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Aces & Eights #3

Ace of Spades

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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.

301 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 6, 2018

478 people are currently reading
519 people want to read

About the author

Sandra Owens

46 books981 followers
An award winning author, Sandra Owens lives in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Her family and friends often question her sanity, but have ceased being surprised by what she might get up to next. She’s jumped out of a plane, flown in an aerobatic plane while the pilot performed thrilling stunts, has flown Air Combat (two fighter planes dogfighting, pretending to shoot at each other with laser guns), and rode a Harley motorcycle for years. She regrets nothing.

Sandra is a 2013 Golden Heart® Finalist for her contemporary romance, CRAZY FOR HER. CRAZY FOR HER is the first book in her bestselling series about the men of K2 Special Services. Book two, SOMEONE LIKE HER, is available now, and book three, FALLING FOR HER, is due out this fall. In addition to contemporary romances, Sandra writes Regency romances.

Learn more about Sandra at www.sandra-owens.com

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
Profile Image for ♥ WishfulMiss ♥ .
1,434 reviews115 followers
February 6, 2018
This is a friends to lovers trope with a bit of unrequited love thrown in the mix.

FBI agents Nate and Taylor have been partners and close friends for years and although Taylor hasn't made it a secret she's willing to step outside their friendship zone, Nate has always looked the other way. He cares too much about Taylor and their friendship to risk messing it all up. His abusive childhood leaves him with a lot of emotional baggage and his track record with past romantic relationships have convinced him he isn’t long term material.

When a case involving a serial killer targeting women who look remarkably like Taylor herself, brings a killer close to them Nate finds it harder and harder to ignore his feelings for her. As their investigation brings them closer to a motive and the killer's identity, secrets buried in Taylor's memories will resurface and emotions kept in check will spill out of control.

What I liked:
I like the friends to lovers trope for the most part and I liked that Nate isn’t portrayed as a player or serial dater. He’s just never let himself get attached to any one person. With Taylor he instantly feels the connection but because he feels like he’ll eventually follow in his parents footsteps, he stays away.

I also really liked Taylor, she wasn’t miserable or wasting away mooning over the H. She was opinionated and outspoken and just a nice change from the wilted h’s that become way too angsty when the guy doesn’t return their feelings.

I liked the ongoing investigation and the suspense it added to the story. The family ties on both sides, Nate’s brothers and their women and Taylor’s unconventional family was also a really nice touch.

What I didn't like:
The tone of the story sometimes veered towards the monotonous and feel really bland. And other times the story would get dragged down by too much inner dialogue and not enough action on the part of the MCs.

Would I recommend? This is part of a series and I think it would help fill in some holes regarding the Gentry boys and their complicated past, if read in order. I didn’t and there are times where you kind of have to guess at the meaning behind some character’s actions and reactions. If you like suspense and enjoy active investigations from the POV of the people on the scene, this was done really nicely.

* * * ARC provided for an honest review * * *
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All
thoughts and opinions are my own.


SAFETY INFO:


Profile Image for Cyndi.
2,450 reviews122 followers
July 29, 2018
FBI special agent Taylor watched her mother murdered when she was very young. Now the murderer is back killing prostitutes.
Meanwhile her best friend, Nate is moving from the friend zone and into romance category.
Good romance with equal parts suspense. Which, as you know, is often not equal. So many times there will be too much of one or the other.
2,354 reviews14 followers
December 24, 2017
I voluntary read and review an advanced copy of this book.. All thoughts and opinions are my own..I love my Gentry brothers. This was third book in the series and just as enjoyable as the previous two. Now you guys know I do not like writing a book in the guise of reviewing, I leave the writing to the Authors, however I do want to wet your appetite. We get to know Nate a little more and the development of romance with his love interest, and if you have read the books before I think you know who we are talking about, this person was perfect for him. I loved to catch up on his brothers, especially my Alex and his relationship with Mad. I was dreading getting to end up the book wary that this would be the end of them, and thankfully it is not, we shall get more my friends!!! And now the new count down begins. Enjoy!!!!
Profile Image for Jill Eshenbaugh.
238 reviews5 followers
December 1, 2017
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.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
1,277 reviews58 followers
March 3, 2019
Yay, we finally get Nate's story. Nate is the no-nonsense Gentry brother. As the oldest, he was responsible for raising and protecting his younger brothers. As a result, he only has time for the job not love. He has a close friendship with fellow FBI agent, Taylor, but secretly fantasizes about her. Taylor has been harboring feelings for Nate for years. When Taylor captures the attention of a serial killer that they are hunting, Nate finally comes to terms with his true feelings toward Taylor.

This is just a good all around romance series. I was so happy to finally get to Nate's story and was not disappointed with how it turned out. I think Nate might be my favorite Gentry brother. He certainly lived up to the idea of "the harder they resist, the harder they fall". Smut factor - I'm giving it a 2.5 out of 5 - they had some hot scenes, but they also had a serial killer to find.
Profile Image for Maria11.
2,001 reviews45 followers
February 7, 2018
I think this was the best of the series. I liked Taylor from the other stories and it was great to hear her story. She was tough, but she seemed to fold up when it came to Nate. Nate the complete control freak was at his best. He can be annoying but his story tells you why. The brothers came to play in this one. It was a nice way to tie in the first two books.

The case they worked was dark and the evil guy was way evil. Creepy! Good story, but it doesn’t seem like it is the end the way the author left it. Seems like there will be another story for the brothers!

Good read! Enjoy.

Received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley.
Profile Image for Emily.
5,867 reviews546 followers
October 1, 2018
Nate Gentry and Taylor Collins are working together to find the person murdering prostitutes. Nate is the oldest of the Gentry brothers and is struggling with the fact that his siblings is wanting to find their mother who abandoned them to an abusive father. Nate is working the case with Taylor, finding himself wanting more from Taylor than co-workers and struggling with his siblings decision. Will they be able to find the murderer in time, will Taylor feel the same way as Nate and what about his mother?

I had not read the other two books so did not the back story but I enjoyed this. I thought it was fast paced, good chemistry and was well paced. I thought Nate was swoon worthy, intriguing character and found I still wanted more of him by the end of the book. Great read, going to check the rest in the series.
Profile Image for Pat.
1,375 reviews43 followers
January 14, 2018
The third in the Aces and Eights Series is an emotional roller coaster including a search for a serial killer that threatens one of their own. Taylor is Nate’s partner in the FBI, and has a similar background as a child, awful. They constantly struggle with their relationship as best friends, because they both want more, but fear losing each other if things go bad. A lot of surprises occur in this story, and I couldn’t put it down! Full review on
http://www.tbqsbookpalace.com on 1/31/18
2,354 reviews14 followers
December 24, 2017
I voluntary read and review an advanced copy of this book.. All thoughts and opinions are my own..I love my Gentry brothers. This was third book in the series and just as enjoyable as the previous two. Now you guys know I do not like writing a book in the guise of reviewing, I leave the writing to the Authors, however I do want to wet your appetite. We get to know Nate a little more and the development of romance with his love interest, and if you have read the books before I think you know who we are talking about, this person was perfect for him. I loved to catch up on his brothers, especially my Alex and his relationship with Mad. I was dreading getting to end up the book wary that this would be the end of them, and thankfully it is not, we shall get more my friends!!! And now the new count down begins. Enjoy!!!!
Profile Image for Danielle  Gypsy Soul.
3,173 reviews80 followers
February 10, 2018
4.5 Stars. Ace of Spades is the 3rd book in the Aces & Eights series and although it can be read as a stand alone I think you'd get more out of it if you've read the first two. This is the oldest brother Nate's book and I have to admit out of all the characters Nate has always been my favorite and I have been looking forward to his book. I wasn't disappointed.

Nate was the brother who tried to protect his siblings and basically raised them. He has a lot of emotional scars and some physical ones as well from his childhood. Nate has always been the stoic older brother who hides his emotions but underneath that he feels very deeply. Taylor was the perfect heroine for him. I loved that they were best friends prior to the romantic relationship and that Taylor was also very smart and tough. She understood Nate, his job and his past as Taylor also had demons from her childhood. I thought these two were perfect together and enjoyed the spark, the humor, the intimacy and sex and even the challenges they faced to make things work out.

The suspense was also well done and added to the book. This was my favorite suspense plot of the series so far and I thought it was very well written. The pace moved at a good clip and there was just enough action to keep it interesting. It was also nice to see the previous couples from the earlier books.

I think Nate will always be my favorite character from this series but it looks like we get at least one more book in the series and I'm looking forward to reading it.

A copy of this book was provided to me by Netgalley and the publisher with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion.
1,382 reviews10 followers
December 3, 2017
♠ Ace of Spades, by Sandra Owens ♠
I absolutely loved this book,
& I thoroughly enjoyed reading it!!
It is romance suspense at it's finest!!
This story is about the oldest Gentry
brother, Nate. He & Taylor, both work
for the FBI, & this past year they have
become best friends.
Nate, & his brother's Court & Alex,
had a rough life growing up.
Being the oldest, he took on the responsibility to feed, & care for his
brothers, while being on the receiving
end of his drunk, & abusive father fist.
With everything Nate lived through,
it hardened his heart.
Nate & Taylor, fight their attraction
for each other. He has put a wall up
to protect himself. And keeps Taylor at
arms length, so she won't be hurt.
With the FBI newest case, they are
trying to take down a serial killer,
who is murdering women.
As Nate & Taylor, along with his
brother's Court & Alex, & their team of special agents, investigate the murders,
the case reveals something from
Taylor's childhood.
A beautifully written story, you won’t
be able to put down.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND FOR EVERYONE
TO READ!!!
Profile Image for Avid Reader.
1,752 reviews
February 2, 2018
Ace of Spades (Aces & Eights #3) by Sandra Owens
4.5 stars
M/F Thriller, Romance
Triggers: Murder, Stalking
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.

Nathan and Taylor have been dancing around each other for a while now. I like that Taylor is a take no prisoner type woman. She knows what she wants and isn't afraid to tease to get it.

With a killer on the loose, Nathan and his brothers are trying to find a clue as to who and why. Taylor is hot on the trail mainly because she looks exactly like the killers' victims. This is a fast paced thriller where you want to get to the end, but at the same time, don't want the story to end.

Taylor and Nathan dance around each other for the majority of the story, with a few interludes where they break their friendship bond and fall in to each other's arms.

The little girls in this story were sweet, it gave Nathan a more human quality, rather than just the rough and tumble agent who is always in control.

The backstory to the brothers also takes a turn and while you expect some kind of twist, I liked this one a lot.

I cannot wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Jo.
1,917 reviews17 followers
February 7, 2018
The stories of the brothers were sad, abused by their father, didn’t have a nice life then watching their mother left them, they were just boys. Years gone, they are men, carried different burdens. Nate is the oldest n carries most, then Court n Alex, I cried for them because their broken stories, I cheer for them because they deserve the best love from their women.

Now boys are completed, a nice career, family n woman they are in love.

Tiger, yes, like the nick name of her, fearless, strong n elegant, it fit her even Taylor’s story was broken too.

The world isn’t fair, good people is suffer n bad guys are enjoy their long life. That’s why we need the stories to tell us, good things will happen.

The next is Kinsey, the youngest sister to reunion her brothers, her maybe broken too, without support, money, at least she had a lovely mother beside her.
Profile Image for LEAH ANN.
145 reviews2 followers
February 7, 2018
Spectacular

OMG, the excitement and anticipation throughout this book was captivating. I couldn’t put the book down. So much energy and tension coming from Nate and Taylor that I could almost feel it, at times it was sizzling! Nate’s background made my heart hurt and Taylor’s was full of compassion for others like her. They compliment each other in every way possible. The story also has a little surprise included. That was such a very special treat for me. I love how the book has a little of everything, intrigue, passion, humor, heartache, happiness, adventure, etc. I hope you will enjoy this book as much as I did.
Profile Image for Julia Gerard.
694 reviews10 followers
February 16, 2018
Ace of Spades Book 3 in the Aces and Eights series, is a stand alone featuring Taylor and Nate. Both are FBI agents, but are also best friends! Both have histories that hold them back from wanting to be in a real relationships. Until the case that brings a lot of old feeling forward. ladies of night getting murdered and that hits Taylor close to home, because of her mother! Nate's mother just walked out on the family, to protect herself. I love Sandra's writing, it is well plotted and well written. If you are looking for a thriller of a story, with a heartwarming love twist, this is the story for you! I actually recommend the whole series!
Profile Image for Chantel Danos.
42 reviews1 follower
January 30, 2018
I absolutely loved this book! I was hoping and praying that Nate & Taylor realized that they were in love with each other. To find out Taylor’s story was heartbreaking,but she turned that into being a “Tiger” kicka** FBI Agent! I would recommend this book as of any other of Sandra Owens books to anyone! I can’t wait for the next.
Profile Image for Diana Davidson.
113 reviews
December 20, 2017
Oh my! I do love me some Gentry boys! I thought for sure Alex was my forever love but I think Nate may have stolen my heart! He is just so tragic and broken and I want to fix him. But, alas, my feelings aren’t returned.
This was such a great story! The heat and chemistry between Nate and Taylor was phenomenal! I loved learning more about Taylor. I also enjoyed getting more insight into the Gentry boys. And there may or may not be an appearance by a couple of the hotties from the K2 series.
If you haven’t read this author, I recommend you jump on Amazon and get started. You won’t be disappointed
178 reviews1 follower
March 3, 2018
Great Reading!

WOW! This one is the best yet. Nate the brooding brother finally figures out that he can be happy. Taylor makes him laugh. They do belong together. This is a great series and I can't wait for the next book.
23 reviews
December 10, 2017
Once you start Ace of Spades, you won't want to put it down. Sandra Owen's Aces and Eights series keeps getting better and I loved the first two books in the series.

Ace of Spades is suspenseful, sensual, saucy, and filled with sexual tension. It features three sexy, gorgeous brothers who are undercover FBI agents working to find a serial killer.

Nate Gentry, the oldest brother, and fellow FBI agent Taylor Collins are attracted to each other but feel they can't go beyond friends. Both Nate and Taylor had difficult childhoods and have the emotional scars to prove it. Nate helped protect his two brothers from an abusive father most of his life and Taylor's prostitute mother was killed when Taylor was a young child. As the murder investigations continue, Nate and Taylor's chemistry reaches a boiling point but Nate keeps putting on the brakes for reasons he won't share with anyone.

Ace of Spades is intense but also very humorous. It will also keep you on the edge of your seat throughout the book. You don't have to read the first two books in the Aces and Eights series but it will help you understand the character of each brother caused in part by their horrendous childhood.
1,396 reviews11 followers
December 18, 2017
Both Taylor and Nate's character are tough as nails yet loyal as all get out. They've been dancing around each other for some time now. So of course their first intimate time was wonderful. Even a serial killer intent on making Taylor his, can't slow them down.
I love this series and can't wait to see what turn it is going to take for the next story.
Profile Image for Brandy.
426 reviews
December 10, 2017
Ace of Spade's is #3 in Sandra Owens Ace's and Eight's series. I absolutely love everything Sandra does, but this is the best of the series. And they were all amazing!!! My favorite book of the year. If there were more stars, I'd give it more than a 5 star rating. Ms. Owen's is by far my favorite author. She's amazing. She always leaves me with the feels. And I feel like I'm there with the characters. This story had me crying. Laughing. I even got goosebumps. Full of romance, suspense and mystery. Ace of Spade's had it all. I love the friends to lovers aspect. My favorite trope. We met FBI agent, and oldest Gentry brother, Nate, and heroine, fellow FBI agent, Taylor Collins in the first book, baby brother Alex's story, Jack of Heart's. I loved seeing stoic, serious, Nate's soft side. His scenes with Taylor's 'girl's' was heart melting. Ms. Owen's has a gift with coming up, perfect, clever nicknames, the hero gives his heroine, and this was no exception. If your an avid Sandra Owens fan, there's a little treat, nod in this book. I'll leave it at that. This is a DEFINITE must read!
I received an ARC net galley copy from the author, for an honest review.
1,814 reviews75 followers
December 4, 2017
This is hands down the best book in the series! We see the chemistry of Taylor and Nate in the first 2 books of the series grow over time...but I have to say I wasn’t prepared for the utter emotion and angst in this one. Taylor and Nate are perfect for one another. It’s as simple and as complex as that. What I loved more about this book is the transformation of Nate from a tortured soul who in the end is free, open and finally able to commit and admit to his one true love. The Gentry boys in this are hilarious! Who doesn’t love siblings and their fun, rambunctious humor!

Pick up this one! Its well worth the read! Great job sandy!!
Profile Image for Books and Spoons.
1,612 reviews32 followers
February 6, 2018
The Gentry brothers have certainly charmed me over the series, but I have to admit that Nate managed to take me by surprise with the sensitive, caring, tender, even romantic insides to this notable man of toughness, protectiveness, and dominance.
Nate had so many layers in his personality and each one of them intrigued me in an equal manner. There is the big brother who has always looked after his younger brothers, protected them, took beatings for them, loved them and guided them to be the men they are today. There is the FBI agent who has worked undercover for years, who is best of the best, sees the bigger picture, who pays attention to the smallest of details and leads the others by example. He is all about teamwork and everyone being equal, and he is not afraid to let the others shine. Actually, one of my favorite moments was when Taylor Collins shoots the snake before he has a chance, and instead of feeling like that was 'a man's job' to protect the lady, he only thought how capable and hot Taylor was in action. *swoon*
And Taylor is equal to all the men in the team, despite being the only female. Taylor is a lot like Nate, the tough law enforcement outer shell covering the caring, loving woman who has six foster children. Taylor and Nate were in all possible ways so well suited together, they took my breath away. Mentally, physically, professionally, sexually... they were in tune like you rarely see, even in romance novels. And Henry, and Henry Too - Nate had me swooning and sighing with his romantic gestures, with his relationship with 'the girls', and how he helped to take care of them.
The suspense in the story comes up close and personal to the FBI team, and in the creepy, scary, in your face way that gave me chills. I enjoyed watching the team work together to protect their own and find solutions, clues, and conclusion into this complex case.
Taylor and Nate had their moments of pure bliss, yet both of their childhoods being less than ideal they had many obstacles in their minds to overcome to be able to build a lasting relationship. The back and forth between them was frustrating and even aggravating at times since I was so emotionally invested in the story. Yet, each step they had to overcome was understandable from the point of view of their past.
With the romance and suspense so well intertwined together, I could not tell you which of them stood out more, I admit Ace of Spades stole my heart and got into my feelings and emotions like few stories do. I had to wait a couple of days to actually write this review, because all I could think about was 'I loved them, oh, I loved them so much' -- Sometimes I feel like my expectations from my favorite authors are higher than from the most, and I am not sure if that is fair, but Ms. Owens delivers each and every time, so I am not so worried about that right now. Y'all, Aces & Eights is a must read emotion filled intense romantic suspense series that I can only highly recommend
~ Five Spoons!
Profile Image for Kahea.
2,261 reviews123 followers
February 10, 2018
***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.

~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley & voluntarily reviewed ~

Profile Image for Angela.
3,379 reviews33 followers
February 8, 2018
Ace of Spades is the third book in the exciting Aces & Eights series by author Sandra Owens. A thrilling suspense with mystery, murder, complex characters, and intriguing twists and turns that you won't be able to put down. This suspenseful, emotional, friends to lovers romance is a fantastic story from beginning to end. It is a great addition to this incredible series!

Nate Gentry is the oldest of the three brothers, all FBI agents who have all been working undercover using their biker bar, Aces & Eights, as their cover, until now. Nate and his best friend and sometimes partner, Taylor Collins, have been given the latest case of prostitutes being murdered, with Nate as the lead. Nate knows that this case is extremely personal for Taylor, but none of them are prepared for just how personal things are going to get.

Nate and Taylor have been bf's for the last year, although both of them have tried to hide their attractions to one another, because neither of them want to take a chance on messing up their friendship. However, Taylor's love for Nate is more than she can handle, and tries to force him to acknowledge that he has feelings for her too. When things start heating up on the case, as well as between them, everything changes in ways none of them could have predicted.

If you haven't read this series, I highly suggest that you start from the beginning. It's not necessary to read the previous books prior to this one, but if you want to get the full backgrounds on the brothers, their stories, as well as have a better understanding of everything in general, I would definitely recommend doing so. All of the books in this series are terrific, and you won't be disappointed!

I strongly recommend this book, series, and fantastic author.

I have voluntarily reviewed this arc provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
Profile Image for Nalla Reads.
462 reviews25 followers
February 6, 2018
Originally posted on NallaReads.com

description

The third book to Owens' Aces & Eights series is here! Nate has watched over his brothers for as long as he can remember. Now it's time to confront their past and a secret that's haunted them for years. By Nate's side is his partner and the woman of his dreams, Taylor. As FBI agents, they both know how to kick ass and take names. But when Taylor's own past comes after her, Nate has to decide if he'll let his own demons haunt him or will he risk it all to save her.

I loved the easy going nature between Taylor and Nate. As partners there is the unspoken trust between the two of them. They know how the other works inside and out when it comes to the job but have no idea how the other truly feels for their partner. Wanting more than a partner in her job, Taylor decides to put all her cards on the table and ask Nate for a chance. There's a chance they could be great and Taylor accepts that Nate may not be able to give her everything. But as the two grow closer, Nate begins to realize how he truly feels for her.

Heart stopping action and a serial killer case on their hands (that is seriously soooo interesting throughout the whole book, I could easily see it being a movie!), this action romance is definitely killer. I highly recommend you read books 1 & 2 first so as you're not lost at the Gentry brother's past, but it can be read as a standalone if you're your own detective and are good at figuring out puzzles. Oh and the secret the Gentry brothers have had haunting them? Well....just stick around for this shocking ending!

description
981 reviews1 follower
December 27, 2017
This is the third in Sandra Owens’ series about three brothers who were abused as children but rose above that to become FBI agents. I don’t know much about the FBI, but it seems strange that they are undercover by night running a bar visited by Miami gangs and by day they investigate unrelated crimes.

The particular crimes in this book involve a serial murderer killing prostitutes who happen to bear a likeness to the books heroine, FBI agent Taylor Collins. Taylor is the partner and best friend of the oldest brother, Nate Gentry. They are attracted to each other but Nate is too hung up by his past and his fears that he will turn out to be abusive like his father. Taylor is a rather unbelievable heroine. She’s got it all - tragic past and a heart of gold that has led her to help her foster mother take care of abused little girls. She’s also a top-notch FBI agent with rockin; martial arts skills. And she’s beautiful and sexy to boot.

Taylor and Nate work on trying to find the creepy serial killer before he kills again or attacks Taylor. We get enough of seeing the action through the murderer’s eyes to build up suspense.

I enjoyed the deep affection among the three brothers as well as Taylor’s adorable foster children. The thriller part of the plot never seemed that scary to me because we know that Taylor is so awesome that she’ll be able to protect herself.

I’ve enjoyed this series and look forward to reading the next one as the brothers meet their long-missing little sister.

I was given a free ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

3,548 reviews40 followers
January 23, 2018
True to form , Ms Owens gives the reader another exceptional book in her series, Aces & Eights.
This time it’s the oldest brother, Nate Gentry, who gets his story.
Taylor Collins, an FBI agent as are all the Gentry brothers, has become Nate’s best friend , and in the last year, Taylor has developed feelings for him. But Nate is a man that believes he can’t have relationships because of his parentage.
An investigation of a possible serial killer, is assigned to the two of them. As the killer gets closer, so do they .
The author does an excellent job of giving us not only a complex main plot , but also sub-plots. Her characters are well developed and flawed.
The dedication of Nate to the well-being of his brothers, especially when he was just a child himself, is touching and heartbreaking.
While the main plot deals with the killer, the suspense, and the victims, the sub-plot is what I found most touching.
A reminder that the hardest issues to overcome stem from our childhood. In this case, Nate’s childhood as well as that of his brothers, was one of abuse and abandonment. When people of authority and those that they were suppose to trust made them feel helpless and worthless, that doesn’t just go away but rather follows the individual through adulthood. Each brother before him , have found someone to love them and help them overcome these obstacles. Will Nate get chance of finding that someone special or will his fears hold him back?
Truly a heartbreaking but also heartwarming story.
Kudos to Ms Owens for such a thoughtful and thought provoking story.
I was gifted this copy by Netgalley. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Profile Image for Vee Stojcevski.
109 reviews1 follower
February 7, 2018
Highly recommended! Love the Gentry’s

Brilliant third novel about the Gentry bros by Sandra. Could not put it down! Nate is protective, reserved, tortured and super hot. Taylor is an intelligent, beautiful and highly skilled agent who can hold her own with the boys. Standoff is a great way to describe Nate and Taylor’s relationship. I enjoyed the wonderful journey we take with them as they crackle & sizzle together. In Sandra’s words they are a “potent brew” Will they or won’t they? Sandra had me in suspense with their relationship. So much fun. Loved it!
Sandra writes exceptionally well and transports you easily into each scene, allowing you to feel the emotionally charged scenes. I was so engrossed that at one particular moment I huffed out loud at Nate because he was suggesting Taylor back out of a job. Nate!
I love Sandra’s sense of humour and it is definitely a highlight I look forward to in reading her books. Ace of Spades has plenty of laugh out loud moments. When Nate,Court & Alex get together their interactions are so much fun!
Another brilliant aspect of Sandra’s stories is how well rounded they are. Not only do we get to know the characters intimately but we also get to live in their world through the dramatic storyline unfolding. We get to join them on their hunt for bad guys. Love this!
Her novel is packed with love, drama, suspense, and wonderful humour. It is hard not to fall in love with these super hot bad...s Gentry’s. Highly recommended!! When is the next instalment due? Can’t wait!
Profile Image for Marie Vasquez.
1,598 reviews78 followers
January 18, 2018
How I adore the Gentry brothers. Each of them is strong, protective, kind and sexy and Nate Gentry, being the oldest, has all of those attributes in spades. <3

Taylor Collins was my kind of my kind of gal. She didn’t need a man to save her. In fact, she could take Nate down if she wanted to and I loved that about her. She was an equal to the men she worked with and was treated that way. She loved her job and she loved her best friend. Now it was time to do something about it.

Nate and Taylor had an amazing friendship. They new each other so well, every reaction when they were around each other was instinct. And though Nate has had his eye on her for some time, he didn’t want to do anything to jeopardize what they had. But Taylor wasn’t having that nonsense. She was tired of ignoring their chemistry so it was time to just go for it.

Both had bad starts in life but found themselves in their love for the law and helping those who need it by finding justice and putting away the bad guys. But Nate still had fears that stemmed from his upbringing and those worries set him on a path of avoiding relationship at all costs. Thankfully, Taylor wasn’t taking no for an answer.

This was another great story in the Aces & Eights series by Sandra Owens and I’m SO looking forward to the finale. There is still so much for the Gentry brothers to learn before their HEAs are complete.
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