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Playboy Mason Thorne is nothing short of complicated. Though he was a movie star at a young age, his life took a downward spiral when he turned to drugs after losing his mother. He cleaned up his act and became a senator but still keeps his distance from most everyone—including his own father. There are plenty of women around, but most are gone by morning.

Twenty-five-year-old Chelle Landon thinks she must be the last virgin in Texas. She’s worried if she doesn’t remedy it soon, she’ll stay one forever. She attends yet another small-town wedding where the last single man her age is officially off the market, until sexy politician Mason Thorne appears. He’s the answer to her prayers, if one can pray for something that decadent.

He needs a cover story, not another lover. Chelle’s on a mission to lose her virginity, no matter what. Will he break her heart or will she heal his?

234 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 5, 2016

689 people are currently reading
735 people want to read

About the author

Ruth Cardello

84 books2,957 followers
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

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 200 reviews
Profile Image for Sissy's Romance Book Review .
8,992 reviews16 followers
September 26, 2016
I received an eARC, from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
This is book three in the"Lone Star Burn" series. I have not yet read the other two books but plan on doing so, but I thought this was easily a standalone book.
Chelle Landon had to drop out of college to help with the family. But now Chelle finds that she is 25 years old and still a virgin. Chelle has not done anything that she thought or planned to do so far. While at a wedding Chelle meets Mason Thorne. Mason was once in a really bad place after becoming a movie start at a early age. Mason fell into drug use and really hit rock bottom. Now he has turned his life around and became a senator. Mason ask Chelle to be his pretend fiance.
This starts their sweet love story.
Profile Image for Gemma.
834 reviews67 followers
March 14, 2021
I'm really enjoying this series. The characters really make the book stand out.
Profile Image for CatherineAA.
719 reviews62 followers
May 16, 2016
Playboy Mason Thorne is between a rock and a hard place when a one-night stand-turned-stalker turns out to be the daughter of one his political opponents in the California Statute House and her obsession puts a bill he's been working hard on in jeopardy. His solution? Find a temporary fiancé to dissuade the attention of his stalker. And of all places to find this temporary fiancé, he picks the wedding of his friend's sister.

Chelle Landon is on a mission to rid herself of her virginity and Mason Thorne is just the perfect man to help her. His reputation precedes him but she's not looking for anything beyond one night. When she gets roped into playing the role of fake fiancé, Chelle gets a chance to leave her small Texas town and experience the adventure she's always craved. But she gets caught up in the excitement and forgets to guard her heart.

Mason comes with his own baggage and is determined not to pull anyone down with him, so he's avoided anything long term but Chelle tempts him to break his own self-imposed rules and reach out for happiness with her. Only, Mason's reputation has come back to bite him and the cost of getting Chelle back is too high. Or is it?

TAKEN HOME has the makings of a fun and lighted heart romance which for the most part it was, but while I enjoyed it, I wanted something more. The story somehow felt very simplistic to me, maybe because I had just finished reading an intense romantic suspense before I started this.

I enjoy seeing characters grow as their story unfolds but in this case, some of the growth on Mason's part was forced on him instead of coming natural to him, which didn't feel real. While he needed to deal with the negative feelings and strained relationship with his father, being forced to reconcile with his father in order to prove that he loved Chelle was out of line. And his acquiescence was also out of character for the kind of man he was portrayed as. Also, Chelle was sweet and all, but she didn't excite me much and I don't think she was the woman Mason needed.

While this didn't work for me, I think that anyone who enjoys a romance where a worldly man falls for the sheltered woman will enjoy this.


Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.



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Profile Image for Laura.
2,598 reviews113 followers
March 26, 2016
***ARC Provided by the Publisher and NetGalley***

I liked this book, mostly. Chelle was fun, albeit sheltered and Mason was a great alpha. The reasons for the emotional baggage each brought to the story were clear and understandable, and it made it work that each of them was human enough to have things in their past.

The dialog was mostly well-written, although there were a few places where it seemed a bit awkward or strange. The writing was good and the characters were enjoyable.

The subplot at the end about Mason's father annoyed me. While I agree that he needed to work through those issues, I thought the idea that Chelle's father essentially forced him to reach out to his father was a bit over the top and I found myself annoyed on Mason's behalf. I also thought it was out of character for him to agree. I know the point the author was trying to make, that falling in love with Chelle caused him to change...but you don't agree to something you have been refusing, intentionally, to do for 10 years just because someone decides to hold something you want back until you do it...especially not someone who was a movie star, lost it all to alcohol and drugs, went to rehab and then reinvented himself as a CA state senator. That guy isn't easily pushed around.

I also thought that while this is a stand-alone, there were too many references that felt essential for the reader to really be able to enjoy this story without reading the ones previous. There is a fine balance between making characters from previous stories reappear and making the reading of those stories essential to fully engaging in the next one. This didn't quite find that balance.
Profile Image for Emily.
5,917 reviews551 followers
April 13, 2021
Mason Thorne is a player, he doesn't do girlfriends or repeat dates, he sleeps with a woman and walks out after done. The women in his life know this going in and unfortunately one of his latest conquests doesn't get the hint and makes a play to try to trap him. Mason comes up with a plan to find a single girl at the wedding he is attending and get her to pretend to be the woman he is serious about.

Chelle Landon is a twenty-five year old who is a virgin and worried that she will never find a man nor have a life outside of her small town in Texas. When she sees Mason she thinks she has found the one to take her virginity, however Mason is not the man to take her virtue but is intrigued by Chelle. When a second chance opportunity put Chelle in Mason's path, he takes it. His past has jaded him but something about Chelle is making him wonder if he can find love and happiness.

Entertaining read. I enjoyed the chemistry between Chelle and Mason. Chelle is a spitfire and has Mason of kilter when he interacts with her. You get why Mason is who he is and I was anxious to see how he would come to terms with his past. Picking up more in this series.
Profile Image for ZETTER.
1,158 reviews23 followers
April 6, 2016
The Heart Knows What It Wants!!!

TAKEN HOME is the third installment in Ruth Cardello's LONE STAR BURN series.

Chelle Landon was a virgin who was looking to lose her virginity, she was under the impression that if she didn't lose it soon...She would stay a virgin for the rest of her life. There was a major problem, no bachelors her age weren't available in Fort Marvis, Texas. What was a girl to do?

Like an answer to her prayers in came the sexy as sin, handsome politician Mason Thorne. Who was there in Fort Marvis, Texas to attend Tony and Sarah's wedding (the hero and heroine from book 1). The first encounter between Mason and Chelle was a very interesting one.

Mason Thorne was very famous from a young age, that what happens when you're a movie star. But after losing his mother, he hit rock bottom - he turned to drugs. After cleaning up his act, Mason became a senator, and he kept people at arm's length even his father.

As a playboy, Mason didn't let any woman get close to him because of a bad experience im his past. When he was in need of cover story to get rid of somen, he turned to Chelle for help. In doing so, he found more than he was looking for.

Mason found himself drawn to Chelle in ways he never did with any woman before. Though he was saying she saying his type, her innocence brought something he thought died long ago to life....his heart.

Chelle went to California for a weekend thanks to a present from her friends, Sarah and Melanie. While she was in Cali, Chelle got to know Mason much better and vice versa.




The depths of Mason's insecurities when it came to loving someone wholeheartedly were paralyzing him from taking that leap that would change his life forever. Even though what he felt for Chelle was on a whole new level.

Despite his fears and self-criticism, Mason finally took that plunge and he was rewarded with the love of a great woman. No matter what anyone said or thought of him, Mason became the kind of man Chelle knew he could be.



I highly recommend this book, Ruth Cardello brought out the real man that Mason was hiding behind all his playboy ways. He just wanted to be loved.
Profile Image for ❤SanaReads❤.
1,224 reviews67 followers
May 9, 2017
4,5 Stars

Taken Home is book three in the series Lone Star Burn.

I didn't read the first two books but they look really worth reading especillay the story of Charles

So I'll give them a try very soon :)

Back to our Chelle ;)

In her attempt to finally get laid and get rid of her virginity, twenty five year old Chelle, borrowed a candom from her best friend David and headed toward Mason at the wedding ceremony where they were all invited to celebrate the union of their friends Sarah and Tony.

Mason, the senator, was in real trouble after sleeping with Trish, another senator's daughter. He had to convince Chelle to be his fake fiancée and save him from Trish's claws and from her father Bill who did never miss the opportunity to oppose any of Mason's bills.

Well they didn't have the same ideas in mind and though Mason was a womanizer who does not even bother to know the name of the chick he's sleeping with, Chelle, for him was the forbidden fruit and he had to stay away from her even when she agreed to be his fiancée and managed to save him from Trish.

HE HAD TO STAY AWAY FROM HER or HIS BEST FRIEND CHARLES WOULD KILL HIM.

Well....

Not after she grabbed him from his tie and kissed him... and not after he finally tasted her.

"He didn't just want her. He needed her, as desperately as a person gasps a breath after being denied air."


I loved how this book valued family and togetherness and I loved how people stood beside each other no matter what happened. there is so much love and warmth in this book and you can't but love all the characters.

Chelle was a unique heroine. though she was a country girl she wasn't intimidated by the glamour of the city or the embarrassing interventions of the press. She knew how to defend herself and how to show her love.

Mason was a successful senator, handsome, charismatic and an A+ womanizer. From the outside he was every girl's dream but from the inside he was all fucked up and lonely with a haunting past.

They had many issues to fight but I loved their journey towards happiness.

Thank you Ruth Cardello for the amazing book.
Thank you NetGalley for the provided copy.
Profile Image for Maggie.
69 reviews
March 12, 2016
Taken Home is book three in the Lone Star Burn series by Ruth Cardello. I have read the other books in this series end enjoyed them immensely, so I was happy to see the author had revisited Fort Mavis, Texas for another story. Each story in the series is a complete stand-alone book, but some of the characters from the other books do make an appearance.

Taken Home is about Chelle Landon, the girl next door who gave up her dreams of college and travel to stay at home and help her family in a time of need. Now she's twenty-five and realizes that she's not anywhere near where she'd expected to be at this point in her life: still living at home with her parents, still helping them run the ranch, and possibly the oldest virgin in the state of Texas. Then Mason Thorne enters her life, he's a former child movie star who battled a drug problem before moving on to a successful political career as a California state senator. He also has quite the reputation as a player who is rarely seen with the same woman twice.

The story follows them from their meeting at a mutual friend's wedding where he makes her the unusual proposition of becoming his fake fiance. What follows is a somewhat stormy relationship that has its share of ups and downs, including red hot romance, before the ultimate happy ending.

I can honestly say to so far I haven't read a Ruth Cardello book that I didn't like and Taken home is no exception. I would highly recommend this book and this series to romance lovers everywhere.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in return for my honest review.
Profile Image for Njkinny (Njkinny's Blog).
758 reviews187 followers
April 6, 2016
http://www.njkinnysblog.com/2016/04/a...

Taken Home by Ruth Cardello is the third book in Lone Star Burn series but the first that I have read in this series. While part of a series, it can be read as a standalone but still, I would recommend that you read it in order because there are many references to characters from previous books but somehow made me realize that it would have been better had I read the previous books first.

The story features a shy heroine and an alpha. Both carry past hurts and emotional baggage and the book takes us on their journey of self discovery and the realization of love for each other.

I have read and enjoyed Ruth Cardello's books in the past and here also her writing is expressive and engaging but still not as good as I witnessed in some of her other books.

The dialogues at places feel awkward and unrealistic. Also the settings feel forced at times. The characterization is good and I could related to Chelle and Mason but some of their actions just didnt gel.

All in all, Taken Home by Ruth Cardello is quick and passionate romance that can be enjoyed on a lazy afternoon. 3.5 out of 5 to it and recommended to romance lovers above the age of eighteen. The story had potential but the execution fails at places which made it a one-time read for me.

I received the book from the publishers via Netgalley and I am very thankful to them. The above review is my honest and unbiased opinion and in no way influenced.
Profile Image for Mayas.
2,465 reviews49 followers
April 5, 2016
Taken Home was about finding you. Rather is was becoming more than a small town girl and working on your parents farm like Chelle, or creating a name of meaning and reliability in Congress instead of a homewrecker like Mason. Many are more that what the portray and all it takes is getting to know tbe person within and going with your gut to find that pretend and reality is a thin line that is often blurred.

I enjoyed Chelle and Mason battle from within more than the charade that they were putting on. It only took letting go and experiencing for them to become reality.
Profile Image for The Book Junkie Reads . . ..
5,061 reviews154 followers
September 20, 2018
playboy/politician meets country innocence . . .

Overall 4 out of 5 stars
Performance 4 out of 5 stars
Story 4 out of 5 stars

I've been looking forward to getting David's Story but I got blindsided by Mason. He was a character all on his own. It had nothing to do with his career or ex-career as a actor. He was not serving the public with the wick smile and that take charge presence. He finds that his womanizing ways may have snared him a live one. She wants more and pushes. He pushes back with a steady girl friend. One that he does not have. Which brings him to the wedding of his closes friend and the intriguing Chelle.

This was one of the playboy-virgin troupes that I really liked a lot. Mason and Chelle were a pair. They both got me on their side and then as a couple I fell for them even more. Watching them grow together and her as an individual was captivating. I loved the secondary characters that we get to meet in this one. I loved seeing the lives of our primary couples from the previous stories. This was just fun all around.

Natalie Ross did a good job with giving me the innocent of Chelle and the hard confidence of Mason. The audio was smooth and clear. The narration was a complement to the story.
Profile Image for Francoise.
768 reviews35 followers
April 15, 2016
Chelle Landon is desperate : she is the only single woman left in her small town and still a virgin !
After a chance encounter at a wedding with Mason Thorne, a former child star turned state senator, her problem might be temporarily solved, if she accepts to play the part of his fake fiancée for a while. This is a unique opportunity for Chelle to live an adventure and figure out what she wants in life. I loved how Chelle and Mason turn each other’s life upside down, it was funny but also emotional.

Mason is successful and ambitious, but he lacks a purpose other than professional. Scarred by his past and his distant relationship with his father, he is convinced he is incapable of love.
I liked the way the author described the evolution of Chelle and Mason’s relationship from fake engagement to true feelings. Apparently, they have nothing in common, but in reality, they are perfect for each other.

I enjoyed this story of a chance encounter that will change everything. It was an easy, fairly slow build up read, without angst and with likeable characters. If, like me, you enjoy stories where the characters have to make a life choice, make peace with their past and discover what or who is their game changer, this story is perfect for you.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Bourbon, Books and Brenda.
1,091 reviews103 followers
March 31, 2016
What a wonderfully refreshing sweet story. Mason was a perfectly flawed hero and Chelle was the patient, loving heroine that was able to see through his rough exterior. Mason continually tried to keep his soft side hidden, but Chelle managed to pull that soft side to the surface and I felt it throughout the book. The H/h's characters were well written, and even the secondary characters added to the story. The only thing that kept me from giving the book 5 stars was the lack of epilogue. In my romances, I like to fully enjoy the happily ever after. Did Mason run for Governor? I suspect they got married but I would have liked to see 2 or 3 years down the road to know what happened with the couple. I have not read any of these books before, but I will be looking up Ruth Cardello on my Kindle and reading more of her stories. Definitely recommend!
Profile Image for Emily (Mrs B's Books).
1,731 reviews83 followers
May 22, 2016
**My thanks to NetGalley and Montlake Romance for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**

This book has a playboys meet a virgin, something that initially puts our alpha male right off, until he decides that he like the idea that known has yet touched her in such a way, especially as he soon starts to think that he would like known else too, but the idea scares the crap out of him.

Chelle is a very sweet girl who has been raised to be strong and supportive when needed even when she is angry. Chill shows us a fighting spirit that is hard to squash even if it hurts.

Things move fast for these two and i loved following their story and getting to see our two previous couples have their own little part, even if Charles comes across as a bit of a dick to begin with.

Certainly worth a read, and compliments the series nicely.
Profile Image for Vikki Vaught.
Author 12 books159 followers
April 13, 2016
Vikki's Musings

Wow! I really enjoyed this book. The characters are great, especially Chelle. It took me some time to warm up to Mason because he is such a playboy in the true sense of the word, but part of me found him intriguing from the start. By the end of the book, I loved him, and I was so glad to see this couple get their HEA.

I listened to the audio, and the narrator did an excellent job with the different characters giving them their own distinct voice. She reads with a great deal of emotion without going too far. I'll definitely look for other books performed by her.

If you like an emotionally-charged read where the hero is greatly flawed, then you will enjoy Taken Home as much as I did. Happy reading!
Profile Image for Rachel-RN.
2,434 reviews29 followers
May 28, 2017
Disclaimer: I didn't like Mason in the last book (Tycoon Takedown) and my opinion didn't change tat much. I might dislike him a little less.
Mason needs a fake fiance stat! Enter Chelle. She is 25 and very sheltered. There were moments I felt she was younger. She's a Virgin. I'm going to say this too- I am so tired of virgins (always the woman) in contemporaries, paranormals, and urban fantasy. The guy is always so experienced (and it's okay, he isn't judged for it). ("He goes through women like some people go through bottles of water.")
Mason has Baggage and Secrets. I thought Chelle put up with a lot without getting an adequate explanation. I also didn't like the ultimatum.
The weakest of this series.
Profile Image for Michelle Eriksen.
901 reviews11 followers
March 21, 2016
Yet another book to be added to my list of favorites. This is the third book in the Lone Star Burn Series and is Senator Mason Thorne's story. Mason has a reputation as a playboy and love them and leave them lifestyle. Chelle Landon is a twenty-five year old virgin. There is nothing good about having that problem at twenty-five and she is determined to get rid of the problem before she turns twenty-six.

This is a fun story to read. It has lots of twists and turns, sexy love scenes, and enough of Ms Cardello's classic sense of humor that it ends up being a great way to spend a few hours loosing yourself in her world.
Profile Image for Jennifer Pope.
155 reviews15 followers
March 30, 2016
There was not too much extraordinary about this book. The characters were likable. The plot was pretty predictable from the outset. The characters were rich and beautiful. That said, the story was still enjoyable. It was a quick read.

I'm not sure the author has ever visited or knows much about California. The senator lives in Sacramento and his secretary "stops by" Malibu. I guess the author didn't realize it's at least a 6 hour drive to Malibu from Sacramento. It made me wonder what other inconsistencies were in the book.

**This review was written after reading a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.**
Profile Image for Heather andrews.
9,520 reviews162 followers
March 7, 2016

I liked Mason, well I liked the man he was with Chelle, “no offense, but I don’t want to think about your father right now,” Mason growled softly. He bent and kissed her, forgetting about the press that was gathered at the entrance of the charity event." Where his woman is concerned he always has one thing in mind, "he pulled her closer, crushing the box between them. “Only with you, Chelle.” He kissed her again and said, “How long is this ride, anyway? I want to see you in your gift.” I really liked this book, Mason took some time to make me fall in love with him but in the end I did.
Profile Image for Cynthia.
448 reviews1 follower
August 6, 2017
Received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Mason fits the description of bachelor in every aspect. His upbringing is a Hollywood type - money and facades. He has no relationships, he has flings.
Chelle comes from a small town where all is known. Family and relationships makes her the individual she is.
When Mason and Chelle meet they form a "relationship" that is mutually beneficial in their goals but matters of the heart may present a different obstacle.
Love this series - the strengths and weaknesses exhibited. The growth of characters. The love of family and friends.
Profile Image for Tina Brimlow.
146 reviews11 followers
Read
April 5, 2016
When I found out that Ruth was finally releasing this beauty, I smiled wide. Because I knew that this book was going to be great just like the first two. I can honestly say Ruth did not disappoint. I loved these two characters Mason and Chelle. I think Mason is now my new book boyfriend out of all the books I have read so far. The story was well thought of, and boy does my back kill me from lack of movement from sitting in one spot. Meaning I couldn't put it down until it was finished. I think my boss was upset with me with how tired I was at work.
Profile Image for Elaine.
2,123 reviews10 followers
February 4, 2017
Always enjoy this author. This one did not disappoint.
Profile Image for Yasmin Vasquez.
1,154 reviews4 followers
May 22, 2016
Good

I enjoyed this book it was cute and made a great third book in the series. I hope we get more from Fort Mavis Texas.
Profile Image for Karen Hrdlicka.
1,349 reviews27 followers
March 20, 2018
I think this book is my favorite of the Lone Star Burn series. Ms. Cardello takes the fake fiancé trope and gives it a country spin, adding angst and humor along the way. I listened and read this book and loved it in both formats. What happens when a twenty-five-year old virgin meets the ultimate political playboy? A less than smooth journey to the melding of hearts and an extremely satisfying HEA.
Chelle loves her home in Fort Mavis, Texas but sees no future and certainly no hope for a husband and family. After meeting Mason Thorne, the playboy senator of California, her wanderlust kicks in and she's off on an adventure. While she finds the man infuriating as well as sexy and intriguing.
Mason comes to Fort Mavis to witness his best friend's sister's wedding, and possibly looking for a fling while he's there. He meets Chelle and besides finding her beautiful and sexy, he is introduced to her fiery temper, which intrigues him more than he wants to believe.
What follows is a sensual tale of the awakening of Chelle's inner vixen and Mason's hardened heart. Needing to clean up his image he asks Chelle for a favor: a fake engagement. The couple takes a long and interesting road to their HEA, irritating family and friends and nearly imploding their relationship because Mason finds himself unwilling to allow himself the happiness that has eluded him his entire life.
Mason is my favorite male character in this series, so far. He's fun and flirty, naughty and sexy, and downright irresistible. I look forward to the next book in this series because Ms. Cardello pulls out all the stops developing her characters and weaving stories that stay with you long after the book is done.
208 reviews1 follower
August 6, 2019
Cowboys and City boys

Well who would you rather have. Well the Texas girl decided she wants a California boy. As the only single woman at a friend's wedding and a 25 year old virgin to boot Chelle decides to make a pass at the only available male, a friend of the bride's brother. His proposal is a lot less indecent than hers. He needs a pretend fiance to throw a conquest who won't take the hint of the scent. He rejects her advance and says it's a no strings no sex arrangement. Well as you can imagine that doesn't last long. Past indiscretions and demons threaten to unrail what could be a beautiful relationship, if you call just sex a relationship. It gets not and steamy and bonds form but the truth is getting in the way. Good holiday read.
Profile Image for Pennie Morgan.
2,357 reviews10 followers
March 27, 2020
Mason Thorn, childhood actor turned state senator, was nearly late to Sarah and Tony's wedding but he was on time to hear the slip when Chelle objected to the nuptials (yes thinking out loud) but didn't mean it and then caught her eye. That started it all. Later at the reception she propositioned him (with a condom tucked in her dress) but he just needed her to keep an crazy woman away and that was before he found out she was a virgin. No way was he touching that one! Too bad he ended up showing her around when she decided to vacation in California and he was captivated and their "fake engagement" made the news and escalated. This one was so good and once we found out the back story to Mason it was easy to see how he ended up the way he is. Definitely recommend this one!
Profile Image for Teresa .
1,938 reviews4 followers
August 27, 2021
Mason( spoilers)

This book follows on with book ones couple getting married and mason shows up and asks for help from the mostly the only single women there but oh wait she is not to.anyway the storyline turns into a fake engagement a storyline that has been played out loads.I was disappointed in her not saying no to sex with a man she knows has a different women every night so fast come on she was a virgin she knows no.I get she trusted him with ruby but he still left her to go see her and photo was in papers it was natural to ask him but she never did she is ment to be a strong Texas women she would ask for explanation
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