How deep can you love? Passion and danger collide in the explosive finale to Emily and Shane’s story. After tragedy strikes, Shane hovers on the edge of being consumed by darkness. He will fight for the woman he loves. He will destroy his enemy. He will not back down. As shocking twists, dark secrets, and explosive betrayals within the Brandon family come to the light, Shane must fight harder … Shane must fight harder than ever before.
Every thread weaves a dangerous web. Emily and Derek. Brandon Senior. Maggie and her affair. The leader of the dangerous cartel who’s wedged itself inside the Brandon Empire. It all comes to a head in the shattering conclusion to the Dirty Money series.
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I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads, so here is my review.
This is the last book in the Dirty Money series and it is a roller coaster ride of emotions. After the way Bad Deeds ended you can imagine how this book was going to go. And holy hell I was not expecting it to go that way. After a terrible tragedy, Shane will face a darkness that only Emily can save him from. And with the help of Seth and Jessica, life will be better for them all.
Shane and his brother try to fend off the drug cartel to save the family business but at what cost? Will Shane’s plan to sell off part of the company making the drug cartel less interested in the rest of the Brandon companies? Is Emily’s brother looking for her and leading the Gemini straight to her? Will Shane’s father still try to control the company?
My review is going to be short because I don’t want to give anything away. I want to tell you everything I loved about this book but I can’t because then I would be telling you the whole story. This series has become one of my favorites and I was glad to read that Seth and Jessica will be getting their own stories in the future. So, if you are looking for a fast-paced, suspenseful series with a happy ending, then you need to read this one, Lisa Renee Jones does not disappoint. Bring on more Shane, Emily, Seth, and Jessica, the sooner the better.
**Wicked Reads Review Team**
Wow what an amazing final book in the Dirty Money series! It is a conclusion that is most definitely befitting this incredible couple, Shane and Emily, and it picks up at the exact moment Bad Deeds ends. This is not a stand alone and is a continuing story that you must read in order. I absolutely loved this series! My emotions felt as mixed up as Shane’s & Emily’s as I took this ride with them. Passion, drama, emotion, tragedy; this book (this whole series) has all that and so much more! If you are looking to get lost in an intriguing world for a while, you can’t go wrong with this series. As always, Lisa Renee Jones writes beautifully; I just love her style. I do hope that this is not the last we ever hear of Shane & Emily but no questions are left unanswered and I was extremely satisfied with the ending.
The first thing you need to know about this book is don’t read it until you have read the first three books in Shane and Emily’s story. In this dramatic conclusion everything Shane and Emily have been working for will get resolved. Be prepared for some surprises along the way but if you are a fan of the series you definitely don’t want to miss this one! I’m looking forward to more stories involving some of the secondary characters that will be coming. Now is the time to catch up. I highly recommend you do.
Such a roller coaster of a series and after the ending of the last book it was doubtful Shane and Emily were ever going to get their happily ever after but all the ups and downs and twists and turns were worth it. Tears are shed and smiles and laughs are shared with the characters and the ending is satisfying. So much happens between the pages to wrap up the series with a bow and I am anticipating the off shoots that will happen.
Yea, you didn’t think I was going to tell you what happens did you?
I highly recommend this entire series and you MUST read them in order or you will be lost. This is not, and I repeat NOT a standalone.
4.25 stars–END GAME is the fourth (and final) instalment in Lisa Renee Jones’ contemporary, adult DIRTY MONEY romantic, suspense series focusing on attorney and businessman Shane Brandon, and attorney/PA Emily Stevens. Their continuing story focuses on their struggle to be free of a potent enemy with designs on Brandon Pharmaceuticals, and the aftermath of a shooting that will change the Brandon family dynamics-once and for all. END GAME should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately after the events and cliff-hanger of book three-BAD DEEDS.
Told from first person perspective (Shane Brandon) with a few concluding chapters by Emily Stevens END GAME is the culmination of an emotional war between father and sons wherein death comes calling but not for the man, at one time, in charge. Lisa Renee Jones pulls the reader into a roller coaster of events leading towards a final showdown that warrants a celebration for a job well done but in the end felt a little rushed, and a little under-whelming. Conflict resolved, the story lost some of its’ momentum and excitement as the main focus followed our leading couple as they made plans for the future both in Denver and New York.
END GAME is a story of family and blood; power and personality; retribution and revenge. There are a number of open-ended story lines that the author may address in future books and series including a look at Shane’s right hand man Seth Cage-former CIA and head of security at Brandon Enterprises; and Cody Rodriguez whose fascination with Shane’s PA Jessica is another relationship looming on the horizon. The premise is entertaining, engaging and suspenseful; the romance is seductive and passionate; the characters are charismatic and intense. END GAME is a well-written, impassioned and riveting story line about one man’s battle to affect change in direction for a company and family that was losing its’ way.
So, we come to the climatic end of Shane and Emily’s intensely emotional and drama-filled story. It’s only been a few months since Bad Deeds released back in August, but it felt much longer. The wait has been torturous but so worthwhile to finally get my hands on End Game. Please be aware, this is not a stand alone, you need to read the previous 3 books before starting this one or you will be completely lost.
End Game picks up right where Bad Deeds finished, where the hammer was ready to fall and all hell about to be let loose and it did. Terribly, horribly and in the worst way possible. Shane was left reeling in the aftermath, not knowing whether is brother or Emily would survive.
Adrian being the pr*** he was, did his best to make things go his way.
There are so many twists and turns, counter-measures and back-stabbing it made my head spin. No one deserves a pair of parents quite like poor Shane has be lumbered with. From his deceitful, bed-hopping mother to his conniving, womanizing father it’s a wonder the man is such a great catch.
Yeah, he has his dark moments, he wants to make Adrian pay and who can blame him.
I can’t really get into any more of the story as it would give too much away, but suffice it to say, if you’re read Hard Rules, Damage Control and Bad Deeds then you’ll want to read this.
I loved this book so, so much and I’m sad to see it go. But, there is a little pot of gold at the end of the Dirty Money rainbow. Seth and Jessica are getting their own books. So, we’ll have some insight to what happens next.
I loved Shane Brandon and Emily.
Lisa’s books never disappoint, but I think this has become my newest favorite series of hers.
We’ve got to see both Shane and Emily during highs and lows in their lives, but I absolutely love how Shane cherishes Emily and would do anything to protect her. I loved the end of their story, but hated to see their story come to and end. Hopefully, Lisa will revisit them in the future and hopefully we will see more of the happy couple in Seth and Cody/Jessica’s books.
And a shattering conclusion it was…
Whew! If I thought the cliffhanger in Bad Deeds was shocking, that has nothing, absolutely nothing, on the opening pages and chapters here. Knocked back and over are a few words to describe the events that unfolded. And anything that is shock by book four of this series is catastrophic…
Redemption, survival, danger. Drugs, money and power. This series, this story, had it all with characters that refused to give up. Shane and Emily, their team, their enemies. They fought each other, and themselves in a swirling mass of never ending suspense, each discovery one to savour…
If this series ended quietly, in complete opposite of what came before it, it’s a testament to what these characters richly deserved. Calm after the storm…
An excellent read and series that carved a permanent place for this author on my must read shelf.
*Reviewed for 1-Click Addict Support Group
**Thank you to NetGalley
YES-YES-YES!! We finally get the ending of Shane & Emily’s story!!
I feel like I am saying this a lot, but if I told you anything about this book, it would ruin the entire series for you. Lisa Renee Jones has a talent of intertwining details of each book into a suspenseful overall series that keep you wanting more! And btw, I hate it when I have to wait on the next book because you are left with a cliffhanger!! But, Lisa Renee Jones wrapped this story up with a pretty bow on top for Shane & Emily. The cliffhangers were worth it!
If you are a person that loves stories that keep you on the edge of your seat, then take a look at this series!
~ Review by Heidi Pharo
Loved it, great getting the loose ends tied up but also that some characters have the opportunity to get their own stories at some point in the future. I adore the chemistry and relationship between the main characters despite everything thrown at them. This is a powerful series full of emotion and intensity, threats and angst. The flow is fast the plot twisted and the love deep. It’s no walk in the park, it’s edgy and dark but also has its share of light. Phenomenal read
End Game is one hell-raising marvel of a book!
This sexy as sin mouth water brings an end to Dirty Money series!
With a triumphant, all-consuming power play of the souls and the wills! That will leave you on the edge till the very end!!
I have been waiting very impatiently since the shocking cliffhanger of Bad Deeds waaaay back in August to find out what happened to Shane, Emily and Derek and boy did End Game deliver. It picks up immediately after Bad Deeds, with blood and bodies on the floor and Martina standing there looking so innocent and Shane immediately freaking out.
I have to say that although I didn’t realize things would play out the way they did, once I thought about it, I realized it was really the only way this story could have gone. Shane is dealing with all the consequences of Derek getting their company involved with the cartel, trying to figure out where Emily’s brother is, and still fighting the darkness inside of him. His parents are still pieces of shit and Shane is trying to rise above it all. But, can he really rise above the mess when he’s still his father’s son? When he still sees himself as just another version of Brandon Senior?
There was character growth abounding here in End Game, mostly on Shane’s part, thank God. He really developed into the man he didn’t realize he was, mostly thanks to Emily and her steadfast support. And even thanks to his brother. I loved seeing Derek again, which is not something I ever thought would happen considering his behavior in the previous three installments of this series. But, he grew too in End Game and I loved it. Emily stayed the same, but went through a lot, all with Shane by her side. Shane and Emily’s journey throughout this whole series has been thrilling to read – sexy, suspenseful and finally, here in End Game, even sweet. End Game was by far the sweetest of the series, and the violence and suspense was toned down quite a bit. I felt like End Game was one giant epilogue for our couple, but I wish it had ended a bit more definitively, or at least with a solid HEA, not with what felt like an HFN ending. But, I guess it may have ended the way it did because Lisa says in a note at the end she would love to write more about Emily and Shane. She doesn’t have anything planned right now, but it most definitely could happen. So, because of that, I think their story is purposely left off a bit abruptly. It wasn’t as satisfying as I had hoped for, but if more comes, I won’t be surprised a bit. I also loved seeing in her note that Seth has his own story coming, thankfully, because he’s as intriguing, if not more so, than Shane. That whole stoic, alpha security thing is most definitely my thing, and I’m impatient to read his story now.
If you’ve been waiting for the conclusion to Shane and Emily’s story as impatiently as I have been, you’ll be pretty happy to read End Game. It’s a great ending, and you’ll appreciate the direction their story takes. Now if only Lisa would give us more of Shane and Emily, then I’d be a happy, happy woman!
Well, the End Game is supposed to wrap up the Dirty Money Series but much like the author, I’m not ready to let go. So I’ll hold on to hope that one day, we’ll get more of Shane and Emily. These two have been through so much together and watching them evolve into the people that they were always meant to be has been rewarding, even though it came with a bunch of bumps and bruises along the way.
As stated before, End Game is the end of a series and should not be read as a standalone. If you haven’t read the other books, stop and do that now. Trust me, you’ll be starting a series that will be so full of ups and downs. You’ll get sucked in and fall in love with Shane and Emily just like I did.
Bad Deeds left us on one big cliffhanger and End Game picks up right where that ended. Of course, someone dies and I will be honest, I didn’t know it would stir the emotions in me like it did. I was already emotional just from the loss but then you add in Shane’s reality of coping and the pain and sadness that he goes through pulled hard at my heart strings.
“I’m the only one foolish enough to invite myself to stand in the center of the storm. It’s where I’ve always lived and where I belong.”
See? My heart bled for Shane as he goes battles all of the emotions of not only the death of a loved one but facing everything that has happened in the past. Thankfully I get comfort in knowing that Shane merged into one of the best men I’ve read in a very long time. He’s strong, confident yet vulnerable, absolutely in love, loyal and fierce. Everything he does is for his family and Emily and I have fallen in love with him just like Emily did.
And then there’s Emily. She’s just as strong and fierce and the only person that could ever compliment Shane. As with every book in this series, Emily continues to grow into the strong woman that we always knew she was. She’s so pure and lovable that it’s easy to fall in love with her like it is with Shane. I just love the two of them. Individually and together.
Overall, I’ve enjoyed The Dirty Money Series and End Game wraps up Shane and Emily’s story in the perfect way. Even though I’m greedy and want more, I’m happy where it ended.
Picking right up where Bad Deeds ended, End Game is the thrilling finale to the Dirty Money series. Ms. Jones holds nothing back in the conclusion to what has been an intriguing, suspenseful, and emotional ride. The Brandon family, and their empire, will never be the same.
Still reeling from the nightmare he walked into at the Martina family restaurant, Shane continues to battle not only the cartel, but his own father. He pulls out all the stops to make sure the family business doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. Even in the midst of all the worry over his family, Emily and her safety remain a top priority.
Shane and Emily have gone through so much, and dealt with so much, since their first unconventional meeting, that it was really great to see them working as a unit in this book. I enjoyed how far they’ve come as a couple, the respect and love they have for each other. Even when they disagreed they never let things get out of hand, and kept the lines of communication open.
End Game gives us all the answers we’ve been waiting for and ties up all the loose ends to bring this series to a satisfying conclusion. Although I don’t think this will be the last we see of Shane and Emily, and for sure Seth.
This the 4th book in the Dirty Money Series and it picks up were the 3rd book Bad Deeds ended. You find out what happens with Derek and Emily and the story line keeps you reading to find out what happens and the ending is great I wanted more I wish it did not end. I recommend this book!
Love this series but the madness had to end. Sometimes I can’t handle a series ending but when Shane also known as Superman to me became Batman I couldn’t take it. Superman is good and has a moral code but Batman is willing to do anything to win and Shane was embracing Batman. If you’ve read the previous books you know this is a shell game and every character was playing, and you don’t know until you know. There is love hope hot sex but the chaos and unknown is what I love and why I kept reading.
I was given an ARC for my honest opinion.
End Game is the final book in Emily and Shane’s story and it definitely was the most emotional one as well. Jones perfectly weaves both happiness and pain in this final book in the Dirty Money series. I loved these characters and admire Shane and Emily’s struggle to break free of their painful pasts and family’s criminal ways. I flew through each of these books in less than a day each because I could not put them down. I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys romantic suspense with a good bit of steam. Getting to the end of this series makes me a little sad because I’m not ready to say goodbye to these characters, but I hope to see Shane and Emily in Seth’s books and maybe even Jessica’s if she gets her own story.
I voluntarily received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
OMG! End Game is the perfect ending to the Dirty Money series. I will admit to cursing the author a couple times but now that I’ve finished it, I realize it could not have gone any other way. Although, I do have a spin-off series idea that the author did not mention!
End Game start with a bang after heart stopping cliff-hanger of book three. It was so realistic it was easy to transport myself right to the scene. My heart was pounding!!!
Shane and Emily truly have grown as people and as a couple throughout this series. They’ve gotten lost, losing their identity, then realizing who they truly are. This moment is beautiful and romantic and perfect, and happens in spite of the awful people in their lives. Real friends are realized and these friends see them through not just the many awful times, but more importantly, the amazing times.
I was so absorbed in the HEA moments that the ending crept up on me! I kept turning the pages want more, because I love this couple. They are each other’s best friend, lover and future.
First off if you haven’t read the first three books in this series go back and get them because this book would just confuse you, having said this this story answered a lot of questions but left me with a few more. Emily and Shane are still around however when things happen no one knows for how long and with his enemies closing in it is scary. One thing is that it is fast paced and edge of your seat exciting, I hope the author chooses to tell more in subsequent stories of some of the characters and what they are doing after everything that has happened in End Game.
Reviewed on behalf of Once upon an Alpha
I started my year off by reading this book and what a book it is. I absolutely loved it! I could not get enough of Shane and Emily. This series is one that must be read in order but it truly is a must read series. I was captivated from the very beginning of the story and stayed that way until the very end. This is a story that has it all; Love, Revenge and Secrets but the Suspense within the story will completely blow readers away and this story was not lacking on steam. This book was a great way to end a fantastic series. I will definitely be reading more books from this author. I honestly can’t wait to read the the spinoff.