Cover Image: He Said Never

He Said Never

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Member Reviews

This is a wonderful story, I loved the themes of that family, love and friendship being the important things in life, it’s cute, fun and heartwarming. Can’t wait for more from the author

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

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This is the author's second novel, and the more I read of them, the more I adore them.Since this book is lighter-hearted, fluffier, and sweeter with some added steam, I actually think it is better than the first book in the series, which was excellent.

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HE SAID NEVER is the second book in The Lost Corisis series, and I realized I hadn’t yet read the first book, HE SAID ALWAYS. This series is connected to other series featuring the Corisi family, and since I have read some of those I was able to put pieces together. (Note, HE SAID NEVER can be read as a stand-alone, but the story is enriched if you read the series in order.)

This is Riley and Gavin’s story. She is dirt-poor. He’s a billionaire and works in his family’s company, but his dad is putting a lot of contingencies on Gavin’s taking over the business. There is undeniable chemistry when Riley and Gavin’s paths cross. They never expected to see each other again, but that changes when they find out they’re neighbors in an expensive apartment building he owns. They share the top floor!

I like that the story is told in alternating chapters by each of them. Riley’s newly-found family is an important part of the story. HE SAID NEVER has family at its center, and love makes everyone stronger. The story has multiple plot lines and a few twists and turns, but the happily ever after is satisfying. I loved the playfulness of the ending.

Ms. Cardello is an author whose contemporary romances I enjoy. I can’t wait to read more of her books. Next up for me is HE SAID ALWAYS.

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Just ADORE Ruth Cardello and the stories that she brings to life in her books!

Gavin and Riley were the perfect addition to her Lost Corisis Books in He Said Never. Riley was strong and easy to love, and a perfect match for Gavin's socially awkwardness. Couldn't put this one down, and can't wait for the next book in the series!

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i like these kind of books because you know there are going to be real feelings involved at some point. Now i have to read the first book to get more of this great read.

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Ok, truth be told I really liked Gavin and Riley together. She has lots of sass and spunk, enough to take on her new brother and take Gavin down a peg when needed. Gavin is just a pretty cool dude that I would like to be friends with, I like that he didn't cower to Dom (who can be a bit of a bully at times)

Great story with all the feels.

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Really enjoyed this action packed and thrilling adventure filled with witty and exciting charters, heart racing twists and undeniable passion. An edge of your seat, emotionally thrilling journey from beginning to end.

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An entertaining book with family dynamics, but romance at the forefront. It can be read on it's own without getting lost. but to get more enjoyment out of the full cast of characters it is better read with the rest of the series.

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He Said Never by Ruth Cardello is book two in The Lost Corisis series. Riley is seeing her new family. Her biological father was bad news and made her fear anyone with the same last name.
Gavins father thinks he needs a wife and family so he thinks Riley can be his significant other.
I enjoyed this second book in the series.

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It was an interesting book and had a lot of family dynamics as Riley deals with her father's non-existence and tries not to hurt her mother. Riley becomes involved with her father's family and tries to protect her mother. She becomes romantically involved with Gavin and finds true happiness. There is one raunchy sex scene in the book which the reason I only gave it a four. It ruined the book for me.

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It didn’t seem to me that they had a lot of chemistry
They ‘fell in love’, but I have no idea how. Or when. Or why.
It was….bland. Some of the characters apparently lean toward the realm of Scooby Doo, and must have been introduced more in, I presume, past books in what surely must be a series.

It wasn’t horrible. It wasn’t fabulous. It wasn’t particularly hot; or deep. The best I can say about it, is it was fine. Not memorable; nothing I would recommend to a friend. It was just…fine.

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Another Great addition to the Ruth Cardello Corisi Universe. Not my favourite but I liked Riley and Gavin as a couple.

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This was an absolutely awesome story. I loved both Kelsey and Gavin and I adored every moment of their romance. Kelsey is half of the missing twin Corisini heirs and her mom and twin brother are opposed to Dominic Corsini and fear him. But Kelsey wants to get to know her new brother.

She meets Gavin when a date is a no show, but Gavin falls for her and finds out she also lives in his apartment building. When he tries to date her Dom tries to get in the way of that. And he is afriad to tell her because of her mom and twins fears about Dom. But he also hates keeping something like that from her.

Meanwhile Gavin has his own problems. His father is having a life crisis and realises life is too short and wants Gavin to find love and also more of a relaxed life than work, work and more work. With the extra time off from work he has time for Kelsey and to get to know her.

This is a wonderful story and I loved its message that family, love and friendship make life worth everything. I also loved seeing Gavin's dad and how he is so protective of Kelsey's mom and helps her with her fears of Dom. I also loved seeing the Corisini's like Judy and Dom's kids, plus the charcters from the Missing Corisini series.

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Opposites attract in this book about Gavin, who is adamant he is not looking for a relationship and wants nothing to do with love, and Riley, who is looking for the "one" to build a life with and doesn't see the bad in anyone.

While the characters come from different backgrounds, they find they also have a similar experience - both were raised by single parents whose bad relationship experiences impacted how they (Gavin and Riley) approach relationships. Gavin has taken the cynical approach and wants nothing to do with relationships, whereas, Riley has taken the more hopeful approach and is looking for the "real deal". I enjoyed the chemistry between the two and how they gradually realized their relationship was more than friends. There is also a bit of heat and spice.

We first met Riley in Book 1 of the series, during which she learned that she was Domini Corisi's half-sister. This could be read as a stand-alone; however, there are several aspects of the book in which it's helpful to have read the first book. I did read the first book prior to reading this one so I was able to follow along nicely. This series is interwoven into other series by the author and the complicated Corisi family tree.

After reading the book, I find myself eager to dive into the Corisi world and start with the book that started it all.

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Ruth Cardello was an unknown author for me. But a quick check on Goodreads certainly got me curious: almost all of Ruth’s books have a rating of four stars or higher. So, I had some high expectations of course.

And let’s just say that Ruth doesn’t disappoint. Even when I fall smack down in the middle of a series. He Said Never is the second book in the Lost Corisis series, but these are actually tied to the Legacy collection and the Corisis Billionaires series. However, even without the previous stories, you can easily dive in.

Riley is a great girl: sassy, funny and spontaneous. She sees the good in everyone and she trusts everyone. We see how she struggles with her conscience currently. Ever since she has learned about her extended family, she has been curious about her brother. But her mother doesn’t want her involved in the Loris is family Riley has contacted Dominic however and she has been meeting with several of her family members. Riley can’t imagine that her brother can not be trusted, like her mother says. But now she still has to convince her mother of that.

Gavin doesn’t trust easily. Ever since his mother walked out of him and his father, he has been wary of relations. This was amplified by his father, who raised him on his own. And now, after two recent deaths of close friends, his father wants him to find himself a fiancee, before handing over the family business to him. Although Gavin thinks, this is just a phase, he still wants to find a ‘no-strings-attached’ kind of girl to introduce to his father. And the girl who nearly knocks over his coffee, seems to fit the bill.

Riley isn’t easily offended. But the hot guy at the coffee shop? Well, he certainly knows how to push her buttons. Still, he seems to be searching for something. And Riley isn’t the type of girl to leave someone hanging. Totally opposites, but in need of each other, Riley and Gavin strike a bargain. But playing pretend starts to feel very real.

Find out how Riley and Gavin’s story will play out. Funny, cute and heartwarming. I’ll definitely be on the lookout for more stories by Ruth. Four out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.

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I love Ruth Cardello's books and He Said Never is no different. Riley and Gavin were so much fun to read, I loved watching their relationship develop. I can't wait for more of this series.

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This is such a fantastic book and I can’t convey enough how much I loved it. This book had all the feels. It’s such a fun book bu5 also an emotional journey. Gavin was really against a relationship and marriage was definitely not something he wanted. Riley is such a positive person that really wants a happy ever after,she can’t imagine having just a fling. They were so good together. The best part is towards the end when Gavin gives a huge surprise. I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy and I highly recommend this book.

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I am a big fan of Romance books and I found this one to be a very enjoyable read. I will be looking for more books from this author.

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Who can resist these irresistible Corisis, the missing family coming into play, and becoming Dominic Corisi's family. This is one of those series that never lost its charm, even as Ruth Cardello extended this family. You'll love Riley and Gavin as they maneuver their ups and downs, expectations and aspirations and the dynamics of a large family. Throw in the original characters, and loads of wit, you've got yourself another warming romance that will bring a smile.

Great read!!

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He Said Never is another wing added onto the ever-expanding Corisi Billionaire extended universe, the bread and butter of Ruth Cardello’s rapidly expanding empire of contemporary romances. I loved the first three books in this series, and while I can’t say this instalment of The Lost Corisis hits great heights, it provided me with a perfectly decent contemporary to read.

The amazingly named Riley Ragsdale has been stood up by her blind date – again.  She’s so desperate to figure out what the heck is going on with her multiple strike-outs with men that she even calls upon her new chauffeur, Mr. Tuttle, for emotional support as she spills her guts to him.  With her future seemingly ensured thanks to her connection to the Corisi family, Riley should have everything she wants, but she’s lying to her mom about not seeing her dad’s side of the family because he made her mom’s life miserable when they were together.  The chauffeur and swanky new penthouse have been pressed upon her by her half-brother Dominic, who wants to fold Riley into the bosom of the Corisi clan.  Maybe she’ll find love after encountering the handsome Gavin while getting herself some coffee.  They share some pleasantries and she feels something, but figures it’s a fleeting meeting.

She doesn’t know Gavin Wenham, whose family has gone through a bit of a crisis period recently. Two dead relatives means Gavin’s father desperately wants his son to be happy before it’s too late.  He’s withholding control of the mega corporation that Gavin has made the center of his world until he (Gavin) turns up with a fiancée.

Gavin and Riley certainly like (and want to bone) one another.  But Gavin is determined Not To Fall In Love.  He is a One And Done Kind of Guy. As he and Riley agree to pose as an engaged couple, will Riley ever be able to tell the truth to her mother, and will Gavin stand up to his father?

He Said Never is, like many of the Corisi books, about family drama and falling face-first into true love even though you work hard to resist it.  I really enjoyed Riley in this book - she spends much of it walking a tightrope between pleasing her mother and wanting to know the Corisis, all of whom can’t be as awful as her dad.

Gavin, meanwhile, can’t understand why his stable, strong dad is freaking out about his marital status.  He’s never been a family man, and while I bought that he’d want to be after meeting Riley, I wondered what might have happened had their romance caused him to reach this conclusion more organically.

The tension in Riley and Gavin’s will they/won’t they romance is decent but not incredibly, well, tense.  They adore each other so clearly that there’s little conflict in the stock ‘oh no, Gavin doesn’t want to be married, no really, this is why he keeps shooting Riley heart eyes all the time’ plot.  But they’re cute together – the banter is great, and Cardello’s sense of humor is as sharp as always.  And her vivid settings – this time Massachusetts – always spark to life.

If you like your romances heavy on the family drama aspect of things, then Cardello is probably already a household name to you and He Said Never will definitely be your cup of tea.

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