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The Second Son: The Renzi Affairs, Book 2
After the shame of failing as his family’s enforcer, Joey Renzi becomes the legitimate business owner of a well-reputed strip club, a savvy accountant, and a financial advisor to his brother, the new boss of the Renzi clan. Whatever he does, Joey promises himself he won’t be anything like his mafia family.
But a business venture with his brother goes awry when Joey and Lil, his lawyer, discover a money laundering scheme that turns deadly. An unknown threat wants the Renzi family gone and Lil is caught in the crosshairs.
To protect her and his family, Joey must not only overcome his reputation as the Renzis’ weak link but also find the guilty parties, even if he has to work with the FBI. The worst part of it all, however, is trusting his father who did not defend him when it mattered most.
But a business venture with his brother goes awry when Joey and Lil, his lawyer, discover a money laundering scheme that turns deadly. An unknown threat wants the Renzi family gone and Lil is caught in the crosshairs.
To protect her and his family, Joey must not only overcome his reputation as the Renzis’ weak link but also find the guilty parties, even if he has to work with the FBI. The worst part of it all, however, is trusting his father who did not defend him when it mattered most.
331 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 20, 2025
1 person is currently reading
5 people want to read
About the author
Paula Minydzak
4 books36 followersAs a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, I am a product of a marriage between an Italian woman and a Slovak man who lived across the street from each other. I base many of my characters upon colorful relatives and friends.
My background is in legal and technical writing, including training manuals and legal documents. As an author, I self-published one novel and wrote a children’s poetry book upon the birth of my first nephew. I am an excellent tailor and patternmaker. My IMDb page lists my work on two full-length films.
I became a finalist for Best First Book at NJ Romance Writers in 2023. I'm now writing suspense.
My background is in legal and technical writing, including training manuals and legal documents. As an author, I self-published one novel and wrote a children’s poetry book upon the birth of my first nephew. I am an excellent tailor and patternmaker. My IMDb page lists my work on two full-length films.
I became a finalist for Best First Book at NJ Romance Writers in 2023. I'm now writing suspense.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
June 11, 2025
This suspenseful second installment in the Renzi Affairs “The Second Son” by Paula Minydzak, takes us deep into the world of organized crime, but not in the way you might expect. You see Joey Renzi is not like the rest of his family as he is a legitimate business owner. Rather than focusing on violent clashes or gritty street-level drama, this novel delves into the quieter, more insidious aspects of crime: money laundering, legal gray areas, and the emotional entanglements that can complicate everything.
The story centers on the second son of a mob boss of the Renzi family. While the first book in the series followed the older son Frankie Renzi and the love romance with Mafia princess, Sofia in a much steamier, romance-heavy narrative, this second installment is more introspective and tension-driven. The plot unfolds slowly, centered around the unexpected complications that arise when Joey’s long-time lawyer discovers a financial scandal. You will have to read the book to find out what happens to Joey and the family lawyer when the financial scandal is brought to light and they are pulled into a situation that’s as emotionally complex and dangerous.
One of the strongest aspects of the book is the dynamic between Joey and the family lawyer. Their history together adds emotional depth, and their evolving relationship brings a subtle romantic undercurrent to the suspense. Unlike the first book, which leaned heavily into passion and heat, this sequel feels more restrained and focused on the question: How did we end up here?
I appreciated the unique angle the author took on the organized crime genre and I think you will enjoy it as well. It’s a quieter kind of suspense, less about action, and more about motives, secrets, and choices. I want to thank the author Paula Minydzak for the opportunity to read an advance copy. The book was well-written and carefully constructed, leaving the reader with numerous questions.
The story centers on the second son of a mob boss of the Renzi family. While the first book in the series followed the older son Frankie Renzi and the love romance with Mafia princess, Sofia in a much steamier, romance-heavy narrative, this second installment is more introspective and tension-driven. The plot unfolds slowly, centered around the unexpected complications that arise when Joey’s long-time lawyer discovers a financial scandal. You will have to read the book to find out what happens to Joey and the family lawyer when the financial scandal is brought to light and they are pulled into a situation that’s as emotionally complex and dangerous.
One of the strongest aspects of the book is the dynamic between Joey and the family lawyer. Their history together adds emotional depth, and their evolving relationship brings a subtle romantic undercurrent to the suspense. Unlike the first book, which leaned heavily into passion and heat, this sequel feels more restrained and focused on the question: How did we end up here?
I appreciated the unique angle the author took on the organized crime genre and I think you will enjoy it as well. It’s a quieter kind of suspense, less about action, and more about motives, secrets, and choices. I want to thank the author Paula Minydzak for the opportunity to read an advance copy. The book was well-written and carefully constructed, leaving the reader with numerous questions.
April 26, 2025
I'm more of a romance reader, but this book was so fast-paced and gripping that I couldn’t stop turning the pages. The level of detail is phenomenal, pulling you deep into a world of danger, loyalty, and high-stakes tension. I especially appreciated the subtle string of romance woven through the story—it added just enough emotional pull to keep me even more invested. The immersive atmosphere made every twist land with even more impact. A five-star read all the way.
June 19, 2025
Joey is part of the Renzi mafia family, but he is polar opposites of his father. He’s suffered failure but he has a fire inside him that propels him to overcome his past. When things go sideways and the woman he loves is caught in the middle of a conspiracy, Joey vows to find those responsible and save the woman he loves. Can he trust his father, the one man who betrayed him long ago?
The Second Son is a brilliant dark romantic suspense I couldn’t put down. Paula Minydzak continues her series with this incredible read. With descriptive narration, intense suspense, and characters who will leave you breathless, The Second Son is even better than book one. The world-building takes on the intricacies of mafia politics, underworld crime, and revenge. The more I read, the more addictive the story became, which caused me to read late into the night. The characters, though, are what make The Second Son unputdownable.
Joey is a complex hero with layers of conflict churning in his soul. He’s different from his brother who is now the mob boss for the Renzi family. He used to be the family’s enforcer but failed miserably. But it’s his father’s betrayal that hurts the most. I connected with Joey and my heart went out to him.
The rest of the characters are colorful with a grittiness I’ve come to expect from Paula Minydzak. There’s a realism to each character that I found refreshing. The goodfellas vibe is not overdone but subtle, which I appreciated.
If you’re a mafia romance or dark romantic suspense fan, you’ll love The Second Son. Fans of Giana Darling and Brittney Sahin will love this intoxicating romance.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Nancy
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
The Second Son is a brilliant dark romantic suspense I couldn’t put down. Paula Minydzak continues her series with this incredible read. With descriptive narration, intense suspense, and characters who will leave you breathless, The Second Son is even better than book one. The world-building takes on the intricacies of mafia politics, underworld crime, and revenge. The more I read, the more addictive the story became, which caused me to read late into the night. The characters, though, are what make The Second Son unputdownable.
Joey is a complex hero with layers of conflict churning in his soul. He’s different from his brother who is now the mob boss for the Renzi family. He used to be the family’s enforcer but failed miserably. But it’s his father’s betrayal that hurts the most. I connected with Joey and my heart went out to him.
The rest of the characters are colorful with a grittiness I’ve come to expect from Paula Minydzak. There’s a realism to each character that I found refreshing. The goodfellas vibe is not overdone but subtle, which I appreciated.
If you’re a mafia romance or dark romantic suspense fan, you’ll love The Second Son. Fans of Giana Darling and Brittney Sahin will love this intoxicating romance.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Nancy
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
November 29, 2025
This novel delivers everything you want from a crime-and-family drama: danger, tension, betrayal, and a protagonist you genuinely root for. Joey Renzi is a refreshing twist on the classic mob character, determined to build a clean, legitimate life yet constantly pulled back into the shadows of his family’s criminal past.
The story becomes truly gripping when Joey and Lil uncover a deadly money-laundering scheme. The stakes escalate fast, and the danger surrounding Lil adds urgency and emotional weight. Joey’s struggle to protect her, and to finally stand up as more than the Renzis’ “weak link” is compelling and deeply satisfying.
What elevates this novel is the complex family dynamic. The tension between Joey and his father, and the painful history behind it, gives the action real heart. The uneasy alliance with the FBI and the unraveling of the truth keep the suspense tight from start to finish.
A smart, engaging read for fans of mafia fiction, romantic suspense, and stories where loyalty, identity, and courage collide under fire.
The story becomes truly gripping when Joey and Lil uncover a deadly money-laundering scheme. The stakes escalate fast, and the danger surrounding Lil adds urgency and emotional weight. Joey’s struggle to protect her, and to finally stand up as more than the Renzis’ “weak link” is compelling and deeply satisfying.
What elevates this novel is the complex family dynamic. The tension between Joey and his father, and the painful history behind it, gives the action real heart. The uneasy alliance with the FBI and the unraveling of the truth keep the suspense tight from start to finish.
A smart, engaging read for fans of mafia fiction, romantic suspense, and stories where loyalty, identity, and courage collide under fire.
October 29, 2025
The Second Son is a gripping romantic crime thriller that blends danger, love, and redemption in the most heart-stirring way. Joey Renzi, once his family’s enforcer, is trying to live clean, but when a business deal turns deadly, he’s forced back into the dark world he tried to escape to protect the woman he loves and the family that broke him.
Paula Minydzak delivers raw emotion, nail-biting suspense, and characters you can’t help but root for. It’s not just about the mafia, it’s about courage, forgiveness, and second chances.
Paula Minydzak delivers raw emotion, nail-biting suspense, and characters you can’t help but root for. It’s not just about the mafia, it’s about courage, forgiveness, and second chances.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews