Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Dirty Deeds #1

Dirty Deeds

Rate this book
An Eye for an Eye
As owner of Dirty Deeds, a tech-savvy company specializing in the age-old art of revenge, Eden Smith knows first-hand that secrecy is critical. But when a dead body washes up on the shores of Lake Michigan clutching her business card, Eden's well-constructed world begins to fall apart. Apparently, she's not the only one with a passion for payback, and staying alive to outsmart a killer has become her most important job of all.

A Game for a Game
Hardened homicide detective Kelly Riordan is convinced Eden Smith is hiding more than she's willing to admit. Years on the force have taught him that nothing is what it seems, and that couldn't be truer than when it comes to investigating the alluring owner of a revenge-for-hire business. But revealing her past could put everything Eden has worked for in jeopardy. And trusting a man like Riordan goes against the very instincts that have kept her alive this long.

287 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 31, 2017

69 people are currently reading
1413 people want to read

About the author

A.J. Nuest

20 books669 followers
Multi-published, award winning author, AJ Nuest resides in a small farming community in NW Indiana. A wife, mother and freelance editor, she shares her home with a variety of spoiled-rotten pets. She and the cat are currently vying for dictatorship.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
101 (59%)
4 stars
46 (26%)
3 stars
15 (8%)
2 stars
6 (3%)
1 star
3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
Profile Image for Dianne.
6,815 reviews631 followers
November 29, 2016
Ahh, revenge, a dish best served by Eden Smith, owner of Dirty Deeds, a woman who knows how satisfying it can be for the gourmet pallet whose craving for secrecy is nearly as delicious as the revenge, itself. Have a grudge to assuage? Have a never-ending bank account? Eden is your ticket and she is good at what she does, maybe too good, but what drives this beautiful and brilliant woman to provide such a service? Perhaps she has her own DIRTY DEEDS buried deep in her past. Perhaps she is a one-woman crusader for justice, no matter, it comes at a price…

What happens when the tables are turned and one dead body marks Eden for more trouble than she could have imagined. Think that isn’t bad enough? Kelly Riordan, dogged and determined detective is determined to uncover Eden’s past that will either point to her as a murderer or a beautiful corpse. Eden is definitely more than she seems, much more than Kelly could have imagined and the male in him is standing at attention. Will his tactics prove to be more irritating to Eden than poison ivy or will she find that Kelly’s method of getting under her skin will go straight to her heart?

Who wrote this intriguing and passion-filled romantic suspense, you ask? Why, A.J. Nuest, princess of passion, queen of fantasy, headmistress of humor and heat. Using her mastery of the written word, you will recognize Ms. Nuest’s signature style, strong characters and keen sense of romantic heat! From start to finish, I was hooked on these characters, invested in their lives and their stories as once again, A.J. Nuest takes me on a dizzying ride where no one is perfect on their own, but together they are explosive! No magic was used in the creation of this tale, unless you count the magic of A.J. Nuest’s words! Contemporary romantic suspense that will have you gripping the edge of your seat, both from the action and the knee- weakening heat! DIRTY DEEDS read it for the great suspense, melt for the sizzling chemistry…pass the ice water, please…

I received an ARC edition from A.J. Nuest and she expects me to wait to review until closer to publication time.....GAH! silly girl...Okay, its closer...working on review!

Series: A Likely Story - Book 1
Paperback: 246 pages
Publisher: Lyrical Underground (January 31, 2017)
ISBN-10: 1516100468
ISBN-13: 978-1516100460
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Page Count: 246
Available from: AmazonBarnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

Profile Image for Auria Jourdain.
Author 20 books116 followers
January 6, 2017
Dirty Deeds -- A smart & sexy, action-packed read

*I was given an ARC of this book for an honest review--I don’t give out spoilers!

Please allow me to take a moment to fan myself. . Once again, AJ Nuest has completely blown my mind and left me wanting more with Dirty Deeds, her new romantic suspense. It’s no secret I’m a huge AJ Nuest fan, and there’s a reason. Dirty Deeds is an exciting action/thriller/romance with spice more potent than the chocolate covered cherries her heroine, Eden Smith, uses to get revenge on and unsuspecting man. As the owner of a revenge-for-hire agency, Eden's smart, tech-savvy, and in control of her life at all times…until she meets sexy Chicago cop Kelly Riordan. Investigating a murder of one of Eden’s past customers, Kelly knocks her off-kilter. Eden isn’t sure what to do with this alpha-male, tough guy when he wants to protect her -- she’s always looked out for herself. Kelly is just enough alpha to make even us independent girls swoon. He's a homicide detective--smart, analytical, brooding--oh yeah, sexy--enough said.

AJ’s action-packed style of writing and her gift for character development keeps me on the edge of my seat, and Dirty Deeds was no exception. I read the book in an afternoon. I was enthralled with the plot line, and I just couldn't put it down (not to mention I was bound and determined to find out what that darn password was!)
My new fav, Dirty Deeds is reminescent of She’s Got Dibs, my other favorite AJ Nuest book. She takes a reader and plops them deep into her hero and heroine’s twisted and broken psyches, and you can’t help but root for them in the end. I love that with all of her alpha males, there’s an equally alpha female. And some of the greatest lines of her book come from her secondary characters, Mocha and Tanner. I laughed myself silly at Mocha’s over-the-top drag queen persona. You don’t know the password? Mocha always has a great comeback.
Bottom line: The concept of Dirty Deeds is pure genius…anonymous revenge for hire using old school tactics like using secret passwords and undercover beauties with personas that leak into their real lives…it’s Nelson DeMille meets Meg Gardiner mixed with Jill Shalvis -- all favs of mine. I’m excited that AJ's turning this into a series. I can’t wait to read the next one!
Profile Image for Courtney.
533 reviews
February 9, 2017
I found AJ Nuest’s “Dirty Deeds / A Likely Story” on NetGalley and received an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review. And, honestly, I loved it!

Contemporary romance and romantic suspense are not usually my favorite genres, so this book may actually be the best one I’ve ever read. The writing is top notch – primary and secondary characters are fully developed and well rounded. The action sequences are fluid and read very easily. The romance is hawt with just the right amount of tension and build.

As for the hero and heroine, I loved them. I love that Eden is beautiful, but also brilliant, flawed, and human. She has overcome so much and is not going to give up easily. I love how Kelly is honest, open, and loyal. I love that their relationship builds naturally from lust to love and that they are able to talk about it – there are never any instances of wishing they would just have an open and forthright conversation, because they’re already doing that!

I only had two issues with the plot – first, that it took Eden so long to realize that the bad guy had to be someone that knew where and how she would be exiting that building into the alley - this was never fully explained, since it is assumed Malcolm told him about the building, but not that she would be there on that exact day. And, second, that the idea of using Eden as bait had not occurred to Kelly. Though, this may have occurred to him, but he would never have risked her safety to see it through. If he’s such a good cop, though, it shouldn’t have really blindsided him.

In general, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more in the series. I would happily recommend it to anyone looking for a contemporary romance with a healthy dose of suspense.
Profile Image for Mackenzie Crowne.
Author 16 books401 followers
December 29, 2016
Smart, gritty, and sexy as all hell, Dirty Deeds ain't your mamma's romantic suspense. With revenge as a backdrop, Nuest delivers a keen, fast paced suspense, sizzling with heat and an intriguing cast of characters, each with an agenda of their own.
Profile Image for Karie.
373 reviews11 followers
November 16, 2016
Dirty Deeds is the first suspenseful romance for author AJ Nuest.. I have to say to me it felt as though she had been writing it all along. I totally loved our heroine Eden! She is one tough cookie! Certainly interested in fighting for the little guy. You will find out why she is this way once you read the story. I don't give spoilers... Sorry! Next is our all business homicide detective Kelly Riordan! Sigh! I loved him as soon as we met him! He really does his job with his whole heart and soul. He knows Eden has much more beneath the surface than she lets on! Her constant plays to out smart him make me laugh! I love she doesn't just roll over and give up information. The secondary characters had me totally engrossed as well. I hope the majority of them find a way to get their own stories! The story flows at a quick pace, but not to where you feel you are missing out on anything! I can't wait for the next book in the series to be available for release.
I received this book from the publisher Penguin Random House and Netgalley only for my honest review
4.5/5 Cross posting to My Reading Reality
Profile Image for Rachel Humphries.
431 reviews6 followers
February 7, 2017
Eden Smith is a tough, feisty female & as the owner of Dirty Deeds, revenge is her game.

Kelly Riordan is a homicide detective with a tough outer shell thanks to being screwed over by the woman he thought he loved.

When their world's collide in horrific circumstances there is some serious hostility between them, but even that can't stop the sizzling chemistry. Can they work together to solve the crime or will their mutual attraction be their downfall?

This book was absolutely amazing & just grabbed me right from the beginning. I loved the chemistry between the characters & found myself needing a cold shower on more than one occasion!! The suspense element was fantastic & kept me gripped. My first book by this author but I'll make damn sure it's not my last
Profile Image for Peggy Jaeger.
Author 73 books1,664 followers
November 7, 2016
AJ Nuest's DIRTY DEEDS is delicious!

Eden Smith knows a little sumthin' sumthin' about revenge. In fact, it's her stock in trade. Owner of the uber exclusive DIRTY DEEDS, a business specializing in making sure people get what's coming to them when the law doesn't, Eden and her team are a close knit group of charming and smart legal con artists who ensure the little guy always wins. Got a cheating husband who stiffed you in a messy divorce? Eden will make him pay in ways you can't imagine. Been taken to the cleaners in a shady business deal? DIRTY DEEDS will see you get your just recompense. And then some. Eden doesn't have much faith in the law...and she has good reason not to.
But when people from Eden's past turn up murdered, and it looks like she's the next target, she had to deal with having her own world shaken and exposed in a way she wishes she could prevent.

Homicide detective Kelly Riordan has two homicides on his docket and both are connected to the elusive Eden Smith. He has reason to believe Eden is keeping secrets from him and when he discovers what they are, and that she's the ultimate target of the sick killer moving among them, he loses his heart and his professional perspective.And as savvy as Eden is giving her heart to a lawman is not what her life plan includes.

Or is it?

I have to tell you, I loved this book! 4.5 stars from me. The characters are rich and well developed, the plot interesting and forward moving, and the relationship between the two protagonists scorching. This is so well worth the read.
Profile Image for Cathy Geha.
4,337 reviews118 followers
January 31, 2017
Dirty Deeds by A.J. Nuest
Likely Story #1

First book read written by this author – it won’t be my last.

That said, when I began reading I kept trying to figure who Nuest writes like and thought, “Evanovich?” then thought, “No, not really.” And the more I read the more I realized that Nuest is a fascinating unique writer with new stories to tell.” The story had a bit of the feel of Oliver Twist at one point in that Malcolm, the man who helped train Eden (and others), was a bit like Fagin. Malcolm took in youth to teach them skills that that they could use in life – although perhaps skills they could not use on the right side of the law. When Ruby is found with a business card in her hand leading to Dirty Deeds, Eden’s revenge for hire business, homicide detective Kelly Riordan picks up the case. From that point on the chase is on, another murder occurs, Eden is at risk, Kelly and Eden become a couple, and wonderful supporting characters are introduced to star in future books of the series. I am looking forward to reading book two of this series when it is ready.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC. This is my honest review.

4.5 Stars
Profile Image for Tami .
1,123 reviews32 followers
February 10, 2017
This review is based on the ARC received from the author and/ or the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion.

The intrigue started early in this romance. The ending was a bit explosive as well.
Profile Image for Terri Rochenski.
Author 13 books171 followers
December 10, 2016
**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review**

I adore stories about women who've risen above their pasts to become successful...and deadly. Dirty Deeds falls right into that niche, but with a hot and intense - yet empathetic - added bonus in the form of Detective Riordan.

A murder mystery and explosive heat kept me turning these pages while devouring every word late into the night. No loose ends, perfect character arcs, and a supporting cast I can't wait to read about next.

Another hit out of the park for Ms. Nuest. A must read!
65 reviews1 follower
January 12, 2017
A.J. Nuest has provided another contemporary romance with a pace that will keep you interested without rushing events in the book. The characters are three-dimensional, struggling to keep the past from ruining their present while using it to make decisions that will let them build a better future.

Eden Smith provides revenge for those who have been wronged...within reason. She and her people refuse to step beyond a certain limit, no matter what payment is offered. While they are determined their clients receive well-deserved justice, they do not step over the line into illegal or too-immoral territory.

Kelly Riordan is a bulldog of a police detective determined to solve a murder, that determination being refocused once he meets the mysterious Eden Smith from Dirty Deeds--the name on the card found in his victim's hand.

The background characters, while not as rounded out as Eden and Kelly, are far from flat or uninteresting. The other members of Dirty Deeds, the other officers from Kelly's precinct, all are people one would expect to find around these characters and will pique enough interest to make readers want to know more about them in future. For me, that holds especially true for Eden's friend Mocha, someone who fits the category 'character' in every possible meaning.

This book will pull you in from the first page and leave you hungering for more once you've finished the last.
Profile Image for Shakera.
844 reviews13 followers
November 27, 2016
Eden Smith runs quite a lucrative business called Dirty Deeds. What’s her specialty, you might ask. Revenge. And boy is she great at it until a dead body floats onto the beach, that is. Eden’s business relies on secrecy. So when a dead body floats onto the beach clutching her business card, she is in serious trouble. Detective Kelly Riordan lands the case, and it has been fireworks ever since. Eden has evaded Detective Riordan at every turn until they meet face to face. When it becomes apparent that her life is in danger, Kelly will do everything he can to ensure she’s there to get her revenge.

There were non-stop action and attraction! It was awesome to read both Eden’s and Kelly’s thought process. Even better, watching the two of them figure out how each other’s mind worked. She grew up on the streets while he did everything to earn his father’s love. To be able to read each other was truly fascinating. While there was a lot of romance, there was also a good deal of respect between the characters. These characters were well written and fleshed out. AJ weaves a dramatic tale of the cost of revenge, trust, and love. I can’t wait to see what happens next and rumor has it, *whispers* this is a series!
Profile Image for Book Lover.
552 reviews43 followers
November 20, 2016
Kelly Riordan is a by the book homicide detective. He is immediately attracted to Eden, and knows all is not what it seems. He doesn’t hesitate to call her out on her attempts to hide her true self from him. He totally got her.

Here are two of my favorite Kelly lines:
“What you need to remember is those moments when I want to shake some sense into your goofy, reckless, stubborn head? They are a million times better than any of the ones I spend without you.”

“Take anything you want, baby…..Everything that matters is already yours anyway.”

Sigh…

Eden Smith is a sassy, self sufficient, independent, intelligent woman. She is a master of disguise. In her line of business, it’s a requirement. When she meets Kelly, she’s not about to just hand over whatever he requests from her.

These two together are awesome. The suspense and the romance are evenly split and flow flawlessly. I did not want to put it down! I was on the edge of my seat several times.

Mocha is very entertaining, and I loved the Starsky and Hutch reference! I’m hoping to see Tanner and Archer’s story!

I loved this book. It has well developed characters, a great plot, and draws you in right away. I will be looking for the next in the series.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
862 reviews
February 6, 2017
This is a new genre for this author and she knocked it out of the park with this story. It is awesome!!! AJ has such a powerful use of words you are drawn completely into a scene. The plot is tight and the characters well developed including the secondary characters. I absolutely adored Moche.

This book contains some of the best sex scenes I have ever read.
Profile Image for Alison Bliss.
Author 12 books1,071 followers
December 30, 2016
If you love a smart, resourceful heroine, a protective homicide detective hero, and a sizzling storyline chock-full of simmering suspense and a great murder mystery, then Dirty Deeds is the book for you! Not only is it a great read, but the story grabs you from the first page and won't let go of you until the very end. Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Brittany Shivers.
167 reviews2 followers
November 23, 2016
A story of getting even, deadly revenge and scorching hot love.

Eden Smith business, Dirty Deeds, main purpose is to enact revenge against those that have done wrong for the ones that were wronged.

Homicide Detective Kelly Riordan has a murder on his hands and a mystery along with it.

Evidence points to a connection with Dirty Deeds. After receiving a tip Eden contacts Kelly to clear the air in regards to Dirty Deeds involvement.

When Eden's life is threatened Kelly appoints himself as her protector.

With the realization of the identity of the suspect Eden sets forth a plan that would bring the murderer out and end his threat once and for all.

As Eden and Kelly's emotions heat up they work together towards the same goal.

Eden faces off against the one that has targeted her for reasons of the past.
Profile Image for Arial Burnz.
Author 26 books334 followers
February 7, 2017
OMG LOVED this book!!! Eden is such an amazing character - well developed, thought out and layered. As usual, Nuest does a fantastic job of creating such likable heroines. And Kelly? HOLY HELL - sex on a stick! This hero is so delicious, you can sink your teeth into him. I love how unique and different Nuest makes each of her characters in every one of her books.And the suspense aspect is excellent!

My favorite character is Mocha!!!! OMG she is awesome!!! I totally imagined Wesley Snipes when he was in that movie with Patrick Swayze - "To Wong Foo Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar" LOL!!!

Could not put the book down! Highly recommend.
78 reviews5 followers
November 28, 2016
This book gets you from the first page and doesn't let go until the very end. AJ didn't just come out with a bang in this genre, she came out with an explosion. You absolutely fall in LOVE with these characters. This book is fast paced, funny, and a match made in Heaven between Kelly and Eden. You feel as if you are there with them through the whole book.
Profile Image for Michelle Eriksen.
901 reviews11 followers
February 5, 2017
Some reviews are super easy to write and others you really have to think about. Dirty Deeds is one of those books that captivated my mind right from the start. The story isn't what I thought it was going to be from the blurb, it was so much better.

Ms Nuest had me wondering where this one was going but I could never have imagined it. Amazing characters and what an imagination, a great weekend read and one I will be recommending to all of my friends.

I loved Eden and Kelly together and at one point wanted to scream (you will totally understand when you get toward the end of the book) but luckily I didn't throw my kindle and break it so I could find out it would be ok and since this is only the first book I'll get to find out in future books about where the other characters will be headed.

I received a copy of this book from Net Galley and I'm happy to leave this review.
Profile Image for Cathy.
677 reviews4 followers
February 6, 2017
This book was everything I didn't know I was missing in a book. Suspense books have always been a soft spot for me, with the forbidden relationship (in this case witness and cop) it makes it even more exciting. You can't fake or deny the kind of chemistry that Eden and Kelly have. She was smart and creative and Kelly had never met anyone like her before, but he also had a desire to protect her from their first meeting.

Dirty Deeds is the company Eden owns...it is based on revenge. I love the creativity with the title of this company and what they do. Eden and her two employees Mocha and Tanner are all very well developed and the details AJ Nuest goes into when coming up with these revenge ideas is just short of amazing.

There are twists and turns at every page and one you can not wait to continue reading to see what is coming next. If you are a fan of romantic suspense, then this book is definitely for you.
2,333 reviews30 followers
November 13, 2016
via netgalley

loved this book, a re read
Profile Image for Jackie.
Author 21 books473 followers
February 7, 2017
Eden believes in what her business does. Some people do deserve payback. But, when a dead body shows up with her business card in her hand she knows things are about to get tough. Then Det. Kelly Riordan comes roaring into her life. She knows its dangerous to fall for him. She knows their chemistry is electric, but with her life in danger and others she loves keep dying how can she not trust him?

This is another great story by AJ Nuest. I loved Kelly and Eden. Their banter and attraction was off the charts hot. The story was sit on the edge of your seat suspenseful. With the steamy addition of their romance added a wonderful layer to the story. I did think the idea of the company of Dirty Deeds was wonderfully creative. Though every time I saw the name I thought of AC/DC’s song. If you are looking for an exciting, suspenseful story with a dash of steamy then you will want to pick this book up. AJ Nuest definitely delivers again.
3,053 reviews17 followers
February 5, 2017
Great Premise – even Better Execution!! A Terrific Read!!

Dirty Deeds takes everyone’s greatest wish and makes it come true; where there is injustice in the world adds a taste of karma!! Revenge for hire.

Eden Smith is intelligent, talented and has the last name of Smith because she does not know who her parents were. She was adopted by Malcolm Smith who taught her most of her skills and through a serious competition process set up a few of his protégés into business.

When a murder victim is found with a Dirty Deeds business card Homicide Detective Kelly Riordan becomes involved. He has some pieces of his past he would rather forget also, but is intrigued by this woman who hides behind different personas and costumes. Eden is unsettled when he always sees the ‘real her” no matter who she is playing at the time.

An intriguing game of cat and mouse ensues. Not just between our main characters, but the person who is behind the scenes pulling strings. A delightful mystery, with a scintillating romance and characterizations so complex that you feel like you have lived in their skin. Even better – looks like there will be more to come (this is a complete story).

**I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book**
Profile Image for M..
2,461 reviews
February 9, 2017
An exciting who dun-it. I look forward to reading more in the series.
Profile Image for Shelly.
Author 24 books23 followers
February 7, 2017
Awesome

This was an awesome book. I love the complex characters and storyline. I can't wait to read more in this series.
4,816 reviews16 followers
February 10, 2017
Eden was putting one ounce of laxative into a chocolate covered cherry when Tanner came back in very frustrated and said she couldn’t get past the receptionist Eden’ business was called Dirty deeds and was a business to get revenge. Revenge was a tricky business, Eden and her team would only go so far. Eden felt she should have been there to reconfirm the details before Tanner went out. Tanner was Eden’s newest recruit and the first few trips out were crucial and Tanner’s confidence would play a large part in if she was successful in the future. Grant had been caught in bed with his wife-Paris-best friend’s underage daughter but he had an Ivy League education and a six figure income otherwise with his sociopathic tendencies would Have probably made him an internet troller. Eden thought of Paris Grant’s soon to be ex wife with a black eye and swollen bloody lip. This case may be a little rougher then Eden thought but Paris deserved justice. Especially as Grant is a womanizer who likes to prey on young woman who needed rescuing.Grant was a sick puppy and Paris had the right to come to Eden and those who worked with her. This case needed special attention. Then the phone rang and Mocha answered and asked for the password,the password system was effective and ensured loyal referral based clientele. Those who wanted their dirty little secrets to stay that way. It never cease to amaze Eden how much people will pay to even the score. Also if the client didn’t have the money for their fee a trade could be done. In Eden’s line of business you have to have many friends willing to help at different times. Tanner was a lost soul as had been Mocha and Eden herself until Malcolm found Eden and trained her to take over the business.Malcolm took in youths to teach them skills they could use in life and not always legal. Training another to follow in her footsteps was only the first phase of Eden’s long term goals. Goals that were put on hold until Eden’s financial status made the goals achievable. It should only take another year or two. Kelly was a homicide detective and he just picked up another case. A dead female named ruby who had one of Eden’s business cards in her hand who had been a past customer. Kelly then proceeds to talk to Eden and feels she is hiding something. Kelly is determined to uncover Eden’s past . Kelly and Eden are attracted to each other and it builds to more than lust. People are turning up dead from Eden’s past. Then Keely discovers that Eden is the ultimate target of this sick killer. Eden is not sure what to do with Kelly as he is protective and Eden has always taken care of herself.
I liked this story a lot. Eden didn’t actually kill people for her clients but she did get payback to some degree. I like how independent Eden is yet she lets Tanner into her heart and worries about her safety. I liked the action in this book and liked the plot. I also liked how Kelly became protective of Eden. I thought this had a good pace and my attention never strayed from the story. I was also rooting for Kelly and Eden. I liked the characters and how they interacted with each other and i loved the ins and outs of this story and I recommend.
Profile Image for Wattle.
346 reviews26 followers
February 7, 2017
3.5 stars out of 5

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

*

I had one significant issue with this book. I’m going to get the bad stuff out of the way first – because really, I don’t want to be a downer, but…

I don’t like it when characters immediately objectify each other, like their looks are the only thing of interest about them. I can understand thinking someone is hot, but to imagine sexual activity within 5 seconds? Nope (or is this just me?) This book has instalust, that turns into instalove.

Turns out I don’t dig it; I just cannot buy it as part of reality *sigh*

Now on to the good stuff.

The premise? Super interesting. The thing I liked best about this was the plot. Also, I loved Eden as a character (and Kelly wasn’t so bad either, but Eden is where it’s at), she was independent and didn’t often do as she was told – I like a rebel. I felt the other characters were a bit hit or miss, and they definitely faded into the background (I couldn’t tell you most of their names) but since this story isn’t about them, that’s okay.

I did have a bit of a lull around 60%, to 65%. The pacing sort of fell away, everything was rushing at breakneck speed and then I hit a bump. But the last 35% of the book was great and really held my interest, it was a bit stressy, although that ending – I’m not sure if what happened is possible, I guess maybe? I’m not keen to conduct an experiment to find out haha.

The writing was excellent, even if the pacing was a bit much for me. I would have liked a bit more background on Kelly and Eden to be honest, we did get bits and pieces about them but I didn’t feel like I knew them very well (although in the case of Eden, that is probably the point).

All in all it was a fun read, and I’ll definitely be checking out more of Nuest’s work in the future!
Profile Image for Patti.
1,502 reviews13 followers
February 7, 2017
Although this isn't my normal genre of book that I seek out, this particular book held my interest and captivated me until the very end! Eden's business venture seems targeted at revenge, yet to me it is more aptly described as uncovering truths which guides much needed justice. The mystery and suspense that flows through this storyline is pure genius! Yes, not my normal genre, yet this writer slam dunked the ultimate goal by truly making me desire to read the next in this series! Well done! This voluntary review is based against an advance copy.
71 reviews1 follower
October 16, 2017
Loved, loved, loved this book.....
A great storyline. There was mystery, there was suspense, there were characters I wanted to hang out with, oh and there was sexy.
Eden Smith is payback for hire and Dirty Deeds will make sure the punishment fits the crime. Business is booming with satisfied customers until a murder and a business card turn everything upside down.
Kelly Riordan, tough guy detective. He doesn't have time to play games when he has a murder to solve. That is, until he meets Eden and wants nothing more that to save her from her past, and protect her heart.
This duo belonged together right from the start and I couldn't wait to see how the story was going to play out. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next round of Dirty Deeds to come.
I received this book as an ARC and in return provided a truthful review.
Profile Image for booksofallkinds.
1,020 reviews175 followers
February 2, 2017
Eden Smith has moved on from her tough childhood and is thoroughly content in her career running a unique agency that specialises in serving up revenge for those who need it. Naturally, discretion is key so when the body of a young woman clutching her business card washes up on the beach, Eden is very troubled. And as it becomes obvious that somebody wants some payback of their own and Eden is the target, is there anyone in this city that she can trust? Detective Kelly Riordan knows when someone is hiding something from him, and Miss Smith is certainly lying to him. But as the danger surrounding her and her business becomes more clear, will they be able to work together to take down a killer? DIRTY DEEDS by AJ Nuest is an action-packed, blood-pumping romantic suspense that will capture your attention all the way through. With engaging characters, a quirky plot, and plenty of danger and tension threw in for good measure, this is a romance that ticks all of the boxes for me, and I highly recommend it!

*I voluntarily reviewed this book from LRR Promotions
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.