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Four Aces #1
Diamonds & Deception
I won’t stop until I find out who killed my sister. All clues lead to the Four Aces, the casino in Boston where she worked. Putting my investigative reporter skills to work, I hatch a plan to go undercover and befriend the casino owner, Drake Reynolds. It shouldn’t be too hard. Not when he’s six-plus-feet of tall, dark, and holy smokin’ gorgeous. And the way his shoulders and his solid thighs fill out a suit? Yeah. He’s pure perfection. But Drake isn’t what I expect. Attentive, passionate, brilliant, and can we talk for a minute about the things he does with his mouth? *sigh* But it’s my sister’s murderer I’m after, and I can’t let him be a distraction, no matter how beautiful he is. As our relationship heats up, so does the danger that threatens to tear us apart. Getting close to him is part of my plan. Falling for him isn’t. Especially when I’m not sure if I can trust Drake… or my heart.
237 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 22, 2023
297 people are currently reading
948 people want to read
About the author
Emery Quinn
13 books22 followersEmery Quinn turns all of your romantic dreams and fantasies into hot and spicy page-turners. Follow her on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@emeryquinnauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
October 1, 2023
I was interested because the premise is the FMC is investigating her sisters death... but otherwise it reads like a typical romance.
There was one scene that I could not get passed
I did push through because I looked at the percentage and I was over the halfway mark. The ending was rushed, there was a hint of danger for the FMC but she was locked away in the penthouse and the situation got handled without her knowing. Kinda boring tbh.
There was one scene that I could not get passed
I did push through because I looked at the percentage and I was over the halfway mark. The ending was rushed, there was a hint of danger for the FMC but she was locked away in the penthouse and the situation got handled without her knowing. Kinda boring tbh.
December 8, 2024
What a weird premise! The guy admits to SAin you and you react like it's ok, let's have sex??????
Ewww fuck off.
Ewww fuck off.
April 9, 2024
Okay let me get this straight! The idea would have been good! A cat and mouse kinda game - who's deceiving who, not being allowed to fall in love and all that. But unfortunately it was just spice with a little bit of plot that was so convenient all the time that there was no suspense whatsoever 🥲
Things that annoyed me:
- insta attraction between Nora (FMC) and MMC (sorry forgot name) but as in like OMG I WAS DRIPPING WET like.. uhhh
- Nora thinking she could solve a murder that not even the full forces of the police could solve + her being horrendously shitty2 at investigating and keeping a cover
- Nora thinking mmc has something to do with her sister's murder and still falling for him so easily and
- BASED ON WHAT??? they never really have deep talks or talks about their hobbies or such, they know each other for three weeks by the time the major conflict arises and they are so deeply in love??? That was so unbelievable
- how the mmc thinks it's okay to retaliate by having Nora chained naked to the bed and pretend he's gonna rape her with his three friends?? And the friends also thought: well that's a good idea
- how Nora forgives him for that so easily?
- the way they just kill someone later? :D like um? They act like the mmc is conflicted about it but in the end they kill him nonetheless (btw without any hard evidence that he actually comiited the previous crimes)
- the mmcs friends who constantly ask whether the mmc "finally got his dick wet"? 😭
Finally: the spice was your good average spice, nothing too vanilla, nothing crazy either.
It's your regular formula x book: hot woman meets hot rich man, they instantly fall for each other, their friends are instant fans of each other, a lot of "she's different" based on nothing, they have hot sex, conflict arises, conflict easily solved and boom, happy end.
Things that annoyed me:
- insta attraction between Nora (FMC) and MMC (sorry forgot name) but as in like OMG I WAS DRIPPING WET like.. uhhh
- Nora thinking she could solve a murder that not even the full forces of the police could solve + her being horrendously shitty2 at investigating and keeping a cover
- Nora thinking mmc has something to do with her sister's murder and still falling for him so easily and
- BASED ON WHAT??? they never really have deep talks or talks about their hobbies or such, they know each other for three weeks by the time the major conflict arises and they are so deeply in love??? That was so unbelievable
- how the mmc thinks it's okay to retaliate by having Nora chained naked to the bed and pretend he's gonna rape her with his three friends?? And the friends also thought: well that's a good idea
- how Nora forgives him for that so easily?
- the way they just kill someone later? :D like um? They act like the mmc is conflicted about it but in the end they kill him nonetheless (btw without any hard evidence that he actually comiited the previous crimes)
- the mmcs friends who constantly ask whether the mmc "finally got his dick wet"? 😭
Finally: the spice was your good average spice, nothing too vanilla, nothing crazy either.
It's your regular formula x book: hot woman meets hot rich man, they instantly fall for each other, their friends are instant fans of each other, a lot of "she's different" based on nothing, they have hot sex, conflict arises, conflict easily solved and boom, happy end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2025
Good Drama!! Good Spice!! And a HEA
This book had some good drama!! Nora lost her step sister when she was murdered after leaving the Four Aces Casino where she worked. She decides to go to Boston where her best friend lives (while she’s on vacation) and assume her identity (in a way) to run into the owner and seduce him to get information about her step sisters murder. Drake is a math geek that has worked his way up through the casino world and eventually opened up his own with his three best friends. They decided on Four Aces and each one of them is a suit (corny but each fits their personality and job). Nora runs into Drake and a run and they end up hitting it off. They end up dating for a bit and she is getting frustrated bc she can not find any information about her step sister. Eventually, Drake finds out that she is not who she says she is and retaliates in a very humiliating way. (Tw) They separate and are both in way over their heads about how they feel about each other. But then an evil person shows his true colors and hurts someone really important to Nora. This puts Drake on alert and Nora is then forced to stay in Drakes penthouse until the threat is figured out. Things end up coming to light when Nora is talking to the police. Eventually, the evil person takes care of himself and Drake and Nora figure out they are in love with each other. I’m definitely going to read the other three Aces to see how the drama continues.
This book had some good drama!! Nora lost her step sister when she was murdered after leaving the Four Aces Casino where she worked. She decides to go to Boston where her best friend lives (while she’s on vacation) and assume her identity (in a way) to run into the owner and seduce him to get information about her step sisters murder. Drake is a math geek that has worked his way up through the casino world and eventually opened up his own with his three best friends. They decided on Four Aces and each one of them is a suit (corny but each fits their personality and job). Nora runs into Drake and a run and they end up hitting it off. They end up dating for a bit and she is getting frustrated bc she can not find any information about her step sister. Eventually, Drake finds out that she is not who she says she is and retaliates in a very humiliating way. (Tw) They separate and are both in way over their heads about how they feel about each other. But then an evil person shows his true colors and hurts someone really important to Nora. This puts Drake on alert and Nora is then forced to stay in Drakes penthouse until the threat is figured out. Things end up coming to light when Nora is talking to the police. Eventually, the evil person takes care of himself and Drake and Nora figure out they are in love with each other. I’m definitely going to read the other three Aces to see how the drama continues.
November 5, 2023
Nora’s search for her sister’s murderer leads her to bump into Drake, the owner of the casino where Nora’s sister worked. Another casino employee was also murdered, but no one seems to think they are connected, until Nora starts asking questions.
This novel is supposed to be a spicy romance, so the investigation is in the background as Nora constantly reminds herself that she’s there for answers, not to fall in love. She meets other characters that help the novel move forward. This being a romance, we know the HEA is going to happen eventually, but it isn’t without some shocking twists.
While there are some sex scenes, they weren’t extra spicy. One scene definitely pushed limits and had me questioning the logic of including it when it takes the reader out of the story since it didn’t match the tone of the novel.
If you are looking for a quick romance that can be read as a standalone, or as part of a series, then this is for you. If you are looking for smut, this has more substance than smut and while the sex scenes aren’t vanilla, they could use some more heat. Overall, this is a good novel by an author dipping her toes into a new subgenre.
This novel is supposed to be a spicy romance, so the investigation is in the background as Nora constantly reminds herself that she’s there for answers, not to fall in love. She meets other characters that help the novel move forward. This being a romance, we know the HEA is going to happen eventually, but it isn’t without some shocking twists.
While there are some sex scenes, they weren’t extra spicy. One scene definitely pushed limits and had me questioning the logic of including it when it takes the reader out of the story since it didn’t match the tone of the novel.
If you are looking for a quick romance that can be read as a standalone, or as part of a series, then this is for you. If you are looking for smut, this has more substance than smut and while the sex scenes aren’t vanilla, they could use some more heat. Overall, this is a good novel by an author dipping her toes into a new subgenre.
June 2, 2023
Great mix of steamy romance and thriller. 4*
This book was a great mix of steamy romance and thriller. With plenty of miscommunications, issues of trust, and looking at things but not seeing the obvious, this book sometimes keeps the reader on the edge of their seats. The developing feelings between Drake a maths genius and casino owner and Nora, an investigative reporter on the quest to find her stepsister’s killer are well described. With false names and a lack of trust to begin with, events come to a tragic head. The novel has good character developments and scene-appropriate dialogues that will keep the reader glued to the book right until the end which does surprisingly have a HEA. Would happily recommend this novel.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book was a great mix of steamy romance and thriller. With plenty of miscommunications, issues of trust, and looking at things but not seeing the obvious, this book sometimes keeps the reader on the edge of their seats. The developing feelings between Drake a maths genius and casino owner and Nora, an investigative reporter on the quest to find her stepsister’s killer are well described. With false names and a lack of trust to begin with, events come to a tragic head. The novel has good character developments and scene-appropriate dialogues that will keep the reader glued to the book right until the end which does surprisingly have a HEA. Would happily recommend this novel.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 13, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5
I almost DNF’ed this book. It’s so absurd and *so* extra. The premise is already a bit much. She’s going to date this guy just to find her sister’s killer and the police are useless? Mmmmmkay. A bit much. And then he’s already falling in love with her after 1 date? Too much. And he has the *audacity* to tell her on their first date that he just wants to get her naked AND SHE LIKES THIS?? It’s so many nos for me.
Nora: “I don’t know why I thought I’d be able to solve a murder when a decorated Boston detective can’t.” SAME NORA SAME.
I actually REALLY enjoyed the last like 20% of the book. But the first 80% was just SO extra. I will be reading the next book in this series.
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
There are a somewhat significant number of sex scenes but they’re all pretty vanilla. Except that one that almost was.
I almost DNF’ed this book. It’s so absurd and *so* extra. The premise is already a bit much. She’s going to date this guy just to find her sister’s killer and the police are useless? Mmmmmkay. A bit much. And then he’s already falling in love with her after 1 date? Too much. And he has the *audacity* to tell her on their first date that he just wants to get her naked AND SHE LIKES THIS?? It’s so many nos for me.
Nora: “I don’t know why I thought I’d be able to solve a murder when a decorated Boston detective can’t.” SAME NORA SAME.
I actually REALLY enjoyed the last like 20% of the book. But the first 80% was just SO extra. I will be reading the next book in this series.
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
There are a somewhat significant number of sex scenes but they’re all pretty vanilla. Except that one that almost was.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2023
This is the first in a new series, and this is Drake and Nora’s journey.
Nora is an investigative reporter, who is determined to go undercover to find out who her stepsister’s killer is. Drake is the owner of the Four Aces casino, where Nora’s sister worked, and where she was found nearby. Nora uses a fake name to get close to Drake, but will she be able to resist the pull towards him?
This is a well written story which has mystery, danger, suspense, twists, family, friendships, emotions, romance, revelations, undeniable chemistry, intrigue, and love, which leads to an entertaining, tragic, and steamy thrilling page turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Nora is an investigative reporter, who is determined to go undercover to find out who her stepsister’s killer is. Drake is the owner of the Four Aces casino, where Nora’s sister worked, and where she was found nearby. Nora uses a fake name to get close to Drake, but will she be able to resist the pull towards him?
This is a well written story which has mystery, danger, suspense, twists, family, friendships, emotions, romance, revelations, undeniable chemistry, intrigue, and love, which leads to an entertaining, tragic, and steamy thrilling page turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 24, 2023
Nora is an investigative reporter on the hunt for her stepsisters killer. Drake owns the casino that she worked in and was found nearby the property. Nora learns about Drakes routines and meets up with him, but does not tell him why she is there or what her real name is. From there on it is a roller coaster ride of situations, revelations, steamy encounters and backstories. The characters are well developed and full of personality, especially her girlfriend Lenora. Loved the chemistry, deep feelings and emotions, trust and fun of the main couple. Terrific ending... Full Disclosure!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 13, 2024
Plot kept my interest. I liked the main characters and Drake’s friends are primed for a good series. The casino setting was cool and the writing was relatively good for a “Stuff Your Kindle” selection. Good chemistry with our main couple and there are a few good twists.
There is one particularly spicy scene that I found problematic and took me completely out of the story. It was hard to get past. Both characters seemed to forgive significant betrayals quickly. Everything got wrapped up too conveniently and quickly.
This was pretty decent. It went very fast and kept my interest. If you get it for free, it’s great for the spicy book fans.
There is one particularly spicy scene that I found problematic and took me completely out of the story. It was hard to get past. Both characters seemed to forgive significant betrayals quickly. Everything got wrapped up too conveniently and quickly.
This was pretty decent. It went very fast and kept my interest. If you get it for free, it’s great for the spicy book fans.
March 1, 2024
Great
A great start to a 4 book series.
Emery Quinn is an Indie writer that I found on line and this book sounded different.
It has great plot development and characters with deep backgrounds and personalities.
I can't really say I missed anything in this book; except maybe Drake being held accountable for what he did and needing to make it up. Nora lied, He humiliated her.
Next up Nolan.
A great start to a 4 book series.
Emery Quinn is an Indie writer that I found on line and this book sounded different.
It has great plot development and characters with deep backgrounds and personalities.
I can't really say I missed anything in this book; except maybe Drake being held accountable for what he did and needing to make it up. Nora lied, He humiliated her.
Next up Nolan.
September 19, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
The only thing I didn't enjoy about this book was the murder investigation. It felt like it was underwhelming and honestly solved far too calmly. Otherwise, I really enjoyed Nora and Drake's relationship. I thought Drake was such a well-written man. He felt well rounded and had a personality outside of his job and romantic relationship. Nora was feisty and mouthy, but there was also a softness to her that felt genuine.
I want to read more of this series!!
The only thing I didn't enjoy about this book was the murder investigation. It felt like it was underwhelming and honestly solved far too calmly. Otherwise, I really enjoyed Nora and Drake's relationship. I thought Drake was such a well-written man. He felt well rounded and had a personality outside of his job and romantic relationship. Nora was feisty and mouthy, but there was also a softness to her that felt genuine.
I want to read more of this series!!
August 12, 2024
Nice, easy ready book
This is such a simple, easy read. Couple of spicy scenes but nothing too in depth. Did I enjoy the book, sure, would I read it again. Probably not.
It has helped wonders with my reading slump though.
Would more recommend this book to people starting in the spice romance book reading world.
This is such a simple, easy read. Couple of spicy scenes but nothing too in depth. Did I enjoy the book, sure, would I read it again. Probably not.
It has helped wonders with my reading slump though.
Would more recommend this book to people starting in the spice romance book reading world.
October 11, 2023
diamonds and deception
This was a cute and quick fun romantic book. I knew from the beginning hearts would be broken which triggered some anticipation. The plot wasn't long winded and didn't drag out, got to the point.
This was a cute and quick fun romantic book. I knew from the beginning hearts would be broken which triggered some anticipation. The plot wasn't long winded and didn't drag out, got to the point.
October 30, 2023
quick fun read, I liked the little sparkle of mystery, mafia and casino life within the romance.
I felt if was a little bit instant love; I need it to see a little bit of more connection apart from sex but I guess that was what it was.
I guess im entering into my mystery romances era
I felt if was a little bit instant love; I need it to see a little bit of more connection apart from sex but I guess that was what it was.
I guess im entering into my mystery romances era
November 6, 2023
who killed her?!
With her sister’s murder unsolved and no leads to go by, Nora decides to do her own investigation. Is she putting herself in danger by getting as close to her suspect, or is the danger of him stealing her heart more worrisome?
This is an excellent read.
With her sister’s murder unsolved and no leads to go by, Nora decides to do her own investigation. Is she putting herself in danger by getting as close to her suspect, or is the danger of him stealing her heart more worrisome?
This is an excellent read.
December 21, 2023
It wasn't bad for a starter novel, but it was very basic and not fleshed out. The conflicts and their subsequent resolution were subpar...and there was even some situations that could definitely be a trigger for anyone who has experienced SA...I won't be reading any more of this series.
April 29, 2024
This technically took me a lot longer to read than it actually did, as I only read it when I needed my kindle. And read 4 other books in between. But this was an average, good read. A little mystery side story with a lot of romance and a small bit of spice.
July 27, 2025
Sexy
This is a very well written book. It has friendships , intrique, a little mystery, determination, loss of family, love and alot of flirty narrative. Hope the rest of the series is as witty and sexy as this first book.
This is a very well written book. It has friendships , intrique, a little mystery, determination, loss of family, love and alot of flirty narrative. Hope the rest of the series is as witty and sexy as this first book.
Read
July 29, 2023[dnf @ 19%] not my cup of tea...
October 27, 2023
Heart breakers
This is the first Emery Quinn book I've read and I really enjoyed it. Emotive in places but flows seamlessly into a HEA.
This is the first Emery Quinn book I've read and I really enjoyed it. Emotive in places but flows seamlessly into a HEA.
November 9, 2023
Don't read this for the mystery component cause it's terrible and predictable.
The romance was fine, if a bit insta love.
The romance was fine, if a bit insta love.
November 15, 2023
It was alright, just was expecting it to be spicier
November 22, 2023
Yeah this was what i expected.
December 4, 2023
Good start to a morally grey series. Looking forward to the next one! 3/5🌶️
December 16, 2023
Hmmm
Story in beginning feel a little long winded almost dnf this. So glad I carried on though it turns into a great story and the slow start makes sense.
Story in beginning feel a little long winded almost dnf this. So glad I carried on though it turns into a great story and the slow start makes sense.
January 17, 2024
Super cheesy and “low quality” smutty romance lol. Still sorta cute
March 12, 2024
sexy story
I enjoyed this book. Honesty and ultimately love win out with the help of true friends. I recommend this book.
I enjoyed this book. Honesty and ultimately love win out with the help of true friends. I recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews