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Dirty #1
Dirty Deeds
No dirty deed goes unnoticed in a seductive game of cat and mouse. But for Alec and Gaige, the wrong move could get them killed.
Alec Drummond didn’t make his billions by playing nice—or by playing much at all. When it comes to pleasure, Alec only has time for whatever’s quick and easy, which is exactly what he gets from his company’s hot new computer genius. But Gaige Owens isn’t some pushover. He pushes back, and it’s giving Alec a rush. The question is, could Gaige be the one who’s leaking trade secrets? Just to be safe, Alec keeps him close at hand . . . night and day.
Gaige never thought he’d roll over for a man like Alec again, but who could resist sex this mind-blowing? Then there’s the draw of Alec’s mysterious side: his cutthroat ambition, his covert CIA connections, and the murder in his past. For Gaige, a deeper look proves an irresistible temptation. But when Gaige and Alec are stripped of their defenses by an unseen danger, everything they don’t know could bring them closer together—or tear them apart. Only one thing is certain: Before it’s all over, someone’s going down.
Alec Drummond didn’t make his billions by playing nice—or by playing much at all. When it comes to pleasure, Alec only has time for whatever’s quick and easy, which is exactly what he gets from his company’s hot new computer genius. But Gaige Owens isn’t some pushover. He pushes back, and it’s giving Alec a rush. The question is, could Gaige be the one who’s leaking trade secrets? Just to be safe, Alec keeps him close at hand . . . night and day.
Gaige never thought he’d roll over for a man like Alec again, but who could resist sex this mind-blowing? Then there’s the draw of Alec’s mysterious side: his cutthroat ambition, his covert CIA connections, and the murder in his past. For Gaige, a deeper look proves an irresistible temptation. But when Gaige and Alec are stripped of their defenses by an unseen danger, everything they don’t know could bring them closer together—or tear them apart. Only one thing is certain: Before it’s all over, someone’s going down.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 8, 2017
63 people are currently reading
681 people want to read
About the author
HelenKay Dimon
167 books989 followersHelenKay Dimon is a divorce lawyer-turned-romance author. After dedicating years to helping people terminate relationships she now writes romance novels full time. Her books have earned praise, appeared on bestseller lists, won numerous awards and twice been named Red-Hot Reads and excerpted in Cosmo. She sometimes writes erotic romance, sometimes writes romantic suspense and sometimes writes contemporary romance. But no matter what she's writing her books are always filled with smart banter and sexy times, and a HEA is guaranteed.
-"Sharp writing and plenty of sexy romantic sizzle..." - John Charles, Chicago Tribune
-"So smart, sexy and fast-paced, I devour her stories." - Lori Foster, NYT bestselling author
-"Lots of heat with lots of humor." - MaryJanice Davidson, NYT bestselling author
-"She's a delight." - Christina Dodd, NYT bestselling author
-"Sharp writing and plenty of sexy romantic sizzle..." - John Charles, Chicago Tribune
-"So smart, sexy and fast-paced, I devour her stories." - Lori Foster, NYT bestselling author
-"Lots of heat with lots of humor." - MaryJanice Davidson, NYT bestselling author
-"She's a delight." - Christina Dodd, NYT bestselling author
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
December 10, 2017
I read Dirty Deeds a few days ago, and I haven't thought about it since.
This book, which absolutely can be read as a standalone, is a spin-off from the Tough Love series. One of the MCs, Alec, who runs a multi-billion dollar company that has something to do with food supply and shipping, is Rick Fine's ex in Guarding Mr. Fine.
Seth, Rick's boyfriend, makes an appearance in this book, and he's kind of a dick. I don't like it when an MC I've bonded with who already got his HEA is back in another book acting like a grade A douche.
It took me a while to get into this story; there was a lot of exposition and internal monologuing. The plot didn't really hold my interest. Maybe I just wasn't in the right mood. *shrugs*
The relationship goes from distrust to lust to love quickly, and the HEA (more of a HFN really) felt very fragile to me. But there's plenty of steam and a delicious enemies-to-lovers feel.
Recommended for suspense/mystery lovers who prefer a quick and dirty romance.
This book, which absolutely can be read as a standalone, is a spin-off from the Tough Love series. One of the MCs, Alec, who runs a multi-billion dollar company that has something to do with food supply and shipping, is Rick Fine's ex in Guarding Mr. Fine.
Seth, Rick's boyfriend, makes an appearance in this book, and he's kind of a dick. I don't like it when an MC I've bonded with who already got his HEA is back in another book acting like a grade A douche.
It took me a while to get into this story; there was a lot of exposition and internal monologuing. The plot didn't really hold my interest. Maybe I just wasn't in the right mood. *shrugs*
The relationship goes from distrust to lust to love quickly, and the HEA (more of a HFN really) felt very fragile to me. But there's plenty of steam and a delicious enemies-to-lovers feel.
Recommended for suspense/mystery lovers who prefer a quick and dirty romance.
August 12, 2017
3.75 stars
I finished the book this morning but needed some time to gather my thoughts on it.
I've read that this is a spin-off of a previous series called, "Tough Love". I actually own this series and am eager to read it just like so many other series I have. Knowing that this book is connected to that series I will be moving it up even higher on TBR list.
Now, about "Dirty Deeds".
Alec is a billionaire with a billionaire company he runs with his two brothers. The company has to do with food supplements. I'm going to be honest and admit I really didn't follow what his company was really about and found this part of the book a bit on the confusing side. Still, the mystery about what was happening with the seed vault did keep me interested in what the outcome would be.
Gaige is a computer hacking wiz and is sent into Alec's company by the CIA to see if he can get past all the alarms and into Alec's companies computer system. He succeeds getting past the alarms, but as he starts his hacking he's caught by Alec. What both men don't know is they are both being set up by Seth, who is CIA, to help with a much bigger issue. The two men are thrown together with little to no choice by them and have to work together. The attraction is instant. The attraction soon turns into lust. Slowly the men start letting down their walls and trust is built between both men. Eventually love is in the air and it leaves both men a bit unsettled because Alec is a known bachelor with trust issues and never thought he could allow himself to get close to anyone. That is until, Gaige. Gaige has been burnt by an ex lover in the worse possible ways and that has left him vulnerable. He isn't looking to fall in love and allow himself to trust another man. That is until Alec.
I loved these men together and they had some really hot moments and a few sweet ones too. I know they moved a little fast for some people's taste, but I didn't mind. I liked them together too much to care. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. It just happened to work for me in this book.
I enjoyed the romance more than I did the mystery in the book. I think I would have enjoyed it more if I wasn't so confused by it. Especially in the first half. But by the second half I was more interested in it. The whodunit was a good surprise. I hadn't thought of that person as being a suspect. So kudos to the author for blindsiding me. LOL
I recommend this one to the MM lovers who like a bit of mystery mixed in with their romance.
I am really looking forward to the next book especially since it is, Finn's. I really liked his laid back approach to everything. Maybe we will get to visit the third brother in his book. He was quite the mystery in this one.
Happy reading dolls! xx
~I RECIEVED AN ARC COURTESY OF NETGALLEY IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW~
I finished the book this morning but needed some time to gather my thoughts on it.
I've read that this is a spin-off of a previous series called, "Tough Love". I actually own this series and am eager to read it just like so many other series I have. Knowing that this book is connected to that series I will be moving it up even higher on TBR list.
Now, about "Dirty Deeds".
Alec is a billionaire with a billionaire company he runs with his two brothers. The company has to do with food supplements. I'm going to be honest and admit I really didn't follow what his company was really about and found this part of the book a bit on the confusing side. Still, the mystery about what was happening with the seed vault did keep me interested in what the outcome would be.
Gaige is a computer hacking wiz and is sent into Alec's company by the CIA to see if he can get past all the alarms and into Alec's companies computer system. He succeeds getting past the alarms, but as he starts his hacking he's caught by Alec. What both men don't know is they are both being set up by Seth, who is CIA, to help with a much bigger issue. The two men are thrown together with little to no choice by them and have to work together. The attraction is instant. The attraction soon turns into lust. Slowly the men start letting down their walls and trust is built between both men. Eventually love is in the air and it leaves both men a bit unsettled because Alec is a known bachelor with trust issues and never thought he could allow himself to get close to anyone. That is until, Gaige. Gaige has been burnt by an ex lover in the worse possible ways and that has left him vulnerable. He isn't looking to fall in love and allow himself to trust another man. That is until Alec.
I loved these men together and they had some really hot moments and a few sweet ones too. I know they moved a little fast for some people's taste, but I didn't mind. I liked them together too much to care. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. It just happened to work for me in this book.
I enjoyed the romance more than I did the mystery in the book. I think I would have enjoyed it more if I wasn't so confused by it. Especially in the first half. But by the second half I was more interested in it. The whodunit was a good surprise. I hadn't thought of that person as being a suspect. So kudos to the author for blindsiding me. LOL
I recommend this one to the MM lovers who like a bit of mystery mixed in with their romance.
I am really looking forward to the next book especially since it is, Finn's. I really liked his laid back approach to everything. Maybe we will get to visit the third brother in his book. He was quite the mystery in this one.
Happy reading dolls! xx
~I RECIEVED AN ARC COURTESY OF NETGALLEY IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW~
June 22, 2017
Apparently this book is a spin-off of the "Tough love" series, which I have not read. This book can be read as a stand alone, but I do have to say that I was pretty confused the first couple of chapters. It felt like I had missed something important.
Thankfully things cleared up after a while and I really got pulled into the story.
Alec is a billionaire, who runs a company, which is food based. This was one of the parts that was really confusing to me, and I'm still not quite sure what he does exactly. I do know that his company helps with storing important seeds in a "Global Seed Vault", which is meant to help mankind in case of hunger etc.
Someone has been using his company to cover up some shady bussiness involving " The Seed Vault". This is where CIA agent Seth comes in and demands that Alec works with computer genius/hacker Gaige, to find out what exactly has been going on. Since it seems like an inside job, Gaige is supposed to do his thing and find the leak.
Since Alec doesn't trust Gaige one bit, he is determined to be the man's shadow.....Which also means, that Gaige will be staying with him at his home, for the duration of this investigation.
What he didn't take into consideration however, is the extreme attraction that lingers between the two of them. Being this close 24 hours a day won't make things any easier. They succumb to the temptation pretty fast ....
The first half of this book was a bit confusing and it started of a bit slow. I felt like there was too much telling, and not enough showing. The MC's spend a lot of time in their heads, when I would have preferred them interacting a bit more.
This changed a bit during the second half and things got more exciting. Even though the whole "Vault" thing was a bit confusing at times, I did like the mystery part in this one. The sexy times were also very entertaining ;)
I especially liked Gaige's character. He may have been a computer geek, but he sure had some moves and I loved that he saved Alec's life more than once.
Seth however, I didn't care for one bit. I found out he has his own book in the "Tough Love" series, but I don't think I will be reading that one, since I really despised the guy in this book.
The reasons I can't give this book a full 4 stars, is because the storyline was just a bit too confusing to me. These two also go from hating each other, to moving in really fast. They didn't actually use the word "love", though it is implied in one of their converstations (which was actually a really cute conversation). I also really missed an epilogue. I am a sucker for epilogues and I always feel bereft when there isn't one.
Should there be a next book about Finn, I would definitely read it. He seemed like the more laid back brother, so I am very curious about his story.
I received this arc from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 25, 2018
2.5 really
Two men connected to the CIA somehow-even if one of them is a tech geek and the other one a billionaire "agribusiness" man- join forces (against their will) to solve a case but having both their own hidden agenda and a heavy attraction for each other.
This was my first time reading Helenkay Dimon so I didn't know one of our MC (Alec Drummond) had an appearance in another series by this same author (Tough Love) but that's something that didn't affect my reading at all, so you can say this spinoff can be read perfectly as a standalone, even if the character doing the "intro" is Seth Lang, MC of book 3 in the Tough Love Series and head of the CIA's Special Activity Division.
The plot is original (I haven't read about food espionage in my life) and well driven, even if it was a bit confusing to me at first with all that seeds and the Svalbard thing... but knowledge doesn't hurt, so I'm ok learning new things and now I know that the Svalbard global Seeds Vault exists and what for.
What didn't work for me?
It was a bit weird all the pantomime of Alec "inviting" Gaige to his house (his loft, without walls) to "control" him... I don't know, to me it seemed a bit out of my place.
Also, the "I want you now and desperately" thing came to scene way too fast to my tastes and for that reason it sounded forced. In one day they were consumed for each other.
But it is also true that Gaige and Alec are hot together.
I think my lack of enthusiasm is totally my fault. I blame this summer heat, my previous book and the fact that I posponed this read too much. Because the book is good, it's not a bad story and it is well written so I guess other readers are gonna enjoy it much more than I did. Even so, I read it in less than two days and to this busy girl that's saying a lot.
**This book was generously provided to me by the publisher, via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
Two men connected to the CIA somehow-even if one of them is a tech geek and the other one a billionaire "agribusiness" man- join forces (against their will) to solve a case but having both their own hidden agenda and a heavy attraction for each other.
This was my first time reading Helenkay Dimon so I didn't know one of our MC (Alec Drummond) had an appearance in another series by this same author (Tough Love) but that's something that didn't affect my reading at all, so you can say this spinoff can be read perfectly as a standalone, even if the character doing the "intro" is Seth Lang, MC of book 3 in the Tough Love Series and head of the CIA's Special Activity Division.
The plot is original (I haven't read about food espionage in my life) and well driven, even if it was a bit confusing to me at first with all that seeds and the Svalbard thing... but knowledge doesn't hurt, so I'm ok learning new things and now I know that the Svalbard global Seeds Vault exists and what for.
What didn't work for me?
It was a bit weird all the pantomime of Alec "inviting" Gaige to his house (his loft, without walls) to "control" him... I don't know, to me it seemed a bit out of my place.
Also, the "I want you now and desperately" thing came to scene way too fast to my tastes and for that reason it sounded forced. In one day they were consumed for each other.
But it is also true that Gaige and Alec are hot together.
I think my lack of enthusiasm is totally my fault. I blame this summer heat, my previous book and the fact that I posponed this read too much. Because the book is good, it's not a bad story and it is well written so I guess other readers are gonna enjoy it much more than I did. Even so, I read it in less than two days and to this busy girl that's saying a lot.
**This book was generously provided to me by the publisher, via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
My reviews are posted on Dirty Books Obsession
June 29, 2017
***3.5 Stars***
I am a sucker for every cloak and dagger stuff I can get my grabby hands on. Mysteries, spies, organized crime, you name it...
Dirty Deeds seemed to meet my desire to a T. I was rubbing my hands in glee, when I found out that it also deals with industrial espionage in the food sector, since this is a bit different from all the other books I normally read and I love it when authors take a chance at something new. The story examines some dark deeds around the world in more detail from a different angle and I thought it would be refreshing to get to know more about it.
However, espionage can be a bit tricky and confusing for me, and I have to admit this was also the case here sometimes. I had to read a few passages twice to understand what was going on and I'm still not sure I really understood everything in the end.
Alec Drummond is the CEO of Drummond Enterprises, a family business in the food sector, the FBI has taken aim at in being the initiator of some shade business dealings concerning some dubious, off-the-books deliveries to a Global Seed Vault in Svalbard, Norway, which actually exists, by the way. By infiltrating Gaige Owens, a tech nerd and wizard when it comes to hacking into computers, into the company, FBI-Agent Seth Lang tries to find out who is responsible for said manipulations. Gaige has been coerced by Seth into accepting this job in order to redeem himself of any suspicion in taking part in some deceptive practices by his former lover.
When Gaige's cover is blown immediately during a break-in, Seth makes Alec and Gaige work together by force on figuring out what is really happening, but it is obvious neither of them wants to lay his cards on the table.
Needless to say, Alec as a uncompromising businessman with a somewhat mysterious aura and a once-burnt-twice-shy past, is not overly thrilled with the idea of having someone snooping around in his business and decides to keep a very close eye on Gaige twenty-four-seven. Well, that does not really help to keep the mutual attraction both men instantly feel at bay and soon enough they find each other head over heels not only in a relationship that threatens their resolve of keeping it no strings attached, but also fearing for each other's lives when things are heating up...
This book can be read as a standalone, although it is a spin-off from the Tough Love Series which I haven't read so far, and overall this was quite an enjoyable -albeit sometimes a bit confusing- read. I loved the setting, even if I was anxious at the beginning when I found out that it primarily takes place in Germany. For me as a German, these kind of stories mostly end up being a bit disappointing because of wrong translations etc., but kudos, Ms. Dimon, except for one term of address I can't see anything wrong with it. The setting itself was described with such a passion for detail without getting too overstated, that I had a feeling I would be right there in Munich with the characters.
I had a bit of a hard time to warm up to Alec in the beginning, but once I got to know him better and his more "human" side, I really liked him. Gaige, on the other hand, I loved from the start. I loved his humor...
... which he often used to cover up his vulnerability and him being such a nerd but radiating some quite bad-ass vibes in defending himself was exactly the type of guy I like to see in my books. Their sex scenes were steamy and hot and to be honest they made me add a half star to my rating.
The reason why I did not give it more stars was once again the whole insta-love stuff. Believe me, I'm really tired myself to say it again and again in my reviews, but most of the story takes place over a span of one week and sorry, but no... just... no. It is so not believable, especially since Alec is described as a man who does not trust easily and who really jumps to some weird conclusions why he can trust Gaige.
Seriously? Sorry, but for me this really did upset the applecart regarding his allegedly hardass image. And Gaige gathered some not quite positive experience in the love department, either, so all in all it happened way too fast for my taste. Thank goodness, at least the L-word was not mentioned explicitely. Well, it was, but this was a scene that occured a bit later and was sweet enough to conjure a smile on my face. Someone who rather conjured a constant scowl on my face was Seth. Bloody hell! I hated his guts. What an asshole!!! Like I already said, I don't know the Tough Love Series yet, but said Seth got his own book in there and to be honest, right now I don't really feel compelled to read it. :(
The next book will be about Finn, Alec's brother, and although I had a few niggles about Dirty Deeds, I will definitely read his book, too.
I am a sucker for every cloak and dagger stuff I can get my grabby hands on. Mysteries, spies, organized crime, you name it...
Dirty Deeds seemed to meet my desire to a T. I was rubbing my hands in glee, when I found out that it also deals with industrial espionage in the food sector, since this is a bit different from all the other books I normally read and I love it when authors take a chance at something new. The story examines some dark deeds around the world in more detail from a different angle and I thought it would be refreshing to get to know more about it.
Drummond supplies food and food hybrids across the world. We're involved in alternate fuel sources and some other side projects that Seth and his people care about." "All of that food, those seeds, that information and intel, moves across the world," Tony explained. "There are people who would prefer if their opponents --rebel factions, demonstrators, groups they don't like-- didn't have food." "The concept of starving people out." Now that sounded like power to Gaige. Scary fucking power.
However, espionage can be a bit tricky and confusing for me, and I have to admit this was also the case here sometimes. I had to read a few passages twice to understand what was going on and I'm still not sure I really understood everything in the end.
Alec Drummond is the CEO of Drummond Enterprises, a family business in the food sector, the FBI has taken aim at in being the initiator of some shade business dealings concerning some dubious, off-the-books deliveries to a Global Seed Vault in Svalbard, Norway, which actually exists, by the way. By infiltrating Gaige Owens, a tech nerd and wizard when it comes to hacking into computers, into the company, FBI-Agent Seth Lang tries to find out who is responsible for said manipulations. Gaige has been coerced by Seth into accepting this job in order to redeem himself of any suspicion in taking part in some deceptive practices by his former lover.
When Gaige's cover is blown immediately during a break-in, Seth makes Alec and Gaige work together by force on figuring out what is really happening, but it is obvious neither of them wants to lay his cards on the table.
Needless to say, Alec as a uncompromising businessman with a somewhat mysterious aura and a once-burnt-twice-shy past, is not overly thrilled with the idea of having someone snooping around in his business and decides to keep a very close eye on Gaige twenty-four-seven. Well, that does not really help to keep the mutual attraction both men instantly feel at bay and soon enough they find each other head over heels not only in a relationship that threatens their resolve of keeping it no strings attached, but also fearing for each other's lives when things are heating up...
This book can be read as a standalone, although it is a spin-off from the Tough Love Series which I haven't read so far, and overall this was quite an enjoyable -albeit sometimes a bit confusing- read. I loved the setting, even if I was anxious at the beginning when I found out that it primarily takes place in Germany. For me as a German, these kind of stories mostly end up being a bit disappointing because of wrong translations etc., but kudos, Ms. Dimon, except for one term of address I can't see anything wrong with it. The setting itself was described with such a passion for detail without getting too overstated, that I had a feeling I would be right there in Munich with the characters.
I had a bit of a hard time to warm up to Alec in the beginning, but once I got to know him better and his more "human" side, I really liked him. Gaige, on the other hand, I loved from the start. I loved his humor...
"Do you want a hug?" Alec joked. Gaige's eyebrow lifted. "It is tempting to say yes just to see you panic."
... which he often used to cover up his vulnerability and him being such a nerd but radiating some quite bad-ass vibes in defending himself was exactly the type of guy I like to see in my books. Their sex scenes were steamy and hot and to be honest they made me add a half star to my rating.
The reason why I did not give it more stars was once again the whole insta-love stuff. Believe me, I'm really tired myself to say it again and again in my reviews, but most of the story takes place over a span of one week and sorry, but no... just... no. It is so not believable, especially since Alec is described as a man who does not trust easily and who really jumps to some weird conclusions why he can trust Gaige.
"Do you need anything before we go?" Gaige stopped. "I don't even understand the question. Like what?" "There's a shopping area beneath us." Gaige looked down at his feet. "Really"? The reaction eased the disquieting sense Alec had of being played. Gaige didn't pretend to know things he didn't.
Seriously? Sorry, but for me this really did upset the applecart regarding his allegedly hardass image. And Gaige gathered some not quite positive experience in the love department, either, so all in all it happened way too fast for my taste. Thank goodness, at least the L-word was not mentioned explicitely. Well, it was, but this was a scene that occured a bit later and was sweet enough to conjure a smile on my face. Someone who rather conjured a constant scowl on my face was Seth. Bloody hell! I hated his guts. What an asshole!!! Like I already said, I don't know the Tough Love Series yet, but said Seth got his own book in there and to be honest, right now I don't really feel compelled to read it. :(
The next book will be about Finn, Alec's brother, and although I had a few niggles about Dirty Deeds, I will definitely read his book, too.
This review has been posted on Dirty Books Obsession Dirty Books Obsession
June 7, 2017
3.5 Stars!
I liked the second half of this one quite a bit more than the first half. The pacing of the first half was waaaaaay too slow. It hardly held my interest. I was afraid I was going to have to start skimming. But the second half picked up.
I never really felt much of a connection to the MCs, even by the end of the book. And the suspense aspect was okay. I had a feeling who the bad guy was pretty early on.
Still, the writing is good. And there was nothing that was a big turn-off, it just didn't have that wow factor either.
There was some good steam, which was a definite plus.
I rated this one pretty much the same as book 1 in the Tough Love series, but I feel like I liked this one a bit more so I rounded up. However, it may just be that this author isn't for me.
Again, I don't have any real complaints with anything...it just wasn't a book I will remember or re-read.
I liked the second half of this one quite a bit more than the first half. The pacing of the first half was waaaaaay too slow. It hardly held my interest. I was afraid I was going to have to start skimming. But the second half picked up.
I never really felt much of a connection to the MCs, even by the end of the book. And the suspense aspect was okay. I had a feeling who the bad guy was pretty early on.
Still, the writing is good. And there was nothing that was a big turn-off, it just didn't have that wow factor either.
There was some good steam, which was a definite plus.
I rated this one pretty much the same as book 1 in the Tough Love series, but I feel like I liked this one a bit more so I rounded up. However, it may just be that this author isn't for me.
Again, I don't have any real complaints with anything...it just wasn't a book I will remember or re-read.
August 9, 2017
Deliciously steamy, highly entertaining and action packed!
Dirty Deeds is the first book in the new "Dirty series," and once again Dimon has written a novel full of deception, mystery, danger, clandestine operations, seduction, hotter-than-sin sex scenes, dirty banter, and romance.
The writing is fluid and smooth. The plot is fascinating, suspenseful, and sultry. And the characters are powerful, sexy, strong, and confident.
I have to say Dirty Deeds is a fun, enjoyable read with lots of energy, excitement, intrigue, heat, heartthrobs, great supporting characters and of course the happy-ever-after ending we all love. And it has certainly left me eagerly awaiting the next novel in the series, Dirty Games, Finn and Justin's story which is due out in Spring 2018.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House - Loveswept for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
All my reviews can be found on my blog at http://whatsbetterthanbooks.com
Dirty Deeds is the first book in the new "Dirty series," and once again Dimon has written a novel full of deception, mystery, danger, clandestine operations, seduction, hotter-than-sin sex scenes, dirty banter, and romance.
The writing is fluid and smooth. The plot is fascinating, suspenseful, and sultry. And the characters are powerful, sexy, strong, and confident.
I have to say Dirty Deeds is a fun, enjoyable read with lots of energy, excitement, intrigue, heat, heartthrobs, great supporting characters and of course the happy-ever-after ending we all love. And it has certainly left me eagerly awaiting the next novel in the series, Dirty Games, Finn and Justin's story which is due out in Spring 2018.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House - Loveswept for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
All my reviews can be found on my blog at http://whatsbetterthanbooks.com
June 12, 2017
3.5 Stars
This book is connected to the Tough Love series but can be read as a standalone. I really liked the characters....I liked how Alec slowly thawed and Gaige's vulnerability. These books have a hot geek vibe to them which I love. This book also featured Seth from the Tough Love series. I loved him in his own book "Guarding Mr. Fine" but in all the other books he comes across as manipulative, a bit of a asshole, and a bully. Hated him in this book. The mystery and suspense actually worked here because I was off my game and the bad guy wasn't who I thought it was. There's a bunch of info about seeds and agriculture that while different was actually a bit boring to me. There were a few typos and grammar errors that I'm sure a good editing will cure before publication.
My only complaint is that in the beginning it's hinted that Alec likes the kinkiest, rougher type of sex but the sex scenes here were rather bland until the last scene which still was just only a hint of kink. I would've loved a bit more of that.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and looking forward to the next in the series which I'm hoping is Finn's book :)
I received this book as an Arc from Net Galley in return for an honest review.
This book is connected to the Tough Love series but can be read as a standalone. I really liked the characters....I liked how Alec slowly thawed and Gaige's vulnerability. These books have a hot geek vibe to them which I love. This book also featured Seth from the Tough Love series. I loved him in his own book "Guarding Mr. Fine" but in all the other books he comes across as manipulative, a bit of a asshole, and a bully. Hated him in this book. The mystery and suspense actually worked here because I was off my game and the bad guy wasn't who I thought it was. There's a bunch of info about seeds and agriculture that while different was actually a bit boring to me. There were a few typos and grammar errors that I'm sure a good editing will cure before publication.
My only complaint is that in the beginning it's hinted that Alec likes the kinkiest, rougher type of sex but the sex scenes here were rather bland until the last scene which still was just only a hint of kink. I would've loved a bit more of that.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and looking forward to the next in the series which I'm hoping is Finn's book :)
I received this book as an Arc from Net Galley in return for an honest review.
July 20, 2017
I liked Gaige and Alec individually. Alec's big bad billionaire attitude was cool. Gaige's geek came out more as smart than nerdy. But that was ok. It took me a while to warm up to them as a couple. The insta-lust didn't make sense to me at the point where it happened.
I like mysteries and suspense stories. This one took a while to ramp up. I was pretty lost the first 30-50% or so with regards to the crime mystery.
Honestly, I would have liked a more intense beginning. I needed more of each MCs thoughts and emotions early on so I could connect with them. I didn't like being on the outside looking in to both characters. It just made it hard for me to invest early on.
A good book. I only wished for more intensity at the beginning.
Review ARC graciously provided by the publisher via NetGalley
I like mysteries and suspense stories. This one took a while to ramp up. I was pretty lost the first 30-50% or so with regards to the crime mystery.
Honestly, I would have liked a more intense beginning. I needed more of each MCs thoughts and emotions early on so I could connect with them. I didn't like being on the outside looking in to both characters. It just made it hard for me to invest early on.
A good book. I only wished for more intensity at the beginning.
Review ARC graciously provided by the publisher via NetGalley
August 14, 2017
3.5 stars for this one. Have to say I didn't really get into the vibe of this book until the 60% mark. I struggled at first and almost lost interest but I'm glad I persisted. I felt like the second half began the flow more easily and perhaps I started enjoying the characters. No spoilers here to give away any storyline but the MCs really got it together by the end !
November 17, 2024
He’d spent so many years wandering in a sort of cold darkness. Now he knew fire lurked underneath the surface, just waiting for the right make to make him burn.
3.5 stars rounded up for the last chapter, which delivered the emotion that seemed missing for much of the book.
First things first, I’m #TeamSeth! Well, I’ll clarify: for all that Seth was a, well, dick here, I didn’t find it excessive. Having just re-read Guarding Mr. Fine, Alec wasn’t exactly an innocent. Turnabout is fair play 😜 And don't worry - I'm also #TeamAlecAndGaige.
In my review for Stranded, I describe Dimon as first-rate at writing romantic suspense. And sure enough, she delivers the thrills, the intrigue, the action and adventure.
Alec, brilliant billionaire businessman, and Gaige, brilliant hacker reluctantly beholden to the CIA, both have reasons to retain walls around their emotions. Of course, they can’t remain aloof and distrustful with one another for long. And while they agree to indulge in some smoking hot sexcapades, it can’t remain “just sex” for long (Side note: I was slightly disappointed that, given all the hints about Alec’s penchant for tying his partners up, we didn’t get a full-fledged bondage scene. Sexytimes were still sexy, though). The rawness and the intensity present in many of Dimon’s other stories felt somewhat lacking here, but I appreciated that she didn’t force them to fall into insta-love. While the last chapter did a good job solidifying their bond, I hope that we get an additional glimpse into Alec and Gaige’s HEA in the next book.
While I’m excited for Dirty Games, the next installment in the series, I’m also a bit confused. The synopsis on Goodreads and the synopsis on Amazon are currently and dramatically different in their descriptions of Finn’s love interest, Justin. I’m pulling for the Amazon synopsis because I’m firmly of the opinion that Dimon excels at writing characters with a pre-existing connection. Plus me likey military men.
3.5 stars rounded up for the last chapter, which delivered the emotion that seemed missing for much of the book.
First things first, I’m #TeamSeth! Well, I’ll clarify: for all that Seth was a, well, dick here, I didn’t find it excessive. Having just re-read Guarding Mr. Fine, Alec wasn’t exactly an innocent. Turnabout is fair play 😜 And don't worry - I'm also #TeamAlecAndGaige.
In my review for Stranded, I describe Dimon as first-rate at writing romantic suspense. And sure enough, she delivers the thrills, the intrigue, the action and adventure.
Alec, brilliant billionaire businessman, and Gaige, brilliant hacker reluctantly beholden to the CIA, both have reasons to retain walls around their emotions. Of course, they can’t remain aloof and distrustful with one another for long. And while they agree to indulge in some smoking hot sexcapades, it can’t remain “just sex” for long (Side note: I was slightly disappointed that, given all the hints about Alec’s penchant for tying his partners up, we didn’t get a full-fledged bondage scene. Sexytimes were still sexy, though). The rawness and the intensity present in many of Dimon’s other stories felt somewhat lacking here, but I appreciated that she didn’t force them to fall into insta-love. While the last chapter did a good job solidifying their bond, I hope that we get an additional glimpse into Alec and Gaige’s HEA in the next book.
While I’m excited for Dirty Games, the next installment in the series, I’m also a bit confused. The synopsis on Goodreads and the synopsis on Amazon are currently and dramatically different in their descriptions of Finn’s love interest, Justin. I’m pulling for the Amazon synopsis because I’m firmly of the opinion that Dimon excels at writing characters with a pre-existing connection. Plus me likey military men.
August 8, 2017
This was good.
The good and bad was balanced which kept it pretty level, enjoyable and not throw my Kindle against the wall frustrating.
I was very happy to see that there was going to be a spin-off of the Tough Love Series. Three brothers = well, I hope three books.
Let’s start with the bad. Seth. If you’ve read the Tough Love Series you know Seth. He was present in all three books and had his own book. He was likeable. He was not likeable in this. He came across as a massive dick. He seemed to not care at all how he was treating other people as long as he got what he wanted. This was not cool. Maybe it would have been cool if we didn’t know him, and his book was going to be all about redemption or something, but his behavior and actions were not cool since we did know him.
Anyway.
I will admit to being slightly confused with the setup, but I just kind of went with it and I really enjoyed where it went. I liked Alec and Gaige. I feel like they complimented each other and I loved watching the walls fall down. That’s one of the best things about all these books in these two series, the walls crumbling down.
Something set me off a little early on and I had a good idea who the baddie was. This was not a big deal nor did it ruin any of the excitement for me. It was hidden well I was just really looking for it.
Overall it was exciting and kinda romantic in the way these books do Alpha romance. I always want the best for these guys and when I’m done I am ready to read the next one.
I just wish Seth hadn’t been a freaking asshole.
**ARC courtesy of Random House Publishing Group-Loveswept via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
The good and bad was balanced which kept it pretty level, enjoyable and not throw my Kindle against the wall frustrating.
I was very happy to see that there was going to be a spin-off of the Tough Love Series. Three brothers = well, I hope three books.
Let’s start with the bad. Seth. If you’ve read the Tough Love Series you know Seth. He was present in all three books and had his own book. He was likeable. He was not likeable in this. He came across as a massive dick. He seemed to not care at all how he was treating other people as long as he got what he wanted. This was not cool. Maybe it would have been cool if we didn’t know him, and his book was going to be all about redemption or something, but his behavior and actions were not cool since we did know him.
Anyway.
I will admit to being slightly confused with the setup, but I just kind of went with it and I really enjoyed where it went. I liked Alec and Gaige. I feel like they complimented each other and I loved watching the walls fall down. That’s one of the best things about all these books in these two series, the walls crumbling down.
Something set me off a little early on and I had a good idea who the baddie was. This was not a big deal nor did it ruin any of the excitement for me. It was hidden well I was just really looking for it.
Overall it was exciting and kinda romantic in the way these books do Alpha romance. I always want the best for these guys and when I’m done I am ready to read the next one.
I just wish Seth hadn’t been a freaking asshole.
**ARC courtesy of Random House Publishing Group-Loveswept via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
July 6, 2017
"I have two words for you--"
"I can guess them."
Considering this is only my second read by Dimon, I clearly picked the right book to start with as there is some character overlap from GUARDING MR FINE that pops up in DIRTY DEEDS. Now, do you need to have read the former? I can't say for sure. Definitely the backstory is hinted at but the dynamic between the relevant characters is totally spelled out for the reader, so I'd almost be willing to say you could start fresh with The Dirty series.
"This feels like a boyfriend conversation and I'm not really into that."
"Since you're going to be inside me before the night is over, I think you can share this detail."
Similar to my experience with my previous Dimon read, though, I found the characters and the emotional connections that cemented the relationships between our leads to be the best part. The author writes great snarky banter usually in a hate-to-lust flavour, gives us strong but generally stunted leads to root for, and definitely steams up the pages. Alas, I didn't really care for the background noise about seeds and Doomsday Vaults (though the fact that it's a real thing is super cool). And, again, like that previous read, I also guessed the villains of the piece. Dimon did a really neat job about laying down the groundwork for this mystery without making it obvious and yet still allowing for your brain to jump around and make connections. Plus, I mean, there was a great tie-in that may annoy some people.. but I actually really liked.
"He clearly inherited all the tact in the family."
"That's why I don't bother with that skill."
"Really? That's why?"
I never did get around to backtracking through her first series but I definitely plan to read on in this one. Both because I see it's Finn's, Alec's brother, story next -- and I'm pretty happy to see more bi-men feature in queer romance -- and I really liked what we saw of him, plus the action in that plot sounds a little more interesting, too. Here's hoping!
3.5 "not shooting you in my sever room when I had the chance was the best decision I've ever made" stars
** I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
"I can guess them."
Considering this is only my second read by Dimon, I clearly picked the right book to start with as there is some character overlap from GUARDING MR FINE that pops up in DIRTY DEEDS. Now, do you need to have read the former? I can't say for sure. Definitely the backstory is hinted at but the dynamic between the relevant characters is totally spelled out for the reader, so I'd almost be willing to say you could start fresh with The Dirty series.
"This feels like a boyfriend conversation and I'm not really into that."
"Since you're going to be inside me before the night is over, I think you can share this detail."
Similar to my experience with my previous Dimon read, though, I found the characters and the emotional connections that cemented the relationships between our leads to be the best part. The author writes great snarky banter usually in a hate-to-lust flavour, gives us strong but generally stunted leads to root for, and definitely steams up the pages. Alas, I didn't really care for the background noise about seeds and Doomsday Vaults (though the fact that it's a real thing is super cool). And, again, like that previous read, I also guessed the villains of the piece. Dimon did a really neat job about laying down the groundwork for this mystery without making it obvious and yet still allowing for your brain to jump around and make connections. Plus, I mean, there was a great tie-in that may annoy some people.. but I actually really liked.
"He clearly inherited all the tact in the family."
"That's why I don't bother with that skill."
"Really? That's why?"
I never did get around to backtracking through her first series but I definitely plan to read on in this one. Both because I see it's Finn's, Alec's brother, story next -- and I'm pretty happy to see more bi-men feature in queer romance -- and I really liked what we saw of him, plus the action in that plot sounds a little more interesting, too. Here's hoping!
3.5 "not shooting you in my sever room when I had the chance was the best decision I've ever made" stars
** I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
June 26, 2017
3.5 Stars
Dirty Deeds can be read as a standalone, but is actually a spin-off from the Tough Love series. If you've read the Tough Love series, Alec is Rick Fine's ex from book #2, Guarding Mr. Fine. We don't see Rick in this book but we see his boyfriend Seth.
Alec is a billionaire who runs a food based company with his brothers. He catches Gaige hacking into his computers, only to find out he was being forced to do this by Seth who wanted a meeting with him. Seth believes there is a leak within Alec's company and thinks there is something strange going on at one of the seed vaults. Seth sort of blackmails both Alec and Gaige into finding out what is going on. Seth also has Gaige investigating Alec & his company, without Alec's knowledge. Alec doesn't make any secret about the fact that he doesn't trust Gaige so he decides he is going to keep a close eye on him. Since they are spending so much time with one another they eventually decide to give in to the attraction, but only with no strings attached. As they spend more time together they start to open up to each other and care about each other.
I felt like this one took a while to really get started. The whole first half was a little bit slow. There wasn't too much action or suspense until the second half of the book and a little bit towards the end. I thought there was going to be much more throughout the story. The mystery aspect wasn't super obvious though which was nice. I can usually guess what's going to happen but I was only able to guess part of it. I like being able to be surprised.
I really liked that Gaige wasn't the typical nerdy computer hacker type. He was not intimated easily and could take care of himself when he needed to. He has a vulnerable side because of a past relationship gone bad, and now has a lot of trouble trusting anyone. Alec has a lot of trouble trusting Gaige, which is understandable considering the first time he meets Gaige, he is breaking into his building. The chemistry between them was sizzling. They both decide to give in to their mutual attraction even though they don't trust each other at all, but as they learn to trust each other more they have some great sweet little moments together. I loved watching the "walls" come down between them.
I still enjoyed this one a lot, but not quite as much as The Talented Mr. Rivers or Guarding Mr. Fine. It's technically not the same series (since this is a spin off) but those ones are my favorite so far. I do have to say that even tho I really like Seth's character in Guarding Mr. Fine, I couldn't stand him at all in this one. He was really manipulative and pretty much a giant jerk the whole time. That being said, I will still be keeping my eye out for more of HelenKay Dimon's books. Maybe we'll get Alec's brother's story?? That could just be wishful thinking tho. haha!
* I received an ARC of this title via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. *
Dirty Deeds can be read as a standalone, but is actually a spin-off from the Tough Love series. If you've read the Tough Love series, Alec is Rick Fine's ex from book #2, Guarding Mr. Fine. We don't see Rick in this book but we see his boyfriend Seth.
Alec is a billionaire who runs a food based company with his brothers. He catches Gaige hacking into his computers, only to find out he was being forced to do this by Seth who wanted a meeting with him. Seth believes there is a leak within Alec's company and thinks there is something strange going on at one of the seed vaults. Seth sort of blackmails both Alec and Gaige into finding out what is going on. Seth also has Gaige investigating Alec & his company, without Alec's knowledge. Alec doesn't make any secret about the fact that he doesn't trust Gaige so he decides he is going to keep a close eye on him. Since they are spending so much time with one another they eventually decide to give in to the attraction, but only with no strings attached. As they spend more time together they start to open up to each other and care about each other.
I felt like this one took a while to really get started. The whole first half was a little bit slow. There wasn't too much action or suspense until the second half of the book and a little bit towards the end. I thought there was going to be much more throughout the story. The mystery aspect wasn't super obvious though which was nice. I can usually guess what's going to happen but I was only able to guess part of it. I like being able to be surprised.
I really liked that Gaige wasn't the typical nerdy computer hacker type. He was not intimated easily and could take care of himself when he needed to. He has a vulnerable side because of a past relationship gone bad, and now has a lot of trouble trusting anyone. Alec has a lot of trouble trusting Gaige, which is understandable considering the first time he meets Gaige, he is breaking into his building. The chemistry between them was sizzling. They both decide to give in to their mutual attraction even though they don't trust each other at all, but as they learn to trust each other more they have some great sweet little moments together. I loved watching the "walls" come down between them.
I still enjoyed this one a lot, but not quite as much as The Talented Mr. Rivers or Guarding Mr. Fine. It's technically not the same series (since this is a spin off) but those ones are my favorite so far. I do have to say that even tho I really like Seth's character in Guarding Mr. Fine, I couldn't stand him at all in this one. He was really manipulative and pretty much a giant jerk the whole time. That being said, I will still be keeping my eye out for more of HelenKay Dimon's books. Maybe we'll get Alec's brother's story?? That could just be wishful thinking tho. haha!
* I received an ARC of this title via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. *
July 22, 2017
Dirty Deeds
HelenKay Dimon
3.5 Stars ✨
This was a suspense romance that was mainly about security, CIA, and a seed vault.
I felt this book to be very wordy and difficult to understand at times especially since I don't have a security or computer background.
I liked the personal parts, like the relationship between Gaige and Alec. There were a few sexy scenes but I felt myself skimming through the heavy parts of the book.
Back
Description
No dirty deed goes unnoticed in a seductive game of cat and mouse. But for Alec and Gaige, the wrong move could get them killed.
Alec Drummond didn’t make his billions by playing nice—or by playing much at all. When it comes to pleasure, Alec only has time for whatever’s quick and easy, which is exactly what he gets from his company’s hot new computer genius. But Gaige Owens isn’t some pushover. He pushes back, and it’s giving Alec a rush. The question is, could Gaige be the one who’s leaking trade secrets? Just to be safe, Alec keeps him close at hand . . . night and day.
Gaige never thought he’d roll over for a man like Alec again, but who could resist sex this mind-blowing? Then there’s the draw of Alec’s mysterious side: his cutthroat ambition, his covert CIA connections, and the murder in his past. For Gaige, a deeper look proves an irresistible temptation. But when Gaige and Alec are stripped of their defenses by an unseen danger, everything they don’t know could bring them closer together—or tear them apart. Only one thing is certain: Before it’s all over, someone’s going down.
Thanks NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
HelenKay Dimon
3.5 Stars ✨
This was a suspense romance that was mainly about security, CIA, and a seed vault.
I felt this book to be very wordy and difficult to understand at times especially since I don't have a security or computer background.
I liked the personal parts, like the relationship between Gaige and Alec. There were a few sexy scenes but I felt myself skimming through the heavy parts of the book.
Back
Description
No dirty deed goes unnoticed in a seductive game of cat and mouse. But for Alec and Gaige, the wrong move could get them killed.
Alec Drummond didn’t make his billions by playing nice—or by playing much at all. When it comes to pleasure, Alec only has time for whatever’s quick and easy, which is exactly what he gets from his company’s hot new computer genius. But Gaige Owens isn’t some pushover. He pushes back, and it’s giving Alec a rush. The question is, could Gaige be the one who’s leaking trade secrets? Just to be safe, Alec keeps him close at hand . . . night and day.
Gaige never thought he’d roll over for a man like Alec again, but who could resist sex this mind-blowing? Then there’s the draw of Alec’s mysterious side: his cutthroat ambition, his covert CIA connections, and the murder in his past. For Gaige, a deeper look proves an irresistible temptation. But when Gaige and Alec are stripped of their defenses by an unseen danger, everything they don’t know could bring them closer together—or tear them apart. Only one thing is certain: Before it’s all over, someone’s going down.
Thanks NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
August 14, 2017
3.5 stars
Dirty Deeds is a fast-paced, action-packed story that begins when billionaire businessman and all-round hardass Alec Drummond catches Gaige Owens breaking into his company's vault. It transpires that Gaige has been 'employed' (or rather, had his arm twisted) by the enigmatic, equally hardass Seth Lang (Guarding Mr. Fine) to deliberately trigger Drummond Enterprises security systems and thereby force Alec to sit up and take notice of Seth’s requests for a meeting.
Alec’s company is one of the world’s leading food/food-hybrid manufacture/bio-research companies that also dabbles in research into alternate fuel sources – and Seth thinks that someone is setting it up for a fall, most likely terrorists or regimes who want to be able to control people by means of controlling the food supply. It’s all very cloak-and-dagger, and Seth is reluctant to say any more than he has to. It’s clear that he and Alec have locked horns before and the testosterone flies liberally as they face-off against each other while a puzzled and not too pleased Gaige looks on.
While all this is happening, Gaige and Alec are sizing each other up in a different way and very much liking what they see. It’s an odd moment, perhaps, for insta-lust to strike, but strike it does, with a very large ‘clang!!’ Seth wants Gaige to pose as an external security expert at Drummond to see if he can trace who is setting them up – but Alec isn’t happy; he doesn’t want a total stranger poking his nose into his company. Still, he also needs to find out who’s trying to sabotage him and agrees to Seth’s plan, intending to keep Gaige on a firm leash and keep an eye on him 24/7.
Alec installs Gaige in his Munich home and pretty soon the intense attraction the two men feel for each other is impossible to resist. Alec is a workaholic, Gaige – a hot nerd with a wry sense of humour - was badly burned by his previous lover, so neither is looking for anything long-term. They agree to keep it to casual, no-strings-sex, but it’s not long before they find it impossible to remain detached, and start to share confidences.
The insta-lust from practically the first page is a bit much although the author does it well, and keeps it running into the sex scenes, which are frequent and nicely steamy. I liked how she showed Alec and Gaige gradually lowering their defences, although given the story takes place over about a week, this is perhaps somewhat unbelievable, especially for Alec, who doesn’t trust easily and whose privacy is intensely important to him.
I’m not sure I completely bought into the plot and the characterisation isn’t especially deep, but Dirty Deeds is an enjoyable, undemanding read that kept me entertained for the couple of hours or so it took me to read it. If hot nerds and hard-ass billionaires wrapped up in industrial espionage and each other are your thing, I imagine you could do worse than pick this one up!
Dirty Deeds is a fast-paced, action-packed story that begins when billionaire businessman and all-round hardass Alec Drummond catches Gaige Owens breaking into his company's vault. It transpires that Gaige has been 'employed' (or rather, had his arm twisted) by the enigmatic, equally hardass Seth Lang (Guarding Mr. Fine) to deliberately trigger Drummond Enterprises security systems and thereby force Alec to sit up and take notice of Seth’s requests for a meeting.
Alec’s company is one of the world’s leading food/food-hybrid manufacture/bio-research companies that also dabbles in research into alternate fuel sources – and Seth thinks that someone is setting it up for a fall, most likely terrorists or regimes who want to be able to control people by means of controlling the food supply. It’s all very cloak-and-dagger, and Seth is reluctant to say any more than he has to. It’s clear that he and Alec have locked horns before and the testosterone flies liberally as they face-off against each other while a puzzled and not too pleased Gaige looks on.
While all this is happening, Gaige and Alec are sizing each other up in a different way and very much liking what they see. It’s an odd moment, perhaps, for insta-lust to strike, but strike it does, with a very large ‘clang!!’ Seth wants Gaige to pose as an external security expert at Drummond to see if he can trace who is setting them up – but Alec isn’t happy; he doesn’t want a total stranger poking his nose into his company. Still, he also needs to find out who’s trying to sabotage him and agrees to Seth’s plan, intending to keep Gaige on a firm leash and keep an eye on him 24/7.
Alec installs Gaige in his Munich home and pretty soon the intense attraction the two men feel for each other is impossible to resist. Alec is a workaholic, Gaige – a hot nerd with a wry sense of humour - was badly burned by his previous lover, so neither is looking for anything long-term. They agree to keep it to casual, no-strings-sex, but it’s not long before they find it impossible to remain detached, and start to share confidences.
The insta-lust from practically the first page is a bit much although the author does it well, and keeps it running into the sex scenes, which are frequent and nicely steamy. I liked how she showed Alec and Gaige gradually lowering their defences, although given the story takes place over about a week, this is perhaps somewhat unbelievable, especially for Alec, who doesn’t trust easily and whose privacy is intensely important to him.
I’m not sure I completely bought into the plot and the characterisation isn’t especially deep, but Dirty Deeds is an enjoyable, undemanding read that kept me entertained for the couple of hours or so it took me to read it. If hot nerds and hard-ass billionaires wrapped up in industrial espionage and each other are your thing, I imagine you could do worse than pick this one up!
August 9, 2017
3.5 stars
I enjoyed this. It's not particularly subtle, the plot is the teensiest bit improbable and the characters not especially developed. But what the book does well, it does well.
We're thrown in the deep end to start with. Gaige, a computer whizz kid reluctantly working for the CIA in a covert operation, is discovered mid-hack of Drummond Enterprises' systems by Alec Drummond, billionaire food mogul. The two men lock horns - neither giving an inch to the other, trading snark and insults. Conveniently, Gaige's CIA handler turns up to insist that - for Reasons of National Security - Alec needs to keep an eye on Gaige 24/7 (it's as if the CIA had never heard that nothing proprinks like propinquity). It's already clear that the two men are reluctantly fascinated by each other.
Dimon does a good line in insta-lust - yes, it's fast, but it's also balanced by intelligent dialogue, and by showing how each man comes to respect the other's strengths. The first half of the book has very little truck with UST: Alec & Gaige reason that they can compartmentalise their professional roles (which demand mutual distrust), and start to indulge in a convenient sex-only affair. (Like that's going to work out.) Slowly, the MCs open up to each other. I like the way Dimon makes the sex scenes (which are well done) lead into a deepening emotional connection.
The plot (not altogether clear to begin with) develops slowly. I'd never come across the Svalbard Global Seed Vault before (it's an actual thing!), so kudos to Dimon for seeing its suspense potential. Mind you, I don't think I totally bought into the plot concept, even when it was fully explained (just a few too many holes, with characters conveniently overlooking fairly large elephants in rooms, sort of literally), but it worked well enough to develop the relationship between Gaige & Alec, so I wasn't too bothered by it.
I'll definitely read more books by Helenkay Dimon - the core relationship here was both engaging & tender, the dialogue was snappy enough to keep me smiling, and the pace kept me turning the pages.
I received a free, advance copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased review.
I enjoyed this. It's not particularly subtle, the plot is the teensiest bit improbable and the characters not especially developed. But what the book does well, it does well.
We're thrown in the deep end to start with. Gaige, a computer whizz kid reluctantly working for the CIA in a covert operation, is discovered mid-hack of Drummond Enterprises' systems by Alec Drummond, billionaire food mogul. The two men lock horns - neither giving an inch to the other, trading snark and insults. Conveniently, Gaige's CIA handler turns up to insist that - for Reasons of National Security - Alec needs to keep an eye on Gaige 24/7 (it's as if the CIA had never heard that nothing proprinks like propinquity). It's already clear that the two men are reluctantly fascinated by each other.
Dimon does a good line in insta-lust - yes, it's fast, but it's also balanced by intelligent dialogue, and by showing how each man comes to respect the other's strengths. The first half of the book has very little truck with UST: Alec & Gaige reason that they can compartmentalise their professional roles (which demand mutual distrust), and start to indulge in a convenient sex-only affair. (Like that's going to work out.) Slowly, the MCs open up to each other. I like the way Dimon makes the sex scenes (which are well done) lead into a deepening emotional connection.
The plot (not altogether clear to begin with) develops slowly. I'd never come across the Svalbard Global Seed Vault before (it's an actual thing!), so kudos to Dimon for seeing its suspense potential. Mind you, I don't think I totally bought into the plot concept, even when it was fully explained (just a few too many holes, with characters conveniently overlooking fairly large elephants in rooms, sort of literally), but it worked well enough to develop the relationship between Gaige & Alec, so I wasn't too bothered by it.
I'll definitely read more books by Helenkay Dimon - the core relationship here was both engaging & tender, the dialogue was snappy enough to keep me smiling, and the pace kept me turning the pages.
I received a free, advance copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased review.
July 25, 2017
Sometimes I devour a hot, wild steamy read with two unbelievable strong hard fit and horny men....*swallow*
Sexually a delicious read it will knock you from your chair....
Gaige an expert with computers sitting in Alec's server room....uninvited....working the keyboard fast....Alec wants to shoot him.
When they skimmed each other the heat is on...
Gaige could be leaking secrets from Alec's company so Alec holds him close.....living-in-his-apartment-close...
A lot is happening and Gaige is convinced he has to take Alec's side....Alec doesn't trust him at all...but things are changing......
The story was a bit confusing and complicated.... (my mind wanted less complicated and more hotness...) and suspenseful.
I even would read this story without all the business stuff because those two men....together.... hot as hell.. I loved their love-hate interaction.
Four stars because the way of writing was excellent.
Kindly received a copy through NetGalley
Review first published on Divine Magazine
Sexually a delicious read it will knock you from your chair....
Gaige an expert with computers sitting in Alec's server room....uninvited....working the keyboard fast....Alec wants to shoot him.
When they skimmed each other the heat is on...
Gaige could be leaking secrets from Alec's company so Alec holds him close.....living-in-his-apartment-close...
A lot is happening and Gaige is convinced he has to take Alec's side....Alec doesn't trust him at all...but things are changing......
The story was a bit confusing and complicated.... (my mind wanted less complicated and more hotness...) and suspenseful.
I even would read this story without all the business stuff because those two men....together.... hot as hell.. I loved their love-hate interaction.
Four stars because the way of writing was excellent.
Kindly received a copy through NetGalley
Review first published on Divine Magazine
March 30, 2018
Re-Read.
Still a really good, intense, story!
Alec & Gaige are still very hot. Very lovable.
The crime aspect of the story is nicely done too.
The only thing that keep me from going all 5 stars here is the time line...
I mean, Alec is supposed to be this hard-ass, anti-commitment guy and after 1 week (more or less), he's all in!...
________________________________________________________
Really fast read. I liked the suspense. The Mc's and their mutual distrust of people and love because of past history was compelling.
Gaige and Alec are both been burn by people close to them which make them wary toward each other.
But despite that they just can't help themselves. That old "Let's fuck without strings attached" situation... yeah right!
I like geeky, I like broody and I love hot alpha men so it worked for me.
I was really into it although I pretty much figure who was behind the whole thing pretty quickly.
I discovered HelenKay Dimon with the Tough Love series and I sure will follow this one too.
Still a really good, intense, story!
Alec & Gaige are still very hot. Very lovable.
The crime aspect of the story is nicely done too.
The only thing that keep me from going all 5 stars here is the time line...
I mean, Alec is supposed to be this hard-ass, anti-commitment guy and after 1 week (more or less), he's all in!...
________________________________________________________
Really fast read. I liked the suspense. The Mc's and their mutual distrust of people and love because of past history was compelling.
Gaige and Alec are both been burn by people close to them which make them wary toward each other.
But despite that they just can't help themselves. That old "Let's fuck without strings attached" situation... yeah right!
I like geeky, I like broody and I love hot alpha men so it worked for me.
I was really into it although I pretty much figure who was behind the whole thing pretty quickly.
I discovered HelenKay Dimon with the Tough Love series and I sure will follow this one too.
August 8, 2017
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Dirty Deeds is the first book in HelenKay Dimon’s Dirty series and I am really excited about this one. The book is a spinoff of sorts from Dimon’s Tough Love series, which I really enjoyed. Alec appears in the third book in that trilogy, Guarding Mr. Fine, as main character Rick’s sometimes lover who also happens to do occasional jobs for the CIA. Much to my delight, CIA agent Seth Lang, the other hero of that book, also appears here as major side character. I adored Seth in that series and was thrilled he got his own book, so I particularly enjoyed his role here. I think you can easily read this book without having read the other series as the plots do not overlap. However, be warned you will probably find Seth a total asshole here, while those like me who have enjoyed his smart assed self in the other books are likely to find him more endearing here, even as you root for Alec and Gaige to outsmart him.
The romance part of this romantic suspense is handled nicely, though both men would likely grimace at the term “romance.” Both Alec and Gaige have some major trust issues (and understandably so), and while they are happy for a chance to engage in some hot sex, neither man is interested in more. I think Dimon does a nice job here bringing the men from sort of enemies who are purely looking for sex, to two men with a strong connection emotionally as well as physically. These are both some strong, aggressive men, and while Gaige is willing to defer to Alec in the bedroom, they are both men who work hard and play hard. So there is an nice connection between these guys and I enjoyed watching them come together over the course of the book.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Dirty Deeds is the first book in HelenKay Dimon’s Dirty series and I am really excited about this one. The book is a spinoff of sorts from Dimon’s Tough Love series, which I really enjoyed. Alec appears in the third book in that trilogy, Guarding Mr. Fine, as main character Rick’s sometimes lover who also happens to do occasional jobs for the CIA. Much to my delight, CIA agent Seth Lang, the other hero of that book, also appears here as major side character. I adored Seth in that series and was thrilled he got his own book, so I particularly enjoyed his role here. I think you can easily read this book without having read the other series as the plots do not overlap. However, be warned you will probably find Seth a total asshole here, while those like me who have enjoyed his smart assed self in the other books are likely to find him more endearing here, even as you root for Alec and Gaige to outsmart him.
The romance part of this romantic suspense is handled nicely, though both men would likely grimace at the term “romance.” Both Alec and Gaige have some major trust issues (and understandably so), and while they are happy for a chance to engage in some hot sex, neither man is interested in more. I think Dimon does a nice job here bringing the men from sort of enemies who are purely looking for sex, to two men with a strong connection emotionally as well as physically. These are both some strong, aggressive men, and while Gaige is willing to defer to Alec in the bedroom, they are both men who work hard and play hard. So there is an nice connection between these guys and I enjoyed watching them come together over the course of the book.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
September 16, 2017
Boring.
I think I'm done with this series. I enjoyed the first 2 books. But the 3rd and now this, the 4th book felt flat to me. I had a really hard time connecting with, or even rooting for, Alec & Gaige. I just wasn't interested in the characters or where the story was going. The story was so...generic.
Probably won't be ready any more of this author.
Read
April 11, 2018This is sit on my currently read for far too long, and I know when a book didn't interest me, it would be a quit somehow.
Maybe I'll visit someday, I just don't like it sitting on that shelves for too long.
September 15, 2017
Full Review to follow..
Not only was this a HOT read it had me so engrossed in the suspenseful story line that I didn't want to put it down...unfortunately sleep finally did take over but I picked it up as soon as I woke and dove back in.
I was intrigued with Alec when we met him in Guarding Mr. Fine and I was thrilled when I saw that he was going to get his own HEA.
The Dirty Series is a loose spin-off of The Tough Love Series you do not have to read the Tough Love Series in order to read this one which looks like it will revolve around the Drummond brothers since Finn's story is up next in Dirty Games.
Not only was this a HOT read it had me so engrossed in the suspenseful story line that I didn't want to put it down...unfortunately sleep finally did take over but I picked it up as soon as I woke and dove back in.
I was intrigued with Alec when we met him in Guarding Mr. Fine and I was thrilled when I saw that he was going to get his own HEA.
The Dirty Series is a loose spin-off of The Tough Love Series you do not have to read the Tough Love Series in order to read this one which looks like it will revolve around the Drummond brothers since Finn's story is up next in Dirty Games.
February 15, 2018
Well-paced romantic suspense
The Tough Love series that this is connected to, was very good but this book was far better. It had the most logical plot that I’ve seen out any of them. Seth is the same a-hole he’s been before, outside of being with Rick, using the threat of prison to bring Gaige in to spy on Alec (Rick’s ex). Somehow, an anomalous shipment to the world’s seed vault has raised red flags and Seth thinks Alec is involved. Alec finds his icy control melting as he and Gaige get hot in the sheets. Even the sex scenes were better and not too excessive. It’s paced really well and the plot and romance had a good balance. I liked this couple and how the build of trust was truly shown. There was lots of good dialogue between the two. This was a winner for me.
The Tough Love series that this is connected to, was very good but this book was far better. It had the most logical plot that I’ve seen out any of them. Seth is the same a-hole he’s been before, outside of being with Rick, using the threat of prison to bring Gaige in to spy on Alec (Rick’s ex). Somehow, an anomalous shipment to the world’s seed vault has raised red flags and Seth thinks Alec is involved. Alec finds his icy control melting as he and Gaige get hot in the sheets. Even the sex scenes were better and not too excessive. It’s paced really well and the plot and romance had a good balance. I liked this couple and how the build of trust was truly shown. There was lots of good dialogue between the two. This was a winner for me.
August 11, 2017
This book is a spin-off from GUARDING MR. FINE.
Alec Drummond is a billionaire agri-business mogul living in Munich--and he's got a reputation for shooting first when his financial interests are in jeopardy. He's not happy that a CIA operative, Gaige Owens, makes it into the nerve center of his cybersecurity offices. Naturally, Gaige isn't really CIA, he's actually a guy in limbo, left to twist in the wind by his former partner and compelled into action by the CIA Special Acitivites Division officer Seth Lang. Gaige's ex did a bad job of hacking some high-level places and framed Gaige for the dirty deeds, and Seth's holding Gaige's feet to the fire for his own purposes.
Gaige is sure Alec will kill him, but Seth set up this meeting to demonstrate Gaige's abilities to Alec, as a way to get Alec to take Gaige on as an operative. See, Alec's company makes quarterly deposits to the Doomsday Bank for seeds to ensure food security. Unfortunately, there's been some shady deposits there in the last six months. Extra deposits that no one seems to know about, but were seemingly arranged by Alec himself.
As little as Alec wants him, he grudgingly accepts Gaige into his company--and his private residence--so he can keep a very close eye on him. It's clear that Gaige is a gifted hacker, and a sexy young man, but Alec doesn't want any part of that...at first. As they end up the subject of a couple of fatal attempts on their lives, Alec and Gaige get closer out of necessity. And, that's some more dirty deeds right there, folks. As the danger intensifies, Gaige and Alec recognize the answers they need are buried in the seed vaults in Svalbard. Not that it comes together easy. Nope, it's a rough situation and results in double-crosses by members of Alec's most intimate circle.
In this romantic suspense, we've got spies, CIA, powerful men, assassins, and a plot that could endanger the food security of nations. It's interesting and intriguing with a pace that keeps the pages turning. Both Gaige and Alec despise Seth and his machinations, but they work out their personal differences without too much difficulty in order to discover the plot to sabotage Alec's business and reputation.
This series seems to revolve around the Drummond brothers--all three of them--and Alec is the stalwart one who's not willing to even look for love. His family has some dark secrets, and it really colored his outlook. That said, Alec's curiosity about Gaige leads to more than partnership, even if it's "no strings". They get tied up quick enough, nonetheless, and Alec got over his ingrained aversion to relationships because Gaige was worth the effort. Gaige is a little bit of a wisecracker, and I so wanted him to get into a good relationship after all the hub-bub of his horrible ex.
I'm expecting the next book to feature Alec's brother, Finn, and I'm looking forward to it! I received a review copy via NetGalley.
Alec Drummond is a billionaire agri-business mogul living in Munich--and he's got a reputation for shooting first when his financial interests are in jeopardy. He's not happy that a CIA operative, Gaige Owens, makes it into the nerve center of his cybersecurity offices. Naturally, Gaige isn't really CIA, he's actually a guy in limbo, left to twist in the wind by his former partner and compelled into action by the CIA Special Acitivites Division officer Seth Lang. Gaige's ex did a bad job of hacking some high-level places and framed Gaige for the dirty deeds, and Seth's holding Gaige's feet to the fire for his own purposes.
Gaige is sure Alec will kill him, but Seth set up this meeting to demonstrate Gaige's abilities to Alec, as a way to get Alec to take Gaige on as an operative. See, Alec's company makes quarterly deposits to the Doomsday Bank for seeds to ensure food security. Unfortunately, there's been some shady deposits there in the last six months. Extra deposits that no one seems to know about, but were seemingly arranged by Alec himself.
As little as Alec wants him, he grudgingly accepts Gaige into his company--and his private residence--so he can keep a very close eye on him. It's clear that Gaige is a gifted hacker, and a sexy young man, but Alec doesn't want any part of that...at first. As they end up the subject of a couple of fatal attempts on their lives, Alec and Gaige get closer out of necessity. And, that's some more dirty deeds right there, folks. As the danger intensifies, Gaige and Alec recognize the answers they need are buried in the seed vaults in Svalbard. Not that it comes together easy. Nope, it's a rough situation and results in double-crosses by members of Alec's most intimate circle.
In this romantic suspense, we've got spies, CIA, powerful men, assassins, and a plot that could endanger the food security of nations. It's interesting and intriguing with a pace that keeps the pages turning. Both Gaige and Alec despise Seth and his machinations, but they work out their personal differences without too much difficulty in order to discover the plot to sabotage Alec's business and reputation.
This series seems to revolve around the Drummond brothers--all three of them--and Alec is the stalwart one who's not willing to even look for love. His family has some dark secrets, and it really colored his outlook. That said, Alec's curiosity about Gaige leads to more than partnership, even if it's "no strings". They get tied up quick enough, nonetheless, and Alec got over his ingrained aversion to relationships because Gaige was worth the effort. Gaige is a little bit of a wisecracker, and I so wanted him to get into a good relationship after all the hub-bub of his horrible ex.
I'm expecting the next book to feature Alec's brother, Finn, and I'm looking forward to it! I received a review copy via NetGalley.
August 10, 2017
I've been curious about HelenKay Dimon's m/m books for a while, but I hadn't picked them up. When this was recommended, I knew I should jump on it. But this is a spin off series and I was worried I would feel like I should've read the original. Rest assured that is not the case. I was able to jump in and read this as a standalone without missing a beat.That being said, there were things about this story that I enjoyed and others that fell a bit flat for me. Overall, it wasn't a bad read. It's definitely fast and pretty sexy. I liked the techy/geeky elements as this is all about cyber security and the CIA, and it brought something new to the table in terms of what it was all about. I'm a sucker for these plots.
Other things fell in the cliche category. This is a billionaire romance with a enemies to lovers trope and the main plot is all about food espionage (that last part being the not-cliche part). The food espionage was incredibly interesting to me and I think the author probably had to do some serious research about this. That part felt cohesive and it made sense to me. The trope-y stuff about the relationship, I wasn't so sure about.
What I struggled more with was the fact that one of the MCs is planted into the others' company to try and uncover what's going on. There's a lot of distrust from both ends. But because of all that distrust they are living under the same roof (keep your enemy closer and all that) and things move along pretty quickly to the lusty physical and then "feelings" part. What I struggled with was believing that one could go from distrust to jumping in bed with someone so fast. Especially when you're dealing with that level of responsibility in business.
DIRTY DEEDS was pretty steamy, though. While I never really connected 100% with either character or their relationship development, I still found the rest of the plot interesting enough to keep me turning the pages. And the hot sex was definitely an added bonus. But I'm not sure if this was all enough to make me rush to pick up the next one.
*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Francesca❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
August 12, 2017
Suspenseful, Sexy and HOT!
Once again, I've read a book that just blew me away and reviewing it will take some serious thought. (It's a lot easier for me to review not-so-good books than it is really good one.) Dirty Deeds is the first book in HelenKay Dimon's new The Dirty series. I loved her Tough Love series and I didn't think it could get much better. In my last review of her work, Guarding Mr. Fine, I said that I hoped there would be more books in the series. I got my wish but not exactly as I imagined it. Dirty Deeds is a spin-off of that series (but totally stands alone) and more books are coming next year.
I got to meet Ms. Dimon at the recent RWA book signing in Orlando. Oh, how I wish I had read this book before that meeting. When we spoke, I gushed about the Tough Love series but I couldn't say a thing about Dirty Deeds since I hadn't read it yet.
This story is filled with non-stop action and suspense. It's also filled with super-hot sexual chemistry (and more) between the two MCs (main characters) – Gaige Owens and Alec Drummond. Gaige is being blackmailed by Seth Lang from a special-ops division of the CIA. If you read the Tough Love series you might remember Seth as the MC in the third book, Guarding Mr. Fine.
There are a lot of things going on in this story – but not so many that it's difficult to keep track. There's the blackmail of Gaige, the mystery and suspense of who's causing problems for Alec's company, and the chemistry between Gaige and Alec that's off the charts.
Gaige was burned very badly by his last lover. He has no intention of falling for an alpha a-hole like Alec. Alec doesn't mix business with pleasure and has never had sex with an employee. Good thing that Gaige isn't exactly an employee.
I literally stayed up all night reading this book and didn't put it down until I finished it around 5:30 a.m. There are three Drummond brothers and we meet two of them in Dirty Deeds. The next book is about Finn and I can't wait to read it.
A review copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley but this did not influence my opinion or rating of the book.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
Once again, I've read a book that just blew me away and reviewing it will take some serious thought. (It's a lot easier for me to review not-so-good books than it is really good one.) Dirty Deeds is the first book in HelenKay Dimon's new The Dirty series. I loved her Tough Love series and I didn't think it could get much better. In my last review of her work, Guarding Mr. Fine, I said that I hoped there would be more books in the series. I got my wish but not exactly as I imagined it. Dirty Deeds is a spin-off of that series (but totally stands alone) and more books are coming next year.
I got to meet Ms. Dimon at the recent RWA book signing in Orlando. Oh, how I wish I had read this book before that meeting. When we spoke, I gushed about the Tough Love series but I couldn't say a thing about Dirty Deeds since I hadn't read it yet.
This story is filled with non-stop action and suspense. It's also filled with super-hot sexual chemistry (and more) between the two MCs (main characters) – Gaige Owens and Alec Drummond. Gaige is being blackmailed by Seth Lang from a special-ops division of the CIA. If you read the Tough Love series you might remember Seth as the MC in the third book, Guarding Mr. Fine.
There are a lot of things going on in this story – but not so many that it's difficult to keep track. There's the blackmail of Gaige, the mystery and suspense of who's causing problems for Alec's company, and the chemistry between Gaige and Alec that's off the charts.
Gaige was burned very badly by his last lover. He has no intention of falling for an alpha a-hole like Alec. Alec doesn't mix business with pleasure and has never had sex with an employee. Good thing that Gaige isn't exactly an employee.
I literally stayed up all night reading this book and didn't put it down until I finished it around 5:30 a.m. There are three Drummond brothers and we meet two of them in Dirty Deeds. The next book is about Finn and I can't wait to read it.
A review copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley but this did not influence my opinion or rating of the book.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
August 8, 2017
My Review:
Wow, I am so excited about this new series. Everything about Gaige and Alec was amazingly good. OMG, so, so good!
When the story begins, it's hard to know what's going on. All that's obvious is that Gaige is being forced to break in someplace he doesn't want to be...it just happens to be the server room of Alec's company...and Alec catches him in the act. From there the two are forced into a partnership where neither one knows the full story of what exactly is going on...through no fault of their own. A CIA agent is pulling all the strings and the two of them bond over their hatred of him (Seth for those that are familiar with HKD's other m/m romantic suspense stories).
So, needless to say, neither Gaige nor Alec trusts the other. Add to that, they are both extremely intelligent, and I kind of fell in love with both of them. They've both been hurt. They don't trust easily. And they know that this entire situation is filled with lies. This isn't exactly the basis for a relationship. But they are stuck together and it becomes hard to resist each other.
I had so much love for this story. Seriously, so much love. Gaige has this vulnerable side that just made me want to hug him. Alec doesn't take crap from anyone, but he lets Gaige get away with a lot just because he's intrigued.
And when I started writing this book, I saw there's a second book coming featuring Finn, Alec's brother. OMG, YES!! I'm ready to read it NOW! And here's my one complaint...why, oh why doesn't Loveswept bring out their books in print??? I want this one on my keeper shelf.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND! Definitely a favorite read from 2017.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Wow, I am so excited about this new series. Everything about Gaige and Alec was amazingly good. OMG, so, so good!
When the story begins, it's hard to know what's going on. All that's obvious is that Gaige is being forced to break in someplace he doesn't want to be...it just happens to be the server room of Alec's company...and Alec catches him in the act. From there the two are forced into a partnership where neither one knows the full story of what exactly is going on...through no fault of their own. A CIA agent is pulling all the strings and the two of them bond over their hatred of him (Seth for those that are familiar with HKD's other m/m romantic suspense stories).
So, needless to say, neither Gaige nor Alec trusts the other. Add to that, they are both extremely intelligent, and I kind of fell in love with both of them. They've both been hurt. They don't trust easily. And they know that this entire situation is filled with lies. This isn't exactly the basis for a relationship. But they are stuck together and it becomes hard to resist each other.
I had so much love for this story. Seriously, so much love. Gaige has this vulnerable side that just made me want to hug him. Alec doesn't take crap from anyone, but he lets Gaige get away with a lot just because he's intrigued.
And when I started writing this book, I saw there's a second book coming featuring Finn, Alec's brother. OMG, YES!! I'm ready to read it NOW! And here's my one complaint...why, oh why doesn't Loveswept bring out their books in print??? I want this one on my keeper shelf.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND! Definitely a favorite read from 2017.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
did-not-finish
June 30, 2017After sitting on my "in progress" shelf for almost the entire month of June, trying to read 3 times, and not being able to fully get into this story. I am calling it quits at 30%
Can't handle an insta-love story right now. Really don't like how a well loved character from a previous series was portrayed in this book. Totally ruined it for me.
Serious Cover Love though!!
Can't handle an insta-love story right now. Really don't like how a well loved character from a previous series was portrayed in this book. Totally ruined it for me.
Serious Cover Love though!!
July 23, 2017
3.5 stars
This started off slow for me and I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about it. It really picked up for me about half way through and was full of action till the end.
This is a romantic suspense that follows Gaige who is a computer hacker and Alec who runs a billion dollar business that involves putting seeds into one of the worlds's doomsday seed vaults (these really exist and are super interesting to google if you've never done so). The two are brought together by Seth from Guarding Mr. Fine. (I haven't read GMF yet and I was fine understanding this book. I will say this book doesn't paint a very flattering picture of Seth though. He's an ass through most of this book.)
It followed a traditional romantic suspense plotline and was both fun and sexy. I enjoyed it and will go back and read some of this author's others books now.
**ARC provided by publisher through Netgalley**
This started off slow for me and I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about it. It really picked up for me about half way through and was full of action till the end.
This is a romantic suspense that follows Gaige who is a computer hacker and Alec who runs a billion dollar business that involves putting seeds into one of the worlds's doomsday seed vaults (these really exist and are super interesting to google if you've never done so). The two are brought together by Seth from Guarding Mr. Fine. (I haven't read GMF yet and I was fine understanding this book. I will say this book doesn't paint a very flattering picture of Seth though. He's an ass through most of this book.)
It followed a traditional romantic suspense plotline and was both fun and sexy. I enjoyed it and will go back and read some of this author's others books now.
**ARC provided by publisher through Netgalley**
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