Another homerun by Lisa. Addictive, suspense, mafia, forbidden romance, drama, wonderfully tall, Greek characters..

This book didn't disappoint! Lisa Renee Jones books are always amazing. I love her works and she's one of the author that's been on my auto-read list

Couldn’t get through how pushy Shane is. I get that he’s used to getting what he wants, but, to call yourself a Dom you have to respect your Sub’s space and wishes, and vice versa. i wanted to like this book but, he’s incredibly obnoxious.

This was a really great romantic suspense story and series starter. I loved the intensity and passion as everything played out. I liked the chemistry between Emily and Shane, they're fun banter, learning their history and how they opened up and shared. I liked Emily but her back and forth with Shane got old quickly and I couldn't wait for her to figure herself out. Shane's family intrigued the heck out of me, they were like an interesting train wreck I couldn't get enough of. There were a lot of questions answered and there are still a million things I want to know. I liked the mystery and definitely intrigued enough to continue on with the next book. Solid read!

Could not get into this book. An okay romance I suppose, but I ended up DNF-ing for something more my style.

Fantastic read. I can't wait for the next one. I want to read this one again. Suspenseful, hot and I couldn't put it down.

I did not enjoy this title and would prefer not to leave a negative review.
I could not get engaged in the story, I found the dialogue cringeworthy at times. I did not like the characters.
Although I don't recall subscribing I became bombarded with spam from the author and affiliates.

Wow what just happened! This intense, suspenseful, steamy, crime thriller had me going on all cylinders and then it ended!
I was totally captivated by this intense story of a family business dominated by secrets, murder, drugs, cartels, betrayal, alliances and acquisitions. Blood only goes so far and it doesn't guarantee loyalty. Shane already knew what he was up against with his family, but when he meets Emily, his business and his life take on a whole new meaning. Is it coincidence, or did Emily have something to do with it.
When Shane and Emily met, something seemed off. Was it staged and by whom? But they decided to go with their emotions and they hook up. Even though it was supposed to be just sex, it wasn't. In the bedroom their connection was off the charts, sadly outside the bedroom they seemed guarded and disconnected.
Unfortunately, both have family secrets, and are struggling with their own demons.
Who's the enemy and who isn't.
Who are they? The stage was set on this suspenseful steamy crime thriller to make us wonder are they lovers or enemies spying on the other for control or revenge. Are they the right people for each other at the wrong time, or something more sinister?

A solid 4.5 since I didn't get more background info on the characters.

I. Cannot. Wait. To. Find. Out!!

I read this years ago and wrote down some quotes that I had liked in the past but I didn't write any notes about the book. I read and re-read the synopsis to try spark a memory but nothing comes to about these characters. Which to me means they didn't worm there way into my heart making them forgettable unfortunately.

Here were the quotes I had liked when I did originally read the book.

"I want you to leave with me, but be clear. That means I will fuck you every possible way, with the full intent of ensuring that I'm the man you compare all others to. "

"Say nothing or tell me everything, but don't lie to me."

"Every time I think your family can't get more fucked up, they prove me wrong."

The book had me total captured. The attraction and sexual energy between Shane and Emily, that evolves into real feelings and a deep, physical need for one another. The writing draws you in and shows you no mercy as their story unfolds.

Emily is a strong female lead with secrets well guarded and Shane is a good man, born into a bad family, trying to right what he believes is wrong. In Emily he sees the loneliness, he feels on the inside, both is protective of each other, but can’t deny the chemistry that keeps them together.

This book was, unfortunately, a DNF for me. I kept waiting for something to happen and by chapter 7, I was just done with the characters and the lack of interaction. I will definitely read something from this author again, but Hard Rules just didn't work for me.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. I enjoyed this book and the characters. Looking forward to the sequels.

Hard rules make this a very interesting novel. Emily is a mystery through out the book. I'm still puzzling over who or what or where she came from. She meets Shane and has this steamingly hot fling with and be who turns out is a boss at the company she just got a job at. Lisa does it best with the back and forth, all while only under covering a little tidbit of information just at the right moment. Shane's family is out for blood, in shark infested waters he's looking for someone on his side. Emily and Shane will make a hot power couple if secrets and lies doesn't come between them. Amazing start to the series.

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Review "She is my light in the storm of betrayal."

Wow!!!!!!!! What did I just read? HARD RULES was Fanfreakintastic!!!! Spellbinding. Beyond magnificent. And so scorchingly erotic, I am still in a starry eyed stupor. Oh, and for the record, I have a shameless crush on Shane Brandon! He is handsome and dynamic, rich and powerful, ruthless yet noble to the core, and positively oozes charisma. So watch out ladies...there is a new hotshot in town and he is taking the Mile High City by storm!!

It all begins with a fateful encounter in a coffee shop between high-powered attorney Shane Brandon and blond-haired, blue eyed Emily Stevens that sparks an attraction that is electric, immediate, lethally dangerous. Both are leading highly complicated lives that leave little time for romance. One is running from a terrifying past that cannot be outrun, another is racing against time to obliterate corruption and dirty money from his family empire before his blood legacy is destroyed forever. Pulled together by a magnetic force, they embark on a night of forbidden passion, hoping to lose themselves in ecstasy, to live only for the moment, immerse themselves completely in one another. But they soon realize that one night will never be enough. However, both are working perilous agendas that have already been set in motion and cannot be undone. In the game of love, will relinquishing control prove to be their ultimate downfall?

New York Times bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones penned a heartstopping, pulse pounding, high octane romantic thriller that scintillates the senses, obliterates the heart, breaks EVERY rule and leaves you clamoring for more, more, more! Set against the glittering Denver skyline, HARD RULES (bk 1 in her brand new Dirty Money series) is a story of sin and seduction, danger, intrigue, chilling suspense, and explosive passion. Throughout the course of this novel, there is a battle brewing for control of Brandon Enterprises that pits brother against brother, father against son and a beguiling woman of mystery is caught in the crossfire. And at the core are two fiercely devoted lovers swept up in a raging storm of pain and subterfuge and intertwining destinies.

The chemistry between this explosively sexy couple was off the charts but the relationship between the deliciously dominant Shane and the cunningly beautiful woman of his dreams ran so much deeper than raging hot trysts. It was sweet and tender, palpable and raw, shockingly intimate, and INEVITABLE! An all consuming romance between two soulmates who are ensnared in a tangled web of love, lust, betrayal, and secrets and lies where only the strong survive. Together they expose pieces of one another they don’t want unveiled but trust can be a precarious gift. When all is said and done the jury's still out who will end up as collateral damage.

This book had me hopelessly hooked from page one, breathlessly flipping the pages, my heart racing into full throttle, eager to get to the finish line, yet at the same time wanting to stay in idle so I could savor each delicious pit stop along the way!. And that ending? OMG what a jawdropper! It was so brilliantly executed, emotionally devastating and altogether baffling I am still reeling. And hands down...Best. Last. Line. Ever!!!!!

This is my first foray into the literary world of this phenomenal author (how have I never read her before?!) but here is my verdict: Lisa Renee Jones is a master at penning riveting romantic thrillers that hold your heart hostage, twists your emotions, boggles your mind and keeps you guessing. And I will conclude with this. Read this book. It transcends all expectations but prepare yourself. When you reach the shattering crescendo, you will be shaken to the core and probably be as desperate as I was for the next spine-tingling installment. Game on, Lisa Renee Jones. The next move is yours!

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

Lord oh lord!

A brand new series by the mega talented LRJ. I swear there isn't a novel of hers I don't like.

This series is about one person trying to start fresh and the other trying to make things better. The chemistry between Shane and Emily is so hot I needed my fan right in my face. even though you have the best intentions sometimes the unexpected gets in the way. the forces that are plaguing the two are mighty and vindictive. to find out more pick up your copy!

HARD RULES is the first book in the Dirty Money series. These are not stand-alones and they will need to be read in order of release.

“Wall Street meets the Sons of Anarchy”… okay, that did not grab me... I’m not interested in high finance since I’m as poor as a church mouse and I’ve never seen SOA, not even an advertisement! On the other hand, this is Lisa Renee Jones so, of course, I want to read it.

This book grabbed my attention from the first page and still hasn’t let me go. There is suspense, romance, and sexual tension. There are also secrets – a lot of secrets. The kind that have me jumping in my seat like a little child and whining, “Tell me!” This is what will have me grabbing the next book as quick as it is available.

My favorite thing about this book is that trust isn’t immediate. It has to be earned. On the other hand both Emily and Shane are extremely intelligent, strong, and resourceful. This makes for some interesting tug-of-war banter and situations. Last thing: Shane is dominant, but has obviously fallen hard for Emily at first sight. So he’s coming to terms with that as well.

Now, maybe I want to see SOA and read the Wall Street Journal after all – LOL.

Fair warning: there is a cliff-hanger, so be prepared to grab DAMAGE CONTROL immediately. You’re not going to want to wait a minute.

Note: while I was given this book as a gifted ARC, my opinions are my own and are given freely.

Family drama... first of this series.....
Shane will do anything to keep Brandon Enterprise from dirty money. Only if his father will give his rein. Shane give up his law career to take over the Brandon Empire but he has competition, his brother Derek. Shane doesn't want his father's legacy to be tainted and he doesn't want to run a dirty money but as long as his brother is in the race, nothing will come easy. He trusts no one and he can't afford to trust any one.
Emily has her own secret but she won't reveal it to anyone.. (it is not revealed at the end either) She meets Shane by chance and they hit it off. But Emily is not ready for a relationship in a new city and she thinks this will be one night. After a dinner with Shane, she really wanted to stay with him but she runs away.
Now Shane can't forget about Emily and when he finds out Emily is his father's new secretary. Everything changes for both. He is thinking Emily is a spy for his father, brother or his mother and he questions her alliance.
Prologue sort of threw me off. Other than that, story moved faster and I couldn't wait to get to the end.
it does end with more questions but it was enjoyable read and I can't wait to read the next one...
I would give 3 1/2⭐️

Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's press for ARC in exchange for honest review.

I have been a fan of Lisa’s for a long time and just realized I hadn’t read anything of hers in about a year or so.. Let me tell you I am glad that changed when this little beauty popped up on my Kindle. This is the first of the Dirty Money series and I am so glad I got back to Lisa again. As a blogger I tend to get caught up in so many books I loose track of what some of my favorite authors are working on, and I was just so happy to get back to her; especially for this title!

In Hard Rules we get the story of Emily and Shane. There was such physical chemistry and pull between these two from the beginning I was pulled into the web of lies and twists along the way. You really don’t know who to trust within the pages of this one, and it makes for a very fun and through provoking read. With Emily keeping secrets from him, and Shane being who he is, in a family he’s apart of, you really can’t predict what will be on the next page. As per usual we get a cliffhanger and it leaves us wanting and waiting for the next book. The passion between these two really impressed me and despite all the plot twists and drama, it really made for a enjoyable and sexy read!

This book was an okay book. My biggest issue is that nothing was solved. I felt like this would have been a fine intro to the story if it was shorter and went into the second book. I won't be continuing on with this series. Overall, this book was fine and enjoyable, but I wasn't a fan of the way it ended.

I've been wanting to pick up a Lisa Renee Jones book for some time now and am glad I finally did! I wanted to start my 2018 reading list off on the right foot and I think I accomplished that by starting with Hard Rules.

I landed on 4 stars because I wasn't in love with the writing, but I really enjoyed the story overall and am eager enough to pick up book two. The plot and mystery surrounding the characters was definitely intriguing but the writing kind of fell flat for me. I mean it wasn't terrible by any means, and ironically enough, I'm having trouble finding suitable words for this review so I suppose I'll keep it short. I liked the characters, liked the plot, liked the cliffhanger and the writing was decent for an ARC. It was a solid 4 stars. On to book 2.