Number 15 Auction Participant: Neena: The Auction

by Nola Black

Navy is a young man with a plan. With hopes to become a world-renowned chef, he works in his family's fine dining establishment while working to gain his culinary degree. Family is important to him with him learning all his cooking skills from his late mother. His mother leaves him with a lasting piece of advice that he takes heed to in all his relationships. He meets Neena in his family’s restaurant and is instantly struck with need.

Neena is a successful marketing manager at her family’s marketing firm. She hasn’t had much luck in the love department especially with her most recent attempt with online dating. While she has a strong supportive bond with her father, her relationship with her mother is one of great strain. When she meets Navy, the attraction is evident but she frowns at his age.

Fate has a way of proving to us what is meant to be. Neena and Navy come together at The Velvet Veil. An exclusive auction where the elite masquerade and the highest bidders earn a bride. Will Navy win the bid for not only Neena’s hand in marriage but also her heart? Find out who claims participant number 15.

68 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 5, 2026

Reviews

[Key · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this !!!

This was really good short and quick read. Navy got his woman baby and he was definitely worth waiting for lol. Don’t let age fool you ya, this is the love and happiness Neena needed in her life.

[Janmarie Boutte · Rating 5 out of 5]

The YN for the win

Neena isn’t willing to give Navy a chance due to his age. Jokes on her cause Navy isn’t giving up. Read their story and you won’t be disappointed

[Author Jen Elle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gushing

Aww, I loved this so much. I thought I was gonna have to go upside Neena had at first behind Navy but she quickly got some act right. I loved Navy. How he went about Neena. How he interacted with his family. I loved it all. I also loved Neena and her relationship with Jaye. This was a really great story and loved how it turned out in the end.

[SumFire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Navy and Neena' story was cute. She curbed them because he was a little young, and he ended up purchasing her as his bride.

Turns out our young 👨🏾‍🍳 was harboring a bigger secret because not only was he loaded, he was a virgin.

Ladies be careful who you're curbing, cause you never know what tomorrow holds 🤷🏾‍♀️

Up next: Participant Number 44: Amara & Sincere

[Halimah Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucked up

Navy wasn't playing when he said he was going to get his woman he got lucky at the auction but she ended up lucky to receive a special gift that no other woman have received before and that Lloyd child he just don't listen like let it go the girl said you been blocked why keep on pushing it he scared now huh lol

[Nuski Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been on an arranged marriage trope kick lately and I knew from the opening encounter I was going to wish this book was longer than 68 pages. Nola Black you got it girl. You packed just enough in so little time that’s the only way I can describe it. I’ll be waiting on participant 44: Amara & Sincere 🙈

[markela reviewed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!!!

Nice job Nola Black! I loved the age gap on this story! Navy was perfect for Neena!!! ❤️ Definitely recommend the velvet veil auction project! 🔥🔥🔥

[Taija Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Master Chef!!!

Unconventional but destined!! YNs up one 😩🙄🤣🤣 but i loved their story. So much growth in so little time. Family acceptance and open minds. So cute!!

[Phoenix]

Good Read

I really enjoyed this short novella. Age gap is nothing but a number and Navy prove that! It was a nice romantic book, looking forward to more release from this author.

[SunShine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute 🥰 Read

This was a cute good story. It had a good flow. Good story. They were a cute couple. I enjoyed reading it.