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Review: Secrets Behind the Billionaire’s Return by Rachael Stewart

Secrets Behind the Billionaire's Return Rachael Stewart

Has he returned to claim her heart…?

In this Claiming the Ferrington Empire story, sixteen years ago Felicity fell in love with the boy from Ferrington Manor. But when Sebastian vanished she was left with the secret consequence of their love… And now he’s back! Will the revelations about his departure be enough for Felicity to succumb to the feelings that still draw her to him?

Title:Secrets Behind the Billionaire’s Return
Author:Rachael Stewart
Series:Claiming the Ferrington Empire (Book 1)
Pages:209
Category / Genre(s):Harlequin / Mills & Boon
True Love
Trope(s):Second Chance Romance
Forced / Close Proximity
Secret Baby
Point of View:Third Person, Past Tense, Dual Viewpoint (H & h)
Location:Yorkshire, UK
HEA:✔️
Release Date:UK: 14th April, 2022 / USA: 28th December, 2021
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Fantastic and satisfying second-chance romance

5 stars

Rachael Stewart has whisked me away to many a glamorous destination – London, The Seychelles, Greece, LA. While this book is set in a small Yorkshire village, I still found myself alive in the surroundings and also wanting to be in such a delightful, warm and welcoming place. So whichever location, Ms Stewart never fails to transport me there and make it the perfect location for her story.
 
This is the second chance romance of Sebastian – the runaway heir of the Ferrington Estate and now billionaire – and Felicity, the girl he left behind in the small village they both once called home.

I can’t pick a favourite character between Sebastian and Felicity as I loved them both equally. Felicity had to grow up fast and she’s a sensible sort who is loyal and fierce. Her discombobulation at Sebastian’s return and her honesty regarding her messy feelings was refreshingly candid and I was rooting for her from the beginning. Sebastian was a bit of a heartthrob and not just because of he’s ridiculously good looking. I mean, have you seen that cover? 😍 He’s actually a little bit of a sweetheart. He’s also broken and unsure – pretty much my catnip for a hero.
 
As a couple, even with the long separation, Felicity and Sebastian just click back together for me. As adults, it’s no longer just about the chemistry – which they have in spades – but about the practicalities of life. There were no silly misunderstandings or pointless obstacles – just normal things to overcome on their way to their happily ever after. The emotion between them made their sex scenes divine and I’m always up for a bit of sexual tension followed by ‘must have you now’ type grabbing. More catnip for Jo!

“…everything I want in a romance. Everything I want in a Mills & Boon.”

The author obviously has teens as she writes Angel so well it made me laugh (partly because I do not have teens) while also wincing a little (because it was so accurate!). There are few other name checks and cameos and we get a glimpse of both Theo (Sebastian’s little brother) and Bree (Felicity’s best friend) who will get their own story in the second half of this two-part series (I’m reluctant to call it a duet because that brings up visions of cliffhangers – and this book definitely has an HEA). With Bree and Theo two seemingly vibrant personalities, I’m looking forward to the clash of the titans that their love story looks set to bring!

Back to this story. Sebastian and Felicity’s tale moved along at a nice pace and I always wanted to continue reading – even when I probably should have put my kindle down and gone to bed! I was all in and just wanted to read more and find out more. It’s an emotional tale but there’s little to no angst making it a happy read that you can easily connect to.
 
I am very much a fangirl of Rachael Stewart and that’s with very good reason. She writes worlds that envelop you that are filled with love stories that make your heart sigh. When I got to and finished the epilogue I swear I had little hearts in my eyes. It’s everything I want in a romance. Everything I want in a Mills & Boon. Another sure fire winner and undoubtedly 5 stars for a fantastic romance.

5 stars

*I received this book in exchange for my honest review.*

Rachael Stewart adores conjuring up stories for the readers of Harlequin Mills & Boon and Deep Desires Press, with tales varying from the heartwarmingly romantic to the wildly erotic.

She’s been writing since she could put pen to paper as the stacks of scrawled on A4 sheets in her loft will attest to, and the lovingly bound short stories that her father would run off at work and proudly share out with his colleagues. Thinking it was a pipe dream to be published one day, she pursued a sensible career in business but she was really play-acting, achieving the appropriate degree and spending many years in the corporate world where she never truly belonged. Always happiest when she was sat at her laptop in the quiet hours tapping out a story or two. And so here she is, a published author, her full-time pleasure, a dream come true.

A Welsh lass at heart, she now lives in Yorkshire with her husband and three children, and if she’s not glued to her laptop, she’s wrapped up in them or enjoying the great outdoors seeking out inspiration.

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Claiming the Ferrington Empire Series

Secrets Behind the Billionaire's Return Rachael Stewart

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