Falling for a Santini by Melissa Schroeder

A crush that turned into love.
Being the only girl in a family with five Santini brothers was never easy on Elena Santini. She always tried to be faster and smarter to make sure they always took her seriously. They were always trying to tell her what to do, and worse, who she could date. That’s why falling for her oldest brother’s best friend wasn’t smart especially when he treats her like a sister. That is, until she gets him alone in her apartment one night.
One night in Heaven.
NCIS agent Jethro Thomas, known to everyone as JT, has always played it smart. When his admiration turned to attraction a few years ago, he started avoiding Elena. A guy wasn’t supposed to have those kinds of thoughts about his best friend’s little sister. After returning from an undercover assignment, and about to go on another one, he can’t seem to resist the temptation. One night with her and he knows he’s lost, but he has a job to do.
A changed man.
JT returns from the assignment with a few more scars, both physical and emotional–but he survived for one reason. He’s ready to start a new life with Elena, but a dark cloud hangs over the new love. When small incidents evolve into near death accidents, JT realizes someone from his past is ready to destroy his happiness, even harm Elena to make him pay.

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I love the falling in love with the friend's sister storyline, always have found it entertaining. Elena and JT practically grew up together, him being the honorary Santini. JT's respect and honor towards her family is admirable.
They know each other inside out, and still falls in love, have a smoldering passion between them, and want the forever with each other. Completely swoon worthy.
I like that there wasn't that much anxiety and conflict in between them, but the build up came from outside sources, like from her brother and the threat that seemed to loom around. I wish that would have been built a bit more, that the suspense aspect would have been brought more into the story.
I got the understanding, there are two Santini stories that are happening in the same time frame. I had to go back, and to see did I miss something, twice. Once there's a murder happening around the family, and just mentioned in passing line. Also the time JT was under cover, was just passed over in the story with a paragraph. Maybe that could have been a great time to show how the feelings grew.
I did enjoy the part of the story that was told, it was funny, loving, and steamy. I liked how Elena and JT are together. The Santini family is so insane, but caring as well, and would do anything for each other.
But the second storyline going on in the other book really bothered me, so I wouldn't recommend this as a standalone, read the book before in the series first.
~ Three spoons with a teaspoon on the side