REVIEW: The Heir by Ava Rani

The Heir by Ava Rani: Henry was once biotech royalty, until one mistake cost him everything. Now, disgraced and exiled from his own empire, he’s given one last shot at reclaiming his legacy. The catch? He has to play by the rules, and the woman enforcing them is the one person he can’t stand… or resist. Selena has built a career on fixing public images and Henry is just another client—arrogant, damaged and in desperate need of a second chance. She’s here to clean up his reputation, not get tangled in his mess. But behind his sharp wit and carefully constructed walls is a man far more complex than the headlines suggest. Their partnership is supposed to be professional. Their chemistry? Anything but. As Selena and Henry fight to rebuild his future, they risk losing control of the one thing neither of them can afford: their hearts.

I really enjoyed read the slow build up of The Heir. This book was more than just a billionaire romance, The Heir explores themes of second chances, trust and the weight of past mistakes. With engaging dialogue, well-drawn characters and a simmering romance that refuses to be rushed, Rani crafts a story that is both heartfelt and irresistibly addictive.

I love a good redemption character arc and that is definitely the direction our hero was heading in this book, while he wasn’t the worst behaved hero you will find, I did really enjoy getting to see him work to redeem himself. At the beginning of the novel, Henry is emotionally closed-off, burdened by guilt, and struggling to reclaim his place in the world. While he’s a billionaire, his wealth isn’t the defining aspect of his personality, his struggles with self worth and redemption take centre stage. I loved the fact that while he was an alpha billionaire hero, he was more introspective, he was genuinely on a journey of self improvement. I really liked the influence that Selena had on him, she forces him face the uncomfortable truths and embrace his more vulnerable side, which ultimately allows him to finally become the best version of himself. Now for our fixer, simply put I really liked Selena. She is a no nonsense fixer that is ready to take no hostages and make hard choices. I loved the fact that she was Indian American and that she embraced her Asian side so proudly. While she starts off as someone who prides herself on control, she slowly learns that vulnerability isn’t a weakness. Her past experiences have made her wary of romance, and she struggles with the idea of allowing herself to fall for someone like Henry. The thing that I really liked about both these two main characters was the fact that they both had to face their own emotional issues to grow and progress, this was as much a journey for Selena as it was for Henry.

The romantic build up between Henry and Selena was easily the best part of this book, we get to see this couple gradually develop feelings for each other, moving from resistance to attraction and from tension to this deep emotional connection. There was such a nice slow burn build up with this couple that helped make their relationship feel organic and real. I absolutely loved all the verbal sparing and the sassy banter, these two just had the tension in buckets. Their almost forbidden work relationship only made their connection all the more perfect. While we get plenty of banter and build up, once these two finally get together we see their connection bloom into so much more than a physical connection, these two genuinely support each other and encourage each other to be the best versions of themselves.

Rani masterfully crafts a relationship that feels both authentic and earned, making Henry and Selena’s journey from reluctant allies to passionate lovers incredibly compelling. Their chemistry is electric, their struggles feel real and their growth as individuals and as a couple adds depth to the romance. Whether you’re drawn to witty banter, slow burning tension or heartfelt emotional stakes, The Heir delivers on all fronts. This is definitely a book to read!

Book Info:

Publication: January 28, 2025 | Avon | Biotech Billionaires #2

He needed a perfect year. She needed a way out.

After years of living up to his reckless playboy reputation, Henry Amari is ready to step into the role of CEO at his family’s prestigious company, Amari Global. But the board isn’t so sure Henry can leave old habits behind, so they give him one year to prove himself worthy and hire a top PR firm to help Henry rehab his image. Just one when his new PR consultant arrives, Henry’s humiliated to discover that his new babysitter is the gorgeous woman he tried to flirt with at a party.

Selena Montez, the “aristocrat whisperer,” needs to complete one last job before she can leave New York City. After a disastrous experience with another socialite family, she needs this account to be a win. Even if Henry pulls her guard down with his authenticity and kindness—this has to be just business. But as she and Henry grow closer, her secret connection to high society starts to catch up to her. That, paired with an attraction they can’t fight, means Selena herself might be the greatest threat to Henry’s reputation.

With a highly coveted acquisition, and Henry’s position as CEO, on the line — can love survive the scandal?