Secret Heir Seduction

Texas Cattleman’s Club: Inheritance #4

by Reese Ryan

She was the only woman he'd never forgotten.

Discovering he’s a long lost heir isn’t the only surprise awaiting Darius Taylor-Pratt. He’s also next door to his ex – Audra Covington. Darius broke off his passionate relationship without explanation, so rekindling their flame may cost him… especially when new secrets surface to threaten their second shot at seduction.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Harlequin, Contemporary Romance, Second Chance Romance

201 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 6, 2020

About the author

Vivian Award-winning author Reese Ryan writes sexy, emotional, “grown folks” romantic fiction set in small Southern towns. Her characters find love while navigating career crises and family drama.

Reese's books have been featured on Entertainment Weekly, BuzzFeed, and BookRiot. She is the host of Story Behind the Story—her YouTube show where readers and authors connect.

Reviews

[Tia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audra and Darius dated in grad school at Harvard five years ago. Darius broke her heart and also told a lie that Audra discovered three years ago. Audra is brought to Royal Texas for a job. Darius is brought to Royal for a meeting with a women that could catapult his company Thr3d. The confusion of the past becomes the confusion of the present and sorting out the details is what makes this family saga a good one.

I loved that there were multiple couples in love. I have many questions that I thought would've been answered in this book, but realized that there are three books before this one, I haven't read and two that are after. I will definitely have to get my hands on this entire series. I adored Sophie. She was a sweet matchmaker who truly welcomed Darius. I need to know her backstory with Nigel. I want to know more about the mysterious brother Vaughn and the budding romance between Kace and Lulu. In one of these books I just have to know about their awful father who died alone.

I was given an ARC from Harlequin via Netgalley

[Steph's Romance Book Talk · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 Stars / 3 Steam Fans

As I started this book, I was extremely interested in this story. Darius is a fashion designer that has built his business from the ground up, and when he is invited to this small town in Texas for a possible business deal, he learns that there is more to the small town that just the deal. Audra is a diamond princess that has gotten out from under her parents' wishes by creating jewelry that is in demand by high profile people. When she is invited to create custom pieces for a well off family in this small town in Texas, she also runs into an old flame that ended badly. Darius and Audra were looking toward a future five years ago, but the relationship ended on a bad note, so when they happen to run into each other in this small town, old feelings start to resurface. I enjoyed Darius and Audra's journey through possibly finding second chance love, independence, and learning trust and open communication. There is a middle part of the story that worried me as I was reading because of the character focus switch, but in the end, the focus was refocused back to the main couple, Darius and Audra. This story does make me want to read the other books in the series to find out about all of the other characters that make appearances within this story.

Video review available in Week 52 Dec 22 – 28 weekly book reviews.

For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.

[Ryan - Sweet Red Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 out of 5. Looks like I’m going to have to binge another Texas Cattleman’s Club saga!

When I can start in the middle of a series and almost immediately decide that you need to read the rest of the series, I call that a job well done! I really enjoyed being back in the world of Royal, Texas and the Texas Cattleman's Club and I feel like Reese Ryan did an EXCELLENT job of adding some color into a world that can come off as pretty whitewashed. I believed the tension and chemistry between Darius and Audra and I loved the second chance aspect of their romance. I also really loved watching the connection build between Darius and his new found siblings. One of my favorite things though, is while the romance is definitely a central component of the plot, there are plenty of other plot points (business operations, family tension, exes, and even a secondary romance) to keep you interested and riveted on the page. 3.5 out of 5 wine glasses.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secret Heir Seduction draws the mind into a mystery. Ryan tapped into my inquisitive nature with a tale of secrets and the thrill of romance. Darius and Audra have a past to work through, a present to figure out and a few big secrets that threaten to topple everything. Can a love that ended in heartache survive the drama that haunts their second chance? A revelation that entrances from start to finish.

[Richelle Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

*NetGalley Review*

I'm a sucker for second chance romance stories so I jumped at the chance to read this book.

Darius and Audra dated in grad school and broke up. Five years later they are reunited. I liked the both of them because they were go getters and Darius was self made. I felt like simple communication would have solved their issues. While reading this book I was able to catch up with previous characters and that was a nice surprise.

This story did mention two other characters and I'm a little curious about their backstory so it looks like I will have to check out the previous book in this series.

Reese Ryan is an author that whenever she releases a book I make it my business to read. This was a nice, well written second chance romance and I'm counting down the days for her next book.

[Kim Reads (Read Your Writes Book Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reese Ryan is one of the authors who has made me a fan of Harlequin Desire books. I honestly see her name and don't bother to read the blurb. That is definitely what happened with Secret Heir Seduction, the fourth book in the Texas Cattleman's Club: Inheritance series. Having read all the previous books in the series, I don't think you have to read them all to understand what’s happening, but I do recommend reading the first book, Tempting the Texan by Maureen Child. Tempting the Texan sets up the series, introducing you to the characters and establishes the series conflict and mystery.

The Inheritance series revolves around the children of Buck Blackwood and their quest to contest their father's will after he dies and leaves his vast billion-dollar fortune to his younger ex-wife Miranda Dupree. In death, Buck not only seems to continue to disregard his children but leaves his attorney, Kace LeBlanc, to inform his “loved ones” that he also has a child who was the result of an affair while he was married to his children's mother. Miranda is tasked with finding Darius Taylor-Pratt, Buck’s biracial son he fathered with actress Liberty Taylor. To get Darius to come to Royal, Texas, Miranda tells Darius that she would like to collaborate with him, in designing an activewear line for her Goddess, Inc. company.

For the past five years, Darius has been working tirelessly to create and build his activewear company, Th3rd. Partnering with Miranda and Goddess is an opportunity Darius can't possibly pass up, even on the eve of the company's first fashion show. While Darius has given up any hope of finding out who his biological father is, he's more than surprised to learn that all the financial struggles he’s endured could have been avoided if Buck would have acknowledged him in life. Miranda convinces Darius to stay in Royal for a while to get to know the place. She even sets him up with his own house. Darius is shocked to run into his ex-girlfriend, Audra Covington, who is in town to design jewelry for his new half-sister Sophie's upcoming wedding. He's even more shocked and a little excited to discover Audra is renting the house next to his.

Five years ago, Darius broke Audra’s heart when he walked away from her with no explanation given. While Darius loved Audra more than anything, he didn't feel his love was enough for Audra, who's a diamond heiress from a rich political family. While Audra has gone on with her life, she hasn't forgotten about Darius and the way he made her feel.

I’m a huge fan of second chance romances. The characters already know each other, they have a shared history, at least one of them carries a little animosity, and just below the surface, there is still passion burning hot, waiting to explode. And passion explosion is exactly what happened between Audra and Darius. I loved watching these two together. Their back and forth banter made for an enjoyable read. Their stripped down raw honesty with themselves and each other is what captured my heart. “No matter how hard I try to push you out of my head...you’re always there.” “Whatever it is you’re feeling, just...feel it. Don’t pretend the feelings aren’t there.”

From the beginning of the series, reality TV personality Lulu Shepherd and Kace LeBlanc captured my attention. I was over the moon to finally have their relationship discussed and written about. I love that readers continue to see Miranda in a different light from what the Blackwood children view her as. As with From Boardroom to Bedroom by Jules Bennett, I'm not sure if any headway was made into figuring out the mystery of Buck’s will. I just know that I loved all the characters and the way Secret Heir Seduction was written and played out. There's a secondary, secondary character named Tripp Noble that I need a story on. As for the rest of the Inheritance series, I am definitely looking forward to seeing how everything turns out.

~ FAVORITE QUOTES ~

“Belief can be a powerful thing.”

“Family is a complicated thing.”

“Darius Taylor-Pratt was her personal Kryptonite.”

**Received a copy of the book from the publisher and voluntarily reviewed.**

[Aly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fashion designer Darius Taylor-Pratt thinks he's meeting someone for a partnership. But oh surprise, a lawyer arrive to read him the will of the father he never knew. Darius learn at the same time he have half-siblings. And it's not the only thing of the past waiting for the man. The woman he dated in grad school and that he broke up with five years ago is temporary staying not only in Royal, Texas but also just next door. Audra Lee Covington, diamond heiress and jewel designer is here for a work contract. But will she stay for love?

I had a great time discovering Darius new family at the same time he did or seeing him at work as a designer. I love how uncomplicated things were between him and Audra and how fate play a big part in their second chance romance.

[Kingtchalla83 · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received an ARC for a fair and honest review!*
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My thoughts: Reese Ryan is a writer of immense talent. She’s an effortless scribe that infuses her characters with so much life. Every book I’ve read by her is witty, sexy, atmospheric, and well-plotted. Although “Secret Heir Seduction” is the fourth in the Texas Cattleman’s Club it can be can read as a standalone and to say I enjoyed the novel is an understatement. Harlequin Desire is a line all about glitz and glam and drama, but Darius, the hero- Dare, is a striver. He came from nothing to build his performance wear brand Thr3d! Even the name of his company sounds like something a Black man would create…lol. Also, I can’t recall reading about a Black man in romance being a designer! Ryan wrote this book so well it made me want to finish the rest of the series.
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“Secret Heir Seduction” is a second chance romance set in Royal, Texas. Darius is offered the deal of his life, which brings the LA designer to Texas. Yet, while there, he bumps into his ex Audra Lee Covington, diamond heiress and daughter of a Texas Senator, and the center falls out! He broke off his hot and heavy relationship with her five years ago with no explanation crushing their chances at a happily-ever-after! Little do they know things are about to get interesting if secrets and schemes don’t tear them apart.
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Random thought: I want Reese Ryan to try her hand at suspense or mystery or an in-depth corporate espionage romance.
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💎💎💎💎 4 diamonds

[Starr · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was given a digital copy of this title, free, in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is a second chance romance between Darius and Audra. They are in the same town for different purposes and end up revisiting their previous relationship as they both prepare for professional success. One of the main things that I enjoyed about this romance was that the miscommunication trope was not used. There were opportunities for miscommunication but instead the couple was open – even if they weren’t completely honest. Nothing over the top happened-it was really two people reconnecting and rekindling their love. It’s not super -easy as there are mistakes to atone for. But, even with that it was still endearing. There was some steamy sexy times, honest conversations and the mending of relationships. This was a short and a pretty good read but also a complete and satisfying story.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Darius had come to town for professional reasons but his reasons to stay are about to become very personal as not only does he find himself an heir from the father he never knew but it also brings the only woman he has ever loved and his ex-girlfriend Audra back into his life.

Audra was devastated when Darius ended their relationship especially since the reasons he told her were not the truth. They now find themselves neighbors and the chemistry and connection between them is stronger than ever, but will they be able to overcome the past especially with the secrets that still stand between them?

This is a sweet and sexy story about two people who have a second chance to right the wrongs of the past.

[Adalle · Rating 4 out of 5]

If your looking for a good read then this book is truly wonderful and leaves itself open for more from this series.

I’m looking forward to seeing more.

I voluntarily received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and any opinions expressed within this review are solely and uniquely made by me and I am happily leaving this review.

[Timitra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secret Heir Seduction was a cute and sweet, second chance story. I enjoyed Audra and Darius' story, they're both driven, ambitious and successful in their chosen field. It was predictable and a bit repetitious but still quite an enjoyable read.


Copy provided by author

[Marilyn Diamond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book, mysterious, fast paced. Learned much about Fashion week an obsession. Finding out he was the lost Son of a multi-millionaire brought new questions. Lost love of five years put together an long lost feelings sparked.

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Second Chance Romance, and this is the fourth book in the Texas Cattleman's Club: Inheritance series. This is a short and quick read. I did enjoy this book a lot. I really liked the characters in this book. I found this second chance romance was very well done, and I loved the ending.

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do love a good second chance romance. Reese Ryan is a new to me author. Secret Heir Seduction wont be the last book of her's i read. This is book 4 in the series, it would probably be best to read the series in order. Having said that you can also read as a stand alone. Our hero Darius is busy building up his active wear company Th3rd. When he gets a call from Miranda Dupree owner of Goddess a health and lifestyle business. He heads to Royal, Texas. Darius is in for a big shock,when he finds out who his biological family is. He reluctantly agrees to hanging around Royal for a paternity test. Darius heads to a diner for some food, and gets the shock of his life when he bumps into his ex Audra.
Audra is in Royal designing jewelry for his half sister. Audra is in shock to see Darius, Its been 5 years since the relationship ended. When they later find out they will be neighbours as long as they are both staying in Royal. When circumstances keeep throwing these two together. If only they can be honest with each other. A happily ever after is in reach. Highly recommended.
ARC requested from book sprout.

[Maria Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secret Heir Seduction by Reese Ryan is a sexy second chance romance and part of the Texas Cattleman’s Club: Inheritance series of interconnected books and plot lines but with complete couple romances in every story.

Darius Taylor-Pratt has experienced the shocking news that he’s an heir to the Blackwood fortune by way of his now deceased and new to him father, Buckley Blackwood. Darius thought he was in Royal to meet about an investment in his athletic wear company Thr3d. Now he’s found out that while that’s definitely part of why he was asked to come to Royal, it’s also to introduce him to a family he never knew about, since his parents never told him who his real father was (though he did know his dad was not his biological parent). Then comes another shock. The woman who is designing the jewelry for his half sister’s wedding is none other than his former girlfriend, heiress Audra Lee Covington.

When Darius walked away from Audra and their relationship 5 years earlier she was heartbroken. He’d never explained why he’d backed away from what they had and she’d picked up the pieces and moved on with her life. She’d dated since and had recently broken up with the man in her life who just hadn’t given her the sparks she’d had with Darius. Seeing Darius again proves that those sparks still exist, even though she’s a lot warier of them this time around. But with them staying in houses next to each other, keeping away from each other is a challenge, especially when the idea of resuming where they left off but in a time limited affair is really tempting. Darius is still keeping secrets though, like the fact that he’s now a Blackwood heir. Is their second chance doomed right from the start?

I really enjoy Reese Ryan’s characters and writing style and this is another exciting story in her repertoire! Darius and Audra both weren’t completely honest with each other the first time around, with Darius keeping his estrangement from his parents from Audra, and Audra knowing her parents likely wouldn’t approve of Darius and keeping him out of her family fold. Trust is fragile and they didn’t have it then. Falling into a sexual relationship now is easy for them as they still are very attracted to each other. But Darius is keeping his own secrets again, this time about his relationship to the Blackwood family and that Audra’s client is actually his half sister. He’ll have to come clean if he’s serious about keeping Audra in his life this time around.

There are lots of characters in this story, some from earlier books in the series and some who will come up in later books but the author does a good job of explaining who is who and why they are important to the story, while still delivering a focused romance. There are some sexy love scenes for Darius and Audra, and just as importantly, character development as they both realize the mistakes they made in the past and what they need to do if this second chance is going to become permanent. I liked seeing Darius forge relationships with his new siblings and enjoyed the details of both their careers in fashion and jewelry design. It’s an enjoyable and entertaining romance and another great addition to the series!

This review also appears at Harlequin Junkie: https://harlequinjunkie.com/review-se...

A copy of this story was provided by the publisher for review.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a second-chance romance and Darius and Audra were perfection! The story was a great mix of twists mixed in with romance and sexy times! Absolutely loved it, and need to pick up the others in the series now!

[Marsha Keeper Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf

I broke my own ‘read a series from the beginning’ rule for Secret Heir Seduction. I don’t regret it one little bit. There is something about that cover, the expression on “Audra’s” face that speaks of vulnerability, passion, and determination combined – so don’t ever think that covers don’t really matter or influence readers, they certainly do. I have the other titles in this series, up to this point, and I’ll go back to the start and continue to follow it to the end especially now that I’ve gotten a taste for this world. But for whatever reason, the cover drew me in and had me needing this story first, and I’m completely okay with that decision.

Five years ago, Darius and Audra were in college, in love, looking at a possible forever kind of future – until Darius made a decision that ended the relationship and broke both of their hearts in the process. I understood Darius’ reasoning, I did “get” it but I also certainly hurt for the man and the woman who were affected by that choice. (I’m not getting into those reasons, that’s for you to experience firsthand.)

Now both Audra and Darius are in Royal, Texas and involved with the Blackwood family in far different ways. They are about to be reunited which is awkward, joyous, and still full of secrets that Darius cannot or will not speak of just yet. Their love has never died, it’s still there beneath the surface of their current lives and as the years have changed them both in ways, it also has not dimmed their reaction to or their feelings for each other. I also understood Audra’s reaction to what Darius was keeping from her this time. She trusted once again, and again was hurt so she’s very reluctant to take another risk – I got that, it broke my heart for them both, but I understood the why of it.

I liked this couple very much. They’ve both followed their dreams, become successful in their own right yet still, that one right person was missing until fate or someone made sure they’d cross paths once again. If you love a good, solid romance with believable characters reacting to relatable things in their lives then you’ll love Secret Heir Seduction.

[Jite · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book I’m reading in this Texas Cattleman’s Club series and apparently is the 4th book in the series and you can kind of tell that the other couples that feature in this book have had their moment and that you are missing some insider context back story with them. Nonetheless, this stands alone pretty well although sometimes I felt like too many characters were being introduced- but again, that’s probably because if you’ve been reading this series, they’ll feel like old friends.

This is a second-chance romance featuring Darius, a fashion designer who broke up with his college sweetheart, Audra, a successful high end jewellery designer, years ago suddenly and without any reasonable explanation and now years later runs into her when he comes to a small town to find out about his heritage. I thought this was fine. I liked it well enough. I think I would have liked it more if I read the other books with other TCC couples first because I would have felt a greater connection to the characters. I discovered this author last year and fell in love with her writing. Whilst this doesn’t hit the same high for me, this was still an enjoyable read and I liked it and would recommend it.

I received this book from Harlequin Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Renae · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't think I liked a single thing about this book.

The characterization was shallow, the writing was clunky, the story seemed off. I got tired of having every single meal described in minute detail and the author taking every single chance she could to throw in a designer label (Tom Ford! Balmain! Bentley convertible!). The dialogue felt fake and forced. Who goes down on a woman and them compliments her "rapturous" expression when she comes? And for the love of god why did chapters 9 and 10 have random sex scenes between two side characters who were never seen again?

What the hell.

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[Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

Secret Heir Seduction is a second chance romance, one of my favorite romance tropes. The romance angst depends a lot on miscommunication or a lack of communication, which isn't a favorite plot device, but Darius and Audra do have good chemistry. This is the fourth book in the Texas Cattleman’s Club: Inheritance series, but I was able to follow the other characters' well enough. There were a few things in the middle of the book that left me feeling like I missed something, but other than that, this one does stand on its own. The romance was good, but I enjoyed the parts with Darius and his siblings as much as the romance if not more so. The book was well written, the pacing was steady, and the characters were interesting. All in all, I enjoyed the book, and I would read another by Reese Ryan.

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The next installment in the TCC: Inheritance series..It was a great read from page one. Miranda is back to manipulating to get what she wants per Buck's wishes. She lures Darius to Royal with the false premise of her company and his collaborating together..Once there he finds out different. He finds out about Buck and the siblings he didn't know he had. he is taken aback and doesn't want to believe it. While out and about he runs into Audra. She was the love of his life 5 years before but they went their seperate ways. Can they become a couple again or is their pasts going to come in the way again. This was a beautifully written story of love and lies and over coming perceptions of other people.

[Katherine Hayward Pérez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darius is looking for a business deal and gets more than he bargains for in a small Texas town. An old flame of his from 5 years ago threatens to sweep him off his feet again and he learns some family secrets....

Secret Heir Seduction is sweet, classy action-packed and realistic. I was hooked from start to finish.

Reese Ryan is a new author to me. The book is part of a series and finishing this one left me wanting to explore more by the author. Excellent eye for detail, sweet romance good plot and short chapters kept the pacing good and interesting.

Thanks to Reese Ryan and Harlequin for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.

5 stars

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

An okay book. Hot scenes between Darius and Audra. But the rest was kinda so-so. If I hadn’t read the book before this one, I wouldn’t have liked this book as much as I did. I wanted to find out if there was any progress on the running thread of the inheritance in this book.

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audra and Darius are combustible. Ryan captures their chemistry perfectly and keeps you reading long after it is time to turn out the lights.

[Jenica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick Plot Synopsis: Second chance romance between a couple who met and fell in love in grad school and then broke up for reasons and now have run into each other in Royal, Texas after Darius discovers that his biological dad was this really rich guy who is now dead and he has three half-siblings.

I've stated before that I'm new to categories, but I'm loving my discovery of them because they're quick and are basically giving me a dose of trope-y serotonin straight to my brain. Which likely means that choosing to read a second chance romance when it's one of my least favorite tropes was a bad idea. I'm not overly familiar with category romances, obviously, but I did find this one odd because it had several pages dedicated to a secondary romance with characters that had a preexisting romance. I'm accustomed in non-category romances seeing established couples in series share some small page space with the main couple, but this was (a) more than that and (b) odd in a series where the books are written by different authors.

Anyway, let's talk about what works in this romance. I really loved the way Darius' relationship with his new found siblings unfolds, but I wish we would have seen Vaughan at all on page in this book. Sophie is absolutely lovely and I rather adored her. I assume she was the heroine of a prior book and I want to go track that down now. I also liked the careers Audra and Darius had, of jewelry and clothing design respectively.

What didn't work for me was the conflict in this book. I don't do well with secret keeping either, but tbh, the way the secret came out had me pretty aggravated and I didn't like that the secret revealer got a free pass for breaking the law. Like... Dude. No. But, as I've said before, second chance doesn't tend to work well for me and here that was especially true because I didn't feel like we had enough to get the conflict from the first break up nor enough character development for me to believe fully in the HEA in the end. But if this IS your trope and will give you serotonin, absolutely go for it!

(Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin for the opportunity to read this book early!)

[Joyce M. H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

These Texas Cattleman continue get better and better.
I have read several books by Reese Ryan and I must say that I'm never disappointed.
Darius and Audra are such a cute couple even with secrets between the two they seem to keep everyone wondering what's going on between the two.
Darius is a millionaire with this own clothing design company by the name of Thr3d. Audra is also a millionaire with her diamond jewelry company Covington Brand. Darius and Audra met in college and there were sparks. Darius walked away from Audra thinking that he was not good enough for her because she came from money.
Darius is in Royal on business for his company, and later finds out it is for another reason it is about his paternity. Darius runs into his ex Audra and neither is over the other and unbeknownst to the other they end townhouse neighbors.
Audra is in Royal somewhat under false pretense designing wedding rings for Sophie Blackwell and her fiance' Nigel and the wedding party.
Audra and Darius are being drawn together are attending various gatherings with the help of Sophie.
Darius is keeping a secret from Audra, which to me is not a secret it's just some personal business that he is not ready to share and Audra is not to happy with it.
Audra's ex-boy Cash shows up in Royal and wants her back and Audra is not having because she has her heart set on Darius her first love but Cash will not stop. He digs into Darius past and because he so call wants Audra back gives her some information on Darius that Darius was going to tell Audra about any but Cash beats him to the point.
Sophie her brothers Vaughn and Kellan are upset with Miranda who is their late father's ex-wife and has inherited everything that Sophie and her brothers Kellan and Vaughn feels should be theirs is contesting the will.
It was nice to see previous characters like Tessa and Ryan and Tripp Tess brother who is interested in Audra. It would really be nice if Resse could write Tripp's Texas Cattleman romance book.
If you have not ordered this book you really should along with the other Texas Cattleman's Club Inheritance you really should you will not be disappointed.
I read Secret Heir Seduction first now on to read "Tempting the Texan (Texas Cattleman's Club: Inheritance)" Vaughn's romance book.

[Kristen Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I even begin with this terrific romance? It's wonderful in so many ways, and it was exactly the book I needed to read this week. Not too heavy, not too fluffy...just right. It restored my faith that books I'll love are out there, waiting for me to find them.

Let's start with the quality of the writing first. In short, this is how it's done. The plot was tight, the pacing was perfect, there was a lovely balance of sweet and heat and not a single typo, wrong word, or questionable bit of grammar to be found...too often, that is not the case with traditionally-published titles or indies. I was impressed from start to finish by the sheer professionalism on display here. Reese Ryan knows what she's doing, and then some.

And now, on to what stood out to me the most, once Darius and Audra had gotten their well-earned HEA. Look, I'm a white woman, and I'm often dismayed and disappointed by the one-dimensional way that people of color are portrayed in American media. Not here. Not a stereotype to be found.

In this book, our Black main characters (along with assorted other diverse side characters) get to be educated, successful entrepreneurs (both the hero AND the heroine - double kudos), with layered family and social lives and complex relationships. They are depicted as productive citizens who care about their communities. You know, like they are in real life.

This should not have been anything extraordinary or refreshing, and yet, it was. What's more, it was integrated so seamlessly into the overall story, that if there weren't a national conversation happening around the topic right now, the average reader might not even notice it was there. I loved every second of it, from start to finish. I want to see more of it in romance publishing, and I want to read more of it in my daily life.

You know what else I want to read more of? Reese Ryan's books. I'm off to do just that now, and I highly suggest you do the same.

Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read; Entertaining; Great world building; Happily Ever After; Original; Romantic; Steamy; Wonderful characters

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reese Ryan's Secret Heir Seduction was a fun read. Families vying for inheritances, secret heirs, and love affairs gone wrong. This book had it all! I really enjoyed Darius and Audra's second chance romance. Their enthusiastic support of one another's careers, their honest and vulnerable conversations, and their smokin' hot chemistry, all made for a great read. I'm a sucker for a second chance romances, and this one checked my boxes. This couple obviously had a special connection and watching them rediscover and embrace those feelings left me with all the warm and happy feelings.

My only issue with this book came in some of the information dumps - this is a running series so characters and their connections were often explained. This may be helpful in refreshing some readers' minds, but in a short book format I feel as though it took away from time that could have been focused on the overarching storyline (What is up with the will?!) or on Darius and Audra's story. It can also be quite overwhelming for readers new to the series. To that point, I'll add that there is a quick change in focus in the book (from one couple's story to another's). At first I thought I'd skipped a few pages. I finally resolved to skip those pages of story and go back to read them at the end. That seemed to work well, so I offer it up as a suggestion for anyone else that may have the same issue.

All that aside, the rest of the book kept me hooked. I loved all of the drama and the many ways in which these characters interacted. It reminded me of getting lost in the twists and turns of the soap operas I used to love to watch. If you're a fan of the series already, definitely jump right in! If you're new to the series, I'd suggest you start from the beginning. But definitely pick this one up!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sera Taíno · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darius Taylor Pratt is a Harvard-educated, self-made businessman. Owner of Thr3d active wear, he has earned every single one of his successes. So when he discovers he is the secret heir to a billionaire father who kept track of him all his life but never once deigned to contact him, it rocks his carefully constructed world. More surprises await Darius, including the return of his love interest, Audra Covington. Her appearance after their love affair during their MBA studies causes complications when it becomes evident that the chemistry has not abated with time.

This is a second-chance love story. Ryan's writing is tight and the pacing is perfectly orchestrated, giving you one twist and reveal after another. You are never pulled out of the story. The romance between Darius is sexy, fraught and well-earned. These are two highly intelligent people with history and emotional baggage to work out, coming together in an already tense situation. Their HEA is convincing and well-earned.

The secondary characters are fascinating in their own right, which is important, because the couples in the novel receive their own stories in other books in the series (I walked in to the middle, so I have some catching up to do). However, Secret Heir Seduction can easily be read as a stand-alone and I did not feel like I was at a disadvantage for not having read the previous ones. That being said, there is also an over-arching storyline that spans all the novels, engaging the reader to follow the story to the very end.

Great world building, excellent characters, and the romance is fuego! I'm looking forward to catching up to this series.

I received a copy from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

Originally posted at: https://serataino.com/bookshelf-secre...