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The Santinis #1-4
The Santini Collection
Four brothers who believe in service before self and the women who will bring them to their knees.
LEONARDO
Joint Base San Antonio
Army Medic Leo Santini doesn’t know what hit him when he runs into prickly physical therapist Maryanne Johnson.
MARCO
Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam
Quiet and thoughtful Navy SEAL Marco Santini doesn’t realize love is right under his nose, but once he does, nothing will stop him from capturing Alana Kailikea’s heart.
GIANNI
Moody AFB
PJ Gianni Santini finds the woman of his dreams the day before a deployment. When he returns, he has one mission on his mind, conquering professor Kianna Jones.
VICENTE
Quantico MCB
Vicente sees himself at the last Santini standing when he comes up close and personal with the one woman he has always loved, Jules Andrews. Now all he cares about is being that last man standing—as long as he’s her man.
LEONARDO
Joint Base San Antonio
Army Medic Leo Santini doesn’t know what hit him when he runs into prickly physical therapist Maryanne Johnson.
MARCO
Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam
Quiet and thoughtful Navy SEAL Marco Santini doesn’t realize love is right under his nose, but once he does, nothing will stop him from capturing Alana Kailikea’s heart.
GIANNI
Moody AFB
PJ Gianni Santini finds the woman of his dreams the day before a deployment. When he returns, he has one mission on his mind, conquering professor Kianna Jones.
VICENTE
Quantico MCB
Vicente sees himself at the last Santini standing when he comes up close and personal with the one woman he has always loved, Jules Andrews. Now all he cares about is being that last man standing—as long as he’s her man.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 13, 2013
568 people are currently reading
664 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Schroeder
212 books1,660 followersUSA Today bestselling author Melissa Schroeder has had almost 90 short stories, novellas, and novels published in the last 15 years.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
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October 6, 2013
#1 LEONARDO
Leonardo was a fast paced read, packed with a lot of humor and a heroine that was quite a handful. On the outside both of them seemed to put up a tough exterior, but it was their few vulnerable moments that made them so likeable. Luke more so than Maryanne. The best part about this story for me was the familiarity I felt while reading it because I know all the places they visited. The chemistry was great, the love scenes were sizzling, the drama was both funny and sad, and Mama Santini rocks! I can't wait to read about the next Santini brother. - Rating: 4/5
#2 MARCO
Melissa Schroeder doesn't disappoint as she continues to unleash her sexy Santini brothers on us. With Marco, she delivers us another great couple - the quiet but intense Navy SEAL and the philanthropist beauty whose sunny disposition gives him butterflies whenever she just smiles at him. I loved how Marco remained a gentleman throughout his courtship. Instead of showing her all his assets at once, he went for the kill with swoon-worthy, toe-curling kisses.
Alana's insecurities were believable and to a point understandable (except maybe at the end because I can't see any SEAL, married or not, telling his gf/wife about any deployment. I even asked my DH about that). Packed with even more humor than the previous book, pick up this book, and let Marco seduce you as thoroughly as he did Alana. - Rating: 4.5/5
#3 GIANNI
Another great installment in The Santinis series. This time we meet Air Force PJ Gianni or "Gee". He's the youngest brother, but like the rest of the Santini men, when he falls, he falls hard. I liked the fact that Gianni fell for a slightly older woman, and Kianna wasn't all that hung up about age difference or how she looked next to him. I thought it was well paced with the allusion that they'd emailed back and forth during his two month deployment. They got to know each other quite well in that time without the physical aspect getting in the way. All of that changed as soon as he got back state side, and her ovaries weren't the only ones to feel the explosion. After a mind-blowing night and morning after of passion, Gianni could already feel himself falling for the her. Kianna may have been a tougher sell in the feelings department after having lost her husband in the line of duty, add to that the fact that her marriage was practically over before that.
The inevitable drama portion of the story was a little more awkward than in the previous two books. I agreed with Kianna that it came as a bit of a surprise. However, I love that the heroines in these stories all have their own moment to reflect and admit that they could have been a little more forth-coming. The characters were still wonderful to read about. Gianni was incredibly sweet and respectful towards Kianna, even going so far as to have a little chat with her somewhat bratty younger sister. The famous Gianni gene, of being a little territorial when his friends came sniffing around her, also made an appearance, but it was handled with great humor. Gianni and Kianna have some very cute dialogue in this book.
This wouldn't be a Santini story if there wasn't an opportunity to drag in some of the other brothers and their better half for a little heart-to-heart and some ribbing. MJ takes the reigns on this one which was pretty hilarious. Remember, she's not shy about getting physical when she's mad. Next up is Vicente, and I can't wait to see what happens to the "last Santini standing". We'll see how long that lasts. - Rating 3.5-4/5
#4 VICENTE
I loved his story! Of all the stories, this was the most serious one as it dealt with a heroine who had suffered in an abusive relationship. The connection between Vince and Jules was believable because of their history that was touched upon throughout the story. Clearly there was some unfinished business between them. Vince was like a heat-seeking missile locked on his target. He wanted a chance with Jules, and he made his intentions crystal clear from the beginning. I loved that about him. He was clear, but he wasn't pushy. One might think that Jules would be more skittish around a man who so openly displays his desire for her at every turn, but the fact that she had known him before and was attracted to him long before this story began moved their budding relationship into the believable realm. I felt for her, and for the mistakes she had made and paid for. The first night with Vince is like a revelation, and it was lovely to read about her gaining some of her confidence back. Joey plays an important role in this story and makes a stunning confession. You can't help but love Mama Santini more afterwards. And if you're a romantic sap like me, you will love the ending. It couldn't have been more perfect for them. It played out like a movie scene *hint*. I'm sad to see this series end, but maybe we will catch glimpses of them in Melissa Schroeder's next military series about the Johnsons. So this isn't really a goodbye but more of a "see you later". - Rating: 5/5
Overall, I loved the series. Admittedly, I've been a fan of this author since reading her Harmless series which are longer stories. The chances of me reaching for this again and again in the future is why I'm giving it 5 stars.
Disclaimer: I received digital ARCs from the author for the purpose of an honest review, but I have since purchased the print copy for my personal enjoyment.
Read
February 25, 2018One story is BW/WM. It was an OK read. I did not continue reading the others once I discovered they were not IRs.
January 19, 2018
Where do I find a man like any of the Santinis? Swoon!!
September 16, 2013
Didn't realize going into this that this was a collection of Novellas not Novels. That said, I was rather disappointed with the rapid pace of the romances and the rather subpar epilogues. And the last novella didn't even have an epilogue! I typically don't buy romance novellas unless they are part of a larger series of novels or I really love the author because I don't buy the fast pace of the romance. By necessity, romance novella relationships develop quickly and it usually comes across as very unrealistic to me. Anyway, I think I would have liked the characters more if they'd had more time to develop and for me to get to know them (and for them to get to know one another). In addition, there were a lot of military acronyms, some I could figure out (CONUS) and some just left me googling or texting my dad (PJ, HEB, TDY, PCS, TLA). It'd have been nice to have some sort of key or explanation for those of us unfamiliar with military life (my dad was out of the Navy by the time we kids were born).
It was also a little obnoxious that each of the novellas followed almost the exact same format. After a while, it was like reading the same story over and over, just with varying names. H/h meet, strike up some sort of sexual relationship, one or both of them realizes they love the other but doesn't say anything for fear of scaring the other off (probably because they have only known one another a few weeks and it is crazy), there's a stupid fight which one of them storms away from but everything is resolved when one of them admits to loving the other and everything is hunky dory again and a marriage proposal is issued, despite only knowing one another a very short time. The Fated Lovers thing only really works for me in paranormal romances.
It was also a little obnoxious that each of the novellas followed almost the exact same format. After a while, it was like reading the same story over and over, just with varying names. H/h meet, strike up some sort of sexual relationship, one or both of them realizes they love the other but doesn't say anything for fear of scaring the other off (probably because they have only known one another a few weeks and it is crazy), there's a stupid fight which one of them storms away from but everything is resolved when one of them admits to loving the other and everything is hunky dory again and a marriage proposal is issued, despite only knowing one another a very short time. The Fated Lovers thing only really works for me in paranormal romances.
January 16, 2014
Those Santini boys sure know how to knock a woman for a loop. They had me sucked in from the beginning. Their momma, Joey Santini, raised some excellent, well-mannered, yet stubborn men. Though this time, I say their stubbornness was a positive attribute in this series. Once each of them realized that they wanted their woman, they made sure they got their woman. Of course, they each made mistakes, but what man (or woman) doesn't make a mistake?
The woman that knock the Santini boys on their @$$es are strong, independent woman. They weren't afraid to put any of them in their place, much like Joey Santini. I found it amazing how the connections that each of the couples had fit each personality. Another aspect that I loved about the women is that they each were able to recognize when they were at fault too.
I don't like weak women falling for the Alpha male, it doesn't seem natural. I love that Melissa Schroeder writes strong characters that suck you in and make you willing to lose sleep for. It made me sad though that I don't believe men like this actually exist! If they do, they are sure not anywhere near me.
I hope that we can get a future story about how all of them are doing. There was a big revelation in Vincente's book but we were left hanging with that one. I want to know!!
The woman that knock the Santini boys on their @$$es are strong, independent woman. They weren't afraid to put any of them in their place, much like Joey Santini. I found it amazing how the connections that each of the couples had fit each personality. Another aspect that I loved about the women is that they each were able to recognize when they were at fault too.
I don't like weak women falling for the Alpha male, it doesn't seem natural. I love that Melissa Schroeder writes strong characters that suck you in and make you willing to lose sleep for. It made me sad though that I don't believe men like this actually exist! If they do, they are sure not anywhere near me.
I hope that we can get a future story about how all of them are doing. There was a big revelation in Vincente's book but we were left hanging with that one. I want to know!!
October 26, 2013
Loved, loved, loved, these four books. They are all short stories so it doesn't take a long time to get through all four. It is about the Santini brothers, Vince, Leo, Marco, and Gianni. I loved them all and so will you. These are great romance stories and you will enjoy them. It is a really connected italian family, with a strong mother and father. you will fall in love with them and their women. A good read
May 29, 2018
The Santini Collection contained four novellas about four brothers finding their HEA. Unfortunately, the collection is pockmarked with spelling and grammar mistakes. I think one story in particular must have suffered a major editing / formatting error because the timeline just didn't make sense. In one chapter, the hero, Marco is embroiled in a wicked argument with his heroine, Alana over what I'm not entirely sure. Seriously, I don't understand why they are arguing other than Maroc is behaving like an epic jerk. Then the next scene, they are in bed all happy and cozy with one another without any resolution to their argument, immediately followed by another chapter where we, the reader, are back to the original argument. What?
Each story followed a predictable pattern of the hero / heroine falling in love fairly quickly, followed by a misunderstanding that escalates into a nasty argument. Hero / Heroine separate only to realize that they are really and truly madly in love with each other. The heroes are alpha-jerks who use outdated language like "my woman" to refer to their girlfriends or worse yet as "my territory." No thank you. In fact, the first three novellas are riddled with chauvinistic comments like "stop crying like a little girl" or "are you afraid like a little girl?" It doesn't matter that two of the heroines say these comments to the heroes. It's still demeaning to little girls the world over. No thank you. If you are looking for a consent boner, then you won't find it in this collection.
The final story in the collection with Vince and Jules is the best story in the collection. Jules is a survivor of domestic abuse and props to Melissa Schroeder for making Vince, the hero, sensitive to that by giving Jules space to process their relationship. Moreover, it was refreshing that Schroeder incorporated therapy into Jules's healing process. She wasn't magically healed from such a terrible ordeal because of Vince's magic peen (as is sometimes the case is other romance novels). In fact, Jules had been on the road to rebuilding her life before she and Vince start dating. So there's that.
Overall, I had hoped this would be a fun read heading into summer, but I'm sad to say that it was disappointing.
Each story followed a predictable pattern of the hero / heroine falling in love fairly quickly, followed by a misunderstanding that escalates into a nasty argument. Hero / Heroine separate only to realize that they are really and truly madly in love with each other. The heroes are alpha-jerks who use outdated language like "my woman" to refer to their girlfriends or worse yet as "my territory." No thank you. In fact, the first three novellas are riddled with chauvinistic comments like "stop crying like a little girl" or "are you afraid like a little girl?" It doesn't matter that two of the heroines say these comments to the heroes. It's still demeaning to little girls the world over. No thank you. If you are looking for a consent boner, then you won't find it in this collection.
The final story in the collection with Vince and Jules is the best story in the collection. Jules is a survivor of domestic abuse and props to Melissa Schroeder for making Vince, the hero, sensitive to that by giving Jules space to process their relationship. Moreover, it was refreshing that Schroeder incorporated therapy into Jules's healing process. She wasn't magically healed from such a terrible ordeal because of Vince's magic peen (as is sometimes the case is other romance novels). In fact, Jules had been on the road to rebuilding her life before she and Vince start dating. So there's that.
Overall, I had hoped this would be a fun read heading into summer, but I'm sad to say that it was disappointing.
August 10, 2018
The Santini Collection is an ontology of the first four stories in the Santiani Series by Melissa Schroeder.
Story List:
Leonardo, an Army medic falls for a physical therapist, Maryanne Johnson while based in San Antonio.
Marco, a Navy SEAL falls for his landlady, Alana Kailikea while stationed in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Gianni, an Air Force PJ finds his love in an Atlanta, Georgia sweet shop the day before his is deployed. He returns to conquer professor Kianna Jones.
Vicenti a Marine teaching at Quantico, Virginia finds his second chance with Jules Andrews in the sweetest romance.
The Santini Collection gives a good picture of what a handful these sexy four brothers can be and how much fun they have with their women, family and together.
Story List:
Leonardo, an Army medic falls for a physical therapist, Maryanne Johnson while based in San Antonio.
Marco, a Navy SEAL falls for his landlady, Alana Kailikea while stationed in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Gianni, an Air Force PJ finds his love in an Atlanta, Georgia sweet shop the day before his is deployed. He returns to conquer professor Kianna Jones.
Vicenti a Marine teaching at Quantico, Virginia finds his second chance with Jules Andrews in the sweetest romance.
The Santini Collection gives a good picture of what a handful these sexy four brothers can be and how much fun they have with their women, family and together.
October 16, 2017
Falling In Love
Love the Santinis brothers and the women they fall in love with. I love the military storyline and how the civilian background incorporates well into each book. I especially like the diversity of the women they love. The different locations were well defined. Sexy, protective, possessive men with a strong sense of family, with moments that made me laugh, and plenty of endearing moments. The family dynamics of the Santinis and Johnson's was an integral part of the stories. A must read! I look forward to reading the other Santinis books.
Love the Santinis brothers and the women they fall in love with. I love the military storyline and how the civilian background incorporates well into each book. I especially like the diversity of the women they love. The different locations were well defined. Sexy, protective, possessive men with a strong sense of family, with moments that made me laugh, and plenty of endearing moments. The family dynamics of the Santinis and Johnson's was an integral part of the stories. A must read! I look forward to reading the other Santinis books.
October 26, 2017
All those brothers!
This was an easy read compilation. Some stories were a !little more interesting than others. I loved the stories about Kiana and Alana's being pursued by a gorgeous Santini brother. These stories showed a close cohesive family unit of brothers. Their reactions to each other was accurately depicted as brothers go. I loved the sibling banter and horse play. It was an interesting read! My heart went out to Jules recalling her abuse.
This was an easy read compilation. Some stories were a !little more interesting than others. I loved the stories about Kiana and Alana's being pursued by a gorgeous Santini brother. These stories showed a close cohesive family unit of brothers. Their reactions to each other was accurately depicted as brothers go. I loved the sibling banter and horse play. It was an interesting read! My heart went out to Jules recalling her abuse.
dnf
January 8, 2018Dnf at 40%
These stories (or the one and a half I read) are not bad, they're just not for me. I want to get to know the characters and really feel what they're feeling, otherwise, I get bored. And sadly, I never really connected to any of the characters.
On an editing note, one of the first chapters from the second novella was randomly moved to chapter 10 of the first novella. I'm not sure if it was done on purpose or not, but it was very distracting when reading both stories.
These stories (or the one and a half I read) are not bad, they're just not for me. I want to get to know the characters and really feel what they're feeling, otherwise, I get bored. And sadly, I never really connected to any of the characters.
On an editing note, one of the first chapters from the second novella was randomly moved to chapter 10 of the first novella. I'm not sure if it was done on purpose or not, but it was very distracting when reading both stories.
November 19, 2017
The Santini Charm
The Santinis fall hard and fast, but they have to convince their women of that fact. Like their father, the Santini brothers fell for women with scars. Each woman wants to believe her Santini will give her HEA, but wouldn't be able to handle it if they lost that love one day. Each brother must prove to his woman that the love they feel is worth taking the risk. Big family, whole lot of love, and even a few laughs. Definitely worth reading.
The Santinis fall hard and fast, but they have to convince their women of that fact. Like their father, the Santini brothers fell for women with scars. Each woman wants to believe her Santini will give her HEA, but wouldn't be able to handle it if they lost that love one day. Each brother must prove to his woman that the love they feel is worth taking the risk. Big family, whole lot of love, and even a few laughs. Definitely worth reading.
November 29, 2017
Just ok
Lord, save us from bad editing! What is a decent story is ruined by lousy grammatical and punctuation errors. I liked the aspect of following each brother but the stories seemed lose its path and wander off story, as well as the endings falling flat on a couple and seem a bit incomplete.
Lord, save us from bad editing! What is a decent story is ruined by lousy grammatical and punctuation errors. I liked the aspect of following each brother but the stories seemed lose its path and wander off story, as well as the endings falling flat on a couple and seem a bit incomplete.
February 14, 2018
Even better the second time round
It is the second time I have read these books and I have to say they are a good read. I love the family bond that these brothers have and the matriarch meddling mum is one which we all wish we had. Each brother met his match, his perfect woman. Each book is a real true love story at it's best.
It is the second time I have read these books and I have to say they are a good read. I love the family bond that these brothers have and the matriarch meddling mum is one which we all wish we had. Each brother met his match, his perfect woman. Each book is a real true love story at it's best.
November 14, 2017
Good
It was a good set of stories, although Leonardo's story was too long and MJ as annoying/obnoxious I didn't care for her all. The other stories were good and I am glad they were shorter than the first one and the female's in the other stories were a lot better.
It was a good set of stories, although Leonardo's story was too long and MJ as annoying/obnoxious I didn't care for her all. The other stories were good and I am glad they were shorter than the first one and the female's in the other stories were a lot better.
November 17, 2017
Wow
I really enjoyed reading this series of the Santinis men. These books were well written and easy to read with lost of testosterone. This is my first book by this author and I am looking forward to reading the next book.
I really enjoyed reading this series of the Santinis men. These books were well written and easy to read with lost of testosterone. This is my first book by this author and I am looking forward to reading the next book.
November 26, 2017
Fantastic
What a wonderful addicting series. The characters warm ,funny and sexy. Every character is engaging and realistic. The stories also entertwine a bit too. A good read that makes you feel good. I am starting on another set based on this series. Can't wait.
What a wonderful addicting series. The characters warm ,funny and sexy. Every character is engaging and realistic. The stories also entertwine a bit too. A good read that makes you feel good. I am starting on another set based on this series. Can't wait.
November 29, 2017
I like these books
The story was good I love the characters all of the my only problem is that I wish there was more of the story's I wanted more I would recommend this writer's books.
The story was good I love the characters all of the my only problem is that I wish there was more of the story's I wanted more I would recommend this writer's books.
February 27, 2018
This was an awesome collection!!! Out of the four Santini brothers, I think that Marco's story was my favorite!!! And i love that Joey Santini had everybody in check!! Whatever mamma wanted, mama got!!!
September 13, 2018
I enjoyed this book from beginning to the very end!!!
This author deserves kudos for the gritty the characters and their issues and plots flowed. Absolutely terrific reading this book.
This author deserves kudos for the gritty the characters and their issues and plots flowed. Absolutely terrific reading this book.
September 26, 2018
I enjoyed this book and the santini family. Good reading!
Good reading!
I really enjoyed reading this book,the Santini Family is so lovable makes me want to meet for real!
Good reading!
I really enjoyed reading this book,the Santini Family is so lovable makes me want to meet for real!
April 20, 2019
Great set of books
Thoroughly enjoyed this set Of books about four brothers and their feisty future partners. Great family dynamics and held my attention all the way through. Recommend
Thoroughly enjoyed this set Of books about four brothers and their feisty future partners. Great family dynamics and held my attention all the way through. Recommend
April 11, 2020
Enthralled!
I grew up as a military BRAT!And family is everything.I fell in love with this series and can't wait to read more.I loved my dad raising use in the military.This book was wonderful.
I grew up as a military BRAT!And family is everything.I fell in love with this series and can't wait to read more.I loved my dad raising use in the military.This book was wonderful.
January 15, 2022
Good
This was a good series. I guess I like my men with a little more alpha. The Santini's are great but there is just something missing. I like Maryanne she is a spit fire. Thank you.
This was a good series. I guess I like my men with a little more alpha. The Santini's are great but there is just something missing. I like Maryanne she is a spit fire. Thank you.
February 21, 2022
Not blown away
The stories were good but they didn't blow me away. Maybe because they were novellas so everything went pretty fast. There were some laugh out loud moments that I appreciated and the Santini clan together was an experience.
The stories were good but they didn't blow me away. Maybe because they were novellas so everything went pretty fast. There were some laugh out loud moments that I appreciated and the Santini clan together was an experience.
October 25, 2017
Four books, all about a different Santini brother.
Enjoyable reads, but needs better editing.
Enjoyable reads, but needs better editing.
November 7, 2017
Amazing
Love this group of books can't wait to read the next one for sure. A must read for anyone. Lots of love.
Love this group of books can't wait to read the next one for sure. A must read for anyone. Lots of love.
November 15, 2017
Enjoyable
Light heartened and very sweet and full of hot military men and nice women this was an enjoyable reading experience.
Light heartened and very sweet and full of hot military men and nice women this was an enjoyable reading experience.
November 18, 2017
Nice
I liked the stories. The characters are fun and I love how connected and close the family is. This is a nice series that ties up any loose ends.
I liked the stories. The characters are fun and I love how connected and close the family is. This is a nice series that ties up any loose ends.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews