If I Can't Have You

Big Daddy Sinatra #2

by Mallory Monroe

Handsome businessman Charles Sinatra and his regal African-American wife Jenay are living the good life in Jericho despite the bluebloods in town who despise their wealth and power and will stop at nothing to bring them down. Jenay continues to run Charles’s Bed and Breakfast, and Charles continues to run the rest of his empire with the same ruthlessness and uncompromising fearlessness he is known for. He also continues to be there for his grown sons, despite their many issues. Even his oldest son Brent has found somebody to keep him warm, even though that somebody is Jenay’s best friend.

But when Jenay becomes the target of somebody’s twisted revenge, Charles will stop at nothing to protect his family and to show the haters in town just how far he’s willing to go with his protection.

In the latest installment of the Sinatras of Jericho County series, the entire Sinatra clan comes together to serve, protect, and defend their family and their good name.

Genres: Interracial Romance, Contemporary Romance, Romance

222 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 21, 2014

About the author

Mallory Monroe, a pseudonym of award-winning, bestselling literary author Teresa McClain-Watson, has well over a hundred bestselling books under her name. They include MaeBelle Marie, the Alex Drakos Romantic Suspense series, the Oz Drakos series, the Reno Gabrini (Mob Boss) series, the Mick Sinatra series, the Sal Gabrini series, the Tommy Gabrini series, the Big Daddy Sinatra series, the Trevor Reese series, the Rags to Romance series, the Teddy Sinatra series, the Boone and Charly series, the Monk Paletti series, the President's Boyfriend series, and the President's Girlfriend/Dutch and Gina series. She has also worked as an executive editor for many years and as an investigator for three. Recently widowed, she has attended Florida State University, Florida A & M. University, the University of North Florida, and the University of Mississippi at Oxford Summer Law Institute. A law school dropout, she holds a Master's degree in history and education and credits God Almighty for ALL of her success. Visit mallorymonroebooks.com or austinbrookpublishing.com for updates and more information on all of her titles. See also amazon.com/author/teresamcclainwatson.

Reviews

[M.J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just what you would expect

In this installment of the Sinatras ,we begin with a bomb and end with a bang. A really good read and I like it a lot,the drama, suspense, and mystery along with a love story, beautiful! Charles and Jenay are living their life and loving it. Together with his sons and the beautiful baby daughter,Bonita they feel on top of the world, but trouble is on the horizon .It seems the good citizens of Jericho,Maine are not taking to kindly to Jenay ,not to mention her friends Norm and Denise who arrive in Maine to work at the Bed & Breakfast. Add to that the movers and shakers of the town come to Charles and issue and ultimatum to Big Daddy,that has him seeing red and making a shocking move of his own. Meanwhile one of his sons is taken with a beautiful young waitress who just happens to be Jenays friend and their relationship may lead to some unnecessary drama for everyone. If that's not enough both Charles and Jenay have to deal with their scheming ex's who have plans of their own for the Sinatras,all of this while trying to find the person responsible for planting a bomb in his wife's car, and that persons identity is a shocker to everyone!There is never a dull moment in the life of Charles "Big Daddy" Sinatra.
This story was very interesting and had me hooked! It had a little mystery to it which I loved! I thought I knew who was responsible for trying to kill Jenay,but in true Mallory Monroe fashion, you just never know until the end. The love and loyalty Charles and Jenay shared was beautiful. this book more that her others had me more interested in the secondary characters,the brothers interaction was hilarious and at times heartfelt,I found myself wanting to know more about them and I have a feeling we will get more of them in future books and I can't wait! Great job!

[KBeautiful1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charles aka Big Daddy, Jenay Sinatra and their family are back in Book 2 and it is riveting. I love every single page of their story. I will be back to give a more detailed interview very soon.

[DeeReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Big Daddy Sinatra 2: If I Can't Have You" was a thrilling roller coaster ride from chapter one to the very end of the tale! Also, Big Daddy Sinatra 2 was a very suspenseful read due to unsuspecting characters from Big Daddy (ex- wife, Arianna), Jenay (ex -husband, Quince with children, Ashley and Carly) and his son's (Mom) past coming back into their lives to destroy the family while leaving an innocent bystander, (Nanny Tess) dead to make the story like a whodunit.

Big Daddy remains ruthless and cunning with his blunt conversations and many beat downs left me speechless but sadly the very people he thought were his friends fooled him throughout the story from Chief Joffee, Will and even Mary, his trusted secretary! Denise, one of Jenay's best friends from Boston was just Denise but who knew she would be so much like Norm said she was--- immature and stupid too. The most important point to this book was love and loyalty to Jenay and if you messed with 'his Jean', well Big Daddy Sinatra just did what he did best, he paid each and every obnoxious blue blood back in Jericho County, Maine in spades! What he did to Stoke was too hilarious with the very cake Jenay baked for the meeting she attended!

SO don't mess with the Sinatra clan...EVER!

Loving this flawed yet close-knit family but hating it took me so long to take Mallory Monroe storytelling seriously. Now after reading Big Daddy Sinatra and Trevor Reese's story with the major characters from several families, I KNOW THAT I'M HOOKED NOW!

Question: Why did Sprig leave her husband Gabrini and her sons with Charles' help? Why are Charles and Sprig no longer close?

5 Big Daddy Kane, oops Sinatra stars *****

[Avid Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story had so much potential and it was just wasted! The plot that was to create tension by placing the heroine in danger via an explosion was underdeveloped. Also, there were too many poorly developed plots, subplots, and misdirections; the result is a book that didn't really deliver romance, interesting and hot sex, suspense, or become a good who dunnit. Also, the dialogue written for a 40 year old white business man at some times seemed more appropriate for street hustlers or urban youth.

Now that Big Daddy is married to Jenay the town racists are out to undermine her, obsessed women are out to take her place, at least one of her stepson's dislikes her, her best friend is screwing and screwing over another of her stepsons, her ex-husband is back and is involved in a plot to end her marriage to Big Daddy, and someone wants to kill her. There is just too much going on in this book so, in my view, nothing was well developed and every storyline fell flat and felt incomplete.

Drawing out the idea that Daniel was behind the plot to kill Jenay would have added complexity, and been the foundation for good family conflict. The real bomber and the reason behind it could have driven the story forward without adding all the other needless "drama" with Denise and Brenton, the problem with Robert, the issues with the town's bluebloods, and the ex-wife who wants a relationship with her now adult sons and\or a relationship with Big Daddy. Based on the ending, expect a sequel to this book.

After reading this book, I think this author just might be losing her edge.

[Tanielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Now this was a crazy ride! I thought for sure that I was going to go out of my mind wondering what happened to cause the beginning of the story. Jenay was a sideline in this one I think. She was right in the middle of all the action but it was Charles who was running the show. He seems determined to take the lead across the board and make sure he holds everyone, not just his customers and businesses but his family as well. I thought for sure Robert was going down. I hope he has his act right now but I'm waiting to see what happens.

Donnie still needs to grow up but that sense of entitlement I doubt will ever go away. I was thinking he had more involvement which I'm sure will come up but hopefully it's not as bad as I want it to be. Then Denise! That heffa is out of her mind for real. I'm sure she'll be running back but I hope her chances have been given and done with. The circus is sure in Jericho, that Sprig was hell on wheels and I actually liked that she was telling it like it is. Can't wait to see what these girls have planned but hopefully nothing more then they already have done. Can't wait for the next one.

[BreakingtheEpigraph · Rating 4 out of 5]

BIG DADDY SINATRA 2: IF I CAN'T HAVE YOU (The Sinatras of Jericho County Book #2) certainly did not disappoint. It literally started out with a bang. Quince Franklin is approached by Arianna Sinatra to break-up the marriage of Charles and Jenay to get back into the lives of Charles and their sons. Even though Charles doesn't like the name Big Daddy, he will put a whipping on his grown sons, as he did Donald when Donald nearly beat his wife to death (in Book 1) and Robert when he found out he was dealing drugs. Charles Sinatra might be "Big Daddy Sinatra" to the people of Jericho, but you cannot denied that he loves his family and will destroy anybody who seeks to harm them.

In book 2 someone is out to kill Jenay and Charles will stop and nothing to find out who that is. What shocks him as well as Jenay is who it is? Brent has some drama going on in this book in the form of Denise Jenay's best friend.

Looking forward to see what book three Big Daddy Sinatra 3: The Best of My Love (The Sinatras of Jericho County) has in store for me.

[--karen Green-berry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Tear Jerker- BRAB ONLINE BOOK CLUB

What can I say, this book had me reeling. It had non stop suspense that had me guessing throughout the book and not being able to guess the answers.

This is the second book in the series that highlights the romance between Jenae and Charles " Big Daddy" Sinatra, his four sons and beautiful baby girl. The series of events that kept me on edge includes a bombing, murder, blackmail, embezzlement and betrayal.

Charles and Jenae's relationship became even closer, as others tried to tear them apart. I don't know when I'll get enough of this family. I'm ready for the next book.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely better than the 1st book but I have a few questions as to why some situations weren’t answered. I guess I’ll have to read the 3rd installment.

*EDIT*...

So, I took a day to think about what I read and my conclusion is that Charles is an abuser. He physically beats his (adult) sons, Robert and Donald. In the previous book, Donald went to prison for a year for beating his ex wife. Yea, it’s understandable for Charles to beat his son up in the first book, but he did it again in the second. Beating his sons are the reason why they’ve done some of the things they’ve done. It’s ridiculous and hypocritical of Charles. He slapped his son to get the truth from him only to find out that he’s suffering from depression. Ok, he found out that his son had nothing to do with the attempted murder of Jenay and the murder of Tess but Donald is a grown ass man, he doesn’t have to tell Charles everything and to slap him is nonsense!! All of his boys are a product of him. Yes, they are grown but they want their father. I’m 34 and I still want love and affection from my parents so when a new woman shows up, gets married and has a kid with their father, of course it messed up their already unstable world.

Just like Mick’s kids, I feel sorry for Charles kids.

[jean jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bring on the Sinatras

My girl has done it again. It's no wonder that msg Mallory Monroe is my favorite series writer. Charlie Sinatra is one alpha daddy with a super swag all of his own. I love the chemistry between he and his equally tough wife..oh and can't forget his sons especially Brent although I think Tony will also be one to watch.. Mallory is the type of writer that you really hate to start reading her books because you can't put it Seriously once you start you become so engrossed in her excellent storylines that will not want to stop until the end and then you don't want it to end...As she has done with her Mob Boss series, which I have read every one and getting ready to read her latest dapper Tom and Grace sequel..can't wait. I thoroughly recommend this book and every book she has written. You won't be disappointed.

[Mspraise50 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving this new series by Miss Monroe.

I love the relationship between Janay and Charles. I like that fact that he did not let her go to Richmond on her own he was right there next to her and was able to handle that rubbish that went down. I like it that they are honest with each other about everything and Big Daddy is not afraid to call his sons out on their rubbish.

What is Denise thinking???? That girl has demonstrated to me that she is dumb woman for someone who went to university!!!!!!

On to book 3.

[Brenda Holder · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Very Good and Suspenseful Interracial Romantic Thriller

Big Daddy Sinatra 2: If I Can't Have You ( The Sinatra of Jericho County) is a very good and suspenseful interracial romantic thriller that earned a rating of five stars. This episode of Big Daddy Sinatra series was just as good and exciting as the first episode. Charles Sinatra and Jenay have to fight for their safety and their love as various people who want to harm Jenay and her baby. I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to everyone who enjoys reading very good interracial romantic thrillers.

[Ren · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wow....something must be wrong with me because I felt like I was reading a soap opera and not in a good way.

I don't think the writing was good. The plot was repetitive (similar to her other books). I think the problem with this is that ex's are always trying to kill the heroine! Things were just so far fetched that it took me out the story. Having too much drama and unrealistic drama is not a good thing.

[Nancy L Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great 2nd book

I can't wait for the next installment cause I no there's to many stories to tell. Can't wait till Brent finds out about his baby. All I can say is keep up the great stories and ill b holding my breath till the next one

[Laree Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read

I'm loving this series it's so good, I could beat Denise she is so stupid. A woman would love to have a man like Brent and choose a no good nan over a good one. A must read.

[Lovie D. Bey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best yet.

I have read all of the Gabrini men series and I like this series the best. The storylines are different than the other series and I like the family. The author is good but I wish she could get phrases correct. Instead of saying something like I wouldn't put it PAST him she says Pass instead. Minor issue but there are several times something like this happens. Otherwise, awesome books.

[Vivian Byfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent

Oh this just gets better and better. I love this author's work any way but only now getting round to reading this series from the start. Not sure why I waited sooo long. Really is good and I recommend.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very good. I could not put the book down. It had so much mystert

And action in it and sad and anger. This story was like a movie. I loved the characters and the love for family

[Carolette Eady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Good 👍

I can't believe that I have been looking at this author for two years now and passing her up. Well, no more of that. This series is a must read and totally entertaining 👏

[Alexandra Woodward]

Ok

[Fern · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome! I was so surprised at the end to find out who was behind it all! Mallory Monroe has done it again!

[Judy McDowall · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read!!!!!

Another great book from Mallory. Excellent plot, well developed characters and a little humour here and there.
Looking forward to the next instalment.

[Mahree · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.7 stars since the story was more interesting than the first book.

[Janet R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrills, Chills & Twists: Big Daddy Sinatra 📕2

😍😍😍book 2 ! Filled with thrills, chills, mystery, suspense, drama, spicy ❤️ and twists you won’t see coming 😳On to 📚3💃🏻

[evergreencrime · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the first book.I gave it 4 stars.. I mean, the grammar was not the best but it kept my interest and the pace and drama was on point. This book however one was a disaster. The plot was garbage, the grammar, conversations and actions were juvenile. The drama was unrealistic and everything seemed far fetched. This was so disastrous that at some point I started to laugh at the sheer stupidness of it all. Donald misses how his Dad used to hold him.. seriously?!.. a 22 or so year old vying for his Dad's affection like a little dog. I found it ridiculous. And that is just the tip of the iceberg.. I can't remember all of the crap that I read. Charles was just so petty in this book..I couldn't stand him...sometimes. And back to that grammar!.. the book sounded like it was written by a child. It was just so basic and.. just wrong. That being said, I will read continue this series cos the reviews for the third book are convincing..I cant help for fall into what I am certain is a trap..I mean, the first book was pretty dope.

[Hot Reading Mom · Rating 3 out of 5]

So much going on in this novel but no clarity. Jenay and Big daddy are married and the town blue bloods are out to get Jenay. Ok these people are stupid...Big Daddy owns the town so they insult his wife and thinks that is okay. Really I know people that are racist are stupid but not to the detriment of their own lost in monetary benefit. (Should we discuss sport teams here).

So Jenay's ex hubby returns to get her back as an instrument of Big Daddy's ex wife. Huh??? Donald is still a jerk but changes miraculously at the end or does he? And Jenay's friend Denise is an idiot and a freeloader let see what drama she brings in the future to them all. Not to mention shenanigans with the town sheriff and Big daddy's employees which was totally a surprise.

[Layeshia · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG F I R E!!! Charles Sinatra also known as big daddy....where do I begin Charles is so Cold he's hot like fire! Charles was putting it on his woman Jenay like no one else can definitely an alpha male. The people in his hometown of Jericho Maine can't stand him because he tells it like it is and if you don't like it you can kiss his white behind. The only person that can soften his heart, his kryptonite is his wife Jenay. He has four grown sons the two older ones told the line the two others don't and they pay for that with knuckles to the face from Charles. I definitely recommend this book 5 stars and please read book
one first.

[Karen1976 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving this new series by Miss Monroe.

I love the relationship between Janay and Charles. I like that fact that he did not let her go to Richmond on her own he was right there next to her and was able to handle that rubbish that went down. I like it that they are honest with each other about everything and Big Daddy is not afraid to call his sons out on their rubbish.

What is Denise thinking???? That girl has demonstrated to me that she is dumb woman for someone who went to university!!!!!!

[Angel Finch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it

I can't say how great it is to read a romance novel that wasn't %50 inner dialog and fillers!! This is a definite reread it had a rollercoaster of exciting crazy drama that pulled me in from page one!!The sex scenes were hot!And the "who done it" twist had me reeling. The only reason I gave it 5 stars and not 4 was that at times it was a little soap operary but that was few and far between and it was a little too pricey for a book I finished in a few hours.

[Jazmin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the second I just love how Charles have jenay back on everything that she does because it was so many people that was trying to tear her down but Charles was not going to go for it at all when it comes to his family especially with the people that he love sometimes he have to be violent against his loved ones but at the same time he always show them that he loves the with everything that he have and as for brent all I can say is that he with Denise he learned his lesson the hard way.

[Cherryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual, Mallory did a wonderful job

The suspense was a killer. I could not figure out who did what. When I thought I figured out what and who, the plot thickened and twisted. I just love the Gabrini and Sinatra men stories. These alpha men, a bad as they are, love their families, especially their wives. This was an enjoyable read of my favorite family of alpha males. I just love Big Daddy 'cause Poppa don't play when it comes to his loved ones.