Erotic Behavior: Sold to the Highest Bidder

by Nikki Rome

He took one look at me and I wanted to run from him, and run to him at the same time...

Raven
I thought it would be easy. My virginity was never something I held in high regard. The money would solve all the problems I faced. Things were professional, and I looked at it all as a business deal. However, now I’m standing in a room with a bed bigger than my apartment and my need to run for my life was overpowering my consciousness.

Beckett
I wanted her, needed her for more than I would ever admit. She had no idea who I was. To her, I was nothing more than a bachelor looking for a wife. If she ever found out the truth, I’d lose everything. It was now or never. Time to make my move.

When the auction of a lifetime matches a Dom in need with his newest little things get… complicated.

This is a steamy virgin age gap romance story with a curvy heroine that you won't want to miss. Check out Nikki Rome's website for a full list of content warnings before diving in for all the fun.

Genres: Dark Romance, Erotica, BDSM, Romance, Contemporary

345 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 1, 2022

About the author

USA Today Best Selling Romance Author Nikki Rome has been a romance junky since a young age. As a girl she reached for book after book, looking for that happily ever after she always believed in. She loves all forms of romance and you can find her latest read not far from her reach.

Nikki writes contemporary romance with a touch of danger and kink. Her love of realistic characters who face real problems provides a story that touches the hearts of many. As a writer, reader and lover of words, it only made sense that she publish her stories.

Now years letter she owns and manages Smut Lovers: The Community. A group of like minded individuals that come together to talk about their love of all things smut. You can find her hosting Smut Lovers: The Podcast or running Smut Lovers: The Conference. Either way you know she'll always be talking about her love of books.

Reviews

[Cécile Smits · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was sitting in my library for a long time before i found it this weekend.
The title and the blurb made me give it a try,and even though it wasn’t what i expected,i still enjoyed myself.
It tries to be on the dark side,but fails because Beckett may have had the wrong easons for buying Raven at that auction,he fell for her the moment he saw her,and was supersweet with her after that.
Shielding her from his so-called darker side,he tried to protect her the best he could.
But you know what they say about secrets,right?
That’s exactly what happened here…..he was the owner of the local BDSM club,The Pendulum.
And to his surprise,Raven told him she was interested in exploring the lifestyle.
The reason he was surprised is because she was still a virgin,and so very innocent….

The reason Raven entered the auction was simple,she and her bestie Talia needed the money.
They’d taken care of Raven’s mother until her death,and that meant leaving school….
Now they were about to be kicked out of the house they’d lived in because they couldn’t pay the morgage anymore.
Their plan was for a marriage for 5 years,get the morgage fixed,and continue their life afterwards.
You know what they say about plans and life,right?
Exactly. That’s what happened here….Raven fell in love,and Talia ended up with a creep.
Lucky for her,she had Raven,and Raven had Beckett.
Beckett wanted to make his girl happy,and sent Leo to take care of Talia.

There are a few other things that threatened Raven and Beckett’s HEA.
It involved a few exes,and family in the form of abuse and an attempt at blackmail.
But those were solved neatly and quickly.
The sweet spice is what i enjoyed most,if i’m honest.
Beckett may have been a Dom,but he gave Raven the option to embrace or ignore the lifestyle.
As long as they were together,that was all that mattered….
Plus,she not only accepted,but embraced his breeding kink.

[Kiandra 🦋 · Rating 1 out of 5]

Never again, this is what I get for being curious 😃

[Polli.p · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deciding to trade their world of bad luck and debt for a contractual 5 year marriage to a couple of billionaires, Raven and Tahlia sign up for the love match auction. Raven gets the better deal with Becket and essentially this is their hot and sexy love story as Raven is slowly introduced to Beckett's life and the world of BDSM. That said, Tahlia's plight is expertly woven in as an equally enjoyable sub plot.

All in all this is a very good, well written read, with all the essential ingredients: sex, love, secrets, danger. The characters are whole and real and interesting. The plot, which could have become just billionaire Dom buys virgin to train as a sub, became that and much much more. I thoroughly enjoyed it and read the entire book in one hit.

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

[Kayla Jamison · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was fast paced, gripping, leaving me wanting more. I am beyond excited to start the next, I recommend is spicy is your thing!

[Black Girl Tired Energy Book reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raven and her bestie Tahlia needs to do something before they lose everything. Raven's mother medical bils when she was alive cause a lot of debt and having cause her to drop out of law school. Even with Tahlia and Raven working together it wasn't enough to stay afloat. One night out the ladies was approach with an opportunity that can pay off all their debts and they just had to sign a contract to be auction off to be wives to a billionare for 5 years making their debt disappear. Even though they decided to do it together and would keep in touch even after they're married things didn't go according to plan. Raven is whisked away to meet her billionare. Beckett is a man of money and power ... and he has his eyes set on having Raven no matter the cost. Once in his possession it takes every ounce of willpower he has not to ravage his baby girl. Raven and Beckett slowly dive into the world of BDSM, pleasure, pain, and a bond that is tested at every corner. The relationship will be put through all types of foolery from secrets to the past coming back to claim their possession. In the midst of all this Tahlia is having a crisis that is deadly and dangeous.

This book was an absolute delight from the dom/little relationship to the Cgl relationship aspect. The way they both had baggage, but on an epic scale they're both were carrying a tons of luggage on their backs. When I say I want an erotic sensual romance with danger and a side of sex this is what I'm talking about. This is a book to make the meow meow purr constantly. Beckett was a dream dom that was patient, dominating, and sexy as hell. Raven a newcomer to the lifestyle was a treat to read as she navigated finding her kinks and embracing her sexuality with the support of Beckett. A great awesome amazing read!

[Branlvsbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never judge a book by its title… This one is so much more!

Raven and her best friend Talia sign up to be auctioned off as wives for five years in trade for payment of their debts. They go into the auction hoping to get a good man that will not only pay off their debts but they will be treated good too. They also have the hope that they will still be able to spend time together while they’re married. Unfortunately, Some plans don’t go the way you hope.

After Raven goes through the auction she is swept away to a waiting vehicle and taken to a penthouse in the city where she eventually meets her “owner” Beck. At the beginning things between them are kind of tense as she tries to figure out what exactly is expected of her and he tries to rethink his plans with her because now that he has met her in person his original ones are not so appealing anymore. He has lots of secrets and a lifestyle that he is keeping hidden from her. Will they get on the same page and have a good five years together? Can they turn what starts as a contract into an actual true marriage or will it be in legal terms only?

The name of this book makes it seem like it is some major sex filled story but it actually has a pretty interesting storyline. Sure there is sex including some BDSM scenes but the book is not based just on that part. There are parts related to his mom, his sister, his nephew, her mom, her dad, her best friend and their friends so the story has many different parts that revolve around different aspects of their lives outside of the bedroom.

If you are someone who enjoys reading about contract marriages and BDSM then this book would be a good one for you to read. It is a part of a series and I am excited to see what happens in book 2.

[Bookmom1213 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raven was young and already lived a lifetime. She was raised by a single mom who worked multiple jobs in order for them to survive. Raven’s best friend Talia didn’t have a a wonderful home life and basically lived with Raven and her mom. Raven wanted to be a lawyer and had started school but had to quit to take care of her mom when she got sick. She pulled out a second mortgage on her townhouse and Talia maxed out her credit cards to help pay for the medical treatments for Ravens mom.
Beckett didn’t have the best life growing up. Yea he was born into a family with a lot of money but his home life was miserable. He is a real estate mogul and when he took over for his dad there were stipulations that states he needed to marry and have an heir in order to keep the business. He who also had multiple links and being a Dom was just one of many. He owns a private club that allows people to explore their own kinks.
Raven was approached to be auctioned off to a mystery man to be his wife for 5 years and in exchange her mortgage would be paid completely. Talia had the same opportunity and her credit cards would be paid off. Beckett won Raven with the idea of making her his wife and having a baby with him to honor the stipulation. What he didn’t bargain for was his drawn he was to Raven and his needs to take care of her no matter what the outcome. But there are a lot of secrets he hadn’t told Raven. Will the secrets hurt their relationship?
Nikki did it again. I love love love this book. I love Raven and had read a little about Beckett in other of her books. I’m glad I got to read his story!

[Annabelle Donnelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Auctioned, Blackmailed, and... Cozy?

This book packed a punch with its list of heavy-hitters: a girl sold at an auction, mafia entanglements, blackmail, dirty cops, cult leaders, BDSM—you name it. And yet, despite all that grit, it felt strangely... soft? It’s as if the edges were rounded off and the danger wrapped in bubble wrap.

At the heart of it all is Raven and Beckett. While I liked Raven, it’s Beckett who had me weak in the knees. Honestly, Beckett needs a girlfriend? Sure, Jan. The way he stepped up to care for Raven right off the bat? Excuse me while I swoon. Feed me food, Beckett. Any day. Every day.

That said, I craved more angst, some real tension—something to make my chest ache a bit. The plot was there, but let’s not kid ourselves: the author clearly prioritized the steam over the storyline. Not that I’m complaining because hot Beckett made it all worth it. Still, the lack of push-and-pull left things feeling almost... easy.

Oh, and that ending? One word: cheated. I needed at least two more chapters after that final reveal. The story wrapped up so quickly I barely had time to process.

All in all, though, it was a thoroughly enjoyable, devour-it-in-one-sitting kind of read. If you’re here for a swoon-worthy hero and just enough plot to carry you from one delicious moment to the next, this one’s for you.

[Leslie D Henderson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this to be an enjoyable yet slow read. It's a unique concept in that the H is "not exactly" mafia related & he's a complete cinnamon roll that's into BDSM. That's where the misleading part comes in; the cover, title, & descriptor indicate that the BDSM factor is going to be an important & recurring theme throughout the book. The reality is, the BDSM aspect isn't even introduced until 70% through. And that's a literal introduction. I love books with plus-sized MCs but it gets a little tiring when they all follow the same character outline: big girl MC, skinny BFF, family judges MC for weight, H is 1st person to love her for her, h is insecure due to weight, etc. I found this book to be pretty slow-moving as well. The beginning is enticing, then she's delivered from auction & they get to know eachother. That's 70% of the book. There is alot of spicy scenes though. And they are still very hot! And I do enjoy the H being a complete cinnamon roll with her. So, lots of unique ideas! Just probably not for me. Others would definitely enjoy this book.

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

[Ally Doby (Schleicher) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in this new series and oh so steamy!!! Told in first person POV by the main male and female characters, they get to experience a finding your self, learning what is truly important in life, off the charts chemistry, sexy scenes and of course the danger and suspense. There are trigger warnings to look out for at the beginning of the book.

I love the bond that Raven has with Tahlia and how she agrees to try to turn their bad luck of a life into a chance at true happiness by signing a contract to be sold to the highest bidder so she isn’t alone. I love how Beckett had a reason for making sure he got Raven, but quickly learned that his reason wasn’t important, Raven herself was the most important thing to him. I love how Beckett slowly introduced Raven to the BDSM scene and was so quick to help her when it came to Tahlia.

I have enjoyed all of Nikki’s books and and I love how they are all interconnected and you hear of her past charges while learning about new her new ones. I received an ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story follows Raven and Beckett. For me it was a bit predictable. She was raised by a single mom who worked multiple jobs just so they could survive and Raven’s life was hard. Her bff, Talia also lived with them for the most part as her life was just as bad. Raven strived to be a lawyer but had to quit to take care of her mom when she got sick. She pulled out a second mortgage on her townhouse and Talia maxed out her credit cards to help pay for the medical treatments but they couldn’t keep up. Beckett had a traumatic childhood as well. He was born rich but his life at home was awful. He took over the family business but he needed to marry and have an heir in order to keep the business. He also owns a BDSM club. Raven and Talia were approached to be auctioned off for money. Beckett won Raven. He expected to use her for his wife and heir but didn’t expect to fall for her.

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

[Seelye · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was good don’t give me wrong, but towards the end, I just wasn’t feeling it and to me it kind of became repetitive without digging deeper into the characters or the storyline. I was also a little cranky how we never really had an issue with her father or Cal or kind of like having a result/conclusion from that. And I wish we spent a little more time on her pregnancy and just like Her experience with that. I felt like how they did the BDSM wasn’t necessarily correct in a way and it may just be like their version of it, but it just didn’t seem correct lol. Not saying like that their way was wrong it just like didn’t fit. How like I think about it and maybe that’s just likea me thing. It was still good though, and there were moments of it when I was like mhmmm that’s good but it just seemed to become a little overdone for my liking. And I don’t know felt like the characters could use just a little bit more personality to them as a whole.

[SBee Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

★“Beckett Haynes was more than my five-year plan. He was my forever.”★

—>>> I’ve heard the term “cinnamon roll” a lot lately, but I think this is certainly one male character who fits the title for me. Both Beckett and Raven had their own reasons for participating in the billionaire auction, and they ultimately form a perfect pairing. There is a lot in Raven’s past and much currently occupying Beckett’s personal life, which draws out the story into a much longer read. I did anticipate more drama from his PA, though; perhaps that angle could have been brought to the forefront. I hope Raven’s best friend Talia will have her own story with Leo.

[Shifty Bugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

I Loved this book it was hot and sensual, the storyline was mesmerising and the characters were really sensational. This story was about Raven and Beckett. Raven and her best friend are very close they do everything together they had a horrible upbringing when they were invited to put themselves up for Auction for five years they marry now they only hope they get a nice rich man, Raven hit the jackpot her best friend may not have.

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

[Cherie Alvaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

This full length novel is the first book in the Observant Behaviors series. I do recommend readers check out the tropes and kinks before reading. I loved the authors style, her plot was well planned and executed. The characters and their back stories were well developed, I was captivated by their life stories and how the author built the chemistry between Raven and Beckett. I loved the suspense and spicy scenes. I will be waiting impatiently for book 2.

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

[Judy Chestnutt · Rating 5 out of 5]

You have two best friends who sign up to be married for 5 years to rich billionaires for money but we learn early in that Beckett has planned this for a long time and he wanted Raven, if you could have a man Beckett would be that man he was rich and had a breeding kink which was new for me but he was patient and you can’t help fall in love with him, they get their happy ending which was amazing and smoking hot scenes.

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

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first in a new series and this is Raven and Beckett’s story. Raven makes the decision to auction of her virginity to solve her financial worries, and Beckett is a wealthy bachelor who is looking for a wife. This is a good story which has chemistry, romance, suspense, emotions, secrets, intrigue, and is a steamy page turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Readingfull · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sold to the highest bidder is a steam and enticing novel. This book is wonderfully written, with compelling characters and steamy scenes. The relationship between the characters is very sweet. This is a book that one should read if they like arangments and kinky steamy scenes.

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

[Beki Sawyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Freakin' phenomenonal. Written with such care, respect & education for the subject, it blew me away with how Raven & Beckett's relationship developed into something enviable. Such a fun read, I highly recommend this to anyone interested in the darker & steamy side of life.

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

[Meluvbooks2 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting read with Beckett and Raven. Enjoy reading about characters from previous books and how they enter mix with everyone. What started out at revenge for Beckett, ending with instant feelings. Good read. Very entertaining.

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

[MsRoman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Erotic Behavior: Sold to the Highest Bidder (Observant Behaviors Book 1) By Nikki Rome. Beckett has risk it all to avenge his enemy, including Bidding for his daughter. Raven and Talia are approached to enter into an arrangement this will help them clear their debts.. It’s an entertaining story ! I love it and recommend this new series….

[Victoria Wyatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beckett is an interesting MMC, he and Raven enter into an arrangement. She is in a tough spot and this is a way out of it sort to speak. She gets more than expected when she is taken into a whole new world of sexy kink. Not a bad read.

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

[Irene Talbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in a new series called Observant Behaviors. It's a fast-paced and standalone book that will keep you engaged from start to finish.
This is a story about how an arrangement is arranged between the H and h about a marriage and end up falling in love.
Read to find out what happens.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raven and her friend Tahlia sell themselves in marriage for 5 years to Billionaires to pay their debts, Raven is brought by Becket and he doves her deep into his world of BDSM, well written steamy, auction marriage romance.

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

[Alex Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nikki Rome is fast becoming one of my favourite authors. This a delightfully hot and steamy read. Great characters, and a well written storyline. Would recommend.

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

[melissa smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super erotic and steamy page turner. Action starts from the beginning and doesn't stop. If you enjoy this kind of story, check it out.

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

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sexy erotic story about a rich man who arranges to buy a marriage to a girl but then grows to love her … kinky … light bdsm and some good drama.

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

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raven and Beckett's story is an exotic tale that will have you melting as you get lost in the pages and their journey of discovering their pleasure and each other's.

Great start to the series.

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

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was completely absorbed by this steamy story, my curiosity as to why Raven was in the auction kept me turning the pages and I was half-way through the book without realising it!.

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

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Raven and Beckett's story is very good. It just has a very slow beginning, and the book is quite long for it to be slow. There are times in the book when it is amazing, I just wanted it to be like that the entire time.