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Seaside Mergers #1
Terms of Inheritance
A heartfelt, arranged marriage romance...
What comes first in this business? Duty... Freedom... or Love?
Business in the northeastern region is run entirely by two families, the Fernandez’s and the Fergusons. Tucked away in the secluded opulent city of Seaside, Rhode Island you would never guess to find the home of one of the wealthiest alliances in the country. Or their pawn.
Clementine
Clementine Ferguson is used to being used. By her family, by her husband, and by the companies that drive them. Sold and sealed away long before she even had a choice, Clem has come to accept the fact that she no longer means anything to anyone. No one except the man who suddenly dies and leaves her to…his grandson?
Oaxaca
Of all the responsibilities Oaxaca Fernandez has taken on, having a wife is proving to be the most…delicate of them all. Worse, the longer he plays the role of dutiful husband, the more serious he begins to take it. But is his duty making it hard for him to discern the truth? Are these feelings that he’s growing for his new wife real, or just another one of his responsibilities?
Both forced to marry under the vindictive pretenses of an evil dead man, Clementine and Oaxaca must figure out how to maneuver a life that neither of them chose but are both growing to like.
But no matter how much they like it…is it a life that’s built to last?
Terms of Inheritance is the first book in a series of interconnected standalone novels following two billionaire families and the bonds that tie them.
Content Warnings:
This book deals with heavier topics that might be sensitive to certain audiences. While most of these topics may not be at the forefront of the story and do not happen within the story, they are represented/eluded to throughout. Please be mindful of themes and instances of:
* Domestic/Sexual Abuse (not involving the hero and not on page)
* Trauma
* Death
* Struggling Mental Health/recovery
What comes first in this business? Duty... Freedom... or Love?
Business in the northeastern region is run entirely by two families, the Fernandez’s and the Fergusons. Tucked away in the secluded opulent city of Seaside, Rhode Island you would never guess to find the home of one of the wealthiest alliances in the country. Or their pawn.
Clementine
Clementine Ferguson is used to being used. By her family, by her husband, and by the companies that drive them. Sold and sealed away long before she even had a choice, Clem has come to accept the fact that she no longer means anything to anyone. No one except the man who suddenly dies and leaves her to…his grandson?
Oaxaca
Of all the responsibilities Oaxaca Fernandez has taken on, having a wife is proving to be the most…delicate of them all. Worse, the longer he plays the role of dutiful husband, the more serious he begins to take it. But is his duty making it hard for him to discern the truth? Are these feelings that he’s growing for his new wife real, or just another one of his responsibilities?
Both forced to marry under the vindictive pretenses of an evil dead man, Clementine and Oaxaca must figure out how to maneuver a life that neither of them chose but are both growing to like.
But no matter how much they like it…is it a life that’s built to last?
Terms of Inheritance is the first book in a series of interconnected standalone novels following two billionaire families and the bonds that tie them.
Content Warnings:
This book deals with heavier topics that might be sensitive to certain audiences. While most of these topics may not be at the forefront of the story and do not happen within the story, they are represented/eluded to throughout. Please be mindful of themes and instances of:
* Domestic/Sexual Abuse (not involving the hero and not on page)
* Trauma
* Death
* Struggling Mental Health/recovery
477 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 10, 2023
370 people are currently reading
2530 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 247 reviews
March 2, 2023
do not be fooled by this book because it starts off great but when u realise there are 20 pages left and u still have 300 questions unanswered, it’s not cute.
“and that’s how I realised there was something wrong with me. there bad to be, because I wasn’t okay, unless she was”. I want to cry so hard rn. I relate to clem, not in the forced to marry, rich, contract way, but in the unseen, unheard and felt like a burden type of way. the only thing I wanted to do was to break down crying when she couldn’t hold it in anymore. okay therapy session LOL.
anyways, I loved the nicknames throughout the book, ceci, who I disliked at first but loved the relationship her and clem created, al, matti, lis, oxtapus, tine, tiney. this nicknames felt like I was part of a club… however I still hated the book lol.
the execution was just NOT there and was lacking in so many ways. there was so much suspense leading up to the big kiss for it to just.. not happen?? like what was up with that. this was basically a YA romance and I’m not upset about it but yes I am because there was nothing in this book. one spicy scene which was mid. I would have even preferred it if it was a classified YA romance.
after reading other reviews helped remind me of other questions I had also. I saw in one review how no one, even clem, acknowledged the fact that abuelo was abusive. sexually, emotionally, AND physically. but when asked “did he hurt u” she would constantly say know. but when she went back to the house and it spoke about how he liked white sheets to be able to mark the canvas and there was sometimes blood on it!!!!! and no one was like.. yeah that wasn’t okay?????? wtf.
AND THE BOTHERS DONT HAVE PERSONALITY AT ALLLLL! I spoke about how I liked their dynamic but if ur gunna give me another book based on what I already know about the characters… it’s not looking good because they seem boring. I couldn’t even get their names to stick. that’s how bad it was.
AND SYLVER JUST DISAPPEARED?????? when I tell you I was getting into the whole jealousy trope and everything… just for her to drop off of the face of the earth and for them to not unpack the fact that clem was jealous which meant it was a whole waste of time since it had no impact to the plot.
with the ending and the tea, what happened to the police, did they figure out that the tea was the cause, did she get prosecuted, what happened? we will never know I guess.
when they had that argument on the beach about how she should go back to abuelo’s house……. that was him apparently confessing his love to her??? I’m so sorry but that was one of the LEAST obvious ways to do that. I was so confused that I thought I missed the memo but it was just poorly written.
and towards the end it got VERY repetitive like we get itttttt u have trauma blah blah blah, u can’t rust blah blah blah but u have to realise ox gave her a mile even when she took and inch and it sometimes felt like she didn’t appreciate it. maybe that’s just me tho.
OMG it was giving icebreakerrrrrrr. how ice breaker was just a bunch of scenes mixed together and there was no flow. it felt like that in certain areas of the book.
when I tell u I really wanted to like this book im not even joking but I am beyond disappointed. I don’t even think I am going to read the rest of the series because if the other books turn out like this, absolutely not.
“and that’s how I realised there was something wrong with me. there bad to be, because I wasn’t okay, unless she was”. I want to cry so hard rn. I relate to clem, not in the forced to marry, rich, contract way, but in the unseen, unheard and felt like a burden type of way. the only thing I wanted to do was to break down crying when she couldn’t hold it in anymore. okay therapy session LOL.
anyways, I loved the nicknames throughout the book, ceci, who I disliked at first but loved the relationship her and clem created, al, matti, lis, oxtapus, tine, tiney. this nicknames felt like I was part of a club… however I still hated the book lol.
the execution was just NOT there and was lacking in so many ways. there was so much suspense leading up to the big kiss for it to just.. not happen?? like what was up with that. this was basically a YA romance and I’m not upset about it but yes I am because there was nothing in this book. one spicy scene which was mid. I would have even preferred it if it was a classified YA romance.
after reading other reviews helped remind me of other questions I had also. I saw in one review how no one, even clem, acknowledged the fact that abuelo was abusive. sexually, emotionally, AND physically. but when asked “did he hurt u” she would constantly say know. but when she went back to the house and it spoke about how he liked white sheets to be able to mark the canvas and there was sometimes blood on it!!!!! and no one was like.. yeah that wasn’t okay?????? wtf.
AND THE BOTHERS DONT HAVE PERSONALITY AT ALLLLL! I spoke about how I liked their dynamic but if ur gunna give me another book based on what I already know about the characters… it’s not looking good because they seem boring. I couldn’t even get their names to stick. that’s how bad it was.
AND SYLVER JUST DISAPPEARED?????? when I tell you I was getting into the whole jealousy trope and everything… just for her to drop off of the face of the earth and for them to not unpack the fact that clem was jealous which meant it was a whole waste of time since it had no impact to the plot.
with the ending and the tea, what happened to the police, did they figure out that the tea was the cause, did she get prosecuted, what happened? we will never know I guess.
when they had that argument on the beach about how she should go back to abuelo’s house……. that was him apparently confessing his love to her??? I’m so sorry but that was one of the LEAST obvious ways to do that. I was so confused that I thought I missed the memo but it was just poorly written.
and towards the end it got VERY repetitive like we get itttttt u have trauma blah blah blah, u can’t rust blah blah blah but u have to realise ox gave her a mile even when she took and inch and it sometimes felt like she didn’t appreciate it. maybe that’s just me tho.
OMG it was giving icebreakerrrrrrr. how ice breaker was just a bunch of scenes mixed together and there was no flow. it felt like that in certain areas of the book.
when I tell u I really wanted to like this book im not even joking but I am beyond disappointed. I don’t even think I am going to read the rest of the series because if the other books turn out like this, absolutely not.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2023
This was my first ARC this year!! Ah and boy was this different for me. I have never read a romance without a good amount of spice. At first I was so eager and expecting so much within the first few chapters I honestly didn’t think I was gonna make it. But the deeper I got into it the more I started to understand the characters and their story. (This was a SLOW burn fr! But worth it in my opinion. To some it may be too dragged out for them so just keep that in mind if you decide to read it)
Boy was this a really emotional story, not one to make me bawl but one that made me feel bad for Miss Clementine. She went through so much and I don’t wanna spoil said reasons but she had a heard life from such a young age. I couldn’t imagine being her myself. I wouldn’t make it! She ended up being a favorite of mine the more I got to know her and her story.
Oaxaca was my man from the jump he only rubbed me wrong with one sentence I didn’t like. But he quickly redeemed himself. This man literally was so sweet and caring and always there for ANYONE who needed him. His heart is bing and he’s such a great soul. He always did and said the right things whenever it came to Clementine. I also felt for him sometimes, having to always be the bigger person in his family because he was the oldest, he never got to be a kid and it really must have been a lot always trying to prove himself. This book was really good. If you don’t like books without smut maybe this book isn’t for you but it worked out perfectly for me. I enjoyed it. I’d say there’s maybe .5/ 5 stars worth of smut in here.
RELEASE DATE: JANUARY 10th Save the date!!!
Boy was this a really emotional story, not one to make me bawl but one that made me feel bad for Miss Clementine. She went through so much and I don’t wanna spoil said reasons but she had a heard life from such a young age. I couldn’t imagine being her myself. I wouldn’t make it! She ended up being a favorite of mine the more I got to know her and her story.
Oaxaca was my man from the jump he only rubbed me wrong with one sentence I didn’t like. But he quickly redeemed himself. This man literally was so sweet and caring and always there for ANYONE who needed him. His heart is bing and he’s such a great soul. He always did and said the right things whenever it came to Clementine. I also felt for him sometimes, having to always be the bigger person in his family because he was the oldest, he never got to be a kid and it really must have been a lot always trying to prove himself. This book was really good. If you don’t like books without smut maybe this book isn’t for you but it worked out perfectly for me. I enjoyed it. I’d say there’s maybe .5/ 5 stars worth of smut in here.
RELEASE DATE: JANUARY 10th Save the date!!!
January 7, 2023
* ARC REVIEW *
First let me start off by saying I’m so grateful for the opportunity to read and review this amazing arc because wow this book was truly something!! 🤩
This book will get you hooked from the very first chapter because our girl Clementine is just so lost, closed off and damaged that you wanna keep reading to see her grow and develop into the beautiful woman she is inside and out. Once she meets Ox 🖤(who is SO patient with her!!) and read more and more about them and see their relationship develop and blossom it is truly so heart warming!! I fell in love with both of these characters and I loved how well they supported each other through the good and bad days bc dealing w trauma is always a rollercoaster of emotions but he was always there to help🥺. When I say with every chapter it just got better and better I mean every chapter bc our man Ox is a simp🤪!!! I love her teddy bear brothers and I love his crazy and very loving family dynamic this is just an all around great SLOW BURN romance book (very little to like no spice😂) I can’t wait to see what other people think of it♥️
RELEASES ON JANUARY 10th!!
First let me start off by saying I’m so grateful for the opportunity to read and review this amazing arc because wow this book was truly something!! 🤩
This book will get you hooked from the very first chapter because our girl Clementine is just so lost, closed off and damaged that you wanna keep reading to see her grow and develop into the beautiful woman she is inside and out. Once she meets Ox 🖤(who is SO patient with her!!) and read more and more about them and see their relationship develop and blossom it is truly so heart warming!! I fell in love with both of these characters and I loved how well they supported each other through the good and bad days bc dealing w trauma is always a rollercoaster of emotions but he was always there to help🥺. When I say with every chapter it just got better and better I mean every chapter bc our man Ox is a simp🤪!!! I love her teddy bear brothers and I love his crazy and very loving family dynamic this is just an all around great SLOW BURN romance book (very little to like no spice😂) I can’t wait to see what other people think of it♥️
RELEASES ON JANUARY 10th!!
October 3, 2024
Not me reading a close door romance and loving it! 😆🥹❤️
Clementine is used to routine at this point in her life where she is married to a 70 yr old man. As part of their routine, she stumbles upon his deceased body, and fear and anxiety overwhelm her because will she finally be free. And the answer is no 😩 COME TO FIND OUT she was willed to her husband's grandson Oaxaca. Oaxaca aka Ox was the man of his family and learning of his new responsibility was not what he had planned for his life. Something in him wanted to be there for Clementine and from there the proximity arranged marriage love affair began! It was so many emotions I felt while reading this! I laughed with Ceici and Clem and I was sad when Clem couldn’t sleep at midnight. I loved how Ox loved Clem and stood up for her no matter what! I was so frustrated that they both were hardheaded at times towards the other but the writer made you feel the emotions. I will say there were some plots I wanted better closure on including: Sylvie situation, the investigation, and the family drama. To me, they weren’t fully closed but I still enjoyed the romance. I loved the Spanish heritage shown in the book and enjoyed reading about an Afro-Latina woman. I will also say this cover doesn’t match Clem at all. She was described as having beautiful chocolate skin and that was cute seeing as Ox had a sweet tooth ❤️🙂↕️. I loved her brothers and Ox’s siblings and I will go on to read the rest of their stories. Overall I’m glad I was finally able to read this book! It has been on my TBR for so long!
This book is IR Afo-Latina heroine and Mexican hero. Check content warnings arranged marriage, assault, and death are discussed.
Clementine is used to routine at this point in her life where she is married to a 70 yr old man. As part of their routine, she stumbles upon his deceased body, and fear and anxiety overwhelm her because will she finally be free. And the answer is no 😩 COME TO FIND OUT she was willed to her husband's grandson Oaxaca. Oaxaca aka Ox was the man of his family and learning of his new responsibility was not what he had planned for his life. Something in him wanted to be there for Clementine and from there the proximity arranged marriage love affair began! It was so many emotions I felt while reading this! I laughed with Ceici and Clem and I was sad when Clem couldn’t sleep at midnight. I loved how Ox loved Clem and stood up for her no matter what! I was so frustrated that they both were hardheaded at times towards the other but the writer made you feel the emotions. I will say there were some plots I wanted better closure on including: Sylvie situation, the investigation, and the family drama. To me, they weren’t fully closed but I still enjoyed the romance. I loved the Spanish heritage shown in the book and enjoyed reading about an Afro-Latina woman. I will also say this cover doesn’t match Clem at all. She was described as having beautiful chocolate skin and that was cute seeing as Ox had a sweet tooth ❤️🙂↕️. I loved her brothers and Ox’s siblings and I will go on to read the rest of their stories. Overall I’m glad I was finally able to read this book! It has been on my TBR for so long!
This book is IR Afo-Latina heroine and Mexican hero. Check content warnings arranged marriage, assault, and death are discussed.
January 12, 2023
3.5 ✨
The romance was really cute. The names threw me off cuz what do you mean Oaxaca is pronounced ‘waa-haa-kuh’.
Ox was so amazing, all he wanted to do was take care of everyone and he did. Clementine was my baby and I will protect her. That girl has been through hell and if I was her I would never be able to forgive her parents. At least I started to warm op to her brothers when they took accountability, but her parents do not deserve her.
We never got answers as to what the deal with Silver is was or who she was with.
The romance was really cute. The names threw me off cuz what do you mean Oaxaca is pronounced ‘waa-haa-kuh’.
Ox was so amazing, all he wanted to do was take care of everyone and he did. Clementine was my baby and I will protect her. That girl has been through hell and if I was her I would never be able to forgive her parents. At least I started to warm op to her brothers when they took accountability, but her parents do not deserve her.
We never got answers as to what the deal with Silver is was or who she was with.
January 26, 2023
“You have my ring, you have my name, you have my heart. And I’m running out of things to give you.”
An arranged marriage with a twist??? Sign me up! Also a slow burn
I actually enjoyed this book, the writing didn’t piss me off, the plot was actually one of the thing I enjoyed until it got to the last 6/5 chapters and it all kind of felt rush and the the epilogue was anticlimactic considered they both wanted so much from each other and then it felt flat and none of the thing they wanted happened… but other than that it was okay I’m being generous giving it a 3 star
An arranged marriage with a twist??? Sign me up! Also a slow burn
I actually enjoyed this book, the writing didn’t piss me off, the plot was actually one of the thing I enjoyed until it got to the last 6/5 chapters and it all kind of felt rush and the the epilogue was anticlimactic considered they both wanted so much from each other and then it felt flat and none of the thing they wanted happened… but other than that it was okay I’m being generous giving it a 3 star
February 16, 2023
(it’s BHM so it’s 3.75/5 rounded up)
I had a whole review planned but I forgot it the moment the fmc woke up from her coma because the mmc confessed his love to her
I had a whole review planned but I forgot it the moment the fmc woke up from her coma because the mmc confessed his love to her
February 21, 2023
I wanted to like this. But it’s about 150 pages too long. It felt like the never ending book. I have no problem with long romance novels, but I do believe they should at least not be boring. Miscommunication is always tedious and this book has a lot of it.
For a book to be so long there were so many plot points that never went anywhere.
❓ Why did no one in the family acknowledge that the grandfather was abusive?
❓ What was the point of her visiting her parents?
❓ Can someone named two traits about any of her brothers? They took up a good portion of the book and they were one dimensional.
For a book to be so long there were so many plot points that never went anywhere.
❓ Why did no one in the family acknowledge that the grandfather was abusive?
❓ What was the point of her visiting her parents?
❓ Can someone named two traits about any of her brothers? They took up a good portion of the book and they were one dimensional.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2025
What the actual fuck is this.
She was married to his GRANDFATHER. HIS ACTUAL GRANDFATHER. FOR FIVE YEARS. ISOLATED AND ABUSED AND RAPED. AND NO ONE FUCKING DID ANYTHING?!
HER THREE BROTHERS KNEW SHE WAS GETTING MARRIED TO A 70 YEAR OLD AT 19 AND LET IT HAPPEN. HER MOTHER AND FATHER ARRANGED IT. AND YET, YOU THINK I'D BE OKAY THAT THEY ARE MENDING THEIR RELATIONSHIP?!?!
FUCK NO. THEY ENABLED A FUCKING MONSTER AND GAVE THEIR OWN BLOOD AS THE FUCKING SACRIFICE. IT'S SICK.
Sorry just what the actual fuck...
Also, the MMC and his entire family are also to fucking blame. Your grandfather gets married and no one has seen or heard about his wife since the wedding.... you aren't gonna do something? Ask questions, do a welfare check... nothing?! She was a fucking child man, she was only 19!!!!! I cannot for the life of me understand how so many people allowed this to happen without anyone saying a single fucking word.
Even the romance grossed me out. The entire time, I'm sitting there thinking about how she's slept with his grandfather, how could he not be thinking the same fucking thing 😭
Oaxaca was cute at times, but when he fucking left her for almost 2 weeks after saying she was a burden to him.... I hated him and he was unredeemable after that.
Gross Gross Gross Gross Gross.
She was married to his GRANDFATHER. HIS ACTUAL GRANDFATHER. FOR FIVE YEARS. ISOLATED AND ABUSED AND RAPED. AND NO ONE FUCKING DID ANYTHING?!
HER THREE BROTHERS KNEW SHE WAS GETTING MARRIED TO A 70 YEAR OLD AT 19 AND LET IT HAPPEN. HER MOTHER AND FATHER ARRANGED IT. AND YET, YOU THINK I'D BE OKAY THAT THEY ARE MENDING THEIR RELATIONSHIP?!?!
FUCK NO. THEY ENABLED A FUCKING MONSTER AND GAVE THEIR OWN BLOOD AS THE FUCKING SACRIFICE. IT'S SICK.
Sorry just what the actual fuck...
Also, the MMC and his entire family are also to fucking blame. Your grandfather gets married and no one has seen or heard about his wife since the wedding.... you aren't gonna do something? Ask questions, do a welfare check... nothing?! She was a fucking child man, she was only 19!!!!! I cannot for the life of me understand how so many people allowed this to happen without anyone saying a single fucking word.
Even the romance grossed me out. The entire time, I'm sitting there thinking about how she's slept with his grandfather, how could he not be thinking the same fucking thing 😭
Oaxaca was cute at times, but when he fucking left her for almost 2 weeks after saying she was a burden to him.... I hated him and he was unredeemable after that.
Gross Gross Gross Gross Gross.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 3, 2023
I thought it was fun I just couldn’t get past the fact she was with the abuelo first. Made me sick :( (also why tea in the whisky very interesting)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2023
Ohhh I loved this book!!!!
March 19, 2024
Whew the emotional rollercoaster I went through because of Clementine 😭. I love that she took the time to find herself again. She survived and took a chance to choose coming out of her shell.
Ox is patient and I loved that about him. He took the time and gave her the space which made him one of the best book boyfriend 😍
Prepare yourself for the tears
Ox is patient and I loved that about him. He took the time and gave her the space which made him one of the best book boyfriend 😍
Prepare yourself for the tears
January 27, 2024
ARC READER REVIEW (sorry dori😭🥲)
if you’re looking for a slow burn that has a little bit of crime and spice, LOTS of funny moments, grumpy x sunshine, heartfelt moments, and is an intro to a brand new series, you’ve found it!! (welcome🥹)
words can’t even begin to describe how in love i am with this book, the characters, the storyline, really everything as a whole. clementine and ox have such a beautiful story and fit together in the most beautiful ways.
their ups and downs make everything SO promising and heartwarming that it leaves me at a loss for words, if not squealing/screaming or giggling or crying (and honestly blushing).
additionally, the connections made aside from clem and ox’s is literally everything and a half and made me appreciate my family and sisters so much more. i can’t wait to see what will come next with them, but i know it’s going to be good🥰🥰
not to mention the fact that it involves an interracial couple who have very obvious ties to their culture in the best ways. i love that i can see part of my culture in this book and to know that there’s more to come makes me giddy with excitement🥰
with that, being said there is a trigger warning for those who’ve had experience with domestic abuse and intimate partner violence so please please please be ready for that should you choose to read toi. know that this book (and the rest to come) will be here should you be ready to read it💜 know also that you’re stronger than your darkest thoughts, valued by your loved ones and important to everyone lucky to be in your life and those who’ve yet to meet you💜💛
this story has a special place in my heart for a lot of different reasons and i can’t wait to see what the rest of the seaside mergers brings. please if you’re even thinking of adding it to your tbr, DO IT!! i promise you won’t regret it🥹🤍
if you’re looking for a slow burn that has a little bit of crime and spice, LOTS of funny moments, grumpy x sunshine, heartfelt moments, and is an intro to a brand new series, you’ve found it!! (welcome🥹)
words can’t even begin to describe how in love i am with this book, the characters, the storyline, really everything as a whole. clementine and ox have such a beautiful story and fit together in the most beautiful ways.
their ups and downs make everything SO promising and heartwarming that it leaves me at a loss for words, if not squealing/screaming or giggling or crying (and honestly blushing).
additionally, the connections made aside from clem and ox’s is literally everything and a half and made me appreciate my family and sisters so much more. i can’t wait to see what will come next with them, but i know it’s going to be good🥰🥰
not to mention the fact that it involves an interracial couple who have very obvious ties to their culture in the best ways. i love that i can see part of my culture in this book and to know that there’s more to come makes me giddy with excitement🥰
with that, being said there is a trigger warning for those who’ve had experience with domestic abuse and intimate partner violence so please please please be ready for that should you choose to read toi. know that this book (and the rest to come) will be here should you be ready to read it💜 know also that you’re stronger than your darkest thoughts, valued by your loved ones and important to everyone lucky to be in your life and those who’ve yet to meet you💜💛
this story has a special place in my heart for a lot of different reasons and i can’t wait to see what the rest of the seaside mergers brings. please if you’re even thinking of adding it to your tbr, DO IT!! i promise you won’t regret it🥹🤍
January 8, 2023
I’m speechless. Thank you Dori for trusting me (and some others) with an ARC. I loved Ox and Clem!
Clem was rescued from her form of prison. And basically shuffled to a new one. But better. Ox saved Clem but gained a new wife.
They’re both from very powerful families and to make their families even more powerful, contracts are drawn up. Clem being the only girl in her family is signed away to marry a man 65 years older than her. Yeah it’s as gross as one can imagine. When he kicks the bucket (you find out why at the end), his contract states that his eldest grandson marries his wife. This is why Clem feels as if she’ll always be help captive.
I could go on and on about these two and this story. Every character grew. This story never lagged. Clem worked through her trauma. Ox learned to delegate
Terms of Inheritance is a slow burn. But when they both warm up to each other the teasing touches get bolder and bolder. I ached for every sort of interaction between Ox and Clem. Like I ate it up. That’s how much I loved the story of them. Now, this story might be too slow of a burn for others. But Clem has a bunch of trauma to work through and Ox becomes the perfect person to help her
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
Clem was rescued from her form of prison. And basically shuffled to a new one. But better. Ox saved Clem but gained a new wife.
They’re both from very powerful families and to make their families even more powerful, contracts are drawn up. Clem being the only girl in her family is signed away to marry a man 65 years older than her. Yeah it’s as gross as one can imagine. When he kicks the bucket (you find out why at the end), his contract states that his eldest grandson marries his wife. This is why Clem feels as if she’ll always be help captive.
I could go on and on about these two and this story. Every character grew. This story never lagged. Clem worked through her trauma. Ox learned to delegate
Terms of Inheritance is a slow burn. But when they both warm up to each other the teasing touches get bolder and bolder. I ached for every sort of interaction between Ox and Clem. Like I ate it up. That’s how much I loved the story of them. Now, this story might be too slow of a burn for others. But Clem has a bunch of trauma to work through and Ox becomes the perfect person to help her
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
January 12, 2023
This was my first ARC and read of 2023. It started my year off right. Being a single gal .. one of the qualities I want in a spouse is someone thoughtful. It’s hard to describe and even harder to find someone who is genuinely thoughtful. Despite Ox being a billionaire, he was a genuinely thoughtful person. (Of course you’ll have to read to find out what I mean) I am proud of the growth and the victories Clem overcame.
I’ll never be able to fully understand the magnitude of the victory it was for Clem to be able to wear her natural hair or to wear braids when her appearance was dictated for her for so long. But reading this victory, small to some, brought tears of joy.
The book as a whole kept me entertained from the very first page. “My husband was dead. My captor. My tormentor. My demon. He was gone“. It was never slow nor did it drag out. It was an absolutely beautiful story overcoming different types of abuse, mental health, death & finding not only true love but pure love.
I’ll never be able to fully understand the magnitude of the victory it was for Clem to be able to wear her natural hair or to wear braids when her appearance was dictated for her for so long. But reading this victory, small to some, brought tears of joy.
The book as a whole kept me entertained from the very first page. “My husband was dead. My captor. My tormentor. My demon. He was gone“. It was never slow nor did it drag out. It was an absolutely beautiful story overcoming different types of abuse, mental health, death & finding not only true love but pure love.
September 6, 2023
Good
This book was really cute the main character’s I liked a lot. I found my self relating to Ox being the oldest sibling and always having to take care of things especially now in my adult age. I wish everyone would have band together to help Clementine deal with everything that just happen rather then let her lock herself in her room and deal with things on her own.
I feel like this book would have had more potential for me if the flow was better. I found myself at times getting confused in conversations and situations. I really wanted to love this and rate it higher from the tiktoks. I will continue on with the series because there are some characters that kept me interested. I will definitely follow this author and her work!!
This book was really cute the main character’s I liked a lot. I found my self relating to Ox being the oldest sibling and always having to take care of things especially now in my adult age. I wish everyone would have band together to help Clementine deal with everything that just happen rather then let her lock herself in her room and deal with things on her own.
I feel like this book would have had more potential for me if the flow was better. I found myself at times getting confused in conversations and situations. I really wanted to love this and rate it higher from the tiktoks. I will continue on with the series because there are some characters that kept me interested. I will definitely follow this author and her work!!
March 3, 2023
Overall, I enjoyed this book. It had some good character development and the tension was consistent without being overwrought.
But.
There were some weird typos. Not tons, but enough to throw off my reading. The one that was most obvious was the author’s use (creation?) of the word “dept” instead of “deft.” I wasn’t sure if she was trying to say “adept,” but I’m almost positive it was supposed to be “deft.” But the protagonist’s love of baking and making a perfect “moose” was also a bit odd, as well as her love of the color orange-“sickle.”
Also, “the Fernandezes” was “the Fernandez’s” every. Single. Time.
Overall, small things, but distracting nonetheless.
But.
There were some weird typos. Not tons, but enough to throw off my reading. The one that was most obvious was the author’s use (creation?) of the word “dept” instead of “deft.” I wasn’t sure if she was trying to say “adept,” but I’m almost positive it was supposed to be “deft.” But the protagonist’s love of baking and making a perfect “moose” was also a bit odd, as well as her love of the color orange-“sickle.”
Also, “the Fernandezes” was “the Fernandez’s” every. Single. Time.
Overall, small things, but distracting nonetheless.
January 9, 2023
*ARC Review*
Terms of Inheritance is a love of convenience. I definitely loved Oaxaca from the beginning. He was a provider, loving (yet stern) and cared well for his family. While Clementine was confusing to me. She goes through A LOT before meeting Ox which makes you understand some of her quirks. But there were just moments where you thought storylines were going places with her and other characters and they would drop off.
I have noticed this is a series and I would be interested in reading the next book to see if Dori has read and applied these reviews.
Terms of Inheritance is a love of convenience. I definitely loved Oaxaca from the beginning. He was a provider, loving (yet stern) and cared well for his family. While Clementine was confusing to me. She goes through A LOT before meeting Ox which makes you understand some of her quirks. But there were just moments where you thought storylines were going places with her and other characters and they would drop off.
I have noticed this is a series and I would be interested in reading the next book to see if Dori has read and applied these reviews.
March 6, 2023
This book was very cute! Kind of wanted more to it but I think this was a good read.
September 27, 2023
This book was so beautiful, I loved everything about it. Ox was the perfect husband, do not even say otherwise. That man was so into her from the very first moment. Every thing he did, like literally everything, was with her in mind. He was so patient, compassionate, funny, gorgeous, strong, understanding, tender, sincere and attentive. He helped her to be the person she truly was, he helped her blossom into to the strong woman she became. He was there for her, no matter what, he would fight anyone for her (and he did) and help in any way he could. He was the way men are supposed to be with his wife, girlfriend, friend and other loved ones, he was present, he was there and he listened, and there is nothing more important than that. Clementine, that poor girl went through so much, no one deserves what she went through. The family that was supposed to love used her in a business manner. She was so closed, and hurt and broken. She needed someone like Ox to show her that there was more to life than what she had been through so far. She began to heal little by little and seeing her transformation was beautiful, I was so proud of her. They were a fantastic couple, they both cared so much for the other and loved the other just as much. Seeing them dancing around each other was genuinely adorable, God I loved them. I F*CKING HATED HIS GRANDFATHER, AND THE GALL OF THAT MAN IN TRYING TO KILL HER WITH THE GOD DAMN TEA??? KARMA BITE HIS A*S TOUGH WHEN HE WAS THE ONE WHO THAT DIED INSTEAD OF HER PAHAHHAHAHH. Okay, I'm good. And on that note, I want all the siblings to have love stories too, but I actually liked to see Alta and Clay together, that would be something
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2023
I was given an advanced reader copy by the author. Let me tell you I loved this book! If this is ever adapted to a movie I want to audition for, that's how much I love it. Not going to lie it wasn't expecting how to book started with the backstory of Clem (FMC). The author did an amazing job of flushing out every character in the book for you to know their personality, ticks, traits, etc. so well. She also does an amazing job detailing the cultural background of both characters from physical traits to family gatherings.
My overall favorite part of this was how Clem growth, healing, and ability to love and forgive happened. She was never pressured to hurry up to get better for others. Ox (MMC) was beyond patient with her and was there every step of the way for her. The moment Ox met her he gave back her ability to choose and have a voice again after 5 years in an abusive relationship.
Seeing how an MMC took his time and quickly wanted to learn about the things you love, enjoy, hate, and more for her to be seen as a person again and not to win her heart to be with her was amazing.
I truly loved this book and am extremely glad this was my first read of 2023!
I will say it triggers warnings that the author should tell. It's abuse and trauma. She doesn't descriptively detail the acts but the overall idea is there.
My overall favorite part of this was how Clem growth, healing, and ability to love and forgive happened. She was never pressured to hurry up to get better for others. Ox (MMC) was beyond patient with her and was there every step of the way for her. The moment Ox met her he gave back her ability to choose and have a voice again after 5 years in an abusive relationship.
Seeing how an MMC took his time and quickly wanted to learn about the things you love, enjoy, hate, and more for her to be seen as a person again and not to win her heart to be with her was amazing.
I truly loved this book and am extremely glad this was my first read of 2023!
I will say it triggers warnings that the author should tell. It's abuse and trauma. She doesn't descriptively detail the acts but the overall idea is there.
January 5, 2023
**ARC REVIEW**
Firstly, I love these characters, from Ox and Clem (lu 😭) to Clay ,Celestia, gentle quiet Alta...I had so much fun being in their lives. It took me a little while to get into the story, I found the opening prose to be a little stuffed, a little stilted, the writers voice felt unclear to me but despite this the story was always there. When I asked myself 'what is the plot', it was very easy to distill and I don't mean this in a reductive way, the world was vivid from the start, the story was distinct.
I read a lot of dark/fantasy romance and so I'm used to quite plot heavy, high stakes storytelling and although the characters kept me coming back the stakes felt fairly low. However, AHO (Adorabol Huckleby- Ordaz) is so masterful at crafting these tiny, intimate, between the love interests; glances, memories (one Ox has about the way Clem holds her phone nearly sent me into cardiac arrest it was so sweet), their little traditions- Help, these things were unbelievably romantic!!! So once I understood what kind of story I was reading, and the way it was being told , this was easy to forget. We got such compelling and nuanced leads in Ox and Clem, two characters, addicted to feeling needed who would lay down their lives for the people they love and never ask anything in return. They both had to learn that allowing themselves to need people back, surrendering to care, asking for the kinds of things so easily given is part and parcel to truly loving people... letting people actually love you back.. who would have thought (Please it was so beautiful)?? The chapters they spent apart all I wanted was for them to be together again, which was particularly impressive given how chaste this story was.
It was refreshing and so so heartwarming to have clementine, a black woman, being protected from resilience. This was not a story of her endurance, when we meet her she has already endured, she has already "proved" her resilience, these things should not be a constant state of being. Her journey to understanding that these were not things that made her worthy of being loved was really powerful to read. Clem was admired for her light, her gentleness, her wicked wit, her kookiness...for existing just as she is.Her healing was ,in large part, nurturing her gentle creature.
Lastly, I am so excited to see where this story goes! I need to know who the next book is about.... I want to see my favorite side characters again.. clay... Alta... ?? I need more Alta I love the mean ones as much as i love the painfully shy ones and i need more content and their little meet cute ...???
Thank you so much to AHO for the ARC <3
Firstly, I love these characters, from Ox and Clem (lu 😭) to Clay ,Celestia, gentle quiet Alta...I had so much fun being in their lives. It took me a little while to get into the story, I found the opening prose to be a little stuffed, a little stilted, the writers voice felt unclear to me but despite this the story was always there. When I asked myself 'what is the plot', it was very easy to distill and I don't mean this in a reductive way, the world was vivid from the start, the story was distinct.
I read a lot of dark/fantasy romance and so I'm used to quite plot heavy, high stakes storytelling and although the characters kept me coming back the stakes felt fairly low. However, AHO (Adorabol Huckleby- Ordaz) is so masterful at crafting these tiny, intimate, between the love interests; glances, memories (one Ox has about the way Clem holds her phone nearly sent me into cardiac arrest it was so sweet), their little traditions- Help, these things were unbelievably romantic!!! So once I understood what kind of story I was reading, and the way it was being told , this was easy to forget. We got such compelling and nuanced leads in Ox and Clem, two characters, addicted to feeling needed who would lay down their lives for the people they love and never ask anything in return. They both had to learn that allowing themselves to need people back, surrendering to care, asking for the kinds of things so easily given is part and parcel to truly loving people... letting people actually love you back.. who would have thought (Please it was so beautiful)?? The chapters they spent apart all I wanted was for them to be together again, which was particularly impressive given how chaste this story was.
It was refreshing and so so heartwarming to have clementine, a black woman, being protected from resilience. This was not a story of her endurance, when we meet her she has already endured, she has already "proved" her resilience, these things should not be a constant state of being. Her journey to understanding that these were not things that made her worthy of being loved was really powerful to read. Clem was admired for her light, her gentleness, her wicked wit, her kookiness...for existing just as she is.Her healing was ,in large part, nurturing her gentle creature.
Lastly, I am so excited to see where this story goes! I need to know who the next book is about.... I want to see my favorite side characters again.. clay... Alta... ?? I need more Alta I love the mean ones as much as i love the painfully shy ones and i need more content and their little meet cute ...???
Thank you so much to AHO for the ARC <3
February 10, 2023
For this to be Ordaz first book I’m interested in more.
Arranged marriages are my weakness. It makes me happy when two characters fall in love, but this was a different kind of slow burn that I could appreciate. Oaxaca and Miss Clementine although it was occasionally difficult, I truly really liked how they went about things. Because of the five years of emotional and sexual abuse she endured at the hands of Ox grandfather, Clementine was damaged, but I admire her for discovering herself and mending the bonds with those around her. I love how Ox was the man for Clem. I still wanted to crack him upside his head a few times but the amount of love he had for Clem and his family had no bounds. He loved her despite the circumstances brought upon them and demonstrated it through his behavior, and eventually in his words. It wasn't the typical love story, and I believe that both of their flaws and shortcomings made it realistic. We didn't receive anything hot, but I could still feel the affection between the two of them.
Arranged marriages are my weakness. It makes me happy when two characters fall in love, but this was a different kind of slow burn that I could appreciate. Oaxaca and Miss Clementine although it was occasionally difficult, I truly really liked how they went about things. Because of the five years of emotional and sexual abuse she endured at the hands of Ox grandfather, Clementine was damaged, but I admire her for discovering herself and mending the bonds with those around her. I love how Ox was the man for Clem. I still wanted to crack him upside his head a few times but the amount of love he had for Clem and his family had no bounds. He loved her despite the circumstances brought upon them and demonstrated it through his behavior, and eventually in his words. It wasn't the typical love story, and I believe that both of their flaws and shortcomings made it realistic. We didn't receive anything hot, but I could still feel the affection between the two of them.
July 12, 2024
The slowest of slow burns!
Idk how the author made me lust after this couple while little physical interactions happened on the page. Bur she did it.
The author did a really good job handling the subject matter considering how heavy it is.
The book did lean a little long. As a skimmer, I found that it was difficult to skim sections because a pivot plot point was buried in a deep paragraph.
Idk how the author made me lust after this couple while little physical interactions happened on the page. Bur she did it.
The author did a really good job handling the subject matter considering how heavy it is.
The book did lean a little long. As a skimmer, I found that it was difficult to skim sections because a pivot plot point was buried in a deep paragraph.
July 11, 2025
it did what it needed to do
February 20, 2023
I was offered to read as an ARC reader and extremely grateful. It did take me a while to read because I was on vacation at Disney and was unfortunately distracted but read every morning and evening on the bus leaving and returning to the resort. The novel is a slow build but I appreciated to see the growth that was happening between the two main. I loved Ox’s patience with Clementine and how he realized the trauma his grandfather put her through. Don’t want to give spoilers but the ending was great. I loved how it came full circle and gave me the extreme that Karma is real and comes back on you. Would definitely would read from this author again.
January 8, 2023
"𝚁𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚗𝚘𝚠, 𝚒𝚝 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚎𝚒𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚘𝚛 𝚖𝚎. 𝙷𝚎𝚛 𝚛𝚎𝚌𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢 𝚘𝚛 𝚖𝚢 𝚊𝚝𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗. 𝙷𝚎𝚛 𝚠𝚎𝚕𝚕-𝚋𝚎𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚘𝚛 𝚖𝚢 𝚒𝚖𝚙𝚞𝚕𝚜𝚎𝚜. 𝙸 𝚌𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚎𝚒𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚕𝚎𝚝 𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚕 𝚘𝚛 𝚙𝚞𝚜𝚑 𝚖𝚢 𝚘𝚠𝚗 𝚊𝚐𝚎𝚗𝚍𝚊, 𝚋𝚞𝚝 𝙸 𝚌𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍𝚗’𝚝 𝚍𝚘 𝚋𝚘𝚝𝚑. 𝙰𝚗𝚍 𝙸 𝚠𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍𝚗’𝚝 𝚝𝚛𝚢. 𝙱𝚎𝚌𝚊𝚞𝚜𝚎, 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝚒𝚝 𝚌𝚊𝚖𝚎 𝚍𝚘𝚠𝚗 𝚝𝚘 𝚒𝚝, 𝙸’𝚍 𝚌𝚑𝚘𝚘𝚜𝚎 𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚖𝚎 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢 𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎."
Super big thanks to this author for allowing me to be an ARC reader, I am completely enamored by this book. Honestly I noticed it had an arranged marriage/ marriage of convenience and it was instantly on my to be read list. I was genuinely surprised with the way that we get introduced to Clementine but I think it really helped put the journey into perspective. This story is one of love and healing and every little step Ox and Clem took towards each other had my heart swelling. Clem was so shattered by the wounds of the past and Ox's patience and tenderness was so beautiful that I could not put this book down. Not only did I fall for these main characters but also their siblings and their hilarious interactions. Everyone really came together in a special way that had me laughing and crying with them. The burn is slow and the tension is simmering and while there may not be any explicit sex scenes I love it just as it is. BUT OH MY GOD Clementine better give my man his flan, he has been waiting for wayyyyyy to long!
Super big thanks to this author for allowing me to be an ARC reader, I am completely enamored by this book. Honestly I noticed it had an arranged marriage/ marriage of convenience and it was instantly on my to be read list. I was genuinely surprised with the way that we get introduced to Clementine but I think it really helped put the journey into perspective. This story is one of love and healing and every little step Ox and Clem took towards each other had my heart swelling. Clem was so shattered by the wounds of the past and Ox's patience and tenderness was so beautiful that I could not put this book down. Not only did I fall for these main characters but also their siblings and their hilarious interactions. Everyone really came together in a special way that had me laughing and crying with them. The burn is slow and the tension is simmering and while there may not be any explicit sex scenes I love it just as it is. BUT OH MY GOD Clementine better give my man his flan, he has been waiting for wayyyyyy to long!
January 23, 2023
*got this as an ARC
OMG This story was so beautiful but trust me it didn’t start out that way! Dori dives right into the story of a young girl who was traded away into “marriage” age gap aside he dies and she is traded again to his grandson. This book follows their story
The story like I said was beautiful it doesn’t have spice but it doesn’t need it watching Clem (FMC) develop into her own and Ox love her throughout that process makes this story one that I know people will love
OMG This story was so beautiful but trust me it didn’t start out that way! Dori dives right into the story of a young girl who was traded away into “marriage” age gap aside he dies and she is traded again to his grandson. This book follows their story
The story like I said was beautiful it doesn’t have spice but it doesn’t need it watching Clem (FMC) develop into her own and Ox love her throughout that process makes this story one that I know people will love
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2023
**ARC IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW**
⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
First off I’d like to thank the author for allowing me the gift of being one of the first official reads for her debut. It was such a pleasure!
3.5 ⭐️’s!!
Okay let’s get into it! Spoiler free!
Im giving this a 3 and a half star review because I did really enjoy it and I’d love to be back in this world. My main complaints aren’t even with story (that was full of surprises and great actually) but with style and structure.
Starting was a little difficult and after a few more introductions I figured out why; there was overall way too much “telling” and not enough “showing”. The complex characters and family dynamics were really interesting and I’d be sad with how often we’d get lost through a tangent. I would have to scroll back to see what was being said or happening. However just before it could be all lost, communication between characters and the growing relationships would really light my fire again.
I found myself frustrated with Clementine at times sort of like Ox would be but not in an annoyed reader sort of way. In a way that Clem’s struggles were written very well. Her experience and feelings were painfully real and it was insightful that I had to even check myself.
One of my favorite things about this book were the conversations between characters! Author’s strong suit is definitely dialogue. Ox was SO freaking sweet! I was kicking my feet and smiling so much. (Like hello?? Where do I get me one of him??) also, as the eldest sister, I could totally relate to how he was with his siblings. I did laugh a ton too!
I was conflicted about one of the main turning points between Clem and Ox but then I realized this story was more of a constant roller coaster and not the rise and drop to the end story I’m used to - which I don’t mind! It broke up my usual reading and that was pleasantly surprising. Especially since it was just more growth for them as a pairing and family.
There are two characters that kind of disappear and I found that a plot hole.. because I was *sure* one of them was going to come up between Clem and Ox during a healing conversation. Instead it’s dropped entirely.
I overall enjoyed this story and the twist had me SCARED! Omg GIRL! :’) That got me good.
Clem and Ox are unlike anything I’ve read and it was beautiful to see a fragile woman come into herself and also a strong man, soften.
The pacing was great and with some better structure and less telling, I can see this author getting better and improving loads! This was a fascinating world she [the author] built and I look forward to reading more!
I’ll be on the look out for beta reader apps and continue to follow the author on her journey!
Ps. Mind those trigger warnings! This story does not shy away from some intense topics
⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
First off I’d like to thank the author for allowing me the gift of being one of the first official reads for her debut. It was such a pleasure!
3.5 ⭐️’s!!
Okay let’s get into it! Spoiler free!
Im giving this a 3 and a half star review because I did really enjoy it and I’d love to be back in this world. My main complaints aren’t even with story (that was full of surprises and great actually) but with style and structure.
Starting was a little difficult and after a few more introductions I figured out why; there was overall way too much “telling” and not enough “showing”. The complex characters and family dynamics were really interesting and I’d be sad with how often we’d get lost through a tangent. I would have to scroll back to see what was being said or happening. However just before it could be all lost, communication between characters and the growing relationships would really light my fire again.
I found myself frustrated with Clementine at times sort of like Ox would be but not in an annoyed reader sort of way. In a way that Clem’s struggles were written very well. Her experience and feelings were painfully real and it was insightful that I had to even check myself.
One of my favorite things about this book were the conversations between characters! Author’s strong suit is definitely dialogue. Ox was SO freaking sweet! I was kicking my feet and smiling so much. (Like hello?? Where do I get me one of him??) also, as the eldest sister, I could totally relate to how he was with his siblings. I did laugh a ton too!
I was conflicted about one of the main turning points between Clem and Ox but then I realized this story was more of a constant roller coaster and not the rise and drop to the end story I’m used to - which I don’t mind! It broke up my usual reading and that was pleasantly surprising. Especially since it was just more growth for them as a pairing and family.
There are two characters that kind of disappear and I found that a plot hole.. because I was *sure* one of them was going to come up between Clem and Ox during a healing conversation. Instead it’s dropped entirely.
I overall enjoyed this story and the twist had me SCARED! Omg GIRL! :’) That got me good.
Clem and Ox are unlike anything I’ve read and it was beautiful to see a fragile woman come into herself and also a strong man, soften.
The pacing was great and with some better structure and less telling, I can see this author getting better and improving loads! This was a fascinating world she [the author] built and I look forward to reading more!
I’ll be on the look out for beta reader apps and continue to follow the author on her journey!
Ps. Mind those trigger warnings! This story does not shy away from some intense topics
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