Blackjack by Christine Donovan

Book Description:
Cole Jackson spends fifteen years in prison for a murder he did not commit, the murder of his wife Lindsey. His talent as a songwriter, and being an avid reader, save him from the loneliness of the cold, dark and unforgiving prison walls. But as he joins the world of the free again, he struggles with his once again fame, because of his rock-n-roll band, of being a convicted killer and the fact that his self-esteem and self-respect were lost years ago. Prison will do that to you, not to mention drugs, alcohol and an unfaithful wife. He no longer has the drugs, the alcohol, or the unfaithful wife. What he has is a tarnished reputation and the determination to find the true killer and restore his life. 

Shannon Gallagher’s hard work as a writer has finally paid off. She believes her life is complete until she meets Cole Jackson. She idolized him at sixteen, cried at twenty-one when he went to prison. Now at thirty-six she meets him and falls instantly in love. But as Cole gets closer to his wife’s killer, he puts Shannon’s life in danger. Can he expose the murderer and keep Shannon safe? 

My Thoughts:
This was an all around good book.  Cole is a bad guy.  Well, he is a good guy that got a bad deal.  He went to prison for 15 years for a murder he didn't commit and now that he is out he is going to find out who really did.  Shannon loved Cole when they met, but as they get closer, so does the danger.  
I was expecting a simple romance, and while this book had romance, it had other elements as well.  The character interactions were great.  I liked that they were well developed and involved.  There was a good mix of serious and humor so it wasn't completely suspenseful, but the characters were realistic.  I loved the chemistry between Shannon and Cole.  I also really liked how Cole treated Shannon.  I really liked the story and setting and want to definitely read more from this author!
4/5 for this one and I really expect great things from this author's next work.  
Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book (via PUYB).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.