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The Five Syndicates #2.5
Ranieri Andretti
We were friends, then we were enemies.
Loved. Protected. Cherished.
There was a time when Ranieri Andretti made me feel those things.
That was before his family came after mine.
He was supposed to forget me.
We went our separate ways.
It should have stayed like that.
But now he’s back, and he’s my new boss.
I want to hate him.
He’s my ex-best friend.
My tormentor.
The head of the Andretti family.
But no matter how hard I try, I can’t stay away.
This is a 30,000 word enemies-to-lovers, second-chance mafia romance novella with steamy adult situations.
Loved. Protected. Cherished.
There was a time when Ranieri Andretti made me feel those things.
That was before his family came after mine.
He was supposed to forget me.
We went our separate ways.
It should have stayed like that.
But now he’s back, and he’s my new boss.
I want to hate him.
He’s my ex-best friend.
My tormentor.
The head of the Andretti family.
But no matter how hard I try, I can’t stay away.
This is a 30,000 word enemies-to-lovers, second-chance mafia romance novella with steamy adult situations.
132 pages, Paperback
First published August 25, 2018
2269 people are currently reading
2156 people want to read
About the author
Parker S. Huntington
30 books8,075 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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Want to read
March 26, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/26/2020)! 🎁
💝 ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. 💝
July 19, 2018
Coming soon to audio and Kindles everywhere!
July 15, 2019
Oh lawd, no
I'd give this no stars if I could. I thought maybe this writer had something special, but that's what I get for thinking. She's the same as all the others pawning off sleaze and smut as romance.
This heroine was a weak, dirty cow. The hero was just another cocky, smirking arse hole. And the sex was just nasty. These days, you're hard pressed to find an intimate scene with any class. Apparently now they have to be grossly graphic and full of demeaning words suited to a locker room. Oh, and don't forget the f*cking bondage.
Yeah, no.
Instead of writing a decent story she took the cheap, trashy route of filling the pages with gushing body fluids and bad porn.
I can't be arsed with this shite.
This story sucks and I skimmed most of it in self- defence.
Another writer for my Hell No list.
I'd give this no stars if I could. I thought maybe this writer had something special, but that's what I get for thinking. She's the same as all the others pawning off sleaze and smut as romance.
This heroine was a weak, dirty cow. The hero was just another cocky, smirking arse hole. And the sex was just nasty. These days, you're hard pressed to find an intimate scene with any class. Apparently now they have to be grossly graphic and full of demeaning words suited to a locker room. Oh, and don't forget the f*cking bondage.
Yeah, no.
Instead of writing a decent story she took the cheap, trashy route of filling the pages with gushing body fluids and bad porn.
I can't be arsed with this shite.
This story sucks and I skimmed most of it in self- defence.
Another writer for my Hell No list.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2018
I love the quotations at the beginning of each chapter and how they relate to the chapter events. This book is about Ranieri Andretti (in the Mafia) and Carina, the girl he loved throughout the book. The big question is, "Why did he end his relationship with Carina if he was so in love with her?" There was an excellent use of flashbacks to tell the background of events. There were blackmail attempts, betrayals, and misunderstandings all of which needed to be resolved to reach their HEA. Great romantic suspense!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 5, 2018
This book killed me. It’s a NOVELLA, so don’t go into it expected a full-length novel or you’ll be bummed by the quick read. That said, it’s a REALLY good novella. Probably the best I’ve read. Full, fleshed characters. A nice continuation of the series. I’m actually really surprised a novella can be this good.
June 20, 2020
You know what's gorgeous? A man falling down to his knees when you tell him "I don't see you kneeling", who sends you love letters in secret, and loves you so much that he marries you an hour before the wedding in the fucking hallway (because he just can't wait.)
November 5, 2023
WHY IS THIS A NOVELLA AND NOT A 600 PAGE BOOK PLEASE😭
December 10, 2018
Quick read without good story that the others had
This book was Ok, but not as good as the first two. The Mafia plot line was not as believable as the other books and the fact that the two characters had been in love since they were children was not quite believable.
This book was Ok, but not as good as the first two. The Mafia plot line was not as believable as the other books and the fact that the two characters had been in love since they were children was not quite believable.
December 17, 2024
Full series review to come
October 10, 2019
Okay! Wow 😱
Admittedly, the story is short. This is a novella about Nick's brother. We knew him in the second book on the series.
And I was very intrigued by his book about his brother Renray.
The story itself talks about a second chance.
Personally, I'm crazy about it!
Because then I discover how truly the power of love is immense. You just break the walls, the anger and find out. And that's where it got sharpened for me.
The characters that Parker brings this time around are awfully 'gentle' we start with their life story. Renray is the son of a mafia capo.
And Karina ( I love her name! 🎉)
Admittedly comes from a more 'relaxed' 'simplicity'.
Karina, already 9 years old, in love with Bernieri.
He is the man of her life.
He is the love of her life.
He watches over her.
Make sure she has her place.
You, its amenities. Man !!!! such a man 😬
Admittedly, when she discovers something horrible that Renray is responsible for. She no longer believes in him.
He broke her heart. Age, awfully young 💔
Personally, I thought about it and said, at a very young age to experience such a thing is trauma.
“Blood means nothing. Family means nothing. Doesn't change the fact that people disappoint you. "
Over the years. She cares for her father. To her family. She works in a restaurant under a headdress (blue wig) and a waitress. Earning a living.
But her world reverses when, she discovers that the restaurant where she works enters the person she was afraid of. The person she sees, fractures, cracks, and one broken heart. 💔
Renray, he also comes from an unsettling past that has.
Nick has always been by his side. Take care of him like a brother.
Karina, has always been the love of his life.
And he's sorry. He has the option of repeating it.
But, can he really give him a second chance?
I loved his character terribly. It was simple and uncomplicated. And that's a smart move, as a short novella.
But, I still felt his pain.
The remorse he wants to tell her.
To tell her total that he loves her.
Admittedly, the story itself is very simple. Without much complexity. And I absolutely loved him. He was light. He came right on the spot.
Parker’s writing is exceptional. I'm officially hooked on her. All the plot and research she does is amazing to me. At the beginning of a chapter, it brings us a sentence that connects us to the chapter, the scene.
It was just magical to me.
"I deserve better." "Yes, you do. You deserve everything. ”
In summary, I really liked the book. The couple there are durable and stable. There were really great sections! ❤😱
The plot is built as 'Slow Burn' Slowly we get the shape. And break the walls.
I love books like that. With power. Not to give up on what really is, but really. Lovers ❤
Admittedly, the story is short. This is a novella about Nick's brother. We knew him in the second book on the series.
And I was very intrigued by his book about his brother Renray.
The story itself talks about a second chance.
Personally, I'm crazy about it!
Because then I discover how truly the power of love is immense. You just break the walls, the anger and find out. And that's where it got sharpened for me.
The characters that Parker brings this time around are awfully 'gentle' we start with their life story. Renray is the son of a mafia capo.
And Karina ( I love her name! 🎉)
Admittedly comes from a more 'relaxed' 'simplicity'.
Karina, already 9 years old, in love with Bernieri.
He is the man of her life.
He is the love of her life.
He watches over her.
Make sure she has her place.
You, its amenities. Man !!!! such a man 😬
Admittedly, when she discovers something horrible that Renray is responsible for. She no longer believes in him.
He broke her heart. Age, awfully young 💔
Personally, I thought about it and said, at a very young age to experience such a thing is trauma.
“Blood means nothing. Family means nothing. Doesn't change the fact that people disappoint you. "
Over the years. She cares for her father. To her family. She works in a restaurant under a headdress (blue wig) and a waitress. Earning a living.
But her world reverses when, she discovers that the restaurant where she works enters the person she was afraid of. The person she sees, fractures, cracks, and one broken heart. 💔
Renray, he also comes from an unsettling past that has.
Nick has always been by his side. Take care of him like a brother.
Karina, has always been the love of his life.
And he's sorry. He has the option of repeating it.
But, can he really give him a second chance?
I loved his character terribly. It was simple and uncomplicated. And that's a smart move, as a short novella.
But, I still felt his pain.
The remorse he wants to tell her.
To tell her total that he loves her.
Admittedly, the story itself is very simple. Without much complexity. And I absolutely loved him. He was light. He came right on the spot.
Parker’s writing is exceptional. I'm officially hooked on her. All the plot and research she does is amazing to me. At the beginning of a chapter, it brings us a sentence that connects us to the chapter, the scene.
It was just magical to me.
"I deserve better." "Yes, you do. You deserve everything. ”
In summary, I really liked the book. The couple there are durable and stable. There were really great sections! ❤😱
The plot is built as 'Slow Burn' Slowly we get the shape. And break the walls.
I love books like that. With power. Not to give up on what really is, but really. Lovers ❤
August 17, 2018
English/ spanish version
I loved this story of Ranieri and Carina. The author hooks you from the first page and practically inhaled the pages.
I love mafia stories and this was very entertaining. I love Ranieri madly, he is such a beautiful character because he also sacrifices his own happiness for Carina's. He is sexy, tender and so sweet despite belonging to the mafia, I also loved his dominant side.
Carina is a girl who has had a hard life and very few friends, and works as a waitress in a night club. Ranieri was his best friend for several years and for circumstances that she does not know he stopped talking and did not see him again. But now he's back wanting to get involved in her life again.
I love their scenes together, their conversations and how in spite of the time they have not forgotten each other, I love how tender Ranieri is with Carina ... Ahhh had me sighing tirelessly, and as in spite of everything, attraction and sexual tension is present in every moment that you are together.
The author gives us a well-elaborated story, with a stable step and some twists that you do not see coming. It's my first book by the author but it will not be the last.
Highly recommended for lovers of the stories of friends to lovers like me!
Me encantó esta historia de Ranieri y Carina. La autora te engancha desde la primera página y prácticamente inhalé las páginas.
Me encantan las historias de mafia y esta fue muy entretenida. Amé locamente a Ranieri, es un personaje tan bello porque además sacrifica su propia felicidad por la de Carina. Es sexy, tierno y tan dulce a pesar de pertenecer a la mafia, además me encantó su lado dominante.
Carina es una chica que ha tenido una vida dura y muy pocos amigos, y trabaja de mesera en un night club. Ranieri era su mejor amigo por varios años y por circunstancias que ella desconoce le dejó de hablar y no lo volvió a ver. Pero ahora está de vuelta queriendo involucrarse en su vida de nuevo.
Me encantan sus escenas juntos, sus conversaciones y como a pesar del tiempo ninguno se ha olvidado, me encanta lo tierno que es Ranieri con Carina…. Ahhh me tuvo suspirando incansablemente, y como a pesar de todo, la atracción y la tensión sexual está presente en cada momento que están juntos.
La autora nos entrega una historia bien elaborada, con un paso estable y algunos giros que no ves venir. Es mi primer libro de la autora pero no será el último.
Muy recomendado para los amantes de las historias de amigos a amantes como yo!
I loved this story of Ranieri and Carina. The author hooks you from the first page and practically inhaled the pages.
I love mafia stories and this was very entertaining. I love Ranieri madly, he is such a beautiful character because he also sacrifices his own happiness for Carina's. He is sexy, tender and so sweet despite belonging to the mafia, I also loved his dominant side.
Carina is a girl who has had a hard life and very few friends, and works as a waitress in a night club. Ranieri was his best friend for several years and for circumstances that she does not know he stopped talking and did not see him again. But now he's back wanting to get involved in her life again.
I love their scenes together, their conversations and how in spite of the time they have not forgotten each other, I love how tender Ranieri is with Carina ... Ahhh had me sighing tirelessly, and as in spite of everything, attraction and sexual tension is present in every moment that you are together.
The author gives us a well-elaborated story, with a stable step and some twists that you do not see coming. It's my first book by the author but it will not be the last.
Highly recommended for lovers of the stories of friends to lovers like me!
Me encantó esta historia de Ranieri y Carina. La autora te engancha desde la primera página y prácticamente inhalé las páginas.
Me encantan las historias de mafia y esta fue muy entretenida. Amé locamente a Ranieri, es un personaje tan bello porque además sacrifica su propia felicidad por la de Carina. Es sexy, tierno y tan dulce a pesar de pertenecer a la mafia, además me encantó su lado dominante.
Carina es una chica que ha tenido una vida dura y muy pocos amigos, y trabaja de mesera en un night club. Ranieri era su mejor amigo por varios años y por circunstancias que ella desconoce le dejó de hablar y no lo volvió a ver. Pero ahora está de vuelta queriendo involucrarse en su vida de nuevo.
Me encantan sus escenas juntos, sus conversaciones y como a pesar del tiempo ninguno se ha olvidado, me encanta lo tierno que es Ranieri con Carina…. Ahhh me tuvo suspirando incansablemente, y como a pesar de todo, la atracción y la tensión sexual está presente en cada momento que están juntos.
La autora nos entrega una historia bien elaborada, con un paso estable y algunos giros que no ves venir. Es mi primer libro de la autora pero no será el último.
Muy recomendado para los amantes de las historias de amigos a amantes como yo!
February 8, 2020
this was embarrassing, even for miss Huntington. this was the 5th book of hers that I've read and I instantly knew I wouldn't love it. I kept going because I wanted to give it at least a chance. I loved Renata and Damiano's characters, even tho I wasn't a fan of their book and thought this might be a similar situation. on top of that, it was just a novella, and I ended up skimming the last 20% because I did not give a single fuck about either main character.
but man was I wrong. both main characters were horrid and it reminded me why I don't do second chance romance. or in this case, second-hand romance riddled with plot holes and contradictions. at one point the heroine internally monologues about how small her tits are just for the hero to contradict it with his monologue about how fully and bouncy they are.
the story was deus ex machina. oh, need some extra drama? blame it on the parents. this is the 5th book where Huntington did it and it's fucking annoying.
it read itself like a Wattpad fanfiction. started with a playlist full of badly aged songs and another of her lengthy, bizarre ''u go to hell if u read a pirated version of my book'' forewords. how ridiculous and childish. on top of that, there they were again, the unnecessary and unrelated random quotes at the beginning of each chapter. loud words for someone who writes unoriginal wanna be shades of grey cash grab after cash grab where nothing happens besides surreal drama and immature fighting.
the heroine was a sad and insecure idiot. had the personality of a doormat. homeboy walked all over her, broke her heart and threw her aside like garbage. but sis was always willing to give him another chance and acted as the female equivalent of a sloppy seconds/cuck.
the desperation of that stupid cow had me shook since she seemed to BEG for another heartbreak, which she got. sis didn't seem to possess an ounce of self-respect and her ramblings of how she deserved better than him made her look like a fool since she instantly spread her legs and gave in like a panting dog. this is not me slut-shaming, this is me calling the author out for writing such a pathetic, lazy character. the other characters in her series were never so weak!!
the hero repulsed me. he as an unlikeable, arrogant bastard who abandoned her, cucked her and played with her feelings and made her life a living hell because he was jealous. but it's all swell because his shitty behavior was ''redeemed'' because he did it to ''protect'' her :))
he gave me weird stalker vibes and reminded me of joe from YOU. I outright expected him to kill off the heroines new best friend that replaced him. dude would have given Joe a run for his money.
having to read the flashback chapters and the present chapters back to back was infuriating.
we saw how he treated her like shit and how uwu sad she was and then woosh a chapter where that annoyingly cocky fuck throws money and promotions at her and lures her out of the city under the pretense of them having to attend a nonexistent business meeting. just because he wanted to spend time with her / tried to get her back. and the dumb cow ate it right up.
now to the story... spoiler. I have to bitch.
what. the. fuck.
¨
they were childhood best friends, totally in love with each other and everyone assumed they dated. and because her horrid mother couldn't keep her legs closed around heros father, just to realize years after she left the family that she's LONELY and that she wants to come back, heroines fool of a father got financially ruined by the mafia via them demanding protection payment for his store. which he paid until he couldn't. which ended in heroine and hero witnessing big bad mafia man smashing his fingers as a warning. which led to heroine being the big mad at hero for not stopping big bad mafia man because hes the goddamn mafia prince. which ended in her sending him away which resulted in him never forgiving her, socially alienating her, dating her bully and allowing the entire student body to bully and torment her. but oh shock! plot twist! heros father told him he'd stop requesting protection payment from heroines father if hero stayed away from heroine.
... what.
so we are told it's not his fault. well, HOW ABOUT THE FACT THAT ONLY STARTED TO ALLOW THE OPEN BULLYING ONCE HEROINE MADE A NEW GUY FRIEND???? HOW PATHETIC MUST ONE BE????
so he claims he loves her, and tells her so, in a heartfelt scene where they have their first kiss in ''their'' public park during a rainstorm. would be cute, right? well NO!! he ignored the bitch ass cuck for one and a half year and made a show of making out with her worst school bully like an hour ago!!! and that dumb cow goes all uwu big love and get her heart broken AGAIN the day after when she realizes nothing changed and that he just had her way with her and didn't even acknowledge the kiss.
SO YEARS LATER SHE FALLS FOR THAT BITCH ASS AGAIN??
and years later he decides to waltz back into her life and harass her into spending time with her! because that is what happened! he kept true to his promise ''to fix it all'' when realized what a fuck up she ended to be, two times college drop out, waitressing in a strip club to pay for her father's stupid failing grocery store. he BOUGHT HER WORKPLACE, deceived her and fucked her knock off Christian grey style with ''kinky'' bondage.
and of course, nothing is our hero's fault uwu he cannot do anything wrong uwuwuwu and every other male on planet earth is somewhat deceiving. what they did to brody was disgusting. first of all, to make him fall in love with her was a pathetic move and how she reacted was even worse. she suspected as a teen that he had feelings for her and later on she was super shook.
the entire penpal thing where teen hero and heroine wrote each other love letters made me laugh out loud. the plot twist brody stealing the replies from hero out of her locker before she saw them even was hilariously cliche. it's not enough to have a scene where the heroine rejects the only decent man in her life no it's necessary to annihilate his character and destroy their friendship. of course, I'd keep stolen love letters in a conveniently located and easily accessible box for the heroine to find in times of emotional turmoil. drives her right back in the arms of that pathetic fuck of a hero. if I were in the position of that naive fuck I'd be glad to have a friend like brody. who supported me since day one and tried to shelter me from being taken advantage of again.
but man was I wrong. both main characters were horrid and it reminded me why I don't do second chance romance. or in this case, second-hand romance riddled with plot holes and contradictions. at one point the heroine internally monologues about how small her tits are just for the hero to contradict it with his monologue about how fully and bouncy they are.
the story was deus ex machina. oh, need some extra drama? blame it on the parents. this is the 5th book where Huntington did it and it's fucking annoying.
it read itself like a Wattpad fanfiction. started with a playlist full of badly aged songs and another of her lengthy, bizarre ''u go to hell if u read a pirated version of my book'' forewords. how ridiculous and childish. on top of that, there they were again, the unnecessary and unrelated random quotes at the beginning of each chapter. loud words for someone who writes unoriginal wanna be shades of grey cash grab after cash grab where nothing happens besides surreal drama and immature fighting.
the heroine was a sad and insecure idiot. had the personality of a doormat. homeboy walked all over her, broke her heart and threw her aside like garbage. but sis was always willing to give him another chance and acted as the female equivalent of a sloppy seconds/cuck.
the desperation of that stupid cow had me shook since she seemed to BEG for another heartbreak, which she got. sis didn't seem to possess an ounce of self-respect and her ramblings of how she deserved better than him made her look like a fool since she instantly spread her legs and gave in like a panting dog. this is not me slut-shaming, this is me calling the author out for writing such a pathetic, lazy character. the other characters in her series were never so weak!!
the hero repulsed me. he as an unlikeable, arrogant bastard who abandoned her, cucked her and played with her feelings and made her life a living hell because he was jealous. but it's all swell because his shitty behavior was ''redeemed'' because he did it to ''protect'' her :))
he gave me weird stalker vibes and reminded me of joe from YOU. I outright expected him to kill off the heroines new best friend that replaced him. dude would have given Joe a run for his money.
having to read the flashback chapters and the present chapters back to back was infuriating.
we saw how he treated her like shit and how uwu sad she was and then woosh a chapter where that annoyingly cocky fuck throws money and promotions at her and lures her out of the city under the pretense of them having to attend a nonexistent business meeting. just because he wanted to spend time with her / tried to get her back. and the dumb cow ate it right up.
now to the story... spoiler. I have to bitch.
what. the. fuck.
¨
they were childhood best friends, totally in love with each other and everyone assumed they dated. and because her horrid mother couldn't keep her legs closed around heros father, just to realize years after she left the family that she's LONELY and that she wants to come back, heroines fool of a father got financially ruined by the mafia via them demanding protection payment for his store. which he paid until he couldn't. which ended in heroine and hero witnessing big bad mafia man smashing his fingers as a warning. which led to heroine being the big mad at hero for not stopping big bad mafia man because hes the goddamn mafia prince. which ended in her sending him away which resulted in him never forgiving her, socially alienating her, dating her bully and allowing the entire student body to bully and torment her. but oh shock! plot twist! heros father told him he'd stop requesting protection payment from heroines father if hero stayed away from heroine.
... what.
so we are told it's not his fault. well, HOW ABOUT THE FACT THAT ONLY STARTED TO ALLOW THE OPEN BULLYING ONCE HEROINE MADE A NEW GUY FRIEND???? HOW PATHETIC MUST ONE BE????
so he claims he loves her, and tells her so, in a heartfelt scene where they have their first kiss in ''their'' public park during a rainstorm. would be cute, right? well NO!! he ignored the bitch ass cuck for one and a half year and made a show of making out with her worst school bully like an hour ago!!! and that dumb cow goes all uwu big love and get her heart broken AGAIN the day after when she realizes nothing changed and that he just had her way with her and didn't even acknowledge the kiss.
SO YEARS LATER SHE FALLS FOR THAT BITCH ASS AGAIN??
and years later he decides to waltz back into her life and harass her into spending time with her! because that is what happened! he kept true to his promise ''to fix it all'' when realized what a fuck up she ended to be, two times college drop out, waitressing in a strip club to pay for her father's stupid failing grocery store. he BOUGHT HER WORKPLACE, deceived her and fucked her knock off Christian grey style with ''kinky'' bondage.
and of course, nothing is our hero's fault uwu he cannot do anything wrong uwuwuwu and every other male on planet earth is somewhat deceiving. what they did to brody was disgusting. first of all, to make him fall in love with her was a pathetic move and how she reacted was even worse. she suspected as a teen that he had feelings for her and later on she was super shook.
the entire penpal thing where teen hero and heroine wrote each other love letters made me laugh out loud. the plot twist brody stealing the replies from hero out of her locker before she saw them even was hilariously cliche. it's not enough to have a scene where the heroine rejects the only decent man in her life no it's necessary to annihilate his character and destroy their friendship. of course, I'd keep stolen love letters in a conveniently located and easily accessible box for the heroine to find in times of emotional turmoil. drives her right back in the arms of that pathetic fuck of a hero. if I were in the position of that naive fuck I'd be glad to have a friend like brody. who supported me since day one and tried to shelter me from being taken advantage of again.
July 3, 2019
Ranieri Andretti and Carina Gallo were best friends since they were little kids.
But when they were freshmen in high school, something terrible happened and their friendship was no more... although they still loved one another.
Fast forward seven years, both 25 years old...
although both still loved each other, Carina remembers the bullying she endured and Rani did absolutely nothing to stop it!... but secrets are revealed ... big AWFUL secrets as to why Rani turned his back on Carina and it involved none other than her missing mom, and her loving dad! The secrets that really put a wedge between their friendship and love!
But Rani no quitter and he now owns The Down and Dirty strip club where Carina works further making him her new boss!!
Also, Rani is the boss over the Andretti mafia and wants a second chance with Carina Gallo and will have it at all costs!
Another worthy goodread with a memorable HEA!
On to Bastiano Romano's story!
4 worthy second chances stars!!!!!
But when they were freshmen in high school, something terrible happened and their friendship was no more... although they still loved one another.
Fast forward seven years, both 25 years old...
although both still loved each other, Carina remembers the bullying she endured and Rani did absolutely nothing to stop it!... but secrets are revealed ... big AWFUL secrets as to why Rani turned his back on Carina and it involved none other than her missing mom, and her loving dad! The secrets that really put a wedge between their friendship and love!
But Rani no quitter and he now owns The Down and Dirty strip club where Carina works further making him her new boss!!
Also, Rani is the boss over the Andretti mafia and wants a second chance with Carina Gallo and will have it at all costs!
Another worthy goodread with a memorable HEA!
On to Bastiano Romano's story!
4 worthy second chances stars!!!!!
August 5, 2018
A Review of Ranieri Andretti by Parker S. Huntington
Carina and Ranieri - 4.5 Stars
Such an awesome story about the pressures our teens go through with peer pressure and all the many issues that they can face. I was a Carina when I was in high school, so I felt her pain on a different level than someone that has never had to live that type of pain. Well worth the time to read and get an understanding of what can happen.
**Honest review voluntarily provided from a Complimentary Copy**
Carina and Ranieri - 4.5 Stars
Such an awesome story about the pressures our teens go through with peer pressure and all the many issues that they can face. I was a Carina when I was in high school, so I felt her pain on a different level than someone that has never had to live that type of pain. Well worth the time to read and get an understanding of what can happen.
**Honest review voluntarily provided from a Complimentary Copy**
March 30, 2020
I'm a sucker for a second chance romance. Ranie and Camila were just like Romeo and Juliet and that story line fit so well. I usually don't love romances where the boy pushes the girl away for her own good, but for some reason this one worked. Maybe it was the mafia influence, it made it a little more real for me instead of just a kid thinking he knew what was best for the girl he loved. I really like novellas, and usually am happy with the size of them, but I did find myself wanting a little more of these two.
August 16, 2018
3.5 stars rounded up.
Ranie (Ranieri) Andretti and Carina Gallo were best friends, singular in their own little world, their own bubble. Until one day while in high school, Ranie ghosted her. So she sat alone at school and the bullies tormented her. She wondered what had happened, why Ranie deserted her and left her to the bullies and the mean girls. Her heart was broken but a new guy in school, Brody, eventually took Ranie's place as Carina's best friend. But Brody never took Ranie's place in her heart as the person she loved, was in love with. Now, 11 years later, she's a hardened, unhappy person just whiling away the time as a cocktail waitress at a strip club. She lives in a dingy studio right next to her father's studio. When Ranie walks into her strip club and requests her presence, she knows she's doomed because she's never gotten over him, never gotten closure, still lives with the scar of what he did to her. Will she ever get closure from him? Will he ever explain why he deserted her?
Ranie may have left her all those years ago, but he has good (not really) reasons for what he did to her. Seeing her at the strip club is a shock for him. Not really because he knew she worked there, but it's still a shock to see her so obviously unhappy, so obviously not in a good place in her life plan. And now he is determined to get his Gallo back. If he has to pay double what he would normally would for this terrible little club, just so he can be near her, he'll do it. He'll do anything to get his Gallo back. But, she's not making it easy on him because she demands an explanation, and as he explains to her, it's not his secret to tell. So they're at an impasse. Will these two ever get their second chance? Or will Gallo forever deny him until she gets an explanation he can't (won't) give her?
Sigh...this story really frustrated me. I enjoyed it in places, and I fell in love with Ranie and Gallo, especially Gallo, but it was a little lacking in connection for me. Not connection between the two leads, that part is fine, but connection in explanation, in backstory. Ranie's reason for leaving Gallo was a bit um, anticlimactic for my tastes. And not really valid I don't think. He could have easily have given her a reason back then, he just chose not to.
I wanted more relationship development. I wanted a lot more filling in of the blanks. And I wanted a lot more of them together as a couple. I do like the epilogue and I think the basic story is good. But I guess what I am saying is that because this is a novella, it definitely wasn't developed well enough for me. I have a feeling if this were a full length novel, I would have loved it. As it's written, though, it's just lacking a tad. And it's also Mafia-lite, as I'll call it. It's not really full on Mafia love. There's very little violence (whether or not that's good or bad, I'll leave up to you) and not much of the actual Mafia type dealings. There are a few mentions of things like laundering and hits, but not much else. So don't be expecting something like the Mafia stories Bethany-Kris puts out, because it's not really about that here.
If you like sweet second chances, this is the story for you. However, if you want a full length, heavy on the Mafia, romance, then I'd look elsewhere.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ranie (Ranieri) Andretti and Carina Gallo were best friends, singular in their own little world, their own bubble. Until one day while in high school, Ranie ghosted her. So she sat alone at school and the bullies tormented her. She wondered what had happened, why Ranie deserted her and left her to the bullies and the mean girls. Her heart was broken but a new guy in school, Brody, eventually took Ranie's place as Carina's best friend. But Brody never took Ranie's place in her heart as the person she loved, was in love with. Now, 11 years later, she's a hardened, unhappy person just whiling away the time as a cocktail waitress at a strip club. She lives in a dingy studio right next to her father's studio. When Ranie walks into her strip club and requests her presence, she knows she's doomed because she's never gotten over him, never gotten closure, still lives with the scar of what he did to her. Will she ever get closure from him? Will he ever explain why he deserted her?
Ranie may have left her all those years ago, but he has good (not really) reasons for what he did to her. Seeing her at the strip club is a shock for him. Not really because he knew she worked there, but it's still a shock to see her so obviously unhappy, so obviously not in a good place in her life plan. And now he is determined to get his Gallo back. If he has to pay double what he would normally would for this terrible little club, just so he can be near her, he'll do it. He'll do anything to get his Gallo back. But, she's not making it easy on him because she demands an explanation, and as he explains to her, it's not his secret to tell. So they're at an impasse. Will these two ever get their second chance? Or will Gallo forever deny him until she gets an explanation he can't (won't) give her?
Sigh...this story really frustrated me. I enjoyed it in places, and I fell in love with Ranie and Gallo, especially Gallo, but it was a little lacking in connection for me. Not connection between the two leads, that part is fine, but connection in explanation, in backstory. Ranie's reason for leaving Gallo was a bit um, anticlimactic for my tastes. And not really valid I don't think. He could have easily have given her a reason back then, he just chose not to.
I wanted more relationship development. I wanted a lot more filling in of the blanks. And I wanted a lot more of them together as a couple. I do like the epilogue and I think the basic story is good. But I guess what I am saying is that because this is a novella, it definitely wasn't developed well enough for me. I have a feeling if this were a full length novel, I would have loved it. As it's written, though, it's just lacking a tad. And it's also Mafia-lite, as I'll call it. It's not really full on Mafia love. There's very little violence (whether or not that's good or bad, I'll leave up to you) and not much of the actual Mafia type dealings. There are a few mentions of things like laundering and hits, but not much else. So don't be expecting something like the Mafia stories Bethany-Kris puts out, because it's not really about that here.
If you like sweet second chances, this is the story for you. However, if you want a full length, heavy on the Mafia, romance, then I'd look elsewhere.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 2, 2019
3,8 *
Audiobook review:
My first mafia novella. I shouldn't call it mafia with the power of the word, because like Romeo and Juliet, the love was there, yet, more than the crime and the violence. This was not that story. It was not a tale of the Princess and the Dragon either. If you're looking for the mafia thrill you have to look elsewhere, but if you like a little suspense and second chance romance then this is your cup of tea and I'll recommend.
For me, it was too light... to waste your adult life trapped in the childhood nonsense mistakes of a past. I wish I'd learn more about the characters. They were both weak in my opinion. Weak as friends, weak as family, weak as lovers.
Without spoiling it all, I think something was lacking although there were good flashbacks in the story.
Maybe this is it, because it's a novella.
I wish the story had more strong characters who would fight for each other. Misunderstandings and mix communication from teenagers will fade after some years. When you grow up, you find how silly you were those days and you move on. Dropping out everything you've dream about is wrong, If you don't have the gut then don't play.
About the narration, I feel the female narrator had the party going, the male narrator was slower. Got into my nerves a few times but overall it was good.
Audiobook review:
My first mafia novella. I shouldn't call it mafia with the power of the word, because like Romeo and Juliet, the love was there, yet, more than the crime and the violence. This was not that story. It was not a tale of the Princess and the Dragon either. If you're looking for the mafia thrill you have to look elsewhere, but if you like a little suspense and second chance romance then this is your cup of tea and I'll recommend.
For me, it was too light... to waste your adult life trapped in the childhood nonsense mistakes of a past. I wish I'd learn more about the characters. They were both weak in my opinion. Weak as friends, weak as family, weak as lovers.
Without spoiling it all, I think something was lacking although there were good flashbacks in the story.
Maybe this is it, because it's a novella.
I wish the story had more strong characters who would fight for each other. Misunderstandings and mix communication from teenagers will fade after some years. When you grow up, you find how silly you were those days and you move on. Dropping out everything you've dream about is wrong, If you don't have the gut then don't play.
About the narration, I feel the female narrator had the party going, the male narrator was slower. Got into my nerves a few times but overall it was good.
February 23, 2021
Ranie and Carina’s story is so much more romantic than the other stories. Their childhood friendship turned into adult love, and everything in between added to the end result.
The flashbacks between the past and the present really help explain the dynamics of their relationship and the history that they share. It gives you insight into why they are the way they are: in love but denying it.
Seeing Ranie in Niccolaio’s story, I wasn’t sure what his story was going to be like or if I would like him at all. He is so romantic and so dreamy, I couldn’t not like him even if I tried. He did what he thought was best and put his own feelings aside for the girl he loves.
I would have loved to see more of Carina. She came off as kind of needy and caved to Ranie’s every will but I think behind that she was a lot stronger than what was portrayed. She was also very romantic and her love for Ranie shone through in everything she did.
I wish there was more, the storyline was great and the attention to detail was amazing. If it was longer story and went a little more in depth it would be one of my favorites.
The flashbacks between the past and the present really help explain the dynamics of their relationship and the history that they share. It gives you insight into why they are the way they are: in love but denying it.
Seeing Ranie in Niccolaio’s story, I wasn’t sure what his story was going to be like or if I would like him at all. He is so romantic and so dreamy, I couldn’t not like him even if I tried. He did what he thought was best and put his own feelings aside for the girl he loves.
I would have loved to see more of Carina. She came off as kind of needy and caved to Ranie’s every will but I think behind that she was a lot stronger than what was portrayed. She was also very romantic and her love for Ranie shone through in everything she did.
I wish there was more, the storyline was great and the attention to detail was amazing. If it was longer story and went a little more in depth it would be one of my favorites.
August 3, 2018
❤️🌼🔥ROMEO AND JULIET HAVE NOTHING ON RANIE AND GALLO❤️🌼🔥
I have to admit, many novellas seem rushed, hurried and do not satisfy me as a reader... RANIERI ANDRETTI is not one of those novellas....In fact, I t’s one of the BEST novellas I’ve ever had the privilege of reading...I didn’t feel cheated, due to the length...in my opinion, it was the perfect length with every obstacle crossed..❤️🌼🔥
I fell in love with “Ranie” Andretti and Carina “Gallo” from the beginning...I could feel their heat, their pain, their frustrations and always their love...It is a modern-day Romeo and Juliet, except no one dies at the end.....❤️🌼🔥
RANIERI ANDRETTI has made me miss Parker S. Huntington’s writing.... She is such a talented author, and this novella makes me even more excited for her next book, BASTIANO ROMANO....❤️🌼🔥
I have to admit, many novellas seem rushed, hurried and do not satisfy me as a reader... RANIERI ANDRETTI is not one of those novellas....In fact, I t’s one of the BEST novellas I’ve ever had the privilege of reading...I didn’t feel cheated, due to the length...in my opinion, it was the perfect length with every obstacle crossed..❤️🌼🔥
I fell in love with “Ranie” Andretti and Carina “Gallo” from the beginning...I could feel their heat, their pain, their frustrations and always their love...It is a modern-day Romeo and Juliet, except no one dies at the end.....❤️🌼🔥
RANIERI ANDRETTI has made me miss Parker S. Huntington’s writing.... She is such a talented author, and this novella makes me even more excited for her next book, BASTIANO ROMANO....❤️🌼🔥
August 3, 2018
PS: Parker, I lied! <3
Where to start? If you love mafia books, this author and this series is hands down one of the best out there. Ranie’s story was a long time coming and had to be told. I read it in one sitting. The raw emotion and passion in this book was off the charts! Parker has the ability to put true feelings on a page and have them reach up, snake around you and squeeze a myriad of emotions out of you. I’m gutted and happy at the same time! 5 out of 5 stars. Highly recommend this series, this Author, this book! Parker will fast become your automatic go to Author to read!
Where to start? If you love mafia books, this author and this series is hands down one of the best out there. Ranie’s story was a long time coming and had to be told. I read it in one sitting. The raw emotion and passion in this book was off the charts! Parker has the ability to put true feelings on a page and have them reach up, snake around you and squeeze a myriad of emotions out of you. I’m gutted and happy at the same time! 5 out of 5 stars. Highly recommend this series, this Author, this book! Parker will fast become your automatic go to Author to read!
August 6, 2018
This is a new author to me and subsequently this is the first book I have read. This is one of a series and if the others are as good as this I will be reading all of them. This is an excellent Mafia book and has everything a good story needs. The characterization of the characters and their interaction is second to none and loved the romance. This is a second chance romance and has intrigue and blackmail, making for an exciting story. The story is told in flashbacks which is a very effective way of explaining the past story. This is an excellent read and highly recommended.
December 4, 2018
POV: Dual
#childhoodfriends #enemies #secondchances
#mafiaromance
This is the second book I've read from this author. A quick wee novella, too quick. Second chances. Mafia romance. Carina and Ranieri were childhood best friends. Then all of a sudden Ranieri pushes Carina away. Dissolving their friendship (but both still loving each other from afar). Then 11yrs have past and he's her new boss. Trying to prove himself to win her trust back. Can they get past all the secrets? And make amends?
#childhoodfriends #enemies #secondchances
#mafiaromance
This is the second book I've read from this author. A quick wee novella, too quick. Second chances. Mafia romance. Carina and Ranieri were childhood best friends. Then all of a sudden Ranieri pushes Carina away. Dissolving their friendship (but both still loving each other from afar). Then 11yrs have past and he's her new boss. Trying to prove himself to win her trust back. Can they get past all the secrets? And make amends?
July 31, 2018
High school best friends? Check!
Star-crossed lovers? Check!
Steamy goodness? Check!!
Second chance at love? Check check!
I cannot gush about this author's work enough. I fell in love with the writing style from book one (Asher Black - read it, read it, read it!) & the stories just keep getting better!
I loved both Ranie & Carina, and was rooting for them throughout their story. They're torn apart by circumstances outside their control, but their love never dies. And as soon as Ranie is able, when fate gives him a second chance, he pulls out all the stops to get his heart back. He's lived his life protecting Carina, even when it meant giving her up. And as much as she thinks it would be easier to hate him, her heart has never given up on him.
Two thumbs up for this quick read! Especially the ending - SWOON!!! : )
Star-crossed lovers? Check!
Steamy goodness? Check!!
Second chance at love? Check check!
I cannot gush about this author's work enough. I fell in love with the writing style from book one (Asher Black - read it, read it, read it!) & the stories just keep getting better!
I loved both Ranie & Carina, and was rooting for them throughout their story. They're torn apart by circumstances outside their control, but their love never dies. And as soon as Ranie is able, when fate gives him a second chance, he pulls out all the stops to get his heart back. He's lived his life protecting Carina, even when it meant giving her up. And as much as she thinks it would be easier to hate him, her heart has never given up on him.
Two thumbs up for this quick read! Especially the ending - SWOON!!! : )
August 1, 2018
Finally I get to read a little more about Ranieri and see that while he is still the head of the Mafia in his area, there is more to him than just the man who put a hit out on his brother. This Novella gives us a good insight into what formed this powerful, charismatic man in flashbacks between "present" day to when he was in High School and he met his one true love, Carina. This modern day Romeo and Juliet is a quick and easy read that will quickly hook you and have you wanting to read all the other great books by Parker S. Huntington.
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest and totally voluntary review.
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest and totally voluntary review.
December 29, 2021
This was so cute to me. Ok I mean it’s not like kid type of “cute” but it was that lasting love type of cute.
I loved both main characters. I loved this little novella. I am so happy the author didn’t make it insta love. It may seem that way but it’s years upon years of friendship and love. I thought it was written very well. And to the point. I liked it.
5.0 star rating.
I loved both main characters. I loved this little novella. I am so happy the author didn’t make it insta love. It may seem that way but it’s years upon years of friendship and love. I thought it was written very well. And to the point. I liked it.
5.0 star rating.
July 31, 2018
You are always guaranteed a fantastic read from this author. This book has it all, blackmail, betrayal and flashbacks. This is a mafia second chance romance story. Each one of the books in this series just keep getting better and better the more you read. This is a quick novella but the author packs a lot into the pages. I can't wait to read more in this series and by this author in the future.
Highly recommended series
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book
www.obsessedbookreviews.blogspot.co.uk
Highly recommended series
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book
www.obsessedbookreviews.blogspot.co.uk
August 17, 2019
I am loving Parker Huntington's books. She's a new author to me and I love the way she writes and how she brings her stories to life.
This is a second chance Mafia novella. And who doesn't love a good story that will have you on the edge of your seat with a hot guy going after the girl that got a way when he was a teen. This was a quick sexy read.
I listened to the audio of this book. I thought Desiree did an amazing job. But I will be honest I really wasn't a fan of Jeremy for the male narrator for this book.
I can't wait to read or listen to more of Huntington's books.
This is a second chance Mafia novella. And who doesn't love a good story that will have you on the edge of your seat with a hot guy going after the girl that got a way when he was a teen. This was a quick sexy read.
I listened to the audio of this book. I thought Desiree did an amazing job. But I will be honest I really wasn't a fan of Jeremy for the male narrator for this book.
I can't wait to read or listen to more of Huntington's books.
September 4, 2019
I think it could've been more in depth. The emotions could have been portrayed stronger. Other then that it was good. It had more promise I think. I would recommend it was good enough for a read all the way through and it is part of a series.
August 10, 2018
They had been so much but then it all changed. They never ever expected to see each other again. But he is her new boss and as much as they try to hate each other they just cannot do it. Will they give it another go? Can it work out this time? See if it will
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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