Hmm. So I picked this book since I am a huge fan of the author. I really dislike cliffhangers! So warning to all there is one in this book. But right from the beginning I didn’t feel that this was a sweet romance. It was essentially a strange and very slow romance. Trace was from a mafia family that didn’t want to be head of the family and he wanted Jess even though she was a parole officer.  So he tracked her down using a private investigator to dig up everything about her. Eh, that was creepy. He proceeded to follow her himself and tried to get her into his bed. The relationship or obsession between Trace and Jess wasn't romantic in the beginning. At first, I didn't understand them together. Yet, after a while I began to cheer for them. In the beginning I had a problem with her naming every persons weight and height described to me. And I mean every single person in the book! Why would I need to know her bosses height and weight? I was a bit confused why a parole officer would work in a club owned by the mafia. She must have known her new boyfriend was the owner?! I disliked his best friend Ashton. There I said it. And the next book would be about him! Why? I loved her friends and brother. I was a bit confused about Bear and Leo but decided to let it go. The cliffhanger was expected, but I felt that their story wasn’t finished. The twist in the end was really good. Which is why I have to read the next book. Overall, it was an okay mafia romance book. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for my ARC.

Brilliant, intriguing, addictive
I had a couple of very late nights reading this book, I just couldn’t put it down. Both Jess and Trace were intriguing characters, I was hooked early and really enjoyed getting to know them; seeing their instant, powerful attraction, go through their reluctance to get involved because of who they were, to the inevitability of the being together.
Tijan has written a character in Jess who’s strong and strong willed, dedicated to her moral cause, with a deep sense of loyalty to friends and family, she goes through so much throughout the course of this novel.
Trace, fell hard and fast for Jess, straddled the line between his legal businesses and the family, wanted to support her how she needed but knew getting involved would be trouble.
Together, their chemistry was combustible and that made for some steamy hot sex scenes despite the push and pull of what they wanted versus what they should do.
The story was intense, thoroughly engrossing, and hard to put down as Tijan pulled you in from the start and didn’t let you go until the shocking ending.
A 5 star read!

This is my first book by Tijan, and I must say it was a very ambitious story. A lot of things were going on all throughout the book, I will start off by saying that right away. A lot.

He’s part of a mafia family, and she’s a parole officer, that right there lends to a lot of interesting conflicts. The relationship between Trace and Jess felt like it happened way too fast, very insta-love feeling. I didn’t buy that so much. She came across tough as nails, and he came across, not like a mob boss. He’s morally grey, I guess. A mafia dude that wants to do the right thing. Something like that.

Lots of drama from both character’s families. And as I mentioned, there’s a lot going on. Some of it felt very convoluted to me, quite twisty, I think a bit too twisty to where I lost track of some stuff. It also ends on a cliffhanger, but I really wasn’t invested enough in the story to want to continue.

I rarely DNF a book. This was one of them. I enjoy Tijan books, but this one I just couldn’t get over how naive the female MC was. I can’t write a great review since I didn’t finish.

I am a HUGE Tijan fan and have read everything she has written. A Dirty Business was an amazing read. The story grabs your attention immediately from the first page and keeps you invested!

A Dirty Business by Tijan a tempting, scorching hot romance between Underworld criminal and a parole officer. Their journey is full of twists, love and heartbeat pounding moments.

I loved Jess and Trace and I Cannot wait to read the next part. Highly Recommend to all Readers.

This author is so freaking talented! I love Tijan's writing. I knew I would love this book and I am so happy I got to read this one! This is the first book of the Kings of New York series, and Tijan sets up a wonderful setting for her readers. I am from New York, so it was nice to read about my little city of life and imagine the characters walking the streets of NYC.

This story is a combination of many tropes: mafia, forbidden romance..and is filled with all the angst! The story between Jess and Trace is so gritty and action packed, I love it! Their chemistry radiates off the pages, allowing readers to see their romance unfold.

"I wanted her, and for the first time in a long time, I was considering throwing out my rules. For her."

Tijan's words allow her readers to visualize each interaction and action sequence. If you're a fan of dark mafia romance, you will enjoy this one! Highly recommend! Heed the trigger warnings as this book contains scenes of violence, abuse, drug usage.

I really enjoyed a dirty business by tijan , tijan has been one of my favourite authors for years and i dont think that will ever change

I did leave a review near the time, but unsure where it has gone...

Ended up DNF'ing this book but to be quite honest I can't remember why at this point. I didn't not like it, I think it was just moving to slow for me and I decided to bench it with the guise that I may pick it back up at a later date. However, life's too short to read a book you're not enjoying, so I don't think I will to be honest.

A Dirty Business is the first book in the Kings of New York series by Tijan. I love Tijan’s writing and I absolutely love mafia books so I was so excited when she announced this series. Eek!!

Jess Montell had no idea that when she met a stranger at a hockey game that it would change everything. It was a quick exchange between a parole officer and a Wall Street suit. A Wall Street suit who was hot AF and one she couldn’t get out of her head. She didn’t know his name but he was unforgettable. When she sees him again, she knew he was dangerous without even know his name. He had that aura around him and she knew she needed to stay away especially after finding out who he really was… Mafia.

Trace West didn’t get attached. He knew love was dangerous in his world. A world he was born into and didn’t ask for. He knew he should stay away, but their first moment in that hallway was his first hit. He was addicted. He had to know her. To feel her. To taste her. Get her out of his system. Easier said than done…

This story! Omg! If I didn’t have to work, I would had devoured it in one sitting. The heat. The twists. The forbidden. The rawness. The suspense. The swoon! These two are fire and I am here for it. It’s not just their connection that I loved though. They are so much more. Jess is a true badass. Trace is alpha with a sweet side. I can’t wait for the next book!! I need it. Now.

A fast paced book!
Trace i fell for him almost instantly and Ashton i was really interested in him too!
I really loved the push and pull of this book and it was always easy going for them.
I look forward to reading Ashtons book!

Tijan is one of my favorite authors for a fun quick time.

There is just something so compulsive about their writing that I enjoy immensely. This book is no different.

Highly recommend and can't wait to pick up book 2.

This is Book 1 in the Kings of New York Series and my first read by this author, and I must say that I quite enjoyed the storyline and character. It is a dark mafia romance between parole officer Jess and Wall Street suit Trace. These flawed but likeable characters and the unique plot make for an intriguing read. It is a slow burn love story peppered with drama, danger, violence, action, steam, family dynamic, twists, and passion, plus appealing secondary characters to keep the reader interested. The main characters share an undeniable chemistry and connection. Seriously entertaining.

I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Valentine PR and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

I really loved this book. It was well written and kept me hooked to the very end. I loved the story line and the characters. I would recommend this book to my friends and family.

A Dirty Business isthe first book in the Kings of New York series by Tijan. This is a mafia contemporary romance that ends on a cliffhanger so brace yourselves. Let me just set the record straight by saying that his mafia romance is not your typical mafioso story. It is full of romantic suspense that will definitely get your pulse going.
In this story we meet Jess and Trace. Jess Montell is a tough parole officer who won't take any BS from anyone. She is headstrong, fierce and independent but has a soft spot for those she cares for.
Tristian 'Trace' West is a billionaire businessman pretty much leading a double life. As his family are basically mafia royalty he often has to step in and help out.
Jess and Trace first meet at a hockey game where the connection and attraction is instant. But she's on the right side of the law while he..isn’t. As much as they don't want to fall for one another, sometimes fate is inevitable and you can't hide from what the heart wants.
This forbidden romance is told in dual POVs and is slow-3. It is a story filled with suspense, betrayal, mystery, secrets, and lies. This plot had me completely captivated and hooked throughout. I can't wait to see what Tijan gives us in the next installment of this series.

If you want a book that you could not put down...A Dirty Business is the book for you. Tijan did a fantastic job keeping you engulfed in this mafia story, the characters and what will happen next. I could not get enough of Jess and Trace.

Jess is a no nonsense woman who can take care of herself, demands respect and needs no one for for anything. Her job is the one thing that has shaped her but she has a lot to learn when emotions and feelings take over.

Trace is the next in line to take over the family business. His reputation doesn't represent the real Trace and if he could, things would be different. Meeting Jess was the highlight of his world but his darkness was also something that could dim his light. Neither wanted what was happening but fighting their attraction and the world is not what either wants.

Tijan has taken us on a journey of danger, lust and love. I enjoyed every single word from the first few words...Beer and hockey; to some of the last words, I love you too.... and DNA matches. It's Kelly and Justin.

I can't wait for the cliffhanger question to be answered in book 2!!

What a great start to a new series. Tijan is one of my favorite authors. Trace and Jess have great chemistry. I enjoyed every second of this story.

What a cliffhanger!
I really liked Bennett Mafia, I think it was one of my first approaches to mafia romance so I was all in when I heard Tijan was writing something new for this genre.
This is a spoiler free review cause there is no way I’m going to spoil the angst, the romance, the suspense…
Jess is a parole officer/bartender and Tristain is a hedge fund manager and his uncle wants him to take the family business (aka mafia business) and run it.
This ship has FORBIDDEN written all over it. The obsession Trace begins to have after seeing Jess for the first time was the highlight of the whole book for me (LOVE an obsessed man) and Jess was such a pro at handling him. Their relationship is not ideal but I loved that they kept it going with some push and pull of course😂. And danger is lurking in the shadows, is it going to tear them apart or unite them more? Not gonna answer, you guys have to read it.

trope: Law enforcement (h), Billionaire (H), mafia family, forbidden, lots of suspense

I love Tijans books. I have been a long time reader of this author, but even with our favorites there is always the chance that something may not work for you. And sadly that’s what happened for me with A dirty Business.

Jess and Trace meet at a hockey game and have a moment but neither one knows that one of them is the heir to one of New Yorks mafia families, and the other one is in Law enforcement. Now, I don’t know about you but that sounds like a disaster in the making to me. 😂

The premise of this story really intrigued me but the reason for the three stars is because though I liked the idea I never really connected with the characters the way I prefer. I’m a very character driven reader and if I can’t connect I just feel disconnected from the story as a whole and sadly that’s what happened to me with this one.

Though these two were hot, I personally didn’t feel the connection. Now that is most likely due to not feeling connection with the characters.

Overall A Dirty Business was an okay read for me I just wish that I had been able to connect more.

Oh darn! This one was H.O.T.
It was the first time I've read something by Tijan and let me tell you, it certainly won't be the last.
I really loved the dynamic between the two main characters and their chemistry was off- the charts.
I'm recommending this one with eyes closed!