Darius Taylor-Pratt is a popular sportswear designer that goes to Royal, Texas, to make a business arrangement with Miranda Dupree (book 6 of the Texas Cattleman’s Club: Inheritance series). Instead, he founds out that the deal was an excuse to take him to Royal for other twisted reasons: Darius is Buckley Blackwood’s illegitimate son! And, in his final will and testament, the deceased man reveals it not only to Darius, but to his other sons (Kellan and Vaughn) and daughter (Sophie). A testament that leaves all of them without what they deserve by birthright, giving everything to Miranda.

When he goes to the most popular diner in Royal, he received another surprise: Audra Lee Covington, his girlfriend from grad school, is in Royal, too! Audra, daughter of a respectable politician and jewelry designer, was hired by Sophie Blackwood and Nigel Townshend (book 3) to design the wedding rings and the personalized gifts for their guests. Casualty?

Darius still regrets leaving Audra in the past, because he knows he lied to her back then. And she knows, too. Audra, who recently broke up with her boyfriend, a politician like her father and her family’s choice of marriage (not hers), feels disappointment about Darius lies. But the attraction between them is more alive than ever. Would they overcome the secrets of the past and be together again? What will happen with them when Audra discovers Darius’s new secret?

The fourth installment of The Texas Cattleman’s Club: Inheritance series (you could see the reviews of the first three books on my Goodreads shelf) turns out to be better than it’s previous book. It’s a story with a solid argument, a believable conflict and interesting scenes. That said, I found myself a little surprised because there are so many chapters in the book. Twenty-four to be exact. In a Desire book with only 224 pages? That’s a lot of chapters. Not that this affects the book in a negative way, but it was something I didn’t expect it. The book, on the other hand, runs smoothly and it’s easy to read. With a decent prose and perfect transitions between scenes, it’s a good story.

Then there are the characters. Darius is simply impressive. His struggle with his past and the secrets behind his birth defines him. Also, he’s a hard worker man who fights for his goals until he reaches them. And he has a conscience; the way he feels about his parents because of his reaction when he knew that the man he thought was his father and his regrets about his behavior towards Audra are a good example of that.

Audra is a 21st Century woman: poised, strong, independent and with a huge determination to get what she deserves. From a wealthy and prestigious family, Audra has a well equipped head over her shoulders. But behind that strong facade, she hides a very sensible heart. She didn’t trust Darius because of his lies. But she couldn’t deny what she feels about him and what they have.

They are pure chemistry and raw passion together. Although that’s not what really matters. Their love is real and credible. They are meant to each other.

Secondary characters put the spark the story needed to be more interesting. Sophie and her plans to reunite Audra and Darius… She’s a better secondary character than a main one —just in case you think about it, I’m not telling she’s a bad main character—, in my humble opinion. And Cash, Audra’s ex was a necessary evil. Some of the characters in the other books of the series, previous and future ones, have intriguing hints to the drama. ~~(What’s up with Lulu and Kace? I recently found out that they didn’t have a book for them. So, what’s going on here?)~~

A well written and enjoyable book, Ms. Ryan did a good job with Secret Heir Seduction. The ending is nice and it gives some allure to look forward to the two books remaining in the series. Highly recommended.

MyRating:

★★★★

Big thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange of an honest review.

Book Details:

Published Date: March 2020

Publisher: Harlequin Desire

ISBN: 9781488062742

Series: Texas Cattleman’s Club: Inheritance #4

Ebook, 224 pages

Can he tell her the truth… this time?

Will he risk everything for a reunion? Will she give him the chance?

Discovering he’s a long-lost heir isn’t the only surprise awaiting Darius Taylor-Pratt in Royal, Texas. He’s next door to his ex after five long years. Darius broke off his red-hot relationship with designer Audra Covington without explanation. He still has regrets…and truths he’s hiding. Rekindling their flame may cost him…especially when new secrets surface to threaten their second shot at seduction.

About the Author

Reese Ryan writes sexy, emotional romance with captivating family drama, surprising secrets and a posse of complex characters.

A Midwesterner with deep Southern roots, Reese currently resides in semi-small-town North Carolina, where she’s an avid reader, a music junkie and a self-declared connoisseur of cheesy grits. Reese is the author of the Bourbon Brothers and Pleasure Cove series.

Connect with her via Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or at reeseryan.com.

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