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The Widow's Auction
From Sabrina Jeffries—New York Times bestselling author of The Study of Seduction and The Art of Sinning—comes a sumptuous tale of a woman whose affection comes at a price...
Though Isobel Lamberton, the widowed Lady Kingsley, is confounded by her dealings with the obstinate Justin Antony, Lord Warbrooke, his commanding presence sparks something deep within her. But such romantic thoughts are for naught. For Justin's political aspirations always come first. And Isobel's own secret past could damage both of them permanently.
So when Isobel's friend talks her into participating in a scandalous auction of masked widows at a gentleman's club, she reluctantly agrees...and soon begins to relish being an object of desire. But none desire her more than Justin, who recognizes the outspoken Isobel in disguise and sets out to teach her a lesson worth far more than money...
Praise for Sabrina
"Jeffries's talent is clear,...
Though Isobel Lamberton, the widowed Lady Kingsley, is confounded by her dealings with the obstinate Justin Antony, Lord Warbrooke, his commanding presence sparks something deep within her. But such romantic thoughts are for naught. For Justin's political aspirations always come first. And Isobel's own secret past could damage both of them permanently.
So when Isobel's friend talks her into participating in a scandalous auction of masked widows at a gentleman's club, she reluctantly agrees...and soon begins to relish being an object of desire. But none desire her more than Justin, who recognizes the outspoken Isobel in disguise and sets out to teach her a lesson worth far more than money...
Praise for Sabrina
"Jeffries's talent is clear,...
84 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 16, 2016
82 people are currently reading
426 people want to read
About the author
Sabrina Jeffries
86 books4,796 followersSabrina Jeffries is the NYT bestselling author of over 50 novels and works of short fiction (some written under the pseudonyms Deborah Martin and Deborah Nicholas). Whatever time not spent writing in a coffee-fueled haze of dreams and madness is spent traveling with her husband and adult autistic son or indulging in one of her passions—jigsaw puzzles, chocolate, and music. With over 11 million books published in print and electronically in 25 different languages, the North Carolina author never regrets tossing aside a budding career in academics for the sheer joy of writing fun fiction, and hopes that one day a book of hers will end up saving the world.
She always dreams big.
She always dreams big.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
August 12, 2016
This was a quick and fun novella from Sabrina Jeffries, so this will be a short and sweet review. Escaping to The Widow's Auction was a perfect way to spend my lunch break today, and it was just the right length to finish in under an hour.
Lady Isobel Lamberton, widow to Viscount Kingsley, was made director of the board of her late husband's charitable organizations, including Lamberton School. In this role she often finds herself facing off against Justin Antony, Lord Warbrooke, who has lofty political aspirations. Dealing with men such as Lord Warbrooke require that Isobel maintain the utmost morality and decorum. But when Isobel and her gal pal start talking about the pleasure (or lack thereof) of the marital bed, Isobel realizes she might have missed something in her marriage, and she allows herself to be talked into entering the annual Widow's Auction where masked merry widows are auctioned for a night of passion. Murphy's Law rules the auction and Isobel is not as anonymous as she would have hoped. Lord Warbrooke decides to teach her a lesson that she will never forget.
I enjoyed both Isobel and Justin's characters. I would have liked to know more about Justin, but I felt like Isobel was developed quite well for such a short story. Even though much of the book revolved around the night following the Widow's Auction, the romance still seemed more sweet than steamy. I recommend this story to anyone interested in a short and sweet jaunt to the past with a little steam thrown in for good measure.
I received an advanced copy of this book from Berkley Intermix via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 4 stars / 3 flames. Full review posted at Bambi Unbridled.
Lady Isobel Lamberton, widow to Viscount Kingsley, was made director of the board of her late husband's charitable organizations, including Lamberton School. In this role she often finds herself facing off against Justin Antony, Lord Warbrooke, who has lofty political aspirations. Dealing with men such as Lord Warbrooke require that Isobel maintain the utmost morality and decorum. But when Isobel and her gal pal start talking about the pleasure (or lack thereof) of the marital bed, Isobel realizes she might have missed something in her marriage, and she allows herself to be talked into entering the annual Widow's Auction where masked merry widows are auctioned for a night of passion. Murphy's Law rules the auction and Isobel is not as anonymous as she would have hoped. Lord Warbrooke decides to teach her a lesson that she will never forget.
I enjoyed both Isobel and Justin's characters. I would have liked to know more about Justin, but I felt like Isobel was developed quite well for such a short story. Even though much of the book revolved around the night following the Widow's Auction, the romance still seemed more sweet than steamy. I recommend this story to anyone interested in a short and sweet jaunt to the past with a little steam thrown in for good measure.
I received an advanced copy of this book from Berkley Intermix via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 4 stars / 3 flames. Full review posted at Bambi Unbridled.
September 6, 2016
Cute, cheesy, unlikely and featuring as underdeveloped a plot as most shorts but the characters were quickly and definitively established, quite relatable, and the novella serves as a nice stop gap between books.
August 17, 2016
"She and Lord Warbrooke together? The very idea was absurd, impossible...Entrancing."
FINAL DECISION: I thoroughly enjoyed this novella. The story is very compact and tight and thus it works well. I enjoyed the characters interaction which covers a lot of ground for such a short story.
THE STORY: Isobel, Lady Kingsley is a widow who has dedicated herself to charitable causes. Her nemesis is Justin, Lord Warbrooke. The two strike sparks off of one another as they take opposite sides. Isobel, however, also has several secrets. One of them is that she found the marriage bed unsatisfying with her deceased husband. Convinced by her dear friend to participate in the notorious Widow's Auction, Isobel hopes to find some passion. Isobel is shocked when Lord Warbrooke purchases her favors for the night. Although masked, Isobel worries about Justin discovering her identity. Then as the two discover something special together, Isobel knows that her secrets prevent any chance of happiness between them. What she doesn't know is that Justin already knows who she is.
OPINION: This is a short novella so it doesn't have the complexity or depth of a full length work. Despite that, however, this story really worked for me. I liked Isobel and Justin who clearly have an attraction to one another from the beginning. The majority of the story is spent on how they discover the real person beyond the one they thought they knew. For a story about purchasing a night of sex, these two quickly enter a personal emotional intimacy with one another which culminates in sex rather than just being about sex. (Not that the sex isn't hot as well).
I also liked Justin a great deal because he always treats Isobel with respect. In fact, the purchases the night with her because he respects her (and he doesn't want anyone else to have her). I liked that these two have passions in common and an ability to recognize the good in one another.
Many times I wish than a novella had been written as a full length novel. This story, I think is good as it is.
WORTH MENTIONING: THE WIDOW'S AUCTION was previously published in FANTASY.
CONNECTED BOOKS: THE WIDOW'S AUCTION is a standalone.
STAR RATING: I give this novella 4.5 stars.This review was originally posted on Top10RomanceBooks.com
FINAL DECISION: I thoroughly enjoyed this novella. The story is very compact and tight and thus it works well. I enjoyed the characters interaction which covers a lot of ground for such a short story.
THE STORY: Isobel, Lady Kingsley is a widow who has dedicated herself to charitable causes. Her nemesis is Justin, Lord Warbrooke. The two strike sparks off of one another as they take opposite sides. Isobel, however, also has several secrets. One of them is that she found the marriage bed unsatisfying with her deceased husband. Convinced by her dear friend to participate in the notorious Widow's Auction, Isobel hopes to find some passion. Isobel is shocked when Lord Warbrooke purchases her favors for the night. Although masked, Isobel worries about Justin discovering her identity. Then as the two discover something special together, Isobel knows that her secrets prevent any chance of happiness between them. What she doesn't know is that Justin already knows who she is.
OPINION: This is a short novella so it doesn't have the complexity or depth of a full length work. Despite that, however, this story really worked for me. I liked Isobel and Justin who clearly have an attraction to one another from the beginning. The majority of the story is spent on how they discover the real person beyond the one they thought they knew. For a story about purchasing a night of sex, these two quickly enter a personal emotional intimacy with one another which culminates in sex rather than just being about sex. (Not that the sex isn't hot as well).
I also liked Justin a great deal because he always treats Isobel with respect. In fact, the purchases the night with her because he respects her (and he doesn't want anyone else to have her). I liked that these two have passions in common and an ability to recognize the good in one another.
Many times I wish than a novella had been written as a full length novel. This story, I think is good as it is.
WORTH MENTIONING: THE WIDOW'S AUCTION was previously published in FANTASY.
CONNECTED BOOKS: THE WIDOW'S AUCTION is a standalone.
STAR RATING: I give this novella 4.5 stars.This review was originally posted on Top10RomanceBooks.com
August 28, 2016
Loved it!
What a wonderful little novella!
Isobel and Justin were totally delightful and while this was a novella, their story didn't feel rushed or incomplete.
The writing was wonderful, the story interesting, the relationship between Isobel and Justin developed at a believable pace and the love scenes were well done - warm but not too spicy for a novella.
It was a great read and I would happily recommend it!
What a wonderful little novella!
Isobel and Justin were totally delightful and while this was a novella, their story didn't feel rushed or incomplete.
The writing was wonderful, the story interesting, the relationship between Isobel and Justin developed at a believable pace and the love scenes were well done - warm but not too spicy for a novella.
It was a great read and I would happily recommend it!
December 30, 2016
Catnippy subject material for me with the rather saucy set up between the heroine and hero. I loved that they were bickering rivals on the board of a school and were lighting each other's fires before they collided saucily at the widow's auction. So this was a fun read.
November 9, 2019
Reviewed for
Wit and Sin
Isobel Lamberton, Lady Kingsley, and Justin Antony, Lord Warbrooke, are at loggerheads with one another. Both sit on the board of a boys’ school and each has their own proposal they are determined to see win the board vote. The two of them are driving one another mad. Isobel is frustrated with Justin’s high-handedness and he is equally frustrated with her stubbornness. What neither will admit – but all can see – is their deep attraction to one another. When Isobel is talked into participating in a scandalous widow’s auction and Justin finds himself at the same auction, determined to gain the support of one of their more degenerate board members, things come to a head and the passion takes hold. But what will morning bring?
I can’t count the number of times I’ve read The Widow’s Auction since it was first published in the Fantasy anthology. Justin and Isobel never fail to make me smile and I always fall into Sabrina Jeffries’s writing.
Isobel and Justin are clearly made for one another, but misconceptions and hidden fears are keeping them both from taking a risk making their feelings known. It takes a masked widow’s auction to give them that extra push, Isobel’s belief that Justin doesn’t recognize her making her more open than she would normally be. Isobel’s upbringing isn’t at all what Justin thinks it is; the way it marked her and how her marriage to the saintly Lord Kingsley shaped her persona are something he could never guess. I loved watching him come to understand her and for her to see past her biases and come to know the man beneath the perfect politician. One night of passion doesn’t solve everything, but it is exactly the push both Justin and Isobel need. They’re a perfect match in bed and out and I loved watching Isobel embrace her desires. The Widow’s Auction is a deliciously steamy read with two passionate protagonists and a happily ever after that’s guaranteed to satisfy.
FTC Disclosure: I received the eBook edition of this story for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Isobel Lamberton, Lady Kingsley, and Justin Antony, Lord Warbrooke, are at loggerheads with one another. Both sit on the board of a boys’ school and each has their own proposal they are determined to see win the board vote. The two of them are driving one another mad. Isobel is frustrated with Justin’s high-handedness and he is equally frustrated with her stubbornness. What neither will admit – but all can see – is their deep attraction to one another. When Isobel is talked into participating in a scandalous widow’s auction and Justin finds himself at the same auction, determined to gain the support of one of their more degenerate board members, things come to a head and the passion takes hold. But what will morning bring?
I can’t count the number of times I’ve read The Widow’s Auction since it was first published in the Fantasy anthology. Justin and Isobel never fail to make me smile and I always fall into Sabrina Jeffries’s writing.
Isobel and Justin are clearly made for one another, but misconceptions and hidden fears are keeping them both from taking a risk making their feelings known. It takes a masked widow’s auction to give them that extra push, Isobel’s belief that Justin doesn’t recognize her making her more open than she would normally be. Isobel’s upbringing isn’t at all what Justin thinks it is; the way it marked her and how her marriage to the saintly Lord Kingsley shaped her persona are something he could never guess. I loved watching him come to understand her and for her to see past her biases and come to know the man beneath the perfect politician. One night of passion doesn’t solve everything, but it is exactly the push both Justin and Isobel need. They’re a perfect match in bed and out and I loved watching Isobel embrace her desires. The Widow’s Auction is a deliciously steamy read with two passionate protagonists and a happily ever after that’s guaranteed to satisfy.
FTC Disclosure: I received the eBook edition of this story for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
September 18, 2016
We have all heard "Don't judge a book by its cover" In The Widow's Auction two people learn not to judge each other by their public face. Isobel Lamberton, the widowed Lady Kingsley and Justin Antony, Lord Warbrooke seem to always be on opposite sides. It takes the night of the widow's auction to bring them together. There they both learn that they have more in common than either suspected. A nice easy read with great characters and good action.
July 10, 2020
3 stars - this is a cute novella and was fun to read. I’m a little bit of a sucker for an auction trope, so ofc I couldn’t resist this. However, the declarations of love felt forced and the whole ending felt rushed. Still not a bad read for the trope.
June 26, 2023
Lots of sex and some plot. A quick and spicy read.
January 7, 2021
A wonderful romantic short
5 stars
This novella is a re-release of a story that appeared in an anthology called Fantasy first released in 2002. I bought that book back in the day - wow, was that really nearly 15 years ago? - only for Jeffries’ story so it’s nice to have an opportunity to purchase it now as an individual novella.
Almost from the first word this story just pulls you in. There’s no filler, twaddle or tedious scene setting - you’re just in it, experiencing it and immediately learning about and loving the characters. The scene sets itself. As for time periods, although it’s not specifically stated, the mention of Lord Grenville as PM and Charles Fox as Foreign Secretary dates the story to sometime in 1806.
But, with any romance, what matters most is the characters. Despite starting off quite hoity-toity, Isobel quickly becomes a character you feel for and root for. You understand her reasons for doing things, and the reasons why she has doubts over the way things often turn out. She’s very well written and feels as real as you or me. As for Justin - he again is very real - his motives clouded by his very real list for Isobel and changing as his feelings develop.
Normally a short story of this length (about 84 pages) leaves you unsatisfied and unfulfilled. With this tale, of course you want more of the characters, chemistry and love, but you’re left with that happy, fully satiated feeling like all is right with the world!
And speaking of satiated, the story has a nice amount of heat and a love story that gives you that delightful jump in your stomach. Isobel and Justin are the perfect match and even though I’ve read this story before, the feeling doesn’t leave you with repeated readings. My girl crush on Ms. Jeffries and her amazing work - past and present - continues. She really is the queen of historical romance. 5 stars.
April 6, 2017
Received an ARC via NetGalley
3.5 stars
A short read that is a love story between two people who both do a lot of charity work, but came from different backgrounds. Lady Kingsley (Isobel) and Lord Warbrooke (Justin) are on the same charity board and tend to irritate each other a lot. Many times they say no to the suggestions of the other just because of who said it and not its quality. They think each other is attractive, but that seems to irritate them to think any good thoughts about the other. Lady Kingsley gets talked into going to the widow’s auction by a friend. She gets talked into it because her deceased husband never took a lot of time with her during their intimate moments and she wants to know if other men are better at it than he was. Lord Warbrooke gets dragged to the club where the auction is taking place and realizes quite quickly who it is up there on the stage. Warbrooke bids because he doesn’t want his nemesis on the board to win a night with the lady. When Isobel and Justin spend time with each other they realize the other isn’t as bad as they thought. Isobel also realizes that Justin is really talented where her husband was not. Isobel thinks that Justin wants her for a mistress, but he wants more than that.
Even though this is a short story I think there should have been more details/reasons that they fell for each other. She thinks he only does charity work so he looks good in the political arena. If it had been mentioned that he supported x charity for personal reasons than it would have made him more human. I liked this story, but like so many short stories it needed to be longer and more details. I liked it that Justin didn’t just want to have a wife to stay at home, but wanted a helpmate that could help him on charity work as well. A quick and good read.
3.5 stars
A short read that is a love story between two people who both do a lot of charity work, but came from different backgrounds. Lady Kingsley (Isobel) and Lord Warbrooke (Justin) are on the same charity board and tend to irritate each other a lot. Many times they say no to the suggestions of the other just because of who said it and not its quality. They think each other is attractive, but that seems to irritate them to think any good thoughts about the other. Lady Kingsley gets talked into going to the widow’s auction by a friend. She gets talked into it because her deceased husband never took a lot of time with her during their intimate moments and she wants to know if other men are better at it than he was. Lord Warbrooke gets dragged to the club where the auction is taking place and realizes quite quickly who it is up there on the stage. Warbrooke bids because he doesn’t want his nemesis on the board to win a night with the lady. When Isobel and Justin spend time with each other they realize the other isn’t as bad as they thought. Isobel also realizes that Justin is really talented where her husband was not. Isobel thinks that Justin wants her for a mistress, but he wants more than that.
Even though this is a short story I think there should have been more details/reasons that they fell for each other. She thinks he only does charity work so he looks good in the political arena. If it had been mentioned that he supported x charity for personal reasons than it would have made him more human. I liked this story, but like so many short stories it needed to be longer and more details. I liked it that Justin didn’t just want to have a wife to stay at home, but wanted a helpmate that could help him on charity work as well. A quick and good read.
August 6, 2016
Isobel Lamberton, Lady Kingsley and Justin Antony, the Marquess of Warbrooke couldn’t be in the same room for longer than 5 minutes without setting off sparks! Everyone in the room with them wanted to duck for cover when these two got together. They were on the board of directors for Isobel’s late husband’s fortune and they both have different ideas on how the monies should be spent.
Isobel owed her late husband for picking her up and saving her from a life of poverty so she felt very loyal to him but he never showed her how it could really be between a husband and wife. When Isobel’s friend, Phoebe Chambers, tells her of a Widow’s Auction where she could go and sample what good lovemaking was all about, she decided to check it out. To her surprise it was Justin Antony who purchased a night with her.
Sabrina Jeffries never disappoints! This was a great story plot. Once Justin learned Isobel’s secrets and why she was the way she was he became such a hero in my eyes. He was so giving in helping Isobel see who she really was and what that meant. Justin was a strong hero and was a good match for Isobel’s character. This author brought these together in such a fun yet hot, sexy way. I read this in one sitting; because I had to see had it all came together!
Another hit to add to Sabrina Jeffries long list of hits!!
I received an ARC for an honest review.
Isobel owed her late husband for picking her up and saving her from a life of poverty so she felt very loyal to him but he never showed her how it could really be between a husband and wife. When Isobel’s friend, Phoebe Chambers, tells her of a Widow’s Auction where she could go and sample what good lovemaking was all about, she decided to check it out. To her surprise it was Justin Antony who purchased a night with her.
Sabrina Jeffries never disappoints! This was a great story plot. Once Justin learned Isobel’s secrets and why she was the way she was he became such a hero in my eyes. He was so giving in helping Isobel see who she really was and what that meant. Justin was a strong hero and was a good match for Isobel’s character. This author brought these together in such a fun yet hot, sexy way. I read this in one sitting; because I had to see had it all came together!
Another hit to add to Sabrina Jeffries long list of hits!!
I received an ARC for an honest review.
August 17, 2016
It starts off a little slowly but gets really good!
I am a long-time fan of Sabrina Jeffries, and I liked this novella. The first chapter felt slightly incomplete or could use a little improvement. I did not feel like I got a good enough idea of what was going through Lady Isobel Kingsley's mind. I did not relate to her at first, and also the idea of the widow's auction seemed to me to be too dangerous for any woman in her right mind to participate. Consequently, I could not really believe that it was remotely in character for Isobel to participate in the auction to give a strange man one night of her sexual favors. However, when her acquaintance Viscount Justin Warbrooke won the bidding war, sparks flew between these two, and I became totally captivated by the novella. There was witty dialogue, spicy love scenes, powerful emotions, and a great story. Justin was totally hot while being an honorable guy. I admired his character and thought that he and Isobel were perfect for each other. As I learned more about Isobel's life, I began to really like her, too. As usual in Sabrina Jeffries' books, the love scenes were really good: sensual, spicy, and intimate. I loved the ending, too.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I am a long-time fan of Sabrina Jeffries, and I liked this novella. The first chapter felt slightly incomplete or could use a little improvement. I did not feel like I got a good enough idea of what was going through Lady Isobel Kingsley's mind. I did not relate to her at first, and also the idea of the widow's auction seemed to me to be too dangerous for any woman in her right mind to participate. Consequently, I could not really believe that it was remotely in character for Isobel to participate in the auction to give a strange man one night of her sexual favors. However, when her acquaintance Viscount Justin Warbrooke won the bidding war, sparks flew between these two, and I became totally captivated by the novella. There was witty dialogue, spicy love scenes, powerful emotions, and a great story. Justin was totally hot while being an honorable guy. I admired his character and thought that he and Isobel were perfect for each other. As I learned more about Isobel's life, I began to really like her, too. As usual in Sabrina Jeffries' books, the love scenes were really good: sensual, spicy, and intimate. I loved the ending, too.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
August 2, 2016
Isobel is a beautiful but proper widow still adjusting to life without her late husband, a boring yet generally kind older man who rescued her from obscurity as a common orphan. To be honest, the idea that her origins was the huge burden she was carrying was a bit boring to me, as was the predictable storyline that she never experienced pleasure with her late husband.
Isobel is talked into attending a Widow's Auction by a friend of hers, where Justin bids on her and wins an evening with her. The idea that Isobel would do this just did not seem plausible; I wish she had desperately needed the money or something equally compelling, as her participation just didn't seem to track with her character development up to that point. But the idea of the auction was interesting.
The interactions early in the tale between her and Justin Anthony, Lord Warbrooke, were my favorite. There is a great push-pull in their heated arguments, and I do like that what they are arguing about not only matters, but lacks a black-and-white resolution.
This story was nice. Honestly, nothing ground-breaking or unique here, but a pleasant read.
*I received a review copy from the publisher/author via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.*
Isobel is talked into attending a Widow's Auction by a friend of hers, where Justin bids on her and wins an evening with her. The idea that Isobel would do this just did not seem plausible; I wish she had desperately needed the money or something equally compelling, as her participation just didn't seem to track with her character development up to that point. But the idea of the auction was interesting.
The interactions early in the tale between her and Justin Anthony, Lord Warbrooke, were my favorite. There is a great push-pull in their heated arguments, and I do like that what they are arguing about not only matters, but lacks a black-and-white resolution.
This story was nice. Honestly, nothing ground-breaking or unique here, but a pleasant read.
*I received a review copy from the publisher/author via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.*
August 23, 2016
This is the first novella I've read in a very long time that didn't make me think the romance was rushed. Our widow, Isobel, Lady Kinsley is on the same board of a school as the handsome, but frustrating Justin, Lord Warbrooke. Her friend convinces her to test the romance waters again by participating in a Widow's Auction in disguise. It's no surprise who buys a night with her! The chemistry is fantastic, and the wrap up is totally believable. I'm impressed with what the author was able to do in such a short story. I recommend this to anyone who wants a compact story that doesn't make you feel like something was missing.
September 22, 2016
This was not the most impressive of reads, but it wasn’t Sabrina Jeffries’s worst either. I didn’t particularly care for Justin or Isobel, save for maybe his dirty bedroom talk and her brief glimpses of agency. The flat romance and many repeated phrases littered throughout didn’t help either. It’s a shame too because I think the novella’s premise had a lot of potential.
August 21, 2016
If you are looking for a short entertaining erotic historical Novella, this is a good one! I actually liked it better than either of the other two Sabrina Jeffries books I've read previously.
September 16, 2016
3.5ish. Quick, enjoyable enemies to lovers.
September 16, 2016
4.5 / 4 Stars
I enjoyed this novella, but I would have liked at lease a tiny epilogue to tie their lives up in a nice neat bow.
I enjoyed this novella, but I would have liked at lease a tiny epilogue to tie their lives up in a nice neat bow.
November 21, 2019
False Impressions. Review of Widow's Auction.
Widow Isobel Lamberton, Lady Kingsley, and Lord Justin Warbrooke are both members of the board of Lady Kingsley's late husband's fortune. Lady Kingsley and Lord Warbrooke differ in the distribution of Isobel's late husband fortune. Isobel wants the money to help young boys with schooling and to build up merits. Lord Warbrooke would rather to use the money to build jobs where the young boys will be able to work and earn money. Both views crash into each other igniting sparks between Lady Isobel and Lord Justin to which everyone in the board room can see except them. Fed up with the arguing Lady Isobel takes the advice of her best friend Phoebe to enter a "Widow's Auction." Where a disguised widow enters to spend one night with the highest bidder. Lady Isobel decides she could use the money she earns from the auction to win the members of the board to her side against Lord Justin. That night Isobel and Justin find out the real truth about each other. This book was short and sweet. I loved the characters. It was funny, charming and very sexy. NC17 sexy. I loved it. This is the first book I've read by this author and will not be my last. I've bookmarked all her books to "Want to read." Here at GOODREADS.COM. Can't wait to read them. Lol. P.S. I didn't get this book as an ARC from BOOKSIRENS.COM or BOOKISHFIRST.COM. It was a library book. I hope that still counts. Lol.
Widow Isobel Lamberton, Lady Kingsley, and Lord Justin Warbrooke are both members of the board of Lady Kingsley's late husband's fortune. Lady Kingsley and Lord Warbrooke differ in the distribution of Isobel's late husband fortune. Isobel wants the money to help young boys with schooling and to build up merits. Lord Warbrooke would rather to use the money to build jobs where the young boys will be able to work and earn money. Both views crash into each other igniting sparks between Lady Isobel and Lord Justin to which everyone in the board room can see except them. Fed up with the arguing Lady Isobel takes the advice of her best friend Phoebe to enter a "Widow's Auction." Where a disguised widow enters to spend one night with the highest bidder. Lady Isobel decides she could use the money she earns from the auction to win the members of the board to her side against Lord Justin. That night Isobel and Justin find out the real truth about each other. This book was short and sweet. I loved the characters. It was funny, charming and very sexy. NC17 sexy. I loved it. This is the first book I've read by this author and will not be my last. I've bookmarked all her books to "Want to read." Here at GOODREADS.COM. Can't wait to read them. Lol. P.S. I didn't get this book as an ARC from BOOKSIRENS.COM or BOOKISHFIRST.COM. It was a library book. I hope that still counts. Lol.
March 29, 2018
This novella was a quick read. While I enjoyed parts of it, there were a few parts that I didn't. This novella is basically Porn with a Plot.
What I liked:
- The "enemies to lovers" trope that was well executed.
- Isobel's backstory and her dedication to her late husband's boys' school.
- Both main characters though I would have liked a longer story with more details about Justin's past.
- Both of their opinions about each other's plan for the boys' school changed after they spent their night together.
What I didn't like:
- The actual Widow Auction scene. It came across as very seedy and crass. Why on earth would high-born widows put themselves up for auction for a group of slobbering degenerates. It came across as an auction that would take place in a low-class establishment; not one that was held in a gentlemen's club.
- The author's constant use of "Roman Conqueror's" nose/features. Way too repetitive in such a short novel.
I enjoyed this novella and will definitely read more books written by this author. If you're looking for a story that can be finished quickly, this one is for you.
What I liked:
- The "enemies to lovers" trope that was well executed.
- Isobel's backstory and her dedication to her late husband's boys' school.
- Both main characters though I would have liked a longer story with more details about Justin's past.
- Both of their opinions about each other's plan for the boys' school changed after they spent their night together.
What I didn't like:
- The actual Widow Auction scene. It came across as very seedy and crass. Why on earth would high-born widows put themselves up for auction for a group of slobbering degenerates. It came across as an auction that would take place in a low-class establishment; not one that was held in a gentlemen's club.
- The author's constant use of "Roman Conqueror's" nose/features. Way too repetitive in such a short novel.
I enjoyed this novella and will definitely read more books written by this author. If you're looking for a story that can be finished quickly, this one is for you.
July 13, 2023
This is the standard "they hate each other because they are actually so similar and attracted to each other and then they fall in love" story. There is much to like: the characters, how he rescues her, it's sex like it's her first time, they are attracted to each other, there's no confusion about why they are there only fun as you watch them do their thing. They are both such good and honorable people. I really liked all of it except how short the book was. It was over so soon. But I'm glad the author didn't jerk us through all kinds of unneeded drama so the length felt good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2020
Good premise-bad execution!
These two lovers are not as “meant for each other” as they claim to be. The plot is too drawn out-patience is needed to get thru a lot of nonsense. But they fall in love- even if it is in the most ridiculous way! I bought it because I like the “auction” theme but it could have been more cleverly executed!
These two lovers are not as “meant for each other” as they claim to be. The plot is too drawn out-patience is needed to get thru a lot of nonsense. But they fall in love- even if it is in the most ridiculous way! I bought it because I like the “auction” theme but it could have been more cleverly executed!
February 16, 2020
This book started out a little slow. I wasn't sure what was going to happen next. But then, BAM, all the goods came out! Once you get to this point, you definitely don't want to put this book down! It will keep your interest to the very end! I LOVED it! Another GREAT book by Sabrina!
April 21, 2020
Distracting Delight
This is a wonderful story to take your mind off daily stressors. It certainly took my mind off current events long enough to sink into this story and mourn when it was over.
This is a wonderful story to take your mind off daily stressors. It certainly took my mind off current events long enough to sink into this story and mourn when it was over.
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June 14, 2021Who knew
Blame it on the mask. With the widow's auction mask safely on Bella felt secure enough to tell her true story. When Justin fully understood her situation what could he do but wall in love with her.
Blame it on the mask. With the widow's auction mask safely on Bella felt secure enough to tell her true story. When Justin fully understood her situation what could he do but wall in love with her.
August 14, 2023
Ahh I can’t get enough of Isobel and Justin! Their chemistry is off the charts! I know it’s only meant to be a short novella and all but man, I really live for a pair of tempestuous pair feeding off energy from each other, exchanging salacious ongoing batters at that!
April 5, 2025
Beautiful novella
Sabina cfeates a moving love story told over about a week. Well developed characters you care about ... as they deal with false preception to see the real person. Lovely story
Sabina cfeates a moving love story told over about a week. Well developed characters you care about ... as they deal with false preception to see the real person. Lovely story
July 23, 2017
A good way to pass the time.
This was a good little novella. Excellent for those short on time but still wanting to read something with an HEA ending.
This was a good little novella. Excellent for those short on time but still wanting to read something with an HEA ending.
October 17, 2017
Ok book. Found it fairly shallow. If it had been longer I would have ditched it.
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