This was such a twisted dark book that was just so captivating. Dark and Twisted are perfect ways to describe this one. It will not be a book for everyone check the trigger warnings. Brooke has amnesia and just trying to figure out who she is. The connection and relationship she forms with Domhnall is very interesting. It’s a wild emotional ride with several twists.

I both loved this and didn't love it at the same time.
It is great dark romance but the amnesia trope is so cliché I found myself rolling my eyes at the predictability of where this was going to go, but it saved itself with the spice that was spicing in all the right places.

Cherry Auction by Stasia Black is a dark, twisted romance that delves into themes of lies, revenge, and obsession. The story centers around a man who buys a woman named Brooke at a high-stakes auction for fifty million dollars. He believes she is responsible for ruining his life and is determined to exact his revenge. However, Brooke claims to have amnesia, adding a layer of mystery to her character.
As the plot unfolds, their relationship becomes a complex and dangerous game of hate and desire. The man struggles to untangle his thirst for vengeance from his growing attraction to Brooke. The novel explores the psychological dynamics between the characters, making readers question the fine line between love and hate.

This story is as advertised: a dark romance with triggers galore. I liked and didn't like this story. The premise was interesting, she has amnesia so has no memory of her past. Then she decided to auction herself off and the person who buys her not only knows her, he's the one who could tell her about the things she can't remember. But first he has to punish her, and the triggers appear. I love dark romance but the sometimes it feels like triggers are in the story more for having it in the story than because it fits the story. That's what these triggers seemed to be for me.
One of the other issues is it's so freaking long, if half of the story was cut, I'm almost certain it wouldn't be missed. It doesn't deliver on the premise.
Was it awful, no? Will I read it again? Not unless someone paid me.

This premise sounded good but it expired before I could download and review this title.
Rating it 3 stars because I can't submit this without giving a star rating.

Cherry Auction by Stasia Black is a wild, dark ride filled with psychological tension, intense chemistry, and a hero teetering on the edge of obsession. Domhnall is deeply damaged, channeling his past trauma into a rigid world of control and sadism—until Brooke, a woman from his past, unknowingly walks back into his life through an auction. What follows is a twisted, possessive, and volatile journey between two broken people trying to make sense of their pain, desires, and the undeniable pull between them.

This book leans into its darkness, featuring heavy BDSM elements, impact play, humiliation, degradation, and even light pet play, balanced by moments of aftercare and tenderness. However, the true darkness lies in the characters’ pasts, which are revealed in layers as the story unfolds. The amnesia aspect adds intrigue, but some plot choices in the second half feel inconsistent, making certain character actions difficult to reconcile.

The spice is undeniably scorching, and the tension between Domhnall and Brooke is ultimately what kept me reading, even when I considered DNFing. However, pacing issues and some third-act developments detract from the experience, which accounts for my 3.5-star rating. If you enjoy truly dark romance with morally gray characters, obsessive love, and a psychological edge, this one may be worth diving into—just be sure to check the trigger warnings first.

Story: 3.5⭐
Spice: 3.5🌶️

This book kept me engaged and turning the pages to see what happened next.

Favorite Quote: "In the shards of the mirror, I think I begin to see the light grow brighter on the room that is us."

First of all, thank you NetGalley and Stasia Black for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own!

Summary:
I woke up in a hospital with no memory of my name, my past, or the darkness that haunts my every step.

Then a new friend introduced me to Carnal, an exclusive club where secrets are currency, and fantasies come with a price. When I agreed to auction off my vrginity, it seemed like the perfect solution to rebuild my life. A one-night transaction for the chance to start fresh.

But I didn’t expect him.

Domhnall.

He’s cold, calculating, and commands the room with a dangerous allure. One look and I’m a deer caught in the headlights. One touch, and I’m at his mercy. He bought me for a price no one else dared match, and now he’s dragging me into his shadowed world—where the lines between desire and fear blur into a sinister game I can’t escape.

He says I betrayed him. He swears I’ll pay.

But as his darkness consumes me, I can’t help but wonder if he’s the only one who can uncover the truth of who I really am.

I'm just not sure either of us will survive it.

Review & Opinions:

3.5/5 ⭐️
4.5/5 🌶️

It was good in the beginning and then it went in a direction I was expecting and then a twist, with an interesting ending. I did enjoy the book, I just didn’t know where it was going. Surprise mental health represented, sexual abuse/assault (and it’s graphic), unaliving, and dungeons (not the medieval kind either). Be sure you look up the rest of the trigger warnings.

I believe this book just needed more structure. It was an easy read and it had me speeding through the book, but I got lost at the end. I like how it ended. Definitely a HEA. I do look forward to reading more of Stasia Black’s books!

Super spicy read! Definitely important to read triggers before diving into this one. With all that being said, I found this an easy read! Pacing was a bit fast, and storyline was a bit expected. But I still really enjoyed the writing style and overall book!

Oh my god, what did I just read? That was one of the best dark romances I’ve read all year. I would even go as far as to say it’s the best dark romance I’ve read in the last 120 days. It is seriously such a good book. The story was clearly detailed and well-planned, and I absolutely loved the dynamic between Original Mads and Donny.

The twist—how she wasn’t as bad as he thought she was—and the way she took back her power was incredible. And that ultimate surprise at the end? Chef’s kiss. I’m really hoping we get future installments because their story was my absolute favorite. All of it was so dysfunctional and I ate that shit up.

It’s one of the most beautifully written relationships in a dark romance. Stasia Black does an amazing job with her writing—it’s captivating, well-paced, and never overdone. I was completely entertained from start to finish. It wasn’t trashy or overly punctuated; it was just so good. I really enjoyed this book!

This was much darker than I expected, so please note that before going in. Here are some of the tropes/things to expect in Cherry Auction:

- they're childhood sweethearts getting a second chance, with a side of amnesia and revenge. It's giving it's always been you/first love vibes turned enemies turned lovers.
- it's dark and angsty AF (tragic pasts included).
- while she begins the book as a virgin, please note it's heavy on the spice. Check TWs before reading.
- he's a billionaire alpha anti-hero.

Thank you Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC! I have to say, I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started this book. It is erotic, kinky, and definitely fucked up but I still got sucked in and finished reading it in less than 24 hours. The subject matter is very sensitive and explores themes that I didn’t know I would be able to stomach. Definitely check Trigger Warning before starting this. This is a dark book but it has a light at the end of the tunnel, plus I really liked the MMC and FMC together. Overall, I’m not mad at it and I am questioning my life now.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for this advanced reader's copy and the opportunity to this early. Review has been posted on Waterstones and Amazon.

When I first picked up Cherry Auction, I had my doubts. The premise, a young woman auctioning off her virginity, immediately raised questions. Yet, as an avid fan of the enemies-to-lovers trope, I was intrigued enough to dive in. What I discovered was an intensely emotional, well-crafted narrative that delivers more than just a provocative premise; it offers deep character exploration, psychological nuance, and a gripping, tension-filled romance.

Stasia Black does not hold back in immersing me in Brooke’s world. The initial setup might seem unconventional, but the author carefully constructs Brooke’s motivations: her memory loss, her dire need for financial stability, and makes them believable. While the premise may require some suspension of disbelief, Black skillfully ensures that Brooke’s choices feel organic within the world she has built. Then there’s Domhnall. His presence on the page is electric. The moment he recognizes Brooke on stage, the dynamic between them shifts dramatically, drawing me into a past shrouded in mystery and pain. The "she forgot him, but he never forgot her" trope is executed with just the right amount of angst and intrigue, heightening the stakes and making their interactions all the more compelling. And honestly, that made it such a page turner for me.

The novel is also my first foray into BDSM romance, and Black’s handling of the subject is commendable. She delivers an experience that is both explicit and sophisticated, striking a balance between raw sensuality and emotional depth. The writing is immersive, highly descriptive without feeling gratuitous, and the tension between the protagonists is palpable. However, some scenes do feel prolonged, which occasionally slows the pacing. A tighter edit in certain sections could have made the reading experience even more gripping.

What truly elevates Cherry Auction beyond its steamy romance is the depth of its characters. Brooke and Domhnall are not simply two people entangled in a high-stakes romance; they are individuals shaped by trauma, searching for healing and understanding. The inclusion of therapy, discussions on boundaries and consent, and the respectful portrayal of past hardships add layers of authenticity. Black does not use trauma as a plot device for shock value but instead integrates it meaningfully into the characters' arcs, ensuring their growth feels earned and impactful.

If there is one aspect that left me wanting more, it was the exploration of their past. While the present-day narrative is strong, additional flashbacks could have further deepened the emotional resonance of their story. Still, the dual POV structure is effective, keeping the momentum strong and allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in both Brooke and Domhnall’s perspectives. The novel’s conclusion is deeply satisfying, delivering a well-earned resolution that solidifies the journey these characters have undertaken. By the final page, I found myself not only thoroughly invested in their story but also eager to explore more of Stasia Black’s works.

Final Verdict: Cherry Auction is a bold, emotionally charged romance that offers both heat and heart. While some scenes may feel drawn out, the rich character development and thematic depth make this a standout read in the genre. If you’re looking for a novel that blends passion with psychological complexity, this one is worth picking up. 3/5 stars.

This book was SPICYYYY🔥 5/5 on the spice scale.
That being said it’s not all about spice. I was very surprised with how well the trauma responses and mental health was portrayed! The things that happens to these characters are very dark but sometimes life can be dark and I really enjoyed seeing them triumph through it and seek help to heal.

3.75/5 ⭐️ & 🌶️🌶️🌶️

As soon as I read the blurb I knew I was in for a ride, and I was so ready to buckle in. I went in expecting a spicy dark romance feat. some trigger warnings and boy was there so much more. There ended up being psychological thriller vibes, and while it was a surprise, it was a welcome one.

Both the MMC and FMC have some really deep trauma, and I thought the characters were really well written and complex. Especially in the beginning, I felt Domhnall’s struggles with his emotions and affection were portrayed really well and loved his POV chapters.

I will definitely be thinking about this book for a time. The heat was HOT, the twists were unexpected, and the whole thing was a fun, dark read.

Thank you NetGalley, Victory Editing and Stasia Black for the digital ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review after reading.

The blurb and the cover were eye catching and I was excited to read this book because I was in the mood for some dark romance but unfortunately, the beginning itself disappointed me. With the way some things were described, I couldn't understand what was going on in the world and the character introduction also wasn't proper tbh. <spoiler> Mads had a confusing personality but things about it made sense after the second half. But Domhnall was just unlikeable to me. There was nothing appealing about him and I wanted to see him grovel but that did not happen which was another disappointment. There was too much smut and not enough focus was shed on the character development and relationship building between the main characters. The side characters were also very dull and played a small part but contributed nothing to the story. </spoiler > The plot definitely had potential but the execution was poor which runied the book for me, ngl.

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review

This book was really good! I loved the plot and characters! i recommend this book to any who loved a good plot with smut

Listen, I love a good taboo romance but this was downright cruel- and not in the fun bully romance way either. Our main character Brooke is known by another name to Dom, Madison. She's the girl who broke his heart as teenagers and he and his sister were forced to run away and assume new identities, while her and her father ran off with his money. All these years later, she's up for a virginity auction claiming amnesia. Dom wins her, and proceeds to spend the next several days edging her while she's tied up, trying to break the amnesia schtick he is so confident she is faking. The first 50% is pure smut with little payoff because we don't know either of these characters. At around 50% we hit a little bit of plot, but at this point we've now sunk hundreds of pages into this story. While it has an interesting premise, this is one dark romance that is just too long.

I liked this book. There was a twist that turned the direction of what I thought the whole book would be about (making money from a virginity auction) which turned into more twists. Not a bad thing, just not what I was expecting. While I liked the epilogues, I felt they could better served as novellas. The author expressed writing more stories with these characters. Thank you for the opportunity, NetGalley and the publisher.