Prince Xander

Taken by a Trillionaire #1

by Ruth Cardello

Three New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors. One wild project. The Taken by a Trillionaire series is an escapism fantasy that was born at a party at RWA. Over cocktails, J.S. Scott, Melody Anne, and Ruth Cardello laughed as they plotted this book with the help of two industry friends, Chris and Brian. If you are looking for a historically accurate representation of a monarchy or a serious depiction of how royals maintain their bloodlines, this may not be the book for you. If you love larger than life characters and fun storylines that take you to exotic places with sexy alpha men, then welcome to our imaginary Rubare Collina. The men are insanely rich, the traditions are potentially deadly, and the sex will leave you craving a night on this dark isle. If you’ve ever fantasized about what it would be like to be swept off your feet—or tossed over a prince’s shoulder and taken—then you’ll enjoy this series. Prince Taken by a Trillionaire Novella by Ruth Cardello (previously published in the TAKEN BY A TRILLIONAIRE ANTHOLOGY, the other novellas from this series are now sold separately) Royal Prince Xander Demande needs to choose a wife before his thirtieth birthday, or he will lose his crown. His list of potential candidates is long but shortens to one woman after a brief encounter with the socially inept, but beautiful and brilliant, Dr. Reanna Fielding. She never thought Prince Charming would come for her. He never thought any woman would melt his heart. Love makes its own rules, but will it save her when she defies not only him but the laws of his kingdom? In Rubare Collina, a marriage proposal can be a dream come true—or a death sentence.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Royalty, Adult

162 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 20, 2018

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

[Kim Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

New series for me that I stumbled on either in an email or from a Good Reads recommendation. The name drew me in and I was instantly intrigued. I’ve never read books involving a trillionaire so this was brand new for me. I was even more pleased to find out that they are all considered novellas so they will be on the shorter side. Normally this would turn me away, but the fact that I can blow through a series relatively quickly is what I am looking for at the moment since I’m behind in my reading challenge. I’m hoping this series will get me closer to my goal, especially since I haven’t been going through books as quickly as I thought I would be. Most of the books I’ve read so far this year have either been harder to get into or just too long. Anyway, with that being said this was definitely something different. I didn’t know how I felt about it. The series focuses on princes and moving up to the throne but it comes with consequences. Each prince must find a wife and make them queen. They get a list of qualified women and they have to either go meet them all personally or they get brought to the princes, sometimes not in ideal ways like resorting to kidnapping. The prince has to choose a woman from this list to plan his future with. The prince must then get the woman to fall in love with them and agree to marry or else they die. I had an issue with this plot, only because it takes away the meaning of love, and should happen naturally and not with consequences. It should be pure, beautiful and exciting. It should also be because they love each other and want to move forward with marriage because the idea of being without the other person kills them and they cannot imagine living life without them by their side. It shouldn’t be because if they don’t, their lives are put in danger so they essentially have no choice. In this series, the traditional meet cute doesn’t happen unless it’s planned out. In this book’s case, Xander meets Reanna personally at her place of work and immediately starts pursuing her. There is no glances from across the room, or coming across each other in a bar, restaurant or club. He just goes for it, and while I don’t exactly like this approach, this author made their encounter feel natural and organic even though it was anything but. Xander took the less threatening route and made it feel like a coincidence but at the same time made it intentional. Their interaction felt as if they were meeting casually but Xander had this formal demeanor to him and he talked like he was from another time. It gave this book a very dreamlike vibe and it felt too good to be true and fake to me, exactly like a dream. Who is going to go to work one day and have a prince literally appear in front of you and ask you on a date, then sweep you away to his kingdom? This is the stuff movies and books talk about. This is what this story delivered to a tee and I knew that going into this series but I just didn’t realize how literal it was going to take it, nor how crazy it sounds when you actually read it. The death clause is unnecessary though because it disrupts the dream. In this perfect world, it’s best to let the dream run wild and keep it as happily ever after as you can. Why add in something that doesn’t make it perfect? Why add in something else that disrupts the bubble and show not everything is as it seems? If the idea is to write about faraway places, castles on a cliff or countryside with romantic settings and include a happy jaunt, frolic in the gardens or woods with a prince, why not give into that? Why do you want to throw in a death clause? I would have been happy with that! Show me a story with all that, minus the death situation and add in some intense, passionate sex to go with it and you have me hooked. This book pretty much had all that, except for that teeny, tiny death issue. On top of that, the whole situation of having a list of women and knowing everything about them and then finding them, choosing them and basically saying “come with me or else” didn’t sit right with me. Maybe I’m a realist but I found it hard to get sucked into a world where this happened. I couldn’t get totally lost in this setting because of the craziness of it. I liked Xander, Reanna was a little annoying at first but she grew on me. The only reason I’m even giving this a 4 is because the spice was amazing, the passion and intensity was there. I liked how he just took what he wanted from her and trusted her completely. He didn’t think she wanted status, money or a kid from him. The fact that he just plows into her without a condom and no worries about what he did and what could come of it was oddly refreshing. Reanna was the one freaking out and all he did was comfort her and say it’s ok and not to worry. What kind of man does that? It was kind of funny and satisfying, like he was fine with the fact that they could have made a baby from that even though he doesn’t mention kids once in the book. It was almost like he was expecting to impregnate her. His ego could have been taken down a notch though. I also liked the idea that Xander was a prince and a trillionaire because I did feel like the sky wasn’t the limit with him. He had everything at his disposal and Reanna took it in stride. He just didn’t have the ability to abolish the death clause. I do feel like he truly loved her though and would do anything for her. Maybe it was obligation in the beginning but as the book went on I did start to see how much he cared for her and thought of her. Maybe he initially wanted her for only marriage and to get the crown but in the short time the book took place, I could feel them falling in love with each other and how it went from awkward to a sure thing. He tried to make it feel as natural as he could to her and he succeeded, all until she finds out about the death clause. A lot happened in a book with less than 200 pages but I don’t feel like it was rushed. I felt like I was reading a regular book with a decent amount of pages. It didn’t even really feel like a novella. I felt like the book wrapped up well and there wasn’t any unnecessary chapters. I did get lost in the story from time to time so when you combine all that, mixed with the way the plot is that I’m still not completely sold on, you get a solid 4. The next two stories just seem over the top, but we’ll see how those turn out.

[Megan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quick Info
Standalone/Cliffhanger?: Standalone
Part of a Series?: Yes
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Meeting the Characters
Xander
Reanna
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What happens?
Reanna meets Xander in a shop during her lunch break. Xander isn't prepared to be so captivated by the beautiful intelligent lady infront of him.
Final thoughts
I can't say more of what happens because it'l ruin the book but this wasn't hitting the mark for me. I found myself making a wtf face while reading this. It had SO much potential but it wasn't something I wanted to read.
Instant love, a weird kidnapping plot and a rather unlikable prince. If this was my first introduction to Ruth Cardello I wouldn't have picked up another book.
Would I read again?: No thanks
Would I read this author again?: Yes because I've read other books that were good!

[Avigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes it is nice to read fairy tale stories and novellas for grown-ups. Who told us that grown-ups aren't children, and there are times they need a contemporary, rom-com fairy tale to read?
Prince Xander is one such novella. It has serious parts as well as sexy times. Reanna, our female character, is an everyday common woman, yes nerdy, but at the same time is strong and will fight for her partner and the things she believes are right.
Reanna & Xander are dynamic duos, and they are pieces of a puzzle that together make the perfect picture.
Prince Xander is the second work I read by Ruth Cardello, and I genuinely like her writing and storytelling. I know that I will continue reading her backlist new ones. I will also continue with the Taken by a Trillionaire series; looking forward to reading the companion novellas of J S Scott, and Melody Anne.

[Sara B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reanna and Xander

This is a story about a prince who need to find a wife fast in order appease the council in his country . The catch his bride has to agree or she dies. So he looking for someone who won’t say know. He finds the prefect women in Reanna she’s smart and beautiful. But she is shy and reserved nothing like what he thought she would be. She totally catches his attention . He realizes he could actually fall in love with her and have a real relationship with her. He has 1 month to make her fall in love with him.
Reanna has lost her parents at a young age never really had anyone she has a rough life. She is awkward and would rather be alone . Yet not really so when this gorgeous man comes up to her and starts talking she almost thinks it’s a joke. The share a kiss . Then it’s over from there. As the steamy moment and she finds herself doing things with him that she has not done with anyone else. Like take off to spend time with him in his country and fall in love. But just when everything seems to good she learns about the rule of having to choose him . You have to read the story to find out how it ends. This is a fast read with twist and turns when you think you know it all you learn a new twist in true J.S Scott fashion . You feel like your there going through the pain and joy right with them. Can’t wait for the next book in the series .

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book couldn't put it down. Prince Alexande Edward Charles Demande of Rubare Collina has to get married before his thirtieth birthday, but to become King he has to kidnap his future bride and she has to agree to marry him or she will be put to death. Xander has been looking for his future bride and not having any luck untile he meets Reanna Fielding, because she is not what he was expecting. Xander doesn't like the law even more now that he has found his future wife, but he has to convince Reanna to go to his country and make her fall in love with him. When Xander and Reanna land in his country she knows that he is the prince thanks to her friend Kendra but that's it. After spending so much time together Xander and Reanna fall in love, but Reanna over hears someone talk about the curse. When Xander askes Reanna to marry him he is shocked by her answer and now he has todo anything and everything to keep her safe.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a fun book! Totally loved it! There was such fun and laughter, family and a heroine who didn’t know what she was getting into! Readers who don’t like alpha-take charge kind of men will probably not like this story but it is such a great “take me away kind of book” and it’s fiction!!!! I love this type of story where the Hero takes charge for the woman he doesn’t know he loves!

You will read about a Prince, a Kingdom and a woman who never dreamed that happy ever after could be hers. When Reanna finds out she will be killed if she turns down the Prince’s proposal of marriage she is furious! But she has to decide if she wants to fight for that happy ever after! A great story by one of my favorite authors!

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars

Xander Demande has no choice, he will need to choose a wife before he turns 30 or lose the crown. As his 30th birthday is fast approaching he takes things into his own hands after meeting the gorgeous, but awkward Reanna Fielding. But things aren’t that simple, as we soon discover. Will Xander succeed in his quest, or will it all end in a death sentence?
I found Xander to be very arrogant and Reanna to be a bit annoying. I really couldn’t get into the story and found it difficult to connect with the characters. I was disappointed that I didn’t love this book as it should have been one I’d love. I will re-read it again in the future to see if I still feel the same way, or if I’m just having a bad day!

Thank you, Ms. Cardello!

[Kirsten Ensman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A woman with a brain for the prince

How great to have a smart woman as a character. Not only that but also to have a prince try to get her to fall in love with him. Grant it for a virgin she fell into bed way to easy. I liked the fiestiness of Reanna. She is definitely a force to be reckoned with at least she got to be that way in time. Amazing what being with a strong man can do to help bring out confidence in another if they wish. Xander really stood by his choice. Enjoyed the laughs but not the heavy part. White horses rule! Especially for little girls who dream of fairy tale endings.

[Jacquelyn · Rating 1 out of 5]

Really Underwhelming

The characters were completely undeveloped so the story just fell flat. It felt like huge chucks were missing to make their “love” story believable. And what little we do know about Reanna and Xander does not make them likable. Reanna is supposed to be this scientific genius but gives up her job and life pretty easily, and for a foster kid with attachment issues the one friend she does have is completely forgotten. Even the problem they face requiring a prince to marry is wholly unrealistic and doesn’t even make sense. Please do yourself a favor and skip over this book!

[Lisa Caddick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stubborn Prince meets his lady

Reanna and Xander. One a hard-working woman, and the other a spoiled Prince. He is in need of a bride and his search stops on meeting Reanna. She is not afraid to tell him what she thinks, and this intrigues him. He takes her back home to his countrya to marry her, and she believes she is going on a vacation. She is, but to a place where she'll be staying. Feelings grow between the two of them. Can they find their home in each other? Will the love they feel be able to last them a lifetime? A well-written story with wonderful characters.

[Doreen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

Really exciting adventure! Xander and Reanna are very different; he is a crown prince while she is a brilliant scientist reared in foster homes in the US! He sweeps her away to his country to woo her to be his queen while she thinks she is just visiting his island nation! Things get tense as he waits to propose and she waits for him to tire of her and send her home. Exciting conclusion is a thrilling, surprise ending!

[Jennifer McCaw · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not her best

I usually love Ruth Cardello's writings. I just didn't enjoy this story. The writing was still of her quality, it was the plot I found difficult to enjoy. Neither the heroine or hero were compelling. Even though I didn't enjoy this book, it won't stop me from reading another book by this author, as I have loved many of her others.

[Pansy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sigh

I do enjoy the uber rich hero trope. It used to be millionaire, but with inflation it's now trillionaire. Whatever aire it is, I usually fall in love. Such wonderful fantasies. Throw in the Prince factor and well . . . *sigh* I was thrilled when Prince Xander fell in love too. This ending was beautiful!

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prince Xander...

Taken By A Trillionaire book 1. Xander must find a wife by his 30th birthday. He comes to the states to meet Reanna. She's smart but insecure due to her past. She is stronger than she realizes and he needs that to rule as king. They call for each other but it's not without problems. Angsty and smexy.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The next king and queen

I love insta-love stories and this one did not disappoint. Xander and Reanna’s story was a true fairytale romance with a side of intrigue. I love when Ruth, Jan and Melody Anne get together and write a series. I’m reading Prince Bryan next!

[Cynthia Siermienski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prince Xander: Taken By The Trillionaire

Interesting story. Forced to find a bride and then actually falling in love was a sweet story. I enjoyed reading this book because it was filled with romance and a fairy tale.

[Bethanne]

Simplified story

Prince needs wife quickly. Scientist is a virgin and not subset but If she doesn't marry him then she will be executed. They fall in love and fight against the ancient law. HEA! See, it's simple.

[Deborah Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great Ending

I totally enjoyed the main characters of this book however I don’t think there was enough of a story. I needed more to be completely satisfied. I wish the author would have kept going a little bit further!

[Jan Murphree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this story!!!

Ruth Cardello has a way of spinning a story!!!!
A Prince....crazy laws....finding the love of your life!!
Priceless!!
You must read this one !
But it!!

[Luz Maria Valle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prince Xander

Loved the story. Gave it a five star rating. Can’t wait to read the next book in the series to find out what happens next.

[Edrenia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed

I enjoyed this book I can't wait to read the second & third installment. Yes I would recommend I love that they're wrote by three different authors.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book to read

Amazing story, hard to put down, love it. This series is awesome Can't wait to read the next book. Love love it

[Misty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

I just finished reading this book and it was awesome from beginning to end! I can't wait to read the next book in this series.

[Sylvia Hopkins-Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable!

Different story line for a modern love attraction. An arcane law of a fictional country gave a terrorizing twist to a satisfying outcome for a happy ever after ending.

[Jacqui Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sas

Well tha was short and sweet, Xander got the Princess he dreamed of. And Reanna got her Prince and the council wass ousted

[Debby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweetly done.

What a wonderful story. The prince and the woman he ‘chooses’. A lovely way to spend a couple of hours. Recommend this book.

[Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was ok but I found myself skipping pages. It just could not hold my interest.

[Andrea Akers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prince Xander

An archaic law brings Xander to the U.S. to find a wife. What he finds is the love of his life is Reanna. Together they take on the monarchy to change the law.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply put

It was a short story. It seemed to jump through weeks fast and made me feel like there could have been more. Other than that it was a good story.

[Shannon Burton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Different Read

I have mixed emotions about the storyline but ultimately I love a good HEA.

Reanna is everything Xander needed but didn’t know it