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The Ruthless Billionaire Trilogy #1
The Billionaire's Auction
Desperate times lead to desperate measures…
That’s how I ended up in an auction.
The money from it would be my way out.
My last chance.
Then I saw him, and hope flashed through my mind when he placed a bid.
It shouldn’t have.
Because I didn’t know about the dark edges that surrounded his soul, the ones that should never see the light of day.
Now I’m tied to him for ninety days, but I can survive this.
I’ve been through so much worse before.
Or so I thought.
Because my hope? Was nothing more than a façade.
Now, he was my monster.
The Billionaire’s Auction is the first in an enemies to lovers billionaire trilogy. Themes in this dark and sexy series may not be suitable for all readers. It is NOT a standalone and ends in a cliffhanger.
That’s how I ended up in an auction.
The money from it would be my way out.
My last chance.
Then I saw him, and hope flashed through my mind when he placed a bid.
It shouldn’t have.
Because I didn’t know about the dark edges that surrounded his soul, the ones that should never see the light of day.
Now I’m tied to him for ninety days, but I can survive this.
I’ve been through so much worse before.
Or so I thought.
Because my hope? Was nothing more than a façade.
Now, he was my monster.
The Billionaire’s Auction is the first in an enemies to lovers billionaire trilogy. Themes in this dark and sexy series may not be suitable for all readers. It is NOT a standalone and ends in a cliffhanger.
234 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 3, 2022
327 people are currently reading
642 people want to read
About the author
Bri Blackwood
27 books488 followersBri loves a good romance, especially ones that involve a hot anti-hero. That is why she likes to turn the dial up a notch with her own writing. Her Broken Cross series is her debut dark romance series.
She spends most of her time hanging out with her family, plotting her next novel, or reading books by other romance authors.
She spends most of her time hanging out with her family, plotting her next novel, or reading books by other romance authors.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
February 27, 2022
I need an Ace. Where the hell is my Ace because that man is hot AF!!!
The banter between Harlow and Ace kept me so engaged and had me binge-reading this book in a single night because I really had to see what was going to happen next.
Definitely some mystery happening and some foul shit but Harlow is Ace's make no mistake and I have a feeling he will go to war.
This trilogy started well and I know Bri is going to put us through the ringer in book 2 & 3.
The banter between Harlow and Ace kept me so engaged and had me binge-reading this book in a single night because I really had to see what was going to happen next.
Definitely some mystery happening and some foul shit but Harlow is Ace's make no mistake and I have a feeling he will go to war.
This trilogy started well and I know Bri is going to put us through the ringer in book 2 & 3.
March 2, 2022
Thank you Give Me books and Bri for the ARC And the chance to review this amazing book! It truly means so much to me!
THIS BOOK!!
I have not devoured a book this good in awhile!! I read it in one setting! I can’t not wait for the second books!
Harlow finds her self in an auction to pay off all her debt but, when she sees Ace she has hope that it wouldn’t be so bad after all but will she be strong enough to survive him?
This books is so good I can’t wait to learn more backstory on both Ace and Harlow as the series continues. I am already loving there chemistry.
THIS BOOK!!
I have not devoured a book this good in awhile!! I read it in one setting! I can’t not wait for the second books!
Harlow finds her self in an auction to pay off all her debt but, when she sees Ace she has hope that it wouldn’t be so bad after all but will she be strong enough to survive him?
This books is so good I can’t wait to learn more backstory on both Ace and Harlow as the series continues. I am already loving there chemistry.
March 13, 2022
This book is a great start to this new series. I enjoyed the storyline with its smooth flow throughout the pages. The characters are engaging and had plenty of chemistry.
I received a copy and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
I received a copy and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
March 3, 2022
Harlow and Ace. Great story! How Harlow ends up being at Bar 53 in the first place says so much about the good that lies buried deep within her heart. Ace can't see past his current and previous demons to grasp the idea that he could actually love someone and let them in. What Harlow feared all along is exactly what Ace did in the end, but I have a feeling their story gets even hotter, and more dangerous, in the next story! Their magnetic pull toward each other is fierce and I have feeling they have several people quietly rooting for them. But there are also those who are looking to ruin them.
I also love how the author brought back our beloved characters from the Broken Cross series!
I also love how the author brought back our beloved characters from the Broken Cross series!
March 5, 2022
Bri Blackwood is one of my favorite authors.
She combines billionaires with drama ... lots of drama.
This one aims to do just that!
Ace has layers upon layers of secrets, as does Harlow.
But as you keep reading, you keep finding how much you want to learn more about them both.
And you fall deeper for Ace in ways you really didn't want to from the start.
But the book was amazing and I can't wait for book 2!!
She combines billionaires with drama ... lots of drama.
This one aims to do just that!
Ace has layers upon layers of secrets, as does Harlow.
But as you keep reading, you keep finding how much you want to learn more about them both.
And you fall deeper for Ace in ways you really didn't want to from the start.
But the book was amazing and I can't wait for book 2!!
May 16, 2022
Bri Blackwood has written an awesome start to a new trilogy. The tension between the two main characters is phenomenal. Antagonistic as all get out but hot as can be. You can feel the heat building between them. The Billionaire's Auction does end on a cliffhanger so reader, you have been warned, but it is so going to be worth the wait.
Harlow Robinson works at Bar 53 trying to pay off the debt she owes to her boss, Clay Falcone. When he deems that working as a bartender won't pay it off fast enough, he comes up with a way to redeem his money faster. He has her picked up, brought to his country estate and then put on the auction block at an exclusive invitation only party.Ace Bolton is on a fact finding mission when he goes to Bar 53 to meet with Falcone. While waiting for his meeting to begin, he looks across the bar and sees a stunning blonde bartender who is staring back at him. After his meeting, he searches for her behind the bar but she's no longer there. Ace accepted an invitation from Falcone to attend a mysterious event on Saturday night. He is sitting in a crowd of people watching an auction when he sees Harlow being paraded across the stage. He is enraged and knows that he can't let the beauty get purchased by anyone but himself. He keeps raising the bid, in the end being declared the winner, paying an exorbitant amount for her. When he collects Harlow, they return to his estate. They strike a deal that she is to be his for three months. But nothing is ever as it seems. When you dig deeper, the ugly side of life always comes to the forefront and throws a wrench into all the planning.
What ensues is the struggle between two unyielding people that are unwilling to consider they are perfect for each other in their brokenness. Their story is full of angst, tears and acrimony before the tides turn. Don't forget, this ends in a cliffhanger!!
Harlow Robinson works at Bar 53 trying to pay off the debt she owes to her boss, Clay Falcone. When he deems that working as a bartender won't pay it off fast enough, he comes up with a way to redeem his money faster. He has her picked up, brought to his country estate and then put on the auction block at an exclusive invitation only party.Ace Bolton is on a fact finding mission when he goes to Bar 53 to meet with Falcone. While waiting for his meeting to begin, he looks across the bar and sees a stunning blonde bartender who is staring back at him. After his meeting, he searches for her behind the bar but she's no longer there. Ace accepted an invitation from Falcone to attend a mysterious event on Saturday night. He is sitting in a crowd of people watching an auction when he sees Harlow being paraded across the stage. He is enraged and knows that he can't let the beauty get purchased by anyone but himself. He keeps raising the bid, in the end being declared the winner, paying an exorbitant amount for her. When he collects Harlow, they return to his estate. They strike a deal that she is to be his for three months. But nothing is ever as it seems. When you dig deeper, the ugly side of life always comes to the forefront and throws a wrench into all the planning.
What ensues is the struggle between two unyielding people that are unwilling to consider they are perfect for each other in their brokenness. Their story is full of angst, tears and acrimony before the tides turn. Don't forget, this ends in a cliffhanger!!
June 23, 2023
This book was forgettable for me.
There were lot’s of missed moments like when Ace saw Harlow’s scar/bruise for the first time and kinda just brushed it off? He confronted the man who did it to her and was like “don’t do it again or you die.” This and the spice was all very lackluster for me.
2.5 stars for the premise (it had potential) and the creepy mansion set up. Love a rich man who lives in an old haunt.
There were lot’s of missed moments like when Ace saw Harlow’s scar/bruise for the first time and kinda just brushed it off? He confronted the man who did it to her and was like “don’t do it again or you die.” This and the spice was all very lackluster for me.
2.5 stars for the premise (it had potential) and the creepy mansion set up. Love a rich man who lives in an old haunt.
June 14, 2022
Ok this was NOT what I was expecting. This is a MUST read!! I’m loving this series so much already and can’t wait for the next book. #TeamAlow 🖤🔥♦️🔥🖤
February 28, 2022
This is the 1st book in the ruthless billionaire trilogy. It is a dark enemies to lovers romance that you will thoroughly enjoy. This ends on a cliff hanger. I voluntarily reviewed this ARC
March 3, 2022
I received an ARC of this book but all opinions are my own.
The Billionaire's Auction is another great read from Bri Blackwood. The first few chapters had me a little off kilter, but it was just a little confusion that comes when the ground work is being laid for a new book and story line. The events of the book got off to a quick start after the first 3 or 4 chapters and sucked me right into the story.
The relationship between the main characters was really nice because while the story is an enemies to loves dynamic, I didn't find it to be overly enemy based like a lot of authors do where you have to read the entire series before they ever actually let themselves be happy.
I can't wait to read more on their story and find out more about their past since both of them had rough childhoods. I hope that once they both let the other end they'll be able to help each other out.
I can't recommend this book and other Bri Blackwood books enough. I love her writing and the world she takes a reader into.
The Billionaire's Auction is another great read from Bri Blackwood. The first few chapters had me a little off kilter, but it was just a little confusion that comes when the ground work is being laid for a new book and story line. The events of the book got off to a quick start after the first 3 or 4 chapters and sucked me right into the story.
The relationship between the main characters was really nice because while the story is an enemies to loves dynamic, I didn't find it to be overly enemy based like a lot of authors do where you have to read the entire series before they ever actually let themselves be happy.
I can't wait to read more on their story and find out more about their past since both of them had rough childhoods. I hope that once they both let the other end they'll be able to help each other out.
I can't recommend this book and other Bri Blackwood books enough. I love her writing and the world she takes a reader into.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2022
OK not sure what the deal is but all my reads for this past week ... seemed to fall into the category of sad , no real life type experiences ...or were cliffhangers .. this book seemed to be a good story having some depth to it ... but NO MENTION again that it will end in a cliffie........ did I ever mention I DISLIKE cliffhangers .... the least an author can say is that it is going to be a series so is a cliffhanger... aarrgghhhh !!!!!
Evidently this author Built on the premises of other books that starred these male characters....Ace Bolton gets his own story after appearing in the Broken Cross series and this was not what I expected, even though I didn't know what to expect!
Ace has demons from his past that haunt him and we find out more as we go along, his world now is pretty dangerous and not one that he wants to share with the infuriating woman who turns him upside down from the first moment he saw her In a Bar setting.......
Harlow is in an untenable situation and it gets so much worse. She finds herself in deep trouble, thinks she sees a possible savior but he turns out to be something else entirely. She can't help lusting after him even when he is driving her nuts, which makes her so much more angry whilst infuriated with herself.
what troubles could Harlow would get herself into, and cursing when it finished on the expected cliffhanger. ... THAT's RIGHT FOLKS another blasted cliffie........
It was good to see some of the Cross family appear in this book and I'm looking forward to seeing what happens with Ace and Harlow, ???
I guess I should have expected it since her first series was written as cliffies.........but all of them were finished so i just slid into the next book thinking nothing of it ........
The Broken Cross Series Books 1 thru 3 is an excellent collection which contains Savage Empire, Scarred Empire, and Steel Empire. SE is the a suspenseful enemies to lovers romance featuring .... Anais Monroe, the senior media director and daughter of the CEO of Monroe Media Agency which is deeply in debt, and Damien Cross, the dark wealthy businessman who threatens to call in the debt her father has to him which will destroy the business unless she spends the next thirty days at his home doing what he wants. You have ..Savage Empire...Book 1
Scarred Empire ...Book 2 ...Steel Empire..Book 3......ALL 3 ...STILL on Damien and Anais..........Damien is ready to invest everything for Anais, unprepared for how much she has crept under his skin and how far he will go when she is in danger.
Each book seems to be better than the last .. but I still do not understand why this author much less any author has to drag out stories just write the whole blasted thing and get it out there .... stop making so many books and ending in cliffhangers ... AAARRRRGGGGHHHHHH .!!!!! and IT seems this is what Bri Blackwood is famous for ....SO word of advice Make sure ALL BOOKS have been written before reading .... !!!!!
and Shadow Empire Book 4... is about the brother Broderick Cross...Broderick and Grace have known each other for years. Everyone saw their connection except them. Their chemistry is off the charts, and both hardheaded people who find themselves leaning on each other in times of need......
Book 5 is Secret Empire ... this brother is Gage...Gage is the joker of the family,.. but does have a serious side. Gage Cross is the youngest of the family, he's a twin, his brother Broderick is a couple of minutes older and has no problem reminding Gage of that fact. Gage is works a side job just like his brothers, but he’s keeping his close to the vest....
He’s fed up with his father and brothers not taking him serious in the Cross Empire. His side job is dangerous and very important to him, he wants to be sure that everyone he loves is safe and protected from the threat that the Cross family is under, but he has to figure where the threat is coming from to neutralize it. His investigations will take him to places he is not expecting..........
Stolen Empire is book 6 and it is about the brother .... Kingston and Ellie first met in Savage Empire..... I had an inkling that they both had a story to tell and secretly hoped they would end up together! Their chemistry was off the charts, their banter and bickering kept me giggling. They fought more then they got along, but in the end the both gave into their feelings and it was the sweetest thing ever........... THIS READER just wishes this author would COMPLETE the story and not write so many versions to get to the end .......
Evidently this author Built on the premises of other books that starred these male characters....Ace Bolton gets his own story after appearing in the Broken Cross series and this was not what I expected, even though I didn't know what to expect!
Ace has demons from his past that haunt him and we find out more as we go along, his world now is pretty dangerous and not one that he wants to share with the infuriating woman who turns him upside down from the first moment he saw her In a Bar setting.......
Harlow is in an untenable situation and it gets so much worse. She finds herself in deep trouble, thinks she sees a possible savior but he turns out to be something else entirely. She can't help lusting after him even when he is driving her nuts, which makes her so much more angry whilst infuriated with herself.
what troubles could Harlow would get herself into, and cursing when it finished on the expected cliffhanger. ... THAT's RIGHT FOLKS another blasted cliffie........
It was good to see some of the Cross family appear in this book and I'm looking forward to seeing what happens with Ace and Harlow, ???
I guess I should have expected it since her first series was written as cliffies.........but all of them were finished so i just slid into the next book thinking nothing of it ........
The Broken Cross Series Books 1 thru 3 is an excellent collection which contains Savage Empire, Scarred Empire, and Steel Empire. SE is the a suspenseful enemies to lovers romance featuring .... Anais Monroe, the senior media director and daughter of the CEO of Monroe Media Agency which is deeply in debt, and Damien Cross, the dark wealthy businessman who threatens to call in the debt her father has to him which will destroy the business unless she spends the next thirty days at his home doing what he wants. You have ..Savage Empire...Book 1
Scarred Empire ...Book 2 ...Steel Empire..Book 3......ALL 3 ...STILL on Damien and Anais..........Damien is ready to invest everything for Anais, unprepared for how much she has crept under his skin and how far he will go when she is in danger.
Each book seems to be better than the last .. but I still do not understand why this author much less any author has to drag out stories just write the whole blasted thing and get it out there .... stop making so many books and ending in cliffhangers ... AAARRRRGGGGHHHHHH .!!!!! and IT seems this is what Bri Blackwood is famous for ....SO word of advice Make sure ALL BOOKS have been written before reading .... !!!!!
and Shadow Empire Book 4... is about the brother Broderick Cross...Broderick and Grace have known each other for years. Everyone saw their connection except them. Their chemistry is off the charts, and both hardheaded people who find themselves leaning on each other in times of need......
Book 5 is Secret Empire ... this brother is Gage...Gage is the joker of the family,.. but does have a serious side. Gage Cross is the youngest of the family, he's a twin, his brother Broderick is a couple of minutes older and has no problem reminding Gage of that fact. Gage is works a side job just like his brothers, but he’s keeping his close to the vest....
He’s fed up with his father and brothers not taking him serious in the Cross Empire. His side job is dangerous and very important to him, he wants to be sure that everyone he loves is safe and protected from the threat that the Cross family is under, but he has to figure where the threat is coming from to neutralize it. His investigations will take him to places he is not expecting..........
Stolen Empire is book 6 and it is about the brother .... Kingston and Ellie first met in Savage Empire..... I had an inkling that they both had a story to tell and secretly hoped they would end up together! Their chemistry was off the charts, their banter and bickering kept me giggling. They fought more then they got along, but in the end the both gave into their feelings and it was the sweetest thing ever........... THIS READER just wishes this author would COMPLETE the story and not write so many versions to get to the end .......
February 27, 2024
Okay.
I've read enough stories like this to know what it's supposed to be.
But to be honest, the writing just wasn't good.
A lot redundant statements like "two men were sitting in two chairs" or "when I ended the shower I turned the shower off".
Then there is the problem of time:
One sentence it describes a few hours, the next it's suddenly several days.
One paragraph describes them having sex once, the next it's suddenly multiple times over the course of a whole night.
There are a lot of problems like that in the story.
Then there is also the problem of the supposed connection between the two.
There is absolutely nothing happening to suggest anything beyond sex, but suddenly there is weird personal questions and conversations that feel completely out of place.
The worst part for me was the coercion though.
Even though Ace specifically asks her to confirm that she's doing things out of her own free will - that doesn't magically change the situation.
He *bought* her at an auction and made it very clear what his intentions were.
The first time she went against Ace even a little, he locked her in her room.
And if she doesn't comply, the guy who auctioned her off threatened to kill her AND the there's the guy who already tried to rape her once waiting for her too.
So she really doesn't have any free will here, no matter what he makes her say.
Why she fell in love with him - no idea. There is absolutely no reason for it.
In general, this feels like there was supposed to be a lot more kinky stuff in the story but then the author decided not to include it in the end, but they didn't manage to cut all the implications to it out of the conversations & story.
That's probably why stuff gets mentioned all the time but then nothing happens.
And don't even get me started on how these people "talk". Most unnatural direct speech I've ever read.
So, in total, 1.5 stars.
I will give the second book a chance nevertheless though. Unfinished series make uncomfortable and let's face it, it can only get better....
I've read enough stories like this to know what it's supposed to be.
But to be honest, the writing just wasn't good.
A lot redundant statements like "two men were sitting in two chairs" or "when I ended the shower I turned the shower off".
Then there is the problem of time:
One sentence it describes a few hours, the next it's suddenly several days.
One paragraph describes them having sex once, the next it's suddenly multiple times over the course of a whole night.
There are a lot of problems like that in the story.
Then there is also the problem of the supposed connection between the two.
There is absolutely nothing happening to suggest anything beyond sex, but suddenly there is weird personal questions and conversations that feel completely out of place.
The worst part for me was the coercion though.
Even though Ace specifically asks her to confirm that she's doing things out of her own free will - that doesn't magically change the situation.
He *bought* her at an auction and made it very clear what his intentions were.
The first time she went against Ace even a little, he locked her in her room.
And if she doesn't comply, the guy who auctioned her off threatened to kill her AND the there's the guy who already tried to rape her once waiting for her too.
So she really doesn't have any free will here, no matter what he makes her say.
Why she fell in love with him - no idea. There is absolutely no reason for it.
In general, this feels like there was supposed to be a lot more kinky stuff in the story but then the author decided not to include it in the end, but they didn't manage to cut all the implications to it out of the conversations & story.
That's probably why stuff gets mentioned all the time but then nothing happens.
And don't even get me started on how these people "talk". Most unnatural direct speech I've ever read.
So, in total, 1.5 stars.
I will give the second book a chance nevertheless though. Unfinished series make uncomfortable and let's face it, it can only get better....
June 19, 2022
Ace Bolton is an enigma. He is a billionaire from old money but suffered through hard times as a child. He is part of a secret society that keeps things working behind the scenes. If it is for good or evil is the question. Harlow’s life has never been easy. She essentially gave up her freedom for the one person that ever showed her love. She is a slave to Clay Falcone, the man that Ace has been hired to investigate. Circumstances lead to an unusual situation where Ace ends up “winning” Harlow in an auction, and not the charity kind. There is a push and pull in their relationship as they both try to see it has nothing but fulfillment of a contract. We all know where that gets our characters.
Harlow is a strong character that often tries to find ways to save herself. She is aware of how powerless she is in her circumstance but will not give any of her autonomy away freely. Ace is closed off and mysterious. I have a feeling his past is going to be much darker than even he knows. This is the first book of a trilogy and does end on a cliffhanger. As part of a trilogy it makes sense but at times feels a bit drawn out. It takes almost a third of the book before the main characters speak directly to each other. There are some heavy plot lines being laid down however, that I hope will make more sense as the story continues.
Harlow is a strong character that often tries to find ways to save herself. She is aware of how powerless she is in her circumstance but will not give any of her autonomy away freely. Ace is closed off and mysterious. I have a feeling his past is going to be much darker than even he knows. This is the first book of a trilogy and does end on a cliffhanger. As part of a trilogy it makes sense but at times feels a bit drawn out. It takes almost a third of the book before the main characters speak directly to each other. There are some heavy plot lines being laid down however, that I hope will make more sense as the story continues.
March 7, 2022
I really recommend you read the previous books of this series yes this is a trilogy for Ace & Harlow. The previous book will help you understand the Secret Society of The Chevaliers...no spoilers
Ace & Harlow love story is full of secrets and tense connection that they question it, can they accept this bond they share?...no spoilers. Both have a common enemy and that is Falcone. Falcone runs the Bar 53 and Harlow is working off a debt to him. However one of his men made a grab for her and she got away from him. Then Falcone put her in his Auction to pay of debt. Harlow is a brave heroine and she has a good heart especially for her late adopted mam & love of books
Ace's assignment is Falcone and when he was at his bar he had a strange draw to Harlow. Seeing her on that stage , he wanted to save her from all the pigs at the Auction. Ace is fighting his own demons and Harlow is slowly bringing him down BUT he wants to protect her from them at the same time.
There is a cliffhanger and who can you trust...no spoilers. Things are starting to get complex now and their is some heartache
Get ready for a complex secret society for the rich & elite families. Their are many layers to that world
☆MUST READ☆
Ace & Harlow love story is full of secrets and tense connection that they question it, can they accept this bond they share?...no spoilers. Both have a common enemy and that is Falcone. Falcone runs the Bar 53 and Harlow is working off a debt to him. However one of his men made a grab for her and she got away from him. Then Falcone put her in his Auction to pay of debt. Harlow is a brave heroine and she has a good heart especially for her late adopted mam & love of books
Ace's assignment is Falcone and when he was at his bar he had a strange draw to Harlow. Seeing her on that stage , he wanted to save her from all the pigs at the Auction. Ace is fighting his own demons and Harlow is slowly bringing him down BUT he wants to protect her from them at the same time.
There is a cliffhanger and who can you trust...no spoilers. Things are starting to get complex now and their is some heartache
Get ready for a complex secret society for the rich & elite families. Their are many layers to that world
☆MUST READ☆
December 19, 2022
I don't know what to think about this book. It was very much like fifty shades. Where you had the male character being abused by an older woman when he was a kid and of course that reflects on how he treats the female character like not kissing her and keeps constantly pushing her away but yet he still wants to bang her. Doesn't understand his feelings that's very similar to Christian Gray. The back and forth between these two was getting tiresome. The woe is me I have feelings for him I can't fall in love with him but I am. That was pretty predictable I mean hello you could have seen that coming a mile away! The fact that she has a troubled childhood herself and the attempted rape by Ian messes up with her mind too but not as nearly as bad as what he's going through. Communication! That would have solved everything in this book between the two of them. The whole fifty shades thing was getting kind of old though. Oh and I've already figured out what falcone's connection to Harlow is. If you remember she doesn't know who her father is and I'm willing to bet he's her father or some type of family relation to her. I'll probably go ahead and read the second book but it'll be a bit before I get to that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2023
I almost DNF this at 60% but powered through. While I liked the idea of this book I felt like the execution was lacking. The characters lacked depth and chemistry.
The whole time Ace was trying to find information about what exactly, I couldn't be sure. Harlow also gave into Ace so easily and I never felt the sexual tension that was supposedly there.
There could've been more detail put into this and maybe that would've saved it. When there were plot holes they were magically resolved in a later chapter. For example Harlow was at the bookstore and Ace made her leave immediately, he didn't make an effort to see what she was reading and then he somehow knew exactly what books she had been interested in without ever conversing about it. A few days later the books she wanted appeared in her bedroom along with a bracelet he supposedly bought from the jeweler next door that was never aforementioned. Spoiler alert ⚠️ He had put a tracker in said bracelet but never voiced that even in his thoughts. There's definitely more to it. Especially when he didn't give her the gift in a way that even made sense, considering the fact that he isn't affectionate towards her at all.
Anyway that's all I'm gonna say about this. ✌️
The whole time Ace was trying to find information about what exactly, I couldn't be sure. Harlow also gave into Ace so easily and I never felt the sexual tension that was supposedly there.
There could've been more detail put into this and maybe that would've saved it. When there were plot holes they were magically resolved in a later chapter. For example Harlow was at the bookstore and Ace made her leave immediately, he didn't make an effort to see what she was reading and then he somehow knew exactly what books she had been interested in without ever conversing about it. A few days later the books she wanted appeared in her bedroom along with a bracelet he supposedly bought from the jeweler next door that was never aforementioned. Spoiler alert ⚠️ He had put a tracker in said bracelet but never voiced that even in his thoughts. There's definitely more to it. Especially when he didn't give her the gift in a way that even made sense, considering the fact that he isn't affectionate towards her at all.
Anyway that's all I'm gonna say about this. ✌️
March 9, 2022
New series set in the Broken Cross world
Ace Bolton gets his own story after appearing in the Broken Cross series and this was not what I expected, even though I didn't know what to expect!
Ace has demons from his past that haunt him and we find out more as we go along, but his world now is pretty damn dangerous and not one that he wants to share with the infuriating woman who turns him upside down from the first moment he saw her.
Harlow is in an untenable situation and it gets so much worse. She finds herself in deep trouble, thinks she sees a possible saviour but he turns out to be something else entirely. She can't help lusting after him even when he is driving her nuts, which makes her so much more angry whilst infuriated with him and herself.
Their story kept me turning the pages, wondering where it would go and what more trouble Harlow would get herself into, and cursing when it finished on the expected cliffhanger.
It was good to see some of the Cross family appear in this book and I'm looking forward to seeing what happens with Ace and Harlow, along with what is happening in the background that brought them together in the first place.
Ace Bolton gets his own story after appearing in the Broken Cross series and this was not what I expected, even though I didn't know what to expect!
Ace has demons from his past that haunt him and we find out more as we go along, but his world now is pretty damn dangerous and not one that he wants to share with the infuriating woman who turns him upside down from the first moment he saw her.
Harlow is in an untenable situation and it gets so much worse. She finds herself in deep trouble, thinks she sees a possible saviour but he turns out to be something else entirely. She can't help lusting after him even when he is driving her nuts, which makes her so much more angry whilst infuriated with him and herself.
Their story kept me turning the pages, wondering where it would go and what more trouble Harlow would get herself into, and cursing when it finished on the expected cliffhanger.
It was good to see some of the Cross family appear in this book and I'm looking forward to seeing what happens with Ace and Harlow, along with what is happening in the background that brought them together in the first place.
March 3, 2022
This is the beginning of Ace and Harlow's story. Ace has had an awful childhood and was brutalized by people who were supposed to care about him and due to that he is stunted in the idea's of having any relationships. Harlow has had a tragic up bringing and has gone through so much and just wants some one to love and care for her. She is working at Bar 53 as she owes Clay Falcone money that is when Ace see's her for the first time and is completely drawn to her. Things take a turn when Clay feels she is going to be better at a different job. Once Ace has her he struggles with how he feels, when things get too close he runs. This story has some dark and twisted things that make you wonder what is going on. Wonderful story with great twists that I can't wait to see what's going to happen. I loved both these characters as they both are broken in some ways but will they find a way to help each other heal. Phenomenal start to a series. Cant' wait for the next book.
I was given this book as an ARC for my honest review.
I was given this book as an ARC for my honest review.
November 17, 2022
Wow! This book was amazing. The back-and-forth banter between Harlow and Ace kept this book moving at a great pace and had me reading this book in just over a night. It is hot and mysterious, and the cliffhanger will leave you wanting more. I was so sad when I got to the last page and was, WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? The next book in the trilogy cannot come soon enough.
Harlow and Ace’s chemistry is sexy and steamy, and despite their dark pasts, the way they learn to trust and communicate with each other will leave you breathless.
I do not hide the fact that I love some angst in the books that I read, and boy, did this deliver.
Sometimes I can be wary of reading dark romances, but I do not regret reading this for a second! If you are okay with reading dark romances, you will also find a fantastic enemies to lovers, billionaire, age-gap romance that will leave you wanting so, so more. Bri wrote this book with such elegance that I cannot wait for the next book! I can’t wait to see where Ace and Harlow’s story goes! ❤️🔥
Harlow and Ace’s chemistry is sexy and steamy, and despite their dark pasts, the way they learn to trust and communicate with each other will leave you breathless.
I do not hide the fact that I love some angst in the books that I read, and boy, did this deliver.
Sometimes I can be wary of reading dark romances, but I do not regret reading this for a second! If you are okay with reading dark romances, you will also find a fantastic enemies to lovers, billionaire, age-gap romance that will leave you wanting so, so more. Bri wrote this book with such elegance that I cannot wait for the next book! I can’t wait to see where Ace and Harlow’s story goes! ❤️🔥
March 4, 2022
This book features the story of Ace Bolton, who agrees to go undercover in an attempt to discover Clay Falcone’s role in obtaining business and territory run by Will DePalma at the request of his Cross family friends, and Harlow Robinson, a bartender working off the debt she owes Clay Falcone at his Bar 53. Following an event between Harlow and a manager at the bar, Falcone decides to auction her off. Ace purchases her as he has been invited to the event by Falcone. Their relationship is to be one of casual intimacy, however, Harlow develops feelings for Ace while he knows her association with him will put her in danger. This well written book has amazing characters including several members of the Cross family, deceit, betrayal, danger, steamy passion, and a cliffhanger. The next book in The Ruthless Billionaire Trilogy is The Billionaire’s Possession.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
March 5, 2022
I gave this 4 stars even though I wasn't able to fully enjoy the story. I was looking forward to reading this book but found myself unable to immerse myself into the tale. Usually I can get straight into a story and get carried away flipping pages quickly to devour the story. This wasn't the case here. And I don't believe it has anything to do with the story itself. I think it was purely a personal thing. The characters were good. I thought that Harlow was strong despite all the hardships she faced. And Ace was an interesting male who clearly endured a lot in his life. But despite this, I still wasn't able to get into the story. Around 70%, I found myself enjoying the story more but again not long after, I just wasn't invested in the story. I would recommend people to read this story. It was obviously a personal thing that I wasn't able to enjoy as much as I would have liked. I might try reading it again at a later stage to see if my feelings change.
March 16, 2022
An unexpected knight in not so shining armor by the name of Ace Bolton comes to the rescue to save Harlow who has been forced into an auction to pay off a debt she has to a very unsavory character. Three months is how long she discovers she must stay with Ace to pay off the debt but the time is nothing like she expects. For Ace, this was just a meaningless business attraction to keep the pretense of his real reason for showing up to meet with Harlow's former boss, Falcone. Trauma from his childhood has left Ace fearing that he will never have a true relationship with any woman but the more Harlow stays with him, the more he realizes how dangerous any type of attraction or feelings he might have can be. There is a cliffhanger and since the next installment will not be out for at least a month I'm left grappling for a way to cope. Don't miss this addictive story!
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest and totally voluntary review.
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest and totally voluntary review.
March 3, 2022
"He was giving nothing away and I felt as if I was walking into a trap, but I had to keep going."
How would you feel being sold to the highest bidder, trading the fear of one monster for the fear of another? I can't imagine, so into Harlow's shoes I went while she navigates a rollercoaster existence which is rolled into a barrel dropdown by the dark of humanity, to only be thrown into a heartline roll by her delicious, and haunted, anti-hero, Ace, as he misguidedly tries to "save" her from the clutches of a monster. The pair of them leave me with one question: which hurts worse, love or lust? Hopefully, they answer that in the next book, but I won't hold my breath. With these two, questions only seem to lead to more questions...and I wouldn't have it any other way. Hello anticipation, my old friend!
How would you feel being sold to the highest bidder, trading the fear of one monster for the fear of another? I can't imagine, so into Harlow's shoes I went while she navigates a rollercoaster existence which is rolled into a barrel dropdown by the dark of humanity, to only be thrown into a heartline roll by her delicious, and haunted, anti-hero, Ace, as he misguidedly tries to "save" her from the clutches of a monster. The pair of them leave me with one question: which hurts worse, love or lust? Hopefully, they answer that in the next book, but I won't hold my breath. With these two, questions only seem to lead to more questions...and I wouldn't have it any other way. Hello anticipation, my old friend!
March 10, 2022
I want to start this review by saying how excited I am for this trilogy. I LOVED the Broken Cross Series and I am really happy to be back in that universe with this new series. If you have not read the Broken Cross series, I highly recommend it.
Off the bat this book is a little darker feel to it than the Cross books, but I love that. Ace crosses paths with Harlow when he goes to a meeting with a bad guy. He then sees her again at an auction where the product is people. He obviously bids on her and wins. There is so much mystery surrounding Ace. He has some shady business going on but I am here to find out all about it. Harlow seems a but more of an open book but who knows what may come out, there are always more secrets lurking about.
I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book, I am dying to find out what happens next.
Off the bat this book is a little darker feel to it than the Cross books, but I love that. Ace crosses paths with Harlow when he goes to a meeting with a bad guy. He then sees her again at an auction where the product is people. He obviously bids on her and wins. There is so much mystery surrounding Ace. He has some shady business going on but I am here to find out all about it. Harlow seems a but more of an open book but who knows what may come out, there are always more secrets lurking about.
I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book, I am dying to find out what happens next.
March 1, 2022
I am voluntarily leaving this review. Bri Blackwood has caught my attention again. This book will have you on the he edge of your seat from page one. There is a trigger warning at the beginning and may not be for some. The book is told in first person POV, the characters are dark, secretive and interesting. You see characters from the broken cross series as well which is great.
Ace and Harlow met under interesting circumstances. Both have a dark past that is still being unraveled, but their chemistry is steamy. They both have to learn to trust and communicate. Will they be able to overcome and be together?
With the rising threats, I’m curious to see how this story unfolds. I cannot wait for the next book to come out. This does leave you on a cliffhanger, but the wait will be worth it.
Ace and Harlow met under interesting circumstances. Both have a dark past that is still being unraveled, but their chemistry is steamy. They both have to learn to trust and communicate. Will they be able to overcome and be together?
With the rising threats, I’m curious to see how this story unfolds. I cannot wait for the next book to come out. This does leave you on a cliffhanger, but the wait will be worth it.
December 29, 2022
couldn’t make it past a couple of chapters
The thing with this author is that she throws a lot of characters in with no background. I’m not sure if she has some sort of chart in where it tells you which books to read first, because you don’t know who’s who in most chapters. I read her Devious series, and I’m still lost regarding the cavaliers, I should have know that these books would be the same. So back to this book, again Ace is with the Cavaliers but we don’t her a background. Harlow owes money because she needed it for her grandmas funeral, but in the couple of chapters I read she wasn’t really likable character ( to me) and from reading other reviews it’s seems she stretches the book into 3 but could have been 2 books. Honestly this author is just not for me.
The thing with this author is that she throws a lot of characters in with no background. I’m not sure if she has some sort of chart in where it tells you which books to read first, because you don’t know who’s who in most chapters. I read her Devious series, and I’m still lost regarding the cavaliers, I should have know that these books would be the same. So back to this book, again Ace is with the Cavaliers but we don’t her a background. Harlow owes money because she needed it for her grandmas funeral, but in the couple of chapters I read she wasn’t really likable character ( to me) and from reading other reviews it’s seems she stretches the book into 3 but could have been 2 books. Honestly this author is just not for me.
March 2, 2022
This is the first in a new trilogy and is Ace and Harlow’s journey. Harlow is desperate as she needs money to pay off some debts, and this leads her to be entered into an auction. Ace had seen Harlow before where she was bartending, and he is determined to place the winning bid. These two come to an agreement that Harlow will stay with Ace for 90-days. This story ends in a cliffhanger, and I need the rest of the thrilling trilogy. This is a well written story which has engaging characters, mystery, angst, emotions, twists, and tension, which leads to an all-consuming page turner. I highly recommend this talented author work.
March 2, 2022
The Billionaire's Auction by Bri Blackwood is the First book in The Ruthless Billionaire Trilogy. This starts the story of Harlow Robinson and Ace Bolton. Harlow is working of a debt at Bar 53 owned by Clay Falcone who she owes the debt too. When he deems that she won't earn enough money working there he comes up with offering her to go to a Auction that he is involved in. Ace first sees Harlow at the bar but when he is done business with Clay he didn't see her. But he does attend the auction where he is shocked to see her there. Of course he 'buys' her for 90days but things are so cut and dry which leads us to the next book in their story.
January 3, 2024
Desperately seeking a well-developed story
Reading this first part of a series was like watching a dog chasing its tail; things never went anywhere. Hints but never an actual progressing storyline or any depth to the characters. Was tempted to toss it at the halfway point, but it is a short book so I gave it a chance. Unfortunately, ended up being nothing more than potential bones for a story (but the skeleton is still incomplete) that needs signiicantly more work and a good editor to correct the grammatical errors that interrupt story flow. It was a letdown as I have read other stories by this author that I liked.
Promising title; disappointing result.
Reading this first part of a series was like watching a dog chasing its tail; things never went anywhere. Hints but never an actual progressing storyline or any depth to the characters. Was tempted to toss it at the halfway point, but it is a short book so I gave it a chance. Unfortunately, ended up being nothing more than potential bones for a story (but the skeleton is still incomplete) that needs signiicantly more work and a good editor to correct the grammatical errors that interrupt story flow. It was a letdown as I have read other stories by this author that I liked.
Promising title; disappointing result.
February 27, 2022
This is the first in an enemies to lovers billionaire trilogy. It does end with a cliffhanger. If you like dark romances you'll enjoy this book. No shortage of steam, passion or drama. She was desperate and that's why she agreed to participate in the auction. She was his for ninety days and she's sure she can survive. He's tough, he's a monster but he affects her like no other. His book is emotional and a page turner. Once you start reading it's hard to put down. Can't wait for the next book. I read a free advance copy via the author and voluntarily chose to review it.
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