A Fortune with Benefits

The Fortunes of Texas: Secrets of Fortune's Gold Ranch #3

by Jennifer Wilck

He’d broken her heart…

Now it was up to her to find his dream wife!

While healing a broken heart, image consultant Naomi Katz is stunned when rancher Shane Fortune asks for her help—finding a wife! Years ago they’d had one date that ended awkwardly…before he swept another woman off her feet. Now he's back, convinced that "fake dating" Naomi is his ticket to matrimony with Mrs. Right. Soon they're sharing romantic dinners, cozy evenings at home, and Shane and his son, Brady, even join Naomi's family for a Passover Seder.  As the spring weather blooms, perhaps Shane and Naomi can look beyond their differences—and their past mistakes—to find a new beginning…together.

From Harlequin Fortunes of

Book 1: Faking It with a Fortune by Michelle Major
Book 2: A Fortune's Redemption by Stella Bagwell
Book 3: A Fortune with Benefits by Jennifer Wilck
Book 4: Conveniently a Fortune by Michele Dunaway
Book 5: To Catch a Fortune by Rochelle Alers

Genres: Romance

224 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published April 1, 2025

About the author

Jennifer Wilck is an award-winning contemporary romance author for readers who are passionate about love, laughter, and happily ever after. Known for writing both Jewish and non-Jewish romances, her books feature damaged heroes, sassy and independent heroines, witty banter and hot chemistry. Jennifer’s ability to transport the reader into the scene, create characters the reader will fall in love with, and evoke a roller coaster of emotions, will hook you from the first page. You can find her books at all major online retailers in a variety of formats.

Jennifer started telling herself stories as a little girl when she couldn’t fall asleep at night. Her favorite stories to write are those with smart, sassy, independent heroines; handsome, strong and slightly vulnerable heroes; and her stories always end with happily ever after.

In the real world, she’s the mother of two amazing daughters and wife of one of the smartest men she knows. She believes humor is the only way to get through the day and does not believe in sharing her chocolate.

Reviews

[Julie Ditton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jennifer Wilck is one of my newest must-read authors. This time instead of starting from scratch, she has added her own brand of Jewish romance to the Texas billionaire setting of the ongoing Fortunes of Texas saga. When devoted father Shane Fortune decides to find a step-mom for his son, he can't seem to get a second date. He has no idea what he is doing wrong and hires an image consultant, Naomi Katz, to help him figure it out. The only problem with hiring her is that seven years before hand he had a date with her to make his real love jealous. Now that woman is his ex and he can't find a relationship. It doesn't take long for the fake dates to cause real sparks. But Naomi's self-confidence is shaken. She is infertile and her long-distance romance ended when the boyfriend decided he wanted biological kids. Add the question of an interfaith romance, and her shaken self-confidence, and the fact that the breakup is a secret, and it takes a while for them to find love. The main characters are fun, but the best part of the story are his adorable irrepressible six year old son and her feisty outspoken granny. I love Wilck's holiday romances. Jewish readers will enjoy Bubbe's chutzpah and the scenes with Naomi and Bubbe preparing Passover desserts will make their mouth water. The rest of the readers, might get hungry for some sweet matzah desserts too.

Although Fortunes of Texas is a franchise that has been going on for twenty-five years, it is broken into many miniseries. I am new to the Fortunes saga, and just started with book one of the Secrets of Fortune's Gold Ranch Series. Readers will get more background if they read Faking It with a Fortune and A Fortune's Redemption. However, the main stories are stand alone and each book does provide enough brief history to keep new readers from getting lost.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 stars

This is the third book in the Fortunes Of Texas series. Each book is written by a different author and can be read as a standalone.

This book is a contemporary romance. Each book in the series is about a different Fortune. Book one was Poppy’s story. Book two was Rafe’s story. And this book is Shane’s story. He is Poppy and Rafe’s brother.

There is a bit of a mystery that continues throughout the series. However this is my first book in the series. And I was easily able to follow.

Shane Fortune is a wealthy rancher and single dad. He wants to find a stepmom for his son. So he goes to Naomi Katz an image consultant for help.

This is a dual POV story, alternating between Naomi and Shane’s points of view.

My favorite thing about this book was the amount of Jewish rep (Naomi is Jewish). Everything to do with Passover and her Bubbe was amazing. This was a big part of the story. It made me so happy to see the Seder and everything Naomi and her grandmother did to prepare for the Jewish holiday.

This is a quick read that made me smile. I really liked Shane’s family. And his son was such a great addition to the story. I wish that there had been more progress with the mystery. But I guess that has to last throughout the whole series. Overall I enjoyed this story very much.


Thanks to Harlequin and the author for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Mia Lansford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a sucker for a book with trying to find the one only to find out you are that person. It’s a journey and I enjoyed every page of this story.

[Elia. K · Rating 5 out of 5]

"What are you doing here?" he asked when he reached the kitchen.
Poppy was opening his cabinets and pulling out plates.
"Feeding you."Micah rummaged in his drawers, finding a bottle opener.
"Watering you." He looked at his cousin and grinned.
"I'm not a plant.

-4.5 Stars

Tropes:
🩷Coming of age
♥️Jewish FMC
🩷Cowboy
♥️Strong FMC

"Can I wash my hands, Dad?" Shane looked at his son. "Never in the history of parenthood has any parent ever said no to a child who requested to wash his hands.".



Spice:
2.5🌶️

This was a terrific book! I’m so glad I got an ARC copy of this! I loved it so much! I live in Texas and I adore reading books set in Texas. I could tell there was a lot of thought and heart put into this book. I loved how proudly jewish it was. Jewish FMCs aren’t that common and I loved learning more about the jewish culture while also enjoying a great book! Totally recommend this book! Also just a bonus the author is so sweet! She sent me a signed physical ARC with a note inside! She has been so kind and accommodating!

She leaned around Shane and called out to Naomi. "Naomi, I like this man!"
Shane's neck heated, and Naomi whipped her head around.
"Excuse me?" She paused what she and Brady were doing and looked between her grandmother and him, making Shane feel even more under a spotlight. "What did I miss?" Cackling, the woman patted Shane's knee before walking over to the kitchen. "He told me I'm right."
Shane laughed quietly to himself and followed Bubbe.
"Right about what?" Naomi asked.
"Doesn't matter," her grandmother responded. "All that matters is that he's my new favorite."

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jennifer Wilck does it again👏👏

This is such a sweet and wonderfully written inter-faith romance.

Naomi Katz is an image consultant in Texas. Shane Fortune, a man she had one date with and then he ran off for another woman, comes to her office for help with women. He's convinced that something is wrong with his dating skills because he can't find the right woman and wants Naomi's help.

Shane Fortune is embarrassed to ask Naomi to go on a fake date with him so that he can find out what he's doing. He's off his game and wants to find a good match. Especially with his ex wife getting married and his six year old son, Brady wanting a step mom. He asks Naomi to help him out and she agrees.

Add in a silly six year old boy, a protective and determined bubbe, and some romantic "not-dates" and this is one of the cutest romances I've read.

I loved this one and can't wait to read more Jennifer Wilck. Thank you for the advanced copy.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this romance where things aren’t always easy but so so worth it! Naomi is still hurting from a break up and trying to move on. Shane is trying to find someone to share his and his son’s life. When he comes to Naomi for help she can’t help but remember a past with Shane that has her second guessing feelings that start to bloom. Shane does realize his past mistakes while also realizing that Naomi doesn’t compare to anyone else. Shane’s son Brady is a sweet and important part of their story too as Naomi falls for both father and son. Sharing their differences present some challenges but the way that they’re woven into the story is captivating. I loved how Naomi got to know Brady while making Passover treats! So many sweet moments were integral to this story! And while this is part of a series it could also be read as a stand alone- though if you read A Fortune With Benefits you’ll probably want to read the rest of The Fortunes of Texas!

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading about Shane and Naomi's romance. Shane's respect for Naomi is evident throughout the story. He respects both her religious beliefs and past experiences. Naomi develops a wonderful relationship with Shane's young son, Brady. Brady is looking for a wife for his dad since his mom is getting remarried. When Naomi invites Shane and Brady to help her Bubbe make Passover desserts, I was able to make a strong connection with the story. I remember doing Passover cooking with my Bubbe when I was young. I now get to do this with my kids. It was really nice to be able to relate to story.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before reading A Fortune with Benefits, I read a few others in the series to get a sense of the overall backstory. Despite being written by different authors, this book flows in perfectly with the others. There's plenty of romance and humor but also added depth with Naomi and Shane. I love the Judaism aspect too, very rarely can I relate so well to a main character's traditions and family.

[Cathy Mesaric-Bartlett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Fortune With Benefits by Jennifer Wilck
This was my first book in the world of the Fortunes. I have read several other books by the author and am always happy to read more of her stories. This was a sweet and fun book with a second chance for both Naomi and Shane.
Jennifer Wilck creates relatable characters and entertaining situations.
This was perfect for a snowy day read.

[Dyan · Rating 5 out of 5]

How cool is it when a series you like introduces a character you can relate to. That is what this story has done for me. I am a long time fortune family, fan, and love. The idea that a Jewish character has been introduced. Naomi made so many things relatable for me And it doesn’t hurt that their love story made my heart happy.

[Harlequin Books]

Contemporary Romance
Miniseries
The Fortunes of Texas: Secrets of Fortune's Gold Ranch (Book #3)

[Annette Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Fortune series. They do not disappoint me. This book is a must read!

[Mary Pelletier]

Nice story-have ready about previous generations of this family by numerous authors. Looking forward to reading more books by this author. Author is new to me and I enjoyed her style of writing.