Claiming His Secret Son

The Billionaires of Blackcastle #4

by Olivia Gates, Andrea Laurence

CLAIMING HIS SECRET SON

Once, Richard Graves seduced Isabella Sandoval to take revenge on the man who destroyed his family – but walking away was the hardest thing he’d ever done. So when he learns that Isabella’s son is his, Richard vows to reclaim them both...

SEDUCED BY THE SPARE HEIR

Infamous playboy Gabriel Montoro has been announced as heir to the throne – and he’s asked ex-model Serafia Espina to school him in social etiquette. But it’s soon clear that Gabriel’s intentions are entirely against royal protocol!

Genres: Romance, Harlequin, Contemporary Romance, Harlequin Desire, Harlequin Romance, Second Chance, Contemporary

Paperback

First published June 19, 2015

About the author

I am a USA TODAY Bestselling Author of 45 books in different genres including Contemporary Romance, Medical Romance, Medical Action Thrillers and Paranormal Romance. My upcoming works will also veer into fantasy.

But one thing is for sure…there will always be central romances in my books. The all-consuming kind that leaves readers breathless and begging for more.

I love to hear fron my readers, so come say hello, here on Goodreads and make sure to sign up to my VIP Mailing List on my website so I can keep you updated on all my news and special content and offerings!

My latest series is Dr. Angelica Mortmain novels, a heart-pounding medical action thriller with a white-hot central romance, and it starts with LETHAL TREATMENT, out NOW!

Happy reading everyone!

Reviews

[StMargarets · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought this was going to be a fun revenge story with tycoons worrying about profit and losses and status – the usual fare you find in HPs. Instead this was the final story in a series about powerful men in an organized crime/cartel/mercenary force. This H was the villain (I guess) in other stories and in this story you find out why he was doing Bad Things for Good Reasons.

Heroine was the trophy wife of a drug lord that the H seduced in order to get information on the drug lord. When his mission was over he offered to take the h with him. Heroine refused and hero thought she was more loyal to her hubby than him. Heroine’s Bad Decision was made for Good Reasons. She thought her hubby was more powerful than the H and he would be in danger as well as her family.

Fast forward 7 years. Hubby is in a dungeon somewhere. Heroine is a doctor and is about to start in a practice with hero’s sister (who thinks her brother is dead). Hero intervenes since he thinks heroine shouldn’t be around his sister. He seduces her and then discards her as part of his revenge for making him Feel Things. That revenge part lasts until she gets to the door of his penthouse apartment.

Yup. Bad boy no longer wants revenge because he is Confused and Conflicted and he can’t Trust.

*sigh*

The rest of the story underscores the theme that the world is a dangerous place and very few people can be trusted to follow your complicated backstory and logic. The hero was not an alpha. He did everything out of fear, including turning his back on his son, with disastrous results.

Everyone forgives him at the end including his bro-mate alphas from the crime/cartel/mercenary force. (Who get more page time than the h at the end of the story). Apparently all threats have dissolved into the mist as each guy gets his version of the white picket fence (embedded with voice recognition and laser beams no doubt).

I’m not the right reader for this story, I’m afraid.

[Inga Zubac · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have no words to describe how long I've been waiting for this book! And after reading it I am waiting for the next book from this author! Is the book that makes you want to re-read a sentence, because it is full of emotions! Thank you so much for you talent, Mrs. Olivia Gates!

[lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Donnelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've eagerly anticipated Richard's story for a long time; partly because I've found him so fascinating, and partly because I was intrigued as to how this anti-hero could have a real love story, and how some of his more questionable activities and decisions would be explained.

My expectations were high, and the book didn't disappoint.

Richard is everything I thought he'd wind up being and more. He begins the story as inscrutable, cold, and even cruel as ever (especially to Isabella, and even after their first bout of passion ensues), yet as events progress and his backstory is revealed, so many nuances of the man and his motivations come to the fore. It became easy to feel sympathy and admiration for him - which only softened his edges, it didn't eliminate them by any stretch of the imagination - and when Gates' trademark all-encompassing focus by the hero on the heroine kicks in, the story becomes even more emotional and compelling.

For her part, Isabella is a wonderful heroine. Like Richard, she's faced and overcome horrors, traumas, and impossible odds in her life, but has become all the stronger and more selfless for it. Even when she's caught up in an extreme case of lust, she doesn't lose her strength and presence of mind. She complements Richard perfectly, even as she challenges him and refuses to cave in to demands made of her.

Adding a highly intelligent and perceptive child into the mix really served to peel away so many layers of Richard's past and personality. It was fascinating and evocative to watch him evolve as a man; as a lover and romantic partner; as a member of a family; and, ultimately, as a father.

Of course, an Olivia Gates book isn't complete without a large measure of combustible chemistry and heat, and I think she outdid herself in this case. The sexual tension rears its head immediately, and the passion that pervades Richard's and Isabella's earliest interactions and then the story, as a whole, is all-encompassing and scorching.

The story isn't just one of romantic love, it also has a great deal to do with family - both biological and otherwise. As such, the emotionality of it all is off the charts as the story progresses. The reader is really put through the emotional wringer right along with Richard and Isabella (and others), which makes this story one that really stays with you even after the last page is turned.

With this book, Olivia Gates has taken all of the things that make her stories so wonderful and memorable - a strong, conflicted hero and heroine; a real emotional punch; and incredibly strong chemistry - and has amped them up several notches. This one is entertaining, emotional, and hot beyond the telling of it. It's truly a wonderful story and a fantastic read.

[Miranda Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got the book directly from the author for an honest review. LOVE her books :)

I love Olivia Gates's books and have enjoyed this series so far but was a little anxious about reading this book. Richard Graves aka Cobra is a complex hero. The glimpses of him in previous books have not made him likable - to say the least. His past was sketchy and the side he chose to show to others was not warm and fuzzy. I like what Olivia Gates has done with him. His past is fully revealed in this story and he actually becomes somewhat of a sympathetic character. The heroine is a woman from his past and their history is very complicated. Isabella is a wonderful heroine. Like Richard, he is a complicated character and I liked her a lot. She's survived difficult circumstances. As with other books by Olivia Gates, Claiming His Secret Son is filled with super steamy sex scenes and strong emotions. The intensity and passion make this a compelling story that is hard to put down.

Also - props to whoever chose the cover model because, as a fan of this series - he is spot on for how I pictured the character.

[Tanya Mayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this book as an ARC for an hones review.

All I can say is I absolutely LOVE THIS BOOK and it is a must read the books just keep getting better. If I could give it more stars I would.

I wanted to know more about Richard after reading the last book I wanted to know what really happen between him and Numair and for them to rebuild their friendship. Richard was one of the most lethal of them all you do not want to cross him but I think he was really misunderstood. He was a protector and the lengths he went to protect the ones he loved and cared for was crazy.

His love interest is Isabella, she was married to his worst enemy, he went after her to get what information he needed and left her. But got more then he bargained for I love how they were drawn to each sexually and the depth of their attraction and love even though Richard didn't know he was in love at the time. He just knew he wanted her.

After eight years he sees her again and from that moment on this book popped-off. The sex scenes are very powerful. It takes a strong woman to withstand all that power and Isabella is his match in all ways. I was all in from the start he thought he could do a repeat of last time but Isabella has a surprise for him. At times I laughed and others I wanted to cry. It really was emotional read for me. To watch those two find love in each other put a smile on my face and when Richard meets his son for the first time he was hooked. This is one of my all time favorites now. By the end I wanted him to have everything, He deserved a lot for everything he gave up for everyone. Family means everything to him.

I know there is more books to come (up next maybe Antonio's story) Im just sitting on the edge of my seat waiting.

[Kaitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED Richard! Such a bad man (can't call that hunk of prime male wickedness and maturity boy for nothing!) so knee-wateringly sexy, stomach-clenchingly dangerous and heart (and another part of the female anatomy) meltingly irresistible. Another reviewer wished he would have had his own ongoing series, and I second that opinion. Any hope we'll see him in more books? And I don't mean the upcoming books in the Billionaires of Black Castle books as a secondary character. This man, this mature, lethal, unstoppable man needs to have more books to explore him! I just LOVED him, and loved seeing how he loves, his woman, his son, and his *brothers*! And if I can't have more of him, I'm off to read his book, and all his other appearances in the previous three books, over and over again!

Uh, Ms. Olivia Gates...any hope we'll have more of him? Any other hero *exactly* like him then? I'll live in hope!

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply fantastic. The best yet in what was a magnificently passionate and emotional series so far. Richard was my favorite from the moment he appeared in the first book, From Enemy's Daughter to Expectant Bride, and I kept wondering what was his story. Olivia Gates has delivered an even better story than I hoped for and it does him justice, and it also gives him a much deserved happy ending. I am very much Team Richard, I wish there were more books starring him! He's the kind of hero a whole series is built around, an ongoing one so you can get more and more of his luscious complexity and the incredible ways he loves his own.

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a young teen, Richard Graves was trained to be a lethal operative. Only one woman has even gotten under the skin of Richard Graves, and that was Isabella Sandoval. Vowing revenge on the man who ruined him and his family, Richard seduced Isabella as a means to an end. He never meant for her to mean more but in the end, even after allowing Isabella a choice, he could do nothing but walk away. Finding her again is a surprise but an even bigger surprise is when Richard learns he has a son.

Isabella nearly lost her life when Richard executed his revenge. Now she has built a new life when Richard walks back in. The irresistible attraction is still there but can she let Richard back in her life? Can she trust him? Isabella has dependents and any decision made by her and Richard will affect more than one person.

Richard was really hard to like in the beginning. He was cold and emotionless on the surface. Underneath he was seething with emotions he did not know how to handle. So he turned to his usual method of using force and/or seduction. Isabella was more than his match and refused to be controlled. But both were susceptible to the other when they touched.

Olivia Gates is truly an incredible write with her ability to take a man as hardened as Richard and make him our hero. The cracks in his shell slowly eroded as Isabella applied her own brand of hammer. We learn a lot about their pasts and can’t help but be cheered by the ending. Two individuals damaged by their past come together and find healing and peace in each other’s arms. Read their story in Claiming His Secret Son and experience it for yourself.

single titles dot com

[Jennifer Mcpherson · Rating 5 out of 5]

i cannot provide enough justice for this fantastic book. a good read to me consists of consistency, imagery, humor the occasional fear jerker and of course the romance. Richard AKA Cobra met Isabella while he was on an assignment to take down his greatest enemy. Thinking this was a touch and go he plunged in with his usual charm thinking he was immune to love but it bit him in the butt......
This is a example oh how creative Olivia is.....
after eight years ......
" Time congealed as she lay beneath Richard, paralyzed. Even her heart seems afraid it would rupture if it beat.
Then everything that had been gathering inside her since he'd walked away all the betrayal and despondence and yearning broke through the cracks and she started to tremble......'
Her is a little tease of how imagery is important.....
"It was true that catastrophe happened in slow motion . To Isabella's racing senses the ghastly sequence as her son flew into the trajectory of that car , the shearing dissonance of its shrieking brakes, the nauseating brunt of its unyielding metal on Rico's resilient flesh and fragile bones was a study in macabre sluggishness.


This book was really more than i expected really .... Olivia is such a good writer her books gets better and better....

[Lisa Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sizzle with a capital “S”

Olivia Gates has penned another wonderful treat of a read in the latest addition to her captivating “The Billionaires of Black Castle” series. Richard Graves is a magnetic and multi-textured hero, and Isabella is his perfect match. The chemistry between these two characters registers a 10.0 on the Richter scale, as do the challenges they face. Simply fabulous!

[Harlequin Books]

"The Billionaires of Black Castle are impossible to resist, and this is the story we’ve been waiting for! Richard is incredibly intense, and his path toward a loving family with Isabella is full of complex emotions that will melt your heart" (RT Book Reviews, 4 stars).

Miniseries: The Billionaires of Black Castle

[Geraldine Sadiku · Rating 5 out of 5]

A romantic passionate read from Olivia Gates well worth a look

[suman · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Amelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A select group of young boys were kidnapped many years ago by The Organization and turned into mercenaries because of their unique skills. Now several of them have formed Black Castle Enterprises after managing to flee their imprisonment, and their business ventures have been extremely successful. One man associated with them brought about their escape, but his role in their captivity has kept close friendships from forming. No one knows the multitude of secrets Richard Graves keeps, and he expects to be alone forever. Then an unexpected event changes his life in ways he never imagined. The Billionaires of Black Castle miniseries created by Olivia Gates always has noteworthy stories, and CLAIMING HIS SECRET SON is the most moving of them all.

When Isabella Sandoval had a short but particularly passionate affair with Richard Graves, he had a very personal reason for getting close to her. He wanted retribution against the man in her life because of his responsibility in what was taken away from Richard, and she was part of the plan to bring ruin to the person that he despises. Yet Isabella touched him as nobody before her, but her refusal to leave with him was her choice.

Surprisingly, Isabella once again comes to the attention of Richard, and he wants to make certain her past does not cause any further troubles. Listening to anything he has to say when they meet up is not her intention, and she is not going to be intimidated into doing his bidding although her traitorous body is still greatly affected by his presence. But when he learns they have a son together, he cannot deny his wish for them to be in his life.

The way in which characters pour out their hearts in any book by Olivia Gates deeply affects my own feelings every time. So much emotion backs anything they have to say, clearly exposing their inner feelings and I connected to Richard plus Isabella even more after their very frank discussions with each other. What actually motivates the actions of an individual is sometimes not understood if all the facts are not known, thus causing another person to get the wrong impression. I really felt for how much Richard suffered emotionally, especially when I learned about all he had done but never revealed to anyone. In previous books of The Billionaires of Black Castle miniseries, he seemed to have few redeeming qualities, but I was definitely wrong. Ms. Gates may have earlier shown his nature to only be one way, but I discovered he is someone much different from what I thought.

How he reacts to Isabella is powerful and often results in situations filled with intensity. Her own responses to him are just as strong, and I frequently felt as though I was experiencing all the wide range of emotions right along with them. Her courage to overcome hardship had me admiring Isabella and each new detail I found out only had me liking her more. The sex between Richard and Isabella is off the charts when it comes to enthusiasm plus gratification, and they do not lack when it comes to imagination. The noteworthy writing of Olivia Gates shines on every page. CLAIMING HIS SECRET SON will long be remembered for its compelling scenes.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

∞∞∞

Author Olivia Gates weaves a fantastic tale in her latest Harlequin Desire novel.

Richard Graves once worked for The Organization cartel, but in spite of his own safety, he has secretly changed sides. One person has grounded him through all the ups and downs in his life though…and that person is his sister, who thinks he is dead after all this time. But Richard has kept the truth from everyone. However, one woman threatens to break his resolve with just her presence—Dr. Isabella Sandoval. Seeing her again reminds him of the passion he once shared with her. But Isabella has her own shocker when Richard realizes she is the mother of his young son, who he has no clue existed until now. He is now even more determined to right all the wrongs in his life by building a lasting relationship with Isabella and his son.

The Billionaires of Black Castle are to die for and this latest installment has hit all the right buttons.

Intense, emotional and sexy, CLAIMING HIS SECRET SON would definitely charm readers.

Recommended
5/5 Stars

[Zubee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Talk about a super-spy/Machiavellan H and a sacrificing h who meet under trying circumstances.
The chemistry between them is off the charts and intense ... they have a secret baby and for once I saw that H had a reason for what he did to h when they met previously and she also realises the mixed blessing; he may have used her but he indirectly helped her out of a bad situation ... plus it helps that she is no wimp; she is strong and capable ... all in all a nice book
PS: they H and h cheat; as in h cheats on her terrorist, villain husband with H in the past ...

[Janice N. Haigler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice story

I really enjoy this book. Olivia Gates is a fantastic writer. I've read numerous of her book and also purchase some. Her imagination and storyline are connected wonderfully. Good work.

[Tia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read a few novels from this series and like each and every one. It's not *great* stuff but enjoyable non the less. The hero in this one, is kind of an asshole, to the point of extremes. I don't know if he did enough to redeem him as a character but it worked. HEA achieved.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. Richard appeared in previous books as a secondary character. Unlike the others, Richard had been on the wrong side as a youth and young man, responsible for training the boys kidnapped and held, though he also tried to watch out for them. From the first book, From Enemy's Daughter to Expectant Bride , Rafael was especially close to Richard, though the others in their brotherhood do not trust him. Richard has a reputation for being cold, unfeeling, and ruthless. This was especially obvious eight years earlier when he seduced the wife of the man responsible for Richard's involvement in The Organization to get information from her. He never expected the feelings she stirred up in him, and he walked away, never expecting to see her again.

Isabella spent years as the trophy wife of a drug lord to protect her family. Her short affair with Richard was intense, but leaving with him was impossible. It took her months to figure out his motivations for their liaison, and she knew she had to escape before her husband realized it too. Eventually, she earned her medical degree and moved her family to New York to join a friend in her medical practice.

When Isabella comes to Richard's attention all those years later, he wants to be sure her past won't cause problems for those he cares for. Their first meeting is volatile, as he makes demands and issues ultimatums. Isabella isn't the same person she had been when he knew her last, and she refuses to be intimidated by him. Unfortunately, the attraction that still burns between them complicates matters. But that's nothing compared to the shock Richard receives when he discovers that Isabella gave birth to his son soon after her escape.

This is where my feelings toward Richard began to change. That cold, emotionless, and ruthless man fell utterly in love with his son. I loved seeing a different, kinder, and softer side of Richard emerge, as he was embraced not only by young Mauri but also the rest of Isabella's family. It also affected Isabella, making it harder to keep him at a distance. Richard is stunned to find that the ability to feel he thought was gone forever had only been buried. I loved seeing the changes in him as those feelings begin to grow. When it comes time to talk about telling Mauri that Richard is his father, Richard knows he has to tell Isabella everything about his past. Doing so convinces him that he's too broken to trust himself in their lives. I ached for him and the devastating feelings of loss he experienced and for Isabella, who believed in him but thought he no longer wanted her.

Richard's departure precipitates a crisis involving Mauri. I liked that Richard was the first one Isabella called and how he sprang into action. This was one time when the immediate and unquestioning support of the brotherhood was critical. Not only did Antonio (the doctor) drop everything, the others also came to lend their support. The effect on Richard was amazing, and I had to laugh at the teasing he endured. I loved how the crisis brought Isabella and Richard back together, and the emotional turmoil brought everything to the surface. With no more secrets or misunderstandings, Isabella and Richard have a happy future ahead of them.

I liked the secondary characters also. Isabella's mom was terrific with the way she pulled Richard in from the moment she met him. I think she suspected the truth from the start. Isabella's son Mauri was adorable. He's smart and funny and connects with Richard immediately. Their relationship is fantastic and brings out an unexpected side of Richard. I also liked Isabella's partner Rose. Neither of them suspected their connection when they met, and both were stunned when they found out. One of my favorite scenes was with Numair ( Pregnant by the Sheikh ) after saving Richard's life. It had a profound effect on both of them.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claiming His Secret Son by Olivia Gates
The Billionaires of Black Castle Series Book Four
Richard Graves “Cobra” thought he'd get someone from his past out of his system. Instead, she seemed to dig deeper under his skin. He's not a man who takes no for an answer or who backs off. Only this time...he finds more than he ever expected when he pushes on.

Isabella Sandoval is starting over. Her family is safe. She has a great new job, a partnership in a surgery clinic, and life should finally be good. And then, shortly into her new life, he shows up. The man she hasn't been able to leave behind...in her thoughts or dreams.

Hate and passion are a close mix in this story. Richard was on a mission of revenge when he targeted Isabella eight years ago. He had to use her to get to the man he hated. The reader meets Richard in the first book, From Enemy's daughter to Expectant Bride, and sees he's hard, cold, and unfeeling. I like how the author redeems him in this book.
**Sexual content
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...

[Dj · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secrets drove them apart. Can their child reunite them? Richard Graves (Black Castle Security) has long battled his dark heritage, willfully joining the Organization to save his family, losing his family anyway, and only one woman nearly shattered his elegant facade. Though he seduced (Dr.) Isabella Sandoval to take revenge on the man who'd destroyed his family, her much older husband and his step-dad Burton. Walking away from her was the hardest thing he's done. Now he's learned the truth about her son Rico, that she almost lost him to a premature birth, and he won't walk away again. Richard's mission of vengeance nearly cost Isabella her life when she discovered she was pregnant and had to go on the run, with her family, to escape her drug lord husband. But she can't resist rekindling their dangerous passion. Can she protect her child from the man sworn to claim him—and herself from the desire she can no longer fight?

Ms. Gates is back with book 4 in the series, she recaptures a lot of the excitement intrigue found in books 1-2.

[Tones · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first read this book years ago, probably when it was released actually. There’s something delicious about the drama that a Harlequin novel happily embraces and the flowery prose of Ms. Gates. I’m a big fan, but I remember that this one was one of my least favorites out of the series. And it’s definitely due to the heroine’s betraying body illness during the first part. It was ridiculous. He’s threatening your livelihood and friendships and you’re just like “omg no! But also my legs are wide open.” She was always just so weak to their chemistry even when Richard was being an absolute D.

The story gets better once we get over that hurdle. I love Ms. Gates but this wasn’t one of her best.

[Esther Fanny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before I knew this Harlequin, I read the manga version first AND I fell in love with Richard ! One of the best of Harlequin I've read so far.
The dark clouds in Richard's childhood were so bad I jump to hold him tightly. And so was Isabella. The battle of their desires and fears were so painful and heart wrenching. And little Mauri was so cute and has a big heart to welcome his long-lost daddy.
Anyway the manga version was good with the visual. Maybe it was just too short to feel the situation between hero and heroine. Still the chemistry between Richard n Isabella was undeniable.

[Charlotte Hynard · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found claiming his secret son bad I couldn't get in to it at all I was that bored I couldn't finish it. But seduced by the spare heir was good I enjoyed that book. In my opinion three stars is to high for the first book but is not high enough for the second. I think they shouldn't of been put in to one book. They are too different.

[Mirabel Julius · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book n the black castle brothers

[Chelsea Ortiz-Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my God!!!

I have no words for how incredible this book was.
Amazing doesn't begin to explain.
I loved the emotions that were forced upon me.
There were a couple sections where I'm pretty sure I didn't breathe from waiting to see what would happen next. I can't wait to start the next book in the Black Castle series!!!

[Michele · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not as good as the other books in the series.

[Kathy Jund · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars!! Book 4 in the Billionaires of Black Castle series. Richard Graves as you've never seen him!