Damaged. Broken. Complicated.
When ex-con Nathan comes to Shakedown looking for a second chance to start over, he never expects to fall for a flirty burlesque dancer. His past is dangerous, and he will fight their attraction.But the reckless vixen is all in. She can’t help but fall for the wounded man.Nothing will stop her from getting what she wants.Not even a mob family.
Think this is the first book I have read by this author and I was introduced to her by Hidden Gems ARC program. It is a clever set up in an unusual setting and makes the characters even more layered. The setting is Shakedown, a burlesque club where one of the main characters, Starr is a dancer with her two sisters. The three of them are triplets and do an act together at the club. Nathan is a bouncer and security guy with a past that works at the club. Being an ex-con there are few places that he can work, but the owner of the club is a friend and owes Nathan. They begin a mild flirtation that turns into a relationship, but Nathan is still haunted by his past and Starr is brought into it when she is also harassed by the same shady individual. There is plenty of action and suspense that keeps you guessing as to when the next shoe will drop. Good story and characters that does a good job to set up the next stories of the other triplets.
Nathan is an ex-con working at a club called Shakedown, and he is working for the same man he was defending when he accidentally killed the son of a mafia boss. Midnight Starr is a burlesque dancer at Shakedown, and she makes it clear that she is interested in Nathan, but he will resist his attraction to the beautiful dancer in an effort to protect her from a man determined to get revenge for his brothers’ death.
Well written, compelling, and unique characters determined to have a life together despite the traumas in their pasts. I think this is a must read sexy romance with some action and violence as well as some interesting twists in the plot.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
While the story had a bit of a slow beginning for the chemistry between Nathan and Starr, when it did click (around 36%), it was absorbing and very worthwhile. This story paints a good picture of how tough it is for a parolee who is trying to stay on the straight and narrow to do so, particularly when his options for employment, housing, etc are very limited. Since Nathan is a good man who went to prison for a crime he couldn’t avoid, I found myself rooting for him against the most frustrating odds. And cheering for Starr when she embraced love with him.
What I really like about Tough Luck is that instead of Nathan clinging to that tired old “I have to stay away from the woman I love to protect her” trope, there comes a moment where Starr provides the slap in the face that says, “No, we’re in this together.” The two of them work it out in a way that shows Nathan’s epiphany of trust and faith in their relationship and their friends.
I had some issues with the climactic action scene with his nemesis, but the conclusion was poignant and heartfelt. In short, a lot of lovely emotional layers in this story between Nathan and Starr. It was a very satisfying “by the pool” read this past Sunday. Solid 3.75 stars.
Nathan and Starr’s story is one of courage, love, despair and redemption. These two were perfect for each other. Their strengths and weaknesses combined to make an impressive couple. Loved the story line with the burlesque show and can’t wait for more stories in this series.
Nathan and Starr work together and both feel protective towards each other. Elizabeth does a great job of writing how to never give up on yourself no matter what your past is.
Starr has had her very fair share of a shitty past, her father leaving her and her sister when they were 11, in and out of foster care, but not it seems like things are finally okay from them until her sister goes looking into their Dad. Nathan made one mistake and now he, and Starr both get more than they bargained for. This book was so epic and I can’t wait for the next one.
Tough Luck is the first full book in the Shakedown series. It is Nathan Baldwin and Midnight Starr (stagename).
BTW Starr is a triplet and her sisters (Phee or Phoenix & Luna) perform with Starr as Burlesque dancers.
Nathan is an ex-con that is now working at Shakedown a Burlesque club. Nathan accidentally killed a MacKenna and they are now aiming to make Nathan’s life miserable and of course he would be better off dead as far as the MacKenna’s are concerned. Nathan and Starr haven’t had it easy. Their backstories are heartbreaking if you ask me. But you make what you want out of life and I think that is what both Nathan and Starr do.
I loved read Tough Luck and now I can’t wait to read Declan’s story is next in Tough Break and I can’t wait for his story to be told. 4.5 stars
Damn this author can write on heck of a book!!
The emotional rollercoaster ride through this book was simply amazing! Once you start this book you just can’t put it down!!
Will Nathan and Midnight Star get a happily ever after or will the people after are them be the end life as they know it?
Nathan Baldwin may not have any luck if it weren’t for Tough Luck! I really enjoyed reading Nathan’s story and how he came back from the lowest of lows with the help of burlesque dancer Starr.
Starr has also had her own share of Tough Luck, but in each other they have found a friend, a soul mate, a lover.
Nathan and Starr really touched my heart and author Elizabeth SaFleur has done an amazing job with this story. Not only does it have steamy romance but also has plenty of mystery to keep you guessing what’s to come. She even sets up the next book I the Shakedown series getting everyone excited to see where Declan and Phee end up.
There is simply nothing better when taking a chance on a new to me author and that turns out to be a great idea.
This story was unique and heartfelt. Nathan has had quite a hard life and its has taken its toll on him. But when he meets Midnight something about her and the way she sees him, helps him to understand that maybe there is a way to be happy. She really was a special woman.
Their chemisty was cumbustable and i loved every word of this story.
Since this is book one i’ll definitly be coming back for more that’s for sure.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
“This was my second book of Elizabeth and just as the previous one I found myself really liking not only the plot but also her writing style. After reading the prequel I somehow thought what to expect from book one but Nathan and Starr’s story was beyond my expectations. A gritty, emotional and suspenseful second chance story but not the commonly trope. It was different and unique plot though the Burlesque gave a pretty much distinctive background than the usual stories. I loved Nathan with all my heart. He was the kind of protective and caring hero you can’t help but love.”
Tough Luck by Elizabeth SaFleur is book One in the Shakedown Series. This is the story of Starr and Nathan. Starr and her sisters are burlesque dancers at Shakedown. Nathan is a ex con who is out on probation who is trying to stay out of trouble. Nathan is also the bouncer and handyman at Shakedown. Nathan also is drawn to Starr but he is working to resit that pull. Starr also has feelings for Nathan. But the family of the man he accidentally killed is out to make Nathan pay further for it which ends with Starr in the crossfire. I am such a fan of this author’s writing. I would recommend her writing and this book.
Shakedown is the place for second chances and Nathan is grateful to Declan for believing in him and giving him purpose. Ex cons don’t have it easy trying to acclimate to life in the real world. Prison changes a man.
Nathan will do anything to protect the club and the people who work there. He is drawn to one of the lovely triplets, Midnight Starr, who shines from the inside out. But Nathan doesn’t see how he has anything to offer anyone.
Starr can spot a conman from a mile away and Nathan is one of the good guys. She knows he has a past, but so does everyone at Shakedown. She and her sisters have faced more evil in their lives than they care admit. Together they overcome, persevere, and survive.
When Nathan’s past and Starr’s present collide the Shakedown family are faced with tragic decisions that teeter on life and death.
Edge of your seat surprises, heat and smoking chemistry, and characters you’ll love!
Overall Grade:
Elizabeth Safleur’s Tough Luck is a gritty, emotional, sultry story of second chances. Interestingly enough, the second chance isn’t between her hero, Nathan, and her heroine, Starr. It’s a second chance at life for her hero. Nathan has spent nine years in prison for a crime that could be described as self-defense. However, a powerful family the Mackennas made sure to lock him up and throw away the key. Nathan and Stella meet at Shakedown, a burlesque club owned by Declan, a former inmate himself. He’s created a club that employes people with ex-con reps and other troubles. From the start, Starr and Nathan are drawn to each other. Very quickly in this story, Starr and Nathan fall for each other; however, the Mackennas are back and wanting revenge. Should Nathan protect Starr by staying away, or is he so gone for her that he can’t keep that distance?
One of my favorite parts of Elizabeth Safleur’s writing is her ability to create these worlds where you find yourself invested in its people. I found her with her Elite Doms of Washington series. I fell instantly for her brand of sultry, $exy romance. However, what I appreciate more is her universe-making. I read each book of that series, but I wanted to know more about the characters of this BDSM world of Washington.
With Tough Luck, she is once again showing us her strength in creating this special world in Maryland. Each character of the Shakedown series is compelling, and you want their story. The travesty of Nathan’s prison stay will inflame you, and the secrets of Starr’s past will make your heart yearn for a better future for her and her sisters. As such, you can’t help but love Nathan and Starr’s journey. Together, they are a dynamite couple who blow up Shakedown and blow up the sheets.
As you find in Safleur’s other books, this one is steamy. On a level of measurement, to me, it isn’t as hot as the Elite Doms series, but it’s still fiery enough to steam your glasses. Safleur gives Nathan and Starr lots of chemistry that it’s clear from the first chapter that they are destined for each other.
If I had any critique, it would be the unevenness sometimes of Safleur’s narration. Nathan and Starr tend to repeat their troubles, and it causes the narrative to falter. It doesn’t occur often, but it is enough that the story slows in parts.
That being said, will I be reading about Declan and Phoenix in Elizabeth Safleur’s next book, Tough Break? Indeed, Tough Road, the novella for the Shakedown series, piqued my interest but kept me skeptical about the series. Tough Luck, however, invested me. If you love romances with some grit and the concept of community and family driving it forward, then you should grab Tough Luck today and get started.
Elizabeth SaFleur is a one click author for me and this new series is becoming my new addiction! I loved Nathan and Midnight Starr. Set in the world of a Burlesque club, Shakedown is a club of redemption. People are given second chances. I enjoyed this book so much, I couldn’t put it down. Nathan is so sure that he has nothing to offer Midnight Starr but she sees the good in him. The only problem is his past won’t leave him alone! Will Starr fight for him and will he finally realize that love with her is his future? Now I can’t wait for the next book!!!!!
This is my first from this author and I found it to be a well written and interesting story with likeable characters and an intriguing storyline.
Tough Luck is book one in the Shakedown series and stars Nathan and Midnight Starr. This book is set in a burlesque club where Starr and her two sisters are dancers. When Nathan’s past comes back with a vengeance, he will stop at nothing to protect Starr. I love the atmosphere of romance with a side of danger. I can’t wait to read more.
Tough Luck is the next book in the Shakedown series and revolves around Nathan and Starr. Nathan is a loyal man that has been given a chance to start over and Starr is the smart, loving dancer that catches his eye. This is a story about love, trust, forgiveness and redemption all wrapped up in the suspense that is happening all around them. I enjoyed reading Nathan and Starr’s story and how they dance around each other until they the step forward together. Their story shows that your past does not define your future. I can’t wait for more from Shakedown.
Let me start off by saying that I loved this book and that this series is going to be epic! Nathan is an ex-con who works at Shakedown, a burlesque club as a bouncer, helper, or whatever needs to get taken care of. It’s also the place where he meets Starr, one of the dancers. The chemistry between these two is so sizzling that your fingers will burn as you turn the pages. Nathan is hesitant about getting into a relationship because of his past, but Starr is a determined woman. When something threatens to intrude in their world, Nathan will do anything to protect Starr, even if it means going back to jail.
The way this author writes, you can feel the depth of emotions that these characters are feeling right in your very heart and soul. I know in my heart that Nathan is a good guy who got a raw deal and that Starr is the one person to always stay by his side. But when so many outside forces try to mess with them, can these two stay together?
This story will hold you captive from beginning to end and there are many twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Questions are answered and more are brought up that makes me so eager to read the next book in this new series. Please do yourself a favor and read this phenomenal story!
Elizabeth Safleur nailed it when she aptly named the second book in the Shakedown series. Tough Luck says it all when it comes to not only Nathan Baldwin and Starr O’Malley but the Shakedown club too. They all seem to be living under a cloud of bad luck. Minor inconveniences turn to major mishaps and even dangerous situations. A personal vendetta filled with dirty tricks may be their undoing
Nathan and Starr finally start to explore their feelings for one another. Both have had parts of their lives stolen from them in different but equally devastating ways. Now those pasts have returned to haunt them once again. They both become fiercely protective of one another as things get crazy both in and out of Shakedown.