Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. The classic fairy tale Beauty and the Beast also features a captive-captor romance. In what ways did Imogen and Lincoln’s story remind you of that tale, and how did it subvert or darken those familiar tropes?

2. What was your reaction to the intense cliffhanger ending? Did it feel like a satisfying conclusion, or were you frustrated by the lack of resolution?

3. Sadie Kincaid is known for writing in the dark mafia romance subgenre. How did your experience reading The Auction align with what you expected from this genre, and what elements, if any, surprised you?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Imogen’s world expands dramatically at Rooks Blood, where, despite being a prisoner, she experiences more freedom than ever before. Can you think of a time when a new environment or situation unexpectedly opened up your world or allowed you to discover a new side of yourself?

2. The neglected secret garden becomes a place of healing and growth for Imogen. What places or spaces have been important sources of refuge and peace for you in your own life?

3. Larissa’s teachings about pleasure, obedience, and survival are deeply ingrained in Imogen. Think about a piece of advice or a “rule for living” you received when you were younger. How has your understanding of that rule changed over time? Would you pass it along to younger people?

4. Imogen and Lincoln both keep secrets from one another, and this ultimately fractures their relationship. Do you think honesty is key to successful relationships? Are there any circumstances where secrecy is a good option?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. The Brotherhood operates as a secret society of elite figures who are above the law, a concept that echoes real-world scandals. What does the novel seem to suggest about the relationship between extreme wealth, power, and corruption in modern society?

2. Lincoln is more than 20 years older than Imogen. Do you think that age gap relationships can be successful? What factors heighten or mitigate power dynamics when there is a significant age gap between romantic partners?

3. Imogen portrays the pornography that she is shown (as part of her training) in a negative light, implying that it encouraged her to be submissive and focus on male pleasure at the expense of her own. Do you think pornography can ever be helpful in helping individuals learn about their sexuality? Do pornography and sexually explicit literature (such as Kincaid’s writing) serve different purposes?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. How did the novel’s use of alternating perspectives between Imogen and Lincoln affect your understanding of their relationship? What key misunderstandings did this narrative choice create, and how did it build suspense?

2. As an avid reader, Imogen consumes many works of classic literature. Choose one other novel referenced in The Auction and describe how the allusion heightens theme or mood.

3. How do flashbacks and references to past events shape the narrative structure? Why does Kincaid reveal information about the past gradually, rather than all at once?

4. Analyze the novel’s use of taboo in a scene such as when Lincoln changes Imogen’s tampon or uses butter as lubricant during the picnic. Is the genre of “spicy romance” required to continuously push boundaries in order to keep readers engaged?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. If you were to design the book cover for The Auction’s sequel, The Game, what imagery would you use to capture the tension and themes of the story, especially given the cliffhanger ending?

2. Imagine you could write a scene from Pierre’s point of view. Which moment between Imogen and Lincoln would you choose to narrate, and what unique insights might his perspective offer?

3. At the end of the novel, Imogen is a captive of her grandfather. If you could give her one piece of advice or one tool to help her survive until Lincoln returns, what would it be and why?