I really enjoyed this book. It has been a little bit since I have read Tijan and I am totally invested in this series. Jess and Trace are the couple who shouldn't work in any way, but when attraction sparks, it is hard to deny.
The push and pull of this story is in literally every chapter. Can they? Should they? What about the fall out? This is a thriller and I am happy to say that our leading lady is no slouch. Jess can handle herself and more. Trace is not to be messed with and just saying his name can change the mood in the room.
Super excited to know where we go next and totally here for it.

Another excellent, exciting, and unpredictable novel from Tijan! I loved the chemistry and characters and the story certainly didn't lack for drama!

Jess is a parole officer and Trace is the heir to a mafia empire. The two shouldn't work but the attraction is strong between them. They meet at a hocky game not knowing anything about each other. The last thing they need is drama for them but they can't resist each other. A steamy, sexy read.

This book was so good!! The pairing of the Parole Officer FMC with the semi straight/semi dirty mafia prince/Wall Street Mogul MMC was perfectly done. Their fight against their attraction while trying to maintain the balance of boss/employee and also enemies was *chefs kiss* perfectly done. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book that this one so perfectly set up. Trace was swoon worthy and everything I could have wanted. Jess was headstrong and wasn’t going down without a fight. I Never knew what was going to happen next and the plot twists were ones I didn’t see coming.

Dans ce premier tome, nous faisons la rencontre de Jess Montell, jeune femme téméraire qui jongle entre son job d’agent de probation la journée et celui de barmaid à Katya, un bar branché new yorkais, quelques nuits par semaine.

Lors d’un match de hockey, cette dernière va se retrouver coincée par erreur et faire la connaissance d’un énigmatique trader qui ne porte pas la police dans son cœur. Cet inconnu, elle ne le découvrira que plus tard, n’est autre que Tristian « Trace » West, golden boy de Wall Street et neveu d’un des parrains de la mafia locale.

L’attraction est aussi immédiate qu’interdite. Être ensemble est un risque pour la vie et la carrière de Jess, c’est pourquoi ils vont faire tout ce qu’ils peuvent pour ne pas succomber. Mais le destin en décide autrement et une romance cachée s’installe entre nos héros.

A mesure que l’histoire avance, on découvre un monde tout en nuances, où le bien et le mal n’ont pas de limites franches. Entre passion et désillusions, Jess et Trace vont naviguer dans les deux mondes en cherchant à se faire une place au milieu.

Avec ce tome, l’auteure nous présente un nouvel univers et une variété de personnages touchants, charismatiques ou abjects. L’histoire se déroule à New York et elle donne un petit clin d’œil aux deux autres séries de l’auteure sur le monde de la mafia, Bennett Mafia avec le 411 Network et Cole Mauricio avec Octavia.

Jess est un personnage fort, la vie ne lui fait pas de cadeau mais elle s’accroche, pour elle et ses proches. Sa meilleure amie Kelly est la seule constante de sa vie et on prend plaisir à découvrir leur relation. Quant à Trace, c’est un prince qui n’a jamais vraiment voulu en être un, avec un père méprisable et un destin aux mains de son oncle tout aussi manipulateur. Son soutien, il le trouve auprès de son meilleur ami Ashton, un homme qui partage beaucoup de similitude avec lui.

Vous l’aurez compris, j’ai dévoré ce premier tome ! Grande fan des mafia romances de Tijan, cette série promet d’être aussi réussi que les précédentes, tous les ingrédients y figurent. J’ai vraiment hâte de découvrir le second tome, A Cruel Arrangement, qui sortira en avril 2023. D’autant plus que l’auteure nous laisse avec un cliffhanger comme pour sa série précédente The Insiders.

En bref, une mafia romance où nos héros Jess et Trace tentent de vivre leur relation interdite dans un univers sombre de parrains new yorkais. Leur chemin est pavé d’embuches, de viles personnes et ils devront se battre pour survivre, s’épanouir ensemble et savoir à qui faire confiance. Si vous aimez histoires où tout n’est pas blanc ou noir, les romances passionnées et les personnages intenses, alors ne cherchez plus !

I usually don’t read mafia books. But since it was Tijan’s I wanted to read it. And it was good! Trace is mafia, next in line to take over. And Jess is a parole officer. Despite both being on opposite sides of each other there is a pull. And they both fight it as long as they can. The story kept me reading. With several twists. I definitely want to read the next one to see where the story goes.

I got an arc of this book but all opinions are my own .
So I did really enjoy this book & I love Tijan's writing :)


I absolutely love Trace ! He such a great character ,he's so torn between the two worlds ,all he wants to do is go legit but his family isn't willing to let that happen ,he falls fast for Jess and it kinda pissed him off and he doesn't really know how to make it work because she is in law enforcement and the two worlds don't mesh for them ! He tries to stay away but it just doesn't work out because there is such a strong pull between them and Trace doesn't want to fight it anymore !


So I had my issues with Jess & it wasn't until towards the end of the book that I finally clicked with her ,she makes decisions that I wasn't totally on board with but I understand that it's a hard place to be ,she has feelings for Trace but at the same time she knows he's a bit of a criminal and she doesn't know how to separate him from what he's had to do but at times I feel like she didn't even try to understand him and all he's gonna have to do to get out of his family business ! That being said the chemistry between them is off the freaking charts ! And they both can't stay away from each other no matter how hard they try !

Omg I want Ashton to get his own story ,I freaking love him !!!

Holy sh!t that cliffhanger !!! I need the next book asap !

Overall I did like this book and I can't wait to see what's gonna happen next !!!

3.5 ✨
A Dirty Business was a very apt title. Things definitely got dirty between Trace and Jess and not just in the sexy ways. These two are on opposites sides of the law but their feelings for each other are on one accord. Tijan did great with the push and pull between these two. It created a nice thick tension to match the sizzling chemistry. I do personally think the book itself was way too long. There were a lot of words but it didn’t feel like enough action was going on. That took away from me enjoying Trace and Jess the way I wanted to. I didn’t see their story cliffing the way it did but I still have some interest in seeing what happens next with Trace and Jess I highly recommend the audio. Cj Bloom and Joe Arden did fantastic. Joe with that delicious timbre was a flawless Trace and Cj was a perfectly fierce Jess. Both were an aural joy.

So here’s the situation, I like Tijan and her books. What I’m against? Deceiving the readers. In any moment it was advertising that this book ended in a cliffhanger, I usually don’t care, but I want to know so I can choose if I want to read or not.

I’m honestly glad that I’ve talked to some people before started. I’d be so upset if I’ve read the entirety of the book (which is huge!) just to realize it’s not actually over and I’d have to wait for the rest.

What a wild ride that we went on with Trace and Jess, one that I’m still a bit in shock over to be honest. It was almost an instant spark of attraction when they first meet but then, he goes from attractive prince to a frog in a matter of 3.2 seconds. She is a very strong willed person, who knows her mind and what she wants in life. It’s one of the things that I love about her and she will not take crap from anyone, which is a good thing. Trace needs to be with someone that will stand up to him an call him out when he is being a punk. They basically spend a majority of the first part of the book fighting their attraction to each other because they “can’t” be together based on what his family says and her job. But when you have that kind of combustible attraction you can only deny it for so long before it explodes. They have the best banter, he brings out an even sassier side to her, which is so great. I love watching them both fall in love because they are both two people that have had very different childhoods then your average person. Watching them finally give in to their feelings it is great. It also turns into a thriller as the story unfolds as we delve deeper into the mafia side of his family business, all the danger and twists and turns that they go through is crazy. They are even stronger when they come out the other side of the danger and insanity which is amazing. They got their happily ever after. But what about when we get to the end of the book I’m still sitting here say what in earth just happened?! You better be having a book 2 to explain how you ended this!

Stars: ☆☆☆
Steam: 🌶️🌶️
Cliffhanger: ✅

Forbidden romance, instant attraction, family drama, alcoholism, secrets, conflict of interest, mild Mafia subject matter. Duel POV.

Jess Montell is a Parole Officer and thoroughly enjoys her job enforcing the rules. While out one evening enjoying a hockey game she accidentally encounters a handsome stranger who dislikes her profession. Tristian West (Trace) is a successful hedge fund manager with ties to the Mafia. There’s an instant attraction between Jess and Trace, but both agree there’s too much at stake if they pursue anything. When their two worlds keep colliding, it becomes increasingly difficult to stay away.

A good read. I was quite surprised by the sudden cliffhanger. I am hoping the next one will elaborate more on that ending and tie up some loose ends. This is my honest opinion, freely given.

* 3.5 STARS *

Ok I really struggled with this rating. This is not your typical mafia romance. But Tijan has created a new world that is addictive, and has many players involved so we will be seeing more from these characters.

Here's what I loved:
Trace - the Wall Street billionaire/mafia family heir. He is torn between between living life on the straight and narrow and following his heart with Jess, and remaining loyal to his mafia family and taking over the family "business." This man takes what he wants, is brutally bold and possessive, and will stop at nothing to get Jess.

Jess' character development: I will say that Jess took a while to grow on me. She is a parole officer, so she does have somewhat of a hard exterior and shows little emotion. However, as her story unfolds and she begins to reveal her past, her vulnerabilities come out and when she opens her heart to Trace, it is a beautiful thing.

The mafia world: I love the addictive, fast-paced suspense and mystery surrounding this story. The different players and families involved create a web of lies, betrayals, deceit, and revenge that will keep you glued to the pages.

I can honestly say that I did not really become 100% invested in this book until about 75% in. It was hard for me to connect to Trace & Jess' relationship together when it started out as pure lust and more of an obsession for Trace. There are so many players and moving pieces involved in this story that it was sometimes hard to invest in their relationship while there were others happening around them, and Jess was dealing with not only Trace and their forbidden relationship, but her work relationships, her friendship with Kelly, and her mom. Her and her mom's relationship over-shadowed hers with Trace at times so that was another hurdle to overcome before i was fully invested in the two of them. However, I could not put down the last 25% of the book. It is non-stop drama, suspense, twists and surprises, and Jess & Trace's love for each other was apparent and undeniable.

I was not prepared for this ending, and will be anxiously awaiting to see what comes next for this couple and all of these characters!

Jess is a parole officer and the last thing she expects to do at a hockey game is to meet the soon to be head of the Mafia. With both Jess and Trace fighting against the life chosen for them, the last thing they need is love getting in the way.

Tijan has always had an easy reading writing style and this book is no different. They’re just light reads you can get through in a day and absolutely filed with drama.

At the start of the story I loved Jess’ strong character and how she takes no shit but as the story went on the amount of times her being a parole officer is mentioned made me want to bang my head against the wall. I quite liked Trace’s character, he was a big softy in a suit 😂.

Tijan’s Mafia books are different from your usual. They’re very soft and if you’re just starting in the Mafia world or are squeamish I would say her books are the ones for you to try. There’s loads of drama and Tijan is especially good at writing family dynamics and the found family troupe.

Overall, the book was alright. It was a little too repetitive but I will definitely be reading book two!

Thank you so much to the author and publisher for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I believe this is my first full-length novel I’ve read by Tijan. I devoured this book.

The story was regular mafia trope, but it was also very realistic. The romance between Jess and Trace was at times deliciously slow-burning, overall very emotional, and just the perfect amount sensual.

I adored Jess; despite all that she had endured during her life, she had become more resilient as a result of her circumstances. Although I was relieved that she could take care of herself, Trace was the crucial component she had been missing. She had to make certain sacrifices in order to be with him, but I was happy knowing that we were still together despite everything.

The major characters were beautifully written, and the book's writing was amazing. The storyline hooked me right away. Overall, I found the book to be quite engaging and quick to read.

Thank you to the author and the publisher, Montlake, for sharing an ARC of this book with me through NetGalley!!

Tijan has always been a one click author for me since the ‘Fallen Crest’ series. I couldn’t get enough of Sam, Mason, Logan and the Fallen Crest crew, but right now I think Trace and Jess are about taking their place in my heart (just kidding). A Mafia man romancing law enforcement girl is recipe for disaster, like oil and water. In the affairs of the heart though, reasoning is thrown out the door. The two tried to make it work, that’s the essence of the story, I couldn’t put it down, No fluff here, it's Tijan. The traitors are a surprise (but of course).

I hope there’s a second book for Jess and Trace. The ending shows there should be. So am patiently waiting. I don’t want to give anything away.

A dark, mafia read that had all my favorites! A strong female heroine that does not take s..t from anyone and a dark, broody man that is very used to getting his own way. Parole officer meets heir to a mafia family and are insta attracted to each other. Obviously a lot of obstacles, danger and fighting their feelings. Very few people on their side and all odds against them, but well worth the read and I could not put it down!

I thought this would be a standalone, but there is a second book and it doesn’t come out until April of next year! While I love to see this series continue, it’s quite a long time and a long wait time may make you wary of starting this now.

Jess Montell is a parole officer and she has a tough life. Taking care of an alcoholic mother, making ends meets with two jobs, she doens’t have times for games. Trace West is a part of a mafia family, though he wants to go more legitimate that getting his hands dirty. He’s responsible and smart, and at the first glance at Jess, he wants her. He knows that his life is difficult though, and when he has to step into the don role when his uncle is sick, he wonders if he can have Jess and carry on the family business.

I love that this mafia world is a little bit more refined and not as gritty as others. Maybe that might be a turn off for some who would want something realistic, but it helps me to see Trace as a business man who’s struggling with wanting to live his own professional life, but feeling the pull of duty and loyalty towards his uncle. I really wish the second book was coming sooner!

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
SPICE: 🔥🔥.5

Trace Montell was sure that his emotional walls were as impenetrable as his Mafia family. However, after a run-in with Jess Montell, he finds that those walls may not be as resilient after all. Unfortunately, their connection creates a lot of complications. After all, as a Mafia prince, he should not be consorting with law enforcement, especially the beautiful parole officer.

I love stories that bring together lovers on opposite sides of something. In this case, Trace and Jess are on opposite sides of the law, and each of them is firmly planted on their respective sides. Yet, their connection keeps pulling them from the polar ends and bringing them together.

Trace has such a strong presence. I suppose when you are the heir to the throne of a Mafia family, that is almost a required quality. BUT Jess does a phenomenal job of going toe-to-toe with him, and the banter is brilliant. While their chemistry is absolutely on fire, I find myself wishing that there were more spicy scenes.

This is the first book of the series, and while I had expected this book to be a standalone with some tie-ins to the subsequent installments, I was very wrong. This read ended on a cliffhanger so be prepared to buckle in for a longer ride.

** I am voluntarily reviewing an advance copy of this book. Thank you to Tijan, Montlake, and NetGalley for providing an ARC. **

I was provided an ARC of this book via Netgalley, all opinions are my own.

This follows Jess, a by the book parole officer who accidentally overhears a conversation at a hockey game she wasn't supposed to hear. While it wasn't anything of great detail, the man on the phone is involved in one of the largest mafia families on the east coast. She doesn't know who Trace is or what his affiliation is, all she knows is she is instantly attracted to him and can't stop thinking about him. The attraction is mutual for Trace, but he wants nothing to do with a cop. They both know that they are bad news for each other given their professions but they keep running into each other and eventually stop fighting the pull that keeps bringing them together. Their affair is dangerous for both of them, especially when there are bigger things at play.

This book was very slow burn. The last 20% of the book is where most of the action took place, but the rest was not the action packed mafia romance we've seen from the author in the past. There are alternating scenes of Jess and Trace's lives where they are going about their daily business all the while pining for each other. I feel like we didn't get enough scenes with them together to really build their relationship and their chemistry. We definitely get the feeling of longing and desperation to be together since they are not supposed to be together but love each other anyway. I thought the action scenes were good they were just far to spread out and I still don't know what is going on. I understand this is a series so hopefully the missing pieces will become clear in the future books.

This was a stunner for me… I fell head over heels for Jess and Trace. It’s a mafia read that doesn’t entirely feel like a mafia read. There’s internal conflict like you wouldn’t believe as they both fight against what they want for themselves, what their hearts desire, and what the world wants for them. Jess is strong, fierce, and knows her own mind, while also having a somewhat soft underbelly, having been through a lot in her life. Trace’s upbringing is rooted in dysfunction with his father steering the ship and leaving the role of dad to his uncle. While Trace is part of his ‘family’ business, he very much is a man who has many legitimate streams of income and could stand on his own, but he can’t avoid the destiny coming for him. This had more twists and turns than I possibly could have predicted, and nobody warned me about that cliffhanger!! 😫 I need more stat!