#BookReview – ‘Dirty Deeds’ by AJ Nuest

Blurb

An Eye for an Eye 

As owner of Dirty Deeds, a tech-savvy company specializing in the age-old art of revenge, Eden Smith knows first-hand that secrecy is critical. But when a dead body washes up on the shores of Lake Michigan clutching her business card, Eden’s well-constructed world begins to fall apart. Apparently, she’s not the only one with a passion for payback, and staying alive to outsmart a killer has become her most important job of all. 

A Game for a Game 

Hardened homicide detective Kelly Riordan is convinced Eden Smith is hiding more than she’s willing to admit. Years on the force have taught him that nothing is what it seems, and that couldn’t be truer than when it comes to investigating the alluring owner of a revenge-for-hire business. But revealing her past could put everything Eden has worked for in jeopardy. And trusting a man like Riordan goes against the very instincts that have kept her alive this long.

Review

In the first book in A Likely Story series, Eden Smith knows all about revenge. In fact, she owns and operates a tech-savvy business, Dirty Deeds, and she and her crew enacts revenge on people who deserve it. She’s super intelligent and secretive. She’s lived a hard life and knows better than to trust people too much. When a dead body is discovered with her business card in hand, Eden’s world comes crashing down.

Homicide Detective Kelly Riordan believes the murder victim is connected to the mysterious business and it’s compelling owner, but he can’t figure out how. Eden’s life is in danger, and though he knows he should follow protocol, he can’t think straight around her. He’s good at reading people, and he knows she’s not the enemy.

I love the H/h! Kelly and Eden have off-the-charts sexual chemistry, and their attraction is instant. Eden hides her pain behind carefully crafted lies and personas, and she doesn’t even really know who she is anymore. Kelly, however, sees past her masks for the real woman within. He’s so understanding, compassionate, and willing to give her what she needs. He’s not afraid to bend the law or outright break it to do what he knows is right.

Though I found the plot and characters interesting, the book was a little repetitive and wordy. The H/h kept thinking the same thoughts again and again, and it slowed the pacing. I really enjoyed the author’s ingenious similes and metaphors however. Some of them were really funny, or serious depending on the scene, but all of them were creative and unique.

Overall, I liked the book, but the pacing needs to be tighter.

3.5 Stars

Disclaimer – I won a print copy of this book in a contest. I am not paid or compensated in any way, shape, or form for this honest review. I will not change or alter this review for any reason unless at my discretion.