REVIEW: JACK OF HEARTS by SANDRA OWENS

Jack of Hearts

Aces & Eights #1

By: Sandra Owens

Releasing February 14th, 2017

Montlake Romance

 

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In Jack of Hearts (Aces & Eights #1) by Sandra Owens, Alex Gentry is determined to take down a notorious drug lord, but he never imagined he'd fall in love with the man's niece. Not after he befriends the man's slimeball son to discover information necessary to his case and unwittingly makes Madison Parker his informant. He knows being together is dangerous, not just for her but for him. Still, he can't help getting close to her. Will she be able to forgive him when she learns the truth of why he came into her life, or will his secrets tear them apart?

 

What a highly entertaining, fast-paced read Ms. Owens has penned in this book, encompassing three hot FBI agents that happen to be brothers; the sexy protector trope; a strong heroine that fights for her independence every step of the way, even if it means standing up to her slime-ball of a cousin and his overbearing father; and well-written dialogue, which made this story gratifying and a real page-turner. The way this story started with the prologue pulled me into this story immediately and didn't let go until I was at the end of the book. What story was the investigative reporter writing? Why was it so dangerous for him?

 

As for the main characters, both the hero and heroine were fantastic, and so were the secondary in Alex's brothers and Madison's best friend. I was curious as to the history between Court (one of the hero's brothers) and Lauren (the heroine's best friend), yet it was the hot romance, the underlying threat this couple faced, and their banter that enthralled me, so much so that I ended up with a book hangover I'd gladly give myself again when I re-read this story. Because I loved how strong and brave the heroine was and that she'd do anything to separate her mother from her uncle's influence. Since it seemed the man was doing everything in his power to make sure Madison's mother wad reliant on him. I also liked that the heroine stood up to her slime-ball and desperate cousin and overbearing uncle and wasn't about to let them do whatever they wanted when it came to her store, even though her uncle had the right to. No way was she going to allow them to do anything illegal that could get her into trouble. 

 

While the hero, he's been through a lot in his life and I could understand why he'd choose a profession like the FBI to pursue, because of what he went through with his father. How could he not want to protect the innocent and punish the guilty when no one did it for him besides his brothers? Also, I liked that he couldn't stay away from Madison, although he knew that being with her was wrong, because of the secrets he was keeping. But what I liked most of all is how protective he was of the heroine and that he wasn't afraid to warn her cousin from doing anything to Madison, because the slime-ball would be in for a world of hurt if he did.   

 

Overall, Ms. Owens has penned an outstanding read in this book that I would highly recommend, not only because the hero and his brothers  are drool-worthy due to their protective ways and alpha tendencies, but because this story without a doubt will keep a reader hooked with its suspense and romance. The way this story ended had me concerned for the hero and heroine, because of the suspense. Would the hero be able to keep Madison safe? How far is Alex willing to go to protect Madison? Moreover, I'm glad they could tease each other when they're talking about being together forever after everything they go through towards the end. Yet, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up nicely, because not only did it leave me wondering whether the Gentry brothers will be able to deal with what's to come for them, but will they accept the person whose point-of-view the epilogue is from into their lives?

 

OVERALL RATING:

 

 

BLURB:

Alex Gentry doesn’t scare easily. Working as an undercover FBI agent in the biker bar he and his brothers co-own, he hangs with deadly criminals in order to gather information. Danger is just part of the family business. But one thing has him terrified: his attraction to Madison Parker. He knows getting close with Madison is dangerous for her and for him, but there's no way he can stay away. As his investigation into the Alonzo cartel

 

Madison is the cousin of Ramon Alonzo, son and second in command to a notorious drug lord Alex is trying to bust. Alex has befriended Ramon as part of his cover, and Madison has unknowingly become his informant. Falling for her could risk this case—and both their lives.

 

All Madison wants is to get her new bookstore business off the ground, and for her creepy cousin Ramon—to whom she’s unfortunately indebted—to leave her alone. If she could only stop fantasizing about his mysterious new friend, Alex…

 

As the Alonzo cartel investigation heats up, so does their relationship. But will the secrets they’re keeping tear them apart—or get them both killed?

 

BUY LINK: Amazon