A Shameless Little Con

Shameless #1

by Meli Raine

I didn’t do it. I never betrayed my friend. Last year, I was kidnapped along with presidential candidate’s daughter Lindsay Bosworth, forced to help her assailants, my mother implicated in one of the biggest political scandals in American history. I've been cleared of any wrongdoing, but that doesn’t matter. Once you’re tried by the media, you’re guilty as sin. The truth doesn’t get the public’s attention. But shame? Shame sells. And everyone assumes you’re tainted. Now I have my own personal security team, courtesy of the United States government. Not the one you learned about in civics class, though. I’m being tracked by the deep state. The shadow government. They’ve assigned Silas Gentian to be with me twenty-four seven. He thinks he knows everything about me – all of it bad -- and he does. On paper. Like everyone else, he assumes I’m a traitor. A backstabber. A betrayer. Someone who helped a group of violent psychopaths, puppets of powerful men in Washington who made me into a tool. Yet I see how he looks at me. True desire can’t be faked. Or hidden. And that goes both ways. He assumes I’m trying to fool him. And he might be right. But not for the reasons he thinks. A Shameless Little Con is the first book in the Shameless trilogy by USA Today bestselling author Meli Raine. Read the whole Book 1: A Shameless Little CON Book 2: A Shameless Little LIE Book 3: A Shameless Little BET

Genres: Romance, Romantic Suspense, Suspense, Amazon, Audiobook, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary

268 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 30, 2018

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Meli Raine rode her first motorcycle when she was five years old, but she played in the ocean long before that. She lives in New England with her family.

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Reviews

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

 
It feels like it's been AGES since I have read the HARMLESS series by this author. I loved that series so you can imagine my excitement when I learn we were getting a trilogy about Jane! And this author DID NOT disappoint. I loved every minute of this one. The writing. The characters. The twist and turns. Oy vey was it a fantastic read.


 

~WRITING - PLOT - PACE~
I found this one to be fantastically well written. It was perfectly paced, and I never felt the need to skim. The plot was incredibly engaging and kept me turning the pages like a madwoman. I suppose technically this could be read as a standalone but "I" wouldn't recommend it. You really need to read the HARMLESS series to get the full set up and history of what takes place with these characters. As this is a trilogy it, of course, ends on a cliffhanger. A rather HUGE cliffhanger at that. 


~HERO~
Silas...I liked him. He was a bit of an a$$hole at times (especially in the beginning) but I warmed up to him over the course of the book. He was closed off. Stoic. Kind of judgy at times. But we also get glimpses of his more soft side (especially near the end). I'm looking forward to seeing how his character grows and (hopefully) opens up even more as the trilogy goes on. As for his past sex life, there isn't a SINGLE mention of it. 


~HEROINE~
Jane...whereas I liked Silas a lot I ADORED Jane. Man this poor woman and the way she is treated by just about EVERYONE made my heart break for her. Yes, yes, it looks like she betrayed everyone, but NO ONE gave her the benefit of the doubt? She was such a strong yet so super vulnerable heroine. The author did an excellent job capturing this characters shame, anger, and pain.


~SECONDARY CHARACTERS~
Most of the secondary characters in this one consist of people from the HARMLESS series. Since this trilogy is basically a continuation of that one that was to be expected. I did like the addition of Alice and I hope we get to see more of her in upcoming books.


 


~HEAT LEVEL~
None. There was no sex in this one. We get some kissing and heavy groping near the end, but this was a SLOW BURN. Usually, I do not like slow burns, but in this instance, it worked well for the story. The couple had some good on page chemistry. 


~ANGST LEVEL~
Low to medium. I guess it depends on your definition of what angst is. "I" didn't find it particularly angsty. The main characters go from disgust (on his part) to attraction slowly. This leads to a lot of moments where the hero is a jerk. Of course, the heroine isn't liked or trusted by basically anyone for most of the book which again leads to angst. There wasn't any OW or OM drama. Neither's sexual past is brought up. 


~IN THE END~
It was FANTASTIC. I was sucked in from the first word and read it straight through to the end. The characters were intriguing and well developed. The plot was intriguing. It had twists and turns. Sweet moments. Sad moments Shocking moments. I really wish it were March already so I could dive right in to book two tout suite. This one gets two HUGE thumbs up from yours truly. 

[Coco.V]

💝FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (8/4/2018)!💝

[Alona · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don’t remember the last time I read a book full of so many silly cliches!

It was horrible!

[Elizabeth Neal · Rating 4 out of 5]

**3.5 Stars**

You know how you're reading a book, and the last chapter draws closer and there's not enough pages left to resolve things? You fervently start hoping more pages magically appear...which is what I did for this one. I knew I was running out of time, and an issue would be resolved, but three more would pop up. I had no clue going in this story would continue in two more books, which left this ending on a cliffhanger. For once, I wasn't upset about that. Instead, I was so happy there was more to come. I became invested in Silas and Jane, as well as quite a few other characters. The hard part will be waiting until the end of March for book two.

Jane is Public Enemy #1 and has been for six months. She's been arrested, shunned, reviled, shamed, isolated, ridiculed, and alone. Accused of colluding with three men responsible for kidnapping and almost raping Lindsay, a Senator's daughter and Jane's friend. Jane knows she's innocent, but no one else believes her, not even Lindsay. Jane's mom, Anya, a Russian immigrant, worked for the Senator before Jane was even born, so Jane and Lindsay grew up together. However, Anya is also accused of handing Lindsay over to the bad guys, and now she's dead, leaving Jane all alone as she never knew her dad.

Jane is now being guarding 24/7 as of three days ago, by Silas, a man Jane met seven months ago when he was responsible for protecting Lindsay. At the time, Jane thought he was a nice guy, though somewhat reserved. Now? Jane knows he hates her, believing her capable of what they say she did. And for some reason, that really hurts coming from him. Is it because he was once nice to her? Or Jane could desperately use someone on her side right now? Or simply due to the fact you'd like the person responsible for keeping you alive, yes, she's gotten a lot of death threats, to actually care if you live or die, and not just because it's their job? Jane couldn't say, not that it matters either way since she can't change his opinion of her. Or can she?

When Jane's car is bombed, right before she got inside, her protection moves to the next level. At a friend's house, the only one Jane still has, Silas begins to see a different side of her, the true Jane, and realizes she actually may be innocent. However, another summons for a meeting calls them back home, reminding them of Jane's reality. As Jane is subjected to yet another violation of her rights, she's shocked when Silas actually defends her.

As the situation leads to constant close proximity between Silas and Jane, personal bleeds into professional while Silas is confronted with a family emergency. Now, Jane is seeing another side of Silas, and she likes it, and apparently Silas likes the real Jane, now that he's seeing her without the taint of guilt she's been labeled with.

Unfortunately, Silas and Jane are interrupted before they can fully act on their mutually intense chemistry. As Jane is once more called home, she's resigned to how she'll be treated, and is surprised when it seems as if some are starting to have doubts about her guilt, and Lindsay is one of them. But this time, the meeting comes with two revelations that will change everything, including Jane's entire history, and her future.

Can Jane convince Silas, and those who should've trusted her, that she's innocent? Was Anya innocent as well? Who set Jane up and why? What is happening in Silas's family? Will Silas and Jane get the chance to finish what they started? Or will they have to act like it never happened? What news does Jane learn that changes her life? How will that impact her present circumstances? What will happen in the next book?

One-click now and follow along as two people meet during a tense and dangerous situation, and discover their hearts just may be in danger as well.

**I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.**

[Nerdy Dirty & Flirty · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Shameless Little Con, the first book in a Harmless Series spinoff, was absolutely gripping.

Every single aspect of Jane’s life has become unrecognizable. Five years ago, a devastating crime was perpetrated against Lindsay Bosworth, Jane’s best friend, and with this act, a sinister plan was set in motion. We thought we understood it all, but now, as we are thrust into Jane Borokov’s story, we have discovered that what we learned in the Harmless Series was just the tip of the iceberg.

The people behind the curtain, along with the media, have decided that Jane played a big role in the events in the prior series. Regardless of being exonerated, the world, and those closest to her, believe she did it. Who needs the truth when we have information? Entertainment. Gossip. The stories we are told somehow become reality, even if they aren’t the truth. Jane has become one of the most hated people in the World. A security team is put in place to protect her from the threats she constantly receives, even if they don’t fully believe her innocence. I so desperately needed for someone to believe her, for someone to be on her side. I hope that by the end of this series, Jane can find some peace.

The way in which Raine told Jane's story, painted such a clear picture of her pain. Her torment, her heartbreak, and her isolation, it was consuming. The loneliness she felt broke my heart. This book had a visceral effect on me, it made my chest hurt and tears kept filling my eyes. She was so strong and so brave, and I loved her. She chose to fight and to keep telling her story, even if no one listened.

This story is incredibly complex. We are constantly being given so much information and misinformation, it’s impossible to know where the story will take us. Not only is the mystery fascinating but the effect that it has on the characters is too.

With Silas, we have an entirely different aspect of the story. While he complicates matters, he also simultaneously simplifies them as well. The attraction these two share for one another is unmistakable, the problem is, neither wants it. Silas’ allegiance lies with Drew and while he may be protecting Jane, he doesn’t necessarily believe her either. As they grow closer, we begin to see a different side to both of them. I felt lighter, like I could breathe. Unfortunately, nothing good ever lasts and Jane’s story is far from over.

In a story full of manipulation, deception, and intrigue, I was desperate for answers. Intense and complicated, I couldn’t put this book down. In addition to the storyline and characters, Raine’s writing was at its best. The beautiful writing and almost poetic prose, enveloped me, further drawing me into the story. Now I am left, dangling from the edge, dying for more.

[Paula Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before reading this series, you will need to read the Harmless Trilogy if you haven't yet. At the end of the Harmless Trilogy, we read as Lindsay finally got her revenge on the three guys who had raped, tortured and videotaped her five years earlier. We also learned that Anya - Jane's mother was supposedly working with Nolan - the opposition and had played a part in this sick and twisted game. Now with Anya dead, everyone is pointing fingers at Jane - Anya's daughter. The thing is Jane is innocent, yes she did some things she wasn't proud of but she did it to save Lindsay, not harm her. Now Jane is under the protection of Senator Bosworth's Secret service agent Silas Gentian. Somebody definitely wants her to be seen as guilty, but as Jane gets closer to the truth. She discovers that like the three men, the three supposed friends were blackmailed and now one of the moments after talking to Jane about it is dead. The ending leaves on the reveal of who Jane's father is and Lindsay's maternity and paternity parents. I have to admit I did see this coming, but the book finishes on a cliffhanger and now that the truth is revealed I wonder what way the book will go as we learn one of the girls is Senator Bosworth's and the other a mystery.

[Dora Koutsoukou · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ❤️❤️❤️❤️✨✨✨✨s‼️‼️

[Lisabet Sarai · Rating 3 out of 5]

Officially, Jane Borokov has been cleared of all charges. There’s no firm evidence that she betrayed her best friend Lindsey into the hands of the gang who brutally raped her, or that Jane was directly responsible for the murders that followed. That doesn’t matter in today’s world of social media, trolls and yellow journalism. The world is convinced that she’s guilty as sin. She receives daily threats of death, and worse. She has been forced to go underground, giving up her home and her career, changing her appearance, and acquiescing to constant surveillance. Lindsey’s father and her mom’s former employer, senator and presidential candidate Harry Bosworth, has provided her with money and protection, in the form of ex-military hunk Silas Gentian. Once upon a time – before she became the ultimate pariah – Jane had thought there might be some chemistry between her and Silas. Now, it’s clear that her bodyguard and minder distrusts and despises her. That’s just one more pain she has to bear.

A Shameless Little Con by Meli Raine offers a darkly suspenseful look into the world of dirty politics and shadow governments. There’s a hint of romance, but the attraction between Jane and Silas is not consummated. Mostly, this book is about being haunted, and hunted, a victim of circumstances turned into a villain by the media and a liability to be eliminated by those truly responsible.

I had very mixed feelings about this novel. On the positive side, Meli Raine excels at evoking Jane’s desperate emotional state and how that is tied to her physical sensations. I could feel Jane’s loneliness, despair and horror. On the other hand, my reactions became increasingly muted because so much of the book, narrated from deep first person POV, focuses on how awful Jane feels. Even the worst trauma becomes less poignant through repetition.

The events leading up to Jane’s plight are hopelessly complicated and confusing. I had to wonder whether the author had really thought about the circumstances when plotting the book, or whether she was making it up as she went along. Two instances of gang rape, several years apart; imprisonment of the victim in a sham psychiatric institution; burner phones, pay offs and blackmail; murder and car bombs; it was just too much for me to grasp (and I am generally considered to be pretty smart).

I’d hoped things would become clearer as the book progressed, but exactly the opposite occurred. The situation becomes progressively more murky, except in the relationship between Jane and Silas, where some trust does develop. Still, I kept reading, liking Jane and wanting her to get some justice. Alas, the book ends with a brazen cliffhanger that will definitely anger some readers (as evidenced by some of the reviews on Amazon).

Meli Raine writes well. She creates vivid characters, knowing how to pick out one or two details that will quickly and clearly delineate their personalities. I particularly enjoyed the sassy octogenarian artist Alice Mogrett, at whose home Jane finds some temporary sanctuary. However, the author doesn’t seem to understand the classic narrative arc. The book is a series of violent and disturbing episodes – just one damn thing after another – with no climax and no resolution. As a reader I felt cheated out of the satisfaction that should come with the end of a book.

I’ll admit that I’m still curious about what really happened, whether Jane will finally be free from the cloud hanging over her, whether she and Silas will ever actually make love. But I’m not curious enough to buy the next book in the series, because I’m all too aware that I might be disappointed.

[Debra Johnson]

Purch Amazon Aug. 8, 2018

[Suey_Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

***Received an Advanced Readers Copy during a blog tour hosted by Give Me Books Promotions in exchange for an honest review***

I feel like my heart has been ripped from my chest and stomped on. Literally I am an emotional wreck after reading A Shameless Little Con. I previously read the Harmless Series, LOVED it, couldn't pull my eyes from that kick ass trilogy, so obviously signing up for this was a no brainier in my book. 

Absolutely killer, just phenomenal start to a new trilogy. my heart is still pounding from the possibilities. 

 I will give a quick disclaimer before I dive in - The Shameless Trilogy is Jane Borokov’s story in paired with Silas. So obviously a romance of sorts, but that isn't the disclaimer. Even though you can definitely read this trilogy as a standalone, it is fierce, fantastically paced novel with stunning character dynamics and twists in a web of drama that is a true page turner however if you have not read Harmless prior, I personally recommend you stop and read that trilogy first. Again, Shameless trilogy is about Jane but it is a domino plot from her friend Lindsay Bosworth who starred in Harmless Trilogy with Drew. It really feeds into the plot beautifully and honestly you will be missing out if you skip, that cliffhanger in A Harmless Little Plan was goryhell delicious and really sets a tone going into A Shameless Little Con... Think of it as a continuation trilogy honestly, but again you can read it without going backwards but I HIGHLY recommend you do.

Alighty then... comrades - crime scene tape tampered, we're going in.

A Shameless Little Con is told from one perspective - Jane. Jane is surrounded by a web of deceit, life threatening mutiny, and one hell of a soap opera. As the heroine she is a badass in every right. She has this thick as knives personality, battling with her emotions of the swirling drama and media around her, trying to claim her innocence while really being in such a vulnerable state, really no one really allows her to be strong. But she is. She has her broken moments, she has her weak moments and for that she is so believable as a fictional female that she was a breath of fresh air. There was one scene in particular that stuck out to me, when everyone basically had her backed into a corner, trying to make her feel inferior I screamed at the book: WHY NOT LET HER DIE THEN IF YOU ARE ALL BLAMING HER... and what did she do? She fucking said it. Jane was beautifully broken and yet she was this captivating woman who was going to take over the world, she was innocent and I cannot wait for that moment.

Silas on the other hand irked me, but not unjustified yet I swoon for him. Silas is assigned to Jane as her bodyguard, he treats her with enough respect that he is paid to do - not allowing her to be killed, but honestly he is a complete asshole. He looks down on her like she is garbage. Again, no one deserves this treatment, but he wasn't entirely in the wrong. He believed everyone over this girl and why not, the media really played a huge factor in pointing the blame, and he believed Jane was apart of the team that aided in the kidnapping of Lindsay. 

Eventually as the plot thickens, Jane and Silas are thrown at one another, this of course leads to him really starting to warm up to the idea that maybe Jane wasn't responsible. Obviously because this is a romance I have to dive into it just a smidge.... it was a delicious slow burn that still sends goosebumps down my arms. There really starts to build not on a romantic bond but a mutual level of respect and trust between them - like it is Silas and Jane against the world. And before you ask - no sex in this one kiddos, just some drool worthy groping with some sweet secret moments that make any girl go awe.

Aside from the obvious romance that is blooming, there are other HUGE factors that made this such an eye gauging read.... The drama levels were intense. Every chapter was filled with more lies, more deceit, and honestly at this point I am not entirely sure if Jane is innocent or hell who can actually be trusted. There are webs, twists and turns to the storyline that my head is still reeling. The secondary characters really play a pivotal role in the dynamics of both the overall development towards the plot (and closer to the truths...) but has a huge pull on how the main characters interact towards one another.

It is one domino puzzle piece after another, falling round and round the rabbit hole is never ending. Just maybe we will learn the truth - what really happened? Who is really reasonable for the kidnapping of Lindsay and Jane? And who is behind everything now... Everyone is dropping like flies around Jane and I have an inkling what is going on but I know if anything from the Harmless series I am going to be dead wrong - it will be so much more. 

Oh my lanta I cannot stop gushing. This was hands down one of the best heart pounding reads. It was beyond fast paced description, it consumed me. It was intense, it was complex and the depth of each twist and turn was stunning. Raine really lives up to all my expectations when I read her books. A Shameless Little Con is just the tip of the iceberg, I can feel it. She has completely beguiled me - heart and soul. 

...This is me walking away now - see you in A Shameless Little Lie! 

[Liv · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

OMG!!! A book hangover of a different kind. My mind can't stop spinning and thinking about this story – especially the ending and what it means for the rest of the series.

First off, if you haven't read the Harmless Series yet, I'd suggest you do that first because it's an awesome series and the Shameless Series is somewhat a continuation of it in the grand scheme of things which would spoil you Lindsay's story if you plan on reading Harmless anyway. But you don’t necessarily need to have read it before this one because there’s enough explained in this book to get you caught up – almost too much for me, as I’ve read the Harmless Series and felt a bit like skimming to get through all the stuff I knew already (I didn't though, because on the other hand it was a nice little recap).

This new book is about Jane's life and the aftermath of all that happened so far to her, Lindsay and everyone else involved in the cat and mouse game, run by some unknown key player. It's definitely suspenseful with some twists and turns, and surprises you won't see coming.

'Do we really ever know anyone, though? Especially in this crazy political world.'

The Story:
Although Jane was officially cleared of all the accusations, people still didn't believe in her innocence. It also didn't stop them from hating and threatening her, which is why the senator had security assigned to her. Though why did he care so much about her? Was he just trying to control her like everybody else? To have her out of the way and to steer clear of any reputational damage she could do?

Jane lost everything. Her mother was dead, she had no friends, no job and no home. The few belongings she had were confiscated. She was guarded 24/7 and the only place she could be alone was in the bathroom. So much for being innocent and feeling like a chess piece being placed where she couldn't do any more damage and put wherever she was needed to be without questioning. Jane was treated like a lab rat, like the enemy, some worthless person not worth a glance or second thought when it came to her comfort. All she got was hateful stares and more questions she had no answers to.

'Pitchforks and torches are so twentieth century. Now you tar and feather people with a Share button and a Like.'

Thoughts:
I liked Jane a lot more than I've ever liked Lindsay, because she's more mature, which could stem from her very different upbringing in which she had more responsibility from early on and also had to fight her fights alone in society since her parents weren’t rich or powerful like all the other kids parents.
Contrary to Lindsay did Jane think first before she spoke, which on the other hand gave us a looooooot of thoughts from Jane in this book – since she also didn't really have anyone to talk to.

The book started out really good and had me captured for most of it, but between 10% to 60% the story had a slow progress and often felt a bit dragging because of Jane's endless thoughts about everything and nothing, which is why I couldn't give this book five stars, although I absolutely loved the last 40%. I was also slightly annoyed by how she was always on the go, taken back and forth all the time, which felt like turning in a circle for a while. Why not keep her close in one place easy accessible to save all that trouble of traveling around?!

So, what's to say about Silas?! Still waters run deep. Since he thought of Jane as the enemy, it took a long time for him to reveal something about himself. I actually enjoyed it a lot how he was Jane's tough, dangerous shadow and to see him slowly thaw to her when more evidence was revealed about her innocence.

'When everyone around you questions your motives, the only sane reaction is to question theirs.'

I felt so sorry about what Jane went through; the danger, the fact that no one believed her and everybody thought she's the enemy, all the threats she's receiving without having anyone to turn to. She was all alone after her mother died and she couldn't seem to get any chance of a normal life back with all the threats against her. All the pressure on her mind and body weren't healthy and like a ticking bomb waiting to explode because one can hold on just for so long without breaking.

'I didn't do it.
I never betrayed my friend.'

Biggest bitch on earth - if you've read the Harmless series - you know who I'm speaking of -> Monica. I didn't know that it was possible to hate her even more. She's a great character because she elicits so many emotions from me – all bad ones. *haha*

The ending wasn't a typical cliffhanger per se in my opinion, but it will definitely take you by surprise and have you wanting more.

Ultimately, I loved this book A LOT! and I can hardly await the release of book #2!!

*grabby hands* GIVE ME THE NEXT BOOK!!! NOW!!!! ... pretty please =P

-- I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book given by Give Me Books Promotions. --

[J. Dorner · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an okay book. I enjoyed some parts more than others. It wasn't exactly what I expected. There were some twists, but they were set up in such a way that I saw every one of them coming. (Or maybe it's because I'm a writer, so I know the setup?)

The book is listed as political fiction, which is a genre I don't often read. I would say it's more of a thriller or mystery. Except the mystery is not really solved by the end of the book. It leaves more questions than answers.

I would recommend this book to readers who like a mystery where they aren't sure how guilty or innocent anyone in the story is, and those who are okay with some adult content. (It mostly alludes to it.) But please know that it isn't wrapped up by the end of the first book. There is a tribulation in the book that includes a kidnapping and violent sexual encounter, which is referenced throughout the story in bits and pieces. That's a potential trigger for some readers. There are some romantic scenes that border on erotic. There are some fast-paced scenes. Mostly the book is just entertaining.

The book takes place in modern times and mentions the impact that social media has on our lives. One quote that I loved was "Now you tar and feather people with a Share button and a Like."

Then there are passages about living in isolation, going for long stretches without touching another human being. At the time I read this book, I knew what the author meant. But now, in today's world, a lot more of us can understand the feeling as well. (Thanks, Covid. 😟) I purchased this book on August 18, 2018, but started reading it in January, 2020.

The explanation of the words "shame" and "shameless," how they're insults to make someone seem less human, were really impressive. It also gave meaning to the title. The part about not being able to pee when stressed was very insightful. Descriptions of a rotary phone and cursive handwriting were funny, but also evidence that this story is aimed for a much younger audience than myself. (I'm Gen X. Not as old as a Boomer, not as young as a Millenial or Gen Z.)

I read this whole book hoping to find answers to the mystery (mostly why it happened, partly what exactly actually happened). I haven't decided if I'll read the other two books to figure it out. (There are quite a few books on my TBR that I want to read more.)

I'm not sure what byzantine details are, but suspect it's supposed to be bizarre details. I believe that Alice is the author's favorite character. She's certainly the most enjoyable one to read about. Alice's home was the only setting that really came alive for me. The book did have plenty of obstacles for the main character.

[Starfire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh. It's hard to know how to review this book.

On one hand, the writing was reasonable, if depressing, and I liked the main character's cynicism and clear grasp of psychology.

On the other, the impossible situation she was in just felt overwhelming, to the point I that I can't really say I enjoyed reading it.

And then the cliffhanger ending in which absolutely NOTHING from the book is resolved just annoyed the hell out of me. I seriously do not get the whole cliffhanger ending trend: I feel like, if you're going to tell a story, then tell a freaking story. Don't tell half a story and then force people to buy a second (and possibly third) book to figure out how anything ends.

It basically feels like a cheap way to manipulate people into buying more books, and it really makes me not want to give you any further money.

I'll admit, I did consider - briefly - grabbing the next book, but from the reviews, it looks like the story doesn't end there either. And honestly, I don't want to encourage the trend. So no. I'll just have to live with the disappointment of not knowing what happens.

Such is life - on to the next one.

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This page turning suspense story will hold you captive from beginning to end with a wild ride of emotions and plot twists. This is the first of a trilogy for the Shameless series. It is a spin off to the Harmless trilogy. It can be read as a standalone series, but I do recommend the Harmless series if you want the full background between Lindsay and Jane's friendship and the stress between them now. This book does have a cliffhanger and it is meant to be the first part of a full trilogy of books.

Jane has been rolled up in the scandal of Lindsay and Drew's sex victimization by a trio of male "friends" and the three female "friend" witnesses who back up that their part was voluntary and not a drug induced rape. Her mother was implicated as turning over Lindsay to the same trio for a second victimization, imprisoned and died while imprisoned. Jane is now the social pariah of the world. On every hate list and getting death threats by the dozens daily. She has been poked, prodded, investigated and found innocent by every alphabet government agency and committee you can think of. She is free, but followed every waking hour by guards for her own protection. Silas, in particular, is her in view all the time but bathroom breaks shadow. None of them believe she is innocent, public popular opinion doesn't believe she is innocent, Lindsay and Silas believe Drew, who is also certain she isn't innocent.

How does one live with all the shame of the world on her shoulders when she knows for a fact she really is innocent? How can you convince someone you didn't do something but to keep retelling your story hoping someone will believe? How can you live with never having any moment to yourself, no say in your own life or how it will go, the hatred of hundereds of thousands of people who have never even met you? When will a person crack under all that stress and just give in and quit trying to exonerate herself?

Follow this fast paced book through Jane's point of view. She has a whole lot to deal with and almost no way to get any answers she needs. Start it when you have some time though, I can guarantee you won't want to put it down.

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was three and a half stars raised to four. The heroine, Jane, is being protected twenty-four seven after numerous threats on her life. Years earlier her friend was violently raped by three classmates and Jane witnessed it. Spin leads everyone to believe that she was part of the plot. Her friend spends four years in a locked down psychiatric facility and was only released after her father, a Senator, started a run for the Presidency. Shortly thereafter the three rapists kidnapped her once again and were killed by them. Jane, once again, was made to look guilty. Now she is on the run with her bodyguard and trying to show the people closest to her that she is not what the spin says. There is lots of action and enough twists in the plot to keep the reader interested. This is the first in a series and does end with a cliff hanger however. Thanks to the author and publisher for an e-galley for an honest review.

[K D · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hadn't realized, until I started this book, that the Shameless Series was a sequel to the Harmless Series.

I thought Drew and Lindsay's attitudes towards Jane didn't make sense given how Harmless ended, and that they have had seven months to process. Eventually they came around, but their enmity felt forced, just to isolate Jane. Actually there were more places where the plot felt forced.. like why test Lindsay's paternity?? What was the motivation there, other than the telegraphed plot twist?

Nevertheless, I like the audiobook and am looking forward to the next book.
I imagine that Jane, Elias and Elias's niece will eventually form a nice little family.

[Kimberly Morehouse · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I was super excited to read this series after the previous one, this one was a continuation of the story. I liked seeing the aftermath of it all. What I didn't like was the unbelievably LONG internal monologues by the MC. It goes on and on and on. I actually ended up skipping a lot of it. The book could of and should of been shorter with the amount of actual events that took place. I was also annoyed with just how STUPID Jane was at times. Clearly her life is in danger yet she bucks everything all the time. It was too much at times. Narration is great.

[Cheryl Graham-Petit · Rating 5 out of 5]

O.M.G.! This book had me hooked from the get go. A Shameless Little Con is filled with twists, danger, suspense, mystery, turmoil, betrayal, deceit... everything I love in a book.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Full review to come.

[Susan Ash hanson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great, lots of drama

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good escapist romance, with intrigue and secrets. You can always rely on Meli Rainevto deliver a great story with characters that you actually care about

[Angy · Rating 1 out of 5]

It's actually funny that the title of this book is how I feel about it. It's shameless ploy authors use cliffhangers to get readers to buy more books. EVERYTHING about this book is a cliffhanger, it starts in what feels like I've missed 1/2 of the back story, then it just stops. I maybe wouldn't be as irritated about this cliffhanger if I didn't know that book # 2 ends on a cliffhanger as well. Ridiculous. I wish authors would just combine the story in one and charge more for the book.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc review for honest review. Silas is protecting Jane after threats are being carried out against her .she felt as if she is a small Pawn in a very big picture and they should just have their way with her but Silas will not let harm come to her 10 stars..

[Sassy Southern Book Blog · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Shamless Little Con (Shameless #1) by Meli Raine

The world hates Jane, and I don't mean as in the "woe is me, she's having a bad day" kind. I meant literally...the world. For the past six months, Jane has been arrested, interrogated, treated like trash, reviled, and made to feel as if she's nothing. She's already been tried and found guilty in the eyes of everyone, even those she once considered friends. Her claims of innocence scoffed at, even though they're true, except she can prove that yet because someone else will make that decision. Until then, Jane will continue to suffer in silence, hiding her emotions, mentally screaming how unfair everything is, and all this while mourning her mom, Anya, the only parent she's ever known, the woman who was found guilty of turning Lindsay, Jane's friend and a senator's, Anya's long-time boss, daughter, to the bad guys.

Even Silas, Jane's new bodyguard as of three days ago, is repulsed by her, believing her guilty. Jane is close to the edge of her sanity and knows she needs to escape before she permanently loses herself. When she's shown an ounce of kindness, and from Lindsay no less, the hope that ignites in her heart, while tiny, is enough to keep her going.

When it seems Jane is finally getting through to Silas about her innocence, and a mutual sexual charge seems to glow between them, any peace Jane may have found is destroyed when Silas is informed new "information" implicates Jane.

As Jane's situation results in her and Silas being in constant close proximity to one another, the attraction they both feel becomes harder to resist, as does the feeling for Silas that Jane truly is innocent. Which would mean not only does she deserve a huge apology, but that she's also a victim.

Will Jane's name ever be cleared? Will she ever get her life back even if it is? Was Jane's mother innocent as well? Who set them up and why? What will happen between her and Silas? Could they possibly find something worthwhile throughout all this tragedy? Who is behind everything that's happened?

One-click now and follow along as two people, brought together by less than ideal circumstances, discover some times silver linings do exist.- By Elizabeth

[Up All Night With Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars
Review by Sasha
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night w/ Books Blog

Meli Raine delivers an action-packed, sarcastically funny, heart racing novel with a wonderfully delightful romance at the center of it all with A Shameless Little Con.

Jane Borokov’s life has been turned upside down ever since news broke of her mother’s involvement in the Lindsey Bosworth case; the case in which her mother played an instrumental part in allowing Jane’s best friend and daughter of a US senator to be violently raped on live television. New evidence has been released that implies that Jane had something to do with helping her mother. She’s innocent, but no one will believe her. Who would when the entire world would rather have someone to place the blame on than attempt to find forgiveness. Even her bodyguard, Silas, who is sworn to protect her life at all cost can’t look at her like she’s a real person.

As the number of attacks on her life and nasty looks Jane receives increase, the harder it is for her to keep her mask on. She’s barely functioning as it is and would only take so little for her to truly break down. She seeks the comfort of another kind person to remind her that she’s human, that she does deserve the chance to have a normal life again. Through all the trauma that revolves around this case, Jane slowly breaks through Silas’s hard exterior. He seems to warm up to her, in a way that is most definitely not professional. Silas starts to see the real person that is hidden so deeply behind the gossip and the rumors. Jane slowly opens her heart up to Silas, and he does the same, in hopes of letting this small spark they have between the two of them grow into something more. Just when they might be finding a good place, new information comes in that shatters Jane’s already fragile world.

I give this 5 out of 5 stars. Your heart aches as you watch Jane attempt to build herself back together and faces the world at its harshest. I couldn’t put this book down and had my fingers itching to get the next two in the series. The cliffhanger that it leaves you on is horribly fantastic, and left me gasping for breath and another chapter.

**Copy provided for honest review**

[Romance Between The Sheets · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Shameless Little Con picks up months after The Harmless Series ends.

Having read and loved The Harmless series, I still had lingering questions and thoughts floating from that completion.  I was not ready to leave Lindsay and Drew so am very happy they play pivotal roles in Jane’s personal story.

Jane was one character that left me with many questions hanging over her and also personally Monica Bosworth the Senators Wife and Lindsay’s mother.  Monica is as vicious as ever in this first installment of this trilogy.

So many secrets and such mystery surround Jane and her mother and their connection to the political arena.  Upon the first few chapters, I was on Jane’s side wanting to support her.  This story spans just a few days as so much is happening with threats against Jane and also other members of the Bosworth group.

A Shameless Little Con finishes at a particular moment that will totally change the course of Jane’s story going forward.  Silas’s personal story with Kelly is heartbreaking and I hope my wishes come true for a future with Jane as there is a slow burn of attraction building.

Senator Bosworth does not make much of an impact in this installment as he is busy running for President.  I remain with many unanswered questions about Senator Nolan Corning and those three boys.  I have suspicions about his motives now considering the ending of this installment.

It is such a riveting read with drama, secrets, and emotions.  I felt such exhaustion for Jane to be continually alert to threats from inside and outside of the Bosworth arena.

This book briefly at the start rehashes major parts of the Harmless Trilogy.  To really get into the political backstory and drama I highly recommend reading The Harmless Trilogy first.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Wow! Those are the first words that came to my mind as I was reading this new book by Meli Raine. This is the first book in her new Shameless series so if you expect it to end on the last page that is not going to happen. It will end with a cliff hanger and boy did it! I was not prepared for how it did in fact end and I knew going in that would not be finished with this book! I started this book on Thursday evening and finished it on Friday I could not stop reading, it was just so good! This series starts about 6 months after the Harmless series ended ( which was an excellent series). We see a lot of the characters from that series here as well! I was so glad to see Lindsay and Drew but this is Jane and Silas story. We even see Lindsay's awful mother Monica and she is still as evil as ever! This series focus is on Jane and her quest to prove that she had nothing to do with what happened to Lindsay. She is determined to prove to all of those doubters that she is telling the truth and as of now only her friend and former teacher Alice believes her! This book has many twists that I didn't see coming! It has some sweet moments, sad moments, funny moments along with some hot and oh no that did not happen moments. I can not wait to read the next book in this series to see what happens next to Jane and if she and Silas get closer( I so do hope so!) I want to thank Meli Raine for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. I already have pre-ordered this and will happily add it to my e-book library.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It Just Gets Better and Better

I loved Meli Raine's Harmless trilogy and this first book of the Shameless trilogy continues my absolute appreciation for this author's ability to completely involve you in her stories.

This is actually a continuation of the story begun in the Harmless series. The storyline and all the characters are the same. The primary difference is that while the Harmless books dwell on Lindsay and Drew's story, this switches the main protagonists to Jane and Silas.

The only con I can raise is that this is Book 1 of another trilogy and it ends on a cliffhanger. If you don't like that scenario, my best advice is to save/wish list this first book until June 2018 when the final book is scheduled to be released and then read the entire trilogy without interruption. In the meantime, if you haven't yet read the Harmless trilogy (which is complete), absolutely read those stories first. Although I imagine there is enough background in this book that you can get a Cliff Notes understanding of the background, it's so much better having read the entire set.

And a plea to those of you who trash review individual books in a series because they are not standalone, STOP IT (or at least give the book the star value it deserves). You do a great disservice to potential readers who look to reviews to decide whether to read the book(s). And that's the only reason to write reviews - to help others to make informed decisions.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man this book is a page turner.  I could not put it down.  Jane Borokov is a train wreck.  Her life is in the dumps that is for sure.  Accused of a crime she did not commit and tore apart by the social media, Jane is trying to put her life back together.  Everyone is against her.  "Shame, Shame Shame" She is evicted and fired from her job, all because of who she is.  What will she do?  The government now controls her every move and her life is in jeopardy.  

I hear read that you should read the Harmless series by Meli Raine before this series, but I  did not.  I hear that Jane is from that series and that this is a continuation from her story.  I did not feel lost at all when reading this book.  You get enough info to keep you informed.  But hey if you feel froggy then read those first.

This book is a thriller of epic proportions,  Jane deals with a lot of crap.  Honestly I don't know how she is hanging on.  I would have just gave up.  This book has some deep-seated emotions in it and crazy twisted plot lines.  With an oh shit! ending that leaves you hanging and wanting more.   This book flow smooth and at a steady pace that did not leave me bored for one second. 

I really enjoyed this thrilling drama driven book.  This first book, in the trilogy, grabs your attention and you can't help but become invested in the end game.  I have already started on book 2 A Shameless Little Lie.  So get your copy today.

[Michelle Farrelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series picks up after the events with Lindsay & Drew but only it's focusing on the events after and Jane is the main character.

For the last 7 months, Jane has been held for question my all the government agencies, CIA, FBI etc., to answer all questions which led to Lindsay being kidnapped again and Drew being framed and to help piece together the events that happened 5 years ago which led to Lindsay's gang rape.

Jane's life is in danger and is constantly being threatened. She has her own body guard which Drew assigned to her; Silas. Jane is public enemy No. 1 and Silas works to keep her safe.

The first attempt on her life was blowing up her car, the second was when one of the 3 friends reaches out to Jane to talk and look for help and also fills in quite a few blanks which are shocking only to find her dead in the pubs bathroom 10 mins later.

As the events unfold, Silas begins to soften toward Jane and starts to car about her instead of being emotionless. Silas is also dealing with some family drama and finds out his sister has died from a drug overdose and his 5 year old niece is in police custody. Jane helps with Kelly.

Events lead to a paternity and maternity test being done on both Jane and Lindsay. Shocking turn of events, Lindsay is not Senator Henry's daughter but Jane is and both had no clue but Lindsay's mother Monica did and was one of the reasons she hates Jane so much.