Aaliyah's Book Corner

Okay, February romance (ahem, erotica) is coming in hot with the release of Rosaline Jay’s second book in the Deck of Hearts series, The Heart. This spicy, 421-page story delivers an action-packed storyline, smut that will make you squeal, and sweet/intimate moments that will make you go “Awwww!!” 

*The Heart released on February 6, 2025. I received this book as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) but my thoughts and opinions are strictly my own and always honest!

Plot

Six months after the events of The Coffee Shop, Leena is working alongside her former bodyguards-turned-lovers, Sebastian Chase and Luke Campbell. Their security business is super successful and they have hired more people to form a complete team. The newcomers are Ava Jones, Ryan Chen, Jace Gray, and Colton Fisher. Each new member brings something to the team, making it seem more like a family unit that kicks ass together.

The team completes security operations and during their downtime, they love to bond. Some a little more than others (*cough* the throuple *cough*). Eventually they fall into dangerous territory when Leena’s only family member she cares about is abducted and the other gangs composing the Deck (mafia/crime organizations) go after them. In the midst of trying to survive and assess the threats looming around them, Leena and her three men find themselves falling deeper in love and strengthening their bonds.

Tropes

For my book babes who aren’t into reverse harems, MM content, sexually explicit content, or violence, I must ask you to exit the premises. *waits patiently* Now, for my readers who are all about the following tropes, this book is right up your alley! 

– Reverse harem: Leena met Luke and Sebastian in The Coffee Shop (the prequel novella, check it out!). In The Heart, a third guy is added to her collection of men who would do anything for her. I appreciated how Rosaline made sure that each guy has a different relationship with Leena; Sebastian is a teddy bear, Luke is a golden retriever, and Colton allows himself to finally experience unconditional love. All three guys are equally willing to share the affections of Leena, a welcome difference to the usual “you have to choose one” crap.

– Touch Her and Die: Whew, this trope always makes me swoon. All of Leena’s men have this attitude. If they even sense that Leena is upset or uncomfortable, the person may as well run while they still can!

– Found Family: This is a big one because three of the four main characters come from difficult backgrounds. Without spoiling too much, Sebastian suffers from abandonment issues. Leena is the daughter of the notorious King of Hearts and strives to live away from the world of crime. Colton dealt with an abusive father. Luke is the only member of the group that had a “typical” family, meaning loving and attentive parents and siblings.

– Voyeurism/Exhibitionism: These characters are downright filthy and don’t care who knows it… For the most part. In each of the spicy scenes, they love to watch each other’s pleasure and enjoy being pleasured. When you read the book and reach page 47, you’ll see what I mean 😉

Characters

I love how well thought-out each character was, and Rosaline did a great job at giving the guys personalities that contrast with one another but complement Leena’s. 

I mentioned Sebastian being a teddy bear; he is the grumpy guy but with Luke and Leena, his soft and protective side comes out and it’s so cute to read about. 

Luke is the reliable/stable one. He is the kind of man that observes and then takes action, both in the field and in the bedroom.

Colton is the new love interest and for his rich, playboy ways, there is a depth about him and his journey with the team and his relationship with Leena got me a little teary eyed.

Favorite Scenes

1. The Van after the first operation
2. The BDSM club 
3. The confessions (I couldn’t pick just one so I’ve lumped them altogether)

Favorite Quotes

Overall Rating: 5 / 5

I wholeheartedly recommend this book. It’s not the spice that kept me intrigued and continuously turning the pages. It was the emotions and love between the characters. The action sequences had me gripping my Kindle. Just a great story all around.

You can snag your copy of The Heart by Rosaline Jay on Thursday, February 6, 2025, via Kindle Unlimited or straight up ordering the eBook for $6.99 on Amazon. If you enjoyed this review, I would love for you to join me on my various social pages and give this blog a follow.