Terrific story. Great romance. Really enjoyed the whole concept. Great to see a female lead as strong as her partner.

I absolutely loved this book. It took a few chapters to get into it but eventually I couldn't put it down. The characters were well formulated and I honestly want to go back and read the first two books in the series. It kept me on my toes and didn't give me a clue as to what was coming next. I look forward to reading more by this author soon.

This book was so entertaining. I was drawn into the story from the beginning and was involved until the end. The characters were complex and interesting. I found the story to be well paced and engrossing throughout the whole book. I was invested in the couple throughout the book and felt all the emotions through both the highs and lows of the story.The side characters were such an integral part of this story as well. This is the love story i needed to read at this time. If you want an entertaining and well written book this is it for you

My first Gentry Brother book and I can’t wait for more. Nate and his brothers are amazing. They are definitely alpha males with a take no prisoner mentality. That is until the right woman comes into their lives and turns it all around.
Ace of Spades is Nate’s story. His co-FBI worker Taylor has been messing with his head and his heart. When his newest case brings up Taylor’s past and puts her in harm’s way his head says protect her, keep her safe, love her but his heart has to catch up.

Sometimes when there is two storylines in a book it is hard to wind them together. Sandra Owens takes the romance of Nate and Taylor intertwining the story of the serial killer together perfectly. Neither story takes more of a center stage and both are equally wonderful.

I am excited to go and read about the other Gentry Brothers. I recommend picking up your own copy and enjoying this series.

Thank you Montlake Romance for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

The third book in the series. And it is just as nice. Nate and Taylor are very likeable characters. The working relationship to the inevitable romance between them was a great pleasure to read. Enjoy the read......

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and LOVED it so much that I purchased a copy.

Get out the tissues to wipe up the drool!!! Nate is dreamy!!! Well I have loved all of Gentry boys and it is hard to chose between them. Be still my heart. I loved Taylor as well. She is a strong female but remained very feminine. I adore the dual POVs. It really helps me to really get into the character and fully understand them and their actions. The intrigue portion of the plot was wonderful and kept me glued to the book.

This book introduced me to prior characters of her K2 series. Yep, I had to go and purchase all of those as I just love Ms. Owens writing. The two characters were wonderful and I have to get to know their stories!!!

I highly recommend this book. In fact the entire series is a must read. I can't wait for the next book in the series. I will be re-reading this series when it is complete. I so enjoy these characters. I really hate to see the books end. It is like saying good-bye to old friends (at least until the next book comes out.)

Two FBI agents struggle with desire in the shadow of a killer, in the third installment of Aces & Eights.

Nate Gentry has been a rock for his two younger brothers since the day their mom walked out and left them with their abusive father. Now that they’ve grown up, he’s watched Alex and Court fall in love and settle down. But Nate isn’t made for romance. He keeps his relationships casual. And getting casual with his partner is a fantasy he can’t shake…

Taylor Collins has feelings for Nate, too—and though they run hot, her best friend on the team is strictly off limits. Until a spark in his eyes says, Go for it. But reaching out could prove to be a bad move now that they’re working closer together than ever, and on the most dangerous case of their careers.

An investigation into a brutal series of murders is stirring up bad memories for Taylor, and neither she nor Nate can imagine how close to home it’s going to hit. When it does, Nate will risk everything—including his heart—to keep Taylor safe.

* * * * *

I have been waiting for Nate's story. I knew that he would be a hard nut to crack because he's firmly convinced that he never wants to marry or have a relationship. And Taylor is probably the one woman that would be able to convince him of the error of his ways.

ACE OF SHADOWS is everything that you would want in a romantic suspense. There is danger, a lot of tension that builds as time passes and a lot of head. Add in characters that you get to throughout the series and you have a book that will hold your attention through all the twists and turns.

I do think that readers that enjoy the genre will really like this book especially if you have been following the series. It does contain sex and violence but that is what will keep you glued to the pages.

***I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own and not influenced by the publisher or author.

The third book in the series and the older brother who has feelings towards his partner Taylor Collins for some time now does not know what to do. Nate Gentry is working out what is going on inside of him looking for their mother and looking for the killer in their case. While Taylor is getting more and more frustrated with the man she likes not wanting to give her the time of day except for what is required of the job. Maybe she needs to transfer. What she does is get Nate to see that she wants more than just a job and he needs to start working her like he does a case. Like the other books this one is just as good with a lot of action and you still get the other characters from the other books. A good book.

Great finish ( for the boys) to a wonderful series, I desperately wanted to see Nate get his HEA he really deserved it and with Taylor he found it. This pair ideally suited each other, total ying and yang and boy was their chemistry off the charts. I can’t wait to see where things go with their surprise sister.

I love this series so much! I couldn't wait to get Taylor and Nate's story! It's been a long time coming and I couldn't wait to see Nate's walls crumble. He's always been the broody older brother who never wanted love for himself even if it was right in front of him. Once again, the relationship between the Gentry brothers left me swooning. I loved catching up with Alex and Court's wives as well. The writing is suspenseful and the story is great! It kept me on my toes all the way through as we discover who the murderer that the FBI is tracking is and how he's tied to Taylor! I loved the ending of this book in how it wraps up a chapter in the Gentry's lives, but leaves the door open for some much yet to come. I hope we'll see a couple of more books from this series! Love it!

The third installment of the Aces & Eights series puts the eldest Gentry man in the hot seat. As long as Nate can remember, his father was a drunk bastard who loved his booze and to hit on his wife and kids. The abuse went on for years, and Nate did his best to take on the brunt of it, saving his little brothers as much pain as possible. When his mother walked away from her marriage of terror only to leave him and his two brothers behind, Nate lost the only trace of love he had ever known. The baggage Nate carries from his childhood keeps him on his guard and sure that he'll never be capable of loving anyone. Even if a certain woman rules his every thought and his hormones. Taylor Collins has been in love with Nate for a while now. The man who has become her best friend is also her partner and therefore off limits. Until a night that changes it all. When the investigation on a serial killer puts Taylor in danger, Nate will do everything in his power to keep her safe. When that means keeping her even closer than usual, lines blur and emotions stir. It is hard to keep love out of the equation, but Nate is a determined man, if not a stupid one at times. With so much on the line, these best friends turned to lovers will need to figure out what matters most in life and what is worth fighting for. A sexy mystery romance with the Gentry boys, some FBI action and a secret that will change everything. I can't wait for the next Aces and Eights story...

ACE OF SPADES opens with a mystery and layers on suspense as the story races to the end. Sexy, broody guy; smart, fearless woman … that’s my kind of story.

It’s amazing the damage a parent can do to a child, as evidenced by both Nate Gentry and Taylor Collins. Taylor’s mom was a prostitute, raising her the best she could in abject poverty and a sketchy environment. Until she was murdered by a john, in front of her young daughter. That’s when Taylor went to live with Rosie, her mom’s best friend and colleague, altering the course of their lives. Taylor’s an FBI agent now, a strong, confident, capable woman who’s best friend and partner to Nate. His life trajectory was also greatly influenced by his parents. When Nate was 11, his abused mother left town with another man, leaving him and his two younger brothers at the fists of a monster — their father.

Whereas Taylor spent her foundational years with Rosie, taking in and adopting six young girls, Nate has made every effort to push away any thoughts of marriage and a happily ever after. Why put any woman or child through the nightmare he grew up with, particularly when he’s certain he’ll turn to violence at any second like his dad? Even though his brothers, Alex (the Jack of Hearts) and Court (the King of Clubs), have settled into satisfying married lives, Nate reserves the worst prognosis for himself.

It seems to me that a guy who reminds himself and everyone around him, constantly, that he’ll never marry is the guy who’s going to fall the hardest. Nate doesn’t think he deserves to be loved. “Rejected by his mother, abused by his father — who wouldn’t think that?” And it breaks Taylor’s heart.

When she finally wears him down and convinces him she can handle a friends-with-benefits situation, he fights the good fight. He throws up barriers and says all the right things to ensure she never thinks a romance between them would be anything more than a physical release.

But life has a tendency to throw things at you out of left field. As if the day-to-day stress of being FBI agents doesn’t add weight to the shoulders of these two Atlas rivals, the man who killed Taylor’s mother isn’t done yet. He’s still killing blondes with blue eyes, which places Taylor squarely in his path. Yet, for this pair of agents who are best friends, who know each other’s minds and intentions flawlessly, the serial killer stalking Taylor isn’t the scariest part of their lives — it’s that physical relationship that stacks the deck against them.

And who better to live the lesson of not wanting what you can’t have than adults who spent their childhood wanting? Whether it’s safety or affection or companionship, wanting makes a person vulnerable, and neither Taylor nor Nate intends to be vulnerable ever again. Whether love is in the cards, or not.

*This was originally published with USA Today's Happy Ever After: https://happyeverafter.usatoday.com/2018/02/15/dolly-r-sickles-recommended-romance-suspense-ace-of-spades-sandra-owens/.

Nate was a protector. He helped raise his brother’s after his mother left and shielded them from his father’s malicious acts. All of his life he felt he would turn into his father. Not giving his love to another woman, getting married or having children. Those promises were only thing that he could have to avoid turning into his father. Taylor knew all those promises Nate made to himself didn’t apply to the fierce protector she knew him to be. He would protect her with his life and when Taylor’s past comes to haunt her once again he will finally realize the feelings he kept buried for so long. Absolutely loved reading the continuation of the series.

Nate and Taylor finally admit their feelings while working to stay safe. Book 3 in this series brings Nate's tale . So enjoyed these two as they find their hearts futures.

Ebook from Netgalley and publishers with thanks. Opinions are entirely my own.

Nate Gentry has never wanted marriage or a forever relationship because of the way he grew up, but there's something about his best friend and FBI colleague Taylor Collins that he's tempted by. But with the investigation they've been tasked to and a serial killer on the loose, Nate knows now isn't the time for their relationship to be taken the next step. However, Taylor doesn't make things easy for him, and with the danger closing in, Nate finds it impossible not to give into their strong chemistry. Will Nate and Taylor be able to solve their case, or will a killer put a stop to their shot at happy ever after?

Having read the previous books of this series and being absolutely enthralled by them, I was really looking forward to Nate's story, and I've got to say that this book does not disappoint. Indeed, for me, this third story of Ms. Owens Aces & Eights series is the best one yet, as it was everything I'd hoped for and more. With it encompassing the friends to lovers trope; two main characters that have been through so much in their pasts but are fighting the good fight as FBI agents; and compelling dialogue that had me reading quickly, determined to discover whether Nate and Taylor would come out on top against the serial killer they're chasing and what would happen to them the moment they faced off against the bad guy.

Both the main characters were enthralling and this story drew me in from the very beginning, as Nate needs to know what happened to someone he loved and the reasons behind them leaving him and his brothers. Will he get the answers he wants? Moreover, Nate and Taylor have very interesting and heartbreaking stories, but I loved discovering more about them as this story progressed. Nate is set on never having a forever relationship because he fears he may turn out like his father while the heroine has enough on her plate without adding a relationship to the mix. Will they be able to stop themselves from falling in love?

Furthermore, the heroine is resilient, courageous and I liked how she handles everything when it comes to the investigation and how it's linked to her past. I also liked how fired up she gets when things don't go her way. Really, I wouldn't want to get on her bad side. While the hero, he's confident and I liked how determined he was to protect the heroine when it comes to the investigation and how closely it is linked to her past. I also liked that the hero gave their relationship a chance, even if he's afraid he'll end up hurting her. Yet, what I liked most of all about Nate was the tight bond he shares with his brothers. They aren't afraid to offer him advice when they believe he's being stupid when it comes to his relationship with Taylor and his belief that he'll end up like their old man. Will they be able to prove to him how wrong he is about the latter?

Overall, Ms. Owens has delivered an absolutely compelling and well-written read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was strong; the romance full of heat and passion and had me liking these two together; and the ending had me worried for the main characters, but had me liking how things work out for this couple and had me enjoying what Nate discovers about the past. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up nicely, as it sets things in motion for the next book. I would recommend Ace of Spades by Sandra Owens, if you enjoy romantic suspense or books by authors Katie Reus, Jill Sanders, Tamra Baumann and Melody Anne.

I did not read the first two books in this series however this can be read as a standalone.

Nate has a story that will tug at your heartstrings. The way he as the oldest brother protected his younger brothers will definitely make you fall in love with him. He's stubborn though and is convinced that he shouldn't fall in love out of fear that he will end up like his father.

Taylor was a little harder to relate to; I don't think enough time was spent on her past and what she went through until closer to the end. I would have preferred some of that be done earlier in the book to make her easier to relate to.

Overall not bad; at times the book was slow moving.

If you haven’t read Sandra Owens, you are definitely missing out on reading a fabulous writer of some great romantic suspense books under her creative belt!

Aces And Eights is a great series featuring the Gentry brothers, their survival from an abusive father, he secrets of surrounding their mother’s disappearance and the lives they have made with their loved ones.

Book three of the series, “Aces Of Spades” is the story of FBI agent Nate Gentry and his partner Taylor Collins, as they try to keep their professional boundaries without crossing into their personal space to test the chemistry that seems to burn between them. But then a serial killer has a different story to write that dredges up a painful past for Taylor. As they try to catch the killer, the adrenaline and the passion between them erupts with no control, and now they have to deal the final play in the deck of cards to outsmart a killer and have a future.

My chance reading of Sandra Owens’ books have been another reading pleasure of romance and suspense, great chemistry between the protagonists, brilliant characterization of her leads and supporting team, “Ace Of Spades” is an intriguing and captivating read.

Received an ARC from Montlake Romance via NetGalley for an honest review.

I was really excited for this book. I devoured the entire K2 series a couple of years ago, but somehow I missed the first two books of the Aces and Eights series. I'd hoped that I'd be able to jump right into this book without having read the others, and in a way I was able to do so as the main plot had nothing to do with the others. However, I feel that had I known the characters' backgrounds a little bit more, I would have felt more of a connection to them, which would have helped me have a better reading experience.

From the Publisher:

Two FBI agents struggle with desire in the shadow of a killer, in the third installment of Aces & Eights.
Nate Gentry has been a rock for his two younger brothers since the day their mom walked out and left them with their abusive father. Now that they’ve grown up, he’s watched Alex and Court fall in love and settle down. But Nate isn’t made for romance. He keeps his relationships casual. And getting casual with his partner is a fantasy he can’t shake…
Taylor Collins has feelings for Nate, too—and though they run hot, her best friend on the team is strictly off limits. Until a spark in his eyes says, Go for it. But reaching out could prove to be a bad move now that they’re working closer together than ever, and on the most dangerous case of their careers.
An investigation into a brutal series of murders is stirring up bad memories for Taylor, and neither she nor Nate can imagine how close to home it’s going to hit. When it does, Nate will risk everything—including his heart—to keep Taylor safe.

The Review:

I hate to say it, especially when I like the other books an author has written, but I almost gave up on this book. It didn't pull me in the way that Ms. Owens's other books have and a part of me wonders if my experience reading the K2 series influenced me in picking this book up in the first place. Based on the description, I probably would have pulled the trigger anyway (because I love a good friends-to-lovers story), but knowing how much I loved that series, I may have been more willing to give this one a try than if I hadn't been exposed to Ms. Owens's earlier books.

While I did enjoy this book in the end, it was very slow going for the first 40-45% of the book, which is not something I expected in a book about a serial killer roaming the streets of Miami. The reason I nearly gave up on this book is that I was bored by it. I didn't feel any connection between Nate and Taylor and didn't care whether or not the ended up together. I'd decided that if I got to their first sex scene and was bored by it, I would put the book down and find something else to read, so when that was exactly what happened, I stepped away, searched my Kindle app to find something else I wanted to read, and eventually decided to finish what I started.

Once I returned to the book, determined to finish it, I became somewhat invested in the romance between Nate and Taylor and the more I read, the more I wanted them to be together. The one thing that absolutely annoyed me though, was the idea that Taylor put her desire for a relationship with Nate on the back burner because Nate was not the kind of person who wanted to get married (because of reasons--reason for which he should have been in therapy). I don't know if fuck buddied/friends-with-benefits is on trend right now (this is the second book I've read recently in which the heroine accepts a purely physical relationship with the hero because that is what the hero wanted), but if it is, it is one that needs to stop.



If a man is unwilling to be in a relationship, then he is not the one for you. No girl (fictional or otherwise) should feel the need to accept less than what they're worth because the guy is a commitment-phobe (even if his issues are somewhat legitimate). From the very beginning, Taylor was more invested in the relationship than Nate was, which meant that he had all of the power. Taylor's actions made me wonder how low her self-esteem was. Why did she think she should settle for crumbs with Nate when she could have the whole damn cake with someone else--someone who hadn't been pushing her away for months? It made me so mad. Taylor is a black belt and a kickass FBI agent, but for some reason, she didn't think enough of herself to look for someone who wanted to be with her completely.

The other thing that bugged me was the mystery/serial killer plotline. First off, I was able to figure out who it was from the very second he was introduced. I don't know what is going on with romantic suspense lately, but I've identified the killer almost immediately in the last three romantic suspense novels I have read. Either I've turned into Sherlock Fucking Holmes or the mysteries are getting way to easy to solve.

In that same vein, during the course of the story something happens to Taylor's pet and I was convinced until the very end that the reason said thing happened was that the serial killer was punishing Taylor for getting involved with Nate. This would absolutely have been something the serial killer would have done and it baffles me that Ms. Owens didn't have him do it. She may have missed the boat with this, but I haven't. Even though there is no evidence of this in the book, it has become headcanon.

Finally, the best part of this book is the fact that Doc and Saint from the K2 series make a cameo. I love that Ms. Owens included them in this book. I loved getting see two of my favorite characters and what's more, I love that K2 and Aces and Eights exist in the same universe, opening it up to more cameos in future books.

Since finishing this book, I've decided that eventually I will go back and read the first two books and then re-read this one to see if that helps me feel the connection between the characters, especially since there is a fourth book coming out and I really want to like that one.

Nate Gentry is the oldest brother of the three FBI agents and as such has always felt responsible for them. Both brothers are now happily married and don't need Nate's care but does that leave him free to find his own happiness? As the product of an abusive childhood, Nate has some deep scars both physical and mental to overcome. Ms Owens again takes on the challenge of not only telling a story of love, sadness, hope and realization that life's challenges can be overcome, but there is plenty of twists and turns throughout to hold the reader's interest. Not only is there a strong male character but his story is blended with that of an equally strong female character. The book caught my interest from the first chapter and I literally finished it in a day. The characters are a blend of the hot male FBI agent with a softer side, and some humor and a bit of pathos thrown in for good measure. I've read all the books in order and it makes more sense to do that so you know the back story of each character but you can read this one first if you haven't read the others. An excellent read from an excellent author.

***4 ‘Tiger’ Stars***

It’s funny. When I got this one I was all “Yay! We finally get to know more about Nate and hopefully more of Kinsey!!” and while that excited feeling in general stayed, the focus shifted and it morphed into me being all “Yay! Taylor! and what the hell is up with the killer and where is my Kinsey fix?” But despite my shift in focus, I really enjoyed Ace of Spades. It was a fun, sweet, smexy and suspenseful read that kept me turning the pages.

Nate. Oh, Nate. As the eldest of the three he’s shoulder a lot of responsibility from a young age. With an excessively abusive father, he stepped in to take the brunt of the abuse when he could and work hard to keep his brothers from sinking into a dark abyss, something he accomplished even though it scarred him deeply. I loved Nate, I did, but wow did the man have some serious drunk goggles on when it came to the way he saw himself. He didn’t see the compassionate and genuine heart, nor the code of honor that was etched on his soul.

Taylor. I ADORED Taylor. This woman did not have the easiest life, and what she experienced as a young girl could have pushed her on a different path, but instead she fought. She fought for herself, the woman who raised her and then for those who had no one else to fight for them. I know I’ve made her out to be Superwoman, but she really deserves the kudos. She isn’t perfect, there were times I wanted to reach out and shake her, but she really is a good, hardworking woman who deserves the good in life.

The fact that Nate and Taylor are colleagues at the FBI and work cases together, I knew going in there would be some issues to deal with, but I wasn’t expecting what Nate tossed into the mix. Things never got to the OTT angsty realm, or really just the angsty realm in general, but wow. I had to give Taylor credit for how she handled it all, not that I’m totally bashing Nate because I understood why, but still. Thankfully, they had such great chemistry on every level that it eased any irritation I had and made me want to see them overcome it all and get their HEA.

Of the three books, this one may be my favorite when it comes to the mystery/suspense aspect of the story. I was hooked from the start and wanted to know who the killer was and why he was doing all that he was and I thought that the way each piece of the puzzle was presented, woven into the story as a whole and resolved was very well done.
As for the secondary cast of characters, I loved catching up with Alex and Madison & Court & Lauren and seeing how they were all doing. Then there are Rosie and the girls, I adored them and the depth they brought to the story. And there is Kinsey and their mother...honestly, it wasn’t enough, but it did what it was supposed to do, make me need Kinsey’s book right now, so I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for her book.