Madam Alana

A Marriage Auction Novella (1001 Dark Nights)

By: Audrey Carlan

Narrated by: Zoe McKay

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Audrey Carlan comes a new story in her Marriage Auction series…

I run the most elite auction in the world.

Candidates and bidders come from all over the globe hoping to change their lives.

And I deliver.

I’m in the business of bringing couples together in a mutually beneficial and legally binding marriage. The terms are three years for no less than a million dollars a year, not including my commission. Once a pair signs on the dotted line, the contract ensures there is no going back.

Most couples find over time they are a love match, but not all.

Before I took over The Marriage Auction, there wasn’t an extensive vetting process. Some candidates were subjected to horrors that haunt my every waking moment.

I vowed to change that. To stand up for those who deserve more and to release them from the wrongs inflicted upon them by circumstance and chance.

What my bidders and candidates don’t know is that I understand exactly what they are experiencing.

I wasn’t always known as Madam Alana.

Once upon a time, I too was purchased in The Marriage Auction… And this is my story.

©2023 Audrey Carlan. (P)2023 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved. Foreword © 2014 by M. J. Rose.

Great prequel

I do listen to All books of The Marriage Auction first and it was great to get the back story on Madam Alana. I feel for her and her best friend.

Missing piece

Loved this book, it makes so much sense now! it’s the puzzle piece that’s been missing.
HOWEVER, if you are triggered, or even sensitive to violence and abuse I don’t recommend. It’s raw, real and detailed at some points.

The narrator's talent complimented the powerful story

Well written and well read. The narrator (voice actor) was so believable in all the voices and accents. Her breath control for the reading was what made it so amazing when switching back and forth between voices.

Madame Alana

This book brought Madame Alana & her best friend Celine’s story to light. It can be read at anytime but it gives the history to the Marriage Auction and how was started. Good book! I enjoyed it.

Loved this short Novella

Wow! What an amazing job Carlan does with this short novella. We get the insight to how Alana came to be Madam Alana. This book is the prequel to The Marriage Auction Series, and takes place 30 years prior. This story will break you and put you back together again in one read. Carlan tells a heart breaking tale, but then gives us light, hope, and love. So many struggles that Alana faced growing up with her best friend Celine. She was also part of the auction in the beginning. We follow her on this roller coaster of a story as she navigates an arraigned marriage, finding herself, showing her grit, toughness, bravery and finding love and support from a man that is so swoon-worthy. Christophe is just such a gentleman. But, don’t be fooled this story will have you turning the pages, laughing, crying, and wanting more. Such a great read.

Madam Alana the beginning

Very well written prequel, which explained so much. A lot of sadness in her young life, but strength as well to overcome and make a change. We have to learn not to settle for just anything or any life. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. Excellent Audible narration.

Madam Alana

I enjoyed the audiobook very much. In light of the fact I’m reading The Marriage Auctions right now. The back story was of interest.

Great Prequel

loved the various voices of the narrator and the emotion that came through. the story of Alana was very good. loved learning how she became Madam Alana and the unwavering support of Christophe.

Madam Alana's Origin Story

Was this novella really necessary to the plot? I'm not sure. I'm not NOT interested in Madam Alana, but I also feel like I already knew most of this by listening to the second season of the Marriage Auction. Maybe that's my own fault for not reading it in order, but I felt like this one was just kind of mid. Not great. Not terrible. Probably wouldn't have missed it if I didn't know it existed.