RS Review: The Heart of a Killer [Mass Market Paperback]

I've finished "Heart of a Killer" the 1st book in her Killer series by Jaci Burton.

Product Description

No one said coming home would be easy.

But for Dante Renaldi, it's murder.

Before the Special Forces hero has even unpacked his bags from twelve years of active duty, he's embroiled in murder — corpses bearing the brutal trademark he's seen only once before — on the worst night of his life.

The last time Detective Anna Pallino saw Dante Renaldi, they were in love. Now, he's part of the connection to a string of fresh homicides and a horrible assault Anna only survived thanks to him.

More than anything, Anna wants to trust Dante. But as the bodies and the coincidences stack up, Anna will have to decide, and fast: Is the man she owes her life to the very same one who wants her dead?

About the Author

Jaci Burton is a bestselling, award winning author who lives in Oklahoma and spends a fair amount of time on the back of her husband's Harley, where she often gets lost plotting her next story as the warm (and sometimes cold) breeze whips her face. She loves reality television, is a sucker for romantic comedies, and completely loses track of time when reading a great book. She's a total romantic and longs for the happily ever after in every story, which you'll find in all her books. 

Product Details
Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Mira; Original edition (October 18, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0778312593
ISBN-13: 978-0778312598

My Review:

16 year old Anna is dating sexy older 18 year old Dante and she works at an ice cream shop. One night after work she is attacked, beaten and has a heart carved onto her chest with a knife. Before he has a chance to rape her she is saved by Dante and his foster brothers Gabe, Roman and Jeff who beat him unconscious. After they make sure Anna is safe inside they go check on the guy and find him dead. Anna doesn't want her boyfriend or her friends to get in trouble so she calls her dad a cop who makes they go away.

Twelve years later Dante comes back for his foster parents anniversary and he can't say no to the only family he knows.  When he finds out his foster dad is missing and finds him murdered with a heart carved onto his chest in the same alley Anna was attacked he realizes they are connected.  Dante, Anna and his foster brothers are reunited over this case.

We learn that Dante has joined the military and has moved up the ranks in the Special Forces during those twelve years but he's quite mysterious about what he does for them.  Glad to see he opened up to Anna and told her what his job was.  He realizes he still is in love with her and is determined to break down her walls.

Anna has become a hardworking detective and is married to her job with no time for romance.  Once she sees Dante again she realizes she is still in love with him but is furious that he left without saying goodbye.

I can understand that Anna is furious with Dante for leaving without saying goodbye but I didn't really like how she treated him.  She treated him like a ant and would be yelling or complaining all the time.

I admire Dante for putting up with Anna's behavior and determination to break down her defenses.

4/5