From Boardroom to Bedroom

Texas Cattleman’s Club: Inheritance #3

by Jules Bennett

In pursuit of the truth,

she finds desire…

Going undercover lands her under the covers…

with her boss!

When her reality-TV star stepmother threatens her rightful inheritance, designer Sophie Blackwood fights back. To get dirt on the gold digger, she poses as a consultant to media CEO Nigel Townshend. But Sophie can’t resist the dreamy Brit, and professionalism takes a turn toward passion. Suddenly everything is at stake if her secret is exposed—her family legacy and the man she desires…

USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR

Genres: Romance, Harlequin

224 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 9, 2020

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author Jules Bennett has written for multiple publishing houses and currently has books with Harlequin and Kensington.

She loves to chat with readers through Twitter or her Fan Page on Facebook. You can also contact her through her website as well as stay up to date on her latest releases, book events, and awards. julesbennett.com

Reviews

[Rachel-RN · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sophie and her brothers feel wronged when their father dies and leaves everything to his young, ex-wife (their step-mother) Miranda. They feel the house/estate they grew up in should stay in the family. It's hinted that daddy dearest wasn't the best father/husband. They also feel that Miranda is a fame hungry whore (she is one of the stars of a reality show based in NYC). So, Sophie goes undercover at the media company that produces the show to find some dirt on her.
I would have liked more explanation in regards to why they don't like Miranda. It's also (briefly) mentioned by Miranda that daddy dearest had left it to her so she could right past wrongs. What does that mean? No explanation. Nothing. What brief time Miranda had on the page, I didn't understand why they didn't like her. She seemed like a decent person.
On to the romance. Sophie and Nigel (the CEO) have instant chemistry. I liked their acknowledgment of it and how it wasn't going to effect their work. Well, until it didn't. And Sophie is a virgin. Because of course. And in case you suffer from short term memory loss, no worries. It's brought up multiple times. The back and forth was decent and I could get into the romance. Not bad, not great. Average.

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story

Sophia wants to find something about her ex-stepmom so that her brothers and her can get back their family home.

Nigel wants to increase the ratings for his show, where one of the stars is Sophia's ex-stepmom.

Going undercover was the only way and with it brings a host of new problems.

Loved these two together and can't wait to find out the rest of the story.

[Kim Reads (Read Your Writes Book Reviews) · Rating 3 out of 5]

From Boardroom to Bedroom by Jules Bennett is the third book of the Texas Cattleman's Club: Inheritance series. While the romance between Sophie Blackwood and Nigel Townshend stands apart from the rest of the series, I think reading the first book in the series, Tempting the Texan by Maureen Child should be read first. The first book sets up the series and semi-explains what's happening.

For some reason, when he died, Buck Blackwood left his entire billion-dollar fortune to his ex-wife Miranda Dupree and nothing to his children. Eldest son Kellan is spitting mad and is sure Miranda did something to his father in order for him to leave everything to her. Kellan is certain Miranda has secrets and that there is some dirt on her they can use in order to contest the will. From Boardroom to Bedroom finds Sophie, the youngest of Buck’s children, desperate to help her brothers find any dirt they can on their former stepmother.

With Miranda being one of the stars of the reality TV show Secret Lives of NYC Ex-Wives, Sophie leaves her beloved hometown of Royal, Texas behind and heads to the bright lights of New York City. She plans to infiltrate the offices of Green Room Media and find evidence that Miranda isn't as nice and caring as she's portrayed on the show. Sophie ends up landing the temporary job of being the administrative assistant to Nigel Townshend, the CEO of the company. Anytime she thought she would have to snoop is taken up by actually working. To Sophie's horror and delight, she finds herself attracted to Nigel and he to her. Things get more complicated when Nigel asks Sophie to accompany him to his sister's wedding in England and pretend to be his girlfriend. So much for planning.

I was excited to read From Boardroom to Bedroom. I wanted to know what Sophie would do in her misguided quest to make sure her brothers and herself rescued the Blackwood fortune from their "evil" ex-step monster. I loved Sophie because she was her own person. Being a size 16, she’s a plus-size woman who is comfortable in her own skin and knows her worth. Sophie is surprisingly bold and honest, yet she’s also sweet and smart. She’s a bright light, who isn’t comfortable with lying.

The press has labeled Nigel as the British Billionaire Bad Boy. However, there is so much more to him than what’s written in papers and online. He left his family in England and moved to New York to try and be his own person. Nigel created Secret Lives of NYC Ex-Wives. It’s his baby and means everything to him. When the show drops in ratings, he asks Sophie aka Rosyln Andrews, his temporary assistant, to help him figure out how to boost the ratings. The two spend hours working side by side and he’s very clear on how he feels about Sophie.

Mistaken identity storylines can be fun. In From Boardroom to Bedroom, Sophie went to New York with the sole purpose of keeping her identity hidden. For her plan to work, I understand why she couldn’t tell anyone who she was. My issue with the story was that at 62% in, Sophie was still lying about who she was. At this point in the story, she and Nigel had been intimate and she still didn't reveal herself. As their fake relationship and attraction grew, she still remained silent. This is where I started to lose love for the story but not Jules’s ability to keep me reading.

While I really liked Nigel and Sophie being together and watching them fall for each other, I wanted more from this story. I’m intrigued, if not in love with the secondary characters of Lulu Shepard, a reality star on the show, and Kace LeBlanc, Buck’s Texas attorney. The two have this love/hate back and forth thing going on. At this point, it seems as though their bedroom action is happening behind the scenes or off-page. I would love to know more about them and see what’s really happening with them.

As far as the overall series arc goes, I’m not sure what was learned that would help with the will mystery. You do see Miranda a little differently, as does Sophie. I’m definitely curious to read the next book, Secret Heir Seduction written by Reese Ryan. I would love to see if the Blackwood children regard Miranda in a better light now and what other secrets are revealed.

~ FAVORITE QUOTES ~

“Even the strongest people need to take a mental health break.”

“Family means everything at the end of the day.”

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

[Lynn Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 1/2 STARS!

Secrets, lies and steamy passion! With book three of the Texas Cattleman's Club: Inheritance series, Jules Bennett takes us on a secret filled ride with FROM BOARDROOM TO BEDROOM. I wanted to love this book because I'm enjoying the series as a whole, but it fell a little flat for me. The characters had potential and at times had an intriguing connection, but the story line didn't keep me interested or pan out with enough excitement or follow through.

Sophia Blackwood is at her wits end. She wants to find dirt on her wicked ex-stepmother, but to do so, she feels like she needs to go in undercover at the production company of the reality TV show that she stars in.

CEO Nigel Townshend can't believe his luck when his new temporary assistant is actually coming up with great ideas ... only problem is he's much too tempted by her and has a no dating an employee policy!

This series is a continuing story line of a family torn apart by the reading of their father's will that left their former step-mother holding the keys to their family legacy. Secrets, passion and temptation are around every corner. I'm looking forward to more to come in the series.

[karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keeps getting better, Sophie is a fighter. So dedicated to the Blackwood family legacy and her brothers. They hold Miranda responsible for losing the Blackwood legacy. Yet Buck Blackwood is still pulling his Children’s heart strings from beyond the grave. He also has put Melinda in the middle of this feud causing more hatred. I can’t wait for this whole story to come out,
Sophie never meant to hurt or deceive Nigel. She never intended to fall in love with him. She had never given her heart to anyone. All she wanted was dirt on Miranda.
In all of her deception she did fall in love with Nigel and the truth came out before she could tell him the truth herself.

Miranda knew all along what she was up to. After the disaster Sophie now found herself in because of her choices, Miranda came to her rescue.
Love is strong when fate intervenes.

[Page Passion · Rating 3 out of 5]

I believe this is my first Texas Cattleman's Club installment. There were somethings I was unclear on since I hadn't read the previous books, but don't worry that doesn't take away from the story.

From Boardroom to Bedroom is my second Jules Bennett novel and I enjoyed this. I love mistaken identity and NYC settings! The hero was British and made me wish more HD books were available in Audio. I'm such a sucker for the accent. Also, Nigel was the CEO of a media company and in charge of a show like Real Housewives! This book was written with all the catnip.

IDK if I'll read all of the Cattleman: Inheritance books, but the next book does sound intriguing. So many romances take place in Texas and now my view of the state is just hot guys in Stetsons and all kinds of scandals taking place.

Sophie/Roslyn and Nigel were so good together, especially that last scene :)

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story revolved around Sophie going undercover to get some dirt on her stepmother who inherited everything when her father died. She and her brothers had money but what was most important was the family home. In going undercover, she falls for the head of the company Miranda works for but doesn't tell him who she is. I liked the story and am very curious what Miranda will do next. I thought Sophie had more than enough time to tell Nigel, but kept losing her nerve. I love Jules' writing and will look for more from her.

[Yesenia Ubence · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars. I started in book 3 of a series which isn’t always the best choice, but I did enjoy it. I loved Sophie’s character. She was such a strong headed girl, who just wanted to protect her family. And Nigel was such a sweet character. It didn’t feel like it was over though; there were many questions left unanswered. I’d like to read the first two books in the series.

[Harper Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my second Jules Bennett novel, and it’s official, the woman can craft up one hell of a delicious story! This Texas Cattleman’s series is to die for. I loved the dual identities angle and getting to know Sophie/Roslyn. The boss/employee trope isn’t usually my thing, but I truly enjoyed the chemistry between Nigel and Sophie. I give this installment 4.25 stars.

[Bertha Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn’t Hate It, Didn’t Like It. The Story Was Ok , But Flat. The Story Line And Characters Were Interesting, But Even Though I Want To Know What Was Behind Their Father’s Will I Didn’t Enjoy This Enough To Want To Read Any Of The Other Stories.

[Michelle Padilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hot dang. I really found myself relating to Sophie and Nigel. Both aren’t looking for a relationship but they are definitely attracted to one another

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise is a little far fetched. But the author is very good and made me want to keep reading even though I really wasn’t buying the motivation behind the characters.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excatly what you'd expect. escapism

[Elizabeth Mckernan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book good series

[Carma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sophie Blackwood has a unique problem, well more than one actually, but right now she is pretending to be someone, pretending to be someone else. Confused yet? Yep, her too. What was she thinking, agreeing to go undercover to dig up dirt on her ex Stepmother has her regretting much of her choices. The biggest one currently being, getting involved with her fake boss.

Nigel has always had a rule to never date employees, well not that he’s wanted to before. Not until he met Roslyn aka Sophie. He has never felt this way so quickly and doesn’t know quite how to deal with that. Taking her home to England to meet his family, doesn’t feel as strange as it should. But making her pretend to be his girlfriend to appease his family just might be. He has no idea what else she is hiding though.

This book is part of the Texas Cattlemans Inheritance series; I believe it is book 3. While I have not read any of the previous installments I feel like I only missed some of the story. But there are some hints and payoffs upcoming that makes me feel like I’ll have to buy forward to follow the storyline.

I enjoy Ms Bennett’s writing style and this was no exception. A shorter length novel, the story line moves quickly though not suffering in any context. 4 ½ stars for this book I read in advance without expectations, all opinions expressed are my own.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again we are back in Royal, Texas and the TCC with Jules Bennett's book in this series.
When Sophie Blackwood finds out at the reading of her father's will that she and her two brother's are getting nothing and her Reality TV ex-stepmother has gone the money and the land that has been in her family for generations, she is not going to take and is going to find out just what this woman had on her father and she is going to expose her secrets...If she has any.
Sophie changes her look and her name and head s to New York city to find the answers. She gets a job at the media company puts on this reality show and comes in to daily contact with the dynamic Nigel Townsend. And more than just a the reality show heats up. Sophie and Nigel have an instant attractions and they let those long days and nights work them to ignite more than the shows ratings. But will Nigel understand when he finds out the truth about who Sophie really is and why she infiltrated his domain.

I really liked Sophie and Nigel and how well they worked themselves into a relationship, both fighting against their attraction for one another. Jules Bennett does her thing in bring good characters and a story together.
Thank you for letting me have an advance copy to read and review.

[Marcie Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

“From Boardroom to Bedroom” by Jules Bennett is book 3 in the miniseries Texas Cattleman’s Club: Inheritance.

Sophie Blackwood goes undercover at a reality show to find the secrets of her stepmother, who she believes is a gold-digger.
Nigel Townshend is in charge at Green Room Media and oversees the reality show. The ratings are dipping and he needs Sophie’s marketing expertise to help. He just can’t allow his attraction to interfere.

With the Desire line, attraction and passion are at the forefront of every story, but in “From Boardroom to Bedroom” that’s all this book was about. Not much seems to happen in the first third of the book (with the exception of the prologue since that was the set-up).
I found the characters lacking in depth and the pace slow, which was shocking to me since this isn’t Ms. Bennett’s usual writing style. Maybe because this book is part of a continuity and Ms. Bennett had to work with the pre-determined plotline. Sorry to say, this book just didn’t hold my interest.

[Aisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

The third book of the Texas Cattleman's Club: Inheritance series wasn't as interesting than its predecessors.

Sophie Blackwood goes undercover to New York trying to find some dirt about her former stepmother so she and her brothers could turn down their dead father's will. That takes her to work in Green Room Media as CEO Nigel Townshend's temporary consultant. As soon as they meet, the fire between them ignites... All in a sea of lies.

I liked the story. I really do. It's just... it's nothing I didn't read before. Also, I found both main characters a bit superficial. Yes, there's attraction between them. There's chemistry, too. And together they're burning-pages hot. But that's all we got from them.

What saves the story is the Inheritance issue. In this case, there's not much information about it but it's enough to keep looking forward for the rest of the books in the series. Oh, I forgot. Very surprised with the fact that Sophie is a VIRGIN. In Harlequin Desire books that's something we didn't see very often these days.

[Julie Eichelberger-Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Boardroom to Bedroom is another installment in the Texas Cattleman's Club series but can also be read as a stand alone story. This is Sophie and Nigel's story about how lies and deception can potentially ruin a budding romance. Sophie and her brothers are cut out of her deceased father's will and all assets go to her ex-stepmom. She is determined to find dirt in order to contest the will but what she finds is a growing attraction to her boss. Nigel is the owner of Green Room Media who is a workaholic when it comes to making his reality show a success. He doesn't let anything distract him from his goals, until he meets Roslyn who is Sophie in disguise. The story that follows is an array of emotions, revelations, and a beautifully written love story.

I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher but all thoughts and feelings are my own.

[Traci Westling · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was happy to read this early copy in exchange for my honest opinion! I thought this story had a great beginning as our Sophie goes under cover working for Nigel & his show to gather info on her ex stepmom for to try to gain back her family homestead. The story is filled with intrigue & has a realistic feel as far as backstage Tb show mechanics.
The attraction between Nigel & Sophie was palpable and it moved pretty quickly which was good even though I was concerned about the lack of info that Sophie has yet to gather about her ex stepmom . In the end Nigel & Sophie manage their HEA However I suspect the circumstances about Miranda & the Will May still be lingering a bit in future Texas cattlemens
Book series. I may miss one here and there in series
But I can still enjoy these books as stand alones because of how they are linked !

[Michelle Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story in the Texas Cattleman’s Club series. I enjoyed Sophie and her brothers and was definitely on her side when she went undercover to New York to see what ‘dirt’ she could find on Miranda. Nigel, his grandmother (Dame Claire) and Ellen were also great to get to know. I liked how Nigel and Sophie (Roslyn) became close and started to have feelings for each other and I really loved when they went to his sister’s wedding, but I knew her time was limited with Nigel finding out who she really was since Ellen seemed to think she looked familiar. I really felt for Sophie when Nigel was told of her deception and equally intrigued/confused when Miranda stepped up to defend Sophie. The ending was great with her and Nigel. This was a really great story, however now I want to know what Miranda is keeping ‘secret’ for Sophie’s deceased father and will this ever come to light?

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sophie Townsend and her brothers are cheated seemingly out of their family legacy by their fathers ex wife. In order to get the good on said ex wife Sophie agrees to go undercover and find out the dirt on her. Maybe she can find a way to get her fathers estate back for herself and her brothers. Sounds simple until she meets Nigel the man who runs the media group that produces the reality show her ex step mother is a star on. Nigel proves hard to resist. This is a quick read but at time hard to follow if you haven't read the other books in the series. Sophie just wants to help her brothers and she connects with Nigel in a way she never has with any other man. A fun afternoon or evening of entertainment.

[Judyrudy · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Boardroom to Bedroom is Jules Bennett’s contribution to Harlequin Desire’s Texas Cattleman’s Club: Inheritance series. Sophie Blackwood and her siblings discover that their inheritance is left to their ex-stepmother and that doesn’t sit right with them. Sophie decides to uncover any and all information so they can contest the will. Sophie takes a job as a media consultant to Nigel Townshend. One thing leads to another and Sophie finds herself in deep with Nigel. Will she uncover any information to bring down her stepmother? From Boardroom to Bedroom is a standalone book in this series that I absolutely loved. I received an advance copy which I chose to review. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a sucker for a British hero and I really loved Nigel. He is the CEO of the reality show Sophie’s stepmother is on, so she goes undercover as Roslyn to try and get dirt on Miranda and get back her family’s fortune.

Sophie doesn’t plan on getting to work so close to Nigel, but they are attracted to each other from the start. Sophie struggles with her deception while falling hard for Nigel.

Great story and l loved the romance, but I still have a hard time with the premise of this TCC series. I’m curious to see how Buck’s will comes out in the end because it seems very contrived.

Thanks to the author for a review copy.

[Nicole ReadingBetweenTheSheets · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these Texas Cattleman’s Club books! They are fun, quicker reads that all blend together for a series. This one features sister Sophie Blackwood, who is out to take back the inheritance from their late father’s latest gold-digger wife. Sophie, however, didn’t expect a British CEO such as Nigel Townshend to interfere with her undercover work. I really enjoyed this 3rd installment of the TCC Inheritance and author Jules Bennett never disappoints! Great characters and fun hot storyline. 4.5 stars…rounded to 5!

[Stella Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sophie undercover!

From Boardroom to Bedroom is another wonderful addition to the Texas Gentleman’s Club series. This was the story of Sophie’s journey to love. Sophie goes undercover to try to find out what secrets her step-mother is hiding about her deceased father. Meanwhile she meets Nigel and needs to work day and night with him. Their attraction is palpable and not to be ignored!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Boardroom to Bedroom is the third book in the series Texas Cattleman’s Club. Thoroughly enjoyed this book with Nigel and Sophie. Sophie is just trying to get a job undercover with Nigel’s company but she is so surprised when she becomes his secretary! Nigel never falls for his secretaries, but Sophie is hard to resist! It’s hard for Sophie to get the information she needs (and not feel guilty) when she is falling in love with her boss…but it’s supposed to be just for a short amount of time! She never intended to fall for the boss! Another great book in this series.

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The next installment of TCC was not a disappointment. Jules Bennett weaved a wonderful love story that was all based on a lie. Sophie goes undercover to New York to work where the show is produced to see if she can find any dirt on Miranda. While there she begins working with Nigel but work soon turns to pleasure. While it is getting harder to pretend she is someone she is not she is falling for Nigel. You must read to see how the story continues to weave together

[Christina Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Sophie and Nigel's story. They had chemistry from the start and their working relationship was very realistic. I also enjoyed the larger story that was at play and will likely read the rest of the books in this series so I can see how it plays out. This book can be read as a standalone but I think it would be better read in the series order.

[Ana Ramirez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed Sophie and Nigel's story. These two are stubborn,determined and passionate about their work,family and each other. While I enjoyed reading the chemistry between these two I did feel like the story was bought to an end quickly and didn't feel organic. This has a happy ending of course 🙂This can be read as a stand alone.