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The House That Gotti Built New York City: Deuce & Lexi
In the streets of New York, Deuce starts off as a small-time corner boy, hustling to make ends meet. Over the years, his ambition and street smarts propel him to the top, transforming him into one of the city's most feared and respected kingpins. Just when Deuce thinks he has it all, his world is turned upside down by the return of his long-lost love, Lexi, who left years ago to escape the dangerous life he chose. But Lexi isn't back to rekindle old flames; she's hiding a secret that could bring Deuce to his knees. As their past and present collide, Deuce must navigate alliances and his own heart to uncover the truth while protecting his family and everything he's built.
Lexi had always been in love with Deuce. But as his involvement in the streets deepened, she knew she couldn't stay. One fateful day, Lexi left town without a word, carrying with her a secret that would change their lives forever. As she navigates her new life, she lives in constant fear that Deuce will discover the truth. The tension mounts as their paths inevitably cross, forcing Lexi to confront her past and the man she never stopped loving.
In a world where secrets are uncovered, and love is put to the test, can Deuce handle Lexi’s secret, or will he be forced to let go of the past that plagued his heart for years? Will Lexi's secret win the man she loves, or will it tear them apart?
Lexi had always been in love with Deuce. But as his involvement in the streets deepened, she knew she couldn't stay. One fateful day, Lexi left town without a word, carrying with her a secret that would change their lives forever. As she navigates her new life, she lives in constant fear that Deuce will discover the truth. The tension mounts as their paths inevitably cross, forcing Lexi to confront her past and the man she never stopped loving.
In a world where secrets are uncovered, and love is put to the test, can Deuce handle Lexi’s secret, or will he be forced to let go of the past that plagued his heart for years? Will Lexi's secret win the man she loves, or will it tear them apart?
230 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 22, 2024
146 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
August 24, 2024
When You Finally Find Your Peace!
Mel B, good read. Man Troy had me on ten. He was just like a nasty fly. he just kept coming back. Oh, but karma is so real. I couldn't even stay mad with Lexi. Was she wrong? Yes, but she was also right in her mind her choices could have been better, but then it couldn't play out as it did.
I loved Dominic, though he made life what it was, but he loved family, and he was loyal to those that were loyal to him.
I enjoyed the growth from them both on respect, peace and understanding. 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗
Mel B, good read. Man Troy had me on ten. He was just like a nasty fly. he just kept coming back. Oh, but karma is so real. I couldn't even stay mad with Lexi. Was she wrong? Yes, but she was also right in her mind her choices could have been better, but then it couldn't play out as it did.
I loved Dominic, though he made life what it was, but he loved family, and he was loyal to those that were loyal to him.
I enjoyed the growth from them both on respect, peace and understanding. 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗
August 25, 2024
Success
I was hurt by Lexi not telling Dom, but in the end, it was beautiful. Great read! I will start reading more of your boojs.
I was hurt by Lexi not telling Dom, but in the end, it was beautiful. Great read! I will start reading more of your boojs.
August 31, 2024
Must Read
I know it was hard on Deuce when his mother passed away because their relationship was strained. She didn't want him out there selling drugs because she didn't raise him that way. Him getting that red envelope had him delving deeper into the streets after his mother passed away. The envelope held the key to him being welcomed into Gotti organization. It's crazy how Lexi didn't want to deal with Deuce when they were younger because he was in the streets but yet she ended up marrying a bum years later. It was easy to figure out the secret she had hid from Deuce. Lexi coming back after years of ghosting Deuce had him in his feelings but she had to know her secret wasn't going to stay hidden. Troy disgusted me. I don't see how Lexi ended up marrying someone like him. She was seven months pregnant working two jobs while he sat on his ass getting high and drunk with his dumb ass friend Niko. Then Troy had the audacity to try to involve a very pregnant Lexi in a robbery him and Niko planned. Even with her going into labor prematurely. Troy didn't visit their daughter once while Lexi and their daughter was in the Hospital. Lexi knew then Troy didn't give a damn. Deuce was there for Lexi although she didn't want him to be because she was afraid how he was going to act about what she hid from him for five year's. Deuce had every right to be pissed off. He wanted to wring Lexi neck after seeing her secret. Troy realized he made a dumb ass decision planning that robbery with Niko. Especially after Niko told him who store it was they robbed. Nico was truly simple minded and dumb asf to be out in the club with that chain on. I wasn't even surprised he ended up snitching. Troy lost his mind when he realized he lost his family to Deuce and became reckless.
I know it was hard on Deuce when his mother passed away because their relationship was strained. She didn't want him out there selling drugs because she didn't raise him that way. Him getting that red envelope had him delving deeper into the streets after his mother passed away. The envelope held the key to him being welcomed into Gotti organization. It's crazy how Lexi didn't want to deal with Deuce when they were younger because he was in the streets but yet she ended up marrying a bum years later. It was easy to figure out the secret she had hid from Deuce. Lexi coming back after years of ghosting Deuce had him in his feelings but she had to know her secret wasn't going to stay hidden. Troy disgusted me. I don't see how Lexi ended up marrying someone like him. She was seven months pregnant working two jobs while he sat on his ass getting high and drunk with his dumb ass friend Niko. Then Troy had the audacity to try to involve a very pregnant Lexi in a robbery him and Niko planned. Even with her going into labor prematurely. Troy didn't visit their daughter once while Lexi and their daughter was in the Hospital. Lexi knew then Troy didn't give a damn. Deuce was there for Lexi although she didn't want him to be because she was afraid how he was going to act about what she hid from him for five year's. Deuce had every right to be pissed off. He wanted to wring Lexi neck after seeing her secret. Troy realized he made a dumb ass decision planning that robbery with Niko. Especially after Niko told him who store it was they robbed. Nico was truly simple minded and dumb asf to be out in the club with that chain on. I wasn't even surprised he ended up snitching. Troy lost his mind when he realized he lost his family to Deuce and became reckless.
August 25, 2024
Read! Read! Read!
Yall got me so hyped with this series. I enjoyed the book so much. Melanie B you always on point. Keep doing what you do. Waiting for Book 5. (The House That Gotti Built)
Yall got me so hyped with this series. I enjoyed the book so much. Melanie B you always on point. Keep doing what you do. Waiting for Book 5. (The House That Gotti Built)
August 25, 2024
Lexi and Dominick
Lexi and Deuce were childhood friends who developed into more despite Lexi fighting it! Deuce was a hustler who refused to give up on reaching the top! Despite being away from each other for years true love never waivers! A great read!
Lexi and Deuce were childhood friends who developed into more despite Lexi fighting it! Deuce was a hustler who refused to give up on reaching the top! Despite being away from each other for years true love never waivers! A great read!
August 24, 2024
Fire
Omg! This book was so good. I was happy Troy got his in the end.. Twins! I love it. Thanks for all of your hard work
Omg! This book was so good. I was happy Troy got his in the end.. Twins! I love it. Thanks for all of your hard work
August 25, 2024
Deuce:& Lexi💙
This had everything I love! Second chance romance and secret baby made it to Gotti’s world. Lexi was tripping me out dealing with a guy like Troy but turning her nose up at Deuce.
This had everything I love! Second chance romance and secret baby made it to Gotti’s world. Lexi was tripping me out dealing with a guy like Troy but turning her nose up at Deuce.
August 26, 2024
A1 dope af!!!
Melanie the greatness continues babygirl I’ve read all the books so far and your story by far is the best. I need me a Dom he was that nikka and I’m glad Tory’s itch ass got what he deserved. This was well written little Sis and I loved it. Best selling Author for sho❤️
Melanie the greatness continues babygirl I’ve read all the books so far and your story by far is the best. I need me a Dom he was that nikka and I’m glad Tory’s itch ass got what he deserved. This was well written little Sis and I loved it. Best selling Author for sho❤️
September 9, 2024
Great read
Loved this book. Troy was a nut and Lexi was crazy for dealing with his bs! Deuce was that dude! I loved every page, even when I was fussing! 😂♥️
Loved this book. Troy was a nut and Lexi was crazy for dealing with his bs! Deuce was that dude! I loved every page, even when I was fussing! 😂♥️
August 26, 2024
crazy
This book was crazy! I’m talking from the beginning all the way up to the very end. Then going to have nerve to keep secrets
This book was crazy! I’m talking from the beginning all the way up to the very end. Then going to have nerve to keep secrets
August 27, 2024
Awesome
I'm so glad Lexi gave Deuce a chance. He really grew up and showed her he was the man . And he could provide suitable for her and the kids.
I'm so glad Lexi gave Deuce a chance. He really grew up and showed her he was the man . And he could provide suitable for her and the kids.
August 27, 2024
AWESOME READ
Another great read. Deuce struggling with his decisions to try support his family and had mentally regretting his heart. Glad they got a second chance.
Another great read. Deuce struggling with his decisions to try support his family and had mentally regretting his heart. Glad they got a second chance.
September 3, 2024
Second chances
Melanie you haven’t ceased to amaze me yet. I loved this story. Dom was just doing what he thought was best to help take care of his family and it hurt me that his mom passed away feeling how she was. Lexi had this preconceived notion in her mind about dudes in the streets but I feel like it was just being judgmental. She was wrong in so many ways and found out the grass wasn’t greener. Troy was just sad and a liar. With all the events that happened the ending was the most beautiful!!!! Great job sis !
Melanie you haven’t ceased to amaze me yet. I loved this story. Dom was just doing what he thought was best to help take care of his family and it hurt me that his mom passed away feeling how she was. Lexi had this preconceived notion in her mind about dudes in the streets but I feel like it was just being judgmental. She was wrong in so many ways and found out the grass wasn’t greener. Troy was just sad and a liar. With all the events that happened the ending was the most beautiful!!!! Great job sis !
September 2, 2024
nice very nice
This standalone is so lit. Lexi was pissing me off at first and had to hide his baby for 5 years away from him. Her exhusband and his homeboy got what they deserved. I can’t believe he was schizophrenic and doing coke, then tried to kill here twice. Deuce didn’t play them games he was about his business. U did good on yet another book and I’m looking forward to reading more of them. Sitting here patting my feet while sipping on Pepsi and while eating popcorn while waiting on the next book to read.
This standalone is so lit. Lexi was pissing me off at first and had to hide his baby for 5 years away from him. Her exhusband and his homeboy got what they deserved. I can’t believe he was schizophrenic and doing coke, then tried to kill here twice. Deuce didn’t play them games he was about his business. U did good on yet another book and I’m looking forward to reading more of them. Sitting here patting my feet while sipping on Pepsi and while eating popcorn while waiting on the next book to read.
August 31, 2024
Deuce MF Wild!
I enjoyed this ride so much. Gotti knows how to pick them and all the authors know how to put those pens to work. Lexi knew she was dead wrong and crazy to not tell Dom bout his son. Tho I don’t like how his mom did him, I understand from a moms pov. I would still at least love on my baby and pray over him. Deuce is that dude and ain’t play bout Lexi or “their” kids. Can’t wait to meet more of the Gotti organization and read more books from all of these talented authors.
I enjoyed this ride so much. Gotti knows how to pick them and all the authors know how to put those pens to work. Lexi knew she was dead wrong and crazy to not tell Dom bout his son. Tho I don’t like how his mom did him, I understand from a moms pov. I would still at least love on my baby and pray over him. Deuce is that dude and ain’t play bout Lexi or “their” kids. Can’t wait to meet more of the Gotti organization and read more books from all of these talented authors.
September 4, 2024
Wow
These two went through so much, but came out on top. Deuce was on another level of unhinged, but he became such a devoted father.
These two went through so much, but came out on top. Deuce was on another level of unhinged, but he became such a devoted father.
September 2, 2024
I love this a lot. Gotti is the man fr!
August 31, 2024
babyyyy
Deuce and Lexi whew my favorites so far i read this book in two days i couldn’t put it down. Her secret brought them back together and boy was it a beautiful ending 🥰
Deuce and Lexi whew my favorites so far i read this book in two days i couldn’t put it down. Her secret brought them back together and boy was it a beautiful ending 🥰
August 29, 2024
Loved it
The ending brought me to tears. I love Dominick and Lexi's relationship and marriage. Their love for each other is so beautiful. I can't wa8t to read what's next. Great Read!
The ending brought me to tears. I love Dominick and Lexi's relationship and marriage. Their love for each other is so beautiful. I can't wa8t to read what's next. Great Read!
August 28, 2024
🙌🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
I love Lexi and Deuce. To think Lexi was tripping with young Deuce about being in the game and Troy turned out to be no good at all!! Cheating and trifling. Glad they got it together. Can’t wait to see what’s next!!!
I love Lexi and Deuce. To think Lexi was tripping with young Deuce about being in the game and Troy turned out to be no good at all!! Cheating and trifling. Glad they got it together. Can’t wait to see what’s next!!!
November 17, 2025
Deuce 😍
I love a second chance at love but I despise a female keeping a man away from his child and then claim they thought they was doing what’s best, it’s selfish and unfair to the child and the father. I loved Dom he was ruthless but a stand up guy. I loved the way he loved Lexi and their children. Lexi was wrong and I felt a way about her but she grew on me. I’m glad they decided to spin the block 🫶🏾
I love a second chance at love but I despise a female keeping a man away from his child and then claim they thought they was doing what’s best, it’s selfish and unfair to the child and the father. I loved Dom he was ruthless but a stand up guy. I loved the way he loved Lexi and their children. Lexi was wrong and I felt a way about her but she grew on me. I’m glad they decided to spin the block 🫶🏾
September 13, 2024
I’m NotCrying…It’s My Allergies Acting Up!
All Dominic/Deuce wanted to do was provide for his but ended up losing the love of his life and missing out on the first five years of his son’s life when Lex got ghosted and moved away. When Dominic found out about DJ he introduced Lex to Deuce by making her and DJ move into his house. Lex stronger than me because I can’t handle 10 inches at any time but she handled it before her six week check up. I like how DJ immediately took to Dominic and how brave he always was while they had to deal with Troy’s foolishness. Troy was really Cra-Cra for robbing Deuce’s jewelry store, attacking Lex, shooting at them, and for talking to Nico’s unalive ghost. I’m glad that it didn’t take them long to find Troy after he shot at Lex and the kids. It’s crazy that Denim is pregnant by Troy. Boston has a mystery woman and for some reason I feel like it’s Denim and I hope that doesn’t affect Boston and Deuce’s friendship.
All Dominic/Deuce wanted to do was provide for his but ended up losing the love of his life and missing out on the first five years of his son’s life when Lex got ghosted and moved away. When Dominic found out about DJ he introduced Lex to Deuce by making her and DJ move into his house. Lex stronger than me because I can’t handle 10 inches at any time but she handled it before her six week check up. I like how DJ immediately took to Dominic and how brave he always was while they had to deal with Troy’s foolishness. Troy was really Cra-Cra for robbing Deuce’s jewelry store, attacking Lex, shooting at them, and for talking to Nico’s unalive ghost. I’m glad that it didn’t take them long to find Troy after he shot at Lex and the kids. It’s crazy that Denim is pregnant by Troy. Boston has a mystery woman and for some reason I feel like it’s Denim and I hope that doesn’t affect Boston and Deuce’s friendship.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2024
same ole storyline
This was the same ole storyline that seems to keep getting written. Again no originality on the authors part. The hiding a child thing is old and it ain’t cute, then the female never suffer any kind of consequences for it. Like everyone act like she didn’t hide a child for 5 years. And what was Bo’s job because if he was supposed to be her bodyguard he sucked at his job. It would have been nice to see a change to this storyline for once. MFC missing out on the life she could’ve had because of her treachery, especially since she was so nasty to Dom the whole first part of their story. And for no real reason other than he was in the streets. She left him and then acted like a victim. So yea this was a no for me. Hopefully the next installment is good because so far there was on ONE good story and that was part 2. I gave 2 stars for the effort.
This was the same ole storyline that seems to keep getting written. Again no originality on the authors part. The hiding a child thing is old and it ain’t cute, then the female never suffer any kind of consequences for it. Like everyone act like she didn’t hide a child for 5 years. And what was Bo’s job because if he was supposed to be her bodyguard he sucked at his job. It would have been nice to see a change to this storyline for once. MFC missing out on the life she could’ve had because of her treachery, especially since she was so nasty to Dom the whole first part of their story. And for no real reason other than he was in the streets. She left him and then acted like a victim. So yea this was a no for me. Hopefully the next installment is good because so far there was on ONE good story and that was part 2. I gave 2 stars for the effort.
July 20, 2025
A gritty, emotional ride through love, loyalty, and the streets of NYC.
The House That Gotti Built: New York City: Deuce & Lexi delivers a raw and gripping story rooted in the highs and lows of street life. Deuce is complex, loyal, and commanding, while Lexi is strong-willed and guarded. At first, Lexi wanted no part of the lifestyle Deuce was living—until he turned her world upside down after discovering the secret she’d kept from him for five years.
That moment changes everything, and the emotional fallout adds layers to the fast-paced, tension-filled story. I’m giving it 4 out of 5 stars—the pacing, character chemistry, and gritty atmosphere all hit hard. Some parts follow familiar paths in urban fiction, but the emotional twist and Deuce’s reaction to Lexi’s secret make it stand out. Perfect for readers who love street lit with a strong romantic core and real consequences.
The House That Gotti Built: New York City: Deuce & Lexi delivers a raw and gripping story rooted in the highs and lows of street life. Deuce is complex, loyal, and commanding, while Lexi is strong-willed and guarded. At first, Lexi wanted no part of the lifestyle Deuce was living—until he turned her world upside down after discovering the secret she’d kept from him for five years.
That moment changes everything, and the emotional fallout adds layers to the fast-paced, tension-filled story. I’m giving it 4 out of 5 stars—the pacing, character chemistry, and gritty atmosphere all hit hard. Some parts follow familiar paths in urban fiction, but the emotional twist and Deuce’s reaction to Lexi’s secret make it stand out. Perfect for readers who love street lit with a strong romantic core and real consequences.
December 11, 2025
Deuce ❤ Lex
One thing I can say about Gotti is when he choose his members they all were individuals that had a responsibility and a duty for their family, therefore putting them on not only grew his organization making him that much more powerful, and each member leveled up in some way but they all needed to tighten up their security lol. Great read.Deuce took his tragedy of his father being killed and knew he had to grind stepping up to be the man of the house but his mother couldn't accept it and her last words to him would always haunt him.
Now Lex was wrong for keeping DJ from his father and family because he didn't choose her instead of the streets and because of her poor judgement she went through things that she didn't have too but it only made her appreciate her future that much more. Can't wait for the next book.
One thing I can say about Gotti is when he choose his members they all were individuals that had a responsibility and a duty for their family, therefore putting them on not only grew his organization making him that much more powerful, and each member leveled up in some way but they all needed to tighten up their security lol. Great read.Deuce took his tragedy of his father being killed and knew he had to grind stepping up to be the man of the house but his mother couldn't accept it and her last words to him would always haunt him.
Now Lex was wrong for keeping DJ from his father and family because he didn't choose her instead of the streets and because of her poor judgement she went through things that she didn't have too but it only made her appreciate her future that much more. Can't wait for the next book.
April 11, 2025
Lexi and Dominick, The One That Got Away
Ohhhh, this book was good and very well written!!!…I enjoyed this book from the beginning to the end!!!…Baby, Troy did more than lost his holy mind out in these streets!!!…He played follow the leader only to find himself mislead with an understanding that there was no going back!!!…
I was hot that Lexi told that baby his daddy was in the sky because Dominick did not change his life because she wanted him to!!!…
Dominick was a forgiving man, and he voiced his feelings after realizing he had a son that he knew nothing about!!!…Lexi Aunti held her butt accountable for holding that type of secret!!!..
I need to know who is Bo’s girlfriend!!!…
Ohhhh, this book was good and very well written!!!…I enjoyed this book from the beginning to the end!!!…Baby, Troy did more than lost his holy mind out in these streets!!!…He played follow the leader only to find himself mislead with an understanding that there was no going back!!!…
I was hot that Lexi told that baby his daddy was in the sky because Dominick did not change his life because she wanted him to!!!…
Dominick was a forgiving man, and he voiced his feelings after realizing he had a son that he knew nothing about!!!…Lexi Aunti held her butt accountable for holding that type of secret!!!..
I need to know who is Bo’s girlfriend!!!…
October 7, 2024
Good book 5 stars
I really loved this book.I like how Dom 'Deuce' didn't give up on his dream of becoming a Kingpin. I didn't like how Lex got pregnant on purpose thinking Dom was just going to leave what he loved doing then she leave and have Dom son and not tell him he had a 5 year old son was cruel. I'm glad Dom was able to get pass the hurt and Lexi lies and finish what they started
I really loved this book.I like how Dom 'Deuce' didn't give up on his dream of becoming a Kingpin. I didn't like how Lex got pregnant on purpose thinking Dom was just going to leave what he loved doing then she leave and have Dom son and not tell him he had a 5 year old son was cruel. I'm glad Dom was able to get pass the hurt and Lexi lies and finish what they started
October 14, 2024
Amazing Read
Deuce and Lexi were meant to be together. Their on and off again relationship created their first born. Lexi was young and wanted a different way of life that Deuce offered. Once they found one another that final time, it didn't matter what either of them had going on, they made it work. Deuce would go to war to protect Lexi and his kids. They were his happiness, as well as his other family. Awesome read!
Deuce and Lexi were meant to be together. Their on and off again relationship created their first born. Lexi was young and wanted a different way of life that Deuce offered. Once they found one another that final time, it didn't matter what either of them had going on, they made it work. Deuce would go to war to protect Lexi and his kids. They were his happiness, as well as his other family. Awesome read!
November 13, 2024
Lexi was unlikeable 85% of the book
I need some answers but omg this would’ve been a 5 star read if Lexi wasn’t annoying most of the book. Ran from her past only to end up right back in it! Then Denim…..Boston helloooo give us some answers. I love this series but it has a lot of unfinished business with supporting characters lol
I need some answers but omg this would’ve been a 5 star read if Lexi wasn’t annoying most of the book. Ran from her past only to end up right back in it! Then Denim…..Boston helloooo give us some answers. I love this series but it has a lot of unfinished business with supporting characters lol
March 17, 2025
😍 Second Chance Love!
Lexi was wrong for assuming Deuce wouldn't make the baby priority, and Deuce was wrong in the way he initially communicated his desires. He was just a young man learning how to live so it's understandable. Troy was a piece of work smh. He thought he was God's gift to women, but he messed up coming for Deuce's heart! Bo is going to get Olivia😂
Lexi was wrong for assuming Deuce wouldn't make the baby priority, and Deuce was wrong in the way he initially communicated his desires. He was just a young man learning how to live so it's understandable. Troy was a piece of work smh. He thought he was God's gift to women, but he messed up coming for Deuce's heart! Bo is going to get Olivia😂
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews