The Auction: An Age Gap, Mafia Romance

by K.C. Crowne

The most dangerous man in the room bought me.

One minute, I’m a hotel maid no one notices.
The next, I’m dragged onto a stage where ruthless men buy women for property.

Then Gabriel Moretti walks in.

Silver at his temples.
Violence in his eyes.
Power in every cold, effortless step.

He buys me in front of everyone.

Now I’m trapped inside his world of marble halls, shadowed deals, and bloodstained secrets.
Where his word is law, his touch is ruin… and every glance brands me as his.

Then I learn the truth.

The auction wasn’t random.
The men bidding on me weren’t strangers.
And Gabriel knew exactly who I was.

If the truth comes out, they won’t just hunt me—
they’ll try to erase me before everything burns.

Because I’m not just part of this twisted world.
I’m the spark that could burn it to hell.

This is a full-length standalone featuring an age-gap, mafia romance… and a maid who was never meant to be harmless.
K.C. Crowne is an Amazon Top 6 Bestseller and International Bestselling Author.

Genres: Forced Proximity, Dark Romance

446 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 11, 2026

About the author

K.C. Crowne is an International Bestselling Author, known for dangerously addictive romance.

⬇️ Scroll down to explore the full book list.
Most of K.C.'s books are available on Kindle Unlimited!


❤️‍🔥 Silver Fox Daddies (Complete Standalones – No Reading Order Required)

1. Doctor Daddy
2. Taboo Daddy
3. Daddy's Best Friend
4. Daddy's Law
5. My Ex-Boyfriend's Dad
6. Daddy's Girl
7. My Ex-Best Friend's Daughter
8. Secret Daddy
9. Christmas with Dad's Best Friend
10. Vegas Daddy
11. Daddy's Obsession
12. Royal Daddy
13. Irish King
14. My Ex's Dad
15. Daddy's Orders
16. His Demands
17. The Arrangement
18. Sold to My Ex's Dad
19. Sexting the Silver Fox
20. Nanny for the Don
21. Dark Christmas
22. Sexting the Don
23. Boss Daddy
24. Forbidden Vows
25. Sinful Union
26. His Son's Ex
27. Under His Control
28. Masked Seduction
29. The Naughty List
30. The Christmas Contract
31. Dirty Business


❤️‍🔥 Chicago Bratva Series (Shared World – Best Read in Order)

1. Dark Prince
2. Dark Obsession
3. Dark Seduction
4. Dark Desires
5. Dark Confession


❤️‍🔥 Antonov & Nicolaevich Bratva Series s (Shared World – Best Read in Order)

1. Highest Bidder
2. Bratva Daddy
3. Owned by the Bratva
4. Knocked Up by the Bratva
5. Ruthless Rival
6. Scarred Prince
7. The Closer
8. Brother's Best Friend
9. Devil's Nuptials

️‍🔥For Her Pleasure, Reverse Harem Books (Complete Standalones – No Reading Order Required)

1. Four Daddies for Christmas
 2. Christmas Triad
3. Her Independence Day
 4. Quadruple Daddies
5. Bossed by 3 Billionaire Brothers
6. Four Stepbrothers for Christmas
7. Christmas with Four Tattoo Artists
8. Men on a Mission
9. Christmas with Four Firemen
 10. Dirty Cowboys
11. Big Bad Mountain Brothers (Menage)


️‍🔥Doctors of Denver Series (Shared World – Best Read in Order)
1. Doctor's Secret
2. Doctor's Surprise Delivery
3. Irish Doctor's Secret Babies
4. Triplets for the Millionaire
5. Doctor's Baby Plan
6. New Zealand Doctor's Baby
7. Doctor's Duties
8. Billion Dollar Mistake
9. Irish Doctor's Gift
10. Irish Doctor's Orders
11. Irish Doctor's Valentine
12. Lucky Charm
13. Secret Babies for my Best Friend's Dad
14. Secret Baby Next Door
15. Secret Babies for the Mafia Doctor
16. Secret Babies for my Dad's Best Friend
17. The Doctor Who Stole Christmas


️‍🔥Mountain Men of Liberty Series (Shared World – Best Read in Order)
1. Baby for the Mountain Man
2. Junior for the Mountain Man
3. Knocked Up by the Mountain Man
4. Baby for Daddy's Best Friend
5. Triplets for the Mountain Man
6. Taken by the Mountain Man
7. Mountain Man's Secret Baby
8. Mountain Man's Accidental Surprise
9. Quadruplets for the Mountain Man
10. Delivering His Gifts
11. Mountain Man's Fate
12. Mountain Man's Lucky Charm
13. Mountain Man's Rival
14. Small Town Mountain Daddy
15. Mountain Man's Gift
16. Mountain Man's Christmas Surprise
17. Mountain Man's Valentine
18. Big Daddy
19. Fireworks with Three Mountain Men
20. Faking Mr. Right


️‍🔥Bearded Brothers (Shared World – Best Read in Order)
1. Her Mountain Daddy
2. Beauty and the Beard
3. Built and Bearded
4. Bride and Beard

Reviews

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Auction is K.C. Crowne at her most deliciously dramatic, serving up an age‑gap mafia romance that feels like being dragged into a billionaire’s lair by your hair and somehow enjoying the interior design. We start with our heroine, a hotel maid so invisible she could’ve been a ghost—until she’s suddenly shoved onto a stage where men with more money than ethics start bidding like she’s the last Birkin bag on earth.

Enter Gabriel Moretti.

Silver at the temples. Violence simmering behind the eyes. That slow, lethal walk that says, “I’ve ended men for less than a raised eyebrow.” He buys her in front of everyone, and honestly? I would’ve fainted on the spot and hoped he caught me.

From there, she’s swept into a world of marble floors, whispered threats, and secrets so sharp they could slice through steel. Gabriel is the kind of man who doesn’t raise his voice—he just raises your blood pressure. Every look he gives her is a warning, a promise, and a claim all rolled into one.

But then the truth hits like a truck with no brakes. The auction wasn’t random. The bidders weren’t strangers. And Gabriel didn’t just happen to be there—he knew exactly who she was. Suddenly she’s not just a pawn in a dangerous game; she’s the spark that could burn the entire Moretti empire to ash.

And the best part? She’s not the helpless little maid they thought she was. She’s a problem. A threat. A woman who can topple kingdoms if pushed too far.

This book is dark, dramatic, and addictive in that “I’ll read one more chapter and then lie to myself about going to bed” way. The forced proximity is delicious, the tension is thick enough to spread on toast, and the age gap dynamic is executed with the kind of intensity that makes you sit up straighter.

[Joelle Palacios · Rating 5 out of 5]

K.C. Crowne delivers a dark, dangerous mafia romance packed with secrets, obsession, betrayal, and a hard-earned happily ever after. From the opening chapters, The Auction pulls you into a brutal world where power is currency, loyalty is bought, and every promise comes with a price.

Thea is far more than the overlooked hotel maid everyone assumes she is. Beneath her vulnerability is a woman unknowingly tied to years of hidden agendas, blood debts, and carefully orchestrated protection from the shadows. Gabriel Moretti may be the most feared man in the room, but even he cannot fully control the chaos set into motion once Thea enters his life. Their chemistry is intense from the start—possessive, emotional, protective, and consuming in all the best mafia romance ways.

Gabriel is the perfect silver fox antihero: morally gray, ruthless when necessary, yet completely undone by Thea. His obsession with protecting her never feels performative; it is woven into years of sacrifice, promises made, and debts owed long before she ever knew his name. Watching the layers of his connection to her unravel was one of the strongest parts of the story.

The supporting plotlines add depth beyond the romance itself. Family secrets, hidden identities, revenge, betrayal, and the looming threat of Sokolov create constant tension throughout the book. Nothing is straightforward, and just when you think the truth is finally revealed, another layer surfaces. The twists surrounding who knew what—and who was protecting whom all along—kept the story addictive from beginning to end.

And of course, no mafia romance would be complete without the delusional former flame who mistakes obsession for love and believes she is somehow entitled to Gabriel. She added exactly the right amount of frustration and drama without overpowering the central story.

What really worked for me was that beneath all the violence, danger, and power plays, this story is ultimately about devotion. About watching over someone from afar. About promises that survive years of loss and sacrifice. About two people fighting through impossible circumstances to finally claim their future together.

If you love mafia romance with protective alpha energy, forced proximity, hidden identities, family conspiracies, emotional angst, and a hero who would burn the world down for his woman, The Auction absolutely delivers.

[Laura Wolff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. Gosh. I fall more in love with KC Crowne with every book I finish. She has this way of pulling you into the story and dragging you into the dark but loving every minute of it. I think we all secretly want a possessive, protective caveman to love us, flaws and all. Maybe not overbearing all the time but definitely the adoration that you can feel coming off the page.

This is a mafia romance so please read the trigger warnings as it’s a dark romance with kidnapping, human trafficking, gun violence and murder. If you are not in a place mentally to read this please pick something else.

This is an age gap romance between a Camorra mafia don and the daughter of a fallen Bratva Pakhan, only she doesn’t know who she is. Since her family was violently murdered when she was 5.

Our sweet Thea comes to in a strange place only to realize she has been drugged, kidnapped and is currently being auctioned off to the highest bidder. What she doesn’t know is the man who just paid one million dollars for her has been her silent guardian since her family’s demise. Now she is stepping into the dark world of the mafia and has to come to terms with her feelings and her new reality.

Gabriel is the leader of the NY Camorra. He has been following Thea since she was a child. Now she’s this beautiful, curvy woman he can’t take his eyes off of. But he is placing himself in the line of fire from the Russian Bratva by taking her out from underneath their grasp. Now he has to keep her safe and keep her secret.

This story was amazing. It was full of tension and lust and love. I love being able to really get to know the characters and see their journey unfold as individuals as well as together.

KC does an amazing job at bringing you into the dark underbelly of the mafia. I stayed up reading this because I just couldn’t put it down. I had to know what happened next! If you love a good mafia romance then give this one a read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brenda Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dark, Twisted, and Addictive


KC Crowne delivered another addictive mafia/dark romance filled with intrigue, betrayal, danger, and a wonderfully morally gray hero.

The story starts off strong with Thea being auctioned off against her will alongside her best friend, immediately pulling me into the story. The atmosphere was tense, dark, and emotional right from the beginning.

Thea was a fantastic heroine — intelligent, resilient, and easy to root for despite the difficult life she endured. I especially loved the emotional layers involving her friendship with Sylvie and how their relationship evolved throughout the story.

Gabriel, the Camorra leader, was protective, dangerous, and complicated in all the best ways. While I questioned some of his decisions regarding Thea’s past, his devotion and the chemistry between them kept me invested the entire time.

One of my favorite parts of the book was the found-family dynamic. The relationships felt genuine and added emotional depth to the darker storyline.

My only minor issue was that I guessed the identity of the traitor pretty early on, but honestly, it didn’t lessen my enjoyment of the story at all.

If you enjoy mafia romance with a curvy heroine, emotional depth, betrayal, danger, and possessive morally gray heroes, this is definitely worth reading.

🔥 Tropes
• Mafia Romance
• Morally Gray Hero
• Curvy Heroine
• Forced Proximity
• Possessive Hero
• Found Family
• Betrayal & Secrets
• Touch Her and Die
• Dark Romance
• Protective MMC

⚠️ Trigger Warnings
• Human trafficking/auction themes
• Kidnapping
• Violence
• Abuse
• Emotional trauma
• Coercion
• Dark themes
• Criminal organizations
• Threats and intimidation

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

You might want to make sure to double check that you are buckled up, dangerous men, alpha’s personified, possessive, oh, gorgeous, brooding all the makings of a story consisting with three D’s (dark, delicious, and dirty) 😊. There will be suspense, betrayal, death, darkness, secrets reveled, violence, hope, forgiveness, and maybe even love along the way. Thea is so sweet, curvy working as a maid, having lost all of her family when she was five yr. old murdered so she was never told the truth what happened to her family so growing up normal but one day she is kidnapped, and wakes up on the auction stage with bids being posted she doesn’t know what’s going on all she wants is her life, her freedom back until she hears the one million dollar bid. Gabriel sexy as all get out NY Camorra boss ruthless, dangerous on a good day, deadly every day, he has followed the life of the young survivor of the bratva, knew when she was taken there to place the bid on the little girl who grew into a beautiful curvy women, protecting her became his mission to say he was overprotective was an understatement, and telling her about who she really was wasn’t something he wanted to do but knew he needed to tell her the truth of her being a Russian princess the heir to a bratva mafia, and when her own people came for her he made sure she would be ready. The magnetic pull between them is something neither could ignore the more she wished for her freedom fighting the idea of the auction, the idea of having feeling for the man who bought the bid, the stronger the pull between them grew but where are they headed, will she embrace her past, will he be able to protect her keep them safe, and can they find happiness somewhere along the way of finding the truth?

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets Never Stay Hidden Forever -
The last thing Thea remembered was someone buying a drink for her and her friend, but she soon found herself in a middle of a bidding war to buy her. Gabriel made sure no one would be able to get Thea when she was auctioned and even though she fought to get away from him, he didn’t tell her why he bought her. Thea was really upset with what happened and tried to escape, but Gabriel made it nearly impossible for her to leave.

However, not long after Thea had been in Gabriel’s home, he elevated the status of her situation and began spending more time with her, which led to them engaging in unbridled pleasures. Unfortunately, Gabriel and Thea’s happiness didn’t last long, as when the truth about her life came out, it led to a an escalation of the threats on her life. Even though Gabriel tried everything possible to keep Thea safe, especially after they received life changing news, they never expected to threat was closer to them than they realised.

Luckily, Gabriel discovered the truth in time to rescue Thea and permanently deal with the problem, so they could get back on track towards building their life and her family na,e could be restored in the Bratva hierarchy. I can say without a shadow of doubt, that K.C. Crowne definitely hit it out of the park again with this book and every minute spent devouring this fantastic Bratva romance, will be worthwhile. This is a definite must read book.

I received a free review copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great mafia romance with constant danger swirling around Thea. She doesn't know that she's the last remaining member of a murdered bratva family and Gabriel has been working to hide her for twenty years. This is a tense escalation of their attraction and his ongoing control over her life. She, of course, wants to push against her boundaries not realizing how much danger she's in.

I do have questions, such as why he would allow her to struggle day-to-day rather than providing some financial support. It seems he could have subsidized her rent without her knowledge or gotten her a better job or something without exposing their connection. The story does drag a little at times but then the action picks up. The future of the characters is wrapped up well with the exception of Kolya's thug, Sasha. He just seems to disappear at the end and isn't mentioned. His absence in the final violent scene is unexplained.

This is a good mix of separate mafia factions with the expected danger and violence mixed in. Gabriel goes from protective stalker to loving protector while Thea learns the truth of her heritage and her own worth. The insults throughout her life about her weight seem to be a commonly used way to diminish a curvy heroine. She learns to own those curves.

I received an advance reader copy and this is my honest review.

[Tbascoebuzz · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, outstanding job on giving us a full description of Thea and Gabriel…and within the first chapter too! Details didn’t trickle in but rather were immediately incorporated into the storyline and frequently reiterated without becoming tedious. I immediately connected to this story. I loved, loved loved Thea‘s personality. She’s a strong, smart and independent individual with survival instincts. She doesn’t tolerate much of anything off anybody…I readily related to her. She’s a real spitfire and quite awesome. This was such an outstanding story filled with well paced, nail biting drama combined with spine tingling suspense. The slow burn romance aspect and Gabriel’s obsession were extraordinarily well executed. The only detail that didn’t make a lick of sense (to me) was how Thea’s kidnapped friend (Sylvie) could resent and blame her for being trafficked. Because when you and your friend are kidnapped at the same time, how is that anyone’s fault? If any fault is to be placed, it would probably be on Sylvie. After all it was Sylvie that coaxed Thea into harms way. At any rate likable, outstandingly strong characters. This author keeps the reader tightly engaged with each dramatic phase as the story develops and progresses. This story was very believable. I am proud to highly recommend this book.

[Mindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Auction: Silver Fox Daddies (An Age Gap, Mafia Romance) by KC CROWNE

Tagline: Danger, desire, and forbidden attraction ignite when worlds collide at the auction.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4 stars)

KC Crowne’s “The Auction” is a thrilling age gap, mafia romance that kept me hooked from beginning to end. The story is packed with suspense, steamy moments, and just the right amount of danger. I loved the dynamic between the strong, relatable heroine and the older, enigmatic mafia boss—KC Crowne does a great job handling their age difference in a way that feels genuine and full of emotion.

The chemistry between the main characters is electric, and I found myself rooting for them the whole way through. The plot moves quickly, with plenty of twists and turns to keep things interesting. I also enjoyed the witty dialogue and the colorful cast of supporting characters who add depth to the story.

If you enjoy mafia romances with mature heroes, forbidden attraction, and lots of tension, I highly recommend “The Auction.” It’s a fun, addictive read that delivers everything I look for in this genre!

[Naughty Nightie · Rating 5 out of 5]

K.C hooks you in right from the start and keeps you turning the pages until the very end with this book. Thea and her best friend Sylvie are on a night out. They then find themselves elsewhere, and it's apparent their drinks were drugged. Both are horrified to discover they're in a room about to be auctioned off to the highest bidder. Thea finds her bids getting higher and higher until Gabriel bids the most despite objections from another bidder. Thea is to become a maid for Gabriel. Soon she finds herself falling for her new employer despite being brought at auction. But there are other things at play, and Gabriel is also protecting her from her past and his involvement. Thea is not happy about being left in Gabriel's mansion as someone is out to get her.
I recieved an arc from Booksprout for my voluntary honest review for NN Book Blog. If you enjoy a dark age-gap Camora/Bratva Romance, you will love this book. However, this book may not be for everyone; therefore, heed any author-trigger warnings before reading or purchasing this book.

[Manda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gabriel has been watching over Thea for years until he is pushed into taking more direct action by his adversary. Now Thea is trapped in a harsh world of violence unsure who to trust and what best to do.

Gabriel is a cold, practical syndicate leader with only one weakness. Now he has that weakness locked in his home and is desperate to keep her safe and his hands to himself.

Thea is a normal girl just trying to survive when she is drugged, sold to the highest bidder and locked up on a crime lord's estate. But the worst part of all this is the uncomfortable attraction she feels for the man she should hate.

I loved the growing feelings between the two main characters and their efforts to fight these. The action was non stop from the very start with plenty of plot twists, mafia violence, strong morally grey over the top protective alpha, growing in strength FMC and betrayals from within. All in all another hit from this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title says it all, but reading it will be delicious!
Thea and her bestie Sylvie go out for drinks only to be drugged and put on the auction block. Thea is 25yo and is bought for one million dollars by the head of the Camorra in NYC, the intriguing older man Gabriel Moretti who is about twenty years her senior. What Thea discovers is beyond her comprehension. Can she believe what she has been told? Is she really the only surviving member of a former Russian Pakhan? Thea’s family was killed when she was 5yo by a rival who leads the Russian crime syndicate to this day. What Thea also discovers is that Gabriel wants her and not as his ward. Join the hunt for the suspected mole in Gabe’s famiglia. Several possibilities but all will become clearer as you read this fantastic book. If you like abduction romance with a mafia flavor, you will enjoy this one. Ms. Crowne can find the best and most provocative covers. Love this one. Yum! I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through Booksprout.

[Dru · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thea, an overlooked hotel maid, is suddenly kidnapped and sold at a private auction to the highest bidder. The man who buys her, Gabriel Moretti, is powerful, dangerous, and far more connected to her past than she realizes. As she is pulled into his world of violence and secrets, the truth about her identity begins to unravel.

I really enjoyed this book and found it surprisingly gripping. The story pulls you in right from the start and keeps a strong sense of tension throughout. Thea is a compelling main character, balancing vulnerability with strength, and I liked how she slowly grows into her situation rather than adapting instantly. Gabriel fits the classic possessive mafia role, but his long history with Thea adds emotional depth that makes their dynamic more interesting. The mix of suspense, romance, and character development works very well, and I was invested in their journey the whole time. While a few details could have been explored a bit more, it did not take away from my overall enjoyment. A strong and engaging read.

[Priscilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was deliciously AMAZING. I needed a break from ARC reading and have been wanting to go back to my roots of what started my love for Age Gap books. K.C. Crowne's books are just what coming home feels like for me and her writing has always brought comfort when I need to get away. When this one hit my email that it was available, I said why not. Age Gap and Mafia Romance? Say no More!

Thea has always had to figure it out on her own since she turned 18. A maid at a hotel and trying to save to get through she decides to go out with a friend for drinks. Without her knowing she is now part of an auction that has her worried for herself and her friend. Gabriel, a handsome older man that happens to be there buys her and takes her home. There she discovers not only what Gabriel does for a living but a very important key to her past.

This book had everything I enjoy in Mafia Romance: Age Gap, suspense, drama, and a surprise no one saw coming. Overall, if you need something a a break from your typical read, this one is an ideal pick.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a crazy ride! Kidnapped, auctioned off, revenge against your parents killer. Bratva vs Mafia! But through it all, a HEA . Thea Is meeting a friend after work when she is drugged and kidnapped. She is taken to a mafia don's house. All Thea can think of is trying to escape. Until she can't get the don, Gabriel, out of her head.

There's a snake in the grass working against them. Is it the woman who was paid to raise her as her own when Thea's own family was murdered? Is it Amanda, Gabriel's former lover and current lawyer? Or is there someone else behind the scenes?

This was a real page turner. It kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. It also kept me guessing. I thought I had it figured out then something else would make me question it and I would change my mind only for it to flip back. Well worth the read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cindy Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Auction is the latest story in the Silver Fox Daddies. It was so good I could not put it down. It is an age gap mafia romance.

Thea works as a hotel maid. Her friend wants to go to a club so they go and have some fun. She and her friend are kidnapped. Thea wakes up and realizes she and her friend are being auctioned off. She wants to leave but can't. Gabriel places the winning bid of one million dollars. He is a dangerous mafia boss. Thea has to leave her friend who is still at the auction and is taken to Gabriel's home. She tries to escape but there is no escape. Gabriel gives her a job at his home to be a maid. When her feelings for Gabriel intensify what will he do?

I loved how hard-working and kind Thea was. She was a great person. I loved how Gabriel was so possessive of her. Their chemistry was so good. I look forward to the next story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sarah Grant · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t hate this story, but I didn’t love it either. It has quite a slow start, and the heroine’s constant back-and-forth with the hero quickly became frustrating she hates him, then sleeps with him, then hates him again. The cycle repeats: she’s angry about his lies, forgives him, then goes right back to hating him.

It also didn’t quite make sense that, if he was supposedly protecting and helping her, she was still living in poverty and cleaning toilets.

As expected, there’s the looming threat of the villain and a last-minute abduction something that seems to happen in nearly every book like this. Sasha is completely forgotten about and just disappears without explanation, and then we get the happily ever after.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Chandra Quimby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love mob books, whether it's Mafia or bratva or anything in between. As always it was perfectly spicy. I think the part I love the most was it was an actual story, with complex characters that twisted and turned and just when you thought you figured out who the bad guy was going to be you were pleasantly surprised that it wasn't the person you thought it was and actually was somebody that was much more obvious but you didn't figure it out! The tragedy of the auction is the most devastating part of this book. Wondering what happened to her friend this entire time, I know it was nagging at me constantly while reading. This was a well-written book that is definitely considered a Paige Turner. There was not an excess of filler that would make it boring at any point. Definitely recommend it!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ragu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Thea and Gabriel. Thea the 5 year old orphan of a Bratva Pakhan. Her family ambushed and murdered in there home. Gabriel the Don of the local Italian Mob. Gabriel pledged to behind the scenes take care of and keep her safe and ensure her true identity never be found out. They finally meet face to face but Thea doesn’t know here true identity and Gabriel doesn’t tell her, he moves her into his home in order to protect her. They eventually begin to have feelings for one another. This story will grab ahold of you from page one all the way to the last page all the while keeping you on the edge of your seat. The story is filled with secrets, mystery, family, suspense, intrigue, danger, emotion, and passion. I highly recommend. A must read. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marilyn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thea was meeting a friend but wakes up after being kidnapped and drugged. She then finds herself in a room where an auction is happening and it’s about her! An older man comes in and buys her for a million dollars and she now belongs to him. At his home she has to stay inside but what’s to escape but finds that she’s in danger if she does. She gets told the man is Gabriel and he’s a Mafia Don but he’s also her guardian. He’s been watching her since she was 5 when her family was killed. She doesn’t know that her father was a Bratva Pathan and that men want answers. Gabriel has watched her for a long time but now has become obsessed with her. But he’s also falling for her and wants her for himself. But he’s also has to keep her safe!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[RxReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a huge KC Crowne fan, this one absolutely worked for me 😍 The Auction has all the intense, addictive drama I expect from her books, with a powerful silver fox mafia hero who is possessive, dangerous, and impossible to ignore. Gabriel gives off that cold, untouchable energy at first, but the more the story unfolds, the more layered he becomes. I really liked the mix of romance, suspense, and hidden secrets, especially once the heroine realizes there’s more going on behind the auction than she ever imagined. The chemistry is strong from the start, and the emotional tension keeps building the whole way through. Dark, dramatic, and hard to put down, this was such a fun mafia romance escape 🔥.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

I literally devoured this book in 2 hours. Once I started, I couldn’t stop reading. It gave me Anastasia vibes but darker, with bratva/mafia drama, dangerous secrets, powerful men, and so much tension.

The auction scene hooked me instantly and the story just kept getting better from there. I loved that it wasn’t only romance and spice there was suspense, betrayal, mystery, and twists that kept making me say “just one more chapter.”

The whole atmosphere felt dark, addictive, and intense. If you love mafia romance with bratva vibes, possessive energy, secrets, and tension that keeps you hooked, this is definitely worth reading. Sooo good!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carole · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Auction is a spicy age gap romance that begins for FMC Thea the night she has a girls night with a friend and they end up being drugged and when regaining their senses on a stage being auctioned.
MMC Gabriel Moretti purchases her for a million, and her life as she’s known it is about to change even more than it already has.
Gabriel has been watching her for a long time and it wasn’t by chance he was at the auction that night.
Secrets, mystery, family dynamics, Bratva machinations, intrigue, danger, emotion, and passion coalesce in an entertaining nicely written narrative as the secrets from the past are revealed along the way through an immersive read I so enjoyed!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristen Kull · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great mafia book! I love books that start out with a bang. And this one did not disappoint. It started with FMC being auctioned off to a room full of men; dangerous mafia men. She was bought by a hot silver fox, for one million dollars.
MMC has been watching over FMC for 20 years. Except now he's become obsessed with her.
As soon as FMC is brought to MMC's home, she's already planning her escape. What she doesn't realize is once she steps foot outside of his home, she will be in terrible danger.
The chemistry between the MC's is fantastic! They can't stay away from one another. Lots of hot and sexy scenes.
This book was well written. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sondra Olbrias · Rating 4 out of 5]

Teodora awakens to find herself in a club being auctioned off. She was meeting her bestfriend and suddenly they find that drinks were spiked and now they are both being trafficked. Gabriel plans on saving Thea but she has no clue who he is or what's going on. Gabriel has been protecting and hiding her for 20 years. Since she was 5 and her entire family was assassinated. Now the Bravata leader who betrayed her family is back to finish the job. Along the way he fell in love with Thea and now it's more than a debt repaid. Keeping her safe might just cost him, especially if she learns the whole truth. But danger is closer than any of them thought.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Missoula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I typically like K.C. Crowne's books not all of them are 5 stars in my opinion but I'm usually not disappointed I read them. I couldn't put this one down until I was finished. Thea and Gabriel's chemistry was wonderful. I really appreciated how Thea grew into a confident and strong woman. I can't stand when the MFC has too much back and forth inner monologue, she had just enough without making it monotonous. Gabriel was a strong MMC with cinnamon roll moments just for Thea. I'd give this a 🌶️🌶️🌶️ rating in the spice. There was just enough. No second act break up. Enough epilogues to finish the story out nicely. I really hope K.C. writes a book for Sylvie. I would definitely recommend this book.

[Crystal Junebug · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the latest book in the Silver Fox daddies series and it was such an addictive read with the perfect mix of tension, drama, and romance. The story pulled me in right away, and the chemistry between the two MCs was intense from the very beginning. I really enjoyed the emotional push and pull throughout the book because it kept the relationship feeling layered and unpredictable. The pacing moved fast without losing the emotional moments, and the spice definitely brought the heat while still fitting naturally into the story. A few scenes felt slightly rushed near the end, but overall this was a super entertaining 4.5 (Rounded up to 5) star read that kept me completely hooked.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenny Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book with the understanding that I could leave a voluntary and honest review.

In this book we meet Teodora "Thea" Fetisova & Gabriel Moretti. Thea believes that she is just going out for a drink with her best friend. What they didn't know would happen was that they would be drugged. Next thing she knows she is on a stage being auctioned and Gabriel is the man who saves her. Gabriel wants to tell her he knows who she is but first he has to get her out of there. Though she wants him to help her friend but without making sure she is safe none of them will make it out of this. Can they all find a HEA or will others make sure this never happens?

Another hit out of the park by this author. I would highly recommend it to anyone.

[Cathy Moir-Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of the "Silver Fox Daddies" series. Thea thought she understood her life. It might not be anything exciting, her job as a hotel maid certainly sucked, but at least it was honest. Then in one night everything goes wrong. She and her best friend go to a club where they are drugged and kidnapped and then herded with other women into a trafficking auction. The bidding on her starts building with it coming down to two main factions, a Russian with a phone to his ear and Gabriel Moretti who bids one million dollars. Gabriel takes Thea to his home and puts her to work as a maid there. But all is not as it seems and it becomes obvious that Gabriel is keeping secrets.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Thea and her friend Sylvie were drugged at a bar and end up auctioned to mafia men she never expected to find out that her family had been murdered while she was away from home and now she has been purchased by Gabriel the man that has protected her for years. Gabriel is Itialian mafia and Kolya is Russian mafia and he wants her dead because he is responsible for her family’s death because he wanted to take her father’s place as head of the Bratva. This book is full of danger, betrayal and steamy romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.