I have enjoyed every book in this series but this one, especially, was one of my favorites because it really helps to answer the question of why a character from a prior series, Dominic, is constantly in the books of this series. The romance aspects of this book follows Christof, the peacemaker of the family and McKenna, a smart and strong female character. They met years ago when Christof was drunk because he was sad about how his brother Sebastian was handling his wife's death. They had a connection then but didn't exchange information to keep in contact. Years later, they meet when McKenna, who is a race-car mechanic and owner of a racing track (I might be simplifying her actual success but it's awesome to see a woman who is as successful as her), stops to help Christof with his car, which broke down. They realize afterwards that they met before and sparks fly.

One Dominic's role is clear, Christof is sent to help smooth things over and they go to Italy together (She's helping him). There are surprises, there are secrets uncovered and overall, it was well done novel that really emphasizes the importance of family. Thanks to NetGalley for the early read and I look forward to revisiting this book through the audiobook.

I am a fan of this author and especially like her older books. This was a good story that builds on other, established characters. Overall, a good read.

Loved this! The Romano brothers are simply the sexiest, sweetest guys and I love reading about their close family ties and love for mama and nonna!

McKenna and Christof are amazing together. They hit it off while commiserating in a bar in college and fate brings them back together in the sweetest ways. I love that these two don't instantly remember one another, but instantly are attracted to one another.

The depth of this story is much more than the attraction between McKenna and Christof are delves further into the Corisi mystery. I highly recommend the Legacy series- especially book 1 Dominic Corisi's story simply because it will bring the entire story together. I love the weaving Cardello has done with these two series and cannot wait to see what she gives us with Gian's story.

This story is fun, fast (hehe- read to see why) and fantastic. Thanks NetGalley and Montlake for this ARC.

The story of Christof and McKenna. I hadn't read any of the other books, and at times did feel like I was missing some of the back-story.
They first meet years ago in a bar, and haven't seen each other since. A chance encounter brings back the memories and soon they are spending more time together. He needs a fake finance to help him with some family issues back in italy, and she agrees to help. But soon the feelings are all too real, so will they end up getting hurt when it ends?

3.5 Stars
Another good story in this series. The odd scenes from the previous 2 books makes a little more sense in this one. You’ll find out why. (They didn’t seem to fit the first 2 books which did affect my rating in book 2.)
Overall, I did enjoy this story, but I did feel a few parts seemed to drag on and I skipped a few pages here and there because of this. I was able to skip them with no problems.

The Secret One is the third book in Ruth Cardello's Corisi Billionaires series and while it focuses on a new Romano brother the story is interwoven with the Corisi family secrets that are coming to light more and more with each book. I loved getting to know Christof and McKenna and I really liked that they 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 and it was amazing to see how sweet Christof could be. It really drew me to his character as well as Mack's. She was a little skittish and unsure if she should put her trust in Christof but it was fun to see her work through that, especially with the help of her crew.

When I first started this series I wasn't sure how I felt about the Corisi involvement in the stories since so much was kept a secret and wasn't too prominent in the stories. But now with those secrets coming out it's getting really interesting and I'm so curious what else will happen from here.

The Secret One is a steamy contemporary romance with a billionaire hero and an independent heroine. I haven't read Ruth Cardello before but I already want more. This is book 3 in the Corisi Billionaires series and it can be read as a standalone.

The book starts off with readers meeting 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.

The story picks up years later. Christof is a billionaire working for his family and McKenna is working at her garage called Decker Park. When Christof has car problems, McKenna pulls over to help. They don't realize that they met years before but their chemistry is still there. 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.

Christof and McKenna begin talking on the phone and having virtual dates. Once they put it all together and realize that they met when they were younger, their feelings for one another begin to make sense. Yes, it is fast but they are meant for each other.

They want to take things slowly but that goes out the window when they agree to a fake engagement. Christof needs to visit Italy to handle some family business and his parents think the news of an engagement will make it easier to find peace. McKenna agrees which is shocking to both of them.

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 give The Secret One 5 stars. I am not always a fan of 'instant love' but Ruth wrote such a beautiful and believable romance. I couldn't put this book down as I was captivated by Christof and McKenna's beautiful connection. I loved every moment of their love story and I can't wait to read more from Ruth Cardello. If you like a romance with passion, wit, and drama, then you need to read this book.

Seven years ago Christof and McKenna met in a bar - both coming to terms with the loss of special people in their lives. Sharing wisdom and hope as well as a kiss they went their separate ways. Fast forward to the present day and they have each made a name for themselves in their own way. However, they are both still missing that one person in their life.

A chance breakdown on the side of the road sees them meeting again, not that either one of them realises at the time. After swapping numbers, purely for car issue reasons, they start messaging and having phone call dates. That is until Christof's family need him to sort out a problem from the past and head to Italy. His mum wants him to take McKenna as his fake-fiancée but he can't ask that of her - can he?

The underlying storyline that has been running through the Corisi Billionaires series now comes to light and it is down to Christof to help smooth things over between the families. McKenna lends a helping hand but it's just an arrangement - right?

Although this is the third book in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone. It's about fate and a second chance. Two strangers meet in a bar for a short encounter and seven years later they cross paths again.

Christof is one of the four Cordello brothers. Together, they run the family business. Christof hasn't met the "one" yet.

McKenna aka Mack has finally realised her dream with the help of her friends. The only family that she has. Due to past experience, she won't allow any man to try and change her and she likes and independence.

When Christof and Mack meet again after all this time, there is an instant connection, but they fail to understand why. They keep in touch and just when they are starting to get to know each other, there is a family emergency that Christof has to attend to. His parents are desperate and they make a suggestion which might make his mission a little easier. Considering that they are just getting started, will Mack go along with the suggestion?

Christof is the kind and thoughtful person who puts family above all else. He has a way with people and tackles the challenge with common sense and compassion. Mack is insecure, but she plays a big part in the accomplishment of the family reunion. There are all kinds of unexpected family secrets which are artfully unravelled. The romance is casual to begin with, but once they realise that it means so much more, it's rather beautiful. I like the tight family ethics and how they achieve the problem solving. A very pleasant read.

The secrets just keep coming and the stories keep getting better and better. Mack and Chris for the checkered flag.

This is the third in the Corisi Billionaires series and I think it is the best one!! I would highly recommend it although you really have to have read the author's earlier "Legacy" series to add to the enjoyment of this book. Christof and McKenna were wonderful characters who didn't have any major flaws...what a concept! They were both well rounded and fun to read about. Christof's love of his family was refreshing and unapologetic. McKenna was very independent but enjoyed the Romano family. It was also great to understand how the Romano and Corisi family were connected and to get to the truth of Domonic's background. Great read!

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

The Secret One was everything and more than I hoped for in the latest book on the Romano family. The missing pieces in Judy Corisi’s family tree finally are explained and readers get to meet McKenna, who is instrumental in assisting Christof Romano with the reconciliation of a long standing family feud. Full of family and Italian culture, author Ruth Cardello teases readers with a great meet cute, a fake engagement, and updates on other beloved characters. This reader sees one loose thread and suspects there might be more story coming. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book from NetGalley. Most highly recommend.

I enjoyed this book. Loved how quickly Christof falls for McKenna ( MAC). Could she be “The One”? As they go for a crazy plan of his Mom’s, they head off toItaly to see his family there. There’s a lot of drama, plus he learns of a major secret. Will the family finally make up? Will Christof try to change McKenna? Did have some tears at one point and I loved their happy ever after. I recommend reading this book.

Christof and McKenna meet in a bar by chance but fate doesn’t give them another chance until 7 years later when there’s family drama that Christof needs help with.

This book is part of a series, I haven’t read them all although I’ve read enough to get a sense of the different characters. It can be read as a stand-alone but it does add to the book if you have read the previous ones. I find the characters that Ruth Cardello writes are always interesting and most importantly they don’t get on my nerves as sometimes the main characters tend to do in romance books.

If you’re looking for a holiday read or just an easy read for the afternoon then this book is definitely worth a go.

Another great read from Ruth Cardello, I really enjoy the Romano family,how they all work together to look after each other’s feelings. Christof and Mack are made for each other, witty and sometimes laugh out loud humour brings their characters to the story., and the romance blossoms throughout. Secrets will out and are dealt with as only a close family can.

Wow!! Definitely shocked at how much I loved this book! I figured it would just be another same old book?! But it wasnt!! The story flowed seamlessly! It had intrigue, it was funny, had some heartache and heartbreak! It kept me hooked the whole book!! I really enjoyed reading this book! Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for sharing this book with me!