Ace (The Outlaw Chess Series)

I will try my best not to give spoilers so that hopefully this review can help you know if this book is one you might be interested in. The writing is wonderful, which is so hard to find now. It’s in-depth, has character development, good flow, proper grammar, and isn’t stilted. It’s fairly accurate and believable when it comes to MC specifics, which makes it an easier read as well. The things I wasn’t as enamored of are below: 1) Many POVs - The author does specify that it has multiple POVs. I was hoping that would mean just two. Unfortunately, that meant POVS from at least five characters - the two main characters, and then three others (at least two of whom have books later in the series). 2) Romance Triple-Triangle (this may be too much of a spoiler, read at your own peril). I feel like, because the book is literally named after Ace, it was fairly clear who Jaine would end up with… however, it really didn’t feel that clear. While Jaine and Ace have strong chemistry and a strong background, they really don’t seem to interact that much at all over the course of the book, and there really isn’t much of a resolution in sight until at least the last 100 pages. I understand that Delaney/Razr and Padraig/Irish are integral to the story arch over the entire series, it just felt like they were way too involved in this particular stories and I wish they hadn’t been. Unfortunately, it makes me not look forward to their individual books as much as I would otherwise. 3) Focus - This kind of ties into/summarizes points one and two, but it really felt like the book’s focus was on setting up this “universe” and story arch, and I really wish it would have focused a bit more on the chemistry/relationship building/resolution with Jaine and Ace… instead, it felt like Jaine and Ace’s story (together) was a side-plot, despite this literally being their book. Now, why did I give it five stars? Because, despite the frustrating and annoying bits (see above), the writing, universe building, and storytelling still drew me and made me utterly preoccupied trying to find out what came next. I struggled to put this book down (although, at times, I will admit that I skimmed pages to get to a different pet faster), and I really want to find out what happens next in the series. If you can handle the plethora of POVs, the frustrating love triangles, and feeling less settled that you would like, but you still want a good MC/Organized Crime read, this book is for you! Unrelated - I also like how the author has woven MCs, Irish Mob Families, and Sicilian Mafia Families together to create a series. Often, a series about just one can get monotonous, so I’m excited about that.

This book is OK. It's a quick read, easy going. There's no deep plot in this book. Each step is kinda just spawned in without any real connection between. I do take issue with the description of the book saying it's about Ace when in reality it's about Jaine with Ace and 2 other men sprinkled around her. The book is absolutely not about Ace at all. His character is a flimsy 2D rendering of a person with barely any interaction, action, or thoughts on his part. In fact, I'd go so far as to say he is kinda pointless to the entire storyline except as a support arc for Jaine (and the rest that I won't say as they would be spoilers.) Again, it's an OK book but it is absolutely not about Ace, and if you want a strong presence from the "lead" MMC, this isn't it. He has 0 pivatol moments of his own, nor does he do anything in the book, really except dole out the smut in some scenes. Overall, I'd have to say I was actually disappointed. Jaine is a mess in every sense of the word. There is no real sense of who she is, other than mad at world, no background of how she got her skills, MMA is mentioned, but it's never a part of the story. There is 0 story to her becoming a sniper other than she was good at shooting as a kid... I know this review is a bit all over the place. It's kinda hard to get all the thoughts down in a coherent matter in these things. Anyway, good read for like a vacation, poolside book or something. Just don't expect any depth to the story or the background of the characters. Some had more depth than others, but really, all of the characters are fairly 2D with no real depth or real human personality to them. They are all likable for the most part, though, so it reads pretty lighthearted and very quickly despite the "dark" aspects, which didn't come across as very dark for me.

I loved this series so much! I stayed up all night to finish one to get to the next one for the next night. I felt like I was part of the family. I cried, laughed, cussed and had my heart ripped out while reading. Wonderful series and I can’t wait for more.You can't go wrong with some beautiful eyes on a man. I love the whole storyline. Definitely recommend 👌

This MC / Irish Mob crossover with a strong kick butt FMC was my favorite read of 2024. The drama, action, angst, complete rollercoaster of emotions this series took me on. I had to read the entire series through twice. First in KU, then I had to own copies so I could read again & again. Each book focuses on a couple, but at the same time continues with the main characters journey throughout the series. The twists, the pivots, the tears. My god the tears I cried. Although the series will continue - book 6 wrapped up the storylines So you don’t feel like a death fall of a cliffhanger while we let Harley’s muse take a breather. I can’t recommend this series enough, if you love a great mafia read - just do it! I’m 4 months since my last reread and it still lives rent free in my head and if or when there’s an audio… just take my money Harley!!! I’ll buy that too. As for Amazon’s AI review system… it can pound sand! This morelly gray, spicy, mafia series with fantastic content & plot, this series starting with ACE is fire!!!

It has been long time since any book captured my entire attention like this one! Great story, unexpected, strong and unforgettable!!! Thank you, Harley, I really enjoyed this one ❤️

2⭐️ Unrequited love? Sign me in! One of my favorite tropes with a promising beginning. I was loving Janie, she was hilarious and different. But then… we started with the exaggerations that made me laugh at first, but then I was rolling my eyes constantly. Janie just became a parody… too extra. Also, what started as funny banter via text with the Irish then became redundant. I skimmed through many parts of their conversations. I disliked the love triangle because it was very sudden. I couldn’t believe her love later. The smut became forced and well… I was disappointed 🤷🏻‍♀️

It’s a good read but the book is a story about Janie..She’s a total baddie and Ace is basically background noise..She’s makes the book..The male characters are accessories for Janie

The first book of a serie of 6, it'll have you hooked Just read it, you'll not be disapointed, only eager to know more about the characters. A young author, I wish her the best, her writing is a blessing ! Way to go, Tallulah

I have read all the books so far, which is six and I am devastated that I have to wait for book 7. I know that it will be worth the wait. This book is amazing, they all are. Be ready for lots of emotions. Laughter and wanting to scream.