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Cerasino Family Novella #5
Just For You: A Cerasino Family Novella
No matter how much he wants her, he can't have her
Gina
With my shiny new master’s degree in hand, I’m ready to break free and take the world by storm. No one understands my desire to flee the comfort and safety of my modest town and large Italian family except him. Viper. The lead guitarist for my favorite band and my number one crush since he first smiled at me backstage years ago.
He’s tatted and pierced in all the right places with a creative soul and a dark energy I can’t get enough of. And now that I’ve gotten to know the man behind the performer, I’m more drawn to him than ever.
But it’s not meant to be. Our crossing of paths is just a temporary thing, and despite my best efforts, he’s determined to keep me solidly in the friend zone.
Gray
When my tour is unexpectedly cut short, I’m not as disappointed as I should be. I’m beyond weary, and worse, I don’t hear the music in my head like I used to.
What I need is time away from the craziness. Time to stop being Viper, lead guitarist for Bad Influence, and go back to being Grayson Mitchell. I’m not even sure who that guy is anymore, but if anyone can help me remember him, it’s my twin brother. When I head to Grant’s for much-needed rest, relaxation, and long overdue bro time, I didn’t expect to find him smitten with a beautiful young doc.
Nor did I expect to find myself equally drawn to said gorgeous doc’s younger sister. Gina is … amazing. She’s vibrant and beautiful and so unjaded it makes my dark heart ache. When I’m with her, I hear the music again. She’s into me, I can see it in her eyes.
But no matter how much I want her, I can’t. I won’t. I … shouldn’t.
Just For You is the 5th book in the Cerasino Family Novella series, a short, sweet, mildly suspenseful love story featuring an ebullient heroine ready to take on the world and a jaded hero who already did and has the scars to prove it. No graphic sex or violence. Minimal adult language.
Gina
With my shiny new master’s degree in hand, I’m ready to break free and take the world by storm. No one understands my desire to flee the comfort and safety of my modest town and large Italian family except him. Viper. The lead guitarist for my favorite band and my number one crush since he first smiled at me backstage years ago.
He’s tatted and pierced in all the right places with a creative soul and a dark energy I can’t get enough of. And now that I’ve gotten to know the man behind the performer, I’m more drawn to him than ever.
But it’s not meant to be. Our crossing of paths is just a temporary thing, and despite my best efforts, he’s determined to keep me solidly in the friend zone.
Gray
When my tour is unexpectedly cut short, I’m not as disappointed as I should be. I’m beyond weary, and worse, I don’t hear the music in my head like I used to.
What I need is time away from the craziness. Time to stop being Viper, lead guitarist for Bad Influence, and go back to being Grayson Mitchell. I’m not even sure who that guy is anymore, but if anyone can help me remember him, it’s my twin brother. When I head to Grant’s for much-needed rest, relaxation, and long overdue bro time, I didn’t expect to find him smitten with a beautiful young doc.
Nor did I expect to find myself equally drawn to said gorgeous doc’s younger sister. Gina is … amazing. She’s vibrant and beautiful and so unjaded it makes my dark heart ache. When I’m with her, I hear the music again. She’s into me, I can see it in her eyes.
But no matter how much I want her, I can’t. I won’t. I … shouldn’t.
Just For You is the 5th book in the Cerasino Family Novella series, a short, sweet, mildly suspenseful love story featuring an ebullient heroine ready to take on the world and a jaded hero who already did and has the scars to prove it. No graphic sex or violence. Minimal adult language.
165 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 8, 2023
About the author
Abbie Zanders
77 books2,015 followersAbbie Zanders is a USA Today Bestselling Author with more than 55 published romance novels to date. Her stories range from contemporary to paranormal and everything in between. She promises her readers two things: happily ever afters, always, and no cliffhangers, ever.
Born and raised in the mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania, where she sets most of her stories, she’s known for small town romance featuring golden-hearted alpha heroes and strong, relatable heroines. Besides being an avid reader and writer, she loves animals (especially big dogs), American muscle cars, and 80's hair bands.
Born and raised in the mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania, where she sets most of her stories, she’s known for small town romance featuring golden-hearted alpha heroes and strong, relatable heroines. Besides being an avid reader and writer, she loves animals (especially big dogs), American muscle cars, and 80's hair bands.
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August 5, 2023
Just For You
is the fifth book a series of novella-length stories centered around one fictional, traditional Italian family - the Cerasinos.
The Cerasino Family Novellas contain no graphic sex and minimal colorful expletives. They’re fun, lighthearted, feel-good reads, perfect for those occasions when time is at a premium and you need a quick romance fix.
This is Gina’s story.
No matter how much he wants her, he knows he can’t have her
Gina
With my shiny new master’s degree in hand, I’m ready to break free and take the world by storm. No one understands my desire to flee the comfort and safety of my modest town and large Italian family except him. Viper. The lead guitarist for my favorite band and my number one crush since he first smiled at me backstage years ago.
He’s tatted and pierced in all the right places with a creative soul and a dark energy I can’t get enough of. And now that I’ve gotten to know the man behind the performer, I’m more drawn to him than ever.
But it’s not meant to be. Our crossing of paths is just a temporary thing, and despite my best efforts, he’s determined to keep me solidly in the friend zone.
Gray
When my tour is unexpectedly cut short, I’m not as disappointed as I should be. I’m beyond weary, and worse, I don’t hear the music in my head like I used to. What I need is time away from the craziness. Time to stop being Viper, lead guitarist for Bad Influence, and go back to being Grayson Mitchell. I’m not even sure who that guy is anymore, but if anyone can help me remember him, it’s my twin brother.
When I head to Grant’s for much-needed rest, relaxation, and long overdue bro time, I didn’t expect to find him smitten with a beautiful young doc. Nor did I expect to find myself equally drawn to said gorgeous doc’s younger sister. Gina is … amazing. She’s vibrant and beautiful and so unjaded it makes my dark heart ache. When I’m with her, I hear the music again.
She’s into me, I can see it in her eyes. But no matter how much I want her, I can’t. I won’t. I … shouldn’t.
Just for You is the 5th book in the Cerasino Family Novella series, a short, sweet, mildly suspenseful love story featuring an ebullient heroine ready to take on the world and a jaded hero who already did and has the scars to prove it. No graphic sex or violence. Minimal adult language.
👉 𝐀𝐦𝐚𝐳𝐨𝐧: https://smarturl.it/azrJustForYou
👀 Wanna sneak peek?
Gina
Grant Mitchell’s twin brother is freaking Viper.
That was the thought that kept popping into my mind every time I looked at him over the course of the afternoon.
I’d never been starstruck before. Well, not since my first time backstage when I was thirteen. My uncle Vito was a concert tour promoter, which meant my siblings and I had gotten to get up close and personal with a lot of bands over the years. There were few household names I hadn’t met at one time or another.
None of them had ever affected me as much as Gray Mitchell.
Yes, I’d met him before. And, yes, I’d had the same reaction then too. Total deer in headlights. The difference this time was, I wasn’t a pubescent teenager anymore. I was a fully grown, adult woman. And Gray? He was even sexier now than he had been then. More chiseled man. Less droolworthy F-boy.
He didn’t remember me—that was obvious. And why would he? I was one of thousands—probably hundreds of thousands—of girls who’d stared at him adoringly and fantasized about him while letting his unique, deep, purring voice soak into my soul. There was a reason the band Bad Influence was as popular as it was, and I was looking at him. Lyricist. Lead guitarist. Voice of sin and salvation.
He looked different from the last time I’d seen him. His body had filled out. His features were sharper and more defined. Back then, he’d had gloss in his streaked hair and guyliner accentuating his gorgeous hazel eyes. He’d been shirtless, his lean, ripped torso covered in tattoos and slicked with sweat.
My eyes dropped to his chest, where I knew that, beneath that perfectly respectable button-down, both nipples were pierced.
Is he wearing hoops or bars today? I wondered before setting that thought aside to ponder later in private.
Instead of skintight leather pants that left nothing to the imagination, he had on faded, well-washed blue jeans, like a normal, regular guy.
There was absolutely nothing regular about Gray Mitchell. He oozed charisma and sex appeal, no matter what he was wearing.
My female cousins Valentina, Corina, Lucia, and Ramona were falling all over themselves, and he was treating them like they were the most fascinating creatures on earth. I wasn’t jealous. Not at all. It was an act, an integral part of the consummate performer he was. I would just have to remember that if he ever turned his attention my way.
I tried not to gawk and focused on other things. I chatted with my brothers’ other halves briefly. They asked how my schoolwork was going, and I, in turn, inquired about their lives.
Eventually, Gray and my brother Dom started talking music, comparing live bands, and that was when I got pulled into the conversation. Dom and I were the diehard rock fans of the famiglia and had attended a lot of concerts over the years. Now that we were older, the torch had been passed to us as chaperones for the younger generation—something we had both heartily embraced because it gave us a good excuse to keep going.
I had no problems entering the discussion. I spoke like I knew what I was talking about, because I did. I didn’t say Bad Influence was my favorite live band of all time even though it was. That would sound too much like I was sucking up. I didn’t even rank them in my top three when I was ticking them off on my fingers. Dom, who knew my music preferences as well as he knew his own, didn’t call me out. His smirk told me he knew exactly what I was doing. If Viper—uh, Gray—took offense to the blatant omission, he hid it well.
Grant took Sofia back to her place at some point, which was disappointing. Sofia was recovering from surgery after a car accident, and I’d been planning to use her as an excuse to not only scoot out of there early, but to also justify my absence for the rest of the day.
I had a ton of work to do on my final presentation, and I was behind. I was about to graduate with a master’s in graphic design and illustrative arts. My thesis and my final project would be the pièces de resistance to my portfolio. If I nailed it, I would be that much closer to getting a coveted position at Kensington Graphic Creative with the Andrea Collins. If I got that, I could write my own ticket.
“I need to go too,” I said shortly after Grant and Sofia left.
Since Sofia’s apartment was off-limits for a couple of hours, I’d have to go to either the library or the graphics lab, where I had a small office. I tried to avoid those places when possible, especially during times when security was at a minimum and there weren’t a lot of other people around, like late nights and weekends.
“It’s Sunday,” my mother said, shooting me a disapproving look.
Sundays were for family time, but I’d had about as much of my cousins’ fawning as I could handle. Plus, having my loud, boisterous famiglia around was not conducive to getting my project done.
I stood to go, then kissed both my parents and my grandparents, resigned to do what I must. I’d be okay as long as I didn’t get too wrapped up in my work and I stayed aware of my surroundings. Plus, I kept my pepper spray close by. “I’ll be at the studio late tonight. Don’t wait up.”
To my surprise, Gray also pushed back his chair and stood. “I should be going too. Do you mind if I catch a ride?”
I blinked at him. “A ride?”
He gave me a hopeful, almost-shy smile. “I came with Grant.”
I tamped down the thrill that zinged through me. This wasn’t about me as much as it was a silent plea to help him escape. Honestly, I didn’t blame him. My cousins were relentless. However, the thought of sharing such a confined space with Gray sent a wave of something through me. Anticipation? Anxiety?
What I said was, “Uh, sure.”
His smile did funny things to my insides. “Great.”
I didn’t have to look to know that my cousins were shooting poison-tipped daggers of envy in my direction or that my brothers were setting down their napkins and pushing back their chairs.
“I can take him,” my brother Dom said with that protective big-brother look in his eye. The same one Nick, Vinnie, Paulie, and my father currently sported. The only male who seemed unconcerned was Nonno.
“You sit,” Nonno told Dom, waving his hand. “He-a go with Gina.”
Everyone turned to Nonno. His eyes were glittering, and he was looking directly at me. I heard several sharp intakes of breath and murmured curses in Italian. My nonno was a notorious matchmaker, and if I didn’t know any better, I’d think Nonno had just matched Gray and me.
Oh no.
Copyright © 2023 Abbie Zanders.
Written by Abbie Zanders.
All rights reserved.
Get your copy here:
👉 𝐀𝐦𝐚𝐳𝐨𝐧: https://smarturl.it/azrJustForYou
Just For You and the rest of the books in the Cerasino Family Novellas series are available free as part of your Kindle Unlimited subscription.
The Cerasino Family Novellas contain no graphic sex and minimal colorful expletives. They’re fun, lighthearted, feel-good reads, perfect for those occasions when time is at a premium and you need a quick romance fix.
This is Gina’s story.
No matter how much he wants her, he knows he can’t have her
Gina
With my shiny new master’s degree in hand, I’m ready to break free and take the world by storm. No one understands my desire to flee the comfort and safety of my modest town and large Italian family except him. Viper. The lead guitarist for my favorite band and my number one crush since he first smiled at me backstage years ago.
He’s tatted and pierced in all the right places with a creative soul and a dark energy I can’t get enough of. And now that I’ve gotten to know the man behind the performer, I’m more drawn to him than ever.
But it’s not meant to be. Our crossing of paths is just a temporary thing, and despite my best efforts, he’s determined to keep me solidly in the friend zone.
Gray
When my tour is unexpectedly cut short, I’m not as disappointed as I should be. I’m beyond weary, and worse, I don’t hear the music in my head like I used to. What I need is time away from the craziness. Time to stop being Viper, lead guitarist for Bad Influence, and go back to being Grayson Mitchell. I’m not even sure who that guy is anymore, but if anyone can help me remember him, it’s my twin brother.
When I head to Grant’s for much-needed rest, relaxation, and long overdue bro time, I didn’t expect to find him smitten with a beautiful young doc. Nor did I expect to find myself equally drawn to said gorgeous doc’s younger sister. Gina is … amazing. She’s vibrant and beautiful and so unjaded it makes my dark heart ache. When I’m with her, I hear the music again.
She’s into me, I can see it in her eyes. But no matter how much I want her, I can’t. I won’t. I … shouldn’t.
Just for You is the 5th book in the Cerasino Family Novella series, a short, sweet, mildly suspenseful love story featuring an ebullient heroine ready to take on the world and a jaded hero who already did and has the scars to prove it. No graphic sex or violence. Minimal adult language.
👉 𝐀𝐦𝐚𝐳𝐨𝐧: https://smarturl.it/azrJustForYou
👀 Wanna sneak peek?
Gina
Grant Mitchell’s twin brother is freaking Viper.
That was the thought that kept popping into my mind every time I looked at him over the course of the afternoon.
I’d never been starstruck before. Well, not since my first time backstage when I was thirteen. My uncle Vito was a concert tour promoter, which meant my siblings and I had gotten to get up close and personal with a lot of bands over the years. There were few household names I hadn’t met at one time or another.
None of them had ever affected me as much as Gray Mitchell.
Yes, I’d met him before. And, yes, I’d had the same reaction then too. Total deer in headlights. The difference this time was, I wasn’t a pubescent teenager anymore. I was a fully grown, adult woman. And Gray? He was even sexier now than he had been then. More chiseled man. Less droolworthy F-boy.
He didn’t remember me—that was obvious. And why would he? I was one of thousands—probably hundreds of thousands—of girls who’d stared at him adoringly and fantasized about him while letting his unique, deep, purring voice soak into my soul. There was a reason the band Bad Influence was as popular as it was, and I was looking at him. Lyricist. Lead guitarist. Voice of sin and salvation.
He looked different from the last time I’d seen him. His body had filled out. His features were sharper and more defined. Back then, he’d had gloss in his streaked hair and guyliner accentuating his gorgeous hazel eyes. He’d been shirtless, his lean, ripped torso covered in tattoos and slicked with sweat.
My eyes dropped to his chest, where I knew that, beneath that perfectly respectable button-down, both nipples were pierced.
Is he wearing hoops or bars today? I wondered before setting that thought aside to ponder later in private.
Instead of skintight leather pants that left nothing to the imagination, he had on faded, well-washed blue jeans, like a normal, regular guy.
There was absolutely nothing regular about Gray Mitchell. He oozed charisma and sex appeal, no matter what he was wearing.
My female cousins Valentina, Corina, Lucia, and Ramona were falling all over themselves, and he was treating them like they were the most fascinating creatures on earth. I wasn’t jealous. Not at all. It was an act, an integral part of the consummate performer he was. I would just have to remember that if he ever turned his attention my way.
I tried not to gawk and focused on other things. I chatted with my brothers’ other halves briefly. They asked how my schoolwork was going, and I, in turn, inquired about their lives.
Eventually, Gray and my brother Dom started talking music, comparing live bands, and that was when I got pulled into the conversation. Dom and I were the diehard rock fans of the famiglia and had attended a lot of concerts over the years. Now that we were older, the torch had been passed to us as chaperones for the younger generation—something we had both heartily embraced because it gave us a good excuse to keep going.
I had no problems entering the discussion. I spoke like I knew what I was talking about, because I did. I didn’t say Bad Influence was my favorite live band of all time even though it was. That would sound too much like I was sucking up. I didn’t even rank them in my top three when I was ticking them off on my fingers. Dom, who knew my music preferences as well as he knew his own, didn’t call me out. His smirk told me he knew exactly what I was doing. If Viper—uh, Gray—took offense to the blatant omission, he hid it well.
Grant took Sofia back to her place at some point, which was disappointing. Sofia was recovering from surgery after a car accident, and I’d been planning to use her as an excuse to not only scoot out of there early, but to also justify my absence for the rest of the day.
I had a ton of work to do on my final presentation, and I was behind. I was about to graduate with a master’s in graphic design and illustrative arts. My thesis and my final project would be the pièces de resistance to my portfolio. If I nailed it, I would be that much closer to getting a coveted position at Kensington Graphic Creative with the Andrea Collins. If I got that, I could write my own ticket.
“I need to go too,” I said shortly after Grant and Sofia left.
Since Sofia’s apartment was off-limits for a couple of hours, I’d have to go to either the library or the graphics lab, where I had a small office. I tried to avoid those places when possible, especially during times when security was at a minimum and there weren’t a lot of other people around, like late nights and weekends.
“It’s Sunday,” my mother said, shooting me a disapproving look.
Sundays were for family time, but I’d had about as much of my cousins’ fawning as I could handle. Plus, having my loud, boisterous famiglia around was not conducive to getting my project done.
I stood to go, then kissed both my parents and my grandparents, resigned to do what I must. I’d be okay as long as I didn’t get too wrapped up in my work and I stayed aware of my surroundings. Plus, I kept my pepper spray close by. “I’ll be at the studio late tonight. Don’t wait up.”
To my surprise, Gray also pushed back his chair and stood. “I should be going too. Do you mind if I catch a ride?”
I blinked at him. “A ride?”
He gave me a hopeful, almost-shy smile. “I came with Grant.”
I tamped down the thrill that zinged through me. This wasn’t about me as much as it was a silent plea to help him escape. Honestly, I didn’t blame him. My cousins were relentless. However, the thought of sharing such a confined space with Gray sent a wave of something through me. Anticipation? Anxiety?
What I said was, “Uh, sure.”
His smile did funny things to my insides. “Great.”
I didn’t have to look to know that my cousins were shooting poison-tipped daggers of envy in my direction or that my brothers were setting down their napkins and pushing back their chairs.
“I can take him,” my brother Dom said with that protective big-brother look in his eye. The same one Nick, Vinnie, Paulie, and my father currently sported. The only male who seemed unconcerned was Nonno.
“You sit,” Nonno told Dom, waving his hand. “He-a go with Gina.”
Everyone turned to Nonno. His eyes were glittering, and he was looking directly at me. I heard several sharp intakes of breath and murmured curses in Italian. My nonno was a notorious matchmaker, and if I didn’t know any better, I’d think Nonno had just matched Gray and me.
Oh no.
Copyright © 2023 Abbie Zanders.
Written by Abbie Zanders.
All rights reserved.
Get your copy here:
👉 𝐀𝐦𝐚𝐳𝐨𝐧: https://smarturl.it/azrJustForYou
Just For You and the rest of the books in the Cerasino Family Novellas series are available free as part of your Kindle Unlimited subscription.
August 15, 2023
Fun, entertaining and satisfying! It's good to be back with the Cerasino Family again. Youngest sibling Gina struggles to keep the rest of her big Italian family from butting into her life, she is determined to follow her own path career path and is about to complete her masters as a graphic designer. At a dinner for her sister Sophia and Grant (their story was book 4 in the series and delightfully overlaps) she meets Grant's twin rockstar Gray who is a rockstar and someone she has crushed on for years. On paper they have nothing in common, he's well established and several years older, she is a just about to graduate student just starting her career but they just click. Gina doesn't gush or fangirl Gray but treats him as a normal person. Spending time together their attraction and relationship grows but both have their reasons for not pursuing it and decide to be friends. Gray returns to his life on the west coast and Gina starts her internship in New York but the attraction lingers and they can't forget each other but will they work out they are meant to be together. Add in a small dose of suspense/mystery and you have a thoroughly enjoyable short story.
I received an arc from the author and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
I received an arc from the author and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
August 21, 2023
I loved this one. It was really cute and I need more of this family.
September 1, 2023
This is book 5 in the Cerasino Family and I would read the others before this one, although it could be read as a standalone. Gina has her shiny new master’s degree in hand, I’m ready to break free and take the world by storm. No one understands my desire to flee the comfort and safety of my modest town and large Italian family except him. Viper. The lead guitarist for my favorite band and my number one crush since he first smiled at me backstage years ago. He’s tatted and pierced in all the right places with a creative soul and a dark energy I can’t get enough of. And now that I’ve gotten to know the man behind the performer, I’m more drawn to him than ever. But it’s not meant to be. Our crossing of paths is just a temporary thing, and despite my best efforts, he’s determined to keep me solidly in the friend zone. Gray's tour is unexpectedly cut short, I’m not as disappointed as I should be. I’m beyond weary, and worse, I don’t hear the music in my head like I used to. What I need is time away from the craziness. Time to stop being Viper, lead guitarist for Bad Influence, and go back to being Grayson Mitchell. I’m not even sure who that guy is anymore, but if anyone can help me remember him, it’s my twin brother. When I head to Grant’s for much-needed rest, relaxation, and long overdue bro time, I didn’t expect to find him smitten with a beautiful young doc. Nor did I expect to find myself equally drawn to said gorgeous doc’s younger sister. Gina is … amazing. She’s vibrant and beautiful and so unjaded it makes my dark heart ache. When I’m with her, I hear the music again. She’s into me, I can see it in her eyes. But no matter how much I want her, I can’t. I won’t. I … shouldn’t.
These two are super cute and sweet together. While things were in the friend zone for quite some time, I actually enjoyed that they are truly friends. They genuinely like each other and aren't just in lust with each other. That's not to say there isn't an attraction, but they don't act on it. I liked how their story plays out, with them both going out and doing the things that they need to do, but they also never forget about each other. Even if they aren't in each other's lives on the daily. There was some suspense towards the end, which I wasn't expecting. But it actually fit with how the story was coming together. I definitely loved how everything comes together in the end and how they figure out everything with their lives. As per usual with this author, definitely well worth the read!
These two are super cute and sweet together. While things were in the friend zone for quite some time, I actually enjoyed that they are truly friends. They genuinely like each other and aren't just in lust with each other. That's not to say there isn't an attraction, but they don't act on it. I liked how their story plays out, with them both going out and doing the things that they need to do, but they also never forget about each other. Even if they aren't in each other's lives on the daily. There was some suspense towards the end, which I wasn't expecting. But it actually fit with how the story was coming together. I definitely loved how everything comes together in the end and how they figure out everything with their lives. As per usual with this author, definitely well worth the read!
August 8, 2023
‘Just for You’ by Abbie Zanders is the fifth in the ‘Cerasino Family’ series about the Cerasino’s who are a boisterous Italian family following a group of siblings who are finding their soulmates (with the help of family matchmaker Nonno Francisco). These are noted as novellas and are shorter than others books by this author. The stories are also what I would call ‘sweet’ romances – all sex scenes are left strictly to the imagination and they are all pretty much love at first sight plots.
This story is about Gina Cerasino and Gray ‘Viper’ Mitchell. Gina is more into creative pursuits and doesn’t feel her family understands. Gray is a rock star with a twin brother who is a surgeon so they click as the underappreciated siblings. Gray’s brother and Gina’s sister are dating and between that complication and the challenges of the different stages they are at in their lives, they attempt to ignore the attraction between them. Gray goes home to California and Gina gets a job in NYC, but they are both miserable. Gina’s family is worried about her and Gray’s brother communicating that fact is enough to get our hero into action. There is a small amount of potential danger from a stalker that Gina is unaware of, but Gray quickly takes care of him. The HEA happens quickly once Gray takes action so this story is a quick sweet read with very little angst.
I got this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I am a huge fan of Abbie Zanders’ books. And recommend this book or really anything by this author.
This story is about Gina Cerasino and Gray ‘Viper’ Mitchell. Gina is more into creative pursuits and doesn’t feel her family understands. Gray is a rock star with a twin brother who is a surgeon so they click as the underappreciated siblings. Gray’s brother and Gina’s sister are dating and between that complication and the challenges of the different stages they are at in their lives, they attempt to ignore the attraction between them. Gray goes home to California and Gina gets a job in NYC, but they are both miserable. Gina’s family is worried about her and Gray’s brother communicating that fact is enough to get our hero into action. There is a small amount of potential danger from a stalker that Gina is unaware of, but Gray quickly takes care of him. The HEA happens quickly once Gray takes action so this story is a quick sweet read with very little angst.
I got this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I am a huge fan of Abbie Zanders’ books. And recommend this book or really anything by this author.
August 5, 2023
Sofia Cerasino, a hopeful ER doctor, and Grant Mitchell, an orthopedic surgeon, worked at the same local hospital and were attracted to each other. Grant was invited to the weekly Sunday dinner at her family's Italian restaurant by Sofia's younger sister Gina as a surprise. All the extended family were there. Grant brought his twin brother Gray, stage name Viper, who is a famous rock and roll guitarist and songwriter who sports multiple tattoos and piercings. The youngest Cerasino daughter Gina, a graphic designer working on her Masters, had a teenage crush on Viper after meeting him backstage with her music concert tour promoter uncle. The attraction is still there. Viper is attracted to Gina also but thinks she is too young for him. The offered friendship develops until Gina moves to an apartment to begin a highly sought after job and Gray goes back to Malibu. But the new job is overtaxing and the new apartment seems unsafe. Gina can't let her family know that their objections to her career choice might be right. Someone else isn't happy she has moved away also. A wonderful story that will hold your attention until the end.
August 5, 2023
I was granted the privilege of receiving a copy of "Just For You" to review. I enjoyed it as much as the previous books in the Cerasino Family series. Gray is such an engaging character, sexy & intense, but doesn't take himself to seriously. Gina's thoughts regarding Gray really tickled me at times. " He gave me a wicked grin that had probably melted thousands of panties. Unfortunately, mine were no exception." Gina & Gray are both creative people, and this, in addition to them being the youngest in families of over achievers seems to give them an opening to understanding each other beyond their physical attraction. I liked that they didn't rush into a relationship right away. The one that you thought would be more impulsive, turned out to be the one who held off. I think that made the payoff more impactfull.
I would highly recommend this book! I can't wait for more of this family. ( I would like to see more of Nonno & Nonna Maria next time);)
I would highly recommend this book! I can't wait for more of this family. ( I would like to see more of Nonno & Nonna Maria next time);)
August 7, 2023
ONG!! What a fabulous book! Gray and Gina were awesome. I so loved being back with Nonno and Noona and the Cerasino family! Gray is a lead guitarist in a rock and roll band for the past ten years and travels extensively. Grant is his twin brother who is an orthopedic surgeon. Grant has Gray in town fir a family dinner with the Cerasino’s as he is dating Sofia. Gina is Sofia’s younger sister and is graduating with a degree in Graphic Design. Gina is looking forward to graduating and relocating to a bigger city and away from the watchful eyes of her family. At the family dinner things get interesting. They both realize it could be something but neither is ready. They both look for ways to get together but at the same time downplaying their interactions. This story is very well written and great character development. There is friendship, laughter, slow building trust,a little suspense and a lasting love! 5+ stars. Abbie this book is absolutely incredible and a must read! I received an ARC for an honest review.
August 5, 2023
Just For You was a delightful romantic story that is the fifth book in Abbie Xanders Cerasino series. You can always count in Abbie Zanders for a great happily ever after. Just For You is a very quick read, and it was very entertaining. I love this series about this big Italian family that is in everybody’s business. Gray and Gina met through their sibling’s relationship. Gray is Grant’s twin, and he is in town visiting. Gina is Sophia’s youngest sister, and she is helping out her sister after her wreck. Grant and Sophia’s story was the fourth book, and the two stories overlap in time. Gray and Gina really enjoy spending time together when they are both at home. Gina is about to start an internship, and Gray is about to spend time in his new album. So they decide to be friends. Their story has all of the feels, and it has a little bit of suspense. Will things work out when they can’t stop thinking about each other. I couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait to see who’s story is next!
August 3, 2023
Gina meets Gray at the Sunday family dinner her family has every week. He is the twin brother of her sister's boyfriend Grant. Imagine her shock when she realized that he and the rock star she has had a crush on since she was 13 are one and the same. They hit it off immediately. Gina treats Gray like a normal person. He doesn't have that in his everyday life. They hang out together while Gray is in town. Gina has just graduated with her graphic arts and design degree. She's just starting to live on her own and Gray decided he can't, and won't get in the way of that. Months go by, and they just missed each other more and more. Gray is determined to make it up to Gina. Can he break past her defenses so they can have the HEA they deserve? Get this book and find out. Sorry, no spoilers. I received this ARC and here is my honest review.
August 5, 2023
A charming read with a good storyline and endearing characters. Two people from different worlds are drawn to each other in ways they can’t quite explain. Gray (Viper) started out as her band crush from her youth and he was enchanted with Gina’s freshness and the way she treated him like a normal person. Both are set on different paths in life but drawn together by family and feelings they can’t ignore. She’s young, talented, and just starting her life while he’s older, more jaded, and tired of the monotony of fame. The chemistry between them sparks each time they’re together and doesn’t fade when they’re apart. They never stray from the other's thoughts. I was definitely rooting for their HEA. Their story has emotions, fun, family, a touch of drama, and some suspense. A fun addition to the series.
August 5, 2023
Gray AKA Viper of the band, Bad Influence is visiting his twin brother Grant who is a doctor. At a family gathering with the Cerasino family he meets Grant’s GF Sophia’s sister Gina. They immediately hit it off, two kindred souls who venture out on their own to achieve their dreams that no one thought would come true. Only 5 years apart age-wise, but miles apart on life experiences Grant decides he will not pursue Gina. When Gina becomes evasive to her family and friends about her life Grant takes it upon himself to see what is really going on.
I enjoyed Gina and Grants story. Grant is a multi-faceted person, two different personas. Gina is much more than her family gives her credit for. Together they are perfect. A good addition to the Cerasino Family Novella series.
I enjoyed Gina and Grants story. Grant is a multi-faceted person, two different personas. Gina is much more than her family gives her credit for. Together they are perfect. A good addition to the Cerasino Family Novella series.
August 7, 2023
I love the Cerasino family! Abbie Zanders never disappoints. This is an entertaining story about the youngest Cerasino and her rockstar. Great story with toughtful characters, deep insights, a tight Italian family, a dash of suspense, and a lot of heart. It's a sweet story with little foul language and no graphic $ex (which I usually skip over but didn't have to for this book). The ending is a little rushed but the epilogues help fill in some of the blanks (but I would love to know the why and how and what happened at Gina's apartment).
You can't go wrong with an Abbie Zanders book. My favorites are her Mythic series and the Callaghan brothers but all of her books are good or great. I am really looking forward to Dom's story.
You can't go wrong with an Abbie Zanders book. My favorites are her Mythic series and the Callaghan brothers but all of her books are good or great. I am really looking forward to Dom's story.
August 8, 2023
Grayson a world famous rock and roll lead guitarist for Bad Influence.
Gina is Sofia’s sister and going to school to be an graphic artist.
Grant Grayson’s brother a world renowned orthopedic surgeon.
Sofia is Gina’s sister and applying residency to be an ER doctor.
This story is about the Cerasino family ( a big Italian family).
Sofia Cerasino and Grant Mitchell are both seeing each other and working together. Gina and Grayson meet at a Cerasino family Sunday dinner.
Even though the age difference their is a slow burn chemistry between them.
Gina struggles to find her own path in life by moving to the City and things get very crazy.
Grayson has his own struggles with fame, age difference. They finally get together and all is well.
This book has romance, age gap difference and wonderful characters.
Great Job Abbie Zander’s !!!!!
Gina is Sofia’s sister and going to school to be an graphic artist.
Grant Grayson’s brother a world renowned orthopedic surgeon.
Sofia is Gina’s sister and applying residency to be an ER doctor.
This story is about the Cerasino family ( a big Italian family).
Sofia Cerasino and Grant Mitchell are both seeing each other and working together. Gina and Grayson meet at a Cerasino family Sunday dinner.
Even though the age difference their is a slow burn chemistry between them.
Gina struggles to find her own path in life by moving to the City and things get very crazy.
Grayson has his own struggles with fame, age difference. They finally get together and all is well.
This book has romance, age gap difference and wonderful characters.
Great Job Abbie Zander’s !!!!!
August 9, 2023
My favorite big Italian Family
Welcome back to Sunday dinner with the Cerasinos! Gina and Gray were the best type of slow burn ever. Due to their circumstances, their siblings were building a relationship they tried to resist. Chemistry is hard to hold back. After reading this one, I know the next thing I do will be a quick reread of the series! It's so fun to become reacquainted with your favorite characters. This was a novella that could even have been longer. These two characters were so fun, and that slow burn kept you captivated. As always, after finishing one, I'm ready for the next, and this was no exception. I find myself unable to stop reading once I start. The characters are funny, so all the way around, it's entertaining.
Welcome back to Sunday dinner with the Cerasinos! Gina and Gray were the best type of slow burn ever. Due to their circumstances, their siblings were building a relationship they tried to resist. Chemistry is hard to hold back. After reading this one, I know the next thing I do will be a quick reread of the series! It's so fun to become reacquainted with your favorite characters. This was a novella that could even have been longer. These two characters were so fun, and that slow burn kept you captivated. As always, after finishing one, I'm ready for the next, and this was no exception. I find myself unable to stop reading once I start. The characters are funny, so all the way around, it's entertaining.
August 31, 2023
This book finds the perfect balancing act that comes with siblings and a big family. Gina, the baby of her family, wants to be an independent woman that’s finding find her place in the world. She’s seeking the approval from her very protective family but also realizes that she is very different than they are. Gray on the other hand is a super star rocker, that is actually wanting a slower pace of life. It’s instant attraction between the two, but hesitant because there’s already a connection between their siblings. This novella is another perfect example of the colorful, interesting, full bodied story that Zanders writes. I think I have read almost everything from Abbie Zanders and love them all, but I think she especially shines in writing contemporary romance. 5 stars.
August 4, 2023
Two people following their dreams.
Gray aka Viper has been following his dreams for 10 years. Playing and writing music for a world renown band. He always has felt he was the rebel in the family and was a disappointment.
Gina,the youngest in her large family, feels like she is letting her family down. Her desired career in design,art,and to do it alone feels very rebellious.
She is breaking free of her large family. Viper is her sounding board.
When they acknowledge they are two halves of the whole, danger rears its head.
This is a great read. I love the continued storyline involving this large family by Annie Zanders.
Carol Wilson
Gray aka Viper has been following his dreams for 10 years. Playing and writing music for a world renown band. He always has felt he was the rebel in the family and was a disappointment.
Gina,the youngest in her large family, feels like she is letting her family down. Her desired career in design,art,and to do it alone feels very rebellious.
She is breaking free of her large family. Viper is her sounding board.
When they acknowledge they are two halves of the whole, danger rears its head.
This is a great read. I love the continued storyline involving this large family by Annie Zanders.
Carol Wilson
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2023
The continuing story of the Cerasino family. We meet up with Sofia and her sister Gina along with the twin brothers Grant and Gray. Gray also known as Viper is a rock and roll legend. Gina younger sister to Sofia has liked Viper for years and now discovers he is Gray. You will enjoy the ride you get from Abbie seeing how this relationship is going to go. Lots of moments that wonder if the two can over come things to be the couple we want to see. Gray is still touring and Gina has a dream job but can the two ever get back together. Enjoy the roller coaster ride. Abbie another great book. I was given an ARC for my honest opinion of this book.
August 5, 2023
Gray and Gina's story is such a great light love story.
We feel Gina's struggle to be out on her own as the "baby" of the family and needing to get out of the immediate area of her family. She has her goals to prove to herself she is capable of taking care of herself.
Gray has come to town for support his twin and falls for the unlikely family member, they are the complete opposites. He decides to step back and just be friends during that visit and then he must move on once he went back to his life.
Just when Gina needs him the most, he gets a message and they can't deny their feelings any longer.
Quick read and love all the positive vibes and HEA.
We feel Gina's struggle to be out on her own as the "baby" of the family and needing to get out of the immediate area of her family. She has her goals to prove to herself she is capable of taking care of herself.
Gray has come to town for support his twin and falls for the unlikely family member, they are the complete opposites. He decides to step back and just be friends during that visit and then he must move on once he went back to his life.
Just when Gina needs him the most, he gets a message and they can't deny their feelings any longer.
Quick read and love all the positive vibes and HEA.
August 7, 2023
Viper – the guitarist – the legend - Gina’s teenage crush. His brother is involved with her sister and now Gina has a chance to get to know the man behind the legend. Grant believes women are only interested in him because he’s famous, that is until he meets Gina. Whilst she treats him like a normal person, he feels comfortable enough around her to be himself. For Gina, the man is much better than the legend. With their lives in two different direction, will a temporary friendship be all they have? Who wouldn’t jump at the chance to know the person behind their teenage crush? From fantasy to reality Gina and Gray’s story is an outstanding, captivating, heart warming, feel good read.
August 8, 2023
It's good to be back with the Cerasino Family again. Youngest sibling Gina struggles to keep the rest of her big Italian family from butting into her life, she is determined to follow her own path career path and is about to complete her masters as a graphic designer.
Some of Gina and Grays story is during the same timeline as Grant and Sophia's love story.
Gina has crushed on Viper since being a teen. He shows up as Grant's twin brother Gray. Gray is in town for a short time and has basically been advised to stay away from Gina romantically. While the sizzle between the two is there, they both agree to be friends.
Some of Gina and Grays story is during the same timeline as Grant and Sophia's love story.
Gina has crushed on Viper since being a teen. He shows up as Grant's twin brother Gray. Gray is in town for a short time and has basically been advised to stay away from Gina romantically. While the sizzle between the two is there, they both agree to be friends.
August 8, 2023
Another solid addition to this series! Gina is the youngest of the Cerasino family and a recent graduate. Gray is the twin brother of Grant who is the boyfriend of Gina's sister. He also happens to be a famous rock star and the fantasy of Gina's teenage years. He is in town to visit his brother and have some down time. He and Gina spend time together working on Grant's apartment. The feelings are there but Gray feels that he is too old for her because she is just starting out and he has more life experience. I really enjoyed reading their journey to happiness. I just wished that it was longer!
August 8, 2023
A crush that becomes a dream that becomes . . . friendship and maybe more? Family can be challenging as a woman tries to complete her dream -- complete her masters degree and move to the big city. Gray, a rock star (seriously), would settle for normal as he takes a time out and visits his twin and then meets Grant's girlfriend's sister. Friendship which becomes so much more -- yes. Warmth and family, for better (mostly) and for worse, with edginess in spots to make it interesting. Another great read from Abbie Zanders.
I received a free copy of this book via BookFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via BookFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 8, 2023
Gray is in town looking for a chance to relax from the craziness that is his life. Imagine his surprise when he finds his twin, Grant, in a relationship with a local doctor, Sophia. Even more surprising to Gray is doc's little sister, Gina, and the instant attraction between them. Despite the attraction, Gray knew he should keep his distance as Gina didn't have the life experience he had. After all, Gina was younger and just starting her career. But as Gray finds out, time and distance don't always remedy the situation. Sometimes, what you think isn't the right thing for you, can turn into something better than you ever imagined.
August 8, 2023
Another great release in the Cerasino Family series. Gina is ready to start her career in graphic art and stand on her own two feet. Even though everyone wants her to stay close to home she has set her sites on the big apple and amazing internship. But while waiting for news of the internship she gets to spend time with Gray her sister Sofia's boyfriends twin brother, who just happens to be a rock icon that she has always crushed on. The two hit off but Gray is leery that he is too old and jaded for someone like Gina who is just starting out and back offs even though he doesn't want to. Great story with great characters.
August 10, 2023
Gray and Gina
This was another great short story!! Gray enjoys the relaxed atmosphere while visiting his twin brother, because everyone knows how celebrities or in his case, rock band entertainer, can attract unwanted attention at times. Gina is the youngest in the Cerasino family and has had a crush on Viper, the lead singer for years.
She's finishing college for interior design and wants to work at a renowned business in NY, but even she can get disillusioned with how things are going and how sad life can be when living in a big city that is rife for mugging and other things.
The story line flows and it keeps you turning the pages and wanting more. Happy reading!!
This was another great short story!! Gray enjoys the relaxed atmosphere while visiting his twin brother, because everyone knows how celebrities or in his case, rock band entertainer, can attract unwanted attention at times. Gina is the youngest in the Cerasino family and has had a crush on Viper, the lead singer for years.
She's finishing college for interior design and wants to work at a renowned business in NY, but even she can get disillusioned with how things are going and how sad life can be when living in a big city that is rife for mugging and other things.
The story line flows and it keeps you turning the pages and wanting more. Happy reading!!
August 11, 2023
I love quick reads full of love and passion where two people perfect for each other have their paths align.... but it wasn't instantly, giving the story and characters room to grow. Gray and Gina are instantly attracted to each other when they meet again as adults, but are at different points in their lives, and Gray is conscious that he doesn't want to cut Gina's wings. But a love meant to be doesn't die, and sweet, caring, jaded, protective Gray eventually decides it's time to stop pretending and get their HEA. I liked how their was just enough angst, action, and protective alpha vibes to give a little suspense to the sweet story.
August 15, 2023
Entertaining Cerasino Family Novella!!
Twin brothers; one a doctor (Grant) and one a rock and roll star (Grayson). Gray keeps to himself rather than draw crows, but a dinner with his brother’s significant other, Sofia, requires attendance.
When Sofia’s sister Gina must leave to finish her Master’s presentation in graphic design and illustrative arts, Gray asks to tag along. Gina had a crush on “Viper” Gray’s band name. She discovers there is more to the man, and he is relieved to be around someone who doesn’t want something from him.
Can Manhattan and Malibu find common ground - delightful story.
***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****
Twin brothers; one a doctor (Grant) and one a rock and roll star (Grayson). Gray keeps to himself rather than draw crows, but a dinner with his brother’s significant other, Sofia, requires attendance.
When Sofia’s sister Gina must leave to finish her Master’s presentation in graphic design and illustrative arts, Gray asks to tag along. Gina had a crush on “Viper” Gray’s band name. She discovers there is more to the man, and he is relieved to be around someone who doesn’t want something from him.
Can Manhattan and Malibu find common ground - delightful story.
***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****
August 16, 2023
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Abbie doesn’t disappoint! Another great book woven into her universe with touches from several other books she’s written that were fun to pick up. The rockstar falling for the townie fan is well covered territory but the girl is not a simpleton with no dreams or hope of her own and her life doesn’t resolve around him. His life is rock and roll but not what you’d expect. The challenges the norms and doesn’t disappoint. My only wish is we had more of the stalker subplot but with a snort novella I know it’s hard.
If I could I’d give it 4.5 but as I can’t I’m going 5.
Abbie doesn’t disappoint! Another great book woven into her universe with touches from several other books she’s written that were fun to pick up. The rockstar falling for the townie fan is well covered territory but the girl is not a simpleton with no dreams or hope of her own and her life doesn’t resolve around him. His life is rock and roll but not what you’d expect. The challenges the norms and doesn’t disappoint. My only wish is we had more of the stalker subplot but with a snort novella I know it’s hard.
If I could I’d give it 4.5 but as I can’t I’m going 5.
August 18, 2023
Gray and Gina are great. Love this book
Gray is a rock and roll big star and someone Gina has crushed on for a long time. Now his brother is dating her sister so they meet and hit it off but Gray is only in town for a short time. There is definitely sparks between them but he refuses to act on them. When he leaves to go back to California they agree to be friends but will Gray do that. What I finally brings him to realize that he wants to see if the sparks are more than that and takes him to NYC to find her? What does he do when he realizes she is being stalker and she is unaware of it. What happens to the stalker and who is it?
Gray is a rock and roll big star and someone Gina has crushed on for a long time. Now his brother is dating her sister so they meet and hit it off but Gray is only in town for a short time. There is definitely sparks between them but he refuses to act on them. When he leaves to go back to California they agree to be friends but will Gray do that. What I finally brings him to realize that he wants to see if the sparks are more than that and takes him to NYC to find her? What does he do when he realizes she is being stalker and she is unaware of it. What happens to the stalker and who is it?
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