Strictly Business is book one in the newest series The Switch by Ruth Cardello.

Identical twins separated at birth and both adopted to diametrically opposite families. They find each other through a complete fluke and now when one twin is threatened they decide to switch places. What was only supposed to be a couple of days playing his brother Scott has now become more complicated. Jessie was there for strictly business, get the proposal and tell whomever the oil company sent the answer is no, they aren't selling the farm. Things go wrong from the moment Crystal steps out of the car. She was definitely not what he was expecting. He's instantly attracted to her, but he's dealt with beautiful people before.
Crystal is only doing this as a favor to her uncle. Yet when she meets Scott he's different than she expected. And when she realizes there is more to the farm than she expects her heart melts a little. But when things get heated out could spell the end of her attraction. Yet maybe things are more than they seem and her orderly life is about to get more interesting.

I think this story had an interesting plot but sometimes I felt like I was reading about two different things entirely. You have Jesse who pretends to be his newly found twin brother Scott for various reasons and through that, he meets Crystal. While I’m glad that the secret switch didn’t stay secret for long, I felt that there were missing pieces in the story. There’s a good portion of Jesse being concerned about his brother’s farm and then a good portion of him and Crystal’s relationship. Both were fine separately but I felt that the transition between the two wasn’t as smooth and didn’t mesh as well as it could be. I think the characters are great and there’s a good development for both Jesse and Crystal but the plot fell a tad short for me. I still enjoyed it but there were too many things that I felt were unfinished. I wished we got to see more of Jesse with Scott’s parents, Crystal and her uncle with the brothers, the progression of Scott’s project etc. It was okay and wasn't bad but it didn’t wow me. But will it stop me from wanting to know Scott’s story? Definitely not :)

On the surface, this appears like the usual run of the mill billionaire story. And, of course, there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. However, once you delve deeper, it's actually a much more nuanced story, dealing with loss, grief, family dynamics, found family, and women in STEM.

I found Jesse to be a bit of an asshole for most of the first third of the book, but once the story really got going I grew to really like him and enjoyed his development. I found Crystal likeable from the start, and the attraction between her and Jesse was palpable. Which was why I was a little disappointed with the intimate scenes. They felt a little anticlimactic. But that's a small thing in what was otherwise an enjoyable read. There was plenty of humour and I loved the STEM aspects.

I loved the descriptions of the farm rescue animals, and the way they helped Jesse. I also appreciated that the storyline didn't go the predictable route, especially with the uncle. There's even a nod to 'Three Identical Strangers', which was a little eerie, but a nice touch. I liked the way things were set up for Scott's story, and I am definitely invested enough to want to read it. A new author to me, I will definitely be seeking out more of Ruth Cardello's stories.

Overall Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Heat Rating: 🔥🔥
Emotional Rating: 🤨😊😂🥰😍


*I will add this review to Amazon UK on publication day*

This story has a lot going on. Jesse and Scott have recently discovered that they are long, lost identical twins, and now they have pulled the ultimate switcheroo. Jesse is pretending to be Scott to help protect his farm. Jesse isn’t even fully aware of what he is protecting until later in the story. Crystal has to come to the farm as a favor to her uncle, who is wanting to either buy the land or buy access to it for his fuel company. Of course, her and ‘Jesse’ have an instant connection and attraction that is hard to deny. I liked the way they got to know each other and learned to trust each other, even after the secrets were revealed. There are a lot of great characters in this story. I really enjoyed how it all unfolded. I look forward to Scott’s story next.

Loved this book!!! It is the best twin switch book I have read in a long time!! This book involved two twin brothers who were adopted by different parents. The story revolves around them finding each other later in life and how love, intrigue and family changes their lives! Cannot wait for book 2 in this series to continue the story of the brothers!! Ruthie has another best seller with this one!!!!

Adopted at birth, Jesse Rehoboth finds out he has a twin brother, Scott Millville. Being raised very differently, Jesse, a take no prisoners business man, wanted to protect Scott when a big corporation wanted to buy his farm. So Jesse steps in and pretends to be Scott regarding the non-sale of the farm. What Jesse didn’t count on was Steadman Oil sent Crystal Holmes to deliver paperwork on the deal and Jesse was thunder struck with one look at Crystal. While this is definitely a getting to know you romance between two people who have secrets, there are many other subplots going on with Scott’s farm and the “gold mine” he is sitting on that could change the world. As well as heartbreaking backstories for a couple of our characters.

Strictly Business is the beginning of what is going to be an interesting series with these twins and their road to happy ever after. This story is very well written, has Ms. Cardello’s signature humor that always adds such fun to the story, a plot with a few tears, a bad guy who isn’t so nice and of course family. I look forward to getting to know these new and interesting characters to come in this new series.

this book was just so fun! ruth is a new to me author and I love finding authors that give me good vibes from the blurb and stick to that through the whole book.

Identical twins swap places, high flying executive and a farmer. All is not as it seems, corporate espionage, secrets and romance follows. Can they make it work when there are so many things stacked against them as a family let alone with romances thrown in.
Relax and escape in to the romance.

There is very much an inevitability with this book and on that factor it didn't disappoint. What was nice though that it was actually the minor storyline in the book, it was the other storyline that was actually enjoyable to read and kept your interest in the book overall.

An easy and quick read. But I didn’t enjoy it as much as previous books by this author. It did not seem to flow as well and it was a bit far fetched in places.
A fairly average romance. But I quite liked the characters.
3 stars

There was a lot going on in this book: twins switching places, chemistry both in and out of the lab, and so much intrigue!

I enjoyed the developing relationship between Jesse and Crystal and how they kept true to themselves and their growing feelings. Even though they couldn’t tell each other everything, they committed to not lying to each other.

There were a lot of fun side stories explored in the book beyond the steamy romance. The idea of Scott’s scientific discovery was fascinating!

For the first book in a series, I would have liked a little more character background Jesse as we started. It felt like we got thrown into the story about 20% in, and we really knew is that Jesse and Scott were opposites and that could only go so far.

3.5 stars - rounding up!

I requested an advance copy of this book and these are my honest opinions.

Will the secrets lying between them tear an impossible bridge for them to mend…

While I never until now read the author, her name was marked in my mind as one to discover one day, I think I noted her name because she collaborated with an other writer I often read.
I absolutely do not regret requesting this new book.
And it is even a better story as it is the first in a new series, ahhhh to not feel lost during the narrative.

The author’s bio talks about alpha men, yet while Jesse is a wealthy determined fellow, I do not see him as the caveman hitting his chest shouting “you, Jane, me, Tarzan”. He is considerate, refusing to take what is offered, certain it was the wrong thing to do because of what he was hiding, and when they finally find a way to meet again, he lets her set the pace of their new affair. Oh, he of course, goes on heavy, but he does not display ostensibly his wealth, with tiny details, he shows the woman who intrigues him that she matters.
And Crystal is not the woman who tames him, he is not a wild horse, but a man who has found a woman who makes him long for more. She is honest and straightforward, why probably Jesse keeps her at first at arm-length. she is too good to be true. But she is really this caring gentle woman who put those she loves first.
She is looking for a partnership, a shoulder to share her struggles or simply rest her head. With her frankness and openness, she demonstrates act after act she is a woman he can trust with his secrets.

I loved this tale of instant attraction, their chemistry is over the top but with so much between them at the beginning, I really wondered how they could make it work as their story was first set on a deception. Yet as they appear unable to forget their attraction, it is only with honesty and frankness between them they might try to find a path to be together despite everything that could tear them apart.
5 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 hot

I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

When Jesse, a suit wearing successful business man learns that he has an identical twin, Scott, who is a farmer he needs to meet him and find out how they became separated. Scott is fighting to protect his farm from Steadman Oil when Jesse steps in to make sure the farm is safe. He plans to shut down the offers from the oil company, but didn’t count on his feelings for Crystal Holmes whose uncle owns the company. Nor did he count on becoming somewhat attached to the farm and the misfit animals that Scott had adopted, i.e., Molly the cow who must be spoken to and petted while she eats – lol. Jesse and Crystal share an instant attraction and as they become closer, she believes that he is Scott only prefers to be called Jesse. How will she react when she learns who he really is and why he was hiding his true identity? I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

Crystal is a successful chemist who lives with her lab co-owner and best friend, Ellie. She is lonely, having lost her parents at the same time at a young age and having only her oil tycoon uncle as family. When her uncle asks her to visit a farm owned by Scott to see if she can convince Scott to sell or lease the land, Crystal goes out of a sense of family obligation.

It isn't Scott who Crystal meets on the farm, but his identical twin brother Jesse. Scott and Jesse have just recently learned of each other's existence after being separated at birth and adopted by 2 different families. Jesse thinks that Scott is into some trouble at the farm and insists he's going to pretend to be him to protect him from the interests of people like Crystal's uncle.

Despite both of their resistance, Crystal and Jesse can't seem to stay away from one another. They have to try to build trust between them despite the pressures being put on them by their families' competing interests.

This was the first book I've ever read by this author. It was good, but not the type of book that I couldn't put down or that I'd rave about to my friends. The plot was nicely layered and the characters likeable, but overall it was missing that spark that made me want to dive back into the story. The love story between Jesse and Crystal seemed both forced and also very rushed, which led to some eye-rolling on my part. Overall, I am grateful for the chance to read the ARC but won't be jumping to pick up any more titles by this author.

Each new book that comes out is my new favorite! I was hesitant at first about another “twin switch” book, but this was perfectly written by Ruth, as usual. I highly recommend this book.

I instantly fell in love with Crystal. She is a woman with a mind of her own; as well as strength, integrity, and a wicked sense of humor. She's not afraid to go for what she wants, in both her personal and professional life. This makes her a perfect match for Jesse who has a hard time relinquishing control of anything. They have a lot of trust issues to get through and the process is a long one,

I found myself wondering where Ruth gets these ideas. It was a believable and great storyline that moved along at a perfect pace. Can’t wait for the sequel with Scott!

I enjoyed this story, rather unusual for my normal skin of book. Really got into it after chapter 6 and enjoyed it non the less

I really wanted to love this :(

I got about 40% in, but it took me days, and then I finally had to give it up. I just think the storyline is quite dragged out, which is why it’s taken me so long.
I normally don’t like to dnf a book, but I couldn’t keep going any longer with this

This book was a good time.

It follows Jesse, serious and frankly miserable businessman who has swapped places with his twin brother Scott whom he has just found out about. Scott’s farm is sought after by an oil company so Jesse takes Scott’s place at the farm to meet with the rep the oil company is sending to make sure that they take the hint and leave Scott and his farm alone. This all goes wrong when Crystal shows up.

This is a classic tale of insta lust that turns into insta love throw in some grumpy/sunshine a bit of miscommunication and it’s an absolutely great time. This is a really good 4.5 star read and I can’t wait to read Scott’s story next.

This book was not for me, I did pursue to the end but as I said not for me however someone else might enjoy it ..

This is my first Ruth Cardello read and I wanted to LOVE this book from the first page since I've heard great things about her writing. I didn't. I ended up liking it, but the first couple of chapters (and I know it was setting up the premise of the book), were just a bit slow and dry. Twins brothers who just found out about each other. Jesse the corporate twin wants to help Scott the farmer, so they switch places for a few days. Throw in a hot woman, Crystal, who happens to be the niece of a high powered corporate oil executive who wants to buy Scott's farm, and the sparks fly.

The book got better after the reveal of the secret and attempting to find out who was behind a break in, but I'm not a fan of keeping secrets from a person you're beginning to care for. Jesse was a...hmmm...how to put this...difficult man to like. Crystal, although brilliant, was a bit immature and kind of fell head over heels over Jesse, before she really knew him. At least Jesse let Crystal know he WAS Jesse and didn't keep her thinking he was Scott.

Jesse got more acclimated to the farm so less of a corporate wonk. Crystal realizes she needs to put her big girl panties on in relationships. Scott seems to be liking suit wearing.

The ending of the book opened the door for the next book in the series and even though this wasn't a favorite read, I do want to know what happens to Scott!!

I was gifted a copy of this book by NetGalley and Kensington. The review is my own.