From USA Today bestselling author Parker S. Huntington comes a steamy, slow-burn love story full of enemies-to-lovers banter and secret roommates.He has a million-dollar bounty on his head. She’s fighting for her sister.Dating men for money isn’t what most girls dream of doing when they grow up.But after graduating from college, I can’t catch a break.No job offers.No place to live.Not even a … break.
No job offers.
No place to live.
Not even a couch to dig for change under.
If I don’t find a job and a place to live fast, I can’t adopt my little sister from foster care.
I’m desperate.
A little unhinged.
And dating a trust-fund baby twice my age for his money.
Who cares if we have no chemistry?
Who cares if I hate his hot, mysterious neighbor who pushes my buttons every chance he gets?
Who cares if his neighbor stares at me like he’s picturing me in his bed?
Then, Mr. Money Bags dumps me.
I get shot at by strangers.
And the arrogant neighbor I loathe?
He. Saves. Me.
I should cut my losses and be grateful I’m still alive.
Instead, I do something crazy.
I blackmail him into letting me be his roommate.
Niccolaio Andretti is an 80,000-word standalone novel in The Five Syndicates mafia romance series.
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This story starts out with Niccolaio unable to sleep after his brother Ranieri had been relocated because a hit on Vincent Romano had failed. The smaller location was more easily defended, they thought. But as Niccolaio walks down the hall, he notices the hall is unguarded. Gun drawn, he continues to clear each hall and room and finds no guards. He goes to Ranie’s room and holds his gun on four Romano killers ready to break in. The youngest seems to be in charge and they come to an agreement that Ranie will be spared if Niccolaio gets them into his Uncle Luca’s top-security bedroom. His life for Ranie’s; otherwise a hit will be put on Ranie and Niccolaio. He must save his brother; his uncle would say the same thing. But before he lets the hit man, Asher, into the room where he knows the death will be slow and painful, he shoots his uncle – he deserves at least a painless death. And standing in the hallway, Ranie sees the gun and knows his brother killed Uncle Luca.
For the past month, Minka Reynolds is awakened at 6 a.m. by a high-pitched squeal as the neighbor of her current boyfriend does some sort of home remodeling… again! She heads over to release her temper on the work crew, but the man seems amused and simply shrugs without answering her. Suddenly the two workers tense and their eyes open wide in fear! She turns and addresses the gorgeous man in front of her, but his condescending attitude just makes her angrier. It’s clear he’s not going to comply with her wishes, and she doesn’t have time to continue the argument. She gets two hours a week to visit her little sister, Mina, while she tries to gain custody by finding an older wealthy man she can coerce into marriage, a stable home environment for them, and a good job. So she returns to John’s brownstone.
Day after day, Minka comes to John’s brownstone to lure him into marriage, interacting with Niccolaio who keeps turning up and loves to verbally spar with her. But one day, she lets herself in and finds John in bed with an older redhead that looked remarkably like Minka! Knowing it was over with him, she sadly left – and was greeted again by Niccolaio. He walked with her as he talked, until he suddenly pushed her out of danger and shot a man who was trying to kill him. His little brother had ordered a hit on him because he had helped Asher, with ties to the Romano family, raid a warehouse. With the reward raised to $5 million, more and more killers would be searching for him. Minka didn’t want any police attention to interfere with her getting custody of Mina. So Niccolaio recognized she would not be a problem and he let her leave him. Is Minka now going to be in danger, to be used by hit men somehow against Niccolaio? Is he going to let her go when he realizes this time she won’t be back? Can two angry souls find a way to heal and find peace?
I’ll say it again from the heart, I really enjoy this author’s writing. The theme seems to be anger and forgiveness, and it’s so perfectly incorporated throughout the story. As before, her book draws the reader in and deeply touches the emotions. Using the quoted passages throughout the chapters was actually inspiring. The book has a great plot, is suspenseful and intriguing from beginning to end! The growing relationship between Niccolaio and Minka is fascinating, especially seeing how I went from intensely disliking Minka into having respect, understanding, and compassion toward her. The twists and turns keep the reader eagerly reading and wanting more. This book contains drama, danger, and romance. The characters are strong personalities, yet realistically vulnerable and easy to like. I’m eagerly looking forward to the next book from this author. This series is amazing!
This is the second book in the Five Syndicates Series and the second book written by this author! Amazing! I was waiting for this audiobook, but it was worth the wait. Believe me! This story is different than the first book in the Series. I love the story of Minka and Niccolaio. Their chemistry is like fire. They are both strong. The storyline is really well written, entertaining and captivating. The world building is really well developed and interesting. This story goes back and forth between past and present. The ending is beautiful. I was also very happy and thrilled to see Asher and Lucy from the first book. I loved this couple so much!! If you were thinking Lucy was feisty-crazy, wait for listening to Minka’s story. She’s feisty, crazy, sassy and unbelievable! Niccolaio is very protective and handsome man. Now, I want more about The Five Syndicates and I can’t wait for the next books in the Series (Ranieri Andretti Novella and Bastiano Romano Novel). The narration is really great and easy to listen to. DC Cole has the perfect voice for a mafia romance and I absolutely love his sexy voice. He does, as always, a great job with all the characters’s voices. Lacy Laurel had a beautiful, sexy and a soft voice. They are both on my short list of favorite narrators! I really really enjoyed my listening. I’d love to have a detailed map of The Five Syndicates, with the borders. I received this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review. I have read and listen this story! This Series is a gem.
HAMMER TIME!!!
If you want to get down and dirty, or to the nitty gritty of the situation, fast and furious either or will most definitely suffice until something else comes along to whet your appetite. This is one hard hitting, page turning, thrilling read that hooks you from the start and reels you in for the duration. The characters are well developed and believable. Their personalities are unique with qualities and traits that balance out perfectly. The scenes are so graphic and descriptive it paints a fantastic backdrop that really makes the storyline pop. The twists and turns and unexpected surprises keep the suspense high and tension higher as it pulls you in deeper with every line. Parker did an incredible job bringing this read to life flawlessly. Great job Parker, thanks for sharing this awesome read us.
Niccolaio Andretti is the second book in the The Five Syndicates series. This mafia romance novel was fast paced, exciting and so engrossing I could not put it down. I loved Asher Black and was so excited for Niccolaio’s story which took a different turn I was so not expecting.
Niccolaio and Minka was an interesting pairing yet they suited each. Both having to make sacrifices for the ones they loved, they were complex and flawed we learn so much about their pasts in this story. I did not like Minka in book 1 but after understanding her history I grew to like her. I loved Niccolaio from the start but my heart broke for him in this book.
This story had some twist and turns I did not see coming but which will evoke strong emotions from you, emotions you would not have expected. Parker S Huntington wrecked me in this book but she did put me back together. I loved the family aspect in this novel and the focus placed on forgiveness.
I listened to the audible version of this novel and i loved it. Lacey Laurel and DC Cole did an amazing job with the story and bringing the characters to life.
I absolutely loved this novel. Worthy of more than 5 stars I would highly recommend this story.
Forgivable Choices
Niccolaio Andretti, whose brother, Ranieri placed a multi-million dollar bounty on his head, is placed in a proverbial vice by Minka, clawing through life with the one goal of adopting her little sister.
We met both in Asher Black. Niccolaio’s link to Asher is stepped through as the prologue. Minka was written as the b*tch of the book creating havoc any chance she could get. This book highlights the mask she must wear firmly in order to adopt her sister, Mina, from the foster care system.
Unlike the first book, this book does dueling POVs for both the characters. His honestly I found to be hilarious due to his inner monologue. Both hide behind anger, both so selfless that they put themselves in harm’s way, both losing themselves.
Definitely a bit of an emotional read with an air of forgiveness to achieve. Heat and steam is very slow burn with hardly any actionable items written, but with insta-lust to love attraction.
A slow starter for the first 20%, but when it got going, it got going good!! I loved Nikolai he was sexy as hell and vulnerable in a ,look-at-me-funny-and-il shoot-your-brains-out but if you don’t I’m a teddy bear kinda way and Minka was such an original character and I loved that the author allowed us to see behind the facade of a character that’s normally just the bully bitch in another book! I loved how she got her own happily ever after, after reading about her in book 1 I was like damn this girls got a story to tell and looky what happened! Definitely one of my new favourite authors would definitely recommend!
I really loved the first book in this series but I just couldn’t get into the characters in this book. I really disliked Minka and I while she has had a rough background and MAY have an excuse for the way she is–I just couldn’t seem to connect with her or excuse her behavior…. The author really did a reverse role, we typically see the guy sleeping around without even liking the girl or respecting the girl and the heroine is typically the one who rarely sleeps around–here the roles are completely reversed. The girl is a gold digger/sugar baby. She targets older men and sleeps with them for money etc. Not only that, but shes a raging bitch because she is obviously unhappy with her life. I know in her heart, she is good and doing this all for her little sister but I still couldn’t get into this book….I made it to chapter 17 and decided to cut my loses. I will give another book in this series a try since I LOVED Asher—the characters just didn’t do it for me in this one!
Niccolaio “Nick” Andretti left the Andretti’s after killing his uncle to spare him death at the hands of Asher Black after the Andretti’s attempted to kill Vince Romano. He’s been in hiding ever since as a de facto Romano, but he’s still on guard and suspicious of others.
Minka Reynolds is a formidable law student who finds herself hopping from the bed of one wealthy geezer to another in the hopes of achieving enough financial stability for her to help her younger sister Mina, who has spina bifida, and has been living in foster care for 4 years.
After Minka’s most recent catch tosses her aside, she finds herself unemployed and homeless. While Nick is suspicious of Minka – he couldn’t understand why she was hanging around his neighbor (the aforementioned catch who dumped her – he finds himself inclined to help her when she is caught in the crossfire of someone attempting to cash in on the bounty Nick has on his head. Their uneasy alliance begins with them as reluctant roommates and Minka finds herself in ever increasing danger as more attempts on Nick are made, while Nick finds himself intrigued by this woman who doesn’t bat an eye at being in dangerous situations.
They’re inexplicably drawn together. Partly due to good old-fashioned proximity and verbal sparring; but both are also drawn to the dedication and loyalty they show to their loved ones. Nick finds himself feeling guilty over his relationship with Minka because of the danger it puts her in while Minka finds herself incapable of forgiving herself for her past and struggling to let go of her tendency to martyr herself for her sister.
With a dangerous plot, escalating danger, and passionate tension, this book keeps you guessing on what will happen next. It will take a shocking twist to clear the path for Minka and Niccolaio – and the rest of the syndicates – to forge a new path towards a better future.
I absolutely loved the slowburn crafted in this story – it leaves you anxious waiting for the inevitable to happen. We also get to see a little more of the other syndicates and learn more about them, which I really enjoyed! Minka was also a fascinating heroine – she got to be just as morally gray and imperfect as Nick, and that made her incredibly compelling.
However, as much as I loved Minka’s story here, I think I would have liked her and her story a lot more without the context of Asher Black (they’re all standalones so you can read them out of order or skip around). Obviously seeing Minka through her own perspective will be different, but the characters were like night and day. Minka, though compelling, felt a little retconned in this book.
A different perspective is one thing, but this felt like a whole new person. While it’s clear Huntington tried to reason and explain away the differences using Minka’s inner thoughts, I just wasn’t buying it. To me, the book reads like Minka’s backstory was created afterward Asher Black in an attempt to make her more sympathetic to readers in this book. However, I recognize this is a “me” issue carrying over impressions from the first book, so if you haven’t read it or don’t tend to do that, you’ll probably love this one!
If you thought, Asher Black was good, than Niccolaio Andretti will blow you away.
There are tons of romance series out there, but finding a series that can make you come back, over and over again after reading the first book, it’s something very rare. At least in my case.
I was so engrossed in the story that eating or sleeping were the last of my concerns but getting to the bottom of the mystery surrounding the characters was definitely far more important lol
“I won’t let anything happen to you or Mina”
GOD, HAVE MERCY!!!
My poor ovaries were exploding because of Niccolaio. Not only is he fearless and powerful but also loyal, caring and true to his word. And, let’s not forget about how f*cking handsome he is.
Followed by his past and the decisions that led him to where he is now, Niccolaio has to choose between the path he was meant to follow or one that could bring him a new meaning to his life.
“You are not a monster, Niccolaio. You’re a good person”
There is no way to like Minka…at least at the beginning. But that’s the magic of this character.
We, as humans, tend to often see the worst in people but we always forget to really SEE them. Minka is the perfect example of that.
We all have a story to tell that is not quite simple to explain. Minka’s story is more common than we think but even if there are not excuses for what she has done, she sees past her mistakes and becomes a better version of herself. Showing us that we all can find redemption when we allow ourselves to ask for forgiveness.
Her strength, the way she puts others before her and her unlimited compassion, makes her an admirable character. One of my favorites indeed.
The storytelling is one of a kind. You don’t feel it rushed and you definitely don’t think this story is lacking of anything. You will be so immerse in this mafia romance since the very beginning that you will keep turning over pages like your life depends on it because just the idea to stop reading at any moment, it’s inconceivable.
I’m so ready to read the next book that I get excited just by writing this.
Let’s give this book all the stars in the moonlight sky.
3.5 stars for Niccolaio Andretti by Parker S. Huntington. This is book 2 in The Five Syndicates. Mina has had a rough life and will do anything to get her sister back , even if that means being a gold digger. Nike is hiding out because there is a hit out on him that was placed by his brother. HE is dangerous , and has always made decisions based on who he cares about more. He is considered a trader among his family. Mina wants her sister back, she is a gold digger and working on her law degree. This is a dark book and filled with suspense. Minka is a strong character and falls for Nick. Will that change when she learns more about him. This is a book I recommend if you like mafia romances.
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
What happens when you find yourself out casted from your family, friends, associates and everyone you respect and love? How do you forgive yourself? Trust again? Are you worthy of happiness and love?
“Forgiveness has nothing to do with absolving a criminal of his crime. It has everything to do with relieving oneself of the burden of being a victim—letting go of the pain and transforming oneself from victim to survivor.”
BRAVERY~ANGER~DUTY~LOYALTY~ and HOPE are just a few characteristics that make up Niccolano. He is so much more than what he shows.
Looking forward to reading more of the five syndicates men…next in my lineup is Ranieri Andretti.
Great read !! Intense……great characters. Makes you realize that not all you see is real. Minka’s character in Asher Black is not at all what you see unfold in this story. Initial thought …why her. But then the story continues and everything you thought changes. There is more underneath both her and Niccolaio. A must read !!
Niccolaio Andretti is brooding, angry, and rude. He is pissed off at the world for the way he has to live his life now that there is a hit out on him. He is to the point of paranoia always having to watch his back and stay alert at all times, just to try and stay alive. With a hefty bounty on his head he can’t afford not to be cautious at all times.
Minka Reynolds is a law student at Wilton. She is also doing whatever it takes to get custody of her little sister, even if it means using her body to get an older man to marry her. That’s right, she has resorted to gold digging knowing that is the only way she will be able to show the social workers and the court that she is stable enough to be able to care for her sister. She finds older men who have money and tries whatever she can to get a ring on her finger. She is constantly hitting road blocks though. She can’t seem to land them and yes, she’s mostly miserable but that’s life. She can sacrifice her happiness for now because she knows once she gets her sister back she will be happy again.
When Niccolaio and Minka first meet they are instant enemies. The attraction is there and it seems to piss both of them off, this isn’t suppose to happen. Minka can’t afford to be attracted to him, she’s trying to land her mark and he seems so far away from her mark it doesn’t matter how attractive he is, he isn’t sugar daddy material. Niccolaio despises his attraction to Minka, he can’t afford to let his guard down, that will get him killed, she is just an inconvenience that he needs to figure out how to get rid of.
The fireworks between the two of them are there but neither of them are willing to light the fuse, they keep avoiding their attraction and skirting around it as if it isn’t there, probably hoping if they avoid it maybe it will go away. The problem is they can’t avoid it, they can’t even avoid each other. They get thrown into a situation together and in order to save both of their lives they have to stay together. It’s inevitably going to end badly… or is it?
I love these books so much! They are captivating and keep you guessing and engulf you completely. I’m obsessed. They are so riveting! Well written and flow perfectly. They are sooo worth the read.
Audiobook version:
Parker Huntington is on fire! Starting first with Book 1- Asher Black (on my top 10 all-time books) and now continuing with Niccolaio Andretti. I absolutely love this Mafia world she has built for us. The Characters are amazing, deep, frustrating, and last but not least SEXY as all get out! Nicco’s book was quite different from Asher’s. Nicco is a bit edgier and comes with a bit of baggage in my opinion but we love him just the same. I can’t wait to read more on this Series~
The Narration was FAN-TA-STIC! Lacy consistently blows me away with her soulful and emotion filled performances. Not only do you feel every word but you love listening to every second of it. She has a voice I could listen to all day. DC Cole was a great addition to this series! I absolutely loved his voices for Nicco. So deep and powerful. Love Love Loved it!
Talk about a powerhouse team!
AudiobookObsession
Great Mafia Romance! Great Audio Listen!!
Niccolaio Andretti: A Mafia Romance Novel
The Five Syndicates, Book 2
By: Parker S. Huntington
Narrated by: Lacy Laurel, D. C. Cole
Series: The Five Syndicates Series, Book 2
Parker S. Huntington is a masterful creator of slow burn, enemy to lover romance! This book had a different vibe than “Asher Black”, the 1st book in the series, but it was just as great. Niccolaio & Minka’s lives have not been the easiest of one, as their stories unfold and you learn more & understand how they become their bitter selves. Great build up and character development and storylines. The chemistry between them is electric, so much angst, so much banter. Can Niccolaio & Minka find their happily ever after, they can even have one. Read the book, I highly recommend it!! Loved learning more about Mina, Minka’s sister too. Thank you Ms. Huntington for another great read!! Looking forward to the next in the series Ranie’s story!!
I listened to the Audible edition, Lacy Laurel & D.C. Cole are awesome narrators, storytellers! They bring the characters & story to life with the perfect amount of drama, attitude and heart! They are the dynamic duo I can not praise their performances enough and how they enhances a great story even more. Thank you for another great listen!!
Thank you AudiobookObsession
A Review of Niccolaio Andretti by Parker S. Huntington
Minka and Niccolaio – 5 Stars
Well written characters with plenty of chemistry. Well worth taking the time to read and enjoy as part of the Five Syndicates mafia romance series.
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**Honest review voluntarily provided from a Complimentary Copy**
This book was my second of this author and I was a little leary when I read the blurb and saw it was about Minka. I did not like her character at all in Asher Black and didn’t know if she could redeem herself. Well, like the overlaying theme of the first book was courage, this book was forgiveness. Sometimes people are the way they are due to circumstances we know nothing about. Finding out Minka’s history put her in a completely new light. And I found myself not only forgiving Minka but respecting her.
Nick has a lot in common with Minka in that family always comes first. As he slowly peels back her layers and reveals more of himself, the closer they grow and the hotter the attraction. But they are in danger because there is a price on Nick’s head and by association, it is on Minka’s also. Bullets fly and Nick saved Minka’s life not once but two times. So hot!
I didn’t think this book could be as good as Asher’s but it WAS!! I think I have just found another favorite author!! I have already one clicked Ranie’s story and am excited to go on with this family.
This is the second book in The Syndicate series, and follows Asher Black, and is darker. While you can probably read it as a standalone, do yourself a favour and read the series in order. The writing is exceptional. For me, what stood out was the way the author drew the emotions out of the characters in a believable and relatable manner. I was completely drawn in and invested in Minka (a character introduced in Asher Black, and who I had vowed to hate for all eternity) and Niccolaio. This is a tension-filled, at times graphic, Mafia story about choices, family, and redemption. Loved the nod to Charleigh Rose.
I am voluntarily leaving my opinion of a review copy of this book.
Parker’s words must be magic because it turned my utter hatred and disgust for Minka from her first novel Asher Black to sympathy, compassion and even understanding in Niccolaio Andretti. When I started the book I thought there was no way she could make Minka redeemable, she was such a horrible human being. I never could’ve imagined liking this character and here I find myself not only liking her but understanding why she has acted the way she has.
The theme of this story is asking how far would you go to protect your sibling. Would you put their life and well being above your own? Sacrifice everything you’ve known, wanted and are for them?
Niccolaio is the mysterious bad boy who trusts no one. He sees Minka for who she could be and not who she portrays herself as. Could he find what he’s been missing in the fiery red head??
This is a book of forgiveness, self sacrifice, second chances and unconventional family.
Loved finding out more about Niccolaio, he was only in the first book for a few pages but he totally caught me interest. Not even gonna lie, I hated Minka in the first book, but I think she wasn’t fully explained to us the reader. After hearing her side in the book I actually kinda liked her. I love her sass, her energy, her strength and absolutely love her attitude she throws off. These two are both paranoid and hiding their true selves from everyone around them, they are way more alike than we first think. Altho they both just want peace, happiness and to live free, they will both need to fight hard for it. Nick with his guns and Minka with her strength. I can’t say enough how much I am loving this new author I have found, this series is absolutely amazing! Can’t wait to keep reading