Always an absolute fave author of mine writing just another phenomenal story that I just couldn't put down! I just ate this one up and instantly wanted to re-read the second I was finished. Everything I need and want from start to finish.

Brittney Sahin's exceptional storytelling shines in her newest masterpiece, "Not Mine to Keep." This engaging read makes you want to revisit Alessandro and Callie's journey. Full of emotional twists, passion, and chemistry, it's hard to put down. I love how Brittney adds realism to the plot by including "breadcrumbs" of Allesandro's and Callie's past. It was great catching up with the guys and their significant others. While it stands alone, reading "Let Me Love You" is highly recommended.
As always, Brittney has delivered another incredible adventure. It's a must-read.

Alessandro Costa is an Italian Billionaire playboy from New York...Calliope “Callie” Anderson is a small town history teacher with a love of Country music. On the outside it seems they are from two vastly different worlds but Alessandro is shocked to find out just how connected their lives actually were. He is tasked with saving her from a life that her estranged father wants to force on her.... can he resist the pull towards the Tennessee Whiskey?? Even the playboy, who is determined to remain that way for life, has his limits and Callie is stubborn enough to push them! Such a good read! May have to read it again just to make sure I didn't miss anything, lol!!

A mafia princess who wants nothing to do with that lifestyle, and a billionaire playboy that helps others, how could you go wrong? This was a great read, with lots of awesome characters and of course lots of action. I’d definitely recommend this book

Forced Proximity sizzles

Alessandro was perfectly contend being a Bachelor and some fun with Calliope seem inevitable. Que in the twists and turns to safe her from a miserable future by marrying her. Gosh the banter and sizzle between them is everything you'd come to expect from a Brittney Sahin book. Of course the actionpacked suspense until they get their HEA is thrilling and didn't disappoint. Loved it.

4.5 stars

My favorite of the Costa Family Series, I was pulled in immediately, intrigued by the characters and the story. Alessandro and Calliope meet at a fundraiser; the attraction is immediate.

Both of our characters are hesitant, and for good reason. He is dark, and she is light, among other factors, but better together. The story brings us twists and turns, catching up with old friends, and suspense. Her storytelling is addictive, while we get an HEA, the path is never easy. Enjoyed the hint for what is to come.

Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.

Another fantastic book!! I discovered Brittney’s books after seeing an ad on social media! Since then, I have been catching up on all of her series. The Costa Family Series is another 5 star series! It has it all…..drama, suspense and definitely romance! I cannot wait for Izzy and Hudson’s book!!

This was my first foray into the work of Brittney Sahin, and unfortunately it's just not for me. I loved the concept but DNF'd at 33%. I couldn't find any chemistry between the leads and the writing was quite overdramatic. Perhaps worst of all, the 39-year-old super rich hero references tiktok as "the clock app" and uses words like "delulu," and the narration from the heroine's POV uses the word "unalive" after the hero kills several people in front of her in self defense. Sorry, but it's a hard no for me.

The second in a three book series. Finished Not Mine To Keep, holy cow what a read. I yelled at it, put it down when I thought something bad was going to happen. Boy when they love the Costa's love hard.

Alessandro and Calliope are two totally different people that came together. You have a playboy billionaire who takes bad guys done for fun and a school teacher, singer, secret Mafiso Princess.

Brittney is one of my favorite authors to read. She takes the time research her info when writing and you see can the flow of the story. During her family vacation Brittney took pictures of the places mentioned in her book. Love this cause you got a feel for the location.

I am voluntarily reviewing this as an ARC

Book two of the Costa family was sooo worth the wait. Suspenseful, sexy, and action packed.
We start with Callie a sweet, funny, sassy school teacher meeting the ever sexy Alessandro. Their first meeting causes sparks galore , I'm not quite sure why they don't combust immediately.
Finding out about Callie aka Calliope's heritage throws Alessandro into a mind bending tailspin. Although we know from previous books that Alessandro has no intention of ever settling down watching his relationship with Callie develop makes you wonder.
Watching the struggles that Alessandro and Callie face, together and alone make for a wild interesting story. Alessandro showing his loyalty and Callie showing her tough inner strength puts them both on a path they never had any intentions of walking together. What a path it is.
The world she has created is amazing and there is no way you won't fall in love with her characters. If you are looking for an intriguing story with a strong story that develops wonderfully and keeps you interested, this is the story for you. I have not ever been disappointed by any of her books and it won't disappoint you.
I can not wait for the next book in this series!

(ಠ‿ಠ) 𓈒 (ಠ_ಠ) Contemporary romance
(ಠ‿ಠ) 𓈒 (ಠ_ಠ) Romantic suspense
(ಠ‿ಠ) 𓈒 (ಠ_ಠ) Military romance
(ಠ‿ಠ) 𓈒 (ಠ_ಠ) Mafia romance
(ಠ‿ಠ) 𓈒 (ಠ_ಠ) A sassy teacher/singer from Nashville who wants free of her father and the hero is the only one who can save her
ಠ‿ಠ) 𓈒 (ಠ_ಠ) Italian morally grey billionaire / former military
ಠ‿ಠ) 𓈒 (ಠ_ಠ) Secret daughter of a mafioso
ಠ‿ಠ) 𓈒 (ಠ_ಠ) Meet cute
(ಠ‿ಠ) 𓈒 (ಠ_ಠ) “My wife”
(ಠ‿ಠ) 𓈒 (ಠ_ಠ) Forced proximity
(ಠ‿ಠ) 𓈒 (ಠ_ಠ) Marriage of convenience
(ಠ‿ಠ) 𓈒 (ಠ_ಠ) Agè gap
(ಠ‿ಠ) 𓈒 (ಠ_ಠ) Grumpy x sunshine
(ಠ‿ಠ) 𓈒 (ಠ_ಠ) Enough twisty suspense and emotional baggage to fill a room
(ಠ‿ಠ) 𓈒 (ಠ_ಠ) Fun cast of supporting – secondary characters that add to the story and development
(ಠ‿ಠ) 𓈒 (ಠ_ಠ) Unpredictable twists and turns
(ಠ‿ಠ) 𓈒 (ಠ_ಠ) Gripping / gritty / raw / suspenseful
(ಠ‿ಠ) 𓈒 (ಠ_ಠ) Vengeance, betrayal and redemption
(ಠ‿ಠ) 𓈒 (ಠ_ಠ) Scorching steam
(ಠ‿ಠ) 𓈒 (ಠ_ಠ) Off – the- charts chemistry
(ಠ‿ಠ) 𓈒 (ಠ_ಠ) Page turner
(ಠ‿ಠ) 𓈒 (ಠ_ಠ) Beautiful love story

Not Mine To Keep is the second book in The Costa Family series. This novel is an exciting and suspenseful read that captivates readers with its unpredictable plot. It delves into themes of revenge, betrayal, marriage of convenience, and forbidden love, featuring elements such as enemies becoming lovers, an age gap, and grumpy x sunshine dynamics. The story is morally complex and filled with twists, making it both engaging and entertaining. It offers a passionate romance while taking readers on a journey of healing and love, keeping them hooked until the last word. The writing is powerful and well-paced, with relatable characters and a riveting storyline that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. This beautifully crafted emotional rollercoaster combines romance, mystery, and flirty banter, making it a standout in the romantic suspense genre.

In a thrilling novel by bestselling author Brittney Sahin, a playboy billionaire and a mafia heiress find themselves entangled in a web of passion, revenge, and betrayal. Calliope DiMaggio, the last heir of a notorious mafia family, seeks to escape her father's criminal legacy by becoming a teacher and singer in Nashville. However, her father's dying wish for an arranged marriage threatens her freedom. Meanwhile, Alessandro Costa, a charming playboy, plans to marry Calliope temporarily to dismantle her family's empire and protect her from a grim fate. As their attraction intensifies, their arrangement turns into genuine love, complicating their dangerous situation. They must confront violent adversaries determined to destroy them, leading Calliope and Alessandro to fight for their love and their lives. Together, they navigate a perilous world in this game of cat and mouse. There is an obvious attraction and a strong bond between them, despite their evident issues and circumstances. Alessandro and Callie find themselves utterly captivated and drawn to each other, each carrying the ghosts of their pasts that affect them. However, when they are together, they draw strength from one another. I loved Callie's sassiness and Alessandro's soft side that he keeps hidden from everyone. The author perfectly portrays the depth of the characters' emotions, their attraction, explosive chemistry, and the development of their relationship. The pace of the story enhances their romance, along with the entertaining cast of secondary characters.

With every page, the story gets more intriguing and has the reader rooting for the happy ending. Such phenomenal addition to this series. Don't miss out on this masterpiece.

I’ve been eagerly awaiting the next story in The Costa Family series and savored every moment of this story. Alessandro’s story was everything I didn’t know I wanted. It starts with a meet-cute where chemistry burns hot that turns into a forced/arranged marriage. They try to deny their mutual attraction, but of course that is a futile effort. Then it all ends with the suspense elements coming together in a plot that will have you on the edge of your seat. Once again, Brittney takes readers on a wild ride with a sweet love story and I loved how these two stories blended together all the way to the thrilling end. I am so glad I didn’t rush through this opposites attract, arranged marriage, billionaire, military, romantic suspense. I can’t wait to see where this series goes next.

Alessandro owes a friend a debt and meets Callie at an event only to learn that she is the debt. For most of her life, she had no idea she was the secret daughter of the head of the DiMaggio mafia family. Her “father” has plans for her and Alessandro is the means to both protect Callie and stop DiMaggio while also providing his family the opportunity for long awaited revenge. Their marriage was arranged. They weren’t supposed to fall in love. But even Alessandro isn’t strong enough to avoid loving the woman who was meant for him.

This story was a fantastic slow burn journey. As an extra treat, I also was able to listen to the audio. Connor Crais and new to me narrator, Allie Piper were fantastically cast for these roles. I enjoyed Conor’s portrayal of Alessandro’s frustration about the situation he finds himself in and when he gives in, it’s so very satisfying. Allie’s performance carefully toed the line between Callie’s inner strength and fish out of water reality when she is thrust into the gray underworld her father and the Costa’s live in. The ending had me desperate to see how things would work themselves out and I was happily surprised about the twists and turns the story took. As always, Brittney gave readers a fantastic read which is why she’s one of my favorite authors.

Calliope “Callie” Anderson, a high school history teacher living in Nashville, had no idea that her father was the head of a major criminal organization in Sicily. Her father, Armani DiMaggio, is dying and he plans for Callie to become the next leader. He also expects her to marry and give birth to a son to be his heir. She is only interested in her music career and has no intention of leaving the states, but it seems as if she has little choice. Alessandro Costa, to pay a debt of honor, has been asked to marry Callie to save her from the life her father has planned for her. He will accompany her to plead his case that he marry her and cement a union between their families. Neither one of them expected the flare of attraction that would ignite between them as they navigate the threats, danger and intrigue that follows. It will take very bit of Alessandro’s family connections to keep her from being forced to marry Armani’s violent second in command. Will planning by his family, and their connections, be able to end her father’s reign and survive the final confrontation? I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

have been anxiously waiting for another Costa Family book, and I loved this one. The story had me completely enthralled and was fast paced. Alessandro and Calliope were amazing characters, and I loved their relationship. They are forced into a marriage that neither of them want and seeing how they go from kind of hating each or at least the idea of each other to being the only ones they're meant to be with was beautiful. I loved the 'my wife' vibes from Alessandro from the start, even though he didn't want this relationship. As per usual Brittney fashion, the twists and turns were incredible and will keep you trying to figure things out along with the characters. We got to see older characters of Brittney's, and I always love seeing old faces. I also feel like we really got to get to know Alessandro's one brother Constantine, and it's made me very excited to get his book. She also fully teased Hudson and Izzy, and I cannot wait for their book next! I read the book and listened to the audiobook. What a ride, Connor Crais has easily become one of my favourite male narrators and killed it being Alessandro. Allie Piper is new to me, but she was amazing as Calliope and her southern accent was perfect!

Audio book source: Netgalley
Story Rating: 5
Narrators: Connor Crais and Allie Piper
Narration Rating: 5
Length: 12h 12m

OVERALL: 🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
•Storyline: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
▪︎Spice Level:  🌶🌶/ 5
•Narration: 🎧 🎧 🎧 🎧 /5 -Dual tyle
•Swoon level: 🫠🫠🫠🫠/5
•Bookshelf Worthy: 📚📚📚/5
•Platform: Audio and E-book
•Recommend: Yes
▪︎Re-read/re-listen: No
•Trope: Marriage of Convince, Age-gap, Touch her and 💀 vibes, Girl in trouble.

• Thoughts:
I was really struggling with how to rate this one. I liked this book but I didn't love it. There were a few things in the book that had me feeling off. This story was interesting, as all of Brittney's books are she always comes up with amazing plots and you really have no choice but to be sucked I to her worlds. I liked Alessandro, my hell his spicy tongue.... yes please. I do feel Alessandro was probably one of her spicier MMC's. and much liked i loked Alessandro I liked Callie, I think i can say Callie has a fiesty side and she does not take crap from anyone! I enjoyed them as individuals. Aside from their inner dialog. I loked them. For some reason I was not feeling their chemistry together in the beginning. I struggled with Callie and Alessandroas a couple. It took me a bit to get their dynamic and thsir flow. As I said, I liked it, it just wasn't one I loved.

•Narrator Thoughts:
Connor Crais and Aly piper were incredible. I have never heard of Aly but dang this will not be my last book from her! I loved their Narration together and individually. It was PERFECTION!! It did help me keep engaged with the book as well.

Slow Burn ✔️
Playboy Billionaire ✔️
Mafia Princess ✔️
Marriage of Convenience ✔️
Another fantastic book from Brittney ✔️

One of the many things I love, about Brittney's books, is the strong leading characters. Alessandro as the morally gray playboy billionaire and Callie as the Mafia princess are a perfect match for each other. What starts out as a marriage of convenience turns into the slow burn romance readers absolutely crave.

One of the other things I love is this book (and almost all of Brittney's other books) brings back characters we all love. For readers who have read all of her books, it gives you a nostalgic feeling.

I didn't want to include any spoilers so I'll just say - you should read the book. You won't be disappointed. While it can be read by itself, I highly encourage readers to pick up book 1 at a minimum (because it's fantastic). And for the holistic experience - read each series of books Brittney has written.

Congrats on your newest release Brittney. Well done! 👏👏👏

Holy smokes….this author does not disappoint and once again blew my socks off with the story of Alessandro and Calliope aka Callie. The second instalment in the Costa family series and another read that made it impossible to put down until the last page.
Alessandro is called in for a favor, an old friend collecting on a debt owed and is forced to marry Callie to protect her. She is the last living relative in Italy’s oldest mafia family and her dad is planning to marry her off to continue the bloodline. She has no choice as her dad is very powerful and the man chosen to be her husband, is a ruthless psychopath and a known enemy to the Costa family….until Alessandro proves his worthiness and wins her hand. There is no denying the attraction between them and as they settle into their “married” life, lines are blurred and crossed and as their story unfolds…WOW just WOW.
WOW…from the first page of their meeting till their HEA, the story flowed beautifully with descriptions that were spot on taking me on their journey and not wanting it to end. Steam, suspense, twists and turns, surprises and amazing characters….not mine to keep is a read not to be skipped.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*

Amazing book as always. One could totally read Not Mine To Keep without having read any other books by Brittney Sahin, but the subtle way that she interconnects her characters and series is masterful. Alessandro and Calliope are perfect for one another. I love how she doesn’t take any crap from him and how much he clearly loves her. I was totally not expecting the twist with Alessandros frenemy, that was awesome. I loved how Alessandro’s family is so close and works so hard to help keep everyone safe and happy. I haven’t found a Brittney Sahin book that was not a one click read for me, and this one was no exception. I can’t wait for the rest of the Costa family stories.

4.25⭐️, 1.75🌶

🥃Marriage of Convenience
🥃Dislike-to-Lust-to-Love
🥃Slow Burn
🥃"My Wife"
🥃Mafia Princess
🥃Ex-military Turned Vigilante
🥃Reformed Playboy
🥃Billionaire MMC
🥃Alpha-Hero
🥃Sassy, Bratty, Strong FMC


"'If you want to refer to the killing of three men who planned to play slice and dice with your body as a ‘saving-your-life thing,’ then yeah, that incident may help me get on Armani’s better side. Not that he really has a good one.'
'Nice image you painted.' I raised my brows. '‘Slice and dice’? Really?'
Angling his head, he leaned closer, the towel all that separated us.
'What did you think those men planned to do with those knives? Show you their culinary skills?'
'You can be a real ass, huh?' And there goes my attempt to be sweet instead of sour.
'That ‘ass’ is trying to save your life, so maybe you could consider being less of a pain in mine.'"

The banter between these two was so good from the start! I love a marriage of convenience with tons of dislike to lovers tension, and Calliope and Alessandro had that in spades. They both brought out the best and worst in each other, and pushed buttons neither even knew they had, and their back and forth made the payoff of the slow burn and "eff it" moment that much more satisfying.

This wasn't too spicy, but the suspense and intrigue made up for the light steam so beautifully. I haven't read a really good romantic suspense in a while, but I've seen so many people rave about Brittney's books so knew I needed to read this one when I saw it was available, and now I'm officially hooked.
I need to read Book 1 (Enzo and Maria's book), and I'm now dying for Izzy and Hudson's book, and when do we get to find out about Constantine and his mystery lady???? And what kind of crazy stuff are they all going to get up to next?! 🤗

Balanced with the intrigue and suspense, there was still a beautiful love story woven throughout, and I loved watching Alessandro slowly drop his walls and fall for his wife. He thought he was this heartless man with a darkness that would destroy Callie's light, but she just served to show him he still had a heart after all. One that beat for his family, sure, but that now beat loudly and wildly for his wife. 🥰

"I gave this woman my soul just then, knowing she’d redeem it.
And I’d give it to her again and again, no matter what.
Die for her. Sacrifice the world for her.
Do anything for her if she asked."


This book can be read as a standalone, as most relevant events from previous books were at least partially explained in this one, so I didn't feel like I was missing any context coming in on the second book of the series. However, I am absolutely planning on diving into Brittney's backlist when I have time because this was so well written and enjoyable. It even kept me guessing at some things until the very end, and it set up the next book so well; I can't wait to see where this world ends up as it continues to unfold.
I recommend this to anyone who likes their romance to have a little more meat to it, and who enjoys ex-military and mafia elements with plenty of hot heroes and suspense to go around!

A sweet Southern musician and teacher with a sassy attitude finds herself teaming up with a wealthy playboy, who’s hiding a secret side job, to save Callie from an unwanted fate. Alessandro may believe he’s destined to remain a bachelor, but playing the role of Callie’s fake husband comes all too naturally to him. As a longtime fan of Brittney Sahin, I especially enjoyed the return of beloved characters from her previous books. But don’t worry—you can still dive into this one without having read the others. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!