Tycoon Takedown

Lone Star Burn #2

by Ruth Cardello

Melanie Hanna has finally worked up the courage to travel to New York and tell an old flame that he’s the father of her young son. She’s done hiding and apologizing for her one impulsive night. When her best friend asks her brother to watch over Melanie, her emotional trip takes an unexpected and sizzling detour.

Charles Dery is at the top of his game, but all he can think about is bedding the woman he was asked to protect. When she’s almost killed, he takes what he’d been denying himself and discovers he’ll do anything to keep her—even break his own rules.

When it comes to love, two wrongs may just finally make a right.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Westerns, Audiobook, Adult, Western Romance

258 pages, Paperback

First published March 10, 2015

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

[KathyAnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book... a few tears, a few giggles and a steamy romance to go with it... yep, a little bit of everything I love all in one book!
The first book of this series was one of my top favorite reads last year and if you haven't read it yet I highly recommend starting withTaken, Not Spurred. This second book can be read as a stand alone but it's more enjoyable if you know Sarah and Tony's story.
Melanie has been living with her son on Tony's ranch in Texas and working as his housekeeper. Charlie is a successful business tycoon who lives in New York. They met in the first book when Charlie came into town in an attempt to bring his sister Sarah back home where she belonged. After all was said and done, the one thing he could not get out of his head was Melanie. The fiery Texas country woman made an impression on him and he can't seem to get her out of his mind.
As fate would have it, Melanie finds herself traveling to New York to settle some of her past demons. And, while she's there these two can't help but cave into their carnal desires. Yes, things get very hot and steamy. :)
The thing that I loved about this book the most was that even though this couple had an undeniable physical attraction for each other, It didn't change the fact that they came from two different worlds AND that there was a little boy involved who Melanie had to put ahead of her own desires no matter what. The first half of the book was all lust and steam but the second half of the book became more emotional as they attempt to make compromises. Both of these characters had to sort out some damage from their past and do some healing before they were able to take their relationship to the next stage.
The star of the book was definitely Melanie's little boy Jace... he stole my heart... had me both giggling out loud and welling up with tears. I just can't say enough about this little guy. I loved the way the author used his character as a catalyst for Charlie's healing... I'm getting all choked up just thinking about it! I know... I know... I'm an emotional sap... and a big sucker for little kids with big hearts.
This series is also full of a great cast of supporting characters. I really loved Mason, Charlie's best friend. He was sexy, funny and a great friend to have around. Would love to see him get his own book. (hint hint)
This is a wonderful series for anyone who likes a little country mixed with their city... and, those who like a nice healthy mixture of erotica, humor and sappy heartfelt moments. I'm not sure if there is more to come but if so, I'll be the first in line. Very talented author... I'm a big fan!

ARC was provided by Montlake Romance


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[Juanita · Rating 3 out of 5]

A follow up to the first. It was ok but I'll continue series.

[♡Naz♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The kid is sooooo cute.

[Lover of Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy in exchange for a honest review. Thanks to Netgalley and Montlake Romance Publishing.

Tycoon Takedown is a wonderful romance that won my heart. I have adored this author since I first discovered her a few years ago. In this latest series, we have a western theme going on. In Tycoon Takedown, we have the hero who is a successful businessman, and considered to be powerful and influential and resides in New York. The heroine wants to make up for a past mistake, so she and Charles start a intimate relationship, and soon we see the start of a relationship that is not going to be easy to keep. Charles is stubborn and has a past that prevents him from being open to a healthy relationship. On the surface he seems to be a cold and unfeeling, but in the center, he is a human being that is hurting. But then when Charles and Melanie get separated, and soon Charles will have to realize what is really important in life. Tycoon Takedown is a emotional driven romance that gets to the heart of what makes us all take. What gives us pain, what offers us joy, and what makes us feel love. This is a love story that is engrossing and deeply moving. CHARMING!

[SandyL · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this second book in the Lone Star Burn series! Melanie has been Tony Carlton's housekeeper for many years. She's been closed off from her family and most other people until Sarah came into Tony's life and to the rest of the people on his ranch's life. As Melanie's son starts to get older he's been asking about his dad - and Melanie decides its time to find the guy she hooked up with in college but never told she was pregnant. The last known place she can find of him is New York, where Sarah's brother Charles lives. Although Melanie has no plans to see Charles, Sarah makes other plans and get Charles to pick Mel up from the airport. After that, sparks fly and they can't keep their hands off each other. Until Melanie gets news she didn't want to hear as well as gets scared and runs back to Texas. Both Melanie and Charles have a lot of thinking they need to do in order to find a life together. This was a fun, sexy story!!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received an ARC for review

Great romance, love story with a little bit of emotional angst on both parts. It was almost too easy and syrupy sweet the way her son meet his grandparents. Melanie and Charles/Charlie were great together even if Charles was sometimes had stupid-man moments. It was great seeing Sarah and Tony again. I still want David to get a HEA, and now I want to know more about his BFF, Mason.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book two of the Lone Star Burn series by Ruth Cardello
Melanie is a single mum working on the Tony Carlton ranch.
Melanie has been hiding away with her son and avoiding the issue of who his father is and Jace wanting to know about him.
Charles and Melanie have been circling each other ever since meeting each other.
Really enjoyed this second book. Looking forward to more in this ranch world.
Great ending and HEA.

[The Book Junkie Reads . . . · Rating 4 out of 5]

country girl make the city tame for some . . .

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

This was fun and sad and special. We met both Charley and Melanie in book one of this series. She was the no nonsense housekeeper for Tony. Charles was the sister of Sarah and a tycoon in the NYC. The met by chance. The attraction was there from the start. Going to right a wrong/oversight. Melanie finds herself on his turf in New York. She also finds that their attraction was still burning bright. These two unlikely to fall for each other find they have common ground.

We meet new characters and find funny things happen no matter where you are. We see the pain and sorrow of what the heart wants and he mind cannot withstand. We see that sometimes love and determination are friends and things can end in a good way.

The narration was a complement to the story. You find the cadence smooth and the audio clear and clean.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick Info
Standalone/Cliffhanger?: Standalone
Part of a Series?: Yes
----------------------------------
Meeting the Characters
Charles
Melanie
----------------------------------
What happens?
Charles meets Melanie when he goes to rescue his sister in the last book. He is unable to get her out of his head so when he finds out Melanie is going to be in the city alone he jumps at the chance to insert himself into her life.
Melanie tries to fight her attraction to Charles, believing him to be like every man shes known. Shes determined to protect herself and Jace away from being hurt including shutting Charles out.
Final thoughts
This was a good read. I really enjoyed myself reading this.
Would I read again?: Yes
Would I read this author again?: Yes

[Gemma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was as as much fun as the first book in the series. Hot, erotic , romantic and funny. Brilliant characters too.

[Maria Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

*** ARC received in exchange for honest review ***

After reading Taken, Not Spurred (another 5 star read), I couldn't wait to get my hands on Tycoon Takedown. Lucky for me I won an ARC from the author, so I was able to start right away. When Melanie's character was first introduced (in the previous book) I just knew her story was going to be interesting. At first glance one would think she is very stand-offish and cold. She comes to Tony's ranch, does her job and leaves. The only person she really has any kind of connection with is David, Tony's ranch manager. She's not as close as she used to be with her family due to a falling out, and she has managed to push all her friends away. Aside from her son Jace, she is literally alone.

It's been a mystery up to this point how Jace came to be. I mean clearly we know how it happened, but we don't know much about his father or the circumstances of Melanie's pregnancy... until now. She's no longer able to avoid the topic with Jace and decides it's time to do the right thing by him, and his father. So she sets out on a trip to New York, the last known state of residence of her son's father, Todd, to inform him he has a son. In the back of her mind, Melanie is a little hopeful that she may run into Charles Dery, Sarah's brother, since that's where he lives and works. Little does she know that he's been pining for her just as much as she's been pining for him, and the sparks they felt at their initial meeting are still there and even more intense than ever.

We already know all about the secret that has been plaguing Charles, the guilt he harbors and the way he has heart breakingly cut himself off emotionaly from his family. But I was definitely not expecting to see this alpha male side of him! Wow. I thought Tony was pretty hot, but Charles has raised the bar...by a lot. I loved seeing this side of him, and how intense his feelings for Melanie were. He wants to give her anything and everything within his power.

I was in love with this story from beginning to end. Tycoon Takedown packs just as much of an emotional punch as the 1st book in the series, and somehow manages to turn up the heartwarming factor a couple more notches. I feel like this is a story many women would be able to relate to, because yet again we've got real characters with very real human emotions, dealing with problems, pain and loss that most people have encountered at some point in their lives. I really can't praise it enough.

I highly recommend this book, but definitely suggest reading Taken, Not Spurred first to really get a feel for all of the characters, and their backgrounds.

Note to Author: I don't know if it's in the works or not, but I would absolutely love for David and Mason to each get their own HEA's! Just saying...

[Shy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second installment to the Lone Star Burn book is definitely one hell of a hot great read. I love every moment I had in the book. And if I may say so, I think Ruth Cardello outdid herself once again.

Charles gives me a picture of a cowboy in suit by the end of the book. It's a picture I just can't get off my head after reading everything he was and after everything that he did for Melanie. Love may not heal all wounds but love definitely can help you move forward, open new doors and look at everything in a new perspective. And having that can help you heal. I love that this book didn't show a perfect Charlie, but showed how flawed he is and how he worked on getting himself better or at least working to find the old him. The one that Sarah keep saying to be a really big softie inside. I almost didn't believe her. But Charlie showed me that he was.

Melanie on the other hand has her own baggage and a past that she needed to deal with. What I love about her was the spunk and beautiful heart that she have inside hidden underneath all that tough exterior. I love how she love her son so much she would not compromise anything for his happiness. Even if it was her happiness at risk. Her protectiveness for her son was such a beautiful thing it gives me a window to look at how beautiful and hard and challenging it must have been to be a mom. I like how she saw her faults and made her way to make up for them even having a clean slate with her parents. The deal with Jace father was somehow heartbreaking almost made me cry.

Jace on the other hand was full of innocence of his age it was endearing and hilarious at the same time. I think I love him most out of all the characters. And it will definitely not be the same if you take his character out of the picture.

Mason, David and Dean together made me curious. How did they get along when put together given their differences? Add Tony to the loop and it's hot alpha male-senator-cowboys-playboys in a minx you don't often see.

I almost forgot how Sarah's character was and in here, I saw how beautiful her positivity was. And like what Melanie said, I just wish that she won't let anything change her. She and Melanie together made a balance that makes a perfect tandem not only in reigning hot cowboys but men in general.

The novel was full of drama, sexiness and humor that once you start reading, there is no stopping until you reach the end. The romance,, love and challenges contained within its pages was so heart warming I couldn't ask for more. I'm definitely looking forward to the next one in the series. So if you haven't started reading it yet, I strongly suggest you do.

[Paula Legate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It played on all the emotions. I laughed, I cried, and I laughed some more. This book had me grabbing for my box of tissues more than once. Any book that can bring me to tears is one heck of a wonderful book.

Melanie is a single mom. Now that her son is 5 years old, he is starting to ask about his dad. Melanie never told the guy that he was a father. She is tired of hiding. Melanie finds the courage to go to New York City to find the guy she had a one night stand with in college, and tell him he is a father. I have to say she is very determined. At one point she was set to call up every Todd Jones in the phone book. She had 3 columns, Yes he went to her college, No he did not, and hell no, even if he was the Todd she was looking for. Needless to say she had a strange phone call or two.

While she was in New York a guy snatched her purse. He picked the wrong lady to mess with. She tackled him, and used her belt to tie him up with.... Everyone recorded the tack down, and it was a instant hit on Youtube, giving her the nick name, the Take down cowgirl.

While she is there, she finds love with her best friends brother. Neither one can see how a long distant relationship would work, so you will just have to read and see how the two worked it out. This is a book I'm sure you will love as much as I did. I highly recommend it.

[Mayas · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I get paperbacks I like to leave them fresh and crisp. When I won an advance readers copy for my blog of this upcoming release from Ruth I was too excited. I declared today ditch day from work and dove in. It was the best way to spend my day. Charles and Melanie were HOT. What drew me in was the decisions of a mother. Being a single one is always a struggle, your decisions are not your own. You have to think of you and your child from the time you conceive them until they arw grown. This is Melanie but her desire for Charles is not enough to deter her from what's #1. This is a deep sexy novel with a hint of comic relief and heartwarming insight from a five year old. The struggle is real from both the hero and heroine but the journey and solutions is what kept me flipping until I got to the end.

Thank you Ruth from a single mother of three.

[Emily (Mrs B's Books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

**My thanks to NetGalley and Montlake Romance, for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**

This book is the second in the series and although you do not need to read the first, it certainly helps to have some background information on the characters.

There is lots of emotional angst between the characters, along with the fact that both Melanie and Charles have a past that confines them which they have to learn to let go of.

Both Tony and Sarah feature in this book as support roles and help to add some levity to the story, and Melanie's son Jace is really cute as he come out with some sweet sentences and tells us the world as he see's it.

It's a love conquers all, should you be brave enough to let go of the past and let it in kinda story.

[Lacey Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore Ruth! Her billionaire series is one of my favorite, and her cowboy series is quickly turning into another fave! Country girl meets City boy! Once I started it, I couldn't stop! I loved Melanie in the first book, and enjoyed her even more in this one. She was kinda snarly and stand-offish in book 1. We get to see what makes her tick. We learn about her struggles with being a single mom. Charles is Sara's brother. He's all about work, and has no desire to settle down. But something happens between Melanie and Charles. Sparks fly and they're unable to deny them. Except what happens when you live in different states and neither have a desire to relocate? Find out! You won't be sorry!!

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

An AWESOME read! Heartfelt and Endearing.

A story of viewing things in different perspectives, compromise and understanding - there is no one set path.
Obstacles arise but one must go forth to confront and overcome. Choices are available. Decisions need to made. Everyone is affected.
Tycoon Takedown is that story.

Charles depicts a picture of a city boy, meets Melanie a country girl. They each have personal issues to confront - single mother, location (different way of living), lost loves, new relationships. Things are not as they seem especially in matters of the heart.

Looking forward to reading more from the Lone Star Burn series.

[Delene Yochum · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second in the Lone Star Burn Series. Ruth Cardello has written a sexy book with just the right amount of tension and angst to keep you turning the pages. Melanie and Charles are thrown together when her friend asks her brother to keep an eye on Melanie. She's about to face and tell the man she spent one night with he's a father What happens when the man supposed to be protecting you is attracted to you. HOT that's what happens. Breaking the "not getting involved rules" doesn't come easy for Charles, but he finds it impossible to stop. Great read!

[Miriam Stern · Rating 1 out of 5]

It was like reading bad porn. Seriously. Whoever gave this book more than two stars (and I'm being very nice about it) clearly hasn't read a good book before. The writing is appalling, the plot is... Nonexistent. I was bored, oh so bored, by the time I was halfway through and, quite honestly, I bulldozed my way to the ending. It's also 40% longer than it should have rightly been. I'd add a few more choice words, but this is a decent place where I'm sure my profanity will not be appreciated.

[Clorie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good fun HEA book. I listened to this one and though the Texas accent was good the New York male accent needed a lot of work.

I am enjoying this series and looking forward to more. I'd like to see a story about the Tanner kid. Where does his life go? The only thing I don't like, is why everyone has to be billionaires. Just well off works. Cause I can't imagine any billionaire just blowing off their work life so easily.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This was a really cute story, it was missing a few things, but it was still good, could have used and epilogue. This was my first book by this author and I will defiantly read other books in this series, I kinda hope jason gets his sown book and David :) either will be great!

[Karen Hrdlicka · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read/listen to a wide variety of books, for different reasons and moods. I truly enjoyed this addition to the Lone Star Burn series by Ruth Cardello. I loved the glimpse of Melanie I go in the first book, she's feisty, loyal, and witty. A single mother who loves her son fiercely and has made some choices that drove those who cared about her out of her life. Enter Charles Dery, who she met briefly when he came to drag his sister from a Texas horse ranch. Instant chemistry sets them ablaze but lifestyle and distance slow their exploration.
When Melanie decides to tell her son's father Jace exists, she heads to NYC and headlong into Charles. Twists, turns, angst, and passion exist along their journey. Plagued by the same family loss his sister was, Charles has cut people from his life and focused on business. But he finds his mind wanders to the the Texas hothead that doused him with lemonade. The couple has their issues but the sex scenes are explosive. The female narrator does an excellent job bringing the characters to life, they jump of the page with her interpretation. I loved the story and look forward to reading more by Ms. Cardello.

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story

I liked that Melanie didn’t just fall for Charles instantly, okay she did have sex with him but she went home. She wasn’t a push over and put her son first. If Charles was going to really want Melanie he had to get over his fear of kids and get to know her son in the right way.

Would really like to figure David out of all the people on the ranch he is somewhat of a mystery. I do like that Dean and Tony have a better relationship too. It was nice that Tony thinks of Melanie as a member of the family and was protective of her when Charles/Charlie showed up.

There was some great laughs in this book.

[Jamoz23 · Rating 3 out of 5]

An okay read though a bit slow in places. Not as good as book one.
Felt these two, Melanie and Charles, didn’t have a lot in common apart from lust.
Though both seemed similar in thinking and attitude, they didn’t feel compatible.
A few things were off for me.
All the parental angst from both of them.
Melanie’s attitude about Todd and her pregnancy. He may have been a player, but he was also responsible for the pregnancy.
Todd's parents not spending more time with Jace. One quick visit and then they’re not back for months. Jace is all they have left of their dead son.
Read through kindle unlimited.

[Rhonda Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

Another great story! Once again bringing me to tears and making my heart full, this story left me hungry for more (especially to see Mason taken down!). Melanie is such a rough and tough cowgirl on the outside but so hurt and unsure inside. I liked her in the first book and couldn't wait to get her story. And it's such a touching and emotional story. Charlie is strong, sexy, smart, and a self-imposed loner. I loved being a part of him coming alive again. On to the next book in this series!

[T Van · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Capitalist and the Custodian

Cutthroat business guy Charles is ruthless, detached, a man apart-- except for a nagging attraction to his sister's feisty housekeeper. Melanie has a lot if baggage, but wants better for herself and her son. A city slicker isn't going to derail her, no matter how much he makes her belly flutter.

Steamy and full of heart, the second book in the series gives two of this universe's characters a story about forgiveness, family, and having the courage to take a different path.

[Pennie Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. It has everything you need in it, a single mom who goes to New York looking for the father of her child who is now in kindergarten although she has not seen him since college and he doesn't know about the child and a super serious businessman who is the brother of mom's best friend and ends up with her. She not only intrigues and captivates him she turns his life upside down when she is dubbed the Takedown Cowgirl when she is mugged but takes down the mugger instead. Oh the joy of this and watching them find their way. So good.

[Cynthia Whisler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Series is getting better and better with each book!

This was such an inspirational and tender Storyline. Charles has shouldered a tragedy that was truly not his fault. This had made him harden his heart from a young age. Melanie was harboring her own guilt by not telling her son's father about him and now it too late. Together through trial and error they were able to heal each other and be one for Jace.

[Stephanie Villere · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another sweet and sassy story

This is Tycoon Takedown, book 2 of The Lone Star Burn Series written by Ruth Cardello. I’m enjoying this series. Living out life on a horse ranch and getting to visit New York...pretty sweet. Melanie decides it’s finally time to share her truth and heads to NY in search of Jase’s Dad. Charles is asked to watch over her, which he does very effectively. It’s fun and sassy and steamy and sad and sweet. Never a dull moment here. Enjoy!

[Susi Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book!

This book was a delight! I loved how cautious Melanie was st first. Becoming a single !I'm is hard. Sometimes you feel ashamed thinking that everyone is thinking you are "loose" or of low .oral character. Charles was a self made millionaire who was a overworked man who choose to bury his pain in work.Melanie was perfect for him. Their story is a lesson of how to move ahead in life.