This book pages picks up immediately after book #1. It was too long and actually boring. The dilemma between Brandon enterprises, the cartel, and the struggle for power between Shane & Derek spreads out through 295 pages and still isn't resolved. Emily and Brandon halfway learn to trust each other and her secret she was hiding throughout book #1 really wasn't that exciting. Their sex is steamy and the relationship is still fractured. The Brandon family is horrible and I'm not sure if I'm invested enough to read the next 2 books. ( )

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

Shane and Emily finally must confront the secrets they both are keeping, as Emily's past is revealed to be anything but true. Shane thinks she's there to ruin him, to take part in his family problems, but she just wants to protect him, from herself and the secrets she runs from. She runs, but Shane can't seem to let her go, he cares more than he's willing to admit. Despite their desire to protect the other they start to lean on one another, finding a way to face both their problems together. As Shane faces his family he sees that his mistrust in Emily was wrong and that she's the strength he needs to lean on.

"'I wonder,' I say, my gaze finding hers, heat simmering low in my limbs, one part lust, another part fury, 'how it is that I didn't taste your lies. I wonder if they'll taste differently now that I know they exist.'"

Is it possible this book was better than Hard Rules? Yes, definitely. There is so much development in the story and from the Shane and Emily, as well as from the the secondary characters of Shane's family members and the two men he trusts as he works to take his brother down. I really enjoyed how much Shane and Emily changed, their relationship grew a lot in this novel and how they lean on one another showed true caring. Emily, on her own, has quite a history and I cannot wait for that to be delved into even farther. Shane, though dealing with his family, was always showing his true colors and despite her secrets, it seems Emily was as well. Emily's running and Shane's family and the drama surrounding both were really well developed in Damage Control. I felt like I finally had really jumped into a suspense novel, especially with the cliff hanger ending.

"He wants what is real, but that is dark and blood-laden, and he doesn't deserve it."

Lisa Renee Jones' writing is, as always, incredible. The scene is easy to picture, each character well described, even their different POV's and voices felt unique to them. There are a lot of answers in this book, more questions added, and the story line of Shane's family continues to develop in increasingly dark ways. I loved that there was always something going on in the book even as Shane and Emily's relationship continued to develop. I think it takes a lot of skill to write a romance into a book that's filled with suspense, violence, and threats that could change everything.

"Lies destroy, but I fear the truth is worse. Maybe lies are better. Or maybe they're arent."

Damage Control is a must read, you will not be able to put it down, and it's the perfect sequel to Hard Rules. I am on pins and needles waiting for the next two releases already, Lisa Renee Jones has me hooked. ( )

Link to full review below! This series is like How to get away with murder (the TV show): twisted people, secrets and lies, and sex! I am so totally sucked in! See full review on The Book Disciple ( )

I just love the tension and suspense between Shane and Emily, when ever they are together, the action seems to sizzle and snap, it's just phenomenal. And thank you, thank you, thank you, for the recap of the plot, there's so much going on with so many characters I really didn't want to get confused.
This wonderful second instalment gets right on were we left off. Tons of drama, the suspense keeps the reader on the hop never knowing when intense action will happen, and there's plenty of hot bedroom work outs.
The family's in this book are really messed up, nobody knows who to trust, it's an addictive series, I can't wait for the next book. ( )

Received an ARC for my fair review for netgalley. What can I say about this book, but Shane's family is crazy. This books, picks up from the cliffhanger it lefts us with, thank god. While Shane knew that Emily was lied to him, and was did not know everything, he wants to protect her. We find out Emily's secret, and how she is scared of telling Shane, that is could put him in danger, so she rather leave. So many crazy things happen, and yet again, we have a cliffhanger, so I guess we wait for the next one. ( )