Riley has so much love to give to family she just met. It doesn’t take her long to connect with people. I love how Riley and Gavin first meet and how now they can joke about it. Gavin is a whole new man in the end. I absolutely loved reading their story!

He Said Never by Ruth Cardello is book two in the “Lost Corisis” series. The first book of the series is He Said Always and although I haven’t read it I will be circling back for it. I believe this series is a spin-off of the “Corisis Billionaire” series which I am also interested in now.

It’s always a good sign when the reader (me) can’t wait to read MORE of the authors stories. This is the predicament I find myself in now, so many books to read and not enough time!! #BibliophileProblems 😉

So this story features Riley and Gavin. These two are great characters on their own and combined they are fantastic!! Each character has a suitcase or trunk of emotional history and as expected it has shaped how they behave. Riley, she grew up watching her mom suffer from years of abuse and now Riley is slow to trust. Gavin, well he is cynical and jaded, he doesn’t believe in love, he doesn’t do relationships, and he sure as hell will NEVER marry. Watching these two navigate an agreement that turns into attraction and love is quite the emotional roller coaster— LOVED EVERY WORD! ❤️‍🔥💋

The chemistry and physical attraction between Riley and Gavin is smokin’ hot! When these two collide it’s explosive! (Pun intended) 🔥🔥

If you are looking for a romance story that has substance and characters who have a lot of growth - look no further and grab this bad boy! Overall this is a witty, swoon-worthy, heartfelt romance that will keep you captivated!!

4 Stars ⭐️ | 4 Flames 🔥 | Alpha male meets his match ❤️

He Said Never is the second book in a new series, and part of a larger series however it was the first that I have read. Even though it is part of a larger world, it was really easy to pick up and read and understand what is happening.

The Corisis are a very wealthy and powerful family, and Riley is related to them. She is learning how to fit into their world and building a relationship with her brother which includes a fancy penthouse and driver. She has a chance meeting with Gavin, another wealthy man who is from a broken home and not sure how to love.

Despite expectations, there are not a ton of complications and the story works itself through nicely. The characters are all lovely and have depth to them which is wonderful to read, and it made me want to go back and read the rest of the books to fill in the blanks.

Looking forward to hopefully reading a book about Kal next.

Gavin and Riley are your perfect enemies to lovers couples that have to find themselves firstly in a new world for each one of them where trust and love comes with time and hard work.
I loved how the author is picturing both characters so real and honest and open. Just like in real life, nobody can be perfect and many times opposite attracts.
Loved to met old couples from previous books and I’m looking forward to read the next ones as some secondary characters really draw my attention in He said Never.

He Said Never was my first Ruth Cardello book and was one I really enjoyed! It's entertaining, well written, and has some wonderful characters. I loved Riley and Gavin, and although they are total opposites they were the perfect pair. It was a page-turner that was filled with love, secrets, family, friendships, and heartfelt emotion.

Only my second novel by this author, but, this sweet romance has me wanting to raise her stories up the list!

Riley and Gavin are wonderful characters. I enjoyed Gavin. So swoon-worthy!

Characters who grow throughout the story always draws me in.

Smiles, and, yes, heat are welcome too!

I have mostly been reading darker romances, but this hit the right spot! A wonderful change of pace!

Thank you! Can't wait to read more!

I really loved Gavin and Riley. I love when characters are very different, yet they are drawn together. Gavin held tight to his beliefs that he would never marry and could never trust a woman. Unfortunately with what happened with his mother and how his father reacted to it and how he raised him, Gavin didn’t have much of a chance at a normal relationship. Riley was raised with her mom’s fears and trust issues, due to the horrible abuse by Antonio Corisi, her father. I loved that she was trying to form a relationship with her brother, Dominic, despite her family’s objections. He remains the overbearing alpha he has always been, but I love how his family is changing him. Gavin and Riley have amazing chemistry, and I loved how their relationship evolved as they got to know each other. The supporting characters, like their parents, added so much more heart to the story. They each had their own journey of growth in the story. He Said Never is another wonderful story in this series.

This should be a 10-Star Read!! Riley is an optimist and a strong believer in fate and Gavin is very cynical of life and doesn’t believe in relationships. From the first time they meet you feel the sparks flying and it only gets better from there. This is not your usual enemies to lovers story, it’s better. I couldn’t put it down!

He Said Never is the second book in the Lost Corisis series. I'm really hoping Kal's book is next. This series is a spinoff and you get to see so many characters from a previous books and some of them that are still trying to learn to control their need for control.

Gavin doesn't mind some quiet time in his terms but when his father seems to go off the rails and demands he get engaged to keep his job he's at his wits end. Trying to consider all his option he unexpectedly meets a woman he actually wants to get to know better. Against his no relationship rule (read never) and after jumping to conclusions he might actually have a chance at something more.

Riley is straddling two worlds and secrets are not her cup of tea. She's trying to balance the love for her mother and brother and their wish to stay away from the changes and embracing her unexpec family. And then she finally decides to take something just for her and is surprised that she's actually attracted to the gruff and direct speaking Gavin. As a big believer in wishes she's really hoping hers come true.

Riley & Gaven were such a fun couple! He was sure he didn't want a relationship. She was just a caring fun person but didn't want her mom to know she was spending time with her other family. She showed him how to love and he helped her face her mom. It was a real joy to read. They complimented each other so well!

If you want a tantalizing, heartfelt read then this is the book for you. Ruth Cardello has exceeded my hopes for Riley's story. He Said Never is a perfect combination of grief, love and happiness. Gavin and Riley are perfectly matched. Beautiful heartfelt read that keeps you captivated.

What a wonderful story . I have read a few of Ruth cardellos books and she is a lovely writer. This story was No exception to that . I think this book had the perfect blend of emotion and feel good moments . Riley is finding her way with a family she never knew , and gavin not looking for a relationship meets Riley and it sets the course of the story with some humor, heartache, laughs and of course some bossiness from older brother domenic ..
This story was a great addition to the lost corisis series

Thank you NetGalley

Overall I really enjoyed this book, but I felt like it was missing a little something to make it a five star read for me. Let me start first with what I did like.

I really liked that Riley was a strong female character that knew who she was, what she wanted, and wasn't willing to settle for less. She was fierce and loyal, not only to the family that has been by her side since day one, but the new family she just learned she had. She was willing to see the good in people, even when history proved she probably shouldn't.

I also liked how Gavin was given the opportunity to develop and show a lot of character growth. We were introduced to him as a man that said he would NEVER settle down, start a family, or even show any long term longevity to one woman. He was too scarred to believe any of that fantasy romance nonsense was worth it.

On the flipside of my last comment, I thought that Gavin's feelings towards Riley, and relationships in general, did a complete 180 far too quickly. I was anticipating a little more of an internal struggle, some angst. Riley seemed like an incredible catch, but it was far too simple. Also, Riley's alpha brother, Dominic, challenged Gavin and tried to threaten Gavin out of Riley's life. I was expecting a little more tension, a little bit of a fight. Again, I thought this was another situation that was resolved too quickly and easily.

This was a good read with good character dynamics and a really enjoyable love story, but for me it fell just short of really great. I would rate this book in the 3.5-4 star range.

Despite the experience of her mother there is nothing more that Riley would like is to find the man she wants to spend her life with, but she seems to have a knack with choosing frogs. A chance encounter with Gavin may not only allow her to merge the two families she finds herself part of but give her the life that she was beginning to think she would never have,

Gavin isn’t looking for love or a relationship, but he finds himself in a predicament when his father gives him an ultimatum if he wants to take over the family business. What he and Riley had was supposed to be an arrangement, so he was unprepared when it became so much more.

Not only do Riley and Gavin have very different lifestyles but they have very different views on their future as well however their hearts had different ideas and I enjoyed watching their romance unfold.

I'm really enjoying all the complicated family dynamics. Not necessarily dysfunction but all kinds of messy that make you want to plot out a chart to see how it all goes. To be fair, I've never read other of the authors storylines so that MAY clear it up for me but I'm still so very intrigued in any case. Keeping secrets or lies of omission play center stage in Gavin and Riley's friendship/relationship. Gavin will NEVER have a real relationship. He was taught and trained by the best-his dad. But things take a turn for Gavin and meeting Riley during that turn changes alot. Will he stick to NEVER? Or is Riley exactly what he needs to have a real life. Riley on the other hand wants everyone to be happy but is that even possible with the pain of the past and the twisted mechanics of the families involved?

He Said Never by Ruth Cardello was all about falling in love against all odds. Riley is such a beautiful soul with a very colourful personality and amazing sense of humor. And Gavin would make you swoon so good. He is the kind of brooding, stubborn and charismatic man who doesn't want anything to do with love but his heart failed to follow instructions. It was a witty steamy billionaire romance and I enjoyed it!

Riley and Gavin met by accident in a coffee shop. And they were both at crossroads of their lives. Riley is tired of balancing lies and searching for her soul mate. And Gavin has been given an ultimatum by his father. To find a woman to spend his life with or lose their family business. Faking it can only take them so far.

I liked Riley so much. She has a dry sense of humor. I liked her quirky ways of thinking. I liked how she keeps it real and relatable. She is full of feels and emotions. And Gavin doesn't believe in love. He may come across a bit rude and arrogant and coldhearted but he actually cares deeply. He has an alpha confidence that's really attractive. Their verbal sparring was really entertaining and so was the chemistry. Overall this story was a good combination of sexy and swoony.

I reviewed an early copy voluntarily through Netgalley and Montlake.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary – ☆☆☆☆
Riley and Gavin meet in a coffee shop where Riley has been stood up yet again. Why can't she find a guy that will actually meet her when he says he will?

Gavin doesn't want a relationship, but his father thinks he needs a fiancée to run the family company. When he meets Riley, there is something about her that draws him to her. He doesn't know what it is, but he wants to be around her. The more time they spend together, the closer they become and feelings begin to grow.

Can they make a relationship work? Will her brother try to ruin things before they really begin? Will Gavin's father approve of Riley?

I liked the first story, but I liked this one more. Here you have Riley looking for love and Gavin never wanting it and together they find each other. Something neither of them thought was possible. This story is great with a love that was almost built on trust, a family built on friendship and love, and a story to read over and over that will leave you feeling happy that you read it. I hope you give this one a chance and you enjoy it too.


Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
M/F Romance

Riley wants to find love. She knows that life can be harsh and unforgiving, but she chooses to see the love in life. When she's been stood up again, she thinks maybe it's just not out there for her. As she's leaving the coffee shop, she has a strange encounter where she's propositioned... Not the type of romance she was thinking.

Gavin isn't one to admit defeat, but with his dad's newfound kick on life, Gavin is forced to look for something he doesn't believe in. He sees Riley in the shop and thinks to himself, "Hmm, I could trick my family... she'll do." What he doesn't expect is to find out that Riley is much more than he thought.

These two were on very different paths. One trying to bridge a gaping hole in her family, the other trying to outwit his family. One looking for love, the other running from it. But somehow, they allow the other to see what's possible... what might be.

I really enjoyed watching these two figure it out. It was funny, smart, and I really enjoyed the romance.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in the series, but actually links closely to many of the earlier Corisi series of books. I would recommend that you, at the very least, read the first in this series before you read this, or I do think you will miss out on some of the important back story.

Riley cannot help but be intrigued when she finds that she has living relatives. They may be on her evil father's side, but surely they cannot be like him. He was a terrible man, who so intimidated her mother that she has no trust for the Corisi family at all. So walking a thin line, she is grateful that she meets Gavin, and finds a man who will listen and support. We know that there are some other issues in play, but cannot deny that Gavin realises that his feelings for Riley are not just for show.

I think that this is a really engaging romance, which tests the limits of what someone will do for family, and in spite of family. As Riley wants a connection, Gavin has always rejected them. Luckily, we know that this talented author will deliver just what we want, but not always in the way we expect it!

I was looking forward to Riley's story ever since Gian found their extended family. And I loved her story, about her mum, her relationship with Dominic's family. I think it's upstanding of her to really get to know her father's family even after what he did to her and her family.

However, I don't really feel the attraction and chemistry between her and Gavin. Am I the only one? Their relationship just feels very platonic to me. I know at the beginning they started out as friends. Even then Gavin felt some kind of physical attraction to her. But I didn't feel it. Even once they started getting more serious. I was thinking maybe it's because of his character and what he experienced with his mother, that's why he's a bit rigid about relationships.

I still enjoyed it though. I definitely loved the familial aspect of the story and the fact that Gavin's father might find a companion after all.

Gavin and Riley are the type of couple that I just adore in my romance books. Gavin was determined to not want anyone for anything series, too focused on being successful in business instead. While Riley was a cheerful woman always looking for the best in people. Their connection was made their differences work and I loved that so much. And the romance was still very evident even through the family drama that was happening with the Corisis side.

What a great, entertaining, sometimes emotional story this turned out to be. Even how the two main character meet was fun. It had more humor to it than I was expecting. But without feeling like slapstick. It definitely made me smile more than once. Of course, it didn't go very far into that until a little bit further in the story.
Riley and Gavin are wildly attracted to each other but Riley is quick to say "no" to everything Gavin comes up with. It stems from Gavin misunderstanding what Riley was about. And that was just the start. Riley also feels that she doesn't have the time for a player. She has enough to deal with...family stuff. Her brother Dominic is a bit of a wild card for Riley. He has talked her into a few things to protect her that's she's not totally comfortable with. A ritzy, expensive apartment, and Mr. Tuttle who is her driver, just to name a few. All done to increase her protection. Mr. Tuttle is quite interesting all on his own. Not only is he her driver but he also knows how to protect her.
Gavin has some unexpected family stuff of his own to deal with. It came at left field at him. His father is acting weird to his way of thinking. Is he okay or is he losing it? That takes a while to get to the truth.
Riley has more discovered family than you can shake a stick at but I loved it. Also her best friend Teagan who shows up just a bit in the story.
All in all, it was just something that I enjoyed all the way through.
I liked how the reason for the title is shown several different times in the story. It fit so perfectly.

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