Auctioned Surrender (Sinful Duets Book 2) by Via Mari – Review by Shea Gilkerson 1/10/24

Auctioned Surrender by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Damian and Bryanna – Damian is a force to be reckoned with – a member of an elite team of bodyguards and with connections to mafia men. He is given an assignment to rescue a woman from a sex trafficking ring safely return her to her family. His capability is astounded and his reliability to complete his job is strong. However, Bryanna seems determined to fight him every step of the way – even fleeing Damian and returning to those who sold her into sex trafficking in the first place! Bryanna is keeping secrets of her own, is traumatized from her experiences, is very confused of who is good and who is bad…and is painfully attracted to Damian, who desires her like he has never desired someone this way before.

Lots of danger and drama, hot scenes and desires, and a fight for love…will Damian and Bryanna be able to come out the other side together?

Dereck and Layla
Dereck is a bodyguard involved in a sex trafficking case. Being involved in this case, he meets Layla.
Layla is a spicy and sassy exotic dancer who is virtually fearless and is capable of taking care of herself. She holds a secret close to her chest while on her mission. Without giving things away, there are many twists and turns in this book. They both have trouble trusting others. They both have secrets to protect. They both strive to protect others. In the midst of the sizzle from the chemistry, the danger from the traffickers Dereck is trying to bring down, the hunt Layla is on for the man who represents danger to her…will they be able to grow and open themselves to one another and see which explosive place their relationship may lead them? Will they continue to protect themselves and guard their secrets, or will they give each other the space to learn about one another and grow?

As with all previous Via Mari books I’ve read, these are such enjoyable reads. There’s heat, but it doesn’t overwhelm the story. There’s danger and drama, but it amps up passions as much as it amps up their heartbeats. There’s trauma, but it’s presented in a straightforward way that isn’t disrespectful of the indignities victims suffer. Each of the books I’ve read are fast paced and balances storylines nicely, without leaving things feeling undone. Prose is beautiful, descriptions are clear and easy to picture. The heat builds in each and the tension is palpable. As always, I’ll continue to follow Mari!

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