Project and content management for Contemporary Authors volumes
WORK TITLE: Jack of Hearts
WORK NOTES:
PSEUDONYM(S):
BIRTHDATE:
WEBSITE: http://www.sandra-owens.com/
CITY:
STATE: NC
COUNTRY:
NATIONALITY:
RESEARCHER NOTES:
PERSONAL
Born in FL; married.
ADDRESS
CAREER
Writer. Former manager of Harley-Davidson dealership.
MEMBER:Romance Writers of America.
AWARDS:Golden Quill, for The Letter; Golden Claddagh Award for The Training of a Marquess.
WRITINGS
SIDELIGHTS
Sandra Owens gave up her Harley Davidson for an even more difficult ride—becoming a romance writer. Since her debut 2013 Regency romance novel, The Letter, Owens has gone on to write ten further novels, focusing most of these in two series, “K2 Special Services” and “Aces & Eights.” Speaking with Joyce Lamb on the Happy Ever After website, Owens commented on the inspiration for these two series. “For my . . . ‘K2 Special Services’ series, the inspiration came from watching a documentary about SEALs stationed in Afghanistan, facing death each day. I wondered how hard it would be for these heroes to adjust back to civilian life when the time came.” Her “Aces & Eights” was the result of a tweet her agent posted, “saying she wanted someone to write a motorcycle-riding undercover-cop romance.” Owen wrote a humorous reply involving three brothers who are undercover FBI agents with a penchant for motorcycles. Intended as a joke, this synopsis became the basis for her second series.
"K2 Special Services" Series
Owens’s “K2 Special Services” was launched with Crazy for Her, in which Navy SEAL Logan Kincaid promised his dying buddy, Evan Prescott, to look after his wife and child. Logan has kept his distance because he has secretly loved Dani Prescott. But then Dani calls for his help dealing with a stalker and Logan is there for her. In Someone like Her, ex-SEAL Jake Buchanan earned the nickname Romeo, but when he meets Maria Kincaid, his attraction for her is the real thing, The only problem is that she is the sister of his boss.
Falling for Her features Jamie Turner, known to other team members as the Saint, never smoking or drinking and dating only safe women. Then he meets Sugar Darling, the fill-in receptionist at K2, and she seems to be the typical wild woman. But she, like Jamie, is hiding her true nature. A Harlequin Junkie website writer had a high assessment of this third series installment, noting: “Falling for Her is well-written, the dialogue is enjoyable, and the characters are full of life. Sugar and Saint are two characters you don’t want to miss.” Similarly, a contributor in the online Njkinny’s World of Books & Stuff commented: “There are heartfelt emotions, an engaging and action filled story, an intense and warmth filled romance and plenty of suspense and anticipation in this book.”
Ryan O’Connor is featured in Lost in Her. His wife was killed in a robbery when he was serving in Afghanistan, and now he is back home and has joined the K2 Special Services but doubts he will ever be able to love again. That resolve is tested, however, when he meets Charlene “Charlie” Morgan, who has had her own share of sorrow. A Harlequin Junkie website contributor appreciated the female protagonist in this novel, noting: “I really loved Charlie’s career. She’s a stunt pilot who until finding Ryan, could only find happiness in the sky. She’s independent, fearless, and speaks her mind.” An online LaFife Reviews writer also had a positive assessment, observing: “Lost in Her was an enjoyable read, I would recommend this to all lovers of romance novels.”
The fifth series installment, Only Her, finds former SEAL sniper Cody Roberts trying to block out the evil memories of combat, spending his time caring for the rescued war dogs at K2 Special Services. But Cody steps outside his comfort zone when Riley Austin, the attractive vet next door is being targeted by some villain. An Edgy website reviewer had praise for this novel, noting: “Only Her was a great love story with precious pets and a bit of suspense and action, hot shenanigans and great friendships.” Similarly, an Unwrapping Romance website contributor felt that this novel is “filled with intrigue, lots of good guys, and one really off the wall crazy bad guy.”
"Aces & Eights" Series
Owens begins her “Aces & Eights” series with Jack of Hearts, featuring Alex Gentry, one of three brothers who own a biker bar and who are all undercover FBI agents. Alex gets close to criminals in the bar, but when he targets Ramon Alonzo, second in command to a major drug lord, the case is complicated by Ramon’s beautiful cousin, Madison, who wins Alex’s heart. An online Harlequin Junkie had praise for this first installment, noting: “I enjoyed the secrecy and forbidden aspect of Alex and Madison’s relationship and can’t wait to read the next book in the series. If you are a fan of this author or enjoy romantic suspense or just love your heroes to be swoon-worthy, Jack of Hearts is highly recommended.” Similarly, a Publishers Weekly Online writer commented: “Heated romance is at the forefront of this novel, backed by a compelling story that will lure readers into Madison and Alex’s world.” Fresh Fiction website reviewer Sharon Salituro also had a high assessment of this novel, observing: “All I can say is Oh my god. This book the first in the series is so great, I couldn’t put it down. I loved this book and can’t wait for the next one to come out.”
The series continues with King of Clubs, featuring brother Court Gentry, who has managed to shut down his emotions since having his heart broken six years earlier by Lauren Montgomery. What Court does not know is that Lauren left him because her violent ex-husband threatened to kill any man she became involved with. Now these two meet again, and when Lauren’s ex-husband is released from jail, she must tell Court the full truth. A Harlequin Junkie website reviewer noted: “These Gentry brothers will wreak havoc on your heart. I love each of them. . . . For those who love a good romantic suspense, with sexy FBI agents, and strong heroines, . . . King of Clubs is your next must-read!” An online Readaholics Anonymous writer also had praise, commenting: “Great chemistry between the characters, action, suspense and a storyline that had me into it from start to finish.” The third series installment, Ace of Spades, features the oldest brother, Nate Gentry, who has been there for his siblings ever since their abusive father walked out on the family. Nate figures he’s not the marrying kind after witnessing that example. However, when both his younger brothers find true love, he begins to reconsider, especially when attractive Taylor Collins comes into his life.
BIOCRIT
ONLINE
Edgy, https://edgyreviews.com/ (July 21, 2016), review of Only Her.
Fresh Fiction, http://freshfiction.com/ (April 12, 2017), Sharon Salituro, review of Jack of Hearts.
Happy Ever After, http://happyeverafter.usatoday.com/ (February 16, 2017), Joyce Lamb, “Interview: Sandra Owens, Author of Jack of Hearts.”
Harlequin Junkie, http://harlequinjunkie.com/ (October 10, 2015), review of Falling for Her; (February 22, 2016), review of Lost in Her; (February 17, 2017), review of Jack of Hearts; (July 6, 2017), review of King of Clubs.
LaFife Reviews, https://lafifereviews.com/ (June 25, 2016), review of Lost in Her.
Njkinny’s World of Books & Stuff, http://www.njkinnysblog.com/ (October 22, 2017), review of Falling for Her.
Publishers Weekly Online, https://www.publishersweekly.com/ (January 2, 2017), review of Jack of Hearts.
Readaholics Anonymous, http://www.readaholicsanonymous.com/ (July 21, 2017), review of King of Clubs.
Sandra Owens Website, http://www.sandra-owens.com (October 3, 2017).
Unwrapping Romance, http://unwrappingromance.blogspot.com/ (July 15, 2016), review of Only Her.*
About Sandra
sandra_headshot_mdSandra lives in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Most days, you can find her with her fingers on a keyboard, her mind in the world of her imagination. It’s a land where romance and happy endings exist, a land where anything is possible.
A few highlights of Sandra's life she fondly recalls are jumping out of a plane, flying upside down in a stunt plane, and riding her Harley in the mountains of Southern California and along the coast of Maine.
Although those events in her life were great fun, nothing compares to the joy and satisfaction she gets from writing her stories.
Sandra is repped by Courtney Miller-Callihan, Handspun Literary, and is a member of Romance Writers of America.
View Sandra's Author Page on Amazon and stay up to date!
A best selling, 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 death-defying 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.
A member of Romance Writers of America's Honor Roll, Sandra is a 2013 Golden Heart® Finalist for her contemporary romance, CRAZY FOR HER. In addition to her contemporary romantic suspense novels, she writes Regency stories.
You can connect with Sandra on Twitter @SandyOwens1 and Facebook at SandraOwens.94043. Her website is: www.sandra-owens.com
QUOTE:
For my Men of K2 Special Services series, the inspiration came from watching a documentary about SEALs stationed in Afghanistan, facing death each day. I wondered how hard it would be for these heroes to adjust back to civilian life when the time came.
saying she wanted someone to write a motorcycle-riding undercover-cop romance.
Interview: Sandra Owens, author of ‘Jack of Hearts’
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SHARES
By: Joyce Lamb | February 16, 2017 12:01 am
Sandra Owens
Sandra Owens
Joyce: Welcome to HEA, Sandra! Please tell us a bit about your new release, Jack of Hearts.
Sandra: As a deep undercover agent for the FBI, Alex Gentry rides his Harley along the edge of two worlds, that of the criminals who would just as soon kill him as not, and the one on the side of the law. To infiltrate Miami’s criminal underworld, Alex operates a biker bar, Aces & Eights, with his two FBI brothers. The last thing Alex needs or wants is to fall in love, but resisting Madison Parker, his target’s cousin, is proving to be as hard as hiding his real identity from her.
Madison Parker is afraid of her drug-dealing cousin, so when his friend, Alex Gentry, appoints himself her protector, she willingly accepts Alex’s help. Her attraction to the secretive and insanely sexy man is worrisome. Who is he really? He exudes danger, yet she senses he is hiding the real Alex Gentry. Is she risking her heart on the wrong man?
Jack of Hearts is the first book in the Aces & Eights series.
Joyce: What inspires your book ideas?
Sandra: Inspiration is everywhere! For my Men of K2 Special Services series, the inspiration came from watching a documentary about SEALs stationed in Afghanistan, facing death each day. I wondered how hard it would be for these heroes to adjust back to civilian life when the time came. That led to writing the first book in the series, Crazy for Her, about a man who’d been a SEAL team commander. After returning home, he opened a security business, eventually bringing the members of his former team onboard. They all, of course, find their happily-ever-afters.
The Aces & Eights series began as a joke based on a tweet my agent posted, saying she wanted someone to write a motorcycle-riding undercover-cop romance. I whipped up a synopsis about three undercover motorcycle-riding FBI agent brothers. The synopsis was intentionally tongue-in-cheek; it’s only purpose to amuse her. Imagine my surprise when she e-mailed back, saying, “You have to write this!” So, Aces & Eights evolved from tweet to joke to the idea for a new series.
Joyce: Would you like to share a favorite moment from your writing career?
Sandra: That would definitely be when Crazy for Her, the first book in the K2 Special Services series, finaled in Romance Writers of America’s 2013 Golden Heart contest. So many good things came from that, especially the friendships I’ve made with the other finalists in my class. We’re each other’s biggest cheerleaders.
Joyce: Do you write by the seat of your pants (pantser), or do you carefully plot your stories (plotter)? Has that changed at any point in your career or maybe it changes depending on the book?
Sandra: Total panster here. Early in my career, I thought I should learn how to plot, that it would make writing books easier. I can’t do it. My mind is a vast wasteland when I try to plot out a book. Sometimes I have to write a synopsis for a proposal for books I’ve not yet written. I’ve not had one pre-book synopsis match the actual finished book. I asked my agent why can’t I just say, “Boy meets girl. They kiss and some other stuff. Something bad happens. Love conquers all. There’s a happily-ever-after.”
Joyce: What do you do when you get stuck?
Sandra: Stare out the window. 🙂
Joyce: Have you ever had a really bad date? Care to share?
Sandra: Ha! Who hasn’t? A guy that I’d been crushing on for a while finally asked me out. We worked for the same company but in different departments. I didn’t know much about him, just that he was really cute. Turned out his girlfriend had recently broken up with him, and he talked about her all through dinner, telling me how amazing she was. I finally asked him why she’d broken things off with him. It turned out that that she’d used that dreaded word “commitment,” and he’d panicked. I told him that since I’d spent the last two hours listening to how wonderful she was, that I was pretty sure he was committed whether he liked it or not. It was like a light bulb went off in his head at hearing that. I changed jobs shortly after that, but the last I heard, he and his girlfriend were back together and engaged. I hope they did get married. I also like to think that I was instrumental in helping them get their happily ever after.
Sandra Owens. The hair, it was saved.
Sandra Owens. The hair, it was saved.
Joyce: I don’t suppose you’d want to share a picture of you with your ’80s or ’90s hair or perhaps a prom picture?
Sandra: I didn’t attend my prom, but here’s a photo from my senior Christmas dance. There’s a little story here. I’m wearing a hairpiece. I’d made an appointment with a hairdresser who was supposed to be fabulous, and he’d told me to drop off the hairpiece before my appointment, which I did. When I arrived at the appointed time, he brings out this thing of hair that looked like it had been shaped around a soup can and stuck it on the top of my head. I should have spoken up, telling him I hated it, but I’m not good at confrontation. As soon as I walked out of the shop with my soup can hair on top of my head, a woman entering the shop looked over at me, her eyes going wide. I burst into tears.
The plan for the evening was to get dressed at my best friend’s house where our dates would pick us up. My friend and her parents were as horrified by the soup can hair as I was. As soon as I got it off my head, her father pretended to kill it with a rolled-up newspaper, making me laugh. Her mother unwound it and restyled it the way you see it in the picture. Her parents were my heroes that day.
Joyce: LOL! Awesome story!
What do you do in your spare time?
Sandra: What spare time? It always seems like I’m up against a deadline, but you know what? I love it. I love writing my stories, love bringing my sexy alpha heroes and the women who tame them to life. But I need to answer this question with something that doesn’t involve writing. OK, first reading. I love books. I devour them, especially romances. Next, I love to travel, which brings up food. Travel and food go together. I’m an adventurous eater. I’ll try almost anything at least once.
Joyce: What’s coming next?
Sandra: Up next is book two in the Aces & Eights series, King of Clubs, out June 27. Court and Lauren’s story is a second-chance romance, one of my all-time-favorite tropes.
Right now I’m writing book three, Ace of Spades, which is a friends-to-lovers story. I’m so in love with the Gentry brothers, who’ve made something of themselves despite all the odds against them.
Thank you. This was fun!
Joyce: Thanks, Sandra!
jack-of-hearts-sandra-owens
About Jack of Hearts:
Alex Gentry doesn’t scare easily. Working as an undercover FBI agent in the biker bar he and his brothers co-own, he hangs with deadly criminals in order to gather information. Danger is just part of the family business. But one thing has him terrified: his attraction to Madison Parker.
Madison is the cousin of Ramon Alonzo, son and second in command to a notorious drug lord Alex is trying to bust. Alex has befriended Ramon as part of his cover, and Madison has unknowingly become his informant. Falling for her could risk this case—and both their lives.
All Madison wants is to get her new bookstore business off the ground, and for her creepy cousin Ramon—to whom she’s unfortunately indebted—to leave her alone. If she could only stop fantasizing about his mysterious new friend, Alex…
As the Alonzo cartel investigation heats up, so does their relationship. But will the secrets they’re keeping tear them apart—or get them both killed?
About Sandra
A native of Florida, Sandra Owens managed a Harley-Davidson dealership before switching from a bike to an RV and roaming the open road (though she’s also chased thrills from sky-diving to upside-down stunt-plane flying). In addition to Crazy for Her—a 2013 Golden Heart Finalist for Romantic Suspense—her works include the Regency romance novels The Letter, winner of the Golden Quill for published authors award, and The Training of a Marquess, winner of the Golden Claddagh Award. A member of the Romance Writers of America and a potential cat owner, she lives with her husband in Asheville, North Carolina.
QUOTE:
I enjoyed the secrecy and forbidden aspect of Alex and Madison’s relationship and can’t wait to read the next book in the series. If you are a fan of this author or enjoy romantic suspense or just love your heroes to be swoon-worthy, Jack of Hearts is highly recommended.
REVIEW: Jack of Hearts by Sandra Owens
Posted February 17th, 2017 by Sara @HarlequinJunkie in Blog, Contemporary Romance, HJ Top Pick!, Review / 4 comments
HJ_TopPick
Jack of Hearts by Sandra Owens embarks on a new series which follows three brothers, who are undercover agents. This book revolves around the youngest brother, Alex.
Alex Gentry and his brothers own a biker bar as their cover, where bikers and criminals frequent. At the moment, they are building a case against the Alonzo family. Ramon’s father is a drug lord who needs to be brought down and Ramon is just as bad as daddy. Alex pretends to be friends with Ramon to get close for information, but it’s Ramon’s cousin, Madison, who shakes things up.
Madison Parker is Alex’s informant and the author makes it obvious how attracted they are to each other. For Madison, Alex is off limits. One, she has no idea he is an undercover agent, and two, Ramon is very possessive of her…and not in a good way. Madison owns a bookstore with her friend, but it’s her uncle’s money that helped open the store, which means whenever Ramon needs her, she’ll be there. Madison’s ties to her family make her vulnerable, but she’s actually a very strong heroine, who stands up for herself and for what’s right. It takes a strong person to stand up to an enemy, but an even stronger person, to stand up to family.
Unable to deny their chemistry for one another, Madison and Alex become closer. But what happens when Madison finds out Alex lied to her? Will his secrets cost him the one woman, who’s captured his heart?
“Dammit, I’m in love with you. The things I said…”
“Were for my own good?
He let out a relieved breath. She understood. “Yes.”
“Men are so stupid.”
Does it matter if Alex lied to her, but had good intentions? The one thing, Madison can’t gloss over is how safe Alex made her feel. There’s just something about Alex that will make you love his character. He’s the good guy, pretending to be the bad one. He’s sexy, confident, protective, and a little bit cocky. All the makings of a brilliant Alpha male.
The cover of Jack of Hearts is perfect. It’s the type of book you would proudly display on your bookshelf, because not only is the cover wonderful, so are the words inside. The suspense is done very well and once you get into the story, the pages fly by. I enjoyed the secrecy and forbidden aspect of Alex and Madison’s relationship and can’t wait to read the next book in the series. If you are a fan of this author or enjoy romantic suspense or just love your heroes to be swoon-worthy, Jack of Hearts is highly recommended.
Book Info:
February 14th 2017 | Montlake Romance | Aces & Eights #1
Alex Gentry doesn’t scare easily. Working as an undercover FBI agent in the biker bar he and his brothers co-own, he hangs with deadly criminals in order to gather information. Danger is just part of the family business. But one thing has him terrified: his attraction to Madison Parker.
Madison is the cousin of Ramon Alonzo, son and second in command to a notorious drug lord Alex is trying to bust. Alex has befriended Ramon as part of his cover, and Madison has unknowingly become his informant. Falling for her could risk this case—and both their lives.
All Madison wants is to get her new bookstore business off the ground, and for her creepy cousin Ramon—to whom she’s unfortunately indebted—to leave her alone. If she could only stop fantasizing about his mysterious new friend, Alex…
As the Alonzo cartel investigation heats up, so does their relationship. But will the secrets they’re keeping tear them apart—or get them both killed?
QUOTE:
Heated romance is at the forefront of this novel, backed by a compelling story that will lure readers into Madison and Alex’s world.
Jack of Hearts: Aces & Eights, Book 1
Sandra Owens. Montlake Romance, $12.95 trade paper (283p) ISBN 978-1-5039-4138-0
Owens (the K2 Team series) starts her Aces & Eights contemporary romantic thriller series, which pits undercover FBI agents against Miami’s underworld, with a strong story full of sexy romance. Alex Gentry and his two brothers own Aces & Eights, a biker bar, which gives them the perfect cover for their FBI work. Alex’s latest assignment is to get close to Ramon Alonzo, a man the FBI suspects of being a major player in a drug cartel. Unfortunately, Alex is very attracted to Madison Parker, Ramon’s cousin, who eagerly returns his interest. Though Alex tries to stay focused on his mission, he begins making secret nighttime visits to Madison. When they decide to openly date, Ramon, who has an unhealthy attraction to his cousin, threatens them both, and Alex swears he will keep Madison safe at all costs. Heated romance is at the forefront of this novel, backed by a compelling story that will lure readers into Madison and Alex’s world. Agents: Courtney Miller-Callihan (now at Handspun Literary) and Dan Mandel, Greenburger Associates. (Feb.)
QUOTE:
All I can say is Oh my god. This book the first in the series is so great, I couldn't put it down. I loved this book and can't wait for the next one to come out.
Jack of Hearts
Sandra Owens
Reviewed by Sharon Salituro
Posted April 12, 2017
Romance Suspense
Alex owns a biker bar along with his two brothers, Nate and Court. But they are not just bar owners; they are also undercover agents for the FBI. The case they are working on right now is trying to take down a drug lord.
Alex has gotten in pretty close with Ramon, who is the head of a family that is moving drugs. While with Ramon, he meets Madison. At first he had no idea that Madison was Ramon's cousin. Ramon has been trying to put the moves on Madison since she was fifteen, and the first time Alex sees this, he goes into a rage. What is Ramon thinking, this is his cousin?
Alex takes Madison under his wing. Little did he know that he would fell head over heels for her. Alex knows that he has to keep his distance from her, as he can't tell her what he really does for a living. As Alex gets deeper into Ramon and his drugs, he tries to break it off with Madison. But he can't do it.
Little by little with the help of his two brothers can Alex take down the biggest drug lord in their city? Will Madison accept him for what he is?
All I can say is Oh my god. This book the first in the series is so great, I couldn't put it down. I loved this book and can't wait for the next one to come out. While this book goes into a bit about their mother leaving them when they were small, I see that the next one will take it on further.
I loved the way that Sandra Owens writes the brothers as supposedly bar owners, but reveals they are FBI agents in real life. I am sure a lot of investigating had to be done. I also like while it had suspense, it also had some romance. Owens crafted her characters so vividly that I pictured them all in my head though the whole book. Owens also left some questions, what was the real relationship between Madison's best friend and one of Alex's brothers. Can't wait to see that story line.
Learn more about Jack of Hearts
QUOTE:
Only Her was a great love story with precious pets and a bit of suspense and action, hot shenanigans and great friendships.
Only Her by Sandra Owens
July 21, 2016 Sparkles Book Review 0 ★★★½
Only Her by Sandra Owens three-half-stars
Only Her by Sandra Owens
Series: K2 Team #5
Also in this series: Someone Like Her, Lost in Her
Published by Montlake Romance on July 19th, 2016
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 290
Buy on Amazon
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Goodreads
Former SEAL sniper Cody Roberts has returned from Afghanistan with too many demons and a simple wish: to be left alone. Working for K2 Special Services, caring for the war dogs he rescued, playing his guitar—that’s all he wants to do. But Cody is as protective as his nickname, “Dog,” suggests. A man like that can’t sit back when he realizes the beautiful veterinarian next door is being targeted by an unknown enemy.
Riley Austin is desperate to find out who’s poisoning her animal patients, and s...
more
This book may be unsuitable for people under 17 years of age due to its use of sexual content, drug and alcohol use, and/or violence.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
EDGy Review
Reviewed Sparkles 1
Only Her was a sexy suspense, with lots of appearances from the former couples in the series and the cutest pets.
Riley is a veterinarian whose patients are showing up poisoned. With no clue if it’s intentional or the motive behind it, the police can’t do much about it. She’s completely devoted to her job, her patients and her pets and was almost singled minded in her pursuit of realizing her lifelong dream of opening an animal clinic.
Cody is finally ready to start his job at K2 Special Services after getting his ass kicked into gear by his former commander. Well, as ready as he’ll ever be with all the shit going on in his head after his last tour in Afghanistan. His dogs are the only thing keeping him waking up in the mornings and not completely drowning himself in whiskey.
One look at the sassy neighbor from the house across the street and saving her from being run over will soon give him new reasons to take on the day.
Riddled with nightmares and some family issues makes Cody think himself unsuitable to start anything with Riley. Their chemistry is just too strong to ignore, and she makes him question everything he believes about himself.
“They’d get around to crazy monkey sex soon enough. Tonight, though, he wanted gentle and tender, not only for her, but for himself.”
Riley had a very sad childhood growing up in foster care and jumping from house to house. Being witness to a lot of bad, forced Riley to become almost incapable of trusting and relying on other people. That is why she finds the feelings that Cody awake in her so surprising, and so hard to resist.
Two lost souls that will find in each other exactly what they needed but didn’t know to dream for. Both their relationships with their pets, Cody with his dogs and Riley with her cats, were for me one of the highlights of this story.
I found that some things were repeated throughout the story, be that a thought or explanation, which I found tiresome. I’m not saying I could win an award in those memory competitions thingies, but I don’t need to be reminded of what I just read in the previous chapter 15 minutes ago. The same as with Riley’s thought process whenever a pet would show up poisoned… if I had to read one more time “who would try to harm such helpless, cute creatures” I think I would have gone crazy.
I loved how the team at K2 forced Cody to deal with his issues by supporting him 1000% in everything and reminding him of their brotherhood. I also found it lovely how they all accepted Riley once Cody realizes what he had in her and how all the wives also took to make her feel comfortable instantly.
I enjoyed how the author interwove all the previous couples into this story while not allowing them to overshadow the relationship development between Riley and Cody. Their relationship was really fun and sweet to see it evolve; I liked enormously how they brought out the best in the other and how it made them want to fight at the chance of being happy together, in spite of the risks.
All in all, Only Her was a great love story with precious pets and a bit of suspense and action, hot shenanigans and great friendships.
Sparkles’ Rating: 3.5 Stars
QUOTE:
filled with intrigue, lots of good guys, and one really off the wall crazy bad guy.
Friday, July 15, 2016
Unwrapping a Review of ONLY HER, a K2 Team novel by Sandra Owens
I love the K2 Team series by Sandra Owens and it’s coming to an end with the fifth and final book, ONLY HER. I thought that would be enough to make me cry but on no, this book is so emotion-filled that I was in tears nearly from the beginning. Oh, I still laughed on occasion but this is one to be experienced. I’m still sad to see the series end and can’t help wondering if you haven’t read any yet, why not? Check out the other 4 books because they are currently on sale.
***eARC provided by publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unscripted review
Blurb for ONLY HER:
Former SEAL sniper Cody Roberts has returned from Afghanistan with too many demons and a simple wish: to be left alone. Working for K2 Special Services, caring for the war dogs he rescued, playing his guitar—that’s all he wants to do. But Cody is as protective as his nickname, “Dog,” suggests. A man like that can’t sit back when he realizes the beautiful veterinarian next door is being targeted by an unknown enemy.
Riley Austin is desperate to find out who’s poisoning her animal patients, and she’s stunned by her mysterious neighbor’s suggestion that it’s personal. But Cody makes her feel something else, too: a powerful attraction. He insists he’s no good for her, but those haunted eyes and that chiseled body tell Riley that surrendering to their mutual lust is worth the risk. And despite his conditions—no falling for each other, no regrets once it’s over—she’ll fight to love him just as fiercely as he’ll fight to save her.
~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~
Cody Roberts has joined the K2 Team at a time in his life when he needs purpose but he worries that his past will destroy him before he can become a true member of the team. Nightmares from his last deployment plague him nightly even though he tries to ward them off with liquor. Constant worry over his missing dog, Layla, doesn’t help even though he has the comfort of Sally and Pretty Girl. His natural talent with dogs earned him the nickname Dog. When his ability to control his dogs is questioned by the beautiful and intriguing woman living across the street, he can’t resist getting to know her, even though having a relationship with her is not in her best interest.
Riley Austin has a past that keeps her from getting too close to anyone. She has her own ghosts to deal with so when she quickly surmises that her sexy new neighbor has his too, she tries to resist his magnetic pull but can’t. With more than enough on her plate dealing with her animal patients being poisoned, she tries to put the sexy guitar playing man out of her head—without much luck.
When Riley is assaulted, her home invaded, and her cats attacked, Cody goes into full force protective mode despite his own troubles. With the help of the K2 Team, he is determined to make sure Riley is protected at all times, and solve the question of who is trying to hurt her and why. Pulling together, Cody and Riley discover that as a team they are comforting, calming, and good for each other in more ways than either expected.
ONLY HER by Sandra Owens is the final book in the K2 Team series and I am very sad to see it end…not only the series, but this book. I have loved every one in this series and after reading each one, thought Sandra couldn’t get any better but I was wrong. ONLY HER is amazing from page one straight to the end which will have you clutching tissues just as you will too many times throughout—especially if you’re an animal lover like me.
Cody and Riley are two damaged people, drawn to each other by lust and need but fall in love with a passion that you feel emanating from the pages. They become a family with their pets. It’s natural, it’s real, and the emotion is strong with this one. Cody is a romantic at heart and Riley has a hard time accepting attention or acquiescing control so he has his work cut out for him, but he succeeds where none has before with her.
ONLY HER, book five in the K2 Team series by Sandra Owens is filled with intrigue, lots of good guys, and one really off the wall crazy bad guy. There are adorable animals, angst galore, heart-wrenching scenes, steamy sexual tension plus more sexy action, plus an abundance of romantic gestures that will have you grabbing for more tissues so make sure you have them available. I highly, highly recommend ONLY HER by Sandra Owens, along with the previous four books in the K2 Team series, because this one, as well as the others, is story about falling in love, friendship, brotherhood, compassion, healing, and fun. This group is always fun. Perfect couple stories.
If you haven’t read any yet—do, and then I dare you to pick your truly absolute favorite. I can’t.
Happy Reading Everyone!
ONLY HER, a K2 Team novel by Sandra Owens, Montlake Romance, release date, July 19, 2016 and will be available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
QUOTE:
I really loved Charlie’s career. She’s a stunt pilot who until finding Ryan, could only find happiness in the sky. She’s independent, fearless, and speaks her mind.
REVIEW: Lost in Her by Sandra Owens
Posted February 22nd, 2016 by Sara @HarlequinJunkie in Blog, Contemporary Romance, Review, Romantic Suspense / 4 comments
Lost in Her by Sandra Owens is book four in the K2 series and revolves around Lost-in-HerRyan and Charlie.
Ryan is grieving for his dead wife, but he’s spent a whole year mourning her and needs to feel a woman again and decides to find one at the bar. Charlene sees Ryan and immediately wants him, but Ryan has his eye set on someone else. Lucky for Charlie, she was able to turn his gaze right back around. Both Charlie and Ryan aren’t the kind of people who do one-night stands, but on this night, they are out to engage in one.
“A part of him that he’d thought dead the past year had stirred, seen her passion, and wanted to take it into himself.”
Only it doesn’t happen. They share a dance and a kiss and then Ryan leaves. He can’t seem to get over his dead wife, who definitely doesn’t deserve his loyalty. That’s my only downfall to the hero. He talks to his dead wife a lot and it’s too much. Even Charlie feels like she has to compete with his dead wife. He doesn’t really understand the term “letting go” until the very end. On the other hand, Charlie talks to herself a lot and that’s annoying as well.
When Ryan spots Charlie on television he knows he has to see her again. Their passion for one another is quick, but both have emotional scars. Charlie put her stepfather in prison and her stepsister blames her and her ex-boyfriend is a douchebag. Ryan has to deal with the information that his wife was pregnant before she died, especially since it wasn’t his baby and just wait until you hear whose baby it is…
I did enjoy a quite a few things with this story. I really loved Charlie’s career. She’s a stunt pilot who until finding Ryan, could only find happiness in the sky. She’s independent, fearless, and speaks her mind. I really like his nickname for her. Ryan calls her cherub because she looks angelic looking. I liked that it was unique and not generic like the normal ones…baby, sweetie, etc. I also liked that how Ryan and his family came together when Charlie was in danger. Those few things are why I gave this 3.5 stars. I wish I could have given it more, but Ryan drove me crazy with the dead wife obsession.
Book Info:
03.5SPublication: February 9th, 2016 | Montlake Romance | K2 Team #4
It’s been a year since Ryan O’Connor buried his wife. He was in Afghanistan as a SEAL medic when the call came that she’d been killed during a robbery. In that time, he returned home, nursed his grief, and joined his former brothers-in-arms in the K2 Special Services.
After a bad breakup with her ex, Charlene “Charlie” Morgan finds happiness only when flying the friendly skies—as an aerobatic stunt pilot. But the skies aren’t so friendly when her plane troubles turn out to be the work of sabotage.
Looking to forget their worries, Charlie and Ryan run into each other at a bar. The chemistry is instant and intense. It’s only supposed to be a one-night stand. But the memory of their passionate kiss lingers, and when Ryan shows up at Charlie’s flight school, their romance takes off. Yet the route to love has its own turbulence—secrets, lies, and danger. Can one night lead to something lasting?
QUOTE:
Lost in her was an enjoyable read, I would recommend this to all lovers of romance novels.
Sandra Owens: Lost in her (review)
June 25, 2016lafifereviews
Before I get into my review I want to note that although Lost in her is a stand-alone novel, looking at the previous K2 Team novels enhances the experience. I highly recommend it, below is a list of all previous K2 Team novels.
crazy-for-her-cover-1 Best SOMEONE LIKE HER by Sandra Owens Falling for her
lost in her
Ryan O Connor is a retired Seal Medic trying to heal from his wife’s betrayal and her abrupt death. Charlene “Charli” Morgan is sexy pilot instructor trying to escape her past by taking to the skies in her planes. This unlikely pair finds each other and they both teach each other to truly move on from their hurt and take a chance on real love.
I have read all of the previous K2 Team novels so that gives me a clear view of the story and each character. This book can be read as a standalone but reading the other books gives readers an intimate look in the previous characters and that adds value to the story.
If I had to describe this book in a sentence I would say; Lost in her is a fast paced, suspense filled, action packed love story. Ms Owens carefully crafted each character and it shows in the story. Her characters are imperfect and real; its real people dealing with real problems.
As a sucker for love and a lover of all contemporary and erotic romance novels, I hate reading predictable romance novel with the same recipe. Wealthy jealous and sexually promiscuous man seduces pure and helpless heroine and he solves all her problems. If you are looking for a book like that, this is not the book for you. Lost in her is a tale of two people whose been let down by the people who they hold most dearly; they save each other, they learn about each other and the hope of a better future suddenly becomes a viable option.
Lost in her was an enjoyable read, I would recommend this to all lovers of romance novels. The scenes were descriptive and the book gives readers a clear picture of the surroundings and it made reading all the more enjoyable.
I have included links to Lost in her below.
QUOTE:
Falling For Her is well-written, the dialogue is enjoyable, and the characters are full of life. Sugar and Saint are two characters you don’t want to miss.
REVIEW: Falling For Her by Sandra Owens
Posted October 10th, 2015 by Sara @HarlequinJunkie in Blog, Review, Romantic Suspense / 13 comments
Falling For Her by Sandra Owens is an entertaining read that kept me amused 25527824throughout the book. No heavy angst here, just a heartwarming tale with lovable characters and suspenseful elements.
The characters were really fun to read about. First we have Sugar Darling. How great is that name? It’s not her real name, but no one knows that. Sugar has secrets. Secrets that keep her on the run. She’s changed her name, her hair color, and lost weight to make sure no one makes the connection to who she really is.
Jamie was a good character as well. He’s a SEAL and a tough one at that. My only issue with Jamie is that the author is trying to portray him as an Alpha male, but he didn’t come off as one. Sure, he’s tough, but some of the terms he used in place of curse words never screamed alpha to me. Almost seemed like he was trying too hard in some instances. I do love his protective nature and I adore his nickname. They call him Saint.
Jamie doesn’t intend to fall for Sugar Darling, but there is this strong pull that keeps him gravitating to her. When Jamie realizes Sugar is not who she seems and is in danger, he will do everything to protect her.
Falling For Her is well-written, the dialogue is enjoyable, and the characters are full of life. Sugar and Saint are two characters you don’t want to miss.
Book Info:
03.5SPublication: September 29, 2015 | Montlake Romance | K2 Team #3
Known to the K2 Special Services team as “Saint,” Jamie Turner lives by his own strict rules to compensate for his past sins and the two-ton boulder taking residence in his heart. He doesn’t drink or smoke. He never swears. And he only dates nice, safe women until he meets Sugar Darling, the fill-in receptionist at K2. She’s as sweet as her name, but this wild woman is definitely trouble, with something to hide. He knows he should avoid her…but can he?
Sugar isn’t hiding something—she’s hiding everything. And K2 seems like the perfect place to lie low, thanks to the big, protective guys who work there. The drop-dead-handsome Saint makes her heart race, yet he keeps his distance. When Sugar’s traumatic past rises up to haunt her again, she desperately turns to Saint for help, and he has to decide what’s more important: playing it safe or risking everything for love.
QUOTE:
There are heartfelt emotions, an engaging and action filled story, an intense and warmth filled romance and plenty of suspense and anticipation in this book.
ARC Book Review and Giveaway: Falling For Her (K2 Team #3) by Sandra Owens
Falling For Her
by Sandra Owens
Series: K2 Team, #3
Genre: Contemporary Romantic Suspense
Release Date: September 29, 2015
Known to the K2 Special Services team as “Saint,” Jamie Turner lives by his own strict rules to compensate for his past sins and the two-ton boulder taking residence in his heart. He doesn’t drink or smoke. He never swears. And he only dates nice, safe women until he meets Sugar Darling, the fill-in receptionist at K2. She’s as sweet as her name, but this wild woman is definitely trouble, with something to hide. He knows he should avoid her…but can he?
Sugar isn’t hiding something—she’s hiding everything. And K2 seems like the perfect place to lie low, thanks to the big, protective guys who work there. The drop-dead-handsome Saint makes her heart race, yet he keeps his distance. When Sugar’s traumatic past rises up to haunt her again, she desperately turns to Saint for help, and he has to decide what’s more important: playing it safe or risking everything for love.
Falling For Her is the first book by Sandra Owens that I have read and I enjoyed it through and through! The cover and the title were the first things that intrigued me towards the book and the blurb is also interesting.
Taken directly into action by the author, I loved how she executed the story to give us romance, military operations, a strong suspense quota and a story that held me glued to my seat right till the end. Sandra's writing style is engaging and she creates a realistic picture where I could visualize each and every action and feel the thrill of each moment.
Sugar and Saint look to be completely different from each other with Sugar appearing like an empty headed blonde and Saint acting all serious and intense. But wait till their masks fall off and then all that remains is vulnerability and a striking similarity between them. Both are tortured by events past and present, running from their past and stuck in self imposed prison. I loved how they slowly warmed upto each other and how the author brought their characters alive in my mind. She expertly developed their personalities and had me rooting for them soon enough.
I loved meeting the other members of the K2 Special Services Team and enjoyed travelling with them to their dangerous and adrenaline thumping missions. I look forward to meeting them again and am eager to read their stories too. I know I'll be picking up the previous books in this series soon.
Despite being part of a series, this book can be read as a standalone.
There are heartfelt emotions, an engaging and action filled story, an intense and warmth filled romance and plenty of suspense and anticipation in this book. A lovely experience, I give Falling For Her 4.5 out of 5 and recommend it to all lovers of romantic suspense. I enjoyed this book so much that I know I'll be checking out and reading the other books in this series and others by Sandra Owens soon.
I received the book from the author and the tour organizers from NetGalley and I am very thankful to them. The above review is my honest and unbiased opinion and in no way influenced.
QUOE:
These Gentry brothers will wreak havoc on your heart. I love each of them and can’t wait for Nate’s story! For those who love a good romantic suspense, with sexy FBI agents, and strong heroines, looks no further because King of Clubs is your next must-read!
REVIEW: King of Clubs by Sandra Owens
Posted July 6th, 2017 by Sara @HarlequinJunkie in Blog, Contemporary Romance, HJ Top Pick!, Review / 8 comments
HJ_TopPick
King of Clubs by Sandra Owens is the second book in the Aces & Eights series and in my opinion, even better than the first book. This story has it all. Action, suspense, heat, and an amazing second chance romance that will keep you turning the pages.
Lauren Montgomery and Court Gentry were in love. Their love for each other was instant, but there is no mistaking that these two were soul mates. But Lauren’s abusive ex-husband made her life a living hell, and the only way to protect Court was for her to break his heart. Six years later, an unexpected reunion between the two, brings back memories that might have been better off buried.
Court hasn’t forgotten how badly Lauren burned him. One day they were in love than the next he’s getting a phone call saying they are through. To say, he’s guarding his heart, is putting it lightly. But when it’s clear that Lauren is in danger, he is willing to do anything to protect her.
Both Court and Lauren have their share of secrets, but it’s only a matter of time before the lines of communication are forced open and everything is out in the open. Once Court finds out why Lauren broke his heart, he is beyond furious. But Lauren is holding strong and stands by her decision.
“It was the right thing to do. I have to believe that, otherwise I lost you for nothing.”
I loved both characters and sympathized with each of them. Lauren made a drastic decision, but I can see why she made it. As for Court, it’s not only Lauren’s leaving that upset him, he’s still recovering from when his mother left. Both characters had depth to them and made for intriguing reads. Court was a real sweetheart under his bossy exterior and is definitely hero material and Lauren matched him in spades. This author created a dynamite couple with real passion and a love that will overcome just about anything.
These Gentry brothers will wreak havoc on your heart. I love each of them and can’t wait for Nate’s story! For those who love a good romantic suspense, with sexy FBI agents, and strong heroines, looks no further because King of Clubs is your next must-read!
Book Info:
Publication: June 27th 2017 | Montlake Romance | Aces & Eights #2
In the second novel in acclaimed author Sandra Owens’s Aces & Eights series, passions—and tempers—flare as one star-crossed couple gets a second chance at love.
Covert FBI agent Court Gentry loves his brothers, his job, and his Harley-Davidson. Once he loved a girl, too, but when she broke his heart, he put his emotions on lockdown…until she crosses his path again.
On vacation six years ago, free-spirited Lauren Montgomery fell hard for Court Gentry. She returned home happier than ever, only to descend into a spiral of abuse by her ex-husband, Stephan. When Stephan threatened to kill any man who touched her, Lauren cut Court from her life—but not from her heart.
When Lauren and Court reunite after her friend marries his brother, Court guards himself against the person who made him feel such intense passion and pain. Except the undeniable spark between them is impossible to contain and heating up fast. Six years ago, it was love. Now, it’s just lust. Keeping it merely physical is a foolproof plan…right?
When Stephan is released from prison, Lauren can’t outrun her past anymore, and Court vows to protect her. But with Lauren in imminent danger, Court must question his heart and risk his life to save the woman he never stopped loving.
QUOTE:
Great chemistry between the characters, action, suspense and a storyline that had me into it from start to finish
Review: King of Clubs (Aces & Eights #2) by Sandra Owens
1
Jul 21, 2017
In the second novel in acclaimed author Sandra Owens’s Aces & Eights series, passions—and tempers—flare as one star-crossed couple gets a second chance at love.
Covert FBI agent Court Gentry loves his brothers, his job, and his Harley-Davidson. Once he loved a girl, too, but when she broke his heart, he put his emotions on lockdown…until she crosses his path again.
On vacation six years ago, free-spirited Lauren Montgomery fell hard for Court Gentry. She returned home happier than ever, only to descend into a spiral of abuse by her ex-husband, Stephan. When Stephan threatened to kill any man who touched her, Lauren cut Court from her life—but not from her heart.
When Lauren and Court reunite after her friend marries his brother, Court guards himself against the person who made him feel such intense passion and pain. Except the undeniable spark between them is impossible to contain and heating up fast. Six years ago, it was love. Now, it’s just lust. Keeping it merely physical is a foolproof plan…right?
When Stephan is released from prison, Lauren can’t outrun her past anymore, and Court vows to protect her. But with Lauren in imminent danger, Court must question his heart and risk his life to save the woman he never stopped loving.
4 STARS
Six years ago, Court and Lauren met on Spring Break and spent 6 amazing days together. Making plans for the future, they thought things would continue after they each returned to their home towns. However, when Lauren returns home and her abusive ex-husband comes after her (beating her almost to death) and threatens to kill the man she was with, she vows to protect Court at all costs and calls him to ends things with no explanation.
Now it’s 6 years later and Lauren and Court’s paths cross again. He hasn’t forgotten how Lauren hurt him all those years ago. She doesn’t know at first that Court is an undercover FBI agent and is still trying to protect him when her ex-husband starts threatening her again from prison through family members on the outside. Her ex is determined to come for her when he gets out, which is very soon. Learning to let Court in on what is going on and trust that he can protect her and not get hurt himself isn’t easy for her, but she hasn’t stopped loving him all these years later and doesn’t want to lose him again.
As things heat up on the danger side and their relationship, Court will do everything in his power to protect Lauren from her ex. But they also have issues in their relationship to work out. Will Lauren be able to be with a man with such a dangerous job? Will Court be able to give up what he loves to do in order to not lose Lauren?
Great chemistry between the characters, action, suspense and a storyline that had me into it from start to finish. This may be the second book in the series, but can be read as a standalone. I really enjoyed the first book in the series though, Jack of Hearts (which is about Alex, the youngest of the three brothers and Madison who is Lauren’s best friend). I recommend that one as well!
I’m definitely looking forward to the oldest brother Nate’s story!