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There's no escape for me. I'm tied to some of the scariest men in Chicago. Bound so tight I'll never get free.
Sin and pleasure. Crime and power. They give as much as they take. They mark me as one of their own.
I'll do anything to survive, except bring Luke down with me. I won't taint him. I won't ruin the one good man I've ever met. I won't turn him into a dirty cop.
Except he refuses to let me go.
Author's Note: DIRTY is a dark new adult romantic suspense novella in the Chicago Underground series. This part was previously published in Selling Out by Amber Lin.
Books in the Chicago Underground series:
1. Rough
2. Hard
3. Fierce
4. Wild
5. Dirty
6. Secret
7. Sweet
145 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 7, 2015
62 people are currently reading
852 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
July 10, 2015
One half saint the other part sinner! Shelly....Shelly...Shelly, such an enigma. Who is this courageous young woman rescuing girls off the streets? Why does she continuously place herself between predators and those who'll destroy her? I've been asking myself these questions since book four, "Wild" and I'm still no closer unraveling the truth. Philip makes me nauseous, his interests in Ella are revolting. No shape, no how do I trust the deceptive man. Luke makes me crazy, just when I think I have him all figured out his character's personality changes. Like he has his own agenda. Damn intense emotional read, five stars all the way, baby! Enjoy.
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September 10, 2019Wild Dirty Secret (Chicago Underground #4-6) is on sale for $0.99 (regular price $5.99) on Amazon US today (9/10/2019)💞
July 15, 2015
A tale of survival and revenge. In this second part, Shelley discovers horrible secrets about her past and has to take action in order to save Ella, her protegé, and herself. Tremendous risks that show how resilient and brave and committed she is to saving someone if she cannot save herself. I absolutely loved her impossible, ill-fated relationship with Luke, who wakes up tender parts inside her that she finds unworthy of him.
They share beautifully sad and hopeful moments. They descend together to the dark underbelly of the prostitution beast, poking it, discovering the lost pieces. How I loved the way they yield to each other, with such poignant narrative and harsh, yet sensitive inner world.
This is full of suspense, secrets, powerful connections, fascinating eroticism, and a sad cliffhanger that pushes you to need the rest of the story like oxygen.
Favourite Quotes: A man in love is a beautiful thing, even if he wasn't in love with me.
I would rather burn up in the sun than fall in the grit of the earth.
They share beautifully sad and hopeful moments. They descend together to the dark underbelly of the prostitution beast, poking it, discovering the lost pieces. How I loved the way they yield to each other, with such poignant narrative and harsh, yet sensitive inner world.
This is full of suspense, secrets, powerful connections, fascinating eroticism, and a sad cliffhanger that pushes you to need the rest of the story like oxygen.
Favourite Quotes: A man in love is a beautiful thing, even if he wasn't in love with me.
I would rather burn up in the sun than fall in the grit of the earth.
February 16, 2016
This series is giving me all the feels. I love Shelly, I think she has become my favorite book heroine. No matter how many times life knocks her down, she gets back up fighting. Shelly does not want your sympathy though, and I don't feel sorry for her, I'm rooting for her to make it. And Shelly is funny too, her self-deprecating humor and the way she deflects with sexual innuendo makes her that much more endearing. Oh and Luke, sweet, gentle, beautiful Luke, total swoon-worthy leading man. He says the sweetest, most honest things to Shelly, and every time he does it's like a balm to her broken soul. This is a raw and gritty story, but so beautiful at the same time.
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July 8, 2015Shelly and Luke's story continues in Dirty.
Make sure you have tissues ready because you will need them.
once I started this book I could not put it down.
Make sure you have tissues ready because you will need them.
once I started this book I could not put it down.
July 26, 2015
and now I'm going to be bleary eyed at work tomorrow because I cannot not read the next book!!!
March 12, 2016
Hooker...
I can't seem to get enough of these two... I can't wait to find out how it all end for Shelly and Luke.
I can't seem to get enough of these two... I can't wait to find out how it all end for Shelly and Luke.
May 21, 2016
Another great book. Now I can't wait to read the next one
October 11, 2023
The summary of these installments doesn’t do anything to give you a real sense of what the story is about – but….at least you know that you’re going to continue on the exciting journey that Shelly is going on to figure out what her future holds and what drove her into the life that she’s in now, and how she can get out.
We were last with her in the previous installment, watching as she ran to Philip for protection with Ella in the hopes of figuring out who’s behind setting them up and how to get free from Henri. What we have in this second book is the complexities that come with our detective friend Luke and how he and Shelly can never be too far from each other. She uses him to find information, he uses her for his own personal reasons. They both think that they aren’t worthy of one another, but as a result of that fear, we get to see how they open up and learn more about what brought them to the point they are in life.
Earlier, Shelly learned from Jade that Luke was looking for another girl – and that put her on edge. Made her think that any connection and feelings that she felt coming from him weren’t genuine, and that she was a substitute. What we learn in this story is that the other girl is in fact his sister – and shew as taken into the life by Henri and he fears she’s dead since it’s been so many years. He sees things in Shelly that he wants to protect, but what he feels is a strong attraction that he knows will break both of them. He wants to get Shelly out of the lifestyle, but at the same time, he has this vendetta that he needs to fulfill before anything can happen.
We find ourselves in a scenario where they go undercover to learn more information and risk their safety. Then they go to a safehouse that Luke has in the hopes of planning their next moves. There’s so much uncertainty about what will come next and we’re left at the point of the story where information that Shelly had that she held back may come to break up their dynamic. So on that note, off we go to the final installment of the trilogy and I can’t wait to see if they track down Henri, figure out where Daisy is, get Ella back to the life she should have had and figure out themselves
We were last with her in the previous installment, watching as she ran to Philip for protection with Ella in the hopes of figuring out who’s behind setting them up and how to get free from Henri. What we have in this second book is the complexities that come with our detective friend Luke and how he and Shelly can never be too far from each other. She uses him to find information, he uses her for his own personal reasons. They both think that they aren’t worthy of one another, but as a result of that fear, we get to see how they open up and learn more about what brought them to the point they are in life.
Earlier, Shelly learned from Jade that Luke was looking for another girl – and that put her on edge. Made her think that any connection and feelings that she felt coming from him weren’t genuine, and that she was a substitute. What we learn in this story is that the other girl is in fact his sister – and shew as taken into the life by Henri and he fears she’s dead since it’s been so many years. He sees things in Shelly that he wants to protect, but what he feels is a strong attraction that he knows will break both of them. He wants to get Shelly out of the lifestyle, but at the same time, he has this vendetta that he needs to fulfill before anything can happen.
We find ourselves in a scenario where they go undercover to learn more information and risk their safety. Then they go to a safehouse that Luke has in the hopes of planning their next moves. There’s so much uncertainty about what will come next and we’re left at the point of the story where information that Shelly had that she held back may come to break up their dynamic. So on that note, off we go to the final installment of the trilogy and I can’t wait to see if they track down Henri, figure out where Daisy is, get Ella back to the life she should have had and figure out themselves
May 14, 2017
A cop and a prostitute. He needed an informant and she just needed him. Now that he no longer needs her they still can't let go of each other.
Shelley is finding out that the path she has been on may have been constructed by her father. Luke is searching for the sister that vanished when she was twelve years old.
Shelley is picking up girls and getting them out of the life that she wants out of. Is Luke the good cop he portrays or does he have a dark side that he will use to get what he wants?
This book is really dragging about enlightening the reader as to what is going on. This is the fifth book and I am still confused about a lot of stuff. I never felt like questions were answered in the first the books about Colin and Allie. An easy quick read is the only good I can say about it at this point.
Shelley is finding out that the path she has been on may have been constructed by her father. Luke is searching for the sister that vanished when she was twelve years old.
Shelley is picking up girls and getting them out of the life that she wants out of. Is Luke the good cop he portrays or does he have a dark side that he will use to get what he wants?
This book is really dragging about enlightening the reader as to what is going on. This is the fifth book and I am still confused about a lot of stuff. I never felt like questions were answered in the first the books about Colin and Allie. An easy quick read is the only good I can say about it at this point.
April 2, 2019
Darkly Enticing
I gave this book 5 stars because it was good from beginning to end. (beginning picks up where book 4 Wild leaves off, so I suggest you start with book 1 Rough) The darkness of the world they meet in; Luke, the cop and Shelly his informant.... a prostitute. The little light that flickers in that world?......Their attraction! He's on a mission to find someone and help her along the way and she's determined to push him away regardless of what she feels for him. The makings of a damn good love story.
I gave this book 5 stars because it was good from beginning to end. (beginning picks up where book 4 Wild leaves off, so I suggest you start with book 1 Rough) The darkness of the world they meet in; Luke, the cop and Shelly his informant.... a prostitute. The little light that flickers in that world?......Their attraction! He's on a mission to find someone and help her along the way and she's determined to push him away regardless of what she feels for him. The makings of a damn good love story.
October 19, 2017
This series is so well written. It paints such sadness but there's still a glimmer of hope. I just kept rereading some sentences because it was so poetic. I love Shelly. She just wants to be free and that's all I want for her too. And she cares so deeply for the people around her. I can't tell if Luke deserves her loyalty, he's too mysterious, I honestly can't tell what he's thinking. I'm excited for the next book now, hopefully she'll get some happiness.
October 24, 2017
A Very Well Written Story
Another amazing story. This Chicago Underground Stories have been a very well written story. The storytelling is very good and I was hooked from book one. Now, I must know how it all ends.. Cliffhangers are not my favorite, but once you are hooked, you are hooked.
Another amazing story. This Chicago Underground Stories have been a very well written story. The storytelling is very good and I was hooked from book one. Now, I must know how it all ends.. Cliffhangers are not my favorite, but once you are hooked, you are hooked.
April 28, 2019
Nothing really new to say. I could just repeat my old review.
I appreciate SHelly as a character and her trying to get away from her life as a prostitute. I kind of fail to see Luke as this good cop who is so swoon worthy though... Maybe that will change.
I appreciate SHelly as a character and her trying to get away from her life as a prostitute. I kind of fail to see Luke as this good cop who is so swoon worthy though... Maybe that will change.
September 27, 2017
Great series. Intriguing storyline with lots of suspense. Dynamic characters.
July 8, 2019
3.5 stars. Starting to warm up to Shelly a little bit; glad she's showing a tiny bit of vulnerability. Also glad that this book is more focused on her and Luke.
August 8, 2020
The drive to save Ella was a bit of a stretch for me but it did bring the characters together in a nice way and it did allow for them to develop.
March 16, 2024
This was definitely better than the first book. She doesn't know shit about plots or believability or continuity, but there were some really funny scenes in this and some really beautiful lines.
May 20, 2025
I lost this book from my Kindle library. I wanted to read it again
October 19, 2016
Shelly and Luke keep fighting their attraction. Until they can't fight it any more.
Shelly and Luke set out and go undercover to try and get information on Henri (her old pimp who is out to get her). The go to the club and end up in the bathroom where Luke does dirty things to her. After they leave the bathroom they go into a room and he starts talking to one of the dealers in there.
They are trying to find out information and one of the girls speaks up about Claire (Ella) that guy sends her to the bathroom to get cleaned up. Luke sends Shelly into the bathroom with her to try and get some information from that girl about Claire and Henri. She tells Shelly about where Henri is supposed to be hiding. Shelly does not tell Luke right away because she wants a little more time with him.
Jade had already told Shelly that Luke was looking for a girl, and Shelly thought it was someone whom he was in love with. When Shelly comes out of the bathroom they were in a conversation and it turns sour as the guy wants to give Luke information in exchange for some time with Shelly. Luke says hell no and asks how would he know he even knew the girl and he said that she was a natural blonde and Luke lost it. He starting beating on the guy and before Shelly could say anything Todd (the guy he was beating) grabbed the gun he had hid in his back. Luke stepped back and Todd told him to get out and never come back.
Luke takes them to a cabin he has that is like a safe house. They spend some time and Shelly knows she should tell Luke what that girl said but like always she is selfish and wants as much time with Luke as she can get. She is scared of what will happen when they find Henri and she wondered if she would ever see him again.
Things ended up getting very heated in that cabin and she finally got her wish. She got Luke. He gave her everything and she gave everything back. The moment was interrupted by the ringing of his cell phone. She tried to get him to just stay here and asked what was going to happen after they find Henri and he said he didn't know but they had to find him first. She told him she knew where he was supposed to be and Luke became pissed that she had not told him before now. He saw the selfishness in her at that moment. His phone rang again and he left her to answer it.
What will happen with Luke and Shelly? Will she get in touch with her wants and let go of her past? Or will she just self destruct? Time to find out in the next book and the final installment of Luke and Shelly's story in Secret.
Shelly and Luke set out and go undercover to try and get information on Henri (her old pimp who is out to get her). The go to the club and end up in the bathroom where Luke does dirty things to her. After they leave the bathroom they go into a room and he starts talking to one of the dealers in there.
They are trying to find out information and one of the girls speaks up about Claire (Ella) that guy sends her to the bathroom to get cleaned up. Luke sends Shelly into the bathroom with her to try and get some information from that girl about Claire and Henri. She tells Shelly about where Henri is supposed to be hiding. Shelly does not tell Luke right away because she wants a little more time with him.
Jade had already told Shelly that Luke was looking for a girl, and Shelly thought it was someone whom he was in love with. When Shelly comes out of the bathroom they were in a conversation and it turns sour as the guy wants to give Luke information in exchange for some time with Shelly. Luke says hell no and asks how would he know he even knew the girl and he said that she was a natural blonde and Luke lost it. He starting beating on the guy and before Shelly could say anything Todd (the guy he was beating) grabbed the gun he had hid in his back. Luke stepped back and Todd told him to get out and never come back.
Luke takes them to a cabin he has that is like a safe house. They spend some time and Shelly knows she should tell Luke what that girl said but like always she is selfish and wants as much time with Luke as she can get. She is scared of what will happen when they find Henri and she wondered if she would ever see him again.
Things ended up getting very heated in that cabin and she finally got her wish. She got Luke. He gave her everything and she gave everything back. The moment was interrupted by the ringing of his cell phone. She tried to get him to just stay here and asked what was going to happen after they find Henri and he said he didn't know but they had to find him first. She told him she knew where he was supposed to be and Luke became pissed that she had not told him before now. He saw the selfishness in her at that moment. His phone rang again and he left her to answer it.
What will happen with Luke and Shelly? Will she get in touch with her wants and let go of her past? Or will she just self destruct? Time to find out in the next book and the final installment of Luke and Shelly's story in Secret.
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August 1, 2015Shelly is a very tough heroine. She doesn't want your pity. Yes, she is a hooker and she has done something things she isn't proud of, but Shelly is a survivor. In Dirty, she learns a lot about her past and that she might not have ended up in her position by accident. Shelly teams up with Luke to go undercover to to track down Henri. Shelly wants him dead and gone. She knows that this is the only way she will ever be free of him. Many of Luke's secrets are revealed in this part of their story. We also learn more about Luke's background and why he became a cop.
If you are a fan of Skye Warren, this is a book that you will enjoy. This is a different type of dark romance. This story's darkness comes from the lives of the two main characters in Shelly and Luke. They both have had a tough life and are still living the lives that those pasts have given them. The sex, while not as dark as some of her other work, is still written very well and with a lot of passion. This series is written as a group of serials, with this being the middle part of the second story. I'm very excited to share the details of the final story of Shelly and Luke.
**Book was provided to me by the author. This review is my opinion and was not requested or provoked in anyway by the author.
Book One, ROUGH, is a FREE ebook at most major retailers at time of posting.
If you are a fan of Skye Warren, this is a book that you will enjoy. This is a different type of dark romance. This story's darkness comes from the lives of the two main characters in Shelly and Luke. They both have had a tough life and are still living the lives that those pasts have given them. The sex, while not as dark as some of her other work, is still written very well and with a lot of passion. This series is written as a group of serials, with this being the middle part of the second story. I'm very excited to share the details of the final story of Shelly and Luke.
**Book was provided to me by the author. This review is my opinion and was not requested or provoked in anyway by the author.
Book One, ROUGH, is a FREE ebook at most major retailers at time of posting.
February 9, 2016
This is the fifth book in the Chicago Underground series. You do need to read the previous books. They are quick, novellas though. This is Shelly's second book.
Dirty starts right where the previous book left off at. Shelly is starting to learn about how she became a hooker. Yes, she thought it was to help Allie, but other truths are coming out now also.
She is confused, she has feelings for Luke, but doesn't know how to handle it.
Luke is a cop and she's a hooker. Like that could ever work. Right?
I feel their connection a little more than Allie and Colin. But it's still not there for me all the way. I do like Shelly's sass and her smart mouth, but it's all just a cover.
I would have loved for the book to be told from both Luke and Shelly's point of view.
Still a good read. Now to start the next book.
Dirty starts right where the previous book left off at. Shelly is starting to learn about how she became a hooker. Yes, she thought it was to help Allie, but other truths are coming out now also.
She is confused, she has feelings for Luke, but doesn't know how to handle it.
Luke is a cop and she's a hooker. Like that could ever work. Right?
I feel their connection a little more than Allie and Colin. But it's still not there for me all the way. I do like Shelly's sass and her smart mouth, but it's all just a cover.
I would have loved for the book to be told from both Luke and Shelly's point of view.
Still a good read. Now to start the next book.
February 29, 2016
This isn't a stand-alone. You must at least start with book four for Shelly's story. She's also in the previous books for more back story.
I still wouldn't call these books dark, maybe gray. Everything that would constitute dark has been glossed over.
And the plot thickens..
Shelly and Luke are making more of a connection to each other. She's finally TRYING to be more herself with him, instead of always putting on an act. Don't worry she's still the selfish, cocky, Shelly she's been. She is just trying to make that effort for Luke.
We still have no clues on who Ella really is.
Luke has revealed the link to the missing girl he's been looking for.
This set of the box set (part two) is so much better where the plot, story and characters are concerned.
The writing still flows, and the grammar is flawless.
I would recommend this book.
I still wouldn't call these books dark, maybe gray. Everything that would constitute dark has been glossed over.
And the plot thickens..
Shelly and Luke are making more of a connection to each other. She's finally TRYING to be more herself with him, instead of always putting on an act. Don't worry she's still the selfish, cocky, Shelly she's been. She is just trying to make that effort for Luke.
We still have no clues on who Ella really is.
Luke has revealed the link to the missing girl he's been looking for.
This set of the box set (part two) is so much better where the plot, story and characters are concerned.
The writing still flows, and the grammar is flawless.
I would recommend this book.
April 20, 2016
We got to see a lot more into what Luke is about but I think he may be hiding even more...I'm also wondering just who Daisy is going to end up being IF she is still alive. I had a few ideas as to who it might be and I think and this is a big IF she is still alive I that I have figured out who it would be.
I was pretty ticked off at Luke near the end of this one because in Shelly's defense she had started to tell Luke about the girl in the bathroom and what she had told her but they ended up both getting distracted.
I'm interested to see how this all will pan out...and I have definitely liked Shelly and Luke's story the best so far...that is until I get to Philip because I just know he will be my favorite.
I was pretty ticked off at Luke near the end of this one because in Shelly's defense she had started to tell Luke about the girl in the bathroom and what she had told her but they ended up both getting distracted.
I'm interested to see how this all will pan out...and I have definitely liked Shelly and Luke's story the best so far...that is until I get to Philip because I just know he will be my favorite.
July 14, 2015
Dirty picks up right where Wild left off. Shelly is a very strong woman trying to protect the ones she loves and help save other girls from the life. Luke teams up with Shelly to go undercover and try to get information on Henri's location. Shelly and Luke start getting even closer and Luke opens up about who the girl is that he is searching for. I was so happy to see their relationship move forward. This book has a big cliffhanger so make sure you have "Secret" ready to go. I am really loving this series! "This was gifted to me for an honest review"
December 11, 2016
3 Star Read:
It has many redeeming qualities. The characters were likable at best neutral at worst. The writing was much better than expected. I developed an interest that withstood to the end. The plot was nice, somewhat original or had its own unique flair. The writing was good, and the pretense wasn’t half bad, the romance was simmering with few exceptions. The male/female lead showed hints of abuse both verbal and/or physical or signs of spot-on or forced chemistry. It was a tiny bit predictable. Overall, liked it enough, entertaining.
It has many redeeming qualities. The characters were likable at best neutral at worst. The writing was much better than expected. I developed an interest that withstood to the end. The plot was nice, somewhat original or had its own unique flair. The writing was good, and the pretense wasn’t half bad, the romance was simmering with few exceptions. The male/female lead showed hints of abuse both verbal and/or physical or signs of spot-on or forced chemistry. It was a tiny bit predictable. Overall, liked it enough, entertaining.
December 20, 2015
A lot of secrets are revealed in this book. I think this was my favorite book in this series so far. We find out more about who “Ella” is and more about Shelly’s life growing up and how she ended up in prostitution. We find out about Luke’s history and how he ended up becoming a cop, what motivates him. This book was exciting and hot. I recommend reading it and this series.
*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review and is all of my own opinion.
*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review and is all of my own opinion.
October 30, 2016
THIS WAS THE DEAL BREAKER FOR ME AND I GIVE 3.5 STARS.
Somehow I like the taboo chemistry between the characters but I felt something was missing even though there was a lot of pent up sexual tension and also emotional stress. While I enjoyed their passionate and finally sex scene, the characters are still holding back in this second installment.
Since this is the middle point, I would read the last book before writing a full review in the next installment.
Somehow I like the taboo chemistry between the characters but I felt something was missing even though there was a lot of pent up sexual tension and also emotional stress. While I enjoyed their passionate and finally sex scene, the characters are still holding back in this second installment.
Since this is the middle point, I would read the last book before writing a full review in the next installment.
March 20, 2018
Received an ARC for an honest review.
Let me start off by saying I love Shelly she is the perfect combo of of a bad girl with a heart of gold. I love Shelly relationship with Ella, it's like Ella is her redeption. I don't want to describe too much without giving it away, this series has so many twist and turns. I highly recommend anything written by skye warren but epically this series.
Let me start off by saying I love Shelly she is the perfect combo of of a bad girl with a heart of gold. I love Shelly relationship with Ella, it's like Ella is her redeption. I don't want to describe too much without giving it away, this series has so many twist and turns. I highly recommend anything written by skye warren but epically this series.
August 10, 2015
Awesome
The author knows how to weave suspense and mystery to the plot. As usual the characters are great and the story gets more exciting and thrilling as it goes on. I am so ready to read book 6 and see how it turns out for, Luke and Shelly.
The author knows how to weave suspense and mystery to the plot. As usual the characters are great and the story gets more exciting and thrilling as it goes on. I am so ready to read book 6 and see how it turns out for, Luke and Shelly.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews