Title: Dirty Deeds
Author: HelenKay Dimon
Series: The Dirty #1
Publisher: Loveswept
Page Count: 250 pages
Release Date: August 8, 2017
Genre(s): M/M, Contemporary Romance
Reviewer: ~Simone~
Rating: 3.5 Stars out of 5
~Synopsis~
No dirty deed goes unnoticed in a seductive game of cat and mouse. But for Alec and Gaige, the wrong move could get them killed.
Alec Drummond didn’t make his billions by playing nice—or by playing much at all. When it comes to pleasure, Alec only has time for whatever’s quick and easy, which is exactly what he gets from his company’s hot new computer genius. But Gaige Owens isn’t some pushover. He pushes back, and it’s giving Alec a rush. The question is, could Gaige be the one who’s leaking trade secrets? Just to be safe, Alec keeps him close at hand . . . night and day.
Gaige never thought he’d roll over for a man like Alec again, but who could resist sex this mind-blowing? Then there’s the draw of Alec’s mysterious side: his cutthroat ambition, his covert CIA connections, and the murder in his past. For Gaige, a deeper look proves an irresistible temptation. But when Gaige and Alec are stripped of their defenses by an unseen danger, everything they don’t know could bring them closer together—or tear them apart. Only one thing is certain: Before it’s all over, someone’s going down.
****3.5 Stars****
I am a sucker for every cloak and dagger stuff I can get my grabby hands on. Mysteries, spies, organized crime, you name it…
Dirty Deeds seemed to meet my desire to a T. I was rubbing my hands in glee, when I found out that it also deals with industrial espionage in the food sector, since this is a bit different from all the other books I normally read and I love it when authors take a chance at something new. The story examines some dark deeds around the world in more detail from a different angle and I thought it would be refreshing to get to know more about it.
“Drummond supplies food and food hybrids across the world. We’re involved in alternate fuel sources and some other side projects that Seth and his people care about.” “All of that food, those seeds, that information and intel, moves across the world,” Tony explained. “There are people who would prefer if their opponents –rebel factions, demonstrators, groups they don’t like– didn’t have food.” “The concept of starving people out.” Now that sounded like power to Gaige. Scary fucking power.”
However, espionage can be a bit tricky and confuse for me, and I have to admit this was also the case here sometimes. I had to read a few passages twice to understand what was going on and I’m still not sure I really understood everything in the end.
Alec Drummond is the CEO of Drummond Enterprises…
A family business in the food sector, the FBI has taken aim at in being the initiator of some shady business dealings concerning some dubious, off-the-books deliveries to a Global Seed Vault in Svalbard, Norway, which actually exists, by the way. By infiltrating Gaige Owens, a tech nerd and wizard when it comes to hacking into computers, into the company, FBI-Agent Seth Lang tries to find out who is responsible for said manipulations. Gaige has been coerced by Seth into accepting this job in order to redeem himself of any suspicion in taking part in some deceptive practices by his former lover.
When Gaige’s cover is blown immediately during a break-in, Seth makes Alec and Gaige work together by force on figuring out what is really happening, but it is obvious neither of them wants to lay his cards on the table.
Needless to say, Alec as an uncompromising businessman with a somewhat mysterious aura and a once-burnt-twice-shy past, is not overly thrilled with the idea of having someone snooping around in his business and decides to keep a very close eye on Gaige twenty-four-seven. Well, that does not really help to keep the mutual attraction both men instantly feel at bay and soon enough they find each other head over heels not only in a relationship that threatens their resolve of keeping it no strings attached, but also fear for each other’s lives when things are heating up…
This book can be read as a standalone, although it is a spin-off from the Tough Love Series…
Which I haven’t read so far, and overall this was quite an enjoyable -albeit sometimes a bit confusing- read. I loved the setting, even if I was anxious at the beginning when I found out that it primarily takes place in Germany. For me as a German, these kinds of stories mostly end up being a bit disappointing because of wrong translations etc., but kudos, Ms. Dimon, except for one term of address I can’t see anything wrong with it. The setting itself was described with such a passion for detail without getting too overstated, that I had a feeling I would be right there in Munich with the characters.
I had a bit of a hard time to warm up to Alec in the beginning, but once I got to know him better and his more “human” side, I really liked him. Gaige, on the other hand, I loved from the start. I loved his humor…
“Do you want a hug?” Alec joked. Gaige’s eyebrow lifted. “It is tempting to say yes just to see you panic.”
…Which he often used to cover up his vulnerability and him being such a nerd but radiating some quite bad-ass vibes in defending himself was exactly the type of guy I like to see in my books. Their sex scenes were steamy and hot and to be honest they made me add a half star to my rating.
The reason why I did not give it more stars was once again the whole insta-love stuff.
Believe me, I’m really tired myself to say it again and again in my reviews, but most of the story takes place over a span of one week and sorry, but no… just… no. It is so not believable, especially since Alec is described as a man who does not trust easily and who really jumps to some weird conclusions why he can trust Gaige.
“Do you need anything before we go?” Gaige stopped. “I don’t even understand the question. Like what?” “There’s a shopping area beneath us.” Gaige looked down at his feet. “Really”? The reaction eased the disquieting sense Alec had of being played. Gaige didn’t pretend to know things he didn’t.”
Seriously? Sorry, but for me, this really did upset the applecart regarding his alleged hardass image. And Gaige gathered some not quite positive experience in the love department, either, so, all in all, it happened way too fast for my taste. Thank goodness, at least the L-word was not mentioned explicitly. Well, it was, but this was a scene that occurred a bit later and was sweet enough to conjure a smile on my face. Someone who rather conjured a constant scowl on my face was Seth. Bloody hell! I hated his guts. What an asshole!!! Like I already said, I don’t know the Tough Love Series yet, but said Seth got his own book in there and to be honest, right now I don’t really feel compelled to read it. 😦
The next book will be about Finn, Alec’s brother, and although I had a few niggles about Dirty Deeds, I will definitely read his book, too.
~Dirty Books Obsession~ 