He Said Forever

The Lost Corisis #4

by Ruth Cardello

From New York Times, bestselling author Ruth Cardello comes an emotional romance about love, loss, and second chances.

Jared’s childhood was so ugly he changed his name to free himself from it. He fought his way out of poverty and earned his success, but all that isn’t enough when his past catches up to him.

Michawn isn’t looking for love when she meets Jared. She’s confident she already has the perfect man and the perfect life. All she wants is to make enough money to pay for the wedding she’s been dreaming of.
There shouldn’t have been a spark of attraction, but there was . . .then a phone call changes everything for Michawn and her life shatters around her.
She loses everything.

Can a man who sees himself as the last person who should help her, be the only one who can?
With a little guidance from Dominic Corisi, he just might find a way to heal himself as well.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance

261 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 21, 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

[Mayas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jared and Michawn story was one for the ages.

[Christine Jalili · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read a lot of books and this is my favorite one this year. I was so gutted, and ended up crying so hard. Michawn was such a ray of sunshine and my heart ached for her as she’s now grieving so hard. It’s an emotional journey. Love the advice Dominic gives. As Jared tries to help her, love when he says “I’m here because I met an amazing woman whose enthusiasm spoke to me about things I didn’t realize I wanted.” They were great together as they helped each other heal. Loved how he’s never been possessive over anyone until her. He will do anything to protect her. The ending is very heartwarming and the dogs were so cute. This book is worth re reading. I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy and I highly recommend this book and each one in this series.

[Sujatha Kovilur · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing story of transformation of darkness into light.
Michawn was a sunshine girl, with an amazing imagery of brightness and colors. A happy girl believing in herself and her fiancé, Teddy.
Jared was darkness personified, moulded by his past and his memories of his father, and only saw violence
This story is all about what happens when the two disparate people meet one day and events take off from there.
They go thro devastation, confusion, denial, acceptance and finally forgiveness, together, helping each other heal.
Jared was an amazing person who rose from his darkness and learnt to accept all things good, thereby helping Michawn come out of her devastation and desolation.
Michawn didn't know how to come out of the devastation life dealt her and wouldn't have, if others hadn't interfered.
The friends that helped them were many and varied, an eclectic bunch of people. I particularly loved the characterisation of Dominic Corisi, who remained enigmatic but was fleshed well here, giving him a softer side, brought about by the right people. I loved Piper and how he recognized goodness when he saw it in Jared.
"Children and animals always recognize goodness" to paraphrase Ms Ruth.
Which is what Jared is all about.
Loved the book and its many hues.
I was given an ARC and here is my honest review of the book.

[Karin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michawn is probably one of my favorite female heroines ever and it hurt my heart the upheaval that was handed to her and that one moment that literally changed everything for her and Jared

[Nancy Lauricella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book with a good story.

I thought Jared was a real son of a gun but he proved himself very wrong. He showed that he has a sympathetic side and very heartwarming.

Michwan is a delight but a basked case when tragedy hits, which is totally understanding.

I loved this whole story. Started out very bad but it had a very good ending for both Jared and Michawn. Jared and Michwan were perfect for each other. Both broken, Jared more so then Michawn, but they both healed each other. It was so enlightening to read and really get into their life. It was very endearing for Jared to have a conversation with Dominic Corisi and glad to see him again in one of the books. If you don’t know Dominic, then you must get to know him by reading the first book.

If you have never read about the Corisi family you must. There is a whole family with relatives and friends to discover. You have to start at the beginning. I just love this whole family and they are very unique in their own way. So much worthwhile reading. I loved this book and I hope it is not the last one. Thanks Ruthie!!

The Legacy Collection -Dominic Corisi; The Andrades; The Barringtons; Corisi Billionaires; The Lost Corisi

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I needed at least a full day to try and digest what I experienced from this story! This book deals with so many powerful aspects of the human condition that you find yourself feeling like you’re in a ‘gone in 60 seconds ‘novel edition experience. What a poignant, thoughtful and beautiful story this book is! It’s a true homage to learning to continue to love after tremendous loss and it’s difficult to speak about in the abstract as it’s such a richly personal book! Ruth Cardello hasn’t reinvented herself-it’s wonderfully familiar yet it’s distinctly new and different. You could pick this up as a first time reader of this author and love it, but those of us who know the players here will wholly appreciate the tip of the iceberg richness the backstories are in this story! I can’t recommend ‘He Said Forever,” enough, but be prepared because it will bring out loads of feels-and from places you might not even suspect! Brava, Ruth Cardello! BRA-VA! And thank you most sincerely. 🥹🖖🏽🥰

[Jennifer Artiles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story! Jared and Michawn get off to a rocky start but the attraction is there. Unfortunately, tragedy strikes and time passes before they reconnect. He never wanted to be in a serious relationship before he met Michawn but can't forget her over the years. She resists him out of fear but when they both are finally on the same page, it's beautiful! They are so supportive of each other and make their relationship work even through difficulties. The way their families help them out was very touching as well. Highly recommended.

[Terri Tutor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner! I wasn’t sure how Jared and Michawn were going to get together, considering their first meeting wasn’t pleasant and Michawn was happily engaged to someone else. Fast forward to two years later and how things have changed! Jared has never forgotten Michawn with thoughts of her constantly on his mind. Michawn went from a happy, confident young woman to someone just existing. With a little help from Dominic Corisis, Jared came up with a way to help Michawn. I really enjoyed the way Jared and Michawn’s story turned out, especially since they seemed so different.

[Susan Baez Randleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks Ruth for an amazing story! I fell in love with everything! Story and characters so engaging. Kept you reading. It resonates so strongly. I’m still processing book but honestly was one of my most favorite stories so far. Such heart and feelings. Loved the quirky as well as serious. Well done!!

[Andrea D · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this author but it took me a minute to get into this book. Usually her books drag me in but not so much with this one. However, I am not a fan of sad story writings. BUT it’s definitely worth the read especially if you follow the series and characters.

[Andrea Oczvirkova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jared had hard childhood. But he survived and manage to get on top. But some scars remained and he try the best to fight them,
Michawn had happy live. She was happily engaged and she lives her dreams. But one tragic moment and she lost her happily ever after and whole future.
Can to broken souls heals each other? Can the found their forever and more? The book is full of love and written with heart. And we also meet Dominic Corisi there and we see, how his yearlong relationship with Abby continues. It is beautiful book.

[Liz Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another great story by Ruth Cardello. I loved the characters Jared and Michawn. They certainly had many obstacles to overcome to become the happy loving couple at the end.
Dominic was back to give some sound advice and a couple of lighter moments too. Can’t wait to find out about the next story, and how Dominic will deal with the Judy’s date. Congratulations Ruth, another 5 stars from me.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love is a family affair. Cardello has dreamed up a love story that never stops giving. Whether in blood or with love, the Corisis are all heart. From spicy to sentimental, He Said Forever is a sensory delight that speaks to the soul. Jared and Michawn are a perfect edition to an unforgettable family.

[Drz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC. I really enjoyed this book with all of the highs and lows of Jared and Michawn. I thought the story showed the complexity of the characters and their struggles from grief and trauma to finding peace and happiness.

[M Cabral · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!! The developing relationship between Jared and Michawn was well written. There was sadness, tragedy, love and friendship throughout the book. Including previous characters I missed reading about was a treat. I can’t wait to see what’s next from Ruth Cardello. She has the best stories and this book did not disappoint!

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This.
This is absolutely one of the best books I have read in so long I don’t even know what to compare it to. Seriously. I have never felt a book so deeply. I laughed, I literally cried (and that never happens), I laughed WHILE crying, I spent the WHOLE last half of the book with a grin so large on my face that it literally hurt.

Jared…seriously what can I say about Jared other than he may have eclipsed Dominic in my heart. I literally melted for him.

Dominic, yes Dominic, was the best comic relief in this book and I don’t say that lightly. It was brilliantly written. The wording of the whole book was beautiful almost poetic at times and I know I am laying it on thick but I don’t even care because it was that good. I found myself reading slower just so it wouldn’t end. And the ending…OMG!!

Truly.

It was just simply awesome.
👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[Gemma Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fabulous Corisi heartwarming tale

It’s been a while since I have read one of Ruth’s books because I had finished her entire back catalogue and have been eagerly awaiting this next instalment… and it was definitely worth the wait.

As though I’d read the previous books in this series only a few days ago, I was immediately back in Ruth’s enchantingly immersive world of hot blooded alphas and smart, beautiful and inspirational women. It didn’t take me long to remember all the great characters I’d previously met because the way Ruth writes makes them all so memorable.

This story certainly starts a little differently and from the moment we met the gorgeous Mishawn Courter, I had that sneaking suspicion that somehow her happy, blissful life was about to change. And it certainly does.

This book is very thoughtfully written and works with themes that some may find difficult but Mishawn’s journey and the way Jared steps in to help her find her way back is so touching.

Jared has never felt or known real love, apart from the affection he shared for the family he has chosen to put into his life. His childhood was far from perfect and he’s used anger and aggression to pull himself back from the brink so many times, he’s got the scars to show for it. But meeting this woman who matched his sarcasm, wit and honesty was what he needed to accept himself and move onto a better and healthier path.

One persons tragedy can often turn into another persons opportunity and that is true of what happens with Jared and Mishawn. Jared steps up to be the man Mishawn never realised she needed him to be and together they forge a bond that it so deep and passionate that you can’t help but love them both.

Fantastic story… and I really can’t wait to read more.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

He Said Forever is Book 4 in The Lost Corisis series

Meet Jared
Jared had a poor childhood and he decided to change his life and that included changing his name totally to help hid his horrendous past. Jared worked his way up from being poor then climbed up the ladder to earn his well deserved success; or so he thought. All that started to change sudden'y when his horrific past starts to rear it's ugly head and catches up with all his lies.

Meet Michawn

Michawn wasn't or had no intention of looking for love until she met Jared. Michawn was so confident that she had the perfect life and man and all that she wanted in her life. All that Michawn wan't to do is earn enough money to make her perfect wedding of her dreams come through. However there should be no attraction to Jared if she was totally in love with her man already right?
Suddenly Michawn recieves a phone call that shatters her life . This call changed everything for her. Can she work through all of this on her own or does she need help.

Now Michawn has lost everything she held dear to her.

Can a man like Jared can help her? Jared sees himself who's determined to see himself as the last man who sees himself as the last man who could help her?

Can Jared be this man who knows that with some guidance from the one and only determined and some know him as the man not to mess with his work and family is Dominic Corisi. Dominic may be just that person who can help Jared on the right path and then he maybe able to help heal himself and be the person he want's to be...

[Jamoz23 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A spark, a thing, a connection, then such gut wrenching emotional pain and withdrawal start this book off.
I loved Dominic, always have, and how he stepped up to help Jared all the way through was great.
Our heroine, sorry, I cannot even pronounce her name in my head, was one of the nicest ones I’ve read about. She suffers devastation and handles it as she feels she must but she has the best of best friends in Tracey and a very supportive family.
Jared felt a spark 2 years ago when he first met the h but accepted she was taken though it hasn’t stopped him thinking of her.
He has had a terrible childhood full of abuse and horror. His way of dealing with that by fighting and pain was so sad.
Being contacted to run an intervention gives him the chance to be with the woman he believes could be his happy ever after balance.
I loved how this played out, the dog rescue centre was fantastic and seeing these two heal each other in such a clear and honest way was wonderful.
All the other little details that made this story up were icing on the cake.
The way Jared’s father was dealt with was extremely clever and satisfying.
I just found the sex scenes to long at times.
Read through kindle unlimited.

[Amy Kemp ~ Amzabella loves · Rating 5 out of 5]

He said forever is the first book by Ruth Cardello that I have read, and I was not disappointed. Can two broken people make themselves whole again?

I loved everything about this book. From the characters to the storyline Ruth is able to take two people's journey of grief and tragedy and make you an emotional mess reading it, in a good way.

Michawn is such a beautiful bright person in the beginning but when her life is turned upside down you watch as she slowly dies a little more inside even after 2 years. How she deals with her pain is completely understandable, but I loved how she knew what she needed to do to find her way and not what others expected.

Jared is the tortured soul who you can't help but fall for. His personality makes his character believable and relatable to the reader. His past is heart-breaking but the way he wants to heal himself and try to help Michawn is amazing to read.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait to read more from Ruth in the future. I highly recommend it to fans of HEA.

5 🖤 Rating.

🖤Amy🖤


*I was given an ARC of this by the author and wildfire marketing solutions *

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 4 in the Lost series. In this book Michawn and Jared. Neither was looking for the other but the spark was there. After all Michawn was happily engaged and Jared was Jared not interested in love or anything close to a relationship. Michawn suffered a horrible loss when her fiancé died. It sent her into an ugly place because she met Jared the day he died and she felt guilty that she had these feelings for someone other then her fiancé. There was something about her but Jared didn’t know what but he shut himself off to others because of the spark he had with her. Michawn had told her best friend about the spark and it was her idea after 2 years of self punishment to ask Jared to help try and get through to her. Jared agreed but didn’t know really why all he knew was there was something there. In this book you hear from characters from previous books and who would ever have believed that Dominic would be giving relationship advise but look out because he does and shocker he is actually right! Hold on an read their adventure and discovery and watch how they help heal each other.

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 STARS
Another great book by Ruth Cardello.

Jared is no stranger to working hard and getting through tough situations. He survived a poverty filled childhood and came out on the other end. He meets Michawn in an unexpected way. He cannot deny she is beautiful, however, he feels this is a set up and has NO interest in anything. Initially I was not a huge fan of him as he was grumpy and very closed off. There are definitely many amazing layers to him. By the end you will be swooning.

Michawn starts out as this beautiful, confident and overall happy woman. She sees that Jared is struggling and tries to give him some friendly advice. She suffers a HUGE tragedy and immediately falls into a depression and closes herself off. She definitely holds on to guilt which keeps her from moving forward. Jared is way more than she bargained for and is a saving grace she did not know she needed.

I loved the idea of two broken souls finding happiness when they least expect it. This was such a good story of grief, healing and finding what makes one happy.

[Samantha (Millennial Life Crisis Bookshelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this series and these characters! This installment focuses on Jared and Michwan, first meeting through a job that never ends up happening when tragedy happens in Michwan’s life. Years later, Michwan’s best friend reaches out as a means to help get Michwan back to her old self, after she changes everything and moves away as a means to grieve and gives up her life’s work. Jared decides to seek her out and help her work through things, while also acting on the feelings he felt when they first met, thanks to a talk with Dominic. While Michwan fights Jared’s presence at first, once she gives into him, she is reminded of her past and her passions, and through those experiences and feelings with Jared, they act on the chemistry they felt all those years ago. This was a great read from Ruth, building on these new characters while also giving us insight into those in the previous books. I can’t wait to see who’s next and what happens next!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Meka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jared is cocky, arrogant and may seem a little crude, but I liked him from the first page. He has a past that is not pretty and it shows in the depth of his eyes. I definitely was not expecting what happened with Teddy. I was definitely caught off guard. Michawn could be dramatic at times, but I like her energy. Jared and Dominic are more alike than they realize. I’m not sure why the men always feel threatened by Dominic personality by now. I could see he changed for the better. I really like the thought he put into the trip and awakened something in Michawn. The dog talk was a bit much for me and didn’t care for the length of time spent on the conversation. I was sure Jared would have made a different choice in the situation with his father if Michawn wasn’t at his side. They were definitely made for each other. They were so cute together. I’m excited for what’s to come next. I enjoyed this book. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of the book.

[JigsawGirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Out of all of the ways I thought Michawn and Jared would end up together, the actual event was shocking.

I initially didn't care much for Jared. I kept wondering why he wanted to dim Michawn's light. Then Jared did something unexpected and pulled both Michawn and himself out of a dark, painful place.

This is not what I would call instalove or a second chance romance. It felt more like something in between. They had great chemistry. I enjoyed the fun, clever conversations they had.

I liked the way all of the families came together and got along. Both the families of blood and the ones of choice. There was also an unexpected twist that directly touched both Jared and Michawn. I was not expecting that at all.

Ultimately they got their well deserved HEA. We also got to briefly revisit Dominic Corisi and Abby. An enjoyable heartwarming read.

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

[Tianna Croy · Rating 5 out of 5]

You don't get to decide someone's grief.  Everyone deals with death differently.  But as Michawn was drowning in her grief no matter how much her family tried they couldn't reach her.  Her guilt of having an attraction to Jared the same night her fiance died keep her from living.  She was alive but she wasn't truly living.  Jared was jaded to relationships. He had a rough start in life.  He to was alive but not really living.  He thought he was happy but a chance meeting played over and over in his head.  Michawn was happily engaged when she met Jared, so why couldn't he get her out of his mind.  In a twist of fate his chosen family fostered his need to help her.  Two lost souls help heal each other and learn to truly live again.  With a cameo by none other than Dominic Corisi, we see his soft side for those he holds dear.  I've always loved Dom, but I have a feeling he's gonna go crazy when he finds out Judy is dating.   Until then I can't wait to read more from this world. 

[DONNA SIZEMORE · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! I have been reading books by Ruth Cardello for years. The main constant is always family first. I feel that in this book we have completed the circle with the Corisi family, but there is a new generation coming. The main theme throught out the lost Corisis series is perseverance to do the right thing and go after what you want. That with love and a positive attitude you can achieve your goals. There is so much humor mixed with romance. The best way to end this review is with a quote from this series:
"Things aren’t always perfect, and that’s okay. Life isn’t perfect. I’m not sure it’s even meant to be. I don’t let that stop me from believing in love and miracles and wishing on candles before I blow them out. We are all blessed with the amazing gift of being able to write the stories of our own lives. So much of that story is up to us to interpret."
Happy reading.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jared Seacrest, serious businessman, meets Michawn Courter, architect, while escorting her around a friend’s house to create some magical spaces. Jared is immediately taken with Michawn, and get stop thinking about her, although she is already engaged to her childhood friend. There is tragedy and the span of two years, but Jared hasn’t forgotten Michawn. He unwillingly goes to help her and, in the process, perhaps she’ll help him too.

I love the way Ms. Cardello brings her characters together. Even if they don’t seem like they belong, as she unfolds who they are, you can believe it. Her books always flow smoothly and have just the right amount of angst to make the HEA special. Such a beautiful story of grief, love and picking up the pieces and moving on told with her usually style of compassion, kindness, and plenty of heat!

This series feels like it’s coming full circle. Dominic Corisi, abducting Abby in the first book Maid for the Billionaire. And him encouraging Jared to do the same to help Michawn in He Said Forever. I loved seeing Dominic again and took pleasure with him being the voice of wisdom and advice for Jared. I’ve loved every book in this series! And it looks like Judy’s turn may be coming in the future! That will be such an exciting read!! I received an arc of the book, and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 4 in the Lost series. This book follows two individuals that are not looking for love or a relationship but somehow help each other find their way out of the darkness. After Michawn suffered a horrible loss, it could only be a virtual stranger that could reach her and bring her out of mourning. It was also only Michawn who could heal Jared’s scars as well. I love how Ruth puts together unique story lines and brings the reader in weaving you through the characters journey to healing and love. I love the addition of characters from previous books that add to the story. And no you do not need to read other books to enjoy this one. It was just an added dimension for those that had. You won’t want to miss out on this one. Plus, now I need to know where I can get dog training like in the book. Sign me up!

[Jill Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read everything that Ruth Cardello has ever wrote. I didn’t think that she could write a book that knocked Dominic Corisis out of the top spot of my favorite characters but I believe that she has succeeded with Jared! And Michawn, to go through what she did and finally come out on top makes her a very strong character. These two together are everything that you could hope for. This book will make you scream, cry and fall in love. There’s really not a feeling that you won’t feel. Jared taking Michawn to the dog rescue stole my heart and I know that it will yours too. I would recommend this book 100 stars if I could. I loved it that much!! Thank you Ruth for this fantastic story. For the love and the heartache and then the love again. ❤️