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In the Ring 2: A Dario Caivano Novel

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You’d think after all that I’ve been through, the universe would show me a bit of mercy. I get that shit happens in life, and that it’s not always going to go in a person’s favor. But damn. At the beginning, I was on top of the world as the heavyweight champion. Undefeated, at that. And with the world at my feet, I was just kind of on autopilot. It was all about the octagon, the fame it brought with it, and the plethora of women that came as a part of that package. Relationships were not on my radar. I wasn’t interested in being committed to anyone or anything—outside the ring. However, that all changed when I met Chanel Norwood. She filled a void that I didn’t even know was there. Beautiful, smart, driven, and everything I could ask for in a woman. I fell quick, and I fell hard. I wanted to protect her, make her happy . . . make her mine. It didn’t hurt that she also came with an extra bonus, in the way of family. My cousin, Lucas, who was like a brother to me, was murdered when we were teenagers. He died in my arms. To my family’s surprise, a part of Lucas lived. That amazing “part”, was brought by way of this amazing woman that I fell in love with. Life was fantastic. But just months after I retired from the ring, and decided to focus on family and business ventures, the unthinkable happened. Chanel was kidnapped. Grabbed from a mall parking lot in broad daylight! I lost it. The fact that they even put their hands on her infuriated me. I couldn’t think straight. I wanted heads! What was I going to tell, Rai, her son? Her mother? My family? How was I supposed to feel when I wasn’t there to protect the woman I loved, when she needed me the most? Once I was able to wrap my mind around it all, I knew exactly where to start. It was there, that I found out the severity of the situation. They had taken Chanel because they wanted me—back in the ring. They wanted me out of retirement, and only then would Chanel be released. I don’t do well with ultimatums. My preference would’ve been to take it to the streets . . . right THEN and right THERE. Hand-to-hand, no gloves. Nothing clean, all gutter, and no Refs. But control wasn’t mine. I couldn’t dictate the way this situation played out. I had to follow their rules. All I could do was answer the call. And that call would be answered, without hesitation, because my baby is worth fighting for. But after that call was answered, and I had Chanel back where she belonged, trust and fuckin’ believe that the story would get its own sequel. They didn’t quite think out exactly who they came for. I’d be willing to bet my entire existence, that they will now, though . . .

408 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 14, 2018

100 people are currently reading
21 people want to read

About the author

Perri Forrest

42 books177 followers
I had up my previous bio for years! It was nice and all, and gave details of my life. But it was so structured! And I’m kinda not. Because of that, I’ve decided to change it to something that really gives you a glimpse into who I am. Is that cool? K, good. So, here goes:

I’m a Bay Area girl. Cali is in my blood! I moved to Vegas in 2017 (No, I wasn’t following the Raiders!) to see how another way of life would be, after my only kid . . . the love of my life . . . decided he was joining the Marines. Can you believe that?! Sigh. Wait, deep sigh! I know some parents await the day for their kids to leave, not this Mama. That was my ace, my bestie in male form. I had to hit the reset button. But here I am. He’s thriving. I’m ‘trying’ to thrive. Lol! No, but really. This relocation was good because I’ve never lived away from home. So, I needed to grow, cultivate a little. It’s working for now.

I consider myself a novelist. And that’s because a novelist doesn’t just write in one genre. For the most part, I write #InterracialRomance, with a primary focus on #BWWM, as my leads. However, I have written a few novels that fell comfortably in the #AfricanAmericanFiction realm, showcasing some #BlackLove. In short, I love building stories. I like to say that I “spin #Sexy and #Suspense into a single web.” The two dynamics have to co-exist in my stories, or I’m bored. And you know if the author is bored with their own work, there’s a problem! Trust me, I’ve done plenty of rewrites when that’s happened.

On my literary journey, I just hope to always write the stories that women find relatable. Characters who are strong, but vulnerable when they need to be. Family-focused, and intelligent. Basically, mirror images of myself. Ironically, writing these characters, have helped me discover things about myself along the way. I think that’s why I write as often as I do. It’s almost like peeling back layers of me as I go. And to stop that process, kind of hits the pause button on me . . . my life . . . my existence. I have to be a moving machine at all times. Does that get stressful? Absolutely. But is it rewarding and are there many teachable moments? Absolutely!

Ever need me, reach out. Ever got questions, I’m never too busy to respond.

Peace & Blessings!
Perri

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5 stars
81 (67%)
4 stars
26 (21%)
3 stars
11 (9%)
2 stars
1 (<1%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Rosie.
1,669 reviews32 followers
January 6, 2019
3.5 Stars

***SPOILERS AHEAD***


I never warmed up to Chanel after what happened in Book One and I'm ambivalent about her in this unexpected Book Two.

For those that may not know, Chanel's sister Rochelle is Rai's birth mother, and his father was Lucas, cousin of Dario. I never agreed with the outcome or how the situation was handled with her nephew, Rai in Book One. Chanel had a sense of entitlement in regards to her nephew that was difficult for me to overcome -- perhaps, because Rai's mother, her sister is very much alive. Rochelle makes an appearance in this story and disappears just as quickly with no reunion with her sister or Rai -- even though this is supposed to be a story about love and family.

There were loose ends and unanswered questions, things were implied -- but not confirmed. As far as the treatment of Chanel during her kidnapping -- these were some of the nicest kidnappers I've ever encountered in reading.

The ending to this story was too abrupt.
Profile Image for Sassha Reads❤️❤️.
2,072 reviews21 followers
December 20, 2018
Good Book❤❤

I love the love that Dario has for Chanel and that he would do anything for her safety and to bring her back home. Dario also had a good relationship with Tai who happened to be Dario's deceased cousin's biological son. I love the closeness of Tai and Freddie from day one. The plot in this book was so good and suspenseful at the extent that Dex and Ace went to just to get Ace a fight with Dario to secure a bigger bag than he would've with poor Shane. Shane lost so much with the set up but at least he did get revenge on Ace in the end. Wayne made me angry for how long he went without telling Dario what was going on and I still question his loyalty because Dario still had to beat the truth out of him. Quinton was a true friend working with Giuseppe to bring Chanel home by any means necessary. I'm glad that Quinton and Tracie came to an understanding that they both were ready for more than friendship. I don't see this being the last time we will read about them😉😉 Dex and Ace found out to late that they messed with the wrong family because Giuseppe wasn't nothing to play with. I wanted Dario and Chanel to have a baby so bad. I thought that she was gonna be pregnant with talks of her cycle while she was in captivity. I know that Moose was dealt with but what happened to Dave? Did Shane's wife still file for divorce even though he was exonerated? What ever happened to Tyler's case against him for hurting Tai? Was the Black Guerrilla Family gang and the lieutenant Faison the ones that Ace was paying for Jakoby's protection or were they just friends of Jakoby? I loved the book but it left me with unanswered questions.
Profile Image for Arlena.
3,486 reviews1 follower
December 24, 2018
Title: In the Ring 2
Author: Perri Forrest
Publisher: P. F.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"In The Ring 2" by Perri Forrest

My Thoughts....

This was definitely a very captivated read that will keep your attention turning the pages to see what was coming next. The author really worked her magic in giving the reader a story that will not leave you guessing because it was all there in this story where we were given a little more from some of the characters from the first installment. I loved how Giuseppe who was from the 'old school' was brought in to tie up quite of few of the messes that had come upon his son. This definitely showed that you did not mess with the Giuseppe's family. This was quite a interesting read of how Dario and Chanel who fought for their love in the well paced action and suspenseful read. By the end all that is left to say is that everyone truly got what was coming to them such as it was for Dex and Ace. So glad to see that Dario and Chanel finally making it to their HEA.
Profile Image for Ally.
253 reviews16 followers
January 11, 2019
You don’t want to wake the beast!

That damn Dario Caivano is fierce! I must admit, I had to go back and read book one because it’s been awhile since I read it. But baaabaayyy!, it just made reading book two all the better!

Perri Forrest, I’m glad Dario took his time coming through because when he did, he showed up and showed out! Chanel held her own in this installment as well. Glad she didn’t become a wallflower. Just what Dario needs!

Now I’m sure we can get book three out of this. Especially with Detective Knight all up in his feelings. I can see him coming back for revenge.
Profile Image for TACORA MCCLUNEY.
2,538 reviews11 followers
August 1, 2019
A TKO

I thought I was in love with Dario in book one but in book two he officially became my book husband. I love how he loves Chanel and Rai. Dario felt like less than a man when he wasn't only unable to protect his cousin Luca but also the love of his life Chanel. He was forced out of retirement by someone who wasn't worthy enough to not only share the air they breathed but the ring, Ace. I bet all parties involved wished they would have went a different route because when Dario's dad Giuseppe came out he didn't come to play. Everyone got what they deserved, especially Dex. 💖💕
507 reviews8 followers
December 20, 2018
Don't mess with Chanel

I knew that this read would be well worth the lack sleep! My book boo Dario is all the man Chanel needs. It's as if they're the perfect balance for one another. These fools woke a sleeping giant. To see Giuseppe, Dario's dad step up and have to come out of retirement right along with his son, gave me all the chills. Giuseppe is one bad man. Don't fudge with family!
2,670 reviews23 followers
December 27, 2018
Good Story

This was truly a good follow-up to a really great story,it was so entertaining from the beginning to the end.The writer gives a good story with all the romance and action you want.I loved that we got such likable characters that you could relate and some of the problems they experience.You are getting a well developed storyline and the characters have good chemistry and are completely fleshed out.This was a good way to stay entertained.
1,217 reviews3 followers
January 7, 2019
Enjoyed book two as much as I did book one. There were many additional POVs from many characters but what remained is the love that Dario and Chanel had for each other.

Chanel loves her son so much I thought it was perfect that she made the call to him and went to him first. Just an amazing mom.

My response was Denise response re Chris Brown. That’s a no for me.

I really wish this book didn’t end
Profile Image for V. Rena.
1,662 reviews17 followers
January 13, 2019
Forever and always

Crooked-ness and greed lead Dario's opponents to take drastic measures to get him back into the ring. However, his enemies didn't know the links that his dad would go through to protect his son and his family. Giuseppe doesn't play at all when it comes to his family. Dario and Chanel see how quickly life can go from sugar to sh*t in the blink of an eye. So making the best of each moment leads to them committing forever and always with each other.
Profile Image for BreakingtheEpigraph.
1,294 reviews14 followers
March 11, 2019
It took me a while before I read this book, in the first book Chanel was not my favorite and I did not want to read more of the same. In this book, you could see the growth of the character. Dario's dad is no joke. Quintion and Tracie, characters we met in Rapture have supporting character appearances.
854 reviews3 followers
February 19, 2021
In the Ring 2: A Dario Caivano Novel

How many times does an individual have to say, “mess with my family .........”

How many ways does an individual say, “man up”

When will a person learn to not poke a sleeping bear

Greed will cause a multitude of dominoes to topple

If a match is what you want, learn proper etiquette

Simply Marvelous
Profile Image for Sophia Chase.
20 reviews1 follower
December 16, 2018
From beginning to end, this novel kept me captivated. There were so many details , it did not leave the reader guessing or making deductions. It was also great to go further in depth with characters from the first instalment. It was truly worth the wait!
Profile Image for Carolyn King.
2,445 reviews42 followers
December 19, 2018
Love Me Some Dario

Dario and Chanel were made for each other. They truly have love for one another. Dario papa wow. Don't mess with family. This book was so good. Perri can't wait for your next book.
14 reviews
December 21, 2018
Loved it!!!

Enough said! This book had me from the beginning. Had me all in my feelings, like wiping away tears in my feelings (Rai!!!). Loved how Dario took care of business and how Chanel was by his side no matter what. Get the book 😉
19 reviews
December 27, 2018
Amazing Book

I loved every minute of it. The family dynamics and the love they have for it each other is beautiful. Dario and his Dad are super alpha males who protect what’s theirs at all costs. Wonderful book.
Profile Image for Michelle.
892 reviews3 followers
January 12, 2019
Didn't think it could get any better than book one...

...I was so wrong. The heat was brought with book two. Why they had to go and bring the Caivano men out of retirement? You know that saying be careful what you wish for? Well these fools should have. Totally enjoyed it.
Profile Image for ADDIE GOVAN.
121 reviews
April 24, 2019
Worth The Wait

Ms. Forrest has yet again given us a greatbread. This storyline has so many layers that keeps you guessing and having you turn page after page.
I throughly enjoyed reading In the Rings 2, thanks for being a Beast with your penmanship.
55 reviews2 followers
April 11, 2020
Mega watts.....spectacular

5 star....snatched me bacj to the beginning and made the read more intriguing...and the misfits characters flowed right into the seams to get the pages turning.....❤❤❤IT
705 reviews
November 21, 2020
EXCITING!

This book was exciting and had a lot of suspense I loved the way Dario was about his feelings for Chanel and Rai they are the ultimate family and Giuseppe was the real deal.
Profile Image for Erin N.
99 reviews4 followers
December 16, 2018
Good good

This kept me engaged the whole time until the end of the book. Hopefully there will be another book in this series.
Profile Image for Shala Bell.
89 reviews4 followers
December 16, 2018
Dario🌟🌟🌟🌟

Soooo Good. I just love D.C and Chanel. Giuseppe is an old school thug and didn't play about his family. So worth the wait. This book was 🔥🔥🔥!!!! AWESOME BOOk
Profile Image for JemmaT.
414 reviews11 followers
December 19, 2018
!!!!

This book was crazy good. Papa Caivano is a boss. Everyone got what was coming to them. Chanel and Dario are too cute together. Perfect end to series.
794 reviews5 followers
December 26, 2018
For real love

Dario had a deep abiding love for his fiancee. In this book it was tested and went too far. Chanel gave back and put their family first always.
Profile Image for Devlyn.
252 reviews10 followers
January 4, 2019
Hmmm

I liked it but the description gave the storyline away💁🏽. I still read because I’m fan and I like these two characters.
Profile Image for Nancy  L Thompson.
2,158 reviews15 followers
January 6, 2019
Bravo!!!!!

Great ending to this series. It was worth the wait. And that's how real. OG's really do it. I didn't want to put this book down until it was over. Great job
1,502 reviews1 follower
January 9, 2019
I liked it!

Good interaction and dialogue, drama and action makes for a good read. Dario and Channel have to deal with some bad stuff but Papa fixes it.



Profile Image for Angela Burnett.
121 reviews3 followers
January 26, 2019
Awesome

I loved this book. It had me on my seat. I am happy that Chanel and Dario had their happy ending. I am kind of sad that the story is over.
Profile Image for Cherryl.
2,167 reviews1 follower
February 24, 2019
He thought he was a failure

Dario was unable to protect his late cousin Lucas, whom he loved with all of his heart like a brother and he failed to be there to protect Chanel, the love of his life. Oh, but Pappa Giuseppe was an OG from way back and he don't play. He had his son's back all the way. They messed with the wrong person. Dexter Jackson and Hit Man Ace Wilder thought they were just messing with Dario but they soon found out that they were dealing with a family that had dark secrets that lay hidden just waiting for the right time to come back out.

Dex and Ace schemed and plotted to get a fight with Dario Caivano and ruined two men's lives, along with the collateral damage done to Chanel and Rai. They thoroughly ruined Shane Michael's life with trumped-up charges. In the end, Dario did just what his father told him to do, he beat the dog azz sh*t out of both Ace and Dex, and Shane got his revenge too.

I loved how Perri got into the detailed thoughts of Ace during the fight. His mind was going ninety to nothing on everything. He desperately wanted money to pay for his brother's protection but I think it really hurt him that no one was there in his corner. All that fight did was make Dario rethink his decision about retiring and got him all hyped on adrenaline and ruined any future for Ace. I just knew the story would end the way it did being that the fight was in Las Vegas. I'm so glad that Chanel and Dario are finally getting their HEA. I just think that there is a story to be told about Pappa Giuseppe. I bet that OG has some stories that have yet to be written. I would love to read about his background.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews

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