Loathing a Landon

The Barrington Billionaires #12

by Ruth Cardello

Cooper Landon knows what it’s like to be left behind, lied to, and betrayed. At sixteen, angry and broke, he tried to rob a small-town hardware store. Instead of money, what he got was a good beating and a second chance. Pete Glenford took him in, taught him he wasn’t worthless, welcomed him into his family, and gave him a purpose.

A decade later, Cooper lives in a small town, works in a hardware store, and uses what little money he has to locate and help runaways. He can't change who he was before, but he'd feel good about his new life if it wasn't for one minor issue—Pete’s daughter. She never wanted him in her home, never trusted him with her parents, and doesn’t believe any of his lies.

He definitely shouldn’t have slept with her.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Enemies To Lovers

266 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 20, 2022

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

[Marcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cooper has a heartbreaking and tragic history, that he has been running from for years. I felt so bad that he was always ready to leave if his past caught up to him. And this made him feel like he had to keep his distance from the people of the town. Amanda and Cooper had a connection from the start, but that was obviously something he didn’t think he could have in his life. I really enjoyed how they built a relationship, and I loved how the whole town got involved. There are so many amazing my characters in this town. The Landon’s have had too much tragedy, and I loved seeing a happily ever after for them.

[Mayas · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you know your truth but all others are not adding up, you protect you and the ones you love at all cost. Lies become a necessity but love is love.

Sometimes the truth that was buried is great to release because you will see who will stand beside you. You will protect you like you thought you were protecting them. That is family and true friendship.

Cooper learned that lesson tenfold but funny thing is the more he tried to run the more he came right back. Not only for the small town but the people who didn't judge him but was his friends in spite of.

I laughed, cried, and enjoyed the new town "tradition".

[Kathy Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Escaping his life, Cooper Landon finds a small town and literally becomes a new person, with a new name. While doing good, he is always ready to run if his real family finds him. When he finally finds love with Amanda, just as his family locates him, he knows he must face prison for what he did. But things always find a way to work out and their story is no exception.
Ruth has given us another fantastic book that makes you feel good, great storyline and plenty of romance.

[Christine Jalili · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and devoured it in a day. Loved how good Amanda’s family was to Cooper. I felt for him and all he went through. Loved how he steps up and is there for her. Loved the town they live in. It’s a fun book and makes me want to re read the series. I did have some tears at one point and loved feeling so emotional. Loved the surprise he gives her in the end too. They get a very happy ever after. I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy and I highly recommend this book.

[Shyla · Rating 4 out of 5]

The past always has a way of catching up to you. Cooper Landon knows what it’s like to be left behind, lied to, and betrayed. Deciding to start fresh somewhere new is what Cooper decides. Amanda and Cooper had a connection from the start. There relationship was a slow build that was heartfelt. Sometimes second chances are the for the best.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

From endearing to emotional, Cardello has created a masterpiece. Loathing a Landon is a rare gem that is not afraid to expose it's flaws in order to find clarity. Walking on broken glass has never felt so profound. A heartache that leaves it's mark.

[Amanda Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last of the three sibling books. Ruth Cardello has once again written another brilliant novel which gets you with all your emotions. I have really enjoyed reading about Clay’s siblings and totally recommend.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm relocating to Driverton right now!

The Landon's have know such pain, but I love that even at his lowest Cooper was protecting others. Their history is heartbreaking and Cooper does everything in his power to ensure no-one else is stuck in that same cycle, powerless and afraid. He frequently risks his life for others but still feels unworthy of love himself....which just makes you love him more!
Driverton may be small and quirky but it welcomed Cooper with open arms and has made him the man he is today, no questions asked, he was accepted as one of their own but has definitely given back to the town tenfold over the past decade. Which means when he is in danger the whole town rally to protect both Cooper and Amanda.
Driverton stole my heart alongside Cooper, join them for a visit, you won't be disappointed!
I read this on Kindle Unlimited, you can read it as a standalone but it will be more enjoyable if you have read the rest of the series first, all of which is available on Kindle Unlimited.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

You absolutely don’t know what kind of story you will get when you find a Ruth Cardello book. Her stories are full of family, fun, a lot of laughter and even lots of tears but there is always a happy ever after even if the road was hard getting there. Life had not been good to Cooper Davis Landon as he suffered much pain and heartache as a child/teenager. When Pete and Dotty Glenford found him broken and bruised they offered him a place to stay, a job and a loving home. Many years later circumstances bring Amanda, Pete and Dotty’s daughter, back to town. Amanda had always loved Cooper and was worried about coming face to face with him after all these years. Seeking comfort from Cooper after hearing about her mom’s illness, Amanda’s life is turned upside down and Cooper has to decide if he wants to stop running.

I loved Cooper’s story from the start until the very last page. The plot is such a heart-wrenching story with our hero as someone who had to deal with unbelievable pain, confusion and loneliness. Cooper’s story shows that no matter what he had to go through in his life he made a choice to not let it destroy him and used his pain to give back to those who couldn’t help themselves. Cooper is one of my favorite heroes now and Loathing A Landon is a beautiful addition to this series about a not so prefect family.

[Bev Sten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loathing a Landon is a great addition to the Barrington Billionaires series. Connor is hiding from his past and his brother who he thinks hates and wants to "get rid" of him. So a new name, a town in Maine where everyone knows everyone and they all protect their own. Amanda and Connor had a spark the moment they met as teens. Connor would always protect Amanda but felt he was never good enough or stable enough to do anything about it. Time changes and so does love and the truth you always thought was real is not the truth. I loved this story. It's smart, well researched, I couldn't put it down. This whole series is gripping. I wholly recommend this series to all. Another awesome read from Ruth Cardello. It has all the feels.

[Terri Tutor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner! Even though Cooper’s story starts out sad and heartbreaking, he ends up in the best place possible! The small town in Maine is where everyone would like to live! The townspeople are close, know everyone’s business but, they also accept everyone. Even though Cooper has had feelings for Amanda since the first time that he met her, he never let it show. He was afraid that his past would come back to haunt him and hurt the people that he cared for. It took a major life changing event to get him to come clean with Amanda, her family, and the rest of the town. When Bradford came to town to help reunite Cooper with his family, he found a place that was like no other. A great, easy read!

[Jill Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’ve read any of the Barrington Billionaires books then you’ve definitely read about Clay Landon and his search for his missing brother Cooper. Cooper has been in hiding for over a decade thinking that Clay is not a good person. But circumstances bring Cooper out of hiding. You won’t see Clay till the end of the book when they finally meet. This book is all about Cooper and his love for Amanda, the daughter of the man that took him in and helped hide him for years. These two have been in love with each other for years but wouldn’t tell one another. This is such a sweet love story. It is so funny at times too. How often do you see a bullfrog race at a wedding ?!? 😂 My only complaint is that we didn’t get to see more of Clay and that’s because I just love that Fairy Godfather! But all in all, this is such a great book. It is another 5 ⭐️ review because it is so well deserved!

[Tami Schafer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omgosh Cooper ! Can I give you a hug? Amanda thank you for not giving up for showing him Love can over come all. Pete man you’re a good man , you took a broken young man and helped him survive, gave him a family and a whole town that showed up for him! Thank you Ruth for the fun wedding shenanigans! I loved everything about this book and I hope there’s more! Even Fairy Godfathers need a hand now and then!

[Joanne Paradis · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first started reading the book, I wasn't sure it was a Ruth Cardello book. It reads very much like a mystery novel at first but then, BAM, you know it's the right book. Connor is an amazing young man who keeps a tight reign on his heart. Amanda is strong and loving - just what Connor needs, even if he doesn't realize it. Oh, and don't get me started on Bradford 😉. The book will have you laughing on one page and crying on the next - great job Ruth, it was just the escape I needed

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loathing a Landon by Ruth Cardello is the 12th book in the Barrington Billionaires series. I love this series and all the characters.

I fell in love reading this book. I love the small town and the characters in.
This is Cooper and Amanda story. There is so much I would love to tell you about this book but I don’t want to give it away.
I will tell you this story has family, strength, love and will have you all sorts of wonderful things when you get to the end.

I had a hard time putting this book down. This is a five-star read.

[Iona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartache, heartbreak & Hilarious Hometown Loving
Simply and absolutely, an emotional feast. I cried from Cooper's past trials and current tribulations. I simply fell in love with Amanda's family. The township of Driverton had me giggling so hard that I woke family members 2 storeys away from me. Fantastic read.l

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love will always find a way!! This was a beautiful romance with a very intriguing understory. Cooper and Amanda are the sweetest couple you ever want to meet. Their relationship is realistic and pulls you in. The understory grabbed my attention immediately and didn’t let go. And, the ending, I can’t say it enough, it was absolutely FANTASTIC!! This is a story you really can’t miss if your a lover of romance.

[Gemma Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not what I was expecting… but brilliant

Having read all the previous Barrington Billionaires series a while ago, I’d been eagerly awaiting this book to come out. It most definitely helps if you’ve read all the books in the series because ideally you need to understand the difficult family history of the Landon’s.

So I thought from the title that ‘Loathing a Landon’ was going to be some kind of enemies to lovers style romance… but it is far from it. The loathing comes from Cooper… a Landon by birth but a man that has tried to escape that life and the family that he believes is out to destroy him. For that reason, he changed his surname and moved to a remote small town that had become his home.

The town had accepted him as one of their own and loved him from the moment Pete and Dolly had him in and saved him. The love he secretly harboured for their daughter Amanda was something everyone else could see, but neither of them dared to act on it. Until one night when Amanda returns to town from her new home in the city.

A night of passion, fuelled by mutual desire and restrained need leads to a unplanned pregnancy. But will the man who she had loved from a distance all those years be willing to step up and be a father? Or will he run for the hills and disappear like he had before she’d even woken in his bed?

The revelation of becoming a father lies heavy in Coopers chest. He wants to be everything Amanda and his new baby needs, but he also has so many secrets to put to rest before he can truly commit to the woman who claimed his heart as a sixteen year old boy.

Will Cooper’s secrets drive Amanda and the town he loved away? Or will they stand by him in putting an end to years of fear and uncertainty?

It’s a fantastic story that pulls at your heartstrings so much because you feel Cooper’s pain. Losing his family and believing both his brother Colin and sister Catarina to be dead, he’s always alone. But the way the townsfolk of Driverton support him gives him the courage to finally face the future and reconnect with his oldest brother, Clay.

One of the best moments is when they reconnect with Clay. He’s lived in constant fear - thanks to his evil and manipulative Uncle - believing that Clay wants him dead too so that he can have all of their very substantial inheritance. But when he meets him, he realises that Clay is not the man his Uncle had described. Sure he is rich beyond imagination but he’s also philanthropic and generous with his wealth… something Cooper hadn’t thought possible.

I’ve really enjoyed this series and all the couples and characters have worked their way into my heart one by one. I strongly recommend reading all Ruth Cardello’s fantastic book series. Start with the Legacy Collection and meet Dominic Corisi and build from there. You’ll get to see how the tangled web spreads and weaves throughout each connected series and it creates this huge picture spanning across several families. I feel like I know each and every one and I’ve loved their lives with them. Truly brilliant.

[Linda Ketter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cooper had a very rough childhood even though his family was wealthy. He was lied to and abused. He has hidden in plain sight for the last 10 years for fear of retribution and the law. He was so young and yet more of an adult than those who should've taken care of him.

Amanda is the daughter of the man who took Cooper in when he needed a home and a meal. He gave Coop a job and became a father figure. Her conundrum was she was attracted to him, but she didn't trust him. As they grew up, the attraction intensified, but he did nothing to acknowledge it and even was "mean" to discourage it.

So when she comes back home for a visit and finds out her mom has cancer, she needs someone to make her forget. And he's the one to do the job, but it's only one night.

When the truth comes out about what Cooper does with the Sheriff and his family and past, he fears he's endangering his new family and now that Amanda is pregnant, he has to protect her and their baby from his past.

This was a sad story for me. Yes, we have the baby and the relationship. But we have the backstory that really got to me. I hate seeing a child physically, mentally or emotionally abused and that is exactly what happened to Cooper. When his story came out, my heart broke. For the child and for the adult.

[Tianna Croy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haunted and broken by his past Cooper landed himself in the small town of Driverton. Despite trying to rob the local hardware store, he found himself a new identity and life. Falling for the bosses daughter is not in the plan. Amanda saw Cooper in a much kinder light than he saw of himself. She knew he was a good guy but at every turn he showed her he wasn't interested until one night of comfort changed everything for them and the town he tried to protect. Running from his past is now catching up with him. "Life is full of choices that define us" With this story Ruth addressed runaways, kidnapping, abuse of person and power. Very compelling story that had me in tears and fits of laughter. Once Cooper gets the full extent of his brother Clay and his fairy godfather ways some of his inhibitions and fear subsidies. The life Cooper never dared to dream is all coming true. Finding out his brother isn't so evil and his sister is still alive were more than he ever thought possible. I can't wait for more from this series.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cooper (Davis) Landon was 16 when he found himself on the run, tired, afraid and hungry, he tried to rob the hardware store in Driveton, Maine and got caught by the owner Pete.

Getting caught by Pete Glenford would prove to be his saving grace, as he would recognize the desperation in Cooper and not only give him a job and a place to stay, but also shower him with the compassion needed to heal his wounds.

Cooper would have continued living in the shadows except that Amanda returned to town and decided to stay after learning of her mothers' health issues, and as usual turned to him. This time he couldn't hide his desire or love for her but in order to claim her, he would have to tell them all his secret.

As usual Ruth Cardello wraps this story in romance, adventure, laughter and unforgettable characters!

[Linda Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another hit by Ruth!

I don't know how she gets her ideas for the stories and also the characters. I was blown away with this book so much so I didn't put it down till I finished in one night. I love the characters the kindness and the unity that they all like expressed. It kind of makes you wanna go out and find a town just like the town Ruth described. You can fill the desperation Of Cooper early childhood as it's described by him to Amanda in her parents. In the end after reading this book I felt like I would have liked to be a member of this town the way they stick together And defend and help each other. Great book!

[Amanda Bordner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruth Cardello brings us another great addition to the Barrington Billionaires books with Cooper and Amanda's story in Loathing a Landon.

This book is a great story about second chances and facing your past issues head on to move forward to your HEA. Cooper was the perfect example of doing just that. Instead of running from his past and mistakes made, he needs to face them. Amanda was the perfect person to go on that journey with him. The book had plenty of hot moments, redemption, forgiveness, and family to make for a very enjoyable read!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friends, family, bullfrogs

This was a wonderful story about Cooper and Amanda and their unconventional way to a HEA. Cooper thinks he is unworthy and doesn’t realize that he is respected and loved. Amanda loves him and wants him to be part of her life.
I want to live in their hometown. The town’s people support and protect their own. There is romance, secrets, humor, family antics, and so much more in this book. I would recommend this book and series. I was given an arc but this is my honest review.

[Michelle Eriksen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruth Cardello brings together small-town romance, friends to lovers and surprise baby all together to the billionaire scene with Cooper and Amanda’s story. Cooper has known Amanda’s family since he turned up years before after escaping a traumatic home situation. This story had me laughing in places and wondering what was next in others… The awesome story and amazing characters make it a great read.

[Regina Mohabir · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and hilarious

A most beautiful story with warmth, love, loyalty, and a true lesson on communication. My favorite was when they locked Bradford up. That scene was so hilarious and beautiful. Family turned against each other with no communication. Life is more meaningful when we talk to each other. A beautiful book from beginning to the end. One of my favorite authors.

[Andrea Akers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loathing a Landon

Cooper has been hiding in plain sight for nearly ten years now. He has a heart of gold but his past is something he struggles with. Amanda has been in love with Cooper almost from the moment they met but will Cooper's past keep them from their happily ever after?

[Carol Gil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good

Cooper had so many things happen to him until he was a teenager and able to get away from the circumstances. He ran into Amanda and her family that took him in. They lived from afar and finally came together when they were older. It was a really great story. I can't wait to read about the rest of the people from the town.

[Sue Longoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpected love

Cooper and Amanda's story was so amazing.

If you love to feel what the characters are feeling, then this book is it! The emotions throughout this book kept me turning the pages to see what happened next.

It also showed what happens in real life. The book may be fiction, but it truly feels like real life.

Bravo Ruth Cardello for another amazing story!

[anne foyster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Huge, huge fan of Ruth Cardello, as soon as a new book is released I have to read it, and Loathing a Landon, didn’t disappoint- fantastic read, even if you haven’t read any of her previous books in this series, I sure it would stand up - but do yourself a favour, and read Ruth Cardsllo