(3.5)

A quick and easy read featuring insta love and angst. I read it so quickly that I immediately downloaded book 2 to the series. I have to say this plays on the twin trope I’d imagine most people fear - please never swap and pretend to be your twin 😂

Unfortunately I didn't particularly enjoy this. The writing felt almost like it was notes to be written up properly later, skimming over the surface. The premise sounded great, but there was no reason at all that I could see for it to be necessary for them each to pretend to be the other and it was virtually irrelevant for most of the book.

really enjoy this book.

The chemistry sizzles off the page! A hero and heroine to root for, a plot that will have you hooked from the very first page!

Strictly Business by Ruth Cardello was an excellent story to read.
This author writes a well-developed storyline that hooks you from the start. This book moved at a good pace and the story was easy to follow. This is Jesse and Crystal’s romance story. I enjoyed it and recommend it.

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Jesse has just discovered that he has a twin brother, Scott, and that he might do with a little bit of help. That's why he offers to switch in his place and, as a savvy businessman, save Scott's farm. All is well until he encounters Crystal, who has been tasked with delivering a contract to get a hold on the farm. They should be enemies, but their chemistry is off the charts!

The premise is good, but it doesn't really makes it for me. Too much of "I want you but I shouldn't because I shouldn't trust you" non-sense... However, is an easy read and I enjoyed it enough to give it 3 stars

Strictly Business was a quick and overall enjoyable read - the kind that's perfect for summer.
Jesse and Scott are identical twin brothers who were separated at birth and raised in two completely different backgrounds. Scott was raised on a farm, which he is about to lose. When successful business man Jesse switches lives with him to help him keep his farm, he doesn't expect the attraction for Crystal, the rep of the oil company trying to buy the farm, and he soon finds himself liking life on the farm.

For me, the story was ok, but not an outstanding read. There was instant attraction between Jesse and Crystal, and for me their story took place over too short a time period to be believable. However, I liked the element of the twin switch and there were plenty of funny situations as Jesse adjusted to life on the farm. f you like insta love/lust and are looking for an easy read, then you'll enjoy this. I'll be looking out for the second book in the series.

This book is about lust rather than romance I feel. I prefer romance so this book wasn't for me. Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for letting me review this book.

I found this an OK relaxing read that was chugging along nicely. Nothing spectacular but it kept me turning the pages. I am not a fan of a story being told from 2 peoples view points.

My first book by this author, but not my favorite plot
A deceptive businessman, pretending to be someone he's not, falls into an insta-lust situation with the farmer's niece. The two characters had some chemistry, sure, but the substance of the story was missing for me. I couldn't connect with the characters, the plot was a complicated mess that got a little boring, if I'm honest. I'll give the author another try.

an enjoyable book I particularly like the subject as I learned about chemistry!. The ending was a bit of a disappointment though it left me wanting for more.

A good easy read. Family, romance and a farm. Definitely left me looking forward to book 2 and Scott’s story.

I really enjoyed this book, it was an addictive read!!

I have read a few books by this author and have loved them all, she writes a really good story that draws you in and keeps you hooked

I loved the storyline and the characters were brilliantly developed with great personalities – it was a romantic and sexy read

It is 4 stars from me for this one, I really enjoyed it – highly recommended!

I just couldn’t gel with this book. It has some great reviews so it definitely seems like it was just not a match for me. I didn’t really like any of the main characters and I felt like I had to pick up the book and finish it rather than wanting to. I can’t really put my finger on more than that and to why it just wasn’t for me.

This Was Not My Jam

This book has a ton of 4 and 5 star reviews, so I think it's safe to say that it's me and not the book. I just really did not enjoy it at all, but since I am writing this review in exchange for a copy of the book from Netgalley, I felt like I was obligated to finish the entire book; otherwise I would have DNF about 30% of the way through. 

The beginning of the book felt like we were picking up the continuation of a story from another book. I looked to see if this was #2 in a series, but from what I could tell it is the first in a new series for the author. The characters were introduced as if we should have some prior knowledge of the relationships and back story. If there is a prequel that I missed, it would explain why I felt thrown into the middle of a story, so if I've missed something, that is all my fault.

My least favorite romance tropes are insta-love/lust, and this book had both. I don't need my romance to be 100% realistic, but it just makes me roll my eyes when characters are ready to jump each other's bones minutes after introductions. The entire novel takes place over the course of several days and by the end they are pledging their love and ready to get married. Again, it just makes me roll my eyes SO HARD! LOL! 

Probably the biggest issue I had was that Jesse was portrayed as a confident, experienced lover that felt like he knew how to please any woman. During their first meeting, Chrystal accidentally lets it slip that she has only had mediocre sexual experiences and she thinks that Jesse could give her the best sex of her life. The next day they are in a car with Crystal at the wheel and Jesse reaches over to touch her legs. When she parts them, he takes it as explicit consent to get her off while she is driving. I'm not a stickler for over-the-top consent in books, but I do think it is important to at least have a conversation and a verbal acknowledgment that the advance is wanted. Who just goes around sticking their hands down a woman's pants simply because he "know's a woman's tells"? It was just a very awkward, uncomfortable scene for me to read.

So, if you are a fan of Ruth Cardello and insta-love is your thing, give it a try. I just did not find any enjoyment whatsoever in this novel.

I enjoyed this book and felt it moved at a good pace and was easy to follow, considering the storyline is about twin brothers who are separately adopted and find each other later in life.
Scott runs a farm and is very close with his adopted parents.
Jesse grew up with his adopted father and brother.
Being twins but growing up in two different upbringings, shows Jesse to be more business savvy and more sceptical.
So when he hears about a big corporation trying to swoop in to buy Scott’s farm, Jesse steps in Scotts place to oversee the deal.
Jesse meets with the niece, Crystal of the big corporation boss and is on his guard, but can’t help to feel a little taken aback by Crystal.

Playing Scott, Jesse’s only main aim is to protect his farm, but he can’t help feeling differently towards Crystal. What ensues is false identities, action, romantic feelings, and some steamy scenes! Something for everyone!

I read this book in one day. I couldn't put it down.

I love the story of Jesse and Crystal. I started by Jesse posing as Scott his twin brother. Then he meets Crystal and believes she is spying for her Uncle. She believes he is Scott a farmer who takes in disabled animals. When they start falling for each other things get very scary.

Ruth Cardello has another very good series. I can't wait for the next book

Having read this book I realise why I don't usually opt to read chick lit. This book is typical of the genre with a boy meets girl situation followed by attractions and fireworks ensue. Throw in some cute animals including a duck with a prosthetic limb and a potential solution to third world hunger and that wraps it up nicely. Not the book for me I'm afraid but if you like chick lit and a beach read then go for it.

Jessie and Crystal have a lot to figure out but in true Ruth fashion the joy of the ride is never a disappointment I cannot wait to see what happens next in book 2! Don’t get me wrong they have their moments but getting to the end is always the best part!

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