Out of Office

The Twin Find #2

by Ruth Cardello

A recluse discovers that what he endured and survived was orchestrated by one evil man. With nothing left to lose, Zachary wakes up and chooses vengeance.

Charlotte Simmons may pretend to be innocent, but everything she has was bought with money made from my suffering.

I intend to uncover her family’s sins and expose them to the world.

Lying about who I am? She doesn’t deserve the truth.

Having sex with her to gain her trust . . . at least I'll make it good for her.

I’m going to rip everything away from her and her family . . .just like her grandfather took everything from me.

And I’m going to enjoy every moment of it.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary

298 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 29, 2023

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.

What Kindle Reviewers write about her:

"Wow hot at every page. Heart stoping, fear raging, mind blowing wonderful."

"I'm a true fan of Ms. Cardello. I ran on to her first book a few years back and have been hooked ever since. I could go on and on about the story like of this book, but I'm not. All of her books are total page turners, unique, heart wrenching, and I love them all. There isn't two alike in the bunch and I feel like i know the characters personally. I personally read 97 authors books. And I buy every book they put out. This author is in my top 10. Great job and keep them coming."

"Love this series. Got me to start reading again. I look forward to the next book. Thank you for giving me the love of reading back."

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.

Email Notice of New Releases: www.RuthCardello.com/Signup

You can find her on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/RuthCardello

Follow her at Twitter @RuthieCardello

If you'd like to email her directly, you may contact her via her website: www.ruthcardello.com

Lone Star Burn Series
Book 1: Taken, Not Spurred
Book 2: Tycoon Takedown
Book 3: Taken Home
Book 4: Taking Charge

Want to hear the song Charles proposed to Melanie with? https://youtu.be/SGZT5nVKfMs

The Legacy Collection
Book 1: Maid for the Billionaire (FREE on Amazon!)
Book 2: For Love or Legacy
Book 3: Bedding the Billionaire
Book 4: Saving the Sheikh
Book 5: Rise of the Billionaire
Book 6: Breaching the Billionaire: Alethea's Redemption
Book 7: (Novella) A Corisi Christmas

The Andrades:
Book 1: Come Away With Me (FREE on Amazon)
Book 2: Home to Me
Book 3: Maximum Risk
Book 4: Somewhere Along the Way
Book 5: Loving Gigi
Christmas Novella: A Recipe for Love (Maddy and Richard)

The Barrington Billionaires:
Book 1: Always Mine
Book 2: Stolen Kisses
Book 3: Trade It All
Book 3.5: A Billionaire for Lexi
Book 4: Let It Burn
Book 5: More than Love
Book 6: Forever Now
Book 7: Never Goodbye
Book 8: Reluctantly Alpha
Book 9: Reluctantly Rescued
Book 10: Reluctantly Romanced
Book 11: Loving a Landon
Book 12: Loathing a Landon


For a more complete list visit her website at www.ruthcardello.com

Reviews

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is only the second Ruth Cardello book I have read. It’s the second story in the twin find series. I read the first one as a stand alone and couldn’t wait for this instalment as the first story was so good. This story does not disappoint at all, I think it is even better than Thane’s story.

I don’t think the book blurb gives enough depth or credit to the tale Ruth has woven for readers enjoyment. If like me you are new to the writing of Ruth Cardello I hope readers do pick it off the virtual shelves and give it a read. From the first page to the last Ruth created characters with depth and twists and turns that kept me turning the pages well into the night. I would say to myself just one more page and then just one more and then another not wanting to put it down. Zachary is a fabulous character. He is truly on a complex journey of discovery. His search for the secrets , understanding and revenge of the man who separated him from his twin and manipulated their lives but what he was not expecting was how Charlotte and his brothers can lead him on a journey of love and family. This was a fantastic story with wonderful writing. I even loved the secondary characters like Bruce and Wendy and Charlotte’s parents.

I am hooked now into the world of discovery of Ruth Cardello’s penmanship and have lined up a number of stories to read. Any book that can make you smile and take you with them through emotions of sadness, anger and tenderness is well worth my time to read and re-read. I received an arc copy to read and review and my opinion is my own. It was an absolute pleasure to read this book.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Family is not a bond by blood but it’s an inner circle where people come together and love themselves unconditionally. This is the message that Ruth Cardello wants to pass by writing such an amazing story in which a man is out for revenge and a woman whose love and tenderness will break through the hero’s unbreakable armor. I must admit I initially didn’t like Zackary but I really understood what he was going through. Charlotte is the perfect woman for him, someone who can deal with his trust issues and give him all the love he had been lacking for so many years. Brilliantly written, an intricate plot with a lot of twists and turns but a guaranteed happily ever after.

[Manisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is hands down my favorite in the 4-book series. I loved the story of the 4th brother and his transformation as his relationship with Charlotte grew and developed. Cardello stayed true to the 3 other brothers and their prior stories to tie all the pieces of their stories together. This was, at times, slightly shocking but necessary to fill the gaps the previous 3 books in the series left about Charles Simmons and his "playing god." Ultimately, this one had a happy ending with all the characters from all 4 books together.

[JigsawGirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not expect Zachary's story to turn out like this. After the horrible, twisted beginning Zachary and Thane had, I thought Zachary would be angry and vengeful through most of the book.

I enjoyed the way meeting Charlotte, working with the horses, and dealing with Bruce, helped break down some of Zachary's barriers and gradually release his anger. I was glad that after hearing the story it didn't pull him back into that dark place.

Having to interact with the brothers took care of the rest of his walls coming down. The banter between the brothers provided some levity and was pretty funny.

I appreciated the way this story was pulled together so that everything that was dark and twisted was able to be turned into something much lighter and happier. I think everyone in this book ended up with their HEA.

I started this story and did not put it down until I reached the last page. I would love to have an update on the group a little further down the round. Did they continue to investigate? Did Zachary find the taste solution?

This book had intrigue, a touch of suspense, a dash of angst, a good amount of familial loyalty and support, romance, and heat.

I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Out of Office is another Ruth Cardello hit as it is a story of family, love, strength and some pain for our hero before it all works out for him and Charlie. If this story doesn’t tug at your heart strings I don’t know what will. My heart broke for Zachary as he had been so alone after his mom died. He was so full of anger and wanted revenge at any cost, even using Charlie to get to her parents. There is a great connection between our hero and heroine because Charlie was exactly what Zach needed. Out of Office is a great addition to the Twin Series, so well written as our author does family so well. I thoroughly enjoyed Zach and Charlie’s story and highly recommend it. The one not so sure if it’s a negative, but I’m not crazy about the title of the book, as it doesn’t fit at least for me.

[Bobbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say about Ruth Cardello. She is one of a handful of authors, I will read anything she writes. I have loved this series and am sad to see it finished, but it finished with a bang. Zachary and Charlotte may be one of my favorite couples. The storyline wrapped up the series that was very satisfying. Having said all that, this is definitely a stand alone read, but once you do read it, I can’t imagine not wanting to know the rest of the family and how their HEAs came to be. These stories and this one in particular shows that family is who you want to be with as well as who you are born to be with. That is so true and Ruth Cardello does a masterful job showing that. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Summer Varalli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love and family are a powerful combination…

Didn’t like Zachary to begin with. Charlotte seemed too happy…

By chance encounter, not so by chance, took me on a roller coaster ride. Love, loss, family secrets, brothers, and horses is just a glimpse of this book that I couldn’t put down. And both Zachary and Charlotte grew on me and love there story so much.

Ruth Cardello do t know how you always do it but you take me on a ride anytime I read one of your books❤️❤️🔥

[M Cabral · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s always a good book when you start out hating a character, such as Zachary, and by the end of the book, end up loving him. The author takes you on a journey navigating Zachary’s feelings for Charlotte, from using her to falling for her. You feel for these characters, from Zachary to his brothers, to Charlotte and her parents because of what they have gone through. Once again, I love how this author brings family into the forefront. No matter what, family (blood related or not) has your back and this author has gotten the concept well.

[Marcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing story! The whole idea of what Charles Simmons did with the twin research is sickening. I have really loved the stories so far. Each of them have been so different from their twin, and I have enjoyed the way they have come together and gotten closer. Zachary was someone that I was skeptical about liking. He was so angry, understandably, but he also seemed unforgiving and not capable of moving forward. Charlotte might have been the perfect woman for him. Her gentleness, and ability to read people, helped her connect with Zachary from the moment they met. I loved her work with horses and how she was able to make those situations less traumatic for the animals and the people. These two had amazing chemistry. I loved that they couldn’t fight it for long, and I loved how honest she was with him. I think it helped open him up more. This story was so good. I loved every word.

[Mayas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't think the world is ready for the creative mind of Ruth. If you are familiar with the storyline, know it only gets better from there. I was surprised and kind of mind f$*ked in a great way.

This is one you will not want to miss.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love conquers all!! Zachary and Charlotte had a lot of baggage in their lives yet they were able to overcome all of it to fall in love. This story will break your heart and then put it back together. It shows you that with love and family you can get through anything. This was a beautiful ending to a great series.

[Barbara Lack · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Charlotte, she has such a huge heart. Zachary was a jerk in the beginning. Once he started to let his guard down he turned out to be a really great guy. Charlotte’s grandfather was a very bad man and hurt a lot of people. This book had a lot of twists and turns. It was quite angsty. It was very well written. I enjoyed it a lot.

[Johanna Sawyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Second set of books in the twin find series and it was outstanding! Such a unique and intriguing story. Zachary and Charlotte were such a fun couple. Zachary had to redeem himself pretty quickly but this had such a great HEA! Five huge stars!

[Julie Weissman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The transformative power of love is a theme in many romance novels. However, few authors create characters who truly demonstrate the truth of this theme. Ruth Cordello does just this in Out of the Office.

Zachary and Charlotte are the most unlikely couple. Zachary narrates the Prologue and his second admission reads: “I set out to destroy her family, and she was my best access to them.” By contrast, Charlotte portrayed as a woman who will help anyone in need even at her own expense.

I honestly rooted against them for the first third of the book. I did not like Zachary. However, Cordello’s skillful writing had me rooting for him by the end of the book.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It's a great addition to a series that's been full of love and intrigue. I love the characters and the way they all tie in with each other and help each others stories develop. I'd love to read more! I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Drz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an emotional ride and perfect end to this series of books. I thought the beginning was a bit slow but really picked up midway and took off. We finally get the answers to the questions about the twins. For anyone who has not read the other 3 books in the series I would definitely recommend you do that first or you will miss the context of the story. I also liked all of the side characters in this book and how each had their own struggles and story lines.

[Terri Tutor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to admit that I really didn’t like Zachary at first, but I did love Charlotte. She had an amazing ability to see through people and see what’s underneath their outer shell. The more interactions between Zachary and others that I read, the more Zachary’s humanity showed. He had a hard life so it was understandable why he was the way he that he was. Of course, now that he had “brothers” who helped him understand family, he realized how important family was, biological or chosen.

[Donna DiTaranto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruth you always seem to amaze me with your stories.
I love how you bring in family to help Zachary get through this vengence he has against Charllote family and the outcome.
Looking forward to a new book.

[Sarah Kriebel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another home run from Ruth. I received this as an ARC and had it finished in a day. This was the perfect ending to the twin saga and I’m already itching for more!

[Laronda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Twin number two or four?

Not as good as Thane's story, but I loved how everyone was so honest and open. No beating around the bush for anyone. Wendy got checked from the jump. Lottie's parents were not what I expected but so happy that they were trying. I almost fyi d with Zach. Good story.

[Vanessa Hilario Mata · Rating 5 out of 5]

This amazing page turner story has suspense, secrets, and turn of events. When a hurt lose soul is out for vengeance. He find more than what he bargain for. The dynamic between Zachary and Charlotte is phenomenal!

[Michelle Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew this book was going to be great when the prologue starts strong and unapologetic and Zachary at this moment is a very angry and probably deep-down hurt hero. I liked how the story started and was intrigued by Charlotte’s career, I’ve never read a book with that type of career or business that she offers and the way the author described how they handle a call, had me in tears but it sounds like she does a beyond amazing job for her clients. When Zachary comes onto the scene and meets Charlotte and of course Bruce you can hear the wheels turning in his head about getting his revenge. I liked reading about Charlotte and Zachary and when things get too intense between these two, lines are crossed, and it made me wonder what would happen next. They decide to just act as though it never happened, even though he strongly dislikes her and her family, bordering on hate, the chemistry is still there. Things change, however, when her parents show up and her dad immediately has his radar up and the two have strong words and that in turn puts fear in her father and he wants to run with Charlotte and her mother as they’ve done in the past. Zachary calls Thane to talk about what is going on and in comes the cavalry with Thane, Jesse, and Scott. Back at Charlotte’s home, her dad isn’t pleased she won’t obey his orders to get her things together and her mom comes to her with journals which help explain the situation and her grandfather. Zachary, with the help of his family, texts Charlotte and she decides to meet him where he’s staying. She tells him that she has journals, and they decide to read them together. When we find out more about her grandfather and his past evil misdoings and why her father and mother are like they are and her grandfather possibly being involved with the disappearance/death of Zachary’s mother, it’s just so much to process. Through everything Zachary and Charlotte stay strong together and give each other nicknames which I totally loved. They go back to her house and encounter her parents and they all have a somewhat civil conversation, especially knowing that they know what is in the journals and that helps change opinions, especially between her father and Zachary. The end of the book comes full circle for Thane, Ashley, and Sage but new relationships are building between Zack and Lottie and her family, and her parents were able to do some digging and found an amazing surprise for Zack which made this whole story of everyone with their secrets end on a high note. I loved watching the progression of Zachary during this book from the way he started so angry, and hell bent on revenge to how he is at the end of the book, night, and day change. Everything comes full circle for all of the characters in this story. I’d love to give this book more than five stars if I could, wonderful story!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The power of love can change everything.

This story has so much emotion, angst, anger, and love I couldn’t read it fast enough. Zachary intentionally meets Charlotte on his way to take down her family. He wants to ruin those responsible for separating twins at birth and studying how their environment can alter human growth and intelligence. The old nature vs. nurture argument. However, Charlotte’s grandfather, an evil genius, used any method necessary to divide and experiment on these children. Charlotte is the most lovely and empathetic woman on earth. Even her chosen profession is to help other people in their most sad and emotional hour. Definitely an unlikely pair.

Yet, with the masterful writing of Ruth Cardello, she brings these two together and gives them hope for a future. I love the characters she creates and the worlds she creates them in. They are real and far from perfect; however, they learn to grow and love; whether it is romantic love or familial love, they bond together and open themselves up to new adventures. This story has a wonderful narrative, great characters, and just the right amount of steam. As always, I was captivated from the beginning and riveted by the story through the end and left with a warm glow of affection for these characters and their story. Although this can be read as a stand-alone, read the Switch series ‘Strictly Business’ and ‘Out of Love’; and the first Twin Find book ‘Strictly Family’ to get a better understanding and enjoyment of Zachary’s brothers. 5 stars and definitely a re-read for me. I received an arc of this book, and this is my honest review.

[Gemma Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nature versus nurture, or biology versus chemistry

I have really enjoyed this series and as expected, once Zachary’s walls came down I easily found much to love about him.

Of course, the love of a good woman always helps and Charlotte certainly fitted that bill for the very angsty man that set out to destroy her family.

It was pretty predictable that once Charlotte charmed the hatred out of Zachary there was going to be a very deep and intense connection but there were times when you wondered if he was ever going to let his walls down enough to let her into his heart.

As the story unfolds, the truth reveals a far more complex tale that totally turns the tide for this couple. Realising his initial anger was grossly misplaced he turns to three men that he never imagined would be the guiding force behind his changed character. With the help of his newly discovered twin and his adopted twin brothers (read the whole series, it will make sense… I promise), he unlocks the secrets and whilst he doesn’t find everything he hoped for, he finds everything he needs to move forward… he finds love, in all its forms.

If I had one criticism, the end is very abrupt and it doesn’t sit well with me. It’s like waking up on Christmas morning to all your presents unwrapped under the tree. It’s great to have everything we’ve hoped for, but we got there to quickly. I wanted more of a reaction to the ground breaking news. As it was, it was a bit flat. Such a shame. Otherwise, great read. Hoping that the extended epilogue gives me what I crave in a special happy ending.

[Sujatha Kovilur · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Out of office" was a roller coaster. It is the final of the books on twins. What a finale!
Have a few thoughts on the books. I won't go into the story; other reviewers would do that, sure enough!

I started off disliking Zachery and thinking Charlotte was too good to be true. I wondered how so disparate a couple would get along and get together.
Loved the way it all meshed up so beautifully. Kudos to you and your intuitive writing, Ruth Cardello.

I found the premise of the book so absorbing:

"There's no benefit to being angry about something none of us were responsible for. We had no control over any of that. But we can control how we move forward."

And how!

Ms. Cardello summarises the entire concept of the book and ends it with:

"Together, we are healing what he'd broken and would continue to do so. He'd thought he could prove that intelligence was dependent on circumstance. Instead, what he'd proven was that people could rise above circumstance.
No one could keep separate that which was meant to be together.
And love does conquer all."

Very profound. The essence of this awesome book summarises all the three books leading to this final book.

Cheers for yet another riveting book 🥂
Was given this book to review by the author, and this is my own summary of it. Thank you, Alisha and Ruth 💕

[CHERYL ROBERTS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since I am an avid Ruth Cardello fan, you may think this is a biased review. You would be right, and wrong. You would be right because if anyone ever asks for a recommendation for a good book a Ruth Cardello is always at the top of my list. You also would be wrong, because I would never make a recommendation I did not believe in.

That out of the way, Out of Office is the last of a four part series. The first two Strictly Business (The Switch Book 1) and Out of Love Out of Love (The Switch Book 2) and now Strictly Family (The Twin Find Book 1) and Out of Office (The Twin Find Book 2) about twins, separated at birth, never knowing about the other, finally meet up and decide to solve the mystery of their separation and subsequent adoptions.

This entire series has ups and downs, ins and outs, highs and lows, Laugh out loud funny as well as tears and relationships with all the feels! The way the mysteries of the books all knit together in this final book in a way I never saw coming.

I cannot say enough how much I highly recommend this book a well as the three previous ones. They are best read in order, but they are complete by themselves. As I said at first, you can't go wrong with a Ruth Cardello book and you can't go wrong with this series either!

She has left the door open a crack and I hope she decides to continue the series! I just can't get enough!

[Sharon in SF · Rating 5 out of 5]

When we first met Zachary at the end of Strictly Family, he was rough around the edges and living off the grid. What we didn't know was they "why". At the beginning of Out of Office, Zachary is about to implement a plan after learning the news that he was separated at birth from a twin he didn't know existed as part of an experiment by Charles Simmons, our heroine's grandfather. Since Charles himself is dead, he wants his family to pay for the emotional and psychological damage done to all the other twins involved.
Once he meets Charlotte and she appears to be the anti-thesis of Charles, he alters his plans, but they backfire on him when he starts to catch feelings. She's good at reading people's emotions and can see anger and turmoil in his eyes. Just as she doesn't want to spook her farm animals, she waits Zachary out hoping that in time, he will share his thoughts with her. I loved the dynamic between these two as they slowly reached a level of trust, which was difficult given their upbringing. Zachary is juggling a lot of conflicting emotions with feeling the loss of his mother when she disappeared, and the sudden appearance of a twin he didn't know he had. When her parents suddenly come for a visit, Zachary believes he's hit the jackpot for enacting his revenge plot. Our author does a masterful job of taking us on the final leg of this highly emotional story!

[Hayley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure what to think of Zachary at the beginning of this book, but he definitely grew on me. While his troubled past affected his ability to trust and connect with others, he eventually realized the importance of relationships and the need to let go of his past. I absolutely adored his interactions with his brothers and the love that slowly built between them. Zachary had great chemistry with Charlotte, who was a wonderful character from the beginning. She had such a kind heart and desire to help others.

I was very invested in the twin experimentation subplot, and while it took some time, the resolution of this storyline was quite interesting and well done. There were numerous complexities that added to the bittersweet feel of Zachary and Charlotte’s discoveries. This book was very much a story of redemption and forgiveness, and the characters grew substantially over the course of the novel. While I liked some of the other twin stories a bit more due to their lightheartedness, this was a sweet and emotional book I thoroughly enjoyed.

Overall, this was a great addition to Cardello’s twin series. I highly recommend it.

*I received an ARC of this novel. This is my complete and honest review.*

[Sue Gurling · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story about Zachary and Charlotte, Charlotte helps keep horses calm when they are ready to go over the rainbow bridge, she has a very calm nature and sees the good in people, Zachary is carrying a lot of baggage and he tends to hate first before he gets to know someone.
Zachary has sought out Charlotte by pretending to need a job but really wants to get to know her family as Charlottes grandfather was responsible for a sick experiment where he separated twins from poor families at birth and gave 1 to a wealthy family and 1 to a poor family to see how they grew up, Zachary unfortunately had a hard upbringing where his twin had a good one, Zachary was convinced Charlotte would know all about this but she didn’t, but her parents did and kept the journals her grandfather had, eventually Zachary realises that Charlotte is a good person and after some drama they get their HEA.
I really enjoyed this book, Ruth’s books never disappoint, the plot was good and the characters were likeable, both main and secondary characters.
I received a copy from the author and this is my honest review.

[Nancy Lauricella · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will keep you so engrossed that you can’t put it down. What a nail biter! (just like Brownie the mini horse)

Both Zachery and Charlotte are great characters that you can totally get behind. Zachery is not very nice and kind of ruthless. Charlotte is charming and a very beautiful, thoughtful person. You just love both of them. Throughout the book you really wonder if they will get together, but if you know anything about Ruthie’s books, they eventually do.

It was a very beautiful story and very moving. The subject matter was kind of cruel as to what was done to some of the characters, but in the end it brought them all together and they ended up being one very big happy, loving family.

What a great ending to the “Twin” saga. You have to read the first two books: “Strictly Business” and “Out of Love”. That gets you started: finish with: “Strictly Family” and “Out of Office”. They are so worthwhile. Loved all of them.