I didn’t do it.I never betrayed my friend.Last year, I was kidnapped along with presidential candidate’s daughter Lindsay Bosworth, forced to help her assailants, my mother implicated in one of the biggest political scandals in American history.I’ve been cleared of any wrongdoing, but that doesn’t matter. Once you’re tried by the media, you’re guilty as sin. The truth doesn’t get the public’s … doesn’t get the public’s attention.
But shame? Shame sells.
And everyone assumes you’re tainted.
Now I have my own personal security team, courtesy of the United States government. Not the one you learned about in civics class, though.
I’m being tracked by the deep state. The shadow government. They’ve assigned Silas Gentian to be with me twenty-four seven. He thinks he knows everything about me – all of it bad — and he does.
On paper.
Like everyone else, he assumes I’m a traitor. A backstabber. A betrayer. Someone who helped a group of violent psychopaths, puppets of powerful men in Washington who made me into a tool.
Yet I see how he looks at me. True desire can’t be faked.
Or hidden.
And that goes both ways.
He assumes I’m trying to fool him.
And he might be right.
But not for the reasons he thinks.
A Shameless Little Con is the first book in the Shameless trilogy by USA Today bestselling author Meli Raine.
Read the whole series:
Book 1: A Shameless Little CON
Book 2: A Shameless Little LIE
Book 3: A Shameless Little BET
more
Meli Raine writes one heck of a suspense! Be aware this is a cliffhanger, but that sure didn’t matter to me! I need the whole story! You might want to read the Harmless series first, but you don’t have to.
Loved loved loved this series! Can’t wait for the next installment!
I have tried 3 times to write this review and my words come up as insufficient. So I will tell you that what Meli Raine puts Jane Borokov through in this, the first book of the series is heartbreaking, humiliating, anger-inducing and vile. But all the while she is going through this Jane is defeated, deflated and then strong, brave and a force of nature! While she has so little control over her life and the events that unfold she takes it like a warrior! Frankly, for the first several chapters I wanted to punch Silas many times and by the end, I still want to smack him but a bit less. 😉 You get a roller coaster ride in this book that will have you begging for more. It’s a very good thing there is more in books 2 and 3. Meli Raine, you tear me up every time but I am patient and will read until you put me back together.
Man this book is a page turner. I could not put it down. Jane Borokov is a train wreck. Her life is in the dumps that is for sure. Accused of a crime she did not commit and tore apart by the social media, Jane is trying to put her life back together. Everyone is against her. “Shame, Shame Shame” She is evicted and fired from her job, all because of who she is. What will she do? The government now controls her every move and her life is in jeopardy.
I hear read that you should read the Harmless series by Meli Raine before this series, but I did not. I hear that Jane is from that series and that this is a continuation from her story. I did not feel lost at all when reading this book. You get enough info to keep you informed. But hey if you feel froggy then read those first.
This book is a thriller of epic proportions, Jane deals with a lot of crap. Honestly I don’t know how she is hanging on. I would have just gave up. This book has some deep-seated emotions in it and crazy twisted plot lines. With an oh shit! ending that leaves you hanging and wanting more. This book flow smooth and at a steady pace that did not leave me bored for one second.
I really enjoyed this thrilling drama driven book. This first book, in the trilogy, grabs your attention and you can’t help but become invested in the end game. I have already started on book 2 A Shameless Little Lie. So get your copy today.
Jane’s story picks up 6 months after the end of Lindsay’s story and she is now persona non grata. The first book in this trilogy broke my heart and made me want to wrap Jane in the biggest hug. That ending was a shocker and I’m diving right into book 2!!
This was an okay book. I enjoyed some parts more than others. It wasn’t exactly what I expected. There were some twists, but they were set up in such a way that I saw every one of them coming. (Or maybe it’s because I’m a writer, so I know the setup?)
The book is listed as political fiction, which is a genre I don’t often read. I would say it’s more of a thriller or mystery. Except the mystery is not really solved by the end of the book. It leaves more questions than answers.
I would recommend this book to readers who like a mystery where they aren’t sure how guilty or innocent anyone in the story is, and those who are okay with some adult content. (It mostly alludes to it.) But please know that it isn’t wrapped up by the end of the first book. There is a tribulation in the book that includes a kidnapping and violent sexual encounter, which is referenced throughout the story in bits and pieces. That’s a potential trigger for some readers. There are some romantic scenes that border on erotic. There are some fast-paced scenes. Mostly the book is just entertaining.
The book takes place in modern times and mentions the impact that social media has on our lives. One quote that I loved was “Now you tar and feather people with a Share button and a Like.”
Then there are passages about living in isolation, going for long stretches without touching another human being. At the time I read this book, I knew what the author meant. But now, in today’s world, a lot more of us can understand the feeling as well. (Thanks, Covid. ) I purchased this book on August 18, 2018, but started reading it in January, 2020.
The explanation of the words “shame” and “shameless,” how they’re insults to make someone seem less human, were really impressive. It also gave meaning to the title. The part about not being able to pee when stressed was very insightful. Descriptions of a rotary phone and cursive handwriting were funny, but also evidence that this story is aimed for a much younger audience than myself. (I’m Gen X. Not as old as a Boomer, not as young as a Millenial or Gen Z.)
I read this whole book hoping to find answers to the mystery (mostly why it happened, partly what exactly actually happened). I haven’t decided if I’ll read the other two books to figure it out. (There are quite a few books on my TBR that I want to read more.)
I’m not sure what byzantine details are, but suspect it’s supposed to be bizarre details. I believe that Alice is the author’s favorite character. She’s certainly the most enjoyable one to read about. Alice’s home was the only setting that really came alive for me. The book did have plenty of obstacles for the main character.
I read the book description and was hooked… the story line did NOT disappoint! But be prepared, it ends in a cliffhanger that will make you purchase Book 2 right away. And the cliffhanger ending? Not at all what I expected!
A great view at the inner workings of how the mind adapts to shame from within as well as from outside forces.
I love all the trilogies and how they’re related, but stand alone series. Jane is, by far, my favorite character. She is snarky, intelligent, and is a young woman who has begun to find her own voice and convictions. Although many of the themes from these stories are old hat, Meli Raine writes in a way that makes them fresh and new. I love how we get both Male and female leads’ perceptions.
I can see this is going to be another page turning trilogy as we get to see Jane’s aftermath from the Harmless trilogy. I highly recommend reading that first to get the full impact of this one. I felt really sorry for Jane.
Loved this book. I not usually a fan of mysteries, but I couldn’t put this one down.
A Shameless Little Con is a good suspenseful read and I enjoyed it very much. Although it is a spin off from the Harmless series, the author does a great job, in a really clever way, of bringing the reader up to date with the story and I believe it can be read without having read the previous series.
The twists and turns of the storyline kept me glued to my seat, and the sizzling chemistry between Jane and bodyguard Silas Gentian was wonderfully written. At times, I did, however, feel there was a little too much of Jane’s internal dialogue and unnecessary travelling back and forth to The Grove. Just a small irritation, that didn’t take away from the story, but I would’ve preferred more conversation between the characters and less too-ing and fro-ing. Nevertheless, I found the plot engaging and Jane’s character brilliantly strong and witty, despite what life had thrown at her. Former tutor Alice, in particular, provided some great hilarity and I genuinely laughed out loud on more than one occasion. This is book one of the trilogy, one which really sets the scene rather than provides answers and ends in one heck of a cliffhanger. Can’t wait to see what’s in store next.
This book is F-U-N! There is so much mystery and tension that keeps you turning the pages until you realize it’s 4am. Oops! I was able to read book 1 for free and am now buying the rest of the series. Yes, it is that good! Why are you still reading this review?? Go buy the books!
This book starts off with an unfortunate car bombing and we just do not know why. Our heroine, Jane, is in some deep trouble and has a bodyguard. Romantic feelings keep trying to develop between her and bodyguard. Silas. The story has so many twists and turns, it keeps a person wondering what can happen next.
After this one, I had to read the others to find out the whole story. Enjoyed them.
It was a light read, predictable but entertaining.
Cliffhanger-ish
Please note: You REALLY should read the Harmless series before diving into this book. I really wish I had known that before I finished this book. Not only will you ruin the Harmless series by reading this book, you will also understand some things in this book that feel like there was more to the story beforehand.
I will be honest. I downloaded this book because of the cover. I hadn’t read the blurb before reading it. Many of my book friends had read this series and said I would like it. (I just wish someone told me to read the previous series that came before this one.)
Truth: I am still a little lost at some of the things in this book. I am sure after reading the Harmless books and then the other two books in this series, that will change. That being said, this book had me hooked from page one. I couldn’t stop reading from the get go. The story-line is so engaging, I found myself flying through it.
The characters are completely likable and not so likable, as the case may be. The author does a great job at letting you know the characters enough to feel who they are and their connections with one another. There interactions and connections are felt with ease from start to finish.
I can’t wait to see what comes of all of the puzzle pieces once I make my way through all of the books. I am addicted to what exactly did happen and what didn’t happen. Who did what? Who is innocent? Who is guilty? I am looking forward to knowing all of the answers!
Meli Raine tells a great story! While it is the first book in a series of 3 books it helps if you read her Harmless series. This book was a page turner.
I didn’t realize before getting this book that there are 3 books to this which is a SEQUEL. Once you read the 1st book the story continues in the next 2 books