I really loved this book. Cristof and McKenna were great characters and I loved the story. I've always wanted to go to Italy and this book is like a dream. Ruth has done a great job with this book and its just as great as the previous ones.

Thank you Netgalley, the author and publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was the third standalone book in the Corisi Billionaires Series by this author and I think even though you might not have to read the previous 2 books, I would suggest it because there are quite a few characters and keeping them straight helps quite a bit if you've read the other books. Having said that, this one was an adequate read with a decent storyline but not quite as good as the 2nd book in the series which I found to be really good. I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC for NetGalley.

I have enjoyed many of Ruth Cardello’s books and loved this one too. She writes individual stories, but families coming together are always the theme, and if you read enough of her books, the characters from different books manage their way into the storylines. Christoff and McKenna were the couple in this book. Chris came from a loving home, very close to one another, and very secure in their knowledge as such. McKenna had a single, race car dad with a mother who had disappeared long ago. As an adult, McKenna is still very wary of “family”, not really understanding the concept. The journey this couple takes in helping Christoff mend family riffs in Italy and enjoying all that their little town there gave them, made this a great romantic feel. I found this to be another of the author’s wonderful storytelling and am so glad i am able to read and review this.

The Secret One was such a beautiful love story by Ruth Cardello.  Christof falls fast for the beautifully independent McKenna. McKenna is captivated with Christof. Can a fake engagement turn real. Grab this book and follow along to find out what happens between these two.

Ruth Cardello captivates you with a book a family, love and independence. The story of Christoff Romano and McKenna Decker are just a small part of healing a family in this story.
It is one that you will not want to put down at all.

This is book three in The Corisi Billionaires Series and it is Christof and Mckenna's story and omg what a story it is. Christof is now working for the family's Romano Superstores Business and is always looking for smaller chains of businesses to partner with only to break down on the side of the road. McKenna was driving when she stopped to see if she could help the driver as she is a mechanic. Christof and McKenna had a conversation years ago that had so much meaning to the both of them that they could still recall some of it and that is what changed the course of both of there lives. I absolutely loved this book so much and there connection and chemistry between them was so strong and there conversation from years ago had a real effect in this story but will it be enough for both of them to go forward into a relationship. Ruth Cardello is an amazing author and writer and she is one of my all time favourite authors and I definitely recommend you read this book, series and other books by her and you will definitely not be disappointed as her books are amazing, addictive and real page turner.
I voluntarily reviewed an Arc copy of this book.

The Secret One is a map of life. Cardello draws a direct route through the tunnel of foolish pride, the road of past regrets and the valley of new beginnings. Christof and McKenna are at the center of all the chaos. Both have so much love to give, but have barricaded their emotions behind a wall of fear. Amidst their drama lies a history of anger and hurt that threatens to swallow any chance for happiness. A family in crisis. A romance that may not stand a chance and a hope that everyone will finally get things right. Free fall into love with the Corisi Billionaires.

Refreshingly honest, heartwarming family-focused romance!

From the very first meeting in a seven-years-earlier prologue, this story defies all the conventions and delivers a story unlike any other I've read. McKenna and Christof meet again in the present time, and still the author finds a unique approach to every part of their reunion and the subsequent romance.

This departure from standard trope mechanics elevates this book above the usual romance fare, yet it's the intensely emotional but ultimately inspirational family drama that plays out alongside the romance that truly renders this book unforgettable.

In the previous two books of this series, we were given the romances of Christof's older brothers interspersed with a few clues and brief history of how the Romano family intersects with the Corisi family, whose stories are told in earlier books by this author. Now, Christof is called upon to utilize his innate skill for mediation to bring together both sides, a daunting task considering all the hatred and violence in the family's history.

I was deeply impressed with the way these characters refused to play the usual games, instead choosing direct honesty and laying all their cards on the table. When a misunderstanding might be trying to take root, compassion is chosen over offense, resulting in a mature, intelligent romance that flows like a balm for the soul.

The writing is so vivid, so eloquently presented that I could swear I could smell Nona's cooking and hear the boisterous cousins in the background. This was pure literary escapism at its finest, and I could not have loved it more. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

Christof is a man whose life revolves around his family and the family business. When he finds himself stranded on the side of the road, he never expected that the person who would come to his aid would be the woman he met years earlier and has never forgotten.

McKenna inherited her love of cars from her father and her knowledge and skill is unparalleled. When she sees that Christof is having car trouble, she stops to lend a hand but she never expected that he would be the same man who changed the course of her life when she needed someone the most.

The feelings they had for each other are stronger than ever so when Christof needs a fake fiancé to alleviate a family situation in Italy he hopes that by convincing McKenna to pretend to be his fiancé that with time he will also be able to convince her to make it real.

The support that Christof and McKenna show each other whether it comes to family or their careers shows how perfect they are for each other. There is also a great cast of secondary characters on both sides and revelations from the past that draw you into this family and this series even more.

The Secret One is a fabulous edition to the Corisi Billionaires. You finally get a peak at some family secrets and a little bit more of who Dominic Corisi is. You will love the Romano family and how they tie in with Dominic. Christof is a sweetheart. He is the gentle one that keeps the family in check. He is strong and hasn't forgotten the one. McKenna is headstrong, she has her own dream and hasn't forgotten her first meeting with Chris. There is such a strong pull between Mack and Chris that will put a smile on your face. As family secrets come out you see how strong the Romano and Corisi families really are. I love watching the families grow and the healing process begin. I loved every moment of this one.

The Secret One is the Ruth Cardello's third book in the Corisi Billionaires series. I loved the previous two book and couldn't wait to read this one. This book was great.

The story touch my heart in many different way. This book gave me so much more than just the love story.
This stories event of what happen to Mack had me really enough the strength of her character.

I so enjoy the Corisi Family and their bond. I loved Mack and her family. I love that her family of choice. There is something to be said about people you call family.

Ruth Cardello tugged at so many of my emotions! This the reasons I enjoy reading her books over and over again! 5 Stars Read!

4.5 Stars for The Secret One (Corisi Billionaires #3)
This is Christof and McKenna’s story and it’s set in beautiful Italy, it’s the third book in the world of the the Corisi billionaires, their partners and their friends.
Christof meets a stunning mechanic on the side of the road and from the moment their eyes met he new they were meant to be but he lives in a very different world to the woman who loves nothing better than getting her hands greasy, he comes from a world full of secrets and betrayal and he needs a fiancée by his side to negotiate the latest family issues so how will McKenna fair when a fake engagement becomes real, how will she fair when feelings come into play.
You’re going to have read the book to find that out....
This book is about secrets, trust, love, family and loyalty and I loved it, I fell very quickly for Christof and McKenna is one of those girls you would love as a friend, so I guess all that’s left for me to say is please one click this gem of a read.

The Secret One is the third book in the Corisi Billionaires but was great as a stand-alone. This was the first book I’ve read by this author and I am so happy to have gotten a chance to read it. The storyline was developed, and the book was well written. The Corisi family was such a delight and I could feel the love they had for each other. They were down to earth and had such great family values. Christof’s character was strong but still able to have a venerable side. McKenna was fiercely independent and her feelings of being left behind by people she loved made it hard for her to open up and allow herself to be happy. She eventually figured out that she had her own family even though, but they were not the traditional family. I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading the previous books in the series.

This is a beautiful story and a wonderful addition to this entire series I have to tell you these books get better and better which isn't always the cse as some authors coast on one or two wonderful reads but that isn't the case with Ruth her books actually get better the more you read

Christof(Chris) Corisi is very drunk the first time he mets McKenna he doesn't really remember the night that well at all after all he was trying to get over the death of his SIL but ten years later and broken down at the side of the road he reconnects with McKenna, she is now the proud owner of a garage called Decker Park and she is used to the men in her life trying to change not wanting her to keep on smelling of oil So when she stops to help a stranded motorist she is surprised at the connection they feel As they talk to one another on the phone they eventually realise that they have met before that night in the bar as the connection grows she cannot believe how he is willing to accept her and all her faults When he has to go to Italy on a family business trip his mother thinks a fiancee would make things easier and Chris asks her to play the part but what happens when play start to feel real an family secrets are revealed, Will they get a HEA you will have to read to see

5 star review of The Secret One (Corisi Billionaires #3) by Ruth Cardello

Having visited Italy last year I jumped at the chance to read The Secret One while Italy is still fresh in my mind and holds a special place in my heart. This is the third book in the series and one I really enjoyed, in fact this is my favourite to date.

I loved Christof and McKenna, they were easy ti relate too and I was thoroughly invested in the story that Ms.Cardello wove. Their meet cute was quirky and fun and I loved the journey they travelled to get their happily ever after.

The Secret One is a story of love, family and romance. Of finding love when you least expect it and taking a chance that the one you offer your heart to will keep it safe. I fell hard and fast for Christof and could easily see McKenna as a friend.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

I have read this author alot. I have loved a lot of the books she has written and I have read all her series. From the Legacy to the Andrades to her cowboy series and I have enjoyed all of them. This is a series I have also read from the beginning as well. This is book 3 and there is a plot that starts in book 1 and ends in this book and it took this book to amazing levels.

I am not sure if this book stands alone because I have read this entire series and if I had not read book 1, I might be confused about this side plot. So if this book sounds good to you, I highly recommend you start with book 1 and then go to book 2 and then this book.

I loved this book so much. It is a long story and I am sure if the author had wanted she could have made it into a duet but I am so happy she didn't because it would have killed me to wait for the conclusion. I am a fast reader and this story took me three days tp read and it was a can't put it down book. It was just that great. I loved everything about it. The plot, the characters, the love, the family and Dominic Corisi and the people that love hims part in this story. If you have no idea who that is I would recommend you read Maid For the Billionaire which introduces him.

This story is the third book about the Romano family, they are connected to Dominic and the Corisi family but I am not spoiling how. This is about the youngest son Cristof and begins 7 years before in a bar where he meets Mac Decker. They are both is sad shape but that night changes both of them forever.

Then the story starts 7 years later and we see how they followed their dreams and what they have accomplished in those seven years. They run into each other but don't recognise/remember each other but they have a string connection. Here is where instalust/love begins and they have the most adorable phone dates.
Then the Dominic connection starts and Cristof has to go to Italy and he asks Mac to go with him and thats when the fun begins. Cristof is this wonderful character. He is sweet, kind and fun. For Mac she has never known anyone like him before. He trtotally gets her and accepts her for her.

I adored Makenna Decker. She is wonderful with Cristof and is perfect for him. She is so supportive and there for Cristof and I absolutely adored her. She is the daughter of a Nascar driver and so she knows how to take calculated risks and she teaches that to Cristof.

This story was wonderful and amazing and the author blew me away with how wonderful a story it was. It had everything. It was fun and sweet and romantic and was a nail biter too. I adored every character but no one was as great as Nona.

I enjoyed the other two books in this series. Whilst this can be read as a standalone , it definitely helps to have read the earlier books.

A book that flows well, with a diverse range of characters, some old faces and some new ones. A cracking storyline with more family secrets revealed and resolved.

Then add a dash of romance, to make an absolutely gripping read. I cannot wait for the next book in this series.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

This isn't one of my top authors but I've read a few. This one was good. Not my favorite but I did enjoy the whole book. Thanks for ARC.

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.