Sahin’s novel is a rollercoaster of passion and intrigue. The explosive romance and edge-of-your-seat suspense make this a standout read. Calliope and Alessandro’s fiery connection is pure magic. Unmissable!

Brittney Sahin knocked this one out of the park! I’ve read all her books and each time I think I can guess what’s going to happen, she throws in such well thought out plot twists!

Pretty sure Alessandro is high ranking for most morally grey MMC in Sahin world, and watching him fall so sweetly for Calliope was such a beautiful ride to be on.

Also, the guitar delivery on her birthday with the note? Balled my eyes out!!!

I cannot wait for Izzy and Hudson. ❤️

He's a billionaire playboy vigilante. She's a school teacher and (surprise!) mafia princess.

Alessandro and Calliope meet at a fundraiser and have instant chemistry. There’s flirting. There’s attraction. There’s going to be a hot night together?

Gotcha! I’ll never tell!

So often, a start like this goes off the rails for me because the characters suddenly become “enemies” (seemingly just for the sake of marketing the trope).

That’s not the case here. There are some moments of frustration between our MCs, but they don’t ever deny the attraction theh share. They’re still just as interested in each other as they were prior to realizing their standing.

And that, my friends, is how Brittney Sahin wrote the absolute hell out of this slow burn. It wasn’t just nothing, nothing, nothing, BAM! There was so much angst while the MCs tried to fight what they were feeling. The sexual tension, y’all. Whew. Alessandro and Callie always had that flirty banter, and it was so much fun!

Brittney loves to write a damaged man, and I’m here for it! Her men are masculine and every bit the alpha, but they also have emotional moments of vulnerability. They just always read so real and complex.

As for Callie, she brings the sass. She’s such a fun FMC - I want to be her friend!

This one was lighter on the action, so it’d be a good place to dip your toe into this subgenre of romance. It’s the second book in the Costa Family series, but honestly, this reads really well as a standalone.

Not Mine to Keep by Brittney Sahin is an Italian mafia genre with a twist. I don't usually want to read an Italian mafia story but Brittney Sahin's writing is far above any book I've read regarding this troupe. She kept the reader engaged and I was captivated. The Costa family is complicated where they take out bad mafia organizations with a secret contract to do so. The reason I'm not drawn to this genre is because they murder people and it can feel a bit psycotic but Brittney's writing is so good, that as troupey as the storyline could be it kept me engaged and interested where I finished the book quickly. She writes angst very well and there isn't a lot of ridiculous dialogue. I would like her women protagonists to be across the aisle into more resolve then just the damsel but it's still better than most.

It's the rich man meets a poor woman who is really a not want to be mafia princess who needs protection who just wants to live a normal life. Caliope the daughter of a mafia boss in Itality is living a nice life singing and performing and loves being a musician. She meets an Italian man Alessandro who has been tricked to leave New York city to go to Tennessee to pay a debt, not a financial debt, to a mafia guy who is in Italy. They met sparks fly and the life his knew before will change irrevocably and she will have a life she only dreamt of.

I am left feeling good story, good writing, was engaging enough that it didn't feel too predicable but an excellent escapism journey. It had steam for those faint of heart might not be for you but for a reader who likes the spice it's a good one written a cut above. Much better than T.L. Swan writing.

I enjoyed this read immensely and would like to thank NetGalley, the publisher, Montlake, for the opportunity to read and review Not Mine to Keep by Brittney Sahin.

I loved it! The chemistry between Alessandro and Calliope, the banter and stuff between Hudson and Izzy....especially during the kissing scene when they were undercover and Alessandro's reaction to that, how protective his family was over her from the get go.. all of it, was as perfect as I expected it to be! Every book I read, I feel like it's the best one yet...and yet, the next one comes and steals the title. I cannot wait to see where life takes them in the upcoming books!

This book had everything, romance, humor, familial loyalty, suspense, spice, sibling rivalry, and betrayal. I read it until i finished at 4 am. Then i read it agin to flesh out details and subtle interactions. It’s amazing what you miss when you’re “anxious to get the next page!” The characters were so interesting and three dimensional. The references to characters and groups from other books flows naturally and makes perfect sense in context. You can’t help but be invested in these characters. Cant wait for Belle and Hudson’s story.

I really enjoyed this read!

Mafia, found family, forced proximity, fake marriage.

From start to finish, the chemistry between the two characters is undeniable. They were setup to be forced into a marriage with mafia ties but once they got to know each other - it was magic. Alessandro is a great MMC and I loved reading about his past. Callie was the cutest and her being a singer made me love her that much more.

I will definitely be reading more of this series and more from this author!

Alessandro has a debt to be paid, which includes marrying the mafia’s daughter, Callie. Alessandro is an independent man who has his soft side hidden by a hard exterior. Callie is a stubborn, friendly woman who cares for those around her. But together, they both bring out a different side of eachother. Not Mine To Keep was an amazing read and I enjoyed every second of it. Alessandro may be my new favourite book boyfriend! I loved how Brittney wrote this
book and the chemistry between the two characters. The emotions were described beautifully
and realistically, and the sexual tension is THERE. Brittney always creates a vivid image and portrays their emotions amazingly. I was so excited to read about Alessandro and she did not disappoint. I’m so glad I got to read this early!

I really enjoyed this next book of the Costa family. Alessandro was never going to get married. It was no longer in the cards for him, from his past to his present job, it just wasn’t going to happen. Then he met Callie, next thing he knows, he’s married. But it’s not real, it’s just to protect her. Right?

Not Mine to Keep sure is a keeper! It is the Costa Family’s second book. Alessandro is a billionaire playboy who is called upon to repay a debt. The repayment is keeping Callie safe from her mafia father she wants nothing to do with. This story has plenty of suspense to keep you guessing who is good and who is evil. The road to safety is filled with action, romance, revenge and just enough sexy time to satisfy! I absolutely loved this story, it kept me interested and entertained to the very last page!

This is the second book in the Costa family series, This is Alessandro and Callie’s book, Alessandro is strong, protective and sexy. Callie is smart, sassy and beautiful. Together they face off with the mafia, all the while fighting their feelings for each other. We see some familiar faces in this book also. I was hooked from the first chapter and couldn’t put the book down until i finished. I love how Brittney writes and how she brings old characters back in the new books. Get this book you will not be disappointed. This can be read as a standalone but i would recommend reading the first book in the Costa family series.

Brittney does it again! This book has all the feels, she keeps you turning the pages not wanting to put the book down. She draws you in from the first page and creates instant chemistry between the characters! I love how she makes you fall in love with Callie and Alessandro from their first introduction. This book has a few secrets that kept me guessing that I absolutely loved! The guest cameos from some of my past favorites was just a wonderful surprise that made me smile! Masterfully written! 5 stars is just not enough! Can’t wait for the next Costa tail!

I don't understand how Brittney's books just keep getting better and better. Is there no end to this woman's talent? This woman is such a talented author & we are the lucky ones who get to enjoy, or in my case, devour her books.

This book is the 2nd book in the Costa Family series & is Alessandro & Calliope's story. Alessandro ends up meeting Calliope for the first time in a bar in Nashville because he of a friend that he is supposed to be meeting but never shows up. It turns out that the friend wanted Alessandro to meet Calliope because he needs Alessandro to help him take down Calliope's father & he uses a debt owed to ensure that Alessandro will help. Alessandro is shocked to find out that he will need to marry Calliope and is constantly reminding her & himself that it is only temporary and that nothing will happen between the two of them.

If you want to know more, read the book and you will be extremely happy that you did. This book is full of danger, suspense, romance, twists and turns, and will give you emotions a workout. If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would. What a wonderful addition to the Costa Family and the collection of books written by Brittney Sahin.

From the first moment they meet, the chemistry burns between Allesandro, a billionaire playboy, and Callie, a teacher and musician. When an old friend of Alessandro’s needs a favor to help keep Callie alive, an adventurous journey begins, which has ramifications for them both. Their story is a page turner that does not disappoint!
Five stars!

Playboy billionaire, who refuses to give his heart, falls for the aspiring country singer, who happens to be a mafioso's daughter, in the latest installment of the Costa Family series by Brittney Sahin. Not Mine to Keep is a slow burn, instant attraction and forced marriage between Alessandro and Calliope “Callie.” As with all of Sahin’s books, there’s more than just romance. There’s twists and turns, suspense and some adventure.

I was hooked from the first page, where we meet Alessandro and Callie at a bar in Tennessee. Loved the references of country music sprinkled throughout the book.

After some teaser scenes in Not Mine to Keep between Izzy Costa and Hudson, I’m really looking forward to the next book in the Costa Family series.

MC: Calliope (FMC), Alessandro (MMC)
Setting: Nashville, TN; Catania, Sicily; Rome, Italy; New York City; Constanța, Romania
Genres: Romantic Suspense, Mafia Romance
Tropes: Arranged Marriage, Bad Boy/Good Girl, Billionaire Playboy, Age Gap, Close Proximity
Triggers: gun violence, torture, forced marriage, assault
Epilogue: Yes

Synopsis: Alessandro and Calliope's worlds unexpectedly collide when they are suddenly thrust into a whirlwind of danger, deception, and mafia politics. Callie, recently revealed as the daughter of a Sicilian mafia boss, faces an arranged marriage meant to secure her family's legacy. Alessandro, summoned to help her, is torn between protecting Callie and fulfilling his personal mission for revenge. As enemies target them and secrets unravel, the two must navigate a perilous path—balancing loyalty, power struggles, and a growing attraction that neither can ignore. Together, they must push past insecurities and decide if their love can survive in a world surrounded by darkness.

Thoughts: Alessandro and Calliope make a phenomenal couple. From their chance meeting, to eventual forced partnership, their chemistry was off the charts. I just loved their meet-cute at the veteran benefit. I immediately adored both characters from Alessandro's internal thoughts about Callie, to Callie's quick wit, specifically with her line "When your eyes make it to my face, I'll give my words." You could tell Alessandro was a goner from the beginning. Despite what he repeatedly said about their arrangement being temporary and that he would never have feelings for Callie, his actions sure showed the exact opposite. He continually contradicted himself, only making it more confusing and frustrating for Callie. I'm glad she was stubborn and developed a strong determination to push Alessandro past his comfort zone. Although she did try to keep their set boundaries in the beginning, I think she knew deep down they were good for each other, and that their mutual feelings were worth pursuing. I don't think any other character could get past Alessandro's walls. All parts of her personality snagged his attention, and he quickly became a reformed playboy. Not only because of her willfulness, but sassy quips and soft vulnerability too. This allowed him to let go and be comfortable enough to be the same, showing what she coined his "sweet teddy bear" side. And teddy bear Alessandro was absolutely adorable! Particularly under the influence of drugs. He was so cute in Chapter 16 when he visited after completing her father's mission for him. The two of them were like magnets, always drawn to each other, no matter their physical or mental state. The book was such a page-turner from the action and storyline, to the constant tension emitting from each page. I think my favorite part of the book might be Alessandro and Callie's text exchanges. I reread them, especially Alessandro's, because they were so sweet and he seemed to be more honest during these conversations. This book also had some exciting foreshadowing scenes for Hudson and Izzy's relationship and book. I'm looking forward to reading their story next, as Brittney's books only seem to get better and better. 

*ARC Review

This is definitely not my first Brittney Sahin book that I've read. I have loved her books for quite some time and she is one of my favorite authors. I love that she blends the military aspect into romance and creates a easily readable suspenseful and spicy story!

This story follows Alessandro, glorified playboy, and Calliope, a school teacher who just found out that she is the daughter of a mafia head. They meet unexpectedly when Alessandro is supposed to be taking a side gig for someone. He realizes quickly that she is the side gig, to protect her and keep her safe. He agrees to marry her in a fake ceremony. What they don't expect is that both of them will start to develop feelings and when the time comes to maintain the safety forever and fight her father and others, they both decide that it's time to come clean with their emotions and that the fake marriage isn't really as fake as they thought.

I really enjoyed this book. The author obviously researched the military background of her story exceptionally well to weave it into the romance. I always like the male characters of her stories and how they seem to be type A, no nonsense, not ever going to find love but then they end up being super sweet in the end.

Thanks to NetGalley, Brittney Sahin, and Montlake for allowing me to review this Arc!

This is book two of the Costa Family and it was a superb story to read. Here, I was taken on a spellbinding journey of Alessandro Costa and Calliope DiMaggio.

Alessandro is attending an auction for Vets because he was summoned to be there. While waiting for the individual, he meets a beautiful woman who grabs his attention. She is witty, on her toes, strong willed and can sing like an angel. Within a certain amount of time, he receives a call and realizes it's time for him to pay back a favor and that it has to do with the very woman in front of him. He knows his life is about to change.

Calliope, is definitely intrigued by the billionaire that she's been bantering with, that is until she spots a man across the way. Now, she believes it's her unwanted Mafioso father who just put another suitor in front of her with this gray eyed billionaire.

These two characters will clash in the best of ways. The author did such an amazing job with the development of the plot and characters. I was given all of the feels with this book, from "wanting" to learn more about the characters, to truly experiencing their struggles and feelings including tears. I look forward to reading the rest of this series. I definitely highly recommend this author. I know for me, when a story can make me vested in not only the characters, but in the entire family while grabbing at my heart in different ways...then the story becomes a "keeper" for me. This was the case for me. What an excellent read.

Alessandro Costa has a debt to repay, but he never thought the price would be marrying the daughter of Italy’s most infamous mob boss. Callie Anderson is not your typical mafia princess. She wants nothing to do with that world and initially thinks Alessandro is another one of her father’s ploys to bring her into the family. She quickly realizes that marrying Alessandro is the lesser of two evils. He only wants to keep her safe, but how will Callie protect her heart from her new husband? Or will New York’s most eligible bachelor be the one to fall?

Callie is off-limits and Alessandro is trying to do the sensible thing, but their attraction will not be denied. The lead up to the moment they finally give in is full of barely restrained tension and explosive chemistry. The “my wife” moments are superb. Their flirty text conversations and banter turn into heartfelt confessions and deeper emotions in a short period of time, while danger swirls all around them. The stakes are high and these two rise to the occasion. Dolly would be proud.

This story is action packed and takes readers all over the world from Nashville to Sicily and Rome, then to New York and Romania. The Costas need a little help with their plans and The League shows up with an epic assist. The cameos from the Dublin Nights Series felt like a warm hug from some of my favorite characters.

I was on the edge of my seat during the final scenes of the book, but Brittney brought everything to a satisfying resolution that left my heart full and completely invested in Callie and Alessandro’s HEA.

I cannot wait for Hudson and Izzy’s book, and I have theories about Constantine. I think he’s going to be the one that breaks me…

Thank you so much to Brittney, Montlake & NetGalley for this ARC.

Not Mine to Keep by B. Sahin is book 2 in the Costas Series. The previous book is Let Me Love You.
This is Calliope and Alessandro's story. Well written ,not as thralling as book onne, but good nonetheless.
Blurb: The name DiMaggio means mafia royalty, but Calliope, the dynasty’s last living heir, is no princess. A teacher and singer in Nashville, she’s moved as far away from the generations-old criminal legacy as she can. But she still can’t escape her dying father’s reach, or his plans for her arranged marriage to carry on the family name.
Alessandro Costa. It’ll give him a chance to take down the DiMaggio patriarch and his empire, settle an old debt, and save Calliope from a catastrophic fate. But when the attraction between them sizzles, business becomes pleasure and a marriage game becomes the real thing.
It only raises the stakes. Because now they are living in the shadow of men who’ll do whatever it takes to. With their love on the line, Calliope and Alessandro are ready .