Review of Strictly Business by Ruth Cardello

You always know what you are getting with this author, and if hot steamy romance is your thing then you are in for a treat with this book. It ticks all the boxes with two great leads and a nice story. Recommended

Strictly Business, the first book in The Switch series by Ruth Cardello, is the beginning of a imaginative journey to uncover scientific espionage, while at the same time revolving around romance. With a varied cast of characters, a smooth flowing dialog, wry and witty humor, and familial repartee, there are a varied range of intrigue and secrets, woven together seamlessly, that keep the pages turning.

This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

Loved it, 5 stars
I received an ARC from Net Galley and this is my review.
This duet is about identical twins who were separated at birth and ended up on completely different paths, Jesse is a ruthless businessman and Scott runs a farm.
Book 1 is Jesses story, Jesse and his twin Scott swap places, Scott runs a farm and is being targeted by an oil company wanting his land, Jesse the businessman swaps places so Scott doesn’t get taken for a ride, Crystals uncle had taken her in when her parents passed away and owns the oil company that wants Scott’s land, he asks her to deliver the papers to the farm, but when Jesse and Crystal meet they realise they have great chemistry, let the shenanigans begin.
This story is a 5 star read from me, the characters are likeable, and the animals at the farm are fun to read about, all in all a feel good read.

This book is about twins who were separated at birth and adopted separately. Jesse is a hard nosed business man whereas his brother is happy working on his parents farm or is he. Jesse and Scott change places as they are identical and Jesse is trying to protect Scott and his family from an oil magnate. In comes Crystal to try and persuade Jesse posing as Scott to sell the farm and it all goes from there. Scott has invented something everyone wants and which could change the famine crisis in the world. The book is about love, trust, hurt,, tough parents, soft parents but to me it was a little off kilter. The story did twist and turn but I am afraid it was a book not for me. I did finish it as I feel I owe that to the author who has put time and energy into writing the story but I do not think I will read any sequels.

This is not the sort of book I would normally read and I know why. The story is very predictable and has the happy ending one expects. If you like romance and happy endings then this is for you.

This is the first installment of the series The Switch and it is also a first time read for me by this author. It was a very entertaining read and I'm glad I requested the ARC.
Jesse is a cold, ruthless businessman. He takes the place of his twin brother to deal with Crystal, a rep from an oil company who wants to buy out his brother's farm. Easier said than done, as the sparks quickly fly between these two. Both are harboring a secret from each other on their family members behalf. The two characters were absolutely wonderful and I loved seeing them together and how their relationship developed. The mistaken identity added a fun aspect to the story. The story unfolds nicely and the twists and turns kept me glued till the end. I truly enjoyed this story and am looking forward to reading Scott's story next.
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

It wasn’t like jaw dropping nor was it terrible just the beginning I didn’t quite click with straight away. But the other half of the book I really did like. I just feel like something is missing.
Spice was like 🌶🌶🌶🌶/5
It was actually really good smut
The sexual tension between the characters was really good tho
The chemistry between the two main characters was really good but like I said I don’t if it’s missing something or maybe I had an off day. Might re-read it in a better head space

I’m really forgiving when it comes to romance books. Sometimes I just want the thrill and a giggle. If it has a good storyline then that’s a bonus. I also devour books in one sitting. However, this book, took me many sittings. It was not good in the slightest. The story had potential but it was let down by several factors. I didn’t care for the relationship between Jesse and Crystal. Their beginning didn’t feel smooth and I couldn’t see the appeal in Jesse. The dialogue between the characters felt juvenile. This felt more like a bad debut novel and I was surprised it was written by an established author. I could write more but I feel I’ve wasted enough time on this book.

This was a fun book. I especially loved the animal characters! I'm looking forward to the next book.

This is a story of twin brothers Jesse & Scott who swap places so Jesse can save Scott's farm. This follows Jesse and how he falls for a woman called Crystal and how it complicates his life and enjoyed the steamy moments.
Loved the characters and the story had lots of twists.
Highly recommend for a summer read.
Hope there is a follow up.
Thanks to NetGalley & Montlake for a advanced copy.

When businessman Jesse agrees to swap places with his twin brother the farmer, he gets more than he bargained for. Scott’s farm is under threat by an oil baron so identical twin Jesse takes on negotiations to save the farm.
Flustered Crystal arrives to negotiate. Not knowing the full reasons why her uncle wants the farm, she presents the papers to Jesse believing him to be Scott.

I may have made this sound complicated but it’s not, it’s very easy to read and follow.

This book is mostly about Jesse and Crystal, their complicated lives and how their relationship develops. A romance with an underlying mystery causing danger and intrigue.
I’m hoping this book is the introduction to a new series especially as Ruth Cardello readers will recognise the arrival of the Romano’s to the farm.

This is the first book I read from this author. I have been told that there is crossover from past books which I love to see! With this book you will get Billionaire Romance, hidden identity, instalove and a dual POV. The main character pretends to be his twin brother in order to save his farm. I enjoyed the back and forth and light steam in the book.

Thank you to the NetGalley and Montlake giving me the chance to review this ARC.

3.75/5

This was my first time reading this author and I really enjoyed the writing and the story.
I enjoyed some story aspects here the twin thing was fun! I liked the relationships here too.
I liked Crystal she was fun! Jesse was too i liked the dynamic there.

Overall this was a fun read!

ARC provided through Netgalley all opinions are my own:
An easy refreshing 4 star read about Jesse, a very blunt businessman, who takes his twin brother place to prevent an oil rep purchasing his farm. Thing don’t exactly go to plan as this book turns into a romcom where Jesse falls in love with a girl named Crystal. This book has a very easy to follow plot and the main story is about Crystal and Jesse with a side story on the Oil Rep purchasing the farm. As the book ends the situation regarding the farm becomes the main plot which sets up nicely for the next book, which I am 100% going to read.
There is a great level of spice in this book and the development of their romance was incredible. I couldn’t put this book down! It was a great palette cleanser!

I enjoyed this book immensely. It was filled with laughter and love. I loved how Jesse became his twin Scott and vice versa. A different kind of read for me in the good way. I would highly recommend!

Have read a few of this author's books before.

This book is about twin brothers, Jesse and Scott, and one switches places of the other brother. Jesse has to find out why a woman all of a sudden wants his brother's company. There's suspense, and some romance in this new series. Once things are figured out, and romance wins out, it is a fantastic book.

Oh dear. I thought this book would be fun to read, but the first few pages read like there was a much longer intro which had been summarised. Not a great start.
Beyond that, it was chock full of stereotypes, women with curves that burst from their blouse buttons, and a view on the world that despite its modern day plot could have been written fifty years ago. There are so many better romances out there, just don't bother with this one.

Strictly Business is Book 1 in the Switch series featuring Scott and Jesse, identical twins that swap lives for a short time with explosive results. Not only do their business lives get intertwined but new relationships start for each of the twins.

Jesse (as Scott) meets Crystal and their connection is immediate and chemistry undeniable. It's not all plain sailing for them but the story unfolds with their relationship deepening by the day. There are clearly more books in this series to come and I look forward to reading them.

Let me start by saying this is not my normal type of book, but the blurb sounded interesting. I was pleasantly surprised with this story. I thought the characters were well written and the plot interesting. This is a pretty cute story with a few twists and turns that keeps it interesting. The only drawback for me was the pace. I thought it moved slowly. I would not let that deter you from reading this book. It is really a good read.

Strictly Business by Ruth Cardello is a fun romance with a little bit of mystery and danger thrown in. I caught myself chuckling many times at the conversations the characters had with each other and within their own heads. I will definitely be reading more books by Ruth now.

I enjoyed the relationship the brothers had with each other, even the new twin, Scott. And the author left just enough tidbits that I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the series; both Scott and Thane’s stories.

Crystal was a flavor chemist which I found to be very interesting. The chemistry between her and Scott/Jessie was off the charts. Crystal was someone you cheered for. She had insecurities but was brave enough to still go after what she wanted.

Violence – minor violence
Sexual content – a few physical scenes
Language – 4 the f word is used 37 times

I received this book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review.
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.