In the overflowing world of romance novels, Ruthless Billionaire's Secret Baby by Claire Angel tries to carve its niche, weaving together themes of wealth, secrecy, and unexpected parenthood. At its heart, the book is a blend of passion and gentle romantic tension but falls into predictability, an often-visited pitfall for the genre.

The story sets off with an engaging premise: Melissa Grant, a young and spirited interior designer, meets the enigmatic billionaire, Ethan Knight, during a high-profile project. Ethan, portrayed as irresistibly charming yet fiercely private, succumbs to a night of passion with Melissa, which not only stirs the waters of their professional relationship but also leads to unforeseen complications when Melissa discovers she’s pregnant.

This plot device isn't novel in romance literature—it plays on the secret baby trope that grants automatic stakes to the narrative. Yet, Claire Angel attempts to infuse freshness with her character's backgrounds and motivations. Melissa's character shines due to her independence and resilience. She is not merely swept away by Ethan's wealth but challenges him on personal and professional levels. On the other hand, Ethan is your typical alpha male with a soft side that only Melissa can unravel. The trope might be tired, but their interaction lends enjoyable moments of dialogue and tension, which are crucial in a story heavily reliant on character chemistry.

Where the book thrives, however, is in its moments of introspection. Angel takes her time to delve into the psyche of her characters. Melissa’s inner turmoil, marked by her fear of losing her autonomy in the shadow of Ethan’s overpowering life, is particularly well-drawn. Ethan is not left behind; his viewpoint gives insight into his fears of trust and vulnerability. Nonetheless, these are fleeting deep dives, often overshadowed by prolonged sequences of mundane interactions and overly described settings.

The writing style of Claire Angel is accessible and smooth, ensuring that the pages turn quickly. However, occasionally, the prose slips into clichés especially during romantic encounters and key emotional revelations. These moments, intended to be poignant, are sometimes rendered less impactful with predictable descriptions and responses. A more nuanced expression could have elevated the emotional gravity of the narrative.

In terms of development, the plot adheres to a familiar arc—intense attraction, conflict brought on by the secret baby, a subsequent emotional fallout, and eventual resolution. This predictable curve might comfort some readers with its expected beats but can disappoint those seeking novelty or twists in their reading experience. The subplot involving corporate intrigue and familial disputes tries to add complexity but is too lightly sketched to be effective or compelling.

Another pivotal aspect of Ruthless Billionaire's Secret Baby is its sensual scenes. Angel handles these with a balance of taste and excitement, ensuring they contribute to character development rather than serving as mere filler. These moments are where Angel’s writing prowess truly shines, capturing a blend of emotion and physicality that propels Melissa and Ethan’s relationship forward.

The conclusion of the book, while satisfying, wraps up hastily. Key conflicts resolve neatly, and character arcs conclude without much lingering tension. For lovers of romance, this provides the essential happy ending, but it might seem contrived to those hoping for a more realistic or nuanced finale.

To its merit, the book does not pretend to be what it is not. It is straightforward in its promise—a passionate love story amid life-altering secrets and the lavish lifestyles of the rich. Claire Angel’s Ruthless Billionaire's Secret Baby fits well within the boundaries it sets for itself, offering escapism and the sweet, if not overly sweet, satisfaction of romance fulfilled. While it might not redefine its genre, it certainly embraces it confidently, delivering exactly what it promises: romance, secrecy, and a touch of luxury.

In conclusion, Claire Angel’s novel is a competent entry into the romance genre that will likely appeal to its target audience. It sticks closely to the familiar tropes and story arcs that fans love with enough competence and flair to keep the pages turning. However, those outside the genre’s devoted readership looking for deeper, more unpredictable narratives might find it lacking in surprise and complexity.