The Carideo Legacy: A Second Chance Billionaire Romance

The Scottish Billionaires #17

by M.S. Parker

They say you aren't supposed to fall in love seventy-six days after your husband dies. But grief doesn't play by the rules, and neither does he.

Theresa When my husband Marco died in a tragic avalanche, my world shattered. Now, I'm a widow raising four heartbroken children while fighting a ruthless corporate shark determined to steal the tech empire Marco and I built. Survival means putting on my armor and shutting down my heart. Romance isn't just off the table—it isn't even in the building.

Then Patrick McCrae walks in.

He’s a rugged Scottish billionaire with six grieving children of his own, and he sees right through my defenses. The heat between us burns through my guilt, my logic, and every promise I made to myself. But with ten children watching and my family's legacy under siege, giving in to this terrifying, reckless attraction might cost me everything.

Patrick I moved my entire family from Scotland to California for business, but the truth is, I was running from the ghost of my late wife. I never expected to find a woman like Theresa. She's fiercely brilliant, fighting a war on all fronts, and wearing the exact same grief armor I am.

I know the world will say it's too soon. I know merging our broken, chaotic families seems impossible. But I’m a man who knows how to fight for what matters. And I will tear apart anyone who tries to take her company, or her heart, away from me.

What to expect in The Carideo Legacy:

The Origin The emotional prequel that launched the entire Scottish Billionaires universe.

Second Chance Two grieving widows finding unexpected, passionate love in the aftermath of tragedy.

Fierce Protective A Scottish billionaire who uses his immense power and connections to shield the woman he loves.

Found The beautiful, chaotic blending of ten children under one roof.

High-Stakes Corporate A brilliant female founder fighting ruthless executives to save her tech empire.

362 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2025

About the author

Step into the seductive and suspenseful world of M. S. Parker, a USA Today Bestselling author where dark romance meets thrilling suspense. If you crave stories that are both steamy and intricate, with characters that are as dangerous as they are desirable, you've found your next obsession.

M. S. Parker specializes in crafting addictive series that push boundaries and keep you guessing until the very last page. Expect to find dangerous mafia bosses and intense, grumpy billionaires clashing with smart, witty young women who, though perhaps out of their element, are quick to adapt and hold their own. Get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions, where passion is a weapon and love is the ultimate prize. Dive into the darkness. You might just find your new favorite escape.

Connect with M. S. Parker on Facebook at http://facebook.com/msparkerauthor

Reviews

[Donna reads Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Carideo Legacy is such an incredibly captivating and beautiful story.

I was absolutely consumed with Patrick and Theresa’s fascinating and enticing romance and couldn’t put it down!

These characters and their children, are very interesting and their story is filled with emotion, family drama and heartfelt moments.
The undeniable chemistry between Patrick and Theresa burns on the pages of their highly intense and heart-gripping story.
I really like Theresa… she’s smart, strong and very endearing. Her tenacity and determination is admirable especially with all the challenges she’s facing.
Her love for her children gives her the strength to fight for her company and her family.
As for Patrick…that man is the very definition of the powerful, protective and dirty book boyfriend we all love and want. His love for his children is also strong and heartfelt.
Both dealing with loss and finding solace and a deep connection with each other while blending two families together.

So if you enjoy escaping into impactful, impressive and passionate romances with characters that are engaging and heartwarming, you will be thoroughly delighted and satisfied with Patrick and Theresa’s remarkably entertaining story.

[Alicia S · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the story of Theresa and Patrick! It was sweet, a little spicy and a lot beautiful. Getting to know them from their first marriages to their combined families was so fun. The kids personalities, the funny events and the seriousness surrounding their careers made for a great read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maria Costantino · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love love this book now I know how it all started and so glad that I kept on reading all the books in order. I think this one is best.

[Donna Gomez-Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Carideo Legacy the storyline was interesting that it completely captivated me and was so intrigued that I couldn’t stop reading it until I finished with the very last word. I definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for an amazing book. Enjoy happy reading 📚

[Suzanne Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant release from this author, and another stunning tale in this series.

[lsnid003 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful origin story!

This is the love story that started all the rest of the Scottish Billionaire series. Well written, and absolutely a stand alone, but I promise, reading the entire series is wonderful. I’ve loved these books, and learning how it all started is super satisfying.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A modern day Brady bunch story! Patrick has six kids and Theresa has four! Sadly, both have lost their spouses.

It was nice to finally read the beginning of The Scottish Billionaires! Such a wonderful series!

Patrick and Theresa were so good together! Great story!

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fabulous story. A widow with four kids. A widower with six kids. A battle to save a company. Finding love again.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc review I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. Wow this absolute fabulous ,adorable, beautiful story has two grieving family joining together and boy there are alot of kids . 10 starts a must read.

[Knight Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartfelt story of love and loss then finding a second chance at love. Marco and Theresa Carideo was a true love match from the moment they met at very young age having four children. They built a multimillion dollar company together, before he was killed in an avalanche. Theresa was left to raise the kids with the help of her brother and sister-in-law who also had two children. The CFO was trying to take over the company as CEO, but Theresa could not stand for that. She had to stop him some way. During a conference she met Patrick McCrae, which they immediately had a spark. His wife Shannon had passed over a year previously, so he knew everything she was feeling. Neither could stop thinking about the other one. Patrick so much so that he decided to start a branch of his company in California near Theresa, which met he was moving his six children from Scotland to the United States. Once he got settled in the US, Patrick contacted Theresa, and they agreed to meet starting their relationship. He gave her the moral support and some actual physical proof of how to save her company. Her oldest son, Austin kept telling her she could run the company as CEO. I loved Paris, she was a hoot. You will need to keep the kleenex handy as there some very emotional parts.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rhonda Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This compelling story of love and loss highlights the strength to seize a second chance at romance. Marco and Theresa Carideo were a powerful couple who built a multimillion-dollar company while raising four children together. When Marco tragically died in an avalanche, Theresa took charge, determined to raise their children with the unwavering support of her brother and sister-in-law.

As the CFO tried to undermine her position, Theresa stood firm. At a pivotal conference, she met Patrick McCrae, a man who understood her pain, having lost his wife just a year prior. Their chemistry was undeniable, prompting Patrick to relocate his six children from Scotland to California to be closer to her.

After settling in, Patrick offered Theresa not only vital support but also the strategies she needed to save her company. Inspired by her son Austin, Theresa found the confidence to step into the role of CEO. This story expertly blends heartfelt emotion with humor, particularly through vibrant characters like Paris, who brings a refreshing energy.

Prepare yourself for an unforgettable journey filled with passion, resilience, and humor. The romance between Theresa and Patrick, along with the challenges of blending their families, creates a thrilling and engaging narrative that captivates from start to finish.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Carideo Legacy is a heartwarming and emotional journey that explores love, loss, and the power of family. Theresa Carideo’s story is both poignant and relatable, capturing the raw vulnerability of a widow trying to rebuild her life while honoring her late husband’s legacy. The challenges she faces—raising four children alone, protecting a family business, and navigating a new romance—are depicted with depth and authenticity.

Patrick McCrae’s entry into Theresa’s life brings hope and healing, and the chemistry between them feels genuine, grounded in shared experiences and mutual understanding. The novel shines in its portrayal of blended-family dynamics, highlighting both the joys and the struggles that come with bringing together large, grieving families.

Parker’s writing is engaging and emotionally resonant, blending romance, drama, and moments of humor seamlessly. The pacing keeps the reader invested, and the story’s themes of resilience, second chances, and love after loss linger long after the final page.

Overall, The Carideo Legacy is a beautifully told story for anyone who enjoys heartfelt romance and family-centered drama. It’s touching, uplifting, and ultimately a reminder that love and hope can emerge even from the deepest grief.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shelley C · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Carideo Legacy💔❤️‍🩹❤️

I absolutely devoured this book as I was so excited to read how Theresa and Patrick found each other and brought their families together to form what we know is a huge family❣️But I also do not want you to overlook my excitement in reading this book, as whilst it is a romance and we know it has a happy ending, this book was heartbreaking too😭

Both Patrick and Theresa have lost their spouses in heart wrenching ways, but this is something that connects them too🙌 There is no book or time limit that shows how long a person should grieve their lost ones and they demonstrate this beautifully when they come together with all their little people. So special to read about these little people after we’ve read about them as grown ups😊

I was about 94% into reading, when I made another harsh realisation about Theresa’s side of the family that made me want to cry more. One of my favourite reads from this series and highly recommend for an emotionally fraught story and wonderful romance of second chances. I received an advanced copy via Booksprout and voluntarily leave my honest review🥰

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with Theresa and Patrick's story at the beginning of this series!
I was thrilled that Patrick and Theresa finally got their own story as they were the basis for this fantastic series as each family member not looking for love finds it when they least expect it! I felt the trauma that Theresa goes through with her thrill seeking husband and the absolute devastation at his death! I was caught up in the turmoil at her company and how Patrick steps in to help with a business connection to save it. I feel for Patrick as he relocates his family to California from their home to get a new start in life and his oldest son gives him grief over leaving their past behind. The spark between the two is intriguing as they both come alive in each other's presence vs. living in the grief of their lost spouse. How will their children react to the unlikely joining? You have to read to find out and will be rooting for their happily ever after!

[Leanne Bryson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Theresa Carideo lost her soulmate Marco in a skiing accident that killed him and left her a widow with four kids and a company under siege. While fighting off a scheming CFO, she meets Patrick McCrae at a conference. He’s a Scottish widower who lost his wife a year earlier and is raising six kids alone.
One conversation, instant connection. They both know exactly how deep grief cuts.
Patrick moves his entire family (and his company) from Scotland to California just to be near her. What starts as late-night phone calls turns into real love, real support, and real hope.
With Patrick beside her and her son Austin pushing her forward, Theresa steps up as CEO, saves the business Marco built, and opens her heart again.
A beautiful, emotional second-chance romance full of family, healing, and finding love when you thought it was gone forever. (M.S. Parker at her heart-tugging best!).

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Virginia VanSaders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Theresa and Patrick’s love story is one not to miss!

Theresa Carideo’s was widowed 76 days ago. She has four children. She’s owns a company which is her legacy that she’s trying to hold on to. She and her husband were co-partners in their company, Carideo Tech. A shark within her company is trying to take it away from her. Patrick McCrae is a widower with six children for a year now. He approaches Theresa at the Biolnnovate Conference where Theresa is looking for investors for her and husband’s medical finding of non-invasive monitoring for diabetes. Patrick works at McCrae International Research Institute where they find different investors. But when he introduces himself and shakes her hand sparks fly. I love how this story develops between them; the feelings that they are not sure they should be having but can’t resist? The intense chemistry going on with them? They fall short and give into them. Read and see how they handle everything. It’s a fantastic love story!

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Theresa is trying to balance so much since the passing of her husband as she tries to deal with the threats to the company they built and being there for her four children as they try to adapt to live without the man they all loved. She isn’t sure she’s ready to let another man into her life but there is something about Patrick that draws her in.

Patrick is a kindred soul when it comes to Theresa as he understanding the death of a spouse and becoming a single parent. The feelings he has for her are strong enough to relocate his family and despite the obstacles they must overcome it is a decision that he will never regret.

This is a heartwarming story about love, loss and new beginnings. In each other they find a partner in all areas of their lives and an enduring love that conquers all.

[Carole · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Carideo Legacy is a Scottish Billionaires seventeenth steamy romance of second chances and is referenced as the origin story of the series.
Theresa Carideo has become a widow with four children and also is in a battle to save the business she and her husband had built.
When she meets Patrick McCrae a widower himself with six children they experience a connection that brings them together from their shared pain.
This was a wonderful story of family dynamics, starting over, intrigue, personal vulnerability, good writing, great characters, some danger and plenty of emotion.
An enjoyable read that had a much deserved HEA.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amber Novak · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a beautiful story of Patrick and Theresa, two people who ecah lost the love of their life and are left raising their children and trying to make it day by day. When they first meet, there is an instant spark, something neither have felt since the deaths of their spouses, but Theresa has enough on her plate trying to save the company she and her late husband built. When Patrick can't stop thinking about her he offers her support in the fight for the company and a romance slowly blossoms. Plenty of emotions in the story, with beautiful looks into their loves before loss, and plenty of love going forward. Add in 10 kids combined, each with fun personalities and this is a great read with a HEA.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Carideo Legacy is an outstanding heartfelt book that chronicles the journey of widow Tess after her husband's death. The story is told from both the perspective of Tess and the perspective of Patrick who is also a widower. The both have children navigating the loss of a parent. Tess is trying to hold her husband's and her company together. The author's ability to relate the emotions of the two characters through such a terrible time and their trying to come to grips with a new attraction is just astounding. A fantastic read with a great plot to accompany all the emotion.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jarylynn Schlegel · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s hard losing your other half and raising children just going through the motions. That’s exactly what Patrick was doing when he met the most intriguing women who happened to be in a similar situation. Theresa met Patrick just a few months after losing Marco and feels guilty for having a connection with a man so soon. She has children to raise and a business to save so juggling this and meeting a man who understands her and the situation is almost too much. Can they really push through and blend their families this soon.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Purple-pinky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has really brought the others in the series together. I wasn't sure if I was going to love it as much. How wrong I was. It was the book that gives you the basis for the others.
It's warm it's passionate. It's also heart wrenching in places.
I found myself punching the air more than once shouting yes.
I believed in the characters of Patrick and Theresa. The love they had for all the children. Both families navigating the process of grief. It's a beautiful story of love.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patrick and Theresa are both grieving the loss of their spouses along with their children. She is left with a corporation that their rival is hellbent on destroying while handling her children. In comes Patrick a man with his own drama and together with ten children between them embark on a journey that had me cheering this couple on to getting a second chance for happiness. It is well written and reminds me of one of those family TV shows.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda Best · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just wonderful!

This book brings out pretty much every human emotion there is: horror, anger, grief, anxiety, sympathy, affection, love, joy and so much more. I experienced each one as the characters did, and this is what I loved most about the book. The story starts on with the FMC experiencing the most horrific experience possible, the death of her husband. Through the course of the book we watch her go through grief and then nourish a little flame of hole that grows into full blown joy by the end. Marvelous!
Plot:5+
Writing:5
Editing:5
Characters:5
Heat index:4.5

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

100% recommended this book and the complete Scottish Billionaire Series

How the series began, the Scottish heart throb and a brilliant widow! Incredible story of building love after the death of a spouse. Blended families that help each other through sadness and the death of a parent. So many emotions, doubts, strengths and struggles to end up exactly where they needed to be. Thank you Ms. Parker for an incredible prequel to the most amazing series!

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Theresa has lost her husband in a tragic avalanche. She has four children to raise and a company to keep on track. She never saw Patrick McCrae coming. He is a widower with children of his own. It is a beautiful story of finding love again and blending the families.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jo Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was good to read how this family became to be. Patrick McCrae is a widower with 6 children. Theresa Carideo is a recent widow with 4 kids. This story is set in the 1990s. It’s a great read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Theresa is smart, compassionate, hardworking, protective, and fierce woman. Patrick is smart, compassionate, complex, and protective man. Their story is touching and encouraging.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laura Ciccone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the plot lines in the Scottish billionaire series. The characters are charming and you get easily invested. Well done.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loving this series! This book captured my attention right from the first chapter and i couldn't put it down. Patrick and Theresa had such a great love story, and all the kids! Holy 10 kids between the two but they made it work.