A fast pace love story that has so many twists and turns that you can’t imagine what will happen next. A book you will never forget.

My first book by the author and a very good one.
It’s a fast-paced romantic suspense with very steamy moments of a second chance romance and a secret child, a family drama and some unexpected twists and turns. Very good writing style and kept me engaged from the first page to the end.
I’ll definitely read more by the author and will recommend this book.

This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.

It was a pretty good second chance romance but it took longer than I liked for Maddie to discuss their last night with Gio. I also was not happy that she jumped right back into his bed without confronting their past problems and revealing he had a son.

i really enjoyed the drama with the investigation and kept wondering why the feds/police would allow the conflict of interest to not be an issue and that came into play later in the book.

Lots of emotion as you feel for Elise when you can see she is being deceived and she is so hurt when Gio is part of the raid on her business.

I was glad that at the end of the book, we finally find out what was in the little brown book and the truth about Big Tony and if there was any mob involved with his business dealings. Great HEA.

This was a good, adult story. With Gio and Madison being good main characters. The emotions of each come through really well since we get to see both of their P.O.V.'s. Something else that I really like.
Gio had quite a few funny nicknames in his mind when it comes to his sister's fiancee. They did make me smile. Many of them best read by adults only though. *Smile*
It's kind of good to kind of know who the enemy/"bad guy" is while reading the book. The enemy is pretty clever, and manages to keep quite a few steps ahead of everyone. A good "actor" who is able to come up with quick answers when faced with confrontations. Thinks on his feet very quickly. It does help keep the tension in the story high. The words, slippery like an eel come to mind.
One thing that I did notice was that in the beginning chapters, the word "puke" cropped up a few times. The emotions of one character or another were so churned up that they thought that they would..puke. I was glad that the author did pull back on that after that because it was beginning to feel a bit overused. I'm glad that changed because other than that I was really enjoying the way the author's flow of writing was going.
Is there any sexual heat in this book you ask? That would be a "Yes". There is also tenderness and some communication between Gio and Madison. They really needed to work more on that though. Both are smart, tough and fearless on their jobs but when it comes to their personal lives? They are kind of running scared. They do have a lot on the line though so that is kind of understandable. Gio especially, is playing his cards a bit too close to the vest. Even more so when it comes to trying prove that his father Big Tony and his sister, Elise are innocent of any crimes.
There is an Epilogue included which is something I always appreciate. Some more surprising information comes out about the Giovanni family that I didn't see coming. I made for a great twist.
“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

Great!

Fun start to a new series with fantastic characters and an intriguing story line.

I voluntarily read an advanced copy.

I thought that King Of Hearts by C.A. Szarek was taking on a whole lot, cops, casinos, and a secret baby but the author pulled it off. There are several delightful twists I didn’t see coming. Here is a terrific cast of characters that we will find out more about in coming books. A terrific first in a series.

I fell in love with the Crossing Forces series by this talented author and knew I had to read the first book in this new series. I am so glad I did.
Las Vegas Detective Nico/Gio Giovanni (estranged from his family) and US Marshal Madison/Maddie Granger met eight years ago but ended their affair leaving both in a great deal of heartache with unexpected results.
Fate brings them together when his family’s casino is under investigation.
This ignites their feelings as well as jeopardizes their careers.
Add the possibility of a mafia connection, and you end up with a suspenseful romance that will keep you on the edge of your seats.
Family dynamics add tension to this already tension filled story.
Can’t wait to see what else this talented author has in store for us.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

Never judge a book by its cover. While the cover is a little cheesy and the synopsis made me curious. Have read books my C.A. Szarek they were good but sometimes lack a balance between story, characters history and action. The author has shown growth in her writing and ability to create a well rounded romantic suspense story that will have reading wanting....No needing more by her.

The story has a wealth of characters that will have readers following ever string the authors hands to them.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher Paper Dragon Publishing for the advance copy of C.A. Szarek King of Hearts.

Gio was a cop. His family ran one of the biggest casinos in Vegas. Maddie was A US Marshal. Gio and Maddie had met 7 years before and out of it came Jake. Maddie is sent to Vegas to investigate the Giovanni Casino for money laundering. Gio has since risen to the title of detective. When he becomes a member of her to investigate his families casino, sparks fly.

I read this book as an arc from NetGalley

Eight years ago, U.S. Marshal Madison Granger shared one amazing night with Nico “Gio” Giovanni. She has a seven-year old son by Gio, a son of which he is unaware. When she transfers from Chicago to Las Vegas, their meeting is inevitable. Maddie is assigned to investigate money laundering that they believe is taking place at The Giovanni, the casino owned by Gio’s father. Gio is a detective with the Las Vegas Police Department, wanting nothing to do with his father or the casino. When he signs on as part of the team, he has no idea that he will be working for Maddie or that they will be investigating his father’s business. As they work to uncover the source of the money laundering, their feelings for each other are once again intense. How will Gio react when he learns about their son? A very different and pleasant take on the “unknown son” by this author and I am hoping for a sequel. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)

This is Gio and Maddie book, Gio is a cop and has always been the black sheep of the family especially since he abandon the family business, a lucrative casino on the Las Vegas strip! Now his father is sick and his sister begs him to end their estrangement before it’s too late! Maddie is a U.S. marshal and spends most of her time chasing fugitives! She is juggling a single motherhood and her job which ends up sending her back to Sin City due to an unwanted relocation! Even worse her current case lands her right in the middle of her old flame Gio! She has some big secrets she’s hiding from him! And Gio knows he doesn’t have time for the woman that got away! This book was definitely an interesting read in the beginning I was a little lost at times it kind of bounced around and I had to stop and think about what the author was saying but it definitely leveled out and it Was definitely worth reading! Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for sharing this book with me!

King of Hearts is a Romantic thriller involving US Marshall Madison Granger. She is back in Vegas investigating a money laundering case linked to the Giovanni Casino.
Nico Giovanni (Gio) a police officer estranged from his father who owns the casino is also tasked with this case. Madison and Gio have history from 7 years ago when they had broken up after an intense relationship leaving Madison with a secret she has kept from Gio.
As they come together working on this case old passions reignite. The depth of the relationship is well written and entertaining. As the story progresses the ties to the ‘mob’ are revealed putting people in danger and could be the downfall of Gio’s family.
No Great surprises in this book but a satisfying and pretty good romantic read.
My thanks to net galley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book honestly.