Billionaire Andrew Barrington walked away from the lavish lifestyle he was raised in to serve as a Marine. Until recently, he would have said he’d made the right choice. A tragic set of events, however, has him not reenlisting and emotionally hitting rock bottom.
Helene Franklin is visiting her uncle as part of an extended vacation in Aruba. She trades her bikini for an office job when he says there is trouble brewing at his clinic and asks her to keep an eye out for anything unusual. Every Marine needs a mission. To appease his family, Andrew heads to Aruba to track down what he believes is a wild goose chase. Expecting to discover nothing, he meets a quirky, irresistible virgin who is just about to turn his whole world upside down.
His questions will put her in danger.
Her love will set him free.
What will they gain and what will they lose when they both decide to. . .let it burn?
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.
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
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ 💋💋 Andrew is the tough cookie if the Barrington siblings, he’s also damaged and hurting, can Helene help him find his way to family, peace and love . I think she has a damn good chance 😜
Excellent book . Satisfying and Romance guaranteed.
This book contains a soldier suffering the results of PTSD . Loosing his friends and comrades. And is beautifully written in a way that will bring you to tears .
Quick Info Standalone/Cliffhanger?: Standalone Part of a Series?: Yes ---------------------------------- Meeting the Characters Helene Franklin Andrew Barrington ---------------------------------- What happens? Andrew is sent to look into the death of his younger brother who allegedly died at birth. The birth happens in the clinic that Helene's uncle runs and she is currently working for. Andrew turns up and starts asking questions that doesn't please Helene's uncle or her for fear of hurting her uncle believing him to be innocent. It becomes apparent that her uncle isn't the man they believed him to be and Andrew must protect Helene from being hurt from past actions. Final thoughts If this had been the first in the series I'd not have read on. Andrew is such a crap character. This conspiracy is running thin as well. I can't see how this is going to end apart from a big flourish which is going to take away from the series. I liked Helene she tells Andrew's family off very well and stands up for him nicely. I thought the whole virginity thing was unnecessary and it didn't add anything to the story? They have sex anyway and its no big deal so why make the character a virgin if it isn't going to be somewhat a production in some way. Its more I'm a virgin because I'm shy, then just hide it or rather don't mention her experience (or lack thereof) then?? Just found that bizarre.
I've read a lot of Ruth's books in the past year and I can say this disappointed me the most from what I have come to expect from this author, such a shame. Would I read again?: Nope Would I read this author again?: Yes because I want to see the finish.
I loved the first three books in this series but this was a let-down for me. It pains me to say this, especially after reading in the dedication in this book telling readers how close to Ms Cordello’s heart this book was with respect to the former military hero of the book.
To me however, the story felt out of sync.
The instant connection between hero and heroine, which didn’t bother me in previous books, did bother me here. I think it has something to do with this heroine being a 26-year-old virgin. If you’ve managed to hold off men for that amount of time, it felt very weird to allow an almost stranger to kiss you, and then have sex with him after experiencing a traumatic experience. For the rest of the book she was just too good to be true. Her virginity seemed to be her only ‘flaw’.
Then there is the Aruba-thing. I’ve never been there, but being Dutch, and since Aruba is a part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, I’m not oblivious. First: the local language in Aruba isn’t Dutch, so the locals wouldn’t call the heroine’s uncle a Dutch word for benefactor. Second: the health care system in Aruba is based on the Dutch system and is one of the best in the Carribean. Locals wouldn’t need a benefactor to poor private funds into health care. Health care is already available to everyone. So that annoyed me.
Thirdly... the suspense part about the missing twin... it just doesn’t interest me. I want to read about the couple!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
“They say that you don’t know who you are until the bullets start flying for real. Well, they’re fucking flying now. So what are you going to do?”
This is the motto for the entire Barrington series, I couldn't have said it better. This is hands down the turning point of a series that has bad me engaged from the very first book. Ruth does angst like no other. Family bonding through the most trying times. Pulling together when you are immune to standing strong and alone.
Andrew the hidden gem. Talked about but never seen. Yes he is home for good now with a mission and a purpose. Demons that dragged him down but a spitfire that is showing him a different route. Andrew and Helene was it for me. Her anologies had me chuckling but her drive had me cheering. Nothing like a fire that burns from within.
This is another one I can stamp " Ruth Greatest" on and stand behind it 100%. The pain, guilt, strength, devotion, and love was all there. Family togetherness and family deceit. PTSD, in the form of survivors guilt that would rock you to tears and leave you wanting to hug a fictional character with all you might. LOVE so strong it is enough to break through the most brokenness soul. This book has it all. If you need more clarification that it is a must read then...... Doing it for a mothers peace.... is all I have.
Let It Burn is the 4th book in the Barrington series. It can be read as a standalone but I recommend reading it in order to get the full concept of the background story. This book was well written and quite emotional. As the author said that the subject was personal to her as her husband is also in US Army, you can see the genuine feelings behind this story.
Andrew Barrington is an ex-marine who is having a hard time dealing with his secrets. He can't seem to find anyone who can help him deal with it all. He's staying away from his family and friends. When by chance he comes in contact with Helene Franklin, he finds a connection with her. She is the only one who understands him without even saying a word. Even after learning how one of Helene's family member is responsible for bringing grief to Barrington family, Andrew's love and admiration towards her doesn't diminish.
I liked this book better than all the others in this series. There was more emotion and chemistry between the characters. I think now the story is finally getting interesting as the secrets of their dead/missing sibling is coming forward. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
ARC Review: Let It Burn (The Barrington Billionaires) by Ruth Cardello
The Barringtons are far from perfect but underneath the drama, scheming, heartache and secrets lies a bond of love that can't be broken. In death, Patrice continues to make an impact on the lives of many with her hateful actions. Let It Burn takes one step closer to some much needed answers, but within it's pages is a quest for redemption. With some help from friends both old and new, Ms. Cardello delivers a message of healing while building a love that was years in the making. Helene and Andrew were meant to find each other. All it took was fate, wisdom and danger to seal their connection.
Damaged war veteran finds to only one who can save him
This is book four of the Barrington Billionaires series and quite possibly my favourite yet. If you haven’t read the previous 3 instalments I urge you to read them first for three reasons. Firstly, there is an underlying storyline throughout each book and you need to read from the start to low what’s going on. Secondly, you need to get to know this very broken and complicated family because the more you do, the more you’ll love them. Lastly, they are awesome reads and you won’t regret it.
I would also recommend you read The Legacy Collection and the Andrade’s Series even before you start this series… because everything is all part of a bigger, much more complex picture.
As for this story… we finally get to meet Andrew Barrington. We’ve only had very brief glimpses of him in the previous books because he was a serving Marine. However at the beginning of this book… Andrew isn’t in a good place. He’s hit rock bottom after the unnecessary deaths of his comrades. He’s so damaged and broken by not only the deaths of 3 of his closest friends, but he also knows far too much about what happened to them. The needless result of one man’s trophy hunt killed 3 innocent men who served their country only to be sent to their deaths. Andrew struggles not only with the guilt of knowing the truth, but also the guilt of still being alive when his friends are not.
It’s not until he forced to face his demons, that Andrew picks himself and begins to find his way back to some kind of life. Now, sent on a mission by his brother Lance, he is in Aruba and looking into the death of his baby brother. A journal written by his evil Aunt Patrice eludes to the pitiful jealousy she held for her sister… and when their brothers death is mentioned part of the diary is missing. Andrew didn’t believe he’d find anything of interest… but when he meets the bright, vibrant and radiant Helene, something inside him wants to be a better person for her.
There’s not a lot your can’t love about Helene. She’s smart, loyal, funny, witty and strong. If she finds something to give her heart to, she stops at nothing to make sure whatever it is happens. She’s learned through her own experience of loss and disappointment that everything can be fixed but keeping that thing safe from being hurt again is harder than healing the wounds. When she meets Andrew she sees beneath his brash, strong and bold exterior right through into his grieving heart. She knows something bad happened to him but she also knows she can’t push him.
The secrets they uncover in Aruba however are far from what they expect. The Uncle she had always loved and admired has admitted to being involved in the death of Andrews brother but through fear or guilt he flees, leaving Helene and Andrew with so many questions but no way to find the answers they need.
For their own safety they leave the island, heading back to Helene’s parents exotic wild animal rescue centre. It’s here that Andrew truly sees the person Helene aspires to be. Meeting her parents (Rose and Art… adore them!) he instantly sees what the true meaning of family is… and more importantly what he has missed in his own life.
Helene is falling more and more in love with Andrew - and who could blame her - he’s amazingly gorgeous… but she knows he’s still struggling with the internal battle he’s been waging with himself. He knows he could easily love her for the rest of his life, but he’s not ready. He needs to fix himself first and with Helene support and encouragement, he begins to rebuild his future so that he feels he actually deserved one.
I absolutely adore this couple. They are just so unbelievably perfect for each other that you know it just has to work out because they need each other.
But it’s some wounds need to be reopened before they can fully heal. And the Barrington’s have never coped well with the healing process. Well, they hadn’t until Helene walked into their lives. Her positivity and love for Andrew forces the family to recognise their faults and join together to form a stronger bond that will unite them in a way they’d never felt since the day they lost Kent.
So the next part of the journey begins. Is Kent dead? That is now their joint mission to discover the truth and lay their pasts to rest.
Amazing story. Heartfelt, moving and emotional but also lighthearted and fun when it needs to relieve some of the tension. Can’t wait for Grant’s story next. With the numbers man finally realise that there is more to life than wealth, status and profits. Hoping we get to hear more about Andrew and Helene. Love them together.
Andrew Barrington grew up in a wealthy dysfunctional family. He joined the Marines as a way to escape. Twelve years later he decides not to reenlist due to a mission gone wrong that has left him with his own demons and PTSD. To appease his brother he heads to Aruba to try to uncover the details of the dark family tragedy that happened and resulted in the death of one of his siblings at birth.
Helene Franklin grew up in a close-knit family on an animal sanctuary that consumed her life and altered her plans for college. When her parents suggest she visit her uncle in Aruba for a much-needed vacation to find herself, she reluctantly accepts. After being in Aruba and enjoying herself for a couple of weeks, her Uncle suspects’ trouble is brewing at the clinic and asks Helene to work at his clinic and be his eyes and ears. Unbenounced to Helene, her Uncle is hiding important information. Information Andrew is looking for.
When the two meet the chemistry between them is undeniable. But Helene doesn’t trust Andrew. Andrew, on the other hand wants to protect Helene and keep her away from the danger she is facing. When her uncle asks Andrew to take Helene home to her parents to keep her safe when drama comes to a head in Aruba, the two are forced together in order to stay alive and to figure out how to fight the demons that plague Andrew and the consequences of Helene’s uncles hidden secret.
Let it burn is a book that made me feel a lot of emotions. It made me feel sad, happy, at times made me laugh and had me rooting for a couple who needed to find each other. I loved that characters from other series made brief appearances in this story. As each Barrington sibling finds their happiness his family slowly is being brought back together from the tragedy that tore it apart. Thank you, Ruth for yet another amazing story about the Barrington Billionaires. I can not wait for the next book in the series.
Let It Burn!! What can I say but what a great story weaved by a very talented Ruth Cardello. This is book #4 in The Barrington Billionaire series. This book is Andrew Barrington's story. Andrew who is a billionaire and used to a lavish lifestyle enlists in the Marines. But certain events take place and has Andrew not re-upping and hitting rock-bottom(PTSD and drinking). When his family catches up with him and wants him to try to solve a mystery Andrew gets sobered up, that is when he meets Helene Frankline who is helping her uncle out in his clinic in Aruba. Fearing Helene is in danger, Helene's uncle wants Andrew to take Helene back to the states. Have I peaked your curiosity yet, I encourage to get this book to find out what the mystery is that Andrew's family want him to check out and to see if there is a HEA? Why is Helene in danger? This is a fast paced book with some suspence and romance. The dynamics between Andrew and Helene are great. Ruth Cardello hits a winner with this book also because she deals with a subject that soldiers deal with when they return from service. The feelings and thoughts dealing with PTSD, a subject many people do not understand. I received an ARC for an honest review.
Good pairing of Andrew, a damaged soldier who was hitting rock bottom after a bad mission took his teammates lives, and Helene, a heart of gold honest woman. Andrew is crawling into a bottle due to what happened on his last deployment. Helene has been raised with very interesting parents who run a wildlife/animal refuge/rehoming/sanctuary. But what ridiculous parents Helene has. When she was younger, they wouldn’t support her becoming a veterinarian as they needed her help to run THEIR animal rescue. Then they complain she has no life. Though they are loving and super supportive further on I found this a bit funny.
A good story that flowed well, with some excitement, some sadness, and a lot of belief and trust. Good further intrigue and information of the lost baby saga. Is he, or isn’t Kent alive. Liked how an old soldier he met in the cemetery gave Andrew an answer he didn’t even know he was looking for and one he could live with. Will be good to get the full background on what that vile, witch of a sister did to Sophie and Dale. Felt sorry for Helene and her parents being related to a criminal. But that link bought or two H’s together and makes them all now a part of the Barrington family. Read in the box set through kindle unlimited.
Things are heating up in this book...the back plot that has been happening behind the couples in this series is in-depth and extremely well written. The crossover between series as well has been written beautifully, and I am excited to see what happens next!
Okay so now on to Andrew and Helene...I really liked both of these characters. Especially Helene when she yells at Asher...girl has balls of steel which is what Andrew needs in his equal and wife. Being in the Marines changes a man and not always for the better...in Andrew’s case it left him broken but with Helene’s help he was able to overcome the guilt and demons that where literally killing him.
Their relationship was very rushed but I was able to overlook that because I was so engaged into what was happening with the back plot regarding Kent. BTW in my review on the previous book I mentioned how I had a feeling about Kent and what happened...well seems like Sophie in this book came to that same conclusion...so we shall see where this all goes.
This is Andrew and Helene's story. Andrew was always the never really heard from brother. He was in the military and came home only when he had to. Things happened to Andrew that changed his direction and he went into a downward spiral. Andrew grew further away from his family but agreed to look into his brother Kent's death in Aruba. Enter Helene. Andrew was smitten from the beginning even though he didn't know it or realize it I should say. I wasn't sure i liked Helene as she came off very snooty and brash and just didn't feel her warmth like all the other characters. She grew on me fast and I loved how strong she was and how she was able to see through Andrew's pain and reach him thus helping him reach his family. I will tell you that this is a lot of sadness and I needed my tissues several times. I have come to the realization that more needs to be done for our Veterans. Thank you to Ruth Cardello for bringing that out.
It was a pleasure to read about Andrew. His demons almost killed him, but an intervention gave him a new purpose in life. He went to Aruba to look further into his baby brothers Kent death. What he found was Helene and her Uncle Stiles. Stiles told him to take Helene and run back to her parents home in Florida. He said his brother was not stillborn but alive at birth and someone was hired to kill the baby. Stiles burned his house down and ran. Helene’s heart broke that her uncle was such a coward. Andrew and Helene flew to Florida where he was happy working with Helene on her parents Wildlife preserve, until Dax came to force him home. The book was entirely wonderful to read. Sinister plots, dysfunctional family relationships and a showdown marine to marine. Very sensational book
Another good read in this series Andrew Barrington is the second eldest child and a long serving Marine dedicated to serving his country until a terrible incident that killed three of his Marine brothers and he turns to drink, he stops drinking when confronted by another ex Marine who gives him a purpose. It is during this that he meets Helene a beautiful honest and straight forward woman who turns his life upside down in a great way. They fall deeply in love but the sub plot intensifies regarding the lost twin of the family somehow Helene's uncle is involved will the mystery ever be solved I look forward to the next book to find out more about this incredible family.
Another GREAT Barrington family book!! Andrew, the missing sibling that is suffering from PTSD alone because he doesn't believe anyone can help him meets a woman who faith and loyalty never wavers for the people she loves. Their story was inspiring! The way they each had to deal with their own guilt of situations beyond their control and the actions they took to do that. I was swept up in this story from the first page to the last. My favorite line "I don't know if I deserve the faith you have in me, but I'll spend the rest of my life trying to" had me swooning!!
I voluntarily read an advanced review copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
It is difficult not to repeat myself when I am going through this series like a dose of salts. You can read the synopsis by the author that will be far better than any I could write. Suffice for me to say Andrew and Helene’s story became a bit of a tear jerker for me and added to all the other wonderful attributes of this series and for me earns another 5 Stars.......read from Book 1 and I hope you will be as enthralled as I am with family saga. I am off to read Book 5! They are all stand alone but you will enjoy it far more if you immerse yourself in all the stories.
This story is the perfect mix of drama, heartbreak, crime, and full-blown love. It’s well-written and entertaining, the storyline is well-paced and the characters are well-developed. Ruth Cardello really knows how to write perfect stories !!!
It drew me in at the first pages and kept me entertained all the way through. An emotionally charged story with crime in it, that kept me flipping the pages until the last word. The incredible, hot sizzling chemistry between Helene and Andrew, makes it a beautiful love story.
So, go ahead, grab this book and let the story give you a relaxed reading time.
This book is Let It Burn, book 4 of The Barrington Billionaires series, written by Ruth Cardello. This one was intense and left me wanting more. I couldn’t put it down and I’m so glad that the whole series is already out for my viewing pleasure. When Andrew Barrington goes to Aruba to try to solve a mystery he meets Helene. She is such a strong and wonderful character. They have flaws but are stronger together....or are they? Don’t miss this story! It’s a hot one!
Andrew is a former marine suffering with PTSD. He feels alone and refuse to interact or accept help from is family. They never give up on him so they sent someone to find him which resulted in him going on a mission for his family to keep him acupied giving him a reason not to drown himself in alcohol. His situation in heartfelt and realistic. While on the mission he met Helene, their relationship helped him to start feeling again, having the desire to want more for himself and reunite with his family.
I love this series, but I felt this book lacking. I was expecting more of the military story that happen to Andrew. Andrew is the black sheep of his family, but he is lost. He agrees to go investigate the death of his brother. He meets Helena at the clinic his brother died at and sparks go off for each other. When her uncle ask him to protect Helena from something that is his fault Andrew comes to her rescue. Can Helena rescue Andrew from himself or will he push her away like he does everyone else ?
I know Marines will go to Heaven because they've already been through hell. I wanted to crawl into this book and hug Andrew. He's a survivor and just needs a mission to keep his sanity intact. He meets Helene at her uncle's clinic in Aruba and sparks fly. They team up to try to unravel the truth about what happened when his sister was born. He is her guardian but she is his savior.
Great story as the Barrington 's continue to look for answers about the death of their infant brother years ago in the island of Aruba. Andrew Barrington 's life is of the rails after he loses a teammates. Forced to get it together and sent to Aruba by his brother Andrew meets Helene and he knows he's finally found something worth living for. This is a well done story and one I recommend to everyone.
I absolutely loved this book. My definite favorite of the series so far. Andrew and Helene story I could read forever. Andrew is now my new book boyfriend ❤. Thank you Ruth Cardello! And thank you every one that has sacrificed their life for our country. (Love, laughter, tears and suspense what more could you ask for in a book)
Book 4 in the series and it is the BEST. A very super fanfreakingtastic read that takes you on an emotional roller coaster. Andrew and Helene story is heartwarming and dramatic. Witty and action filled. Beautifully written dialogue. My favorite characters by far in this series. And still the secret gets crazier. Onto the next book.
This book is not for that faint at heart, Andrew's story brought tears to my eyes. To see the depth of his PTSD and how his family did not give up on him. Emmitt and Helene were bought sent into his life to help him see a brighter tomorrow. Must read suspense and surprising turn of events
Great continuation into this family mystery. I love the family dynamics and healing with each story. This one was extra special and rugs even harder on the heartstrings. Cried several times years of anguish for a veteran hero and tears of tenderness of the sweet romance and compassion.
I've been a fan of Ruth's writing for years and this series doesn't disappoint. The characters are complicated and interesting with diverse back stories that keep me engaged. Even when predictable, I don't lose interest because the story is so rich. I can't wait to read book 5 and learn all about Kent's life!