They thought they had the upper hand... but they were wrong.
Since finding out her ex-boss is a diner owner turned kingpin, Juliana’s small-town life has been nothing short of unstable. A one-nighter in Vegas with a hot-as-sin bartender proves to be more than she bargained for when she strikes a deal just to scratch an itch. But with the constant danger lurking around The Pound, the temporary stability Derrick offers becomes a temptation she can’t resist.
The thrill of chasing a certain Latina hellcat is a pleasant distraction from the real world, but Derrick can’t shake the sense that there’s more to come from Diablo’s rapidly expanding empire. When the protection of the bar’s resident biker gang falls on shaky ground and the lines of who they can trust blur, the pair soon find themselves relying on unlikely allies.
Backed against the wall, they’re forced to make the first move, but how far will they go to bring this tyrant to his knees?
Loren is a connoisseur of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos and raunchy romance novels, and when she's feeling particularly wild, she might even pour herself a glass (or four) of her favorite vino. She lives in Texas with her husband, son, and furry besties - a corgi and mini-Aussie who keep her on her toes. You'll often find her lost in a good book or embarking on wild and wacky adventures with her crew.
I am still reeling from this book! The proverbial plot thickens! Derrick and Juliana stole my heart! I wasn't disappointed by the chemistry and steam in this book. The romance and real connection the characters made were on point. It was also full of action and suspense and the new characters introduced are awesome. I can't wait to see how it all ends in the next installment! Bravo Loren!
How have I not rated this book? I loved it from the very beginning! I love the flirting and the playfulness from Derrick and Julianna’s relationship. It kept me turning pages from the spicy scenes to the suspenseful ones, it is definitely NEVER boring. I love the continuation of this story. I also really enjoy the connection between Julianna and Hazel which adds a different kind of friendship dynamic to the group. Hazel is there for Julianna with the best timing and exactly what she needs at that moment even if it does get them into a bit of trouble.
Book two in the series and, damn, Loren can create a swoony hero. If you make me pick between Derrick and Jack I’ll fight you. Sorry, I don’t make the rules.
There is an overarching suspense plot throughout the series so it needs to be read in order but Betting Blind is so good that if you haven’t read it you just need to stop what you’re doing and read it now.
Juliana is such a badass babe and seeing her vulnerabilities in this book in contrast with her unflappable personality from book one is so great.
You’ll love this if you like: ♣️ Small town romance ♣️ Friends to lovers ♣️ Sex pact ♣️ Suspense
I’m loving the new characters introduced in this book and Hazel is possibly going to be one of my favourite heroines in the whole series.
This world is just small town sexiness and suspense and I’m here for it.
Ever since the chaos that turned her life upside down, Juliana has been spiraling. Worst of all, she can’t get the sinful as hell one night stand she had with bartender Derrick out of her head. Soon enough, Juliana is desperate, and she strikes a deal with the man she could consider breaking all her rules for. And that’s something that absolutely terrifies her.
For Derrick, getting a rise out of the savvy and quick witted Juliana is a more than welcome distraction from all the drama that is happening in their lives. But as he gets more and more entangled with the sassy beauty, the more pressing their issues with Diablo become. And when their alliance with the biker gang becomes shaky, Derrick must make some dangerous choices in order to protect those he loves.
Holy. Freaking. Hell. First of all, Derrick. I personally think it should be illegal for a man to be that sinful, but there he is, and I loved every second of it. He’s also incredibly romantic and super kindhearted, which basically makes him the perfect man. And as for Juliana, her fiery wit was both entertaining and refreshing to read about. I loved how she didn’t take anyone’s nonsense, and how she always had a witty comeback. Derrick and Juliana belong together. Even when all they had was a deal, I just knew there was something more than that. They are perfection.
This book completely lived up to the first one, in the best way! I think this might be my favorite one now!!! This is romantic suspense at its finest. Seriously, I might be just a little too obsessed with this book. Derrick and Juliana have my whole heart. I would honestly give this infinity stars if I could. If you pick this book up, I promise you, you won’t regret it!!!
OMG! What a ride this was. Romantic suspense at its finest, Loren Beeson gave me all the feels with this amazing story that I can’t get enough of!
Derrick and Juliana😍what an exciting and explosive couple! Their chemistry, their connection, their banter and the deep care and care they had for each other had me glued to my Kindle!
First, I have to say I LOVED Juliana. She was a sassy, beautiful badass Latina who didn’t need anyone but herself. She was the freaking ALPHA and I loved how in charge she was! I also loved how she grew throughout the book, not letting her past define what she wanted or needed for her future and how slowly she realized what Derrick meant to her and how different things could be with him and the new family she found with Cassidy and the rest of the people The Pound.
Derrick was so swoony! He was patient with her, letting her take the lead and letting her decide the next steps. He truly wanted to see her shine and be who she was unapologetically. I loved how loyal and protective he was, not only to Juliana but also with his sister and Jack. He was brave and sacrificial to the core, always willing to put his life on the line for the ones he loved.
They had the hottest chemistry and formed such an amazing bond out of true love! They were everything I was hoping for and even more!
As I was expecting, the intrigue and suspense of the entire Diablo storyline kept me buting my nails and I loved how it was smoothly intertwined with the romance between Derrick and Juliana at the same time that it revealed new secrets, dangers (and old ones) and created the most amazing anticipation for book 3 (which I already am looking forward to read😍).
Thank you so much to Loren Beeson for gifting me this early copy to review! Can’t wait for Book 3!😍
Title: Dealing Dirty (Betting on Love #2) Author: Loren Beeson Hero/Heroine: Derrick & Juliana Trope: Friends to Lovers/Romantic Suspense
THE GOOD 😀
After reading Betting Blind I didn’t think there could be a couple that topped Jack and Cassidy, clearly I was wrong. Derrick and Juliana were next level hot, the sweet Southern boy with a dirty side and the feisty Latina. I loved Juliana’s character in Betting Blind, and it was great to finally read a story from her perspective. Following on from the events of Betting Blind, Juliana is struggling to come to terms with everything, and has closed herself off from her friends and family. Getting a job at The Pound, Juliana realises the situation that occurred in the first book is far from over when she catches the eye of someone she really shouldn’t. Also, knowing she’ll be working closely with Derrick, (swoon), Juliana realises that this job is going to be harder than she originally thought (absolutely no pun intended). Juliana, as a character, was pretty incredible. Fierce, feisty and not afraid to speak her mind, she didn’t ever want to be beholden to a man. However, she finds it increasingly difficult to follow her own rules the more she got to know Derrick. A swoon worthy sweetheart and so unbelievably protective, Derrick was a wonderful hero, and I loved how honest he was about his feelings for Juliana. The suspense, the steam and the amazing characters all culminated in a story that kept me hooked until the very last word. The second book in the series was just as impressive as the first, and I cannot wait to read the next instalment.
THE BAD ☹️
Just no.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this book to read. This is my honest review.
OVERALL THOUGHTS: Suspense, intrigue and steam make this a book not to be missed STEAM LEVEL: 🔥🔥🔥 STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Betting Blind was where we met the main characters in Dealing Dirty (hot tip: read them in order like I did for once, not only because I am ✨learning✨ but also because there’s an overarching story you need to understand SORRY) and Derrick and Jules definitely deserved to be the stars of their own show and so I am thrilled Loren delivered. Derrick and Jules are two fools who are both stubborn, hopelessly in like with each other, and it’s just so much damn fun watching them go toe to toe. They consistently get in their own way which, while frustrating, also makes sense because I mean … don’t we all get in our own way? Like always? (Hint: yes we do). So watching them get over that, learn to trust other people, and wake up and go "shit I love this person" was fantastic.
Dealing Dirty was suspenseful and emotional, with a dash of humor and a little extra steam, and had everything I loved about Betting Blind and more. And I definitely highlighted way too many lines but it’s fine I’m fine I wasn’t at all crying at any point during this story (...she lied through her teeth).
But now it’s over and I’m sad but it released today so you all can read these books now and then we can talk about them and it’ll be like it never ended for me.
I can't thank Loren enough for giving me a chance to read this one for her, and I cannot wait to see how it all concludes in book 3. I don't know if I'm ready for it.
(I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review)
Wow, wow, WOW! Loren Beeson does it again! Dealing Dirty picks up right where the action left us after Betting Blind, and just continues to build. It's such an exciting, fun, and fast paced read! And the heat between Juliana and Derrick had my toes curling and my heart pounding the entire time. Those two are something else!
I love the introduction of the newest character found at The Pound, Hazel! She is fierce, loyal, and definitely someone I'd want on my side. I can't wait to see more of her! I love all of the strong female leads Loren writes and the friendships they have formed. So many badass ladies!
Dealing Dirty is Loren Beeson's best romance novel to date! I loved the characters, the drama and of course all the steam juicy parts! You can really see how much Loren has grown as an author in Dealing Dirty. It's hotter than book one, Betting Blind. I didn't think I was going to like the characters as much as I did. The drama and suspense will keep you turning each page to find out what's to come next, you wont be able to put it down. Juliana is my favorite character, she's such a feisty Latina and I am here for it! Derrick, such an alpha male but OMG the dude will pull on your heart strings and the next thing you know, you're falling for him and you want to knock some sense in Juliana's head like jump his bones already lol And let me just say, just as soon as you think you have everything figured out in this story, it makes a twist you don't see coming but find fascinating and entertaining. This book is deliciously twisted and will have you wanting more. I really enjoyed this sequel of Betting on Love and highly recommend it for your 2021 romance read.
Dealing Dirty is the second installment to the Betting on Love series, and damn is this one HOT! 🔥
We are back in the small Texas town going between the POV’s of Derrick and Juliana. I absolutely loved these two! Derrick with his southern drawl and polite mannerisms had me drooling. Juliana is the best friend you want to have, someone who’s smart mouthed and sassy but also secretly loving.
This isn’t your typical cheesy romance btw. There’s high stakes and dirty deals being made with those you cannot trust, a biker gang, a masquerade ball, and lots of tequila.
If your looking for a sexy and thrilling romance to read this fall, I suggest rolling the dice and taking a chance on this series. 💃🏼
Juliana & D are to die for! I loved everything about their relationship. They were just meant to be together.
But LOREN! Why did you have to mess with my head!? I have so many thoughts and ideas and you just had to leave me with them all unanswered AND with an ending like that!!!! I guess it's time to read the third book 😉
10/10 recommend reading this seriously! Absolutely loving it so far ❤️
I would just like to say a huge thank you to the author who very kindly forwarded me an arc copy of her book, for my Kindle, in return for my honest review.
Oh…my…goodness this book was amazing - such a fast paced read, full of drama and suspense, flirting and fun, that kept me turning the pages right until the very end! Juliana and Derrick were two, amazing, hot characters and I loved their chemistry. Derrick was the perfect alpha-male and I loved him and Juliana was one hell of a feisty vixen! Dealing Dirty is book 2 in the Betting On Love series and follows on from where Betting Blind left off and the action now just wants to carry straight on to book 3!! Oh and don’t get me started on the ending, it definitely left me breathless and wanting more more more…….
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Before I even get to the whole plot of this book.. I need Juliana to be my bestie! A feisty, independent, can hold her own, tequila-loving woman! My kind of girl! Now, add in a hot, protective, rough around the edges but literally so damn sweet, man.. Derrick.. 🔥😍 y’all are in for a TREAT with this book!
There are many twists and unexpected turns in this book. You will be at the edge of your seat as things get heated between Juliana and Derrick while their lives are turned upside down when trying to make a deal with the devil!
I was gifted an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this! I've loved all of Loren's books so far & really enjoy her writing. I enjoy a little bit of smut every now & again & Loren certainly delivered 😉. A hot, steamy story of the lovely Juliana! Lots of twists & turns. That ending!!! (No spoilers 😂)
Thank you again to the lovely Loren for giving me the chance to read this fab series. I can't wait for the next installment!
Oh my goodness, I love this book! The friends to lovers, the suspense, and the small town romance is everything I didn’t know I needed. I absolutely love the world that Loren created here and can’t wait for the next book!
Book 2 in the Betting on Love series did not disappoint. There is an overarching storyline that continues from Book 1, so reading these books in order is highly recommended.
The story is packed with sexual tension, flirting, action and suspense. The book focuses on the aftermath of book 1, how the characters, Juliana in particular are coping. Learning to cope after the Bruce's true nature was revealed in book one, Juliana is floundering. Behind that flirty and fun façade she keeps everyone at a distance. This girl has walls and locks on her heart, as she refuses to be like her mother.
Derrick is a charming country boy who you cannot help but adore. I love how the author has these two dance around their feelings. Such nice tension. The story moves slower than the first book, however that ending has me demanding more. Good read.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
As seen on my blog (Jessie's Reading Corner): Dealing Dirty by Loren Beeson is Book 2 in her Betting on Love series and picks up a few months after the events of Betting Blind (Betting on Love, #1). Derrick and Juliana had me intrigued with their chemistry in Jack and Cassidy’s story and was excited when I saw that their story was next. I absolutely loved Derrick! The man is hot, knows his way around the bedroom and is a major softy with a protective streak when it comes to Juliana. Juliana, I liked watching her grow in this book, but there were some points in the story where I wanted to shake her for some of the choices she made… though her choices do help move the story along.
Overall, I couldn’t put this book down! After everything that happened in Betting Blind, things are noticeably quiet in the beginning of Dealing Dirty but it’s not long before the action and suspense take over. The ending has me anxiously waiting for the next story. I’ve been intrigued with Ben’s character since Betting Blind and it will be interesting to see how Loren redeems him and what happens next with the overarching plotline.
If you like steamy romantic suspense with a sexy bartender and a feisty Latina, this is the story for you. I do suggest you start with Betting Blind, if you haven’t already, as you will understand the events that happen in this story a lot better.
Thank you Loren for the opportunity to review this as an ARC! Can't wait to see where you take this series!
Dealing Dirty is the second book in the Betting on Love series- and seriously this one brings the action.
It was well paced, full of intrigue, mystery, and of course my favorite; romance.
This installment follows Jules and Derrick and boy oh boy were they ELECTRIC. There chemistry was screaming off the pages. Jules is a fiery Latina and I loved watching her fierceness grow through the story. Derrick is sexy and protective, and I love reading him rile Jules up.
We also see hints of the progression of Jack and Cassidy’s relationship which I really appreciated.
The mystery and suspense and heart pounding drama isn’t lacking in this one. I JUST NEED TO KNOW HOW THIS ENDS.
Beeson truly creates a world that jumps off the page at you, and I cannot wait for the next one.
So, I don't do spoilers, but I can give you a little look into book two of this dynamic series. Juliana has too many memories from her past to ever consider becoming half of a couple. But, Derrick has his sights on her. He's got an emotional battle ahead of him. Bruce continues to rain pain and corruption on anyone that opposes him. This family of sisters and brothers from different mothers, will stand and fight for each other until the bitter end. But is the end closer than they think? Who will be left standing and who will fall? The answers are right at your fingertips, just grab the book. If you haven't read book one, you must do that first or this will not be the incredible reading experience it really is. What an addiction this series is. I can't wait for book 3.
This is a new author for me so I wasn't sure what to expect but this book was really good. The book is a romantic suspense with enough twists and turns to keep you reading. This book is part of a series, and book one should be read first. Dealing Dirty, book two in the Betting on Love series follows a waitress named Juliana Ramirez, and bar co-owner/bartender Derrick Johnson, who are Cassidy's and Jackson's best friends from book one. When Jack and Cassidy finally connected in Vegas, Juliana and Derrick also spent time together, or so she thought. Now Derrick is all Juliana can think about, but she has a ''one night only" rule. But when she attracts the wrong attention, putting herself in danger, will Derrick be able to save her?
A story that is packed full of drama, action, and a lot of heat. I recommend reading the first book in this series before diving into this one. It was a bit confusing at first for me but I got more into it as the story progressed. You will become absorbed in the story with a need to know what happens with these characters. What I do know is that I will be on the lookout the third book and look forward to seeing what happens next.
My only problem was that beginning's very slow. I kept putting it down. The best parts were when they were together. The chemistry's amazing. I loved Juliana as a character, she's a feisty latina, and she lives for herself and no one else. I loved watching her grow and finding her place, being at peace with herself. I loved loved loved Derrick, he definitely didn't disappoint, the perfect small town gentleman.
A story that is packed full of drama, action, and a lot of heat. I recommend reading the first book in this series before diving into this one. It was a bit confusing at first for me but I got more into it as the story progressed. You will become absorbed in the story with a need to know what happens with these characters. What I do know is that I will be on the lookout the third book and look forward to seeing what happens next.
I'm so happy right now cause I've found yet another author that I really love. Loren gives us a roller coast ride in this book with heat and passion but still it is kept at slow burn at first but it picks up and reading from Juliana and Derrick's POV how much they want each other.. I'm just saying, spice. Well I can't wait to see what will happen next and this romance has a lot more then just spice cause it has a plot that is filled with a tangled web of lies and underground darkness.
Dealing Dirty by Loren Beeson ⭐️4.5/5 🔥4.5/5 This is a continuation from Betting Blind, different couples but still needed. This is the story of Derrick and Juliana. Meet thanks to their two best friends and Juliana is the fiesta girl that doesn’t want to be tied down. The story ends with a tie into the next book. In my opinion Juliana is too stubborn, just wish she’d tone it down a notch but I love Derrick lol.
Is it possible to love a book more than the first one in the series? Because I am immensely in love with this book, so much more even than I loved the first one.
The mutual pining in this one broke my heart, from both Juliana and Derrick. But also made me so completely happy because their connection was that much more stronger because of it. The tension, the suspense. Everything in this one was MORE and that made me want even more from them. And Beeson did not disappoint for one second.
I am dying to see it all play out again in Book Three!!!
Loren Beeson’s Betting on Love series is a good suspense romance one. Derek and Julianna have this chemistry that jumps off the pages. They try to take down a crime boss to save their bar but find time to fall in love. Julianna is a strong willed woman who has always taken care of herself and her family. Derek shows her other people can take care of her.
I LOVED this book! I was intrigued with Juliana from the beginning of Betting Blind and am so glad that she got her own story! The twists and turns were so unexpected and shocking, but that led to me not being able to put this one down. Cannot wait for the next book in the series.