Reviewed by Sadonna

TITLE:  The Fortunate Son

SERIES:  Redemption Ridge

AUTHOR:  Aimee Nicole Walker

 NARRATOR:  Lance West

PUBLISHER:  Tantor Audio

LENGTH:  9 hours and 24 minutes

RELEASE DATE:  January 16, 2024

BLURB:

Ivan Gallagher’s first and only attempt at love nearly cost him everything-his reputation, family, and even his freedom. Needing an outlet for his pent-up passion, the gruff foreman turns his beekeeping hobby into a successful business. Just when he’s on the verge of taking his liquid gold to the next level, a granted favor transforms his orderly life into a sticky mess.

Rory Snyder was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, but wealth couldn’t spare him from loss and heartache. Finding himself at the center of a dangerous media storm, the social media influencer seeks refuge at Redemption Ridge. Too bad the Viking-sized Ivan seems impervious to Rory’s charms because he could use a sexy distraction from the chaos threatening to ruin his life.

Predawn collisions in the hallway lead to revelations, explorations, and something far sweeter than honey. Soon, living in the moment becomes living for the moment. But for how long? A future seems impossible for the humble foreman and the fortunate son until a common nemesis makes Ivan and Rory realize what they truly stand to lose.

Contains mature themes.

REVIEW:

Note:  This is the second book in this series and there are spoilers for the first book.  This builds on the events of the first book as well.

Rory Snyder arrives at Redemption Ridge with his brother who is an FBI agent and friend of Cash’s.  Rory needs to law low for a while.  He’s an influencer who is being hounded by the press about events of his past that are causing his father issues with a political campaign.  He’s sensitive that he be seen as just another guy – not a wealthy pampered airheaded social media guy. He wants to be treated just like anybody else on the ranch.

Ivan, who we met in the first book, is the leader on the ranch.  He’s not sure what to make of Rory when he shows up.  They are polar opposites in so many ways, but it’s clear that Rory is interested in him and attracted to him.  Ivan isn’t ready to trust anyone and that includes Rory at first.  But their chemistry is off the charts and it doesn’t take long for them to get together.

Their relationship starts out as a friends with benefits sort of fling.  But the more time they spend together, the more find they have a lot in common.  And while Ivan seems like the big bad boss, he’s really a softie. He’s a beekeeper and he loves his cats too 🙂  Soon he figures out that he loves Rory too.

Both of these men have baggage.  They have each had difficult relationships in the past that ended badly.  In fact Ivan’s issue led directly to his incarceration and a long estrangement with his family.  It takes some time for them to be honest with each other about how these things have affected them over the years.  The ranch family support them and while they have obstacles to overcome, they are working toward something potentially lasting – even if it takes a little convincing 😉

I really enjoyed this story.  I will say the pacing was a bit off for me.  Like the last book, it took a while to get this story moving.  Then it was sort of a rush to the end.  There are a lot of sexy times with these two 😉  Their chemistry is quickly established, despite the the fact that are definitely opposites in many many ways.  I loved getting to see the rest of the guys at the ranch.  Finley’s family looms large in this installment as well – particularly Hope who continues to step in to protect and support the men from the ranch – who are all family.   I really can’t wait for the next book!  There is a great glimpse at what might be coming next in the epilogue 😉

Lance West did a great job performing this story.  His voices were clear and consistent with the first book.  The right emotional notes were hit for both Rory and Ivan.  Ivan has been through a lot of anger and guilt about his past and I thought that this was well portrayed.  Rory deals with grief and loss as well as guilt.  Together they form a really lovely bond and their love for each other and realization that they are worthy of love and happiness are very evident in this performance.  Recommended.

RATING: 

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