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The Costa Family #4
The Best of Us
A man driven by duty and a woman who never gave up hope are thrust together by fate and a secret he never saw coming in a captivating novel of love, danger, and sacrifice by
Wall Street Journal
bestselling author Brittney Sahin.
Constantine Costa has spent his life shielding others from harm. As the eldest brother and a former clandestine operative, he’s made it his mission to help those who can’t help themselves. But despite his strength and dedication, there’s always been something missing—a void he’s never been able to fill.
Juliette Carmichael had her future mapped out with medical school, a bright career, and a stable life all within her grasp. But on her twenty-first birthday, she threw caution to the wind and embraced a moment of freedom. No names. No expectations. An unforgettable connection with a stranger who made her feel truly alive. A night that left her with more than just memories . . .
Seventeen years later, Constantine’s world shatters after the thief he tracks down turns out to be his own son. And when his latest mission collides with his son’s troubled world, reuniting him with the woman who left a mark on his soul, all their lives are thrown into chaos.
As the intense attraction between them ignites once again—fierce, raw, and impossible to resist—so do old wounds, doubts, and unspoken fears. The past they never confronted threatens to tear them apart as danger closes in.
Protecting his family becomes Constantine’s only mission. But surrendering his heart to the woman he never forgot may be the only way to save them all.
Constantine Costa has spent his life shielding others from harm. As the eldest brother and a former clandestine operative, he’s made it his mission to help those who can’t help themselves. But despite his strength and dedication, there’s always been something missing—a void he’s never been able to fill.
Juliette Carmichael had her future mapped out with medical school, a bright career, and a stable life all within her grasp. But on her twenty-first birthday, she threw caution to the wind and embraced a moment of freedom. No names. No expectations. An unforgettable connection with a stranger who made her feel truly alive. A night that left her with more than just memories . . .
Seventeen years later, Constantine’s world shatters after the thief he tracks down turns out to be his own son. And when his latest mission collides with his son’s troubled world, reuniting him with the woman who left a mark on his soul, all their lives are thrown into chaos.
As the intense attraction between them ignites once again—fierce, raw, and impossible to resist—so do old wounds, doubts, and unspoken fears. The past they never confronted threatens to tear them apart as danger closes in.
Protecting his family becomes Constantine’s only mission. But surrendering his heart to the woman he never forgot may be the only way to save them all.
518 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 15, 2025
1803 people are currently reading
974 people want to read
About the author
Brittney Sahin
60 books12.6k followersBrittney Sahin began writing at an early age, with the dream to be a published author before the age of 18. Although academic pursuits (and, later, a teaching career) interrupted her aspirations, she never stopped writing—never stopped imagining.
It wasn’t until her students encouraged her to follow her dreams that Brittney said goodbye to Upstate New York in order to start a new adventure in the place she was raised: Charlotte, North Carolina. Here, she decided to take her students’ advice and begin to write again.
In 2015, she published her first novel, The Safe Bet. When she is not working on upcoming novels, she spends time with her family. She is a proud mother of two boys and a lover of suspense novels, coffee, and the outdoors.
It wasn’t until her students encouraged her to follow her dreams that Brittney said goodbye to Upstate New York in order to start a new adventure in the place she was raised: Charlotte, North Carolina. Here, she decided to take her students’ advice and begin to write again.
In 2015, she published her first novel, The Safe Bet. When she is not working on upcoming novels, she spends time with her family. She is a proud mother of two boys and a lover of suspense novels, coffee, and the outdoors.
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May 16, 2025Just FYI………Heroine celibate for 17 years while of course the H is not😡🤮So grateful for reviewers so I can stay away from this crap!!
September 14, 2025
DNF @ 64%
(Made it over the halfway mark so it gets rated)
The heroine is celibate for 17 fucking years. Because apparently she has morals and never got over him. The hero, of course, is not celibate because he’s a man and he has needs.
I don’t know why women continue to write this antiquated bullshit. It makes zero sense to me.
Another author to avoid. 😔
(Made it over the halfway mark so it gets rated)
The heroine is celibate for 17 fucking years. Because apparently she has morals and never got over him. The hero, of course, is not celibate because he’s a man and he has needs.
I don’t know why women continue to write this antiquated bullshit. It makes zero sense to me.
Another author to avoid. 😔
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2025
I’ve read a lot of really good books this year, but this one just shot to the top of my list for my favorite book of the year. This book will rip your heart out and put it back together all while keeping you on the edge of your seat.
Of all the books in this series, I have l been looking forward to Constantine‘s book the most. As the eldest child, all of the weight and responsibility for keeping his family safe has always fallen on his shoulders. After everything he has endured in his life, no one deserves a happily ever after more than Constantine Costa. Juliette is Constantine’s complete opposite in every way. Where he’s grumpy and serious, she’s sunshine and happiness. It may seem on paper that they would never work, but she is exactly what Constantine needs. She’s his balance and his peace.
Brittney keeps you on the edge of your seat by taking a string of seemingly innocuous events and weaving them together to form a captivating tale of mystery, intrigue, and suspense.
I’ve read every book Brittney has ever written, and none of them have ever failed to make me feel all the things. This book is bittersweet because it’s the last in this series, but it was the absolute perfect ending. I cannot wait to see what Brittney has in store for us next.
Of all the books in this series, I have l been looking forward to Constantine‘s book the most. As the eldest child, all of the weight and responsibility for keeping his family safe has always fallen on his shoulders. After everything he has endured in his life, no one deserves a happily ever after more than Constantine Costa. Juliette is Constantine’s complete opposite in every way. Where he’s grumpy and serious, she’s sunshine and happiness. It may seem on paper that they would never work, but she is exactly what Constantine needs. She’s his balance and his peace.
Brittney keeps you on the edge of your seat by taking a string of seemingly innocuous events and weaving them together to form a captivating tale of mystery, intrigue, and suspense.
I’ve read every book Brittney has ever written, and none of them have ever failed to make me feel all the things. This book is bittersweet because it’s the last in this series, but it was the absolute perfect ending. I cannot wait to see what Brittney has in store for us next.
June 16, 2025
4.5 🌟
Brittney Sahin books are my comfort books. Yes! Yes they are.
This book is pure perfection in all the things that count. The angst, the emotions, the action, the thrill, all of it. I loved Constantine and I loved Juliette. I especially loved their son Colin and how lost he was before he found his dad. The fact that for 16 years he hasn't given up hope that someday his father would be back in his life is just so humbling. He even kept a third chair at their kitchen table wherever they lived. And watching father and son go through the anguish of having lost so much time and trying to live up to the image in each other's eyes is just heart wrenching.
I know and I understand the apprehension some readers have regarding the MCs first encounter and the impression they left on each other for such a long time (17 years to be exact) which is not reasonable or realistic.
It was a ONS, well not even that, it was more like 3 hours spent together where they realised that they could've been so much more if they've given each other the chance for that. But circumstances and chance wanted otherwise.
I personally don't believe that three hours with someone would make you think of the other as the person who got away or even make a vow to be celibate until someone lives up to what you lived and felt with said stranger. Would have been slightly more realistic if for example it was a summer fling or at least a week together but 3 hours?! Hmmmm far fetched.
But I was ready to ignore all that for the emotions that the reunion pulled out of me and for the action packed plot that was this book.
Not a let down. Never a disappointment. 👏
👇 Some quotes between father and son. 🥺🥺
"You looked right at me in that hallway, but you didn't know it was me", Colin whispered, giving up on fighting back tears. "You didn't even know it was your son you smiled at."
"I remember," Constantine said in a low voice and began striding toward us. "I remember you." He stopped in front of our son. "And I'm so sorry I didn't know it was you." He reached out for him, and shockingly, Colin stepped forward.
I slapped both hands over my mouth to stop my muffled cries from interrupting their moment.
Constantine's large hand cupped our son's cheek, and Colin reached up, holding his wrist while closing his eyes.
"I'm so sorry," Constantine repeated, his voice hoarse and raw.
"It's just not fair," Colin cried. "If Mom had only come a minute sooner..." He blinked his eyes open. "I should have met you years ago."
"It's not too late for you. For us." Constantine said what our son needed to hear, but from him this time, not me. Then he brought his other hand behind Colin's neck and leaned forward. As he bowed his forehead against our son's, the dam of my emotions finally broke. "Whatever you've done, it doesn't matter, do you understand me?"
____________________
'What if, after he gets to know me, he decides he doesn't want me? What if he decides I'm too difficult, and..."
"Not possible.'" I wasn't about to let him finish that rain of thought.
"He's already ready to lie on a grenade for you.'" I believed that wholeheartedly. "I think he loves you even though he doesn't know you, just like I loved you the second the doctor put you in my arms when you were born."
"I hope so." He opened his eyes, mouth drawing tight as he shifted his jaw to the side, and I could tell he was on the verge of crying. "Because I think I already love him."
____________________
Colin was talking to his girlfriend, Lennon, on the phone about his dad. Constantine was behind the door and heard part of the conversation.
Having him here is all I ever wanted." Those words nailed me to the floor and kept me from knocking.
So much for sticking to the plan and not telling Lennon who I am.
"I feel like I'm going to wake up, and it's not real. That he's not really here."
My fingers curled into my palm at my side, and I stepped closer instead of offering him the privacy he deserved, hanging on to every word I knew he'd never say to my face.
"Mom likes to pretend she never wound up married after I was born because of me and nursing school and all that BS, but nah, it was her pushing all the guys away. It was because no one could live up to my father in her eyes. And after meeting him, I get that."
I brought my fist to my chest where the agonizing pain pushed up into my throat, and my vision became blurry.
"But just because we want him in our life, doesn't mean he'll want us. It's not like we'll magically become one happy family, right?" He was quiet for a minute before continuing. "I have a dad. A total badass hero for a dad. And he has a criminal for a son."
I blinked twice, and something wet slid down my face.
"I'm such a screwup, though. Why would he want me? And then what if he leaves, and it's my fault, and I ruin Mom's chance at happiness, too? She won't survive that twice."
His words sent me to my knees.
I set down his plate, hanging my head, and lost it.I fucking lost it. I cried. And prayed. Begged God not to let me screw up. To have mercy on me. To forgive me. To save me.
📝 ticking another Bingo square
64) "Italian romance or set in italy" The MMCs family were Italian mafia
Squares Count: 67
🔴┃🔴┃87┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃76┃44
🔴┃86┃04┃45┃🔴┃98┃🔴┃🔴┃85┃🔴
88┃51┃🔴┃02┃🔴┃🔴┃24┃🔴┃82┃🔴
100┃🔴┃17┃🔴┃🔴┃49┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴
🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃21┃73┃28┃🔴┃90┃77
🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴
18┃🔴┃22┃🔴┃93┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃58
🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃05┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃81┃🔴
🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃06┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴
🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃55┃27┃20┃🔴┃11┃83
Brittney Sahin books are my comfort books. Yes! Yes they are.
This book is pure perfection in all the things that count. The angst, the emotions, the action, the thrill, all of it. I loved Constantine and I loved Juliette. I especially loved their son Colin and how lost he was before he found his dad. The fact that for 16 years he hasn't given up hope that someday his father would be back in his life is just so humbling. He even kept a third chair at their kitchen table wherever they lived. And watching father and son go through the anguish of having lost so much time and trying to live up to the image in each other's eyes is just heart wrenching.
I know and I understand the apprehension some readers have regarding the MCs first encounter and the impression they left on each other for such a long time (17 years to be exact) which is not reasonable or realistic.
It was a ONS, well not even that, it was more like 3 hours spent together where they realised that they could've been so much more if they've given each other the chance for that. But circumstances and chance wanted otherwise.
I personally don't believe that three hours with someone would make you think of the other as the person who got away or even make a vow to be celibate until someone lives up to what you lived and felt with said stranger. Would have been slightly more realistic if for example it was a summer fling or at least a week together but 3 hours?! Hmmmm far fetched.
But I was ready to ignore all that for the emotions that the reunion pulled out of me and for the action packed plot that was this book.
Not a let down. Never a disappointment. 👏
👇 Some quotes between father and son. 🥺🥺
"You looked right at me in that hallway, but you didn't know it was me", Colin whispered, giving up on fighting back tears. "You didn't even know it was your son you smiled at."
"I remember," Constantine said in a low voice and began striding toward us. "I remember you." He stopped in front of our son. "And I'm so sorry I didn't know it was you." He reached out for him, and shockingly, Colin stepped forward.
I slapped both hands over my mouth to stop my muffled cries from interrupting their moment.
Constantine's large hand cupped our son's cheek, and Colin reached up, holding his wrist while closing his eyes.
"I'm so sorry," Constantine repeated, his voice hoarse and raw.
"It's just not fair," Colin cried. "If Mom had only come a minute sooner..." He blinked his eyes open. "I should have met you years ago."
"It's not too late for you. For us." Constantine said what our son needed to hear, but from him this time, not me. Then he brought his other hand behind Colin's neck and leaned forward. As he bowed his forehead against our son's, the dam of my emotions finally broke. "Whatever you've done, it doesn't matter, do you understand me?"
____________________
'What if, after he gets to know me, he decides he doesn't want me? What if he decides I'm too difficult, and..."
"Not possible.'" I wasn't about to let him finish that rain of thought.
"He's already ready to lie on a grenade for you.'" I believed that wholeheartedly. "I think he loves you even though he doesn't know you, just like I loved you the second the doctor put you in my arms when you were born."
"I hope so." He opened his eyes, mouth drawing tight as he shifted his jaw to the side, and I could tell he was on the verge of crying. "Because I think I already love him."
____________________
Colin was talking to his girlfriend, Lennon, on the phone about his dad. Constantine was behind the door and heard part of the conversation.
Having him here is all I ever wanted." Those words nailed me to the floor and kept me from knocking.
So much for sticking to the plan and not telling Lennon who I am.
"I feel like I'm going to wake up, and it's not real. That he's not really here."
My fingers curled into my palm at my side, and I stepped closer instead of offering him the privacy he deserved, hanging on to every word I knew he'd never say to my face.
"Mom likes to pretend she never wound up married after I was born because of me and nursing school and all that BS, but nah, it was her pushing all the guys away. It was because no one could live up to my father in her eyes. And after meeting him, I get that."
I brought my fist to my chest where the agonizing pain pushed up into my throat, and my vision became blurry.
"But just because we want him in our life, doesn't mean he'll want us. It's not like we'll magically become one happy family, right?" He was quiet for a minute before continuing. "I have a dad. A total badass hero for a dad. And he has a criminal for a son."
I blinked twice, and something wet slid down my face.
"I'm such a screwup, though. Why would he want me? And then what if he leaves, and it's my fault, and I ruin Mom's chance at happiness, too? She won't survive that twice."
His words sent me to my knees.
I set down his plate, hanging my head, and lost it.I fucking lost it. I cried. And prayed. Begged God not to let me screw up. To have mercy on me. To forgive me. To save me.
📝 ticking another Bingo square
64) "Italian romance or set in italy" The MMCs family were Italian mafia
Squares Count: 67
🔴┃🔴┃87┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃76┃44
🔴┃86┃04┃45┃🔴┃98┃🔴┃🔴┃85┃🔴
88┃51┃🔴┃02┃🔴┃🔴┃24┃🔴┃82┃🔴
100┃🔴┃17┃🔴┃🔴┃49┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴
🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃21┃73┃28┃🔴┃90┃77
🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴
18┃🔴┃22┃🔴┃93┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃58
🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃05┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃81┃🔴
🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃06┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴
🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃55┃27┃20┃🔴┃11┃83
May 20, 2025
ready for a bonfire!!
Who knew that Constantine was really just a very toasty marshmallow?? NOT ME, but I am HERE for it!! Crispy and rugged on the outside, soft and gooey on the inside - for his family. Earlier glimpses of Constantine didn't endear him to me, but WOW, did he surprise me! His immediate reaction to Juliette when meeting her again, and how quickly he fell in love with his son… holy heart melting!! Their story had everything I could wish for; awesome banter, humor, suspense, twists, alllllllll the emotions, heat…. I loved the way that Colin connected so quickly to Constantine - even though they had a rocky start, and how alike they are: protective and caring when it comes to the ones they love. The twists just increased my enjoyment - and I loved all of the cameos from some of my favorite characters. This story is absolutely one of my favorites from Brittney, and I highly recommend it!!
Who knew that Constantine was really just a very toasty marshmallow?? NOT ME, but I am HERE for it!! Crispy and rugged on the outside, soft and gooey on the inside - for his family. Earlier glimpses of Constantine didn't endear him to me, but WOW, did he surprise me! His immediate reaction to Juliette when meeting her again, and how quickly he fell in love with his son… holy heart melting!! Their story had everything I could wish for; awesome banter, humor, suspense, twists, alllllllll the emotions, heat…. I loved the way that Colin connected so quickly to Constantine - even though they had a rocky start, and how alike they are: protective and caring when it comes to the ones they love. The twists just increased my enjoyment - and I loved all of the cameos from some of my favorite characters. This story is absolutely one of my favorites from Brittney, and I highly recommend it!!
September 10, 2025
Brittney Sahin does it again—with a story that grabs your heart and doesn’t let go. The Best of Us is more than just a romance; it's a journey of healing, trust, and rediscovering the strength to love again. The chemistry between the main characters is undeniable, but what truly sets this book apart is the emotional depth and the way Sahin writes vulnerability with such honesty.
Every page is infused with tension and tenderness, and by the end, I felt like I had lived a full life alongside these characters. This is a story for anyone who believes in second chances, unspoken pain, and the quiet courage it takes to open your heart again.
A five-star read—Sahin continues to prove she’s one of the best in romantic suspense.
Every page is infused with tension and tenderness, and by the end, I felt like I had lived a full life alongside these characters. This is a story for anyone who believes in second chances, unspoken pain, and the quiet courage it takes to open your heart again.
A five-star read—Sahin continues to prove she’s one of the best in romantic suspense.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2025
I have never teared up so many times. The amount of love in this book.. gosh. It was so fulfilling. The story is amazing!
So many tears and smiles and laughs:)
So many tears and smiles and laughs:)
May 21, 2025
Disappointed
Disappointed. Best way to describe this book. I have read all of Brittneys books and have loved them all up until Carter's story. Not sure where the recent disconnect is coming from, but this one barely made sense. There was no relationship build up between Constantine and Juliette, no romance, Colin was an obnoxious teenager-still a child, and as parents would you really allow him to be that involved in a rescue op?!? Watching his dad and uncle kill people? Way too many bad guys discussed, and difficult to keep track. I could go on, but suffice to say this was not a book I would recommend. Please bring back the original Brittany Sahin.
Disappointed. Best way to describe this book. I have read all of Brittneys books and have loved them all up until Carter's story. Not sure where the recent disconnect is coming from, but this one barely made sense. There was no relationship build up between Constantine and Juliette, no romance, Colin was an obnoxious teenager-still a child, and as parents would you really allow him to be that involved in a rescue op?!? Watching his dad and uncle kill people? Way too many bad guys discussed, and difficult to keep track. I could go on, but suffice to say this was not a book I would recommend. Please bring back the original Brittany Sahin.
May 25, 2025
*Advanced Audio Review*
OVERALL: 🌟🌟🌟/5
•Storyline: ⭐️⭐️/5
•Narration: 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧/5
•Spice Level: 🌶.5/ 5
•Swoon level: 🫠🫠/5
•Emotional:0/5
•Banter: 0/5
•Platform: Audiobook and Ebook
•Trope: One nightstand, hidden child, Suspense/mystery, It was always you.
• THOUGHTS:
I don't know how to review this. I can truthfully say, I was not expecting this to be her book. I think in all the years I have been reviewing for Brittney, this is the first book that I was not a fan of. It hurts me to write this review.
I know the author has undergone personal growth and has changed, and I commend her in that growth and her discovery! However, this book was completely different from everything else she has written. I am really struggling with this book and, truthfully, the entire Costa family. I am not even upset about the spice. I love romance, but I am also about a good storyline, and Brittney in the past has always delivered. Constantine's story still is mysterious and keeps your mind guessing. As always, I am still in aww thay she is able to come up with the books that she is able to come up with. New adventures ,new twists, and turns. it's so cool to me that she can.
So, what's the issue, right?
I have a few, and I feel this authors writing style has been changing for the past few books, but it really has been spotlighted in this series.
One issue, that is, front runner for me, was that I was annoyed that this couple was only together for 3 hours when they first met. 3 hours and 17 years later, they are still obsessed with each other? I am all about insta love, I dont feel this was it. Even after they reconnected, I didn't feel like there was any real connection. They shared a son and want to make it work. Cool. but I wish there was a different way to go about it.
I really am struggling with the inner dialog that these characters are having. It is not just this book. However, it's getting more and more noticeable. It is pulling me out of the story with these characters having inner monolog during arguments or serious conversations with other people. It doesn't make sense, It is making the book longer than it needs to be. In my opinion, they are extra words that hold no added value to the sceneir even the story, and it's disengaging for me I get pulled out of the story as well. Inner monolog is important, but I am finding this author is using it excessively.
Colin, Constantine's son, is a douche canoe. He loves his mom but is constantly putting her in these terrible situations? He is a turd nugget but basically gets whatever he wants and lays on guilt trips because his father didn't know he existed. But he is blaming Constantine, even though it was an accident. I just find Colin to be a character I do not appreciate in the slightest. How Julliett is with him. she is fed up with him but caves every time? I had a hard time with him.
And lastly, I love her Stealth Ops boys. I love the Dublin men, but honestly, the number of times they are crossing over is getting ridiculous. It is becoming a norm, and I am to the point that I just want these guys to live their lives and be happy. Stop pulling them in and not onky that it is the same characters she is pulling in over and over. Her books are interconnected standalone, but as a reader, who let's say picks up the Costa Family and you have characters from books from all over the place and so intertwined it can become overwhelming. I understood it a few times with some books, but it's every single one now. It was fun and amazing the first few times it was done, but now? not so much. not only is she doing crossovers, but it's the same characters crossing over.
I understand this review is not the kindest, but I am struggling as a reader with her work. and I just didn't enjoy this book. the narrators are who carried the book for me.
NARRATOR THOUGHTS:
•Narrators: Full cast Duet:
Christian Fox, Tim Paige, Connor Crais Liam DiCasimo amd Ava Lucas,
•Duet Narration
•Listening at a 1.6 speed.
the audio 100 percent carried this book. I still wanted to DNF multiple times, but the narrators were flawless and acted these characters out beautifully.
All the male narrators were incredible!!! they all did such a great job! Ava is a hit or miss narrator for me. this was a miss. She did however do a good New Yorker accent! but she was okay. The audiobook is so well done!! Christian Fox, that man was amazing!! But even with the amazig. narrators I didn't like the book but they did improve the star rating.
OVERALL: 🌟🌟🌟/5
•Storyline: ⭐️⭐️/5
•Narration: 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧/5
•Spice Level: 🌶.5/ 5
•Swoon level: 🫠🫠/5
•Emotional:0/5
•Banter: 0/5
•Platform: Audiobook and Ebook
•Trope: One nightstand, hidden child, Suspense/mystery, It was always you.
• THOUGHTS:
I don't know how to review this. I can truthfully say, I was not expecting this to be her book. I think in all the years I have been reviewing for Brittney, this is the first book that I was not a fan of. It hurts me to write this review.
I know the author has undergone personal growth and has changed, and I commend her in that growth and her discovery! However, this book was completely different from everything else she has written. I am really struggling with this book and, truthfully, the entire Costa family. I am not even upset about the spice. I love romance, but I am also about a good storyline, and Brittney in the past has always delivered. Constantine's story still is mysterious and keeps your mind guessing. As always, I am still in aww thay she is able to come up with the books that she is able to come up with. New adventures ,new twists, and turns. it's so cool to me that she can.
So, what's the issue, right?
I have a few, and I feel this authors writing style has been changing for the past few books, but it really has been spotlighted in this series.
One issue, that is, front runner for me, was that I was annoyed that this couple was only together for 3 hours when they first met. 3 hours and 17 years later, they are still obsessed with each other? I am all about insta love, I dont feel this was it. Even after they reconnected, I didn't feel like there was any real connection. They shared a son and want to make it work. Cool. but I wish there was a different way to go about it.
I really am struggling with the inner dialog that these characters are having. It is not just this book. However, it's getting more and more noticeable. It is pulling me out of the story with these characters having inner monolog during arguments or serious conversations with other people. It doesn't make sense, It is making the book longer than it needs to be. In my opinion, they are extra words that hold no added value to the sceneir even the story, and it's disengaging for me I get pulled out of the story as well. Inner monolog is important, but I am finding this author is using it excessively.
Colin, Constantine's son, is a douche canoe. He loves his mom but is constantly putting her in these terrible situations? He is a turd nugget but basically gets whatever he wants and lays on guilt trips because his father didn't know he existed. But he is blaming Constantine, even though it was an accident. I just find Colin to be a character I do not appreciate in the slightest. How Julliett is with him. she is fed up with him but caves every time? I had a hard time with him.
And lastly, I love her Stealth Ops boys. I love the Dublin men, but honestly, the number of times they are crossing over is getting ridiculous. It is becoming a norm, and I am to the point that I just want these guys to live their lives and be happy. Stop pulling them in and not onky that it is the same characters she is pulling in over and over. Her books are interconnected standalone, but as a reader, who let's say picks up the Costa Family and you have characters from books from all over the place and so intertwined it can become overwhelming. I understood it a few times with some books, but it's every single one now. It was fun and amazing the first few times it was done, but now? not so much. not only is she doing crossovers, but it's the same characters crossing over.
I understand this review is not the kindest, but I am struggling as a reader with her work. and I just didn't enjoy this book. the narrators are who carried the book for me.
NARRATOR THOUGHTS:
•Narrators: Full cast Duet:
Christian Fox, Tim Paige, Connor Crais Liam DiCasimo amd Ava Lucas,
•Duet Narration
•Listening at a 1.6 speed.
the audio 100 percent carried this book. I still wanted to DNF multiple times, but the narrators were flawless and acted these characters out beautifully.
All the male narrators were incredible!!! they all did such a great job! Ava is a hit or miss narrator for me. this was a miss. She did however do a good New Yorker accent! but she was okay. The audiobook is so well done!! Christian Fox, that man was amazing!! But even with the amazig. narrators I didn't like the book but they did improve the star rating.
April 24, 2025
MC: Juliette (FMC), Constantine (MMC)
Setting: New York, Aruba, Italy, Ireland, Scotland
Genres: Romantic Suspense, Military Romance
Tropes: Surprise Kid, Second Chance, Always Been You, Alpha Protector, Scarred Hero, Hurt/Comfort, Slow Burn
Triggers: gun violence, kidnapping
Epilogue: Yes
Synopsis: Constantine stops a car theft by a group of teens but gets his wallet stolen in the process. He tracks down the thief, a teen named Colin, and meets his mother, Juliette. There’s a strange sense of familiarity between Constantine and Juliette, which deepens when she later visits him after Colin uses his credit card. They realize they were each other’s fling from 17 years ago, and that Colin may be Constantine’s son, something Juliette later confirms. While undercover at a rave, Constantine sees Colin in danger and rescues him from a mob related altercation. Threatening the mob to stay away, Constantine brings Colin and Juliette to his home for safety. They begin living together, forming tentative bonds. Many hard truths are shared like how Juliette tried to find Constantine years ago, how Colin got entangled with the mob through his girlfriend’s brother, and how Constantine got his scars. Despite trying to build a new family life, Colin continues to be targeted over an item he was meant to steal but didn’t. Constantine tells Juliette everything, and they choose to genuinely be together, not just because of Colin. Juliette and Colin meet Constantine’s family. They learn the real threat is from a betrayer within The League, a justice seeking syndicate, that hopes to leverage Colin against his uncle because of his connections. Constantine contacts old allies and enemies to counter this threat. Together, they eliminate the rogue players, though Constantine is injured in the process. He miraculously recovers, and marries Juliette on her birthday. Their family is solidified, and they soon discover they’re expecting a new baby, completing their new life.
Thoughts: This book draws on all the feels. I can genuinely say the reader experiences the same roller coaster of emotions that our main characters do. I have been highly anticipating Constantine’s story, and it was definitely worth the wait. We know he has the ultimate tragic backstory from his sister’s death to the torture he endured, which we finally learn the full truth of. He might hold the spot for the strongest character I’ve read. Not only has he suffered from his past, riddled with such pain and guilt, but he’s also hit with the major bomb of his son’s existence. Juliette and Constantine couldn’t have had a more challenging union, with all their near misses over the years. Every time another connection was revealed, my heart broke along with them. Their hearts really did call out to one another, it just wasn’t their time. I liked how large a role fate played throughout this story. Juliette and Constantine were fated to be together, and they both knew and recognized that from the night they met. However, fate isn’t always good, more often cruel like we read and they experienced in their time apart. It sucks that Colin had to suffer through the same fate, but his existence is what brought his family back together. He was a great comic relief in the story, and I just melted when he and his father had their vulnerable moments. I’m so glad this deserving family finally got their happy ending. I don’t know if Colin will get his own story, but I’m definitely interested to see where his future takes him. He’s very much his father’s son, but also has his mother’s heart.
*ARC Review*
Setting: New York, Aruba, Italy, Ireland, Scotland
Genres: Romantic Suspense, Military Romance
Tropes: Surprise Kid, Second Chance, Always Been You, Alpha Protector, Scarred Hero, Hurt/Comfort, Slow Burn
Triggers: gun violence, kidnapping
Epilogue: Yes
Synopsis: Constantine stops a car theft by a group of teens but gets his wallet stolen in the process. He tracks down the thief, a teen named Colin, and meets his mother, Juliette. There’s a strange sense of familiarity between Constantine and Juliette, which deepens when she later visits him after Colin uses his credit card. They realize they were each other’s fling from 17 years ago, and that Colin may be Constantine’s son, something Juliette later confirms. While undercover at a rave, Constantine sees Colin in danger and rescues him from a mob related altercation. Threatening the mob to stay away, Constantine brings Colin and Juliette to his home for safety. They begin living together, forming tentative bonds. Many hard truths are shared like how Juliette tried to find Constantine years ago, how Colin got entangled with the mob through his girlfriend’s brother, and how Constantine got his scars. Despite trying to build a new family life, Colin continues to be targeted over an item he was meant to steal but didn’t. Constantine tells Juliette everything, and they choose to genuinely be together, not just because of Colin. Juliette and Colin meet Constantine’s family. They learn the real threat is from a betrayer within The League, a justice seeking syndicate, that hopes to leverage Colin against his uncle because of his connections. Constantine contacts old allies and enemies to counter this threat. Together, they eliminate the rogue players, though Constantine is injured in the process. He miraculously recovers, and marries Juliette on her birthday. Their family is solidified, and they soon discover they’re expecting a new baby, completing their new life.
Thoughts: This book draws on all the feels. I can genuinely say the reader experiences the same roller coaster of emotions that our main characters do. I have been highly anticipating Constantine’s story, and it was definitely worth the wait. We know he has the ultimate tragic backstory from his sister’s death to the torture he endured, which we finally learn the full truth of. He might hold the spot for the strongest character I’ve read. Not only has he suffered from his past, riddled with such pain and guilt, but he’s also hit with the major bomb of his son’s existence. Juliette and Constantine couldn’t have had a more challenging union, with all their near misses over the years. Every time another connection was revealed, my heart broke along with them. Their hearts really did call out to one another, it just wasn’t their time. I liked how large a role fate played throughout this story. Juliette and Constantine were fated to be together, and they both knew and recognized that from the night they met. However, fate isn’t always good, more often cruel like we read and they experienced in their time apart. It sucks that Colin had to suffer through the same fate, but his existence is what brought his family back together. He was a great comic relief in the story, and I just melted when he and his father had their vulnerable moments. I’m so glad this deserving family finally got their happy ending. I don’t know if Colin will get his own story, but I’m definitely interested to see where his future takes him. He’s very much his father’s son, but also has his mother’s heart.
*ARC Review*
April 25, 2025
THE BEST OF US!
This book will break your heart but don’t worry it will be put back together by the time Constantine gets his HAE. A few amazing hours in Aruba 17 years ago with a mystery young woman who knows a thing or two about whiskey changes Constantine. For the first time he wants this to be more than just those few hours.
There are many laughs along the way too. With action, surprises and some old friends who we love to hear from who pop in to help out. Brittney has out done herself with the way she has written Constantine and Juliette’s love story. It’s a lovely story of all love story’s.
Grab your tissues and get comfy to read this amazing book.
Thank you Brittney for bringing Constantine’s story to life. Also always love the little Easter eggs you put in your books
Sad to see the end of the Costa’s but I’m sure we will see them again in future books . Xxxx
This book will break your heart but don’t worry it will be put back together by the time Constantine gets his HAE. A few amazing hours in Aruba 17 years ago with a mystery young woman who knows a thing or two about whiskey changes Constantine. For the first time he wants this to be more than just those few hours.
There are many laughs along the way too. With action, surprises and some old friends who we love to hear from who pop in to help out. Brittney has out done herself with the way she has written Constantine and Juliette’s love story. It’s a lovely story of all love story’s.
Grab your tissues and get comfy to read this amazing book.
Thank you Brittney for bringing Constantine’s story to life. Also always love the little Easter eggs you put in your books
Sad to see the end of the Costa’s but I’m sure we will see them again in future books . Xxxx
May 20, 2025
Spoilers
I was disappointed with this book and not because it wasn’t well written, but because the couple didn’t build a relationship. It was just action and then they get married. The FMC said this, “ every chest compression for every memory “ . What memories ? they didn’t make any. They had a ONS. And speaking of that ONS the FMC hadn’t had sex in 17 years because no one would ever make her feel like he did🤣🤣🤣, just so stupid!
I was disappointed with this book and not because it wasn’t well written, but because the couple didn’t build a relationship. It was just action and then they get married. The FMC said this, “ every chest compression for every memory “ . What memories ? they didn’t make any. They had a ONS. And speaking of that ONS the FMC hadn’t had sex in 17 years because no one would ever make her feel like he did🤣🤣🤣, just so stupid!
May 15, 2025
Another PHENOMENAL Brittney book!
Oh my beans on effing toast!
I have read every single book multiple times over, and yet you still manage to give shock and awe. How am I supposed to read anything else after that?! How?! Each book gets better, but this one can't be beat. You give us beautiful tragedies, intense action, a splash of mystery, a rollercoaster of emotions, and steamy romance all wrapped up in a sexy package.
Constantine is a beautiful soul living in the darkness until the unimaginable happens. He is fiercely protective of what is his and claims her for himself.
Juliette is kind, strong, and living her life as best she can, until he knocks on her door and shakes the earth beneath her.
I am sad to see this series end, but what an incredible way to wrap up the Costa family. Besides, as all your fans know, it's never goodbye, just a see ya later.
Oh my beans on effing toast!
I have read every single book multiple times over, and yet you still manage to give shock and awe. How am I supposed to read anything else after that?! How?! Each book gets better, but this one can't be beat. You give us beautiful tragedies, intense action, a splash of mystery, a rollercoaster of emotions, and steamy romance all wrapped up in a sexy package.
Constantine is a beautiful soul living in the darkness until the unimaginable happens. He is fiercely protective of what is his and claims her for himself.
Juliette is kind, strong, and living her life as best she can, until he knocks on her door and shakes the earth beneath her.
I am sad to see this series end, but what an incredible way to wrap up the Costa family. Besides, as all your fans know, it's never goodbye, just a see ya later.
April 23, 2025
I just wrapped up reading TBOU, and I can’t contain my excitement! Brittney, this book is an absolute gem! Constantine and Juliette are truly made for each other. While I adore all the Costa books, this one has officially taken the top spot as my new favorite! You really captured so many emotions with this story—fantastic job! I’m just buzzing with joy over it!
June 29, 2025
This review feels like a rebuttal to the 5-star reviews and the 4.55 cumulative stars for the book. I feel as if I were reading a book different from the one others have reviewed. That’s a headscratcher.
The book’s advert pulled me in. A brief encounter between strangers seventeen years ago created a baby, now a teenage boy. The two meet again. I wondered how time had impacted these three characters. Clearly, they went on to lead their lives without each other. I wondered why they hadn’t stayed in touch, why the female lead character hadn’t let the male lead character know about his son? Good questions, and I was captivated by them, curious about the answers, about how the writer would spin the tale.
It was a disappointing experience. The book is far too long and hugely repetitious. Oh! the angst that followed our main characters (Constantine and Juliette) for seventeen years. Page after page of angst and regrets and doubts followed by heavy doses of the what if’s and the if onlies. It gets very old very fast. Everything—and I mean everything—pivots back to “that night” seventeen years ago. And even that sounds more fascinating than it is.
The plot is not complex, but it is complicated and convoluted. Complex would be a romance, a development between two characters who hadn’t seen each other for many years. Complicated are the twisted paths the characters were made to follow – action and torment and a lot of tears replaced romance. Convoluted are the weird plot spirals that made no sense – we follow one line of thought and then whoosh! The writer is off on another plot tangent.
Add to this the sheer number of side characters occupying space in the book – it would take a scorecard to keep up with them all. This is the fourth book in a series of four, and perhaps if I’d read the other books, this one would have made more sense, but it was supposed to be a standalone. I think it isn’t, really.
Colin is the sixteen-year-old boy-child who is the result of a hookup by his parents, Constantine and Juliette, seventeen years ago in Aruba. We’re told the sum total of their time together was three hours. This includes a meetup at a bar, followed by a trip to her villa, followed by looking at the stars, followed by some mind-blowing sex, followed by a nap, followed by a farewell note from Constantine to Juliette written on a napkin Hence her inability to find him again.
Juliette says Constantine was “a man I’d only known for three hours,” yet we readers are asked to believe that for seventeen years she moped, had no relationships, and remained celibate because no man could come close to what he was to her. WHAT…? She didn’t know him. Not just the name, address, favorite color, shirt size kind of knowing, but the sure knowledge that one gets of another human being by sharing beliefs and insights, asking questions, listening hard to the answers, and comparing how a person acts against what he or she says. No. No. No. And no, again. These two don’t even recognize each other when they meet again. Truly, that should be expected – seventeen years have passed and the images they have of each other no longer exist.
There is so much that could have been shown. Instead, coincidence brings them together, and the writer asks us to believe that the ensuing piles of coincidences are logical and make some sort of sense. It seems those seventeen years were spent by each character pining for the other, bereft without their other half. Each was obsessed with an impossible vision that kept them from moving on to any sort of HEA with anyone else. Wow…all this after three hours spent in Aruba. Three hours, stacked up against seventeen years, is too far-fetched. Both deserved happiness apart from each other; instead, they are hopelessly codependent on a brief hookup.
It would appear that Juliette’s life has been on hold, devoted to her son, although he shows himself to be a liar and a thief and someone not to be trusted. We’re asked to believe this is just a teenage boy acting out. (Hmmm.) He’s in love—at sixteen, mind you—and he’s going to protect his true love, and this fills Constantine with pride because the boy is just like he was at that age, a veritable chip off the old block. It’s Romeo and Juliet—a theme that runs overtime through this book—but Shakespeare did it better.
The writer apparently wants us to believe all that had happened in the past, contrasted with all the violence and killing into the present, is the hand of God, even bringing in a couple Psalms for good measure. To be sure, they are the 27th and 91st Psalms, which are strong prayers for protection—beautifully composed by David—but really? They feel like a panoply put on for show. The plot hinges on coincidences, luck and likelihoods that the writer tosses into the realms of chance, flukes, and holy interventions. Criminy…!
On the plus side, the sixteen-year-old Colin accepts his father and doesn’t rant with the usual teenage anger. He acts out, of course, but is pleased to have a father in his life. That part was good. Also, aside from a few punctuation oopsies, the book is free of pesky errors that halt readers in their tracks.
I rated this book 2-stars because of the strange plotlines that make a reader skeptical. There are just too many coincidences to stay believable. There’s also too much repetition of the improbable loss both Juliette and Constantine have agonized through for seventeen years (and a huge “oh, good grief” about that!). Constantine is portrayed as a man of courage and resolute bravery, yet he’s unable to summon the will to track down Juliette, even with all his organization’s capabilities. It would have been ridiculously easy to find out who rented the villa in Aruba. He’s afraid of finding out she’s married and then he’d lose his vision of happiness. And, oh yes…he’s afraid he’s not good enough for her – she deserves so much better; this is a too common plea from book heroes, used here to excess.
This could have been a fantastic book about the three of them: Constantine, Juliette, and Colin. Juliette and Constantine could have had interesting lives to share with each other; instead, we’re presented with their constant longing for one another which made them seem pathetic, not romantic. And speaking of romance? No romance. That should have been a big ol’ shining light over the entire book. It wasn’t even a flicker. Instead of a story of a sweet memory tinged with a soupçon of regret, we get what feels like a summation of previous books with too many characters jostling for attention, totally unnecessary to the Constantine-Juliette-Colin story, but thrown in for reasons that are not apparent. If this were the only book I’d read by Ms. Sahin, I’d pass on any others, but I read Finding Justice and liked it, so no doubt I’ll read another by her. However, not in this series.
The book’s advert pulled me in. A brief encounter between strangers seventeen years ago created a baby, now a teenage boy. The two meet again. I wondered how time had impacted these three characters. Clearly, they went on to lead their lives without each other. I wondered why they hadn’t stayed in touch, why the female lead character hadn’t let the male lead character know about his son? Good questions, and I was captivated by them, curious about the answers, about how the writer would spin the tale.
It was a disappointing experience. The book is far too long and hugely repetitious. Oh! the angst that followed our main characters (Constantine and Juliette) for seventeen years. Page after page of angst and regrets and doubts followed by heavy doses of the what if’s and the if onlies. It gets very old very fast. Everything—and I mean everything—pivots back to “that night” seventeen years ago. And even that sounds more fascinating than it is.
The plot is not complex, but it is complicated and convoluted. Complex would be a romance, a development between two characters who hadn’t seen each other for many years. Complicated are the twisted paths the characters were made to follow – action and torment and a lot of tears replaced romance. Convoluted are the weird plot spirals that made no sense – we follow one line of thought and then whoosh! The writer is off on another plot tangent.
Add to this the sheer number of side characters occupying space in the book – it would take a scorecard to keep up with them all. This is the fourth book in a series of four, and perhaps if I’d read the other books, this one would have made more sense, but it was supposed to be a standalone. I think it isn’t, really.
Colin is the sixteen-year-old boy-child who is the result of a hookup by his parents, Constantine and Juliette, seventeen years ago in Aruba. We’re told the sum total of their time together was three hours. This includes a meetup at a bar, followed by a trip to her villa, followed by looking at the stars, followed by some mind-blowing sex, followed by a nap, followed by a farewell note from Constantine to Juliette written on a napkin Hence her inability to find him again.
Juliette says Constantine was “a man I’d only known for three hours,” yet we readers are asked to believe that for seventeen years she moped, had no relationships, and remained celibate because no man could come close to what he was to her. WHAT…? She didn’t know him. Not just the name, address, favorite color, shirt size kind of knowing, but the sure knowledge that one gets of another human being by sharing beliefs and insights, asking questions, listening hard to the answers, and comparing how a person acts against what he or she says. No. No. No. And no, again. These two don’t even recognize each other when they meet again. Truly, that should be expected – seventeen years have passed and the images they have of each other no longer exist.
There is so much that could have been shown. Instead, coincidence brings them together, and the writer asks us to believe that the ensuing piles of coincidences are logical and make some sort of sense. It seems those seventeen years were spent by each character pining for the other, bereft without their other half. Each was obsessed with an impossible vision that kept them from moving on to any sort of HEA with anyone else. Wow…all this after three hours spent in Aruba. Three hours, stacked up against seventeen years, is too far-fetched. Both deserved happiness apart from each other; instead, they are hopelessly codependent on a brief hookup.
It would appear that Juliette’s life has been on hold, devoted to her son, although he shows himself to be a liar and a thief and someone not to be trusted. We’re asked to believe this is just a teenage boy acting out. (Hmmm.) He’s in love—at sixteen, mind you—and he’s going to protect his true love, and this fills Constantine with pride because the boy is just like he was at that age, a veritable chip off the old block. It’s Romeo and Juliet—a theme that runs overtime through this book—but Shakespeare did it better.
The writer apparently wants us to believe all that had happened in the past, contrasted with all the violence and killing into the present, is the hand of God, even bringing in a couple Psalms for good measure. To be sure, they are the 27th and 91st Psalms, which are strong prayers for protection—beautifully composed by David—but really? They feel like a panoply put on for show. The plot hinges on coincidences, luck and likelihoods that the writer tosses into the realms of chance, flukes, and holy interventions. Criminy…!
On the plus side, the sixteen-year-old Colin accepts his father and doesn’t rant with the usual teenage anger. He acts out, of course, but is pleased to have a father in his life. That part was good. Also, aside from a few punctuation oopsies, the book is free of pesky errors that halt readers in their tracks.
I rated this book 2-stars because of the strange plotlines that make a reader skeptical. There are just too many coincidences to stay believable. There’s also too much repetition of the improbable loss both Juliette and Constantine have agonized through for seventeen years (and a huge “oh, good grief” about that!). Constantine is portrayed as a man of courage and resolute bravery, yet he’s unable to summon the will to track down Juliette, even with all his organization’s capabilities. It would have been ridiculously easy to find out who rented the villa in Aruba. He’s afraid of finding out she’s married and then he’d lose his vision of happiness. And, oh yes…he’s afraid he’s not good enough for her – she deserves so much better; this is a too common plea from book heroes, used here to excess.
This could have been a fantastic book about the three of them: Constantine, Juliette, and Colin. Juliette and Constantine could have had interesting lives to share with each other; instead, we’re presented with their constant longing for one another which made them seem pathetic, not romantic. And speaking of romance? No romance. That should have been a big ol’ shining light over the entire book. It wasn’t even a flicker. Instead of a story of a sweet memory tinged with a soupçon of regret, we get what feels like a summation of previous books with too many characters jostling for attention, totally unnecessary to the Constantine-Juliette-Colin story, but thrown in for reasons that are not apparent. If this were the only book I’d read by Ms. Sahin, I’d pass on any others, but I read Finding Justice and liked it, so no doubt I’ll read another by her. However, not in this series.
May 18, 2025
3.5 stars
This marks the end of the Costa family saga. It was a good series.
Constantine has been the stoic protector over all the books. A man riddled with guilt and trying to keep his family together.
Here, we get layers of him. I’m not sure I could imagine the tough Constantine of the earlier books weepy. But here he is. To think he’s been haunted by a seventeen years gone one night stand.
Juliette was as affected by their night as he was. And she got a surprise baby out of it.
This book brings them all together. Surprisingly and miraculously. There is quite a bit of fate or destiny here.
My one complaint is too many side characters and a very complicated plot line.
This marks the end of the Costa family saga. It was a good series.
Constantine has been the stoic protector over all the books. A man riddled with guilt and trying to keep his family together.
Here, we get layers of him. I’m not sure I could imagine the tough Constantine of the earlier books weepy. But here he is. To think he’s been haunted by a seventeen years gone one night stand.
Juliette was as affected by their night as he was. And she got a surprise baby out of it.
This book brings them all together. Surprisingly and miraculously. There is quite a bit of fate or destiny here.
My one complaint is too many side characters and a very complicated plot line.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2025
TBH this was probably my least favorite of her series books she has written. The hype for this book was over the top, so it was even a more disappointing read.
I’m not inclined to read anything new from her.
I’m not inclined to read anything new from her.
May 29, 2025
was this a ghost writer? genuinely confused at the entire tone of this book. the main characters had zero relationship building. Constantine was nothing like how he was perceived in the books prior. I'm fine with religion being in the books I read, but it was heavily sprinkled throughout the dialogue and inner thoughts of these characters. I have read all of her series and I'm getting tired of the same few crossing over- let them have their HEA and just introduce us to new teams. I'm going to give her new series a chance bc her books have always been page turners in the past, but I really hope it's much better than this.
June 1, 2025
I can’t believe I’m saying this, but this book was SO not for me. I’ve read every book by this author and enjoyed most of them, but this one might be one of my least favourites.
I didn’t like Juliette, Colin annoyed me and Constantine… I liked him in the previous books but I just couldn’t like his character in this one.
I didn’t find it romantic at all, Constantine and Juliette actually seemed obsessed with each other but not in a romantic way, if that makes sense. The only thing I saw between them was physical chemistry mistaken for love and cringe-worthy scenes.
Everything was too intense, too dramatic for my taste.
I didn’t like Juliette, Colin annoyed me and Constantine… I liked him in the previous books but I just couldn’t like his character in this one.
I didn’t find it romantic at all, Constantine and Juliette actually seemed obsessed with each other but not in a romantic way, if that makes sense. The only thing I saw between them was physical chemistry mistaken for love and cringe-worthy scenes.
Everything was too intense, too dramatic for my taste.
May 27, 2025
And I’m done
Man, this one was rough. Totally convoluted plot, cameos, cameos and more cameos of people we don’t know or care about because we haven’t ready every book from this author…and now won’t be. This book was so frustrating, the toughest guy of the Costa family turns into a total wuss. Someone is crying on damn near every page and most often it’s him. Tears, tears, sobbing. Ugg. No relationship building, the kid is a total dick, the heroine was a push-over. Totally used to a different theme and execution by this author. Complete disappointment.
Man, this one was rough. Totally convoluted plot, cameos, cameos and more cameos of people we don’t know or care about because we haven’t ready every book from this author…and now won’t be. This book was so frustrating, the toughest guy of the Costa family turns into a total wuss. Someone is crying on damn near every page and most often it’s him. Tears, tears, sobbing. Ugg. No relationship building, the kid is a total dick, the heroine was a push-over. Totally used to a different theme and execution by this author. Complete disappointment.
April 26, 2025
What a way to end the series. It was not at all what I expected. I don’t even think I can recall any hint that this was how the author was going to end the series throughout the other books. I’m not saying that’s a bad thing at all. I think it made this much more impactful and such a great surprise.
Constantine, the last Costa story to be told, was probably the most detached of them and the oldest. His relationship with his father was questionable, at best, and his emotions are turned off unless it has to do with his siblings and their spouses. His family means everything to him, and that is the key character trait that propels his story.
In a rare twist, Constantine finds out that he has a son … a 16-year-old son with a woman who left an impact on his life. One that he’s at times found comfort in, but that also haunted him, perhaps being the reason he couldn’t love another woman? Juliette Carmichael is that woman. A one-night stand in Aruba (with Constantine, of course) gave her Colin. Something she never regretted, but a misunderstanding left them without any way to find each other … kind of.
The first half of the book deals with the three of them trying to work through finding each other. It’s an emotional read. It swings from hurt, to grief, to happiness, as we move throughout Constantine and Juliette POV’s. It was a rough ride.
Then add to that the usual suspense that Brittney Sahin adds to all of her books. This one in particular was a WILD RIDE.
In all of her books, you get the characters working their way through the problems that are thrown at them. In this one, you have something that starts as an unexpected rescue of Colin, whom Constantine realizes is his son, from a bad situation at a rave. It escalates from that to a much more sinister plot. Let me tell you, though, it is far from a straight line from that night at the rave to where they end up. When I say “wide ride,” I mean that there are more twists and turns leading to the final confrontation than you find on the curviest and hilliest road in the world. Crazy, nuts and completely insane. And I loved every moment of it!!!
And as per usual, we have a showing of many of the past characters in this book.
The interesting part is that Juliette’s stepbrother happens to be Easton, who works for Carter Dominick from Falcon Falls. Carter happens to not have the greatest relationship with Constantine from the past. It certainly adds extra tension as the last half of the story develops into the climax because both of those guys are involved.
You also get characters from the Dublin Nights series. Sebastian Renaud, Emilia and Sean McGregor make appearances. Then there is Gwen, Wyatt from Stealth Op’s daughter, who is a hacker extraordinaire … of course, and it’s awesome.
I can’t say enough how much I love this book, but at the same time, how sad I am. Again, another series comes to a close. It’s always tough to think there will be no more Costa stories. At least I know that the author is far from done writing, and we will be seeing many more books in the future stemming from these groups. Just what and where shall remain a secret, I guess … for now.
Constantine, the last Costa story to be told, was probably the most detached of them and the oldest. His relationship with his father was questionable, at best, and his emotions are turned off unless it has to do with his siblings and their spouses. His family means everything to him, and that is the key character trait that propels his story.
In a rare twist, Constantine finds out that he has a son … a 16-year-old son with a woman who left an impact on his life. One that he’s at times found comfort in, but that also haunted him, perhaps being the reason he couldn’t love another woman? Juliette Carmichael is that woman. A one-night stand in Aruba (with Constantine, of course) gave her Colin. Something she never regretted, but a misunderstanding left them without any way to find each other … kind of.
The first half of the book deals with the three of them trying to work through finding each other. It’s an emotional read. It swings from hurt, to grief, to happiness, as we move throughout Constantine and Juliette POV’s. It was a rough ride.
Then add to that the usual suspense that Brittney Sahin adds to all of her books. This one in particular was a WILD RIDE.
In all of her books, you get the characters working their way through the problems that are thrown at them. In this one, you have something that starts as an unexpected rescue of Colin, whom Constantine realizes is his son, from a bad situation at a rave. It escalates from that to a much more sinister plot. Let me tell you, though, it is far from a straight line from that night at the rave to where they end up. When I say “wide ride,” I mean that there are more twists and turns leading to the final confrontation than you find on the curviest and hilliest road in the world. Crazy, nuts and completely insane. And I loved every moment of it!!!
And as per usual, we have a showing of many of the past characters in this book.
The interesting part is that Juliette’s stepbrother happens to be Easton, who works for Carter Dominick from Falcon Falls. Carter happens to not have the greatest relationship with Constantine from the past. It certainly adds extra tension as the last half of the story develops into the climax because both of those guys are involved.
You also get characters from the Dublin Nights series. Sebastian Renaud, Emilia and Sean McGregor make appearances. Then there is Gwen, Wyatt from Stealth Op’s daughter, who is a hacker extraordinaire … of course, and it’s awesome.
I can’t say enough how much I love this book, but at the same time, how sad I am. Again, another series comes to a close. It’s always tough to think there will be no more Costa stories. At least I know that the author is far from done writing, and we will be seeing many more books in the future stemming from these groups. Just what and where shall remain a secret, I guess … for now.
May 23, 2025
4 1/2 stars.
Scrolling through the Amazon charts and stumbled across this little gem, and I am SO glad I did because this book was great!
Constantine Costa meets Juliette Carmichael in Aruba 17 years ago. They share an amazing night of passion - with one problem. They decided to stay strangers and never exchanged names. Guess what - Juliette ends up pregnant. She tried very hard to find Constantine by using her connection in her military brother, but she couldn't find him.
Fast forward 17 years, Juliette and her son Colin live in New York. Colin has fallen in with a bad crowd thanks to his girlfriend. He ends up stealing Constantine's wallet - and Constantine tracks him down and finds him. There was something extremely special to him in that wallet he needed back. This initial meeting leads to many revelations.
I have a few criticisms of this book. 1) it's about 150 pages too long; 2) the "suspense" part, while engaging, could be confusing. The author threw in so many names and different scenarios that it was hard to keep up with!
I was invested in this book quickly. I really loved Constantine. He was a true alpha male. I also loved the fact that Constantine and Juliette were older (43 and 38); made them a little more relatable (I'm in my 50s). Colin was a great character; so mature for his 16 years. Constantine had a huge family and I loved all of them as well
I will for sure read any more books that come out if this becomes a series. I always love a good romantic suspense book!
Scrolling through the Amazon charts and stumbled across this little gem, and I am SO glad I did because this book was great!
Constantine Costa meets Juliette Carmichael in Aruba 17 years ago. They share an amazing night of passion - with one problem. They decided to stay strangers and never exchanged names. Guess what - Juliette ends up pregnant. She tried very hard to find Constantine by using her connection in her military brother, but she couldn't find him.
Fast forward 17 years, Juliette and her son Colin live in New York. Colin has fallen in with a bad crowd thanks to his girlfriend. He ends up stealing Constantine's wallet - and Constantine tracks him down and finds him. There was something extremely special to him in that wallet he needed back. This initial meeting leads to many revelations.
I have a few criticisms of this book. 1) it's about 150 pages too long; 2) the "suspense" part, while engaging, could be confusing. The author threw in so many names and different scenarios that it was hard to keep up with!
I was invested in this book quickly. I really loved Constantine. He was a true alpha male. I also loved the fact that Constantine and Juliette were older (43 and 38); made them a little more relatable (I'm in my 50s). Colin was a great character; so mature for his 16 years. Constantine had a huge family and I loved all of them as well
I will for sure read any more books that come out if this becomes a series. I always love a good romantic suspense book!
May 11, 2025
Not everyone gets a second chance, Juliette wished that she could give the one thing to her son that he always needed! I am in absolute awe of this book and Brittney’s writing, I might say this for every book she has written. However, this was her best work yet! I am not undermining the other books (I love them all so much) but this one was truly special!
The one word that I would use to describe this book is fate! From a few hours in Aruba to her son stealing his wallet! Series of events that brought Constantine in the right place at the right time. This book is action packed, swoony, and so so much more! Fair warning, I want through so many emotions reading this book. I bawled my eyes out multiple times but I loved every single minute of it so so much! I don’t want to write much that will spoil the book for anyone else, but this truly was a highlight of my year and I promise you it will not disappoint you!
This is Brittney verse, so many characters are back and loved seeing the different dynamics. It truly is awesome on how the roles far and near play out. Always enjoy the dynamics of alpha males!
I believe this book deserves as many stars that I can give! Brittney, if you read this…thank you for sharing your talent and art of story telling with the world!
The one word that I would use to describe this book is fate! From a few hours in Aruba to her son stealing his wallet! Series of events that brought Constantine in the right place at the right time. This book is action packed, swoony, and so so much more! Fair warning, I want through so many emotions reading this book. I bawled my eyes out multiple times but I loved every single minute of it so so much! I don’t want to write much that will spoil the book for anyone else, but this truly was a highlight of my year and I promise you it will not disappoint you!
This is Brittney verse, so many characters are back and loved seeing the different dynamics. It truly is awesome on how the roles far and near play out. Always enjoy the dynamics of alpha males!
I believe this book deserves as many stars that I can give! Brittney, if you read this…thank you for sharing your talent and art of story telling with the world!
May 14, 2025
CONTASTINE freaking costa will destroy your heart one emotion at a time!! This book will keep your heart rate on high! The angst, the events, the plot, the twists, it’s just perfection! Constantine effing Costa does it again. My heart couldn’t take the emotional
Rollercoaster, but of course I’m a masochist for the best kind of pain. This book closes the Costa series and it comes in full circle. You get to experienced this book in such a beautiful way. Constantine finally get his happy ending, but there’s so many what if’s!!!! Finding you had a kid and were absent from his life, was a tough pill to swallow. But I love Colin’s personality so much, he has a little piece of each of this uncles and aunt. So many things that were unfair for this family, but seeing them become one once again on this op……. Perfection! Each of this Costa men will make you sweat!!! I can’t wait for the next series. Seeing the cameo of some of my favorite operators was perfection. This has been one of my favorite books in 2025! Absolutely recommend it!
Thank you Brittney for letting me be part of the team. You have the most beautiful creative mind and each book keeps getting better and better!
5⭐️
1.5 🌶️
Rollercoaster, but of course I’m a masochist for the best kind of pain. This book closes the Costa series and it comes in full circle. You get to experienced this book in such a beautiful way. Constantine finally get his happy ending, but there’s so many what if’s!!!! Finding you had a kid and were absent from his life, was a tough pill to swallow. But I love Colin’s personality so much, he has a little piece of each of this uncles and aunt. So many things that were unfair for this family, but seeing them become one once again on this op……. Perfection! Each of this Costa men will make you sweat!!! I can’t wait for the next series. Seeing the cameo of some of my favorite operators was perfection. This has been one of my favorite books in 2025! Absolutely recommend it!
Thank you Brittney for letting me be part of the team. You have the most beautiful creative mind and each book keeps getting better and better!
5⭐️
1.5 🌶️
June 4, 2025
Constantine effing Costa!! He gets it done every time. I LOVED his story, just as much as I loved Carter Dominick's. Alpha male, touch her and die with a sunshine, kick ass main female lead, Juliette.
Constantine and Juliette had a one night stand, 17 years ago, but as strangers. Unable to track him down, Juliette became a single mother and no clue who the father was. Juliette and her son Colin, move to NY, where Colin steals from Constantine and clearly gets himself into quite some trouble.
Constantine tracks down Colin, only to realize that his mother, is the woman from Aruba, who got away. Old skeletons come rushing and causes the Costa family to be in trouble. I loved seeing how vulnerable he became and how Bianca's storyline was completed with something heart warming. 5 stars and 2.5 spicy rating! Brittney Sahin, another amazing story.
Constantine and Juliette had a one night stand, 17 years ago, but as strangers. Unable to track him down, Juliette became a single mother and no clue who the father was. Juliette and her son Colin, move to NY, where Colin steals from Constantine and clearly gets himself into quite some trouble.
Constantine tracks down Colin, only to realize that his mother, is the woman from Aruba, who got away. Old skeletons come rushing and causes the Costa family to be in trouble. I loved seeing how vulnerable he became and how Bianca's storyline was completed with something heart warming. 5 stars and 2.5 spicy rating! Brittney Sahin, another amazing story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2025
FMC gets pregnant from a one night stand…17 years ago…her son steals the wallet of some rich dude and the rich dude tracks her down but guess what? Guess who the one night stand was with? YUP. Do they recognize each other right away? Not really? Like they have a VIBE but not the immediate like OMG my baby daddy is in my living room because my son…sorry OUR son…happened to steal his wallet. Heroine was also celibate for the last 17 years…meanwhile homeboy had just ended his hookup situationship the night before. LOL and ofcourse mmc immediately takes over their lives.
July 31, 2025
The Best of Us
Constantine has been fighting his demons for many years. The only bright spot he has is from a woman who he met and shared a memorable night with. Fast forward a decade and half, and Constantine finds himself standing in front of this same woman and his doppelgänger. Will Constantine and Juliet find their happily ever after or will the past invade the future keeping his family apart.
This story is full of redemption, forgiveness, and understanding. One of the best stories written by Ms. Sahin.
Constantine has been fighting his demons for many years. The only bright spot he has is from a woman who he met and shared a memorable night with. Fast forward a decade and half, and Constantine finds himself standing in front of this same woman and his doppelgänger. Will Constantine and Juliet find their happily ever after or will the past invade the future keeping his family apart.
This story is full of redemption, forgiveness, and understanding. One of the best stories written by Ms. Sahin.
April 28, 2025
The author did an amazing job making you feel the connection between the two main characters!! I especially loved how honest Constantine wanted to be with Juliette before they prayed any kind of relationship even though they both still clearly shared a huge connection. Colin was such a well developed character which was amazing. He was a teen who just wanted to do right and kept getting caught up with the wrong crowd. Amazing family saga if that is your thing ❤️
June 26, 2025
Really liked this one. Hadn’t picked up a book in over a week because life got in the way 🙃 I was starved for some romance and I wasn’t disappointed with this one! I did find the story a little hard to follow at times but I think that’s mostly because the littles are home and distracting with their 10000 questions and demands a day. 🙃 still enjoyed it thoroughly and loved the MCs, teenager included.
May 17, 2025
The Best of Us
Another amazing Costas story. This story is full of drama, action and love the surprises that come along the way. Expect the unexpected and dealing with crime and mafia. Definitely a must read.
Another amazing Costas story. This story is full of drama, action and love the surprises that come along the way. Expect the unexpected and dealing with crime and mafia. Definitely a must read.
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