EARLY REVIEW: Let Me In by Callie Croix

Format: ARC (Net Galley)
Publisher: Carina Press
Release Date: May 21, 2012
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

On leave for Thanksgiving, the last thing marine lieutenant Talia Barnett expects to find is Liam Brodie waiting for her at the airport. He's had a starring role in her fantasies for the past two years, and although she'd love to make them a reality, she has a dark secret that prevents her from taking things further.

A former marine, Liam's specialty is planning tactical operations, and that's just what he plans to do to win Talia. The woman has kept him at arm's length for too long, and this time he's finally going to claim her—body and heart.

What begins as comfort quickly turns hot. When Liam shows Talia a hint of the dominant nature inside him, the submissive part of her flares to life. Though she desires him, she's going back on deployment and doesn't want to dump all her drama on him. Will he find a way to break through the protective walls around her heart and convince her they have a future that goes far beyond the bedroom?

WARNING: Due to the nature of the story, this book is intended for mature audiences only (18 and up).

First, I just have to say this novella started up my unadulterated weekend of smutty reads that left my head stuck in a cloud of dirty thoughts. I was so glad I was able to pick this up from NetGalley because I ended up loving this little short story which packed some heat and emotional baggage. Since Let Me In is a novella (less than forty thousand words) I can't tell you too much of what happens without giving up the whole story.

A lot happens within a short period of time and the author dives in to some very emotional family drama. It's this conflict that had me loving the story because although Talia's abandonment issues aren't all that uncommon it's the reasons behind it that makes if different from everything else that I've read in the past.

Talia was a great lead and I found myself really relating to her. She's a Marine (Oorah!) and is great at what she does. Being a Marine, she's strong, independent and loyal but underneath her tough exterior she's also vulnerable and insecure. She's been crushing on her best friend's brother, Liam, for over two years. Too scared to put her friendship with Liam and close relationship with his family at risk, she keeps her feelings to herself. Her reasons for keeping her feelings at bay is palpable and probably something I'd do myself.

"What are you going to do?"

"What I've wanted to do to you for almost two years. Shhh. Let me in"

Liam is a very drool worthy character. As a former Marine, he's a pure 100% Alpha male. It's hinted that he's had an illustrious sexual past and likes to delve into a little BDSM in the boudoir. Since meeting Talia he's harbored feelings for her but never really pursued it because Talia had always kept him at arm's length. No longer able to keep his feelings and desire for Talia at bay, Liam makes his intentions known and at the same time forces Talia to confess the same desires she's felt for him. Although the author didn't spend too much time with Liam's past the time spent with him makes the reader desire him.

The only complaint I had with Let Me In was that I wished it were a little longer. Croix writes some very sexy love scenes and had me wishing we could gotten even more action in the bedroom. Liam displayed his dominant nature and Talia's submissive parts came out and I would have loved to explore that aspect a little more. Call me a horny thirty something but I really wanted to see Liam showing Talia the kind of kinky activities he's into. 

Let Me In was a very enjoyable read and Croix leaves the reader with a satisfying and viable ending. Her characters were both believable and relatable. I also loved that Talia was of Asian decent because let's be honest, we don't see very many Asian characters in books, television or movies. After reading Let Me In, it had me craving more of Croix's work especially No Holds Barred which tells the story of Liam's threesome with his best friend and his fiance (this is pre Talia of course!) So if you're pressed for time but craving a good steamy but emotional romance read then I wold highly recommend picking up Let Me In.