Reviews with content warning for Grief - Highest Bidder

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Reviews tagging 'Grief'

Highest Bidder by Sara Cate

61 reviews

jessiereads98's review against another edition

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fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

Sara Cate’s writing just isn’t very strong. Daisy is a basic two dimensional main character who I found incredibly cringey. I had to read far too much about her songs that weren’t good. Ronan was likeable enough as a main character, but again very surface level with not a lot going on. Everything that happened was predictable.

Last, but certainly not least, surprise pregnancy trope is tired, never really a surprise to the reader, and just plain sucks. Authors should retire that one. Let alone surprise breeding kink.

This all could’ve been done without the weird detail that he had previously been in a relationship with her mother. The story realistically would’ve been the same if it was about two people working through their grief and unhealthy coping mechanisms.

It ultimately doesn’t end up being why they break up. They break up due to their individual issues they need to work through. (Which I guess Ronan just never does? We never see him work through any issues, and he himself says that he hasn’t.) The line at the end about Daisy picking up where her mother left off and their hearts beating for the same man is also just weird, and squicks me out.

Additionally, I don’t understand why Daisy’s musical aspirations are made such a big deal of.

Ultimately, she doesn’t go to music school like she dreamed, and it seems like nothing really comes of any music career for her. The impression I got was that she gave it up to be a mother to Ronan’s kids; which really makes Ronan’s comment about bringing a strong woman to her knees for him look bad.

Content Warnings

bookbratkat's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

I loved everything about this book. Ronan and Daisy are electric, addictive, and so freaking cute. Sara Cate has worked her magic yet again!! Definitely read this if you’re looking for a cute, sweet, spicy story. Yes, there is a rather large age gap but Sara Cate wrote her characters and their dynamics with such grace and respect that I would forget about the age difference while reading.

Daisy and Ronan’s story honestly made me cry a few times with how honest and touching it was. I’m absolutely in love with this book and these characters and hope to read more about them someday.

You don’t necessarily have to read the other books in this series to enjoy this standalone! I think it makes the world the book is set in a lot richer, but it is a standalone so if you want to jump right in you totally can! It will definitely spoil some things from the previous books - it opens up with a "here's a quick catch-up of everyone from the previous four books" so...maybe read those before hopping into this one! They're all amazing, and all worth a read in my opinion.

Content Warnings

emilysbookedup's review against another edition

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fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Content Warnings

weelasswithabook's review against another edition

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emotional medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

*** ARC received in exchange for an honest review ***

CW: graphic sexual content, cancer, grief, death of loved ones, deception, homelessness

⭐️ Age Gap romance
⭐️ BDSM erotic romance

🌶 Daddy kink
🌶 Impact play
🌶 Pleasure dom
🌶 Restraints

Okay this one surprised me...

The SPC series is widely known for it's extremely spicy scenes and having a true emotional connection. They are notoriously wonderful romance novels.

However, the whole tone of Highest Bidder felt extremely different (not in a bad way, just generally). This was much softer and emotionally driven with the themes of grief and loss pushing the characters through the story.

This didn't detract from the erotic content of the book whatsoever (for those who follow the SPC series more for the spicy aspects) in fact, with the softer tone, it created a more startling contrast when it came to the erotic content. There was plenty of spice and kink in there to 110% categorise is as an erotic romance 👀

My only criticism was the instalove (or more just a really speedily falling in love would be a fairer description) vibe I got. And this is simply a me issue, not a reflection on the standard of the book itself. I think had there been a little slower of a burn, the emotional connection between the two might have been a little more impactful in the long run.

The conflict in itself was pretty solidified right at the start, but there was that anxious anticipation of not knowing when it was going to crop up. So it saved it from being predictable. I liked that it appeared when it did and how it did because it really propelled the character's relationship into a flux. And it's not a petty miscommunication trope either, it's a biggie.

One thing I really appreciated was the fact that the heroine wasn't saved or left needing to be saved by the hero. She healed and grew on her own to come to terms with her grief and take care of herself.

I cannot wait to see what's to come next.

Content Warnings

booklovinmamas's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

When Sara Cate announced she was writing two more books in the Salacious Player’s Club series, I may have squealed for joy and scared my family just a bit. The Salacious Player’s Club was my fave series in 2022, and I devoured the first four books when I read them. You best believe I was going to devour Highest Bidder. The second I got the ARC of Highest Bidder, I told my husband not to disturb me. His immediate response; you know we are on vacation, right? You will have to put the book down every once in a while. Damn him for reminding me we were on vacation in Tennessee. I did finish the ARC whenever we were not exploring and hiking in Gatlinburg.

Storyline/My Thoughts: What can I say about the Highest Bidder? If you read and loved the first four books, you’ll love this one, too. Ronan Kade was the one character in the series that I wanted to know more about, especially since he seemed to always be at SPC. He had a backstory that we readers’ needed to know. The young lady he falls for in his book is perfect for him because he falls in love again after so many times getting his heartbroken.

I thought Sara Cate couldn’t make me smile and blush even more with Ronan’s book, but she did. While typing this review, I’m blushing, remembering my favorite scenes between Ronan and Daisy. My husband caught me several times smiling and having to put the book down to cool myself down.

Sara Cate knew what she was doing when she wrote Ronan Kade. I’m not even sure who I love more now. Emerson Grant has been my favorite in the series, but Ronan Kade may have stolen that top spot. A fifty-six-year-old billionaire who loves to be called ‘Daddy’ and is a Pleasure Dom. Ronan is all about giving in the bedroom. Daisy is one lucky young lady is all I’m going to say. Everyone is going to want a Ronan Kate after reading this book.

What did I think about Daisy? I loved her character. She was curious about the man her mother dated and wanted to know why she had money in an account from him. She never expects to go on a date with him after he wins her at an auction at SPC when she loses a bet with her bartender there. I loved how she never gave up when it came to being with Ronan, especially when they were in Paris together. She may be young, but Daisy is mature for her age and knows what she wants, and that is Ronan Kade. Daisy has a backstory, too, but I don’t want to spoil it for readers.

You know what I loved most in this book, and no, it’s just not the spicy times. It’s a fact the characters eventually didn’t care about their age differences. Age is just a number. Take it from someone who has a husband fifteen years older. We met in the Navy; he was my best friend first before my husband. We’re happily married fifteen years later with kids. Ronan and Daisy had that instant connection; their ages didn’t matter because they fell in love. Ronan fell hard for Daisy, and you’ll find out how hard when you read his book.

I didn’t quite enjoy the emotional moments between the characters, but that’s because I’m not too fond of the characters going through heartbreak or drama, but Sara Cate made up for it with that beautiful, well-deserved HEA. Both characters deserved a HEA for everything they endured in their pasts and present. Their ending, in my opinion, is PERFECT, and I loved reading about their happiness together.

Another five-star book from the fabulous Sara Cate. (I wish I could give it more than five stars.) I’m so glad I found her SPC books last year because this series will forever be a favorite. Do you want to know how much I love these books? I’m making my husband read them, and he agreed too. He doesn’t read romance books, but he knows how much I loved this series and is curious why his wife loves them. I hope he doesn’t get jealous of Emerson Grant and Ronan Kade. He already says I’ve collected enough book boyfriends/husbands.

Standalone or Part of Series: It’s part of the Salacious Players’ Club series.

Steam/Spice: 🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶

Genre(s)/Trope(s)/Element(s): Contemporary Erotic Romance. BDSM. Billionaire Romance. Mother’s Ex-Boyfriend. Age Gap Romance. Daddy Kink. Pleasure Dom MMC.

Would I recommend this book? Yes. If you enjoy Age Gap Romance (35 years age difference) with a silver fox billionaire who falls for the Salacious Players Club’s drink server, this book is up your alley. Also, if you have read the previous books in the SPC series, you don’t want to miss out on Ronan Kade’s book.

Favorite Quote(s): He’s playing me like an instrument, and his fingers know all the right notes.

Content Warnings

chelsearose's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Content Warnings

kristynpittman's review against another edition

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fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

SPC is one of my favorite romance series and I have eagerly been anticipating Ronan's book. He made such memorable appearances in the first 4, that I had high hopes when we eventually got his own story.
While this book was fun and steamy, the main reason it fell a bit short of the main series was the lack of backstory. Ronan is such a mysterious man, and unfortunately that mystery is never really solved. As a 56 year old billionaire I just know he had a wild life, but so much of this book focused on Daisy. Daisy...the 2o year old stalker. (Can you tell Daisy wasn't my favorite?)
I still think fans of Sara Cate and The Salacious Players Club will still enjoy this one! Especially if tropes like age gap, sugar daddy, mom's ex-bf, etc, are your cup of tea.

*Thank you to the author for providing me with an advanced copy for review

Content Warnings

haneyhayespr's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

adventurous, emotional, hopeful, inspiring, reflective, sad, medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

Ronan Kade, why can't you be real? I need you in my life. Because let's face it, if I found a guy like you, I'd get remarried in a heartbeat. I know you're all reading this like, WTF? Let me explain. Daisy is great, but this book-I was all about Ronan. My heart broke for him in the prologue and then again closer to the end of the book. This man has a heart of gold and deserves to be loved. When he was upset, I was upset. I feel so much for him. Get ready for this Silver Fox, I thought I wand, and I so wasn't!

Now I have to talk about these RULES. Ma'am!
Rule#4 You can't kidnap young women living in their vans-even with good intentions.
Rule#11 If you can't sleep in your bed, try his.
Rule#14 Play with fire, and you'll get burned.
Rule#30 Give her O's at work. If she gets fired, it'll be worth it.
These are just a few y'all have to look forward to.

Quote from the Book.

"Who do you think you are?" she argues. "You think because you're a man, you can just boss me around?"
Clearly, this won't work. I'll be thrown in jail within minutes if I try to abduct this flailing young woman and bring her to my apartment.

I was absolutely laughing at Ronan's thought process throughout this section of the book.

Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Death of parent, Grief, and Child Death
Minor: Cancer and Pregnancy

Content Warnings

kaitlyn_readsbooks's review against another edition

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fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character

4.5

Sara Cate has done it again.

I was hesitant going into this book with the significant age gap (35+ years). I’m not a big fan of age gaps unless it’s with a 500 year old Fae male 😂 But Sara did this so freaking well it become a non issue for me.

Ronan and Daisy are such wonderful, complex, and lovable characters. You can’t help but fall in love when them and root for their relationship. They have both been through so much and they are able to help one another is such a beautiful way.

This book had me kicking and squealing when in reality I had no business acting that way over this book!!

Once again Sara Cate brings light to another k!nk to explore because in 2023 we do 👏🏻 not 👏🏻 k!nk 👏🏻shame 👏🏻 Highest Bidder explores the Daddy k!nk and I was not at all prepared to be into it as much as I was 🫣 That being said, the spice was SO GOOD 🌶️🌶️🌶️

I love the way Sara Cate writes. She brings light to diverse subjects in such an amazing way and this book was no different. Daisy was one of my favorite characters so far, right up there with Mia and Maggie.

The only thing I didn’t like about this book was two little things in the ending. They were really little but it just soured the ending for me. Really it was my own personal preference and I won’t spoil anything for you.

Thank you to Sara Cate for this ARC! Highest Bidder hits shelves March 24!

✨Highest Bidder (Salacious Players Club#5) ✨

📚 Romance, Age Gap, Daddy K!nk, Spicy

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Content Warnings

booksta_adventure's review against another edition

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challenging emotional informative medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

📖 REVIEW 📖

One of my most anticipated reads of the year and I devoured it in less than 24 hours!😂

Ronan Kade. Ronan Kade. Ronan Kade.

My very brief synopsis: Daisy loses a bet, ends up on the auction block, Ronan bids $100k on her. Penthouse. Paris. Pleasure Dom!

It was so great to be back at Salacious. I just love the feels I get from these books.

So, I don’t usually like it when MCs fall so fast, but with the way these two are written, I was all in from the get go; I guess Sara Cate is just that good! 😊

The 🌶️ was, as usual, 🔥. But these books wouldn’t be what they are without the emotional connection between the characters. These two come together after having both suffered devastating losses in the past. They bond over their grief, and there are some emotional points that definitely left me a little teary eyed…

Now, I have to say, favorite scenes were definitely whenever Madame K!ink was involved, especially the scene in her private room…😉 Needless to say, I am now VERY much looking forward to her book, 𝘔𝘢𝘥𝘢𝘮𝘦, releasing later this year!

What this book is giving:

✅ Look at this AGE GAP: He’s 56, she’s 21

✅ Mom’s Ex

✅ Billionaire

✅ Daddy

✅ Pleasure Dom

✅ Sex Club

Look out for:

⚠️ Grief

⚠️ Parental Loss

⚠️ Child/Spouse Loss

Rating:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ / 5

Thank you to Sara Cate for providing me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

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