This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
About The Book
From New York Times, bestselling author Ruth Cardello comes another scorching Corisi romance about the lengths people go for those they love and how complicated family can be.
Kal has always done whatever was necessary to protect and care for his family—even if that meant dancing for money. He’s not happy with his life or himself, but what matters most are the people he loves.
The best part of Jade’s bachelorette party is Kal’s stripping on the stage. The worst is discovering that her fiancé is sleeping with one of the bridesmaids. Drunk and ditched by her bridal party, Jade finds comfort and encouragement from the unlikeliest of men.
When Kal suddenly finds himself financially free, he seeks out the woman he hasn’t been able to forget. Their reunion is hot and heavy, but poorly timed. Jade is on the rebound and Kal’s life is upside down.
He said together, but is that even possible?
“You’re going to soar without him, Jade. It’ll be scary at first, but you’re stronger than you know.”
My Review
He Said Together is the most recent release of this series and I have been anticipating this book so badly, ever since I was introduced to our hero, Kal. He is such an interesting mix of reserve, intellect and determination. I wasn’t sure what to quite expect from his book as I was expecting lots of angst, but it actually didn’t prove to be quite as angsty as I was imagining it to be. Kal is a hero who is a fierce protector of family. Kal works as a male stripper to bring in the income to provide for his family and work to bring together his dream of working with the oceans. Then on his job, he rescues a young innocent woman who is in need of a friend and protector who shares his passion for protecting the oceans. But what we see here builds upon the friendship that Kal and Jade form into something deeper. But there are secrets and fears that Kal has, and they might destroy the bond between himself and Jade.
I found this story to be quite an interesting one that became so easy to be invested in. There is something different about Ruth Cardello’s contemporary romances that just speak to me in a different way than any other contemporaries I read. The writing is quick and easy, but the character growth is on par and you realize what a beautiful story this turns into here. Even though there are aspects of Jade’s character I just couldn’t understand at times. I wanted to love her so much more and it just didn’t quite happen as I felt like she could have had more faith in Kal and I didn’t understand her reservations about him. But I did love seeing his family become involved especially Dominic. Oh my goodness, I loved how he interefers here and there is a reason that his character is one of my favorites in this world. He is so full of love even if he goes about it in unique ways. But I enjoyed his involvement, as it really aided in bringing Jade and Kal together at the right time that just felt right for them. I was drawn into the romance that builds between Kal and Jade.
Overall I found He Said Together to be a compelling read that worked for me in so many ways. It offers delights, laughter, poignant emotion and family bonds to be endeared to.
Title: He Said Together
Author: Ruth Cardello
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Format: eBook
Source: Kindle Unlimited
Length: 234 Pages
Book Links
Amazon| Goodreads| LibraryThing| StoryGraph| Literal Club
Book Evaluation
Storytelling Quality: 3.75
Story Itself: 4
Character Development: 3.5
Writing Style: 4
World Building 4
Feels + The Romantic Heart 4
Pacing 3.75
Plot 4
Cover Art 3.75
Ending 4
Book Ratings
Overall Rating of the Book
Steam Level
Simmering—soft warm touches and light intimacy
Warm- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin’ up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.
Series Order
The Lost Corisis
He Said Always-Pub 2021 #1 in the Series
He Said Never-Pub 2021 #2 in the Series
He Said Together-Pub 2022 (Coming Out February 22) #3 in the Series
About The Author
Ruth Cardello hit the NYTs and USA Today for the first time back in 2012. Millions of sales are evidence that her books are akin to potato chips, addictive from the first one. She has created a multi-series billionaire world with a combination of escapism and realism that has gained her a faithful following of readers.
Ruth Cardello was born the youngest of 11 children in a small city in northern Rhode Island. She spent her young adult years moving as far away as she could from her large extended family. She lived in Boston, Paris, Orlando, New York–then came full circle and moved back to New England. She now happily lives one town over from the one she was born in. For her, family trumped the warmer weather and international scene.
She was an educator for 20 years, the last 11 as a kindergarten teacher. When her school district began cutting jobs, Ruth turned a serious eye toward her second love- writing and has never been happier. When she’s not writing, you can find her chasing her children around her small farm or connecting with her readers online.
I like that you said Cardello’s contemporary romances speaks to you in a different way than any other contemporaries you previously read, it’s just so good when we find a new spark in a genre we already love. Lovely review!
Yea! It’s always so good when an anticipated book lives up to expectations.
I haven’t read this author before. This book sounds really good and like a good place to start! I’m going to have to check my library and see if they have/will have it. Great review!
I really like the sound of this one and it’s a new author to me. Thanks for the great review.
Ok, ya got me…I’ve never heard of this author. You’ve got me so curious, though. I am adding book one to my wishlist!
I still haven’t tried this author, but your reviews for her books definitely make me want to change that. Great review! ?
I haven’t read Cardello before but I’m always up for a romance. Glad it was a win, Renee!
I have had good luck with this author in the past! This sounds like something that I would really enjoy. I am glad that you enjoyed it.
Nothing is worse than when a book you’ve been looking forward to isn’t good. So glad that isn’t the case here!