Stranded is the second book in The Auctioned Series. Before you read further, you should read Auctioned. “You have my word, Gray. I will get you off this island, and I will bring you home.”It was supposed to be an easy in-and-out job. Nothing Darius Quinn hadn’t done before. But this job had something none of the others did: Gray Nolan. Like Murphy’s Law advised, anything that could go wrong, … anything that could go wrong, would. A mission to save one hometown favorite son was turning into a quest to rescue thirteen traumatized young men against odds so steep, he’d need an oxygen mask to scale them.
Facing new dangers and an uncertain future, Darius keeps Gray close and is soon forced to accept that this has become much more than an assignment. For a man whose reputation was built on being ice-cold under pressure, Darius is beginning to discover how good it feels to burn.
more
This book is an emotional rollercoaster! I am so looking forward to the next book in the series. You fall for the characters in the book.
I admit that I have been anxiously awaiting this book to come out. I was delighted to receive an ARC to read and review.
Cara Dee has drawn me into a world I wasn’t sure I would be able to handle. Human trafficking, slave trade, sex trade… With a beloved character from several of her Camassia Cove books, Cara had me on edge knowing that Gray would be put through Hell.
Auctioned blew me away and I was waiting on the edge of my seat for Stranded. I had to know what came next for a group of characters that I was wholly invested in.
In the aftermath of Auctioned, Gray, Darius and the others are still struggling for freedom. After surviving abduction, unimaginable terror and abuse, victims don’t just go back to their ‘normal’ lives.
As stated in the book, you don’t have to be on a deserted island to be stranded.
Cara brings her readers through the struggles, despairs, little joys, and relief that freedom is coming for her characters. She also shows that it isn’t a quick fix. These characters have been scarred inside as well as outside and those scars will be with them their whole lives. They must learn to deal, cope, and live.
This is the 2nd in a 5-book series and I cannot wait for the others. The subject matter is difficult, these are not just an escapist feel good read. You hurt for these boys, their families. I want justice for them all and am hoping it happens by the end of the series.
„If there´s one thing I´ve learned these past few weeks, it´s that I don´t have to be stuck on an island to be stranded. The world has become a strange place, and I don´t feel like I belong anywhere.“
Stranded is book 2 of 5 in Cara Dee´s „Auctioned Series“
Wow, this was intense. Not as dark as book 1, but still.
It continues right where book 1 „Auctioned“ ended, where Darius Quinn is on his mission to rescue the kidnapped Gray Nolan.
Before blowing up the yacht, where the kipnapped boys and stuff boys were kept, Darius and his younger brother Ryan, ex Marine, manage to get Gray and 12 other boys off the boat and bring them to a nearby uninhabited island. That´s where the next struggle begins.
Trying to survive on the island without communication to alarm help, with 13 traumatized and injured boys, who are tormented and haunted by their memories and experiences of the last weeks and months, Darius and Ryan have to create security on the island and have to try to keep the boys occupied and distracted.
And the next danger already hovers on the horizon.
While book 1 was written in Gray´s POV, as reader you lived in his thoughts and emotions, which got me shocked and horrified again and again, it felt so real, nearly like own physical pain and broke my heart for him over and over again, now we learn a lot more about Darius thoughts, feelings and inner struggle, because this book has his POV.
„Darius balled his hands into tight fists as the rage washed over him. He fucking hated the world. His chest grew tight, and everything just became so ugly. It was a sensation he´d become accustomed to after all his years doing what he did. What he´d done was more correct, but…well, here he was. The rusty bastard who owned a fish camp in the marina of their sleepy little town in northern Washington was nowhere to be found.“
In the end they manage with terrible losses, to flee the island and to get to Florida, where the next ordeal awaits them in form of police, FBI and CIA investigations, hospital stays and examinations. All the boys and Darius need to learn to deal with and process their haunting, terrifying memories, so many lost friends and horrible experiences of the last weeks and months.
„Scars were proof of battles that had been won. They were medals worth something. Never delivered in a fancy box to surviving relatives.“
„Just – never stop fighting.“
Gray struggles more from day to day to keep his mask up, trying to fight his demons, until he can´t stand it no longer. He leaves his family and Darius behind, on his way to keep a promise he made to a dying friend. And here are my tears again.
„Until we see each other again, be well, Dare. You´re still my hero. -Gray“
Gray´s and Darius´s story continues in book 3 „Deserted“
There you can find me now
OMG this story is addictive. I usually don’t read horror or death but this book has it all and I can’t get enough. The story continues from book one abt Gray and his rescuer Darius. Ms Dee has an amazing skill to get the reader invested in the story. Reading the next book is a MUST.
What I Think: Thankfully, this continued right where the 1st ended. Which means things are still in a mess. The only way to ensure the rescued slaves can live without always looking over their shoulders is to plant mistrust between whoever the Red devil was planning to meet, but that begins to look even harder as other deadly elements get involved. While this is scary enough to keep me at the edge of my seat, the more Darius tells himself lies about his feelings and makes me roll my large eyes so hard. I actually want to see him do it, daring him in my head even as I cross all crossable limbs that Gray won’t break his heart again. Only for me to get a glimpse into Gray that makes me more worried than I have been. This time though, I got to experience the growth of their feelings for each other even as they both stubbornly believe they don’t need the other. Scars may bind sometimes, tighter than blood, but only real love keeps us determined to get it right. And the heady, sensuality lovemaking just made that bond ever tighter as Darius has to come to terms with the fact that even at his age this just might be his first real love. There are more heartbreaking moments that made my eyes ache but knowing there’s still so much ahead forced me to keep these eyes tear-free because Dare and I can feel every break and wall in Gray, even before he sees it himself. It’s been a while a tale left me emotionally spent even without crying. It was like there were so many scars that I know would forever run deep in both of them that my heart and mind ached in sync. In spite of the reunions, in spite of the joy, I felt Dare’s guilt like a weight because he will never forgive himself. It’s funny how falling in love can make us suddenly so much more self-aware and Dare realizes he’s never healed from any of his scars even though he would gladly add-on Gray’s trauma to his load. Dare’s family is simply amazing and the way the siblings come through for each other made me wonder if I was certain of the people I believe are in my corner as I played silly games of who would come rescue me personally and who would try to do it legally. And just when I hoped Gray would find some peace, he does exactly what Dare and I knew he would do because whether he knows it, likes it or not, Gray is a Mama Bear down to his perfect arse and now he’s got Papa Bear on his back. I hope, even though I doubt, that the next tale will be easier to bear. It would hurt like hell but this tale would make a killer movie!
Verdict? It’s never how long but how well. Fight dirty if necessary, for all is fair in love and war!
I loved the first book very very very much and I’m really glad that book 2 was equally amazing. The book starts where the first one finished and this time it’s from Darius’s point of view. It was very interesting to be in his head and I loved how the author wrote his flashbacks. I never knew what was going to happen next, I was biting my finger nails and I was so scared for the characters. The book crushed me, I was crying like a baby, and I loved every single word
Wow what a fantastic story, it follows on from the end of book 1.
Such an intense emotional read, Cara Dee has done an amazing job of showing what Gray and Darius are going through once they have gotten off the boat and are on the island. The danger is not yet over and they have to be careful as to keep a low profile and staying alert for danger.
I am loving this series and that the story of how they deal with the escape, their return to their families and how they start to deal with their emotions after everything. We also see a bit more romance between Gray and Darius but it is not rushed or forced and comes naturally between them.
I am very anxious to see what happens next after that ending, and seeing how they start to move forward back in society.
This series might kill me by the end (did I ever mention I am impatient?) but what a way to go! This book is not quite as difficult of a read as Auctioned in terms of angst, but it’s close. It is gritty and raw and heartbreaking at times as Darius and Gray and the others try to survive long enough to get home after the events of the first book. We get this second installment of their story from Darius’ point of view, which I appreciated as I liked getting into his head and experiencing his confusion and increasing feelings for Gray firsthand. The connection between Gray and Darius is growing, though slowly, and as their feelings evolve that connection is becoming as sweet as it is sizzling hot. Stranded is a book full of action and danger and loss while these men and the others rescued fight for survival, but there is an undercurrent of hope even in its darkest moments. This story gets me right in the feels, and I am anxiously awaiting the next book already… especially after that ending!
4.5 Stars
I didn’t realize there were so many books (5) in this series when I read Auctioned but I’m totally into this story. I actually didn’t find this one quite so harrowing as book one. That’s not to say it’s sunshine and roses because it still has a gritty feel to it and things that happened were realistic for the story arc.
One chapter of Gray’s story might be over with the demise of the kidnappers but he, the other boys, and Darius still have a long road ahead of them. Cara Dee tackled the boys’ emotions perfectly as they struggled to cope with being free.
I absolutely loved that this was from Darius’s POV, after getting Gray’s in book one and it’s official….I’m a bit in love with Darius….hot damn… I love an angry man who can’t resist a cute boy. He’s fast becoming a favorite character of mine. I loved being inside his head. And the poor guy can fight it all he wants but you can feel him falling for Gray.
Not really a romance yet but it’s going to be pretty explosive when it does happen. I’m not a massive fan of an age gap but these two are just so good together. The banter, the sexiness, and Darius getting all protective and possessive over Gray had me swooning.
Bring on the next one….I’m more than ready!!!
I highly recommend!
This book shot out of the gate at a breakneck speed. I was playing catch up throughout. The boys have endured unimaginable horrors. They are rescued, but not without paying an immeasurable price. We delve into this story through Darius’ POV. He and Grey discover some truths about themselves and each other. We are left with a delicious cliffhanger that keeps us hooked for more. I, for one, can’t wait to see where this ride takes me.
Cara Dee is quickly becoming an author I will continue to enjoy until I’ve caught up with all her books. Stranded is the continuing story of Darius and Gray. They’ve survived an impossible situation but complete freedom or feeling completely safe is still quite a ways off. Gray had been taken by a human trafficking ring and Darius was hired to find him. He saves Gray along with several others. This book gives you a glimpse into Darius’ mindset and thoughts. He has quickly become one of my favorite characters. The author is truly talented in writing in such a way that you feel as though you really are part of the story or experiencing the struggles with them. As Darius and Gray grow closer and more passionate, I found myself wanting so much for them. I was entertained with every page of this book and managed to read it in one day. There were several times I found my tears hitting my kindle as if I was experiencing their sorrows with them. Others where it felt my adrenaline was pumping just as much as the characters. I had a love/hate relationship with the end of this book. Love because I’m falling for these two rather fast and hate because I don’t know if I can wait for Deserted to come out.
Stranded is the 2nd out of 5 in the series. It’s an emotional rollercoaster. It is amazing and dramatic as book 1, Auctioned! Leaves you wanting more.
*DO NOT READ IF YOU HAVE NOT READ AUCTIONED MUST READ IT FIRST*
This book is captivating from the first page. It’s intense, consuming, and heart breaking with twist and turns that will keep you burning through the pages. Darius is doing everything in his power to bring Gray and the others home but the task just got harder than they could imagine. They have many obstacles ahead of them in order to get free and back home. It’s seems everyday things change. One thing that definitely changes is the bond between Darius and Gray. They get more and more attached and dependent on each other not only in the tracks they must complete but emotionally as well. The good thing is Darius and Gray are “free” physically, but not truly free the bad part is that there are still things they need to escape from. Many things happen in the battle to get home and Gray takes them really hard and to heart. The good thing is Darius and Gray are “free” physically, but not truly free the bad part is that there are still things they need to escape from. Gray never truly breaks and feels it all. Everything he’s been through every thing he’s lost and how now everything has changed. That will change of course and when it does it’s heartbreaking. This is such an amazing series that I can’t wait to continue and find out what is next for Darius and Gray!
I absolutely loved it. An amazing continuation of Darius and Gray’s story, which started in Auctioned. As soon as I finished it I was ready for the next book.
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book*
Another hit from Cara. I would highly recommend it. Cara Dee is an absolutely brilliant writer and I found myself really enjoying it despite the subject matter. Darius is realistic and badass and he is quickly becoming one of my favourite characters.
It was also a joy to see Gray and Darius relationship change and grow despite the situation and both men definitely being human beings – with all the faults and issues attached to that status.
A brilliant read, but one which requires a strong stomach.
Aaaand one of the most addictive series I’ve read in a while. I need the next ASAP!
This is the second book in this series of five books. I was not annoyed by the way it ended because there was much foreshadowing about what would happen. You get more interaction between Dare and his brother and you are introduced to his sister Willow. Willow is was a wonderful secondary character. I am so looking forward to her book. In this book you get more intimacy between Dare and Gray. There is so much action in this book and sadly some of them are tragic. What these guys have been through as a group is a hard topic to dive into but it is worth your time to do so. For fans of Cara’s other books you get to visit with friends from Camassia Cove. For me it is always fun to revisit characters. Highly recommend.
Gray has been rescued, Darius has been successful. It should be smooth sailing from there on out, right? Not so much. If the extraction itself was full of surprises, additional dangers, and unforeseen pitfalls, why would the escape be any different? Especially when the rescue changes from one young man to sixteen abuse survivors and a different enemy on their heels. When Darius realizes that Gray isn’t just a job, he finds that his heart has a mind of its own and it’s set on keeping him. But unless Gray can come to terms with finding a new normal, the real struggle in keeping him is just beginning.
Intense. I seriously couldn’t stop reading this. I re-read Auctioned right before jumping into Stranded and was so glad I did. There were so many nuanced reactions and thoughts that enriched what followed. I forgot that this wasn’t a duet so I was a bit shocked when it ended and at the edge of my seat knowing there’s something big coming. Gray is nowhere near the end of his journey and is dragging Darius along for the crazy.
This book was in Darius’ POV whereas Auctioned was from Gray’s and I have to say that I thought that was a fantastic choice. Gray is going through incredible turmoil from what happened before and what he has to endure here that if we were to have his thoughts only we’d be just as lost as he becomes. Seeing it all through Darius’ lens gives us a perspective that feels a little more in control, as if we are the ones orchestrating the escape rather than being led and positioned like we would from a rescuee’s point of view. Plus, reading all the gooey, sappy, tender feelings Darius, the cold machine, comes to feel for Gray is all kinds of awesome.
There were a lot more light moments to enjoy because the imminent threat of torture and degradation weren’t looming. That’s not to say there aren’t tense moments and dangerous situations to navigate, not in the least, the circumstances just lent themselves to a sense of relief that was palpable and it showed in the boys’ actions more often than not. It helped when the we got to the challenging moments for Gray because it allowed you to feel when the seriousness shifted and to be on alert to the pivotal changes that will lead us to Deserted.
I wasn’t sure if I would be okay with the darker nature of this series but I have to say that I’m impressed over and over again how brutal, frustrating, and moving this story is. I’m more surprised at all the softness and hope I feel when each part comes to a close. It’s all mixed up with anticipation, anxiety, and reticence for the next part as well. The seemingly incongruous jumble of feelings is why I love it so much. I’m utterly invested and wouldn’t have it any other way.
This book, just, wow, this book.
Stranded is every bit as great as Auctioned was. You need to have read Auctioned before reading Stranded, and Gray and Darius’s story does not finish with this book.
Stranded is from Darius’ POV, and that enhances the whole rescuing experience. Unfortunately, though probably totally intented for the author, we do not know what is building up in Gray ‘s mind and that will lead us to months of longing for the next chapter.
**Recommended you read Auctioned first! **
Stranded was told from Darius’ POV, and I can’t get enough of this rough and tough savior! He and Ryan were up against an impossible fight to save those men, and it was a gripping and thrilling struggle. Along the way, Darius is still worried about Gray, who is all over the place with his emotions and fears. But once these two found their chemistry could not be ignored, it was super sweet and sexy hot! I loved the way the story built up and the way it kept me biting my nails all the way. It was action-packed and alpha hot AF! An explosive M/M romantic thriller!
This story was a much-awaited return to Cara Dee’s Auctioned series. This is not a standalone. Auction must be read first. Cara Dee captivated me immediately with this tale. It dives right in and definitely keeps the reader in suspense.
The character development remains excellent with this book. Cara took special care regarding how the characters would respond after their traumatic event. I loved seeing Darius’ POV and learning more from that side. The world building was exquisite. It was possible to imagine every moment.
Overall I felt this was really well done. The author weaved a complex story that kept me engaged. I am definitely ready for the next book.
5 stars for a suspenseful must read!