Reviews

He Said Never by Ruth Cardello

booksbymonth's review

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funny hopeful fast-paced

4.5

suzyq436's review against another edition

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5.0

Oh I loved this! I have a feeling I'm going to like this spin-off series much more. I love the broody male alpha and how Riley understands him.

The romantic buildup and anticipation was great but the smutty scenes was just okay. There aren't too many so it didn't take away too much for me.

I also felt that Fara meeting the Corisis for the first time would have been made a bigger deal as the story emphasises just how difficult that would be. But that was completely brushed over. But again, as this wasn't the main plot, I didn't mind at all too much.

Overall, I loved this for the connection between Riley and Gavin. Their banter was witty, their connection clicked and they are good together.

jeannethinks's review against another edition

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4.0

He Said Never is the second book in the Lost Corisis series. I'm really hoping Kal's book is next. This series is a spinoff and you get to see so many characters from a previous books and some of them that are still trying to learn to control their need for control.

Gavin doesn't mind some quiet time in his terms but when his father seems to go off the rails and demands he get engaged to keep his job he's at his wits end. Trying to consider all his option he unexpectedly meets a woman he actually wants to get to know better. Against his no relationship rule (read never) and after jumping to conclusions he might actually have a chance at something more.

Riley is straddling two worlds and secrets are not her cup of tea. She's trying to balance the love for her mother and brother and their wish to stay away from the changes and embracing her unexpec family. And then she finally decides to take something just for her and is surprised that she's actually attracted to the gruff and direct speaking Gavin. As a big believer in wishes she's really hoping hers come true.

rockchick19's review against another edition

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4.0

This was the first book I've read by this author and I really enjoyed it! Riley was fun but it took me a little while to actually like Gavin. He got on my nerves a little but like Riley, once we got to know him, he turns into someone you love. I hope there will be more in the series and can't wait to read them!

jlwright04's review

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adventurous emotional inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

 Fun & Different!

Rich man who has everything at his fingertips except a true appreciation for the feeling of love runs into a girl who knows that feeling all to well but has lived just above poverty her whole life and they change each other’s perspectives on so much ❤️❤️ 

Gavin and Riley made no sense on paper but ended up being absolutely the perfect balance for each other! ❤️❤️ 

lexee9's review against another edition

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lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This was another easy and fun read. I really enjoyed getting to know Riley and Gavin throughout this story. This is the 2nd book in this series and is interconnected to other series about the Corisis so there are familiar characters that we get to catch up with as well as seeing Riley in the last book. I loved watching her move forward with the new family connections and pushing Gavin in the right ways. She had a great personality that I really enjoyed and it brought out a lighter, fun side in Gavin. This story was well written, flowed well, and was easy to read because of it. It pulled me in from start to finish and I had to see what was going to happen next. I really enjoyed it and am excited for the next book and to see Kal (Riley's brother) come back around and deal with the connection to the Corisis. 
The narrators did a good job with this story and characters. I enjoyed it and the extra dynamic that they created. 

lianareadsblog's review against another edition

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4.0

Gavin and Riley are your perfect enemies to lovers couples that have to find themselves firstly in a new world for each one of them where trust and love comes with time and hard work.
I loved how the author is picturing both characters so real and honest and open. Just like in real life, nobody can be perfect and many times opposite attracts.
Loved to met old couples from previous books and I’m looking forward to read the next ones as some secondary characters really draw my attention in He said Never.

mamasin's review against another edition

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4.0

It was an interesting book and had a lot of family dynamics as Riley deals with her father's non-existence and tries not to hurt her mother. Riley becomes involved with her father's family and tries to protect her mother. She becomes romantically involved with Gavin and finds true happiness. There is one raunchy sex scene in the book which the reason I only gave it a four. It ruined the book for me.

love2read1995's review

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funny fast-paced

4.0

Opposites attract in this book about Gavin, who is adamant he is not looking for a relationship and wants nothing to do with love, and Riley, who is looking for the "one" to build a life with and doesn't see the bad in anyone. 

While the characters come from different backgrounds, they find they also have a similar experience - both were raised by single parents whose bad relationship experiences impacted how they (Gavin and Riley) approach relationships. Gavin has taken the cynical approach and wants nothing to do with relationships, whereas, Riley has taken the more hopeful approach and is looking for the "real deal". I enjoyed the chemistry between the two and how they gradually realized their relationship was more than friends. There is also a bit of heat and spice.

We first met Riley in Book 1 of the series, during which she learned that she was Domini Corisi's half-sister. This could be read as a stand-alone; however, there are several aspects of the book in which it's helpful to have read the first book. I did read the first book prior to reading this one so I was able to follow along nicely. This series is interwoven into other series by the author and the complicated Corisi family tree.

After reading the book, I find myself eager to dive into the Corisi world and start with the book that started it all.  

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

lynnette_reads's review

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funny inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

4.5

I absolutely loved this book from start to finish.

I loved Riley and her optimistic outlook on life that helped her to see the best in people rather than the flaws.  I also loved Gavin and his stubborn refusal to try change and his confusion when change happened anyway.

As a couple they were completely believable and I personally enjoyed reading them discovering a friendship and building on that.

I got a bit lost sometimes with Riley's extended family but the author has shown the different sides to how family works and how communication is essential.

It isn't often these days a new to me author makes me want to binge read their back catalogue but I can honestly say Ruth Cardello is definitely on that list!