This series is like How to Get Away with Murder. I devoured the first 2 seasons of the show in one sitting. You are constantly trying to guess who is really bad, who is only kinda bad, and who isn't bad at all. Damage Control is the same way in a sense. While some of the people are obviously bad, everyone casts some doubts as to their true plans and intentions. Its a well crafted story blending romance, deception, and money.

Damage Control picks up right where hard rules left off. You must read them in order! Thankfully, Jones gives us a quick reminder of what happened and I was grateful for that. I read so many books that I easily get plot lines mixed up. Shane is still determined to figure out who Emily really is and why she is in his life. Emily is still determined to keep her secrets in order to keep Shane out of her drama and safe. Emily finally opens up to Shane and he agrees to help her. Now, though, he is dealing with his family drama and hers. Even with Seth around, this is a lot to juggle. The plot is quick and twisty, so you will never fell like there is a good stopping point.

If you like stories about family deception, murder, espionage, drug cartels, and other nefarious elements in society, The Dirty Money series is a perfect pick!

"Fear doesn't win. And I'm going to win."

It's not over, and the damage is not controlled... yet. The danger still lurks, and the enemy is not backing down. The future of his family and his legacy is at stake and Shane is determined to win. Even if he has to fight his own family to make that happen. And now that he's had a taste of what it feels like, he's not willing to risk Emily, and their future. The battle has just begun and I'm gathering my supplies for the next installment. I've got my DO NOT DISTURB door hanger, my kindle, and my fan for those extra hot scenes between Shane & Emily.

I'm totally digging the girl power going on between Emily and Jessica, Shane's secretary. They are funny and sassy and a force to be reckoned with when they get together. They both have Shane's best interests at heart and I'm looking forward to spending more time with the two of them as they join forces to support their man.

It's getting more and more exciting as secrets are being unveiled and the players are being identified in the dangerous game going on behind the scenes. It's not just the Martina Cartel and the dirty money, it's Emily's past catching up to her future. Can Shane protect her, and save his family's legacy? When all the players make their moves, who will be left standing?

Well, don't ask me, I'll be right here with you, waiting to find out. There are at least two more installments in the Dirty Money series, Bad Deeds and End Game. You can bet that I'll be waiting at the front of the line. "Promise. And I never break promises." See ya there...

4.25 STARS

Shane and Emily’s tumultuous story continues in “Damage Control,” book 2 of Lisa Renee Jones’ Dirty Money series. Picking up right where the first book left off, Shane pushes Emily for answers. Despite her desperate attempts to hold Shane at a safe distance, the alpha male in him refuses to be forced aside. In fact, Shane stands firm, resolute in his desire to finally learn the truth and to protect Emily at all costs. After much resistance, Emily comes clean, and the couple open up to each other in ways they never have before. And while there are still many secrets and lies running rampant in their peripheral, Shane and Emily’s relationship is now on more solid ground.

At the very heart of this book (and this series as whole) is the burgeoning romance between Shane and Emily. But with a love story set against a backdrop of criminal corruption and deceit, theirs is nothing short of a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs. Raw emotions fuel their actions, and Shane’s effort to maintain control is wrought with strain. Straddling the line is proving to be more and more difficult for Shane, who worries that he’ll succumb to the dark forces that seem determined to drag him under.

With as many questions that have been answered, just as many remain untold. But two things are abundantly clear. First… if I want more answers, I’ll have to be patient—at least until the next installment to this series is released. And second… without a doubt, “Damage Control” is suspenseful, sexy, and sinfully addictive!

Author Lisa Renee Jones has outdone herself with this novel, the second book in the dark and twisted Dirty Money series. After meeting Shane and Emily (if that’s her real name) in Hard Rules, book 1, the story only gets more and more twisted. The characters have more ghosts and demons than most do, and they come to a forefront in this novel. I couldn’t put it down. It made me even more anxious for the next novel, Dirty Money!

Damage Control (Dirty Money #2) is by author Lisa Rene Jones.
Release Date: February 21, 2017
Read: February 15, 2017
NOT A STANDALONE
Series: Dirty Money: #1 Hard Rules; #2 Damage Control; #3 Bad Deeds; #4 End Game
My Rating: 5
Cover: 5
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author via NetGalley*

DIRTY MONEY is about the Brandon family corporate empire, where power, sex, and deceit drive every action, and two brothers, Shane and Derek vie for control. Shane will try to convince everyone to go legit, but the darkness keeps trying to pull him under, and one woman is all that keeps him from sinking. And Shane Brandon IS money, power, and sex…

Just wow! Lisa Rene Jones knows how to tell a captivating, suspenseful and emotional story where you are focused on nothing else but her book. Damage Control is the second book in the Dirty Money series. This series MUST be read in order. So if you haven't yet, you need to read Hard Rules first. There is so much going on that you will be completely lost other wise.

Damage Control continues exactly where Hard Rules ended. I mean that literally. So yes there was a cliffhanger.. Fortunately Lisa Rene does not make us wait to resolve that particular issue. Yes I say particular because there are many issues in this dark, complex, crime-filled series. I won't say too much because I don't want to give any spoilers away from the first book. I do however recommend you find a quiet place to dig in. As I said previously, there is a lot going on. There are a lot of characters involved in the plot. And there is a sub plot brewing as well. I admit with the first book, I had to re-read several pages here and there because I got lost. But that's my own fault. Generally, I am a very fast reader and have been know to miss important facts. As a result, I re-read.

I was so engrossed in every single page of this book. I read slower with a steady pace to not miss a thing. The premise of this series is one brother (good) up against the other (bad). A father dying and getting ready to hand over the reigns of a multimillion, if not billion, dollar dynasty. A manipulative mother...whose side is she on? Both brothers want the head position. It is almost impossible to trust anyone. When you think you have something or someone figured out...you don't.

Emily and Shane got together in the first book. It started out as just sex. Emily has secrets. Shane has secrets. Both bigs ones. Although we learn Shane's early on, it is Emily's that will shock you. There are secrets revealed. There is murder. There are threats. And there is the fact that while Emily and Shane's dramas have become shared ones, while Shane's is an ongoing entity in the book, the threat of Emily's problems have not come to light yet. I can't even imagine the angst and drama that will bring to their already stressed lives.

The good thing....Shane and Emily have grown very close. Their relationship is passionate and erotic. By the end of Damage Control there are no more secrets between them but there is still danger. They are a perfect couple together; both intelligent, resourceful and protective. What I loved the most is how Shane treats Emily. Yes at first is was purely lust. But now she is everything to him. And she will need to be everything for him as well. Because where this book leaves us off tells us that darker times are coming.

Can Shane and Emily come out still together? I just pray they both come out alive.

Love, secrets and suspense

Finally, we are starting to get some answers. Damage Control is the second book in the series so make sure you read Hard Rules first or you will be completely lost.

Secrets are revealed and love is in the air. All through the first book we are wondering about Emily. Well in Damage Control we get answers. Things start to make sense and of I course I just got more excited about the series.

Shane opens up some and things with the Brandon's are coming to an head. There is so much going on. Betrayal and even Murder. This series is exciting and it will keep you on your toes. I'm loving it and can't wait to get the next installment. This is better than any soap opera. I'm on the edge of my seat hanging on.

Damage Control continues right where Hard Rules ends. It's explosive from page one all the way through to the ending. Shane is as angry & protective as Emily is loving & protective as the book begins with the battle of who will win being more stubborn. I love the rapport between Shane & Emily. It feels so connected and deep. Lisa Renee Jones, as the master of romance and suspense, weaves a story that captivates true love with fighting a real fear that is often unseen. Page after page more of the pieces come together but somehow so does the intensity of the suspense and definitely the romance. I love this trilogy and can't wait for Bad Deeds!!!

Damage Control is the second book in the Dirty Money series. You have to read Hard Rules first so you can fully understand what is going on with Shane, Emily, and his family. I don't want to spoil anything so I will try to make this short.

Shane is still at war with his brother. Shane wants to gain control of the family company and make it completely legit. While his brother Derek has other plans. He wants the company because he is greedy. Their father is playing a game with them. Pinning them against one another. While Shane was busy with his own family business, he didn't notice that Emily might be hiding her truth from him. The truth of who she really is.

Emily is hiding. But she can't stay that way for long when it comes to a determined Shane. He has to know what she is not telling him. Is she spying on him? And if so, who hired her? If not, then why is she running? He should just let her go but he can't. He cares too much. Can she tell him the truth without losing him?

Damage Control starts exactly where Hard Rules ended so if you read it then you know this is complicated story. There are many players in this game. This book is about trying to control those players. To get closer to the end of the game.

Overall...This story is about power, trust, love, and family. It's a twisted tale with suspense, and heat. It's like putting a puzzle together with each chapter.

Quotes:

“My secrets are mine. Mine to know. Mine to share. When I’m ready.”

“Honey, I’m not Dr. Phil and I don’t pretend to be. I’m more Judge Judy. Right to the point.”

“I need to taste like you, and smell like you, and feel your skin everywhere against mine,” he declares, his voice roughened with passion.

These are my Happily Ever After Novel Thoughts...

Let me just start with WOW! This book is intense and fast paced. It took me a few days to read and not because it was a hard read or long, life kept interfering. I didn't want to put it down!

I love the chemistry between Emily and Shane. They have so much in common yet are still trepid. The trepidation they are feeling is not unfounded though. They both have a great deal to fear in their personal lives and business-wise.

They take a big but natural step in this book and we find out Emily's secrets. Be prepared to be angry. I know I was and righteously so on her behalf. But, maybe things aren't as they appear. I can't wait to get my hands on the next book. I need to know what I'd going on and will happen! I also want to know more about Jessica and Seth! Maybe they'll get there own stories one day??

This book is a cliffhanger like the last one as they immediately pick up where the last one finished. Trust me when I say the game is afoot because, as we learned from the last book, Brandon Sr. is cold and calculating as if his life is one big chess game. Be prepared for some shifting players and more than just Emily's secret see light.

Grab this book and find out why it's one of my faces! We already know there is no ending, so no Happily Ever After this time.

Damage Control starts off exactly where Hard Rules finished. I was quite eager to jump into this book after the way the first finished.
Shane wants answers from Emily but she isn't be very forthcoming with them. Emily isn't who she says she is. But does it have anything to do with the Brandon family war going on? Lies are told and secrets are revealed.

I liked the speed of the story at the start of this book, there was a lot more going on which kept me interested. But sadly that soon changed and the story once again carried on with it's slow pace, and I began to lose interest again.
I enjoyed finding out more about the family war going on and what it will take Shane to right the wrongs of his brother. There was more danger to this story and I liked that we got to see those parts of it.

I wish I felt more of a connection to Shane and Emily as I think it would of made this book a more enjoyable read for me. But sadly I wasn't all that bothered by their relationship and I didn't feel any real connection between them.

I'm unsure if I will be continuing on with this series, as after reading 2 books out of it they haven't left a big impact on me.

An amazing second installment in the Dirty Money series! I cannot wait to see more from Shane and Emily, and figure out where the drama of the Brandon family will take this series!

The continuation to Hard Rules of the Dirty Money series picks up right where it left off in book one. No reprieve! Fast and furious. Romantic. Thrilling. Nail bitingly suspenseful.

Shane is still struggling with the family "game" that his father has initiated. His brother Derek plays dirty and sleeps with the enemy to give him the advantage of winning this game!

Emily is still holding on to her secrets which puts doubts about her in Shane's head. He is not prepared to give in so easily though!

When Shane insists on the truth from Emily, everything takes a turn for the worse. She is torn as telling the truth might put Shane in danger. Something that she is not prepared to allow. Shane is persistent and when she eventually opens up, the unravelling of her secrets comes as a total surprise. She is in danger herself and Shane will do anything to protect her.

Whilst their relationship continues to blossom, they have to face one obstacle after another. Knowing who to trust besides the obvious ones is near impossible. It would appear that everyone has ulterior motives. Money and control are the driving forces.

Some of the mysteries are unravelled but only to raise more questions. This instalment is full of lies, betrayal and deceit. Those who are loyal are few and far between. The suspense is killing. The love and passion between Shane and Emily is so intense that it's palpable.

Damage control demanded my attention and held me captive throughout. I couldn't wait to get to the end and yet when I got there, I wanted more. Bad Deeds, the next instalment can't get here quick enough but I am sure that the wait will be more than worthwhile!

I was kindly issued with a complimentary eARC via NetGalley and the views expressed are my personal opinion.

4 stars!

The Dirty Money series by Lisa Renee Jones continues with the second book, Damage Control. Once again we are thrown back into the world of secrets, lies, and deception. This book picks up immediately from the ending of the previous book, Hard Rules . Shane wants answers and he wants them now, but Emily isn't quick to reveal her secrets. It doesn’t help that Shane has a lot of shady dealings going on with his business leaving Emily with questions of her own. In this book, Shane and Emily quickly find out that not everything is as it seems.

I really enjoyed Damage Control. Though it started out a bit slower than I would have liked, the answers we got and then the questions that developed pushed this book along at a quickening pace and by the end I couldn’t out it down.

I loved that Shane and Emily are more open with each other in this book. Shane doesn’t let Emily push him away. He wants to fight for them, even when Emily things she will only bring danger to his doorstep. We know Emily isn't who she said she was and when the truth that she has be hiding comes to light, you understand why Emily is the way she is and the fears she has are understandable.

In this book, we get a better glimpse at what Shane has to deal with to bring the company on the right side of the law and there are some major key players standing in his way. The power struggle and drama within the family is crazy and the hatred runs deep.

"How do it protect her when [they]… are basically two tornadoes about to sideswipe us at any moment, or worse, collide, with devastating results?"

This story has a large focus on the connection between Shane and Emily and their relationship. Written in dual POVs, we get both sides of the story. I loved the safety they feel within each other. The ferocity of Shane's love and the extent that he wants Emily in his life despite her past and the fact that it was catching up to her was amazing. No matter the dangers, Shane wasn’t going to let her go.

“You’re the future, not the past. You’re the good that I need while I get rid of the bad.”

Emily understands Shane in a way no one ever has and I loved that she was there for him when he needed her most. I loved her determination to help him and the strength of her love.

The chemistry between Shane and Emily is still amazing and when they are together, it’s scorching. The fact that there is danger at every corner does nothing to hinder their sexual desires, it only makes things hotter and more intense.

They both want what is best for the other and what keeps them safe and I loved when they realized that they may be stronger together. Even when Shane and Emily decide to go all in, things are difficult and the many obstacles make a HEA difficult to fathom.

"His demons and mine are alive and well, two poison kisses, which could too easily turn out sweet hello into a brutal good-bye."

Damage Control is more than just a sexually charged romance. This story is very much a mystery, with suspense that keeps the pages turning. This book is a complex game with a lot of players. The secrets are locked tight and though we get some answers, this book leaves us with even more questions and confusion. We don't know all the details and have no idea who is on Shane and Emily’s side and who are against them. New alliances seem to form, but only time will tell if they are real or just another play in the game.

Overall, Lisa Renee Jones has spun a wonderful web of mystery and suspense, deception and lies, and this installment in the Dirty Money series kept me on my toes. The story is full surprises and the anticipation of what will happen makes me excited for the next book, Bad Deeds.

*ARC generously provided by the author and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Damage Control starts off right where Hard Rules left off. Once again we read the lies, deception and secrets that the Brandon men have. In the second book of the Dirty Money series, we see some of these secrets revealed. Who is Emily? What is she hiding? You will find out the answers to these questions and more. This is a great follow up to Hard Rules. The last quarter of this book is intense. Be prepared to hold on tight to your ereaders. The roller coaster ride isn’t over with this one. The plot thickens and intensity is turned up. I can’t wait for Bad Deeds.

An excellent continuation, romance deepens amid heightened suspense…

This is the second book in the Dirty Money series that should be read in order. Things here begin where the last book left off, an ultimatum was issued and a response is expected. With the level of complexity of these protagonists a simple answer to a question would not suffice. Like Shane, Emily protects what she cares about and revealing the secrets he now demands puts this man she has aligned herself with and that she has strong feelings for at risk. Their personalities clash as she hedges, plotting an escape while his intention is to keep them together no matter what the costs. This reader gasped, then smiled at the intense physical and emotional chase she led him on but Shane is not a man who easily gives in.

This book has such an apt title for Shane has much damage control to do, he must put in place defensive positions then set up offensive moves in this living chess game that is his life. We learned much about Shane and his family in book one, now we learn what Emily has been keeping secret and the revelation heightens the danger they will both have to face. It’s no wonder that he compares their situation to an uncontrollable force of nature, savagely dynamic and ever-changing. “How do I protect her when our families are basically two tornadoes about to sideswipe us at any moment, or worse, collide, with devastating results?”

In each other this couple finds what has been lacking all their lives, besides a steamy physical attraction, an intense emotional connection that touches their very souls along with acceptance and neither wants to give it up, they’ll address what is coming at them together for as long as they can but there could be a price to pay. Shane is walking a fine line between who he is and who he has to be to win this fight. “And right now, there is a war raging not just with my family, but within me, between good and evil.” Can the goodness that Emily is and the love she has for him ground him from falling too deep into the dark side of humanity or will circumstances guide him as deeds turn decidedly more deadly?

This was an excellent continuation, with every new revelation and new players entering the battlefield the suspense and danger is heightened as Shane persists in his attempts to extricate the company and his family from their deadly associations while navigating a romance that deepens with Emily. This reader was left wanting to know how it will all end and what will be the final costs.

An advanced reading copy was obtained from the publisher via NetGalley.

Lisa Renee Jones jumps right back in to our story of Shane and Emily, who we first met in Hard Money. Be sure you have a comfy chair, because you will be glued to it as you whip through the pages desperately seeking the answers right with them.

Emily has secrets, we already know that, and while some were hinted at, the depth and destructive potential of these secrets is powerful, and serves to fuel much of the action and tension in this book. More importantly, Shane, the only member of his family with a moral compass, learned the lessons of single-minded determination and ruthless judgments to reach that goal from this family, and he is unafraid to take charge and act to both unearth the dangers and protect Emily, even as she hasn’t been entirely honest or open with him.

Oh what a fun ride this story was! More than once I found myself holding my breath as the action and danger hit a fever pitch, only to have a moment to breathe where Shane and Emily take time to explore the connection that draws them together. The moments build on one another, as the relationship strengthens when secrets are revealed, and their chemistry sings.

Shane is a wonderfully strong hero: alpha, driven, protective and concerned with both protecting Emily and discovering the danger that will allow her to live in peace. For Emily, she’s coming into her own and showing more of who she is, without struggling between keeping the ‘persona’ she ran with and her own self, allowing her heart and true personality to shine through.

Following much the same arc as the Inside Out series, fans of that series are certain to love this one, but be warned: you can’t read Damage Control without reading Hard Money: you will be hopelessly lost and confused. Trust me, it’s no hardship: both of these books are read in one sitting, demanding your attention and emotions from beginning to end.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Lisa Renee Jones delivers with Damage Control and the reader is body slammed right back into the drama surrounding Shane and Emily. The romance is heating up and the reader can definitely feel the heat between the sexy leading couple but there is just so much more yummy goodness going on here ... oh my ... no words ... just read it.

There is conflict coming at Shane and Emily from all angles. Will their fall come from Shane's sexy brother Derek who is in deep with the cartels and is determined to take over the family's business interests. Will it be Mr. Brandon (calculating bastard) who is determined to maneuver everyone exactly where he wants them. Maybe, the matriarch of the family is working behind the scenes in order to steer the Brandon family's interests. It will be interesting to see who actually comes out on top. Not to mention, the not so sweet Emily has her own demons following close behind her that will add another level of danger for this leading couple.

This second installment to the series was an exciting read and I wish I had the next installment now. Damage Control is fast paced and will keep any readers eyes glued to the page. This series has that conniving family dynamic with villains you to love and hate at the same time. The book also has heroes that you want to pull right out of the pages into reality. As always, Happy Reading Everyone!

WOW! This book immediately takes off where book one ends. SOOOOO with that being said stop here and go read it. Seriously... go read it! NOW! This is an action packed and fast paced read. One you definitely don't want to miss. Lisa made this book her bitch! I LOVED IT!

Emily has finally let the cat out of the bag. And now she can finally be happy. Only the dangers lurking under the surface are threatening to come up and swallow her whole. There was so much more on her POV this time. I was really scared for the way this book would start with her. The angst and tension kept me flipping through the pages as fast as I possibly could.

Shane is absolutely swoon worthy! This man! OMG! He has definitely won me over and Emily too. He is a take charge kind of man and takes no mercy on anyone who crosses his path. This is one of the reasons why I love his character so much. So alpha and demanding but at the drop of a hat will take care of those he loves and will do anything to keep them safe and happy.

I loved this book! The little details had me feeling like I was living the story as well. It kept my heart pounding and going crazy. I was absolutely reeling by the time I reached the end and I cant wait for book three. I NEED IT IN MY LIFE!!!! Lisa and her words are phenomenal! Do NOT miss out on these books! Some of the best I have ever read!

Oh my! Where is book 3? I enjoyed this book very much. Love Shane and Emily. What a tangled web, can't wait to get all the answers in the next book.