REVIEW via enclosed link.

Emily is determined in running away. Though she does everything possible to keep Shane at arm’s length, the man refuses to let things lie. Part of her understands why he’s doing what he’s doing. He cares for her just as much as she cares about him, though she won’t openly admit it. Deep inside, she wants nothing more than to walk away from the life of deceit and lies she’s built around herself. If she wants to get to the truth, however, she’ll need to stick it out to the very end. The question is, how much more must she suffer before each and every one of her secrets comes back to haunt her?

Another awesome addition to the Dirty Money series, Damage Control gives us more insight into the plight Shane and Emily found themselves in within the last book. These two don’t have things easy. Bursting with love for one another, they do their best to deny their feelings in the hopes of setting all wrongs to right. What they find along the way, however, drives more nails into their coffins than they care to admit.

Lisa continues to expand on the world she’s created around these lovely characters. We get to see their pain, their heartache, and the constant indecision they experience while trying to assert themselves in the world they live in. Shane and Emily have shown us that it’s not easy living in a world where secrets can kill you. Their world is dark, dirty, and downright painful. Nevertheless, they’re willing to find the silver lining behind the clouds that surround them.

While this series is far from finished, we’ve been given a dark and gritty story that makes you want to delve further into the secrets that surround each character. While I don’t know what’s coming next for Shane and Emily, I confess I’m looking forward to what’s coming. I truly hope they get their happily ever after. One can hope, right?

Damage Control is the second book in Lisa's Dirty Money series, and wow what a sequel it was!Get Shortlink I've read a few of Lisa's books now and this series is definitely shaping up to by my favourite! I gave the first book 4.5 stars and this one a solid 4! I'd definitely recommend it - its the perfect mix of romance, mystery, and excitement. Go on, read it!

The story picks up after the cliff hanger that Hard Rules left on - thankfully after that I could immediately pick this one up! There was a lot of character development going on in Damage Control, particularly for Emily. We found out a lot more about her past in this instalment of the series and, in my opinion, we saw a much stronger side of her! I find that sometimes in romance books the girl is weak and has little personality...those books really annoy me...but that wasn't the case here at all! And not just Emily too, I loved that there were a lot of really strong female characters in the Dirty Money series - I loved Jessica and Shane's mum is really clever!

The plot thickens further in Damage Control, with more secrets coming to light about Brandon Sr, and Derek's involvement with a drugs cartel. Its intense! Every time I think I have the story all figured out something happens and I have to rethink all my ideas! It definitely kept me on my toes. And alongside the swoon-worthy romance between Emily and Shane I really couldn't have asked for more!

And of course I'm so excited to learn more in the next book which comes out in August!! I'm sure it's going to be just as good!!

This is my first book by Ms Jones and it was outstanding. What a thriller with so many twists and turns. I would advise you to read the first book of this series, Hard Rules, because Damage Control picks up where Hard Rules ends. Shane and Emily are explosive together. What a ride Lisa Renee Jones puts us through. Cannot wait for the next book, Bad Deeds coming out this summer. I recommend this series

You NEED to read Hard Rules first for a variety of reasons. 1- so you can meet Shane and Emily 2 - so you can find out just how truly screwed up Shane's family is 3 - because why not?

This book picks up immediately where Hard Rules left off. Emily and Shane are talking about Emily's past and why she was running from Shane. And we find out more about how truly effed up the Brandon family is. Shane now knows to trust Emily but there's really not anyone else to trust.

And that ending, though?! Oy I can't wait until August for Bad Deeds! I need Bad Deeds NOW!!!

This is just the epitome of what you look for in romantic suspense. It has mystery, intrigue, sexiness, romance, so many elements to this story. I loved every minute of reading it. It kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time and I am dying to find out what happens next. I know there are still a few books to go, but each ending is leaving me wanting more! I cannot wait to read the next book!

The blurb is what got me to read book one, Hard Rules, in this series by Lisa Renee Jones:

"When Wall Street meets the Sons of Anarchy..."

There really isn't a better way to describe these books. Picture the chaotic, crazy mess and ever-constant web spinning of the Sons of Anarchy cast... but instead of dirty (but sexy) bikers, picture filthy rich (and equally as sexy) bajillionaires.

I absolutely loved book 1 (you can read my review here) and was so excited to get my hands on book 2, Damage Control. But with my entire family dropping like flies with the flu, my life got a bit hectic and I was late starting my ARC and ended up buying the audiobook and switching back and forth from e-book to audio (I highly recommend the audiobook, I think the narrators are fabulous, by the way!)

Damage Control starts exactly where book one leaves off, with a giant freaking mess, more secrets than you can remember, and pretty much zero answers as well. I seriously haven't read a book with so many intricate details, and lies, and side plots going on at once... it's incredible the web that Lisa Renee Jones spins in these books. You never really know who is good, who is bad, what side someone is on, who is going down next, who is plotting what... seriously! I am good at figuring things out but good lord I leave each book wondering how the flaming fig newton someone can get out of these disasters unscathed.

Emily and Shane both have secrets and terrible families that are desperately trying to drag them down. There's international hacking groups, murder, a cartel, a billion dollar family business changing control, cancer... you name it. It is all in there tearing everybody apart at every angle.

I felt like this story was a lot of figuring out Shane and Emily's pasts and how they would conquer their future... if they even have one together. A lot of the plots are intense and action-packed, but Shane and Emily handle it separate from each other. Unlike book one where they are busy trying to handle their feelings, and the hiding of their relationship from co-workers and family members, in book 2 they're together in the open. The plot is more focused on the suspense, the mystery, the scandal. The parts where Shane and Emily are actually together are when they're home from work or bustin' cartel booty... and naked.

I loved that their relationship was there in the very steamy background, and the story instead took on a very strong voice more based on plot than relationship, if that makes sense. It's such an amazing, mind-boggling storyline that I loved immersing myself in the wtf is happening, how can they fix this, omg what now?!

Yes, they are still figuring out what "us" even means, and let me tell you... *fans face* Their "us" is sexy AF. *fans face harder.* Shane is the epitome of alpha male. And Emily is just as strong, no matter how lost she is in life, that chick is one bad ass mamba-jamba!

I can't recommend this series enough, and if you enjoy romantic suspense that'll get your heart pounding (for multiple reasons) this series is a must click!

Both reviews are at this link!

Damage Control is book 2 in A Dirty Money series by Lisa Renee Jones. You must read Hard Rules to start it. The author included an amazing catch up/footnotes section at the beginning of the book, so even if you don’t remember certain things, just by reading that you will be up to date instantly.

Book 2 starts where we left off. Shane Brandon and Emily Stevens are at a crossroads. Can they trust each other with their secrets? We’re pulled right back into the suspense and danger lurking around.

“The people closest to you can hurt you the most.”

Emily is hiding and her painful past has the potential to catch up to her and destroy everything she loves.

Shane’s family made him untrusting and cynical and he needs Emily to be honest in order to have a future together. He wows to protect her as he fights his family’s downward spiral.

“You are the best damn thing that’s ever happened to me. I’m trying to make sure my family doesn’t destroy us.”

We learn so much in book 2. Super fast paced as information is uncovered and revealed, you will be glued to the pages. It’s full of twists and turns and it will keep you guessing and looking for answers.

I loved how Emily and Shane became closer. Their relationship develops through the web of deceit and lies inflicted on them by their families.

They become stronger as a couple but also as individuals too. Their connection is undeniable and off the charts hot.

Outside forces threaten their newly found happiness as Sean learns more about the greed driven betrayal from his family. Very few people can he trust as he desperately tries to run damage control and keep Emily safe at the same time.

Lisa Renee Jones kept me on my toes as I immersed into the world of deception, greed and danger. With plenty of hot and steamy moments between Emily and Shane to keep me satisfied till the end. Can’t wait for Bad Deeds!!

Damage Control was everything I hoped it would be!!
Lisa Renee Jones can do no wrong when it comes to writing novels! She constantly has me intrigued by her next plot line and characters. This novel was no exception.
Shane and Emily had some serious chemistry and connection going on! They were hot and steamy, while still maintain a relationship that showed some semblance of a deeper connection!
I cannot say enough good things about this novel! I guarantee you will enjoy it! Go purchase it for yourself today!
5/5 Stars!

Deceit and corruption are thriving in Brandon Enterpises and Shane is the good son, trying to do the right thing surrounded by a world of bad. Emily is his light, his escape from the corporate nightmare that has become his life. But Emily has secrets and troubles of her own. Will this company ever be on the up and up or will it always be tied up with strings that are illegal. Twisted families, secrets to discover and so very, very hot moments. Make this a hot read and I can't wait to see what the future will hold for these two. Will they ever find a HEA where stress doesn't live and life is just daisies and butterflies? Only time will tell.

“I think it’s fairly clear that she doesn’t want to see the distrust in my eyes any more than I want to see the lies in hers. Once again, we’re well matched, but for all the wrong reasons.”

Finding answers this go around should’ve been the no-brainer…but it’s not. There are so many moving parts to this story, yet it’s simple. Shane and Emily are meant for each other.
The only disappointing fact is that her hesitance and back-and-forth with everything was quite annoying. It made the book move extremely slow without much action to keep me interested.

I wanted answers.

“She’s escaping from one corrupt family to hide inside another. Mine.”

I didn’t get the ones I wanted, or really any at all. I felt a little lost reading this book, a sense of disconnect from the first one…but maybe it’s just because this may be what was needed to lay the ground work for the next novel. Which I’m sure will give me what I had hoped for in this one.

So, yeah. It wasn’t my favorite, but sometimes in reading a series there just has to be a set-up somewhere. They all can’t be super amazing, packed full of action and passion and oomph. Some just need to provide the details in order to understand the story better as a whole…this was that story for me.

“Please don’t try to make me feel better. You just said yourself that you had to accept the change you faced to really move forward. That’s about claiming control, and I admire that in you. I want to admire that in me too.”

**3.5 Not What I’d Hoped, Stars**

4 Suspenseful CROWNS

Lisa Renee Jones has delivered another novel filled with twists and turns that will leave the reader questioning who will win control of the Brandon empire.

This story from the opening pages starts off with a bang. Emily and Shane are struggling to deal with the revelations that were revealed at the end of the Hard Rules. Even with the amount of stress these two are under, they still remain relatively the same. Shane is still battling for the morality of his company and himself, while protecting the people he loves, and Emily is still running, although the reader finds out along with Shane what she is running from. The chemistry between these two is still as electric as it appears in book one, and it becomes more with this book as true feelings are shared and explored between these two. Their journey through this book serves to make them a stronger couple.

As always, Lisa Renee Jones delivers a story that will keep readers riveted to the pages. There are so many players in this game, so many duplicitous activities, and so much treachery that readers end up desperately trying to figure out all the pieces along with the characters. Even though much more is revealed in this book in regards to allegiances and players in this chess game, there are still many questions unanswered and man wildcard characters who can change the game quickly, so I am intrigued to see how Ms. Jones is going to wrap up this series.

Lovers of suspense and romance should absolutely pick up the Dirty Money series. The layers of the plot, the characters you love and the ones you love to hate, and the chemistry between Emily and Shane are sure to entertain.
------------------------
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

“ Promise. And I never break a promise.”


Damage Control is an awesomely intense read, full of questions, anxiety, lust and suspense.

After the cliffhanger in Hard Rules , I was desperate to know what will happen to Shane and Emily- so many twists, so many questions left unanswered… I was left craving for more.
Shane and Emily are battling with an onslaught of different emotions. Emily wants answers and is going to do all she can to stay strong.
Neither one is willing to relinquish control and that really brought out an explosive dynamic between them that is equally endearing and sizzling to watch.

“I’d bleed for you. That’s what you don’t seem to understand.” “I don’t want you to bleed for me. That’s what you don’t seem to understand.”

Shane is more than never determined to take control of the Brandon Empire. He is ready to go to war against his father, his brother and whoever will be on his way. He struggles , however, with his feelings for Emily.

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

Emily wants to be part of his plan and help him but she has also demons to fight and problem to sort out.
The author allowed us to see the struggles Shane constantly faced with his actions towards Emily.

This was an awesome sequel to the first book. We got some answers, and even more questions.

I am loving this series. It encompasses all of the elements in a great read for me.
The story is so unpredictable, you never know what will happened next. It’s angsty, twisted and I couldn’t put it down.
I can't wait to see what unfolds for Shane and Emily.

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

4.5 Need the next one NOW stars!!!
We start off exactly where we were left off in the first book and HOLY CRAP what a ride...

I first need to point out that if you thought Shane and Emily burned up the sheets before? Gahhh- in this installment they were HOTTER, Smoking Hot!!

There's no way I can go into detail about the plot without giving anything away - Hell I still don't know what will happen next.. how it all will go down! I've been left on the edge of my seat desperate for the next.. Yes another cliffy but that much closer..

This series is full of Suspense, Secrets and intense characters who all have a purpose and have been strategically placed.. So many layers!! Layers I want, NEED to unravel.. EVERY. SINGLE. ONE.

Damage Control picks up at the exact moment Hard Rules ends, Lisa provides a comprehensive recap at the beginning of the book so readers can enter the story with the same amount of trepidations and tension they had at the end of the previous one, lol.

Shane is confused and angry at Emily's secrets, his feelings are exaggerated due to the continued manipulation he has experienced at the hands of his family. His reactions are emotional and explosive, the complete opposite to his usual calm, controlled exterior.

Emily's fear is palpable within the narrative; the revelations drawn out for maximum effect and not at all what I assumed. Instead of providing clarity they only added additional pieces to the puzzle. I have a sneaking suspicion that there is a connection between the situation with Emily and the one Shane is embroiled in that when it is revealed is going to complete blow my mind.

Lisa is playing her cards very close to her chest with the plot of the Dirty Money series; there are a LOT of plot threads including some ingenious tying together of significant events, I found myself picking through the narrative trying to pick out the connections that might direct the plot in the future - connections however small are still connections ;)

I am grateful that the relationship between Shane and Emily deepens within Damage Control, as well as recognizing Emily is a lot stronger than she has been given credit for. However, you can't help but think Emily is a chink in Shane's armor that could easily be used against him.

I do not know what to expect from Bad Deeds but fear from the title Shane may have to compromise his integrity in order to protect not only Emily but his company as well. I am absolutely desperate to find out where Emily's brother and the cyber organization mentioned in Damage Control are going to fit into the story. Seriously, I need some answers here ;)

**ARC Review**
Received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Once again this book begins with a brief summary of the first book and all the characters. I love that because it helps refresh my memory.

I love how Shane and Emily are evolving as a power couple. Little by little they are trying to learn how to work together and lean on each other.
Shane's is having a power struggle with his brother because Derek has involved very dangerous people into their lives. Shane is trying to fix it but there is a lot that he has to do in order for him to cut ties with those people.

I can't wait for the next book to come out and see how it all ends. Buy it but start from the first book or you will be missing out.

Ahhhhh!!!!! Lisa Renee Jones never ceases to amaze me as she continues to knock out another amazing seductive romantic suspense in the second installment to the Dirty Money Series. In Damage Control, Lisa continues to lead her readers down the proverbial rabbit hole of suspense, mystery, chicanery,and passion. With her mastery and virtuosity of words, Jones will define the hard rules of trust, duplicity, and love as she takes reign of the meaning of damage control.

If you didn’t read Hard Rules, then I am here to inform you that you can’t read Damage Control as this book continues where it last left off with Shane and Emily. And what a sexy, intricate, and heart-stopping journey it is. As secrets are slowly unraveled and the players are known, all there is left is figure out what moves will be made. And did I mention that Lisa Renee Jones turns up the heat. Yes, Shane and Emily’s relationship gets scorching hot.

I know that I haven’t revealed much as to what happens in the story and that is because this book is layered with so much intrigue, raw emotions, mystery and suspense that readers must see how everything unfolds with Shane and Emily. As secrets are revealed, danger is imminent and will either of them come out alive?

Damage Control was everything you could have wanted and expected from Lisa Renee Jones as she didn't hold anything back. This book was just as riveting, intense, and sexy as the first book. I loved how Lisa Renee Jones slowly dissected every facets of truth, lies, secrets, and chicanery in her seductive manner. She engages readers. Well scratch that. She entices readers to beg for more. More truth. More suspense. More danger. And more of Shane and Emily. So are you ready to get lost in this wickedly intense story whereDamage Control is a necessity?

Lisa Renee is really on top when it comes to sexy romantic suspense. She knows how to intertwine characters without it feeling overwhelming. I said this is a past review but I love how in the beginning of the book she gives us a refresher on all the characters, I feel like it really helps the reader before starting the book.

Well this book picks up where we left off and Shane isn’t taking no for an answer, he wants answers. I love his persistence; it is very true to his character.

“I don’t like the word ‘can’t’, so could I let you go? Yes. But I won’t”

Now it’s Emily that is trying to get answers and sick of the secrets, after she finally comes clean to Shane about her past.

“Secrets. Lies. Trust. Love. Hate. Family. Sex. I guess I’d rather have silence than lies. Wouldn’t I?”

Emily is still afraid her past will catch up to her and Shane and her main concern now is that she’s putting him in danger because he now knows her secret. I love how this is handled in the story. Emily really has a deep connection with Shane and she obviously wants to be with him but her gut tells her to leave, to be alone. She knows he has a lot of things going on already and doesn’t want to burden him more. Shane on the other hand wants her close by and doesn’t want her alone. Emily also wants to feel like she can take care of herself. She doesn’t want Shane’s money or power even though she wants him. She doesn’t want to feel like her mother.

“No one has ever really tried to take care of me and to tell you the truth, letting you do this scares me.”

“I want to not feel what I feel right now. I want to stop thinking I’m my mother, with a rich man buying me things and keeping secrets.”

There is a lot that happens in this book. Lisa Renee’s attention to detail and characters is great. I can’t wait to find out how this book concludes. There are so many questions and ideas floating around my head.

Another great read by this author!