Colt Tucker has traveled many miles to find the ranch he has been searching. It is raining and his feet are dog-tired from walking after selling his horse to get to the Blue Plains Ranch for the ranch hand position. When he approaches the person handling the horse, he is certain that it is a young lad, but what he finds is a little gal with more venom than a viper. Jessie Hayden has her hands full taking care of the ranch for her aged parents. Since her brother left to parts unknown six years ago, her chores have been quite full. When a straggler appears with no horse and only a gun and a bag to inquire about the job, she doesn’t seem to trust him. This is the time she wishes that her brother was around so he could help out with matters. Colt has his reasons for coming for the job. He sees that Jessie has her hands full and is mighty mistrustful of many people. Quick to point out that she is indeed a young woman and should not always dress in attire that pertains to a man, Jessie begins to think on his words. But the ranch life and dressing like a boy is all she has known as of late. Colt wants to reach out and try to help her see things differently. She wants to dislike him with a passion but something in her heart tells her otherwise as they fight the growing attraction that seems to be pushing them together.

Queen of Hearts is a page-turner. The character of Jessie really emits power through the story. She shows much dedication and loyalty to family ties. With every obstacle that is placed in her path, she stays determined to not allow anything to get her down. Colt has a tender heart when it comes to Jessie. He suffers from some things in his past and each day the two spend time together they seem to gain their strength from each other. Ms. Heaton creates genuine characters, a believable story that tugs at the heart strings then adds a little romance and trust along the way to make this story enchanting. She fashions a story with heart, deep emotion and well-rounded secondary characters that this reader came to love. This story is incredible in every way, and I believe a well deserved recommended read.

Reviewed by: Linda L