Antras kartas nemeluoja

The Serenghetti Brothers #1

by Anna DePalo, Janina Užubalytė (Translator)

Dviejų knygų serija „Brolių Serengečių nuodėmės“. Pirma knyga.

Mokytoja Marisa Danieli turi rasti garsenybę, kuri sutiktų dalyvauti mokyklos labdaros renginyje. Koks būtų geriausias pasirinkimas? Ogi Koulas Serengetis – buvęs ledo ritulio žaidėjas, dabar vadovaujantis statybų bendrovei. Nelaimei, mokyklos laikais Marisa jau buvo įsimylėjusi šį vyrą. Bet ko nepadarysi dėl kilnaus tikslo?.. Netgi galima apsimesti įsimylėjusia pora.
Šį kartą Marisos ir Koulo jausmai įsiliepsnoja kaip reikiant. Ar antrasis jausmų antplūdis peraugs į meilę?

Genres: Romance, Harlequin, Contemporary Romance, Harlequin Desire

192 pages, Paperback

First published September 6, 2016

About the author

While still in her teens, Anna DePalo began her first novel. She wishes she could say that this early manuscript went on to receive numerous accolades and to bring her fame and fortune. Instead, that first attempt—well, all three pages of it—hit the trash heap, and she understood why many authors have burned their papers for posterity.

She has lived in Italy and England, graduated from Harvard, earned an advanced degree in political science, and practiced intellectual property law.

One day, she decided to give fiction writing another try, believing that having done some more living would help her tell the truth about life in the pages of made-up stories. This time she didn’t stop at three pages—or even ninety-three. That first finished manuscript soon sold to Harlequin, became a bestseller and award-winner, and has been published in over twenty countries to date.

Anna's books have hit the USA Today best-seller list, and have won the RT Book Club Reviewers' Choice Award, the OCCRWA Book Buyer’s Best, the NJRW Golden Leaf, and the NECRWA Readers' Choice. She lives with her husband, son and daughter in New York.

Reviews

[Cheesecake · Rating 2 out of 5]

.
In high school she was the smart scholarship girl, and he was the snarky arrogant Hockey hero. They met and became entangled through her tutoring him, but he got cold feet and distanced himself. Then she was forced to tattle on him to save her scholarship, and he never forgave her. Even 15 years later when the douche canoe had a satisfying career in the NHL anyways, he's still a prick about it.
Of course once he learns the truth the game changes...
But I never felt like they were on an even plane. I loved Marisa's character and she gives as good as she gets, but everything is a struggle for her. Everything is so easy for Cole. Sure he apologizes for avoiding her in school, but it's always offhanded and she always tries to mollify him by taking some blame herself. Jesus! just let the man grovel will ya?!?! It would do him some good to suffer a little humility.

So I enjoyed it, but didn't find it particularly romantic. It rather felt like he was doing her a favour by marrying her in the end.
Safety is meh I couldn't get past Cole's history of dating models since high school (because it's brought up repeatedly), and the unfairness of what her life was in comparison.
Also it's another book where her sex life has been unfulfilling and boring since the H, but no suggestion that his was the same. I guess I should be happy she at least had a sex life in their time apart! He does think that it was the best ever, but why? And why does it have to be all about her fantastic breasts?

.....revisited this, and i just have to take off a star. He just never grovels and he sooooo needed to. And then there's his last girlfriend, Vicki the trollop who keeps turning up like a bad penny because she dating the guy who dumped Marisa. Cole of course never gets dumped. Grrrrrr!

[Janet Rodman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Chance With the CEO
By Anna DePalo
Marisa Danieli is a teacher in her former high school where she was something of a nerd. Cole Serenghetti was a popular hockey player. Unlike the other students in her high school, Marisa was there on scholarship. When Cole needs tutoring, Marisa helps him. Soon it becomes more. Cole is also her first sexual experience and eventually the person who rats him out for a prank. As a result, Cole is not allowed to play in the championship game. He can never forgive her.
Fast forward to today. Marisa is in charge of the school’s fundraiser and she goes to Serengetti Construction to ask them to donate to the school. Cole has left the NHL to take over the business after his father suffers a stroke. Once he realizes who Marisa is, he does everything he can to avoid her. After she explains to Cole why she had to tell them who did the prank, he forgives her and is angry for what she went through at that time. Feelings soon change as they begin to pose as a couple. It turns out that Marisa’s ex had dumped her for another woman, and that woman happens to be Cole’s ex. There are other decisions that must be resolved in this story. Cole wants to sell the family construction company so he can coach in the NHL, Marisa’s ex Sal wants her back after he dumped Cole’s ex, will Marisa’s cousin Serefina and Cole’s brother Jordan get together?
This was the first book that I read by Anna DePalo, and believe me, this is not the last. I thoroughly enjoyed this second chance romance. You can’t help but be drawn in by the characters and root for them to get together and leave the past behind them to start again. The secondary characters are interesting too. Marisa’s cousin Serefina who works in a sports bar and Jordan, Cole’s brother who plays in the NHL. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book. I highly recommend this book.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is nothing better than getting a second chance at love, we all make mistakes or do things we wish we could change for Marisa she did something in high school that will change her life and take away the one person she has had a major crush on. Cole saw it as betrayal not being able to forgive or forget he lost out on his big chance. When push come Marisa has to have a big name at her fundraiser there is no one bigger than Cole. Cole doesn’t want to see, be around or have anything to do with Marisa or her fundraiser. Knowing he must get contacts for his father’s construction company he makes a deal with the devil (Marisa). When they are cornered at a business meeting in a bar with their ex’s one thing leads to another making them a couple yes fake or is it. There are so many an emotions running around it is hard to tell if this is for real or play. One thing is for sure once this is all played out two lives will be changed forever it is anyone’s guess if broken hearts will be left behind in its wake.

I really like Marisa she has always felt herself lacking she is more on the nerdy side always with her nose in a book growing up. It is no wonder she picked a teaching career. She has had a long time crush on Cole. One night many years ago he was her first and things changed you know how boys are they get what they want and never call. Some things aren’t always as they seem there is much more to this story. Marisa was made to do something that broke her heart and hurt others she really has never forgiven herself. All in all she is a very strong women and not a quitter she is going after what she wants which is to raise money to help add on to her school. In doing so it puts her back under Cole’s charm and his demands.

Cole is a little complicated he is an easy man to like and is very handsome with his rugged looks. Marisa many years ago hit him right where it hurt sure he wasn’t totally innocent well he wasn’t innocent at all but still she should not have done what she did. He has to come home to help take over his father business after his stroke. His father wants him to take it over he has other plans and Marisa sure isn’t in them. He does have to admit she grew up damn sexy and if he is honest with his self he wouldn’t mind picking up where they left off that is only in the bed room she isn’t getting close to his heart again.

This has a great plot from the start the author grabs your attention pulling you in. You can feel the shock in Cole as he realizes who Marisa is the word play fits this story very well. The supporting characters are something else from his brothers who throw in some humor to her cousin who has a little tempter and a sense of humor all rolled into one. I loved the parents who give a lot of love to their children they play a big part of this story from misunderstandings to how they were raised. You can feel the pain of each character as they play out their roll learning to trust again and overcoming their past learning from their mistakes and finding out all things are not as they seem. You will smile and feel the pain as the author takes you through the story of lost love of teenagers to adult who what a very strong pull with a powerful attraction. I found this a very touching heartwarming read and can’t wait for the brother’s stories. I hope you will pick this story up giving it a read there is nothing like reading a story from a Harlequin author you know when you pick it up you are in for a treat of sorrow, love, lost and pain with a wonderful HEA that will touch you all the way to your heart.

[Lori Meehan · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5*
This was a fun read of second chances and forgiveness.
Marisa Danieli needs a headliner for her schools fundraiser but can she face Cole Serenghetti after what she did 15 years ago? Cole's not about to fall for Marisa's proposition, he knows he can't trust her. Marisa is not going to give up there's to much at steak. Through understanding and time spent together they find it hard to stay away from each other but they both have goals and some may take them away. Words unspoken will end a relationship just as its started and dreams can be transformed to something you're never knew you wanted.
*Book Obsessed Chicks Review team

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

15 years ago a pushy principle led to the destruction of something that could have been wonderful between Marisa Danieli and Cole Serenghetti . But with the help of a future fundraiser, and some innocent family members they may have a chance to find out if what they had back then can stand the test of time, and anger. Especially when a "fake" kiss comes into play.

Marisa Danieli has been working her way up in the world. She refuses to always have financial worries like her mother had throughout her life. And Marisa refuses to fall for a sporty man. After all the females in her line has never had the best of luck when it comes to men with sports on their minds. But if Marisa ever wants a chance of rising up from being a teacher to becoming the assistant principle of her old high school then she needs to meet one of those men again, and get him to join the school fundraiser as the headliner. Of course that would be a lot easier without their... complicated... past.

Cole Serenghetti has been working as CEO of his fathers company for a few months, but its no secret that he wants more out of his life. He wants back on the ice, and since he can no longer play in the NHL he is wanting a chance to be a coach. However, Cole's father is resistant to the idea of selling the family company. So when a past flame shows up in his life became a bit more complicated. Especially since that past flame stabbed him in the back. What is worst, or better depending on your outlook, is that the past flame needs his help. Yet there is no way Cole would ever help Marisa. But then again maybe second chances are worth it.

This was a great second chance romance story. And the plot line was amazing. The only reason I didn't give this story a 5 star rating was because the love scenes seemed a little off, but other then that the writing style was phenomenal and it is so easy to fall in love with the main characters. As well as the secondary characters. I can not wait to read more about the family dynamics in future books by Ms. DePalo.

~A Book Obsessed Chicks Review Team Selection.

[Harlequin Books]

"This is a fun, updated look at the jock falling for the geek scenario mixed with high school drama from the past. Marisa and Cole are able to reconnect thanks in part to a few well-planned plot twists. Readers are also introduced to extended family members on both sides, so hopefully we'll get more from the Serenghetti/Danieli families in the next series installment" (4 stars @ RT Book Reviews).

Miniseries: The Serenghetti Brothers

[Ευαγγελία Πρατσόλη · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5/5,0

[Amy ~ Love At 1st Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sophomore English teacher Marisa Danieli has been put in charge of the school fundraiser. She needs someone big with ties to the school to headline the event. Cole Serenghetti, alumni, former professional hockey player, and now CEO of Serenghetti Construction is the perfect candidate. Too bad her past with him is a sure reason she’ll be shot down.
Cole likes the looks of the sexy lady approaching him until he finds out who she is. Marisa and he had had a brief fling in high school. One that had been pretty intense, until she’d betrayed him. And now here she was wanting him to headline at their alma mater’s fundraiser. It would be good PR for his business but he didn’t want a round 2 with her. He wasn’t even sure he could trust her.
As Cole and Marisa begin to negotiate and plan for the fundraiser, they quickly discover that the sparks they’d felt in high school are still red hot. When caught kissing by their exes, they decide to pretend to be in a relationship until after the fundraiser to protect their reputations. Except somewhere along the way it becomes difficult to determine if it’s pretend or if this intense relationship is for real. Could they put the past behind them and take this second chance?
What a great introduction to what promises to be an exciting new series. A sweet and sexy story of 2 people who by discovering each other again, discover a lot about themselves as well. Readers will fall in love with the Serenghetti brothers. I can’t wait to read what’s in store for them next. This was my first book by author Anna DePalo and I am hooked!

[Coral · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plot: 4/5
Characterisation: 4/5
Prose: 3/5
How much I enjoyed it: 4/5
A fun, easy read.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anna DePalo writes with confidence that gains your attention from the onset. Her characters come off realistically on the page and I was impressed with the hero and heroine in this book. Second Chance with the CEO delves deep into the flawed souls of Marisa Danieli and Cole Serenghetti and the emotion that resonated with me throughout their growth from strength to strength until the last page is their will to fight for what they want. Yes, Marisa and Cole have history together and moving on had hardened them as adults. Now after a long time, their lives have collided once more and a fierce, fiery spark which still lingers between them catches afire and runs wild. Being in close proximity magnifies the intense chemistry sizzling in the air and it's not before long Cole and Marisa find themselves in each other’s arms. Recommended? You bet!

Recommended
4 Stars

[Christine Woinich · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful second chance story. Cole was Marisa's first back in high school. Misunderstandings pulled them apart. After many years, Marisa needs help from Cole even though she suspects he will say no. Her determination and the renewal of feelings move these two along. Their chemistry overpowers their doubts as they open up to each other. I enjoyed the bartering back and forth to get what they wanted. I recommend this book.

I received a copy of this story as a Book Obsessed Chicks Star Review selection.

[Shanda Rader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gave this book 5***** loved it. Love how she gets right to it in the beginning of the book but doesn't give it way. This is a must read. Thank you for a great book. Book Obsessed chicks review team.

[Maverick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shockingly better than I thought.

I picked this book up as my romance novel "fix". It was a really good book that didn't waste my time with boring filler. It was a page turner I will read more from this author!

[Geraldine Sadiku · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb read with the heroine Marisa and the hero Cole having a past that involves the characters learning to trust the other after mistakes on both sides, well worth a read.

[Modesty_b · Rating 3 out of 5]

a good read :)

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars, really close to being a solid 4. I liked the characters, I liked their chemistry, and I liked the story. My only complaint is 98% of the book is them kind of just dancing around each other. The last three chapters are the only place we really see them start to truly have a relationship or move forward. Because of that, it ended up making the book feel a little rushed in the end, but I still really enjoyed this book.

[rrbookverse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Muy bonita la historia de Cole y Marisa. Me gustó cómo se fue desarrollando de ese amor adolescente hasta que volvieron a encontrarse y volvió a encenderse la chispa de la nostalgia, la pasión y el amor. El trope de noviazgo fingido fue clave para que revivieran esos sentimientos.

Es la primera historia que leo de esta autora y me gustó su pluma. Espero leer los siguientes libros de esta serie con los hermanos Serenghetti.

📖:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️: 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[Debra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Second Chance with the CEO

They had gone to school together. They even had one night together. But she ended up betraying him. Now fifteen years later she needs him to help with the high school project. Can he forgive her? Will he even listen to the reason why? Things are different years ago now they are in a pretend relationship. Can this become more lasting?

[Aldara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was read thanks to NetGalley


I am huge fan of Anna DePalo the way she writes her romance, is one of my favorites, and I highly love this love story, the met in high school and find each other again as adults, and I LOVED IT, THE CHARACTERS, THE STORY, THE LOVE, EVERYTHING IS PERFECT. I LOVE THIS BOOK WITH ALL MY HEART.

[Sadia's Virtual Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was such a cute story. Kind of like an enemy to lover though on just one character's part.

The characters were so amazing and the relationship between the siblings was too real.

Easy language and not very detailed but with just the right amount of description to make you understand the story.

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anna Depalo does a great job in this series. This is my 2nd favorite.

[Bee · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay. Fun and and an easy read, nothing particularly remarkable.

[Kathleen Booker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoying this series.

[Janie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, loved this book. A little steamy, lots of romance, and a wonderful couple.

[Amee · Rating 3 out of 5]

The beginning was cringe, it made me think that the book was a LOT older than it was. I actually went and checked the publishing date. It got better as it went. Nice epilogue.

[Delacey]

I really liked this book. The characters were good and well developed. The supporting cast was interesting and added some more humour to the story. The plot moved along very well and it was nice seeing their relationship redevelop. The only gripe that I have with this book is the name of the book. Yah I know its a minor thing, but this really didn't have a "CEO" feel to it, esp since this second chance was based on a high school romance, and the emphasis on him was more as a former hockey player than as a powerful CEO. That being said, a very good book IMO.

[Sharlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute 2nd chance romance, 15 years after a high school betrayal. Marisa needs a favor from Cole & comes to grovel. He is still bitter over that betrayal. The sizzling attraction is still there. The favor turns into a one hand washes the other situation, but then Cole keeps finding another angle to keep Marisa in his life. Glad I read this first book in the series & looking forward to reading about the Serenghetti siblings!

[CL · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5*

[Mili · Rating 5 out of 5]

si estas buscando un cliché que tenga algo distinto a los demás este es tu libro
extrañaba tanto un libro de este tipo que tenga amor y una trama entretenida y llevadera
100% recomendado