REVIEW: Rags to Riches Reunion by Yvonne Lindsay

In Rags to Riches Reunion by Yvonne Lindsay, growing up, Drummond “Drum” Keyes was from a less affluent family than his best friend, Tanner, and Tanner’s younger sister, Hyacinth “Cin” Sanderton.

Now Cin is back in town and the situation is reversed. Drum built up his family business and is doing well for himself, while Cin barely has a dime to her name, thanks to her ex-husband. Tanner, who’s away with the Army, asks Drum to give Cin a job to help her get back on her feet. Growing up, they both had feelings for one another, but never Drum refused to act on them, despite Cin’s attempts. He is still reluctant to act on his feelings due to a pact he had once made with Tanner. Cin is hesitant after what happened with her ex, her guilt over it, and her current financial struggles. Still, the more Drum tries to help her, the closer they get, and they both realize the feelings that they once had for each other had never gone away. Only someone else has noticed how close they’re getting, and they’re willing to do whatever it takes to keep them apart.

For the most part, I liked both characters. Cin is currently struggling but is willing to do whatever it takes to get back on her feet. Drum is determined to help her, and when she’s reluctant, he refuses to give up. The romance between them feels a little lackluster though; in my opinion, they feel more like they were just friends through most of the book.

My one complaint about Drum is that he didn’t seem to know what was going on in his own business. He doesn’t talk to HR regularly to know what positions need to be filled? He’s not aware that one employee is going around and doing whatever they want, including promoting people without telling him? I find it a little unbelievable that he could be that clueless about what was going on, especially since they all worked together in close quarters.

Despite the issues listed above, I feel that Rags to Riches Reunion is a good story overall and is worth giving it a read. There is a brief suspenseful scene thrown in, which added a little more excitement to the story. I would recommend this to readers who enjoy stories about status role reversals, friends-to-lovers, or who enjoy the brother’s best friend trope.
In the Print Edition Rags to Riches Reunion by Yvonne Lindsay is bundled with The Lost Heir by Rachel Bailey, which I will be reviewing separately.  

Book Info:

Publication: May 23, 2023 | Harlequin Desire |

For years Drummond Keyes kept his promise to stay clear of his best friend’s sister. But now that the boy from the wrong side of town has become a huge success, he can have anything—and anyone—he wants. When the incomparable Hyacinth Sanderton needs a job, he comes to the rescue and is dangerously close to breaking his promise…