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This is one of those times when I question why is this a three book series? The story is being dragged out and I found myself skimming over the sex scenes. And with being dragged out, the book seemed really long. Maybe it was because I just wanted it to end so I could get to the next in the series?

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ARC received for review

Great second book which of course ends in another blanket-y blanket cliffy. There's lots more drama and action and suspense and hot bedroom times. I'm liking this one way more than I ever did her series with Chris and what's her name.

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WOW! they just keep getting better and better. Good solid plot. ENjoyed

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Plots, schemes, lies, truths, it all made me tired, but I loved it. Everyone has an agenda and no one really trust anyone else completely. I feel so sad for Shane, even though he doesn’t trust he still has enough love to try and save everything for everyone. I don’t know how I feel about Emily, although I understand her initial motives but I common sense. It’s like girl he thinks he’s superman what do you think is going to happen?

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I’ll admit, I was a little hesitant when first opening Damage Control because for the life of me, I couldn’t remember some of the details in Hard Rules. It had just been too long since I had read the first book! I felt awful and was trying to figure out how I could schedule in a reread during my hectic life and was getting a little flustered. I figured, ‘what the heck? I’ll just start reading and see how it goes.’ THANK YOU LISA! At the beginning of Damage Control, there’s not only a brief recap of the important details from Hard Rules, but there’s also a list of the major players and descriptions of each. This was a lifesaver and you guys have no idea how appreciative I was. What an amazing idea. From here on, I could jump right into the story and not wonder if I was missing any info.

Let me hold on to you, Emily. I’ll protect you.”
“Remember when I said I don’t need a hero?”
“But do you want one?”
“Who doesn’t want a hero?” She laughs. “Especially one like you.”
“Then let me—”
“You don’t need someone else to save from themselves. You have your brother. But thank you, Shane. For hearing me out. For being a friend. I know you will think this is crazy, but you were fast becoming my best friend.”
“Then come back to me.”
Right off the bat, Damage Control starts right where Hard Rules left off. If you remember, Shane and Emily were left in a bit of a predicament at the end of book one, so immediately you’re sucked back into their story. From the first page, the author takes you on a fast paced journey full of mystery, deceit and masterful manipulation. I can’t stress how incredible this was! I had so many questions, but as soon as one was partially answered another came up. Lisa Renee Jones hooked me from the first page until the last.

“Lies destroy, but I fear the truth is worse.”
Not only is this book fast paced, but there’s a lot of information floating back and forth so be prepared to pay attention. I really liked how there are different conflicts that this couple needs to address as well. Both Emily and Shane have their own individual conflicts (but working together as a team to kick butt!) and they also have a big problem when it comes to the future of Brandon Enterprises. These three issues are sure to keep the reader guessing and intrigued all the way through.

One of my issues in Hard Rules was that while we got a lot of information, there were no answers. I had lists and lists of questions or concerns but nothing was addressed. I’m happy to report back and tell you that this is different in book number two! Not all of my questions were answered (because where’s the fun in that?), but just enough to keep me satisfied while wanting more. More Shane. More Emily. More Brandon Senior, Maggie, and Derek. More Seth and Nick and Adrian. It’s an exciting, gripping, compelling read.

You will never trust me again. Not when everyone around you lies and cheats, and cuts each other’s throats just to watch the other bleed.”
“I’d bleed for you.”
I am a huge fan of the fact that most of this novel takes place over a very short time frame – only a few days, to be more exact. It gives this story more of a genuine feeling, letting the reader feel more concern for the characters and their situation while experiencing each of the steps they went through to try and uncover the betrayals and lies. It honestly feels like watching a crime show. I would totally watch this if it ever became optioned for a TV Drama! Move over CSI, I’d watch Dirty Money.

Now, enough about all of that mumbo-jumbo, let’s talk about the romance. Oh Shane and Emily… Emily and Shane. Their relationship really took a big step in this book and it was palpable. The relationship grew so much in such a short amount of time, I could practically see it getting deeper and deeper. When these two express their feelings, I believed it every single time. Trust was also a major player in the relationship between these two and I love how this issue is addressed so pointedly. There’s no beating around the bush when it comes to Shane Brandon, ladies, he is something else entirely.

“Shane,” she whispers. “You don’t understand what you’re dealing with.”
I reach around her, cupping her backside and pulling her to me. “I’ve got you,” I say, and her hand settles on my cheek.
“But who has you, Shane? That’s what I’m worried about.”
“You. More than you know.”
I was truly loving all of the twists and turns in this book. So refreshing and different while not feeling agressive and pushy. Even when you think things are starting to calm down, don’t believe it! This book was like a roller coaster for our characters and I wouldn’t have it any other way. <3

“His demons and mine are alive and well, two poison kisses, which could too easily turn our sweet hello into a brutal good-bye.”
After finishing Damage Control, I’m getting a much better sense for the series as a whole. I think I even mentioned it in my last review, but Hard Rules feels more like the foundation of a house (or an empire, if you will 😉 ). It’s strong, it’s solid and though at times dense, important for building an unshakable base. In the same sense, Damage Control becomes the building blocks of the same structure. This home is starting to take shape. Let’s even call it the framing. Yes, there’s still some holes, all of our questions aren’t answered yet, but we’re getting there. We can see the outlines and have an idea of what the finished product might look like. The rest of the build? Who knows! Anything could happen in those last two books of the series, but I for one can’t wait to find out!

Sort of along the same lines, I think the two books so far in the series were excellently and strategically split. It was a clever spot to separate them and gives the reader plenty of drama right off the bat in the second book. But more so as a whole, I’m loving the way that the stories are progressing with each book and growing. This is an interesting couple and an anything but average situation, I can’t see what they come up with to get out of these situations!

So until then, I’ll just be sitting over here, twiddling my thumbs, waiting until someone can say Checkmate.



*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.

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This is one of those trilogys that has a profound effect on me. I love this so much!!

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Saucy steamy goodness (badness) in this series. Interesting premise and characters. Great holiday reading.

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“The only enemy I can’t fight is the one I don’t know.”

“There is no fight if they never know you.”

I just finished Damage Control by Lisa Renee Jones and I’m still UTTERLY SPELLBOUND…SPINNING from the suspense where I’m still SPEECHLESS!!! I’m in a DREAMY DAZE. I can’t think straight. This story has not released my soul that is still swimming in a sea of suspense. My heart is still furiously beating out of my chest, racing like an Olympic runner. My body is going through the motions, directed by my brain that is still under the spell of this story. My mind is not mine. Damage Control rendered me MIND-BLOWN!!!



Damage Control claimed and consumed me from the very first page. Mind racing. Feelings flowing. Eyes wide in anticipation. Heart beating out of my chest. My pulse pounded with each page as I felt the current of Damage Control flow through me. I was HIGH ON Damage Control, my drug. I could not get enough of this FIX.



I was EXCITED and ON EDGE as Damage Control pushed me to the edge, transporting me to another world where I was held in suspense, left in a stupor. This story slowly seduced me, word by word, weaving me into its spell. Damage Control leapt to life so vividly, as if I were watching a movie my head. This story bled into me; I was bound to Damage Control.

Shane Brandon is the white knight in a dark world, battling his feuding family for control of their corrupt empire before they all crash and burn. So many demons lurk in the shadows: his father, his brother, the mafia that is tied to his brother, and more.



The one beautiful angel in his life, Emily Stevens, is not who she seems: Her life is built on lies. Shane seeks to uncover the truth while Emily wants to run from the man who’s her hero.



“I don’t need you to be my hero.”

“Well, I’m going to be whether you like it or not.”

Emily wants to protect Shane like he wants to protect her, and she can’t let him delve into her twisted truth that is worse than the web of lies.

“I don’t need to be protected from you. You need to be protected from me.”

Running away won’t stop Shane from protecting Emily, as he will catch her to keep her safe…at all costs. Emily is the best thing that’s happened to Shane and he won’t let her go without a fight.

“I’ve got you.”

“But who has you, Shane?”

Emily wants to protect her hero as he’s protected her as both have demons ready to devour them. I loved her bravery as Emily is now Shane’s hero too!

“You’re a drug to me. The only addiction, outside of success, I’ve ever had.”

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All alpha, I fell for Shane hard and fast. I LOVED THIS HERO!!! Shane is tough on the outside but tender at the core.

“I might not own you.”

“But I own your pleasure.”

I SMOLDERED and SWOONED as Shane’s words of passion POSSESSED ME!!! I felt their chemistry COMBUST!!!



Emily is running from a past and hiding from the present that includes secrets that may destroy the one man she cares about: Shane. Shane is trying to save Emily, his family, and more. Lives are at stake as they may lay in the wake of mass destruction that may fall from deceit. Love may be the biggest victim in this crime. Shane is the conscience to his family’s corruption. Can he save Emily, them, and himself from destruction?

His demons and mine are alive and well, two poison kisses.

Damage Control is smolder, scandal, and sin that seduces the senses while wrapping you in a web of suspense full of twists and turns, and blazes and burns. This is not just a story but an immersion into another world. A world that holds you powerless in its clutches, daring you to escape. Escaping this enthralling tale that possesses power over the reader isn’t easy. Trust me…I know.

This brilliant and breathless book BLEW ME AWAY!!! I could not put the mesmerizing mystery meets romance down! This story was my drug. My high. My hope. My adventure. My addiction. Damage Control captivated and claimed ALL OF ME.

Lisa Renee Jones is the queen of suspense! From Hard Rules to Damage Control, this series gets better and better! Lisa Renee Jones flawlessly executed Damage Control that ruled every piece of me. Damage Control will be hard to forget until I get my next…my final dose. UTTERLY INTOXICATING and INCREDIBLE, Damage Control is a hard act to follow!!! I bow to you, Lisa Renee Jones, for this movie in my head is still playing!!!

★★★★★★ masterful and mind-blowing stars

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a good read

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Damage control continues straight on from the cliff hanger at the end of Hard Rules, yet another great book in this series. Emily's secret is revealed but not after she goes through a lot of soul searching, worrying that telling Shane of her past will put him in danger, she wants to leave him to prevent this, but he's having none of that vowing to protect her.
Shane is pulling out all the stops to prevent his brother Derek taking over the family business as he in deep with the Martina cartel who want to use the business to run drugs. Shane is desperate to shut this all down knowing it would bring everything crashing down and a probable jail sentence for Derek which in itself would drag the company under.
Full of mystery, twists and turns, a family in turmoil but also a great sexy romance, bring on book 3!

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In Damage Control (Dirty Money #2), Lisa Renee Jones does it again! Shane and Emily's story continues. Emily's true identity is revealed as well as the mystery surrounding her. I'll say I didn't see this one coming, but then again when I read Hard Rules (the first book in the series) I wasn't sure where Lisa was going with the story--and that is a good thing because it kept me glued to my kindle.

Again, I am a bit shocked at Emily's secret. It was a total surprise. Now besides her attraction for Shane and vice versa, the reader knows what they have in common--their love for practicing law. This bit reminded me of my favorite TV series Suits. Then, there are their families. They are the worst though. It's as if neither they nor the reader knows who the real enemy is, and I'm intrigued.

Shane's father's change of heart made me do a double take, and I'm still trying to figure out what his game plan is and if he really is for #TeamShane.

But I'll also add that I went back to Hard Rules and reread the prologue because I am not convinced that Derek really is such a bad person. I guess I'll find out more in Bad Deeds.

I never get tired of reading Lisa Renee Jones because her stories are always full of unexpected twists and turns. I've been reading her books for years now and keep coming back. Yes, you can say I'm a fan. Anyone looking for a smexy thriller, this is THE series to read. You'll have to read it in order as the books can't be read standalone.

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If you have been following my blog for a while you probably know that I am a big fan of Lisa Renee Jones and I have read a lot of her books do of course I just had to read this book.

Damage Control is book two in the Dirty Money series and you do have to read the first book in the series to fully understand what is going on with the main characters.

I absolutely loved this romantic, sexy and suspenseful books. Just like all of the other books by Lisa Renee Jones that I have read so far, I just couldn't (and didn't want to) put down.

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I'm seriously LOVING this series!!

Damage Control starts where Hard Rules left off and thanks to Lisa Renee Jones for the refresher at the beginning, helped me get back into the story real quick.

As always Lisa Renee Jones has produced another sensational page-turner. I loved getting back into Emily and Shane's story, more secrets, loads of twists and turns, suspense, romance and some pretty hot scenes to get the blood pumping. I was hooked from the start to the very last page and I look forward to the next book. Hoping the wait isn't too long.

Definitely a series I recommend, go get started on Hard Rules!!

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An excellent well written read. I couldn't put it down. I devoured it as soon as I could.

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Damage Control is the follow-up book to Hard Rules which must be read first. This book picks up right where the first book leaves off and it is just as great a read as the first book in this series. When it comes to the Brandon family no one is safe. Everyone wants control and everyone is fighting and going to war to get where they want to be. I'm surprised by the way Shane's dad has taken a likeness to Emily but I'm wondering if she is also a playing piece in the game they all play so well. I finished this book and one sitting and can't wait to get my hands on the next book to see what happens with this family. As twisted, deceitful and revengeful as this family and these characters are, sure makes a great and unpredictable suspense read that will leave you wanting more.

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This is book two is the series. These books do roll fully into each other, so definitely read them in order. I left off with the last book looking for more answers, this one delivered. We uncover a lot more plots and lots of failed attempts at resolutions. More insight and answers on the secrets Emily was hiding, and boy are the BIG. Still lots of loose ends and pieces on the board to be played but seems like the power has shifted.

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When you want mystery, intrigue and sexual chemistry like none other, you can count on Lisa Renee Jones to deliver!

Damage Control picks up after the end of Hard Rules, where Shane begins to question Emily's identity after finding some alarming information. The real story here though, is the questionable fate of the Brandon empire. With Sr's health declining, Derek and Shane continue to battle for the throne. The problem: it's unknown whose side their father is on. Further issues, Derek is in bed with the Martina drug cartel, putting everyone's lives at stake.

The lust filled, passionate relationship between Shane and Emily is not to be ignored though. You feel it to your core, but it's not just the physical. They become so emotionally bound that even his family has decided to bring her into their protective bubble, going so far as to warn Derek away from her.

As I mentioned, Lisa nails it when it comes to stories full of suspense and mystery. This series is no different. I'm on pins and needles waiting for book 3 to see how the story concludes!

5 enthralling stars!

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Shane Brandon is hot! Just had to mention that from the beginning. Great book that's full of suspense, intrigue, and hotness. We finally find out Emily's story and get to see just how protective Shane is. Not only do they have to worry about Emily's past coming back to haunt her, but they have to worry about Shane's family and the mess that his brother has created. They seem to have the whole world working against them. That doesn't stop them from being totally steamy when they are together!

Definitely a page turner! Can't wait for more!

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One of the things I love most about Lisa Renee Jones and her novels is that with most of her books she starts off with this letter to the reader that recaps the last book for you. It allows me jump right in without having to do a complete re-read. I adore it. I find it one of the most helpful things an author can do. I know it isn't necessary, but it truly does help when it has been awhile since the previous book.



Okay. Now onto the WONDERFUL EPICNESS that was this novel.

I read it a few months back and just went and did a re-read. It was twice as good the second time. I swear. Lisa has crafted such complex characters in this novel with a story line that both engages and leaves you pondering and scheming right along with it.

Emily finally has to let everything come to the light. With the ending that we were left with I KNEW (or at least hoped) that Lisa was going to finally give us all the secrets. Thank goodness we finally start making headway on the chaos that is the cartel.

Then everything started moving really fast and I got hooked like an addict searching for another fix. I wanted to know what was coming next and if things were going to play out the way we all hoped. It was energizing to read.

By the time I got to the end of the book I was not only gripping my iPad like my life depended on that next page, but I was 100% TEAM SHEMILY or, whatever their team name is. I'm working on it.

All I know is they WILL get their happily ever, no matter who I need to bribe to make it happen. Cartels be darned.

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Impressive. A brilliant, serious undertaking that any suspense romance lovers will appreciate it.

I relish the quality of this author's narrative that is only equaled by the sheer intensity of every scene and the clever plotting.

Many-layered dangers surround Emily and Shane, the main characters in the second part of the Dirty Money series. They have to juggle threats on multiple fronts, and every move forward is crackling with tension and foreboding.

The very beginning of this novel is a fantastic, secret-ridden, furious confrontation between Emily and Shane as he discovers she's more than what she seemed. It's a real battle of wills and fear and guilt and betrayal, and love. Without missing a beat of pure energy, they launch themselves into investigations, armouring themselves against countless enemies, while holding onto each other like they are the last surviving male and female on Earth. Wow.

I was engrossed in the way their relationship deepens in the face of demons from within and without. The passion that consumes them is stunningly detailed. I can only praise the delicacy in the feelings as much as the thought put into the tangled web of deceit, intestine war, power control and strategy of the plot.

Even though there is no cliffhanger per se, the last part is brimming with corruption, dark pacts, murder and vicious violence, hungry passion and an ongoing family feud that I'm eager to see the result of.

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