Member Reviews

An amazing second installment in the Dirty Money series! I cannot wait to see more from Shane and Emily, and figure out where the drama of the Brandon family will take this series!

Was this review helpful?

The continuation to Hard Rules of the Dirty Money series picks up right where it left off in book one. No reprieve! Fast and furious. Romantic. Thrilling. Nail bitingly suspenseful.

Shane is still struggling with the family "game" that his father has initiated. His brother Derek plays dirty and sleeps with the enemy to give him the advantage of winning this game!

Emily is still holding on to her secrets which puts doubts about her in Shane's head. He is not prepared to give in so easily though!

When Shane insists on the truth from Emily, everything takes a turn for the worse. She is torn as telling the truth might put Shane in danger. Something that she is not prepared to allow. Shane is persistent and when she eventually opens up, the unravelling of her secrets comes as a total surprise. She is in danger herself and Shane will do anything to protect her.

Whilst their relationship continues to blossom, they have to face one obstacle after another. Knowing who to trust besides the obvious ones is near impossible. It would appear that everyone has ulterior motives. Money and control are the driving forces.

Some of the mysteries are unravelled but only to raise more questions. This instalment is full of lies, betrayal and deceit. Those who are loyal are few and far between. The suspense is killing. The love and passion between Shane and Emily is so intense that it's palpable.

Damage control demanded my attention and held me captive throughout. I couldn't wait to get to the end and yet when I got there, I wanted more. Bad Deeds, the next instalment can't get here quick enough but I am sure that the wait will be more than worthwhile!

I was kindly issued with a complimentary eARC via NetGalley and the views expressed are my personal opinion.

Was this review helpful?

4 stars!

The Dirty Money series by Lisa Renee Jones continues with the second book, Damage Control. Once again we are thrown back into the world of secrets, lies, and deception. This book picks up immediately from the ending of the previous book, Hard Rules . Shane wants answers and he wants them now, but Emily isn't quick to reveal her secrets. It doesn’t help that Shane has a lot of shady dealings going on with his business leaving Emily with questions of her own. In this book, Shane and Emily quickly find out that not everything is as it seems.

I really enjoyed Damage Control. Though it started out a bit slower than I would have liked, the answers we got and then the questions that developed pushed this book along at a quickening pace and by the end I couldn’t out it down.

I loved that Shane and Emily are more open with each other in this book. Shane doesn’t let Emily push him away. He wants to fight for them, even when Emily things she will only bring danger to his doorstep. We know Emily isn't who she said she was and when the truth that she has be hiding comes to light, you understand why Emily is the way she is and the fears she has are understandable.

In this book, we get a better glimpse at what Shane has to deal with to bring the company on the right side of the law and there are some major key players standing in his way. The power struggle and drama within the family is crazy and the hatred runs deep.

"How do it protect her when [they]… are basically two tornadoes about to sideswipe us at any moment, or worse, collide, with devastating results?"

This story has a large focus on the connection between Shane and Emily and their relationship. Written in dual POVs, we get both sides of the story. I loved the safety they feel within each other. The ferocity of Shane's love and the extent that he wants Emily in his life despite her past and the fact that it was catching up to her was amazing. No matter the dangers, Shane wasn’t going to let her go.

“You’re the future, not the past. You’re the good that I need while I get rid of the bad.”

Emily understands Shane in a way no one ever has and I loved that she was there for him when he needed her most. I loved her determination to help him and the strength of her love.

The chemistry between Shane and Emily is still amazing and when they are together, it’s scorching. The fact that there is danger at every corner does nothing to hinder their sexual desires, it only makes things hotter and more intense.

They both want what is best for the other and what keeps them safe and I loved when they realized that they may be stronger together. Even when Shane and Emily decide to go all in, things are difficult and the many obstacles make a HEA difficult to fathom.

"His demons and mine are alive and well, two poison kisses, which could too easily turn out sweet hello into a brutal good-bye."

Damage Control is more than just a sexually charged romance. This story is very much a mystery, with suspense that keeps the pages turning. This book is a complex game with a lot of players. The secrets are locked tight and though we get some answers, this book leaves us with even more questions and confusion. We don't know all the details and have no idea who is on Shane and Emily’s side and who are against them. New alliances seem to form, but only time will tell if they are real or just another play in the game.

Overall, Lisa Renee Jones has spun a wonderful web of mystery and suspense, deception and lies, and this installment in the Dirty Money series kept me on my toes. The story is full surprises and the anticipation of what will happen makes me excited for the next book, Bad Deeds.

*ARC generously provided by the author and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Was this review helpful?

Damage Control starts off right where Hard Rules left off. Once again we read the lies, deception and secrets that the Brandon men have. In the second book of the Dirty Money series, we see some of these secrets revealed. Who is Emily? What is she hiding? You will find out the answers to these questions and more. This is a great follow up to Hard Rules. The last quarter of this book is intense. Be prepared to hold on tight to your ereaders. The roller coaster ride isn’t over with this one. The plot thickens and intensity is turned up. I can’t wait for Bad Deeds.

Was this review helpful?

An excellent continuation, romance deepens amid heightened suspense…

This is the second book in the Dirty Money series that should be read in order. Things here begin where the last book left off, an ultimatum was issued and a response is expected. With the level of complexity of these protagonists a simple answer to a question would not suffice. Like Shane, Emily protects what she cares about and revealing the secrets he now demands puts this man she has aligned herself with and that she has strong feelings for at risk. Their personalities clash as she hedges, plotting an escape while his intention is to keep them together no matter what the costs. This reader gasped, then smiled at the intense physical and emotional chase she led him on but Shane is not a man who easily gives in.

This book has such an apt title for Shane has much damage control to do, he must put in place defensive positions then set up offensive moves in this living chess game that is his life. We learned much about Shane and his family in book one, now we learn what Emily has been keeping secret and the revelation heightens the danger they will both have to face. It’s no wonder that he compares their situation to an uncontrollable force of nature, savagely dynamic and ever-changing. “How do I protect her when our families are basically two tornadoes about to sideswipe us at any moment, or worse, collide, with devastating results?”

In each other this couple finds what has been lacking all their lives, besides a steamy physical attraction, an intense emotional connection that touches their very souls along with acceptance and neither wants to give it up, they’ll address what is coming at them together for as long as they can but there could be a price to pay. Shane is walking a fine line between who he is and who he has to be to win this fight. “And right now, there is a war raging not just with my family, but within me, between good and evil.” Can the goodness that Emily is and the love she has for him ground him from falling too deep into the dark side of humanity or will circumstances guide him as deeds turn decidedly more deadly?

This was an excellent continuation, with every new revelation and new players entering the battlefield the suspense and danger is heightened as Shane persists in his attempts to extricate the company and his family from their deadly associations while navigating a romance that deepens with Emily. This reader was left wanting to know how it will all end and what will be the final costs.

An advanced reading copy was obtained from the publisher via NetGalley.

Was this review helpful?

Lisa Renee Jones jumps right back in to our story of Shane and Emily, who we first met in Hard Money. Be sure you have a comfy chair, because you will be glued to it as you whip through the pages desperately seeking the answers right with them.

Emily has secrets, we already know that, and while some were hinted at, the depth and destructive potential of these secrets is powerful, and serves to fuel much of the action and tension in this book. More importantly, Shane, the only member of his family with a moral compass, learned the lessons of single-minded determination and ruthless judgments to reach that goal from this family, and he is unafraid to take charge and act to both unearth the dangers and protect Emily, even as she hasn’t been entirely honest or open with him.

Oh what a fun ride this story was! More than once I found myself holding my breath as the action and danger hit a fever pitch, only to have a moment to breathe where Shane and Emily take time to explore the connection that draws them together. The moments build on one another, as the relationship strengthens when secrets are revealed, and their chemistry sings.

Shane is a wonderfully strong hero: alpha, driven, protective and concerned with both protecting Emily and discovering the danger that will allow her to live in peace. For Emily, she’s coming into her own and showing more of who she is, without struggling between keeping the ‘persona’ she ran with and her own self, allowing her heart and true personality to shine through.

Following much the same arc as the Inside Out series, fans of that series are certain to love this one, but be warned: you can’t read Damage Control without reading Hard Money: you will be hopelessly lost and confused. Trust me, it’s no hardship: both of these books are read in one sitting, demanding your attention and emotions from beginning to end.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Was this review helpful?

Lisa Renee Jones delivers with Damage Control and the reader is body slammed right back into the drama surrounding Shane and Emily. The romance is heating up and the reader can definitely feel the heat between the sexy leading couple but there is just so much more yummy goodness going on here ... oh my ... no words ... just read it.

There is conflict coming at Shane and Emily from all angles. Will their fall come from Shane's sexy brother Derek who is in deep with the cartels and is determined to take over the family's business interests. Will it be Mr. Brandon (calculating bastard) who is determined to maneuver everyone exactly where he wants them. Maybe, the matriarch of the family is working behind the scenes in order to steer the Brandon family's interests. It will be interesting to see who actually comes out on top. Not to mention, the not so sweet Emily has her own demons following close behind her that will add another level of danger for this leading couple.

This second installment to the series was an exciting read and I wish I had the next installment now. Damage Control is fast paced and will keep any readers eyes glued to the page. This series has that conniving family dynamic with villains you to love and hate at the same time. The book also has heroes that you want to pull right out of the pages into reality. As always, Happy Reading Everyone!

Was this review helpful?

WOW! This book immediately takes off where book one ends. SOOOOO with that being said stop here and go read it. Seriously... go read it! NOW! This is an action packed and fast paced read. One you definitely don't want to miss. Lisa made this book her bitch! I LOVED IT!

Emily has finally let the cat out of the bag. And now she can finally be happy. Only the dangers lurking under the surface are threatening to come up and swallow her whole. There was so much more on her POV this time. I was really scared for the way this book would start with her. The angst and tension kept me flipping through the pages as fast as I possibly could.

Shane is absolutely swoon worthy! This man! OMG! He has definitely won me over and Emily too. He is a take charge kind of man and takes no mercy on anyone who crosses his path. This is one of the reasons why I love his character so much. So alpha and demanding but at the drop of a hat will take care of those he loves and will do anything to keep them safe and happy.

I loved this book! The little details had me feeling like I was living the story as well. It kept my heart pounding and going crazy. I was absolutely reeling by the time I reached the end and I cant wait for book three. I NEED IT IN MY LIFE!!!! Lisa and her words are phenomenal! Do NOT miss out on these books! Some of the best I have ever read!

Was this review helpful?

Oh my! Where is book 3? I enjoyed this book very much. Love Shane and Emily. What a tangled web, can't wait to get all the answers in the next book.

Was this review helpful?

Damage Control is a complex story of a family driven my power and money with a bit of madness and mayhem thrown in, done in the best way possible. ~ White Hot Reads

Damage Control is a solid continuation of The Hard Money Series. The Brandon Family is complicated and layered and complex. They are driven by money and power. And Shane is determined to keep the business on the up and up. Emily is both a pawn in the game of the family, a lover to Shane and a Queen leading her own game. A Queen who wasn't planning on dealing with a four letter word sneaking up on her. L.O.V.E.

He is power. He is confidence. he is sex. <----- And that's why we fall in love with him. He is everything. I can only speak for myself, but Shane Brandon could melt my panties in 3,2,1...

This series is one of the things are never what they seem type. The reader (you know me) keeps turning the pages as quickly as possible and then the lightbulb comes on. WAITTTT! I don't want it to be over. So I stop and stare. Take a deep breath and start over. I must keep going because there is so much to read and find out.

I'm totally enamored with Shane, Emily and the bunch. I'm expecting the unexpected to keep coming from the author as the story progresses and I can't wait.

Was this review helpful?

Hard Rules ended with a huge cliffhanger so I was very glad to get the chance to read Damage Control and see where this adventure with Shane and Emily was headed. Both find themselves in incredibly dangerous and stressful situations through no fault of their own. Their families have caused far too much havoc and Shane and Emily are dealing with it all while their budding personal relationship is becoming more intense. They’re both the kind of characters the reader finds themselves caring and rooting for.

Book one left us wondering if they would even continue to see each other and what exactly was going on. Damage Control picks up right where Hard Rules left off. It take a while for the two to iron out their relationship when Shane finds out Emily isn’t who she says she is. Her deception makes him very suspicious of her involvement with not just him but his father and brother. Is she just a mole planted in the Brandon offices? Who is she really? What is she doing?

Ultimately. this is a romance novel about Shane and Emily so with a bit of effort they are able to work their way back into an increasingly close relationship but there are so many other situations causing stresses on our lovers. They live in a world where everyone is hiding something and a lot of it is very dangerous.

Jones does a great job creating characters and situations I find engrossing. This book has a touching romance, nail biting suspense, too many secrets and lies to keep track of, and plenty of intrigue. The story progresses very well with many interwoven scenarios.

We’re left at the end of this book with a lot of very scary, unanswered questions. Will these two even live through the maelstroms they find themselves in and find their happily ever after? Will they finally get answers to the plethora of questions wreaking having on their lives?

I’m anxiously awaiting the next book, Bad Deeds, to find out.

reviewed by Jem Stone

Was this review helpful?

And this is why Lisa Renee Jones is one of my favorite authors... she has this ability to grab hold of the reader from the very beginning and keeps them in her grip until the very end. She gives you a steady flow of steam that keeps you breathlessly turning the pages to see how the story unfolds. Remarkably well-written, Damage Control has a great mix of suspense, danger, murder, romance, betrayal, drama, explosive chemistry, over-whelming emotions, and unexpected twists. Secrets will be revealed and love is professed.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.

Was this review helpful?

Lisa Renee Jones has done it again! She has brought to life a story that is suspenseful and romantic, and one that is extremely hard to put down. Honestly, this book consumed me from beginning to end. And, while I hate the idea of having to wait for the next book in the series (this is on me NOT the author >> I am just impatient in general) I gladly will if she keeps pushing them out like this one.

Readers, make sure you read Hard Rules prior to this one as it is a continuation of that story. For those who are familiar with the series already make sure you have enough time to sit and read it all without interruption! You will get HOOKED.

There are so many amazing things I can say about this novel. But, instead of going into deep detail about the plot I will just say this. Secrets will come to light (you will love this if you read book 1), love and hate will intertwine, and readers will be gripping their books for the majority of it... Read it !

Was this review helpful?

I received an advance copy from the publisher and author for my honest review. This is the second book in Lisa Renee Jones' new series Dirty Money and different from the inside/out series. There is drama, suspense, erotica, and much more. This book continues where the first one left off and it keeps you pulled into the story just like the first book. The main characters Emily and Shane both have chemistry from the first moment they met. Lisa doesn't disappoint us as her writing talent shows. Emily has secrets and we get to find out what they are in this book. I couldn't put down this book once I started reading it as per my usual with any of Lisa's books. It's that good! I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

Was this review helpful?

You know the book is powerful and consuming when you go to bed and dream of the book. I was so immersed in Shane and Emily's world that I lost track of time. Lisa Renee Jones does it again providing the reader with a story that is powerful, breath taking, angst y, suspenseful, thoughtful, and provocative. I can't wait till the next installment because I can't get this story out of my mind.

Shane is trying to clean up his family business and Emily is trying to run from her family and protect Shane. Emily fights Shane to protect him from her past and his family. But he doesn't see it that way. His alpha male takes control and it is magnificent to watch it unfold.

But will Shane be able to protect the one he cares the most about? And if so, Who does he need to be protecting her from?

Was this review helpful?

First off I have to say thank you to Lisa Renee Jones for the recap & the list of characters from Hard Rules, book one in the Dirty Money Series. I wish all the authors out there would do that. Especially when you have to wait for the next book in the series. It really brings the previous books back to life for me.

D*mn a cliffie! I was just at that sweet spot when things are really happening and I was thoroughly involved. Well I guess the good news is there will definitely be another book in this series. I feel badly for Shane. He really tries hard to clean up his Pharmaceutical Co. and he continues to run into danger. His father and brother are involved in that danger. I still question maybe his mother too. The only certain is that Emily Stevens is on his side or at least I think she is. She did have her own secret.

I enjoyed reading Damage Control. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. I give it 4 Stars and I look forward to Dirty Money #3. Bad Deeds looks like it will be out in August of this year.

Was this review helpful?