Dirty Daria

Dirty Darlings #1-2

by Denise Wells

Murder only destroys your soul the first time you commit it. Mine shattered at age eight.

What started as a required skill has grown into a craving and increasing my kill numbers becomes more fulfilling with each death.

I can’t stop. Even if it means denying myself the love of my life—a federal agent trained to bring down people exactly like me.

So, where does that leave us?

While Mack Murphy has to hunt criminals, I have to take them out. At least until I find the man who murdered my sister.

My name is Daria Limonov and I’m an assassin.

Genres: Romance, Mystery Thriller, Contemporary Romance, Love Story, Mystery

280 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 27, 2020

About the author

Denise has been reading since before she could talk. And to this day, escaping into a book is her go-to activity before anything else. 
 
She likes to write about sassy women and semi-flawed alpha-esque men (hard on the outside and just a little soft on the inside.)  Denise’s female characters always have strong friendships, potty mouths, and like to drink—a lot. 
 
Denise is loyal to a fault, a bit too sarcastic, blindingly optimistic, and pretty freakin’ happy with life overall. If she couldn't be a writer, she'd be a singer in a classic rock band. Right after she learned to carry a tune. She has more purses than days in the month, an obsession with colored ink pens, and a slightly unhealthy bracelet habit. 
 
Home is in the Pacific Northwest where she lives with six Siberian Huskies and a husband (BW) who has the patience and tolerance of a saint. And, lest she forget, Denise also lives with too many to count characters inside her head, who will eventually have their stories told.

For more about Denise visit her website at: www.DeniseWells.com

Connect with Denise:
https://linktr.ee/DeniseWells

Reviews

[Rochelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story by Denise Wells. Loved Quinn and Reed as well as Mack and Daria. Th story was so good and it pulls you in from page one. Each character brings so much to the story that you won’t want it to end. I can’t wait to read the next book. I need to know how it ends.

I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Coco.V]

🎁 Books 1 & 2 in the Series are FREE on Amazon today (4/23/2020)! 🎁

[⭐Toonasa⭐ •Romance Book Lovers' Haven• · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a short Fun starter with suspense & cliffhanger!

I started this series with Dirty Quinn, now with the release of Dirty Roxie, I'm starting the series from the start!

This is told from 4 POVs (Different & refreshing!): Daria, Quinn, Reed, Mack.

ABOUT: Daria's owner of a bar with Hobby/Side business of Contract killing of bad guys(Her dad's Russian Mafia, but no one knows that). Quinn's her bestie, knows about her hobby & is Hot-shot for it. Mack's FBI, partner's with Reed.
They all know eachother. Mack & Daria are in love but she broke it off with him after he accidentally found about her 'hobby', But they're in touch & make a good team to take out the bad guys.
Reed(Not knows about Daria's hobby) & Quinn have crushes on eachother, but she dated his bestie-David, so dating her will make it awkward, so he doesn't.

Now, David is a suspect of Trafficking girls and Mack+Daria set Quinn up as a distraction (without her knowing) so he can take a confession, to prove David's Guilt to Reed.

The blurb(Quinn's PoV) scene is quite the fun! Fake Guns, Reed+Quinn time, David's Confession (hell yes!), Mack+Daria's Hot Sparks..

Reed knows nothing about Daria's work, & I'm excited to know how he'll find out!
They've let David go, let's see how the case goes in the next book.
Will Mack+Daria ever come together again? What about Reed+Quinn?

Hehe, I'm so excited! Off to reading the next book.

[⭐Toonasa⭐ •Romance Book Lovers' Haven• · Rating 5 out of 5]

Started this one ASAP After the previous cliffhanger, it has everything you'll expect: Fun, Dark elements & A suspense to keep us on edge!

This one is again from 4 POVs: Daria (assassin+Bar owner), Mack(FBI), Quinn (Daria's bestie, a cheery girl), Reed (Mack's partner).

The prologue gives us a little insight what happened previously.

This one picks up from the previous Cliffhanger, Goes on as David's case has many interesting developments. Is he one of a major players? OR A Pawn? Is David one of Katya's killer?

Mack has been trying to win Daria again, & here she agreed to give 'us' a chance! I'm happy.
Reed is a drunk asshole mostly (well, his bestie David is a bad guy & he didn't know.. so he's pissed) But he & Quinn goes to the next level here!

Through David's Wedding and Honeymoon (wtf?!), the mood's romantic. But Danger's lurking in every corner, one mistake is all it takes for a dream to become a nightmare.

This book had been important in Making Daria+Mack a couple again and For Quinn & Reed (maybe?), Though David's case progress (with Finding some suspects), he just died! Oh shit, FBI's back at square 1.

With Reed's UC disappearance (Why?) Things are a clusterfuck...
AND Daria just found that her dad, Russian mafia, maybe more involved in this all than we initially thought..

So many questions! It's kinda good I've already read Dirty Quinn (She shouldn't have let herself be kidnapped *huff*)

So excited for the next part!

[Coco.V]

🎁 Books 1 & 2 in the Series are FREE on Amazon today (4/23/2020)! 🎁

[Cranky - The Book Curmudgeon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Cranky Stars


This book was like juggling. Four different POVs and a plot to keep track of. I assumed that each book would be focused on a couple but that wasn’t the case with Dirty Daria. Here we follow Mack, Daria, Quinn and Reed who we met in the novella Dirty Ex-Mas. You need to read that one to follow along with this one. It sets up the premise of the novels it seems.


Mack and Reed are federal agents tracking Reeds now former best friend David who was accused of some pretty nasty stuff. Things that make your skin crawl but David acts like it’s something he had to do to pay a debt instead of I don’t know getting a loan or something. Thrown into the mix is Daria who is more femme fatale and not on the right side of the law and Quinn the hapless goofy best friend. Everyone is invested in seeing David brought to justice no matter which way it goes except for Quinn she just wants to be part of a group. Seriously Quinn is flighty and changes jobs like we change underwear. A multitude of things go down and Reed spirals out of control and treats Quinn like garbage and Mack and Daria explore the possibility of an us despite their jobs.


I really tried to like Quinn, but she was just too much all over squirrel thoughts for me. I had a hard time tracking her chapters. I know she meant well, and she wanted to help and belong and in her own strange way she did. I wasn’t sure if this book was meant to be funny but serious. If Quinn was there for some sort of comedic relief or I don’t know to prove to us that she is a useful character? Regardless I guess this book has something for everyone and did veer into dark romance territory at the end. If you like good guys and bad girls and dark romance tossed in with a side of humor then maybe Dirty Daria is for you.

[Crissy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I might be in the minority here but I know that every book that I read will not be the one for me. I can only hope it is. Unfortunately, this one was not for me. The beginning of the story was interesting and I was excited to read more of it. However, the flow of the story started getting slow which in turn made it a bit boring. The characters were okay but I thought there was more chemistry between Daria and Mack than there was between Quinn and Reed. I found Quinn's character to be childish and I honestly liked Daria more. Yes, the story had some suspense in it regarding David and but it just wasn't enough to keep me interested. It was too slow. I really thought I would have enjoyed this story more but it just wasn't for me.

[Roxs Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm thoroughly primed for more of these characters! The sexual tension was just TOO much! Quinn and Reed had me curling my toes with anticipation. The suspense mixed with slow-burning, sizzling attraction was awesome. Author Denise Wells is quite the tease. Mack and Daria are going to be explosive as well.

The book has an interesting storyline that probably crosses a few lines of reality and ethics but that's ok! It makes things fresh and new and provides new and intriguing plot lines that are not overdone.

I loved this novella and can't wait for the full stories to come.

[Jaime Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one romantic suspense story that you shouldn’t pass up. The author has a knack for writing these stories that suck you in with characters that are unforgettable. The transition in each chapter from character to character is easy to follow with this story being told from multiple view points. I kept turning pages needing to know how it turns out only to find that it is a to be continued. I cannot wait to see what happens next with the story and characters.

[Kelly G (Now Accepting Book Boyfriend Applications) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Woah! Talk about an awesome lead in to what I am thinking will be a great story. And for at least 2 different couples. Dang! Reed and Quinn are going to kill me! I can feel it.... Daria and Mack are going to melt my Kindle. These 4 are going to make for some super interesting reading! An assassin, a want to be assassin, and 2 FBI agents all going after a Human Trafficking Ring. I can already feel the tension and action. I AM HERE FOR IT!!!

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an intriguing story with strong characters in Quinn and Reed along with Mack and Daria. The author does a great job developing the story and pulled me in right from the start and had me turning the pages as fast as I could to see what happened next. I loved this book and can't wait for the next one.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Christina Naugle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good romantic suspense and this book delivered. It’s filled with great characters and a story that sucked me in from the start. It was a page turner and I couldn’t stop reading. I need to know what happens next. I’m ready for book 2!

[Vickie L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg!!! I need the next book now!!! I absolutely love Quinn!! She is the greatest! I want a Reed of my own! This is such a great book! I can't wait to read the next book!!

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBooks today (4/19/2021)!🎁

[Patti · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. This is an exciting first story of a trilogy with FBI agents, vigilantes, and a vigilante-wannabe. I most enjoyed reading about Reed and Quinn's attraction for each other, and my most favorite part is when Mack is talking to the criminal towards the end of the book, and puts him in his place. My favorite quote: "I'm sure your ninja like reflexes saved your life. Impressive."

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book

[Linda Romer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked Dirty Darlings. It is a good story, I enjoyed the characters. I liked Daria and Mack and Quinn and Reed. A suspenseful story with a bit of romance.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting start to a series! Starting at the end and then jumping back to the beginning, this story promises some major action that it then works its way up to as the characters and the work is laid out. This is about ten kinds of complicated as there are human traffickers, FBI agents, and contract killers, all with their reasons and their desires out there getting messy.

The relationship between Quinn and Reed was a bit irksome, mostly on Reed;s side. Reed has a very strict 'friend code' that he had going on. Since Quinn once dated his best friend she is off limits. Never mind that the two broke up mutually with no interest. Or that the circle of friends of his best friend is different from his own circle of friends so interaction wouldn't be a problem. Or that he isn't that close with this so-called best friend anymore. Or, and this is really the kicker, that the man is getting married . I'm sorry, but if you dated someone once and were now getting married to someone else entirely, you have no right to tell a friend that they cannot date that previous person. So Reed adhering to this was absolutely nuts, especially since he had no interest in anyone but Quinn, and Quinn equally was absorbed in her interest of Reed. It was frustrated and felt like it was put there just to cause tension.

In a rather short period of time lots of things change for the characters as they interact more, but also as their lives collide over the human trafficking case. Reed is working the case and there is a personal connection that hurts his heart but has him very invested. Meanwhile, Quinn is working the illegal side of this case, but doesn't know that there is this connection that could very well have her colliding with Reed. It was interesting especially with how it brought these two together and it will be interesting to see which way it propels things.

The other relationship going on in the book has tension, but it is more of the suspend your disbelief kind (an FBI agent who has fallen for a contract killer). It is also done well enough that it is easy t suspend said disbelief. They will be interesting to see more of in the next book. It will also be very interesting to find out what happens with the human trafficking case, as this is an unresolved story at the end of the book.

[Cranky - The Book Curmudgeon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Cranky Stars


If you are looking for a fluffy Hallmark type Christmas book this isn’t it. While the setting is around Christmas time it’s more Die Hard mixed with Charlies Angels. FBI agents, vigilante justice and kidnappings are on the menu for Dirty Ex-Max yet It’s so much more there are crushes that no one wants to explore and one quirky heroine and a hot FBI agent who is more good cop to his partner Mack.


Quinn is down on her luck when she asks her dear friend for a job at her bar. She’s willing to do anything even scrub the men’s bathroom. Gross right? She also knows Daria has an alter ego alongside the sassy bar owner and she wants in. Sad thing is is that Quinn is a mess a hot klutzy mess. She can’t even walk up stairs without falling down them. She also harbors a crush on Reed the aforementioned hunky FBI agent and he has one her as well but her past brief relationship with his best friend stops him from pursuing her. You know the bro code and all that jazz. When Quinn gets word of missing girls she wants to help so when she’s placed as a decoy as someone she once knew wedding things go epically wrong in truly Quinn fashion dragging Mack, Daria and Reed with her.


I wasn’t a hundred percent sold on Quinn she almost acted immature at times. Sure, she was vivacious and a disaster, but her actions just spoke to me as almost childish. When Mack sent her out there with a weapon I was concerned. I did like Reed though, but he was so straight laced at times. You wanted to rough him up and get him dirty. Wink wink nudge nudge. This is a quick little read that will carry on with Daria’s story sometime soon.

[JoAnna G · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Well Rounded Read

This is a new author to me and a new series all in one. Now, I liked the book and the writer did well to set up a potentially good series. The book is short and very fast-paced and easy to read all wrapped into one. I just wanted more. This book is different than what I normally read. This was not what I was expecting at all and a good surprise for me. I was expecting a holiday book based on the title. Nope, that is not what I got. I got a suspenseful book with likable characters set around Christmas and it is told in four different points of view.

I loved reading about Quinn and Reed. They like each other but they won’t admit it to each other. They are pining. Him for reasons because she dated his best friend and her because he was the best friend to her ex. We also get to read about Reed’s partner on the force, Mack and Quinn’s good friend, Daria. Now, Daria and Mack have this sexual tension that is so thick you can cut it with a knife.

Daria is a great girl albeit clumsy and needs to figure herself put. Reed is on the force and he is looking to break up a human trafficking and sex trade ring. That is where the suspense comes in. Quinn wants to work at Daria’s bar and Daria has reservations with reason. Then when she needs an assassin Daria wants to do it. Reluctantly, Daria lets her for a reason.

There is a lot of things going on in this book and it all happens so fast. There was a little twist at the end that I saw and the part that I didn’t. I liked it. Looking forward to the next book in this series.

[Pelusa Rivera · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok I went back in forth with this book. I liked the characters but didn't understand them or didn't even understand why I liked them, let me explain. I liked Quinn but Quinn was dippy and was in love with Reed and I couldn't why she was in love with Reed there really was no explanation, I mean she really never spent time with him, didn't really know him, so how did she end up loving him so much? Reed I could understand him not wanting to wanting to step on his best friends toes by going for what he wanted which was Quinn since he was attracted to her, I get him, but I didn't get how he was an FBI agent and never knew his best friend was such scum. Daria, yeah she badass, i liked her the best. Mack, I liked him but he was simply too obsessed with Daria and it was stalkerish, and again these guys were FBI and yet they seemed like keystone cops. Now when they finally get to a good point, it ends on a cliff-hanger, what what the hell happens to Reed? Now will I continue to read, I dont think I am that invested, they beat around the bush to much, with the will they or wont they, I like romance I like them to get in already.

rcvd an ARC at no cost to author..voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions.

[Angie Flanagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

My #BookReview of #DirtyExMas by Denise Wells Author
#bookblogger
Wow!! I wasn’t ready for this story! I thought I was but I wasn’t. It’s a bit different than some of the other books that Denise has written but HOLY WOW!!! I FREAKING LOVED IT!!

Reed, Mack, Quinn and Daria are all friends, but little do they know how they all really connect with one another.
Mack and Daria used to date, but due to the nature of their jobs, they decide to split up even though they still feel for one another.
Quinn and Reed have had a crush on each other for some time now, but due to Quinn dating Reeds best friend, she’s off limits.
Reed and Quinn end up at David’s wedding but for different reasons and they have no idea how they both ended up there. Little does Reed know why Quinn is REALLY there until Mack and Daria show up at the safe house!
I couldn’t put this book down, I HAD to keep reading to find out what happened next. I literally read it in 2 hours!!

There were so many twists and turns, and it kept me engaged the whole time. Again, I loved it!
Denise, you cheeky thing!! You left it as a cliffhanger and I wasn’t expecting that at all!!! I can’t wait for the next instalment!!

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOLY HELL! Denise Wells is one of my go to authors, and I've LOVED every story that I've gotten my hands on, but Dirty Ex-Mas was straight up brilliant! So brilliant in fact, that it's my new absolute favorite by her, and what a way to start out a new series especially since I normally don't get this giddy with novellas! I'm not going into any detail in this review, because it's so much more fun to go in blind, trust me, it's the very best way. Here's one detail I was say, this is Quinn & Reed's story, and they were off the charts HOT HOT HOT though it was of the slow burn varitey (but not too slow)! I was on the edge of my seat cover to cover, with heart racing, and f-bombs dropping from the crazy twists. AND this story is short(ish) being a novella & all, but it packed an GIANT punch, so the only issue I have with the length, is that my addicted self WANTED more! There's even a side of funny moments which made me laugh to go along with the heat, and suspense! So, I'm keeping this review short, sweet, & to a cryptic point because I don't want to give a thing away! Do yourselves a solid, and one click this bad boy that I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Amanda Hash · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had no idea I was going to love this book as much as I did. Daria is a total badass, and I got completely caught up in her world. (Side note: have you seen this cover?! It's amazing!)

I'm not always a fan of so many different POVs but in this instance, it worked perfectly: the characters were unique and well-defined, and it gave real insight into what they were going through. Because everyone had their own voice, it was easy to read and follow. And once I started reading, I had a hard time putting it down...which was unfortunate, since I was at work at the time (sorry to any customers I snapped at because they interrupted me)

I loved the genuine chemistry between the characters (especially Daria and Mack) and the balance throughout the novel-- intense scenes and heavy subjects were broken up with moments of humor and reflection, so I was compelled to keep reading without ever being overwhelmed.

I am now desperate for the next book, however, and have no idea how I'm going to make it through.

*Although we met these characters in Dirty Ex-mas, this book is fine to jump into without any background. Enough info and backstory is given for this to work beautifully by itself.

[Roxs Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I stumbled upon this author last year when I was reading a "new-to-me" author every month. I loved her rom-com How To Ruin Your Exes Wedding and now I find myself watching for her other books.

The Dirty Darlings books are quick, enjoyable reads. The books follow one another so don't jump in at book 2, grab your copy of Dirty Ex-Mas and get to know all the players. The characters' lives are intertwined, they kind of work together to get to the common goal, and although they each have the hots for someone in the group, that someone is forbidden and off-limits. This brings the chemistry and tension up a few notches. The ways to go about their task aren't exactly legal so lots of secrets and discreteness in play.

The storyline is unconventional and intriguing. There's a little angst, light suspense, steaminess, beautiful background settings, and a hint of mystery. Dirty Daria left me reeling at a pivotal moment and I can't wait to see what Quinn and Reed are up to and how Daria and Mac will come to their rescue!

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH MY DIRTY DARIA HELL! WHAT A FANTASTIC STORY! This story is filled with suspense, so I'm going light on the details for that purpose, not to mention the whole short(ish) length. Daria Limonov is a bad a** assassin, who is on the path of revenge until she's sidetracked by federal agents Mack & Reed when they're investigating Reed's former best friend, David, as he appears to be into some nasty business. Following Daria is Quinn, so it becomes a group of 4, making it multiple POVs. Daria isn't exactly on the right side of the law though, so it may or many not become a complication throughout. The plot is very intriguing, which had me reading so quickly that I was at a loss as to what to do when I was finished, because I NEEDED more, especially since it had that whole side of suspense. This series may have different people sprinkled in with each book, but you have to read them in order just because it's a group setting, so please follow along like that! Anyway, that's enough from me, just hit that one click button as I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Christal · Rating 4 out of 5]

While the subject matter is serious in real life, the characters in this story crack me up. Poor Quinn...she only wants to be part of the team (but has absolutely no plans to put any work into it) doesn’t realize how close she was to becoming a victim, is happy go lucky and smiling all of the time. Daria, our beautiful Russian vigilante whose main goal is to take out the people that stole and killed her sister, but also finds herself in a relationship with an FBI agent. Mack, Daria’s FBI beau, is struggling to keep everyone safe while his partner, Reed, goes off the deep end after finding that he is playing Best Man in a human trafficker’s wedding.

This is the second book in the series and the story just keeps getting better and better! The characters are awesome and highly entertaining...well, Reed annoyed me bit in this book, but we all have our moments. The cliffy at the end was just cruel (but aren’t they always?) but I am highly anticipating the next book!

[Sally Mieske · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dirty Ex-Mas is a fairly short read and not your average Christmas holiday read. It is more along the lines of Die Hard meets Charlie’s Angels. It’s told from 4 different POV-Quinn, Daria, Mack and Reed. Quinn and Daria are best friends and Mack and Reed are FBI Agents. Daria and Mack are exes and Quinn and Reed have crushes on each other.

So, imagine that this group has to try and take down the bad guy. It’s probably as funny as sounds. Not all plans are fool proof. There is some suspense as they figure out who the bad guy is.

I liked all of the characters, it’s just that Quinn can come off as very immature. Hopefully we get the next book soon! I can’t wait to see what kind of trouble they can get into 😉

[Mindy Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Book 2 in the Daria Series and my first read by this author, and I must say that I am pleasantly surprised. The storyline, the characters, and the author's writing style are quite good. It is a suspenseful, compelling romance between Russian assassin Daria and her ex, FBI agent Mack. It is a wild ride with danger, steam, and an abundance of secrets, lies, deceit, twists and turns. Heartbreaking, frustrating, and bittersweet feels abound in this book. The story flows smoothly while the chemistry between the main characters is hot. An engaging page turner that ends in a cliffhanger. A good addition to the series.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Anne Donaldson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The premise of this book is fabulous, but, for me, the characters didn’t quite live up to their potential. There’s one thing though – it doesn’t take itself seriously and it is a much better read because of that. I did feel that Reed deserved better than Quinn who annoyed me, but perhaps that’s actually a writing strength; clearly I connected with these characters! If you enjoy quirky, not-the-norm characters and storylines that are unusual, you are likely to enjoy this book, and I would recommend that you try it at least.

I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily.