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Dirty Money #3
Bad Deeds
Wall Street meets Sons of Anarchy in Bad Deeds, the smouldering, scorching third novel in the explosively sexy Dirty Money series from New York Times bestseller Lisa Renee Jones, author of the Inside Out series.
Would you bleed for the one you love?
To save his family empire from the grip of the drug cartel, Shane is pushed to the edge of darkness, forced to make choices he might never make. His father is dying. His brother is desperate to rule the empire and this means war and all gloves are off. His brother only thought he knew what dirty meant. Shane is about to give it new meaning. There is another war brewing though, and that one, is inside him, his battle between right and wrong, light and dark, and in the heat of the night, it is Emily he turns to for escape. Driving her to new limits, pushing her to accept a part of him that even he cannot.
In every one of Shane's seductive demands, Emily can taste and feel, his torment, his struggle to save his family and not lose himself. But he is losing himself, and that is a problem just as dangerous as her secret, that still lurk in the shadows, a threat to the Brandon Family waiting to erupt. No matter where she and Shane have traveled, or will travel in the future, she can't just sit back and watch him become everything he hates, everything he never wanted to become, everything she tried to save him from when she tried to run. It could be their undoing, the end. His end.
This is war, blood will spill, and someone in the heart of the Brandon family will not survive...
Are you ready to play by the hard rules of the Brandon family empire? Check out the other compelling novels in the Dirty Money series: Hard Rules and Damage Control.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 8, 2017
226 people are currently reading
4046 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Renee Jones
372 books14.6k followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones is the author of the highly acclaimed INSIDE OUT series. Suzanne Todd (producer of Alice in Wonderland) on the INSIDE OUT series: Lisa has created a beautiful, complicated, and sensual world that is filled with intrigue and suspense. Sara’s character is strong, flawed, complex, and sexy - a modern girl we all can identify with.
In addition to the success of Lisa's INSIDE OUT series, she has published many successful titles. The TALL, DARK AND DEADLY series and THE SECRET LIFE OF AMY BENSEN series, both spent several months on a combination of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling lists. Lisa is presently working on a dark, edgy new series, Dirty Money, for St. Martin's Press.
Prior to publishing Lisa owned multi-state staffing agency that was recognized many times by The Austin Business Journal and also praised by the Dallas Women's Magazine. In 1998 Lisa was listed as the #7 growing women owned business in Entrepreneur Magazine.
Lisa loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her at www.lisareneejones.com and she is active on Twitter and Facebook daily.
In addition to the success of Lisa's INSIDE OUT series, she has published many successful titles. The TALL, DARK AND DEADLY series and THE SECRET LIFE OF AMY BENSEN series, both spent several months on a combination of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling lists. Lisa is presently working on a dark, edgy new series, Dirty Money, for St. Martin's Press.
Prior to publishing Lisa owned multi-state staffing agency that was recognized many times by The Austin Business Journal and also praised by the Dallas Women's Magazine. In 1998 Lisa was listed as the #7 growing women owned business in Entrepreneur Magazine.
Lisa loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her at www.lisareneejones.com and she is active on Twitter and Facebook daily.
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August 10, 2017
"A blade in your hand now. A blade in your heart, or back, later."
Here I sit two days after reading Bad Deeds by Lisa Renee Jones, still SPINNING from this whirlwind of a romantic suspense that STUNNED me SPEECHLESS. My mind is still stuck in this story, wrapped up in this mastery of words that OWNED ME. Bad Deeds still OWNS every ounce of me.
Bad Deeds is smolder, scandal, and sin that seduces the senses while wrapping you in a web of suspense full of thrilling twists and turns. This is a tale that twists around you where you're fully immersed and highly intoxicated. This is a story that steals your mind, body, and soul. There is no other way to read this stirring suspense except to do a deep dive, sinking in until you can only feel the words. You have to go ALL THE WAY IN!!!
Shane Brandon is smooth, smart, and sexy. This white knight in a dark world is at war to save his family and their empire before they all crash and burn. Shane is tough on the outside but tender at the core. An all-alpha, Shane is passionate and powerful, a protector and hero I LOVED!!!
She is the sunshine that was never supposed to exist in this storm I'm living.
Emily Stevens is beautiful, brave, bold, sexy, savvy, and smart. Like Shane, Emily is a survivor. She is the ultimate heroine.
"No one has ever made me feel what you make me feel, Shane."
Emily and Shane are MAGICAL together! I felt their chemistry combust. I felt their love flow through the pages.
"Emily," he whispers softly, a gruff, affected quality to his voice, and then he's kissing me, the taste of all of his emotions bleeding into my mouth: anger. Guilt. Pain.
That kiss is palpable! It's power meets passion, a kiss that is so much more.
I know it's with her that I will always find me.
Shane, this tough man, MELTED ME! I could not help but SMILE and SWOON. Shane POSSESSED ME while Emily IMPRESSED ME!
"I won't be the girl who went down without one hell of a fight."
This king protects his queen and this queen protects her king too.
"You could always sacrifice your queen and let her die a royal death. Would it—would she—be worth it to win?"
Bad Deeds was MY DRUG and I could not get enough of this FIX. Words crash into you where you can't help but be immersed in the spell of the story. This story stole, stripped, and shattered both my heart and soul. Bad Deeds BLEW ME AWAY!
Oh what a thrilling and twisted tale Lisa Renee Jones weaves! Bad Deeds is FLAWLESSLY EXECUTED. This fast-paced read rendered me POWERLESS where I SUCCUMBED to this soul-stirring suspense. This rush of a romance roller coaster rendered me BREATHLESS! I was nearly biting my nails as this twisted tale thrust me to the edge where I dangled, clinging to every ounce of hope. Bad Deeds set me ON FIRE where I felt this book BURN! I FELT ALIVE, and there is no better feeling when reading a heart-stopping suspense!
The best suspense stories are those that crawl so deeply into your head that you're not merely reading a book but living it too. Lisa Renee Jones is the queen of suspense! From Hard Rules to Damage Control to Bad Deeds, this series only gets better! Bad Deeds by Lisa Renee Jones is not simply a story: it's an EDGE-OF-YOUR-SEAT EXPERIENCE and ADRENALINE-INDUCING ADVENTURE!!! I am still shaken, spinning from Bad Deeds, suspended in a suspense stupor. This adventure left me ACHING FOR MORE.
💋💋💋💋💋 twisted, thrilling and tender kisses
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August 8, 2017
August 11, 2017
It's LIVE & on Blog Tour!!
Lisa Renee Jones definitely turned up the intensity for this installment of the Dirty Money series. Each quiet moment slowly lulled me into a sense of contentment when I should have been preparing for the other shoe to drop. And let me tell you... LRJ drops MANY shoes!! The cartel has brought the heat, the family has somehow come together, and Shane and Emily are stronger than ever.
I'm going to keep this brief to avoid spoiling it for anyone, however, I did want to share 'a few of my favorite things':
➥ these two counting I love yous
➥ everything to do with Shane, such as his charm, his determination, his integrity, his morals, his heart, and the way he just exudes sexiness
➥ Cody and Jessica ~ will they get a story?
➥ the opportunity to get to see Derek in a different light. Who knew that I'd end up sympathizing with this man???
It seems that I'm always the fool when it comes to cliffhangers and so the end of this book came as quite the surprise for me. Get ready for a doozy and cross your fingers that End Game comes out ASAP!!
My reviews for the previous books of the series (these books must be read in order):
Hard Rule
Damage Control
Release Date: August 8, 2017
Genre: Contemporary Romance
POV: Dual - 1st person
Heat: 3.5 out of 5
Type: Book 3 of the Dirty Money series
Lisa Renee Jones definitely turned up the intensity for this installment of the Dirty Money series. Each quiet moment slowly lulled me into a sense of contentment when I should have been preparing for the other shoe to drop. And let me tell you... LRJ drops MANY shoes!! The cartel has brought the heat, the family has somehow come together, and Shane and Emily are stronger than ever.
I'm going to keep this brief to avoid spoiling it for anyone, however, I did want to share 'a few of my favorite things':
➥ these two counting I love yous
➥ everything to do with Shane, such as his charm, his determination, his integrity, his morals, his heart, and the way he just exudes sexiness
➥ Cody and Jessica ~ will they get a story?
➥ the opportunity to get to see Derek in a different light. Who knew that I'd end up sympathizing with this man???
It seems that I'm always the fool when it comes to cliffhangers and so the end of this book came as quite the surprise for me. Get ready for a doozy and cross your fingers that End Game comes out ASAP!!
My reviews for the previous books of the series (these books must be read in order):
Hard Rule
Damage Control
Release Date: August 8, 2017
Genre: Contemporary Romance
POV: Dual - 1st person
Heat: 3.5 out of 5
Type: Book 3 of the Dirty Money series
August 11, 2017
Fuck fuckity, fuck fuck FUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And this is how Lisa Renee Jones destroyed you.
Bad Deeds is vicious, unforgiving, ruthless and oh so enthralling. The feels people, THE FEELS. Just like in Damage Control, Bad Deeds has a LOT going on. And when I say a lot, I mean a fucking LOT.
Between being in bed with a drug cartel and trying to survive the chaos in the Brandon clan, it's clear Shane needs Emily more than ever. She's the one that keeps him sane. And he's the one who has managed to heal her. Funny how they were just an ok couple for me in the first book, and now they're everything.
I literally had chills and goose bumps the entire story and for days after. The twists became gut wrenching... and the enemies kinda became friends. My mind is still processing that ending, trying to understand how the author is going to fix this shit. No matter what the result, it's a safe bet that I'm gonna be pissed... or not.
Jones' said it was a rough ending? That wasn't rough. That was fucking brutal. You promised me, Shane. You fucking promised me... but I think some promises are meant to be broken.
Bad Deeds is definitely another engrossing addition to Lisa Renee Jone's addictive series. A concoction of love, intrigues, betrayal, and power. With an ambitious plot, this novel shows us a fascinating, yet dark side of some rich families. The ones that will do everything in their power to be Kings. But nothing can ever justify their bad deeds.
**Books in this series should be read in order.**
P.S. I NEED Adrian, Seth, Cody, Nick and yes Derek's story, PLEASE.
You can find me here: FB PAGE | INSTAGRAM
"This is a group of family and acquaintances, but one other thing superseded all. We are enemies."
Bad Deeds is vicious, unforgiving, ruthless and oh so enthralling. The feels people, THE FEELS. Just like in Damage Control, Bad Deeds has a LOT going on. And when I say a lot, I mean a fucking LOT.
"She is the sunshine that was never supposed to exist in this storm I'm living. A calming breeze in the heat of demand, and still she manages to be fire in my blood."
Between being in bed with a drug cartel and trying to survive the chaos in the Brandon clan, it's clear Shane needs Emily more than ever. She's the one that keeps him sane. And he's the one who has managed to heal her. Funny how they were just an ok couple for me in the first book, and now they're everything.
I literally had chills and goose bumps the entire story and for days after. The twists became gut wrenching... and the enemies kinda became friends. My mind is still processing that ending, trying to understand how the author is going to fix this shit. No matter what the result, it's a safe bet that I'm gonna be pissed... or not.
Jones' said it was a rough ending? That wasn't rough. That was fucking brutal. You promised me, Shane. You fucking promised me... but I think some promises are meant to be broken.
Bad Deeds is definitely another engrossing addition to Lisa Renee Jone's addictive series. A concoction of love, intrigues, betrayal, and power. With an ambitious plot, this novel shows us a fascinating, yet dark side of some rich families. The ones that will do everything in their power to be Kings. But nothing can ever justify their bad deeds.
**Books in this series should be read in order.**
P.S. I NEED Adrian, Seth, Cody, Nick and yes Derek's story, PLEASE.
You can find me here: FB PAGE | INSTAGRAM
August 8, 2017
I LOVED IT! This was a GREAT addition to this suspenseful and sexy series! Although, it's not over yet, Lisa Renee Jones did a tremendous job at keeping me interested in this world and these amazingly complex characters. We start BAD DEEDS right where we left off, but no worries if it's been a while, because the author gives us a quick down and dirty summary at the beginning of this book. Needless to say this is NOT a standalone novel. This is book three in Jones' sensual and mysterious Dirty Money Series, and it needs to be read in order.
I've loved Shane and Emily's sexy dynamic from the very beginning. The chemistry was always there no matter the ups and downs that seem to follow them around every corner. The secondary characters are pretty incredible too. There were SECRETS between them in the beginning, but how will they move forward when there are no more standing in their way...or is there?
All in all, you can NEVER go wrong with a Lisa Renee Jones romantic suspense. She has no trouble dragging you right into the fray and leaving you BEGGING for more. Now, with END GAME coming in January and it being the fourth book in the Dirty Money series, I don't have to tell you that BAD DEEDS ends with quite a cliffhanger, but that should have been suspected given the fact that this is an ongoing series and there are warnings everywhere. But this got my blood pumping for sure and I can't wait to see how Jones brings Shane and Emily's story full circle and gives them a happily ever after we will never forget!
I've loved Shane and Emily's sexy dynamic from the very beginning. The chemistry was always there no matter the ups and downs that seem to follow them around every corner. The secondary characters are pretty incredible too. There were SECRETS between them in the beginning, but how will they move forward when there are no more standing in their way...or is there?
All in all, you can NEVER go wrong with a Lisa Renee Jones romantic suspense. She has no trouble dragging you right into the fray and leaving you BEGGING for more. Now, with END GAME coming in January and it being the fourth book in the Dirty Money series, I don't have to tell you that BAD DEEDS ends with quite a cliffhanger, but that should have been suspected given the fact that this is an ongoing series and there are warnings everywhere. But this got my blood pumping for sure and I can't wait to see how Jones brings Shane and Emily's story full circle and gives them a happily ever after we will never forget!
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August 9, 2017
BAD DEEDS (Dirty Money book three) is AVAILABLE NOW!! And get the FIRST TWO CHAPTERS of END GAME (the fourth and final Dirty Money book)!
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♡ ★ ♡ THE FIRST TWO BOOKS IN THE SERIES ♡ ★ ♡
READ A SEXY EXCERPT ➜ http://lisareneejones.com/excerpt
HARD RULES (book #1)
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DAMAGE CONTROL (book #2)
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August 8, 2017
We're back in Denver with Shane Brandon and his Emily!
Lisa tells us all about the 2nd book again at the beginning of this 3rd book. Which is so mega-amazing for us Bookalzheimer-Sufferers! I loved that.
The book starts in the same moment we left them last time.
We're at dinner with Shane's family. And things are not really going all that well.
But Shane needs to know what his dad and his brother have planned.
He is still trying to save the family name. And keeping Emily safe while doing that.
And now the Martina cartel boss starts getting impatient. He wants to work together. But Shane can't trust him.
Who CAN he trust? His dad? His mom? His brother?
We have LOTS of dangerous and exciting and suspensy and erotic moments to go through until we might see a happily ever after somewhere on the horizon! Which of course might not happen by the end of this book, because there is one more coming! ☺
═══════════════════════
GREAT 3rd BOOK!!!!
I love this series!
It's all so mysterious and exciting and suspensy and sexy and sad.
Even more dangerous now that Adrian Martina has decided to get personally involved! Ugh. I want that Happy End now!!!! ☺☺
I love Shane and Emily. They just want what's best for everybody, but it's so hard to fight for their happily ever after with so much happening. In so many different places. All so very suspensy! I really enjoyed reading it. You can't stop, you just have to know what will happen next. And there's ALWAYS something happening. But I also think this series could've been done in 2 or 3 books. Sometimes it gets a bit much, with the constant repeats and the same threats and new threats and ... it's a bit too much. But I still really loved it! And I especially loved that brother Derek is not the mega-horrible guy he was in the previous books - there's hope for him yet! ☺
Lots of excitement and sexiness!
Perfect Romantic Suspense!
I think this series would be an amazing TV Show!!!
Can't wait to see what will happen in the final book because we're SO not done with #Shamily yet!!!!!☺☺☺ CLIFFY!!!!!!!!
BAD DEEDS was another very exciting & sexy romantic suspense love story... Run to your nearest amazon for your own Shane - this one is MINE!!!
July 1, 2017
ARC received for review
Holy Cliffhanger Batman! This is the worst one yet.
Emily and Shane are great. Their relationship is growing. There's lots of drama going on with his family and the cartel. It was nice to get more insight into Derek and Teresa's relationship. Plenty of sexy times with sparks flying between Jessica (Shane's assistant) and Cody (Emily bodyguard)...can they please hook up?
Then there's a horrible cliffy. The ones at the end of the first two books weren't that bad...this one is gut wrenching. I need the next part NOW!!
Holy Cliffhanger Batman! This is the worst one yet.
Emily and Shane are great. Their relationship is growing. There's lots of drama going on with his family and the cartel. It was nice to get more insight into Derek and Teresa's relationship. Plenty of sexy times with sparks flying between Jessica (Shane's assistant) and Cody (Emily bodyguard)...can they please hook up?
Then there's a horrible cliffy. The ones at the end of the first two books weren't that bad...this one is gut wrenching. I need the next part NOW!!
July 29, 2017
I don't really feel like having an intro paragraph, so let's just jump into it. Off the bat, Hard Rules, the first book in this series, I thought was a book with a lot of information and so many questions. Following up to that, Damage Control was along the same lines, but also a lot more intense in that there was conflict and action. The characters were actually moving and fighting and a whole bunch of awesomeness going on at once. Then onto Bad Deeds, I feel like we've gone back around to the first book. There's a lot of info being delivered here and plans being put in place, but less action. I definitely understand the importance, I'm just expressing that it's not quite the same pace as the last book. However, with the current pattern and with how Bad Deeds went, these books are leading up to one hell of an explosive finale! I can't wait to get my hands on a copy of End Game.
Before I started Bad Deeds, I had heard some whispers around the reading community about this having quite the cliffhanger but um... HELLO? CAN ANYONE HEAR ME? Lisa, why you gotta do that to us girl? What the heck? I feel like I have an idea about how this may play out but LRJ sure as hell made sure I will not stop thinking about this book until the next one releases. And ultimately, isn't that the point of cliffhangers? It's a good thing I love them.
I'm thrilled to see the whole Shane and Emily relationship growing stronger and in my opinion, more intimate. They feel like a real couple, not just a book couple. It's also so refreshing though to see a heroine who keeps up with her man. Sure, this is a CEO billionaire(ish) type of trope, but Shane isn't that classic dominant alphahole who orders his girl around just to have her sit down and shut up. Emily is fierce, she's aggressive and she can easily handle these Brandon men and has no problem putting them in their place. I think this translates into an important aspect of their relationship as well. Shane and Emily treat each other as equals, in both power, importance and opinion. They respect and trust one another, which seems to be almost an anomaly these days between the covers.
With all of that being said, I, as a fickle reader who can be easily swayed or distracted, appreciate how this author creates a plot to weave into an intense storyline lasting several books. She doesn't just slap in some relationship drama which the characters then get over within a chapter or two and live HEA, then slap a standalone tag on it. Emily and Shane have worked hard for their relationship, and now they're working even harder to get the company and life that they want under control. There really is no other way to describe this series than calling it a giant game of chess. There are so many players and strategies and different scenarios to consider, you have no clue what will happen next until an opposing player makes their move. That's exactly what it feels like to read this series.
It's always nice to see an opposite side of some characters to what we've been lead to believe of them. This happens in several cases throughout Bad Deeds, and we even get an insight on a few prominent characters that we haven't before.
Not only Bad Deeds but the entire Dirty Money series is chalked full of intense writing, intriguing characters, ruthless plotting, diabolical schemes and more twists than your average ice cream cone. These books will take you for a ride through hedge funds, investments, a drug cartel and Internet hackers, just to scratch the surface. Interested, are you? Grad the first book now!
*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.
JOIN THE SISTERHOOD! FIND US ON: FACEBOOK / INSTAGRAM / TWITTER / BLOG
"This is a group of family and acquaintances, but one other thing supersedes all. We are enemies."
Before I started Bad Deeds, I had heard some whispers around the reading community about this having quite the cliffhanger but um... HELLO? CAN ANYONE HEAR ME? Lisa, why you gotta do that to us girl? What the heck? I feel like I have an idea about how this may play out but LRJ sure as hell made sure I will not stop thinking about this book until the next one releases. And ultimately, isn't that the point of cliffhangers? It's a good thing I love them.
I'm thrilled to see the whole Shane and Emily relationship growing stronger and in my opinion, more intimate. They feel like a real couple, not just a book couple. It's also so refreshing though to see a heroine who keeps up with her man. Sure, this is a CEO billionaire(ish) type of trope, but Shane isn't that classic dominant alphahole who orders his girl around just to have her sit down and shut up. Emily is fierce, she's aggressive and she can easily handle these Brandon men and has no problem putting them in their place. I think this translates into an important aspect of their relationship as well. Shane and Emily treat each other as equals, in both power, importance and opinion. They respect and trust one another, which seems to be almost an anomaly these days between the covers.
“Shane—”
“You aren’t my weakness,” he says softly, but somehow vehemently. “You’re just the opposite. You’re the complete contradiction to everything that is this family, and you remind me of the change I’m fighting for.”
With all of that being said, I, as a fickle reader who can be easily swayed or distracted, appreciate how this author creates a plot to weave into an intense storyline lasting several books. She doesn't just slap in some relationship drama which the characters then get over within a chapter or two and live HEA, then slap a standalone tag on it. Emily and Shane have worked hard for their relationship, and now they're working even harder to get the company and life that they want under control. There really is no other way to describe this series than calling it a giant game of chess. There are so many players and strategies and different scenarios to consider, you have no clue what will happen next until an opposing player makes their move. That's exactly what it feels like to read this series.
It's always nice to see an opposite side of some characters to what we've been lead to believe of them. This happens in several cases throughout Bad Deeds, and we even get an insight on a few prominent characters that we haven't before.
Not only Bad Deeds but the entire Dirty Money series is chalked full of intense writing, intriguing characters, ruthless plotting, diabolical schemes and more twists than your average ice cream cone. These books will take you for a ride through hedge funds, investments, a drug cartel and Internet hackers, just to scratch the surface. Interested, are you? Grad the first book now!
*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.
JOIN THE SISTERHOOD! FIND US ON: FACEBOOK / INSTAGRAM / TWITTER / BLOG
January 6, 2018
If you read my reads of Damage Control (Dirty Money, #2), then you know I was expecting a lot to happen in Bad Deeds. Well, I can say I was not disappointed. There was so much that happened in Bad Deeds and it was all so good! I really enjoyed getting to know more about Derek and Teresa in this book. We even get a few chapters that are told from their points of view. My heart truly goes out to Teresa and her situation. I've always seen this series advertised as "Sons of Anarchy meets Wall Street" and that comparison has always been lost on me because I've never seen Sons of Anarchy. I can say, however, that this book reminds of the TV show Scandal, just battling for a company instead of a country.
I will warn you, this book ends with a MASSIVE cliffhanger. It's one of the most anxiety filled cliffhangers I've ever seen, to be honest. Thankfully, Endgame has already released and we can find out what happens next, because I must know! I'm so excited to read the conclusion of Shane and Emily's story. This series has quickly become my favorite romantic suspense series!
I voluntarily received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I will warn you, this book ends with a MASSIVE cliffhanger. It's one of the most anxiety filled cliffhangers I've ever seen, to be honest. Thankfully, Endgame has already released and we can find out what happens next, because I must know! I'm so excited to read the conclusion of Shane and Emily's story. This series has quickly become my favorite romantic suspense series!
I voluntarily received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 4, 2017
Immediately following the events in Damage Control, Shane Brandon is having a weak moment, his feelings for Emily and for his parents are leaving him unfocused. The desire to get Brandon Enterprises away from the cartel and back into the green is stronger than ever, he's desperate to save the business, and to find a way to save his girl and his family in the process. Even when they find a moment to sneak away for an erotic moment, Emily can tell is haunted by the what ifs and she fears he'll change himself in order to save everyone else. The only way to escape the cartel's grips is to play a better game, but the Brandon family must find a way to come together if they want to team up against the Martinezes. Secrets and lies may make their separation even wider though and they may all go down with the business.
"...and those demons of his aren't whispering now. They're shouting. Actually, I'm pretty sure they're holding knives and jabbing them in his chest and mine right along with it."
The developments and the twists in this book! Family drama, cartel danger, and plenty of lust fill the pages of Bad Deeds, book three in the Dirty Money series. Told from multiple POVs, readers are graced with the viewpoint of not just Shane and Emily, but also of Derek and his companion, Teresa Martinez. The character development is astonishing in Dirty Money. Shane became a three-dimensional character for me, more than this man driven by his goal and his lust. We see a more emotional side of him, which works perfect with Emily beginning to show the strength her old self possessed. Emily carried the story a lot this time, her research and drive to bring the family together showed her devotion to Shane, but also took away this vulnerability that wasn't becoming of her previously. She shows her wits and courage and I loved that. Then there's Derek and Teresa, who move out of low secondary positions in the story line into much more prevalent and important character roles. Though their POV chapters are sparse, they give reader an alternate look at the drama that surrounds the Brandons and the Martinezes. Continuing to grace us with their presences is also the Brandon parents, Shane's hot security team, and Adrian Martinez with his band of merry thugs.
"She moans. She sighs. She whispers my name and everything else fades."
Bad Deeds takes us out of the big picture, getting Brandon Enterprises away from the Martinezes, and focuses on the tiny details that got the Brandons in the mess in the first place. I really enjoyed the extra details Lisa Renee Jones included when writing scenes with the Brandon family, their dynamic is unique and really drives the story forward. It's obvious that wealth, greed, and revenge has taken this family and turned them upside down, pitting siblings against parents and each other. While progress is made with Shane's goals, it is done through dissecting the Brandon family, gaining knowledge on the Martinezes, and in Shane finding more than romance in Emily, but rather an ally and partner as well. The family, the business, the ties to the cartel, it's all twisted up in a tangled web, but it makes for a stunning series.
"I'm stunned by her words, but more so by how much this woman loves me despite all I have let myself become, and all I have done to her."
I was hooked with this release, could not put it down, and it's a heck of a release from LRJ. I could feel my heart racing when things went from bad to worse and my emotions were all over the place as we jumped from one character's view to another, gaining perspective on the full gamut of trouble the Brandons will face as a family. It's addicting. Plus, Bad Deeds ends in another cliffhanger and readers won't see this one coming. I am desperate for the next release and know LRJ is going to deliver a stunning conclusion. Fans of suspense, romance, and erotica will once again find that Lisa Renee Jones is the queen.
"...and those demons of his aren't whispering now. They're shouting. Actually, I'm pretty sure they're holding knives and jabbing them in his chest and mine right along with it."
The developments and the twists in this book! Family drama, cartel danger, and plenty of lust fill the pages of Bad Deeds, book three in the Dirty Money series. Told from multiple POVs, readers are graced with the viewpoint of not just Shane and Emily, but also of Derek and his companion, Teresa Martinez. The character development is astonishing in Dirty Money. Shane became a three-dimensional character for me, more than this man driven by his goal and his lust. We see a more emotional side of him, which works perfect with Emily beginning to show the strength her old self possessed. Emily carried the story a lot this time, her research and drive to bring the family together showed her devotion to Shane, but also took away this vulnerability that wasn't becoming of her previously. She shows her wits and courage and I loved that. Then there's Derek and Teresa, who move out of low secondary positions in the story line into much more prevalent and important character roles. Though their POV chapters are sparse, they give reader an alternate look at the drama that surrounds the Brandons and the Martinezes. Continuing to grace us with their presences is also the Brandon parents, Shane's hot security team, and Adrian Martinez with his band of merry thugs.
"She moans. She sighs. She whispers my name and everything else fades."
Bad Deeds takes us out of the big picture, getting Brandon Enterprises away from the Martinezes, and focuses on the tiny details that got the Brandons in the mess in the first place. I really enjoyed the extra details Lisa Renee Jones included when writing scenes with the Brandon family, their dynamic is unique and really drives the story forward. It's obvious that wealth, greed, and revenge has taken this family and turned them upside down, pitting siblings against parents and each other. While progress is made with Shane's goals, it is done through dissecting the Brandon family, gaining knowledge on the Martinezes, and in Shane finding more than romance in Emily, but rather an ally and partner as well. The family, the business, the ties to the cartel, it's all twisted up in a tangled web, but it makes for a stunning series.
"I'm stunned by her words, but more so by how much this woman loves me despite all I have let myself become, and all I have done to her."
I was hooked with this release, could not put it down, and it's a heck of a release from LRJ. I could feel my heart racing when things went from bad to worse and my emotions were all over the place as we jumped from one character's view to another, gaining perspective on the full gamut of trouble the Brandons will face as a family. It's addicting. Plus, Bad Deeds ends in another cliffhanger and readers won't see this one coming. I am desperate for the next release and know LRJ is going to deliver a stunning conclusion. Fans of suspense, romance, and erotica will once again find that Lisa Renee Jones is the queen.
December 25, 2017
Gah! That ending!!! This series has had me on edge. I can not wait for the next book. That ending was a huge cliffhanger and I need the book now!
I'm loving this series. There is so much going on, so many enemies and yet some may not be enemies. I'm trying to figure out who is playing who. Not only do we have Shane's insane family all pitting against each other but then we got the involvement of the mob.
I'm fascinated with how Shane is trying to work every angle to clean up the company while staying true to himself. Then we still have to deal with Emily's past that is going to come back to haunt her at any moment.
With as much that's going on in this series, the relationship between Shane and Emily is very much front and center in this story. I love how much we get to see these two work together against all the obstacles in their paths.
The more that Adrian Martina is involved, the more I'm intrigued by him. I really hope he gets his own book. And lets not forget about Seth, Nick and Cody. They are all so intriguing that I want more!
Lisa Renee Jones has outdone herself with this series. I love how she makes a bad boy good! I need End Game in my greedy little hands ASAP!
ARC provided by NetGalley.
I'm loving this series. There is so much going on, so many enemies and yet some may not be enemies. I'm trying to figure out who is playing who. Not only do we have Shane's insane family all pitting against each other but then we got the involvement of the mob.
I'm fascinated with how Shane is trying to work every angle to clean up the company while staying true to himself. Then we still have to deal with Emily's past that is going to come back to haunt her at any moment.
With as much that's going on in this series, the relationship between Shane and Emily is very much front and center in this story. I love how much we get to see these two work together against all the obstacles in their paths.
The more that Adrian Martina is involved, the more I'm intrigued by him. I really hope he gets his own book. And lets not forget about Seth, Nick and Cody. They are all so intriguing that I want more!
Lisa Renee Jones has outdone herself with this series. I love how she makes a bad boy good! I need End Game in my greedy little hands ASAP!
ARC provided by NetGalley.
August 12, 2017
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
Lisa Renee Jones is back at it again with her third installment to the Dirty Money Series, with Bad Deeds. While this book can’t be read as a standalone, Jones did a terrific job in refreshing our memory with pieces of vital information and flashbacks that occurred in the last book so readers like myself won’t feel lost. With her sexy and suspenseful prose, Jones did a fabulous job in creating a story that heighten our senses as we are thrust back into the lives of Shane and Emily. This book is more action packed and sexy since you can’t help but love Shane even more. Readers will get a taste and see a whole new side to him that I loved. I know that I am being super vague about this book, but keep in mind the danger, the suspense, the unexpected twist and turns, and the chemistry is what made this third installment to stand out. So if you are ready to submerse yourself in a book where the writing and characters were phenomenal then this book is for you.
Lisa Renee Jones is back at it again with her third installment to the Dirty Money Series, with Bad Deeds. While this book can’t be read as a standalone, Jones did a terrific job in refreshing our memory with pieces of vital information and flashbacks that occurred in the last book so readers like myself won’t feel lost. With her sexy and suspenseful prose, Jones did a fabulous job in creating a story that heighten our senses as we are thrust back into the lives of Shane and Emily. This book is more action packed and sexy since you can’t help but love Shane even more. Readers will get a taste and see a whole new side to him that I loved. I know that I am being super vague about this book, but keep in mind the danger, the suspense, the unexpected twist and turns, and the chemistry is what made this third installment to stand out. So if you are ready to submerse yourself in a book where the writing and characters were phenomenal then this book is for you.
August 8, 2017
I was totally intrigued when I read the blurb for Bad Deeds. As I was reading the story and Shane became darker and darker and Emily tried her best to keep him from becoming something and someone he never wanted to be, I understood. Or, at least I thought I did. Lisa Renee Jones has given us a cliffhanger beyond cliffhangers. Surprised, stunned, shocked … that doesn’t even begin to describe what I felt when I read the last paragraph in Bad Deeds. Now, let’s see where this amazing author takes us in the future. I honestly don’t think that her dedicated followers will allow her to get away with what she did without a little screaming and yelling. She just has to make things right … she has to give us some kind of a happy ending … there is no way she can leave things the way she did.
No, there is no way to explain anything that went on throughout this story. There are too many players, too many twists and turns and I just would not be able to do it justice. Shane is powerful but Emily has more power than either one of them could imagine. She has a way with the Brandon men and she understands what they are feeling, what they are going through and can be there to bring them all through the darkness into the light if they allow it. She seems to be the glue holding them all together. But, she is just as much as a target as Brandon Enterprises, David, Maggie, Shane and Derek.
Shane is doing everything that he can to protect Emily and save Brandon Enterprises. Derek is finally facing what he got the business into, what is really going on in his family and what he has to do to be the man he knows he can be. Maggie is finally facing her sins. Brandon Senior is being his ornery self throughout the story. The Cartel is showing its hand and may have committed the ultimate sin. Where to from here?
Lisa Renee Jones amazes me with her storytelling abilities. She’s fluent and the words just flow off the pages. She doesn’t give us time to breath, to just enjoy the characters. She makes sure that her reader is involved and intrigued throughout the book. You have no idea where she is bringing her characters or how she will get them to where she wants them. She makes her men strong and her woman stronger. She is the master of the cliffhanger, the master of intrigue and the master of complications. She’s an edgy, brilliant writer that will keep you captivated from beginning to end (or to the cliffhanger of the year).
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
August 23, 2017
This can't be the end ... it just can't. This installment of the Dirty Money series is just too damn good to end. It ends with a maybe cliffhanger and I wasn't ready for the end when it thumped me in the forehead.
The Brandon family is the perfect combination of good, bad and everything in between. Shane the ever sexy younger Brandon brother proves why he is at the top of the pack and Pops aka daddy Brandon proves why he is a low down dirty so-in-so. Big brother Derek proves that their is a heart beating in his chest and mommy Brandon just so misguided. The combination of all these characters makes Bad Deeds one of the best contemporary romances I've read this year.
Now, the family dynamics are great in this tale because they are so very dysfunctional. With the addition of Emily, the cartel and all the other players just makes this story even better.
The pace of Bad Deeds is excellent and stays focused on the lead characters. Sometimes, when there is a great cast of secondary characters authors are sometimes sidetracked. When sidetracked authors will start to narrate the lives of the secondary too soon in a series and this removes the focus from the main characters. There isn't a risk of that here but what the reader gets in return is the perfect combination of heat and angst.
The heroine (Emily) is so much stronger but there was a constant hope of her having a more kick-ass role. You know ... slapping a couple of the characters on my behalf. Though Emily isn't kicking butt and taking names, this doesn't take anything away from her character. In this installment, the reader witnesses the heroine taking her appropriate position beside the hero. Her character possesses a nice quiet strength that was a pleasure to read.
As mention before, the book ended with a CLIFFHANGER. Personally, I am happy with that because I can go for another installment of the Brandons. There is definitely some unfinished business and this reader is looking forward to seeing it completed.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
The Brandon family is the perfect combination of good, bad and everything in between. Shane the ever sexy younger Brandon brother proves why he is at the top of the pack and Pops aka daddy Brandon proves why he is a low down dirty so-in-so. Big brother Derek proves that their is a heart beating in his chest and mommy Brandon just so misguided. The combination of all these characters makes Bad Deeds one of the best contemporary romances I've read this year.
Now, the family dynamics are great in this tale because they are so very dysfunctional. With the addition of Emily, the cartel and all the other players just makes this story even better.
The pace of Bad Deeds is excellent and stays focused on the lead characters. Sometimes, when there is a great cast of secondary characters authors are sometimes sidetracked. When sidetracked authors will start to narrate the lives of the secondary too soon in a series and this removes the focus from the main characters. There isn't a risk of that here but what the reader gets in return is the perfect combination of heat and angst.
The heroine (Emily) is so much stronger but there was a constant hope of her having a more kick-ass role. You know ... slapping a couple of the characters on my behalf. Though Emily isn't kicking butt and taking names, this doesn't take anything away from her character. In this installment, the reader witnesses the heroine taking her appropriate position beside the hero. Her character possesses a nice quiet strength that was a pleasure to read.
As mention before, the book ended with a CLIFFHANGER. Personally, I am happy with that because I can go for another installment of the Brandons. There is definitely some unfinished business and this reader is looking forward to seeing it completed.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
July 24, 2020
Sizzling suspense…
This was the third book in the series and I am hopelessly addicted! Shane and Emily hit their stride in this instalment as their relationship was more solid than ever. A good thing as the forces around them were only getting more sinister and deadly…
Enemies were abundant but not all of them were far away. Shane’s family was unbelievably driven to succeed. Money, power. It was hard to say which one held the upper hand as they each were working their own unique angle. Shane knew things were not going to end well if he didn’t pull off the impossible but it was hard to say who was working with them, or against them. If things weren’t already serious enough, the stakes were only getting higher. And deadlier.
All I can say is hold onto your heart as that cliffhanger had me dangling off a steep, steep cliff! Grab this book but don’t forget to read the two stories before it or you will be hopelessly lost – and missing out on all the glorious steamy and tension-filled buildup… ~Diane, 4 stars
This was the third book in the series and I am hopelessly addicted! Shane and Emily hit their stride in this instalment as their relationship was more solid than ever. A good thing as the forces around them were only getting more sinister and deadly…
Enemies were abundant but not all of them were far away. Shane’s family was unbelievably driven to succeed. Money, power. It was hard to say which one held the upper hand as they each were working their own unique angle. Shane knew things were not going to end well if he didn’t pull off the impossible but it was hard to say who was working with them, or against them. If things weren’t already serious enough, the stakes were only getting higher. And deadlier.
All I can say is hold onto your heart as that cliffhanger had me dangling off a steep, steep cliff! Grab this book but don’t forget to read the two stories before it or you will be hopelessly lost – and missing out on all the glorious steamy and tension-filled buildup… ~Diane, 4 stars
August 8, 2017
★6 Stars! Bad Deeds... Lisa Renee Jones has created an outstanding, consuming, captivating, brilliant, steamy, calculating master piece!
Would you bleed for the one you love?
“You aren’t my weakness,” he says softly, but somehow vehemently. “You’re just the opposite. You’re the complete contradiction to everything that is this family, and you remind me of the change I’m fighting for.”
Would you bleed for the one you love?
“You aren’t my weakness,” he says softly, but somehow vehemently. “You’re just the opposite. You’re the complete contradiction to everything that is this family, and you remind me of the change I’m fighting for.”
August 7, 2017
This review was originally posted on (un)Conventional Bookviews
Bad Deeds was a fast-paced and exciting read, with a monumental cliff-hanger that left me breathless and incredulous.
Story:
Following straight after the ending of Damage Control, Bad Deeds is faster paced, and because I have gotten to know the characters much better, I was more involved as well. The danger is stronger, as is the rivalry between family members, until something happens to make a change. Emily is put in extreme danger and a situation she could never have seen coming. And the plot continues to thicken.
Characters:
Shane and Emily are still the main characters, however, the readers get more time with Derek, Seth and Jessica, which makes for a more even story in some ways.
Writing style :
First person present tense, with chapters from Emily's and Shane's point of view.
Feels :
The suspense! It was killing me! Bad Deeds made my heart almost beat out of my chest!
You could always sacrifice your queen and let her die a royal death. Would it - would she - be worth it to win?
Don't go throwing your moral high code on me. And don't fucking to id to my son or you'll get him killed.
Bad Deeds was a fast-paced and exciting read, with a monumental cliff-hanger that left me breathless and incredulous.
Story:
Following straight after the ending of Damage Control, Bad Deeds is faster paced, and because I have gotten to know the characters much better, I was more involved as well. The danger is stronger, as is the rivalry between family members, until something happens to make a change. Emily is put in extreme danger and a situation she could never have seen coming. And the plot continues to thicken.
Characters:
Shane and Emily are still the main characters, however, the readers get more time with Derek, Seth and Jessica, which makes for a more even story in some ways.
Writing style :
First person present tense, with chapters from Emily's and Shane's point of view.
Feels :
The suspense! It was killing me! Bad Deeds made my heart almost beat out of my chest!
You could always sacrifice your queen and let her die a royal death. Would it - would she - be worth it to win?
Don't go throwing your moral high code on me. And don't fucking to id to my son or you'll get him killed.
July 5, 2017
I received an ARC of this through Netgalley for my honest review. This was an awesome third installment in the story of Shane and Emily. Secrets, betrayal, intrigue abound. Finally it looks like Shane has figured a way to get out of the mess his family has created for him and he and Emily will have their happy ever after...and then WHAM here comes a killer cliffhanger, and a note from the author that just adds to the need to see how this all turns out.
August 9, 2017
The promise of this story is finally fulfilled for me: the tension, growth and repeated twists and turns were perfectly timed and kept me glued to the story until the end. And while there still is no real resolution on the overall conflict, so many things surprised and delighted me with this story: and many of the questions and concerns that I had from the earlier installments, new questions appeared, and surprisingly I found some kinder feelings for a formerly despicable character. This is not a series that is yet complete, and as each book picks up where the last left off – you need to read these in order. But, this is my favorite of the three so far, and I am finding myself desperate for the next and final.
See, Emily and Shane are still growing closer and their moments together are full of that emotion and sweetness. The kindness and caring that they show for one another, the steam that emanates from them, and even the reliance on the presence and quiet moments together adds yet another layer to their already palpable connection. But Shane and Derek are still jockeying for control of the family company, but something surprising happens: I found that with a bit more insight into Derek that I was feeling something more than an abject skin crawl when he appeared. No, he has not reformed, or become even marginally more intriguing, but add in some backstory and give him reasons why he chose the path he now walks, and I could see more of him beyond the ‘ick’ factor. Oh, I still don’t love him by any stretch, but you see how a situation can be viewed and responded to differently depending on personality.
Quiet moments are quickly shattered with the next twist and the constant up and down keep readers in a constant state of tension. Extrapolate that to the characters (yes I know it’s fiction) and the emotions are heightened even further, demanding that the page be turned to see what other changes and twists are to come. With yet another ending that had me wailing nooooooo (quietly in my head, mostly) the story still has a few questions left to answer, and undoubtedly more challenges before the end.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
See, Emily and Shane are still growing closer and their moments together are full of that emotion and sweetness. The kindness and caring that they show for one another, the steam that emanates from them, and even the reliance on the presence and quiet moments together adds yet another layer to their already palpable connection. But Shane and Derek are still jockeying for control of the family company, but something surprising happens: I found that with a bit more insight into Derek that I was feeling something more than an abject skin crawl when he appeared. No, he has not reformed, or become even marginally more intriguing, but add in some backstory and give him reasons why he chose the path he now walks, and I could see more of him beyond the ‘ick’ factor. Oh, I still don’t love him by any stretch, but you see how a situation can be viewed and responded to differently depending on personality.
Quiet moments are quickly shattered with the next twist and the constant up and down keep readers in a constant state of tension. Extrapolate that to the characters (yes I know it’s fiction) and the emotions are heightened even further, demanding that the page be turned to see what other changes and twists are to come. With yet another ending that had me wailing nooooooo (quietly in my head, mostly) the story still has a few questions left to answer, and undoubtedly more challenges before the end.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
August 6, 2017
'Bad Deeds' by Lisa Renee Jones is book Three in the "Dirty Money" series. This continues the story of Shane and Emily from the previous books. With that said, I do feel you need to read each book to full enjoy this series and their story. But if you choose not to do so.. Ms. Jones does make it easy to catch up. I have just enjoyed the series and hate for you to miss anything! Also, this book does end with a cliffhanger to set you up for the next installment in their story. This book pretty much starts where the last one finished.
Shane is still working to get his family business away from dealing with Adrian Martina and the cartel. Shane's father health is failing and in addition things are still going on with his brother Derek . Emily still has her secrets but now she is worried about Shane trying to save the family business and how it may change him. But the family needs to come together to deal with this threat. This book does open up more on the secondary characters with their feelings in thoughts. We see some changes in Derek, his relationships with his family and Teresa . Even Adrian who appears to be nothing but bad, starts to have a few redeeming qualities.
So this book opened up our eyes to some of the other characters, while we worry about Shane and how things will play out in the end for him and Emily.
As I said earlier...I am in Love with their series and can't wait for the next installment!
Dirty Money:,
Book 1: Hard Rules,
Book 2: Damage Control,
Book 3: Bad Deeds,
Book 4: End Game,
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
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https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1...
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Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2vnezFF
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iBooks: https://goo.gl/J4FZ3Y
Nook: https://goo.gl/H7ZBUb
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Shane is still working to get his family business away from dealing with Adrian Martina and the cartel. Shane's father health is failing and in addition things are still going on with his brother Derek . Emily still has her secrets but now she is worried about Shane trying to save the family business and how it may change him. But the family needs to come together to deal with this threat. This book does open up more on the secondary characters with their feelings in thoughts. We see some changes in Derek, his relationships with his family and Teresa . Even Adrian who appears to be nothing but bad, starts to have a few redeeming qualities.
So this book opened up our eyes to some of the other characters, while we worry about Shane and how things will play out in the end for him and Emily.
As I said earlier...I am in Love with their series and can't wait for the next installment!
Dirty Money:,
Book 1: Hard Rules,
Book 2: Damage Control,
Book 3: Bad Deeds,
Book 4: End Game,
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A2H...
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1...
https://twitter.com/soapsrus68
https://www.facebook.com/RomanceBookR...
http://sissymaereads.blogspot.com/
http://booklikes.com/blog
https://romancebookreviewforyou.wordp...
https://www.tumblr.com/blog/romancebo...
https://plus.google.com/+SissyHicks
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2vnezFF
Amazon UK: https://goo.gl/R9wZPa
iBooks: https://goo.gl/J4FZ3Y
Nook: https://goo.gl/H7ZBUb
Kobo: https://goo.gl/dX51bB
Google Play: https://goo.gl/k4evij
Add to GoodReads: https://goo.gl/Hpbpcc
June 10, 2024
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review. Also my tags may have spoilers in them so be forewarned before checking out full review.
Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖📖
Narration:🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨.25
First Impressions
Bad Deeds is the third installment in the "Dirty Money" series and I knew going into this one we would go down a bit darker of a road than what we have seen so far. And yes it does get a little bit edgy in this one, the hero becomes more morally gray in this book and there is a WILD cliffhanger. So you want to make sure you have the final book ready to read. I also really enjoyed the way in which this story developed. We really see how our hero is battling a war within himself just like he is trying to battle the drug lord and his family secrets. I was curious to see where the author would take it and it doesn't get too dark but it definitely goes borderline on that spectrum. But you definitely see a story that will satisfy you until the end there.
First Line
"You could always sacrifice your queen and let her die a royal death. Would it--would she---be worth it to win?"
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Shane
The Heroine: Emily
Summary
The story sets off with starting off where the second book ended, where Emily is threatened with death by Derek (Shane's brother) and runs outside. Shane goes out after it, and Emily is reasonably shaken after that dangerous threat. But all this does is solidify Shane's protectiveness towards Emily. He knows he won't be easy to keep her safe from his family machinations. There are mysteries that are revealed about his family involvement with the drug lord and different key players coming on the board of this dangerous chess game that could cost them their lives? But Will Shane lose who he is in the playing these dark games with these players who will destroy everything that he holds dear? Will he and Emily rise above the upcoming challenges? Or will they lose everything they hold dear?
What I Loved
Whew! This book was edgy and thrilling and kept me so fascinated all the way through. The author really takes the hero "Shane" especially on a self journey. He is having to compromise some values in order to play games with the drug cartel, and we see how that affects him and it affects his relationship more than he realizes with Emily. We also see how this also affects them in the bedroom. It was interesting to see some elements of BDSM that was showcased in this one here. Its not heavy or strong, but there are some scenes of it here that makes sense with what is happening with our characters in the story. It really flows together here. We really see how Shane is willing to do whatever it takes to win in the end but it will come at a terrible cost in the end. We also see more happening with the family politics.
What I Struggled With
The only thing I was disappointed in was the lack of plot dealing with the heroine. We get plenty of build up on it in the first two books and then it just falls flat and I was hoping we would see some of that. So I do feel like there could have been more build up on the plot with the heroine and her brother that felt so intense in books 1 and 2. But also feel like there is more happening with the parents that weren't revealed quite yet.
Narration
FANTASTIC! Its a narration that has me not wanting to put this one down at all! This pairing is so well done on it.
Overall View
Bad Deeds is a book that will dig deeper into the human elements of the conflict that develops when fighting evil, its filled with edge, morally grey moments and stunning unity that comes to our pair! SUPERB IN SO MANY WAYS!
Favorite Quote(s)
She is the sunshine that was never supposed to exist in this storm I'm living.
"A blade in your hand now. A blade in your heart, or back, later."
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense
Character Types: Alpha Male, Morally Grey Hero, Spirited Heroine
Themes: Danger/Suspense, Couple Together Early On, Power Couple
Tropes: Epic Love
Book Perspective
Duo POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Plot Conflict
If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
J. Kenner
Katy Evans
Meghan March
Song This Book Inspires
You're the One That I Want by Lo-Fang
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes. I highly recommend reading in order
Steam/Spice Explanations
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Narrators:
Jeremy York, Grace Grant
August 14, 2017
So Bad Deeds is the third book in the Dirty Money series. This is most definitely a series that you have to read in order as it follows Emily and Shane throughout the whole series. If you are looking to start this series, which I would highly recommend, the first book is Hard Rules (you can find my review here), and then the second book is Damage Control (you can find my review for that one here).
****DO NOT CONTINUE READING THIS IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THE FIRST TWO, THERE MAY BE SPOILERS****
I won't be discussing spoilers for this book, but I would suggest continuing if you haven't read up to this point.
Alright, *wipes head* now that I have that out of the way we can get down to business!! So Bad Deeds picks up literally right where Damage Control leaves off. Emily and Shane are at dinner with Shane's family. Emily is considering walking away not only for the reason of the danger she brings to the table, which we discovered last book, but also because Derek makes a threat against her life. Emily grew closer to Brandon senior in book two and I loved the way their relationship blossoms. Now I felt that Damage Control was a little bit of a filler book, which tends to happen in series' such as this one. There was a lot of explanation for why things were happening, and learning about the characters and their pasts...not so much drama or the escalation that we saw in the first one. However, Bad Deeds brings it back 100 fold. Seriously, so much goes down in this book it was hard to put it down. There was twists and turns and action like no one's business. AND I LOVED IT!! I was so glad to see Jones really come back with a punch for this one.
Bad Deeds has by far been my favorite so far in this series. We get to witness so much happening to the characters we have grown to love, and even the ones we have grown to hate. Now, in the hopes of keeping this spoiler free I won't be giving you any of the juicy details. However, I will say this...Bad Deeds focuses mostly on the things happening within the Brandon world. Emily's threat of the hacker group that are after her don't really make an appearance. That being said, I'm sure they will make a reappearance at some point, but don't worry because we had enough going on between Shane, Derek, and Martina to keep me on the edge of my seat. Jones did such a great job showing such a wide span of evolution in our characters in Bad Deeds, I loved that each character had his or her own journey in this book. We really got to witness some great changes to characters we have come to know. As well as giving us some superbly written suspense.
THAT DAMN F*CKING CLIFFHANGER THOUGH
Alright, so one of my main weaknesses in reading a series like this one is that I am horrible at playing the waiting game. And damn you Lisa Renee Jones you broke me with this one!! I don't know that I will survive. I need the next book NOW!! Read it DM me let's talk about it!!!
Overall Rating: 5/5 stars
August 9, 2017
Bad Deeds by Lisa Renee Jones is book three in her Dirty Money series and it continues the story of Shane Brandon and Emily Stevens.
Starting where Damage Control (book two) left off, Shane Brandon is still trying to save his family's company and remove it from being under the control of the Martina cartel.
Like a game a chess the players continue to try to stay moves ahead of each other and Shane doesn't know who he can trust, especially when Adrian Martina increases the pressure of wanting a partnership with Brandon Enterprises. At the same time, Shane continues to try to get rid Brandon Pharmaceuticals.
Filled with action and suspense, as well as unexpected twists and turns especially in the end with a really nerve-wrecking cliffhanger that'll leave you wanting book four as soon as possible.
I enjoyed Lisa Renee Jones writing and how she keeps the story moving and the reader invested in her story. It's all about the characters. Story-arc wise, in my opinion while I read, there weren't very big power-plays or game-changers until the last half. What developed and changed more for me this installment while reading were the people. Shane and Emily were the constants, and I loved their relationship and how strong it has grown. But what I really liked was that we got to know more about the other characters within the series such as Seth, Jessica, Cody, and even more of Shane's family like Derek and Maggie. Ms. Jones has definitely added more on the line in the novel, by increasing the emotion and making us as readers feel more for the characters we saw previously only as villains, like Derek. It was interesting to see more to his character in this novel and his relationship with Teresa. I can't wait to see what Ms. Jones has planned for the next novel.
Overall, Bad Deeds by Lisa Renee Jones is a great continuation to an exciting romantic suspense series. I look forward to reading the next book and more from Ms. Jones.
(I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book I received for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my open and honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.)
Starting where Damage Control (book two) left off, Shane Brandon is still trying to save his family's company and remove it from being under the control of the Martina cartel.
Like a game a chess the players continue to try to stay moves ahead of each other and Shane doesn't know who he can trust, especially when Adrian Martina increases the pressure of wanting a partnership with Brandon Enterprises. At the same time, Shane continues to try to get rid Brandon Pharmaceuticals.
Filled with action and suspense, as well as unexpected twists and turns especially in the end with a really nerve-wrecking cliffhanger that'll leave you wanting book four as soon as possible.
I enjoyed Lisa Renee Jones writing and how she keeps the story moving and the reader invested in her story. It's all about the characters. Story-arc wise, in my opinion while I read, there weren't very big power-plays or game-changers until the last half. What developed and changed more for me this installment while reading were the people. Shane and Emily were the constants, and I loved their relationship and how strong it has grown. But what I really liked was that we got to know more about the other characters within the series such as Seth, Jessica, Cody, and even more of Shane's family like Derek and Maggie. Ms. Jones has definitely added more on the line in the novel, by increasing the emotion and making us as readers feel more for the characters we saw previously only as villains, like Derek. It was interesting to see more to his character in this novel and his relationship with Teresa. I can't wait to see what Ms. Jones has planned for the next novel.
Overall, Bad Deeds by Lisa Renee Jones is a great continuation to an exciting romantic suspense series. I look forward to reading the next book and more from Ms. Jones.
(I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book I received for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my open and honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.)
August 11, 2017
***AVAILABLE NOW - FULL REVIEW***
5 The Suspense is Killing Me CROWNS
The third installment of the Dirty Money series has been the best one yet! I was riveted to the page, watching all the chess pieces move in this very dangerous and deceitful game with very real consequences.
Shane Brandon continues to be the hero we love, and Emily is the level-headed and caring heroine. Throughout the novel, readers get to see these two become stronger together, and it seems the more difficult the world becomes the closer they unite.
The surprising character for me during this book is Derek. He has been this two dimensional antagonist throughout the entire novel. In Bad Deeds, though, readers get to see incredible depth to his character, and his evolution had me loving him.
The plot of Bad Deeds is what makes this book so good. It is heavy on the suspense, and, while it has its steamy moments, the romance is minimal. This doesn't mean there isn't romance. There is, just not in the typical fashion. The ending is what really have readers screaming and making them crave the final book in the series.
I'm loving this series from Lisa Renee Jones. It is a well crafted web of intricate and varied plot lines, and the characters and their stories have consumed me.
--------
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews and other book news, check out Musings of the Modern Belle at www.modernbellebooks.com.
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Get your copy:
Amazon US ➜ https://goo.gl/qA5gLu
Amazon UK ➜ https://goo.gl/YHD8VL
Amazon CA ➜ https://goo.gl/ZXZpd2
B&N ➜ https://goo.gl/on1Ex3
iBooks ➜ https://goo.gl/w9BS87
Audible ➜ https://goo.gl/oRhBYm
5 The Suspense is Killing Me CROWNS
The third installment of the Dirty Money series has been the best one yet! I was riveted to the page, watching all the chess pieces move in this very dangerous and deceitful game with very real consequences.
Shane Brandon continues to be the hero we love, and Emily is the level-headed and caring heroine. Throughout the novel, readers get to see these two become stronger together, and it seems the more difficult the world becomes the closer they unite.
The surprising character for me during this book is Derek. He has been this two dimensional antagonist throughout the entire novel. In Bad Deeds, though, readers get to see incredible depth to his character, and his evolution had me loving him.
The plot of Bad Deeds is what makes this book so good. It is heavy on the suspense, and, while it has its steamy moments, the romance is minimal. This doesn't mean there isn't romance. There is, just not in the typical fashion. The ending is what really have readers screaming and making them crave the final book in the series.
I'm loving this series from Lisa Renee Jones. It is a well crafted web of intricate and varied plot lines, and the characters and their stories have consumed me.
--------
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews and other book news, check out Musings of the Modern Belle at www.modernbellebooks.com.
-------
Get your copy:
Amazon US ➜ https://goo.gl/qA5gLu
Amazon UK ➜ https://goo.gl/YHD8VL
Amazon CA ➜ https://goo.gl/ZXZpd2
B&N ➜ https://goo.gl/on1Ex3
iBooks ➜ https://goo.gl/w9BS87
Audible ➜ https://goo.gl/oRhBYm
August 12, 2017
We're more than halfway through this series now. Book #3 and we're deep in the belly of the beast. It's like trying to watch a game of chess unfold through a thick fog of deception, while flames are closing in on you from every side. There are so many players in this game, so you really need to concentrate to keep track of them all, especially when some of them make unexpected moves and seem to transform like a chameleon. This book had me questioning everyone's motives. In the end, it all boiled down to a clear picture of where most of the players stood, leaving me hanging with a heart-stopping ending that has me desperate to find out what happens next.
Since this is book three and giving a recounting of plot points would be silly, I'd like to give her praise for a couple of things. If you have read many of her books, like I have, you know by now that her plotting level is pretty much genius. The way the characters and events are intertwined combined with multiple clever and shocking plot twists require you to be fully engaged and alert. Her mental game is strong so you better be prepared to keep up. Of course, to accompany that, is a plentiful amount of passion, heat and chemistry. She leaves you wanting for nothing.
Lisa is known for writing these intense and complex books, so naturally it takes time. There are often many months between books in a series. I read many books in a week, so remembering vivid details of every book I read is impossible. I deeply appreciate that she includes a summary at the beginning of the book to refresh my memory on previous events, so I can start reading the current book with a better memory of what happened.
Since this is book three and giving a recounting of plot points would be silly, I'd like to give her praise for a couple of things. If you have read many of her books, like I have, you know by now that her plotting level is pretty much genius. The way the characters and events are intertwined combined with multiple clever and shocking plot twists require you to be fully engaged and alert. Her mental game is strong so you better be prepared to keep up. Of course, to accompany that, is a plentiful amount of passion, heat and chemistry. She leaves you wanting for nothing.
Lisa is known for writing these intense and complex books, so naturally it takes time. There are often many months between books in a series. I read many books in a week, so remembering vivid details of every book I read is impossible. I deeply appreciate that she includes a summary at the beginning of the book to refresh my memory on previous events, so I can start reading the current book with a better memory of what happened.
August 8, 2017
Whoa, this is one suspenseful amazing series. Just when I think there can't possible be more to uncover SURPRISE. I love it. I love the corporate world this series it set in and I love Shane and Emily, I'm even starting to like Shane's brother...a little.
This is an expertly woven tale of deceit, betrayal, manipulation, corporate corruption and so much more.
The cliffhanger? Yeah there is one, so what? I'm sick of hearing about them being bad, does no one watch television anymore? Cliffhangers in stories, whether they be written or on screen have been around for my entire 50 years of existence, they are nothing new and I find nothing wrong with them.
I will be eagerly awaiting the final installment to this series. This is a superbly written romantic suspense series that keeps you guessing and on the edge of your seat.
This is an expertly woven tale of deceit, betrayal, manipulation, corporate corruption and so much more.
The cliffhanger? Yeah there is one, so what? I'm sick of hearing about them being bad, does no one watch television anymore? Cliffhangers in stories, whether they be written or on screen have been around for my entire 50 years of existence, they are nothing new and I find nothing wrong with them.
I will be eagerly awaiting the final installment to this series. This is a superbly written romantic suspense series that keeps you guessing and on the edge of your seat.
February 1, 2019
Ok wow...these just get better and better...these cliff hangers are killing me...onto the next one
August 10, 2017
4.5 Stars!!!
Lisa Renee Jones certainly knows how to make a reader hang on her every word. I had a rocky start with this book. At the beginning of chapter 6, I was mentally rating this book a 3 and feeling kinda disappointed. I don't consider a 3 bad, just average, and Lisa Renee Jones is NOT an average writer.
Shane's internal monologues were what was really killing my enjoyment and brought me out of the story because they felt flowery and false. After awhile I wasn't noticing them anymore, so I don't know if they stopped or if I just got so into the story that they didn't bother me. Whatever it was, the rest of the book passed by in a blur. So much changes in this book, but the strength of Emily & Shane's relationship remains a constant. I am completely loving the addition of Cody and the changes in Derek. I want books for each of them now. The twists in this book are extreme and kept me on my toes the whole time. I was seriously in love with this book by the end. And that cliffhanger?! WOW!!!
This is definitely not a standalone and you have to read each of the preceding books to "get" this story but if you like drama mixed with twists, turns, and deception then you need to try this series out.
I received an advance reader copy of this book that I have chosen to review.
Lisa Renee Jones certainly knows how to make a reader hang on her every word. I had a rocky start with this book. At the beginning of chapter 6, I was mentally rating this book a 3 and feeling kinda disappointed. I don't consider a 3 bad, just average, and Lisa Renee Jones is NOT an average writer.
Shane's internal monologues were what was really killing my enjoyment and brought me out of the story because they felt flowery and false. After awhile I wasn't noticing them anymore, so I don't know if they stopped or if I just got so into the story that they didn't bother me. Whatever it was, the rest of the book passed by in a blur. So much changes in this book, but the strength of Emily & Shane's relationship remains a constant. I am completely loving the addition of Cody and the changes in Derek. I want books for each of them now. The twists in this book are extreme and kept me on my toes the whole time. I was seriously in love with this book by the end. And that cliffhanger?! WOW!!!
This is definitely not a standalone and you have to read each of the preceding books to "get" this story but if you like drama mixed with twists, turns, and deception then you need to try this series out.
I received an advance reader copy of this book that I have chosen to review.
August 8, 2017
4.5 stars-
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 8, 2017
Would you bleed for the one you love?
To save his family empire from the grip of the drug cartel, Shane is pushed to the edge of darkness, forced to make choices he might never make. His father is dying. His brother is desperate to rule the empire and this means war and all gloves are off. His brother only thought he knew what dirty meant. Shane is about to give it new meaning. There is another war brewing though, and that one, is inside him, his battle between right and wrong, light and dark, and in the heat of the night, it is Emily he turns to for escape. Driving her to new limits, pushing her to accept a part of him that even he cannot.
In every one of Shane's seductive demands, Emily can taste and feel, his torment, his struggle to save his family and not lose himself. But he is losing himself, and that is a problem just as dangerous as her secret, that still lurk in the shadows, a threat to the Brandon Family waiting to erupt. No matter where she and Shane have traveled, or will travel in the future, she can't just sit back and watch him become everything he hates, everything he never wanted to become, everything she tried to save him from when she tried to run. It could be their undoing, the end. His end.
This is war, blood will spill, and someone in the heart of the Brandon family will not survive.
••••••••••
REVIEW: 4.5 stars--BAD DEEDS is the third installment in Lisa Renee Jones’ contemporary adult DIRTY MONEY romantic, suspense series focusing of attorney and billionaire businessman Shane Brandon, and attorney/PA Emily Stevens. Their continuing story should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately upon the events of book two- Damage Control. As Shane struggles to keep Brandon Pharmaceuticals out of the hands of the Mexican cartel, he must also battle his older brother Derek for control of the family business.
Told from three first person points of view (Emily, Shane and Derek) BAD DEEDS follows Shane Brandon as he struggles for control of Brandon Enterprises. As their father’s health continues to decline, Shane and Derek are forced to compete for controlling interest in a company on the verge of imploding. With the Mexican cartel threatening everyone he loves Shane makes a deal with the devil that will hopefully calm the beast at the door. Lives will be threatened; betrayal revealed; and a promise of revenge will place Emily in the direct line of fire.
BAD DEEDS is an intriguing story of power, family, betrayal, and suspense. The destructive nature of greed forces the exposure of secrets and lies that threaten to destroy Brandon Enterprises. The ultimate battle for control pushes the boundaries of fidelity and promises for a family struggling with threats from all sides. The premise is gripping and intense; the characters are passionate, colorful and energetic; the romance is edgy and provocative- the sexual energy is palpable. BAD DEEDS is an exciting and incredible addition to Lisa Renee Jones’ DIRTY MONEY series.
BAD DEEDS ends on a cliffhanger-you have been warned.
Copy supplied for review
www.thereadingcafe.com
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 8, 2017
Would you bleed for the one you love?
To save his family empire from the grip of the drug cartel, Shane is pushed to the edge of darkness, forced to make choices he might never make. His father is dying. His brother is desperate to rule the empire and this means war and all gloves are off. His brother only thought he knew what dirty meant. Shane is about to give it new meaning. There is another war brewing though, and that one, is inside him, his battle between right and wrong, light and dark, and in the heat of the night, it is Emily he turns to for escape. Driving her to new limits, pushing her to accept a part of him that even he cannot.
In every one of Shane's seductive demands, Emily can taste and feel, his torment, his struggle to save his family and not lose himself. But he is losing himself, and that is a problem just as dangerous as her secret, that still lurk in the shadows, a threat to the Brandon Family waiting to erupt. No matter where she and Shane have traveled, or will travel in the future, she can't just sit back and watch him become everything he hates, everything he never wanted to become, everything she tried to save him from when she tried to run. It could be their undoing, the end. His end.
This is war, blood will spill, and someone in the heart of the Brandon family will not survive.
••••••••••
REVIEW: 4.5 stars--BAD DEEDS is the third installment in Lisa Renee Jones’ contemporary adult DIRTY MONEY romantic, suspense series focusing of attorney and billionaire businessman Shane Brandon, and attorney/PA Emily Stevens. Their continuing story should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately upon the events of book two- Damage Control. As Shane struggles to keep Brandon Pharmaceuticals out of the hands of the Mexican cartel, he must also battle his older brother Derek for control of the family business.
Told from three first person points of view (Emily, Shane and Derek) BAD DEEDS follows Shane Brandon as he struggles for control of Brandon Enterprises. As their father’s health continues to decline, Shane and Derek are forced to compete for controlling interest in a company on the verge of imploding. With the Mexican cartel threatening everyone he loves Shane makes a deal with the devil that will hopefully calm the beast at the door. Lives will be threatened; betrayal revealed; and a promise of revenge will place Emily in the direct line of fire.
BAD DEEDS is an intriguing story of power, family, betrayal, and suspense. The destructive nature of greed forces the exposure of secrets and lies that threaten to destroy Brandon Enterprises. The ultimate battle for control pushes the boundaries of fidelity and promises for a family struggling with threats from all sides. The premise is gripping and intense; the characters are passionate, colorful and energetic; the romance is edgy and provocative- the sexual energy is palpable. BAD DEEDS is an exciting and incredible addition to Lisa Renee Jones’ DIRTY MONEY series.
BAD DEEDS ends on a cliffhanger-you have been warned.
Copy supplied for review
www.thereadingcafe.com
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