Levi: Driverton 2

Ruth has done it again! This book is the perfect funny laugh out loud and exciting, and the fact that his parents abandoned him will make you want to give Levi a hug! Rooting for both of them, Katie seems to not only be his best friend but to love him because of it and she has a great understanding of what it’s like to make mistakes. There journey through out this book is amazing as they step into the world of the very rich, and you won't see what is coming with characters from previous books that make you feel like you’ve at a reunion and will make you laugh out loud! Don’t miss out on your chance to enjoy their journey. I loved it. This story is centered around friends and neighbors that you feel you want to get to know them. When Levi and Katie say they love their small town and don’t want to leave it, you feel like you want to visit just to see the connections that makes this community. I couldn't put it down. This whole series is gripping and exciting, it will give you all the feels. I wholly recommend this series to all. Another awesome read from Ruth Cardello. A definite five star!! Can’t wait to read Ollie’s book! Get your copy today it’s available now!!!!

Jennie Fortna

2,599 reviews29 followers

Levi: Driverton 2 is book 14 in the Barrington Billionaires by Ruth Cardello 4.5 stars

Up next in his group of friends is Levi and Katie who have known each other since childhood and she is his best friend, Ollie’s cousin. Neither has ever crossed the line until they start training to become part of an operation to rescue runaways and children who have been kidnapped. Things heat up quickly as both realize feelings run deep and have been hidden for a long time.

Steamy, thinks he’s not good enough, she’s always there for him, his backstory, seeing old friends from past books and so much more…you don’t want to miss this book!

I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy (ARC) of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

romance-steamy

Anne Morrison

82 reviews

A welcome return to Driverton for Levi and Katie’s story, where they finally accepted that their feelings for each other were far more than friendship. Although the book focussed mainly on them, we had the chance to reconnect with Bradford and Joanna who had settled in Driverton and Bradford was training Levi.The residents of Driverton have a strong sense of community and willingly step in to help each other when they see a need, making it the perfect spot Levi to continue to live after he had been abandoned by his parents, which had led to his lack of self worth but with Bradfords help and his relationship with Katie,he finds some closure which brings characters from previous books including Domenic Corisi into his orbit which was an unexpected surprise. As always Ruth Cardello holds her reader”s attention with well written characters, and a plot that unfolds with some unexpected turns.

JigsawGirl

4,211 reviews

January 14, 2024

I did enjoy how Levi and Katie were able to make changes that increased their confidence, their knowledge, physical strength, and self esteem. It was nice to see that when they started to like themselves, they felt comfortable loving each other.

Even with understanding Levi's past, I felt that some people judged him a little too harshly. Given how his parents behaved, I didn't understand why they expected so much from him as he grew up, or why it took them so long to give him the benefit of the doubt. Especially considering that almost everyone had nothing but good things to say about him.

Reading this book made me feel like there was something going on that I was not completely privy to regarding Driverton. That scene with Bradford, Clay, and Dominic had me wondering. I also felt like Marc and Althea knew more about what was going on than they let on.

This seemed to me to be a sweet romance with a touch of intrigue that had big things coming for Driverton and its residents. I am looking forward to Ollie's book.

I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy if this book.

Wioletta

1,492 reviews6 followers

Katie and Levi

Katie knew Levi for a long time, they’ve been friends forever, but lately she looks at him differently, she wonders what’s changed.
For Levi, Katie was a great friend, so why now he is looking at her with different ways. He is not a forever guy, so Katie is off limits. Will they both keep their hands and feelings to themselves.
I loved this story, enjoyed very much.

Mayas

2,477 reviews49 followers

January 15, 2024

So let me say that Levi had a heart of gold. He knew how to pay those who held him down when his life took a turn. He was true to the one person who had his back even when he felt he was undeserving. Him and Kate romance is one you do not want to miss. They get each other and will stand side by side against some of the most powerful and loving people they come across.

Karen Lathbury

340 reviews1 follower

This is about Levi, second story in the Driverton series. Levi, is alone with no family , his parents left when he was a teenager and his grandmother has passed away but he does have close friends, Katie, Ollie and Everette. The four of them are training with Bradford, which this part of the story is still a mystery why he and others have chosen Driverton to settle in. The real story is the years of attraction between Levi and Katie. One problem is Ollie, thinking he is being protective of his cousin, has made it clear Levi is to stay away from Katie, but when he has to go to rehab and Levi receives unsettling news, the two of them throw caution to the wind. While this is the biggest part of the story I think all of the characters are going to be a larger part of his story going forward. Next is Ollie's story, each one of Ruth's story in this series gets better and this one really seems to be setting up a much bigger plot, love it!

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.

Terri Tutor

567 reviews5 followers

I enjoyed this story of Levi and Katie more than I thought that I would. Levi was much more honorable and worthy of trust than he thought that he was. Katie always knew his heart and his honor. They both knew that they needed a purpose in life and figured that working for Bradford would be just what they needed. In the process, they both found that the answers to their life was right under their noses. It was a nice surprise to get a visit from some old friends.

Liz Osborne

119 reviews1 follower

Levi and Katie’s story was truly beautiful. Going from best friends to lovers was a dream come true for the both of them, despite Levi’s promise to Ollie, (Katie’s cousin and his best friend).

It was great to have Dominic appear towards the end of the book, and once again meddle in their lives. He always manages to go from zero to hero. I’m really looking forward to see how his character interacts with Clay and Bradford in Ollie’s story.

Ruth has a great imagination in bringing us all these wonderful stories and including well loved characters from previous stories/series. Once again Ruth, you have produced a well written love story that is fabulous.

Susan Baez Randleman

106 reviews4 followers

Levi -Driverton 2

I have to say I really, really enjoyed this story. It’s my absolute favorite at the moment. It focuses on personal growth and being better, doing better. Feeling good about yourself and your life choices all in a romantic story. I loved getting to know Levi and Katie. Seeing how they both grow and develop through training and beyond made me stop and think what motivates me like Bradford asked Levi. Be prepared to be blown away by this story.
Arc in exchange for honest review.

Jane

701 reviews10 followers

LOVE!! Ms. Cardello knows just how to tell a story the will touch your heart and this story didn’t disappoint. Watching Katie and Levi’s relationship grow from true friendship to forever love is so heartwarming and great for the soul, I couldn’t put it down. I also loved that Dominic Corisi and family made an appearance. It was fun to see them again. Dominic, Clay and Bradford’s new friendship should be interesting. Also, can’t wait to see what trouble Ollie can get into hanging out with Clay. LOL!!

Vanessa Hilario Mata

811 reviews19 followers

Queen, you have done it again with this astonishing friends to lovers romance! Levi has a heart of gold and always looking out for Katie. Katie is a strong woman that was like one of the guys. Especially training with Bradford along with her cousin Ollie and his handsome best friend. Than the chemistry between the changes to steamy. A page turner that I didn’t want to put down! Highly recommend!

Julie Weissman

35 reviews1 follower

January 21, 2024

Levi: Driverton 2 is a friends to lovers story that has Ruth Cordello’s usual charm. The pace and intensity of how Levi and Kate’s relationship deepens is just right. Both characters have vulnerabilities and strengths that make the storyline engaging.
Cordello fans are treated to a few new surprises at the end of the book!

Bulldogs70gmail.com

39 reviews

January 23, 2024

Love it

Again Ruth Cardello did not disappoint. Five stars are not enough for this one. I don't want to give anything away but I laughed so much at this “How many toilets do you think are in that house?" I love how this book ended and can't wait for the next one.

Patricia Beach

14 reviews

January 23, 2024

Wonderful, a down home Beautiful Romance that makes you want to live in this world. Levi is wonderful read that I sit down and couldn't put down. And connects and let you know what happens to former members of this Barrington series

Christine Jalili

2,202 reviews44 followers

I completely loved this book and couldn’t stop reading. It’s a fun book and I really loved how close Katie and Levi have been since childhood. But he’s never really had a close relationship and both are scared of taking their friendship to the next level. I felt for him as his parent’s had abandoned him. Loved their hometown and getting updates on characters. Had some happy tears in their happy ever after. I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy and I highly recommend this book.

Drz

23 reviews

What a great addion to this series. Levi and Katie are characters you just want to cheer on and see succeed. They're heartfelt and giving. They also learned how to believe in themselves and what they could do and not be defined by their past.

Sarah

818 reviews3 followers

Friendship, intrigue and family brings us back to Driverton with familiar faces and acquaintances coming along for the ride.

Maria

632 reviews29 followers

January 14, 2024

What a great read and what an amazing twist of events! Unfortunately it is not my place to tell but I encourage the readers to read this story. That being said I just loved Levi and Katie’s relationship. Firstly because they were best friends before being lovers and that is absolutely unique. What else could I say about the book? The book is obviously set in Driverton, a place where I could only imagine an extended family ready to support and help you in difficult times. This is the place where Levi and Katie will come to terms with their issues. I enjoyed the entire story and I can’t wait to read the next book of the series.

Alexa Schamberger

77 reviews

I can not explain how amazing this book is....the characters, the town, the overcoming an addiction....it reels you in and keeps you reading.

Bobbie

1,212 reviews10 followers

January 12, 2024

I have a new book boyfriend! Levi was a great character and I so enjoyed his story as I have enjoyed this series. Driverton is such an interesting little place and a wonderful place for Levi and Katie’s romance. They had known each other as children but never looked at each other until they were adults. Levi had been the resident bad boy when he was younger and had the reputation but Katie was such a good friend and had been attracted to him for forever however. everyone in Driverton told Levi to stay away from her. Fortunately Katie is strong willed and she decides she wants Levi. A great story! I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Donna DiTaranto

42 reviews

Trusting and Loyal

Levi and Katie is a beautiful story about loyalty and trusting.
They both are there for each other even when they know her cousin Ollie's is not going to be happy they finally admit to loving each other. Ruth brings Dominic Corisi and Clay Landon into her story. Ruth you did it again I can't wait for Ollie's adventure.

Michelle Pierce

760 reviews2 followers

January 25, 2024

I always love a good prologue but when this one ended, I almost yelled at my kindle because I wanted to know what was found when the prologue ended, and then the story began and I knew I had to be patient for the rest of the story about what was found. The more I learn about Driverton, I love the town even more than I did before. I liked our trio of characters, Katie, Levi, and Ollie, who are being trained by Bradford to be part of ‘the business.’ However, feelings are coming to the front for Katie and Levi who are definitely ‘flirting’ in this book and Ollie being who he is isn’t having it. Unfortunately, when Ollie has a little bit of a back slide, he confides in Levi who gets him help in the form of Bradford and Ollie makes it clear that they need to be friends and that’s it. I appreciated the fact that Levi and Katie have known each other so long that she knew by his body language and his tells that he wasn’t being upfront with Ollie’s new opportunity, but I also appreciated that she didn’t push it. This story to me was a little more serious in tone than the previous book. We saw Katie’s relationship with her parents which was interesting, and Levi grew up in a not-so-great family. Both Katie and Levi have made mistakes in the past, but they are trying to make better lives for themselves. When Ollie leaves for training out of town, the feelings that Katie and Levi have boil over and of course one thing leads to another and a kiss leads to a whole lot more. I know that Levi was having issues with wanting to pursue things with Katie, but I feel like Bradford helped him figure things out. When Bradford broaches the subject of Levi’s parents and he finds out that he knows where they are at and then more comes out on that, I was a tad worried what he might do. Katie, however, was there for him and with Bradford’s help went out of town to deal with that situation. I have to say when they got on the plane and Alethea (who I loved) started making her cryptic comments, I honestly thought for a minute that Katie and Levi had gotten involved in something way over their heads, glad that I was wrong about that. When we do find out the details about Levi’s parents all I could think about is the saying ‘what a tangled web we weave.’ Ultimately, I hope that Levi decides to make peace with that situation and maybe keep part of what he was given. I was also concerned with that conversation at the end between Clay and Bradford, but I believe they don’t have to worry about Driverton being outed so to speak. I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait for Ollie’s book next.

Gemma Davies

772 reviews3 followers

February 4, 2024

Off limits friends-to-lovers romance

One thing I love about reading book series like these is when stories and characters lives intermingle with other series and Cardello is a master storyteller who manages to blend and weave these fabulous tales in and out of each other so seamlessly.

If you haven’t read her back catalog I honestly think you should before you delve into these books because having that whole bigger picture really helps and will make your reading journey so much more enjoyable.

As for this book… well… Levi is just the biggest sweetheart with the most beautiful heart. Sadly, due to his past and the way his estranged parents left him as a teenager to fend for himself, he feels as though he has nothing to offer anyone. Love isn’t something he has felt or understood except the love he has for his friends, Ollie, Everett and Katie, and the close-knit community of Driverton.

Katie has always felt an affection for her best friend Levi - but as her cousin’s best friend and the renowned town playboy, he’s always been off-limits. But when the boys start to ‘outgrow their stupid’ and Levi becomes the man she always knew he could be, that attraction deepens.

But it ramps up an extra notch when ex-military man Bradford offers them an opportunity to train up in defensive tactics and special forces style intelligence in order to help him with his missions. Working closely together fuels the fire but it’s only when Ollie is out of town that they start to act on their desires.

It’s a sweet and heartwarming journey that they start themselves on and even though they thought everyone would be against their union, actually the whole town were expecting it. They are so good together and obviously destined for each other, Levi just needs to believe he’s good enough for her and that he can give her everything.

Only when he hears news of his parents do things take an unexpected turn and the truth could change their lives forever… as long as trouble stays away from their sleepy little town.

Fantastic story. Amazing couple and I can’t wait for this series to continue to build. Loving it so much. And it was brilliant to see lots of previous characters pop back up. Excellent stuff.. as always.

Cathy

744 reviews1 follower

Levi never knew why his parents deserted him as a teenager but best friend Katie got the people of Driverton to help Levi get through high school and become a man. Katie and her cousin, Ollie have been Levi’s best friends as long as any of them can remember. There was only one rule, Levi can’t have Katie. As they fight their mutual attraction throughout this book it is heartbreaking at the hurt and many issues Levi has because of his parents being two very selfish people. Levi didn’t think he was worthy of happy ever after so he didn’t stop with one woman long enough for that to be a possibility until Katie.

I totally enjoyed Levi and Katie’s journey to happy ever after. If anyone deserved to be loved unconditionally it was Levi. How parent’s can walk away from children is beyond me. The story flows seamlessly, the plot is strong, the characters are easy to get to know, there is plenty of fun and laughter that this author adds beautifully to all her stories. The icing on the cake is one of my most favorite heroes shows up in this story and it was so fun to see what he and his family were up to these days. Loved this addition to the storyline. I highly recommend Levi’s story as well as Everette’s book (book 1 in the series). The Barrington Billionaires: Levi is another hit for Mrs. Cardello.

Katherine

20 reviews

January 29, 2024

My past paled in importance in the face of my future“ it’s not a spoiler to say this is a story of deep friendship crossing the invisible line into a relationship. Both Katie and Levi are battered round the edges from the hard knocks from life. Set in a town where everyone knows everyone else’s business Katie and Levi embark on a punishing boot camp of self improvement to prove they can be part of the team to help others in dire need. That in itself is an interesting story, throw in some sexual tension and friends to lovers thread and I’m hooked. The writing style had me turning the pages and willing everything to turn out well for Katie and Levi. In fact also for Ollie. This has been an enjoyable book and one I will read again. I just love the characters Ruth pens, for me they jump off the page. I want to go back to read the other books too -just to see how Katie and Levi are introduced in those stories. These are gentle and warm stories but have some deep themes that are woven in and give this series more depth and interest for me. This series interconnects but can be read as stand alone. I think this is my favourite so far!

I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy (ARC) of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Elizabeth

777 reviews7 followers

January 19, 2024

The bad boy of Driverton shows his good side.

Levi has spent most of his life alone. Deserted by his parents at 16, he hasn’t always made the right choices. He’s been friends with Katie and Oliver for his whole life. I love the connection between these three, they stand up for each other and support each other. I loved how Levi went out of his way to aid Ollie when he was having issues. Recently he hasn’t been able to get her out of his mind. For Katie, Levi has always been the one. As the two grow together and become involved in a program where they can help the town of Driverton and others, they realize they may be perfect for each other.

I love the way Ruth Cardello tells a story. She makes you fall in love with her characters and you can’t get enough of them. Then you fall in love with the quirky people around them. And then you get to revisit some favorite characters from previous books. By the way, I still love Dominick, every time he shows up, I swoon a little. Levi, though, made me swoon a lot in this story. He’s a bit of a bad boy and a whole lot of a good man. Next up is Ollie and I can’t wait to see how he grows.

arc author

Amanda

61 reviews1 follower

January 13, 2024

Heading back to the quaint town of Driverton we meet Katie and Levi.
Levi is mixed up having been abandoned by his parents,he has been running wild with numerous one night stands and no commitments but he is kind as can be seen by the way he helps his friends.He is training with Bradford for his secret operations together with Katie and Ollie.
Katie and Levi have been friends for ages but the feeling they have for each other become harder to resist, Katie has a loving family that worry her heart will get broken Levi tries to not fall for her but the chemistry is just too great.
These two are great together there is fun, laugh out loud moments and hot, steamy times as they get together and find where they fit in Bradfords team.
This can be read as a stand alone but for those into the entire series there is a great Clay, Dominic and Bradford meet up setting the scene for further intrigue together with the underlying story of Ollie who I think gets the next story which I am looking forward to.

Sharon in SF

1,143 reviews6 followers