This is not the typical mafia romance i think it was very well done. It was a slow-burn romance between two individuals who have been very into each other for a long time. I would def recommend this book to anyone who loves a not your typical romance.

I loved the suspense and the spicy intense feelings this book gave.

this was my first book by this author and i definitely plan to read more

Sahin in the Queen of Teasing, you think the kiss is going to happy, BAM! Knock on the door. You think oh finally its going somewhere...a urgent call comes in! She doesn't let that down in Let me Love you. Finally we get Enzo and Maria, the connection between them never weakened and only strengthened as the story went on. You get her military suspense mixed with mafia, between the two teams the enemy was handled, the name of the family was cleared and they were finally able to move on away from the dark shadow that loomed over them.

When we met Enzo in "Until You Can't," I knew I was just going to love him. His character reminds me so much of Sebastian, I just LOVE him. He is so good to Maria and her daughter, and will do anything for them. Even go as far as not giving in to his feelings/wants/desires because he honestly feels he's not good enough for Maria. You feel his struggle in this book. He's so strong for her though, and she is another strong female, which I love about Brittney's female leads. This book was worth the wait, I honestly want more Enzo and Maria!

Vibes: light mafia, good-ish guy with a past, suspense, and something of an 80s-esque tone (not necessarily in a bad way)

Six years ago, Maria was granted her birthday wish--a kiss from Enzo Costa, the man she was obsessed with. But, fearing for her safety, Enzo kept it from going any further. Now Maria is a recently-divorced single mother and Enzo is rebuilding his life out of THE life, working as a chef. But just when the two of them start getting closer, Enzo's past catches up with him, throwing Maria into certain danger.

In theory, I love this plot. In reality, there were things I liked about this book... and then it kind of fell apart.

Quick Takes:

--So here's the thing. I really like the beginning of this book. You immediately feel the connection between Enzo and Maria. The chemistry is there, he's eight years older than her (I don't categorize anything under a 10-year difference as "age gap", but there's some definitely "don't stand so close to me" vibes going on) and she's just so eager for him that it's really pretty charming.

And the chemistry continues when you pick up after the six-year time jump. I liked that Maria was divorced and had been through it. Though I'm not a huge fan of kids in romance novels, her baby is incorporated pretty well. Like, at a certain place in the novel, I did kind of wonder what the point of Maria being a mom was. It didn't feel like it added anything to the story, besides perhaps keeping her ex in the picture as an obstacle. But I'd rather a somewhat pointless baby than an annoying child.

However, I did feel like we leapfrogged over a lot of story here. I kind of expected Enzo and Maria's contact to be minimal during the six-year time jump, but they're basically friends when the book picks up after the prologue. To the point that Maria trusts him with watching her daughter while she's on a date? There are all these references to tension and stolen moments and Enzo agonizing over her marriage before it ended, and so and so forth. The chemistry remained, but I felt like I'd missed a lot and the author was constantly having to explain and fill in the gaps.

By itself, this isn't a huge obstacle if the I believe in the love story between the leads. The problem is, it became emblematic of a central issue the story had.

--Enzo is constantly getting in his own way, which works for a hero if his thought process makes sense. Here... I don't know that it did, at least not for this genre. Obviously, the man has mafia connections and that puts Maria and her child in danger. But the fact is that he is already putting them in danger by being close friends with them. It doesn't super matter if he's with Maria or not at that point. He's spending the night at her house, he's practically co-parenting her child. His enemies are going to know that those two people mean a lot to him anyway, so they might as well be together.

So the reality is that the obstacle is entirely based on his own internalized angst, and his issues with himself after he did something that he views as a justified act (and honestly, considering the intensity of what he was responding to and his own world, it works for the story). Like, if that was the life you were in and you were responding to such a heinous crime with your own crime, would you really be as up in arms about it as Enzo is here? I didn't really buy it.

What it felt like, to be honest, was a forced slow burn that didn't make emotional or logical sense. And in many ways, this isn't a slow burn. They get physical fairly early in the story, but it's not "vaginal sex" physical, so the characters don't really count it, which makes no sense but whatever. However, Enzo holds out on a relationship with Maria for so long that it feels completely contrived. Rather than teasing, this approach frustrates, and it had me rolling my eyes on more than one occasion. It became less "ooh fun mafia book" and more "another friends to lovers story that drags for no reason".

--Obviously, there is more to this book than the romance. The suspense plot is fairly prominent, and overall, it's not bad. I will say that in no way, shape or form did I buy the mafia world that this story was built in. I'm not super picky about that, I expect camp from a mafia romance, but this wasn't even really campy. It was just a bit thin. And then every man, who I assume came from other books although this doesn't seem explicitly connected to a series on Goodreads, has this hitman past or a background as a Navy SEAL, and it's fine. But if you have a low tolerance for cheese, you probably won't love the world-building in that sense.

--While I absolutely expected the ex husband to be a jackass, and while I'm not against the concept of ex husbands being jackasses in romance novels in general (it's a part of the genre--though I'd love to see some variation) the ex husband does basically exist so that Enzo can be like "WANT ME TO KILL HIM". And like. Again, it's fine. But at that point in the story, everything started to feel very paint by numbers.

--One thing that did stand out to me as a big swing and a miss was the incorporation of romance awareness, for want of a better term. I've noticed this a lot lately, in multiple subgenres. Romance novels acting self-aware about romance novels, calling out tropes, wink-winking at the readers. And I've gotta say, it very rarely works for me. It takes me out of the story. The only time I think it really worked hard was in Lorraine Heath's The Notorious Lord Knightly, and honestly? I think that's because, for one thing, Lorraine is a strong writer, and for another, it was high level meta.

Here, it was shoehorned in at a place that was so ludicrous--I couldn't deal. I have a high tolerance for the ludicrous. I enjoy campiness. I do not expect total reality from my romance novels. But I read a couple of lines a few times before I really understood that this was how romance referential writing was being used in this novel. A part of me appreciates the attempt. I mean, it was bold. But it didn't work for me.

--I actually love the "he was in the life (on some level) and now he's a chef" thing, but there was actually very little food stuff in this book. Based on the summary, I was expecting like, sensual cooking, feeding, lots of delicious food descriptions, in between all the blood and gore. Very little! And he's Italian! Come on now. Promise of the premise, people.

The Sex:

The sex scenes were by and large good. Pretty hot, pretty fun. However, as I said earlier, there is an absolutely needless amount of dragging things out. Which is weird, because at the end of the day, people are having orgasms fairly early in this book.

But when Maria attempts to take things further, Enzo just... stonewalls. For, as I said earlier, no reason. There is one occasion in which I suppose it makes sense that they wouldn't have penetrative sex because Maria isn't on any kind of hormonal birth control (which, in her circumstances, I felt needed a bit more explanation) and they don't have condoms. Although honestly, they could've done a romance novel pull and pray and I would've accepted it. Largely, however, it just felt like the author didn't want to go there, for some reason? And it was like--but on so many levels, you already have.

It wasn't even the lack of penetrative sex that annoyed me, so much as it was Enzo going "no, we cannot, I am dangerous for you" like my man you just did some pretty intense shit with her, I think that door has been blown wide open. Or people interrupting. Or Enzo going "I can't have that distraction" (again, I feel like you were just doing something PRETTY distracting, dude). It felt like excuses, and it again felt contrived, which I think was my main issue with the book.

Then, once they actually got there, the entire thing was kind of underwhelming after all the excuses and buildup. Plus, there's one sex act that Enzo says they will do, and I was actually pretty interested in seeing that happen, and--nope! A lot of talk without follow through, which is never attractive, right?

I also felt like Maria really didn't have a lot of sexual agency for a twenty-nine-year-old divorced mother. And obviously, people's experiences vary, I'm not saying her single mom status meant she needed to be some virago, but it felt like she did a lot of pleading without actually communicating or requiring proper communication from Enzo. It felt at points that she was a typical inexperienced heroine who, for some reason, was given a divorced mom backstory that ultimately didn't seem to affect her mindset or approach very much.

I was actually pulled into this book pretty quickly, and for the first third or so I was having a pretty fun time. But after a certain point, I felt like I was getting jerked around by the story--and Maria definitely was. It felt like there was a pre-planned timeline mapped out, and very little deviation was allowed in order to accommodate the needs of the story and the characters.

Wish I'd liked it more, but at this time, noted internet scam kingpin Enzo d'Agostino of Mafia Madman remains the only romance novel Enzo I'll allow.

Thanks to Montlake and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Brittney sahin has out done herself again with this book! I absolutely loved this book. Enzo and Maria were the perfect couple, and second chance romance. The book sucked you in at the beginning and I couldn't put it down. There are friendships, love family, twists and turns, drama, suspense and of course hot, hot scenes. Can recommend this or any of her books, exceptional writer that just sucks you into another world. Highly recommend this one, great great read.

Oh my, Enzo is the book boyfriend I didn't know I needed. Enzo believes his past makes him unworthy to be loved but Maria doesn't allow this to stop her. Their story is fast paced but wouldn't expect anything less from Enzo and Maria. As always, the cross over with characters adds depth to Britney's stories (Note - if you have read Falcon Falls Security, don't worry. The cross over adds context to a scene and doesn't require pre-read). Enzo and Maria's chemistry was jumping off the pages, a plot twist broke my heart but ended back together at the end.

I recommend reading Until You Can't prior to Let Me Love You. However, if you don't the story will still be amazing.

Let Me Love You goes from a slow simmer to a raging inferno over the course of Maria & Enzo's story. The first chapter is a flashback to Maria's 23rd birthday six years ago and gives readers insight into her early relationship with Enzo. It ends with one of the hottest kisses I have ever read and Enzo walking away after telling Maria she is too young and fragile to handle him.

Over the next six years, Maria moves on, marries someone else, and has a daughter with him. The marriage doesn't work out and Maria finds herself living in the apartment that "conveniently" becomes available next door to Enzo. The close proximity causes them to realize that they still have feelings for each other, but Enzo fights it.

The push and pull between these two is INTENSE! Ezno gives Maria hope when he can't stop from acting on his attraction, but he pulls back every time because of the demons in his past. Those demons eventually come back to haunt him and he finds out just how strong Maria is.

Maria stands by Enzo as danger swirls around him and ends up playing a key role in its resolution. This story is full of suspense and nonstop action. The mysteries of Enzo's past unfold in a captivating tale of revenge and tragedy that I never saw coming. Their HEA was a hard fought battle and worth the wait. I loved this book.

*Side note: Seeing a growly Enzo melt for Maria's little girl, Chiara, had me SWOONING!

The cameos from the Falcon Falls characters were some of my favorite parts. I am completely invested in this interconnected world that Brittney Sahin has created. The well is deep for more books, especially with the Costa brothers and Hudson. I cannot wait.

This author, Brittney Sahin, has a way of pulling you into the story from the very first page. The development of the characters makes it easy to become invested in the story. I felt the emotion shared between the main characters and I felt the battle within the hero, Enzo . The story was laid out well. I enjoyed the mix of mafia and secret service groups. I love the fact that just when you think you have things figured out, another twist comes into play and you are back to square one. It's a GREAT read!

This book was so freaking good! I couldn't put it down and am currently suffering from a book hangover. I cried, laughed, got a little hot and bothered (if you know what I mean) and loved every minute of it. What a fantastic read!

Just another Wow!!!!From Brittney. It was such an amazing book, and as always I couldn't put it down. I live all her book character s and live how you meet them in her other books. Can't wait for her next book.

This book is just so different from everything. Brittney comes up with new plots every time and does not use the same formula over and over. I love reading her books and am always excited for the next release.

Loved it! This book did not disappoint. The twists and turns kept my interest and Enzo kept my imagination spinning. I would highly reommend!

3 Stars for this mercenary romance

Although the premise of this book is good ... I just didn't connect with Enzo and Maria. I feel that I just can't see certain words and situations happen in real life. Like Enzo keeps Maria at arms length, but then he gets her off in his next breath ... why would he lead her on like that? I found myself skimming the pages because I was only interested in finding out who killed Enzo's sister Bianca ... and that was a total surprise and to me saved this book.

Maria has been in love with Enzo for forever and he keeps rejecting her. Even though she got married to someone else and had a child, she still has strong feelings for Enzo. Enzo feels that he's not good enough for Maria because he has blood on his hands. He knows he can't have her, but will go through great lengths to protect her and her daughter.

I received an early copy courtesy of Montlake through NetGalley.

Let Me Love You by Brittney Sahin is such a wonderful read. I'm attracted to the title of the book and expected to get a heart breaking scenes and tear from the book. The book got a plenty of dirty flirting scenes, a little of angst, a mystery to discover, a surprising plot twist, an action packed thriller, an explicit spicy scenes and a beautiful happy ending.

This book are well written story with an interesting storyline. I'll definitely be reading more from Brittney Sahin and I'm looking forward to read the next story about Alessandro and Constantine or even Isabella.

I've been a huge fan of Brittney's books since the beginning, and I always love her attention to detail and storylines. Her books are always packed with suspense and drama, and this one was no different. Enzo and Maria have known each other forever, and she has had a thing for him for probably that long... I like how protective Enzo is and was over those he loved. I enjoyed the plot and all of the action. It was like watching an action movie. A book is always great when the scene is playing out in your head. I hope Izzy and Hudson become a thing. I always enjoy it when we get glimpses of past characters like Jesse. Thank you, Brittney and NetGallery, for the early ARC.

I had the pleasure and honour of being gifted this amazing book from the author, Brittney Sabin for which I say THANK YOU VERY MUCH! This is Maria Romano and Lorenzo (Enzo) Costa’s story. They were childhood friends, now fast forward several years, she is devoiced, he promised to always protect the Romano sisters. Now they both are working for Maria's sister Natalie. She has always loved Enzo, the chemistry has always simmered but timing was never right! He believed he would never be good enough for her. So she took her mother’s advice and married a man her mother thought was suitable, but the marriage didn’t survive. When danger rears its ugly head and three men push their way in to Maria's home, Enzo is there to protect, they make a mistake in attempting to beat him up and grab Maria. That doesn’t sit well with Enzo and doesn’t go well for the intruders also! In this book you will find twists and turns, danger, and everything else you have come to expect from Brittney! So, sit back, relax and enjoy the roller coaster ride of Enzo and Maria. You won’t be disappointed, I promise!

Pure Fire!

I can always count on Brittney Sahin to bring me a sultry, suspenseful, steamy story full of all the twists and turns of a top-notch thrill ride. And she’s delivered once again with Let Me Love You. Sahin’s richly developed characters come to life on the page as they navigate secrets, shadows, and unrequited desires neither Maria nor Enzo are able to outrun. And while individually they are truly incredible characters, together they are fire!

Building off of the mystery surrounding Enzo Costa built into Until You Can’t, Sahin immerses readers in a tale of intrigue, secrets, and revenge. Bringing together elements of second chance, forbidden, and single mom romance, then pairing them with powerful elements of a morally gray character, Let Me Love You is a perfect tale of the lengths a man will go to for those he loves. The solid steam, passionate chemistry, and fervent connection between Maria and Enzo showcases each of their true strengths, and the pull between them is undeniable, genuine, and wonderfully intense.

Sahin expertly weaves her tale through the eyes of her main characters, but her supporting characters are equally fantastic, lending additional levels of light and dark as well as depth to the story. Cameos by much beloved characters from her Falcon Falls Security and Stealth Ops series will delight readers who recognize them, and send those they’re new to into a deep dive of those series for more about their mysterious and captivating pasts.

Let Me Love You is a fully encapsulated story, complete with an amazing resolution for Enzo’s personal demons and Maria’s unrequited love, fulfilling their wishes and destinies in one beautiful HEA.

Let Me Love You by Brittney Sahin is the HOT, page-turning, slow-burn story of Maria Romano and Lorenzo (Enzo) Costa. Their love is years in coming together because of Enzo’s dark past and Maria’s subsequent marriage, but suffice it to say, they have always loved each other and have been destined to be partners. Enzo feels tainted and unworthy of Maria because of the things he has done while protecting others and meeting justice, but her steadfast determination to have her man pays off in the long run. Their journey is rife with dangerous situations, mafia people, nosey—I mean loving—family (both sides), sibling murder (Enzo’s twin), steamy scenes, interesting plot twists, and amazing secondary characters. Sahin’s stories are well-planned choreographies of the lives of complex individuals, and the worlds and situations that she creates are so realistic that readers cannot help but truly live in that moment with the narrative. There is never a flat or static character; they are all people with depth and lively personalities—some you want for lifetime friends and some you want dead. (They usually end up getting what they deserve.) Nowhere will book lovers find a better story than a Sahin novel, especially this one.

I have read a few of Brittney Sahin books and loved this all. This book is no different. I feel she writes from the heart.

Let Me Love You tells the story of Maria and Enzo. We first meet Maria and Enzo in the book Until You Can't. This book can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend reading them in order for your full enjoyment. This book has it all - action, romance, suspense - all the things that Brittney is known for, I took my time reading this book because I really wanted to savor the interactions and the events between the characters. I appreciate the author taking the time to develop the characters histories which we get to see unfold from the past to the present. It is very easy to immerse yourself in the world Brittney has created. This was a thoroughly enjoyable read that you will appreciate. Highly recommend.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.