DNF at 30%

I had really high hopes for this book. I was excited to read another Tijan, since it had been a while. But unfortunately, the book didn't do it for me.

The first few chapters felt off. I had to adjust to the writing style, so I wanted to give it a fair shot. But even so, something was bugging me. While I liked the MC's meeting in the stairwell, every other meeting after that made me slightly cringe because I didn't feel the chemistry between them.

And while Tristian's character seems fleshed out enough, I had difficulties with getting a grip on Jess' character; who she is and what she stands for. Just when I get my mind wrapped around how she seems to be, the plot or scene needs her to be a different way and so her character seems to be bent however the scene needs to go. I would've preferred to have had a clear view of who she was, and to have her have an internal conflict about being a certain way but feeling a different way, instead of having a dichotomy between what she wants to do and her body taking over against her wishes.

However, I liked the plot, which was what ultimately kept me going until 30%. I was intrigued by everything that was going on; Why are Tristian and Ashton so close? And more questions that I would like an answer to. But I found that I was forcing myself to pick up the book and continue reading, and while I am curious about what's happening, I do not feel invested enough to continue reading, mainly because the chemistry between T and J is so off (in my opinion).

It's been a while since I've read a Tijan book and my, did I like this.

Jess is a parole officer and Trace is in the Mafia. I liked how they didn't make him to be a bad, asshole but more of a 'have to do this cause no other way' guy. They meet and realise very soon that they're doomed. They have one obstacle on top of other and it just never stops.

There was one instance when I didn't like what Jess did. She was given a choice but she handled it poorly. I was disappointed but i kinda understood. Trace, that guy is amazing. He was PERFECT. The things he does for her, ugh, I need the next book bad. Overall, I liked this book and I might have finished this in one sitting so, I m glad I picked this up

Will go back to this another time. I’m not in the right mood to enjoy this yet. Hopefully it won’t be too long till I dive back in again.

✨ This book has a hold on me, and I don’t know how I’m supposed to wait for the next (there better be a next) to come out! ✨
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Trace and Jess come from opposite worlds: The Mafia and Law Enforcement. That doesn’t mean their chemistry isn’t off the charts, and their connection only gets stronger with every encounter.
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I loved everything about this book (even when Jess made me cranky a few times), and I will also need at least one spin-off.
*cough* Ashton *cough*
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Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
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Read If You Like:
❤️‍🔥 Mafia Romance
🌃 Worlds Apart
🧲 Instant Attraction
🥵 Hate to Want You
🔪 Who did this to you?
😈 Morally Grey MMC
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A Dirty Business by Tijan will be available December 6!

A Dirty Business - Tijan
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75

“𝘉𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘯𝘰 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘭 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘮𝘺𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧.”

Well, Tijan did it again. I read my first book of hers months who while I was in a pretty bad slump and her book Enemies took me RIGHT out of it. I will be honest, I wasn’t sure if it was a fluke or not so I haven’t read anything of hers since. I KNOW I know!! Well this here proved to me that it was in fact not a fluke and Tijan puts crack in her words.

𝘊𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵. 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬 𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘣 𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥, 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘵, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘮𝘺 𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘬 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘭 𝘐 𝘥𝘪𝘥𝘯’𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘭 𝘯𝘦𝘹𝘵 𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘬.

So be warned this ends on a cliff. I scared my husband because I gasped so loud at the end and whispered
Noooo 😆 This was a mafia, suspense, humorous spicy book. I don’t want to say TOO much but he’s in a mafia family and she’s in law enforcement 🫣

𝘈 𝘏𝘦𝘯𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘫𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘴, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘪𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘮𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘶𝘱 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘭𝘺 𝘩𝘰𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘺 𝘷𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘢.

Tijan isn’t heavy on the spice but she’s excellent at chemistry and tension. And when the tension break 😮‍💨 man do you just want to be the FMC 🥵 Also, like I said in my above statement she puts crack in her words. I read this in 24 hours and inhaled it. Shes an amazing storyteller and I highly recommend you her a chance you will not regret it!

Unfortunately, I wasn’t a fan. It started off great - the forbidden romance, the mafia c police trope. But it failed to deliver on the romance and spice - I could not get into the plot as well. It does end off on a cliffhanger but I am not interested enough to pick up the next

TW: alcoholism, domestic abuse, parental abuse, torture

I don't think I've stayed up past midnight to finish a book in a long while, but I definitely did with this one...I couldn't put it down, literally!

Dirty Business is Tijan's newest mafia romance and it's filled with loads of angsty goodness. Jess is a parole officer just trying to make it through life with her alcoholic mother since her dad was killed years ago. She has to get a second job just to make ends meet but that job just happens to be at Tristian West's, the prince of the West Mafia, night club.

Tristian (Trace) has always been half in and half out of his family's mafia business. He's a Wall Street entrepreneur making money on his own but when his estranged father screws up for the last time Tristian is pulled further into the mafia world. His uncle wants him to take over everything and you don't say no to a man like that.

When Tristian and Jess meet it's electrical from the very moment they lay eyes on each other. Their chemistry, while very instantaneous, was very delicious. There's so much angst between them with her being a cop and him being mafia, very enemies to lovers here. The struggle and drama of this book was crazy and entertaining and it left with me wanting more immediately! There's a huge cliffhanger at the end that left me gobsmacked and hoping like hell it's not for real.

The pace is on point, you don't want to put it down. There are a lot of things happening and more than one plot going on but it's easy to follow. The characters are well fleshed out, and I need to say I don't know if I love Ashton or hate him but I want to know more about him...hopefully he gets his own book soon because I need more of him!

Very solid book, I was in a huge slump for a couple of weeks and I devoured this one. You should definitely pick up this book if you like any type of mafia romances, enemies to lovers, cop dramas or just drama in general...this one has it all! Can't wait for more of this series Tijan!

I've recently become of a fan of this author so when I saw this available on NetGalley to read/review, I couldn't pass it up. Great choice on my part. I was immersed in this story from the start and couldn't put it down.

When Jess Montell meets Trace West in the stairwell of a hockey game, she has no idea who he is. He seems interested in her until he sees her parole officer badge, thinks she is a cop and flees. She thinks will never see him again, but he is intrigued by her and must see her.

Trace is being groomed by his Mafia boss uncle to take over. Jess works on the right side of the law. They both know that whatever is between them should not go anywhere. It can't work.

There is so much going on in this story. I can't even try to go through it. Just be prepared for a dark and violent mafia romance.

And the ending...ugh. Cliffhanger! How am I going to wait for the next book?

Thank you to Amazon Publishing (Montlake Romance) and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

What a Ride that is. A D Business by Tijan, publihed by Montlake, is a full-length, stand-alone and the first book in the new Kings of New York Series.
Jess is a parole officer who loves living her life to the fullest. But that doesn't mean, coming in contact with mob people.
Trace is a successful Wall Street Suit and heir to a special organization.
So at first look they should stay far away from each other. But the heart wants what the heart wants.
An unputdownable read. Once I started treading I couldn't put it down anymore. I read the book, cover to cover, in one sitting. Mason ans Sam are my fav characters by this author, and they will stay that way forever and ever, but Jesse and Trace are a close second. I fell hook, line and sinker for story and characters, exquisites writing and a read that stays with you. I recommend the book, 5 stars.

In typical Tijan fashion this book pulled me in and refused to let me go from the beginning until the very end.

Jess and Trace were the epitome of opposites attract in this one. Jess is by the book, as a parole officer she’s meant to uphold the law. While Trace, he may have his legal business, sometimes has to operate in the gray area of the law. Jess and Trace both know they shouldn’t want each other, but the attraction is too hard to ignore. These two have an epic push and pull, and I couldn’t wait to figure out what was going to happen next between them.

Carter Reed will forever be my favorite Mafia man, but Trace West is right up there with him. This book was fast paced and full of things that completely threw me for a loop. I am pumped to get the next book in this series!

A Dirty Business follows Jess, a hardworking parole officer who’s overcome difficult life experiences and works hard to provide for herself and her alcoholic mother who is awful to her.
Our male main character is Trace, or Tristian West, the nephew and second in command to an organised crime empire.
Their paths cross accidentally at a hockey game. They share a brief conversation, instantly connecting with one another and Jess thinks that’s the end of it.
She’s sorely mistaken. Trace hires someone to find her and get every bit of info possible. Trace and his best friend and colleague go to one of Jess’s gathering spots and a tense conversation takes place and a very scorching kiss.
Jess has no idea who Trace is in the world of crime, but Trace cannot stay away. They’re tethered to once another regardless of their lives.
Jess’s father was killed when she was younger, her brother being convicted of his murder leaving her and her mother. Her father had connections to this criminal empire.
The entire novel is a stressful and tense story of familial responsibility, conflicting lives and betrayal and loyalty. I really enjoyed the story of Jess and Trace, and the way both of their lives clashed and caused conflict for both. Seeing their difficult relationship persevere was great.
The only reason I haven’t rated this book higher is the romance plot itself. I felt their chemistry, but on a deeper level it was like they were still strangers. Trace was determined to have Jess and apart from that I didn’t see any deep knowing of each other. Apart from their worlds colliding and their intense passion, it appeared they lacked a friendship. A common ground where they confided on each other. Trace just gave the line ‘family stuff’ and that’s it.
I enjoyed the criminal empire, the collision of worlds and backstabbing of side characters. Seeing hints of a possible romance between Ashton and Molly was exciting as well.
Thank you for the opportunity to review this book!

**3.75 Stars**

A Dirty Business had me invested from the first pages with an interesting and creative story line involving a parole officer, Jess and the mysterious Wall Street/mafia man, Trace. Trace was smitten with Jess from their initial encounter and pursued her somewhat relentlessly despite her wanting nothing to do with him.

This book was somewhat different in that it talks about mafia dealings throughout the book, but I would still consider it mafia light in terms of other mafia books I have read, which may be in part because the main characters were also legitimate business men whose primary role was not mafia related for the majoroty of the story.

I found the story to be interesting and did read it fairly quickly, but did think that it was a little too drawn out at times. I also think there was maybe a little too much happening so it seemed a little all over the place at times. I would have liked it to have a little more development in a few key areas instead of a lot of little sub stories.

I was not aware this ended on a cliffhanger so I wasn't psyched about that, but I will probably continue reading more to see what happens. I do overall like Jess and Trace and am curious where the overall story will eventually go.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Jess & Trace

"A Dirty Business" is the first book in Tijan's Kings of New York series and tells the story of Jess and Trace.

To be honest, I struggled a bit with the story and the characters. At least the first 50 to 60 percent oft he story. After that, the story got really exciting and good, but then this cliffhanger 😱 Unfortunately, I didn't really like the characters. I found Jess very know-it-all most of the time and her behavior really bothered me. I actually really liked Trace, but somehow I never saw him as a real mafia prince. The Mafia aspect of the story is only slightly present. Trace is not a Mafiosi for me and a much too nice guy. In contrast Ashton exudes more mafia vibes. I'm very excited to see how things will continue.

"A Dirty Business" gets 3.5 out of 5 stars from me.

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for providing me with ARC.

thank you to netgalley, and Tijan for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for my honest review. <3

dnf@35%
This was too insta lust for me, without any significant character development; however, the writing was wonderful so I will probably give this book another try in the near future.
Also, the fmc was so frekin unique, this was my first time reading about female parole officer. Just loved it

I DON'T DO CLIFFHANGERS!

I hate when authors do this...
When I read a book, I expect to be able to read the FULL story... not just half...

Honestly, you should have the confidence to finish your stories and trust that your writing is good enough for the readers to come back!


So stay tuned for the next episode to find out what I actually thought of your story, before I found out it was a cliffhanger...

BOOK REVIEW: A Dirty Business by @tijansbooks

5 Stars

WOW WOW WOW WOW.
This is my first Tijan book (even though I've wanted to read her books for AGES) and it absolutely blew me away.

A Dirty Business is a rollercoaster of a forbidden romance. It is based around female protagonist Jess, who is a cop that is dedicated to her job monitoring criminals on parole. The lead male Trace is a wall street worker, nightclub owner who also happens to be in the Mafia.

This is such a great story with so many up and downs and tons of twists that I did not see coming. I thought it was a standalone but by the humongous cliffhanger Tijan gave us, that is definitely not the case! And I CANNOT WAIT to get the next book as this was just so so good.
The romance was an interesting one. I loved seeing how Jess and Trace overcame issues and never knew what choices they would make. The romance was sweet at times but it was also seriously sexy. Smut lovers will be happy but it is also a romance that is so much more than the smut and love.
I was completely hooked on this dangerous world and I am so excited for the next book.

Tijan is obviously a brilliant writer. I was reeled into the story very very quickly and I couldn't put it down! There are some moments that sensitive readers may find hard. But nothing was done to a grotesque or gorey manner.

If you like a romance with a slightly darker side, lots of twists and turns and some great smut then I highly recommend getting this book!

Please note that I was #gifted this ebook in exchange for an honest review.

[arc review]
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.
A Dirty Business releases December 6, 2022
*first in a series and ends on a cliffhanger*

3/3.5

Set in NYC, this is a dual pov romantic suspense story, featuring Jess, who is a parole officer, and Trace, who owns a nightclub with his best friend and is heir to one of the biggest mafia families.
The two characters meet in a stairwell of a hockey game, but little do they know, their paths have been overlapping well before they first met.
Lines will be blurred, moral compasses tested, and loyalty/found family connections will mean everything.

For the most part I enjoyed this and it was almost a solid 4 stars all the way through until the third act where it started to lose me.
The sense of found family in this was really strong. I liked how both Jess/Kelly and Trace/Ashton came as a package deal.
I will say though, it took a long time for the romance to feel believable. The first kiss happened way too soon for me. They didn’t even know each other and they were already proclaiming that their connection was <i>“a feeling of familiarity, and of home, and excitement, all at once.”</i>
There is a brief moment of OM/OW drama which I also wasn’t a huge fan of. I think it was possible to still have the same outcome without the addition of this.
The scene with the sexting was also really weird to me and illogical. You’re telling me that you’re in the thick of getting off but are texting one handed the whole time in a timely manner with proper punctuation… sure.
Also, the last sentence of the book?! They deserved better.

This was on the lighter side for a mafia book, so if you’re new to the sub-genre, this could be a good option.

I’m curious to see if the next installment will be from Ashton’s pov. I’d love to get a glimpse from his perspective.


TW: murder, alcoholic parent, cancer, drug overdose, torture, waterboarding, verbal abuse, mentions of cheating and physical abuse from side characters.

This was really good. Not surprising cause I’ve read Tijan before & was obsessed & here I am obsessed with another book. Some of these characters gave me whip lash. The fact that it left on a cliff hanger but not a cliff hanger at the same time?? I have to wait for the next book?? Also I think this is my sign to read more by Tijan :)

I liked the story, Trace and Jess meet by chance and sparks fly between them, but they are on opposite sides of the law, however the attraction is too intense to deny and soon they find themselves in a mess of danger and passion, I love the underlying tension between them, the way they can't help but give in to what they both feel.

This story is a whirlwind of emotion, passion and action, definitely perfect for fans of polar opposites, mafia, steamy romances.

It’s been 20 minutes since I finished the book and I’m still not sure how to start this review, so I’ll try to be the clearest possible. Through the whole book I wasn’t sure if I either loved or hated it… it happens that I simply don’t feel anything at all about it. I was enjoying Jess and Trace’s relationship until 20%, then things started getting waaaay too complicated (there was absolutely NO REASON for them to break up and get back together the amount of times they did), and the whole mafia situation is very easy to explain: there’s a lot going on, but at the same time, nothing important. The last pages were actually pretty good and made me excited for the next book of the series (still can’t believe that Kelly and Justin are dead, but boy did it hurt). Overall, it’s a decent book and I’d recommend it to someone who has a lot (emphasis on a LOT) of free time.