3 - "We were meant to meet again…" Stars.

We return to the Corisi Billionaires series, with book three; The Secret One giving us Christof Romano’s story.

"I might have forgotten meeting you, but you stayed with me…"

Our story starts ten-ish years previously with a very drunk Chris and a not-so-drunk McKenna, meeting in a bar, both are at a bit of a cross-roads, and the conversation they have moulds their future choices, even though initially only one of them remembers what transpired when they reconnect again by sheer luck a decade on. It doesn’t take the fog of over imbibing long to clear though when Christof and McKenna start getting to know each other again.

"I bet you already have everything you need."

"…I used to think so… Not anymore."

Although Ruth’s writing is never a struggle to read, I felt the romance between our leads in this one took second place to the familial drama that finally came to a head in relation to Dominic Corisi. Don’t get me wrong that isn’t a major complaint because the resolution of that story-line was actually what held my attention, mainly due to the sporadic time that McKenna and Christof actually spend alone, and of it that is actually given more than minimal page time. I’ve loved Dominic from my first meeting with him, so the extra time with him, Abby and Judy was great, so not all bad. And if you’ve read the previous books in this series and the Legacy series, you know that the man has dealt with some pretty heavy emotional blows in the last decade and from the way this one ended likely a few more in future books.

"Sometimes when I look at you I see… forever."

But as much as I loved Christof’s stalwart support of McKenna and his family, and his unfailing commitment to her, even when she acted like a tool, I didn’t feel any real spark between them, even the sex (what little of it there was) felt lacklustre and rushed. It didn’t help that I really didn’t warm to McKenna, talk about hot and cold, and although I understood her past was the reason for a lot of it, I just found it all got a bit old, when time and time again Christof proved to her he wasn’t going to add to her abandonment issues.

"I’d rather laugh and cry, love and lose… than feel nothing."

Not my favourite book by this author, but I love the Romano and Corisi families in general so it was good to spend more time in that universe. With the revelations in this one I feel there are a few more books likely to come as well now the families are reunited, especially as not all secrets have been fully disclosed, and those involved not aware as yet.

"The past is a story that has already been told…"

Some secrets are not meant to hurt but protect.

Chrisof breaks down on the side of the road on the way back from a business meeting and a beautiful woman pulls up behind him . She seems to know a lot about cars and there’s something familiar about her but he doesn’t really want anyone touching his prized car.

McKenna doesn’t know why she stopped but there’s something about this beautiful stranger which draws her, even if his car is a mess under the hood. She extends him her card and is soon on her way but he’s not easily forgotten.

Chrisof is the family trouble shooter but usually his skills are used more in business but this time the family needs him to use his skills for them.

When Chrisof needs a pretend fiancée to take to Italy he thinks of McKenna but will she think he’s crazy or will she find the idea interesting?

If you have followed along with the Romano’s and Corisi families, you will not want to miss this coming together of families. “Secrets” have a way of pulling families apart but sometimes they bring them together also... you won’t regret this one!

I enjoyed every minute of this story. I was concerned at first though. I had read two previous books in the series but it was a while back. I wondered if I'd be able to jump right back in. I didn't need to worry about that. I think even first time readers of this book would be able to keep up.
Both main characters were marvelous. As was McKenna's pit crew family and Cristof's family. None claimed to be perfect but family was uber important to them all. McKenna (Mac's) family wasn't by blood but that didn't make any difference with the love they had for each other.
Chistof's family were tight but they also knew they had flaws too.
The humor between the main character's was so much fun. And Christof's family had plenty of fun shenanigans, especially between the brothers.
Even having mentioned all of the humor there is also plenty of painful emotions as well. And yes, plenty of secrets for sure. I liked how there was such depth in the story, both in the past and in the present.
All does get revealed except there is one thread about Sebastian that the author kind of left us hanging on. All in all, though I liked how things got resolved and how Chrisof and Mac get their H.E.A.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

Seven years ago Christof and McKenna met in a bar at a time when they were both at low points in their life, and unknowingly they helped each other. Fast forward to present day, they meet once again by accident when Christof’s car breaks down by the road side and Mckenna stops to help.
They feel a pull between them and start to get to know each other slowly. But Christofs meddling family has other ideas and come up with a plan for him to take Mckenna to Italy as a fake fiancé to help solve a family issue.
I really enjoyed this book and loved how patient and understanding Christof is with McKenna. She is a little skimmish and unsure, and he gives her the space to trust him and work out her issues.
There has been an underlying story about Dominic running through the series and I enjoyed see it come to fruition.
A wonderful addition to the series and I look forward to reading more.

I really enjoyed this book. I really loved Nona she was a hoot. I loved how close Christof’s family is. Christof is the whole swoony package. McKenna is such a strong woman. Her family isn’t anything like Christof’s but it’s just as strong. This was such a heartwarming book with a lot of spice. I enjoyed this book very much! I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

I can’t say enough about this book from Ruth. Her characters are believable and the romance and love that began from the beginning was swoon worthy. McKenna is a go-getter, needing only a little nudge from a stranger, her dream became reality. She had even made an impression on the stranger, Christof and seven years later their paths crossed again. It was destiny. Their story was fun, romantic with lots of spice and family pulling things together for their happily ever after. Ruth even brought back some old friends from her other series. Together they discovered and solved secrets that could change some of their lives and even bring them closer together.
The Secret One was a book that you can’t put down once you start reading.

Great story!!! I loved Chris and Mack meeting in the beginning!!! Story progressed amazingly and I fell in love with the Romano’s!

YES, I Love this series Christof & McKenna have a chance meeting years before but they made and impact.. they helped each other chase their dreams without even being in each other life, then a chance meeting over a roadside car break down they realize maybe their time has finally come for their HEA. As always Ruth always pulls you in like your truly a part of the story. Their families are amazing! Come join this great crew for the ride.

The Secret One by Ruth Cardello is an enjoyable read. I really enjoy the Cardello characters. You may be surprised who the secret one ends up being.

Absolutely amazing. I love Ruth Cardellos book as they give such a wonderful feeling of family. There is so much love, friendship, respect and heart in this book. Christof and McKenna are beautiful together. I love how Christof is so sure of his love, so secure in himself to be who he is and to give McKenna the space and love she deserves while also allowing to see the love and family she already has. They were amazing together.
The amazing family plot twists kept me hanging on, the way the discovery was dealt with and how so much thought and love was put into how to approach it, with zero resentment. Such an amazingly strong family. Seeing Dominic finally get his family he so desperately wanted was moving too, the bonds of the past are broken and put to bed.
I can’t wait to see what comes next in this family.

This is another steamy story in the Corisi Billionaire series. This is the love story of Christof and McKenna. The chance meeting on the side of the road, McKenna a beautiful mechanic stops to offer him help. They begin a slow moving relationship, until his family gets involved. Christof is needed in Italy to address family issues, his mom thinks if he had a fiancé it would help the situation.
Christof is not a fan of his moms plan but does mention it to McKenna. She is up for the adventure and to see Italy with Christof. But McKenna is not prepared for how much her heart will be involved.
Will Mckenna and Christof’s fake engagement survive Italy? Will Christof be able to be the voice of reason in Italy to solve the family problems?

I enjoyed this story. A chance meeting between two people can inspire each other to reach for their dreams.
Thank you Netgalley for the complimentary copy. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

I loved Christof so much that it was difficult to rate this book. Though I did not care about all the family problems that are the plot and I didn't really love McKenna, either, Christof was such a strong character, truly the ideal man, that he alone makes me raise the rating from 3 stars to 4.

Christof and McKenna had a chance meeting in a bar, both had suffered losses in their families. Now years later they meet again and the attraction is still there. McKenna agrees to help Christof out with a family issue. This was an OK book. It had a decent plot but there were so many characters to keep straight I found myself getting confused, which is the reason for the 3* rating. I think if I had read the previous books in the series I would have had less trouble with the characters and understood theIt dynamics better. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

It was really good, though I am a fan of the author. So take that with a grain of salt. The story was good and interesting. Kept me captivated until the end.

Hands down my favorite book of the series!!!! Chrisof and McKenna together was everything!! Great chemistry and hilarious banter. I hope there is more to come in this series.

I voluntarily reviewed this book.

3 stars
How do you meet the love of your life and then forget who they are the next time ? This was my biggest problem in the book. Maybe because Christof was drunk when he met McKenna. After that I was kind of bummed at their story. It seemed like their first meeting could have been left out entirely.

I love this series and this book may just be my favorite! McKenna is one of the best heroines I’ve read, and Christof made me swoon. I loved how they met...and met again. I loved the romance, the love, the families, and yeah, I just LOVED this book!

Christof and McKenna are meant to be but there are many twists and turns that have to happen before they come together for their happy ever after. The Secret One is much more than just a falling in love of our hero and heroine romance. The Corisi family has suffered much pain, loss and hurt and McKenna has had her own share of pain. There are family secrets that are exposed that can tear the Corisi family apart or unite it, as it should have been years ago.

I have to be careful where I read a Ruth Cardello book because at any moment I can burst into tears or laugh out loud so hard I can’t control my volume. Her stories are such a mixture of tears, laughs and whatever else she deems to throw into the mix. There is such love between her characters, not only regarding the journey of the hero and heroine falling in love but the closeness between every family member and anyone else who might come along. These people are there for each other no matter what the circumstances. This author writes beautiful stories surrounding family love, loyalty and strength as well as such joy and plenty of laughter as well as telling it like it is – no holds barred. There is such depth to this plot with so many ups and downs and a few twists the reader may have to pause just to catch their breath before continuing. The Secret One is such a lovely story of second chances not only for our H and H but also for several other characters. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey to Christof and McKenna’s happy every after as well as getting a glimpse of my favorite Ruth Cardello’s character, Dominic Corisi! I received an ARC from Netgalley and this opinion is my own.

This family is so wonderfully complex and beautiful. I love all of the different dynamics between everyone and learning more as we go along. Christof and McKenna had a brief meeting when they were young, yet it was significant and stayed with them. I loved the connection these two shared. It was like they picked up right where they left off, all those years ago. Mack was feisty, independent and strong enough to handle Chris’ crazy family. Chris played the mediator role, which he did very well. I really liked how steadfast he was when it came to his family. He loved them fiercely & unapologetically. This family continues to uncover secrets and go through so many emotional moments, but the love they have for one another is strong enough to see them through it all. I look forward to the next exciting chapter.

How do you say, "Hi, I'm Earth, have we met?" in Italian? There were just so many things that did not ring true of how things work on our planet. And sooooo many Italian stereotypes. And tough-girl-who-works-on-cars-but-is secretly-vulnerable tropes (Watts, is that you?). All of which I might forgive if it delivered on being really funny or suspenseful or steamy, but it falls short on all of those.

I hadn't realized the author has written many, many books and some of the characters and series overlap. So I was quite confused when some random queen knew all about the family and love lives of some businesspeople she's never met, but maybe there's a "psychic meddling queen" book I need to read. Actually, yes, I do need to read that. Will someone please write it if this author hasn't?

I don't quite understand how the sons turned the parents' one convenience store into a Walmart-like chain in 7 years or whatever, but again, that might be in a different book. The hero of this story met a girl in a bar when both were 20 and connected with a bit of insta-love, then they went their separate ways, but they reconnect years later. They jump from phone dates to fake-engaged in maybe a week, with remarkably little conflict between them along the way. The heroine has a couple of fairly tame nervous freakouts, and they fight about whether she'd take his name if they got married for real, but there's pretty much never a question where this is going. The sex scenes feel rushed, both in terms of their relationship and the way they are written. And the number of women who announce their pregnancies seems a little high, statistically... who's next, Grandma Nona?

Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for a digital ARC for the purpose of an unbiased review.