The Face

by Cindy Kehagiaras

Gianni Nicolino or Johnny from Jersey, aka Gianni Nico, aka Lukas Froneski, also known as THE FACE, never needed anyone; he took care of himself all his life, from running with street gangs in Newark, New Jersey, to the runways of New York, Paris, and Milan then with a clandestine group of “fixers” run by the U.S. government in Europe. He took on whatever personality suited him. At age forty-seven, he doesn’t know who he really is or where he belongs.
That is until he finds a true home, learns to surf, is adopted by a dog and a cat couple, and falls head over heels in love with an over-scheduled, single mom.
Heather has too much on her many plates, and they’re all spinning. With Tween Twin girls, a full-time job, aging parents, PTA, philanthropic commitments, and, oh yeah, GET DAD’S MONEY. She doesn’t sleep enough; her roots are showing, and the girls don’t go to the right dance studio, to the chagrin of the local townies. Her family name has been dragged through the mud, and she will restore their standing in the high society of Laguna Beach if it’s the last thing she does. But going to an alleged gangster for help may not have been the right move. And she can’t seem to get a certain “tall-dark-and-handsome” neighbor out of her already jam-packed mind.
“The Face” is the fourth book in the “Tennent Surf” World. An Over 40/GenX Romance with several open-door love scenes, Gen X pop culture references, and finding the romance in getting older. This book comes after “The Perpetual”, “The Dasher” and “The Hubble.”

177 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 14, 2025

About the author

My writing journey began after my 50th birthday, and the pandemic lockdown provided the opportunity to write. Some of my stories have haunted my dreams for decades. When the characters shouted day and night, I knew I had to write about them.

My previous lives have been in advertising, fashion, and a small business owner. I've made it my life’s ambition to push through challenges of a dyslexia diagnosis to consume novels, poetry, articles, and tell fun, swoony, romantic stories.

A proud GenX woman and native Californian, I live in Hermosa Beach, CA, with my husband aka "The Greek", two beautiful kids, and two spunky-rescue kitties.

Reviews

[Amanda Hopwood]

This series as a whole is such a quick fast paced reads with older FMC and Mmcs they are spicy twisty and keep you wanting more

I received the advanced listener copy for my honest opinion
I will say HighGravity casts never disappoint and make the story even better

[MHT Books]

I absolutely loved the Tennent series and The Face was the cherry on top of the sundae. There’s something about reading a book about my fellow Gen- Xer’s, who crack jokes about 90’s pop culture like clueless. This had an excellent mafia twist that I wasn’t expecting. Heather is a hardworking single mom who has 2 adorable daughters. Gianni was a fixer who moved to Newport Beach in So Cal for a change of pace. It was instant attraction between Gianni and Heather but heather wasn’t looking for a relationship (just a hook up) she was to busy being a super mom. This was a great listen, Allie Martina and James Cassidy did a great job bringing this story to life.

[Rebecca]

The Face by Cindy Kehagiaras is a delightful, fast-paced Gen-X and over-40 romance set against a stunning Laguna Beach backdrop, serving as the fourth installment in the Tennent Surf world.

The story follows Gianni Nicolino—also known as Johnny from Jersey or "The Face"—a former Newark street kid, international runway model, and clandestine government fixer who has spent his entire life adopting different personalities. At forty-seven, he feels entirely lost until he settles down in a true home, learns to surf, becomes an adoring pet dad to a cat and dog couple, and falls head over heels for his busy new neighbor, Heather.

Heather is an overwhelmed, perpetually exhausted single mother juggling a full-time job, aging parents, PTA commitments, and twin tween daughters, all while desperately trying to restore her family's standing in high society. When she crosses paths with Gianni—seeking help from an alleged former mafia-tied neighbor—she gets a lot more than she bargained for as an intense, he-falls-first attraction sparks between them.

Blending high-stakes family drama, old-time mafia ties, quirky twin humor, and endearing domestic moments, the narrative captures the sweet journey of two people finding themselves and each other. Elevated by open-door romance, nostalgic Gen-X pop culture references, and brilliant duet narration by Allie Martina and James Cassidy, this cozy, swoon-worthy romantic comedy is a heartwarming and deeply satisfying read.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nicole]

This had me at single mom romance and over 40 romance, but I wasn't prepared for how much fun this read was. I loved the old time mafia ties that put another spin on this book. Heather and her girls were awesome then add in Gianni their new neighbor. I loved how each girl had such a different personality. They were so much fun and I loved when they interacted with Gianni. Heather and Gianni are trying to find their path. Heather takes on so much for so many then Gianni is searching for his true self. I felt a few times is got a bit wordy, but this was an enjoyable read. One of my favorite parts was Gianni becoming a pet dad and rocking it. I'm glad I gave this a read because I would have missed out on a good book!

[Novellaworm]

THE FACE by Cindy Kehagiaras 🎧🔥

I have absolutely LOVED this series, but honestly… The Face just topped the list. 😍

Gianni Nico—aka Johnny from Jersey, aka Lukas Froneski, aka The Face—is a man who has spent his entire life becoming whoever he needed to be. From street gangs to fashion runways to government fixer… this man has collected identities like I collect books. 😂

Then along comes Heather.

A ridiculously over-scheduled single mum with tween twins, work, PTA, ageing parents, family drama and approximately zero hours of sleep… and somehow she still has time to notice the tall, dark and VERY handsome man next door. 👀

Honestly, I adored her. She’s sassy, driven, fiercely protective of her family and trying to hold everything together with sheer determination and probably caffeine. And Gianni? Beneath all that swagger is a man desperately trying to figure out who he really is—and watching these two finally find somewhere they belong was EVERYTHING.

But let’s talk about the audiobook because James Cassidy & Allie Martina were absolutely phenomenal. 🎧🔥

James once again proves he can seemingly do everything. Multiple voices, personalities, emotions… he brought Gianni to life with that perfect combination of charisma, vulnerability and oh hello, where did that heat come from? 🥵

And Allie Martina… GIRL. Did you somehow sneak into every mother’s head before recording Heather’s narration?! 😂 Because the exhaustion, the juggling, the humour, the emotion… PERFECT.

Together they made this story feel completely alive. The banter sparkled, the emotional moments landed right in the feels, and when the heat arrived… well, my AirPods needed a minute. 🔥😂

Cindy has delivered another heart-warming, steamy, plot-driven romance packed with characters I’ve come to love throughout the series, and I was absolutely HERE FOR EVERY SINGLE MOMENT.

Over-40 romance, Gen X references, found family, second chances, messy real life, big feelings and enough chemistry to keep this Novellaworm very happily listening. 🪱❤️‍🔥

I LOVED THIS.

Thank you, High Gravity, for another audiobook that reminded me exactly why I love this series—and why apparently my TBL will never be under control. 😂🎧📚

[Kari Lake]

Duet narrated by Allie Martina and James Cassidy.

New to me author and new to me narrator in Allie Martina.

Book was fantastic. Narration was outstanding!

Thank you to the author and High Gravity Productions for the ALC.

[HEA PR]

A single mom romance + sexy silver fox? Yes, please! https://amzn.to/4jTyq4R

[Laura Holley]

I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway. It was a fun story with sweet and interesting characters.

[Ivey]

I absolutely adored The Face. There's something incredibly refreshing about reading a romance featuring characters in their 40s who have lived full, messy lives and are still figuring out who they are and what they want. I loved that this wasn't a story about perfect people finding perfect love. It was about two adults carrying baggage, responsibilities, and insecurities while discovering that maybe they don't have to handle everything alone. James Cassidy and Allie Martina delivered an exceptional duet narration. James perfectly captured Gianni's charisma, vulnerability, and larger than life presence, while Allie brought so much warmth, humor, and emotion to Heather's character. Their performances made the banter sparkle, amplified the emotional moments, and brought the romance to life in a way that had me completely invested. Thank you, High Gravity, and DNABC for the ALC.

[Jen Wycech]

Former model/spy MMC
Single Mom FMC
“Friends With Benefits”
Neighbors
Over 40 Romance
Pets adopt Human
Found Family
”Retired” Gangsters
Small Beach Town
Dual POV - 1st person

Duet narration - James Cassidy & Allie Martina
Fabulous performance!

Book #4 Tennent Surf series

I think I have a favorite book of this series now. I loved these characters and the story was so enjoyable. The narrators did a wonderful job with this bringing these characters to life. Really this book and series is full of loveable characters, easy to follow, and addictive plots.

Thank you High Gravity and Cindy Kehagiaras for this ALC.

[Patricia]

⭐️4.5
😱
🌶🌶
This was a good book i was wondering when we would get his story, it was good. I really liked that he got his happily ever after. And an overworked, underpaid, unappreciated, mom of twins, it got her happily ever ending too. But my favorite quote on this one is, I licked it. So it's mine.

[Amour.Rebelle.Reads (Bran.d)]

I really enjoyed the Gen X/over-40 romance aspect of this one. It was refreshing to have characters who have actually lived a little, have baggage, responsibilities, and life experience, but still get to fall head over heels.

Allie Martina and James Cassidy did a great job with the narration and brought Heather and Gianni to life. I especially enjoyed the way they captured the personalities and chemistry between these two.

This was such a fun addition to the Tennent Surf world, and I definitely wouldn’t mind spending more time with this crew. ❤️🎧

[Audury Davis]

4 ⭐️ I really enjoyed that this was an over the age of 40 rep. We don’t see many of these and as we all know we are not getting any younger so I am here for it.

[Lisa Hemming]

I absolutely adore Gianni and Heather! I love the sparks that fly whenever they are in the same room, the love he has for her children, and the fun they always have when they are together. Gianni gets nervous when he hasn’t seen Heather in a while and he counts down the minutes until he will see his “Bella Ragazza” again. Gianni has had heart eyes for Heather from the moment he first saw her and when he bumped into her again he knew that fate had stepped in to make him the happiest man in the world.

All of Cindy Kehagiaras’s heroes are charming, handsome, thoughtful and mysterious. I must say that after reading “The Face” quite a few times, Gianni has found a permanent place in my heart. Besides having “movie-star” good looks and a chiseled jawline, his Italian upbringing had given him a nurturing, loving and caring personality. His Uncle Sam was like a father to him and he quickly became very protective over Heather’s twins, Lexi and Zoe. The three of them were the loves of his life, and he hoped they would always be together. Heather was a “goddess” in Gianni’s eyes and he thanked God daily that she had come into his life

I think the reason I have turned to this book so many times is that the storyline and characters just make me happy. It is like spending time with my best friends and watching them fall in love all over again. The beautiful beach setting lent an air of romance that couldn’t be found anywhere else. I swooned when Gianni spoke to Heather in Italian and cheered when she would sneak away to his house to surprise him. The depth of their love was beautiful to see and would stay in their hearts forever.

[Cindy Kehagiaras]

An overscheduled single mom is so relatable, but add a friend-with-benefits scenario with her hot new neighbor, and things get very interesting very quickly, especially since Gianni is a mystery wrapped in a gorgeous package.

In his 47 years, Gianni has been many people, but when he finds his dream home, friends, and a new family to love, he finally figures out who he truly is and where he belongs.

Sexy, cute swoon with adorable pets and quirky tween twins to lighten up anyone's reading.

[Kat Hall]

When your existing life comes to an end due to the type of work you do, what do you do, and who do you become?

When you make that decision, you encounter a woman who will change your life. But is she willing to accept you, change her life, and be with you?

This is an interesting read. I love the actions of the animals.

[Mayra]

This book had me smiling the whole way through! A GenX couple? The references were EVERYTHING. So many things that just made sense and that I probably still reference daily. 😂

Heather was incredibly relatable. She was just trying to survive day to day, be the best example she could be for her daughters, and work hard. She was funny, too! Giani? Total book boyfriend material. Protective, never trying to make Heather feel small, and falling hard. Oh, and he was a former model… not too bad, huh? 😉

The story hooked me from chapter one, and I loved that we got a couple in their 40s. Between the intriguing storyline and all those GenX references, this one was such a fun and refreshing read!

Now, the narration…

The voice acting was incredible and took an already great story to another level. The performances brought such a sense of nostalgia and truly brought these characters to life.

This was my first time listening to Allie Martina, and I absolutely loved her performance! She brought everything Heather needed: the emotion, the sass, the vulnerability, and the range. She delivered it all!

James Cassidy… what can I say that I haven't already said? He's my favorite male narrator for a reason. He consistently delivers phenomenal performances, giving every character the emotion they deserve. Protective, fierce, swoony… he brings it ALL.

Both narrators absolutely ROCKED this one, and you will not regret giving it a listen!
5/5 stars for me! Enjoy! 🎧

[Amanda M]

I loved listening to this book as an audio. This is the story for The Face also known as Gianni and it's so good. Heather was awesome too. These two characters really just were perfect for one another. I liked the narrative. And the narrators were fantastic at narrating this. Allie Martina and James Cassidy did a beautiful job bringing this book to life. Definitely recommend grabbing this as an audiobook. It's the best kind of read for those that like high stakes family drama, mafia ties, quirky humor, and romance. Thank you to High Gravity Productions and the author for a copy of this. All thoughts are my own and freely given.

[Indie]

loved it !! love this series !! love, love, love Gianni and Heather... Lexi and Zoe... this is their story... a fun fast paced rom/com drama... it was love at first sight for Gianni... he's lost and wants to find himself.... he learns to surf.. he is the Face... he's gorgeous.. and now, he lives next door to Heather and her girls... and Heather well... her plate is over full.. and it's spilling over... and the girls... tweens.. twins... yeah !!! this is so good !!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.