A powerful man

Axel McKee abandoned his musical career years ago in favor of becoming a power player on the music scene. His dreams of the spotlight are over—and he’s better off for it. Working with his Haven brothers and building their empire is enough for him.

One who commanded attention with nothing more than a look

And then came Lizzy. A dynamic, beautiful powerhouse of a performer unlike any he’s seen or heard before. Her presence leaps off stage and into the heart of anyone who watches her sing. Axel wants her. Wants to help her and collaborate with her… But more than anything, he wants to be with her.

And every ounce of his attention was locked on her

I absolutely loved this book. I am not sure why I haven’t read any of the other books in the series yet, but that will be remedied soon. The characters in this book are so loyal, demanding, powerful, and sassy that I don’t know what’s not to love. Lizzy is a woman who has been hurt in the past, and has to learn to trust again, but when she meets Axel’s family there is no way she can get around them. They will burrow right through her armor and open her heart right up.

I love the characters in the story and all that they each bring to the story. Their passion and love shine through more than anything. I give this book at 5-star review and look forward to going back to read the other books in the series before Down & Dirty. I highly recommend this book to readers who like a sassy heroine, a powerful Hero who demands control, and the humor that comes along with a group of sassy women who live to keep the men in their lives on their toes at all time.

Hot, sexy, and sweet! This book with Axel and Lizzy is a great book that will leave you cheering and happy. It might just leave a little hot and bothered too.

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is the first book by this author I have read and I was instantly put at ease. This author had a smooth writing style that I was able to enjoy and a way to suck you in and keep you turning the page. Axel and Lizzy's love story was one for the books. Now I need to go back and read the rest of this series.

Axel is the bad boy club owner/empire builder and Lizzy is the talented rock singer and song writer he wants to represent. Love the slow burn feel of Axel and Lizzy's story as he worked to gain her trust. Once the slow burn becomes a wildfire, they are smoking hot together! I appreciated her very vocal reluctance to acquiesce to his D/s tendencies almost as much as I loved how she acknowledged the satisfaction and freedom it brought her once she'd given it a chance.

Can't talk about a Men of Haven story without talking about family. Both Axel and Lizzy come into their relationship with extended families of people they've each chosen (as opposed to family by blood, of which Axel has just one). Axel has his brothers of Haven and their women, and Lizzy has her mentor Rex and the members of her band. Kudos to Axel for working to connect both groups, not just focusing on Lizzy alone as he pursues her.

One of the best parts of the story was watching Lizzy find her footing and stand up to her rotten ex. His dramatic comeuppance at the end was so very satisfying.

I knew Axel’s story was going to be phenomenal and Down & Dirty surpassed all my expectations and soared to the top of my absolute favorites list. Axel’s glimpses through the rest of series were perfect teasers that culminated in an epic romance with strong musical undertones. Lizzy and Axel are perfect for one another and I couldn’t have loved anyone else for Axel more. Their chemistry crackled off the pages and Axel was so tender and kind to her.

This series is phenomenal. Rhenna Morgan has mad freaking skills. Her books are wonderful. I love everything about Down & Dirty. The character development and world building continued with Axel and his potential love interest while still making sure we get to hang out with the rest of family. Both characters are unique and perfectly paired in the author's brotherhood world. I was drawn into the story from the very beginning and everything about it kept me engaged. The love scenes were steamy and sensual and written well. Lizzy and Axel complement each other in the music industry and between the sheets.

The plot was smooth, and the entire story was perfectly paced. I was never bored or overwhelmed with details. The dialogue between everyone was realistic and conversational - it was like I was there with them. The events and storylines were well thought out and eventually they all came together in an explosive crescendo. Be prepared to get lost in Down & Dirty and not find your way back out into the real world until you get to the very last word in the story!

Lizzie has first hand experience that people can’t be trusted both from her childhood and having been betrayed by the first man she let close. She has focused her direction in trying to make her band a success even if that means they need to play in bars that definitely aren’t on the A list.

From the moment that the sexy Scotsman Axel saw Lizzie he knew that she was meant to be his. When he steps in to rescue her from a situation with a bar owner he in intrigued by the feisty female who is determined to make it on her own.

Axel makes her an offer she can’t refuse and it not only allows him to get close to her but it also allows him to follow his true calling music. He knows that she has been hurt in the past and he is willing to be patient and show her that not only can she depend on him but that he will always be there loving and protecting her.

These two are perfect for each other. Her sassy personality has a way of challenging him at every turn and she fits right into the family fold like she has always been there. It was great to not only get to know Axel and Lizzie but to catch up with all the other characters we know and love as well.

I was really looking forward to Axel’s story, but it fell short for me. It just didn’t have the intensity that I’ve come to love so much from the other Haven brothers. The build up of Lizzy and Axel’s relationship was slow, not a slow burn. I didn’t get the connection I was hoping for. Also, Axel calling her “pet” was a turn off. I found myself skimming most of the book.

Axel stopped at the dive bar to check out a band when he saw her on stage.Lizzy was guitarist and lead singer for her band. She was a beautiful dynamic, powerful performer unlike any other Axel had seen or heard before. Her presence leaps into the heart of anyone who watches her sing. Axel had given up the chance as a musician when he was a lot younger in order to go into business with his friend Jace as Jase and Axel wanted to take care of their moms. Axel was extremely close to his family and the men he considered his brothers have a bond that can’t be broke. Axel didn’t have a great childhood and vowed to take care of his family. But music did make Axel happy. Axel loves working with his Haven brothers and building their empire. She captivated him. He knew she was to be his. Elizabeth/Lizzy had a rough start getting her career going. The band was doing it’s best to get local gigs. One night a bartender was trying to underpay Lizzy for the gig they had just finished. But Lizzy could take care of herself even though Axel tried to step in. She didn’t like him getting in her business. But she couldn’t stop thinking about Axel. she is drawn to Axel but she doesn’t trust herself.Axel is determined to bring Lizzy into his world. Axel knew he would do anything to help Lizzy achieve her goals, keep her safe and happy. Lizzy grew up without love or family support. Because of the bad experiences Lizzy had with her ex Joffrey. Lizzy had been left scared and scarred. . she had been used and discarded , her songs rights stolen she didn’t date and doesn’t have much interest in men. Lizzy had been deeply hurt mentally and physically. and no longer trusted many people. Axel gets Lizzy a job at his club but wants much more than a business relationship with her. He introduces Lizzy to his family and his moms who instantly accept her and give her the love and support she had never had before from family. Axel finds his dream of succeeding in the music business happening through Lizzy.
I loved this book. I loved the drama, suspense, romance,family and so much more in this book. I advise you to read this series in order for an knowledgeable, smoother read. I loved Axel and Lizzy together and how they interacted. I loved the fast pace and plot. There is some kink in this book-BDSM. Axel is kinky. I loved how Axel was protective and possessive- to just the right degree and would anything to make her happy. I loved seeing Lizzy grow and learn to trust. I also loved how they Haven family toke Lizzy in and made her their own. I choked up at times while reading this. There was very hot chemistry between Lizzy and Axel. I loved the characters and and the ins and outs of this book and I highly recommend it.

It is not often I get to read this author but when I do I thoroughly enjoy it. I think too I will start kicking myself when I grab something already into a series. Hum but anyways Axel has now gone a different path. There is Lizzy whom catches his attention up front and center. AS we follow both of them you are given a dose of healing and rebuilding of trust. The romance in this is one that warms you through and through. So this was worth getting into even if not at the beginning of this series.

Lizzy is an amazing performer and has been burned before when it came to her musical career that shes a bit guarded. Axel got power and connection in the music industry which is exactly what she needs to put the spotlight on her. Shes a bit skeptical but will see what hes got to offer and she might get more then she bargained for making a deal with Axel.

Take the title to this book to heart because this book really means it. I loved seeing that power struggle / connection between Lizzy and Axel, Lizzie is a fierce women and doesn't take it lightly to let others take over. That goes for in and out of bed too, and in case your wondering this book does get really steamy. Other then the that I loved the story line and characters. I loved the sense of family, support and seeing how everyone was working together help out. So I've had to alter this review plenty of times to not give anything away because there is plenty to say but hard to do so without spoiling the book. You know what this book was pretty great I personally really enjoyed it and recommend you lovely readers to check it out.

Down & Dirty by Rhenna Morgan
Men of Haven #6

One of the true pleasures in my life is finding wonderful characters that I would love to know in real life. Each and every book in this series is such a book. Who wouldn’t like to have a “family” of men who have chosen one another to be “brothers” and live by a code of honor that puts family first...no matter what. Add to that the men are HOT and ALPHA and know what they want when they see it and you have a series I eagerly await each book that comes out to see which man will meet his mate next. AND...this time it is Axel McKee who finds Elizabeth “Lizzy” Hemmings and knows she’s the one.

We meet Lizzy as she is getting to perform with her band Falcon Black and then she meets Axel when she goes out to get the band’s payment from the club owner they have just finished playing in. The guy is a bit of a scuzz-bucket with a reputation for trying to cheat performers out of money and Axel, knowing this, steps in...and it does not go over well. So, how is Axel to woo the lady if he makes a bad impression? Call in a brother? Perhaps.

What I liked:
* Axel – what a wonderful man he is...in all ways always!
* Lizzy – a brilliant musician and so strong to be able to overcome her past!
* The relationship between Axel & Lizzy – sizzling and so mature – in more ways than one
* Seeing the family members and how they are changing
* Meeting the band members and wondering if they might have books of their own
* Well...really...just everything about the book except for…

What I did not like:
* Joffrey – I was supposed to hate him and I did and was thrilled to see he was dealt with in the perfect way.

Thank you to NetGalley, Lady Amber Publicity, HQN-Carina and the author for this wonderful book in a superb series. This is my honest review.

5 Stars

3.5 stars

"Down & Dirty" follows Axel and Lizzy. Axel owns several clubs with his brothers (not technically by blood), and they have a close family, including two mothers. He had dreamed of being a singer growing up, but knew he needed to have a better job to take care of his family when he was older. However, seeing Lizzy Hemming perform with her band, Falcon Black, he knows that she is the one for him. He will do anything to help her with her music career and bring her into the family fold.

Lizzy (Elizabeth as she is called by Axel) has had a tough start to her career. She put her trust in an agent/boyfriend who wound up copyrighting her songs before she could and selling them to other artists. He was also a terrible person who beat her up. She left and since then, she has refused to put her trust in anyone except her BFF and member of the band, Rex. However, Axel is pretty determined and works his way under her skin.

Axel knows he wants both a personal and professional relationship with Lizzy, and he just needs to convince her. He is willing to move as slowly as needs. He also is a Dominant and wants Lizzy to be his sub. I was a bit surprised about the elements of BDSM, especially since it seemed pretty tame by those standards. It was almost like 50 Shades but in a slightly healthier (emotionally) relationship. He was a little too possessive by my standards, though there was some good give and take in the relationship that made it have less of the ick factor as in 50 Shades.

In terms of what I liked, I liked the storylines with Lizzy finding her success, learning to trust, and taking down people who have wronged her. In terms of the romance, the intimate scenes were sizzling. In terms of the relationship, I did not quite see the intensity and possessiveness that Axel did. I would have liked more talk build-up/something so it wasn't so instalove from my perspective. The elements of the music industry were interesting to include also. I have not actually read any of the other books in this series, and this one was easily read as a stand-alone. However, maybe reading more of the books in the series would give you more context as to who Axel is and let more of these possessive/overbearing statements slide.

Overall, it was a steamy romance around the music scene. Please note that I voluntarily read an ARC which I received from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Down & Dirty by Rhenna Morgan is book six in the Men of Haven Series. This is the story of Izzy and Axel. I felt this could be a standalone book if you wish to do so. I have loved the books I have read in this series, so I would also recommend them too. Axel has also made appearances in the books but again it shouldn't slow you down from enjoying their story.
Elizabeth 'Izzy' has been hurt in the past by a man so she has learned to be guarded and forget about relationships, so she works towards her signing career. Axel is a man who loves women and doesn't slow down on the loving until he meets Izzy. When he meets her, he knows she is pretty much it for him, but Izzy on the skittish side. Axel will go slow (or try to) but nothing slowing him down for his goal of Izzy. Another hot and exciting read from Ms. Morgan!

Down & Dirty is the sixth book in Rhenna Morgan’s Men of Haven Series. This book is filled with intense drama, great characters, and a love story filled with chemistry and intimacy.

Axel McGee, is one of the original and founding members of Haven. He has worked for years to make a better life for him and his mom, even at the expense of his own dreams and music career. A chance sighting at an out-of-the-way bar leads Axel to Lizzy Hemming, a dynamic and beautiful musician. He is instantly drawn to her and wants to help her and her career. Soon Axel realizes that Lizzy is it for him, but first he has to earn her trust and show her that dreams do come true. Especially with the love and support of his family and friends. But will Lizzy let her guard down long enough to let Axel and the Haven family in or will demons from her past stop her from sharing the spotlight with the man she loves? Read it and find out!

This book has an HEA. Each book in the series can be read as a standalone, however, because of the recurring characters in this series, a deeper appreciate for the Haven family will be achieved.

This series explores the lives of a group of men who have come together as brothers to create a family filled with loved an unconditional support. All of the heroes in this series are all alpha males who come from different walks of life but have all struggled and succeed in overcoming the choices and events of their past. Each of the heroines in this series have strong personalities and difficult pasts of their own. The men of this series use whatever means necessary to protect the women who have become their heart. The stories focus on working together to overcoming difficult and often life changing events. Love, and trust, does conquer all.

This is a voluntary review of an advanced readers copy received from Netgalley.

3.5 STARS

DOWN & DIRTY was not at all what I expected. In a six-books-series you form opinions about side characters, going by the hints and facts the author drops along the way. This story was the one I was looking forward to and anticipating the most.

From the previous books we know that Axel is the eternal bachelor, a man who enjoys his kink and women, a shrewd businessman. We learned quite a bit about him over the course of this series, so when a new fact is sprung on us we are taken aback a little. That Axel's greatest love until Elizabeth is music, that he actually wanted to become a musician that wasn't mentioned in any of the previous stories and it felt a little like Rhenna Morgan didn't know what to do with him until the very last minute. It felt a little too random to make sense to me. I also never pictured him as a musician.

Axel had always been adverse to relationships and, while kind, a little rougher and ruthless, at least that's what I remember from the last books. I didn't expect him to be as sweet and easy to reel in. That too, felt a little out of character. He was a goner the day he met Lizzy and there I thought he'd put up more of a fight - it felt a little too insta-love-like. Gotta say, though, with all my niggles he was an entirely lovable character. Bossy, protecting his family and those he considered his, oozing masculinity and self confidence. He understands Lizzy, how her thought process works and adjusts to give her what she needs. And in the last 15% or so, the Axel I remember from the previous books made an appearance.

“Gonna fight to keep that. Whatever it takes—whatever you need—I’d kill to keep that laugh and the woman who makes it in my life.”

Lizzy was a guarded young woman when she met Axel. She had sass and snark came to her like breathing but it took Axel a while to take apart the distrust she had toward men. Yet, I didn't feel like Lizzy, being the rockstar that she was supposed to be, had that charisma Rhenna Morgan was describing. She felt a little bit boring to me and I really wanted more of a firecracker for Axel.

"He’d given her everything. A chance at her dream. A real family. Passion like nothing she’d ever experienced before. Constancy. Affection. Him."

This installment also had less suspense than I'm used to when it comes to this series. I enjoyed the banter between the Haven family that we have come to love so much. Especially Jace, who gave Axel hell during his courtship, repaid him for Axel's needling during his wooing of Vivienne, made me grin and laugh. Their bond is so strong and based on love and loyalty and the meddling just comes with the territory.

DOWN & DIRTY may not have been the bombastic conclusion I wanted it to be but it is a solid story and I do think, read as a standalone, this could be a total winner! I found some beautiful quotes in this book, sweet, deep and beautiful. If you like your romance with a dash of suspense don't hesitate to pick up this series - it's definitely addictive.

“I waited a long time for you, Elizabeth. Years I wish we could have spent together.” He skimmed her lips with his own. “But I’d have waited twice as long if I knew you were my reward.”

Down & Dirty is the sixth and final book in the Men of Haven series by Rhenna Morgan. I have been an obsessed fan of this series since the first book. This band of brothers by choice has captivated and held my heart. They are all strong, alpha men who love with their whole hearts and will do whatever is necessary to keep the people they love safe, whether it is inside the confines of the law, or not. Honor is the only rule they adhere to.

We’ve known Axel McKee, the Scottish bad boy, throughout this entire series. Now it’s finally his turn for a woman to stop him in his tracks and that is exactly what happened. It was a random stop to check out a band when he saw her on stage. She captivated him. He knew right then and there that she was his.

Elizabeth (Lizzy) Hemming got a rough start with launching her career. Now she and her band, Falcon Black, are doing their best to land gigs in local dive bars. On a night when a bar owner was trying to pull one over on her, there he was, larger than life, trying to swoop in and help the damsel in distress. Well, no thank you. She could take care of herself. Still, she couldn’t get him off her mind.

Axel finds a way to bring Lizzy into his world. He knows he’s going to have to be patient with her. She’s got a history that makes her keep her armor in place. But he’ll wait until she’s ready to let it down. Because she’s his, she just doesn’t know it yet.

“You’re kind of bossy.”
“More so than you know. But it won’t ever be for anything other than your safety. Or to give you pleasure.”

Axel gave up any chance at a professional career as a musician when he was very young in order to pursue a more lucrative career with his best friend Jace, so they could provide for their mothers. When he hears Lizzy play, he knows he’ll do anything to help her to achieve every dream she’s ever fantasized about. But he wants more than to just help her professionally. He wants everything.

“With you next to me, there’s not much I can’t handle.”

“Well, then, you’re set to conquer the world, lass, because I’m not going anywhere.”

Lizzy’s past comes back and attempts to reawaken everything she has worked so hard to forget. Axel will do anything to keep Lizzy safe and happy. The woman he loves was hurt. It doesn’t matter how long ago it happened. Because whatever affects her, affects him. And it’s his job to battle her ghosts. And battle them he will. He will get revenge for Lizzy. The person that hurt her will pay.

“I waited a long time for you, Elizabeth. Years I wish we could have spent together. But I’d have waited twice as long if I knew you were my reward.”

This was such a good book. I was already in love with Axel from the previous books. I knew I was going to love his story. Lizzy was perfect for him. She was his perfect match. You can easily read this as a stand alone. But, the characters are all recurring. You would love the characters the most if you start at the beginning and get to know each of the Men of Haven individually. But you can definitely start with Axel if that’s what you prefer.

I happen to know that this amazing author is hard at work with a spin off series. I have been on the edge of my seat waiting for this. I’m not sure if we’ll get to revisit any of these brothers in the future series but I have all my fingers and toes crossed that we will. So keep those typing fingers moving, Rhenna. I don’t think I’m the only one who can’t wait for more.

“His Elizabeth.
His heart.
His everything.”

This is book 6 in the series by Rhenna Morgan and not the best. I can't say that I was really wowed by Alex and Lizzie story. I'm all about family but I found here that the family was too intrusive. Some people will like it that way but I'm not a big fan. The Book cover was good though.
Thanks the publisher and netgalley for this ARC. The opinions here are all mine.

This series is about romance but it also about so much more – family, whether blood or not. From the mothers to the men to the wives, they all draw you into their world and make you a part of it. Axel and Elizabeth’s story really resonated with me. It was sweet especially for a badass. I rarely read books with artists (musicians in this case) because I just never feel drawn to them but this story was so much more. The caring and sacrifices these characters made is worth the price of the ride. By the end of the book, you know that these two understand and love each other unconditionally.

***5 ‘Family’ Stars***


I’ve loved and ADORED these books and the characters that run wild through them from the start and was, obviously, excited to get my hands on this one, not only because Axel was going to finally be brought to his knees, but because I just wanted to hang out with the Haven crew as a whole because they are simply a hell of a lot of fun and I wasn’t at all disappointed in any way. In fact, as a while, this is my favorite of the series because it gave me everything I had been hoping for, and a few things I didn’t know I wanted, and in the end, had me wishing there were more words to read because I didn’t want my time with this motley crew to end.

I adored Axel and Lizzie, not that it comes as a surprise in any way shape or form, but they definitely had me entertained throughout the entire book. Axel is all kinds of alpha AF male goodness...and “good” is the operative word here. He’s protective, loyal, compassionate and has a quick and devious mind that simply makes him all that more appealing. Lizzie is a strong woman who’s been burned in the worst of ways, but hasn’t let it get her down ~ at least not in all ways. I loved how she picked herself up (with a little help from some amazing friends) and didn’t give up on what she was passionate about. She may have trust issues, but once she gets the lay of the land, she is all kinds of sweet, sassy and gives as good as she gets.

To say Axel and Lizzie’s journey to their HEA was hot, is an understatement...even nuclear doesn’t do them any justice. From the moment they collided, sparks flew and I knew that there was no way they wouldn’t end up together. But while things are HAWT between them, things do not happen quickly. I loved watching Axel being made to practice patience, while never losing that alpha AF edge he has. As for Lizzie, it gave her the necessary time to see that Axel truly loved every piece of her and only wanted to help give her the world.

I’m pretty sure I’ve said this in each book I’ve reviewed in this series, but a good portion of my love comes from the Haven crew. From the mom’s, the brothers and their women and all the way down to Levi and Mary, I simply LOVE hanging out with all of them and seeing how all of their relationships have evolved and made them all stronger, and this one has all kinds of family goodness going on and I couldn’t get enough of it (and as an FYI, I still want to grow up to be like the mom’s). This has been a fun series to read and am crossing my toes that we’ll see more of the brothers in the future (Ok. I know there will be a few sightings at least) because there are still a couple who need HEA’s...just sayin’ *BSEG*

Book Info
ebook
Expected publication: March 11th 2019 by Carina Press
Original Title Down & Dirty
ISBN 1488024510 (ISBN13: 9781488024511)
Series Men of Haven #6

Source:Netgalley EARC

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BOOK BLURB

The Men of Haven: fierce passion, unyielding loyalty.

Especially when it comes to their women.

A powerful man

Axel McKee abandoned his musical career years ago in favor of becoming a power player on the music scene. His dreams of the spotlight are over—and he’s better off for it. Working with his Haven brothers and building their empire is enough for him.

One who commanded attention with nothing more than a look

And then came Lizzy. A dynamic, beautiful powerhouse of a performer unlike any he’s seen or heard before. Her presence leaps off stage and into the heart of anyone who watches her sing. Axel wants her. Wants to help her and collaborate with her… But more than anything, he wants to be with her.

And every ounce of his attention was locked on her

Two things are immediately obvious: Lizzy’s been burned before, and earning her trust will be Axel’s biggest challenge yet. If he can get this fierce, stubborn, talented woman to see the passion and care that he’s offering, he might get a chance at a new dream—sharing the spotlight with the woman he loves.

One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise : all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!

My Thoughts

Upon returning to the world and the intense characters that make up the Men, and women, of Haven deep into the read Axel's devotion to Elizabeth Hemming was summed up beautifully in a lovemaking scene.

Alone they were each strong, determined people. Driven and talented in their own ways. But together they were unstoppable. A unique dynamic he still didn't fully understand and was done with trying to, but was absolutely committed to protecting. To building and forging the rest of his life around it.

She was his.

His woman.

His heart.

His Elizabeth.

All of us strive to be loved and accepted for ourselves by someone special so it is no surprise to me just how powerfully the above resonated within my own heart when I read it.

These characters have taken every hard knock life has thrown their way and risen above those misfortunes while finding strength in the love for each other that they show often and well. A love that has expanded outward to embrace each of the men's choices of significant others as well.

For Lizzy Hemming that revelation was an eye opener as she grew up without the love and support of a family. By being brought into the one Axel is a part of and fully accepted for herself without reservation or expectations placed upon her is as frightening as it is wonderful.

I only thought that in previous books this group of characters was interesting to say the least, in this story the fun side is explored more as well.

Also Axel McKee proved himself to be a wonderful lead character with surprises in store for the reader that are unexpected but oh so enjoyable to discover!

Reading this book as a stand-alone may or may not work simply because their is a lot of back story contained in the previous 5 books, but it is a beautifully executed addition to the series on it’s own merits anyway.

Especially since the backdrop of the music industry is part of what makes the story so well rounded a read, along with spending time with the entire cast of characters together for a good part of the book.


[EArc from Netgalley]


On every book read as soon as it is done and written up for review it is posted on Goodreads and Netgalley, once released then posted on Amazon, Barnes and Nobles as well.