Ace of Hearts

Vegas Underground #3

by Renee Rose

THE SWEET LITTLE SONGBIRD’S IN MY CAGE NOW.
She owes the Family money. Big money. And I’m the guy
they sent to put the squeeze on her. So now she’s playing at my casino.
Strutting around on my stage in her tight little shorts. Killing me softly.
I promised she’ll be treated with respect, so long as she does as she’s told.
But I didn’t count on her barging in my office and tempting me,
begging for a taste of my authority.
I didn’t count on her getting under my skin.
And the last thing I want is to see her debt paid.
Because then I’d have to set her free…

Note: This steamy stand-alone romance is the third in USA Today bestselling author Renee Rose's Vegas Underground series. No cheating, no cliffhangers.

Genres: Romance, BDSM, Contemporary, Erotica, Contemporary Romance, Dark Romance, Mafia Romance

208 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 24, 2018

About the author

15-Time USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR RENEE ROSE loves a dominant, dirty-talking alpha hero! She's sold over five million copies of steamy romance with varying levels of kink. Her books have been featured in USA Today's Happily Ever After and Popsugar. Named Eroticon USA's Next Top Erotic Author in 2013, she has also won Spunky and Sassy's Favorite Sci-Fi and Anthology author, The Romance Reviews Best Historical Romance, and has hit the USA Today list with her Chicago Bratva, Bad Boy Alpha, and Wolf Ranch books as well as various kinky anthologies.

For FREE RENEE ROSE BOOKS, go to this page: https://subscribepage.com/alphastemp

**Visit her blog at www.reneeroseromance.com
**Follow Renee at www.Facebook.com/ReneeRoseRomance - She loves to chat with readers!
**Follow her on Tiktok @authorreneerose
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WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT RENEE'S BOOKS:

"I savor Renee Rose's books as if they were the finest of champagnes" ~USA Today Bestselling Author Sierra Cartwright

"Renee Rose has an ability to write the most captivating, most intriguing, and the hottest books around." ~ USA Today Bestselling Author Alta Hensley

"A sexy tale for modern women that's as steamy as a locker room shower." ~Kirkus Reviews

"I've been completely blown away by this series" ~The Romance Reviews

"Nobody writes a bad boy hero like Renee Rose" ~USA Today Bestselling Author Cara Bristol

"If you are looking for a romance you can lose yourself in and think fondly of for days after, look no further. This is a Renee Rose book and this author is very good at what she does." ~USA Today Bestselling Author Maren Smith

"Hands down Renee Rose writes the sexiest, naughtiest, set your Kindle on fire romance." ~USA Today Bestselling Author Natasha Knight

"If you love your men dominant alphas and get considerable pleasure out of watching them have their lives turned upside down by the women in their lives on the way to their happily ever after, then you'll love this story." ~The Romance Reviews [TOP PICK]

"Rose always delivers with her erotic stories. It's hot, it's sexy, & don't forget the icy drink & fan when you read this one." ~Manic Readers

"I have yet to read a book by Renee Rose that I don't enjoy so much as to read it again and again." ~Bottoms Up Book Reviews

Reviews

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five Star Heart With Heat!

If you’ve never read a Renee Rose novel, you are in for a five-star delight! “Ace of Hearts” is incredibly well written, demonstrating Ms. Rose’s unique talent for writing romantic erotica. Professionally written, fast paced and thoroughly engaging “Ace of Hearts” is filled with romance, intrigue as well as the serious subject of sexual assault. Featuring one hot mafioso hero, an adorably quirky, pop-star heroine “Ace of Hearts” is a story with heart and plenty of erotic heat. Fans of the series will be treated to cameo appearances by characters from previous books and a teaser introducing Junior’s (Tacone Familia capo) upcoming story. “Ace of Hearts” is a kinder, somewhat gentler story but still guaranteed to start a five-alarm fire you will not want to put out! Although the third book in the Vegas Underground Series, “Ace of Hearts” is a complete standalone novel.

Disclaimer: No Kindles were seriously harmed while reading this novel. Children 18 and over only due to sensitive subject matter, explicit sexual content, and domestic discipline!
Disclaimer for the Disclaimer… The term “seriously harmed” is not intended to include: overheating, scorch marks, minor melting or inconsequential fire that can be put out with an extinguisher. Fire retardant gloves highly recommended while reading. Reviewer is not responsible for run-on sentences, questionable grammar, misplaced commas or illegal use of overly descriptive language.

RATING DETAILS (Based on 1 to 5 Gold Stars):
Steam Factor: 5 Hot Mafia Enforcer Stars
Writing Style: 5 Professional Stars
Plot: 5 Thrilling Vegas Stars
Engaging Characters: 5 Heartfelt Stars
Satisfying Conclusions: 5 Contented Stars

[Mahima · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars
I read only 85% of the book so its not quite appropriate for me to put a review on this.

But I just wanted to get it out of my system by admitting that this was not what I expected Tony's story to be. I was more of an intense and extraordinary expector.
The first two parts were way better than this one.

Let's see what happens in the next parts.

[DeeReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving this fast pace series! Nico Tacone's friend and enforcer, Tony Brando gets a smexy story with his sweet songbird, Pepper Heart~ Interesting backstory too~

5 melodic stars *****

[Darlene I read WAY to many books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pepperr is in deep.. her manager borrowed money from Junior and family making Pep in debt.. so to pay it off she now has to sing and do concerts at the Vegas hotel owned by Nico.

In charge of her stay is enforcer and long time friend of the family Tony he's already head over heels but has to keep it professional he can't go against the family and he knows his past is dark. He can't taint his songbird.. but it doesn't last no one touches his girl and he shall protect her. Even if Pepper sass him and walks around in tiny shorts..

The chemistry is hot and the banters are steamy.. but someone wants Pep dead.. and Tony won't let that happen.. plus we get more of the family ❤


Low angst, No ow/om drama, no cheating, secondary chara, sexy times, drama, no virgins


Recommend- yes
Cover-⭐⭐⭐⭐

Slowish-insta
Push/pull from both
Spankings
Safe sex
Mentions of sexual assault (peps was raped she doesn't remember her rapist she was drugged)
Hea
Epilogue

[Kim Brewing · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't fall in love with the last book in this series, but this one made up for it. Loved Tony and his Songbird. You just have to believe in fate when two lonely people find each other at the perfect time. A debt to the mafia was the best thing that ever happened to Pepper...why you ask? Give it a read and find out. BTW each book in this series could be a stand alone.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Songbird Stars

Pepper and Tony's story is steamy and kinda sweet! Easy and enjoyable to read and I only wish for a slightly different ending. It wasn't bad at all, just I would like something different.

Re-Read: 05/2023
Re-Read: 08/2024

[Maria11 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok read

The plot was pretty good. I easily figured it out though. Lots os sex. LOTS! If that is not your thing do not read it. Again spanking is not my thing and there is LOTS of that too. The next book looks interesting.

[Shahla's World · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recommend that you purchase your copy of “ACE OF HEARTS” today. It is an EXCEPTIONAL novel about the power of love, a power more significant, and more compelling than the Mafia or personal fame. Get “ACE OF HEARTS” and let Tony and his songbird teach you how to love. Happy pages! 😉

FULL REVIEW: https://shahlas-world.blogspot.com/20...

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a bit newer to the talent that is Renee Rose, and let me tell you, it didn't take long it at all for her to make my addiction list, so I LOVED Ace of Hearts completely. It's the story of Pepper Heart, who is a punk rocker turned pop star, who through her manager and/or her family, is now owned by the Tacone family, as she has to perform at their place in Vegas to pay them back for the money borrowed from them. So she's at the mercy of Tony, a dangerous man, and yet, Pepper isn't scared in the slightest, nope, she's more attracted to him than anything. But little does he know that she's been battling being sick, and her manager couldn't give two craps, so yeah, it's going to be fun. Plus, Tony feels those same sparks for her. Those sparks didn't take long at all to ignite into super sexy times that lit things on fire completely, though it made for different emotions in them when over. I'm not saying that it was insta love, just saying that both knew that maybe their sexy times weren't the best idea. Oh, and the twists, because there were many, which made my f-bombs dropping down many, as I didn't see all of them coming of course. Then there was the cast of secondaries that were made up of different types, the good, the bad, and the very very ugly. Anyway, I very much loved every minute of this story, and didn't want it to end, so HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!

[Shirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you borrow from the mafia you better have a way to pay back your debts. Even though Pepper Heart isn't the one who borrowed the money it's up to her to pay the debt back. Pepper is a singer who has been on the road for awhile now. Playing every night. It's not even about the music anymore because this new album that flopped was not the work that she got into singing with. It's what her manager wanted. He produced it and promoted it. It didn't make enough to pay the mob back so now she is right off tour and they own her until she makes enough to pay it back. Until then she only sings for Nico's casino. Problem is... she has lost her voice.

Tony has been with the family since he and Nico were friends in school. Nico's Dad helped him out with a little problem with Tony was young and now he's family. Mob enforcer. Good thing he and Nico were so close and when Nico opened his own casino in Vegas he brought Tony along with him. Tony is in charge of Pepper Heart and her band. When he finds out she is lip syncing and not really singing he is ready to put her over his knee.

When someone tries to kill him while she is with him and she sees what kind of man he really is can she forgive him?
Nothing can come of them anyway since she travels and he has a job at the casino. Should any of it matter?

[Debra Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Purchase Amazon March 21, 2020

3.75 Stars

[Romanticamente Fantasy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maria Antonietta - per RFS
.
Sarò il tuo uccellino in gabbia, fino a quando non mi libererai. (Tratto dal libro)

Bentrovate fenici, siamo sempre a Las Vegas al Casinò Bellissimo della famiglia Tacone.

Questa volta è Tony che dovrà sbrigare gli affari sporchi della famiglia mafiosa e occuparsi di riscuotere i debiti.

Tony Brando è il direttore operativo, nonché uomo di fiducia, guardia del corpo e amico della famiglia. Il suo legame con loro risale a quando era solo un ragazzino e il Don salvò lui e sua madre dandogli una pistola e un lavoro.

Pepper Hearts è una cantante punk e deve molti soldi alla famiglia Tacone per un debito mai saldato.

Il pagamento avverrà con le sue prestazioni canore, dovrà esibirsi nel casinò per un totale di venti spettacoli.

Il libro inizia con l’arrivo della famosa cantante, la star, a Las Vegas e proprio al casinò fa la conoscenza di Tony, con il quale scatta subito una forte attrazione, un po’ troppo per i miei gusti.

Da buon osservatore Tony è diffidente nei confronti di Hugh, il suo manager, e fa bene, perché è un uomo cinico e opportunista nonché il responsabile del guaio in cui si è cacciata.

Alla prima esibizione il pubblico è in estasi e tutta la famiglia Tacone è lì ad applaudirla, ma Tony si accorge che la ragazza canta in playback e si arrabbia moltissimo. Che succederà ora? Nessuno si prende gioco dei Tacone!

La povera Pepper ha perso la voce e sta male già da un bel po’ con l’indifferenza del manager che ha voluto continuare comunque il tour e adesso è stanca e demotivata. Il guaio è che il debito è stato contratto con Junior Tacone, il peggiore dei fratelli mafiosi, il più inflessibile e calcolatore.

Che succederà ora?

Non permetterò a nessuno di farti del male. (Tratto dal libro)

Tony è fedele alla famiglia che non tradirebbe mai, ma ha anche un codice d’onore e alle donne non farebbe mai del male.

Tra i due si instaura uno strano rapporto fatto di sesso disinibito e un interessamento sempre più intenso che porta entrambi a confidenze personali, sebbene siano consapevoli di provenire da realtà diverse e che fra loro non ci potrà mai essere un futuro.

Lei è in una fase di stallo, non sa più cosa sta facendo, si è fatta manipolare e condizionare da ormai troppo tempo. I genitori vivono nella sua grande casa a Los Angeles, godendosi le sue ricchezze, ma li sente distanti e poco interessati, mentre il suo manager è colui che le ha fatto fare delle scelte sbagliate da tutti i punti di vista, soprattutto in quello musicale e infatti l’ultimo album è stato un flop. Di chi fidarsi?

E qui entra in gioco Tony che si rivela un personaggio certamente forte ma paradossalmente molto dolce quando si tratta della madre e di Pepper.

La caratterizzazione dei personaggi è ben approfondita e ho apprezzato il POV alternato.

Il genere mafia romance è molto soft, anche se un paio di morti ammazzati li troverete, per il resto c’è un mix di tutto, la passione, il sentimento, l’amicizia e un bel colpo di scena finale.

Se amate particolarmente questo genere ve lo consiglio per una lettura veloce e rilassante in attesa trepidante del prossimo libro, incentrato su Junior che opera a Chicago (non vedo l’ora).

Vi auguro buona lettura.

[Cherry Pie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Il piccolo, dolce usignolo è nella mia gabbia, ora. Cazzo, avrei preferito che fosse una diva viziata e infantile, che non fa altro che bere e fare festa per tutto il tempo.

Immaginate una favola un po’ strana: un elefante incuriosito da una farfalla catturata dalla rete di un cacciatore. Gli piacciono i suoi colori e anche se non sa come trattarla, viste le sue zampone e la delicatezza della farfalla, vorrebbe liberarla per tenerla con sé. Immaginate che la farfalla non sia poi così fragile come sembra, immaginate che nella sua vita non abbia conosciuto solo cieli azzurri e raggi di sole e che non abbia paura di un elefante… Ci siete? Ora date un nome all’elefante, Tony, e un nome alla farfalla, Pepper. E innamoratevi di entrambi.

“Sto scavando per trovare dei segni di umanità. Sto raschiando via la patina esterna per vedere cosa c’è sotto.”

Credo che questo sia il migliore libro dei Vegas Underground, nonostante contenga una serie numerosa di cliché, anzi, forse proprio per questo motivo. Mi spiego meglio: se scelgo di leggere un mafia romance è perché mi piace il genere, perché contiene un certo tipo di personaggi che hanno un certo tipo di caratteristiche. E Ace of Hearts possiede tutte le qualità di un mafia romance: trama suspense, un energumeno sexy che risolve le questioni con la violenza, una donna che illumina la via con la sua luce e la sua intelligenza. Pagine hot che sciolgono i ghiacciai millenari. E un finale dove ognuno ottiene ciò che ha meritato.

Ho apprezzato il pacchetto completo e ne consiglio vivamente la lettura a tutti gli estimatori del genere, come me.

“Non ho bisogno di parole. Riusciamo a comunicare a un livello più profondo. Un bellissimo livello, che guarisce le nostre anime.”

Navillus.
https://www.thedirtyclubofbooks.it/ac...

[Najat · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐

[Beary Into Books · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one had potential but it was way too insta love/ insta lust. There was no emotion or plot just smut. I don't mind smut but there needs to be a connection between the characters.

[Gwen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

It's the Cinderella story of how the big bad mafia enforcer saved the singer from her evil manager/parents

[cynthia · Rating 2 out of 5]

i'm sorry but how you gonna spend all that time writing a book just to name your main character tony

[Feel The Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recensione a cura di Persefone per Feel the Book

In questo nuovo capitolo della storia della famiglia Tacone conosciamo Tony, migliore amico di Nico, sua guardia del corpo e stretto collaboratore e, come nei precedenti volumi, abbiamo a che fare con un uomo dominante ma profondamente protettivo.

Tony ha un passato difficile, si è sporcato le mani molto giovane e la famiglia Tacone lo ha salvato e accolto tra le sue fila e ne ha fatto un sicario.

Tony ha una regola: mai colpire una donna.

Si trova alle prese con una sexy pop star il cui manager ha chiesto un prestito alla famiglia e non è in grado di ripagarlo, ci dovrà pensare lei, Pepper con una serie di concerti al Bellissimo.

Pepper è giovane e seguita fin dall’inizio della sua carriera dai genitori e da Hugh, il suo manager. È reduce da un tour che le ha distrutto le corde vocali e lo spirito. Pepper non ha più ispirazione, voglia di vivere, si trascina stancamente in una routine che la sta spegnendo.

L’incontro con Tony sconvolgerà la vita di entrambi e li getterà in un turbine fatto di passione. Tony, fin da subito sente a pelle i bisogni di Pepper, scopre i lati nascosti della sua sessualità repressa, scopre aspetti del suo passato che lei stessa ha rimosso.

Tony è un uomo che fa paura, un fisco imponente, uno sguardo duro, ma dentro di sé ha un animo ricco, sensibile. La violenza che pare caratterizzarlo è rivolta solo verso chi mette in pericolo la sua famiglia, le persone che ama.

Come abbiamo visto questa serie ci presenta dei personaggi maschili che si allontanano dal modo di vivere della mafia, alla ricerca di una legalità e di una onestà d’animo che li porta verso una nuova vita.

Pepper è un personaggio femminile interessante, soffocata da uno stile di vita che non le appartiene, ha perso la sua ispirazione artistica, è quasi asessuata e, per quanto bisognosa di dare e ricevere amore, si è chiusa in una gabbia. Tony entrerà prepotentemente in questa gabbia e questa storia vivrà tra mille dubbi e ripensamenti da parte di lei che sembra non capire la vera natura di un uomo disposto a tutto per lei. Sarà un percorso lungo ma vedremo entrambi i protagonisti rinascere tra notti infuocate e momenti intimi e delicati, mentre un nemico metterà in pericolo le loro stesse vite.

Un pizzico di erotismo, un pizzico di romanticismo, un pizzico di suspense e la ricetta è pronta.

In un finale pieno di amore si intravede una nuova storia: chissà… forse presto ci dovremo spostare a Chicago da Junior Tacone e mi sa che qui ne vedremo delle belle.

Se volete passare qualche ora più che piacevole Ace of hearts, come i precedenti romanzi della serie, è quello che fa per voi.

Editing a cura di Ash.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ace of Hearts is the third book in the Vegas Underground series. Pepper is a pop star who has lost her muse, her voice, and is in deep with the Tacone Family thanks to her crappy manager. Tony is now her boss, and it just makes her mad that she’s attracted to him because he’s in charge of collecting her debt through performing at the Bellissimo. Thrust together, she loves the feelings he evokes within her body and heart, but she hates his job and what he represents. Can this bad boy enforcer keep his songbird safe when she’s threatened, and then set her free when all is said and done?

Ohhhhh this book was amazing and had me staying up late just to finish it! I just fell in love with Pepper and Tony! I loved their relationship, their hurt hearts, and the way they loved and protected each other. Pepper was so worn down, lost her voice physically as well as with her rights with her manager, but just came alive when she was able to live her music. I loved everything that Tony did to help her find that joy again! Tony was amazing from the very beginning, knowing instinctively what Pepper needed, in and out of their physical relationship. He took protecting her more seriously than her actual body guard, and I loved that he was willing to do anything to keep her safe. I feel like this book was super emotional, slightly dark, but honestly quite sweet. This has been a fabulous series and I have loved each book! This is definitely a series that I will read again and again, especially this one!

[Naadira Moodley (BookedMercy) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dirty, Addictive and Moving
Three words to describe this book.

When I started this, I thought it was going to be another dnf on my shelf but I just couldn’t put it down. I couldn’t stop reading. I was hooked.

Antonio Brando is the Enforcer for the Tacones family. He runs the Bellissimo Hotel and Casino where the punk rock star, Pepper Heart, is going to headline. She is in quite a jam and her chips have been cashed in. She has to pay of her debt to the Tacones by performing for eight weeks in Vegas. Shr is trapped and Toni is her master. She should be afraid of him. She should feel disgusted and angry at him yet all she feels is a surprising fierce sexual attraction to this dangerous man. He awakens her sexual appetite and she can’t stay away. The same goes for Toni. He is immediately captivated by this lonely beauty and all he wants to do is protect her, in whatever way he can.

I usually don’t read books like this because I’m not a fan of the heroine being spanked and is submissive but in this book it worked.
I was captivated by the characters in this book. They pull you in with their strength and determination. Toni’s dirty talking was definitely a hook as well.
This is the first book I have read by Renee Rose and it definitely would not be my last.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each book in this series is better than the one before it. Pepper and Tony's story is hot and steamy. He doesn't want to do anything except get the money owed the family and Pepper is stunned when she learns the deal her manager made with the Tacone family. Ohh, I hated him and knew he was creepy and evil!! There is mystery, drama, intrigue and lots of smoking hot scenes between Pepper and Tony but will it last? What happens when she is attacked? Can Tony save the woman he has come to love or will he be too late? This book totally hooked me from the very first page and I read it in one setting! Loved it and am waiting for the next one!!

[Janice Somers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the story. Loved the characters. Loved Tony and Pepper. Full of suspense and loved the dirty, filthy loving.
Pepper is just ending her tour, which should have ended weeks ago. She hated lip-syncing her music and even more, she hated that she was cheating her fans. Her voice is gone and now she has to sing at a Vegas casino, for the next eight weeks. She needs to rest her throat.
Tony. Tony was the enforcer of the Tacone crime family and now the director of operations of the casino. Pepper Heart owes the Family money, a lot of money almost a million dollars. So now I'm the one who is to make sure she is to pay it back, starting tonight.
The concert is over, she regrets having to lip-sync to the fans, but she has to make it work or who knows what will happen. The next thing she sees is a huge form coming straight at her, it's Tony and he is furious...

[Emily Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating and easy to read, I fell in love with Pepper and Tony's story in the first chapter and watched it grow from chapter to chapter. The story builds in intensity, but still keeps a sweet, pure and crazy kind of love vibe throughout. Pepper thinks she knows what kind of guy Tony is but she also thinks she knows what kind of guy Hugh is. It becomes apparent that she isn't a great judge of men, but it was beautiful reading how Tony proves to her who he really is. I loved this part of this series and this couple in particular!

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book, as always Miss Rose never disappoints! I think this one is one of my favorites of this series ....
Pepper is a star but used by the people she trusts and she has to perform a show at a Casino owned by a mob family, Tony shows how to be loved cherished is look like and shows that love can overcome anything! The book has action, some parts that made me laugh and action I loved and is so hot... Now I'm curious if Junior can be tamed ...looking forward to read

[Lucie Del · Rating 4 out of 5]

C’est clairement mon préféré de la série pour l’instant !
Tony a une attitude respectueuse et attentive que j’adore, encore davantage dans un univers mafieux et sombre. Un peu la douceur dans l’enfer.
Pepper est aussi un personnage que j’aime bien, et l’univers de la musique dans son ensemble.
J’espère qu’Izzy aura son histoire aussi !!

[Madeleine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely love, love, loved this book. I enjoy mafia romance books and this one was am amazing read. I couldn't wait to flip the pages to read more about Tony and Pepper. I devoured every word and the characters, chemistry, drama, steamy words got me hooked.

[Kay Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better and Better

Every book in this series gets better and better. Tony's really a big bad teddy bear, but he has that dark edge I love in a hero.
Pepper is sweet, feisty, and has a whole truckload of baggage.
Lots of drama in this one, and some hot sex. Fabulous.

[LORRIE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action packed, sexy, scary, heartbreaking and romantic

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tony is my favorite so far. Love his nickname for her. I wonder if there will be a spin-off series for her band mates, esp Izzy.

[Mara W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid story. Tony is HOT.