Is 'The Pecan Man' Worth Reading?

BOOK 2: The Gentleman Series *Can be read as a standalone* ~~~ I think I had a one night stand with the Beast my sister was supposed to marry, now I’m marrying him. Angelica Hearst’s beauty is the bane of her existence. All she is and all she knows are tied to her beauty that everyone covets, but deep down she wants better for herself. She longs for escape from the man who has sworn to make her life a living hell and because of that she made a list of things she wants to do for herself and she’s determined to get through them somehow, but how would she with the Beast lurking? An illegitimate child, abused and forced to marry a wicked, bruised and pensive Don in place of her sister. It’s the last thing she wants, but maybe it’s a chance at the freedom she desires. ~~~ TRIGGER WARNING!!! This book contains themes that are not suitable for all readers, including; death, graphic violence, scenes of intimacy, strong language, physical and verbal abuse, manipulation, substance abuse, family trauma, and mental health issues. Proceed with caution and read at your own risk. Enjoy. x

I never wanted wealth, power, or the responsibility that goes with it. Making a difference by fighting fires was my dream. That and a pretty girl to love at night. But life didn’t ask me. After struggling through the business world, I finally have a chance to return home to chase my dreams. The girl next door, my best friend’s little sister, was there waiting. And she's all grown up. But she’s not too thrilled to see me back. But I’ll change that. I can’t help but fight for what I know we could be, no matter what it costs me. When I finally start to melt her heart, life calls me back to the city, back to the grind thanks to tragedy. It’s her or my future, and I have no choice in the matter. My father’s company is my only legacy, or is it? A little life is growing inside of her, and that changes the game. My self sacrifice doesn't seem so damn important anymore. I might have been forced into becoming a billion dollar man, but I’ll always be a small town guy at heart. And that pretty girl that stole my heart all those years ago? She's gonna be mine. Like she always has been.

Vanessa Davis never imagined her life would lead to Dusty Creek, Texas. A city girl scarred by her mother’s abandonment, she buried the pain—until a letter from the woman who vanished begs for a second chance. Reluctantly, Vanessa heads to the small town, only to find herself stranded on a desolate road. Enter Colton Hayes—rancher, alpha wolf, and everything she’s tried to avoid. With a piercing gaze that sees through her, he offers her a place at Silver Ridge Ranch while her car is repaired. As Vanessa adjusts to life in Dusty Creek, she discovers her mother’s plea hides a darker secret—her new family desperately needs something only she can provide. Hurt and angry, Vanessa plans to leave, but uncovering the town’s poisoned water supply reignites her investigative instincts. Determined to find the truth, she digs deeper, realizing the corruption runs further than expected—and Silver Ridge Ranch may hold the key to saving the town. Colton has his own battles, torn between protecting his pack and keeping his heart guarded. Trusting Vanessa could destroy everything he’s worked to protect. Yet, under the Texas moon, their connection sparks with undeniable energy, pulling them closer despite the dangers. Vanessa must decide: will she risk everything for a future in Dusty Creek, or will the secrets they uncover tear them apart before they have a chance?

All her life, Raine had lived in her father’s shadow, ‘the Serpent’s princess,’ trapped in a world built on blood and stern control. Then came Cole: a scarred ex-soldier, way older, dangerous, and a part of her father’s rival club who has made her feel seen for the very first time. Their affair is a crime, and their forbidden love a death sentence. But when secrets come to light and betrayal bleeds through every oath, Raine must decide, will she save her father’s empire? or will she burn it down for the very man she was never meant to love.

The day I got back from a trip, my housekeeper filed a lawsuit against my father and me. In court, she stood with her visibly pregnant belly, her voice shaking with anguish. "Jethro Roberts and his son are nothing but monsters. They tricked me into moving into their home under the excuse of offering me a job as a housekeeper. They tied me to a bed and abused me. "The baby I am carrying belongs to Jethro Roberts." Her mother wept hard, nearly collapsing from the strain. "These two monsters destroyed my daughter's life! They should pay with their lives." As soon as she spoke, the courtroom burst into an uproar. "Shameless criminals! The dad couldn't even be bothered to appear in court. They must be punished severely!" "That's right. Look at the son. He's actually smiling. He has no conscience! They both deserve to pay for what they did." Then, I calmly stepped forward and presented my evidence. A stunned silence swept through the courtroom.

As if my life wasn’t already complicated as a plus size woman who has always found it hard to find love, I go and fall in love with the wrong man. Stanley Pearson is my father's best friend. A billionaire. Twenty-nine years older than me. Engaged to my high school bully. And.. the only man I've ever truly loved. For years, my feelings were nothing more than a secret crush I swore I'd outgrow. Then my parents left for a three-year overseas assignment and asked Stanley to let me stay at his estate until I finish college. Now, I'm living under the same roof as the man I can't stop thinking about. Every day, I tell myself to keep my distance. Every day, I fail. Behind his cold, untouchable exterior is a man carrying dangerous secrets. The closer we become, the harder it is to deny the undeniable pull between us. Soon, we're risking everything for a love that should never exist. But love isn't the only thing lurking in the shadows. Someone is determined to destroy Stanley's empire. The people he trusts are hiding devastating betrayals. And the only way to save everything he's built may be to sacrifice the woman he loves. Heartbroken, I find an unlikely ally in Stanley's greatest rival... only to discover that everyone has secrets, everyone has an agenda, and some betrayals cut deeper than love itself. Now I'm caught between two powerful men, a web of lies, and a love that refuses to die. They say forbidden love is dangerous. No one warned me it could destroy us all.