Dirty Deeds

Dirty Deeds #1

by S.E. Jakes

Two seasoned operatives finally meet their each other.

Cillian works for the mysterious Special Branch 20: an organization that runs black ops commissioned by the British government. His specialty is deep undercover assignments with virtually no support. He’s been alone for so long that he no longer knows anything else.

Mal’s also used to being alone. Wanted in several states and even more countries, he’s not allowed in the vicinity of any of his former Navy SEAL teammates. And his current assignment is to track Cillian in order to discover the spook’s endgame. Except he’s no longer sure which one of them is getting played.

Cillian isn’t about to let the mission that’s consumed him for the past several years crumble because an outsider is poking around where he doesn’t belong. But Mal forces his way through Cillian’s defenses—and into his heart—exposing a devastating betrayal that could destroy them both.

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Military Fiction, Romance, BDSM, Erotica, Suspense

106 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 11, 2014

About the author

SE Jakes writes m/m romance. She believes in happy endings and fighting for what you want.

You can contact her the following ways:

You can email her at authorsejakes@gmail.com

You can post to her Facebook page: Facebook.com/SEJakes

You can Twitter her: Twitter.com/authorsejakes

You can post on her Goodreads Group: Ask SE Jakes

You can follow her on Tumblr: http://sejakes.tumblr.com

You can ask her a question as part of the Ask The Author program on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/4595...

Truth be told, the best way to contact her is by email or in blog comments. She spends most of her time writing but she loves to hear from readers.

***
SE Jakes is the pen-name of New York Times Bestselling Author Stephanie Tyler (and half of Sydney Croft!)

Reviews

[SheReadsALot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mal?

Cillian?

I...

I...

FUCKING NEED IT!!!!!!!



(My reaction when I first read Mal and Cillian were going to be a couple.)

Dirty Deeds, book #1 from the Dirty Deeds series by SE Jakes is a action-packed, erotic-filled, mind-bending suspense novella featuring two secondary characters from the Hell or Highwater & EE Ltd series. For those readers who have been following along with those books, do not fear for Tom and Prophet...Mal and Cillian have the makings to be their own force field. Oh my, my, my!

“Letting me know your email address. Big step. Sure you're ready for that kind of commitment?" "I'm pretty sure I want you to shut up and open your ass for me.”

It's a battle of spy vs. spy in Amsterdam.

But instead of this being a one trick pony by carrying on the same mystery from Hell or Highwater, Dirty Deeds flipped it with two spies who don't know when to quit, are rough around the edges and though they might not see it yet are two sides of the same damaged coin. For less than 100 pages, is it worth reading? Hell yes. We are given glimpses of both Mal's and Cillian's background (you are never going to guess, I didn't). I was left wanting more but not unsatisfied with what I learned.

This book delivered:

Smart asses with smart ass dialogue? Check!
Hot dirty talk including dick pics? Super huge CHECK!
Hot rough sex in public? SUPER DUPER CHECK! (I would love to be a fly on the wall in this club in Amsterdam, just saying)

This story has key elements for a bang-tastic little number but don't think this is PWP. No way, folks. This story has a great plot that unfolds at an entertaining pace. Not all of the questions are answered. Do know that John...the bad guy from the other series, hovers heavily throughout the story. Why? I am not spoiling for you.We also get a few scenes of my snarky pal Prophet and Tom being themselves and awesome. And Mal is also trying to win for being the snarkiest spy of the world title, Prophet needs to be on the look out. No wonder they are such good friends.

“How did we go from cocks to this? Because I gotta tell you, cocks are more fun. Especially mine.”

Would I categorize this book as romance? Not necessarily. This is not a fluffy book. No sugar or insta-love-you's here. This is a dirty book with hot rough sex, dirtier talk and sexting through IM. Cillian and Mal have not trusted people for so long that it will be a rough road ahead for these two ever getting it together for a relationship. We get slices of the true men inside their worlds of lies and I love those slices.

Do you need to read Jakes' previous work prior to reading Dirty Deeds? No but I think you should. Why? Yes, we learn some background for both Mal and Cillian in Dirty Deeds but the glimpses we get in Hell or Highwater series of both secondary characters are just as delicious. You will fully get why this pairing is so wonderful.

The ending is a cliffhanger of sorts. It ended at the right moment and I am anxious for the next book in the series (which will be full length, thank goodness) because Mal & Cillian are definitely major contenders for a novel. SE Jakes stepped up with her game. I've been reading her books from the beginning - I'm impressed with Dirty Deeds. This series definitely started on the right note.

[Ingie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written January 12, 2014

4 1/2 Star - So very raw, sexy, intense and far too short - speed without speed and so amazing fun to read

OMG, that was an incomparable tumultuous journey. I loved, loved, loved it but I was so angry and totally exhausted when it ended.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

There are only three flaws with Dirty Deeds:
# One - it is far too short.
# Two - the end, I had the urge to yell when I read the last page.
# Three - there was not enough real close encounter.

Otherwise I have a hundred good points to share.

This was the fourth book for me by this author and I'm as equally charmed and full of admiration this time as when I read the books about Prophet & Tom and Blue & Mick in the three previous books about these male colleagues and friends to dear, dear Prophet. *)

Dirty Deeds is, for me, another "masterpiece" in the genre. It might be huge and big words, but this is so d@rn well done and written.

Even this time is it about a couple of very tough, sexy, hard, dangerous, hot alpha men (which are some kind of spies, spooks, former SEAL's or FBI agents... or something similar) - as always in S.E. Jakes' wonderful steamy M/M books. ~ These books are, in my opinion, always very enchanting and thrilling to read. Completely in my romantic hot guys and smut-taste.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The English spook Cillian (Prophet's mysterious neighbor in NY) is in Amsterdam to meet some of his snitch-informants. There, at the same hotel is also Prophets bestie buddy, the former Navy SEAL teammate, Mal.

These strangers, Cillian and Mel, meet in a (very..) hot meeting (Wow!!) at a gay club. Cillian don't know who the unknown man is, and that he, Mal, are there to shadow and learn more about Cillian on behalf of their common friend. The game between two very smart and increasingly wistful and yearning spies / agents can start...

The crime drama is a continuation of the old unsolved riddle about the missing SEAL mate John from previous books and the guys are approaching the solution now.

As always in S.E. Jakes' book was it a lot of (light kinky) steamy heat, thrilling exitement, mixed messages, secrets, old anxiety, horrible memories and obscure practices. These men belong really to the toughest of the toughest. In the good old roaring Tarzan style

..and please listen: http://youtu.be/MwHWbsvgQUE .

...And that's why I melt every time I can imagine a wonderfully soft and sweet inner feeling, there inside these rock-hard muscles, tattoos and quick brazen attitude. I love these guys.
~ A dream for a naughty lady.

’I'm right here. I've got you.
Shit. Motherfucking son of a bitch goddamned asshole. He sucked in a few shaky breaths and typed, Okay.
Close your eyes. Relax.’



‘But it managed to be a cradling hold too, one that Mal hadn't been aware he'd needed until that moment, especially when the spook murmured, “That's it. Goddammit, Mal.”

Since I don't want to ruin your reading, isn't it gonna be much more about what this story really was about. But, you, read it... now immediately!

I know I'm repeating myself now. Far too many adjectives (as so often), but I can not help but slur on... - great, intense, thrilling. - I enjoyed every single page, sentense and word. I just wish it was more about Mal and the spook.

It will be a long and painful waiting for the next book. Sigh!! ~ You all now that a frustrated lady in distress can be lethal! Grrrr...

I LIKE - Oh yes, amazing to read!!
~~~~~~~~

*) Dirty Deeds is a 100 pages novella about some friends to Prophet and the guys in Catch a Ghost, Long Time Gone and Free Falling. I recommend you to read them first to really enjoy this fourth installment. This book is a stand-alone with a new lovebirds, but anyway...

[Lisa Arbitrary - AttentionIsArbitrary M/M Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

~ ~ ~

S.E. Jakes is on fire! She managed to write a complex spy-assassin story with intrigue, complexities and betrayal rarely seen in M/M romance. Then she slipped in this gut-wrenching, developing relationship all while delivering some of the hottest sex scenes I’ve had the pleasure of reading (she’s really good at the sex scenes.)

Jakes is on fire. Mal and Cillian are scorching!!!

THE CHARACTERS

Cillian - His smooth operator persona got me, but now I know he’s even more than I had hoped for.

But in his business, you could never be too careful, too paranoid...or take too many chances. The ultimate paradox.

Mal - A hard knocks life makes Mal a very bad boy. Bad boys need to be…handled. Or, they need to take themselves in hand.

THE STORY

****A little modification here from my original review. I think a reader will benefit a great deal from reading some of the books that come earlier in the Extreme Escapes universe first. I suggest reading Catch a Ghost and Long Time Gone (Hell or Highwater series) before Dirty Deeds for an enhanced reading experience.**

But hell, of all the gay discos in all the world...

Spies spying on spies, spying on spies. Yeah, that just about sums it up.

Cillian is in Amsterdam meeting with his informants, gathering information on his target, a traitor and terrorist. A traitor that is also being hunted by Mal’s team. From here on out I can’t tell you more because I’d give things away. Suffice it to say that Cillian and Mal are on the same path and their paths cross in several unexpected and thrilling ways.

Oh, and Tommy and Prophet are lurking too.

THE WRITING

Leaving me with barely a moment to breath from beginning to end, Jakes nailed it.

It’s easy to get swept away in the absolutely soul-rocking hotness of this book, but it’s really the elaborate spy tale that caught me. I didn’t expect it. We had glimpses of Mal and Cillian in earlier Jakes books and I thought the relationship building was going to be the treat. And it was. But then all these loose threads from other parts of the Extreme Escapes, Ltd universe come into play making it much more involved than I expected.

In fact, once again Jakes opens up entirely new directions to for her stories and her characters to take, and for her fans to explore.

Mal was the real thorn in Cillian's side. Now, he was about to prove it.

~ ~ ~

I would like to thank S.E. Jakes and Riptide Publishing for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

~ ~ ~

[Heather K (dentist in my spare time) · Rating 3 out of 5]

First of all, I think this should be a novella in the Catch a Ghost series. I have no idea how this can be read as a stand-alone. The main characters, the bad guy, the side characters- they are all from previous books! Hell, I read the previous books and I was still confused!

Okay, let me talk about what I liked. S.E. Jakes... DAMN you write some hot scenes! This author puts two dominant men together, shakes them up, and we all get to watch them explode. F-ing hot, lady. It is a manly man extravaganza. I think the author did a fabulous job with the sexual tension and also with keeping the plot fast-paced. There were no dull moments, no down times. It is a speedy, sexy read.

The negatives? I was confused at times. And I've READ the other books preceding this one. There seemed to be time jumps or something that made the plot feel jerky, and way too many coincidences to feel real. I also had the problem with this book as I did with the "Catch a Ghost" books that there are too many characters and secret spy organizations for me to keep track of. I end up just shrugging and waiting for the sex scenes to roll around again. I have too many logistical questions to feel satisfied by the plot.

But will I continue with the series? Hell, YES!! I think this author writes really exciting stuff with really hot sex. So who cares if I have no clue what is happening. Knowledge and awareness is overrated.

**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

**4.5 Dirty & Steamy Stars**



Every book I've read so far, linked to the Hell or High Water series, has left me thinking... What the fuck did I just read. And this book was no different. I was drawn in by the intriguing and highly sexual story, written by the talented S.E. Jakes. Thinking all is safe, and really what could go wrong in this short read...only to reach the end and be left craving, dying and in desperate need, of this next book in this series. I truly believe we live in a cruel world..when I'm asked to go to bed, then attend work...like I'm not dying to know what happens next.



I'm sure you all loved reading about Cillian flirting and bantering with Prophet in the Hell or High Water series, but in his own book, Cillian takes sexy and mysteries to a whole new level. We're given a glimpse into the spooks world and the troubles he encounters...including a run in with an unknown dark haired man, in the shadows of a club. Cillian never thought he would give up control to a stranger...he prides himself on control and the power it gives him over others. But even with his need to control, Cillian keeps others at a distance...never letting them in to discover the man beneath the spook. Until he's contacted by a brat named Mal.



Mal's on a mission to discover the whereabouts and information, on an ex-teammate who betrayed them all. He believes the only way to find him is through Cillian. So following the spook and planning for three months, shouldn't be a hard job for Mal. Only things become difficult quick...when Mal discovers the attraction and his need to lose control with Cillian. He attempts to play the sexual game on his own terms...only to realize Cillian has all the game pieces and the control to play Mal.





Back and worth, the two draw closer. Finding safety with the other, in a world surrounded by death, betrayal and pain. But all too soon, Cillian and Mal, are brought back to the reality of who they really are to each other...and the devastating connection, they never knew they shared.



'You make it so people believe you're in control, so you can let yourself go and they won't notice. I notice everything. I know you're not in control here, nor do you want to be.'



Mates, make it your deed to read this one xx

ARC provided by the author for an honest review.

[BevS · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars from me for this, the first in the Dirty Deeds series. Never has my flabber been so gasted, gobsmacked and just totally....well, shocked. Holy Moly Batman, I didn't see any of that coming, and can't wait for more. Poor Mal and Cillian...and yes, just think how daft I feel saying that about murderers and cut-throats (literally!!). More twists and turns, and more convoluted than a cow's digestive system, it was hot, it was so damn sexy and well, I've been blown away ...again!!

MORE, MORE, MORE (no pressure SE, none whatsoever )

[Simone - on indefinite hiatus - · Rating 5 out of 5]

A big no from me for the audiobook, but always a hell yessss from me for the story!

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Because I love my dear Ingela review ... and my awesome friend Isabel, gift it to me!! <3<3<3<3

My Review:
I didn´t read Hell or High Water Series from SE Jakes, but I advice that you read them before! You will comprehend more about the connection between the characters in this book!
But it was fun, raw and powerful, the sex is enough to leave you heated, with white knuckle grabbing your reader and will take your breath away…
The characters, Mal and Cillian are a mystery; both are lost and damage souls, just like I love them!!:D

The scenes I loved:



Did I see that ending… NO!NO! NO!


I can only hope that the other book doesn’t take too long to come out!

[Madeline (Maddi) · Rating 5 out of 5]

With all the hype and chatting I've been doing regarding this book I have to say I sort of expected it be a certain way, and in some ways it was, but in other ways it blew me away.
Even though the book is short (84 pages) there was sooo much in it my head was spinning.
Let's not forget the sex, or sexting, Mal and Cillian are HOT!!!!

For me, one of the best SE Jakes books I've read. This was so much more than cat and mouse, the truths that came out we're shocking, I don't know where it's going to go from here but I can't wait to find out. A great start to a new series.

[Xing · Rating 4 out of 5]

What the fuck did I just read?!
And why the hell is the sequel not out yet?

First off, I don't know how anyone can really appreciate or enjoy Dirty Deeds if you have not read Catch a Ghost and Long Time Gone. If anything, this spin-off series feels more like another addition to the Hell or High Water series.

The funny thing is that the interaction between Cillian and Mal was explosive, hot, and very cutting-edge intense when most of it was done through IM-ing. The couple of sex scenes is enough to make any woman penis-envy, and all male readers happy to be gay. The fact that we learn more about these two guys is just icing on the cake.

And the surprise at the end? Yeah, did NOT see that one coming. I don't know if I want the second book in Dirty Deeds out next, or book 3 of Hell or High Water series. How about both?!

[Gigi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard fucking core! Full review at the end of the series.

[Marte - Thunderella · Rating 4 out of 5]

**** 4 Mal and Cillian stars ****

Ohhhh, this was way too short! Damn S.E Jakes for this teaser. What an ending! This book is the first in a spinoff series from Hell or High Water where Mal and Cillian are secondary characters. 

I would recommend that you read the Hell or High Water series first, so you know what the heck is going on.

I also suggest that you read this before you read #3 Daylight Again from the Hell or High Water series. You could read it after too, but there's kind of a spoiler for Dirty Deeds in #3 Daylight Again. It's a secondary plot twist in Daylight Again, but a big ending plot twist in Dirty Deeds. In the end it doesn't really matter where you read the plot twist, but I think it will have greater "effect" if you read it in Dirty Deeds. The time lines are parallel to an extent with this two book. Dirty Deed came out before Daylight Again too.

[Elizabetta · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don’t get it. And apparently I’m in the minority. I tried, I really did.

Truthfully, I started this off not expecting to like it much. I really didn’t care for another book I’d recently read in this world, Catch a Ghost. Just ask my friend Ilhem, she had to listen to me whine through it. But… I was willing to give it another try with Dirty Deeds -- sorry Jenn T for the continued whining.

In Ghost, I didn’t get Prophet and Tom (well, Tom I kinda liked, loved his tat anyway), but I thought Cillian and Mal had potential. So I was willing to give them a try. Dirty Deeds is their story, or, well, their interlude. ’Cause it’s a very short read. Consisting mostly of the author telling us why we should find these two so compelling. And that is problem numero uno, I again have issues with the writing style. Unfortunately, the guys also come off just as sophomoric as their peers.

After a lot of cyber spying on each other, Mal and Cillian’s real-world dalliance starts in an anonymous sex-up in a very dimly lit hookup bar. Up against a back wall, Mal takes Cillian in a typical thick-dick-reaming-tight-hole scene. Sort of the equivalent of the grade school punch on the shoulder which says, “Hey, I might like you.”

Giving his body over to someone he didn’t know was always an exciting potential mistake, but the heightened pleasure gained from the risk was undeniable. God, it was good to feel, to know he was truly alive inside despite all the cloak-and-dagger secrecy of his job.”

Hot, right? But then it all goes back to IM hookups, to heavy digital flirting and dirty dick pics (the ultimate selfie!!). Sort of the equivalent of 21st century dating.

“… I think you should at least buy me dinner first, Cillian chided.

‘Too much work, Just show me your cock.”

[… ]

“I showed you my dick and you’re concerned about my name?… now you’ve insulted me”

“Somehow, I think it would take more than that. It’s a nice cock, though.”

“Nice? Fuck off.”

These guys are in their late twenties/mid thirties. They are undercover operatives in a very dangerous profession, chasing the bad guy who has been out-foxing them so far. After all this, I’m supposed to take them seriously?

There’s the promise of more hot RL sexing, the whole he-man demeanor screams it. Oh yeah, I’m so there. But this is such a tease. Cillian and Mal’s encounters are limited to online quipping. There’s lots of serious telling vs. showing me da monay. At 60% it’s more digital coitus. Digital slow-burn.

There is a plot: everyone is looking for traitor John Morse, who may or may not be dead. Informants are dropping like flies. There is an interesting twist in the plot (one star for that). But this all takes up a smaller percentage of the story outline. The build-up is all about these two guy’s connection in a big, bad world. This interlude is the set up for the next offering in this world, but I don’t think Cillian and Mal are served up well. The writing doesn’t sell them to me, and I’m thinking that herein lies my real issue.

If you love the other books and the other guys in this world, you’ll probably love this one. It’s wonderful how we all have different tastes and expectations. It’s what makes the world go ’round. This reader is hopping off the carrousel, though; I haven’t been convinced that this world is for me.

For this review and much more:

[♣ Irish Smurfétté ♣ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full-length album review rightchere at Prism Book Alliance - ya won't regret it

An unavoidable thrill ride, this book is. From beginning to end, I was in constant motion with these characters and trying to keep up with all of the revelations and emotional u-turns that left me WRUNG. OUT. I guffawed and clenched my jaw and clamped my hand over my mouth.

From the opening, I got what I came for: Cillian’s attitude, impatience, his demanding ways and much, much more. My choice? Hell, there was no choice. My eyes and heart and gut were dragged along a path so twisted and delicious.

You know the man who was next to arrive on the scene: Mal, and he’s not alone. Mmmm hmmmm. Mal, a man of few words and much action – though this description may already be out of date. His chaotic brand of control has been compromised. Mmmm hmmmm. He may literally be the poster boy for strength and vulnerability, though this description is also woefully inadequate.

And then? We get to the crux of it all. I’m not sure I saw that coming, at least not with that level of vehemence. We definitely have not been told the whole story behind this SEAL team that consists of Mal, Proph, King, Ren and Hook… and one that is no longer.

*Bombshell* - you'll have to read to find out.

Never fear, humor and cleverness break the tension and it feeeeels liiiiike hoooome. There are deliciously quotable lines.

A revelation: a common goal. More than a goal, a deep-seeded drive to protect. Who? And why? Well done, this sector of the giant web that is this spook-filled universe.

*stage whispers* Before I forget (as if), the sexual tension? Yeah, ready for a knife, it is. The sex? Yeah, get some towels.

As usual, Jakes’ writing slugs me right in the heart, emotions and surprises ping-pong in all directions, sometimes in a single sentence. I went from ‘what the fuck?!’ to ‘oh… wow’ within seconds of each other more than once. Mal is a large part of that. I haven’t encountered a character quite like him and that gets me fucking excited. For me, if there has to be one, he’s the heart of this story. This was wonderfully unforeseen. He’ll do whatever it takes, whatever it is.

To say Mal and Cillian face obstacles is a laughable understatement. I want them to be able to talk. I want them to understand. I want them to never give up on each other.

What we have here is a story with major revelations, which then spawn a multitude of questions. How will Mal and Cill work everything out? Who will end up having to do the dirty work, especially since it may be accomplished with great relish? Who will survive?

This story can be read as a stand-alone, but let me give you fair warning: one of the major catalysts for much of the conflict does initiate in the first two books of the Hell or High Water series, even if in glimpses. Some of the history and characters that hold this impact is provided in this read, however, you will probably feel things more intensely if you first read Catch a Ghostand then Long Time Gone. G’head, don’t deprive yourself.

[Cory · Rating 4 out of 5]

I tried to read slow so I could make this last. But, alas, it was impossible. Why isn't Dirty Lies out already.....WHY???

So, this book rocked just like I knew it would. Cillian and Mal are a perfect pairing to go head to head. The IM's between the two of them were awesome. Don't even get me started on the ending.

I thought it was hard waiting for this....waiting for the next book is going to be absolute torture.

[Jenni Lea · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

I'm raising the white flag. I'm throwing in the towel. I'm giving up.

I have read three of her books now and have come to the conclusion that S.E. Jakes is apparently just not for me. Don't get me wrong, she writes well. She just doesn't do it for me. I can't bring myself to care about these characters though I tried. I tried so hard to love them. Alas, it just didn't work out.

*sad face*

[Valerie ❈M/M Romance Junkie❈ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read 01/14/2014
Reread 07/07/2015
Reread 04/04/2016

please don't hate me I'm going to upset some people with this, but I really like Mal and Cillian as a couple WAY more than Prophet and Tommy. Don't get me wrong, I adore Prophet. His relationship with Tommy is hot, but something about Mal and Cillian is hotter. Now if we could ever get their next book. Seriously!

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

So first off, this book is a spin-off of another series & set in the Extreme Escapes, Ltd. world, so I’d advise a reader that they may want to read at least the High or Hell Water series first before starting this one. You shouldn’t be lost if you don’t read them and it isn’t necessary, but plot points are fairly essential in other books. Cillian works for Special Branch 20: an organization that runs black ops missions, and for the most part, that’s all the reader (or Mal & his crew) know about him. He’s a mystery completely. Flirty, confident, efficient but a complete mystery in regards to motives and even personality.

Mal used to be a Navy SEAL and partnered with Prophet (from the author’s other books) and several other team members (I’m hoping will be in future books). But he’s considered too dangerous now; too unpredictable and his use is better served elsewhere.

So stay with me. Cillian and Mal were both featured in the author’s previous books but this is definitely THEIR story. Everything has its purpose. The plot focusing on John and the hurt and anguish he has caused so many of these men is always front and center. John is a former team member to Mal, the other guys and Prophet (even Prophet’s lover). How he betrayed them, the results of that betrayal and the future actions all change these mens’ lives. Mal is now following Cillian, to find out who he is, what his motives are, what his level of involvement with John is and how all of that combined affects his friends.

I’ll be upfront to admit that I’ve given this author several chances at reads. I’ve read two of the author’s other books, and both Hell or High Water books with Tommy and Prophet. I am OBSESSED with Tommy and Prophet. Seriously, I never buy paperbacks anymore and I had to immediately buy both in paperback, but the other books of hers I’ve read didn’t captivate me in the same way. They were good, but I wasn’t quite as in love with them as the Hell or High Water novels. Now many might think of this as a downfall. But I truly don’t; in a way, it’s almost more special to me. I never expect for me to love EVERYTHING by an author. I don’t love EVERYTHING at my favorite restaurant or store, so why would I like every book by an author equally? I love Tommy and Prophet with something so intense and pure and I was worried no couple or work from this author would measure up and that was OK with me.

But…GODDAMN. Mal and Cillian. SE Jakes what have you done to me????? This author’s strength lies in her characters interactions with side characters, how they react to problems and, most importantly, how they react to loved ones and let their walls down. Part of it feels so extremely realistic in the way these men act and the other part feels SO idealistic in how we wish men would act in relationships. And that’s why it all works for me. It’s the perfect combination of what we get from men and what we want from men. Who wouldn’t bury themselves in leaves and hope Mal or Cillian wouldn’t fall in to their privates? Who doesn’t want someone so frank and sexual with what they want from you, but breaks down enough to let you see the true them and that hidden vulnerability? It’s also a bit of a nod to the genre and online friendships and relationships with how Mal and Cillian interact. For anyone to say that what they reveal or how they bond isn’t as important as face-to-face contact has never formed a relationship with someone online. My friendships with my online friends are just as important as my real life ones, and in many ways, more personal. And I also loved that she pointed out that not every relationship or interaction is the same (but it doesn’t mean you don’t love them – just differently). How Mal interacts with Prophet is not the same as it is with Cillian…and that difference gutted me. Sometimes you just click with people, the way they talk to you, the ease with which you feel with them, that sexual tension.

From the first few pages I was like: ohhhhh, OK, it’s going to be melting ice on my skin book. That bar scene and the biting and the dirty internal thoughts. Motherf*cker!!! But then it didn’t just turn into a PWP (Porn Without Plot) book. There are informants, broken friendships, regrets, indecisiveness, questioning your gut, humor, etc. There were so many lines that I was sending to my friend as a tease (who has never read this author) that after the final one she emailed me: I’m definitely reading her next!!!

I was biting my damn nails towards the end and I was in awe continuously at the up and down emotions I felt in only 90 or so pages. Cillian and Mal don’t replace Tommy and Prophet but they are definitely EQUAL to them. I’m so mad that I can’t buy this in paperback, because it’s so short it won’t be published. Riptide, pleaseeeeee combine a few of the novellas into a paperback!! Please. Anyhoo, yeah, this has tension of all kinds…friendships, loved ones, work relationships, and sexual tension coming out the ass (no pun intended).

That ending. *shakes fists to the sky* OK, cliffhangers. Some cliffhangers royally suck donkey d*ck and I’m like seriously???…that’s a cliffhanger? And some are so good you can just imagine yourself with that slow-mo gif face where you are holding a glass of wine with bug eyes going “noooooooooooooo” <- Finding Nemo whale voice. The latter was this book. You ended it there?! I get it. It makes perfect, perfect sense and now I’m obsessed when the new one is coming out because I want to cry I love these two men so much. Cry, folks.

So, yes, please read this. AFTER you’ve read the awesome as f*ck Hell or High Water, series or if you don’t read them; catch up :D.

[Shawnie Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

eARC received to give an honest review. No spoilers!

Dirty Deeds by SE Jakes, is the first in her Dirty Deeds series that will probably run along with her Hell or High Water series.

Sweet mother of all things dark! Never in a million years did I expect to read what I just read. I have to admit that I honestly had a whole different book in my head. You know what I mean, we readers do it all the time imagine what we THINK will happen. LoL.

Well imagine how I felt when I read most of this and then the ending. I looked like a fish trying to gulp water, while laying on a sandy beach. *Shakes head*

SE is one of those authors that should be hailed as a great, but isn't because what she writes isn't accepted by all. Her writing style is amazingly realistic and you can feel the emotion leaking from the pages. She can also turn a cliffhanger into a thing of beauty. She is one of the greats too me, no matter what.

So on to the book, right?

Dirty Deeds is about the non-existing but building relationship of Mal & Cillian. Both are characters we are very familiar with, but don't know much about, which makes the book such a hot commodity, I am very confident that it will fly off ebook shelves.

Mal has taken over the assignment of uncovering just who Cillian is and who he is working for and its all going according to plan, the usual spy shit... until one night at a bar. Mal and the team (Prophet, King, Ren, and Hook) want answers, but it goes so much deeper for Mal. Its personal on a level that can make a man thrive off vengeance alone and some things can't be undone.

Cillian is the unknown factor. Nobody knows what his game is or what he has to do with anything. They all just know he is involved some way, some how. It wasn't clear to me why he was so involved until the end, and then it explained so much, while also opening the next book up to some hellish mental shit to possibly take place. You think he is the villain, but he is just as much a victim. *Whispers* don't tell him, I called him that.

The saying "you never really know someone until you've talked to them," comes to mind when I read this book, because we learned a lot about both of them in just 88 pages and none of it was crammed in or seemed like filler words and back-thoughts. There is an intimacy that goes along with the interaction between the two of them, that they don't really hide from, mostly because its not face to face. You can tell they compliment each other in the way that lovers who are meant to be together do. Understanding of what they mutually need and want sexually, threads them together tighter than any bindings could.

Dirty Deeds was a page turner of a book, that threw a lot twists at you, faster that you could make sense of without going back and reading again. SE made it seems as if I was peeking into something that was actually happening and I had to try really hard not to get caught spying - ironic when you think about it. LoL

Book Pages and Dripping Ink gives SE JAKES "DIRTY DEEDS" five black roses and a must read stamp of approval. But only after you have read all the books before it, that way you aren't lost.

Happy Reading, Shawnie.

[Mare SLiTsReaD Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

***** ARC provided by SE Jakes and Riptide Publishing in exchange for an honest review *****

5 I can't decide who I love more in this series stars!!

First: Lets all take a moment and appreciate the HOTNESS of this cover... the lift of the eyebrow, the sexy tattoos, the smirk cause yes that's a smirk.

We get introduced to Cillian and Mal in the LTG series. We get glimpses, and teases about them that makes you wanna learn more. Enter Book 1 of Dirty Deeds.

Dirty Deeds is well it is DIRTY and I freaking loved every single page out of the 94 that I read!!!

What an awesome intro to Cillian and Mal.

Right from the word go, the book started with a BANG and Holy Hell did it end with one!!!

SE Jakes can write sarcasm with the best of them, I truly believe she writes these books just for me, yes I said it and yes I believe it.

The sarcasm, the assholeishness, and action left me drooling. Add in the sexy ass sex scenes and that's it... game over.... out for the count. I gobbled this book up in less than an hour.

You can feel the sparks flow between Cillian and Mal. The "I get you" with the both of them, the commentary, the sexting, the dominance, the slyness, the calculated moves, the secrets and the lies.

94 pages of pure action that makes you want to sink your teeth into MORE MORE MORE.

We learn what makes Mal tick, what makes Cillian tick, what makes them tick together.

And then......BAM.... it ends!!!! It ends with you salivating for more, kinda cursing SE Jakes (no kinda about it ) ;), and leaves you on the edge of a cliff... literally....

I can't wait for more from SE Jakes! 2014 will bring me more Prophet and more Mal/Cillian.

Mare-SLitsread

[Wendys Wycked Words · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this one...just like I loved the Hell and Highwater series. But just like those, this one ended, just when it started to get really good. Problem is that nobody fucking knows, when all the other books are gonna be released. I want Tom and Prophets last book and I want the other two books in this series damn it !!!

3,5 stars because this one kept getting better and better and then ended in a freaking cliffhanger !!

Authors should not publish series like this, unless they can provide all books in an acceptable amount of time. I don't mind waiting a few months...but years ???

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dirty Deeds is a mind bending and action packed suspense novella featuring Cillian and Mal, two supporting characters from the Hell or High Water series.

Mal and Cillian just blew me away. They are so explosive together. There is so much action, it’s hell of a non-stop ride and a great beginning to this spin-off series. I just wish these books were combined to make a longer story…

[Sam Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bloody hell.

If you haven't read any of SE Jakes' books read them.

If you haven't read the EE / Hell or High Water ones. Read em.

If you have, read them again.

Then read this.

In fact just read it.

Just bloody read it.

Mal and Cillian are so hot in every perfect way.

Only 83 pages? Yeah. It'll be the longest 83 pages of your life. And then some.

[fleurette · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this short story.

Right now I think I like Mal and Cillian even more than Prophet and Tom as a couple. They have a bit more interspersing depth to their relationship. The game is also more exciting. Their past impacts their relationship in such an interspersing way. I can't wait to read more abput them and their dynamics. I even think that now if I read the next book in a main series I would specially looking for parts about Mal and Cillian.

I even didn't truly mind the bdsm part that I usually highly dislike.

I hope the next instalment to this series is coming.

[Vanessa North · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing i can say will do this book justice, so i'll just say i enjoyed the hell out of it, and Mal and Cillian in the bar every time blow tommy and prophet in the hurricane out of the water.

Plus, you wll know how I feel about biting! Fuck yes there was biting!!!

[JustJen "Miss Conduct" · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review written for Hearts on Fire Reviews.

It is no secret that I am a huge SE Jakes fan. She has been an auto-read author for me almost from the first book, even though I didn’t rave about the first few books. However, the last four or so books I could not wait to get my hands on and could not put down until finished. Dirty Deeds is definitely on that list. I feel it is important to state that you will more fully appreciate these characters if you read the previous books first, even though this one could be read as a stand-alone and is technically the start of its own spinoff series.

As for the story itself, we have been getting glimpses of Mal and Cillian for a while now. I was really curious as to how their book would play out with Mal being unable to speak, but Jakes played it off perfectly. They converse throughout most of this story via instant messaging and text messages. I found them funny and sexy. I can honestly say that I’ve never read a cyber-sex fisting scene before but this one was hot as hell. When these guys are together physically, it is in an anonymous setting that seems a bit unreal but is still super hot.

Then there are the twists and turns. My goodness, did I not see them coming. I had almost forgotten about the John issue, but this brings you up to speed quickly. Then Cillian’s handlers are being offed one by one, and things start moving very quickly. Suffice to say, this was one wild ride. It is short, which is kind of a bummer, but it is really more of a set up for the next part of their story, which you will be screaming for when this one ends.

I really enjoy Ms. Jakes’ writing style, as it keeps me engaged, guessing and on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. Thankfully, she doesn’t make us wait too long for the next installments.

[*J* Too Many Books Too Little Time · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5--Shocking-Dirty-Dangerous--Stars!!!



That's how I felt when I got to the end....like someone punched me in the face. What the hell???

Half of the time....



Wait Mal's after Cillian? No...that can't be? Cillian is after Mal? How does Cillian know John? Does Cillian know Mal? Is Cillian a good guy or a bad buy? What about Mal?? Where are Tom and Prophet? Who in the hell is Trent? And King?



My head...it hurts....make it stop!

The other half of the time...



Are there that many covert/espionoge/special ops groups out there full of gay men??

I definitely recommend reading Catch a Ghost and Long Time Gone prior to this one. I think this one takes place after those two...I think. IDK. But there's lots of character cross-over and storyline cross-over.

This one centers around Mal and Cillian....and was full of suspense, intrigue and dirty sex!

It was a short read but it definitely packed a punch.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A deep game of espionage and counter espionage evolves into something quite unexpected for Mal and Cillian as they dance around each other and the truth....and a blazing attraction that neither knows quite what to deal with. As the stakes get higher and the passion grows, they inch closer and closer to their own truths.

This book is a thrill ride from beginning to end.

[Mello ❣ Illium ✮Harry✮ ☀Myrnin☀ Torin Ichimaru · Rating 5 out of 5]

Synopsis:

Two seasoned operatives finally meet their match: each other.

Cillian works for the mysterious Special Branch 20: an organization that runs black ops commissioned by the British government. His specialty is deep undercover assignments with virtually no support. He’s been alone for so long that he no longer knows anything else.

Mal’s also used to being alone. Wanted in several states and even more countries, he’s not allowed in the vicinity of any of his former Navy SEAL teammates. And his current assignment is to track Cillian in order to discover the spook’s endgame. Except he’s no longer sure which one of them is getting played.

Cillian isn’t about to let the mission that’s consumed him for the past several years crumble because an outsider is poking around where he doesn’t belong. But Mal forces his way through Cillian’s defenses—and into his heart—exposing a devastating betrayal that could destroy them both.

My Thoughts:

This book gets right into things from the start. Considering it's only 94 pages, it contains a lot. Mal and Cillian have some serious hot sex-in person and over the computer-and also manage to burrow underneath each others skin something fierce. And they weren't even trying. They'd be good together. But will what they (and we!) learn at the end of the book ruin that for them? That's going to be damned difficult to get past. But omg was that brilliant! SE, you rocked my world.

I really enjoyed getting to know more about Mal and Cillian here. We scratch the surface of their pasts, but I'm sure we'll learn more once they actually tell each other about their backgrounds instead of just realizing to themselves that they're so similar. Cillian's past shocked me especially. Talk about no childhood. Whoa. I did enjoy getting to see Prophet and Tom from their POVs even if it was just a little.

I was shocked by what Mal was actually doing behind the scenes. I don't think he expected things to quite go this way, but there's no going back now. Will Cillian's guilt get in the way? Can Mal get past learning what he's learned? Will they team up? Has anyone else betrayed Cillian? Will the two of them ever get to be their real selves?

So many questions, despite the answers we get here. We actually learn more about John in this book than we do from Prophet in the Hell or High Water books. There's still more to learn about that douchebag, though. I don't know who I want to be able to kill him more: Prophet, Mal or Cillian. They've all got good reasons for getting to be the one to do it. I just know I want him dead and Sadiq with him. I'm worried for my boys, though. Their enemies aren't pushovers. If they team up, though...

Still, I am totally *smh* @ you right now for leaving me with the stuck face over that ending, SE. I'd maul someone for the next book.

[Jyanx · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.


I really like S.E. Jakes. Something about her writing, and the sense of humor mixed with danger makes me a happy girl. This one had to be my favorite of all her books. Why? Mal.

I have to say Mal just did it for me. The anger, the snark, and the edge of crazy is just what I want in a book like this. I liked how his past was slowly revealed over the course of the story, and there was no one moment of sobbing revelation. Mal is not the sobbing revelation sort. Thank heavens for that. I liked the way his mind worked. It made for compelling reading. I also liked that they kept his edge even when he started to fall for Cillian. I'm hoping that continues in the next book as well. I'd hate to see him submit to Cillian completely.

It's not that I didn't like Cillian, I did. I liked that he wasn't quite the suave spy he seemed to be, and that underneath that veneer he was a hard, and angry boy. I understood where his controlling nature comes from, and I liked that he wasn't weak or whimpering, just that some of his controlling tendencies got to be a little much for me, and I'm hoping that Mal turns the tables on him again in book two.

I liked the balance between the two men. Both have controlling tendencies, and the need to let go, so it was never really about one man totally dominating the other. I liked that they were both strong, and fragile at the same time. Both men grew hard, and I liked that it wasn't about one whole person fixing the other broken man.

I liked the action of the story. The men are apart for most of the story, but I liked that. I think the anonymity of the internet interactions allowed to very guarded men the freedom and space to open up to each other, and get to know each other on a deeper level than they would have had this all been in person. The twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat, and I loved watching things unfold. Just a friendly warning, but this book ends on a major cliff hanger, and if that isn't your thing you might want to wait for book two. Me I will be waiting not so patiently for the next one. I must know what happens next, and I need to know how the major revelations at the end play out.