Ruth Cardello is not an author I read often, but whenever I do, I truly enjoy her stories. The Secret One is one such book. Book 3 in the Corisi Billionaires (all books can be read as standalones, and although I read and loved book 2, I missed reading book 1 and I’m truly regretting it, I love these brothers). The Romano brothers are sexy, passionate, dependable and loyal to family above all else, and Christof is no exception. I adored how he was with his parents, cooking and baking with his mother, so so sweet. Meeting McKenna was fate, I think that, and Christof and his family think that, McKenna on the other hand, is a little more sceptical, tarnished by a past she does not want to address. Her only family are her father’s friends, but when Christof squirrels his way into her life she finally embraces it. I think of this series a bit like a family saga, I love those American/Italians and their passion, the story has some wonderful little twists, keeping me addicted and enthralled throughout. I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is my honest review.

I loved the the second book in this series and was so excited when I was accepted to review this third book.
I have mixed feelings about this one. I adored the relationship between McKenna and Christof. I thought they made a very cute couple but certain things bothered me. Firstly, there was so much built up around the fact that they could not remember each other from their past so I would expect that when they finally do remember, it would be an important moment in the book. Nope. It was acknowledged as plainly as a character acknowledging daybreak negating the prologue altogether in my opinion.

Then I felt that this book wanted to combine so many storylines into one book that it just became too much to fit into the length of this novel causing a lack of development in McKenna and Christof's relationship. This also affected the development of the family drama regarding Dominic and the extended family in Italy. So much hype was created around this feud yet was all sorted out in a neat cookie-cutter style manner within a couple of pages..

So overall, as much as I love Christof and McKenna, this story felt like it wanted to focus on too many plotlines resulting in a lack of focus and lack of character development leaving me a little underwhelmed.

I thought that this was a great story!

The book was well written and the author had made sure that there was a good flowing storyline.

The only thing that niggled me a little was that at times there was too much detail and it distracted from the main plot - could easily have been a five star read but I have dropped it down to four stars as it did, at times, interrupt the flow but that is just my personal opinion.

The characters were well developed and fun to get to know.

It is 4 stars from me for this one - highly recommended!

A deep-seated family division: will it end in full-out war?😯

I've read all three books in this romance/family drama series and liked this one the least. The main romance was fine but no more and I did not like the way Dominic's story was dropped in to the plot. I felt the book ended well but the start was rocky.

That's not saying I did not enjoy the book overall and McKenna and Christof's whirlwind courtship. I liked them both; their initial meeting in Providence was an especially good moment as was their later roadside encounter, but their relationship does not bring much drama because Christof is such an agreeable guy. He's ready to smooth things over and adapt to McKenna's needs with a wink and a smile. Nice guy, good hero but I like love stories with a bit more fight and uncertainty. I preferred the romances for brothers Sebastian and Maurizio in the first two books.

My main issue, though, was in the way pieces of Dominic Corisi's story were abruptly set down in the plot after a few chapters seemingly out of nowhere. The first book in the series where he was introduced came out over a year ago and I Don't go back and re-read earlier volumes in a series just to refresh my memory. Quite frankly, a third of the way into The Secret One I was considering abandoning the book because the Romano versus Corisi plot was confusing and brought in too many peripheral characters. I persevered though and eventually the full backstory for their family feud is explained. After that the story flowed smoothly.

Thanks to Montlake publishers and NetGalley for sharing an advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

This book was sooo good. Christoff and McKenna met 7 years ago when Christoff was quite drunk. He only vaguely remembered her but it was in his brain and finally came out when he accidently met her again when his car broke down and she stopped to help. There were many story lines in this book and you had to feel for all of them. I love Nona and the Dominic story came out and evolved. I hope their are stories in this family. They are wonderful
I got this book from NetGalley for an honest review. I highly recommend

The book gave so much emotion from beginning to the end. Chris and Mack kick it off for a gut wrenching heart to heart as strangers, Motivating each other in a way that would stay with them and shape their lives forever. The main focus being FAMILY, and fulfilling voids in a different way.

Chris took that energy across the pound to continue mending fences. Searching for answers and showing the good when there is resumed bad. He was the fixer, the one that could bring everyone together and keep the peace. Introductions all around made for a calm and the storm is still brewing.

Ruth rocked my world with this one. The way she reunited a drunken night. Helped a family understand that assumption can leave a heart hurting. Communication and truth goes further than anything else. Family above all else and it doesn't always have to be blood. Remember to follow your dream even if you stray. All dreams have a name.

Italy? Hot guy? Steamy romance but not over the top? Yes please. Book 3 in a series that just keeps getting better with each one.

I liked the book, but not all of the crazy family drama. So let's start with a disclaimer: I've read this series from the start, but the strange "Dominic" chapters have always been a part of the story that I, well, just pretended never happened. It all finally comes to a head in this one, and I largely skimmed through those ridiculous, over the top soapy chapters because that's not what I was reading the book for. The rest of it is an engaging fated romance, where our couple's first meeting made a lasting impact on their lives.

The story follows Christof and McKenna, two strangers who met when they were twenty. Both battling grief and feeling adrift, they connect through a brief conversation that made a lasting impression - kind of. At the time, Chris was a good guy from a great family that was unraveling, still holding onto his v-card and struggling with loss. McKenna was a young woman from a broken home, using sex to feel a connection and going nowhere fast. After their conversation, both find the strength to better their lives, so when they meet again 7 years later, a lot has changed. McKenna's now a strong businesswoman who values all she has, so it's going to take a lot for Christof to win her over.

This series has been interesting, sort of floating between three and four stars for me but still pulling me back in every time there's a new book. Family drama aside, I enjoyed this quite a bit. I like the idea that a simple conversation can make such a huge difference, and the relationship was compelling. It's a little more laidback and serious than what I normally read, but the quality of the writing is there. There's little angst and the tone stays light in general. If I take into account the family drama, this would likely fall to three stars for me, but since I'm choosing to pretend it never happened... it's a solid four star read. Take that as you will. I received a free copy via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review of this light romance.

McKenna met Chris in a bar when they were both feeling down. They shared the things they wanted to do with their life and then didn't see each other until 7 years later when Chris' car broke down at the side of the road.

Two weeks post reading and this one is completely forgettable. Boy goes to chat up girl on advice of his "friends" to help resolve grieving over dead SIL? Yeah, right.

I know with Ruth that I will always have a great adventure story. She makes me want to turn the page, hooking me into her maze every time.
This story had me wrapped from the beginning to end. But then, what do you expect when you put this family on display...even if the main character is not a blood relative...he is still family!

Loved this one and happily give it all the stars!

In the beginning of the book you meet Christof as he is in his late teens. He is lost because he is dealing with the loss of his sister-in-law. When he is out with friends, he meets a girl named McKenna. He is drunk but even his beer goggles know that she is a beauty. They are both dealing with loss and grief and that one night is so impactful Christof and McKenna had fate on their side bringing them back together after their first meeting 7 years prior. You could easily see the connection between them and it was amazing to see how sweet Christof could be. When Christof has car problems McKenna pulls over to help him. Both are single and haven't been in a serious relationship in what feels like forever. But they can't help but feel attracted to one another. Their time in Italy makes their connection stronger and their love for one another grow with each minute they spend together. Falling in love wasn't part of the plan, but love does that for you.

I got this book from Netgalley for my honest review.

I read this book, not knowing it was the three in the series with even more before this series as a spin off. Do I think you need to read the other book first, no. The author does a great job of filling you in enough that you understand what is going on, while also making you fall in love with the whole family, I am going to go back and read the whole series. Now, on to this book. Oh my, what a wonderful met cute the main characters of Christof and McKenna have. This book isn't really a second chance as much as a fate/ destiny kind of story. I fully enjoyed the roller coaster and the family drama/ situations rolled into their overall romance.

Priceless!! I think this is my most favorite story in this whole series. It has family intrigue, secrets, a beautiful romance and an awesome HEA!! I fell in love with McKenna right from the start and Christof I’m in love with. LOL!! Truly this is an amazing story of family and how with love you can get through anything even the surprises, good or bad. This story gave me all the feels you want when reading a romance. This is a story you won’t be able to put down once you start it or at least I couldn’t.

Another great story by this author, I couldn't put it down, it was incredible, I read it in one sitting

If you can suspend your disbelief I think you will really enjoy this book. It's part of a series and tells the story of Christof and McKenna. There are some great parts to this book. McKenna is an independent woman who works hard to build her dream of owning and operating a racetrack. I liked that she wasn't afraid to be who she is. Christof is kind, caring and loyal to his family. All desirable traits. The story involves a second meeting where the two don't recognize each other, a seemingly random royal queen, and a story about Christof's Italian family that just felt unbelievable. Plus a fake engagement that turns real way too fast for me. In addition, I just didn't feel the chemistry at all. This was a story that told me what people were thinking or feeling instead of putting me in their shows to show me and make me feel. I know that Cardello is a beloved author with a long backlist so I do think that many will enjoy this book. It simply wasn't for me.

This is a my first book by this author and now I am such a fan.
This book is a 3rd book in the series, but you can read it as a stand alone.
The main characters are lovely and so likeable.
I am not always a huge fan of insta love, but this author wrote this story so lovely, that I was a goner.
This is 4 stars read for me.
Thanks for this ARC.

I started reading this book without reading the previous 2 novels in the series and couldn’t understand the secondary plot so I bought and read the other 2 first and I am glad I did.
The background story of the family in Italy was much more interesting than the romance in this novel. The romances in the previous 2 books were much more intense and interesting. I couldn’t really warm to the story of Christof and Mack the chemistry wasn’t really there for me in this instalment but I really enjoyed the finale of the back story
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to read a preview copy of this book.

This is a great story if you are a fan of Ruth Cardello and have followed her since her first series. If you haven't, but you love an easy romance with a bit of mystery, you will still enjoy this... but you'd probably enjoy it more if you go back and read the Maid for a Billionaire series first. That said, I fell in love with McKenna and Christof from the beginning and found their chemistry easy and believable. These two have a lot more than a sexual connection though, they truly connect and it's easy to believe their relationship will withstand the long-haul and whatever else the Corisi Billionaire Series throws at this family in the stories to come.

Nothing holds more secrets than a family!

I must say I have read some of Ruth’s other novels and they focus on family but this one held so much more! It really showed the fractures and pain a family can cause especially when secrets are involved! It also showed how even when some family turns their backs some are still there to hold you up and help make you stronger even if it’s a family that you choose!

I also love a title that shows us what we are in for and “the secret one” could be anything! The secret of fake love, the secret of real love! Either way what that secret is you have to read to find out!

Though you do get some side info from other characters our main two are Christoff and McKenna! From their first interaction these two have a deeper understanding of the other and one night really changed it all for them!

I beautiful story with many amazing characters and I seriously want to go back and read about any other characters if there are books because that’s how intrigued this story made me!