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The Andrades #1

Come Away with Me

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NY Times & USA Today Bestselling Author!

Gio Andrade:
Rich, powerful, sexy. A man who thinks he has everything...until he meets Julia.

Julia Bennett:
Sweet, spontaneous, and desperate to sell her jewelry line in New York City. She takes a job as a night security guard to pay the rent.

Sparks fly when she mistakes her boss for an intruder.

He can’t get her out of his head. She can’t find the strength to deny him.

Will lies bring them together or tear them apart forever?

220 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 31, 2014

1119 people are currently reading
2894 people want to read

About the author

Ruth Cardello

127 books2,953 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
2,153 (39%)
4 stars
1,900 (35%)
3 stars
1,050 (19%)
2 stars
241 (4%)
1 star
82 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 341 reviews
Profile Image for Candace.
1,179 reviews5,018 followers
October 24, 2015
Gio meets Julia when she hits him over the head with a lamp one night. Working as a security guard, Julia assumed that Gio was a burglar when she witnessed him trying to break into a desk on the monitors. After hitting the gym, Gio went to his office to get some extra work done, only to realize that he'd forgotten his keys. Knowing that his secretary kept a spare set, he set about trying to find them in her desk. The next thing he knows, he's being confronted by a sexy little spitfire wielding a lamp.

Despite their unconventional start, these two are soon playing a game of cat and mouse. Gio is determined to have the fiesta Julia in his bed, although he's interested in little else. Julia is determined to resist her attraction to the wealthy playboy that thinks he can buy her. She's on a mission that doesn't involve getting her heart broken.

This was a quick and entertaining read. I listened to the Audible version and the narration was great. Although the story was predictable, and very similar to a million others out there, I found the dialogue to be humorous and attention-grabbing. As far as short, sweet stories go, this was a good choice. It was entertaining and light enough to pass some time between more intense, darker reads.
Profile Image for SueBee★bring me an alpha!★.
2,417 reviews15.4k followers
Want to read
February 2, 2015
 photo Free Re xB by sb_zpsiu4dgdux.gif

FREE on Amazon US today (2/2/2015)

BLURB:
Gio Andrade:
Rich, powerful, sexy. A man who thinks he has everything . . . until he meets Julia.

Julia Bennett:
Sweet, spontaneous, and desperate to sell her jewelry line in New York City. She takes a job as a night security guard to pay the rent.

Sparks fly when she mistakes her boss for an intruder.

He can’t get her out of his head. She can’t find the strength to deny him.

Will lies bring them together or tear them apart forever?


http://www.amazon.com/Come-Away-Andra...
Profile Image for Tina Brimlow.
146 reviews11 followers
March 31, 2014
I have read all of Ruth Cardello's books. With each book I have read I fall more and more in love with the story. I loved her Legacy Series. And now I love The Andrades Series. You will recognize the name Andrades from the Legacy Series. Trust me when I say this series is just as hot as her Legacy Series.

Gio oh what a man he is. Sexy, Strong, and knows what he wants. I love how he is around Julia. Of course I love what happens when he is with his brothers.

Julia man she is one strong woman. I love how she never gives up on selling her jewelery. I love how she doesn't back down from Gio. These two people were a match made in heaven. Oh and before I forget as if Ruth would let us forget that some of her Legacy Series Characters are in this book as well.
Profile Image for Karen.
1,253 reviews51 followers
March 31, 2014
I have read all of Ruth's books and what can I say about her lastest is that. Honestly I LOVED it. It made me laugh and just fall even more in love with this big family. Julia was just such a great person you could help but fall in love with her and how she brings out the person that Gio should be is a such a joy to watch. At several points I had to stop and share favorite lines from the book with my hubby as he kept asking what's so funny. This was a great book and I can't wait to read the rest of the series.



Loved this line
She cocked her head to one side and said, "Maybe you should, Then you'd look less constipated all the time."
Profile Image for UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish.
1,097 reviews1,760 followers
own-need-to-read
May 21, 2015
This is a Kindle Freebie: http://amzn.to/1JEnS3A

It's got good ratings, it's the first in a series, and has a great cover. Toss in free, and what are waiting for??

Blurb...

Gio Andrade:
Rich, powerful, sexy. A man who thinks he has everything . . . until he meets Julia.

Julia Bennett:
Sweet, spontaneous, and desperate to sell her jewelry line in New York City. She takes a job as a night security guard to pay the rent.

Sparks fly when she mistakes her boss for an intruder.

He can’t get her out of his head. She can’t find the strength to deny him.

Will lies bring them together or tear them apart forever?
Profile Image for grumpyoldbird.
302 reviews14 followers
April 5, 2014
This is the first in a new spin-off series from the Legacy Collection, and is another example of absolute perfection from Ruth Cardello. She manages to get the balance between humour, romance, heartache, family dynamics etc spot on every single time. Her writing style flows so beautifully that this book is another absolute joy to read.

This could be read as a standalone book, as it's the first in the series, but for the fullest enjoyment it would be better to read it after the Legacy Collection.

Bottom line buy this book, you really won't regret it. If you still need a bit of convincing then read the following review by Renita McKinney, as she hits the nail on the head.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Profile Image for *MariaA*.
486 reviews60 followers
May 28, 2014
WOW!! More hot & handsome "Andrades" are back and Cardello is churning out more good stuff here;)
I really hope by the end of this series,both the families come together as one!!
Can't wait for the next in series :)
Profile Image for 🦉Maggie Whitworth.
3,254 reviews113 followers
May 30, 2019
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋💋
Excellent new series in the Billionaire World
Gio needs to sort out his life and affections , that’s not easy with a hot new security guard around distracting him day and night .
Julia just wants to do her job and make a go of her jewellery business, and hopefully help out her parents .
Getting mixed up with the boss wasn’t in her plan .
Now it is .
Profile Image for Mags.
3,034 reviews36 followers
January 10, 2015
This is the first Ruth Cardello book I've read, although I didn't even finish it. I was actually looking forward to this from the many 5* reviews I had read, but found it boring didn't like the lead character Gio, and wasn't that bothered by Julia either.
Profile Image for AJ's Book ReMarks.
1,577 reviews41 followers
June 5, 2017
Rec'd this book as a freebie, have to say it's well written story of four brothers. The eldest brother Gio, falls hard for Julie, a forward security woman working in his firm. Family lies & secrets are revealed but their are more questions than answers, hence a brother series.
Profile Image for CeCe.
3,612 reviews109 followers
January 10, 2015
Audio Book Review

Billionaire who has never been in love falls for the regular girl with a heart of gold. Love it!

This is my first book by Ruth Cardello and I will definitely try another book by her. This story was a break from the heavy angst and dark books I had been reading.

However, I don't think I will listen to another book read by Kim Thompson, the narrator.
The narration sounded like it was done in the reader's basement. There was humming in the background. First I thought it was my iPhone then I thought there was issues with my car stereo. There were no problems with any of my devices. There were all issues that involved the narration. Kim Thompson did a nice job with the female voices, but Geo's voice always sounded angry. Even when he tried to sound loving, the tone was no different than when he was talking to his brothers. Also, Geo's voice barely even sounded masculine. The narrator put in little to no effort.
In the dialogue, there was barely a pause between the switch in POVs. It felt like an upgrade from Suri (iPhone narrator) reading the book to me. There was a break in between chapters, but there was barely a break between the switch in POVs. So when there was a switch I had to think if it was the heroine's thoughts or the hero's thoughts. The narration was very disappointing since the sound quality was awful and the narration itself was not professional and I think when I pay for it on audible, I expect more. Also the narrator sounded rushed. There were parts in the book that felt like she had to get through it as if she had to get dinner ready or pick up her kids from school.

I loved the initial meeting between Julia and Geo. Also I love the way Julie handled the rich lady in the clothing boutique. Julia was just a great heroine. I love heroines like her and I hope when I read more of Ruth Cardello's books her other heroines have as big of hearts as Julia's.

I do think that Come Away with Me needs a sequel. I feel that Geo and Julia's story just ended. There are so many unresolved issues like Geo's mother and how she feels about Julia. Plus, I want to know about Julia's business and her parents. I want to see Geo meet her parents and maybe see their love since he never saw that with his parents. Plus, I want to know how Geo handled his mother when he came back to the States. And I want angst with some awesome groveling on Geo's part.

Sidenote: I feel like I missed a chapter because it was never explained in the story how Geo found out how his mother propositioned Julia. Plus who is the new investor of the furniture store???

My only disappointment with the story itself was that I feel that the angst in the story ended too quickly. Julia was too easy to say "okay, Geo." I do not want to give away anything, but I wanted Geo begging. Julia should have made him sweat. I feel like Geo did not realize his own mistake in the situation until it was pointed out to him I love a man who grovels and there was not enough groveling for me.
Profile Image for Renita Lofton McKinney.
433 reviews63 followers
April 2, 2014
What can I say about Author Ruth Cardello’s writing that I have not already said?

Awesome, phenomenal, outstanding, touching, enthralling….the list could go on and on.
Her characters are real. She encompasses family, friends and occasionally a foe or two. She touches on the good, the bad and sometimes the ugliness of people and family.

Her books are filled with passion, love, sex, mystery and humor. They make you think, cause you to dream and send you on an escapade of redemption all while laughing out loud.

Gio
Gio harbors resentment, anger, disdain and is just plain mad. He has been led down a path of internal turmoil, distancing himself from anyone that calls him family except for his brothers. (there are times they even work his last nerve) He has no time for play and even less time for love. Then comes…..

Julia
Julia is determined to make it on her own. She has a plan and there is nothing that will stop her from succeeding. She is filled with drive determination and a whole lot of self-confidence (reading those self-help books will do that to you). Love is an obstacle, a deterrent and certainly won’t help her sell her jewelry.

Gio and Julia Spontaneous Combustion
When these two come together there are fireworks, smart ass mouths and an attraction so strong you feel as though magnets and steel are side by side. Can she save him from himself? Can he relax, relate and release? Will she help him find the truth? Will he listen to logic? More importantly does love soften Gio’s resolve and touch Julia’s heart?

This book in the new Andrade series has started off with a bang!!! Ruth Cardello has given us an addition to a family we fell in love with in the Legacy Collection. I am so anticipating the continuation of this series and the stories we love for Ruth to tell.

My suggestion, my recommendation, my opinion is for you to read this book, meet this family. Allow them into your lives and enjoy the “famiglia” that are the Andrades.
Profile Image for LadyCalico.
2,311 reviews47 followers
April 23, 2015
The story sounded cute in the synopsis, but I found it rather disappointing. There was something so awkward, choppy, and unfinished about the flow and progress of the story. There was so little that was fresh or original, the book reminded me of a jigsaw puzzle with cliches taken from other romance novels pounded together whether they fit or not, characters from Love Story, sex at a wedding sex scene from Fifty Shades of Grey, etc. etc. etc. Neither character was developed, sympathetic, or interesting, just two flat cardboard stereotypes--arrogant up-tight billionaire from cold family meets quirky small-town poor-girl from warm family, ever run into that one before? The poorly drawn sex scenes were the weakest parts of the novel. They were forced into such inappropriate times and situations that it seemed as if the author was desperate to hammer them into the narrative like square pegs in round holes. They came off as awkward and gratuitous and were so out of sync with what was happening in the story, like having sex with a guy you are really unsure about right after he impulsively breaks your good friend's nose just to take his spite out on somebody...yep, apparently the author expects us to find that appealing (pause while I swoon over the sadistic jerk). Then there was that ridiculous phone sex scene--just pitiful! From time to time the story would perk up and seemed to promise some human interest, but it was a promise unfulfilled.
Profile Image for Rika Kali.
52 reviews
May 27, 2014
Now you might wonder why I gave this book a 5 star.

That's because of the opening scene!

OMG!

Head meet lamp!

God, that scene was hilarious!

There are stories with this same traditional plot that authors mess up and make into something that I abhor.

This was not a book like that.

What I really liked was the fact that though Julia was out of a small town into NYC and had the typical naivete, she wasn't stupid or a doormat. She didn't let the city change her and leach out her morals. She didn't become cynical but nor was she comically optimistic. She gave Gio plenty of space to retreat before they gave in. I loved how she stood up to him again and again. And I loved how she gave him a boot to his wealthy, tight, assuming ass when he tried to demean their relationship. And mostly I loved how even through the end she hadn't taken anything of consequence from Gio.

I liked how Gio began to see things from her perspective.

I liked how he saw the faults in his ways and how he strove to rectify them.

As I have said repeatedly throughout my reviews, the hero may be hot shit but it's really the heroine that does it for me.

And Julia did do it for me.
Profile Image for Caro.
1,776 reviews42 followers
March 3, 2015
This was a pretty good freebie. It definitely got me interested. Although there were some parts that got me...arrggh...they were followed by some really good responses. Julia was really a great character and had some great characteristics. She was what I would want to be, but probably won't ever stop the worry-wart part of my brain. I loved how she lived and her personality was good. Gio though, he definitely got on my nerves quite a few times. He's a good character and I loved the ending. He had some stuff to get through and it may have been rough (but that's what makes him human) but the result was great. This was a surprisingly good and a steal. I would definitely like to read more in this series and get to know the other brothers better. I'm also gonna have a look-see about the other fam, it just has to be a series in itself. A great teaser freebie (it gets you interested) and good for a read anytime. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Lisa.
1,034 reviews59 followers
Read
May 25, 2015
I Seem to be in the minority with this book. It was the same trope used so many times: Rich bossy man. Sweet innocent woman.

 photo tumblr_l6e6veYr4W1qbpcsf_zpse5a6a774.gif
Profile Image for Diana Tan.
270 reviews8 followers
April 14, 2014
A new start to a new series by Ruth Cardello and I LOVED IT! I love the chemistry and passion between Gio and Julia. Never a boring moment when this 2 are together. I've read all of Ruth's books and I loved all of them! Most definitely a keeper!
Profile Image for Susan.
882 reviews10 followers
March 6, 2015
This started out great then I don't know what happened. It very well could have been me losing interest through no fault of the book. The h is quirky and I liked her. There seemed to be an abrupt ending. Would have liked epilogue.
Profile Image for Yve.
1,114 reviews
April 26, 2015
I figured this would be another one of your typical office romance, and to a certain extent it was, but it wasn't really anything to write home about. And while there was some funny internal dialogue on the heroine's part, the hero definitely needed a lot more character development.
Profile Image for Debby.
1,932 reviews5 followers
May 3, 2022
good.

Ruth always writes a nice story. This is another good book. May read more of this series. Usually they don’t disappoint.
Profile Image for Shy.
249 reviews19 followers
April 1, 2014
My heart is still in my throat after reading Come Away with Me. I've been anticipating the story ever since word got out that Ruth is writing a new series about the Andrades. So here's my thoughts...

The way Gio and Julia met was kind of hilarious. With the meeting ending with Julia fleeing off the scene, I could almost see Gio's reaction to that and left my mouth hanging open. Right then, I know I won't be closing the book until I read the end.

Gio was one interesting character. The way he thinks, how he cares, how he wants to show he does not care, and a past that had him shut in his walls and me curious. I like the effect Julia has on him, the one that made him do the right thing even if it's something he would never ever thought of doing.
Julia on the other hand was all lovely. Not just with her looks but all the more with the beauty she is inside. I love the way she sees life, handles her road bumps and work her way through. I love how despite temptation she could held her head high and say no when it's wrong and even have the guts to walk away than just give in. The self preservation and honesty she has was refreshing and thrilling. It had me holding on waiting to what she's gonna do next or how she'll handle the next stone life's throwing in her way.

The two of them together was fun, heart melting, and hot as hell to read about. Their contrast complement each other making the story a wonderful ride to go through.
And much as I love the story between Gio and Julia, my attention was also hold up by his brothers. I think I fell in love with Nick. I ache for that smile of his that does not reach the eyes, the sadness that wanted me to give him a hug and tell him soon it's gonna be okay. Luke being the pacifier, made me curious of how he'll be if things get really out of hand he can't keep the cool anymore. And Max, he seemed like a ray of light in the darkness that is in the middle of them. The way he could smile amidst the tension made me feel that there's more of him inside that what meets the eye. And that journey to Isola Santos where I get a glimpse of how it felt like getting a chance to know the four of them was one of my favorite scenes.
One of the things I like best in Ruth's novel is the way she weave the character of each person in the story. Their personalities were created in such a way that everyone of them - whether they played a big part of the story or just a scene - mattered and you know that it wouldn't be the same at all without them. And, I'm really going with all of these because of that scene with little Anna. The innocence and enthusiasm girls her age have was a fine sight to see.
Of course, the fact that almost everyone from the Legacy series was in here was something I looked forward to. I see a lot of Dominic in Gio that I think once they get to know each other it could either be they become best pals or they'll be kicking each other's ass. I hope it's the former.

I love the way Gio conquered his past and chase for Julia. The proposal made me bleed for being overly romantic and over the top (all the expenses made me chuckle).

I also loved how things concluded with Julia's side of the family including her career. Atta girl!
All in all, this book is about romance that comes when you're not expecting it, about mending family bridges, and about chasing for dreams with all the fire that you have within you.


Posted originally at: http://versusthewriter.wordpress.com/...
Profile Image for Tonileg.
2,243 reviews26 followers
September 10, 2015
Contemporary office romance set in New York but ends up in Italy.
So finally we get an office romance that is NOT a secretary with the boss which is a little gross because I am generally against any kind of workplace romance because you can't escape when it goes nuclear!
So we get the sweet newly hired office guard, Julia Bennett who is in the big city to sell her beautiful artistic jewelry (I guess she doesn't know about etsy?!) when she is protecting the office one night from a grungy guy trying to break into the office of the CEO's secretary, but oops! it is actually big boss, Gio Andrade! So she is new so it is possible that she doesn't recognize Gio in his work out clothes. So they have instant chemistry and Julia is smart so she tries to run away and never get into an office romance. Gio is used to getting what he wants so he wears down Julia and they end up living together within the week! Wow. That is quick, but works because they are both ready to get serious, well, maybe Julia is more ready then Gio, but he eventually catches up during their trip to Italy. Lots of family trauma which is at its most realistic moment when Gio is hanging out with his very different brothers. The author must have siblings.
Fun read with lots of interesting characters.
220 pages and kindle freebie
3 stars
Profile Image for Marti.
3,293 reviews1 follower
September 11, 2014
Ruth Cardello's books always a pleasure to read. I enjoyed the Legacy Series and I am sure I will enjoy this series The Andrades as well. I loved the characters of Geo and Julia. I loved how they first met and laughed out loud with Geo's difficulty dating Julia. Julia wasn't into Geo for the money or the fame or all that. She was too honest and genuine. Geo's realization of how much she meant to him, made him more human in my eyes. I am curious why Geo's Mom purposely drove a wedge between the families. You know that there has to be a major secret there!

I read this book in one sitting last weekend and was mesmerized by the story line. I always like handsome and rich men who fall in love with poor but either talented or special people. Especially when the men learn to recognize money does not buy everything! I am looking forward to the next story - Thanks Ruth Cardello.
Profile Image for Ava.
1,028 reviews23 followers
April 4, 2014
The same line of story; the love kind/rich/ring, but in the different line of the family tree.
I truly enjoyed this book a lot, I chose it because of the author and then for the story. But I didn't read it and liked it because of an addiction to the previous series.
This story was different in a way that it held a mystery which was a surprise for me in the end. I really liked the female character, she was kind and put the person first but not in a selfless way just being human and open.
This story held a fun side so it felt different to the Legacy.
While being another series, all the actors of the previous were still present and meddling.
I truly believe that this series will have more ups and downs with involvement of a certain person. so interesting! !!
Profile Image for Mills.
1,868 reviews171 followers
February 8, 2016
I read a lot of freebie novels and lots of them - especially the romance novels - are of pretty poor quality; I was pleasantly surprised by Come Away with Me. There's barely an error in sight. But more than that, it was genuinely quite amusing. Every time Gio did a bit of a 'poor little old me' routine, Julia stepped in and was like 'lol yeah, must be sooooo hard being filthy rich' which, apart from being amusing, allowed for a little bit of angst without being overblown or becoming an eye roll fest. I like a heroine who is good at a reality check. And I like a heroine who isn't impressed by wealth and its trappings, likes to stand on her own two feet and refuses to be bought even better.

456 reviews6 followers
January 17, 2015
So this was the next book in my library. Started reading the story and something about Gio just struck a happy cord in me. Then I decided to do some back ground research of the author and how happy if was when I realized this is the same author of Maid for the Billionaire, so I was real happy about reading the book. Gio was hot and rich but can appear constipated ( u have to read the book to know what I mean). I really liked the story and I will like to read the next installment.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 341 reviews

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