ARC Book Review - Wicked Auction (The McCarthy Family Legacy #4), by Jane Henry

 



Book Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Book Tropes: Dark Irish mafia romance, Enemies to lovers, Sold at auction, Captor and captive, Forced proximity, Hidden identity, Touch her and die, He was sent to save her (she has no idea), Anti-Hero/ Black Cat FMC, Black Mail, Hurt/Comfort, Dual First Person POV

Torin McCarthy has been recently released from prison, where he was serving time for a crime he was framed for. His brothers and family worked hard to get him out of prison. His brothers send him to America to go to an auction where they are selling women to the highest bidder. Torin can't believe that is going on and happening in the world.

Valentina Esposito has spent weeks in captivity, being moved from one horrible place to another. She was physically abused, assaulted, and drugged repeatedly. She was given food that had drugs in it. She hasn't really eaten in weeks. She doesn't know who to trust. When Torin wins her bid at the auction she doesn't know what to expect. Torin takes her to a hotel room to let her shower, eat and rest. However, she doesn't know him, and doesn't trust the food he brought in. She will only eat pre-packaged meals / sandwiches and only a small amount to begin with. Valentina doesn't trust Torin, and she doesn't do as he says, she challenges him, she stands up to him.

Torin isn't sure how to react to Valentina. He knows she's a mafia princess. Now that's she's been away from her family and her comfortable life, she has survived, she hasn't broken. Now in front of him she is being defiant. She wants to see how far she can push him. However, Torin isn't having it. He pushes right back and shows her who is in charge and that she need to listen to what he says and does what he says.

Someone is tracking Valentina, and they have moved hotels a few times, but, they keep finding them. Torin finally sees a scratch on Valentina's foot. He thinks there is a tracker inside her but needs to find out for sure. Valentina freaks out over something being inside her body. She knows it was when they drugged her. She doesn't remember anything from when she was out, and is so upset with her captors being able to do things to her.

Torin has feelings for Valentina. But, is that because they are trapped together in hiding? Would they have gotten together if they were in the outside world? Will Torin and his family be able to protect Valentina? Will Valentina be able to trust the McCarthy clan and let them into her heart? Valentina has issues with trusting people. But, will she be able to open up to Torin and the McCarthy family?

Favorite Quote: “I'll let you go wherever you want, Valentina. Every door open, every road yours.” A beat passes. His jaw tightens. “But I'd be a damned liar if I said I’m not hoping you choose the one that leads back to me.”

Thank you Jane Henry and Valentine PR for the gifted advanced copy. I am freely leaving a honest book review.

 


Book Pages: 318

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/9040402462


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