This is the second novel in the Aces & Eights series featuring three brothers who are FBI agents undercover as co-owners of the Aces & Eights biker bar.

Court Gentry, the middle brother, cares about his two brothers and his job, in that order. In his senior year at college, during spring break, he met and fell in love with a Lauren Montgomery but when she broke his heart, he put his emotions on lockdown…until their paths cross six years later and our story begins.
Lauren and Court reunite after her best friend and business partner marries his younger brother, Alex (book 1). Court tries to guard himself against Lauren who made him feel such intense passion and pain. Except the sparks between them are impossible to deny and their relationship heats up fast. HEA is insight if they can overcome two challenges. The first is her abusive ex-husband’s release from prison. The Russian hockey player with shady ties to the Bratva has not acknowledged the divorce and still terrorizes Lauren while he is in prison through his brother. And, secondly, the fact that she is concerned about the dangers of Court’s FBI job.

Lauren seemed a little whinny, which was bothersome but did not overly subtract from an otherwise very engaging story.

A definite must read! Loved reading about Court and Lauren.

Lauren Montgomery did the one thing she had to breaking the love she shared with Court. The only thought that ran through her mind was she would do anything to protect him. Six years later she has managed to own a profitable bookstore with her best friend Madison. Life as she knows it will soon change. Everything she knows will be threatened and what she lost to protect Court will all be for nothing. Nonstop action and suspense!

King of Clubs is the second title in the Aces & Eights series and features Court Gentry and Lauren Montgomery. This story is a second chance romance, and a romantic suspense. Although this is the second title in the series, it can be read as as standalone I haven't read the previous title and in no way felt lost throughout this title.

Ms Owens has created a pair of characters that are both flawed, whilst at the same time quite believable. I had mixed emotions when it came to Lauren's character. In some ways I found her really quite endearing, and I definitely felt sorry for what she had endured in her past. I respected the fact that she is a survivor, but some of her doubts and resistance really frustrated me. Court on the other hand I really adored, he's a sexy, bad-ass undercover FBI agent. I felt in some ways that Lauren played on his vulnerabilities left over from his childhood. Nevertheless she grew on me as she developed as a character throughout the story line.

The plot is full of twists and turns that kept me completely engaged. A great blend of action, intrigue, suspense and romance. I would recommend this title to anyone who enjoys a second chance romance, combined with a suspense and intrigue.

I received an ARC copy from the author through Netgalley for an honest review.
The King of Clubs is another WINNER by Ms. Sandra Owens. #2 in her new Aces and Eights series. I am absolutely loving this series. And the Gentry brother's. One of the things I love best about Ms. Owens is that her writing is such that she takes you on a whirlwind of emotions. Your right there with the characters. You fall in love with her hero's and want to be friends with her heroines. You laugh. You cry. You get angry.She leaves you on the edge of your seat with the absolute perfect balance of romance and suspense.. I loved everything about the KOC.. KOC is FBI agent and middle Gentry brother, Court's story. We are introduced to Court and Lauren Montgomery in the first Aces and Eights book, Court's baby brother Alex's story, in Jack Of Hearts. Though these can be read as stand alone's. You'll want to read both. I adored Court and Lauren. I'm a sucker for young love/torn apart/separated to be reunited later stories. So that got me. I felt for both Lauren and Court. I don't think I ever wanted to hurt a fictional character the way I wanted to hurt Lauren's Ex, Stephan. Despicable. Ms. Owens has a gift with coming up with original, unique, perfect pet names her hero's give her heroines. I was sighing every time Court called Lauren GG. Or Gorgeous Girl. I liked Lauren's back story. The preacher's daughter fit her perfectly. I could definitely see her as a preacher's daughter. I adored her family. Her Father and kid sister, Julie. I appreciated that Ms. Owens didn't Mr. Montgomery your stereotypical judgemental preacher that are portrayed in so many TV Shows/movies/ and books. He was just a loving Father. With Court's (the Gentry brother's) childhood he was the perfect Father figure/ Father In Law for Court. Ii laughed out loud at Court trying to watch his cursing in front of Mr. Montgomery I couldn't put KOC down. But I'm now sad that it's over. Can't wait for Ace of Spades. Oldest brother Nate's story

Pulls you in from the first sentence and has you instantly obsessed with the story and what's happening with the characters which are amazing and you just want them to get what they deserve. Would recommend

I adored the first book in this series, but LOVED this one so much more. The suspense and intrigue surrounding Lauren and Court was way more than what Alex and Madison had to deal with. I was nearly on edge from the start...and top it off by being a second chance romance for the characters? It was all superb.

Court and Lauren aren't strangers and upon meeting them in the first book, it was evident there was some sort of history. Now that they've crossed paths again they both struggle with the past they share as well as what their future could possible hold and how much potential danger could determine what path they take.

I am so in love with the Gentry brothers. I really curious about this family secret work mints way to the surface and I can't wait to see more of Nate. He's been the elusive big brother which just has me wanting to know more about him. I already know his loyalty and protectiveness are off charts, but I'm really wanting to see more of what's going on in his head and heart. I can't wait for his story!

The two books in the Aces & Eights series have been my introduction to Sandra Owens and these stories have made me a fan. I loved her writing. I loved that though the stories are romances, there is much more meat to the characters and their backgrounds than just what happens between the sheets. I will definitely be looking into more of her works.

I enjoyed this one more than the first one and I can't wait to read Nate's book! This had a lot of action and suspense and plenty of romance. Both the characters were likable and although the romance was pretty instant it didn't drive too crazy.

I love the relationship between the brothers and the interactions with the three of them are really well written. Although it does crack me up how many people they tell they are undercover FBI agents to. I thought the suspense built at an excellent pace and I liked that once Lauren learned to defend herself she became more self confident. I think the one thing that really bothered me about Lauren was that she was so willing to walk away from Court. I can understand the first time somewhat but the rationale behind he's in danger and I don't want to get hurt makes no sense. She's already in love with him so if something happens to him she's going to be hurt anyway. I've never met anyone who lost a spouse and said wow if I'd have know they were going to die I never would have married them. It's a ridiculous thought process. But I digress - overall Lauren wasn't my favorite female character but I liked her enough and I thought she grew throughout the book. I really liked Court and I was rooting for the two of them.

The abusive spouse plot wasn't anything new but it was well done and I enjoyed the overall plot. Overall an enjoyable book but Nate stole the show for me again in this book and I'm really looking forward to his book!

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆☆
4.5 stars
M/F Romance
Triggers: Click HERE to see Avid Reader’s review on Goodreads for trigger warnings.

Lauren Montgomery is free and living life how she wants. Despite having an ex-husband who is more than evil, she has pushed past it and moved on in her life. Her one regret is that she was unable to love Court Gentry, the love of her life whom she met during her spring break trip, just after her divorce.

Court is a cowboy, FBI agent, and all around smooth talker. He does dirty talk well, fights bad guys, and can't get Lauren out of his head.

When Lauren and Court find each other again, they need to figure out whether or not they can handle each other's pasts. Court needs to make sure that Lauren's protective streak when it comes to her friends and family is okay with him and Lauren needs to learn to trust Court and his brothers.

When the worst happens and Lauren's ex-husband is released from prison, it will take all of Court and his brothers' tools to fight and keep Lauren alive. I loved how fast paced this story was and the chemistry between Lauren and Court was off the charts.

I can't wait to see what happens next!

King of Clubs is leaps and bounds better than the first book of the series. It's action packed from the opening pages and doesn't quit. Granted, there are a few events that a think a vigilant FBI Agent would have made sure didn't happen (taking a shower while the pizza delivery is expected, with the events that followed) but it's easily forgiven with a book that keeps interest going in its entirety.

There was a family surprise I definitely didn't see coming. I can't wait to see how that pans out.

The focus was on Lauren and Court, and her mobster-stalker-abusive ex-husband, not as much on their personal business that is a front for their FBI sting. That worked nicely.

Lauren and Court experienced insta-love 6 years ago and never got over it. This is a love story that isn't realistic, but it is sweet.

I just love these brothers i did not think it was possible but this one is even better than the first book a super read that had me hooked right from the start i could not put it down and ended up reading in one sitting.Well written and had fantastic characters would recommend this series.I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

I love Sandra Owens, especially her K2 series. I do have to admit though that I really didn't like the first book in this series. It just didn't even read like the same author. Fortunately, I didn't have the same experience with this book. I truly enjoyed it and grew to really love all three of the Gentry brothers. The story of Lauren and Court began years ago. They met and fell in love almost instantly, though now time and dire circumstances separate them. Lauren is afraid to trust, and Court is afraid to love. On top of this, the danger that stalked Lauren years ago is back forcing her to consider running again. Court wants her back, but he will never let his heart be hurt again as badly as it hurt when Lauren left the first time. If he can just keep Lauren from running by solving her problem, he'll do anything to make sure this time he gets to keep her.

This was a great story and had lots of suspense to go along with some real chemistry. I really enjoyed it and am ready for Nate's story.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for honest review.

***4 Stars***

From the moment Lauren and Court met in Jack of Hearts I knew they’d be getting their own book one day and after reading the epilogue I knew I’d definitely be diving into their story and I wasn’t disappointed. It was all kinds of sweet, smexy and angsty goodness with a good dose of suspense that kept me turning the pages until the very end.

I loved Lauren from the moment I met her in JofH. She was vivacious, kind, caring and I she’s a cat lover. But after finding out about the hell she lived through I couldn’t help but admire her strength and determination to take charge of her own life and live it on her terms. Court is all kinds of protective, smexy alpha male with a code of honor a country mile wide. His childhood was less than loving, but his brothers kept him on the straight and narrow and helped to mold him into a man anyone would want at their back.

Talk about an angsty push and pull second chance at love story. Court and Lauren definitely put me, and themselves through the wringer. I understood where they were both coming from and why they did and felt what they did, but they really needed to get over themselves because the connection they had was something that you don’t find every day. Thankfully they do let go of the past and I loved watching as they got reacquainted with each other and finally move forward with their lives.

Though there were times that I felt the story dragged a bit, I enjoyed watching as everything unfolded and how it was all resolved in the end. I loved spending time with Alex and Madison and I’m definitely looking forward to Nate’s book as well as seeing what happens when Kinsey finally reveals herself to Nate, Court and Alex!

The Gentry brothers....3 sexy as sin motorcycle bar owners who are also secretly undercover FBI Agents. After the drama of Alex and Madison, Court and Lauren are thrown together in the midst of the action. It turns out that years before they had a whirlwind romance that was a story for the ages.

When Lauren is finally free from her abusive ex-husband she decides that her one chance at happiness is NOW. Meeting Court and spending a week in paradise with him is a dream come true. Until reality crashes in like a nightmare and Stephan, her ex-husband, finds her and tries to exact his revenge. With him now in jail, she has to keep Court alive by never seeing him again and ensuring that Stephan never knows the week they spent together. But when her best friend marries his brother....the rabbit hole begins to open up beneath her and threatens to swallow her whole.

It's not so easy to fight the future she desires when her past is coming back to haunt her...and him. Lauren has the inner need to do it all herself and protect those she loves. Opening her heart to Court again could break her spirit but she has no idea of what he's capable. He would protect her with his everything!!

Court could never understand why the one woman he wanted forever with disappeared without so much as a goodbye. When his soon to be sister in law's life is threatened, he's sent in to keep her roommate and best friend safe. Lo and behold fate has stuck him with the one that got away. Court knows she has secrets, and he knows that he can suss them out. But how to do so while trying to win her heart all over again?

Court and Lauren have the inexplicable fiery romance I've missed. There's years of love lost between them and secrets that if they would just ell one another they could figure it all out. Throw in the possible escape of her Russian (possibly mafia!) ex-husband and his creepy stalker brother....oh they are NO match for the Gentry brothers. The action was spot on and never exactly what I expected. Can't wait for the final Gentry brother!!

Court Gentry and his brothers are FBI agents that own a biker bar as there covert operations head quarters. Six years ago he met the girl of his dreams Lauren Montgomery and they were inseparable. When she returned from vacation she was met by her abusive ex husband who threatened to kill any man who touched her, she then felt she had to cut Court from her life in order to keep him safe, little did she know he was an FBI agent.

When Court and Lauren reunite after her best friend marries his brother there is an undeniable spark between them but Court keeps himself guarded as she caused him so much pain. When Laurens ex husband is released from prison he makes a plan to come after her and claim her again.

Can Court let his guard down and risk his life to help save the woman he loves?

This was a great book that keep me reading late into the night. I am excited to see what else is in store for the series.

*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***

Court Gentry was in love six years ago to a women by the name of Lauren Montgomery. They had one week together and when she returned from her vacation her ex-husband who would not let her go beat her almost to death. The police arrived and saved her and her ex is in prison for six years. Now thinking that she will never see Court again she is shocked to see him when he shows up at her book store and finds out that he is her partners’ brother in law. Running scared because of her ex’s brother showed up and has told her he will be coming for her she tells Court it’s been great seeing you. In the middle of the night she is thinking that she is sneaking away from him and before she gets on a bus for New Orleans he tells her to get in his car. What she does not know yet is that Court and his two brothers are FBI agents and our operating an under bar for the sting operations. Now they have focused their attention on her case since her ex has ties to the Russian Mafia and is wanting to kidnap her and take her to Russia. Along the way Court and Lauren must work out the past to see if they still want to have a future, and does she even want to be with an FBI agent. There is a lot going in this book but the author makes it all work and overall it is a good story. The outlining characters help make this story work especially her sister, father, and then his brothers, and of course Morgan.

This book has the ultimate Alpha so if you love strong men, you will love this book. Court Gentry is the sexy FBI agent who loves only a few things in life, his brothers, his job, and his motorcycle. He learned a hard lesson years ago when he loved a woman too but she didn't just break his heart, she hardened it.

Now, that woman, Lauren Montgomery is back in his life after seeing her at his brother's wedding. They decide they can handle a casual relationship but chemistry like theirs is hard to fight. When Lauren's ex-husband gets out of prison to seek revenge on Lauren, will Court be able to protect her and his heart?

I liked the idea of the first book in this series better than I did the execution, so when I saw this one, I was interested. And, that interest paid off in this book.

Court and Lauren were together a number of years ago, and they had a relationship that was ended by the threat of another person. As you do when you have something taken from you against your own choice, you don't let it go as easily as you do when it is by choice.

When they see one another again, there is an instant recognition, and Court wants to see where they are again, Lauren is less interested. Some time passes from this first re-introduction, and they are in the same place, with Court interested in moving forward together and Lauren reluctant to pursue any relationship. Court has no idea why. The reader knows the secret of Lauren's abusive ex.

I liked the idea that they both had secrets that they had to let one another in on in order to move forward.

I liked Court and Lauren and I liked their relationship with one another. There was an appeal to the idea that they were still drawn to one another, and to the idea that the threat of her ex stopped her from being with him, and that the threat of what could happen to him at work could also keep them apart.

The characters were likable, and I thought the plot was pretty good, although I thought too much time was spent with the stuff with the ex and that could have been used to develop their relationship.

I recommend this book.

Sandra Owens has written a sequel that is just as romantic and suspenseful as the first in King of Clubs (Aces & Eights, Book 2). The danger feels real and the good guys (Undercover FBI) stick together to conquer the bad. This is a page-turner, can’t-put-it-down read with its second chance romance between brother, Court and Lauren Montgomery. It is a well-structured story with an abusive ex, that still has humor and sizzling romance. There are twists in the story that revs up the danger and suspense.

King of Clubs by Sandra Owens is a first-rate suspenseful romance. It will make you believe in happy endings no matter how bad it can look in life,

Court and Lauren met six years ago they had met during spring break and had six nights together. They had fallen hard in that time. Then Lauren ends things abruptly with just a phone call. It was the hardest thing Lauren had ever done but it was for Court’s safety. What Court doesn’t know is Lauren had been married and just got her divorce from her abusive ex that had already put her in the hospital and her ex Stephan was put in jail. Stephan threatens to kill any guy who Lauren gets involved with. When Lauren returns home from her time with Court Stephan nearly kills her as he believes Lauren is still his and does not accept the divorce.. Six years later Court is asked to watch over his sister in law’s best friend who happens to be Lauren. Court is still hurt and upset over what happened six years ago but he had not known Lauren had been married to a very abusive Russian hockey player On meeting Lauren again Court is afraid of being abandoned again and Lauren is scared and wants to run. . Court wants to help Lauren but she fears for his life. Her ex and his family are crazy. What Lauren doesn’t know is Court and his brothers are undercover FBI agents. Court and Lauren must now trust each other as well as his brothers to get Court and Lauren out alive. When Stephan is released from prison it takes Court and his brother to keep Lauren safe.
I liked this book and felt it had a good plot. But if the brothers were undercover FBI agents why did they tell so many people as that could easily blow their cover and get them killed. I loved the action and the suspense in this book. This kept my attention from beginning to end. I felt bad when Court is so hurt and feeling abandoned from Lauren when she really was only trying to protect him. I loved the relationship between Court and his brothers. I loved Lauren and Court together and wanted Court to work through his issues for Lauren. I loved the characters and the twists and turns in this story and I recommend.