Grand Opening: A Family Business Novel

The Family Business #0

by Carl Weber, Eric Pete

Before there was the family, there was just the business.

From the minds of New York Times bestselling authors Carl Weber and Eric Pete comes the game-changing prequel to their blockbuster Family Business saga. Travel back to a small Southern town where, before there was Duncan Motors, there were the Duncan Louis, aka Sweet Lou, a lover of ladies and life . . . and a man you did not want to cross; Lawrence, aka Larry, a screw-up as attracted to trouble as it was to him; and Lavernius, better known as LC, the soft-spoken college boy who simply wanted to sell cars.

But the Duncan brothers weren’t alone at the crossroads. There was also the mysterious and seductive Chippy, a woman who saw a way out of her circumstances and dared to take it.

Witness what changed the course of their lives when ambitions intersected with opportunity that came calling one day in the form of a man named Alejandro Zuniga. Welcome to the familiar, but as you’ve never seen it before.

Genres: Fiction, Urban, Audiobook, Crime, Romance, African American, Adult Fiction

336 pages, Paperback

First published August 19, 2015

About the author

Carl Weber is a New York Times and #1 Essence® bestselling novelist.

In addition to his writing, Weber is the founder and publisher of Urban Books and in 2005, he was named Blackboard's Publisher of the Year. He is the owner of the Urban Knowledge chain of book stores and a past recipient of Blackboard's Bookseller of the Year award.

Weber graduated from Virginia State University and holds an MBA in marketing from the University of Virginia.

Reviews

[Cheryl James · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I was determined to finish this book in 2016. This is an amazing story to an amazing series. After reading 3 books into the series Carl Weber decides to reveal the beginning of how the family business began. Not sure why it was not revealed in the beginning but I am glad it was revealed. This book puts so much more meaning to the dynamics of the Duncan family and what, why and who they stand for. It's nothing like a little urban read with a lot of class. I don't live the life but I don't mind reading about it. Another great one Carl Weber. On to the next book. ❤ Happy 2017 my Goodread friends.

[Winter Sophia Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twists, Turns, Engrossing & Funny! An Excellent, Hard To Put Down Read! I Loved It!

[Deedee Henson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

[Miss Kitten’s Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book didnt take me long to read honestly. I wasn't expecting for me to fly through the pages but I did. Carl Weber and Eric Pete did they thing with this one.

I mainly read this first so that I can get a feel of the universe and the characters because this book is very much related to the Family Business series. And I am so glad I am starting the universe/series in timeline order and not publication order. Though I probably would have appreciated this book more if I read the main series first before this one.

I really liked how this book was easy to read and not to mention we get a POV of like six different characters made me a little nervous because I thought I was going to struggle following along but it was quite opposite in fact. I really really loved how Carl and Eric made the time line smoother while being in everyone's point of view and then ended the book off with a bang of all the characters coming together.

I was extremely upset by the ending with how LC and Chippy's romance was done. Their love definitely was not flushed out correctly in my opinion. Like They were not even officially together until the very ending of the book and then suddenly they are engaged? Crazy work. -1 star in my book.

All in all, I really enjoyed this one and I am slightly excited to read the second book. And its only because the book didnt end on a cliff hanger so I'm questioning what was the point in writing a sequel to this so... we about to find out soon. Recommend to read this if you havent already and ONLY if youre into reading urban fiction.

[Michelle Chavis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to give this book 5 stars. It was very good. Full of action, twist and turns. I couldn't put it down!!! But I have to say I really wish this series would wrap up soon. I like reading about the Duncan's but I love Carl Weber and want to read something else besides the Duncan's.

[Momreadstoomuch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wished I read this with a book club. I really needed to call someone to discuss this with. Weber does it again. This installment answered so many questions, while making me ask so many more. Awesome!!

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel could have used a bit more strength in the women characters, with a lot less ruthlessness towards them as well. Bottom line is less brutality for the good and more for the bad makes this better. 8 of 10 stars

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Didn't disappoint. Nice to see how the Duncan's & Chippy started out.....and of course Donna

[Alison is probably reading smut · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an awesome prequel! This book cleared up a lot of the questions I had regarding the past and what led to the Family Business novels. It's amazing to see what the main character's had already been through yet they keep going through more and more. I wish my family was that cool! Definitely worth the read, once I started I couldn't put it down and finished it within a matter of hours. The Duncan's are the GOATS!

[Monique · Rating 2 out of 5]

Back on my reading game after making some power moves and regrouping before the end of the year (yes hardwork does pay off and yup I made a big professional move LOL) and didn’t have the reading material to keep my nervous energy at bay and so wasn’t reading as much which is so not like me I usually use books to unwind and get refocused but this didn't do it for me doggone.I was hyped to see another entry in the series at the library as it was just released this year and I really tried to get into this prequel to the last what four books I have read on this Family Business saga but was not really into this one—I did enjoy learning about the past of the illustrious dangerous and hustling Duncan brothers but this was not what I thought it would be and it left me lacking something..Putting aside the grammatical errors which surprised me and threw me off but getting into the story of the Duncan parents I can say it missed somewhere and the character backstories were alittle rushed over but as for the story you get the real on LC and Chippy as they meet under crazy circumstances and LC the college boy and Charlotte AKA Chippy the troubled girl with big dreams and a new future as a money making prostitute fall in love and despite it all know they aren't right for each other and fight what they both want..You meet Lou, Levi, Larry and LC who are the Duncan brothers with their own vices and motivations and the story moves around through all their stoylines as Lou chases women and the life of a pimp comfortable with being the number two guy not the number one, Levi the mentally challenged one handles the threats and is the group’s muscle with the sexual appetite of two men who finds love with another prostitute Big Shirley, Larry the troubled ex-vet with post traumatic stress issues and a bad temper who hates whores and gives his heart to one of the better women in the story NeeNee somewhat reluctantly and grows despite himself and then lastly the little brother-the smart one and the one the story revolves around as LC plans his future and the rise of the Duncans despite the danger and his ill fated engagement to a woman he has to work for until he meets Chippy and his life changes and so does his ambition..The story involves sex, love, betrayal, drugs, and hustle and the most believable and evil characters Sam Bradford has to be taken down for the crew to rise but how? And how does this mysterious John/Juan character fit in? Will Chippy finally get the life she dreams of with the man she has grown to love or will LC take the path he chose for himself and marry the stuck up doctor’s daughter he loved for so long? Everything gets answered and though I read it slow it was dramatic and moved fast..Eh maybe it was the 1970s setting or maybe it just wasn’t what I wanted but I was underwhelmed and ready to get it over with..maybe I should have read this one first but I have to say my favorite so far would have to be The Family Business 2 which has the most drama and intrigue to me..will read more on the Duncan family for sure and looking forward to this movie they hint about..hmm what can Nique read next, next book will complete my Goodreads 2015 challenge and still no five-star read this year WTF?!

[DeTerrius Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Wonderful Prequel (4.5 stars)

Carl Weber and Eric Pete has done it again with this prequel that all "Family Business" lovers will adore. It's not as fast-paced as the previous novels, but it's steady. I would have never guessed Chippy was in the profession that she was in, but she was the best at it. This novel has made me adore Chippy and LC. At first, I didn't really care for them because the authors didn't focus on them really, but now that I know their back story, I love them. Donna is a B-I-T-C-H. I didn't like her when she appeared, and I mostly definitely hated her by the end. Larry was cool. I love how he changed by the end but I wish the authors would've went a little more deeper into his mind. I have a soft spot for Levi although I laughed at how much he loved the vajayjay. Lou. Mmmmmmm. The images the authors put in my head about him. I have NO words for Big Sam, but one of the scenes with him had me GAGGING. NeeNee is LOVED, and I hope she appears in one of the follow-up novels.

If Carl Weber writes a second installment to this, I will be reading.

[Sandra (Book Loves) Atueyi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Grand Opening is a great. Carl Weber and Eric Pete did a good job. In the beginning of this book was slow pace. I decided to go back to read this book because how did LC and Chippy met.

I understand that why did LC and Chippy name their kids except Junior after city or state. I'm looking forward to read part 2.

Good job!
Sandra

[Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carl Weber is a literary genius! Each books gets better and better. Grand Opening is the back story of the Duncan family and how the family business started. It shed a lot of light and gave me anew appreciation for Chippy. This is definitely a must read! Bravo to Carl Weber!!

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

My, my, my...this was a GOOD read!! If I did not work, I could have read this in one sitting. It held my interest from the very beginning, a page turner for me. I hope I started with the right book first and can't wait to get to the next!

[laura riggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love, love it!!

Love the whole series. Can't wait for the movie.
Very entertaining! Love all the characters.
Very well written. My book club love to discuss which actors will be best to play which character.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great, Carl Weber always delivers.

[Stacey Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this was a good book I just wish that this book would have been written before the others and not at the end of the series.

[Yolanda Knight- Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Banging book by Carl Weber

[Jay Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Classic!! The best one so far. It's good to see how some of the characters met and what they went through. I can't wait for the next one. This really should be a tv show or movie.

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this story on audiobook after finishing The Family Business 1 thru 4. It was fun going back to the beginning and see how the Duncan family started in business and how LC and Chippy met and fell in love. Looking forward to Grand Opening 2 and see how the brother's grow their families as they grow "The Family Business". 7 out of 10.

[Kelly Is Brighid · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cuz who hasn’t felt like banging her abusive mother’s head against the wall til she died?

[Riss Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good from beginning to end, one of the best books in the series

[Briana Hodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book and this series

[felicia miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man!!! Is all I can say .. loved it from beginning to end...

[Norman LaVelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. If you are a fan of the Family Business series by Carl Weber, then you will love this. Grand Opening is technically the book that precedes all the other Family Business novels. This is before the kids. This book shows just how the Duncans came to power, how they got involved with Alejandro, how LC and Chippy actually met and it even hints on how Duncan Motors actually started. The book is great it has its normal Family Business elements. There are the shady deals, fine women, drama, lies and a few murders sprinkled on top.

There are a host of new character to get to know and love. LC as we all know is the brains behind everything. But we get to meet his oldest brother Lou, who is a hustler and a ladies man. Then there was Larry, who is the stone faced killer of the family. He served his country and never learned to turn it off. Then there is one brother younger than LC and his name is Levi. Levi is more of a simpleton, slow in nature but with a heart of gold when it comes to his family. But Levi is also built like a linebacker and will not take any shit from anyone. Then you will meet other new characters like Ne Ne, Big Shirley and Juan/John. The book is filled with wise cracks, seriousness, drama and love and I hope you enjoy it as much as I. -Norman LaVelle

[reneeNaDaCherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

The back story on the Duncan boys was priceless. Hot headed Larry, sex-crazed Lou and the loveable Levi, along with brainy Lavernius, living in the back woods of Waycross, GA. Hilarious! Ms. Chippy/Charlotte was a lady of the night... Her character had a strong mind and incredible moxy. What I did not expect was that ending for LC. But, we all know more than a few folks that live by the motto FAMILY LOVE rules.

[BEAUTIFUL MEEKA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every strong man needs a strong woman

Carl Weber did his thing once again. I love Chippy and listening to this book for the first-time with audible was also very nice. I can't wait to see this on the big screen. Because this series is Absolutely amazing.

[Valizander B · Rating 2 out of 5]

Look, I really wanted to like this book as I am trying to find black authors to support. So I opened this book with high hopes only to be met with cliche stereotypical writing as it pertains to black people; Sex, drugs, & gangsters. Is that all we know for real?

Not to mention, there were SO many typos, grammatical errors, punctuation errors etc. It was like all they did was spell check and say, “Yep! Send it to print!”. Probably because the editor was so bored they didn’t want to actually read through it. Because, yes, the word is SPELLED correctly, but what the heck is a “Roast been” in the context of food on the table. And that’s just ONE of the silly overlooked errors.

I predicted the ending and every “twist and turn” of the story starting at about 1/4 of the way through the book, so it was a tough read. I kept finding myself rolling my eyes or letting out annoyed sighs every time something cliche or predictable happened. Finally, I just had to concede that I couldn’t take the book or the writing seriously so I just powered through to the end to prove to myself that I’d predicted the ending correctly.

A few things are true about this book:

1. This book was clearly written with the intent to be put it on film and it’s a bit annoying. With every “chapter” each character was in their own first-person-perspective so I was constantly switching gears to remember in whose perspective I was reading.

2. The author, co-author, or both are amateur writers, at best, using cultural references to describe things instead of actual descriptive words. Not everyone in the black community knows these references. It very much limits the audience. But maybe Mr. Weber (and/or his co-author) is only writing for black people they know will catch all the references.

3. This book has a purpose. It was written for entry-level readers who haven’t yet broadened their horizons outside of what mainstream has portrayed as “black dynamics”. I suspect these readers will find it to be a great read!

As for me, I did learn one thing from reading this book, that maybe I missed my call as an editor because I would KILL as an editor.

[Tamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

The name Duncan is weighty around Waycross, Georgia...the Duncan brothers are noted for many things, including their father's legacy of illegal activity. The brothers have an undying love for each other...all have their good points and their vices, but their loyalty overshadows it all. We are introduced to L.C. and his ingenious intelligence, Lou and his insatiable sexual appetite, Levi and his simpleness, and Larry and his quiet, yet strong nature. While the brothers have their hands in different venues and harbor different goals, they are associated with the biggest whorehouse in town by omission and some commission. Big Sam is as crooked as a humpback camel and has an underlying mean streak that captivates as well as frightens the ladies snared by his poisonous lies and promises. In the midst of all the evil and danger, love slithers in with tawdry talk, loose morals, and hard knocks.

Grand Opening takes us back to where LC & Chippy became one...when love and loyalty prevailed with the brothers. In the Family Business series, we catch glimpses of past recollections, tense moments, meaningful stares but no true understanding. Grand Opening opens the doors to the why's, the how's, the when's and the where's. I'm not fond of the cliffhanger, but I loved this book.

4.78

[S. Reid]

This Book was before LC DUNCAN became the authoritative CONTROLLING Father of the DUNCAN offspring & when Chippy was a 'Working Girl' & not the kind that Melanie Griffith repped in the movie with the same title either!
LC & his brothers LARRY, LOUIS, & LEVI Duncan owned & ran an auto shop and often patroned a club/Brothel where Big Shirley & Chippy 'provided their services' to the males who had the time & more than a dollar in their pockets in the Upper Rooms.
NENE was probably my favorite character in this book.
The surprising part of the story came when CHIPPY KILLED HER MOTHER & PERV STEP DAD after returning to her mom's house & realized that nothing had changed. Her parents were still as twisted as they had been when she'd left home.
LC was engaged to DONNA in this installment, but cheated on her leaving her at the altar so that he could be with Chippy, who'd taken her 'talents' to Las Vegas, where it is erroneously believed that prostitution is legal. LC finds Chippy with the help of Mob Boss who CHIPPY used to 'provide services' to, & he proposes & they marry.
LC married Chippy, LOU Married his brother LC's EX-FIANCEE DONNA, LARRY married NENE, & LEVI wifed up BIG SHIRLEY.
I could've sworn that LARRY, a former soldier, had met CHIPPY while they were on the bus heading to WAYCROSS GEORGIA, but I could be wrong.