Some things are bigger than yourself, like family and legacy. Russell Walker knows all too well the demands of devotion. Heritage, the family's legacy and the largest family-owned ranch in the country, is his responsibility and he'll sacrifice anything for it. Including what might be his last and best chance for happiness. If that's what it takes, so be it. Until he passes the reins on to one of his children, he's the guardian of the Walker legacy and determined to see it expand and flourish under his care. The problem is, there's a storm on the way and one he can't stop. Someone wants to hurt his family and their legacy and he might just find himself in a fight he can't win. Then again, whoever's gunning for him has never challenged the might of Heritage, and Russell, along with family, may well prove to be more than their enemy bargained for.
Ciana Stone has been reading since the age of three, and wrote her first story at age five. Since then she enjoyed writing as a solitary form of entertainment, before coming out of the closet to share her stories with others. She holds several post graduate degrees and has often been referred to as a professional student. Her latest fields of interest are quantum mechanics and Taoism. When she is not writing (or studying) she enjoys painting (canvas, not walls), sculpting, running, hiking and yoga. She lives with her longtime lover in several locations in the United States.
First, I want to thank Ciana Stone for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.
Ciana Stone is back again with not only a brand-new book called A Death in Texas but a brand-new series called Heritage as well. I know with this series starting this means her other series is coming to an end. I am very disappointed by that however I was very happy to see she wrote Reese and Mathias into the story and that they got married! Not to mention others were mentioned as well! Also, loved that it was based on Cotton Creek and horses. Those were also two themes I loved from the other series that made it great.
Ciana’s cover on this one was quite different than all the other one’s she has done in the past. When I first saw the cover, I thought she switched writing genres on me to more historical vibe. I am glad that I was wrong.
In this book there were two couples that stood out to me for two different reasons. I loved the story of CiCi Walker and how she first Met Kalvin back when CiCi was 8 years old. She now was grown up and WOW did she have a I know what I want and I will go after it kind of attitude! Loved that in her. Not only that but we find out later she had a heart of gold as well.
The story of Robert losing his wife and how Delyan Meyers who was hired to be the twin boys nanny pulled on my heart strings. When she fell in love with Robert and married him. My heart went out to the boys whom lost their Mom. However, I was happy when Robert was able to find happiness again.
At the end of the book Ciana writes a beautiful note to her readers that I totally appreciated. She definitely has a heart and loves what she does for a living.
Story continues in next book. Enjoyable characters and interesting enough story but I just felt this was full of filler. There was so much information in this book that I was just not interested in but I will want to know who the killer is. Wasn’t real impressed with the drugs either. Enough of that crap in the world without making it a part of a story.
Wow! The first book in a new series that covers almost all of the bases.
I debated as to whether or not this book ends in a cliffhanger, and I finally had to decide it did. Any time you are left asking what happened, or what happens next, then you are in cliffhanger territory.
Russell Walker and Naomie have this intense attraction and affection for each other that is mostly being held at bay because of Russell's issue with their age difference.
The book doesn't just focus on that couple. It includes the romance of his daughter, CiCi, and Kal, who happens to be about 20 years older than her. Then, there is Russell's son Made and his mutual attraction to Bailey.
On top of ALL of that, is the mystery of who is trying to destroy Heritage, and why. Or, is the destruction of Heritage the goal, or just an unavoidable casualty of whatever war is being fought?
A well written romantic suspense that will keep you on your toes. It is filled with family members struggling with their own issues, yet having a strong sense of family love, loyalty, and sadness. Along with the intrigue, suspense, and mystery, some romance, sexual tension, and sexy moments are thrown in to the mix.
I can only surmise that the answers to at least some of the questions left open at the end of this book will be answered in upcoming books. I honestly really dislike cliffhangers, but will anxiously be awaiting the next part of the Heritage saga.
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
This is a intriguing book about the Walkers one the richest families in Texas and someone who just happens to be out to destroy what they have built or to destroy someone who may or may not be close to the Walkers, Russell and his sons run their holdings and his youngest is Miss Cici Walker who is the attorney for all their holdings. It is brought to Russell's attention that some of his cattle have been poisoned by some unknown, and Dr. Naomi Taylor was hired for the quarter horse program on the Ranch she is helping to turn the ranch green they find that the property next to Russell is where the poison is coming from and that someone has done so on purpose and the property just happens to be owned by Kalvin Burton another rich entrepreneur who is trying to get a foot in the Texas market. Only they think he is trying to build another of his resort hotels for the filthy rich and they will do whatever they have to keep him out. It seems that Cici has met Kalvin Burton and they seem to be getting along quite well and he tells her what he really plans for Texas and she believes him but her father is not so sure but he tries to give his daughter the benefit of the doubt until the assault on the ranch becomes a lot more intense and dangerous for the family as Cici brings Kalvin home to meet the family. This is a fascinating romantic suspense series this first book is a page turner with lots of action and excitement. Some adult content. Violence. I received an Advance Review Copy without obligation from the author. I am providing an honest review.
Even though his father Robert is still living, Russell Walker is the patriarch of the Walker family. He controls “Heritage”, the family’s vast ranch and holdings. Russell is attracted to Dr. Naomi Taylor who is in charge of the breeding program at Heritage, but she is years younger than him and after several unsuccessful marriages, he will not act on this attraction. Of his six children, his sons Mace and Nash are mostly involved with running the ranch, while one of daughters, Cici, is the legal representative for Heritage. Cici has a “killer instinct” and may have met her match in Kalvin Burton, an older man and friend of her father’s. She knows her father will not be happy should she decide to date Kal, but this will be her decision. Someone is attacking Heritage through their animals and their reputation for being an organic business. The family is working to find out who hates them enough to cause such damage and vandalism. This is a wonderfully complicated story (I took brief notes so I wouldn’t miss anything) that weaves the lives of this family as they each have their own personal issues. This story does end in a cliffhanger, but this in no way detracts from this amazing story. I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to give an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
Ms. Stone has a way to weave a story that you never quite know what/who to believe. I thought this was going to be a book that focused on Russell Walker and Naomie Taylor, and I was a little disappointed that it wasn't. At least at first. Russell and Naomie did play a heavy part in this book, but it mainly focused on Cici Walker and Kalvin Burton. Cici is the youngest daughter and the family attorney who has an attraction to the much older Kalvin. Kalvin is drawn to Cici and has been for awhile. Deciding that it is time to act on it, he asks her to accompany him on a date. When things go better than expected and Cici sees him in a new light, things are looking up. Unfortunately, things are going on in Texas and her family is being targeted. Every piece of evidence points to Kal being the reason for all of the bad things that are occurring. Pitting family member against family member and a new relationship against each other all roads point to mystery and intrigue. When a tragedy occurs and once again Kal is fingered in the crime, everyone wants to know who did it, but will Cici be able to prove Kal is innocent or is he actually guilty? I can't wait for the next installment in this new series. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest, voluntary review.
Ciana Stone is back with A Death in Texas, book 1 in the new Heritage Series. Based on the Walker Family whom we have met in previous books in her Honky Tonk Angels series. We get to know Russell Walker, owner of Heritage Ranch who is the father of Dylan Walker, from Game On. Russell and Senator Richard Walker are twins but Richard never wanted to go into the family business so Russell devoted his life to making Heritage Ranch one of the biggest working Ranches in Texas and around the world. When he hires Dr. Naomi Taylor to head his new horse venture he finds he has a very strong attraction to the beautiful Dr. One problem, she is old enough to be his daughter. But when strange things start to happen on the ranch he finds himself depending on her more and more. The title says a death in Texas and oh boy, I won't give it away because I was never seeing that coming at all. You will fall in love with the Walkers just as you did with the people of Cotton Creek (if you have read both Honky Tonk Angels and Hero's and Heartbreakers series) Lots of mystery and twists and turns that make Ciana Stone my all time favorite writers! I was offered an Advanced Reader Copy and my my review is voluntarily.
Ciana Stone has just delivered one heck of an exciting book, she is so talented with her writing she makes her books come alive. A Death in Texas is the start to a new series and it has a bit of everything from action, family drama, suspense and definitely some romance and passion. This is a well flowing story with some really fantastic characters, you have Russell Walker his Ranch is one of the largest in the country and has been in the family for generations. Then you have his five children and his parents that round out this family. Naomie Taylor is a brilliant scientist working at the ranch in the breeding area, Naomie and Russell have an undeniable chemistry but they both have rules about dating people you work with and Russell has a problem with the age difference. This story has so much more that you will find it hard to put down. This is a story with a cliffhanger and it will definitely keep you wanting more of this great series. I for one will say this is a real page Turing kind of story one you won’t want to miss a must read. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and turned around and bought it.
Heritage has been run by the Walker family for six generations. It is the largest privately owned ranch in the US. That's a lot of responsibility but with Russell Walker at the helm, the operation runs smoothly until trouble steps in and throws peace and calm right out of the window.
This is a fast-paced story filled with mystery, intrigue and a bit of chemistry which keeps the reader flippin' pages like a crazy person. As chaos takes the lead, family members are scrambling to discover just who and why things are falling apart.
If you are a fan of Ciana Stone, then you will recognize a number of the characters as they have been previously introduced in the Heartbreakers and Hero's series. This time the main focus is on Russell's children, especially his headstrong daughter...I like this woman!
Unlike other series this book has a cliffhanger but not to worry, Stone writes fast and readers trust the next book will pick up with equal heat and chilling events.
I received an ARC at no cost and I am under no obligation from the author.
This story was really good, the couple editing errors were minor and didn't detract from the story. Now I HATE continuation stories, I don't buy or download a book that is marked as a part 1 etc. so with that said this one didn't give you that option and with 5 separate stories going on within the book all of them were left hanging.... by the time the next installment of the "continuation" story comes out you have to re read the first one all over again to catch up... it isn't fair to the readers to at least not mark that in the preview or on Amazon's write up.... I know the authors do it to sell more books but it is just wrong not to give the readers a heads up....
I have to say that I really enjoy the Cotton Creek Saga books and love the characters so as long as the books remain KU I will read them but once they go off of KU all bets are off.... Sorry Ciana I don't mind paying for a HEA or a stand alone, but I won't pay for a continuation ..... the only reason this got a 4 star....
A Death in Texas is book 1 in the new series Heritage by Ciana Stone and as always a suspenseful, edge of your seat book!
Wow! So much happening but beautifully executed story with the players we will be reading about going forward in this series.
Starts with Russell and Naomi’s intense attraction but Russell has issues with the age difference...then it’s Russell’s daughter, Cici and family lawyer who’s asked to take on another client, Kelvin Burton but seems to be another intense, sparks fly, attraction with a 20 age difference which doesn’t seem to bother Cici or Kelvin and while this is going on we meet Russell ‘s son Mace and Bailey...suddenly a death in the Walker family happens and everyone is on alert and suspicious as to who done it...
Lots of twists, turns, suspense, romance, family sadness, family loyalty and sexy moments too!! This is a ...to be continued.......can’t wait for the next book!!!
A death in Texas is the first story in the Heritage series. Admittedly I haven’t read anything else before this series such as the Honky Tonks or some of Ciana’s other series’s that she has but I managed to follow along quite nicely😁 I did enjoy this story but found some of the chapters were what I call fluff and not really necessary, but otherwise a good story and I liked the characters👍
This story revolves around three main couples, Kal and Cici, Russell and Naomie, and Mace and Bailey. Russell is the father to Cici and Mace and Naomie and Bailey are hired hands at the ranch that the Walkers run. However, it looks as though someone is sabotaging their operations in such a way, that it points the finger of suspicion at someone new in their midst and causes discord amongst the family. Can they figure out who is causing so much damage and who killed a member of their family? Stay tuned for the next book to find out😉
This is intense, suspenseful, full of action, romantic and tragic. And it ends in a cliffhanger. There is so much going on in this, the tension between Naomi and Russel, the budding relationship between Cici and Kal, the possible beginnings of a family between Bailey, Mace and Minnie, and all the trouble at Heritage. Someone is killing cows, stealing horses and they set fire to the barn. Evidence points to Kal, and that divides the family because Cici and Naomi believe that he is innocent, and everybody else thiNks he's guilty. I laughed, I melted and I cried. The end is so heartbreaking, and could lead the end of a few relationships. I hope this gets wrapped up in the next book, I really hate being absorbed in a story and it suddenly ends. Being left hanging was just cruel. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
This book turned out to be much more than I expected when I started reading. We follow the “budding” romance between Russell and Naomi and also that between Cici and Kal. The high suspense and tension between all these folks as well as the rest of the family at the Heritage kept me reading just a few pages more! I felt pulled into this immense family drama from the start and was not sure who to root for or against! The characters are multi-faceted and often more than meets the eye. Whomever is causing issues on the ranch, culminating in a murder, is hiding his/her tracks well and pointing a finger directly at Kal. Definitely a psychological thriller as well as a romance on 2 fronts. The end of this book left me frustrated and totally looking forward to the second book in this new series. Bravo Zulu Ms. Stone. A GREAT READ!
Man oh man...A Death in Texas is so unlike Ciana Stone’s other books/series, it really threw me for a loop. There was so much going on in so many places that initially it was downright overwhelming! But I have to tell you, once I figured out who the players were—and what team they played for—it settled down to be one helluva read.
Ms Stone gifts us once again with a brilliantly executed storyline; characters who flow in and out of the gray areas and keep you guessing on whose team they actually play on. The plot twists and turns are simply amazing—and downright genius in places. There is no actual HEA, but the promises are there for the next book in the series. You definitely want to grab this bad boy today! (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and totally loved it!) ❤️❤️❤️
WOW, what an intense story. This book was packed full, lots of background information on the large Walker family and their places within the family. We have met many of these characters in prior Cotton Creek books. The storyline has been a thriller as well as several love stories. Russell and Naomie have had an ongoing slow burn relationship, she is willing but he sees their age difference as a roadblock. Russell's daughter CiCi and his protege Kal have fallen fast and hard, but another large age gap pops up in this new relationship too. These couples are trying to figure out what if anything the future hold for them when bad things start happening at Heritage the Walker families ranch. Lots of action, suspense, and steam keeps this mystery going. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series. This is a cliffhanger that will keep me waiting on the edge of my seat.
There is a lot going on in this book, but not so much that you can’t stay with the action. It certainly keeps you on your toes and, by the end, on the edge of your seat. It’s intriguing, suspenseful, and heartbreaking and definitely has you guessing about what’s going to happen next. You are easily drawn into the story and quickly invested in its player dynamics. The characters are extremely interesting and well-developed, and the storyline is filled with captivating complex relationships and gripping, fast-paced conflict. You will be left wondering who’s the manipulator behind the scenes and anxiously awaiting the yet to be revealed outcome. This is an amazing start to this new series. Hold on to your hats; it’s guaranteed to be a wild roller coaster ride.
An Outstanding and amazing story ❣️ I volunteered to read and review an advanced readers copy of A Death In Texas . W💟W ! absolutely a fantastic story . I was captivated from the very beginning . This is a on the edge of your seat story line . It's so intriguing . It's full of action and suspense . The characters are wonderful . This story is so well written and interesting . I really didn't want to put it down . It's about an entire family but especially two couples . I cannot wait to continue this journey . Unfortunately it has a cliff hanger ending and twists and turns but it just makes you want to read more . An all around magnificent suspenseful story . I highly recommend taking the chance to read and enjoy . A favorite .
Having wasted no time at all to get into this one I melded into it right away. Having also being familiar with many of the characters in this one it was easier to become part of it and getting lost into the story. The Walkers have be a curiosity with having been in places that laid the path for the up front and center with it being about time their own place. I would say also that Russell and his daughter take up a big portion but not all of this getting you pumped even further for more. The suspense has you pulled wondering the same as those in here. The heat will simmer for some but will burn for another with it also touch softly too with some. Sneaky though thing in this one is that you will be in so deep you will also be left in trouble now having to wait for the next one.
Miss Stone is playing with my emotions again and I don't appreciate it. She brings out another book about the Walker family and gets me so caught up I don't put it down until I finish it. Then oh my God the story is not done and here I am craving more and she's got nothing to give me and I consider that just wrong.
This book is more than just about an older man fighting feelings for younger woman involves family, friends, unknown enemies causing havoc, and strained family relationships. Ms. Stone is bringing the heat, the hurt and destruction with this series.
I voluntarily offered to review this book with no obligations and my opinions are honest! It was a great book! "Heritage," the family ranch is in danger. Someone is trying to sabotage the ranch. In the midst of the drama, Russell might have another chance at love again. Naomi was hired to head the breeding program at Heritage. There is definitely an instant attraction between Naomi + Russell. Love is in the air. Cici, Russel's daughter, is also thinking of starting a relationship w/ Kal Let the wooing begin! Loved the characters + the storytelling! It has all the ingredients that you need for a great book! I can't wait for the next book in this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
A bit of a new look for Ciana Stone fans in this story of Russell Walker and family. As he runs his vast ranch along with his children, and with the help of Dr Naomie Taylor, there appears to be a couple of almost romances going on. However, the focus on is who is sabotaging the ranch. The underlying romances of two couples, as well as the suspense and intrigue, ends on a murder of a beloved character. It ends of a cliffhanger, and although I am not a fan, being invested with Naomie and Russell's story, this one has me hooked. Looking forward to having questions answered and the murder solved, I received a free copy of the book. I voluntarily give my honest opinion. 4 Stars!
Wow, very well written romantic suspense. The characters are great, the plot is very intense, engaging and heartwarming. I prefer the element of surprise when I read so as long as I am already used to an authors writing style, I usually don't read the blurbs, so... for me, the ending was jaw dropping, I was not prepared and didn't even realize until then that this is a new & fresh focus on the Cotton Creek series. It amazing me how gripping this series is and it just keeps getting better. Love it and can't wait to read what's revealed in the next book. I am voluntarily reviewing a free copy.
When I see Diana Stone on the cover I know I'm in for a treat. When the book is the first of a new series, I see many a long nights in my future. The Heritage series is a spinoff of a Heartbreakers and Hero's storyline. Naomi has followed her robotic bee straight into the heart of Russell Walker, well as his family empire's power plays and intrigue. The plot thickens when Robert Walker, the family's patriarch is killed and. . . . . Oh no, Ciana just bailed us with a cliffhanger!
Wow, this story captured me from the very beginning and kept me on the edge of my seat until I had devoured its contents. What can I say about this storyline? It's absolutely incredible. So innovative and inventive. The author writes with so much imagination but somehow still manages to create some realism so that you feel the book is happening right now. The world building is something else and I loved this book as much as the author's other work, maybe a little more so. The characters were great to get to know. This story has everything you could want.
WOW!!! What a cracking start to Ms. Stone's Cotton Creek saga. There is so much happening all over that you are kept on your toes following all the action, adventure, mystery and suspense, not to mention all the super-HOT sexy scenes to whet your appetite. Thanks to her usual free-flowing style with impeccable character-development and picturesque scene-setting Ms. Stone's latest offering keeps you engrossed until the cliffhanger ending which leaves you hungry for more. I couldn't put it down until I had turned the last page and CANNOT recommend this book ENOUGH.
Really good story. Im intrigued with the mystery of who is behind the sabotage and destruction. Love the romantic entanglements. Can’t wait for the next story to find out the why and who. In the beginning of the book, there were a lot of new characters from a new family introduced and that part kind of jumbled together. I had to go back and read it a few times to try and keep things straight. A little too much, too fast, but then it sort of made sense after awhile, hopefully it all comes together in the next story.
Once again Ms. Stone has given us the start of what promises to be a wonderful series. This story contains a little bit of everything. There's suspense, mystery, drama, twist & turns and, of course, romance. We are also introduced to wonderful new characters. My only problem is I'm left wanting more. Hopefully I won't have to wait long for the next book.
*I received an Advance Reader's Copy of this book which I am voluntarily reviewing*
They say everything is bigger in Texas and that's definitely true in this book. Bigger drama, bigger suspense, and bigger betrayal. Throw in over the top emotions and this is one wild story that will grab your attention right at the beginning and keep you page turning until the end and wanting more. Well written with strong characters and an engaging storyline. I read an arc copy and voluntarily chose to review.
As always I enjoy reading any book by this author. A Death in Texas was no exception to that. I liked the plot it kept me reading. I also enjoyed the characters and visiting Cotton Creek again. She can keep the books coming and I will keep on reading them. I like Russell and Naomie even if he was a bit stubborn about their age difference. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good romance read that doesn't just center around the romance. I can't wait for the next book to come out.