Cover Image: Damage Control

Damage Control

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Member Reviews

I am so hooked and drawn into this story with all the intensity, drama and twists and turns you can't help but get pulled in. The Dirty Money Series is AMAZING!!!! I am so totally in love with the characters they are phenomenal. I have a total man crush on Shane Brandon. He is the perfect alpha mix sweet, sexy, smart, protective, dominant and calculating if need be. The intense chemistry that is shared between Emily and Shane is off the charts. This book will have you counting down the days to when you can get her hands on the next installment to find out how things will go for the Brandon clan. I voluntarily received a copy from netgallery and read a copy of this book for my review.

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This is the 2nd book in the Dirty Money series by Lisa Renee Jones. This is not a stand alone novel and the confusion would be stressful without reading these in order. Met Shane and Emily in the first book with both dealing with secrets that could lead to death and or destruction. Emily is running from her past and Shane is relentless to make her stay. Chemistry is explosive between this couple if only events around them would settle down. Mafia, back stabbing family, and unfaithful friends make this a page turner to enjoy. "A copy of this book was provided by St. Martin's Press via NetGalley with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read and my comments here are my honest opinion."

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Damage control

As a secret unfolds it looks like the past is trying to get into the future, with the differences between Emily & Shane needing to be resolved, there seems to be more and more issues circling in on them.


Just when we find out the answers to some questions we turn the corner & are met with more questions the suspense and passion is amazing.

But is Emily the only one with a bombshell to drop.

I'm enjoying this series & can't wait to read book 3, which I'm just about to head into.

Amo

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Shane Brandon's life closely resembles the chess game it has taken seven years to complete. He is forced to navigate through each day and help save his families company. That is hard to do when your brother has initiated business with the mafia. Each time Shane turns around he makes decisions that effect not only himself but also for Emily. She is his only calm in a storm that threatens to consume them. Danger from every side, keeping Emily safe not only from his brother but also from her past. That book is a definite must read and I cannot wait to read the next book in the series!

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Damage Control is charged with secrets and steamy moments! We continue to see Emily and Shane maneuver through chaotic circumstances. Can their passion and need for each other bring about the trust and clarity they need? Shane's family continues to bring disquietude to an already intense relationship. Damage Control will keep you on the edge of your seat. I look forward to the next book in the Dirty Money series.

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Holy moly, this book had me on the edge of my seat cover to cover. Emily's story has come out, and she and Shane are providing a united front in front of his family. The plot thickens with Shane's family, lots of twists and turns that has you turning page after page to keep up with everything. I love the chemistry these two characters have between them, but you just know that there is trouble ahead for them both. Your heart rate increases the further you go into this book, you just don't know how things are going to turn out with this really great book. Suspenseful, hot, steamy, and definitely leaves you wanting more! Loved the way the author gives a recap of the first book befor you delve into the next installment. I truly love the way this author has written this series, expertly written, smooth and very gripping. Can't wait to move on to Bad Deeds!

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book.

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Lisa has done it again!! Another 5 star read!! Lisa serves up a perfect cocktail of suspense, action lust and romance!!
Damage Control starts out right where Hard Rules left off. You definitely need to read these in order! I could put it down! So many twists and turns- I could wait to find out what happens next!! So many lies!! You won't know who to trust!! I can't wait to see which of the brother's is going to come out on top! Of Course, I'm rooting for Shane!! I can't wait to see what he's got up his sleeve to try and save the family business and ultimately keep Emily Safe!! I's so ready to jump into Bad Deeds, the next in the series!! Lisa is definitely one of my favorite authors!! I highly recommend this series!!

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This is book 2 in the Dirty Money series and You must read Hard Rules first, which ended in a cliffhanger.
Emily's secret is revealed and WOW know we can see why she was so determine not to get involved with Shane. Shane is feeling completely blindsided but vows to protect her and help her out of this mess. So much information is found out in this book and of course another cliffhanger. Lisa certainly know how to leave you hanging and begging for more.

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I absolutely love the dynamic between our two main characters, Shane and Emily. Yes, there are many many secrets that they both hold...or held. In this book, a whole boatload of those secrets and motivations come out. This couple is just amazing together. When the time comes for them to be truthful and open, they are, without hesitation, and I love how they trust each other so completely. And they have an incredible chemistry together...oh, the chemistry!!! Shane's family is one crazy, contemptible, f'd up mess of manipulation. While I love the main characters, the back story has a lot to do with hackers and drug cartels and business manipulation, and it's sometimes hard for me to follow.

The author did a FANTASTIC job of recapping everyone's backstories and characters at the beginning of the book. Thank goodness, because I would have been lost since it has been quite some time since I read book 1. I am now ready to dive into Book 3 and see where this journey takes me.

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Let me start off by saying that although I rated this with five stars, I was really disappointed with Emily's secret. Am I really the only one? Seriously??? I mean... there was so much buildup to it... it caused so much tension between her and Shane... that when it was finally revealed I was like 'That's it?' I gather that it's a big deal and life-altering but... I was a bit let down. I hope this plays a bigger role in the book to come.

Anyho... that was my only issue with the ENTIRE story. It really was a stunning story. Shane was still trying to hold his family together, get the business back on the 'right' track, cling to hope, and relish the deep connection he shared with Emily. I'm a huge fan of how the author brought these lovebirds together and how in sync they were in this book.

Between trying to balance the unwanted attention of the cartel, the potential backstabbing of former allies, the further deterioration of the relationship with his brother, and the chaos and dysfunction of the Brandon clan, it's clear that Shane needs the sanity and peace he finds with Emily. It's a good thing she has no plans on EVER leaving. And while this book certainly cleared up some details, it's beyond obvious that this story has many legs and is far from finished.

Release Date: February 21, 2017
Genre: Contemporary Romance
POV: Dual - 1st person
Heat: 4 out of 5
Type: Book 2 of the Dirty Money series

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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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