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Every Five Years
After watching her parents struggle financially for years, Heather Di Pietro, a quirky, non-conformist, is persuaded by her best friend to date the rich and popular Lance Milanesi, believing he is the path to happiness. But when Nicolo, a vibrant new employee starts at her job, something stirs insides her, and she second-guesses her choice.
Nicolo has spent his entire life making others happy, while taking the back seat to his own happiness. When Heather's dynamic personality finds a way into his heart, she makes him believe he can conquer the world. A close friendship and loving bond soon develops, but it's quickly destroyed, separating them, before they reveal their true feelings for one another.
Five years later, a chance encounter reunites them, taking them both by surprise.
Torn between losing each other again, and the emotions they can no longer suppress, they launch into a love affair more powerful than they ever imagined. Spending their days on the beach and their nights in each other’s arms, Heather discovers what true love is, and knows she must leave Lance.
With love this perfect, what could tear them apart a second time?
Heather and Nicolo continue to cross paths every five years, giving them the opportunity to recover what they lost. Will they ever reach out and grasp what was meant to be, or will their fears continue to keep them apart?
Read as a Stand Alone, or as part of the Fix It or Get Out, Series.
"I was truly taken in by the author's vision for this adorable couple. A romantic love story with something for everyone." - PA
"I absolutely loved this story. I loved how the author brought it all together and how well it was written. The plot was well developed as well as the characters." - JW
Nicolo has spent his entire life making others happy, while taking the back seat to his own happiness. When Heather's dynamic personality finds a way into his heart, she makes him believe he can conquer the world. A close friendship and loving bond soon develops, but it's quickly destroyed, separating them, before they reveal their true feelings for one another.
Five years later, a chance encounter reunites them, taking them both by surprise.
Torn between losing each other again, and the emotions they can no longer suppress, they launch into a love affair more powerful than they ever imagined. Spending their days on the beach and their nights in each other’s arms, Heather discovers what true love is, and knows she must leave Lance.
With love this perfect, what could tear them apart a second time?
Heather and Nicolo continue to cross paths every five years, giving them the opportunity to recover what they lost. Will they ever reach out and grasp what was meant to be, or will their fears continue to keep them apart?
Read as a Stand Alone, or as part of the Fix It or Get Out, Series.
"I was truly taken in by the author's vision for this adorable couple. A romantic love story with something for everyone." - PA
"I absolutely loved this story. I loved how the author brought it all together and how well it was written. The plot was well developed as well as the characters." - JW
300 pages, ebook
First published May 9, 2014
9 people are currently reading
567 people want to read
About the author
Christine Ardigo
4 books109 followersChristine Ardigo is a Registered Dietitian/Personal Trainer who writes contemporary romance novels in her spare time. When weight lifting, rock climbing, white-water rafting, and jumping out of airplanes wasn’t enough, she decided to fulfill a dream she had as a child: to write a book.
She's lived in New York her entire life and can’t imagine living anywhere else. She has the beaches, the bay and the city, all a half hour away. She's built memories here with her husband, two silly daughters and a bunch of crazy friends, all whom she loves very much.
She's lived in New York her entire life and can’t imagine living anywhere else. She has the beaches, the bay and the city, all a half hour away. She's built memories here with her husband, two silly daughters and a bunch of crazy friends, all whom she loves very much.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 30, 2016
An excellent read, wonderfully written. Heather and Nicolo are great characters. Highly recommended.
April 18, 2017
I couldn't stopped reading it!!! Thank God I found these books before I get married. It gives me hindsight of what future might hold for me, hehehe. I love how the story is written (in pov of 2 main characters). It is easy to read and will give you the feels (well, these are not your tweetums love stories). I will definitely recommend these books to my friends.
March 16, 2015
After reading “Cheating to Survive,” I was interested in the background story of Heather and Nicolo. “Every Five Years” isn’t just about their relationship, however, but also the situations in their lives that make them so star-crossed. Ultimately, their insecurities play a key part in their decisions -- Heather, is an intelligent and free-spirited nutritionist, whose need to please other less-deserving people in her life gets in the way of her own happiness; and Nicolo, also a “pleaser,” is a handsome cop who has spent his life living in the shadow of his older brother who seems to have everything Nicolo doesn’t. Their relationship brings each the strength and confidence both are lacking … the only problem is that their lives outside their relationship keep pulling them apart. Heather’s poor decisions throughout the book, don’t help either. Her choices weigh heavier upon both of their lives, leading to heartbreak and years of unhappiness. As a result, I grew to empathize much more with Nicolo and wanted to see him do well regardless of whether that involved Heather or not. But just when Nicolo seems to be moving on, a chance encounter with Heather brings her and his feelings for her back into his life. Will Nicolo ever find happiness? This question, as well as many others are answered in this engaging, well-written story. I recommend reading both books in the series, but this one stands well on its own.
August 13, 2014
In Every Five Years by Christine Ardigo, in high school, Heather Di Pietro is happy a rich and popular guy wants her even if it meant changing who she is. In college, Heather meets Nicolo at her job and their friendship quickly builds. He sees the person she is and not the person she has tried to become. But someone doesn’t want Heather to find happiness, and they are ripped apart.
Every five years their paths cross. One time they have a hot affair that almost led to a wedding. But, things never worked out for them. Heather marries the rich, popular guy from high school, and Nicolo moves on with his life.
The story takes you through their lives and their interactions when they meet. They are so perfect for each other that you are pulling for them to get together, wondering when it will happen, if it will happen because the world seems to be conspiring against them.
I loved this novel and fell in love with Nicolo! The story is so well-written that I couldn’t put it down. I had to know how they were going to handle what life would throw at them next and when they were going to get together. This is an excellent read, and everyone should be reading it or adding it to the top of their TBR list. Christine Ardigo hit a home-run with this one.
Every five years their paths cross. One time they have a hot affair that almost led to a wedding. But, things never worked out for them. Heather marries the rich, popular guy from high school, and Nicolo moves on with his life.
The story takes you through their lives and their interactions when they meet. They are so perfect for each other that you are pulling for them to get together, wondering when it will happen, if it will happen because the world seems to be conspiring against them.
I loved this novel and fell in love with Nicolo! The story is so well-written that I couldn’t put it down. I had to know how they were going to handle what life would throw at them next and when they were going to get together. This is an excellent read, and everyone should be reading it or adding it to the top of their TBR list. Christine Ardigo hit a home-run with this one.
March 3, 2016
After reading the first book in this series I was so amazed that I straight away started reading the second one, this one who is about Heather and Nicolo. I didnt think a book or series could be better than the first book and normally the second is a little bit slower than the first but NOT in this case. This book is as good as the first one and in some ways better because we get to know Heather and Nicolo better and deeper and that is something I enjoyed.
The humor that was in the first book of the series is in this one too and I really enjoyed it. There where a number of times where I just couldnt stop laughing. The book is not just laugh it is full off entrigues and love and romance too. I find the mix of things in this book prefect and intriguing.
I really enjoyed this book and it is really a book to read. It is the perfect follow up to a first awesome book. I really love this series a lot. read the story, read the series, you will not get disappointed.
The humor that was in the first book of the series is in this one too and I really enjoyed it. There where a number of times where I just couldnt stop laughing. The book is not just laugh it is full off entrigues and love and romance too. I find the mix of things in this book prefect and intriguing.
I really enjoyed this book and it is really a book to read. It is the perfect follow up to a first awesome book. I really love this series a lot. read the story, read the series, you will not get disappointed.
May 24, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. It was a lovely look into relationships and love, and I was so pleased with the ending!!
March 11, 2015
I was introduced to Heather in Christine Ardigo’s book Cheating To Survive. This story goes into more detail about Heather’s on-again off-again relationship with Nicolo.
Heather’s family came from the poorer side of town, so she was surprised when Lance, from an affluent family, took a shine to her and wanted to start dating. Feeling pressure from her High School friends, especially her best friend Brooke, and her family, she agreed to date him. Even against all her misgivings, she found herself married to the selfish, overbearing Lance. The problem was, she’s really in love with Nicolo. So this is a tale of love lost and the missed chances in life.
When I read Heather’s character in Cheating To Survive, I felt empathy for her plight. But after reading how she let herself end up in such a loveless, hate filled marriage, I can’t. Everything that happened to her, was her own choice. Heather is supposed to be a free-thinking, out-of-the-box person, so I just can’t see her marrying someone that wanted to change her. I guess it’s because I faced a similar situation in High School. The boy who wanted to marry me was just as controlling as Lance. But I choose me over him.
Who I really felt sorry for, was Nicolo. He was stood-up, twice, by Heather, without any explanations. He tried to go on with his life, but everywhere he turned, Heather was in his memories. Eventually, he settled for second-best, not realizing the trap he’d made for himself.
This book goes into plenty of detail from High School to the hospital that Heather’s working at in the first book. After that, it kind of skips and feels rushed. If I hadn’t read the first book, I think I might have gotten lost in the whys and wherefores of her actions.
Even though I don’t like the younger Heather, I did sympathize with the older Heather, after she had to live with her consequences. The whole point of a story is to make you feel, whether good or bad, and Christine accomplished that purpose. I fell in love with Heather’s children and I was happy with her victory over Lance and Blanca, the mother-in-law from hell. There are a lot of emotional ups and downs in this well-written tale, so keep a box of tissues handy.
I enjoyed this book and recommend it for all romance lovers. I give it 4 feathers.
Heather’s family came from the poorer side of town, so she was surprised when Lance, from an affluent family, took a shine to her and wanted to start dating. Feeling pressure from her High School friends, especially her best friend Brooke, and her family, she agreed to date him. Even against all her misgivings, she found herself married to the selfish, overbearing Lance. The problem was, she’s really in love with Nicolo. So this is a tale of love lost and the missed chances in life.
When I read Heather’s character in Cheating To Survive, I felt empathy for her plight. But after reading how she let herself end up in such a loveless, hate filled marriage, I can’t. Everything that happened to her, was her own choice. Heather is supposed to be a free-thinking, out-of-the-box person, so I just can’t see her marrying someone that wanted to change her. I guess it’s because I faced a similar situation in High School. The boy who wanted to marry me was just as controlling as Lance. But I choose me over him.
Who I really felt sorry for, was Nicolo. He was stood-up, twice, by Heather, without any explanations. He tried to go on with his life, but everywhere he turned, Heather was in his memories. Eventually, he settled for second-best, not realizing the trap he’d made for himself.
This book goes into plenty of detail from High School to the hospital that Heather’s working at in the first book. After that, it kind of skips and feels rushed. If I hadn’t read the first book, I think I might have gotten lost in the whys and wherefores of her actions.
Even though I don’t like the younger Heather, I did sympathize with the older Heather, after she had to live with her consequences. The whole point of a story is to make you feel, whether good or bad, and Christine accomplished that purpose. I fell in love with Heather’s children and I was happy with her victory over Lance and Blanca, the mother-in-law from hell. There are a lot of emotional ups and downs in this well-written tale, so keep a box of tissues handy.
I enjoyed this book and recommend it for all romance lovers. I give it 4 feathers.
July 9, 2022
Every Five Years is book two of Fix It or Get Out by Christine Ardigo. After seeing her parents struggle financially during her childhood, Heather Di Pietro decided to expect a date with rich and popular Lance Milanesi. However, Heather started questioning her choice after a new employee, Nicolo, began working at her workplace. Quickly a strong bond developed between Heather and Nicolo. However, before they could create a solid relationship, Nicolo disappeared until five years later, they met again. Will the second time around allow them to reveal their feelings. The readers of Every Five Years will continue following Nicolo and Heather to discover what happens.
Every Five Years is the first book I read by Christine Ardigo, and I enjoyed reading this book. At times I had to laugh at how Christine Ardigo portrayed her characters, and every Five Years was well written and researched by Christine Ardigo. I liked how Christine Ardigo ensured that the readers knew who the main characters were in each chapter. I enjoy Christine Ardigo's portrayal of her characters and how they interacted throughout this book. I like Christine Ardigo's description of the settings of Every Five Years that complement the book's plot.
The readers of Every Five Years will learn about the role of nutritionists in hospitals. Also, the readers of Every Five Years will understand that romance does not always run smoothly. However, if you are patient, you might achieve your dreams.
I recommend this book.
Every Five Years is the first book I read by Christine Ardigo, and I enjoyed reading this book. At times I had to laugh at how Christine Ardigo portrayed her characters, and every Five Years was well written and researched by Christine Ardigo. I liked how Christine Ardigo ensured that the readers knew who the main characters were in each chapter. I enjoy Christine Ardigo's portrayal of her characters and how they interacted throughout this book. I like Christine Ardigo's description of the settings of Every Five Years that complement the book's plot.
The readers of Every Five Years will learn about the role of nutritionists in hospitals. Also, the readers of Every Five Years will understand that romance does not always run smoothly. However, if you are patient, you might achieve your dreams.
I recommend this book.
December 17, 2014
I didn’t think it could be better than the first one but…
After falling in love with Heather’s feisty, animated character in Cheating to Survive, I had to find out what the mystery was between her and her only true love, Nicolo, a story that intertwined within the novel. Every Five Years spans over 25 five years, starting in 1987 and ending in 2013. Why did Heather marry her husband, if Nicolo and her were the perfect match? More importantly, I wanted to find out who Nicolo really was, and I was not disappointed in the least. Need a new book boyfriend? He’s it.
Christine Ardigo’s humor continued through this book also, as we weave in and out of both Heather and Nicolo’s lives. The funny scenes came at just the right moments, offsetting the times I could feel the characters frustration or sadness. You routed for both of them throughout the book. Would they end up together or not? She left you guessing right down to the very end of the book. Perfect. I was on the edge of my seat every time they bumped into each other again. The book had me so engrossed with both their stories, though, that you never saw their surprise encounters coming until they were face-to-face with one another. They were as shocked as I was! I enjoyed book 2 even more. Must read.
After falling in love with Heather’s feisty, animated character in Cheating to Survive, I had to find out what the mystery was between her and her only true love, Nicolo, a story that intertwined within the novel. Every Five Years spans over 25 five years, starting in 1987 and ending in 2013. Why did Heather marry her husband, if Nicolo and her were the perfect match? More importantly, I wanted to find out who Nicolo really was, and I was not disappointed in the least. Need a new book boyfriend? He’s it.
Christine Ardigo’s humor continued through this book also, as we weave in and out of both Heather and Nicolo’s lives. The funny scenes came at just the right moments, offsetting the times I could feel the characters frustration or sadness. You routed for both of them throughout the book. Would they end up together or not? She left you guessing right down to the very end of the book. Perfect. I was on the edge of my seat every time they bumped into each other again. The book had me so engrossed with both their stories, though, that you never saw their surprise encounters coming until they were face-to-face with one another. They were as shocked as I was! I enjoyed book 2 even more. Must read.
August 13, 2014
Every Five Years is the second book in the Fix it or Get Out series.
What an amazing read. You won't be able to put it down.
I have been waiting patiently for this second book and it hit a home run. Make that a grand slam home run.
This book is Heather and Nicolo's story. We met both of them in Cheating to Survive, the first book in the series. We go on an amazing journey with them as they spend 20 years of joys, heartbreaks, defeats and triumphs. The ups and downs of their journey will keep you breathless and wanting more. What a ride.
The writing style is great. Very descriptive. You actually can feel what she writes. The chapter heading style is one of my favorite in literature.
Don't miss this book. Pick up Cheating to Survive if you have not read it already. You won't be disappointed.
What an amazing read. You won't be able to put it down.
I have been waiting patiently for this second book and it hit a home run. Make that a grand slam home run.
This book is Heather and Nicolo's story. We met both of them in Cheating to Survive, the first book in the series. We go on an amazing journey with them as they spend 20 years of joys, heartbreaks, defeats and triumphs. The ups and downs of their journey will keep you breathless and wanting more. What a ride.
The writing style is great. Very descriptive. You actually can feel what she writes. The chapter heading style is one of my favorite in literature.
Don't miss this book. Pick up Cheating to Survive if you have not read it already. You won't be disappointed.
March 31, 2015
Missed opportunities...
How many times have we questioned the choices we've made in life?
This is the second book after Cheating to Survive. I absolutely loved this story. I loved how the author brought it all together and how well it was written. The plot was well developed as well as the characters.
I probably loved the story most of all because of Nicolo. He was "the one that got away." And boy, did Heather make the biggest mistake of her life with letting him go. Nicolo was fun, loving, faithful, good looking, tender... just a guy that any girl would fall hard for... but he only had eyes for his one and only Heather.
This is a must read. Do they find one another once again? Will there be some sort of sense in their lives? Will they finally find happiness? Truly, this story makes you think about the consequences from the choices made. Bravo to the author.
How many times have we questioned the choices we've made in life?
This is the second book after Cheating to Survive. I absolutely loved this story. I loved how the author brought it all together and how well it was written. The plot was well developed as well as the characters.
I probably loved the story most of all because of Nicolo. He was "the one that got away." And boy, did Heather make the biggest mistake of her life with letting him go. Nicolo was fun, loving, faithful, good looking, tender... just a guy that any girl would fall hard for... but he only had eyes for his one and only Heather.
This is a must read. Do they find one another once again? Will there be some sort of sense in their lives? Will they finally find happiness? Truly, this story makes you think about the consequences from the choices made. Bravo to the author.
June 23, 2015
I was hooked from the opening pages--loved all the 80s references, which Ms. Ardigo described so vividly I could picture myself in those first scenes. And of course I fell in love with Nicolo right away. Although not without flaws, he's just about as ideal a book boyfriend as you will find. Heather was not as easy for me to love because there were quite a few instances when I wanted to reach into the book and tell her to stand up for herself, or to let something go (or to come clean with Nicolo). That being said, I think her actions and behavior were incredibly realistic. How many of us have friends who we want to grab and slap some sense into? I really enjoyed following these star-crossed lovers through the emotional ups and downs, and the ending was absolutely fantastic.
August 31, 2014
This book was absolutely amazing. I love that I couldn't guess what was gonna happen next. There were many twist and turns you couldn't even imagine. The characters felt so real and relatable. The Author made me feel every emotion throughout this book. I love watching Heather and both Nicolo grow up over the years. You get to see how they grow up and find out who they are and watch them find the strength inside them to overcome their own limits. This is the first romance novel that felt real and believable. I can't read more from this Author.
May 12, 2015
Very realistic and heartfelt story that spans the course of twenty years. I felt the pain that Heather and Nico were feeling throughout the entire novel. I hated Lance, Brooke, and Bianca from the moment I met them and wanted to slap them silly. Every time Heather ran away from Nico, I wanted to slap HER silly. While I would not normally condone cheating and wasn't sure how I would feel about this book, the author made it clear...we don't always know where people are coming from and what their relationships are like...
January 13, 2017
Every Five Years is the second book in the Fix it or Get Out series. This is the first book I have read by Christine Ardigo and boy was it a great read. You won't want to put it down. I love Heather and Nicolo's story. Yes their relationship is a major roller coaster ride and a time or two I wanted to shake some sense into both of them. This book is a true love story that you won't want to miss. I Highly Recommend this book. I look forward to reading more from this author.
August 13, 2014
This book was like a roller coaster ride to read. So many feels up, down and loopty loops. I especially loved how the author showed just how much Karma could come back to bite some people who desperately deserve it.
August 18, 2014
I couldn't wait for Book 2 in the series Fix it or get out. Boy was I right!!! I loved this book!!! I really enjoyed the love story and love Nicolo and Heather. It was truly a realistic fantasy. Hey ya never know!!! Crazier things have happened!!!!!! Thanks Christine!!!!!
December 29, 2018
You should never second guess true love!
So many years wasted trying to make silent decisions for one another. This was never a story about chance encounters, but a story of fate and true love.
So many years wasted trying to make silent decisions for one another. This was never a story about chance encounters, but a story of fate and true love.
January 15, 2015
What a glorious story! Just imagine being as deeply in love as Heather and Nicolo...
April 1, 2015
I was gifted this lovely story of love interrupted. For very personal reasons, this really did hit a chord with me. Great story thoroughly enjoyed it.
June 25, 2017
Too many problems, I think reality isnt that twisted. I dont like it.
June 14, 2018
I just loved this book and how the characters meet each other every five years. My heart was breaking for them both over and over again but it’s a perfect story!
br-on-the-rocks
January 25, 2025This reminds me of another book
October 19, 2024
I absolutely fell in love with Nicolo in this book. Heather and Nicolo were such a natural couple and I loved writing about them. I hope you fall in love with them as much as I did. Enjoy!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews