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The Con

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***Dear Readers, all of my books will be removed from all seller platforms on September 30th, 2021. I am retiring as an author but want to THANK YOU for reading my work all of these years. If you want to purchase my books please purchase before September 30th. You will not be able to purchase any books after September 30th, 2021***
Jagger had three rules for every 1. Don't back out 2. Don't forget the story 3. Don't f*ck it up I broke them all. I first met Jagger when I was just nine years old. He was an older boy who gave me twenty dollars to buy a new pair of ballet shoes after I dropped mine in the mud. That's when I fell in love with him. And love would be my downfall. I would run into Jagger over the years and I'd watch him as he'd hustle strangers out of their money with his latest scam. He lied, he cheated, and he took advantage of anyone he could. Most importantly, he never got caught. Well, until he needed me to help him pull off his biggest con to date. I thought I could do it. He told me it was easy to make money through deception, and I believed him because he had a lot of it. But I should have known that nothing is guaranteed. My name is Ronnie and now we're on the run. *Recommended for 17+ due to subject matter and sexual content.

258 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 31, 2015

18 people are currently reading
706 people want to read

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Justine Elvira

21 books847 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
Profile Image for Kaitlin.
177 reviews
December 27, 2015
The blurb sounded really good and the chapters where the H & h met at a young age to trying to build a friendship to let it all fall down and start back up. The other side was just all over the place and the epilogue could've been maybe a little bit longer rather than having a paragraph for a page.
Profile Image for 1-Click Addict Support Group.
3,749 reviews490 followers
August 28, 2015
I fucking LOVED this book! It has so many of my favorite things all rolled into one amazing package!

Ronnie's been in love with Jagger since she was a child. I loved seeing her grow and change as the years passed. Jagger may not be a traditional good guy, but he's definitely a good guy. Even living on the other side of the law, he takes care of what's his, and does his best to make a better life for those he loves. His early interactions with Ronnie had me swooning, even as my heart broke for her. It was painfully obvious that he loved her, even if he acted like an oblivious ass half the time.

When things pick up and the suspense hits, it just felt so right that they were in it together. My only complaint is that there wasn't more to their story! I haven't been so disappointed to get to the end of a book in ages. I was pleased with a happily ever after though. It's nice occasionally to know what happens and see loving people get what they deserve. ~ George, 5 stars

~~~

I really enjoyed this story. It was full of angst, drama, and lots of sexual tension.

”Wishing and hoping is a dangerous thing.”

Ronnie lives in a trailer park. She is pretty much raising herself as her older sister, Pearl, works full time to support them. Her only escape is dance. After a broken ankle, her life is empty. She doesn’t know what to do or where to go.

Jagger is a con artist. He has been most of his life since he also lives in the trailer park. After his mother died and his dad becomes a drunk, he had to take care of his sister and nephew. Running cons was his way to bring in money.

“Jagger just has something that’s always drawn me to him and made him completely irresistible to me.”

Ronnie and Jagger have a connection – it started when they were young. I absolutely loved how this story went from their childhood until the present so that we could really see the connection between the two. It took a lot to bring the two together, but I loved that this story showed how love can come out of any circumstances. I also loved the Brandon Boner cameo.

I do wish there was a bit more to the ending or epilogue – it felt kind of abrupt. Overall, though, it was a good story that I thoroughly enjoyed and look forward to more from Ms. Elvira. ~ Tiffany, 4 stars
Profile Image for Sara.
1,520 reviews131 followers
October 5, 2015
So... I see so many great reviews and high rating on this book and I'm thinking I'm probably weird. Because, honestly, I didn't love this book or the characters. First of all, it wasn't what I expected. There wasn't as much action as I was expecting. Actually, there was no action whatsoever. It was a long story of how Ronnie and Jagger met, grew up and became friends and more than friends. Then there's little suspense and even more little action doing the job. Then there are some kinda hot scenes that are probably the highlight of the whole story, and some romance towards the end.
I can't even say I liked the lead characters. Jagger was actually annoying most of the time. And a f@cking womanizer. Ronnie was more than a little naive and although I liked her SOME TIMES, I didn't like her much most of the time.
I guess it was a decent read. But I didn't feel very interested or hooked.
Profile Image for Joëlle.
367 reviews36 followers
Want to read
November 10, 2015
On sale on Amazon at the moment (Nov 10 2015)
Profile Image for Jennifer.
2,095 reviews93 followers
July 31, 2015
* A review copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review *

~ 5 Bonnie and Clyde Stars ~

The Con is your modern day Bonnie and Clyde type story. I thought this story was unique and interesting and kept me wrapped up in the story all the way to the end. I was on the edge of my seat to see how things would work out for Ronnie and Jagger.

Justine Elvira has done it again!!! I have read all her books and have loved each one. I think her writing has improved over the course of all her books. She has an amazing talent at creating story lines that are both intriguing and unique. I don't feel like her books are like others I've read before. I also love all the characters she creates. Her development of her characters make the reader feel like they are a part of their lives. I truly never want any of her books to end. Her writing style is pure enjoyment and I feel her books are flawless. The pace of the book is spot on. I felt this one was slightly different because she incorporated time jumps, but I thought she did it perfectly.

In The Con we meet Ronnie and Jagger. Both come from low income families and live in the same trailer park. When we first meet these two, they are both young teenagers. Ronnie is being raised by her 10 year older sister because her mom died and Jagger is living with his older sister and nephew. Ronnie is a young girl whose dream is to become a professional Ballet Dancer. Jagger is the ultimate con artist. Ronnie meets Jagger when she is only 9 years old and he is 11. That first chance encounter has her falling deeply in love with him. Over the course of several years we get to see Ronnie pine for Jagger. She would do absolutely anything for him. Jagger always kept Ronnie at an arms length until she is 20 yrs old and he needs are help on something. Of course Ronnie says yes and that sends them on a whirlwind journey. What I loved about this book was that is wasn't predictable to me. I thought I knew what would happen and I was happy to say I was wrong. You need to read this book to see if everything works out for Ronnie and Jagger in the end.

I would 100% recommend any book by Justine Elvira and The Con is no different. If you are looking for a quick and sexy read that is filled with intrigue and suspense, then you don't want to miss this book!!!

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Profile Image for Monica James.
Author 47 books2,766 followers
September 10, 2015
I love this author. I love this book. Such an orignal, well written story! Loved it!
Profile Image for Taylor Harbaugh.
56 reviews2 followers
August 14, 2015
Firstly, I'd like to just say a HUGE thank you to Justine for graciously giving me an ARC to read and review! With every ARC given, authors experience a lot of anxiety of how their work will be received, and they put a huge amount of trust into our (the readers) hands by allowing us into their minds, hearts and souls to read their stories. To judge their talents. And for each ARC I receive, I am eternally grateful that a perfect stranger trusts me enough to give those pieces of themselves to me.

I'd also like to mention that this is the first book by Justine Elvira that I've read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Now, time to get down to the good stuff!

Ronnie, AKA "Twinkle Toes", lives in a run down trailer park in Arizona with her older sister. With her pale skin, red hair, countless freckles, and her innocence, Ronnie has a hard time finding her niche. She doesn't really fit in anywhere, and the kids from her trailer park are all just a little bit older in age, and a lot older compared to her when it comes to the harsh realities of the world they all live in.

Ballet is her only saving grace. And she's damned good at it too. When a career ending injury changes the trajectory of her life, she never imagined that the new path set out before her would directly cross that of the boy she's been in love with since she was nine years old: Jagger.

Jagger has been conning people his whole life. Earning enough money to ensure he, his sister and his nephew never have to go without, Jagger has taken on the impossible cons, ones now one else could manage without being caught red handed. Jagger was the best of the best and everyone knew it. Some with his "jobs" had small pay outs, and some came with much, much larger rewards. When someone Jagger had burned in the past comes to him with a Con so big, and an even bigger payout, Jagger can't turn it down, even if it means enlisting the help of his "Twinkle Toes".

There were a few parts of the book I thought we're just a tad far fetched but, it didn't make a difference in my overall reading experience. I would have, however, liked to have seen some more interactions with some of the secondary characters. I've noticed that you tend to get a better feel of the main characters mindset when they're interacting with other people aside from the male or female lead. I would have liked to see Ronnie and Pearl (her sister) interact with each other. Her sister was such a huge impact on her life, being as she raised Ronnie, I just would have liked to see the way they behaved around each other.


Overall, I really enjoyed this book. The storyline flowed really well, and there was obviously chemistry between the characters that made the story that much better to read. Following along Ronnie and Jagger's attempt to pull of the biggest con either of them had ever seen, had me literally flipping through pages so fast I had to keep stopping to go back and reread because I was sure I was missing things. It was exhilarating and exciting. I was fueled with the need to get to the end! To see if Ronnie and Jagger could pull this off! And while I kind of put together what would end up happening towards the end, it didn't dull the anticipation I had to find out for sure if my suspicions were correct.

I would definitely recommend his book to those who like to seek a little thrill with their romance!
Profile Image for Lindsay.
2,234 reviews512 followers
August 12, 2015
I love Justine Elvira’s writing, so when I saw this coming out, I couldn’t wait!

From page one, I was pulled into the lives of Ronnie and Jagger. The book starts off when the characters are young and follows them, and their interactions with each other until adulthood.

Ronnie and Jagger grew up in the same trailer park. Both have crappy home lives and each deals with it differently. Ronnie turns to ballet to escape from life while Jagger becomes the breadwinner at 13 years old by pulling cons to bring in money for his family.

The met by chance when 9 year old Ronnie dropped her new ballet slippers in the mud and Jagger gave her money for a new pair…it was love at first sight. It took a little longer for me to fall for him. I liked him when he was a kid, he was always nice to Ronnie. But after they finally hooked up after a party, I had my doubts that he could redeem himself for me. It really helped to have his POV later in the book. Then I was able to see into his mind and where he was coming from.




When it came to the con…I wasn’t sure what to expect. I kept wondering how Ronnie would get pulled into his life and specifically, into the con. But actual event was very interesting and had a twist to it. I loved Ronnie and Jagger on the run together. My only wish is that we’d gotten to see a little more of them after the fact.

But overall, this was a really great book.



Profile Image for Brandy Lynn.
Author 15 books210 followers
August 20, 2015
Wow, Justine Elvira has done it again. She blew me away with this hidden gem! I have to say, out of all her books, (and yes I've read them all) this is one of my favorites! Jagger owns my heart. The dialogue, setting, plot, and characters was so engaging I found myself enthralled with the book. Once I started this gem, I couldn't put it down. It kept me on the edge of my seat for quite a few hours and I loved every single second of it; so much so that I didn't want it to end. If you're looking for a thought-provoking, suspenseful, engaging read this is the book for you! I promise you won't be disappointed. Crack open The Con and fall in love with Jagger!

We're transported back to when Jagger and Ronnie are kids. Both living in a run down trailer park and each of them are going down a very different path. Ronnie's only concern is dance and the boy with long hair who makes her breath hitch. Jagger's only concern was how he could make his next couple of bucks and twinkle toes. It was fascinating to read about each of their interactions with each other. You could see there was more hidden just under the surface with these two, and I had no idea it would be so good and so explosive. I want to tell you more, so much more, but I don't want to spoil it. Just know that you should read this book and find out what The Con has in store for you! Happy Reading. xoxo
Profile Image for Two Ordinary.
201 reviews28 followers
July 22, 2015
The con
5*****

I found this quite a quick read but I think that's because I couldn't put it down!!

Twinkle toes aka Ronnie is a ballet dancer that is head over heels in love with Jagger and has been since she was 9.
But having Jagger in her life isn't as simple as she would like. He needs her help to pull off The biggest Con. But not everything goes to plan.
Fight or flight is the question....

Justine I have always loved all of your books, and this one is no exception! I instantly loved Jagger he makes me smile and I want him and Ronnie to work!!!

The con is an interesting read and I loved how it ended although I wanted to keep following their story!!! Another 5 star read.....keep them coming
Profile Image for WiLoveBooks.
865 reviews59 followers
August 14, 2015
Interesting concept. Ronnie has been in love with Jagger since she was 9 and he bought her new ballet shoes. We see her grow up and her feelings for Jagger. Jagger asks for her help on a con and of course she won't turn him down. For me, I had trouble seeing how she can love him given his treatment of her. I wasn't 100% satisfied at the end, but it was good enough to keep me reading. If you like bad boys I think you'll like this one.
Profile Image for Tasha.
1,490 reviews26 followers
November 19, 2015
I am a huge fan of Justine’s. She had me hooked on ‘Changing His Game’. After reading the description a sly smile appeared on my face… because I knew this would be the book that I am glad I snagged while it was free on Amazon. The Con is your modern day Bonnie and Clyde type story. I thought this story was unique and interesting and kept me wrapped up in the story all the way to the end. I was on the edge of my seat to see how things would work out for Ronnie and Jagger.
Profile Image for Danielle Marlowe.
2,058 reviews9 followers
January 1, 2018
Great book

Justine Elvira did a great job on this story. The Con was well written and had a great story plot. Jagger and Ronnie were great strong characters. Jagger was smart, strong, charming, and a hard worker. He was protective of his Twinkle Toes. Ronnie was strong and sweet. Loved Jagger and Ronnie together. They were made for each other. The connection and the chemistry between them was strong and sexy. I enjoyed this book. It's a great story. I recommend reading. Thank you, Justine Elvira. Great work :) 5 Stars
Profile Image for Dearbhla.
733 reviews
September 22, 2018
'You can change a person's name but it doesn't change who they are on the inside.'
Profile Image for Three Chicks.
2,632 reviews419 followers
August 2, 2015
Review by Jen Skewes
When Ronnie was just 8 years old her mother died, leaving her to be raised by her teenage sister. They live in a trailer park and barely make ends meet. Her sister is doing the best that she can to take care of Ronnie. When she was just 9 years old she met Jagger, who also lived in the same trailer park as she did. He saved her that day and from that moment on when she needed him he seemed to be there for her. That was also that day that a nine year old Ronnie fell in love with Jagger. Even if she didn’t see him much over the years, she was in love with him and knew that one day they would be together. But when that day came things didn’t exactly go as planned.

Jagger lives with his sister and nephew. He is the man of the house and since he was a teenager it has been his job to take care of his family. He took care of them the only way he knew how, by running cons to get money. He was good at it and as he grew older he continued with his ways. But the next con wouldn’t be easy. He needed a partner to make this one work, a female one. Its been a few years since he has spoken to Ronnie and after the way he treated her the last time he saw her he doesn’t expect her to help him. But he needs her and she is the only person that he trusts for this job. If he can convince Ronnie to help him out will this con go according to plan or will they end up on the run?

I always look forward to Justine Elvira’s books. She never seems to disappoint with the characters she creates and stories that she tells. This one is no exception. Upon first meeting Jagger I fell for him. He was a young kid who helped out a little girl when she needed it. I saw something in him that I liked. But as he got older he tended to be a bit of an ass. And at that point I wasn’t so sure if he would redeem himself in my eyes. Don't get me wrong he wasn't a complete ass but i found it harder to connect to him because of some of his actions. But when Ronnie agrees to help him with his next con, my feelings changed. A con gone bad left the two of them on the run. And it was then that I understood just how much Ronnie meant ti him and why he treated her the way he did. He was always looking out for her and wanting to protect her in anyone he could, even if that meant staying away. And I loved him for that.

Ronnie was hopelessly in love with Jagger from the first moment she met him. And no matter what happened over the years she would always love him. She agreed to help him and despite what happened in the past she trusted him 100%. They had both been through alot growing up and were both survivors and fought to the end. When they were on the run to be honest I was not sure how this one would end. How could they possibly get out of the mess that they were in? But Ms. Elvira delivered an ending that I loved. I wish there was more of Ronnie and Jagger because I will miss them. I am hoping that we get a follow up novella to their story because I would love to see where their future takes them. This was a great read. Another wonderful job by Jusitne Elvira.
Profile Image for Book-Bosomed  blog.
516 reviews259 followers
July 31, 2015
4.5 Stars

Growing up in broken homes in a poor trailer park doesn’t offer a lot of a future for the kids that inhabit The Evergreen Subdivision. For Jagger, it means from an early age a life of schemes, crimes, and cons. For Ronnie, it means dancing must be an escape. But from the time she lays eyes on Jagger, fate might just choose their paths.

While the synopsis hooked me (I fancy ‘love on the run’ stories), the background really touched me. And so what you get with The Con is not just a hot sexy times on the run adventure—although you do get that! But you also get this sweet, intriguing tale of young love, sometimes bittersweet, but also real and touching.

The reader is first introduced to Jagger and Ronnie through a collection of pivotal moments in their adolescent and teen years as Ronnie negotiates growing up in a dead-end community, devoid of parental guidance with scare opportunities. Jagger is instantly her hero, but he’s more of a rough around the edges, not always upstanding white knight.

Once the background story has thoroughly sucked you into these two characters and the pull they feel between each other, the circumstances are set up for ‘the con’ or perhaps, the con gone wrong.

Heartbreak, love, and fate are strong themes of the story. The author does an amazing job establishing the sometimes desolate feel of Ronnie’s socio-economic hardships growing up as well as the psychological influence it’s had on Jagger’s self-identity.

“‛While you were worried about the Lola's of this world, I was worried that those kinds of women were all that was meant for me. I never thought in my wildest dreams I could have you.’"

You can’t help but root for them to get together and find some kind of “success,” a life beyond the only opportunity-limited world they’ve ever known.

“‛You're mine and I keep what's mine safe."
“No two words have ever been truer. I've been his since I was nine years old. It only took him eleven years to realize it, too.”

Yeah well, that’s a man for you. Jagger is quite the sexy bad boy. While there are hints at his non-committal womanizing way, it’s thankfully never shown in detail and when the situation gets sticky, it puts him on a steamy path with one woman, making Jagger a pretty sweet book boyfriend sure to make some ovaries weep.

“‛Your body is beautiful, twinkle toes. After what we shared last night you shouldn't have to hide it from me.’"

Risk, trust, and loyalty also play a role in the story and the plot. And danger lurks just around the corner.

“I'm okay if death comes tomorrow, as long as he continues to give me this perfect bliss tonight.”

The majority of the book, with the exception of a small section, is told by Ronnie’s first person POV. I did crave more of Jagger’s POV. It would have been nice to get inside his head a little more. But, all in all, it’s a page-turner; full of emotion without angst, steamy encounters and an unpredictable suspense adventure plot in the second half.
Profile Image for Amy.
693 reviews
August 4, 2015
The Con
Justine Elvira
5 stars
This was a fantastic easy read. Light-hearted compared to what I usually dig into and a really good storyline. I LOVE the way the story progresses from Ronnie first setting eyes on Jagger at age 9 until the time she is 20. I also LOVE the description of Ronnie “Twinkle Toes” in the first few paragraphs. You can actually see this dainty little things twirling and dancing her way down the street with no idea she is going to fall in love a few moments later and he beloved ballet shoes take a spill into a mud puddle ruining them.
Ronnie is being raised by her sister. They are very poor living in a broken down trailer park but neither of the girls are deterred by this. Again .. I LOVE THAT! Justine has written two characters into this modern romance that are strong, aren’t ashamed of what they don’t have and making their way never giving up. Although we don’t hear much from Ronnie’s sister she is a mover and a shaker making a better life for she and her sister. Ronnie’s encounters with Jagger are few and far between throughout the years until he comes to her needing her help. Agreeing, Ronnie has no idea of how her life is about to abruptly change; but how can she say no to the man she has loved her entire life. Im telling you this is the sweetest dang story I have ever read that was first-class reading.

Jagger has been a con artist all his life. Pulling off small heist he knows he is the best and so does the boys he runs with. Jagger does what he has to do to provide for his sister and nephew. He knows this “con” he is about to dive into isn’t safe but if it goes right his life will be forever changed. Jagger needs a female partner and he knows just who to go to. He has tried to stay away from her knowing he was no good but now he needs her more than ever. She is the only person he can trust; the girl he nicknamed Twinkle Toes all those years ago. Jagger has spent his life protecting her from him as crazy as that sounds and if this goes wrong how will he be able to continue to do that? If it goes right then he can have her forever; something he has always wanted.
I really loved this story. It had suspense to it which was great for me but the story alone between Ronnie and Jagger was enough to keep me turning the pages. The ending .. divine! LOVED IT! In fact I would love nothing more than to have a spin off maybe of Jagger’s friend Ky or Ronnie’s sister so that I could get a peek further into Ronnie and Jagger’s future. A novella would be great too … something! Anything! Discovering new authors for me is a gift. I will be clicking up some other reads from Justine. Go grab this one friends. You will be glad you did. Tracy from the blog Ramblings Beneath the Sheets messaged me and she said we HAD to read and review this – she was right on as usual. WONDERFUL WONDERFUL!
Profile Image for Caroline F.
2,402 reviews52 followers
July 29, 2015
This was such a great book with a great storyline.

Ronnie and Jagger both live in a trailer park. Ronnie is barely surviving on the poverty line. Jagger has been running cons since he was just a kid and doing well out of them.

Ronnie has been in love with Jagger from the moment that he gives her money to replace her ruined ballet shoes.

The Con charts their interactions, friendship and relationship over the course of eleven years. Jagger can see that Ronnie was made for bigger and better things than a life in a trailer park. He keeps his distance over the years, but he’s not infallible, and temptation gets the better of him once or twice.

He is lured into doing an extremely lucrative but dangerous con – but the catch is that he needs female help. The only one he can trust to pull off the job is Ronnie (his ‘twinkle toes’). However, just as they are about to get away scot-free, a betrayal comes to light and they find themselves on the run.

This was such a fab story! It was sexy and thrilling. I loved the development of the relationship between Ronnie and Jagger, and their interactions over the years. Most of the story is told from Ronnie’s POV, so we get a clear picture of how she feels about Jagger. We get an idea about Jagger’s feelings but it isn’t clear until we get the one and only chapter from Jagger’s POV. In spite of their patchy history, Ronnie believes and trusts in Jagger 100%, and Jagger is devoted to her protection and safety. Their characters are pretty well developed. They are both survivors and determined to do whatever they have to do in life to keep going.

While they were on the run, I kept wondering how the story was going to pan out. How were they possibly going to get out of their predicament? How will the story be resolved? I was actually really pleased with the ending and I really hope that, at some point, we might get a follow up novel or novella about Jagger and Ronnie.

*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
Profile Image for IC.
874 reviews48 followers
February 27, 2016
My thoughts before this novel I was thinking that The Con was going to be about how the main characters, Ronnie and Jagger meet and become cons together.

But the story did not start out like that. The Con starts off with Ronnie a nine year old girl who dances ballet and drops her ballet shoes in mud running to class. That's when Jagger an eleven year old and gives her $20 to buy new ones.





Ronnie being the poorest one in their trailer park takes it but is hesitant to take the money. But takes it since she cannot ask her 19 year old sister Pearl for money since she is her guardian and is already struggling.



Then from then on, Ronnie has fallen in love with Jagger and he is going about his life always having stacks of money with him since he does con jobs.

Fast forward around 11 years later, Jagger comes to Ronnie to take part in a con to steal millions of dollars from Arizona's most famous mob boss. And then chaos ensues.

What I didn't like was how fast the novel went and that I felt that there wasn't really character development and their love seemed rushed. Since Ronnie and Jagger really don't know each other at all.

I was expecting something more from this novel.
Profile Image for Laura Nelson (Tangents and Tissues).
777 reviews73 followers
August 2, 2015
I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Well Justine has done it again! I was completely enthralled by this story. We follow Jagger and Ronnie aka Twinkle Toes from the ages of nine and eleven respectively as they struggle to survive their upbringing on a poverty stricken trailer park.

For me the story was about three things: survival, love and fate.

Survival – Jagger makes the most of his skills as a hustler but the lure of the score to ends all scores is too big an opportunity to pass up even if red flags are going off internally but he needs Ronnie to pull off the job.

Love – Ronnie has been in love with Jagger since she was nine years old. All the years of unrequited love (or so it seems!) are felt leaping from the pages but Jagger isn’t as unfeeling as we think:

“I never thought in my wildest dreams I could have you.”

Fate – You definitely feel that these two are meant to be and as a reader I was rooting for them to getaway with it (bad I know but *shrugs*…) and have their HEA:

“You weren’t an original part of the family, but now you are a member. Fate brought us together.”

I also love the name check of my favourite Justine Elvira character from one of her other books. I LOL’d at the scene. You’ll all know who I mean if you read The Con.

I can’t wait to see what Justine has in store for us next!
Profile Image for Tiffany.
657 reviews16 followers
September 6, 2015
Reviewed on Behalf of Give Me Books

I really enjoyed this story. It was full of angst, drama, and lots of sexual tension.

”Wishing and hoping is a dangerous thing.”

Ronnie lives in a trailer park. She is pretty much raising herself as her older sister, Pearl, works full time to support them. Her only escape is dance. After a broken ankle, her life is empty. She doesn’t know what to do or where to go.

Jagger is a con artist. He has been most of his life since he also lives in the trailer park. After his mother died and his dad becomes a drunk, he had to take care of his sister and nephew. Running cons was his way to bring in money.

“Jagger just has something that’s always drawn me to him and made him completely irresistible to me.”

Ronnie and Jagger have a connection – it started when they were young. I absolutely loved how this story went from their childhood until the present so that we could really see the connection between the two. It took a lot to bring the two together, but I loved that this story showed how love can come out of any circumstances. I also loved the Brandon Boner cameo. I do wish there was a bit more to the ending or epilogue – it felt kind of abrupt. Overall, it was a good story that I thoroughly enjoyed and look forward to more from Ms. Elvira. (4 stars)
Profile Image for SammiesBookBlog.
543 reviews8 followers
July 19, 2015
I was given a ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Justine has done it again. I feel like every book of hers I love more than the last. I LOVED The Con. The storyline, the plot, the entire thing is pure magic and flawless. The pace and timing is perfection. Jagger is the ultimate con artist. He has been his entire life. He has been in love with Ronnie since she was 9. But he wanted better for her than himself. He finds himself in quite possibly the biggest and best con of his life. One that will set him up for life, but he needs to help of Ronnie. And she is all to willing to help the love of her life. She would do anything for Jagger. But something goes wrong and suddenly their lives are turned upside down. Can Ronnie and Jagger make it out in time? or will the con cost them everything?
You will have to read to find out :-) you will love it as much as I do :-) and it will leave you aching for more. Highly suspenseful and captivating read. Justine has outdone herself yet again :-)


" I love you, too, twinkle toes. I think I always have, and now that you're here I'm not going to let anything bad happen to you. You're mine and I keep what's mine safe."


"You weren't an original part of my family, but now you are a member. Fate brought us together."
Profile Image for Mariela Bustos.
205 reviews3 followers
August 4, 2015
I Floved this book. Justine always rocks my world with her unique style and the Con was no different. Jagger was the bad boy your told to stay away from but the rebels side of you can't. Yet he has a side of him that no one sees. Ronnie was the girl with hopes for more, and knew she was different. Jagger sees the potential she has and fears his shady life can ruin her so tries to stay away.

I would love for a guy to sacrifice his feelings and happiness to give me a better chance. Yet I would do what Ronnie does and wait him out. This book was fun. It had the drama, the action, and the wtf moments. I enjoyed their journey. I liked getting to see their connections from children's over ballet slippers to adults in leather jackets. I held my breath at times, and felt the pain when Ronnie felt like life was just not going her way. This book definitely gives you Justine's special feels like all her other books. Loved it and will definitely look forward to more from this writer.

P.s. It didn't hurt that she tied in a piece from one of her most amazing and addictive books in this one. Had me smiling like a fools. Worth the five stars and a smiley face. ;)
1,020 reviews16 followers
July 25, 2015
I received a copy of this story from the author for an honest review. I read this book quickly and found myself going from page to page wondering how it was going to work out for Jagger and Ronnie. I'm not a fan of storytelling from childhood and building to present time (or flashbacks), BUT for this book it was perfect. The author did a perfect job with developing Ronnie's character. She was such a sweet and strong little girl and Jagger was her mysterious (not so lily) white knight. I turned every page wondering how their relationship was going to grow year to year and what would be the ultimate catalyst to put such different (yet also very similar) characters together. They're both self-reliant and want to get more out of the life they've been given. Of course, there is a HEA for our characters, but I was surprised by the tinge of sadness I felt for them. It was a little sad for how it came about and what they sacrificed (and for Ronnie when she was in school). On the other hand they find their happiness with each other and that's most important to me in the end.

My only lingering question... was a very redheaded Ronnie supposed to impersonate Giselle Esposito??
Profile Image for Laina.
237 reviews2 followers
October 4, 2015
*I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.*

I liked that throughout the entire book, Ronnie was in love with Jagger and trusted him to look after her. Yes, she had her moments of doubt, especially when it came to pulling off the job, but who wouldn't?

Ronnie had been in love with Jagger since she was nine years old. That kind of love is hard to find and even harder to keep. The book was so well written that it had me rooting for Jagger and Ronnie, the whole time I read it.

I like that Jagger tried to protect Ronnie, both from himself, and from the situations and people they found themselves involved in.

This book sort of reminds me of the TV show Burn Notice, and I loved Burn Notice from the very beginning, just like I loved this book from the beginning.

Both Ronnie and Jagger had their share of ups and downs and lots of problems, but I'm glad that after they reunited, they stayed together and worked through those problems, together.
Profile Image for Nikki Wilde.
371 reviews5 followers
November 24, 2015
I expected something a bit different than this. I wasn't completely disappointed but I thought it would be a bit more cons and a lot more action. What is was turned out to be a love story from age 9-....20?


This story is about Ronnie, who fell in love with Jagger at the age of 9. He bought her a pair of ballet slippers to replace the ones she accidentally ruined. She fell hard and her experiences with him only reinforced her love. Well, until....

Anyway, this was a lot of building up for an anti-climatic ending. I feel like the end was rushed and not really thought out.

I did enjoy the story, I guess I just like a little more action. I did feel for Ronnie, I was a bit heartbroken for her. Disappointed, in her actions during a stressful time. I thought she would have fared better.

All in all it was okay.
Profile Image for Romance Readers Retreat.
2,346 reviews225 followers
August 19, 2015
4.5 Stars

Aaaawwwww I loved Jagger and Ronnie, I didn't want this book to end, I wasn't ready for it to end!!! The only semi-negative point I can think to give to this book is that I wanted to experience more of their HEA with them because I felt so invested in them as characters.
I'm a sucker for a childhood sweethearts sort of romance and although Ronnie and Jagger aren't your conventional childhood sweethearts, I do think this book should fall in that catagory. I loved how the story was written, over the span of over 10 years, watching them grow and change as characters, and I enjoyed their sporadic but sweet interactions. 
This is my first book by Justine Elvira but it won't be my last, I'm really looking forward to discovering more of her work.
Profile Image for Amazeballs Book Addicts.
2,811 reviews243 followers
September 30, 2015
I really liked reading this book. It started off a lot different then I excepted. In the beginning, We get to know Ronnie. She young and we go along with her as she grows up. That really helps us to see how she got to where she is today. She has a always had a huge crush on Jagger. I thought the story was going to jump right into the con part but instead I really got to know Ronnie and Jagger first.
Jagger is a hustler and a con man. He always thought that Ronnie deserved better then him. He has one major job that he need Ronnie to help him with. Things don't always go as plan but it gives Jagger and Ronnie a change to reconnect and act out on there feelings for each.
This is a great read, that doesn't have a dull moment.

A copy was received for a review.
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