I've read this author's work before and enjoyed it, and I'm always up for a second chance romance, but I was a little bit wary of the secret baby trope. It just doesn't usually work for me because I too often end up disliking the secret keeper. However, Naima Simone approaches it a bit differently than the norm, and not only did it work, but I found myself liking this couple and rooting even harder for them once everything's out in the open. The story has a good pace, the couple has great chemistry, and the author really hit it out of the park with the secret baby trope, so I'd say this one is a definite recommended read.

Naima Simone welcomes Harlequin Desire readers back to Royal, Texas, and the Texas Cattleman’s Club series with Back in the Texan’s Bed, the first book in the Heir Apparent series. Back in the Texan’s Bed is a second chance romance as well as a secret baby story. As if that wasn’t enough, there’s some serious family drama going on with lies and deceit being just the tip of the iceberg.

Russell “Ross” Edmond Jr. doesn’t believe in love. He only believes in money and power since they’ve never let him down. He still carries the hurt and anger of his mother leaving him and his sister almost two decades ago after she divorced his father. With his father being his only parent, Ross has attempted to follow in his footsteps and do as he was told and what was expected of him. That’s why Charlotte Jarrett was so special to him. She was his choice. He didn’t profess his love for her, nor did he shout from the rooftops that they were a couple. No, Charlotte was his little secret and the chef at his family home until she unexpectedly packed up and left for California, taking his heart and what little trust he had with her. After being gone for three years, Charlotte has returned to Royal. She’s now the executive chef of Royal’s newest and hottest restaurant, Sheen. She’s also the mother of a two-year-old little boy named Ben.

Ross isn’t necessarily happy to see Charlotte back in town, and he’s definitely surprised to see the little boy who looks like him. He’s equally surprised and a little upset that with just one look at Charlotte, his body reacts and wants her like no other. When Ross makes the only decision he can by claiming Ben as his son and reconnecting with Charlotte, he isn’t prepared for the road he’s about to travel down. As they say, everything is bigger in Texas, and that includes secrets and revenge.

Naima has once again written great characters with a great storyline. She’s taken the tried and true romantic tropes of secret baby and second chance and gave them her own little spin. Naima is known for writing fierce, strong, independent heroines and heroes who are alphas through and through. She’s getting extremely good at writing villains. I’m talking when their scenes are over, you feel as though you need a shower or a minute to get them out of your system. I loved watching how Charlotte and Ross dealt with their present and the secrets of their pasts. They each have serious trust issues and I loved that Naima didn’t sugar coat those issues or their feelings as though they didn’t matter. These two had to work extremely hard to be together, and I loved that she made their relationship as real as possible. Charlotte, Ross, and Ben are characters I wish had a continuing story. I would love to be privy to their lives and see how they all navigate the world. Fingers crossed that we’ll see more of them in future books in this series.

~ Favorite Quote ~

“Motherhood had made her a warrior.”

“In order to love someone, to make a commitment to them, you had to trust them.”

“You fight for those you love.”

3.5 stars
Though this particular trope (secret baby) isn't
usually one I enjoy, the talented Naima Simone made it work for me!
This book felt realistic in some was, and a little more fictionally exaggerated in others, but the balance was great.
The second chance element of this story really worked for me. We have 2 characters who desperately care for one another. They have all the reasons in the world to be together, if only they can get out of their own way and let it happen.
Love this author, and will be reading more soon!

Once again this author has written a storyline that draws you right in from the beginning of the story to the very end, which left me wanting more. The characters were well developed and the raw emotions of the two main characters Charlotte and Ross I could feel throughout while reading this book. Both characters have experienced much pain, heartache, trust issues, loss, trying to please others instead of themselves, low self esteem, family drama. They both were on an emotional rollercoaster after being separated from each other for three years. Then Charlotte returns to Royal Texas with a 2 year old son who unbeknownst to Ross that Ben is his son.
The family drama of Ross's dad Rusty and what he did to make Charlotte stay away from Ross and to make Ross choose his family inheritance or his son Ben and Ben's mother Charlotte.
I highly recommend this book to read especially if you like sexy steamy romance, drama, family and definitely a page-turner.
Cassandra H.
I voluntarily received a ARC of this book from Netgalley and this review is of my own honest opinion and thoughts.

Good second chance/enemies-to-lovers story. Three years earlier, Charlotte and Ross had a secret affair. She was the personal chef for the family, and he was the oldest son. Then Charlotte quit and moved to California with no explanation. Now she is back in Royal, and she isn't alone.

As the head chef of a new restaurant, Charlotte knows meeting the patrons is part of the job. However, she didn't bargain for seeing Ross again. Ross was equally stunned to see her, and more so when he learned she had a child. With unresolved feelings over her departure three years earlier, he showed up at her home the next day to confront her. He's furious when he finds out that she has a two-year-old son that looks just like him. Harsh words are exchanged and accusations hurled, but nothing is resolved before Charlotte has to leave for work. All that changes when she shows up at his office the next day.

Ross is still coldly furious with Charlotte but is determined to play a part in Ben's life. Charlotte neatly takes the wind out the sails of his fury when she explains exactly why he never knew about Ben. I ached for Ross as he faced the truth of his father's interference. I loved his insistence on being a real father to Ben and his obvious happiness in Ben's company. I liked that Charlotte didn't keep them apart, even though she worried about Ross's commitment.

I liked the rekindling of Ross and Charlotte's relationship. Neither one was happy that their attraction was as strong as ever. Charlotte wants to protect her heart from falling for the man who broke her heart once already. Ross doesn't trust that Charlotte won't walk away from him just as she did before. The circumstances become even more complicated and volatile when Ross insists they live together so that he can get to know Ben, a situation that infuriates Ross's father. I liked that Ross stood up to Rusty despite the rather drastic consequences. There are some emotional scenes as Charlotte witnesses Ross's hurt over Rusty's attitude.

Though Ross is happier than he's ever been, his fear of Charlotte leaving again keeps him from admitting his growing feelings for her. At the same time, Charlotte's pride makes it impossible for her to be the first one to speak. Ross makes a boneheaded decision that brings back all of the pain of their past, devastating both of them all over again. It takes a blast from Ross's past to change his entire viewpoint and show him his mistakes. I loved what he did with the advice he got. A beautiful and public bit of groveling went a long way toward easing Charlotte's fears and giving her the confidence to confess her feelings.

I liked Ross's brother Asher and sister Gina though they didn't appear often. Each of them also has issues with their father, who treats them like crap. I loved their support for Ross and excitement at being uncle and aunt. Their father, Rusty, was another matter entirely. He is ruthless, selfish, arrogant, and just plain nasty.

I enjoyed the story and would have given it another star except for one thing. I have no problem with the occasional f-bomb if it is appropriate to the story. But there were 43 of them in this short book, most of them unnecessary, in my opinion. Ross is a smart man, and I'm sure he could find more creative language to use. If I were Charlotte, I'd keep a bar of soap handy, or she'll see it popping out of Ben's mouth too.

Naima Simone sets the pages on fire with a sexy, sassy, and emotionally-charged, second-chance romance...with a secret baby! Back in the Texan's Bed has everything that makes a book a page turner for me: betrayal, a strong, independent heroine, an emotionally-scarred hero, and a second chance to make things right.

I'm not always a fan of secret baby stories but Simone has approached the trope in such a way that I didn't find fault with either of the main characters. Instead, the reveal of the secret unites them against a common foe and solidified my investment in them as a couple. But the road ahead for our reunited couple is anything but smooth. That foe - and Ross's issues - make sure of it.

I really pulled for Charlotte and Ross, even though it took me some time to warm up to him. Of the two, he has the greater growth arc but those necessary changes made me love him even more by the end and deemed him worthy of Charlotte's love and trust. There's a dysfunctional family at the core of his issues and a secondary cast I hope we'll be seeing more of in this series. There are characters due a happy ending and one who I sincerely hope faces the reckoning they deserve.

If you enjoy deeply emotional stories with great dialogue, complex characters, plenty of sizzle, and hard-earned happy endings, give this one a try. I highly recommend it.

4.5 Stars
ARC received for fair and unbiased review

First of I want to say a huge thank you to the publisher Harlequin Desire-HARLEQUIN - Romance (U.S. & Canada),
the author Naima Simone , and to NetGalley for inviting me to join the blog tour for this book as well as letting me read and review it.I know that I keep saying this but a I mean it because with out Harlequin a lot of the new authors or series I'm reading wouldn't have been on my radar and I'm so glad that they introduced me to this author and series, right from the start I started to like the characters except for one and that was the father, there was times I wanted to just hit him because of how he acted towards his kids. But other then that I had no problems with the story. I loved the inter action between the characters as well as the inter action between Ross and Charlotte. Other thing I loved was how the author bright them and their settings to life , so much so that it made the story just come together and made me want to read more of it and not put it down at all. And she has a way of balancing the highs and lows with the warmth and support of solid friendships and honest caring and makes you feel all of it.

Naima Simone just achieved such a feat in making me really get behind a secret baby romance. I shouldn't be surprised. I think Naima Simone is one of the best, if not the best, writer in the Harlequin Desire category line (I haven't read enough of any other line to say). She captures the emotions of her characters so well. She writes the heat and chemistry between her leads flawlessly. These characters come alive even with their rich people problems and over the top soap opera drama at times.

Essentially, three years ago Charlotte left Ross behind and moved to California, where she had his baby. She's back in Royal now and neither of them are coping with this new reality particularly well. The chemistry between them is still there, but so is a fierce amount of anger on both of their parts. Ross's dad is a trash can of epic proportions and makes things quite difficult for Ross and Charlotte. I loved the cast of side characters in this one though, I mean, aside from Rusty. But even he is well done. I suppose you could argue he's one-dimensional, but honestly, he felt real to me.

My only complaint is that I wish the ending had been longer. I feel like that's my most frequent complaint anymore. But with the dark moment and then the reconciliation coming so quickly, I just have a few concerns about the HEA status of my new beloved characters. I think I at least needed an epilogue! But aside from this tiny quibble, I thought Back in the Texan's Bed was excellent! And it's always nice to have proof that in the hands of an extremely talented author, I really can like even tropes I hate.

Naima Simone is one of the only authors that can make me read a second chance romance book, with a SECRET BABY, and enjoy it! This book was HOT and sweet, and I had a great time reading it.

Charlotte Jarrett is a chef, who used to work at the Edmond ranch. She left for a job in California, but now she's back, 3 years later, for an executive chef job at a top restaurant. 3 years ago, when she left town, she broke her own heart walking away from a man who she never thought could love her openly. Little did she know when she left that she was pregnant with his son.

Ross Edmond is used to getting what he wants. The son of a prominent business tycoon, and now a millionaire in his own right, Ross is a man everyone wants. But only for a night. His mother left him, and he was raised by his jerk of a father, and it shows. He doesn't think any woman can love him and actually STAY, which was proved again when the one woman he's ever been serious about, up and ran from him to California. He still doesn't understand what happened, and he was too proud and angry and find out. But when she returns to town, with a 2 year old son, who is clearly HIS, he cannot believe it.

There was so much pain, so many words left unsaid, misunderstandings, and meddling from outsiders, between this pair, that it was painful to watch them interact at first. Not to mention they were both so frustrated by how attracted they still were to one another, when they really only wanted to hate each other! But that spark between them was so strong, and you felt it with every interaction they had. Eventually they just couldn't fight it any more.

Some of the side characters here were great, and I wish we were seeing more of them, though it appears only 1 is a character in another author's book in this series. I especially loved Ross' siblings, and how they were there for him no matter what, even when his dad was THE. WORST. Also, their kid, Ben, was adorable too, and I loved watching, along with Charlotte, as Ross got to know him and love him.

Ultimately, this worked for me, because I found Charlotte's reasons for keeping it secret believable, and it didn't make me dislike her. That's usually my first struggle with all secret baby books. Do I believe this was a good enough reason to keep it a secret, and here the answer was definitely yes. Ross had major issues, stemming from the type of love, or lack thereof, from both his parents, and it was so sad, but also fulfilling to see him finally facing them down. Charlotte had to learn to be honest about her feelings, out loud, and to not assume things without discussing them. I really appreciated the work they both did to better themselves, separate from their relationship, though it ended up helping that too.

I definitely recommend this one for a short, steamy read, with lots of heart!

Simone does what she knows best. Back in the Texan's Bed was a scandalous temptation. Ross and Charlotte set each chapter aflame with their turbulent chemistry and emotional past. Betrayal runs rampant and emotions run deep, yet it's the twists and turns that keep hearts craving more.

4.5 Stars / 4 Steam Fans

Ross and Charlotte have a secret romance when one day Charlotte leaves their community. When Ross and his siblings take over the family business, he also wants to get the hottest new chef to join him in a venture. Charlotte is building her dreams, and when she comes face to face with her past, she must decide if she wants to revisit that hurt.

Video review available in Week 2: Jan 10 – Jan 16, 2021, full weekly book reviews available on Steph's Romance Book Talk Patreon.

For other bookish content, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.

Some great sexual tension, but beyond that this book fell a little flat for me. I was rooting for both characters and I found their individual conflict really interesting. I can't quite put my finger on what did not work for me in this book. However, I am certain that it was a case of a mismatch between book and reader and another reader would enjoy the sexual chemistry and the characters as they are meant to be enjoyed.

4.5/5 stars

I absolutely loved this book. I wanted more and I was not ready for this to be over. I will be reading the next book in this series for sure. I completely loved the writing and will also have to look more into this author's backlist. The characters were great, I adored the romance and just overall enjoyed my time reading this book. I highly recommend giving this book a go. It's short, easy to read, and kept my attention the entire time.

Back in the Texan's Bed by Naima Simone is the first in the Texas Cattleman's Club: Heir Apparent series. It is a secret-baby, second-chance story, and like everything else Ms Simone has written of late, it is absolutely stellar.

Charlotte Jarrett's a fabulous chef, and has returned to Royal, Texas, to head the kitchen at Sheen, a new restaurant in town with an incredible all-female staff. Ross Edmonds is bowled over to see her again in the flesh, considering he was devastated by her sudden departure three years ago. He's surprised not only by her return, but by who she's returned with.

I have to be up front and say that secret baby is one of my least favorite tropes--there are many ways it can go wrong, and I tend to find myself frustrated by the couple's backstory in those cases. But Naima Simone has handled storyline BEAUTIFULLY. Charlotte and Ross definitely have history to overcome, and Ross's difficult father does neither of them any favors. But these two manage to find their way back to recapturing their scorching chemistry, and to building trust and love and understanding.

Ms Simone balances the emotional highs and lows with the warmth and support of solid friendships and honest caring. I couldn't stop turning the pages, and can't wait to continue this series. I also am eager for more of Ms Simone's magical storytelling!

Sex, lies, and long-hidden family secrets constitute an enticing stew in Simone’s enticing first entry in the Texas Cattleman’s Club: Heir Apparent miniseries. When fast rising star Charlotte Jarrett returns home to Royal Texas to be head chef at Sheen, she’s far from carefree. Charlotte carries both her (secret) toddler son with her and a truckload of baggage from a relationship that wreaked havoc on her conservative family. Once burned by a relationship with a wealthy playboy and business, Charlotte returns twice shy about relationships but also fortified and determined.

She's stronger and more capable and independent than ever—the consummate perfectionist and happy warrior when it comes to work, where “If the food wasn’t flawless, she sent it back for another plate to be prepared.”Apart from the son she adores, work is her only priority. Her kitchen is “her baby,” and “her recipes were her soul.” The only part of the Chef life that she doesn't like is catering to the elite clientele. That’s especially true of ex-boyfriend and unsuspecting baby daddy Russell Edmond Jr., aka “Ross”. As far as she knows, the infamous playboy was never serious about her. He just used and abandoned her when she needed him most.

The ironic thing is that Ross feels pretty much the same misgivings about Charlotte. He’s resolutely career driven, and bitter romantic and familial history have made him cynical about love. He's got deep seated, well founded Daddy and Mommy issues in spades. So, despite his many privileges and wealth, Ross has long felt a burning need to prove his worth to the world. None of this is a promising foundation for a second chance romance, but almost all of what Charlotte and Ross believe about their breakup is wrong. This second chance hinges on the deconstruction of a mountain of lies and miscommunication caused by third-party interference and subsequent rebuilding based on scorching mutual chemistry and the shared bond of co-parenting a child they both love while also navigating the wreckage of old wounds and intractable outside opposition. Simone tells the story well and if the secret baby trope is your catnip, this one will definitely help you scratch that itch.

I flew through this book! I love the second chance/secret baby story line. It's so easy to sink into and feel the emotions of the characters. I have struggled with other books in this same vein in the past, but this one was fast and steamy and just what I needed. I am here for more Naima Simone books now!

Secret baby? I’m in! Of course, class differences, parental issues (even with grown up adults), and hidden emotions played a huge part in this story. These two were so oblivious, yet so connected, and terrified of admitting their feelings to themselves. The past shaped so much of Ross then, and now. The past shaped so much of Charlotte then, and now. But, somehow, some way, they made it back to each other, shredded my heart, and then finally, got their very much deserved HEA!

Hot damn, Charlotte and Ross burn up the pages in this second chance romance! There's romance, secrets, and so much love. An extraordinary book that also makes me want to read the other stories!

For this book to be Naima Simone's first secret baby that is done so well is awesome. Ross and Charlotte have so much unresolved chemistry in this book. Ross did make me want to throttle him a few times but I'm glad he finally stood up to his father. All you fans of secret babies, you will love this book.

Ross Edmond is shocked to learn the only woman who he loved has given him a son. He is eager to know his child and suggests they move in together to coparent. Charlotte Jarrett, a chef, returns home after three years to take a job at the restaurant Sheen to further her career. Soon, she runs into her old love and she discovers the fire between them hasn't died. Both Ross and Charlotte rekindle their relationship though past hurt and pain still lingers. Pretty soon, they have to decide if they can have a future or if a common enemy will come between them once again.
Whew!
This is my second Harlequin read by Naima Simone. Ross struggled with his parents' rejection and I worried he would never come into his own. Fortunately, he has met the right woman in Charlotte and his son has given him the impetus to be a better man. This conflict with Ross and his parents drove a lot of the storyline and Naima Simone's talent kept me reading until I was done. This author is a whiz at writing insanely hot love scenes and brings quality to Harlequin's Desire line. I loved her use of descriptives and she has a creative flair that makes me want to read more of her work. I look forward to reading whatever she pens because I know I will not just be entertained but I'll be sucked into the story until the very end.
Fans of second chances will not be disappointed in this read. And, can I take a moment and rave about the cover? It is beautiful like most of the Desire line. Kudos to the designer!
Thank you #Netgalley and #Harlequin