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Dirty #2
Dirty Games
Sometimes, to get what you want in business or in love, you have to get your hands dirty. Luckily for Finn and Justin, dirty comes naturally.
Finn Drummond is the baby in a family of sharks鈥攚hich means he鈥檚 worked twice as hard to make a name for himself. After learning the tricks of the trade from his brothers, Finn鈥檚 just as ruthless and dominant. Out in the field, his appetites are for success, for money, for women and men. But when supplies from Drummond Charities go missing, Finn has to partner up with the smoldering ex鈥揂rmy grunt who鈥檚 always challenging his authority鈥攐r giving him mixed signals.
Justin Miller wanted his attraction to Finn to be mutual, but the cocky brat always had a girlfriend. Who could blame Justin for trying to move on? Despite their history, they鈥檝e got to work together to figure out who鈥檚 been derailing their humanitarian work. But after Justin and Finn are thrown together against gunrunners and kidnappers, their simmering chemistry turns explosive. Turns out, Finn knows how to handle himself in a crisis鈥攁nd in the sack. Justin only hopes that hot sex is enough to persuade this spoiled pretty boy to do the right thing.
Finn Drummond is the baby in a family of sharks鈥攚hich means he鈥檚 worked twice as hard to make a name for himself. After learning the tricks of the trade from his brothers, Finn鈥檚 just as ruthless and dominant. Out in the field, his appetites are for success, for money, for women and men. But when supplies from Drummond Charities go missing, Finn has to partner up with the smoldering ex鈥揂rmy grunt who鈥檚 always challenging his authority鈥攐r giving him mixed signals.
Justin Miller wanted his attraction to Finn to be mutual, but the cocky brat always had a girlfriend. Who could blame Justin for trying to move on? Despite their history, they鈥檝e got to work together to figure out who鈥檚 been derailing their humanitarian work. But after Justin and Finn are thrown together against gunrunners and kidnappers, their simmering chemistry turns explosive. Turns out, Finn knows how to handle himself in a crisis鈥攁nd in the sack. Justin only hopes that hot sex is enough to persuade this spoiled pretty boy to do the right thing.
227 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 20, 2018
50 people are currently reading
259 people want to read
About the author
HelenKay Dimon
164听books983听followersHelenKay Dimon is a divorce lawyer-turned-romance author. After dedicating years to helping people terminate relationships she now writes romance novels full time. Her books have earned praise, appeared on bestseller lists, won numerous awards and twice been named Red-Hot Reads and excerpted in Cosmo. She sometimes writes erotic romance, sometimes writes romantic suspense and sometimes writes contemporary romance. But no matter what she's writing her books are always filled with smart banter and sexy times, and a HEA is guaranteed.
-"Sharp writing and plenty of sexy romantic sizzle..." - John Charles, Chicago Tribune
-"So smart, sexy and fast-paced, I devour her stories." - Lori Foster, NYT bestselling author
-"Lots of heat with lots of humor." - MaryJanice Davidson, NYT bestselling author
-"She's a delight." - Christina Dodd, NYT bestselling author
-"Sharp writing and plenty of sexy romantic sizzle..." - John Charles, Chicago Tribune
-"So smart, sexy and fast-paced, I devour her stories." - Lori Foster, NYT bestselling author
-"Lots of heat with lots of humor." - MaryJanice Davidson, NYT bestselling author
-"She's a delight." - Christina Dodd, NYT bestselling author
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
January 30, 2018
3 Stars!
I was anticipating this book because I really liked Finn in the first book, Dirty Deeds. Unfortunately it did not live up to my expectations.
Finn is trying to prove himself in the business and being the youngest has made him want it more and work even harder to achieve his place next to his brothers. So when a problem arrives with their shipments he takes it upon himself to fly out to try and fix the problem. Only he isn't the brother they are expecting and Jason lets it known he isn't the one he is wanting to help fix the issues. He's pretty hostile towards Finn and continues his hot and cold behavior throughout the book to the very end. I didn't enjoy the back and forth. I didn't enjoy all the tantrums Jason continued to throw like he was more of a angsty guy in his 20's instead of a grown ass man. All the miscommunication really put me off and kept me from enjoying the story.
I am still intrigued by the 3rd brother and look forward to his story.
**I RECIEVED AN ARC FROM NETGALLEY AND THE PUBLISHER IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW.**
I was anticipating this book because I really liked Finn in the first book, Dirty Deeds. Unfortunately it did not live up to my expectations.
Finn is trying to prove himself in the business and being the youngest has made him want it more and work even harder to achieve his place next to his brothers. So when a problem arrives with their shipments he takes it upon himself to fly out to try and fix the problem. Only he isn't the brother they are expecting and Jason lets it known he isn't the one he is wanting to help fix the issues. He's pretty hostile towards Finn and continues his hot and cold behavior throughout the book to the very end. I didn't enjoy the back and forth. I didn't enjoy all the tantrums Jason continued to throw like he was more of a angsty guy in his 20's instead of a grown ass man. All the miscommunication really put me off and kept me from enjoying the story.
I am still intrigued by the 3rd brother and look forward to his story.
**I RECIEVED AN ARC FROM NETGALLEY AND THE PUBLISHER IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW.**
March 1, 2018
When I read book 1 in this series, one person stood out for me and that was Finn, so I was really looking forward to reading his story !!
I was very excited jumping into this one but when I did.... I got so confused...
I didn't understand what was going on, and it felt like I was thrown into the middle of a story and missed the beginning... Maybe I should have read book 1 again before starting this one, but since it hasn't been that long, I didn't figure it necessary....my bad.
So it took me some time to really get into this one....
Finn, is the baby brother of the family but that doesn't mean he is any less sharp. he is called in, when supplies from Drummond Charities seem to disappear...and guns seem to turn up. Being called in, also means having to work with Justin, who has always disliked him for no reason at all. Which is a pity, because Finn really likes Justin ;)
Justin has always been atttracted to Finn, but ever since he was confronted with him and his girlfriend... those feelings have changed to annoyance.... Annoyance and frustration because the man he wants turned out to be straight....
Those of you who have read book 1 already know that Finn is bi and it's also in the blurb ;) So when Finn's sexuality becomes clear to Justin...all bets are off :P
Once I got over my confusion, I started to enjoy my read, but Justin.....ughhh the push and pull was starting to drive me crazy !!!
Now don't get me wrong, I did enjoy reading this one, but I think I liked book 1 a bit more. Very curious about the last brother though ;)
My reviews are posted on
March 27, 2018
*1.5 stars*
I actually didn't like this book at all, but I'm trying to focus on the positives over here.
If you like emotionally stunted characters and books with tons of back-and-forth and repetition, this is the book for you.
I guess my pact to focus on the positives has wavered a bit...
I haven't read much from because I'm not a romantic suspense fan, but the cover of this one looked enticing, so I decided to give it a go.
I'm all for tortured characters with difficult pasts, but Justin really tested my patience. I felt like he was playing silly games for the entire story, and the relationship between him and Finn would take one step forward and then two giant steps back.
Painful dialogue full of hurtful words and jabs (something I don't like in real life OR romance) didn't help things. Just a lack of chemistry, a lack of emotional development from the characters, and a story that failed to wow me. Bummer.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
I actually didn't like this book at all, but I'm trying to focus on the positives over here.
If you like emotionally stunted characters and books with tons of back-and-forth and repetition, this is the book for you.
I guess my pact to focus on the positives has wavered a bit...
I haven't read much from because I'm not a romantic suspense fan, but the cover of this one looked enticing, so I decided to give it a go.
I'm all for tortured characters with difficult pasts, but Justin really tested my patience. I felt like he was playing silly games for the entire story, and the relationship between him and Finn would take one step forward and then two giant steps back.
Painful dialogue full of hurtful words and jabs (something I don't like in real life OR romance) didn't help things. Just a lack of chemistry, a lack of emotional development from the characters, and a story that failed to wow me. Bummer.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
March 27, 2018
I have really enjoyed some of HelenKay Dimon's books in the past. In particular, , is one of my favorites. I like how she adds a real story to her romance novels. The romance is set in a mystery or a thriller or some other type of plot which always makes the story more interesting to me.
Dirty Deeds is book 2 in her new Dirty series. It can be read as a stand alone, but like all books in a series, there is some background revealed in book 1 that is only mentioned in book 2. I don't think missing book 1 would have a big effect on enjoying book 2.
This is a good story. It has strong elements. Justin and Finn are solid characters. The situation they find themselves is riveting.
Justin heads a refugee camp on the border between Morocco and Ceuta. He works for Drummond Industries. Finn Drummond is one of the three brother owners. When shipments start to go missing or fall short, Finn heads to the area to help solve the mystery.
Justin is a loner. He's been dealt some tough hands in life and now prefers to keep everyone at arms length. Only his best friend, Oliver, knows of his secret, years long crush on Finn. Justin is determined to keep Finn at arms length to protect himself from any possible heartache.
Let the fireworks begin. :-) Man, Justin could be such a jerk! Finn seemed to have the patience of a saint.
I enjoyed the story. However, I thought that too much of it was "told" instead of "shown". There was a lot of information dump that prevented me from connecting with the feelings I needed to invest in the plot. I also had a bit of a problem with the POV changes. I often didn't realize when one man had stopped talking and the other had taken up. Some switches were so abrupt that I got confused as to who was talking/thinking.
It has the makings of a good story but the execution is lacking polish. It made it difficult for me to truly connect with each man's struggle. However, I did enjoy reading Finn's story and now I'm curious if Griff, the other brother, is next.
Review ARC graciously provided by the publisher via NetGalley
Dirty Deeds is book 2 in her new Dirty series. It can be read as a stand alone, but like all books in a series, there is some background revealed in book 1 that is only mentioned in book 2. I don't think missing book 1 would have a big effect on enjoying book 2.
This is a good story. It has strong elements. Justin and Finn are solid characters. The situation they find themselves is riveting.
Justin heads a refugee camp on the border between Morocco and Ceuta. He works for Drummond Industries. Finn Drummond is one of the three brother owners. When shipments start to go missing or fall short, Finn heads to the area to help solve the mystery.
Justin is a loner. He's been dealt some tough hands in life and now prefers to keep everyone at arms length. Only his best friend, Oliver, knows of his secret, years long crush on Finn. Justin is determined to keep Finn at arms length to protect himself from any possible heartache.
Let the fireworks begin. :-) Man, Justin could be such a jerk! Finn seemed to have the patience of a saint.
I enjoyed the story. However, I thought that too much of it was "told" instead of "shown". There was a lot of information dump that prevented me from connecting with the feelings I needed to invest in the plot. I also had a bit of a problem with the POV changes. I often didn't realize when one man had stopped talking and the other had taken up. Some switches were so abrupt that I got confused as to who was talking/thinking.
It has the makings of a good story but the execution is lacking polish. It made it difficult for me to truly connect with each man's struggle. However, I did enjoy reading Finn's story and now I'm curious if Griff, the other brother, is next.
Review ARC graciously provided by the publisher via NetGalley
November 5, 2024
I've given this a C+ at AAR, 3.5 stars
I've read and enjoyed a handful of HelenKay Dimon鈥檚 romantic suspense novels, some of them m/f, and some m/m, so I know pretty much what to expect from her; 听a fast-paced, energetic and steamy story that is perhaps longer on action than it is on romance 鈥� which is exactly what I got.听听Dirty Games听is the second book in her current听 Dirty听 series of m/m novels, and like the others in this series, it reads like the written-down version of an action movie or TV show; the leads are gorgeous, the action is almost non-stop, the scene changes are snappy, and there鈥檚 little time for introspection 鈥� and I suspect the degree to which you enjoy it will depend largely on what your expectations are at the outset.
Justin Miller is in charge of the on-the-ground operations of one of the charitable organisations run by Drummond Enterprises, the multi-billion dollar agricultural business run by Alec Drummond and his brothers, Griff and Finn.听 Justin, a former soldier, is ferociously driven and dedicated 鈥� nothing goes on at Drummond Charities鈥� Morocco camp without his knowledge, and he has recently noticed a series of irregularities in shipments in and out which have become a major source of concern.听 He has his suspicions as to what might be going on, but it鈥檚 not something he can 鈥� or should 鈥� deal with alone, so he has asked Alec to travel to Morocco from his base in Germany so they can work out how to tackle the issue.听 Unfortunately for Justin, however, it鈥檚 the听wrongDrummond brother who steps out of the black sedan that arrives at the camp. Alec has sent his youngest brother, Finn, in his stead, and that鈥檚 something Justin is most definitely not prepared for.
Ever since he first set eyes on Finn Drummond six years earlier, Justin has been unable to get him out of his mind.听 Good-looking, sexy, funny and warm, Finn听 is听six foot one of walking sex听鈥� except that he鈥檚 straight, and in spite of that one brief time years earlier when Justin wondered if Finn was flirting with him, Justin knows nothing can happen between them.听 Even so, having the object of his deepest desires and oldest fantasies within touching distance is likely to drive Justin up the wall and distract him from the big picture 鈥� trying to get to the bottom of the missing shipments, incorrect manifests and incomplete deliveries of food and supplies.
Finn 鈥� who is actually bisexual 鈥� hasn鈥檛 exactly been unaware of Justin over the past few years either, but the guy radiates such dislike whenever they鈥檝e met that Finn has kind of consigned his attraction to the other man to the 鈥榥ever gonna happen鈥� pile. Still, it鈥檚 not long before Finn realises that at least part of Justin鈥檚 antagonistic behaviour towards him is due to his attempts to mask an attraction Finn is only too happy to reciprocate and act upon.
I love a good enemies-to-lovers story and this certainly had the potential to be a good one, but while Ms. Dimon has crafted an intriguing and suspenseful plot, the romance is less successful. The author has chosen an interesting setting for her story; the small strip of land close to the border between Morocco and Spain is rife with political and humanitarian problems and Justin has to walk an often precarious line to maintain the status quo. So when it becomes apparent that the missing shipments are most likely being sold/exchanged for arms, there鈥檚 a danger that the whole operation could be asked to leave the country. Justin and Finn are desperate to prevent that 鈥� so many people in the area need help and have nowhere else to go 鈥� so they must work together to find out who is behind the scheme. And with Finn being targeted by those running the arms trafficking ring, time isn鈥檛 on their side.
With Justin and Finn thrown so much together, it gives them time and opportunity to indulge in plenty of steamy sex (although they have to be careful as they鈥檙e in a country where committing homosexual acts carries a heavy penalty), but while Finn is ready to let Justin into his life and commit, Justin is carrying a chip on his shoulder the size of Wales, and instead picks fights with Finn at almost every available opportunity. Whenever it seems as though a conversation he doesn鈥檛 want to have is approaching, Justin retreats behind his emotional shields and throws Finn鈥檚 privileged upbringing and status as a member of one of the world鈥檚 wealthiest families in his face 鈥� and quite honestly, I wouldn鈥檛 have blamed Finn for telling Justin where he could stick it.
The suspense plot is the most successful part of the book 鈥� it鈥檚 interesting and fast-paced (although I did have to ask myself how many times Finn could be attacked and injured and still keep walking!) but unfortunately the romance is not well developed and I found it really hard to believe their relationship went any deeper than the physical. Justin鈥檚 pissy attitude continues until almost the very end of the book when he finally, FINALLY realises he鈥檚 been an arsehole, apologies to Finn and asks for another chance. Lucky for him Finn is such a great guy, but Finn鈥檚 warmth and generosity are such a contrast to Justin鈥檚 bad-temper and tendency to lash out when his emotions threaten to become involved that it鈥檚 difficult to believe their relationship will go the distance.
I did enjoy reading Dirty Games and it delivered what I expected for the most part; a suspenseful plot, action and steam 鈥� but it didn鈥檛 convince in the romance department. If you鈥檙e following the series, you might want to pick it up, but the lack of a believable romance means I can鈥檛 quite recommend it to romantic suspense fans in general.
I've read and enjoyed a handful of HelenKay Dimon鈥檚 romantic suspense novels, some of them m/f, and some m/m, so I know pretty much what to expect from her; 听a fast-paced, energetic and steamy story that is perhaps longer on action than it is on romance 鈥� which is exactly what I got.听听Dirty Games听is the second book in her current听 Dirty听 series of m/m novels, and like the others in this series, it reads like the written-down version of an action movie or TV show; the leads are gorgeous, the action is almost non-stop, the scene changes are snappy, and there鈥檚 little time for introspection 鈥� and I suspect the degree to which you enjoy it will depend largely on what your expectations are at the outset.
Justin Miller is in charge of the on-the-ground operations of one of the charitable organisations run by Drummond Enterprises, the multi-billion dollar agricultural business run by Alec Drummond and his brothers, Griff and Finn.听 Justin, a former soldier, is ferociously driven and dedicated 鈥� nothing goes on at Drummond Charities鈥� Morocco camp without his knowledge, and he has recently noticed a series of irregularities in shipments in and out which have become a major source of concern.听 He has his suspicions as to what might be going on, but it鈥檚 not something he can 鈥� or should 鈥� deal with alone, so he has asked Alec to travel to Morocco from his base in Germany so they can work out how to tackle the issue.听 Unfortunately for Justin, however, it鈥檚 the听wrongDrummond brother who steps out of the black sedan that arrives at the camp. Alec has sent his youngest brother, Finn, in his stead, and that鈥檚 something Justin is most definitely not prepared for.
Ever since he first set eyes on Finn Drummond six years earlier, Justin has been unable to get him out of his mind.听 Good-looking, sexy, funny and warm, Finn听 is听six foot one of walking sex听鈥� except that he鈥檚 straight, and in spite of that one brief time years earlier when Justin wondered if Finn was flirting with him, Justin knows nothing can happen between them.听 Even so, having the object of his deepest desires and oldest fantasies within touching distance is likely to drive Justin up the wall and distract him from the big picture 鈥� trying to get to the bottom of the missing shipments, incorrect manifests and incomplete deliveries of food and supplies.
Finn 鈥� who is actually bisexual 鈥� hasn鈥檛 exactly been unaware of Justin over the past few years either, but the guy radiates such dislike whenever they鈥檝e met that Finn has kind of consigned his attraction to the other man to the 鈥榥ever gonna happen鈥� pile. Still, it鈥檚 not long before Finn realises that at least part of Justin鈥檚 antagonistic behaviour towards him is due to his attempts to mask an attraction Finn is only too happy to reciprocate and act upon.
I love a good enemies-to-lovers story and this certainly had the potential to be a good one, but while Ms. Dimon has crafted an intriguing and suspenseful plot, the romance is less successful. The author has chosen an interesting setting for her story; the small strip of land close to the border between Morocco and Spain is rife with political and humanitarian problems and Justin has to walk an often precarious line to maintain the status quo. So when it becomes apparent that the missing shipments are most likely being sold/exchanged for arms, there鈥檚 a danger that the whole operation could be asked to leave the country. Justin and Finn are desperate to prevent that 鈥� so many people in the area need help and have nowhere else to go 鈥� so they must work together to find out who is behind the scheme. And with Finn being targeted by those running the arms trafficking ring, time isn鈥檛 on their side.
With Justin and Finn thrown so much together, it gives them time and opportunity to indulge in plenty of steamy sex (although they have to be careful as they鈥檙e in a country where committing homosexual acts carries a heavy penalty), but while Finn is ready to let Justin into his life and commit, Justin is carrying a chip on his shoulder the size of Wales, and instead picks fights with Finn at almost every available opportunity. Whenever it seems as though a conversation he doesn鈥檛 want to have is approaching, Justin retreats behind his emotional shields and throws Finn鈥檚 privileged upbringing and status as a member of one of the world鈥檚 wealthiest families in his face 鈥� and quite honestly, I wouldn鈥檛 have blamed Finn for telling Justin where he could stick it.
The suspense plot is the most successful part of the book 鈥� it鈥檚 interesting and fast-paced (although I did have to ask myself how many times Finn could be attacked and injured and still keep walking!) but unfortunately the romance is not well developed and I found it really hard to believe their relationship went any deeper than the physical. Justin鈥檚 pissy attitude continues until almost the very end of the book when he finally, FINALLY realises he鈥檚 been an arsehole, apologies to Finn and asks for another chance. Lucky for him Finn is such a great guy, but Finn鈥檚 warmth and generosity are such a contrast to Justin鈥檚 bad-temper and tendency to lash out when his emotions threaten to become involved that it鈥檚 difficult to believe their relationship will go the distance.
I did enjoy reading Dirty Games and it delivered what I expected for the most part; a suspenseful plot, action and steam 鈥� but it didn鈥檛 convince in the romance department. If you鈥檙e following the series, you might want to pick it up, but the lack of a believable romance means I can鈥檛 quite recommend it to romantic suspense fans in general.
October 6, 2024
Bummer.
I was looking forward to Finn's story. I don't know what I expected from the baby of the family but I feel like I didn't get it. I don't feel like I ever really got to know Finn truly.
Justin. Justin. Justin. I just never really warmed up to him to tell you the truth. He was really angry and carried that to the bitter end it seemed. I didn't like it. I was over it. Let's move on. I wanted Finn to move on and that is not how a romance should read.
I did like the action and the adventure.
Overall I am enjoying this series, I feel pretty invested in it even if I'm not loving it.
One more brother to go!
**ARC courtesy of Random House Publishing Group-Loveswept via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
I was looking forward to Finn's story. I don't know what I expected from the baby of the family but I feel like I didn't get it. I don't feel like I ever really got to know Finn truly.
Justin. Justin. Justin. I just never really warmed up to him to tell you the truth. He was really angry and carried that to the bitter end it seemed. I didn't like it. I was over it. Let's move on. I wanted Finn to move on and that is not how a romance should read.
I did like the action and the adventure.
Overall I am enjoying this series, I feel pretty invested in it even if I'm not loving it.
One more brother to go!
**ARC courtesy of Random House Publishing Group-Loveswept via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
March 31, 2018
Just like the first one.
It was a fast read and I really enjoyed it.
I wanted to punch Justin more than once but... I totally gets abandonment issues so I can't be to harsh on him here!
Finn was really adorable and the suspense was good. I had my doubts about who the "vilain" was until the end and I like it like that.
Justin is pinning over Finn for over 6 years but as when he first met him, Finn had a girlfriend, he deduced (wrongly) that Finn is straight, off-limit then... Plus he's his boss, more off-limit...
So he fantasizes from afar and let all his frustration unleashed the few times their path crossed...
Finn don't understand Justin. He thinks he's HOT!! But all this anger toward him... He doesn't get!
The miscommunication between these 2 goes on...
Justin is super agressive toward Finn and Finn is seriously a saint... Until the misunderstanding about Finn sexuality is out... And then...
Between bombs, kidnapping attempts and finding who's stealing medicine for weapons...
So. It was good.
Again Justin's hot & cold behavior was super annoying but, his issues are mine so nothing's wrong here.... ;)
I guess, we will have the third brother's story but we haven't seen him yet. Very mysterious.
I loved Oliver. Hoping he gets a book!
It was a fast read and I really enjoyed it.
I wanted to punch Justin more than once but... I totally gets abandonment issues so I can't be to harsh on him here!
Finn was really adorable and the suspense was good. I had my doubts about who the "vilain" was until the end and I like it like that.
Justin is pinning over Finn for over 6 years but as when he first met him, Finn had a girlfriend, he deduced (wrongly) that Finn is straight, off-limit then... Plus he's his boss, more off-limit...
So he fantasizes from afar and let all his frustration unleashed the few times their path crossed...
Finn don't understand Justin. He thinks he's HOT!! But all this anger toward him... He doesn't get!
The miscommunication between these 2 goes on...
Justin is super agressive toward Finn and Finn is seriously a saint... Until the misunderstanding about Finn sexuality is out... And then...
Between bombs, kidnapping attempts and finding who's stealing medicine for weapons...
So. It was good.
Again Justin's hot & cold behavior was super annoying but, his issues are mine so nothing's wrong here.... ;)
I guess, we will have the third brother's story but we haven't seen him yet. Very mysterious.
I loved Oliver. Hoping he gets a book!
March 3, 2018
In all my previous reads by this author (two, I think? both sorta connected) I enjoyed the chemistry and connection between her characters and relied on that element to carry a story, or plot, that I either didn't enjoy or couldn't follow all the way through. But DIRTY GAMES broke that trend; I really disliked the characters, and their conflict, but at least sorta enjoyed the more straight forward plot surrounding hijacked supply chains and arms weapon distribution.
"Let me get this straight. You thought we'd fuck and I'd become nicer?"
"No, because it was sex, not a miracle."
Okay, I didn't dislike all characters, but Justin? We were still dealing with his jump-to-conclusions, act-like-an-asshole, shtick riiiight up to the 94% mark. I shit you not. The back and forth over this attitude, this distrust, when he was the one more emotionally invested in the potential for a relationship with Finn, youngest of the billionaire Drummond brothers, was just.. painful. Frustrating. Irritating. Excruciating. He one hundred percent ruined this whole read for me.
"Believe it or not, I'm not interested in impressing you."
"Good, because you suck at it."
The mystery surrounding the culprit double-dealing, stealing from the company and supplying forces with weapons, though, was handled well. Lots of red herrings, but like other aspects to the story and characters, there was a lot of repetition that dragged things out. There were a few funny lines hidden amongst the brutal bickering (and it was brutal, full of not-cutesy arguments) but it really didn't feel like the characters acted their age; and definitely didn't act as would befit their experiences or positions. Honestly, the whole read was a bit of a slog for me.
While I've never loved these books, after yet another experience of mixed feelings -- and then some -- I don't think I'll be continuing on with this series.
1.5 stars
** I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
"Let me get this straight. You thought we'd fuck and I'd become nicer?"
"No, because it was sex, not a miracle."
Okay, I didn't dislike all characters, but Justin? We were still dealing with his jump-to-conclusions, act-like-an-asshole, shtick riiiight up to the 94% mark. I shit you not. The back and forth over this attitude, this distrust, when he was the one more emotionally invested in the potential for a relationship with Finn, youngest of the billionaire Drummond brothers, was just.. painful. Frustrating. Irritating. Excruciating. He one hundred percent ruined this whole read for me.
"Believe it or not, I'm not interested in impressing you."
"Good, because you suck at it."
The mystery surrounding the culprit double-dealing, stealing from the company and supplying forces with weapons, though, was handled well. Lots of red herrings, but like other aspects to the story and characters, there was a lot of repetition that dragged things out. There were a few funny lines hidden amongst the brutal bickering (and it was brutal, full of not-cutesy arguments) but it really didn't feel like the characters acted their age; and definitely didn't act as would befit their experiences or positions. Honestly, the whole read was a bit of a slog for me.
While I've never loved these books, after yet another experience of mixed feelings -- and then some -- I don't think I'll be continuing on with this series.
1.5 stars
** I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
March 29, 2018
Fast-paced, smoldering, and exceptionally suspenseful!
Dirty Games, the latest novel in the Dirty series is an action-packed, steamy tale involving the determined, feisty, youngest Drummond brother, Finn and the serious, ruggedly handsome, snarky Justin as they reluctantly work together to solve the mystery behind the missing humanitarian aid shipments.
The writing is clear and crisp. The characters are hot-headed, relentless, and stubborn.听And the plot sweeps you away into a push-pull storyline filled with tension, deception, danger, political instability, arms dealing, red-hot chemistry, sexy times, and violence.
Overall, Dirty Games听is an enjoyable, entertaining, passionate read and even though I preferred the first novel in the series, if you love romantic suspense this won't disappoint.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House - Loveswept for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
All my reviews can be found on my blog at
Dirty Games, the latest novel in the Dirty series is an action-packed, steamy tale involving the determined, feisty, youngest Drummond brother, Finn and the serious, ruggedly handsome, snarky Justin as they reluctantly work together to solve the mystery behind the missing humanitarian aid shipments.
The writing is clear and crisp. The characters are hot-headed, relentless, and stubborn.听And the plot sweeps you away into a push-pull storyline filled with tension, deception, danger, political instability, arms dealing, red-hot chemistry, sexy times, and violence.
Overall, Dirty Games听is an enjoyable, entertaining, passionate read and even though I preferred the first novel in the series, if you love romantic suspense this won't disappoint.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House - Loveswept for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
All my reviews can be found on my blog at
March 1, 2018
This action/adventure plot was very good and included an enemies to lovers trope, with Finn and Justin trying to determine where, how and why supplies for a refugee charity went missing and who might be involved. Expecting Alec, Justin is upset when Finn arrives to investigate instead, as he鈥檚 had a crush on him for years, but believes Finn is straight. But they鈥檝e rarely even seen each other over the six years, so not much of a past together. Naturally, Justin immediately gets mean and insulting, throwing Finn鈥檚 wealthy background in his face. I mean, how else do you let someone know you鈥檙e attracted to them? Finn鈥檚 no pushover though, and proceeds to dig into the matter.
The action was entertaining and suspenseful and the setting was pretty fascinating, near the border of Morocco, where it鈥檚 also dangerous to be gay or bi. The author explains more of that in her endnotes. Some of the geography and sights were quite detailed and enhanced the story鈥檚 mood. However, Justin鈥檚 interaction and dialogue with Finn was annoying, Justin treating him to antagonistic rhetoric several times over. To me, the background and reasons given weren鈥檛 enough to support the bitter attitude he clung to. Finn didn鈥檛 show very well in some scenes either, since I would expect him to be much more verbally reactive to Justin鈥檚 comments than he was given in the dialogue. The hot and cold lasts until the very end and the romance part of this story wasn't solid enough, lost in the hostility.
I focused on trying to figure out whodunnit, with a lot of misdirection and suspects involved, so the culmination was exciting and the perpetrator unexpected. The gunfights, explosions and car crashes broke up the MC鈥檚 emotional battle often enough to keep the pace moving and retain my interest in discovering answers. It does stand alone, so it isn鈥檛 necessary to read book 1 but it鈥檚 always helpful for continuity. If embattled lovers are your jam, and you like action adventure, this book might be one for you.
*An ARC was provided by the author, publisher or promotional service and I have chosen to publish a fair and honest review for Jessie G Books Reviews blog*
The action was entertaining and suspenseful and the setting was pretty fascinating, near the border of Morocco, where it鈥檚 also dangerous to be gay or bi. The author explains more of that in her endnotes. Some of the geography and sights were quite detailed and enhanced the story鈥檚 mood. However, Justin鈥檚 interaction and dialogue with Finn was annoying, Justin treating him to antagonistic rhetoric several times over. To me, the background and reasons given weren鈥檛 enough to support the bitter attitude he clung to. Finn didn鈥檛 show very well in some scenes either, since I would expect him to be much more verbally reactive to Justin鈥檚 comments than he was given in the dialogue. The hot and cold lasts until the very end and the romance part of this story wasn't solid enough, lost in the hostility.
I focused on trying to figure out whodunnit, with a lot of misdirection and suspects involved, so the culmination was exciting and the perpetrator unexpected. The gunfights, explosions and car crashes broke up the MC鈥檚 emotional battle often enough to keep the pace moving and retain my interest in discovering answers. It does stand alone, so it isn鈥檛 necessary to read book 1 but it鈥檚 always helpful for continuity. If embattled lovers are your jam, and you like action adventure, this book might be one for you.
*An ARC was provided by the author, publisher or promotional service and I have chosen to publish a fair and honest review for Jessie G Books Reviews blog*
March 27, 2018
3.5 stars
I really liked Finn. I liked that he was determined, honest, smart, strong, trustworthy, loyal and caring. I was not as impressed with Jason for just about all of the book. He was hot and cold, self-serving and self-preserving, frequently at the expense of Finn. I get his reasoning, but I really feel that he was making poor decisions and hurting Finn purposely all without really making proper amends.
Aside from Jason and Finn's unwillingness to stand up for himself emotionally against Jason, the story was a good one. The suspense and action were constant. I like this series and the unusual company dynamics of the Drummonds. (unusual to me). I enjoyed the mystery in this book more than I did with book 1.
I loved the setting of the story and Dimon does a great job of bringing the area to life.
Finn eventually taking a stand for himself gave me life, Oliver helping Jason get his head out of his ass proved, yet again, that Oliver is an A+++ human being. He is also a cutie pie, emotionally mature and I would love his story. While catching up on Alec and Gaige made me happy, I could have kicked Alec in the butt.
*Netgalley ARC*
I really liked Finn. I liked that he was determined, honest, smart, strong, trustworthy, loyal and caring. I was not as impressed with Jason for just about all of the book. He was hot and cold, self-serving and self-preserving, frequently at the expense of Finn. I get his reasoning, but I really feel that he was making poor decisions and hurting Finn purposely all without really making proper amends.
Aside from Jason and Finn's unwillingness to stand up for himself emotionally against Jason, the story was a good one. The suspense and action were constant. I like this series and the unusual company dynamics of the Drummonds. (unusual to me). I enjoyed the mystery in this book more than I did with book 1.
I loved the setting of the story and Dimon does a great job of bringing the area to life.
Finn eventually taking a stand for himself gave me life, Oliver helping Jason get his head out of his ass proved, yet again, that Oliver is an A+++ human being. He is also a cutie pie, emotionally mature and I would love his story. While catching up on Alec and Gaige made me happy, I could have kicked Alec in the butt.
*Netgalley ARC*
February 8, 2018
Justin Miller works for Alec Drummond鈥檚 organization in the Middle East, in the area of Morocco, where being with a man is punishable by death so he guards his emotions even more strongly than he normally would鈥攅specially when Alec鈥檚 brother Finn is around, and Finn has just arrived for a visit to the camp to investigate shipments that have been tampered with.
Justin has had a crush on Finn for years but never acted on it because Finn is wealthy and Justin is just Justin鈥攁 poor boy who succeeded in the army until a rescue went bad and when he reported the factual circumstances, he found himself on the outs. And he believes this will continue to happen to him time and again鈥攑ut himself out there to help or befriend others and they will eventually turn on him. To be honest, as a reader, I was pretty disgusted with him long before the midpoint of the story. Poor me, poor me, ad infinitium. He was a drama queen and a princess of emotional non-commitment.
Finn, on the other hand, is a sexy, smart, ambitious character who wants Justin, despite Justin鈥檚 fears and outright animosity toward him. In fact, Justin is still angry that he saw Finn with a woman six years before. Why didn鈥檛 Finn tell him he was bisexual? Um鈥ne wonders how Justin, a supposedly mature director of this high risk center that aids those in need can be so immature when faced with the man of his dreams. I digress. Finn was a very likeable character and there were many times I wanted to reach into the pages and give him a push to quit trying to get through to Justin. Though Alec鈥檚 younger brother, Finn was much more well-rounded in his personality, not as tough guy all the time, and certainly deserving of a life commitment from a man of his choice.
Justin was probably one of the most emotionally immature main characters I鈥檝e ever read and was constantly misinterpreting statements made by his lover. Always questioning his own thinking and actions related to Finn. And worse, constantly making a decision to face what they have and confess his feelings and the need he鈥檚 had for the man for years but then as they start to have the conversation, they either jump into bed or have an argument and Justin decides not to say anything. Honestly, this became stressful to read. The emotions expressed by this man made it seem as if Justin was a romance novel heroine from the fifties鈥攏ot a mature adult male in the 21st century.
I think if the author had trimmed some of the repetition, cut back a bit on Justin鈥檚 repetitive emotional loop that was repeated way too many times, and didn鈥檛 keep throwing the men into sex when they were supposed to finally discuss the emotion behind their actions, I may have liked the story more. It felt as if there were about a hundred pages too many in this book鈥攔epetitive thoughts and actions, many scenes just a rehash of previous ones, and this emotional drama of Justin鈥檚? Honestly, I was close to DNF on this one. Thankfully, the mystery was good, the secondary characters terrific, and the action scenes, the high risk situations, and the flavor of the area were all a draw to hold my interest.
Fortunately, some people enjoy self-inflicted angst, drama queens, and lots of on-page sex. If so, this one might be perfect. And though second in the series, it can be read as a standalone.
**2.5 stars**
ARC provided by the publisher through in exchange for an impartial review.
Justin has had a crush on Finn for years but never acted on it because Finn is wealthy and Justin is just Justin鈥攁 poor boy who succeeded in the army until a rescue went bad and when he reported the factual circumstances, he found himself on the outs. And he believes this will continue to happen to him time and again鈥攑ut himself out there to help or befriend others and they will eventually turn on him. To be honest, as a reader, I was pretty disgusted with him long before the midpoint of the story. Poor me, poor me, ad infinitium. He was a drama queen and a princess of emotional non-commitment.
Finn, on the other hand, is a sexy, smart, ambitious character who wants Justin, despite Justin鈥檚 fears and outright animosity toward him. In fact, Justin is still angry that he saw Finn with a woman six years before. Why didn鈥檛 Finn tell him he was bisexual? Um鈥ne wonders how Justin, a supposedly mature director of this high risk center that aids those in need can be so immature when faced with the man of his dreams. I digress. Finn was a very likeable character and there were many times I wanted to reach into the pages and give him a push to quit trying to get through to Justin. Though Alec鈥檚 younger brother, Finn was much more well-rounded in his personality, not as tough guy all the time, and certainly deserving of a life commitment from a man of his choice.
Justin was probably one of the most emotionally immature main characters I鈥檝e ever read and was constantly misinterpreting statements made by his lover. Always questioning his own thinking and actions related to Finn. And worse, constantly making a decision to face what they have and confess his feelings and the need he鈥檚 had for the man for years but then as they start to have the conversation, they either jump into bed or have an argument and Justin decides not to say anything. Honestly, this became stressful to read. The emotions expressed by this man made it seem as if Justin was a romance novel heroine from the fifties鈥攏ot a mature adult male in the 21st century.
I think if the author had trimmed some of the repetition, cut back a bit on Justin鈥檚 repetitive emotional loop that was repeated way too many times, and didn鈥檛 keep throwing the men into sex when they were supposed to finally discuss the emotion behind their actions, I may have liked the story more. It felt as if there were about a hundred pages too many in this book鈥攔epetitive thoughts and actions, many scenes just a rehash of previous ones, and this emotional drama of Justin鈥檚? Honestly, I was close to DNF on this one. Thankfully, the mystery was good, the secondary characters terrific, and the action scenes, the high risk situations, and the flavor of the area were all a draw to hold my interest.
Fortunately, some people enjoy self-inflicted angst, drama queens, and lots of on-page sex. If so, this one might be perfect. And though second in the series, it can be read as a standalone.
**2.5 stars**
ARC provided by the publisher through in exchange for an impartial review.
August 4, 2018
I didn't care for this book as much as the first. I wasn't sure happy with the way Jason treated Finn. Overall it was a decent romantic suspense.
**ARC provided through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
**ARC provided through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
April 26, 2018
Dirty Games by HelenKay Dimon is the second story in her LGBTQ romantic suspense series Dirty. It鈥漵 a fast paced and action packed story with a sexy romance between two acquaintances who find themselves looking for more.
Finn Drummond, the youngest of the Drummond siblings has had to work hard to make a name for himself. He鈥檚 decided that the charity arm of the company is where he wants to make his mark, and sets out for Morocco, and a refugee camp that they fund. There have been some missing deliveries recently, and the camp leader, Justin Miller has put in a request for help. Finn鈥檚 determined to help discover what鈥檚 going on behind the scenes.
Justin had been expecting Finn鈥檚 older brother Alec to show up, not the sexy, handsome man he鈥檚 had an inconvenient crush on for years. When he first met Finn, Finn had a girlfriend and Justin had slotted him in the 鈥榥ot available鈥� category, believing he was straight. As it turns out, Finn is bisexual, as evidenced by his not so concealed mutual attraction to Justin. Justin and Finn begin a heated affair, one that they have to keep under the radar due to laws in Morocco against homosexual activity, not to mention that Finn is technically Justin鈥檚 boss. But when accidents keep happening around Finn and his life appears to be in danger, will it draw them closer or push them apart for good?
I鈥檝e been a fan of HelenKay Dimon鈥檚 romantic suspense novels for a few years now (I鈥檓 particularly fond of the Holton Woods series) so I always look forward to reading a new release from her. This one has a particularly current storyline, with a relief camp for refugees in Morocco on the border with Spain鈥檚 autonomous city Cueta dealing with a humanitarian crisis. The setting is well described, including trips in the local countryside to Tangier, and what life is like in the camp. Finn is there to investigate missing food and aid shipments, ones believed to be stolen and traded for arms shipments. Determining who is responsible and why is the focus of much of the story with Justin and Finn constantly finding themselves in danger as they get closer to the perpetrators.
While the action plot moves along swiftly, I didn鈥檛 find the romance between Finn and Justin to be as compelling as I鈥檇 hoped. I really enjoyed Finn鈥檚 character in the first in the series, Dirty Deeds, but I didn鈥檛 find a lot of chemistry between him and Justin here. Justin is reluctant to share his real feelings about Finn with him, and while there are some steamy sex scenes, I wasn鈥檛 as sold on them as a couple. Still, I was glad to see them get their happy for now ending (as much as can be had in a country where their relationship is forbidden) and the action kept me turning the pages. While this one isn鈥檛 my favorite, HelenKay Dimon remains one of my go-to authors for romantic suspense and I鈥檓 hoping there will be a story for Griff Drummond in the not too distant future.
This review also appears at Harlequin Junkie:
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
Finn Drummond, the youngest of the Drummond siblings has had to work hard to make a name for himself. He鈥檚 decided that the charity arm of the company is where he wants to make his mark, and sets out for Morocco, and a refugee camp that they fund. There have been some missing deliveries recently, and the camp leader, Justin Miller has put in a request for help. Finn鈥檚 determined to help discover what鈥檚 going on behind the scenes.
Justin had been expecting Finn鈥檚 older brother Alec to show up, not the sexy, handsome man he鈥檚 had an inconvenient crush on for years. When he first met Finn, Finn had a girlfriend and Justin had slotted him in the 鈥榥ot available鈥� category, believing he was straight. As it turns out, Finn is bisexual, as evidenced by his not so concealed mutual attraction to Justin. Justin and Finn begin a heated affair, one that they have to keep under the radar due to laws in Morocco against homosexual activity, not to mention that Finn is technically Justin鈥檚 boss. But when accidents keep happening around Finn and his life appears to be in danger, will it draw them closer or push them apart for good?
I鈥檝e been a fan of HelenKay Dimon鈥檚 romantic suspense novels for a few years now (I鈥檓 particularly fond of the Holton Woods series) so I always look forward to reading a new release from her. This one has a particularly current storyline, with a relief camp for refugees in Morocco on the border with Spain鈥檚 autonomous city Cueta dealing with a humanitarian crisis. The setting is well described, including trips in the local countryside to Tangier, and what life is like in the camp. Finn is there to investigate missing food and aid shipments, ones believed to be stolen and traded for arms shipments. Determining who is responsible and why is the focus of much of the story with Justin and Finn constantly finding themselves in danger as they get closer to the perpetrators.
While the action plot moves along swiftly, I didn鈥檛 find the romance between Finn and Justin to be as compelling as I鈥檇 hoped. I really enjoyed Finn鈥檚 character in the first in the series, Dirty Deeds, but I didn鈥檛 find a lot of chemistry between him and Justin here. Justin is reluctant to share his real feelings about Finn with him, and while there are some steamy sex scenes, I wasn鈥檛 as sold on them as a couple. Still, I was glad to see them get their happy for now ending (as much as can be had in a country where their relationship is forbidden) and the action kept me turning the pages. While this one isn鈥檛 my favorite, HelenKay Dimon remains one of my go-to authors for romantic suspense and I鈥檓 hoping there will be a story for Griff Drummond in the not too distant future.
This review also appears at Harlequin Junkie:
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
March 19, 2018
I really want to like this authors books more because I like that they are in a espionage/suspense setting but I am always left feeling something was missing for me and the story just doesn't gel. Dirty Games is set in a refugee camp on the Morocco border that is managed by Drummond Charities, whilst its fictional it is quite relevant and believable in the current global environment so I initally had bigger expectations of this book.
Finn is the younger of the Drummond brothers and takes on the task of investigating an issue with supplies at the camp and after meeting in him in the first book I was looking forward to where his story went.
Justin Miller is ex army and in charge of the operations of the refugee camp and you'd expect him to be a tough character right?? Wrong..so very wrong..I hated this character and his whiney tone that just didn't fit the background we were sold. It was just too much all the snarky remarks became tiresome halfway through but they kept on till I'd almost finished the book.
It was confusing because Justin was supposed to be the one with the crush but Finn seemed to be the keener party and well that man has got some patience because I'd of tired of Justins moody carry on very quickly.
However as a result of not caring for the hope of any relationship I did enjoy the suspense side of story more than previous books.
Finn is the younger of the Drummond brothers and takes on the task of investigating an issue with supplies at the camp and after meeting in him in the first book I was looking forward to where his story went.
Justin Miller is ex army and in charge of the operations of the refugee camp and you'd expect him to be a tough character right?? Wrong..so very wrong..I hated this character and his whiney tone that just didn't fit the background we were sold. It was just too much all the snarky remarks became tiresome halfway through but they kept on till I'd almost finished the book.
It was confusing because Justin was supposed to be the one with the crush but Finn seemed to be the keener party and well that man has got some patience because I'd of tired of Justins moody carry on very quickly.
However as a result of not caring for the hope of any relationship I did enjoy the suspense side of story more than previous books.
March 20, 2018
A review.
3.75 stars
Dirty Games is the second book in HelenKay Dimon鈥檚 Dirty series, featuring the wealthy and powerful Drummond brothers. We met Finn in the first story, Dirty Deeds, and I quite liked him as the fiesty and somewhat bad boy younger brother to Alec, so I was looking forward to getting his book.
I found the set up and the setting for this one quite interesting, with the move to Morocco. Dimon does a nice job giving us a sense of the political climate and the atmosphere of the country. Their charity works a lot with refugees who are trying to make their way to Europe through Morocco, and they make food, shelter, and medication available. It is important work, but they walk a fine line in terms of keeping within the government鈥檚 good graces. There is also danger all around, particular for someone as wealthy and well known as Finn. The mystery of who is behind the stolen shipments is well done and kept me engaged throughout. I think the suspense end of things plays out quite well here and I really enjoyed that aspect of the book.
Read Jay鈥檚 review in its entirety .
3.75 stars
Dirty Games is the second book in HelenKay Dimon鈥檚 Dirty series, featuring the wealthy and powerful Drummond brothers. We met Finn in the first story, Dirty Deeds, and I quite liked him as the fiesty and somewhat bad boy younger brother to Alec, so I was looking forward to getting his book.
I found the set up and the setting for this one quite interesting, with the move to Morocco. Dimon does a nice job giving us a sense of the political climate and the atmosphere of the country. Their charity works a lot with refugees who are trying to make their way to Europe through Morocco, and they make food, shelter, and medication available. It is important work, but they walk a fine line in terms of keeping within the government鈥檚 good graces. There is also danger all around, particular for someone as wealthy and well known as Finn. The mystery of who is behind the stolen shipments is well done and kept me engaged throughout. I think the suspense end of things plays out quite well here and I really enjoyed that aspect of the book.
Read Jay鈥檚 review in its entirety .
March 3, 2020
This book was given by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This first book in this series is a slow, steamy political thriller with an explosive couple and a tight plot. This book follows suit, but the characters are a little less likable, and the plot tends to meander a bit more. Dimon is a talented writer, but this one got a little loose on her.
Finn Drummond, younger brother of Alec from "Dirty Deeds," doesn't exactly receive a warm welcome when he arrives at the Drummond Charities headquarters at the border of Morocco. He butts heads with the charity director, Justin, an ex-military-man who has no time for rich-boy bullshit. But both men are concerned when they realize live-saving supply shipments are being stolen and traded for weapons, so they begrudgingly work together to figure out how to stop it.
Justin is a very hard character to warm up to. He's so relentlessly mean and rude to Finn, even though he's had a faraway crush on him for years. It feels too much like a little boy pulling pigtails. He's so prickly and closed-off that if I was Finn, I would've run for the hills. They may have good chemistry that develops over time, but sometimes, you just don't click with a character.
I liked the thriller aspects of the story just as much as I did in the first book in the series. Dimon knows her stuff, and she plays it smart--she uses real-life locations and political issues while creating her own corporations and organizations. We're no longer in snowy Svalbard in this one--instead, we're in Morocco and Ceuta, where border and refugee issues run rampant.
This is a decent story with good background detail, but the couple just never meshed as well as I hoped they would. There's too much back and forth, too much regression, too many empty apologies. Stay and read for the political drama, but don't hope for a romance for the ages.
This first book in this series is a slow, steamy political thriller with an explosive couple and a tight plot. This book follows suit, but the characters are a little less likable, and the plot tends to meander a bit more. Dimon is a talented writer, but this one got a little loose on her.
Finn Drummond, younger brother of Alec from "Dirty Deeds," doesn't exactly receive a warm welcome when he arrives at the Drummond Charities headquarters at the border of Morocco. He butts heads with the charity director, Justin, an ex-military-man who has no time for rich-boy bullshit. But both men are concerned when they realize live-saving supply shipments are being stolen and traded for weapons, so they begrudgingly work together to figure out how to stop it.
Justin is a very hard character to warm up to. He's so relentlessly mean and rude to Finn, even though he's had a faraway crush on him for years. It feels too much like a little boy pulling pigtails. He's so prickly and closed-off that if I was Finn, I would've run for the hills. They may have good chemistry that develops over time, but sometimes, you just don't click with a character.
I liked the thriller aspects of the story just as much as I did in the first book in the series. Dimon knows her stuff, and she plays it smart--she uses real-life locations and political issues while creating her own corporations and organizations. We're no longer in snowy Svalbard in this one--instead, we're in Morocco and Ceuta, where border and refugee issues run rampant.
This is a decent story with good background detail, but the couple just never meshed as well as I hoped they would. There's too much back and forth, too much regression, too many empty apologies. Stay and read for the political drama, but don't hope for a romance for the ages.
Read
January 27, 2018This book through me off a little bit. I鈥檓 not used to reading a MM novel where the country they are in aren鈥檛 excepted, which is sad by the way. Finn and Justin had such a hard time communicating with each other, mostly Justin. He just wasn鈥檛 ready to let someone in. He messed up so many time, and made me so angry ! I like the spin in the story. It has
Action and it kept me engaged in the story. I couldn鈥檛 believe Alec opening his mouth, but Im glad because you was able to see the feelings that Finn had for Justin. Overall cute story which action and adventures.
Action and it kept me engaged in the story. I couldn鈥檛 believe Alec opening his mouth, but Im glad because you was able to see the feelings that Finn had for Justin. Overall cute story which action and adventures.
March 14, 2018
Dirty Games (Dirty #2) by Helen Kay Dimon
4 stars
M/M Mystery Romance
Triggers: Attempted murder
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Finn and Justin have a history and not all of it's good. With miscommunications, over protective brothers and someone stealing supplies, there are a lot of issues that these characters have to weave their way around.
Finn is trying to make his own stamp on the family business. He wants things to succeed and knows that despite the strange tension between him and Justin, he also is intrigued by Justin all the same. As soon as Finn starts digging in to the issues that Justin presented, strange things follow.
With Finn looking like a target, Justin can't help but be cautious with him. Despite his long time crush on Finn, Justin also knows that his job is very important to him and he doesn't want anyone to jeopardize it.
Finn and Justin have a love - hate relationship. Preconceived notions and poor communication skills mare their relationship. But, when the chips are down, both will have to fight for their relationship and the continuation of the project that is so important to both of them.
I hope that there are more to come!
4 stars
M/M Mystery Romance
Triggers: Attempted murder
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Finn and Justin have a history and not all of it's good. With miscommunications, over protective brothers and someone stealing supplies, there are a lot of issues that these characters have to weave their way around.
Finn is trying to make his own stamp on the family business. He wants things to succeed and knows that despite the strange tension between him and Justin, he also is intrigued by Justin all the same. As soon as Finn starts digging in to the issues that Justin presented, strange things follow.
With Finn looking like a target, Justin can't help but be cautious with him. Despite his long time crush on Finn, Justin also knows that his job is very important to him and he doesn't want anyone to jeopardize it.
Finn and Justin have a love - hate relationship. Preconceived notions and poor communication skills mare their relationship. But, when the chips are down, both will have to fight for their relationship and the continuation of the project that is so important to both of them.
I hope that there are more to come!
February 23, 2018
Justin Miller knows Finn Drummond is off limits and out of his reach. If the woman on Finn's arm when they met hadn't told him that, Finn's brother Alec had unquestionably made it clear Finn was in love with his girlfriend and, consequently, off the market. Knowing Finn is unavailable and straight doesn't keep Justin from wanting the man. When even hooking up with Finn's brother doesn't help take the edge off his attraction, he uses the only other weapon in his arsenal to keep Finn away from him--his anger.
Finn has worked hard to prove that he knows what he's doing in business and to be the kind of leader that the charity arm of his family's company needs him to be. When Justin asks Alec to come find out why some of the supplies have gone missing, Finn insists on going instead. It is going to be his responsibility and nothing Justin throws at him is going to change his determination, not even the intense dislike Justin has for him.
If you've been reading my reviews, you may know that I was lukewarm about the previous book in this series, Dirty Deeds. I liked the book, but I didn't love it. I did like Finn, who was introduced in Dirty Deeds and I was curious to see where the next book in the series would go.
Well, Dear Reader, let me just say that I was not at all lukewarm about Dirty Games, not even a little bit. This was precisely the read I was looking for in the last one. This one had me staying up so late that my eyes were watering, but I fought through every yawn to finish before I went to sleep because I had to know.
Justin is so scared of his attraction to Finn, even more so when he finds out that Finn is bi and not straight, as he had previously assumed because now he fears loving and losing.
I will say that Justin is stubborn, and it started to wear on me. However, as I would get ready to yell at him for being an idiot he would either make a step in the right direction, or his right-hand man would yell at him and say all the things I wanted to say.
There were a lot more guys in this than there were women as is typically for m/m romance, but I'm pleased to say that it at least made sense considering the environment--the actual place is fictional, but it's a believable tumultuous area where women would be discouraged from working. The women they do have in the story, make sense and are unique from each other and have different strengths, which I personally appreciate. And while each woman has people in her care, neither of them comes off as "motherly." I can't say enough how much I appreciate that.
The tension between the characters is marvelous, and the tension in the plot compliments the characters' chemistry nicely. The logistics, in my opinion, worked better in this one than in the first one and it made for a stronger, more immersive story.
There were a few places where I got a little frustrated with Justin, but overall, both characters had my heart, and I was invested in their story.
Dirty Games is exciting and engaging and hot. It is probably better if you read Dirty Deeds first, but you can read Dirty Games on its own.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Finn has worked hard to prove that he knows what he's doing in business and to be the kind of leader that the charity arm of his family's company needs him to be. When Justin asks Alec to come find out why some of the supplies have gone missing, Finn insists on going instead. It is going to be his responsibility and nothing Justin throws at him is going to change his determination, not even the intense dislike Justin has for him.
If you've been reading my reviews, you may know that I was lukewarm about the previous book in this series, Dirty Deeds. I liked the book, but I didn't love it. I did like Finn, who was introduced in Dirty Deeds and I was curious to see where the next book in the series would go.
Well, Dear Reader, let me just say that I was not at all lukewarm about Dirty Games, not even a little bit. This was precisely the read I was looking for in the last one. This one had me staying up so late that my eyes were watering, but I fought through every yawn to finish before I went to sleep because I had to know.
Justin is so scared of his attraction to Finn, even more so when he finds out that Finn is bi and not straight, as he had previously assumed because now he fears loving and losing.
I will say that Justin is stubborn, and it started to wear on me. However, as I would get ready to yell at him for being an idiot he would either make a step in the right direction, or his right-hand man would yell at him and say all the things I wanted to say.
There were a lot more guys in this than there were women as is typically for m/m romance, but I'm pleased to say that it at least made sense considering the environment--the actual place is fictional, but it's a believable tumultuous area where women would be discouraged from working. The women they do have in the story, make sense and are unique from each other and have different strengths, which I personally appreciate. And while each woman has people in her care, neither of them comes off as "motherly." I can't say enough how much I appreciate that.
The tension between the characters is marvelous, and the tension in the plot compliments the characters' chemistry nicely. The logistics, in my opinion, worked better in this one than in the first one and it made for a stronger, more immersive story.
There were a few places where I got a little frustrated with Justin, but overall, both characters had my heart, and I was invested in their story.
Dirty Games is exciting and engaging and hot. It is probably better if you read Dirty Deeds first, but you can read Dirty Games on its own.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 29, 2018
Review originally posted at
The one person who stood out to me in the first book in this series, Dirty Deeds, was Alec鈥檚 youngest brother Finn. I kind of expected his story to be the last in the series, because that鈥檚 usually the case when I fall in love with a character. So color me surprised when I discovered that the second book would feature Finn and give him his HEA. YAY! No waiting!
Unfortunately, I can鈥檛 say this book really worked for me. I didn鈥檛 hate it, but I really didn鈥檛 love it either. And it all boils down to the prickly, argumentative, distrustful, jump to conclusions about EVERTHING Justin. I did not like Justin from the moment he was introduced in the first chapter and I never warmed up to him. Maybe because he remained an asshole right up until the bitter end.
Let me backtrack a bit鈥� The second book in the Dirty series by HelenKay Dimon features Finn Drummond, youngest brother from the billionaire Drummond family who run an agricultural business. Finn wants to run the charity arm of their business, which is why he answers a summons by the man who runs the operations on the ground on a small strip of land between Morocco and Spain. That man is Justin Miller. He was expecting Alec Drummond to show up, but instead gets Finn, which is a huge problem because he鈥檚 had a thing for Finn since the moment he clapped eyes on him. His other problem is that shipments are going missing and he believes that they are being traded for guns. He needs someone to help him figure out what is going on, but he can鈥檛 work with Finn.
The book opens with Finn arriving at the charity鈥檚 main complex and meeting with Justin and from that first meeting right up until the very last chapter Justin is rude, argumentative and disrespectful. If I was Finn I would have fired him and sent him home in the first ten pages of the book. Regardless of what you think of Finn and all his money, dude you work for him COME ON. But for some reason Finn puts up with his crap and even falls into bed with the guy. I don鈥檛 know why. They have lots of arguments and lots of sex. It鈥檚 not until the last 4% that they talk and decide they are in love and want to be together. By that time I was mentally exhausted, still disliked Justin, and did not believe the sudden love words.
I did like the setting, mystery and the action scenes. I felt like I understood what was going on much better than in the previous release. I kind of suspected who the bad guy might be, but there were plenty of twists and turns to keep me guessing. That is what kept me reading, even when I wanted put my Kindle down. The romance didn鈥檛 work for me, which is sad because I was truly looking forward to Finn鈥檚 story. Final Grade-C-
Favorite Quote:
The one person who stood out to me in the first book in this series, Dirty Deeds, was Alec鈥檚 youngest brother Finn. I kind of expected his story to be the last in the series, because that鈥檚 usually the case when I fall in love with a character. So color me surprised when I discovered that the second book would feature Finn and give him his HEA. YAY! No waiting!
Unfortunately, I can鈥檛 say this book really worked for me. I didn鈥檛 hate it, but I really didn鈥檛 love it either. And it all boils down to the prickly, argumentative, distrustful, jump to conclusions about EVERTHING Justin. I did not like Justin from the moment he was introduced in the first chapter and I never warmed up to him. Maybe because he remained an asshole right up until the bitter end.
Let me backtrack a bit鈥� The second book in the Dirty series by HelenKay Dimon features Finn Drummond, youngest brother from the billionaire Drummond family who run an agricultural business. Finn wants to run the charity arm of their business, which is why he answers a summons by the man who runs the operations on the ground on a small strip of land between Morocco and Spain. That man is Justin Miller. He was expecting Alec Drummond to show up, but instead gets Finn, which is a huge problem because he鈥檚 had a thing for Finn since the moment he clapped eyes on him. His other problem is that shipments are going missing and he believes that they are being traded for guns. He needs someone to help him figure out what is going on, but he can鈥檛 work with Finn.
The book opens with Finn arriving at the charity鈥檚 main complex and meeting with Justin and from that first meeting right up until the very last chapter Justin is rude, argumentative and disrespectful. If I was Finn I would have fired him and sent him home in the first ten pages of the book. Regardless of what you think of Finn and all his money, dude you work for him COME ON. But for some reason Finn puts up with his crap and even falls into bed with the guy. I don鈥檛 know why. They have lots of arguments and lots of sex. It鈥檚 not until the last 4% that they talk and decide they are in love and want to be together. By that time I was mentally exhausted, still disliked Justin, and did not believe the sudden love words.
I did like the setting, mystery and the action scenes. I felt like I understood what was going on much better than in the previous release. I kind of suspected who the bad guy might be, but there were plenty of twists and turns to keep me guessing. That is what kept me reading, even when I wanted put my Kindle down. The romance didn鈥檛 work for me, which is sad because I was truly looking forward to Finn鈥檚 story. Final Grade-C-
Favorite Quote:
Justin鈥檚 eyes widened. 鈥淟et me get this straight. You thought we鈥檇 fuck and I鈥檇 become nicer?鈥�
鈥淣o, because it was sex, not a miracle.鈥�
July 18, 2022
Action packed and good mystery
This is an action packed story in a different sort of setting. The story revolves around the mystery of missing supplies at a refugee camp funded by Drummond Industries. There are lots of good red herrings and plenty of places for worry about the MCs.
Primarily though this is a love story. It鈥檚 an enemies to lovers story (though not really) as well as a wealth gap story. Both of those themes play out big time. These are very different men, one of whom really can鈥檛 get over their differences and keeps throwing it in the other鈥檚 face. To be honest that gets pretty old and frankly the last time it happens I鈥檓 so fed up I truly wish the other MC would walk out. Justin is really a jerk and even though the author gives us a tragic background I never really felt like rooting for him. Finn on the other hand has the patience of a saint and is way too understanding from my point of view. After that final blow up he should have said enough. Additionally, they are working on a relationship in a country where homosexuality is illegal. Lots of hurdles.
But of course since it is a romance novel they work it out. The mystery is mostly solved and it appears we have our HEA. Some things are glossed over at the end but overall this is an engaging read.
This is an action packed story in a different sort of setting. The story revolves around the mystery of missing supplies at a refugee camp funded by Drummond Industries. There are lots of good red herrings and plenty of places for worry about the MCs.
Primarily though this is a love story. It鈥檚 an enemies to lovers story (though not really) as well as a wealth gap story. Both of those themes play out big time. These are very different men, one of whom really can鈥檛 get over their differences and keeps throwing it in the other鈥檚 face. To be honest that gets pretty old and frankly the last time it happens I鈥檓 so fed up I truly wish the other MC would walk out. Justin is really a jerk and even though the author gives us a tragic background I never really felt like rooting for him. Finn on the other hand has the patience of a saint and is way too understanding from my point of view. After that final blow up he should have said enough. Additionally, they are working on a relationship in a country where homosexuality is illegal. Lots of hurdles.
But of course since it is a romance novel they work it out. The mystery is mostly solved and it appears we have our HEA. Some things are glossed over at the end but overall this is an engaging read.
March 18, 2018
I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
Part action, part romance, part political intrigue, this story about two men who find each other while racing to figure out who is trading their charity supplies for weapons has some entertaining moments.
Readers will recognise Finn as Alex鈥檚 brother in the first book. Fin has pulled back from the business side of his family鈥檚 organisation to focus on it鈥檚 charity work. I found Finn likeable, if a little bit bland. At times I think he puts up with a little bit too much emo crazy from Justin.
I really found it hard to like Justin. His anger at Finn is confusing and feels unmerited. His hot/cold emotional dysregulation makes him seem more like a hormonal teenager than the head of an important international charity.
For most of this story, Justin and Finn are either arguing or shagging and it drove me mad after a while. I found the action scenes more engaging than the romance but there aren鈥檛 enough clues before the whodunnit reveal which I found annoying.
This isn鈥檛 my favourite of this author鈥檚 stories. I enjoyed the setting and the 鈥楴ight Manager鈥� style premise but I really didn鈥檛 engage with the romance and I wanted to be able to engage more with the action.
Part action, part romance, part political intrigue, this story about two men who find each other while racing to figure out who is trading their charity supplies for weapons has some entertaining moments.
Readers will recognise Finn as Alex鈥檚 brother in the first book. Fin has pulled back from the business side of his family鈥檚 organisation to focus on it鈥檚 charity work. I found Finn likeable, if a little bit bland. At times I think he puts up with a little bit too much emo crazy from Justin.
I really found it hard to like Justin. His anger at Finn is confusing and feels unmerited. His hot/cold emotional dysregulation makes him seem more like a hormonal teenager than the head of an important international charity.
For most of this story, Justin and Finn are either arguing or shagging and it drove me mad after a while. I found the action scenes more engaging than the romance but there aren鈥檛 enough clues before the whodunnit reveal which I found annoying.
This isn鈥檛 my favourite of this author鈥檚 stories. I enjoyed the setting and the 鈥楴ight Manager鈥� style premise but I really didn鈥檛 engage with the romance and I wanted to be able to engage more with the action.
January 23, 2018
Full review to come (closer to release day)
* I received an ARC of this title via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. *
* I received an ARC of this title via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. *
March 22, 2018
So, I liked this a lot. Good action and mystery.
The romance was also good BUT suffered from a trope I hate, which manifested at the end. Insecurity is never attractive.
The romance was also good BUT suffered from a trope I hate, which manifested at the end. Insecurity is never attractive.
April 13, 2018
4.25 stars--
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 13, 2018
Sometimes, to get what you want in business or in love, you have to get your hands dirty. Luckily for Finn and Justin, dirty comes naturally.
Finn Drummond is the baby in a family of sharks鈥攚hich means he鈥檚 worked twice as hard to make a name for himself. After learning the tricks of the trade from his brothers, Finn鈥檚 just as ruthless and dominant. Out in the field, his appetites are legendary: for success, for money, for women and men. But when supplies from Drummond Charities go missing, Finn has to partner up with the smoldering ex鈥揂rmy grunt who鈥檚 always challenging his authority鈥攐r giving him mixed signals.
Justin Miller wanted his attraction to Finn to be mutual, but the cocky brat always had a girlfriend. Who could blame Justin for trying to move on? Despite their history, they鈥檝e got to work together to figure out who鈥檚 been derailing their humanitarian work. But after Justin and Finn are thrown together against gunrunners and kidnappers, their simmering chemistry turns explosive. Turns out, Finn knows how to handle himself in a crisis鈥攁nd in the sack. Justin only hopes that hot sex is enough to persuade this spoiled pretty boy to do the right thing.
鈥⑩赌⑩赌⑩赌⑩赌⑩赌⑩赌⑩赌⑩赌⑩赌⑩赌⑩赌�
REVIEW: 4.25 stars--DIRTY GAMES is the second instalment in HelenKay Dimon鈥檚 contemporary, adult THE DIRTY erotic, M/M romantic suspense series-a spin off from her TOUGH LOVE series. This is billionaire businessman Finn Drummond, and former soldier/ humanitarian Justin Miller鈥檚 story line. DIRTY GAMES can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary. Finn is the brother of Alec Drummond (Dirty Deeds #1).
NOTE: DIRTY GAMES contains graphic scenes of M/M sexual situations, intended only for mature readers.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Finn and Justin) DIRTY GAMES follows Finn Drummond as he embarks on a journey to investigate the Drummond Charities humanitarian work in Morocco, currently administered by the acerbic but sexy Justin Miller. Missing supplies, with a possible connection to local gunrunners finds Justin and Finn targeted in a deadly game against an unknown enemy. What ensues is the building relationship between Justin and Finn, and the potential fall-out as Justin鈥檚 mercurial mood swings, and unpredictable temperament force Finn to walk away on more than one occasion.
Six years earlier, Justin Miller met the man who has starred in all of his fantasies but at the time Finn Drummond was in a relationship with a woman. Believing he didn鈥檛 have a chance with Finn, Justin embarked on a one-night stand with the closest thing to Finn Drummond, his older brother Alec, a man who suspected he was only a temporary fill-in for Justin鈥檚 fantasy. Finn Drummond has struggled to make a name in the Drummond Corporation but his attraction to Justin Miller meant working for Drummond Charities could very well allow him to cross paths with the man with whom he would fall in love.
The relationship between Finn and Justin is one of immediate attraction but Justin tries to keep his distance, failing miserably, as his actions prove unpredictable, erratic and explosive. Finn believes Justin despises the ground upon which he walks but Justin struggles with his attraction to a man he believes to be attraction to women and not to men. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic, and intense with graphic M/M text and language.
The world building focuses mainly on the building relationship between Finn and Justin, and Justin鈥檚 inability to let go of his heart, but also on the hunt for the people responsible for the missing shipments. Several suspects pose potential threats but only one is desperate enough to kill.
DIRTY GAMES is a sexy, edgy and suspense filled story line. An act of betrayal that threatens the lives of two men, against an impossible situation. The premise is dramatic, energetic and thrilling; the romance is provocative and captivating; the characters are spirited, complex and realistic. DIRTY GAMES is an engaging, imaginative and intriguing story.
Copy supplied by Netgalley
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 13, 2018
Sometimes, to get what you want in business or in love, you have to get your hands dirty. Luckily for Finn and Justin, dirty comes naturally.
Finn Drummond is the baby in a family of sharks鈥攚hich means he鈥檚 worked twice as hard to make a name for himself. After learning the tricks of the trade from his brothers, Finn鈥檚 just as ruthless and dominant. Out in the field, his appetites are legendary: for success, for money, for women and men. But when supplies from Drummond Charities go missing, Finn has to partner up with the smoldering ex鈥揂rmy grunt who鈥檚 always challenging his authority鈥攐r giving him mixed signals.
Justin Miller wanted his attraction to Finn to be mutual, but the cocky brat always had a girlfriend. Who could blame Justin for trying to move on? Despite their history, they鈥檝e got to work together to figure out who鈥檚 been derailing their humanitarian work. But after Justin and Finn are thrown together against gunrunners and kidnappers, their simmering chemistry turns explosive. Turns out, Finn knows how to handle himself in a crisis鈥攁nd in the sack. Justin only hopes that hot sex is enough to persuade this spoiled pretty boy to do the right thing.
鈥⑩赌⑩赌⑩赌⑩赌⑩赌⑩赌⑩赌⑩赌⑩赌⑩赌⑩赌�
REVIEW: 4.25 stars--DIRTY GAMES is the second instalment in HelenKay Dimon鈥檚 contemporary, adult THE DIRTY erotic, M/M romantic suspense series-a spin off from her TOUGH LOVE series. This is billionaire businessman Finn Drummond, and former soldier/ humanitarian Justin Miller鈥檚 story line. DIRTY GAMES can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary. Finn is the brother of Alec Drummond (Dirty Deeds #1).
NOTE: DIRTY GAMES contains graphic scenes of M/M sexual situations, intended only for mature readers.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Finn and Justin) DIRTY GAMES follows Finn Drummond as he embarks on a journey to investigate the Drummond Charities humanitarian work in Morocco, currently administered by the acerbic but sexy Justin Miller. Missing supplies, with a possible connection to local gunrunners finds Justin and Finn targeted in a deadly game against an unknown enemy. What ensues is the building relationship between Justin and Finn, and the potential fall-out as Justin鈥檚 mercurial mood swings, and unpredictable temperament force Finn to walk away on more than one occasion.
Six years earlier, Justin Miller met the man who has starred in all of his fantasies but at the time Finn Drummond was in a relationship with a woman. Believing he didn鈥檛 have a chance with Finn, Justin embarked on a one-night stand with the closest thing to Finn Drummond, his older brother Alec, a man who suspected he was only a temporary fill-in for Justin鈥檚 fantasy. Finn Drummond has struggled to make a name in the Drummond Corporation but his attraction to Justin Miller meant working for Drummond Charities could very well allow him to cross paths with the man with whom he would fall in love.
The relationship between Finn and Justin is one of immediate attraction but Justin tries to keep his distance, failing miserably, as his actions prove unpredictable, erratic and explosive. Finn believes Justin despises the ground upon which he walks but Justin struggles with his attraction to a man he believes to be attraction to women and not to men. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic, and intense with graphic M/M text and language.
The world building focuses mainly on the building relationship between Finn and Justin, and Justin鈥檚 inability to let go of his heart, but also on the hunt for the people responsible for the missing shipments. Several suspects pose potential threats but only one is desperate enough to kill.
DIRTY GAMES is a sexy, edgy and suspense filled story line. An act of betrayal that threatens the lives of two men, against an impossible situation. The premise is dramatic, energetic and thrilling; the romance is provocative and captivating; the characters are spirited, complex and realistic. DIRTY GAMES is an engaging, imaginative and intriguing story.
Copy supplied by Netgalley
February 5, 2018
This is the second book in the "Dirty Games" series which is a little bit of a spin off of the "Tough Love" series (in that Alec, Finn's brother, was a side character in those). This book works as a stand alone although reading the first book, "Dirty Deeds" will give you a better understanding of the Drummond family. Plus it was a great book.
I've quite enjoyed this series (as well as the one before) and this book was no different. It's a nice, fast paced, read with a lot of action, a bit of mystery, and some steamy hot scenes. The plot is pretty solid and the writing is sooth and polished.
I loved Finn. The youngest Drummond has always seemed less intense than the other two and I loved that he was able to keep his cool most of the time but, when pushed too far by Justin, he definitely stood his ground. There was a lot of back and forth between Finn and Justin. Normally something like that would bother me but it worked here. Finn was a cool headed guy who understood himself and his feelings but Justin was just a train wreck. Some of this was explained in Justin's backstory which made it all make more sense. I do wish it had one even deeper into that backstory though. His attitude may have come off as a little childish as he was 37 years old, but really I think it just reinforced his desperation about protecting himself and and being used to burying his feelings. Plus Finn had been his dreams for YEARS. When he had finally had him it kind of knocked him on his ass and he didn't really know how to handle that. Luckily Finn understood Justin (way more than Justin understood himself) and was able to wait on Justin to get himself together. I loved the connection between the two and the chemistry was off the charts. Definitely a fun read.
I'm looking forward to the next book which I am assuming will be Griff's, the last, and most elusive, Drummond brother. Can't wait.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
I've quite enjoyed this series (as well as the one before) and this book was no different. It's a nice, fast paced, read with a lot of action, a bit of mystery, and some steamy hot scenes. The plot is pretty solid and the writing is sooth and polished.
I loved Finn. The youngest Drummond has always seemed less intense than the other two and I loved that he was able to keep his cool most of the time but, when pushed too far by Justin, he definitely stood his ground. There was a lot of back and forth between Finn and Justin. Normally something like that would bother me but it worked here. Finn was a cool headed guy who understood himself and his feelings but Justin was just a train wreck. Some of this was explained in Justin's backstory which made it all make more sense. I do wish it had one even deeper into that backstory though. His attitude may have come off as a little childish as he was 37 years old, but really I think it just reinforced his desperation about protecting himself and and being used to burying his feelings. Plus Finn had been his dreams for YEARS. When he had finally had him it kind of knocked him on his ass and he didn't really know how to handle that. Luckily Finn understood Justin (way more than Justin understood himself) and was able to wait on Justin to get himself together. I loved the connection between the two and the chemistry was off the charts. Definitely a fun read.
I'm looking forward to the next book which I am assuming will be Griff's, the last, and most elusive, Drummond brother. Can't wait.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
March 20, 2018
My Review:
It's no secret that I love HelenKay Dimon's romantic suspense m/m books and this one did not disappoint in the least.
Justin has been fighting his attraction to Finn for years...to the point that he slept with Finn's brother to try to get over Finn, the straight one. What Justin has never realized though is that Finn isn't straight. He's bisexual. And though he's younger, I think Finn is much more mature in a relationship than Justin is ever capable of being...LOL. But I'm getting ahead of myself.
Justin is a loner. He is not a relationship guy which works for him since he's chosen to serve his career in Morocco, where it's illegal to be gay. But the one major thing that Justin has going for him is that he's completely committed to helping the areas refugees escape their circumstances. He has spent his life doing this job and loves it...for the most part.
He does not having his control usurped by Finn and his brothers, though...just because they happen to fund the charity. So, that's one area of contention for Justin. The other is that he is simply pushing Finn away because he thinks he can't have him. As a result, Justin is rough and gruff and rude and a total jerk to Finn most the time. Something that Finn truly just let roll off his back most the time... another reason (out of MANY) to love him.
But you know, in the end, I kind of fell for Justin, too. He's trying so hard to be emotionally hard to Finn and not care because he simply can't be that vulnerable. But it happens anyway and it's a beautiful thing.
I love wounded heroes, and Finn is perfect in the roll in this book. I really just thoroughly enjoyed the whole story. Although I had a pretty good idea who the bad guy was early on, it didn't affect how much I enjoyed all the unveiling of the details and clues.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
It's no secret that I love HelenKay Dimon's romantic suspense m/m books and this one did not disappoint in the least.
Justin has been fighting his attraction to Finn for years...to the point that he slept with Finn's brother to try to get over Finn, the straight one. What Justin has never realized though is that Finn isn't straight. He's bisexual. And though he's younger, I think Finn is much more mature in a relationship than Justin is ever capable of being...LOL. But I'm getting ahead of myself.
Justin is a loner. He is not a relationship guy which works for him since he's chosen to serve his career in Morocco, where it's illegal to be gay. But the one major thing that Justin has going for him is that he's completely committed to helping the areas refugees escape their circumstances. He has spent his life doing this job and loves it...for the most part.
He does not having his control usurped by Finn and his brothers, though...just because they happen to fund the charity. So, that's one area of contention for Justin. The other is that he is simply pushing Finn away because he thinks he can't have him. As a result, Justin is rough and gruff and rude and a total jerk to Finn most the time. Something that Finn truly just let roll off his back most the time... another reason (out of MANY) to love him.
But you know, in the end, I kind of fell for Justin, too. He's trying so hard to be emotionally hard to Finn and not care because he simply can't be that vulnerable. But it happens anyway and it's a beautiful thing.
I love wounded heroes, and Finn is perfect in the roll in this book. I really just thoroughly enjoyed the whole story. Although I had a pretty good idea who the bad guy was early on, it didn't affect how much I enjoyed all the unveiling of the details and clues.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
May 29, 2018
Dirty Games is the second book in the Dirty series from HelenKay Dimon. I loved getting Alec Drummond's book with Dirty Deeds and really enjoyed reading Finn Drummond's book with Dirty Games.
I loved there was chemistry between Justin and Finn pretty much from the moment they met, even if Justin didn't deal with it very well. Seriously when they met years ago, Justin was so attracted to Finn, he slept with his brother Alec as a substitute. Of course, Justin is gay and in his defense, Finn, who is bi, did have a girlfriend at the time. I had to laugh at how hard it was for Justin to be around Finn and not be a jerk, as he kept trying to hide his feelings. Seriously, if something could be said wrong or bitchy, it came out of Justin's month when talking to Finn. I really expected Justin to have better game around a man he was attracted to honestly.
Finn and Justin came from completely different backgrounds, yet both had some really bad experiences with family in their past. I loved that Finn really wanted to not only help the people the Drummond Charities were already helping, but wanted to step up and do even more. I will say I was stumped by who was after Finn and trying to make him leave through much of the book. He was there to investigate missing shipments and discovered there were some weapons runners in the area. I thought I had it figured out pretty early on, but was actually pretty happy to be wrong. I love when an author writing romantic suspense keeps me guessing, and Ms. Dimon did an amazing job in Dirty Games.
I loved watching Finn and Justin figure out both their working relationship and their personal relationship and if the two could be one. Seriously these two had some of the most amazing chemistry and smoking hot sex scenes between them. I loved the steaminess of them together every bit as much as I loved the moments of tenderness between them.
Dirty Games is another winner from HelenKay Dimon. Fans who love romantic suspense books will love this book and series. I've been reading Ms. Dimon's books for years and highly recommend each and every book she writes, but have to say I have special love for her romantic suspense books.
Rating: 4 Stars B
Review copy provided by publisher
I loved there was chemistry between Justin and Finn pretty much from the moment they met, even if Justin didn't deal with it very well. Seriously when they met years ago, Justin was so attracted to Finn, he slept with his brother Alec as a substitute. Of course, Justin is gay and in his defense, Finn, who is bi, did have a girlfriend at the time. I had to laugh at how hard it was for Justin to be around Finn and not be a jerk, as he kept trying to hide his feelings. Seriously, if something could be said wrong or bitchy, it came out of Justin's month when talking to Finn. I really expected Justin to have better game around a man he was attracted to honestly.
Finn and Justin came from completely different backgrounds, yet both had some really bad experiences with family in their past. I loved that Finn really wanted to not only help the people the Drummond Charities were already helping, but wanted to step up and do even more. I will say I was stumped by who was after Finn and trying to make him leave through much of the book. He was there to investigate missing shipments and discovered there were some weapons runners in the area. I thought I had it figured out pretty early on, but was actually pretty happy to be wrong. I love when an author writing romantic suspense keeps me guessing, and Ms. Dimon did an amazing job in Dirty Games.
I loved watching Finn and Justin figure out both their working relationship and their personal relationship and if the two could be one. Seriously these two had some of the most amazing chemistry and smoking hot sex scenes between them. I loved the steaminess of them together every bit as much as I loved the moments of tenderness between them.
Dirty Games is another winner from HelenKay Dimon. Fans who love romantic suspense books will love this book and series. I've been reading Ms. Dimon's books for years and highly recommend each and every book she writes, but have to say I have special love for her romantic suspense books.
Rating: 4 Stars B
Review copy provided by publisher
July 14, 2018
2.5 stars
Finn Drummond wants nothing more than to prove to Justin Miller he鈥檚 going to help his charity. Finn isn鈥檛 there to get a cheap thrill, nor is he there to do his good deed for the year then go home to comparative safety. Finn is there to help. Finn is also there to find out what鈥檚 happening with some suspect shipments. Justin doesn鈥檛 want oversight and doesn鈥檛 feel he needs oversight. He asked for help but didn鈥檛 ask for a babysitter. It doesn鈥檛 help things he鈥檚 always been attracted to Finn. Finn is the guy that鈥檚 never left Justin鈥檚 mind. Then the attacks start. Finn and Justin have to figure out who is behind the crimes before the bullets find them.
I hate to say this, but more than anything this book was completely forgettable. I remember enjoying it well enough when I read it, but when the release date came around and it was time to review I barely remembered the title and had no clue at all who the main characters were. I am kind of surprised by this. I still remember, both positively and negatively, previous books I鈥檝e read by this author. I don鈥檛 know how much of this book leaving no impression on me had to do with me or the book.
Normally I really like characters who are difficult to like. However, Justin seems to be a douchebag for the sake of being a douchebag. Yeah, we鈥檙e told he鈥檚 had it rough, but it felt a bit unrealistic and I suspect that鈥檚 part of why I checked out of the book. Finn put up with too much of it. And why was Justin鈥檚 assistant matchmaking? Why?
I wouldn鈥檛 say avoid this book but I also wouldn鈥檛 recommend it. The mystery and the suspense were the best parts. I probably suspected everyone involved for at least a few seconds. I always find that fun. Mostly I was just a bit disappointed a book I was excited about turned out to be so mediocre for me.
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