In New York Times bestselling author Ruth Cardello’s sexy and emotional romance, a billionaire dares to invest in the riskiest proposition of his life: a second chance at love.Single mom Heather Ellis would do anything for her adopted daughter, Ava. Even post an online reward for anyone who found the girl’s lost stuffed animal. Who’d have guessed it’d be returned by a drop-dead-sexy man with such … drop-dead-sexy man with such sadness in his eyes that she had to reach out to him? To Ava, he’s a hero. To Heather, he’s a fantasy that puts at risk the happy life she’s made for herself.
It’s been five years since billionaire developer Sebastian Romano lost his wife and unborn child in a tragic accident. Now he’s all business. No room for emotion. Until he stumbles across that damn stuffed wolf and the beautiful single mother looking for it. Is he ready to give love a second chance?
But there’s more to Sebastian, his family, and his past than Heather knows. More than even Sebastian knows. Will the life they’re building together be challenged when the truth is finally revealed?
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I loved this book! The entire series (as with all of Ruth’s books) is hilarious and poignant. You won’t want to put this book down until it’s finished.
Sad, witty and fun – All the feels
I loved this book! It’s been a while since I’ve read one of Ruth Cardello’s books and I’m kicking myself that I left it so long!!! She combines every kind of emotion from tears through laughter into just the sheer enjoyment of living a best life and letting go of the past.
I loved Heather’s friends, and Sebastian’s family. Those people had no issue with privacy and getting all up in the business of these two. The active, and I mean ACTIVE encouragement of these people whose heartfelt investment in the long term happiness of our couple, pretty much bordered on the stalking of the other person.
Heather is a courageous single mum to a gorgeous young girl, having adopted Ava when her best friend passed away unexpectedly after giving birth. She has the most amazing ladies in her life and everyone should have friends like Teri and Erica. Those two were hilariously in her corner, cheering her on and giving her reluctant self some out there sexual advice and a gentle hard shove when she needed it.
Sebastian in turn had suffered the worst of tragedies in losing his wife and unborn child in a car accident. His self blame and guilt hung like a heavy shroud on his shoulder, warding of feelings of empathy and love. In short, he was just cold. Meeting Heather and Ava was a shock to him for sure, and throughout the book his self-reflection proved that he knew he wasn’t perfect, even as he continued to mourn his lost love and almost family. Ms. Cardello wrote him beautifully right down to the memories invoked by the simple tasting of a chocolate chip cookie.
I love the dual POV romances, and in writing The Broken One, Ruth Cardello has written the sweetest of romances and put some serious naughty into it, making this story one awesome read.
Beneath this story is an undercurrent of family secrets, set in motion by a determined nine year old girl on a mission to complete her father’s family tree, in spite of the road blocks that adults put in her way. This thread will be fun to unravel as further books in the series are read. I’m looking forward to them. 4.5 Stars
How many wolves can one little girl raise while her mom tames a wounded widower?
4.5stars
This romance had lots of family-time warmth, heat and some very lovable characters. Single mom Heather’s meet-cute with stunning Sebastian was unusual, all thanks to her adorable adopted daughter and her companion stuffed wolf. The length of the story was good, the dual POV gave a good insight into the couple’s emotions and motivation, and the author peopled their world with just enough secondary characters. I especially liked Heather’s neighbor Erica and her small, noisy tribe!
Perhaps most important, the story gave Heather, and more particularly Sebastian, reason and room to grow emotionally and chance opening their hearts. I thoroughly enjoyed their story, especially when Ava got involved.
There are some chapters, including the first, that seem to be from a different book entirely! I thought I had picked up the wrong book when I started the story and it did not jive with the book’s blurb! Apparently these chapters draw Sebastian Romano and his family into a bigger drama that will run throughout the series. It teases and draws you in to learn more, but I would not call it a cliffhanger. I personally steer away from books that end with a cliffhanger and this story does have an HEA.
Thanks to Montlake Romance and NetGalley for providing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
When you can’t escape your past you embrace it. Welcome the fact that you can’t change but you can open up your heart and let you family and love in.
Ruth opened the doors and released some skeletons. She has a knack for bringing back my favorites and make us remember why we became fans. Dominic created a mini me. She is truly her daddies child and just want to bring a smile to his face.
What an introduction to what will sure have us at the edge of our seat. More secrets that I am not even ready for.
I first read a fair few of this authors books through my library many years ago but all my reviews posted from then are no longer available.
Finding this author has joined Kindle Unlimited, I am treating myself to a reread.
I have just re-read all the box sets of the interrelated series for the Andrades/Legacy series.
It was a lovely surprise to find this author is adding to them.
Nice to be reading something new, diverting to a branch of the family obviously related to Dominic from Legacy.
Though I found this emotional and at times entertaining, overall it dragged on too long with the constant see sawing.
Cannot say I fell in love with either Heather or Sebastian. A big part of reading and relaxing for me, is feeling a connection with the characters, getting lost in a story for a while.
Heather comes across as desperate and sex starved. Who sends inappropriate gifts like she did, with a man she hasn’t even had a coffee with?
I disliked the hot/cold relationship, though I sort of gave Sebastian some leeway as he was only just starting to grieve properly. He had held it in for five years.
I’m not keen on the precocious 9-year-old Judy angle either.
Read through Kindle Unlimited.
I think you need to have read certain other books in the series to get a full understanding of the path this book takes you down. If you haven’t, you can still enjoy it, but if you have it will flow more smoothly. I haven’t.
Heather and Sebastian
Stunning and intriguing. Wonderful, wonderful characters with a storyline that keeps the pages turning. The mystery that is woven through the book is one I have to solve.
I guess this book can be read as a standalone, but I started listening to it, then reading it and was confused by the Judy and Alethea parts. I went back and read the description, which didn’t match how the story began.
I ended up going to the Legacy series and reading the last two books of that series. Then, the beginning of this book made more sense. What I don’t understand is why the beginning of this book was even included.
The book description ends with this paragraph, “But there’s more to Sebastian, his family, and his past than Heather knows. More than even Sebastian knows. Will the life they’re building together be challenged when the truth is finally revealed?”
The truth was never revealed. That paragraph had VERY little to do with the story. It had nothing to do with the back and forth that Sebastian and Heather went through. Then, there was the issue of Heather’s father. What was the point of having him in this book?
I felt like this book began with one story (Judy and Alethea), morphed into a completely different story (Sebastian, Heather, and Ava), briefly dropped back into Judy’s issue, went back to Sebastian and Heather, and then ended with a continuation of the first story (back to Judy and Alethea). It was very strange and disjointed.
I’m not sure when Sebastian and Heather went from lust to love, but they did, and got their HEA. There were a few funny moments in the book. Since Sebastian has 3 more brothers, I guess we will get 3 more books. I just wonder if it will take all 3 books before the truth is finally revealed?
Okay, I love this kind of series and I enjoyed this book for the most part but … although it was wordy and read slow, there weren’t too many edits but the very first one was on the first paragraph on the first page so that didn’t sit well with me. This book started with a flash back – we have no idea when this happened – the little girl is supposed to be 9 but her dialogue is that of a 19 year old! So that frustrated me. I couldn’t imagine a 9 year saying any of those things. Then, at the end, there was another and again, it was like reading an adult conversation talking about taking finger prints and making moulds with jello and using it to open a hidden biometric cabinet – a 9 year old!!! Give me a break!! Know who you are waiting about! The description and the flash backs left us to believe that we would understand who the flashback was about and how they tied into the couple we now read about but absolutely no questions were answered, not one, we were left with more questions – we don’t know if this person is older now, if this happened years ago or why we were forced to read about it! It frustrated me! A little explanation would have gone a long way and why bother a reader by taking them out of their read to read about someone else entirely – not related to the current story if you aren’t going to tie it in?? For me, this was a huge mistake by the author. Other that the above, the story was okay, it was wordy and read slow at points and the flashbacks that did nothing for this story didn’t help so I am surprised to find this by such an experienced author. I also have to admit I’m a bit put off by the cost of the,2nd and 3rd book. Trust me, getting the first at a lower cost isn’t worth it when the next 2 books are overpriced.
4.5 Stars for The Broken One book 1 in the new Christ Billioaires Series.
If this book is anything to go by Ruth Cardello has a new hit series on her hands, this book is a very emotional read as a young Judy Corisi try’s to work her family tree out and she comes across some very broken people. This is an emotional roller coaster that at times was a hard to read but I’m so glad I persevered with this story because I needed to see Sebastian and Heather get the HEA they deserved.
Two people who need to learn to trust again and take a leap of faith so they can mend and become one and let’s not forget the adorable Ava, Heathers beautiful daughter. A book with all the feels at times you will certainly feel as broken as the characters but there is light at the end of the tunnel and by the end of this book like the characters you will be put back together again. Looking forward to book 2 in this series.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one and even though this is my first book by this author it will not be my last! I am going to go back and pick up previous series because I am intrigued!!! Onward with this one though. Heather is a single mom, raising her adopted daughter and after Ava accidentally let Wolfie fly out the window on the way home and is lost she is devastated. A social media post for the lost toy and hopefully all is not lost. Sebastian Romano is barely hanging on and when he comes across the scruffy stuffed animal it only establishes everything he has lost…his wife and baby. Asking his secretary to throw it away that is changed when his mother gets involved. What turns out to be a wonderful meeting and melting of hearts when Sebastian returns Wolfie to Ava and meets Heather. I just loved everything about this book and look forward to more!
A great start to a new series. This was a fun fast read that I was looking forward to reading. This story held my interest . Sebastian was a hard character to like at first but I quickly warmed up to him. I enjoyed Heather and Sebastian’s Story and am looking for more in this series.
I really enjoyed listening to the audio book of this amazing book. I love the story, the characters were amazing. Sebastian had a tragic past loosing his wife and unborn child, he is angry with life and blames himself for the tragedy. His only focused is work, he lives in darkness until by accident and faith he mets single mom Heather who is everything he is avoiding in life. Heather in the other hand it’s a hard worker woman who adopted best friend’s daughter Ava after the tragic death of her mom. She is the light on the end of the tunnel for Sebastian. Will Sebastian give love a second chance? You definitely need to read this book or listen to it like I did. The Narrators brought life to this book for me and through their voices I felt all the emotions from this amazing characters.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Ruthie –
This is the first in a new series, but links to earlier ones if you are a Cardello faithful. The Corisi links are, I am guessing, going to be revealed as we progress through the series – as they weave through the Romano story.
Undoubtedly this is a very sweet and chemistry driven romance, but it is also full of wonderful humour – I laughed many times at the funny things which (mainly) Heather said, although Sebastian’s brothers are good sources too. Usually not intentionally funny, they were fabulous at balancing out the dark which had enveloped Sebastian for far too long. Heather’s best friend, Erica, is a great side character and, with her children in tow, she is the vision of normality. I did laugh at the description of the rooms in the house where the two first meet up… I dare you not to create a picture in your mind!
There is not really a good sense of time in the book, mention of a week here and a week there, which sort of makes it seem rather a rushed realisation of their love for each other, but I have a feeling that it worked because once Sebastian woke up, he had no need to be uncertain.
This is a good start to a new series, sets the family dynamics of the Romanos well, and gives us a very enjoyable romance too.
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
“The Broken One” is the first book in the Corisi Billionaires series and I am so happy to read more about the Corisi family. This is romance at its finest, truly a love story that brings two people together. Heather Ellis is a single mom that is beside herself trying to figure out how to find Wolfie the beloved stuffed animal that belongs to her daughter Ava. Heather hates seeing her sweet little girl so sad and somehow she just has to find this little stuffed animal. As luck would have it (or shall I say fate) Sebastian Romano stumbles upon this sad little stuffed animal, and for some reason he can’t just throw it away but at the same time he doesn’t know what to do with it.
Sebastian is a broken, angry man with a broken heart, who is not sure how to handle it when little Ava hugs her hero for bringing her Wolfie back to her. This book is loaded with romance, love, passion, tears and laughter, a love story helped along by a stuffed animal and a sweet little girl.
As an added bonus, Judy Corisi has a few parts in this book and how that all eventually ends will be in the next installments in this series, I am sure, cannot wait to read more.
Five “healing” stars for this one, another series off to a fantastic start!!
Audio via KU. This was OK. Barely 3 stars. The narration was great. I loved both Summer Morton & Brian Pallino ~ especially with what they were given to work with. I’m not sure I would have finished if I was reading or if the narrators weren’t as good. The storyline was intriguing, but it just wasn’t pulled off well. It was sort of clunky and felt like someone arranged some plot points and then slapped a few sentences between to try to join them together. I also felt like I was asked to suspend a lot of believability in order to “buy in” to several scenes.
The push/pull went on way too long and Sebastian was pretty vicious to Heather too many times to feel like he redeemed himself enough to be proposing a week later.
There were also these odd chapters from the POV of a child called Judy who had nothing at all to do with the main story or character and it’s never explained why she’s in there. There’s a LOT of references to characters from her other series which I haven’t read, so maybe that’s part of the reason why it didn’t make sense. I should NOT have to read 20+ books from other series in order to “get” a significant portion of this book.
I keep trying this author’s books because they’re “audio included” in KU ~ but not sure they’re enjoyable enough to keep trying.
This book has so much heart and soul put into it and one heck of a storyline that you won’t forget. It goes beyond a single parent romance. It has depth and so much character growth in it. As soon as I started reading it. I was hooked. A unique aspect of this book is that there are actually two storylines going on. One features Heather and Sebastian and the other features Judy Corisi. Both storylines interconnect in a mysterious way that only begins to touch the surface at the end of the book and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book in the series.
However, I should start at the beginning. Have you ever had a favourite stuffed animal, that you loved beyond belief and then unexpectedly lost? I bet you have felt the pain and devastation over losing your beloved stuffy. This is what happens to sweet little Ava. She lost her beloved Wolfie and is beyond devastated. What ensues, is Heather making an ad for Wolfie and the hot and elusive Sebastian stumbling upon the wolf by accident. Sebastian is a broken man. He has been through the worst kind of heartbreak of all. Losing his wife and unborn child has changed him and destroyed the dream he once had for a family. As the days go by, Sebastian feels more hopeless and detached but finding Wolfie has suddenly given him a glimpse into what his future could look like, if he only gave love one more chance.
When Sebastian returns Wolfie, there is an undeniable spark between him and Heather. However, Sebastian fights his attraction for Heather at every turn. Good thing Heather is patient and willing to wait for Sebastian. To say they have their ups and downs would be an understatement but their journey to their HEA is so beautiful and heartfelt.
Oh, and remember me mentioning Judy. Well she is a little girl working on a school assignment and wanting to know more about her father’s side of the family for a family tree assignment. She pops up throughout the book as she works to find out about Sebastian and her family. Her story is only beginning when the book ends and I can’t wait to find out what happens when she uncovers all the secrets of the Romano family!
This book will bring out every emotion in you and take you on an unforgettable journey. Don’t miss out on the exciting start of the Corisi Billionaires Series!
Wow what a book so worth the wait, This new series is definitely a up their with all Ruth Cardello’s books can’t wait for book 2
I have to say that I enjoy reading and the best thing I enjoy is not just the story but also finding new authors. And this was my first book by this author and it was an awesome read.
Sebastian Romano was a broken man. He lost his pregnant wife and he is just lost, sad and alone, angry, guilt-ridden and just done. Until he find a stuffed animal along the road. And for some reason he just can’t seem to make himself get rid of this toy. And well good for him on not getting rid of this toy, cause it might just be what saves him from his brokenness
Ava was Heather’s adopted daughter and her “Wolfe” (stuffed animal) was her angel. And now she has lost him and she can’t sleep without him. Heather being the best mother she can be did everything to find her daughter’s toy even placing an add and offering a reward. What she didn’t expect was Sebastian Romano.
This book is about being broken after you have lost something that is priceless and you can never get that back, or you think you can’t. And that is how Sebastian was. He was angry over his lost and didnt want to get to know Heather and her daughter. But fate wont be denied and these two were definitely a good match. Heather was strong, independent and definitely not a pushover. Heather not just helped Sebastian but he also healed her in a way she didn’t think she needed. Definitely a story that you cant stop reading and you can’t stop hoping that Heather will break through to Sebastian but also rooting for them to have their happily ever after
Sweet!
Sebastian Romano lost his wife and unborn child five years ago, and since then he hasn’t been the same man. He turned into a money-making machine. The one store his father brought from Italy many years ago, Romano Superstore, has turned into an emporium, a chain of Moreno Superstores that swipe down in a new city and take over business, eliminating the small store owners. Sebastian has been ruthless in growing his father’s company and achieving financial success beyond what his father ever imagined. He has two brothers who were able to study without student loans, like he did. They are all wealthy, thanks to Sebastian’s hard work. And yet, he is a man with no joy in his life. That joy left him the day his wife and unborn child died in a car accident. So, every year, on the anniversary of their death, Sebastian gets drunk, turns into an insane grouch, and the next day, he closes it all down, hungover but determined to live another year, emotionless.
Heather adores her adopted daughter, Ava. She was there when Ava was born to her best friend and college roommate. When her friend died from birth complications, Ava was left in her charge. Sudden motherhood didn’t deter her career path, she developed her own accounting company and has a comfortable life with her daughter. On the day they lost Wolfie, Ava’s cuddle toy, the world as Ava knew it came to a screeching halt and she didn’t want to deal. Poor Heather was at her wits end, trying to deal with Ava’s heartbreak. A social media share, offering a reward for Wolfie’s return, caused Sebastian to return Ava’s beloved toy and brought Heather and Sebastian together.
With a hot chemistry between then but Sebastian’s reluctance to get over his loss and Heather’s reluctance to trust a man’s staying power, they were a breakup waiting to happen. Her neighbor and babysitter Erika was a very stubborn matchmaker, pushing Heather constantly to pursue a relation with Sebastian. On Sebastian’s side, his mother, father and three brothers were pushing all the time for him to find happiness again.
This was a fantastic and sweet love story about two lost souls who didn’t believe in love’s staying power. The family and friends around them were the ones who made the miracle happen. There’s an element of ruthlessness that Heather tempers into compassion in Sebastian that made me very happy. The plot about eliminating the small businesses with the arrival of a big store wasn’t a happy instance for me. There is a side plot that remains mysterious for now, and it involves an unknown branch of the Romano family. It’s very intriguing and I hope the connection is revealed soon. The story is entertaining, the characters are adorable, especially Ava, and the family dynasty plot in development is hugely intriguing. This is my first book with this author, and now I want more!