Thursday, October 7, 2021

Book Review ~ BIDDING ON A TEXAN by Barbara Dunlop

Bidding on a Texan (Texas Cattleman’s Club: Heir Apparent, #8)
by: Barbara Dunlop
Series: Texas Cattleman’s Club: Heir Apparent
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: September 28, 2021
Publisher: Harlequin Desire
Amazon | Paperback | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo | Goodreads

A cowboy bachelor auction sets the stage for sizzling chemistry.

The bachelor auction will save his legacy,
if he can keep his heart out of the deal…


Cowboy restaurateur Rafe Cortez-Williams blames the wealthy Edmonds family for swindling him and the folks of Royal, Texas, out of millions. So when Gina Edmonds proposes a fundraiser to recoup the losses, Rafe is skeptical, until the gorgeous, sheltered heiress proposes a cowboy bachelor auction—with Rafe as the main prize. By the time the gavel comes down, he can’t say no to their explosive attraction, which sets off a chain reaction of secrets this ranching heir never bargained for!

Bidding on a Texan is the eighth and final book in Harlequin Desire’s Heir Apparent series. Due to this being the final book in the continuity, this isn't a standalone read but the romance between Gina and Rafe is. To understand how we got to this point, you must read the previous books.

I feel torn when it comes to this story and the overall relation to this series. Cat Schield’s How to Catch a Bad Boy preceded Bidding on a Texan and really gave the series a true suspense element. This story didn’t capitalize on that, and the cat and mouse game I was hoping for wasn’t there. After such a huge build-up, this final book felt anti-climatic to me. That’s not to say that it wasn’t enjoyable.

For months now, Royal, Texas has been abuzz with talk of Soiree on the Bay, the luxury food, art, and wine festival that is being held on the Edmond family-owned private island of Appaloosa. The event is the brainchild of Edmond siblings Ross, Asher, and Gina, as well as Ross’s best friend Billy Holmes. Soiree on the Bay is being sponsored by several Royal businesses and is drawing a lot of attention, as well as bringing in people and celebrities from around the country.

Things appear to be going well until a tornado hits the Royal area and destroys the already built structures at the festival site, just days before the festival is supposed to take place. At this point, the true extent of deceit is discovered. As a result of everything that has happened, a large number of Royal businesses are now facing the possibility of bankruptcy. Rafe Cortez-Williams is the owner of RCW Steakhouse. His restaurant was one of the biggest losers in this scandal. While he may be financially fine personally, he could lose the restaurant and all the employees he considers family could lose their jobs. Rafe blames the Edmond family for this and is upset that the family isn’t doing anything to help the people of Royal.

Gina Edmond isn’t used to having herself and her family be considered persona non grata in Royal. Ever since she can remember, she’s been a pampered princess and not taken seriously. She and her brothers agree they need to do something to help the businesses. Gina comes up with the idea to have a ranch experience auction, with ranchers from across the area donating their time. No one seems to really be into the idea, and in a moment of weakness, Rafe steps in to help her out.

Gina and Rafe are definitely a case of opposites attract and their attraction is hotter than Texas Five Alarm Chili. I loved their back and forth banter, and the way they brought the best out in each other. I liked that readers of this series were able to finally see a different side of Edmond patriarch Rusty Edmond. You’re also able to catch up with all the previous couples. All in all, I thought Bidding on a Texan was a good end to the Heir Apparent series.

**Received a copy of the book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it. Also personally purchased a paperback copy.**

Rating: 4

Purchase Bidding on a Texan from:

The Texas Cattleman’s Club: Heir Apparent Series:

Back in the Texan’s Bed ~ Review
At the Rancher’s Pleasure ~ Review
Blue Collar Billionaire ~ Review
The Trouble with Bad Boys ~ Review
Texas Tough ~ Review
Trapped with the Texan ~ Review
How to Catch a Bad Boy ~ Review

Places to find Barbara Dunlop:

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