A Santini in Love

The Santinis #6

by Melissa Schroeder

She was the last woman standing.

Madison Baker was born and bred to be a Marine. When a roadside bomb ends her first deployment—not to mention her career—she is left to pick up the pieces of what is left of her life. She’s returned to Oceanside to regroup and move on. It doesn’t mean she’s ready for a relationship, even if a particular Santini has different plans.

Love happens when you least expect it.

When he first met Madison back at the Academy, Dante Santini is sure the woman was put on the earth to irritate him. She’s prickly and mouthy. She always thinks she’s right. Worse—she almost always is. She hasn’t really changed over the years. One disagreement ends up with them lip locked and very nearly falling into bed, Dante discovers he might need to rethink his first impression.


When Madison is convinced she witnesses a murder, the only person who believes her is Dante. Together, they sift through the meager evidence, trying to unearth the secrets someone is trying to hide. Neither one of them expecting it would draw them closer—or that a killer is hell bent on making sure those secrets stay buried.

Get more of the Santini family romances!
Book One: Leonardo
Book Two: Marco
Book Three: Gianni
Book Four: Vicente
Book Five: A Santini Christmas
Book Six: A Santini in Love
Book Seven: Falling for a Santini (early 2015)

And, don't miss out on the Johnson Brothers:
Semper Fi Marines
Book One: Tease Me
Book Two: Tempt Me
Book Three: Touch Me

Genres: Romance, Military Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Suspense, Contemporary, Erotica, Enemies To Lovers

200 pages, ebook

First published November 4, 2014

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Melissa Schroeder has had almost 90 short stories, novellas, and novels published in the last 15 years.

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Reviews

[Eniko · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another good example why I love Ms. Schroeder's books. From the start, it is not an easy book to put down, I read it in one sitting :D
Madison and Dante's journey is wrought with danger from the one person who had an oath to heal and not harm. It took quite a few years for both Dante and Madison to realize they belong together. I admire Madison, despite her strict upbringing and the recent brush with death during the last tour, she fights to get better. I am glad she got Dante by her side, who not only understand her condition, but helps her heal. He has the characteristics of the Santini men I came to love from the other books, loyal, charismatic, lovable, despite his arogance, and very protective. Thank you for another great read!

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC provided by author (The Romance Beckons Cooperative) via NetGalley for an honest review.

I fell in love/lust (lol) with the Santini's just a little while ago when I read The Ultimate Santini Novella Collection (The Santinis #1-5). I read all five books back to back. Ms Schroeder hooked me from the start and I just couldn't stop! But enough about that, let's get back to Dante Santini shall we ....

Dante and Madison made a perfect couple. They were opposites who really fit well together ... she was 'serious' and he was basically not. BUT don't be fooled, because Dante being a Santini made him a fighter for what he loved, determined, loyal, supportive no matter what .... just plain awesome!
Dante and Madison have a volatile history. When they meet again, things have changed. Madison has changed. She's gone thru a pretty bad ordeal and is now suffering from PTSD. Cue the ever SO loving Dante to the rescue. GAH, they were so perfect together! He stuck by her even when she herself didn't want to stick by her (did that make sense? lol) This romance was really swoon worthy and tender and loving! It was realistic, no games. LOVED IT! We also have a mystery/danger danger thing happening and I was REALLY shocked how THAT all played out.
A Santini in Love was the total package for me. It was one of those romance stories that that made you feel good reading it but it was by no means all hearts and flowers wrapped in a net little package. This couple had issues and not everything was easy but they were willing to work at it because it mattered, they mattered!!

JUST PERFECT! Awesome job Ms Schroeder! I look forward to more and more from you!

[Vanessa Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Loved It!

I'm so happy Melissa decided to give us more Santini's! When I was finally able to sit and read it I literally couldn't put it down. You will love Dante & Madison's story. She has survived a tragic accident and now suffers from PTSD and is not ready for a relationship, but when her best friend Elena's brother Dante Santini shows up at her neighbors she can't control the emotions she's feeling. But it's hard to resist a Santini.
Dante Santini is through fighting the attraction between him and Madison. He just has to convince her that she wants him just as bad as he wants her.
It was an awesome book I loved it! It's definitely a must read! Can't wait for Elena & JT story.

Melissa Schroeder you are awesome! And I definitely have SANTINITIS!

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the Santinis!

Hot Marines abound in this book! Dante and Madison are perfect together; his playfulness counteracts her serious demeanor beautifully.

As a former military brat and mom of a Navy corpsman, I love the way Ms. Schroeder depicts real life issues in such a caring way. PTSD not only affects so many of our military personnel but their loved ones too. Great addition to the Santini family!

[Dar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I'm going to like these Santini's more than the last, not that I didn't love the last. These ones just seem fresher, sweeter, and more aware. Or maybe it has just been too long between Santini reads!

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/7/2020)! 🎁

[Simply Love Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slick‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

4.5 STARS

Review copy provided for an honest review


I’ve enjoyed every single Santini family story Melissa Schroeder has written but A Santini In Love is truly a special story. I love that the Santini men know not to fight love when they feel it. I love that these men don’t give up easily; that even when the women they want are struggling they stick with them until they can help them understand. I love that even when they know things will not be easy, they don’t walk away they offer support, help, and even a shoulder if that’s what is needed to help her in any way he can. Every Santini man has lived by those rules but I don’t think any of them with the exception of Stewart had as hard a job as Dante and he proved over and over that he can live up to the Santini name .
Dante Santini and Madison Baker have a volatile history stemming from their days at Annapolis where she was roommates with his twin, Elena. When he sees her again years later at the home of mutual friends, he notices she’s changed but what he doesn’t know is that she went through a pretty horrible ordeal and is suffering from PTSD. One thing is quite clear though, the animosity he once felt for her and turned into something else, something he wants to explore even though he knows he’s going to have to break down ever wall she’s erected around herself.
I found it refreshing for two adults to have an adult relationship from the start. No game playing, no beating around the bush; just admitting an attraction and acting on it. Yes it helped they had a background together, knew each other well, and respected one another but even so it was a breath of fresh air.
I loved how easily Dante supported Madison and how he understood her issues and if he didn’t he asked her so he did. How he believed her even when she questioned herself and how he managed to work his way into her life because he was concerned about her and her safety and how he absolutely wanted her to be safe and secure. Yes, I felt like Dante at this point in their relationship offered more to Madison than she did to him, BUT I could see the love she felt for him and his family and I felt that as their time together progresses she would give back to him everything he gave her and more.
A Santini in Love is one of those feel good stories that romance is all about; sure they had some issues, and not everything was easy but two people willing to work at life and love is all the matters and I loved every minute of it!

[Joyfully Reviewed · Rating 4 out of 5]

A hero determined to show the woman he loves that she is the one for him.

It is no secret that I am a fan and long time reader of Melissa Schroeder's work. From her ability to flesh out a story perfectly to writing characters that you really care about, Ms. Schroeder always brings me reading pleasure. A Santini in Love gives us all that and more. The heroine, Madison Baker is dealing with PTSD, her condition is a result of surviving a roadside bomb during her first deployment. I felt Madison's fear, pain and emotional stress as she tries to live a "normal" life. I totally fell in love with her companion dog, Charlie. It is during this time that Dante Santini, her nemesis from Marine training, comes back into her life.

Dante Santini comes to realize that Madison, who bested him at most everything during their time at the Academy, (much to his disgust, lol) is THE woman for him. Dante is patient and understanding with Madison as she struggles with her PTSD. When a situation arises that threatens Madison's very life, he is there for her without crowding her space. His love for Madison helps him to let her be her while being just the right kind of protector that she needs. Madison needs to be loved and appreciated for the woman that she has become. Dante is just the man to make her feel as cherished as she should be.

In the The Santini Series, Ms. Schroeder brings us a loving family of military men and women who one by one fall for their special someone. I love that we always get to catch up on those characters from previous books we've come to know and love. With that being said, each story does stand alone. I thoroughly enjoyed A Santini in Love in one sitting.

**I received this book in exchange for an honest review.**

[Karen Roma · Rating 5 out of 5]

While Melissa Schroder’s “Santinis” are physically gorgeous men who would melt the panties of any woman that crosses their path; don’t make the mistake of thinking their lives are all sunshine and roses.

As an ex-Army wife, I find it humbling the time Ms Schroeder has devoted to ensuring that her stories accurately portray the side of service life some would rather not acknowledge.

The men and women who serve their countries so valiantly suffer not only the fallout of war, but physiological and physical scars that they carry throughout the rest of their lives, and Ms Schroeder exposes this fragile side of their nature with care and compassion.

So how do you combat tragedy and suffering without something to look forward to? Well it’s here that the Santinis excel; for no woman will ever resist the undivided attention, unconcealed devotion and the all-consuming love that only a Santini can provide.

As with all these remarkable men, Dante Santini will steal you heart and melt your soul with his unwavering resolve to make Madison Baker his forever; tortured, broken and insecure she may be, but this Santini will be by her side till his very last breath.

Anyone who has read the previous stories will adore this latest edition to this rather large and extended service family, and for those of you who haven’t had the pleasure, best you get started because the Santinis will definitely rock your world!!!

[Deana-Coffee, Books, Life Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

Madison Barker is one hell of a woman. She’s literally been through hell and back and she still standing on her feet. Some days maybe better than others, but she could take you down in two seconds flat. Smart and witty, however Madison is still healing and is stronger than most women.

Dante will make your heart flutter. Sexy and built, this marine is going to make you sweat. He is also plagued by the family curse. Dante said he didn’t believe in the curse. But the moment he saw her, he knew what it was and the only thing he wanted was Madison by his side.

Dante and Madison are perfect together. Having the past they did and reacquainting themselves gave such wonderful life to the story. Add in a bit of mystery, melding family members, witty banter, a sexy marine, some steamy passion and you have A Santini in Love.

It’s no secret that I am a huge fan of this series. No I can’t call it a series, it’s more than that, it’s a family. Melissa Schroeder has made more than a few women fall in love with her beyond sexy, military men known by the name Santini. Their reputation precedes them. I was beyond excited when Melissa said she was continuing with family. A Santini in Love was everything I enjoy from a Melissa Schroeder book.

A complementary copy of this title was provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Madison Baker is an amazing woman. She has been through hell and is working her way through the other side. Former Marine Madison is dealing with major life changes. She survived a roadside bomb and is dealing with the repercussions and PTSD. It isn’t bad enough that the bomb took away the career she worked for all her life but now it is threatening to take her dignity too. When she witnesses a murder the PTSD label has the cops doubting her; isn’t it funny that the only one who seems to believe her is her college nemesis Marine Captain Dante Santini. When Dante runs into Madison he can’t believe how much his feelings have changed. The strong woman who was a pain in his ass is still beautiful but her experience has added a layer to her that he needs to explore. The Santini curse may just have struck again.
This is an incredible story. Not only does it have Melissa Schroeder’s trademark humor and steam but this one made me think about PTSD and how I treat those with the diagnoses.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Santini in Love is the first Santini’s story I have read by Melissa Schroeder. I love the Scottish, Cursed Ones Series and thought I would try this one. I am so glad I did. I have now gone back and bought the first five in the series even though this story read well as a stand-alone.

The characters Dante and Madison seem like real people who have served in the military. Madison is the character that the story centers around. She is strong, independent and living with PTSD. This story is the first one I have read where a female is dealing with this but admire Ms. Schroeder for bringing this issue to the attention of readers. She handles the struggles of a retuning war veteran with sensitivity as well as realism.

I could not have had anything bring my focus more on the coming Veteran’s Day then this wonderful book, A Santini in Love. Love the book, enjoy the Santini clan, admire Madison, glad Dante fell for her and fell hopeless in love myself with Charlie, one perfect service dog.

[Latochia Hawkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dante & Madison Love!

Bringing back the Santinis was definitely a winner for Melissa Schroeder!
A Santini in Love tells the story of Dante Santini and Madison Baker. They were acquaintences back at Annapolis Academy and in constant competition. They were both excellent Marines. On the outside they despised each other.
Madison went through her deployment but was hit with a IED and was the only one in her unit to survive. This lead to PTSD and the end of her active military duty. When she returned back stateside, she ran into Dante.
Madison & Dante were thrown together due to different circumstances, and her safety was left in his hands. Madison put her trust in Dante and she tried to stay strong but Dante did everything in his power to show her that he was there for her.
The story had a twist to it that did not come until the very end. And the building of the relationship of Dante and Madison progressed throughout the story nicely.
Great opening to the next set of Santinis!

[Kathy Heare Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this is part of a series, the book reads as a standalone without any problem. This story gives you mystery, suspense, a group of friends, strong family ties, coping with PTSD and learning to live life again, and two people who were competitive during school finding love. Madison Baker was near the top of her class, being a Marine was in her blood and she feels she must succeed to prove her worth to her Colonel father. Deployment to Afghanistan and an IED changed her life forever making her feel like a failure. Dante Santini was in competition with Madison, but she seemed to always best him at school. Running into her after three years, feelings are different. When a murder is witnessed and things starts happening, these two are throw together and sparks ignite. Is Madison loosing it and will she be believed or will police decide she isn't trustworthy. Can Madison learn to trust Dante with not only her safety but also her heart.

[Mayas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been following Melissa for a while because of her military romances and this one is my favorite. You often read about the male suffering from PTSD and the trials he endure and overcome to fight for his life and kind of live through the memory of such horrible events. In this book the woman takes center stage.

Not only does she have a very mild state but is frowned upon when she express concerns about a event that shakes the life she was finally coping with. All it took was Dante to play out all scenerios and his house being disrupted to realize the visions are not false and the woman he has crushed on and loved for seven years is in danger.

He uses his skill and experience to keep her grounded as well as help her show emotions that was embedded to be weak in her mind by her ass of a father.

I can go on and on but I would rather you read and enjoy the greatness that is a Santini and maybe get Santinitis.

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dante sure knows how to make a woman stop talking, "he opened his eyes. She looked stunned. "Oh, hell, I left Madison Baker speechless." He leaned in again and deepened the kiss this time." When Dante is being a broody butt you can find him being playful with his woman, "he assumed he had permission to play. So he did. First, he drew circles over the small of her back, then did the same to her taut buttocks. She squirmed and he gave her rear a play slap. 'Watch it, Santini," she said, but there was no heat in her voice." When a man like Dante who is so passionate and sees his woman hurt sees nothing but anger, it takes a strong woman to back him down and Madison is that for Dante, "he let loose of the doctor. His hand landed with a thud. Sirens sounded in the distance as he leaned toward her. "Madison." He cupped her face then kissed her. Feet pounded down the hall and she heard people shouting. Still, Dante kissed her." I liked this book I loved Dante.

[Anima · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Santini family is quite large and now we get the cousins. There are six of them and I am hoping we get as many new books. Each book can be a stand alone but since the whole family is connected it should be a must to read all. As part of Schroeder's review group I got an early copy. We have Dante, twin to Elena and nemesis of Madison Baker, all Marine and muscle. Back in college Madison and Dante had a healthy competition with underlying sexual tension. Years later they meet at again over dinner with friends. Turns out the Santini curse lives in the cousins too, once bitten by the love bug there are no remedies. As always the banter is fun and sexually driven, a sexy alpha and strong minded woman make this an exciting read. Throw in a scary "incident" and we have a suspenseful romance.

[Bobbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found Mellisa Schroeder as an author that I really enjoyed several years ago and so have read almost everything she has written. And I have definitely read about every Santini and spin off that she writes. This is another branch of the Satini family and they all still revolve round military life...either active or retired. This is the story of Madison Baker who was a marine until she was injured in an IED explosion and has severe PTSD. She meets up with Dante Santini who was in training with her, and brother to Madison's roommate while they were in training. Madison believes she is "broken" and Dante is determined to show her that she is perfect for him.

Another fun read about the extended Santini family. Mad long as Melissa will keep rising them, I will always be reading them. Thanks to the author for allowing me to read this ARC for an honest review.

[The Smutty Kitty · Rating 4 out of 5]

As posted on The Smutty Kitty reviewed by KittyKelly

4 out of 5 Licks

The Santinis are back!! I love a good military romance and Mel writes some great ones. I don't see very many female military heroines so it's always refreshing when one pops up. Madison is living with PTSD and working hard to maintain as normal of a life as she can. She's changed a lot since Dante saw her last and now he's determined to make her his. Dante believes in her when she isn't sure she believes in herself anymore. Dante turns out to be quite the sweetheart and refuses to let Madison doubt herself or her instincts. I loved seeing these two find each other again and fall hard. Something about seeing a Santini fall is extra awesome! They fall so hard and so completely, it is always so much fun to read.

[Catherine Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't really sure what to expect of this book. I was braced for the PTSD thing at the beginning of the book. After reading it, I didn't think it was necessary. This was a wonderful love story with a huge amount of suspense. I did not see that happening at all. However, it wasn't all suspense. There were some serious funny points in the story, like when the Santini parents get involved. It was awesome I love this series. I love anything this author writes. This book was no exception. Just know, it is a part of a series. It does not matter if you've read them. Trust me though, if you like this one, you will like the others and you may come to hate how easy it is to order kindle books off Amazon. I don't normally like suspense, but in this case, I didn't mind. I really think anyone can like this book. It was a great book. I will likely read it again in a few months.

[Chrissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book, I feel in love with the Santini's from the very beginning of the first book..... I was so glad, to hear that Dante Santini got his own book.... You will fall in love with Him and Madison they are the perfect couple.. Sparks fly and there is action, this is a very good great you must get it...... I love all the books written by Ms. Schroeder, you will too, she is a great writer she hooks you with her books... I feel like the Santini's and the Johnson's are part of my family you will too..... There is just something special about how she writes her books. You will fall in love from the very first book and page....

**** As wife of a U.S. Marine Veteran I highly Recommend this book****

[Darcy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A stop by the Santini family is always fun, but this one also struck a chord. I felt for Madison and how she thought she was broken. Of course anyone that would go through what she did would have issues. I loved that Madison was getting her life back on track, a different track, but a track none the less. I loved how Dante was a blast from her past, even better was that Dante wasn't going to let this chance go and finally acted upon a long ago attraction.

I was very surprised by the scene Madison stumbled upon, even more so to find out who was behind things.

The best thing about this one was the scene at the end when a large contingent of Santini's descended upon Madison and Dante, it was great fun to read!

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first Santini book and I absolutely loved it. I went to Amazon and quickly bought all the others so I could read them soon. Madison is used to being able to take care of herself. After her Marine career was taken from her in one of the worst ways possible, she's struggling to maintain control over her life.

Dante is back in town and the last thing he expects when visiting his friend's house is coming face to face with Madison again after years of not seeing her. He knew his sister and her still were friends, but nothing else.

TOgether they face their attraction to each other, Madison's PTSD, a murder, and the Santini family. IT was a really good book and I really enjoyed it.

[Courtney Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an arc of this book and boy am I glad! This book was well worth the wait. You have your heroine Maddison who is suffering with PTSD and the hero Dante who is all cocky marine. These two are the perfect characters for each other they fit perfectly. The story line is awesome you got your romance and suspense all in one. I really love how this story shows the issues people face with PTSD it shows us what some people face on a daily basis. You also get to see characters from past books as well which I always love! I can't wait for the next one! Once again thank you for an awesome book Melissa!

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Santini curse has hit again. This time it is Dante Santini.

Dante has known Madison for the past few years and noticed her straight away. Even though they were competing against each other to see you would be better.

Madison has PTSD from fighting in Afghanistan, she has come a long way since her initial attack. She meets up with Dante by accident and knows she still has feelings for him. There is an incident that actually throws them together and they fight there feelings head on.

another great book in the Santini series, can't wait to read the, all.

I was given a copy in exchange for a honest review.

[Lynne Costa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it and was surprised by the ending.Madison is Dante's twin sister Elena's best friend from the Academy where she and Dante were always one upping each other. When they meet again Madison is suffering PTSD and feels she is damaged but Dante has always seen something special in her.She witnesses a murder and runs to Dante however the police can find nothing & think due to her PTSD she made it up.What follows is a Santini falling for the Santini curse and a surprise murderer I never saw coming.I was hooked from the beginning and shocked at the end.You can never go wrong with a Santini book.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

I am so excited to read more about this incredibly devoted family. It really helps that they're all military men and women. And to think there's a whole mess of cousins. Having this book deal with not only love, but a growing problem with the number of people, both military and civilian, living with PTSD was an excellent choice for the opening book in the cousins saga. Loved every bit of it. Though it was shorter than the average books I read I didn't feel as if it was rushed. Having the two MCs already having an established relationship helped move their story along at a great place.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

[Paige Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Dante and Madison's story. It was a believable storyline.
The two had past history. They were frenemies early on in their relationship then their careers took them separate was.
Dante is your typical Alpha Marine who is looking out to protect one of his own. Madison who unfortunately was injured in country is now suffering from PTSD and is starting to overcome her fears. With Dante's help of course.
I thought it also held the perfect amount of drama and suspense.
While I did read most of the other books in the series, this can be read as a stand alone without being lost.

I was gifted a copy of the book through NetGalley for an honest review.

[Becki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received and ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely love everything Melissa Schroeder writes but I have a soft spot in my heart for the Santinis. Every book I read feels like a heartwarming visit with family and friends.
Dante is such a sweetheart and his love for Madison is evident in everything he does. Charlie is the perfect companion who helps keep Madison grounded. Madison comes with baggage, but Dante and Charlie are both up for the challenge.
Melissa can't write fast enough to satisfy my craving for the Santinis.

[Kathy Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Santini in Love (The Santinis #6)
By Melissa Schroeder
I do love this series and this is another reason. The whole series is wonderful, but I really enjoyed this one because the heroine is not perfect. She has a lot of problems yet she works through them to find her happiness. I also really enjoyed the intrigue part of the story. It is not just a typical romance. Ms Schroeder creates characters that are intriguing and lovable. Great story!!!