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The Five Syndicates #2
Niccolaio Andretti
From Wall Street Journal bestselling author Parker S. Huntington comes a steamy, slow-burn love story full of enemies-to-lovers banter and secret roommates.
He has a million-dollar bounty on his head. She's fighting for her sister.
Dating men for money isn't what most girls dream of doing when they grow up.
But after graduating from college, I can't catch a break.
No job offers.
No place to live.
Not even a couch to dig for change under.
If I don't find a job and a place to live fast, I can't adopt my little sister from foster care.
I'm desperate.
A little unhinged.
And dating a trust-fund baby twice my age for his money.
Who cares if we have no chemistry?
Who cares if I hate his hot, mysterious neighbor who pushes my buttons every chance he gets?
Who cares if his neighbor stares at me like he's picturing me in his bed?
Then, Mr. Money Bags dumps me.
I get shot at by strangers.
And the arrogant neighbor I loathe?
He. Saves. Me.
I should cut my losses and be grateful I'm still alive.
Instead, I do something crazy.
I blackmail him into letting me be his roommate.
Niccolaio Andretti is a 80,000-word standalone novel in The Five Syndicates mafia romance series.
He has a million-dollar bounty on his head. She's fighting for her sister.
Dating men for money isn't what most girls dream of doing when they grow up.
But after graduating from college, I can't catch a break.
No job offers.
No place to live.
Not even a couch to dig for change under.
If I don't find a job and a place to live fast, I can't adopt my little sister from foster care.
I'm desperate.
A little unhinged.
And dating a trust-fund baby twice my age for his money.
Who cares if we have no chemistry?
Who cares if I hate his hot, mysterious neighbor who pushes my buttons every chance he gets?
Who cares if his neighbor stares at me like he's picturing me in his bed?
Then, Mr. Money Bags dumps me.
I get shot at by strangers.
And the arrogant neighbor I loathe?
He. Saves. Me.
I should cut my losses and be grateful I'm still alive.
Instead, I do something crazy.
I blackmail him into letting me be his roommate.
Niccolaio Andretti is a 80,000-word standalone novel in The Five Syndicates mafia romance series.
322 pages, ebook
First published July 18, 2017
4118 people are currently reading
3203 people want to read
About the author
Parker S. Huntington
31 books8,119 followersParker S. Huntington is from Southern California. She has a B.A. in Creative Writing from UCR and an A.L.M. in Literature from Harvard.
She also hates talking about herself and is allergic to social media, but you can catch up with her in her newsletter at www.parkershuntington.com.
Reach her at:
Group: facebook.com/groups/Parkerettes/
Website: www.parkershuntington.com
TikTok: http://TikTok.com/@parkerwrites
Back-Up TikTok: http://TikTok.com/@parkershuntington
She also hates talking about herself and is allergic to social media, but you can catch up with her in her newsletter at www.parkershuntington.com.
Reach her at:
Group: facebook.com/groups/Parkerettes/
Website: www.parkershuntington.com
TikTok: http://TikTok.com/@parkerwrites
Back-Up TikTok: http://TikTok.com/@parkershuntington
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 381 reviews
August 5, 2022
After giving the 1st book one star because it was a complete and utter cringe fest, I thought I was done but then I saw who the heroine was gonna be in this one and I can’t resist.
A former bad character shown in a different light and getting their own love story, sign me up. I basically love female characters which are not the society’s norm for morality, but rather have their own code and their own reasons for being what some would call bitchy. I love shades of gray especially in heroines, cause we don’t get those a lot.
Anyway, long story short. This wasn’t good. Nothing about it was good. Nothing.
Minka, the heroine was supposedly smart but for all her smarts she was still broke and homeless after graduating Summa Cum Laude from one of the best Universities in the country. She had a unilateral focus of getting her sister back and yet she did nothing but sleep with men hoping that they would keep her around. This is not me judging her for using me this is me judging the author for making her heroine be very bad at everything she does despite telling us she is smart. If your plan is to get yourself attached to a wealthy man in order to be able to get your sister out of foster care then be smart at how you go about it. But she was naive. She basically just let men three times her age fuck her and all they did for her was pay her Ubers and buy the food when they were together. I don’t understand how that is conducive to anything. Her time would have been better spent on internships, and interviewing for jobs and landing said jobs so that within a year or so she could get her sister to live with her. But instead she did nothing but sleep with men for free and then at the end of her university career she was left with no options and also no home (she was being kicked out of university halls) and no money. It made zero sense.
The hero - he was .. unremarkable.
The chemistry between those two absolutely nowhere to be found.
The plot? Nothing there either.
Oh and one more thing. Lucy, the heroine from the first book makes a lot of appearances and she apparently had a personality transplant. Like being with Asher made her cooler or quirkier or whatever. I swear everyone calls her a psycho or crazy or something along those lines but in a quirky way.. and like? Why? How? When? Who the hell is that?
This was a train wreck. Did a middle schooler write this?
No consistency - no nothing.
A former bad character shown in a different light and getting their own love story, sign me up. I basically love female characters which are not the society’s norm for morality, but rather have their own code and their own reasons for being what some would call bitchy. I love shades of gray especially in heroines, cause we don’t get those a lot.
Anyway, long story short. This wasn’t good. Nothing about it was good. Nothing.
Minka, the heroine was supposedly smart but for all her smarts she was still broke and homeless after graduating Summa Cum Laude from one of the best Universities in the country. She had a unilateral focus of getting her sister back and yet she did nothing but sleep with men hoping that they would keep her around. This is not me judging her for using me this is me judging the author for making her heroine be very bad at everything she does despite telling us she is smart. If your plan is to get yourself attached to a wealthy man in order to be able to get your sister out of foster care then be smart at how you go about it. But she was naive. She basically just let men three times her age fuck her and all they did for her was pay her Ubers and buy the food when they were together. I don’t understand how that is conducive to anything. Her time would have been better spent on internships, and interviewing for jobs and landing said jobs so that within a year or so she could get her sister to live with her. But instead she did nothing but sleep with men for free and then at the end of her university career she was left with no options and also no home (she was being kicked out of university halls) and no money. It made zero sense.
The hero - he was .. unremarkable.
The chemistry between those two absolutely nowhere to be found.
The plot? Nothing there either.
Oh and one more thing. Lucy, the heroine from the first book makes a lot of appearances and she apparently had a personality transplant. Like being with Asher made her cooler or quirkier or whatever. I swear everyone calls her a psycho or crazy or something along those lines but in a quirky way.. and like? Why? How? When? Who the hell is that?
This was a train wreck. Did a middle schooler write this?
No consistency - no nothing.
July 3, 2019
Rule 2: To redeem hated characters, give them a book together by a talented author!!!!!!
This series is
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
From enemies to lovers, Niccolaio and Minka's story was
The very characters that I despised in "Asher Black" ... hero/anti-heroine, a genuine douchebag, "Niccolaio Andretti" aka Nick Andrews and the hateful, mean girl college student who was enemy of Aimee and Lucy (Asher's fiance'), MINKA REYNOLDS
Sorry, not sorry but these were once awful characters...
but this book demonstrated that no one knows what's in the heart of even mean and a**hole people. This story shows how we all are flawed whereas forgiveness and redemption is in us all! With a hit of 5 million dollars on Niccolaio by his younger brother, Ranieri Andretti and Minka's gold digging to get custody of her sweet handicapped sister but OH MY GOODNESS
this story right here was full of suspense, triple takes writing and major whodunit moments with the everpresent wisdom of Vince Romano! What he did for Niccolaio was priceless!
If you've love reading suspenseful mafia books, then you will love reading "Niccolaio" and the origins of the Five Syndicates!
Next book in the series is a novella and it's Ranieri Andretti's second chance story!!
5 Enemies to Lovers stars!!!!!
This series is
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!From enemies to lovers, Niccolaio and Minka's story was
The very characters that I despised in "Asher Black" ... hero/anti-heroine, a genuine douchebag, "Niccolaio Andretti" aka Nick Andrews and the hateful, mean girl college student who was enemy of Aimee and Lucy (Asher's fiance'), MINKA REYNOLDS
Sorry, not sorry but these were once awful characters...
but this book demonstrated that no one knows what's in the heart of even mean and a**hole people. This story shows how we all are flawed whereas forgiveness and redemption is in us all! With a hit of 5 million dollars on Niccolaio by his younger brother, Ranieri Andretti and Minka's gold digging to get custody of her sweet handicapped sister but OH MY GOODNESS
this story right here was full of suspense, triple takes writing and major whodunit moments with the everpresent wisdom of Vince Romano! What he did for Niccolaio was priceless!
If you've love reading suspenseful mafia books, then you will love reading "Niccolaio" and the origins of the Five Syndicates!
Next book in the series is a novella and it's Ranieri Andretti's second chance story!!
5 Enemies to Lovers stars!!!!!
August 27, 2018
Audio-book: Narrators - Lacy Laurel and D.C. Cole
Wow! These narrators did a freaking fantastic job of bringing Niccolaio and Minka to full life. They pulled me deeper into the story than I would have been had I simply read the book and I found myself laughing, gasping, and cheering with this hero and heroine via the narrators. The fluctuation of both were perfect and both did an admirable job of vocalizing the opposite sex’ voice. I was fully engaged the entire time.
I loved both main characters as well as all their brokeness. They are each missing a vital chunk out of their lives but while one ignores it and hunts down death, the other fights against it and all the chains it keeps them in. However, once they come together they find the strength to open themselves up to new thoughts, new possibilities and perhaps new love.
This was a rather quick read that never bogged down. The steam is high, the humor light, the secondary characters necessary. It loved the mafia background/connection as it was a bit heavier than some mafia romances I read. Overall, an extremely enjoyable read that I would highly recommend in either ebook or audio.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Wow! These narrators did a freaking fantastic job of bringing Niccolaio and Minka to full life. They pulled me deeper into the story than I would have been had I simply read the book and I found myself laughing, gasping, and cheering with this hero and heroine via the narrators. The fluctuation of both were perfect and both did an admirable job of vocalizing the opposite sex’ voice. I was fully engaged the entire time.
I loved both main characters as well as all their brokeness. They are each missing a vital chunk out of their lives but while one ignores it and hunts down death, the other fights against it and all the chains it keeps them in. However, once they come together they find the strength to open themselves up to new thoughts, new possibilities and perhaps new love.
This was a rather quick read that never bogged down. The steam is high, the humor light, the secondary characters necessary. It loved the mafia background/connection as it was a bit heavier than some mafia romances I read. Overall, an extremely enjoyable read that I would highly recommend in either ebook or audio.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
March 23, 2019
It was a struggle
I really liked the main male character in this addition of the series. Minka was just so so. There’s was really nothing about her that drew you in and made you want to root for her. Sure she had a crappy background, but it still didn’t excuse how she poorly treated others. Even though the author tried real hard to make up for her behavior from book one. I also didn’t get why they both thought Lucy from book one was so insane like a lunatic. None of her behavior was over the top, murderous or even unfiltered like when Aimee opens her mouth. Did they think she is a lunatic because she laughs some?
These are longer books and not still took until over 80% for them to get intimate together. He didn’t even kiss her until then. There was one scene where he watched her playing with herself earlier on, but that was so disappointing.
And I hated how the sister ends up telling Minka she knows about her and older men. HOW? Minka didn’t tell her. Mina was in a group home and only 12. That made no sense. And what really pissed me off is how Mina says she’s happy there in the home and doesn’t need Minka to keep trying to get her back. Then Minka is sad....but she doesn’t get even the slightest depressed. She’s almost relieved. But how could that happen when supposedly she felt so strong for so long about getting her? So she just got tired of the responsibility? I could see how she would get tired, but dang. And honestly, how did she not get ANGRY that she sacrificed so much and the things she did sleeping with random men for her sister and it wasn’t even appreciated and ended up not even being needed. She should have been furious she spent four years of her life going after a degree she didn’t really care about and basically prostituting to be told it wasn’t needed.
This book kept trying to preach forgiveness for every itty bitty little thing. Like I get there being an over arching point, but dang. To have your brother put a hit out on you? He kills the man who took you and Archer in? And five minutes later all is forgiven like water under the bridge? I understood their rules they play by. But it made NO sense for Ranie to still do it after Vince spoke up. And then for them to just move on like oh glad that’s cleared up now let’s just act like nothing happened. Frankly, I don’t really want to read Ranie’s story now. And somethings don’t deserve forgiveness the way this author did it. You might can move on, but it doesn’t mean everyone deserves for the person wronged to accept them back with open arms.
I really liked the main male character in this addition of the series. Minka was just so so. There’s was really nothing about her that drew you in and made you want to root for her. Sure she had a crappy background, but it still didn’t excuse how she poorly treated others. Even though the author tried real hard to make up for her behavior from book one. I also didn’t get why they both thought Lucy from book one was so insane like a lunatic. None of her behavior was over the top, murderous or even unfiltered like when Aimee opens her mouth. Did they think she is a lunatic because she laughs some?
These are longer books and not still took until over 80% for them to get intimate together. He didn’t even kiss her until then. There was one scene where he watched her playing with herself earlier on, but that was so disappointing.
And I hated how the sister ends up telling Minka she knows about her and older men. HOW? Minka didn’t tell her. Mina was in a group home and only 12. That made no sense. And what really pissed me off is how Mina says she’s happy there in the home and doesn’t need Minka to keep trying to get her back. Then Minka is sad....but she doesn’t get even the slightest depressed. She’s almost relieved. But how could that happen when supposedly she felt so strong for so long about getting her? So she just got tired of the responsibility? I could see how she would get tired, but dang. And honestly, how did she not get ANGRY that she sacrificed so much and the things she did sleeping with random men for her sister and it wasn’t even appreciated and ended up not even being needed. She should have been furious she spent four years of her life going after a degree she didn’t really care about and basically prostituting to be told it wasn’t needed.
This book kept trying to preach forgiveness for every itty bitty little thing. Like I get there being an over arching point, but dang. To have your brother put a hit out on you? He kills the man who took you and Archer in? And five minutes later all is forgiven like water under the bridge? I understood their rules they play by. But it made NO sense for Ranie to still do it after Vince spoke up. And then for them to just move on like oh glad that’s cleared up now let’s just act like nothing happened. Frankly, I don’t really want to read Ranie’s story now. And somethings don’t deserve forgiveness the way this author did it. You might can move on, but it doesn’t mean everyone deserves for the person wronged to accept them back with open arms.
June 2, 2017
Here are a few exclusive excerpts from Niccolaio Andretti:
#1:
I hate him. From the second I met him, I hated him. I knew he would be trouble for me, for my future, and most importantly, for Mina. Yet, I’m standing in front of him. And worse—I want to be here. I want the world to pause for just one darn second, so I can stay forever in this moment, where a man I’m attracted to is looking at me like he’s attracted to me, too. Is that too much to ask?
#2:
Either way, he’s involved in criminal business, so I shouldn’t be indulging him and his invasive questions. But I do, because for some reason, I can’t stop myself with him.
I reply, “I’m here for John. I’m with John.” I don’t know if I’m trying to convince myself or him. Probably both, because I don’t want to be with John, but I can’t be with someone like him.
There’s a centimeter of space between our bodies, but when he leans forward, he extinguishes it. And that first contact between us has my senses soaring. Waiting. Anticipating. His face slants towards mine, slowly, teasingly. Seconds pass before his lips brush against my jaw, and then he’s trailing a path up the sensitive curve of my neck with the very tip of his nose, his touch so, so light but so, so there.
And when he finally reaches my ear, he opens his mouth, his lips brushing sensually against my delicate skin, and whispers, “You’re not interested in John. I’ll figure out why you’re really here.”
He steps back from me immediately after and walks away. Even though he’s gone, I can still feel him, pressed against me. And his words? I have no idea what they mean, but I do know that it doesn’t bode well for me.
#3:
“How’s your day been?”
I swivel my head to John’s neighbor, and my mouth drops in shock. “Are you for real?”
He shrugs and continues to talk in that low and inexpressive voice of his, “When you left John’s, you looked upset.”
His tone alone is enough to make me want to throw my head back and laugh. How does he do it? How does he manage to say something like that, something borderline on caring, and still sound like he couldn’t care less about a thing?
Instead of laughing, I let out an unattractive snort. “So, now we’re talking about our personal lives?” I pause, before saying in rapid fire, “How much did you make last year? When was the last time you’ve had sex? Do you like it on top or on the bottom? Have you ever done ana—”
“John’s your personal life?”
“Not anymore,” I mutter.
Between us, the attacker groans out in pain. We ignore him, and a few seconds later, he passes out again from the pain. After another minute of silence, we’re almost back to the brownstones. They’re within seeing distance when John’s neighbor speaks again.
There’s a smile in his voice that, per usual, doesn’t quite make it to his face when he says, “I like it on top.”
I roll my eyes, but I can’t help but grin.
#1:
I hate him. From the second I met him, I hated him. I knew he would be trouble for me, for my future, and most importantly, for Mina. Yet, I’m standing in front of him. And worse—I want to be here. I want the world to pause for just one darn second, so I can stay forever in this moment, where a man I’m attracted to is looking at me like he’s attracted to me, too. Is that too much to ask?
#2:
Either way, he’s involved in criminal business, so I shouldn’t be indulging him and his invasive questions. But I do, because for some reason, I can’t stop myself with him.
I reply, “I’m here for John. I’m with John.” I don’t know if I’m trying to convince myself or him. Probably both, because I don’t want to be with John, but I can’t be with someone like him.
There’s a centimeter of space between our bodies, but when he leans forward, he extinguishes it. And that first contact between us has my senses soaring. Waiting. Anticipating. His face slants towards mine, slowly, teasingly. Seconds pass before his lips brush against my jaw, and then he’s trailing a path up the sensitive curve of my neck with the very tip of his nose, his touch so, so light but so, so there.
And when he finally reaches my ear, he opens his mouth, his lips brushing sensually against my delicate skin, and whispers, “You’re not interested in John. I’ll figure out why you’re really here.”
He steps back from me immediately after and walks away. Even though he’s gone, I can still feel him, pressed against me. And his words? I have no idea what they mean, but I do know that it doesn’t bode well for me.
#3:
“How’s your day been?”
I swivel my head to John’s neighbor, and my mouth drops in shock. “Are you for real?”
He shrugs and continues to talk in that low and inexpressive voice of his, “When you left John’s, you looked upset.”
His tone alone is enough to make me want to throw my head back and laugh. How does he do it? How does he manage to say something like that, something borderline on caring, and still sound like he couldn’t care less about a thing?
Instead of laughing, I let out an unattractive snort. “So, now we’re talking about our personal lives?” I pause, before saying in rapid fire, “How much did you make last year? When was the last time you’ve had sex? Do you like it on top or on the bottom? Have you ever done ana—”
“John’s your personal life?”
“Not anymore,” I mutter.
Between us, the attacker groans out in pain. We ignore him, and a few seconds later, he passes out again from the pain. After another minute of silence, we’re almost back to the brownstones. They’re within seeing distance when John’s neighbor speaks again.
There’s a smile in his voice that, per usual, doesn’t quite make it to his face when he says, “I like it on top.”
I roll my eyes, but I can’t help but grin.
September 10, 2018
Audiobook Review
Overall 4 stars
Performance 5 stars
Story 4 stars
I really enjoyed the narration by DC Cole and Lacy Laurel in this slow burn mafia romance. There was just the right amount of steam, angst, and action to draw listeners/readers in. Though characters from the previous book Asher Black do appear, this book can be enjoyed as a stand alone.
Our hero and heroine, Niccolaio and Minka, are not easy characters to like. They are broken, angry, and trust almost no one. Their pasts have left them unfortunately bitter and alone. As their paths cross though, they recognize the familiarity of their pain in the other and begin an unlikely friendship/arrangement. I liked that both held no punches with the other and that no matter how ugly the truth, they let it all show. The sexual tension and chemistry was amazing and continued to build until it exploded between them. Minka and Niccolaio might drive each other crazy, but they are the perfect crazy for each other.
Both DC Cole and Lacy Laurel captured the pain and heartache of our characters so well, but they also nailed the laugh out loud moments too! The scene where Jax is telling Niccolaio that he will name all of his future offspring after him was the BEST! I love the mix of humor, action, and emotion in Parker S. Huntington's books. The ending of the story brought everything full circle, and was such a wonderful way to bring it all together.
Overall 4 stars
Performance 5 stars
Story 4 stars
I really enjoyed the narration by DC Cole and Lacy Laurel in this slow burn mafia romance. There was just the right amount of steam, angst, and action to draw listeners/readers in. Though characters from the previous book Asher Black do appear, this book can be enjoyed as a stand alone.
Our hero and heroine, Niccolaio and Minka, are not easy characters to like. They are broken, angry, and trust almost no one. Their pasts have left them unfortunately bitter and alone. As their paths cross though, they recognize the familiarity of their pain in the other and begin an unlikely friendship/arrangement. I liked that both held no punches with the other and that no matter how ugly the truth, they let it all show. The sexual tension and chemistry was amazing and continued to build until it exploded between them. Minka and Niccolaio might drive each other crazy, but they are the perfect crazy for each other.
Both DC Cole and Lacy Laurel captured the pain and heartache of our characters so well, but they also nailed the laugh out loud moments too! The scene where Jax is telling Niccolaio that he will name all of his future offspring after him was the BEST! I love the mix of humor, action, and emotion in Parker S. Huntington's books. The ending of the story brought everything full circle, and was such a wonderful way to bring it all together.
November 5, 2023
Okay this one had my swooning and giggling. This had the PSH character dynamic (where the two MCs have amazing banter) drizzled in places, i would have loved more of that but this is definitely an upgrade from the last book
October 3, 2019
Parker S. Huntington // Niccolaio Andretti // Parker S. Huntington
Wow Wow Wow Wow!
The only feeling I have right now is why I had to swallow this book so fast! 😭
Good books, always leave you feeling like, well, I have to read this book again! And that's what I want to do now! 💔
The second book in the series is about Nick.
From the first book I suspected about him.
And when I read the first few chapters, I knew there was going to be a painful and difficult story here. But with a lot of courage and heroism.
Plus, the female character, Minka. I didn't like the first book at all. And I didn't understand how Parker could write about her at all. But then I read the first few pages where she explains.
That sometimes, with the most hatred in the eyes, with the big bitchies. They are the ones who live in pain. They are in a mask. And that's what made me feel even closer to this story.
Because yes, no shame. I was like that too. superficial.
Minka, the only thing I have to say about her is that she broke my heart. 💔
Her story is so powerful. I just wanted to say 'Come on, woman!' But I didn't have to. Because she has you and big time!
She has a dream, to be a lawyer. To do justice in the world. And she's going to do it.
But, she has one reason. One reason is enough to make her change her life.
And this is her little sister, Mina.
Her parents abandoned them. She raised her sister. She worried about her. She would do things to bring food home. Even if I intend to sell drugs, buy prohibited things. And to live under the patronage of Sugar-Daddy.
"In moments like this, I feel like I can move on from who I am, from the person I never wanted to be. From the person I hate."
Wow her character just did it to me.
It was all amazing. To see someone who was right down there and nothing stops her!
She doesn't apply to men. She has a reason.
Her family is above all. She does not forgive.
It's hard for her to forgive her own past. Because she is suffering in the present. But manages to get over it.
But, what happens when she meets the most powerful, muscular, and most amazing person in the universe.
But actually, he also has red lines.
"My name is Niccolaio Cristiano Andretti."
Nick, the muscular and sturdy guy. We got to know him a little in the first book. He is a member of the Andretti family. Romano's enemy family.
He finds himself coming to the enemy.
And the enemy receives it with open arms.
He grew up in a house that wasn't the most 'supportive'. His father died when he was 15. He raised himself alone.
Learn to fight knives. Learn to shoot guns.
And became part of the Andretti family.
What this character did to me. It's just, lots of courage. To read such a character 😱! I don't know why, but I felt awfully attached to this character.
It is indeed as hard on the outside as stone.
But from the inside, he keeps the stories to himself.
He is a sincere person. But not honest to himself.
He is honest with others. And he too, family is above all. He saved his brother.
But what happens when the person closest to him actually wants him dead?
“Oh, sorry, Dad. I must have missed it when you became my caretaker. Did you sign some adoption papers and everything? Am I grounded? Shall I call you Daddy, too? ”“ Is that another fantasy of yours? ”He asks, obviously referring to the student-teacher roleplay from yesterday.
The story this time is different, from the previous book is built from two points of view. We get teasers at Nick and Minka's past.
I never thought of putting them together.
2 tough hearts that have never truly felt love. They fail to complement each other. Their experiences. The only thing they need.
Which is to forgive. But not for others, but for themselves.
A record of honesty, I'm in love. This book really got to my heart! The story there is hard. And courage is what it takes. This is no ordinary love story. It's a story that's an adventure. Among other things, we get more from the 5 bakery plot stories. Get more information about them. They are all alive. And slowly getting the answers we wanted to get in the first book of the series.
* It is recommended to read the first book, but it can also be read as an individual *
warmly recommended! 💔
Wow Wow Wow Wow!
The only feeling I have right now is why I had to swallow this book so fast! 😭
Good books, always leave you feeling like, well, I have to read this book again! And that's what I want to do now! 💔
The second book in the series is about Nick.
From the first book I suspected about him.
And when I read the first few chapters, I knew there was going to be a painful and difficult story here. But with a lot of courage and heroism.
Plus, the female character, Minka. I didn't like the first book at all. And I didn't understand how Parker could write about her at all. But then I read the first few pages where she explains.
That sometimes, with the most hatred in the eyes, with the big bitchies. They are the ones who live in pain. They are in a mask. And that's what made me feel even closer to this story.
Because yes, no shame. I was like that too. superficial.
Minka, the only thing I have to say about her is that she broke my heart. 💔
Her story is so powerful. I just wanted to say 'Come on, woman!' But I didn't have to. Because she has you and big time!
She has a dream, to be a lawyer. To do justice in the world. And she's going to do it.
But, she has one reason. One reason is enough to make her change her life.
And this is her little sister, Mina.
Her parents abandoned them. She raised her sister. She worried about her. She would do things to bring food home. Even if I intend to sell drugs, buy prohibited things. And to live under the patronage of Sugar-Daddy.
"In moments like this, I feel like I can move on from who I am, from the person I never wanted to be. From the person I hate."
Wow her character just did it to me.
It was all amazing. To see someone who was right down there and nothing stops her!
She doesn't apply to men. She has a reason.
Her family is above all. She does not forgive.
It's hard for her to forgive her own past. Because she is suffering in the present. But manages to get over it.
But, what happens when she meets the most powerful, muscular, and most amazing person in the universe.
But actually, he also has red lines.
"My name is Niccolaio Cristiano Andretti."
Nick, the muscular and sturdy guy. We got to know him a little in the first book. He is a member of the Andretti family. Romano's enemy family.
He finds himself coming to the enemy.
And the enemy receives it with open arms.
He grew up in a house that wasn't the most 'supportive'. His father died when he was 15. He raised himself alone.
Learn to fight knives. Learn to shoot guns.
And became part of the Andretti family.
What this character did to me. It's just, lots of courage. To read such a character 😱! I don't know why, but I felt awfully attached to this character.
It is indeed as hard on the outside as stone.
But from the inside, he keeps the stories to himself.
He is a sincere person. But not honest to himself.
He is honest with others. And he too, family is above all. He saved his brother.
But what happens when the person closest to him actually wants him dead?
“Oh, sorry, Dad. I must have missed it when you became my caretaker. Did you sign some adoption papers and everything? Am I grounded? Shall I call you Daddy, too? ”“ Is that another fantasy of yours? ”He asks, obviously referring to the student-teacher roleplay from yesterday.
The story this time is different, from the previous book is built from two points of view. We get teasers at Nick and Minka's past.
I never thought of putting them together.
2 tough hearts that have never truly felt love. They fail to complement each other. Their experiences. The only thing they need.
Which is to forgive. But not for others, but for themselves.
A record of honesty, I'm in love. This book really got to my heart! The story there is hard. And courage is what it takes. This is no ordinary love story. It's a story that's an adventure. Among other things, we get more from the 5 bakery plot stories. Get more information about them. They are all alive. And slowly getting the answers we wanted to get in the first book of the series.
* It is recommended to read the first book, but it can also be read as an individual *
warmly recommended! 💔
August 5, 2019
4 stars ...
March 12, 2020
2 Why did I continue Stars
The 180 when it came to Minka’s
Honestly the only think I really liked about the book was the quotes the author included from famous/well-known people. Everything else was just blah.
Acquired via KU.
The 180 when it came to Minka’s
Honestly the only think I really liked about the book was the quotes the author included from famous/well-known people. Everything else was just blah.
Acquired via KU.
January 1, 2022
This was your usual rags to riches type of story. I do feel like the series of books are very similar in characters, but this one was more chill than others to be honest. I still loved it but my star rating is 4.0 star rating.
I don’t have much to say about this one. It was tame and it seemed “safe” in a way. Like the writing and risks taken were predictable and written in a safe way. 4.0 star rating.
I don’t have much to say about this one. It was tame and it seemed “safe” in a way. Like the writing and risks taken were predictable and written in a safe way. 4.0 star rating.
September 24, 2019
DNF 35% Well that was blah.
January 15, 2020
1.5-ish stars - it was better than the last story, that’s for sure.
I feel like I’m on a warpath so I’m going to take a break from this author for a bit. This story was dissatisfying as fuck, and I know that’s always a possibility with mafia books but this was not well executed, at all. Like I get it, the author is trying to do everything to make this into a story/series that has all the elements of the ones that have a cult following, but for whatever reason it’s not working for her. One huge reason is the writing, the needless details she’s filled the whole story with (process from the last one though) and maybe it’s because she’s still kind of a novice, but the writing is not polished.
I’m sorry, I’m usually not this much of a raging bitch when it comes to writing reviews but I have a ton of pent up aggression towards this story and the last and it’s become all consuming as I finished this story. So, fuck it, I’ll accept my fate and move on to something else before I become the person that rages at everything.
I feel like I’m on a warpath so I’m going to take a break from this author for a bit. This story was dissatisfying as fuck, and I know that’s always a possibility with mafia books but this was not well executed, at all. Like I get it, the author is trying to do everything to make this into a story/series that has all the elements of the ones that have a cult following, but for whatever reason it’s not working for her. One huge reason is the writing, the needless details she’s filled the whole story with (process from the last one though) and maybe it’s because she’s still kind of a novice, but the writing is not polished.
I’m sorry, I’m usually not this much of a raging bitch when it comes to writing reviews but I have a ton of pent up aggression towards this story and the last and it’s become all consuming as I finished this story. So, fuck it, I’ll accept my fate and move on to something else before I become the person that rages at everything.
May 13, 2023
3.5 ⭐
this book wasn't bad but it wasn't that interesting. it felt boring and there was barely any plot except from the relationship development between niccolaio and minka which btw was taking too long and testing my patience. so i would've given it a 3 ⭐ since it's mediocre but the .5 ⭐ is for for vince
this book wasn't bad but it wasn't that interesting. it felt boring and there was barely any plot except from the relationship development between niccolaio and minka which btw was taking too long and testing my patience. so i would've given it a 3 ⭐ since it's mediocre but the .5 ⭐ is for for vince
January 6, 2024
BORINNGGGGGGG
July 31, 2019
3 stars!
“The next time you serve yourself up to me like that, you won’t be thinking about a damn book. It’ll be my fucking orders you take. It’ll be my words that have you gushing onto my waiting fingers. It’ll be my cock pounding inside of your tight, wet pussy, not these pretty little fingers.”
Okay.....
My reviews are a reflection of my own feelings and thoughts. I have nothing against the author, my problem is with her characters especially the main ones.
We met Nick and Minka in the first book and while all we learned about Nick was that he was hiding from something, Minka on the other hand was there all the way.
I don't know why I hated that she was paired with Nick and yes the author tried in her own unique way to show her as the angry, sad and bitter girl who lost everything but the amount of venom she was spitting everywhere in book #1 was too much for me to just forget, move on and start loving her.
I'am serious about my feelings when it involves my characters, sue me!!!
Nick oh Nick
The stupid mafioso who lost it all because he had a soft heart. No plot in the world would convince me that he was not a STUPID betraying sob because fool me once....
He wasn't supposed to go seek refuge with the enemy no matter what.
I must confess that it was because of all the things I heard about Damiano De Luca that I did this marathon of a read and I hope I won't regret it because up to now I can't for the life of me feel the things I normally feel when I'm reading anything mafia related.
“The next time you serve yourself up to me like that, you won’t be thinking about a damn book. It’ll be my fucking orders you take. It’ll be my words that have you gushing onto my waiting fingers. It’ll be my cock pounding inside of your tight, wet pussy, not these pretty little fingers.”
Okay.....
My reviews are a reflection of my own feelings and thoughts. I have nothing against the author, my problem is with her characters especially the main ones.
We met Nick and Minka in the first book and while all we learned about Nick was that he was hiding from something, Minka on the other hand was there all the way.
I don't know why I hated that she was paired with Nick and yes the author tried in her own unique way to show her as the angry, sad and bitter girl who lost everything but the amount of venom she was spitting everywhere in book #1 was too much for me to just forget, move on and start loving her.
I'am serious about my feelings when it involves my characters, sue me!!!
Nick oh Nick
The stupid mafioso who lost it all because he had a soft heart. No plot in the world would convince me that he was not a STUPID betraying sob because fool me once....
He wasn't supposed to go seek refuge with the enemy no matter what.
I must confess that it was because of all the things I heard about Damiano De Luca that I did this marathon of a read and I hope I won't regret it because up to now I can't for the life of me feel the things I normally feel when I'm reading anything mafia related.
January 17, 2020
3.5 stars
I didn't like the first half but the second half was quite entertaining
I didn't like the first half but the second half was quite entertaining
August 5, 2017
*Sigh* *SQUEEEE* Okay, I had to get those out of the way first! I LOVED Asher Black so so sooooo much, that I was a little worried about reading Niccolaio. I knew it was going to be at least a little rough for me because of the blurb. I wasn't sure if I could get to LIKE Minka enough to love her enough to believe in her enough to enjoy her. And so I pushed this story to the side for a bit until I was ready to give her a chance.
And the beginning WAS hard. It WAS really difficult for me to get a handle on both Minka and Niccolaio. They were just both so ... angry - at themselves, at life...
But the theme of this story is forgiveness, and as each chapter unfolds, and they begin to forgive themselves, and we're pulled into that... I began to fall in love with each of them. I began to understand the choices they made that previously made me leery.
This author's writing and the stories she's telling, the overall world she's creating - beautiful!! When I crossed over into my own forgiveness for these characters, I devoured their story & was so very sad to see the end (even as I thought how awesomely it was done)!
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series (and the next, and the next - there ARE five families, ya know) & especially looking forward to that feeling of wanting to devour the story once again. Two thumbs up & 10++ stars for Niccolaio & Minka... : )
And the beginning WAS hard. It WAS really difficult for me to get a handle on both Minka and Niccolaio. They were just both so ... angry - at themselves, at life...
But the theme of this story is forgiveness, and as each chapter unfolds, and they begin to forgive themselves, and we're pulled into that... I began to fall in love with each of them. I began to understand the choices they made that previously made me leery.
This author's writing and the stories she's telling, the overall world she's creating - beautiful!! When I crossed over into my own forgiveness for these characters, I devoured their story & was so very sad to see the end (even as I thought how awesomely it was done)!
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series (and the next, and the next - there ARE five families, ya know) & especially looking forward to that feeling of wanting to devour the story once again. Two thumbs up & 10++ stars for Niccolaio & Minka... : )
July 5, 2019
Dnf at 30%. Had potential but lacked any real dialogue or main character appeal. Interesting concept and the 1st book in the series was ok but this one just refused to go anywhere for me. More interaction and less repetitive and unnecessary filler would have gone a long way towards improving this book.
February 23, 2021
Minka is much more than what meets the eye. We meet her in Lucy and Asher’s story and if you said you liked her you were a bitch. She was a bitch. Angry at the world for no apparent reason. Or so we thought. Her backstory and the reasoning behind why she is the way she is opens your eyes and reenforces the age old saying of “never judge a book by its cover.” Watching Minka transform and come into her own was amazing and an emotional ride.
Nick is an absolute mystery. Even when the book is over I feel like I don’t fully understand him. Much like Minka he has a wall put up but for entirely different reasons. He lets it slip here and there but overall he’s pretty guarded. His story is also emotional and the ending pulling on your heartstrings.
Their relationship comes out of nowhere. You can see the respect they have for one another almost immediately, but you can’t tell if it goes any deeper than that. They’re attracted to one another but is it only skin deep. They slowly realize that they have more in common than they originally thought and their connection becomes more than just roommates. One day their casually acquainted and then the next their sexually acquainted. It happened so suddenly.
The mystery, drama and suspense is a little higher in this one than the first book. It starts right away and carries on throughout the entire story.
The epilogue was the perfect ending but not in the way you would expect. It was a tiny detail that ended up tying the entire story together in an amazing way.
Nick is an absolute mystery. Even when the book is over I feel like I don’t fully understand him. Much like Minka he has a wall put up but for entirely different reasons. He lets it slip here and there but overall he’s pretty guarded. His story is also emotional and the ending pulling on your heartstrings.
Their relationship comes out of nowhere. You can see the respect they have for one another almost immediately, but you can’t tell if it goes any deeper than that. They’re attracted to one another but is it only skin deep. They slowly realize that they have more in common than they originally thought and their connection becomes more than just roommates. One day their casually acquainted and then the next their sexually acquainted. It happened so suddenly.
The mystery, drama and suspense is a little higher in this one than the first book. It starts right away and carries on throughout the entire story.
The epilogue was the perfect ending but not in the way you would expect. It was a tiny detail that ended up tying the entire story together in an amazing way.
October 27, 2019
Audio review:
Niccolaio Andretti: A Mafia Romance Novel (The Five Syndicates, Book 2) needs to be listened to in order in my opinion. As, I listened to these out of order and felt like I was missing something with this particular audio. I've listened to also 3, 5, and 6 and absolutely loved them. This one is my least favourite and felt I missed the boat by not listening to Asher Black first. I absolutely loved the cover of this one, but not the characters so much. The synopsis is alluring and the narrative is intriguing but just not as exciting as the other audios in this series. I wasn't in love with the characters, especially Minka and felt like if I would have listened to Asher Black first I may have liked her if I knew more about her already. I would love to go back and listen to this series over again from book one.
Narators Lacy Laurel, D. C. Cole are fluent and their inflection fits the mold of a mafia creation. I loved listening to D.C.Cole and he made the audio better. His deep baritone voice is exhilarative. Lacy Laurel enunciation is articulates all the right vibes in the right places.
Overall a alright listen but not my favourite.
Niccolaio Andretti: A Mafia Romance Novel (The Five Syndicates, Book 2) needs to be listened to in order in my opinion. As, I listened to these out of order and felt like I was missing something with this particular audio. I've listened to also 3, 5, and 6 and absolutely loved them. This one is my least favourite and felt I missed the boat by not listening to Asher Black first. I absolutely loved the cover of this one, but not the characters so much. The synopsis is alluring and the narrative is intriguing but just not as exciting as the other audios in this series. I wasn't in love with the characters, especially Minka and felt like if I would have listened to Asher Black first I may have liked her if I knew more about her already. I would love to go back and listen to this series over again from book one.
Narators Lacy Laurel, D. C. Cole are fluent and their inflection fits the mold of a mafia creation. I loved listening to D.C.Cole and he made the audio better. His deep baritone voice is exhilarative. Lacy Laurel enunciation is articulates all the right vibes in the right places.
Overall a alright listen but not my favourite.
January 25, 2020
Wow. I loved Asher in the 1st book & was scared to read the next one. “What if I hate the characters?”
WRONG. WHERE IS MY NICK 😭
Summary: We definitely see characters from the previous novel in this one - Vince, Asher, Lucy, and Minka. She’s basically a gold digger sleeping with a man so we can trick him into marrying her & get custody of her younger sister who has disabilities & is in a group home. Nick is in hiding after being kicked out of his family for killing his Uncle (he actually saved his younger brother) & they meet. Live follows.
My heart actually broke at the last couple chapters. The author did SUCH a good job writing these characters. Spoiler: Vince did not deserve to die.
-4.5/5
WRONG. WHERE IS MY NICK 😭
Summary: We definitely see characters from the previous novel in this one - Vince, Asher, Lucy, and Minka. She’s basically a gold digger sleeping with a man so we can trick him into marrying her & get custody of her younger sister who has disabilities & is in a group home. Nick is in hiding after being kicked out of his family for killing his Uncle (he actually saved his younger brother) & they meet. Live follows.
My heart actually broke at the last couple chapters. The author did SUCH a good job writing these characters. Spoiler: Vince did not deserve to die.
-4.5/5
July 13, 2020
I really thought I would be giving this a higher rating. From the jump I connected with these characters more than I initially did with the two protagonists in Asher Black. However, despite my liking Minka and Niccolaio as individuals, I really struggled with their romance. The attraction for Minka was immediate, but I appreciated her internal struggle with recognizing that attraction and what it meant. With Niccolaio, he acknowledged his physical attraction, but by the point he felt he was in love with her I could barely believe it. I feel like his character development was a little stunted. I definitely like the mafia world building in this one a lot more, though.
April 7, 2018
This is the second book in this series by this author. This book is just as good as the first one. This book has plenty of hot and steamy scenes, angst, action and a bit of romance. The characters were really well written and was nice to read a different side to them. This book flowed really well, such an easy book to read. I just couldn't put this book down till I'd finished it. I can't wait to read more from this author and in this series in the future.
Highly recommended series and author
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book
www.obsessedbookreviews.blogspot.co.uk
Highly recommended series and author
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book
www.obsessedbookreviews.blogspot.co.uk
November 15, 2023
When I saw who the FMC was, I wanted to immediately skip, but I’m glad I stuck around. The overall message of forgiveness throughout this book gave a deeper meaning than your typical enemies to lovers mafia romance. I do feel like this book could’ve included more of the couple actually together and the overall plot felt more rushed and chaotic.
February 10, 2018
4.5 - 5 stars
December 17, 2024
Full series review to come
August 1, 2019
What are you like in this book,people?🙈
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