) and at first I was thinking it was with their dad, but now I'm wondering if the hockey coach isn't their dad's brother or something, and something is going on there. Basically - I want to know about everyone in this whole town LOL.

And not gonna lie, I could totally read more about these two and their ways. I did not want this story to end.

I cannot wait for more from this taboo author. Their stories are on smashwords! And I got this copy from their Itchio site and it included a scene of artwork!
Profile Image for Ashley Rose Dead.inside_but_reads.
171 reviews26 followers
June 30, 2025
This is a Tab00 story with 🩸 Brothers so if that's not your thing I suggest you skip this one.....and if it is...😈
This one isn't super dark but there are some heavy topics so check the CWs before heading in.

🌶🌶🌶

Roman is your quintessential rich party boy. Except he has pushed his father to far and Daddy isn't a push over so what does he do...he straight up cuts Roman off from everything leaving him homeless and even tells Roman's Brothers to not help him. This is hardest for Francis the oldest brother who has taken care of Roman since their mothers passing. These last few years though Francis wants to do more then just take care of Roman in a big brother way 😉
Roman comes up with this amazing (horrible) plan to sell off his 🍑 in a flesh auction...yes you read that right. Again though Daddy isn't a push over so he says FAFO and gives Roman the green light so to speak 🫣 putting Francis in a terrible predicament...let Roman be auctioned off to the highest bidder...or step in...
The Hurt/Comfort with this one and Caretaking were just on point 👌🏻 The auction is obviously a focal point in the plot here but the underlying plot where Roman's eyes are slowly being opened to the world around him and he is learning his lesson as well as gaining a drive to help people was just amazing. Did crazy Uncle Rick do that on purpose?! Is he not so crazy after all?? 🤣🤣 The lamp says otherwise but I'm going with crazy Uncle Rick is actually Sly Uncle Rick!
Profile Image for annas.bookcase.
415 reviews8 followers
June 25, 2025
This is MM taboo romance with brocest, age gap, secret pining, slow burn and a sęx auction. This book is part of the Arcane Falls series and while it can be read as a standalone, there are some familiar characters who make an appearance in this one.

“There was no winning when you were in love with your brother.”

“I thought I sold my soul to the highest bidder for four million dollars. Instead, I lost my heart to my soulmate when my oldest brother offered me unconditional love.”

Roman is the youngest of the Falsten brothers and when he finds himself cut off after blowing through his inheritance, he ends up signing up for the flesh auction in a ploy to force his fathers hand in order to save their family the embarrassment. Only when his plan backfires Roman is left to deal with the consequences of his decisions and the very real fate of his vírgìnity up for sale to the highest bidder. Francis is the oldest and tends to be the one cleaning up after Roman’s messes. And even though he’s been ordered not to help him, he finds it even more difficult to say no to Roman. Especially as he struggles with the not so brotherly feelings he’s been harbouring for his little brother.






annas.bookcase
Profile Image for Alex.
56 reviews2 followers
November 19, 2025
Warning: Taboo story with 🩸relations - so if that's not your thing, you should probably skip this one…but if it is? Still check the CWs to protect yourself, there are some heavy topics. 🩵

I love reading a good taboo romance. But sometimes, I struggle to find taboo books that are more than just pure smut. When it comes to Kaitlyn Ash, she always delivers on the taboo spicy deliciousness while throwing in a great plot. 😍 I already can't wait for the next Arcane Falls novel/novella!

The MMCs relationship a whole, is portrayed beautifully. Francis’s quiet devotion to Roman is deeply moving, and Roman’s gradual realization of his own feelings adds an emotional depth that intensifies throughout the book. The SLOW-burn narrative was incredibly satisfying, and when the emotional barriers finally crumbled, the emotional impact was nothing short of electrifying.

Beyond the main characters, the book truly shines with its vibrant cast of side characters and maintains a strong sense of continuity with the rest of the Arcane Falls series.
Profile Image for JuQuinthe Norman.
36 reviews5 followers
June 28, 2025
The Highest Bidder is the 2nd book I have read from Kaitlyn Ash.

This is a great slow burn book. The chemistry between Roman and Francis is so good. I loved the world building.

I enjoyed the characters' back story and the build-up to the auction.

Francis tried so hard to keep his romantic feelings for Roman at bay.

However, Francis didn't stand against Roman's charms and the sizzling chemistry between. The twins and their dad were awesome.

I love that once Roman and Francis finally were able to be together and have spicy times alone together, not in front of others at the auction. Francis was able to let get go and not be perfect and just enjoy himself and being with Roman the man he loves. The spicy scenes between them are sizzling. Hot damn! 🔥

I'm excited for, book 3 in the Arcane Falls series.

I received an ARC of this book. This is my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Fae.
144 reviews10 followers
June 30, 2025
4.5 ⭐
🌶️🌶️.5
This is one hell of a slow burn, but it honestly fits the story so well. The book spans only a week, I think, but you feel the years of quiet yearning between the two MMC's. Once again, Kaitlyn wrote a beautiful story of 2 people who have known each other all their lives, and realise the true depth of their feelings for each other. I was already hooked on her books after 'Stalk me', and after this she solidified her 'favourite author' status with me 🫶🏻
I also looove a 'surprise dynamic', and this was just oomph 🤌🏻 So good.
I absolutely LOVED the dynamic of the Falsten family, I maaaybe hope for a seperate story about the twins, but we'll see 😏
Profile Image for Miruru Shouting.
1,041 reviews2 followers
June 30, 2025
Kaitlyn Ash delivering the 10/10 plot and smut, as always, but I didn't expect the extra side of depth with the feels! That redemption and grow-up moment for carefree Rome to mature and know what it's like on the other side of the tracks, taking after his mother.

Roman's oldest brother, Francis, has the patience of a saint (hence his nickname Saint Francis) and has always doted on his youngest brother. The twins in the middle are hilarious when responding to Roman sending dick pics in the family group chat lol. This had all the tropes and kinks I love, AND it's low-angst so there's no ugly mean words being exchanged about the type of relationship they have.

And the number of pages! THIS is why I'm so glad and happy the author decided to put out full-length books for taboo. All the words to encompass the characters backstories, their growth, the discovery and struggle of these taboo feelings, the hot hot hot smex scenes and possessiveness, the magic of Arcane Falls and their families.

I can't wait for more books in this series. A baby author but a one-click author for sure!
Profile Image for Tash.
107 reviews2 followers
June 30, 2025
5 ⭐ You know it's a winner when you have to stop reading, hide your face and scream (multiple times lol)

I've fallen in love with this series omg, I need moooore

Book 2 is definitely heavier on the romance & plot and I adored it

Loved the brothers antics, died laughing (the twins creeping outside the door - adorable lil pervs)

Franny X Rome's sexual dynamic was perfect - again, I need more
Plus Jared's lil invite...umm I need to read this IMMEDIATELY

Characters 5/5
Plot 5/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Reading frenzy 5/5
Profile Image for Seraphina Reads.
455 reviews18 followers
July 17, 2025
The Highest Bidder
An Arcane Falls Special Edition
Kaitlyn Ash

Roman and Francis
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶

S3x auction
Voyeurism / Public S3x
Slow burn
Age gap
“Fvck it” vibes

Well this was top notch

This is the second book I have read from Kaitlyn Ash

This was delicious lol. SO fun and spicy

I loved the pining

I loved how we got to see a bit of Jared, Aiden and Kellan. Loved how Aiden was so possessive lol

Once the spice, spiced, it was so hot, sheesh! 🫠

And Roman giving Franny what he needed was everything 🥵

Also the twins, ohhh did i ever want to see something front hem lol

I kinda lives for these books by Kaitlyn Ash

Total guilty please

Fantastic book!

Can’t wait for the others to come
Profile Image for Hailee Flaherty.
192 reviews6 followers
November 26, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5

- MM
- Taboo
- Auction
- Irresponsible party boy/high strung control freak
- Age gap (21 & 31)
- Countless 🍆 pics
- Blindfolded
- Exhibitionism
- Slow burn
- Full penetration isn’t until 82% in

Kind of insane we don’t see the two main characters actually hook up in the first 80% of the book, but we get some good tension and build up scenes.

I loved the storyline about the charity and group home, I am really glad Rome learned his lesson in his own and didn’t fully rely on Francis.

Overall this book was super hot. Can’t wait to read more of the Arcane Falls universe!
92 reviews
June 29, 2025
A pretty good book. In my opinion, what's a drawback is that the slow burn is too slow. It even gets a little boring at times. You want the auction to start right away.
But it's true that once things get good, they get really good.
Looking forward to reading more about this town, and hopefully about the twins. I'll really skip the book about Steph and her brother. I don't like F/M literature at all.
Profile Image for Rana.
101 reviews2 followers
September 29, 2025
This book is so entertaining and well written. Despite the taboo matter, there is actual character development and it's not smut!

I only took one star down because after the auction takes place, which is only somewhat at the end of the book, at around 75% (and this isn't a spoiler because right at the beginning the author tells you it's a slow burn book), not much happens, it's just really long, romantic sex scenes.
11 reviews
November 3, 2025
I honestly didn’t know what to expect.. I mostly read MM but I recently started reading taboo MM.
I was really pulled into the book, I didn’t hate the dad because i agreed, you spend that much? It’s time to learn a lesson!
I was so sucked into to all the characters..
I need the dad’s book with maybe the coach because I felt the heat!!
The TWINS!? I was hoping they joined in but oh well.
Also, jasper and like maybe his grumpy weirdo uncle?

I seriously need them all! Like tomorrow!!!
Profile Image for He11zbelles.
977 reviews2 followers
September 2, 2025
Loving this world in Arcane Falls. I’ve read all the books in this series and love it. I enjoy the author’s writing style. Her way of writing taboo is more romantic and not so icky. Yes there’s spice but dare I say it’s done more respectably? Lol. What I’m saying is there’s smut and there’s heart and Kaitlyn knows how to blend the two seamlessly.
Profile Image for Yvette.
11 reviews
January 11, 2026
I finished this book over the holidays and I’m still thinking about Rome and Franny’s relationship, and how far they’re both willing to go for each other. This is definitely a spicy read and not for everyone so check your triggers.
20 reviews
June 28, 2025
another spicy masterpiece! yes it's taboo but it's 🌶🌶🔥 cant wait to read more of kaitlyns books
Profile Image for Jen Bocskor.
166 reviews1 follower
July 2, 2025
Really hot! I love a good brother lover book, and the added auction element made it much better and romantic in a possessive way, which is hot! I hope the twins get a book, even just a novella!
25 reviews
July 3, 2025
🔥🔥🔥

Holy hell. I have been looking for a book that combined actual plot with smut and was taboo. This book was so good. there was actual character growth. I can not wait for more from this family!
Profile Image for Desmond Rogers.
29 reviews
January 9, 2026
Yes this was delicious. I want more. This book was a journey and I was caught up in it every step of the way. I did not want to stop reading I’m hoping for more with the boys in this book.
Profile Image for Ashley.
255 reviews18 followers
June 27, 2025

Here is the thing I hate to even write that this book it Taboo, because I feel like it will turn people away. I know we all have triggers and limits but this book is so much more than the fact that it’s kinky and weird that two brothers fall in love. There I said it yes two brothers fall in love, it’s sweet, it’s a slow progression, and the love and acceptance they get from each other is top notch! Kaitlyn Ashley has the best way of weaving in silly with serious, and filthy and romantic. I’ve come to really love her writing. It’s so fun to get a full taboo novel, where there is an actually well written plot and very slow burn. The angst was built up for poor Franny who tried to fight his desires for his youngest brother. Rome oh innocent puppy dog Rome so clueless, strangely selfless, just so young. I could go on and on about this series. Arcane Falls is one of my favorite places to escape to and I can not wait for book 3!
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