Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆☆
M/F Romance
CLIFFHANGER

Jess loves her job. She is a parole officer and is good at what she does. She is also a bartender at a popular bar and she's just as good at that job. Jess has not had an easy life. She has a brother who did an unthinkable thing, but she still loves him. Her dad was not the best person either, but he's gone. Her mom, the most abusive person in her life, is someone who Jess can't seem to let go of, despite the abuse she endures.

Jess' boss is a family friend who has loved her since she was small. He has helped her look after her mom too. Also, Jess has a friend who runs a bar who has also helped her with her mom. They have been her surrogate dads. With things turning up the heat, everyone around Jess is suspect.

Trace is a businessman who is incredibly successful. When he first meets Jess, he's intrigued by her ability to be tough and feminine at the same time. She isn't afraid of him. She doesn't know him. Trace gets information on her and is even more intrigued.

Trace's family life is less than ideal too. Family comes before everything. That also means that when someone threatens the family, it's Trace's job to "take care of the issue." With Trace needing to take over more of the family, his uncle, who Trace sees as more of a father, is relying on Trace to keep the family safe and solvent.

Trace and Jess have an uphill battle. Tijan makes the characters interesting, relatable, and complex. I couldn't put the book down and am really looking forward to seeing more. You won't be disappointed in how this story develops.

Triggers: Murder, substance abuse, verbal abuse


Erica – ☆☆☆☆
A DIRTY BUSINESS is the first installment in the new series, Kings of New York, by Tijan.

Cliffhanger warning.

Jess and Trace have a clandestine meeting in the stairwell at a hockey game, changing the trajectory of their lives. Jess, who daylights as a parole officer, carries her badge even when she's off duty to keep the parolees on the straight and narrow. In her free time, Jess bartends to barely scrape by to take care of her alcoholic mother. By day, Trace works on Wall Street. By blood, Trace is high up in one of the most notorious crime families in New York.

With the glint of her badge, Trace goes from interested in Jess to disgusted. Let's be honest, Trace – you ought to direct that disgust inward, instead of being upset that there are those out there who catch you in the act. Just saying. Weariness of law enforcement would make sense. Disgust is another beast. It's not as if the entitled, privileged Trace is an innocent party being targeted for things outside of his control like many demographics. Eye roll.

As you can see, I wasn't a fan of the loathing aspects. Not pro or con anything, just felt it was unwarranted. Weary, yes. Loathing, no. As the novel unfolds, moral lines blur, just as Jess was afraid would happen, while it has the opposite effect on Trace.

Annoyed with himself, Trace cannot stop thinking of Jess. Do I believe Jess could have moved on after a few stray thoughts toward Trace? Yeah, I do. But Trace was instantly obsessed to stalker degrees. I mean, it was creepy shenanigans to read, and the pages turned at a rapid rate. But it did make me feel empathy toward what Jess was going through too.

Time after time, their lives intersect. Jess is struggling with her uncles (parents' best friends from back in the day) and her mother. Jess's mother is a drunk, but it's the mental instability that takes a toll on Jess. The mental, emotional, and verbal abuse was hard for this reader to stomach. While I felt this dynamic was realistic, there were parts of Jess's backstory that were never explained, as if there was this huge twist that was going to drop out of the air at any moment, but it never happened. So while there was a resolution between Jess and her mother, there was no closure for the reader, since the rage and abuse, along with all the things said and that which was left beneath the surface, was never explored let alone explained. Perhaps in the next installment, but it felt right to give it closure now. The momentum was built, only for it to die out with little to no explanation. Furthermore, the responsibility was accepted by other parties, and I cannot see where Jess's mom would think Jess should shoulder it. I still have no idea why Jess's mother treated Jess as she did, after an entire novel.

The dynamic Trace had with his uncle and their family, his father and sister, and his best friend and his family, along with the strife with the other families was intriguing to unravel. This part of the story took the forefront, thoroughly developed and intriguing, leading to a fast-paced novel.

I was able to spot the main bad guy from the beginning. It would have been more exciting had I not, and less frustrating as well. I just kept thinking how Trace and Ashton were all-knowing yet beyond dim when it came to the bad guy – it was all laid out for them. The other bad guy was a slight twist that I had a gut feeling about, so I enjoyed how that unfolded.

Ashton. Ashton. Ashton. Yes, I cannot wait to read your point of view, but at the same time, I hope there is closure and resolution over an incident, because what was put on the pages wasn't good enough.

The main reason I couldn't give a five-star review is on the character development front. There were times they acted out of character, or far more immature than their age group/education/upbringing/profession, or they acted/reacted to things in a manner that should destroy relationships. A punch isn't enough, let's just put it that way, making Jess go from strong to doormat, be it with her family, Trace, or those in Trace's orbit. Same with Trace, decisive and action-forward in one regard, yet lets things go in the next, things that bite them later.

There were snippets introduced, shown as if important, that were eventually just lost in the shuffle to be forgotten about and never brought up again. These snippets may or may not come up in other installments, but they were written as if they were to be mysteries or twists. Since they were left dangling and barely mentioned, I'm not sure why they were added at all but to distract the reader with a false narrative, same goes with Mom's rage toward Jess.

While I loved every minute of this chaotic story, reading it from cover to cover. Had I read it slower, the issues would have revealed themselves and taken away the entertainment value. I'm a sucker for an angsty trainwreck of a novel, with equally trainwrecked characters – A DIRTY BUSINESS delivered that in spades.

It doesn't matter how amazingly or poorly plotted, written, and edited a novel is, the true test is if I would do just about anything to get the next installment. In this case, gimme more. Now.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the first in a new series – and I really would appreciate book two appearing very soon as I am hooked!

What is really clever about this story is that we know that Trace is not someone that we should like, not in any way, and we are encouraged to see his darkness, and his utter unsuitability for Jess... but it is almost impossible not to want them to work out the many layers of complication. Jess's career as a parole officer excludes her from his orbit – he knows this immediately, and it makes him incredibly angry.

I found the fact that Jess could work in a bar and wear her badge slightly jarring – I am convinced that in the UK that would just not be allowed – but it was quite a clever way for her to keep an eye on her parolees, even if inappropriate to be moonlighting. I found her relationship with her 'uncles' and their dealings with her alcoholic mother very messy and confusing, but I guess it took a level of shine off her character which made it easier for her to be considering Trace at all.

I enjoyed the twists and turns, which are done as always with style by Tijan, and I just love the point where things become clearer, and unexpected plotlines find their way to resolution – at least partially. That moment when Trace becomes potentially a suitable boyfriend for Jess is when you know that your mind has been messed with again by this talented author!

Enjoy, I certainly did!

This book was so good! I loved that she was in law enforcement. I liked that he still fell for her and did what he could to protect her. I didn’t see the twists with her family coming!

An intense mafia romance with plenty of twists and turns. A page turner that will keep you entertained until the end. Things get tense and dangerous. Secrets, lies and betrayals come from every side. Just when it looks all the questions will be answered, we are slapped with a shucking cliff hanger!
Jess and Trace are not a good match on paper. She is in law enforcement and he has mafia affiliations. He is a Wall Street hotshot but “helps” his family when needed. He is constantly pulled between both worlds.
Jess wants Trace but not his mafia world. She has a hard time separating Trace her lover and Trace the criminal.
The chemistry between them doesn’t care about their differences. They more they try to stay away from each other the harder it gets. Something or someone is always blocking. Danger comes unexpected places and morals are put into question.
Great story, easy to read with great characters.

Tijan has done it again! I didn't think she could top the Outsiders, and she hasn't, but if A Dirty Business is any indication of how good this series will be, it will be as good as the Outsiders. Jess and Trace are trying so HARD to stay away from each other, but when they get together, it is explosive! Trace's friendship with Ashton is bromance at its best!! But all the questions after the end--😲. The double-crossing, the people Jess has trusted her entire life that were not who she thought they were--there are a lot of secrets we have no idea about yet.

And then the ending! After reading the Outsiders, I wasn't expecting such a heart-stopping cliffhanger that rivaled Book 1 and Book 2 of the Outsiders, but yep it was.

Dive into A Dirty Business now!

This was a great story that was different from Tijan’s previous books to me! Jess had some grit to her and was such a great strong female role. I felt the emotions she had wonderfully as well. Trace had a hidden side to him that I so enjoyed to see and the connection between the two was great. I loved watching them face their troubles both together and separate. I was entertained throughout the entire story.

Completely addicted! This book sucked me and I loved it! The twists and turns. The pace was perfect! And that ending!!!! Trace and Jess- just wow! If you want an addictive read - you found it!!

I always expect intensity from a Tijan novel and I feel that this was exactly what I needed from her.

I think that there was a lot more description of Trace and Jess than of their relationship, but I think that it worked out well especially if there's going to be a sequel. The intensity of what was happening to both Trace and Jess within their jobs and then how it put them in conflict with each other, despite their attraction was a perfect balance Tijan was able to make happen. I loved the support that Trace and Jess had even when they weren't talking to each other.

I liked that elements such as the 411 Network (used in previous books) is still a recurring element. I honestly think that this is one of my favorite surprises in a Tijan book, because it's not used very often, but it's cool how it links books together in the same world.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Montlake for giving me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

4.5/5 stars

OMG....this book was fantastic. A Dirty Business had me fully engrossed and I enjoyed every minute of it. I liked the characters. Trace and Jess had intense chemistry from the minute they met and I loved the push and pull between them and how they were practically dancing around each other. With him having ties tot he mafia and she being a Parole officer they both knew nothing could come of their attraction however they couldn't stay away. Their story was a bit of a slow burn but was also sexy and emotional and filled with action, drama, tension and conflict. They were both strong independent characters who balanced each other out and I loved them. They were supported by a cast of secondary characters who played a major role in the story.
There is so much happening in this novel I was at the edge of my seat at times with all the twists and turns. This page turner was well written and I could not put it down. The ending left me in shock and I can't wait for the next book. It was a fantastic read and I would highly recommend it to lovers of romantic suspense.

When Mafia Boss Trace West collides with Jess Montell at a hockey match, the attraction and sparks fly, that is until they realize they are both on different sides of the law, she is a parole officer!!
And that right there and then got my full attention, this girl was gutsy, sparky and could hold her own, definitely no walk over.
I just knew this book was going to drag me right into this whole can of worms and i would love every moment of it.
I was not wrong.
They purposefully avoided each other, but life kept landing them in each other's orbits and those moments between hating each other and trying desperately not to give in to their mutual attractions became moments i lived for!!! so freaking hot!!
Tijan has none to gently brought us a story of blurred lines, a girl on the edge, dealing with an alcoholic, verbally and mentally abusive mother, Trace, loyal to his family, but tries to keep his personal business on the right side of the law.
There are twists that blow you away and you can't even prepare for them coming. Lies and truths, betrayals most people wouldn't survive, but this is also a love story, strong and powerful, a love story that does not give up!!!
This author excels at getting into your mind and your emotions and this book is no exception!! Absolutely loved it from beginning to end !!

I will say upfront I am a huge fan of Tijan. I have loved everything she has written and will buy and read anything she writes. She is an amazing writer and I will always recommend her books. She writes all kinds of stories and in A Dirty Business, we get a romantic suspense that kept me on my edge of my seat from start to finish. I absolutely loved this book. Trace West is the prince of his family. A family with mafia ties. He is strong, determined, and a total alpha. If you are in his world, he will do anything to protect those he cares about. Jess Montell is in law enforcement and has what she believed a very right and wrong view of life. They should never have met, much less felt anything towards each other. But from the moment they lay eyes on each other, their attraction and connection is undeniable, even as they try to ignore it.

The push and pull between Trace and Jess is magnetic. No one around them believes they should be together. There is too much at stake, but how can you stay away from the other piece of your heart? As a reader, I felt that connection between them deeply. Every time I had to put the story down, I could not stop thinking of it and just wanted to pick it up again. So many things are happening around them and danger is always around the corner. After some things happen to each of them separately and together, you wonder if they will ever truly be together. Then the last few chapters changed everything and that ending crushed me. I feel like I am not doing this story justice, but though I loved her last romantic suspense series and was an overall 5-star read for me, this one was a 5-star read for me at a totally different level and I highly recommend it. I will now just be sitting in the corner waiting for the next book.

Happy reading!

This was my first Tijan book, and what a whirlwind it took me on. I love the concept of a parole officer (badass woman) and a mafia guy. There was a great balance of plot with the tension between these two, and where they give in.. 🥵💥

There were so many moving parts and I did not see what was coming at the end. I love when the authors can keep me guessing the whole time.

I typically enjoy tijan books. I think this one for some reason I could just not get into as well as her other titles. Nothing bad or wrong with the book, or writing style. I think perhaps this is on me, and timing. I may try again when I’m more open but do not let that dissuade you of trying this title.

A Dirty Business is the first book in Tijan’s all-new mafia series, and if you love mafia as much as I do, you will not want to miss this.

As is usually the case with any book by this author, once you open it, there’s no going back. The first page pulls you in, and you stay completely immersed in it until you’ve devoured every page. Secrets from the past and actions of the present blend together in this heart pounding read.

Jess is a BA in her own right. Not just because she’s strong and can hold her own against her parolees but because she’s made a decision to be better than her parents. She doesn’t just succeed at it; she excels at it. She’s a BA when needed, but she’s also caring and loyal to those she’s close to. I adored her character, and as the story went on, I felt the development of who she was at the beginning to who she was at the end was a natural progression.

Trace is a businessman who leads two different lives. Both sides are who he is; it’s just that they are quite different. He and his best friend own a club, a legit business that isn’t a part of the "Family." On the other side is Trace, the man set to become head of the West Family mafia. He seems to be split between the two sides of his life. No matter which side of Trace you were dealing with, there was never any question that he wasn’t the one in charge. He owns every room he walks into, and with a quirk of the brow, he’ll have panties melting and the mouth on him.

Jess and Trace are fire, ice, and a hurricane. Their chemistry is palpable the moment they meet, but because of who they are, it’s not quite as easy to give in to the lust between them. I loved that Jess was never afraid to push back, even after knowing who he was. There were so many times that my heart ached for them. It was clear that they were meant to be, but it seemed as though as soon as they took a step forward, something knocked them 10 steps back.

A single touch would cause a feverish burn, but then something or someone was there to remind them of who they were, and it was as though they were doused with ice water. It was the two of them and what they stood for that was the hurricane. I did love that once they waded through the push and pull of what their bodies told them, which was the opposite of what their heads said, they were all in.

My emotions were all over the place, from all the fluttery feels of the closeness both Jess and Trace had with their best friends to the way Jess had no fs to give when she stood her ground against others. The pain they felt, especially in the moments when it was caused by others, made my heart ache.

I have never opened a book by this author and not been immediately sucked in, but there was something different about A Dirty Business. Everything felt like what I would expect, but to the nth degree. The storyline was more mesmerizing, the characters more intriguing, the connection between Jess and Trace deeper, and the steam hotter; all of it just felt like it was on steroids. I’m already looking forward to diving further into the Kings of New York series.

I love Tijan’s mafia books! This one is no different but she has put such a different spin on this storyline that I was hooked when I read the description. Jess is a strong female main character who has been fighting the bad guys. Trace is the bad guy but is he really? Jess’s internal conflict is conveyed so well I could feel it. Trace’s loyalty, street smarts and fortitude made me fall in love with him. The supporting characters are well developed and I had a love/hate relationship with Ashton. The story had so many surprises and I didn’t want it to end. The ending was so shocking and it left me wanting to read the next book right now. This is a great start to new characters and a great storyline. Tijan is so creative and talented. She did not disappoint with this book.

4.25⭐

This is my initial introduction to author Tijan and if this fascinating story is anything to go by I will definitely be reading more. As I devoured A Dirty Business in just a day.

With a story that was well-written and that pulled me in from the start and characters who were interesting too. Especially Jess, whose career choice is in complete conflict with Trace and what he does.

Not to mention the pace at which Jess' and Trace's relationship developed was pleasantly slow burn and passionate. And it had the perfect amount of sexy too.

Furthermore, there was an element of the forbidden which I adored and that definitely made the story more intriguing. And I did find it very enjoyable, and even though the book is over four hundred pages long it flew by.

Oh, and that ending wasn't what I was anticipating and it did leave questions unanswered. But I guess that's what book two is for. Which is a book I'll be definitely be looking out for in 2023!

I would happily recommend A Dirty Business to Mafia Romance lovers everywhere!

I can't find the words for that ending. This story is easy to read, it has a lot of suspense, a lot of emotions, some amazing friendships, some unexpected events and a lot of love. I really enjoyed reading about the lovestory of Jess and Trace.

Another amazing read from Tijan!!! I can’t put her books down!!! An incredible author, who can keep you interested in the storyline and characters!!

“I was thirsting for some of that sin tonight.”

WOW!!! So many emotions captured between these pages. Revenge, entitlement, trust, betrayal, truth, heartache, yearning, chemistry, compassion, loss, hope, friendship, family, redemption, fear, regret…

“This whole time, he’d been toying with me, but now he was off kilter, and I was the reason. This wasn’t just a one-way street. I had power over him too.”

Caught between two worlds. Testing your scruples. Justifying your desires.

“There’s no half-in and half-out. You’re not half of a criminal. You are a criminal, and today, I became one too.”

When everything you believed in is being questioned. When everything you’ve sacrificed for is being tested. When your truth becomes a lie.

“Are you okay knowing what it’ll cost me to have you?”

4.5 stars. I was excited to finally read a Tijan mafia book, but then found out this ended in a cliffhanger (which I typically do not like- especially when it is not disclosed upfront), so it took me a bit to get into the story. This was a great back and forth with Jess, a parole officer, and Trace who is walking the line between a legitimate businessman and the mafia. This story pulled me in and made me want to know what was going to happen. The only thing I didn’t like about the story was that it ended without a resolution. Looking forward to the next book that has the ending, which I will definitely read.

I love Tijan's YA/NA stuff but this one is going to be one of my favorite of her mafia romances! Some of Tijan's female characters can be a bit angsty and cave under pressure, but I loved Jess. She had been the no nonsense voice of morality in her family and friend group, and it carried over to her career choice and was an integral part of who she is. Trace was trying to walk the fine line between family and business, right and wrong, legal and not. I loved the development of their relationship and the complete slow burn between the characters. Sometimes it's nice to have that character development and sexual tension.

There was a bit of a mystery involved and figuring out who was trustworthy was hard. I didn't think the book would end the way it did, but that hopefully means we get more of Jess and Trace! So good!