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The Santinis #10

A Santini's Heart

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Carlos Santini has seen the worst of war first hand. After leaving the Marines, he decided to open a therapy ranch. If he can't fight anymore, he wants to help those who have served and who are still serving. Everything is fantastic, but for one little issue, his partner, Tia Mendoza. The woman is bossy, sarcastic, and so hot he can barely keep his thoughts straight around her.

Tia loves the work she does with Carlos. She thrives helping other veterans like her brother. Of course, working for a man like Carlos isn't easy. He has a hot temper and he is so sexy when he loses it. She can't help but test him, until the day she pushes him too far.

Carlos knows from that first kiss that Tia is the woman for him. But, before they can have that Santini HEA, they find the ranch they both love in danger from some very bad man. As the threats grow deadly, Carlos realizes that before he can claim his woman, he will have to do everything in his power to save her life.

178 pages, ebook

First published August 30, 2016

23 people are currently reading
206 people want to read

About the author

Melissa Schroeder

212 books1,659 followers
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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5 stars
78 (49%)
4 stars
49 (31%)
3 stars
25 (15%)
2 stars
4 (2%)
1 star
2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
6,192 reviews220 followers
September 2, 2016
5.0 Star Review A Santini’s Heart (The Santinis # 10) by Melissa Schroeder
This is the story of Carlos Santini and Tia Mendoza. I never met a Santini I didn’t love and Carlos was no exception. There is just something about these men that draws me in. They love hard and fiercely, when a Santini falls in love it is forever; it is the Santini curse. Once a Santini male meets “the one” they will stop at nothing to make them theirs. Although both of them think it would be easier to fight the sizzling attraction that draws them together it is obvious that they will fail. It is too overpowering. These two belong together.
Carlos Santini is a retired marine and when PTSD brings him to a therapy ranch he initially fights his trainer Tia Mendoza, with everything he has. Tia’s sheer determination to help him and his determination not to give up makes for a fiery combination. After her brother is killed in an accident, Carlos buys out his share of the therapy ranch and together he and Tia continue the work that helped his recovery.
I particularly love the feistiness of Tia; her independence and snarkiness brings a lot to the story and I must say that at times I found myself laughing out loud. These two connected on so many levels it was just awesome to read about.
Together they are an explosive couple and I felt as though the pages would combust with the heat scorching off them.
I love catching up with the Santinis and seeing another Santini fall under the Santini curse. The Santinis series is so well written that you cannot help but wish to be a part of their family.
If you are looking for a book that is hot, spicy, romantic and humorous, then look no further.
996 reviews36 followers
August 30, 2016
Who doesn't want a Santini of their very own? I have read and loved all the Santini books so far and was excited to get to visit their world again. This book gives us Carlos and Tia. The two have worked together for sometime now but things have changed and Carlos is going to have to fight to get his happy ever after. Not only is the ranch in trouble but Tia may be as well. I really liked Tia. She can hold her own but she is still ready to seize the chance at love. Tia is a great character and she is a good match for Carlos. Together they fight for what they long for. Carlos and Tia endeared themselves to me right from the start and I quickly found myself immersed in their story. The author does a wonderful job of weaving a beautiful romance throughout the plot in this story. It is well paced and full of well rounded characters that will have you excited about love.

1,351 reviews
August 31, 2016
I loved reading Melissa Schroeder's newest release, A Santini's Heart, and the next story in the Santini series which I've loved from the beginning. This was a sexy and an emotional read and I found myself getting a bit teary-eyed in some scenes. I love the Santini family who are quite a powerful bunch especially Marcella Santini who is a force to be reckon with when it comes to getting her loved ones settled down. She provided some lighthearted moments which I thoroughly enjoyed. Carlos Santini is sexy, hot tempered and bossy at times but Tia Mendoza is no pushover and equally as strong-willed. The sexual tension between them was apparent from the beginning and the author did a great job building it up and the payoff was quite rewarding. I devoured this story in one sitting because I could not put it down. Another fantastic book by one of my favorite authors.
Profile Image for Selina Durio.
2,523 reviews12 followers
August 31, 2016
I have enjoyed all of Ms. Schroeder's writings, especially the Santini's and Harmless series. Carlos was the atypical Santini marine in that he left the marines more by force, than choice. Going the the ranch to receive equine PTSD therapy with Tia changed his life. As usual his mother Marcella and aunt Joey fueled and pushed the Santini curse and helped he and Tia realize their feelings. While I thoroughly enjoyed this book I feel the Chet story line was glossed over and rushed. I can't wait to read the story of when the curse hits Nando.
Profile Image for Mags.
3,034 reviews36 followers
August 31, 2016
Another enjoyable story in this series, both characters Carlos and Tia were very likable. The story had a few hot moments and was really easy to read with no major angst or emotional heaviness and I would happily recommend it to others.
Profile Image for Erin Smith.
7 reviews1 follower
August 30, 2016
Carlos Santini is a wonderful hero and Tia a lovely heroine. These 2 have great story and Melissa has told it well. It was great to see the other Santini's pop in as always. Looking forward to seeing more of this great family in the future.
42 reviews
Read
September 7, 2016
I have been reading Melissa Schroeder’s books for many years now. Not only do I enjoy her amazing story telling skills, but I truly appreciate how she develops her characters. As a reader, once you have finished a book, you feel like you know the characters, and you are left wanting more. Luckily for us readers, Melissa writes series, not just stand alone books, and she often weaves the characters from her prior books into her future ones. So, as a reader, you get to know new characters, but you are still given glimpses into your past, favorite characters lives.

One of her best series is the Santinis. These books focus on a military family, including many siblings and cousins that live all over the United States and elsewhere. What does this mean - lots of books!!! In her latest book, A Santina’s Heart, Melissa focuses on Carlos Santini, a Marine that is now running a therapy ranch, and his partner in the ranch, Tia Mendoza. These too are love nothing more than driving each other crazy and testing each other. And, after a while (and a little nudging from a slightly overbearing mom/family), they start wondering why they find the other’s temper and stubbornness hot and sexy. I suggest starting at the beginning of the series and reading your way through because there are references to other characters and storylines.

*I was given an advanced copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Anima.
2,747 reviews52 followers
August 25, 2016
Santini's are back! This family is humongous in size and personality. So many men, and women, from various branches of the military you'd think it difficult to keep track. However, Schroeder does a fabulous job of giving subtle clues and reminders of how every one fits together. This time we have Carlos managing a horse ranch working with sufferers of PTSD, autism and other disabilities. Tia is part owner and the primary trainer. Their relationship is all business until the feeling clicks and the charge ignites. The whip smart banter and sexual undertones are thrilling and sweet. They are one of my favorite couples. My copy was given by the author for my honest review.
Profile Image for Becky.
1,926 reviews65 followers
March 16, 2019
Cowboys and strong women

Another good read about a Santini! This is Carlos and Tia's story. Romance, large family, and some really weird drama thrown in for No good reason! The "drama/mystery" what mystery, it was clear as glass who the idiot was. Some regulars from previous books make appearances so that makes for good reading. Love Joey and Marcella!!! Oh how wish I had their strength and manipulation techniques to use on my own family.
Hea, no om/ow, romance, epilogue, heat level: miild. Recommend reading in order just bc of all marriages tend to cross over book to boom.
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.4k reviews543 followers
September 19, 2016
While I liked the romance between Carlos and Tia I was much more entertained my Carlos's mother and her blunt ways of talking to both Carlos and Tia. Not quite up to Joey's level, but still very much intrusive. It was hard to stop laughing when Mama Santini talked sex with Tia, Tia stunned and not sure what to say, a little odd as she is a strong woman in her own right. The one thing I could have done without was the side story about the land. I guessed that one right away.
Profile Image for Linda Rimer-Como.
1,264 reviews4 followers
August 29, 2016
This is a really interesting story about love and determination. It is the first book about the Santini family I've read, but it will not be the last. The author has a wonderful writing style that draws you in from the start. Carlos and Tia have strong work ethics and a growing attraction. I really enjoyed this book!

Gifted a copy for an honest review.
17 reviews
September 6, 2016
Touching Story

This is a beautifully-written love story! The Santini family is one that everyone would like to be part of!! Hats off to Melissa Schroeder for another Santini gem!!
Profile Image for Catlou.
1,407 reviews14 followers
July 12, 2020
The Santini Curse is alive and well and when Carlos Santini falls it can only be for his strong-willed, sassy partner, Tia Mendoza. Their attraction is deep and when Carlos takes the plunge their chemistry is off the charts. This is an exciting tale of two strong-minded people whose destiny leads to the inevitable, but there are a few heart-stopping moments along the way that may catch you off guard but will definitely grab your attention. It’s a love story that will have you turning pages late into the night, but it’s well worth the loss of sleep. I highly recommend this engaging and entertaining romance.
Profile Image for Dar.
4,528 reviews92 followers
November 5, 2018
Carlos Santini finally figures out what all the fuss is about! After years of being of dancing around each other, he finally pinpoints his feelings about Tia, and then he acts on them. Of course, that perfect moment is interrupted by his parents coming to supper, but still, it's a start :)

What follows is him convincing himself, and Tia, that this is the real deal, something worth pursuing. Once he stumbles through that, and deals with meddling family members, a bad guy is on the horizon. Quickly dealt with, he and Tia can get on with the HEA they deserve <3
Profile Image for Paige Turner.
1,676 reviews23 followers
November 3, 2018
3.5-4 Stars

I'm a fan of Melissa Schroeder and the Santinis series. These men are sexy military men who know what and who they want.

Carlos decided when he met Tia that she was his one but it took a little longer for her to realize the special connection these two had.

Although I enjoyed the boo. I think it needed a little more drama and heat between the main characters.
Profile Image for Toi.
4,247 reviews
May 16, 2018
Carlos and Tia are absolutely perfect together – when he first meets her he’s attracted to her but with her being a big part of his PTSD therapy he doesn’t go there – but two years later is a different story. I’d love for this series to continue.
1,925 reviews5 followers
February 17, 2019
Carlos ends up on the equine ranch after being injured in the war. Tia is his instructor. Now they are running the ranch together.
Some unaccounted instances have occurred. Carlos wants her to stay on the ranch. She is stubborn. Will they find out who is after the ranch?
Profile Image for Angie Voss.
139 reviews6 followers
September 26, 2016
Full review to come later.
This book was full of love, romance, and suspense. It also dealt with the issue of PTSD in veterans, in an enlightening matter. I love every minute of it!
Profile Image for Deana-Coffee, Books, Life Blog.
798 reviews22 followers
August 31, 2016
5 Stars

Carlos Santini has been to hell and back. A retired Marine suffering from PTSD, mad at the world and everything in, found some peace and solace at an equine therapy ranch. With hard work, The companionship the horses gave and the sheer determination of proving his ball busting trainer wrong, Carlos found a way to not be so mad at the world and joy life again. Even if he's bossy and grumpy.


Tia Mendoza has to be one of my favorite female characters that Melissa has written. She's hard and sassy. She takes no crap and will just dish it out 10 times harder than you can. Tia is also giving, caring and independent. Losing her brother has been very hard on Tia, causing this fiery woman to lose some of her sass. Fighting an attraction while fighting depression has this ball busting woman on edge.


There is nothing like watching the moment when a Santini realizes they have falling in love. Big, hard, alpha men who put their lives on the line, stumble when their heart skips a beat and stop in their tracks almost dumbfounded. Carlos is no different than his brothers or cousins when it comes to Tia. These two tangle each other up like no other. They also have the ability to help heal each other in ways no other could. Their cheeky banter and snarkiness add to the inevitable that they're trying to avoid. Their chemistry and attraction is off the charts sexy and hot. It also contains a deep emotional healing that you feel coming from the pages. What better way to heal than with the love of a Santini!

A Santini's Heart is an emotional ride leaving you breathless for a cowboy!

Profile Image for Donna.
4,129 reviews58 followers
August 28, 2016
What is hotter than a former Marine? A former Marine who is now a cowboy. Carlos Santini was born a Marine. He was born into a Marine family and knew from the time he was a little one that he wanted to serve as one of America’s finest. He has served at a physical and emotional cost which led him to the one woman on earth who could move his crusty heart and deal with his grumpy butt. Tia Mendoza and her brother run the ranch where vets with PTSD can get equine therapy. It worked for Carlos so well he ended up working there and buying into the place when Tia’s brother was killed by a drunk driver. Now two years after they take on the ranch together another of Carlos’s siblings has gotten hitched and he has finally figured out that the reason he hasn’t been dating is because the woman he wants is right there on the ranch. Now all he has to do is save the ranch and the girl and convince her that they belong together. With some help from the Santini clan he may just win it all. I love Carlos because despite being hot he has his drawbacks like being bossy and a total grump at times. I love that Tia recognizes she doesn’t need a man to be happy but doesn’t discount the fact that a man can add happiness to the day. Though this is part of a series it can be read stand alone. A Santini's Heart is a sweet sexy and fun read.
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review
Profile Image for Latochia Hawkins.
279 reviews11 followers
September 2, 2016
The Santinis are back in full swing and the love keeps getting stronger!
Carlos Santini is back from the war. He has truly had a tough time adjusting and has driven his family crazy with his attitude. He doesn't seem to have any regards for his safety, so his mother decides to make some choices for him. And you don't want to fight a Santini woman!
Tia Mendoza runs a horse ranch that has a goal of helping Military vets with PTSD. She truly loves what she does and her brother, Adrian, was the inspiration behind it all.
When Carlos comes to the ranch, his attitude takes time to improve but with the help of Tia, he learns to be himself again. And by doing this, he opens himself to seeing what is out there for him.
The battle between Carlos & Tia keeps you guessing on who will give in first.
And it wouldn't be a true Santini union without the interference from others in the Santini family.
So Carlos & Tia have to make a choice. With people looking to close down the ranch, there is a need to stand together. This is difficult for two business partners who have a strong chemistry together.

The Santini series keeps getting better. The parents play a role in their children's lives and it gives fabulous insight into why the children are so strong.
Tia & Carlos took a journey together and it left me wanting more Santinis as soon as I was done!!!
996 reviews36 followers
August 30, 2016
Who doesn't want a Santini of their very own? I have read and loved all the Santini books so far and was excited to get to visit their world again. This book gives us Carlos and Tia. The two have worked together for sometime now but things have changed and Carlos is going to have to fight to get his happy ever after. Not only is the ranch in trouble but Tia may be as well. I really liked Tia. She can hold her own but she is still ready to seize the chance at love. Tia is a great character and she is a good match for Carlos. Together they fight for what they long for. Carlos and Tia endeared themselves to me right from the start and I quickly found myself immersed in their story. The author does a wonderful job of weaving a beautiful romance throughout the plot in this story. It is well paced and full of well rounded characters that will have you excited about love.

5 reviews
September 4, 2016
I've been waiting for this one! When Carlos Santini left the Marines, he was angry at the world. He found the help he needed with Tia Mendoza and her therapy ranch. Now, Carlos and Tia have been partners on the ranch for several years. Both are fighting a serious sexual attraction to each other, both for the sake of their friendship and the ranch. Carlos is sexy and sensitive, even (more, according to Tia) when he is grumpy. Tia is smart, capable, and enjoys making Carlos grumpy. The chemistry between them is undeniable and helped a bit some Santini meddling from Marcella and Joey. While I loved the story, I would have liked to have seen more of the threats on the ranch plot line.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
Profile Image for Anne.
274 reviews18 followers
September 5, 2016
A Santini's Heart is another hit by Melissa Schroeder. The Santini clan keeps growing and I have loved each story. The infamous Santini curse hit a new victim.
I have been waiting for Carlos' HEA. We have gotten hints of his story in previous books and you just knew this would be a good one with lots of emotion and passion.

I was immediately pulled into this tale. Carlos and Tia had a magical connection,even if both were too stubborn and avoiding it. The pull was there. Add in the growing Santini clan, including a few epic moments with Marcella and Joey Santini, I devoured this book. I will hands down by any book from this series, Melissa Schroeder is one of my favorite authors.

Profile Image for Merle.
2,398 reviews1 follower
September 7, 2019
So many Santini's, so many romances. Although it's a stretch calling it a romance when the men essentially steamroll over the women and any objections they may have. Tia is an interesting character and Carlos is a tough one. Having found his home at a therapy ranch for PTSD sufferers as well as autism spectrum patients, he is comfortable there and finds in Tia his perfect match. They figure out their attraction and their challenges even without the help of Marcella and Tony, who are there anyway!
Profile Image for Eniko.
533 reviews14 followers
September 5, 2016
I've been waiting for my Santini fix and oh boy did I get it. It was a little different than previous ones because the hero is not in the Marines anymore, since he was injured in combat. Another great addition to the series in which the hero returns from war damaged and it took a strong woman and some meddling from the Santini matriarchs (love those women LOL) to set him to rights and on the path to healing. And now we have another one who falls to the Santini curse and gets his HEA.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

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