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The Family Business #0.25
Grand Opening 2: A Family Business Novel
From the minds of New York Times bestselling author Carl Weber and Essence bestseller La Jill Hunt comes the newest entry into the game-changing Family Business saga.
The year is 1978, the Duncan brothers and their tough-as-nails women have vanquished their rivals and taken their place as the leaders of Waycross, Georgia’s criminal enterprises. However, their rise to power has not gone unnoticed, and the family is rocked when their mother, Ms. Bettie, is kidnapped and her body is found in a swamp.
No one knows who the killers are, but instead of drawing closer, the family is split when their grief-stricken leader, LC, is offered membership in the South’s most powerful black organization, the Council. Membership has its privileges, but they do not include his brothers. LC packs up his growing family and moves to Atlanta to open his first car dealership.
Unable to deal with his mother’s death, Lou Duncan searches for her killers with the help of an unlikely ally—LC’s ex-fiancée. Her presence may cost him his relationship with his brothers, but Lou is resigned to that fact because Donna’s help is instrumental in finding Ms. Bettie’s abductors. What he will soon learn is that his search for the truth will also lead him to discover a long-buried Duncan family secret.
The year is 1978, the Duncan brothers and their tough-as-nails women have vanquished their rivals and taken their place as the leaders of Waycross, Georgia’s criminal enterprises. However, their rise to power has not gone unnoticed, and the family is rocked when their mother, Ms. Bettie, is kidnapped and her body is found in a swamp.
No one knows who the killers are, but instead of drawing closer, the family is split when their grief-stricken leader, LC, is offered membership in the South’s most powerful black organization, the Council. Membership has its privileges, but they do not include his brothers. LC packs up his growing family and moves to Atlanta to open his first car dealership.
Unable to deal with his mother’s death, Lou Duncan searches for her killers with the help of an unlikely ally—LC’s ex-fiancée. Her presence may cost him his relationship with his brothers, but Lou is resigned to that fact because Donna’s help is instrumental in finding Ms. Bettie’s abductors. What he will soon learn is that his search for the truth will also lead him to discover a long-buried Duncan family secret.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published August 29, 2017
87 people are currently reading
567 people want to read
About the author
Carl Weber
92 books2,107 followersCarl 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
March 15, 2018
I enjoyed most of this story, however, a tighter, more refined end would have would have resulted in a higher rating. 6 of 10 stars
November 22, 2024
This read is ok.....it seems like something is missing like many skipped parts but ok whatever🤷🏽♀️…..second read was even worst….Too many different writers for this story
April 17, 2019
This book is an extension of the Family Business series. This book is not a strong read as the actual books in the series are but what can I say I love the Duncans!! Now on to Family Business #4.
Family Business book#5 comes out some time this year, YAY!!
Family Business book#5 comes out some time this year, YAY!!
October 9, 2017
3.5 stars. Good story, but it had too many grammatical errors and/or typos.
September 18, 2022
Great Book..Sam on the DL..😬🤣..Hope there's a part 3
October 2, 2019
More adventures of the Duncan family prior to moving the "family business" to New York City. Quite suspenseful with a surprise at the ending that really threw me for a loop. Love listening on audiobook as the author uses multiple narrators for the characters which adds enjoyment. Really liked this one -- 7 out of 10.
November 27, 2017
I swear Carl Weber is going to kill me with these Duncans. I am going to have to go back and read the Family Business series from the beginning again.
I thought LC's kids were a mess but I see he and his brothers and their women started this chaos. Now you add Miss Bettie to the mix. I really want to know why and how the hate started between LC and Larry. All the Duncan brothers seemed so close. I have a feeling there will be a book three coming soon.
I thought LC's kids were a mess but I see he and his brothers and their women started this chaos. Now you add Miss Bettie to the mix. I really want to know why and how the hate started between LC and Larry. All the Duncan brothers seemed so close. I have a feeling there will be a book three coming soon.
September 28, 2017
Nice continuation of the characters. I must admit I did not find this one as exciting or as entertaining as the first book. Overall, the story line did hold my attention.
October 18, 2017
This storyline just keep getting better and better! Wow are there secrets in the Duncan family! I was so glad of the outcome with Miss Bettie. Donna is interesting to say the least. It will be interesting to see where Mr. Weber takes us next because there is a lot more to this back story of how the Duncan's came to be. I hope we don't have to wait over a year again! There were a lot of grammatical errors, hence the 4 star rating but I look forward to much more in the future!
February 15, 2020
Book number 9 in the Family Business series, introduces the reader to the matriarch of the family...Bettie Duncan. After serving nine years, she is catching up on lost time with hers kids and grandkids...until she is kidnapped and assumed dead. The brothers Duncan, led by Larry, are determined to find their mother’s killer(s), and make them pay.
In their quest, a few unlikely characters are paired together, bonds are created and secrets are revealed. Questions such as, “How did the Duncans get so powerful?...”Who are the women behind the Duncan men, and what role do they play?...”Is Ms. Betty really dead?”, are all answered by the 💎💎💎💎💎page-turner by New York Times bestselling author @iamcarlweber and @lacooljill.
I’m definitely looking forward to Season 2 on @bet.
In their quest, a few unlikely characters are paired together, bonds are created and secrets are revealed. Questions such as, “How did the Duncans get so powerful?...”Who are the women behind the Duncan men, and what role do they play?...”Is Ms. Betty really dead?”, are all answered by the 💎💎💎💎💎page-turner by New York Times bestselling author @iamcarlweber and @lacooljill.
I’m definitely looking forward to Season 2 on @bet.
October 29, 2019
Carl Weber never disappoints me. The storyline did drag a little which is probably why it took me a minute to finish reading it. How once I was determined to finish it the story quickly picked up towards the middle & I was completely surprised on how things unfolded. The Duncan family is more vicious than I thought & I like it!!
February 18, 2021
This is actually pretty good, considering the series. It’s less confusing with the characters if you’ve read its predecessor.
October 10, 2022
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS SERIES 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
Carl Weber & fellow authors have truly outdone yourselves with The Family Business 🙌🏾
Can't believe it's taken me this long to read them 😂
Carl Weber & fellow authors have truly outdone yourselves with The Family Business 🙌🏾
Can't believe it's taken me this long to read them 😂
September 13, 2017
Weber delivers again
Carl Weber does for urban literature what Stephen King does for horror. Carl Weber is the new generation's Donald Goines, Iceberg Slim. Thrilling, hardcore yet classy and highly readable, no matter what your taste, the Duncan's just can't be put down. I've never read a sequel to a prequel. LOL. This one makes you want more. If you haven't yet, be sure to read all of the "Family Business" novels. You won't be disappointed.
Carl Weber does for urban literature what Stephen King does for horror. Carl Weber is the new generation's Donald Goines, Iceberg Slim. Thrilling, hardcore yet classy and highly readable, no matter what your taste, the Duncan's just can't be put down. I've never read a sequel to a prequel. LOL. This one makes you want more. If you haven't yet, be sure to read all of the "Family Business" novels. You won't be disappointed.
November 13, 2017
The second story into the beginnings of The Duncan Family and why they act the way they do.
October 23, 2017
Ok so I'm a Carl Weber fan, and The Family Business Series & The Grand Opening Series are off the chain.
With that being said, The Grand Opening Series are the pre-quels to the Family Business Series. It gives the history of how the Duncan's built their empire.
Quite interesting history, I might add. I enjoyed the urban novel. Them Duncan men ain't to be F@ed with, and the women ain't either. Especially Miss Bettie & Chippy.
But don't just take my word for it, get your copy and leave your own review.
Now that I have the history behind the Duncan Empire, I can't wait for the next novel in the Family Business Series to be released.
Yes, coming soon A FAMILY BUSINESS 4.
All I'm going to say is, Don't sleep on this series.
Thoroughly enjoyed & very entertaining.
Until my next review, happy reading!
Ciao!!
With that being said, The Grand Opening Series are the pre-quels to the Family Business Series. It gives the history of how the Duncan's built their empire.
Quite interesting history, I might add. I enjoyed the urban novel. Them Duncan men ain't to be F@ed with, and the women ain't either. Especially Miss Bettie & Chippy.
But don't just take my word for it, get your copy and leave your own review.
Now that I have the history behind the Duncan Empire, I can't wait for the next novel in the Family Business Series to be released.
Yes, coming soon A FAMILY BUSINESS 4.
All I'm going to say is, Don't sleep on this series.
Thoroughly enjoyed & very entertaining.
Until my next review, happy reading!
Ciao!!
March 7, 2018
So, after reading a few heavy books, I really needed this read. I love the way his characters continue to devlop with each book. This was not my favorite book in the series, but much needed and enjoyed learning how LC got to be such a big man. Its like Carl is in my head answering questions as I ask him to tell me about the Duncans!
September 16, 2017
I took my time with this one...Shirley was not one of my favorite characters in this book
March 28, 2021
If I could, I would give this book 4.25 out of 5 stars. This book was almost as good as the first Grand Opening novel, but the ending felt rushed.
Initially, I thought the new Mr Mohagany was the one behind Ms Bettie's disappearance but it was his wife after all. Mr Mahogany was a powerful figure, but even he didn't know the lengths his wife went through for their son and their business.
Grand Opening 2 was set five years after the first Grand Opening book. LC has had a son with Chippy, Big Shirley is pregnant with Levi's child, and we're introduced to the mysterious Black Council. A hidden organization working to keep black businesses in operation. The Duncan's family has history with the group. The Duncan brother's father was part of it. He eventually got killed and his wife, Ms Bettie, avenged him.
Belinda Mahogany worked tirelessly throughout the book to get Ms Bettie to spit out the truth on information, documents, and records on the Black Council. She also loved her son, Eric aka EJ, dearly. Come to find out EJ is one of Shirley's oldest clients from Big Sam's. EJ and Big Sam were lovers. The first meeting between Mr Mohagany, EJ, and the Duncan's was not a pleasant sight. EJ despised them for killing Big Sam.
LC eventually joined the Black Council by way of Mr Mohagany. Mr Mahogany saw LC's business acumen and he reminded him of not only his father, who sat on the council, but of himself.
Shirley begins a short romance with EJ behind Levi's back. Come to find out, Levi is smarter than we ALL THINK. He actually followed them to the beach house, which is owned by the Mahogany family, and helps rescue her. He loses two of his precious dogs in the scuffle, but Shirley saves his life by killing Eric.
Donna, yes that Donna, becomes an ally in finding Ms Bettie after she was kidnapped. Donna was hooked on drugs for a bit after LC left her at the alter. She also became pregnant with his baby. Chippy found out and saved both her life and the baby's. She got Donna to sign over papers relinquishing rights to the child.
Larry and Nee Nee finally get married. He had to finally get those papers to make it official or lose her overall.
Lou and Donna might have something in the future. They got very close as they tracked down Ms Bettie.
Belinda finds out EJ is dead, shoots Mr Mohagany, and then herself. It was a tragic end to their story.
Again: I'd have preferred a more extensive closing to the book. Overall, it was still VERY good.
Initially, I thought the new Mr Mohagany was the one behind Ms Bettie's disappearance but it was his wife after all. Mr Mahogany was a powerful figure, but even he didn't know the lengths his wife went through for their son and their business.
Grand Opening 2 was set five years after the first Grand Opening book. LC has had a son with Chippy, Big Shirley is pregnant with Levi's child, and we're introduced to the mysterious Black Council. A hidden organization working to keep black businesses in operation. The Duncan's family has history with the group. The Duncan brother's father was part of it. He eventually got killed and his wife, Ms Bettie, avenged him.
Belinda Mahogany worked tirelessly throughout the book to get Ms Bettie to spit out the truth on information, documents, and records on the Black Council. She also loved her son, Eric aka EJ, dearly. Come to find out EJ is one of Shirley's oldest clients from Big Sam's. EJ and Big Sam were lovers. The first meeting between Mr Mohagany, EJ, and the Duncan's was not a pleasant sight. EJ despised them for killing Big Sam.
LC eventually joined the Black Council by way of Mr Mohagany. Mr Mahogany saw LC's business acumen and he reminded him of not only his father, who sat on the council, but of himself.
Shirley begins a short romance with EJ behind Levi's back. Come to find out, Levi is smarter than we ALL THINK. He actually followed them to the beach house, which is owned by the Mahogany family, and helps rescue her. He loses two of his precious dogs in the scuffle, but Shirley saves his life by killing Eric.
Donna, yes that Donna, becomes an ally in finding Ms Bettie after she was kidnapped. Donna was hooked on drugs for a bit after LC left her at the alter. She also became pregnant with his baby. Chippy found out and saved both her life and the baby's. She got Donna to sign over papers relinquishing rights to the child.
Larry and Nee Nee finally get married. He had to finally get those papers to make it official or lose her overall.
Lou and Donna might have something in the future. They got very close as they tracked down Ms Bettie.
Belinda finds out EJ is dead, shoots Mr Mohagany, and then herself. It was a tragic end to their story.
Again: I'd have preferred a more extensive closing to the book. Overall, it was still VERY good.
January 16, 2018
Banging my utensils on the table screaming, more more more!!!
The characters are so vivid, so lively. Just when you think you know the entire story, they keep coming back with more, back story, and it is so stimulating. The Ms. Bettie, mama situation was super juicy, and unexpected, she is tough as nails. She is the mother of boys.
My lingering question, is how Chippy, went from a working whore at Big Shirley’s to bourgeois wife of a car/drug dealer. I know how, but it was interesting. You know how some authors go too far with sequels and they start to get monotonous, THESE AINT THOSE AUTHORS! The story is bold, consistent and maintains an awesome mental imagery (if that’s a thing). These reviews are hard, because you don’t want to spoil the body of work. I HIGHLY recommend. The evolution of the characters is amazing. Anxiously anticipating more!
The characters are so vivid, so lively. Just when you think you know the entire story, they keep coming back with more, back story, and it is so stimulating. The Ms. Bettie, mama situation was super juicy, and unexpected, she is tough as nails. She is the mother of boys.
My lingering question, is how Chippy, went from a working whore at Big Shirley’s to bourgeois wife of a car/drug dealer. I know how, but it was interesting. You know how some authors go too far with sequels and they start to get monotonous, THESE AINT THOSE AUTHORS! The story is bold, consistent and maintains an awesome mental imagery (if that’s a thing). These reviews are hard, because you don’t want to spoil the body of work. I HIGHLY recommend. The evolution of the characters is amazing. Anxiously anticipating more!
April 6, 2018
I finally finished #GrandOpening2 by @iamcarlweber. I just can't get enough of the Duncan family. The second installment of this timeless throwback had me on the edge of my seat with more and details and moments of omgs flying out of my mouth. I enjoyed getting to know more family members by blood and by wanna-be blood: especially the oh-so bougie Donna who has an extensive past with the Duncans, Shirley who had me guessing the whole time and Lil Mama putting her two cents in the mix. Overall, the wonderful saga of the Duncans continues to compel me to pick up Family Business 4 to catch up the lifestyles of this entertaining power family. Great read!
August 28, 2019
Excitement, from Beging to End. A must Read
Most books start off slow with small hurdles the characters must get through in order to clime the staggering last up hill climb to the climax we have all been waiting for. G.O.2 Does non of this. The book swiftly moves from the slow opening paragraph to the hellacious, gripping all encompassing ending. The only complaint I have is it was way to short read it in two sittings, mostly a binge read. From the moment Lou calls Donna it's on. Well done. Also need to finish the story. We simple must have the rest of the 30 year story before "Family Business". Weber and Hunt makes us love each and every character.
Most books start off slow with small hurdles the characters must get through in order to clime the staggering last up hill climb to the climax we have all been waiting for. G.O.2 Does non of this. The book swiftly moves from the slow opening paragraph to the hellacious, gripping all encompassing ending. The only complaint I have is it was way to short read it in two sittings, mostly a binge read. From the moment Lou calls Donna it's on. Well done. Also need to finish the story. We simple must have the rest of the 30 year story before "Family Business". Weber and Hunt makes us love each and every character.
December 9, 2022
Everything
WOW, now it all came together. It's like all the events in Family Business series all make sense now. How it all began. Why, Larry's anger toward LC , now I look forward to how things turns out with Levi and Shirley. I'm going to read Family Business 1 again, and skim though the others one now. I really loved Grand Opening. Once ,I started I couldn't put them down. God did I love Carl Weber Family Business series. I would highly recommend these series to others. Believe, once you begin reading you'll be hook. I read the other books about individual family member. Like, I said it all comes together. Read and enjoy.
WOW, now it all came together. It's like all the events in Family Business series all make sense now. How it all began. Why, Larry's anger toward LC , now I look forward to how things turns out with Levi and Shirley. I'm going to read Family Business 1 again, and skim though the others one now. I really loved Grand Opening. Once ,I started I couldn't put them down. God did I love Carl Weber Family Business series. I would highly recommend these series to others. Believe, once you begin reading you'll be hook. I read the other books about individual family member. Like, I said it all comes together. Read and enjoy.
November 17, 2017
Family Business Drama!!!!
Two of my favorite authors got together and wrote one very good book. Grand Opening 2 takes you back to Way Cross Georgia to visit the Duncan's early years. There is a lot of omg moments, if you have been keeping up with The Family Business Series some questions are answered and some more questions have entered in your mind you will want answers to. I really hope we continue to get more background info to answer the many more questions I have. I really enjoyed this book.
Two of my favorite authors got together and wrote one very good book. Grand Opening 2 takes you back to Way Cross Georgia to visit the Duncan's early years. There is a lot of omg moments, if you have been keeping up with The Family Business Series some questions are answered and some more questions have entered in your mind you will want answers to. I really hope we continue to get more background info to answer the many more questions I have. I really enjoyed this book.
October 24, 2017
As usual, this book took us on one hell of a ride to find the abductors of Ms. Bettie. Remember she is the OG of the Duncan family. I laughed and cried at the 👦z strongarming eveybody in the small town of Way Cross, GA. Even going to Atlanta and shooting up people on their own property. Of course the Duncan's found what was needed to make their family whole again.
Five***** rating for the entertaining story and because I finished in one day. Could not put this book down until I read every word. And every word was with my time. Carl Weber, keep 'em coming!
Five***** rating for the entertaining story and because I finished in one day. Could not put this book down until I read every word. And every word was with my time. Carl Weber, keep 'em coming!
March 18, 2019
Smooth transition to follow up the characters but the ending was too jumbled. What do I mean? So much was going on in this story and the ending was rushed with too many unanswered questions. Shirley cannot be trusted but she is amongst them at the end like nothing happened! Are they really trusting her with Levi again? Is her baby going to survive with all the bourbon drinking and smoking? Are Lou and Donna in love?
I almost rated lower because the grammatical errors were getting on my nerves! Did anyone Weber or Hunt proofread!? Geesh!
I almost rated lower because the grammatical errors were getting on my nerves! Did anyone Weber or Hunt proofread!? Geesh!
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August 27, 2024This book is when I began to suspect that JR. DUNCAN was NOT Birthed by CHIPPY, BUT BY DONNA.
Other than this I just felt that this installment wasn't given much thought, even though I'm aware that it provided an update on what the characters from GO 1 became.
Readers got a visual of what life was like for LC, LARRY, LOU, & LEVI as husbands to CHIPPY, NENE, DONNA, & BIG SHIRLEY & a brief look into the childhood of JR. & Vegas as well as their cousins.
I could've done without this book years after I'd read a library copy of it & listened to the audible.
Other than this I just felt that this installment wasn't given much thought, even though I'm aware that it provided an update on what the characters from GO 1 became.
Readers got a visual of what life was like for LC, LARRY, LOU, & LEVI as husbands to CHIPPY, NENE, DONNA, & BIG SHIRLEY & a brief look into the childhood of JR. & Vegas as well as their cousins.
I could've done without this book years after I'd read a library copy of it & listened to the audible.
January 7, 2019
I am really enjoying the family business series and all the unexpected loving relationships that happen. I can only imagine what it is like to reconnect with a parent after a long time and then losing them again.
This book shows you that everything that glitter is not gold. Some people who seem to have your best interest at heart are only out for themselves/revenge. During this read you'll see that family should stick together.
This book shows you that everything that glitter is not gold. Some people who seem to have your best interest at heart are only out for themselves/revenge. During this read you'll see that family should stick together.
March 8, 2019
3.5 stars.
Surprisingly this is one of the better novels I’ve read about the author. Even though the formula of having 8-10 characters and their individual POVs remains true here, they were all distinct enough to be memorable.
Also I was pleasantly surprised when all of the dots actually connected for once!. Typically there is some random bubble that goes off in its own direction but in this case everything seemed to tie in to a pretty solid knot.
Surprisingly this is one of the better novels I’ve read about the author. Even though the formula of having 8-10 characters and their individual POVs remains true here, they were all distinct enough to be memorable.
Also I was pleasantly surprised when all of the dots actually connected for once!. Typically there is some random bubble that goes off in its own direction but in this case everything seemed to tie in to a pretty solid knot.
April 28, 2023
Love this series! What a great prequel to the family business. I loved getting to learn more about the background of each of the parents and other main characters. After reading, things are finally starting to make sense of why a few of the characters aren't mentioned in the family business and what happened to them. Some of the book was somewhat predictable yet still entertaining. It seems like the Duncan's cannot catch a break.. yet I am here for it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews