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The Downey Trilogy #2
Second of All
“…for there is nothing so perfect as a thing with no ending and no beginning such as a family of souls intertwined…”
This introspective sequel to First, I Love You takes you deeper into a tale of interwoven roles, divided loyalties, and personal conflicts.
Detective Tommy Gates and Agent Ginny Sommers struggle to balance their growing personal relationship with their task of finding his father. Back home, Kiki Downey and James Hoffman are facing their own internal and external pressures. After Mary Gates is led on a different trail by Mickey's Irish kin, they are all given pieces of a puzzle that it will take the whole family to solve. Interlocked within the narrative are glimpses into how Mickey Downey became the man he is today.
Throughout their journeys, past and present, they all must struggle with what loyalties and loves come first, and what comes... second of all.
This introspective sequel to First, I Love You takes you deeper into a tale of interwoven roles, divided loyalties, and personal conflicts.
Detective Tommy Gates and Agent Ginny Sommers struggle to balance their growing personal relationship with their task of finding his father. Back home, Kiki Downey and James Hoffman are facing their own internal and external pressures. After Mary Gates is led on a different trail by Mickey's Irish kin, they are all given pieces of a puzzle that it will take the whole family to solve. Interlocked within the narrative are glimpses into how Mickey Downey became the man he is today.
Throughout their journeys, past and present, they all must struggle with what loyalties and loves come first, and what comes... second of all.
366 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
2 people are currently reading
212 people want to read
About the author
Genevieve Dewey
9 books91 followersI was raised mostly in Nebraska, partly in Arizona. My family is from Chicago. I wear many hats, but my favorites are Mom, Anthropologist, and CSI.
Grab a FREE copy of my short romance The Bird Day Battalion here at Goodreads or at all major eBook retailers!
Grab a FREE copy of my short romance The Bird Day Battalion here at Goodreads or at all major eBook retailers!
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
February 16, 2013
I love this book series & can't wait to read the next installment. The characters are woven together throughout the book & I love how they interact with each other on so many levels. There's the family dynamics as well as not sure love, new love and love that may stand the test of time. The suspense of the mob family & what comes next is sure to leave you wanting more!!
February 2, 2013
Kudos and congratulations to Genevieve Dewey on her second and equally impressive, if not superior second novel!
"First, I Love You" by Genevieve Dewey left me wanting more, more, more! Waited impatiently and with great anticipation for the sequel, "Second of All". It did NOT disappoint!! "Second of All" didn't miss a beat, picking up on the engaging and intertwining saga of the Downey family where it left off in "First, I Love You".
There was a curiously comforting and satisfying feeling of déjà vu being able to plunge back into the fictional world and lives of well delineated, now beloved, characters and follow them as their stories continued to unfold and overlap in cleverly crafted interwoven story arcs. I LOVED how the novel moved back and forth in time, propelling the story forward quickly and seamlessly in what became a marathon-could not put down read that left me feeling, "Darn, that can't be the end! You mean I have to wait to read the next and last book to find how it all turns out finally?"
I absolutely fell in love with all the characters in "First, I Love You" along and its premise exploring the tensions and conflicts (and joys) for Det Tommy Gates as he navigates through the tricky interconnected family, friendship, and love bonds of his newly acknowledged retired gangster father Mickey and his corresponding mob world, mother Mary, new siblings and colleagues and their corresponding world of law and order.
"Second of All" takes us on a winding journey of drama, misunderstanding, danger, romance and love, all the while compelling us to hope, root for, and finally celebrate acceptance, understanding, reconciliation and resolution for Tommy and Mickey and family. And yet just when you think you have the perfect happy ending "All's well that ends well.." a surprising twist at the end leaves you hanging. This story's not over yet....!!! And, yes, "Darn, that CAN'T be the end! You mean I have to wait to read the next and last book to find how it all turns out finally?"
"Second of All" was all so GOOD! What did I like particularly?
Loved the premise and the FAMILY centric dynamics. I appreciated how cleverly the 'newbies' to the family (lovers) were 'grafted' and drawn into the internal canvas and mayhem by hook or by crook. I loved how each subordinate character had a starring role in and own romance and adventure, with all of the romances part of the web of the overall family drama.
Absolutely adored Kiki as a determined, feisty, coming of age character. Kiki's relationship with Mary, particularly culminating n the 'hideaway' scenes, was extremely moving and endearing, and a love story in its own right. I was moved by how Mickey and Mary's great love was explored in the context of withstanding the test of time.
Tommy drew us in in sympathy to his plight and angst. Loved how the author recounted/explained Tommy's internal conflict via the vehicle of tension with his law and order colleague erstwhile lover/love Ginny...but absolutely LOVED the ending for Mickey and Tommy!!!
The Downey Trilogy has been well thought out and planned, creatively crafted, and penned to read with ease, excitement and anticipation. "Second of All" can be enjoyed as a stand alone novel on its own, but definitely 'fulfills' the first novel in the series and cries out for completion and closure in the next and last instalment.
A "Goodread' indeed!!!!
5 *****
Terry F
"First, I Love You" by Genevieve Dewey left me wanting more, more, more! Waited impatiently and with great anticipation for the sequel, "Second of All". It did NOT disappoint!! "Second of All" didn't miss a beat, picking up on the engaging and intertwining saga of the Downey family where it left off in "First, I Love You".
There was a curiously comforting and satisfying feeling of déjà vu being able to plunge back into the fictional world and lives of well delineated, now beloved, characters and follow them as their stories continued to unfold and overlap in cleverly crafted interwoven story arcs. I LOVED how the novel moved back and forth in time, propelling the story forward quickly and seamlessly in what became a marathon-could not put down read that left me feeling, "Darn, that can't be the end! You mean I have to wait to read the next and last book to find how it all turns out finally?"
I absolutely fell in love with all the characters in "First, I Love You" along and its premise exploring the tensions and conflicts (and joys) for Det Tommy Gates as he navigates through the tricky interconnected family, friendship, and love bonds of his newly acknowledged retired gangster father Mickey and his corresponding mob world, mother Mary, new siblings and colleagues and their corresponding world of law and order.
"Second of All" takes us on a winding journey of drama, misunderstanding, danger, romance and love, all the while compelling us to hope, root for, and finally celebrate acceptance, understanding, reconciliation and resolution for Tommy and Mickey and family. And yet just when you think you have the perfect happy ending "All's well that ends well.." a surprising twist at the end leaves you hanging. This story's not over yet....!!! And, yes, "Darn, that CAN'T be the end! You mean I have to wait to read the next and last book to find how it all turns out finally?"
"Second of All" was all so GOOD! What did I like particularly?
Loved the premise and the FAMILY centric dynamics. I appreciated how cleverly the 'newbies' to the family (lovers) were 'grafted' and drawn into the internal canvas and mayhem by hook or by crook. I loved how each subordinate character had a starring role in and own romance and adventure, with all of the romances part of the web of the overall family drama.
Absolutely adored Kiki as a determined, feisty, coming of age character. Kiki's relationship with Mary, particularly culminating n the 'hideaway' scenes, was extremely moving and endearing, and a love story in its own right. I was moved by how Mickey and Mary's great love was explored in the context of withstanding the test of time.
Tommy drew us in in sympathy to his plight and angst. Loved how the author recounted/explained Tommy's internal conflict via the vehicle of tension with his law and order colleague erstwhile lover/love Ginny...but absolutely LOVED the ending for Mickey and Tommy!!!
The Downey Trilogy has been well thought out and planned, creatively crafted, and penned to read with ease, excitement and anticipation. "Second of All" can be enjoyed as a stand alone novel on its own, but definitely 'fulfills' the first novel in the series and cries out for completion and closure in the next and last instalment.
A "Goodread' indeed!!!!
5 *****
Terry F
June 10, 2013
***If you have not read First I Love You, you will need to go back and do so this is not a standalone and for your enjoyment of this series you must read the books in order to fully understand the characters and the plot***
Genevieve did not disappoint with the next installment of this series. It pretty much picks up right where the last book left off, with everyone searching for Mickey Downey. At this point he's just a person of interest but the FBI wants to bring him back in and cart him off to prison and Mickey appears to be on the run from prosecution. I loved this aspect of the story because Mickey was sending different clues to different members of his family throughout the story. This book was so much more than a romance novel I was intrigued throughout the story and trying to figure out what move Mickey would make next. I also loved the occasional back and forth between the past and now it really helped to see what things were like in the past for Mickey and Mary and how it led to where Mickey is today.
Like the first book in this series you get to once again see the points of view of all the different main characters and it doesn't distract from the overall story but helps you see their points of view especially since Mickey was sending different clues to each one encouraging them to work together to solve the puzzle he was sending them and when it all came together I was like huh that actually worked and it just made me want to read the last book in the series even more. Sometimes I find myself bored after the second book and not really looking forward to finishing the series, but when this book was done and it really set it up for the next drama to take place in their lives now I HAVE to read it because these characters really stay with you. I finished this book a few days ago and these characters are so well thought out and developed that I am still thinking about them enough that even though I have read two more books since I read this one I can still give a complete and well thought out review on this book. I look forward to reading what happens with Ginny and Tommy and how their relationship will turn out and if they actually make it to the end. I look forward to seeing what happens next in the crazy love lives of James and Kiki and what is in store for them next. But most of all I am looking forward to Mickey and Mary and seeing what happens with Theresa. I can't tell you why her name has reappeared but I look forward to seeing where that ends up going. Loved it, 4 stars!
***Copy given in exchange for an honest review***
Genevieve did not disappoint with the next installment of this series. It pretty much picks up right where the last book left off, with everyone searching for Mickey Downey. At this point he's just a person of interest but the FBI wants to bring him back in and cart him off to prison and Mickey appears to be on the run from prosecution. I loved this aspect of the story because Mickey was sending different clues to different members of his family throughout the story. This book was so much more than a romance novel I was intrigued throughout the story and trying to figure out what move Mickey would make next. I also loved the occasional back and forth between the past and now it really helped to see what things were like in the past for Mickey and Mary and how it led to where Mickey is today.
Like the first book in this series you get to once again see the points of view of all the different main characters and it doesn't distract from the overall story but helps you see their points of view especially since Mickey was sending different clues to each one encouraging them to work together to solve the puzzle he was sending them and when it all came together I was like huh that actually worked and it just made me want to read the last book in the series even more. Sometimes I find myself bored after the second book and not really looking forward to finishing the series, but when this book was done and it really set it up for the next drama to take place in their lives now I HAVE to read it because these characters really stay with you. I finished this book a few days ago and these characters are so well thought out and developed that I am still thinking about them enough that even though I have read two more books since I read this one I can still give a complete and well thought out review on this book. I look forward to reading what happens with Ginny and Tommy and how their relationship will turn out and if they actually make it to the end. I look forward to seeing what happens next in the crazy love lives of James and Kiki and what is in store for them next. But most of all I am looking forward to Mickey and Mary and seeing what happens with Theresa. I can't tell you why her name has reappeared but I look forward to seeing where that ends up going. Loved it, 4 stars!
***Copy given in exchange for an honest review***
September 10, 2013
The saga continues in Genevieve’s Dewey’s family drama Second of All, which is book two of The Downey Trilogy. We start with the disappearance of Mickey Downey, once head, now retired, and on the run, mob boss. Everyone is in search of him and he’s leading the FBI and his family on a merry chase from one country to another, and it all seem to be a very intricate plan that Mickey has devised.
The beginning of the book starts off with Mickey in his home. He is sitting in one of the many hiding places his mansion holds, courtesy of the past homeowners who lived during a time of speakeasy parties, and when prohibition was alive and well. All of his life, Mickey has been a bit of schemer, always trying to stay ahead of everyone else, especially his ex-wife’s mobster family that he married into. The marriage itself was a calculated alliance, not made of love but of power. But the most important underlying denominator to everything Mickey does is his complete adoration for his family. I suppose that is why Mickey is my favorite character out of all the characters in the book. Internally, he loves them without bounds. But his tough, exterior persona makes it very difficult for him to show that love, and oftentimes he displays it in not the best of ways. A control freak to the extreme, Mickey does however balance his addiction for control with his other favorable traits of charm, charisma, and his undying love and devotion to his family.
“And maybe then when they were all a family, Tommy would be able to see what Mary used to see, what his other children saw, not just a man who would kill for them but a man who would die for them…the man underneath it all.”
The slang the author uses from time to time offers the reader a cinematic feel almost. I think of an era gone by has been placed in the present day setting when I read her series and it gives the book quite a unique feel. For example, the author’s use of ”Darn” or”Ninny”. It’s as if the author is giving us a semblance of sweetness and vulnerability in the corrupt world, that is the Mafia. The author continues to offer another wonderful book that goes beyond the traditional. Not all romance, not all suspense, not all action, but always consistent with entertaining the reader.
The beginning of the book starts off with Mickey in his home. He is sitting in one of the many hiding places his mansion holds, courtesy of the past homeowners who lived during a time of speakeasy parties, and when prohibition was alive and well. All of his life, Mickey has been a bit of schemer, always trying to stay ahead of everyone else, especially his ex-wife’s mobster family that he married into. The marriage itself was a calculated alliance, not made of love but of power. But the most important underlying denominator to everything Mickey does is his complete adoration for his family. I suppose that is why Mickey is my favorite character out of all the characters in the book. Internally, he loves them without bounds. But his tough, exterior persona makes it very difficult for him to show that love, and oftentimes he displays it in not the best of ways. A control freak to the extreme, Mickey does however balance his addiction for control with his other favorable traits of charm, charisma, and his undying love and devotion to his family.
“And maybe then when they were all a family, Tommy would be able to see what Mary used to see, what his other children saw, not just a man who would kill for them but a man who would die for them…the man underneath it all.”
The slang the author uses from time to time offers the reader a cinematic feel almost. I think of an era gone by has been placed in the present day setting when I read her series and it gives the book quite a unique feel. For example, the author’s use of ”Darn” or”Ninny”. It’s as if the author is giving us a semblance of sweetness and vulnerability in the corrupt world, that is the Mafia. The author continues to offer another wonderful book that goes beyond the traditional. Not all romance, not all suspense, not all action, but always consistent with entertaining the reader.
February 18, 2013
I'm always afraid I'm going to give away too much in my reviews... and the last one I did, I was accused of being a book spoiler. So...
I love the series so far. I just wrote the review for first in the series, First, I love you, and I can't wait for the 3rd book to come out!
The author Genevieve Dewey takes you to the heart of Chicago, and deposits you in the middle of the Downey family. The Godfather meets Romance, that's how I would describe this book. Each character is unique and quirky, and I feel it allowed the reader to step into one or more of the characters shoes, and walk their path.
I loved the way each person seemed to interact with the next, and before the series is completely I'm sure we will see just how each and ever character connects.
This series reminds me a lot of the movie Crash ... Different couples, very different lives, and how through life events they cross paths, and find hope in the end. This book gives you hope, lets you dream, and surprises you often.
You won't want to miss this series. This author is going places.
#Naughtyville Approved.
I love the series so far. I just wrote the review for first in the series, First, I love you, and I can't wait for the 3rd book to come out!
The author Genevieve Dewey takes you to the heart of Chicago, and deposits you in the middle of the Downey family. The Godfather meets Romance, that's how I would describe this book. Each character is unique and quirky, and I feel it allowed the reader to step into one or more of the characters shoes, and walk their path.
I loved the way each person seemed to interact with the next, and before the series is completely I'm sure we will see just how each and ever character connects.
This series reminds me a lot of the movie Crash ... Different couples, very different lives, and how through life events they cross paths, and find hope in the end. This book gives you hope, lets you dream, and surprises you often.
You won't want to miss this series. This author is going places.
#Naughtyville Approved.
August 19, 2013
Second of All by Genevieve Dewey is such an intricately crafted book. I had so much fun solving the puzzles with the characters. I think mysterious Michael is my favorite Michael so far. I am humbled by the ending and looking forward to Book 3. The Downeys are awesome.
December 30, 2015
Must read author! Genevieve does not disappoint. Her writing pulls you in to the stories of her characters. Love the this series!
own-need-to-read
April 25, 2014Won as part of the 2013 Holiday Party in the Erotic Enchants Group
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews