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Shakedown #2
Tough Break
Declan Phillips, Shakedown's owner, doesn't pine for women. They come to him. Throw themselves at him. Except her.
No one understands his obsession with cold, angry Phoenix Rising. But how could they? How could they know what she did for him so long ago? He owes her and he won’t stop until every trace of the hurt and betrayal he sees in her eyes is gone.
Phoenix won’t give in to his adoration. She made a pact long ago.
Never to be separated from her sisters again.
Never to be swallowed whole by another's agenda.
Never allow a man to dictate her life like their deadbeat father.
Declan should move on. He should stop tempting her. Stop being so damned perfect.
At least he was perfect until she learned his family connections.
No one understands his obsession with cold, angry Phoenix Rising. But how could they? How could they know what she did for him so long ago? He owes her and he won’t stop until every trace of the hurt and betrayal he sees in her eyes is gone.
Phoenix won’t give in to his adoration. She made a pact long ago.
Never to be separated from her sisters again.
Never to be swallowed whole by another's agenda.
Never allow a man to dictate her life like their deadbeat father.
Declan should move on. He should stop tempting her. Stop being so damned perfect.
At least he was perfect until she learned his family connections.
- GenresRomance
ebook
Published November 17, 2020
About the author
Elizabeth SaFleur
33 books519 followersAward-winning author of steamy romcom, erotic romance and steamy contemporary, Elizabeth SaFleur promises all the "feels" in her stories. And, hot heroes, HEAs and (many) spicy, sexy times.
~~Laugh out loud in her Meet Cute Series.
~~Experience luxurious, glamorous escapes in her Elite Doms of Washington series
~~Join her burlesque & gangster book world in the Shakedown series
~~Meet the heroines who take charge in the Justice Series, her Femme Domme romance books
News From Elizabeth (newsletter: http://eepurl.com/WK5EH
Elizabeth’s Playroom: http://tinyurl.com/ElizabethPlayroom
TikTok: https://bit.ly/ESaFleurTikTok
Bookbub: http://tinyurl.com/ElizabethBookBub
Facebook page: http://bit.ly/30pJVI2
Instagram: http://bit.ly/2KLWSX5
~~Laugh out loud in her Meet Cute Series.
~~Experience luxurious, glamorous escapes in her Elite Doms of Washington series
~~Join her burlesque & gangster book world in the Shakedown series
~~Meet the heroines who take charge in the Justice Series, her Femme Domme romance books
News From Elizabeth (newsletter: http://eepurl.com/WK5EH
Elizabeth’s Playroom: http://tinyurl.com/ElizabethPlayroom
TikTok: https://bit.ly/ESaFleurTikTok
Bookbub: http://tinyurl.com/ElizabethBookBub
Facebook page: http://bit.ly/30pJVI2
Instagram: http://bit.ly/2KLWSX5
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 16, 2020
Overall Grade: 4.5 ⭐️
By my estimation, Elizabeth SaFleur’s newest book in her Shakedown Series, Tough Break, is her slowest burn, angstiest book ever. If you’ve read any of her earlier books, then you know that “steam” should be her middle name. Her characters imbue physicality whether it’s found in a BDSM room or a bedroom, SaFleur has a knack for titillating her readers. Tough Break, however, has a severity and seriousness to it that makes steam secondary to the gravity of her characters’ stories. Phoenix’s journey has been a fraught one. In the book before this, Tough Luck, it’s clear that her past is an anchor that weighs heavily on her present. Circling her is Deacon, the hero of this book. As the owner of Shakedown, we find out from the outset of Tough Break, that he has loved her from afar for quite a bit of time. Unfortunately, the incidences of Phoenix’s past have influenced her perception of love and life. With the two of them at a crossroads, Tough Break becomes a tug of war of dissonance. For most of this book, Phoenix and Deacon struggle against each other with Deacon pouring out his adoration through words and actions and Phoenix viewing those words and actions through the lens of her past. This is a tough read in its examination of Phoenix’s pain, in her stubbornness to accept Deacon’s love, and in his constant need to love her. Consider this book like a merry-go-round, where you wonder when the characters will hop off and choose a different ride.
What I found important about SaFleur’s characterizations and the story is its insistence on staying true to their characters. It would have been simple for SaFleur to have her characters fall madly for each other early in the story. But she can’t if she stays true to her characters. She crafts Deacon with an infinite supply of grace and patience. He patiently waits for Phoenix. He is the consummate gentleman, and there is an elegance in his craftsmanship. And Phoenix cannot run into a relationship with Deacon given her traumas. To alleviate the torturous cycle of their coupling, SaFleur intertwines some mafia-esque story. This alleviates the pain SaFleur unknowingly (or maybe knowingly) crafts in the slow-burn romance between Deacon and Phoenix. As such, this story feels heavy because it takes much of the story for Phoenix and Deacon to find their resolution. And even at the story’s end, their coupling feels more steadfast than steamy.
I am always in awe of a writer who transcends their usual, who listens to her characters and creates a space for whatever may happen. Elizabeth SaFleur’s Tough Break holds the magic of a SaFleur story, but it is also saturated with an earnestness that feels very different from her other books.
If you’ve been waiting for Phoenix Rising and Deacon’s story, SaFleur certainly doesn’t disappoint, but don’t expect this to be more of what you expect from SaFleur. Instead, be ready for each turn of the page to wrench out your heart, hoping for a happily-ever-after. SaFleur certainly makes you work for it in Tough Break.
By my estimation, Elizabeth SaFleur’s newest book in her Shakedown Series, Tough Break, is her slowest burn, angstiest book ever. If you’ve read any of her earlier books, then you know that “steam” should be her middle name. Her characters imbue physicality whether it’s found in a BDSM room or a bedroom, SaFleur has a knack for titillating her readers. Tough Break, however, has a severity and seriousness to it that makes steam secondary to the gravity of her characters’ stories. Phoenix’s journey has been a fraught one. In the book before this, Tough Luck, it’s clear that her past is an anchor that weighs heavily on her present. Circling her is Deacon, the hero of this book. As the owner of Shakedown, we find out from the outset of Tough Break, that he has loved her from afar for quite a bit of time. Unfortunately, the incidences of Phoenix’s past have influenced her perception of love and life. With the two of them at a crossroads, Tough Break becomes a tug of war of dissonance. For most of this book, Phoenix and Deacon struggle against each other with Deacon pouring out his adoration through words and actions and Phoenix viewing those words and actions through the lens of her past. This is a tough read in its examination of Phoenix’s pain, in her stubbornness to accept Deacon’s love, and in his constant need to love her. Consider this book like a merry-go-round, where you wonder when the characters will hop off and choose a different ride.
What I found important about SaFleur’s characterizations and the story is its insistence on staying true to their characters. It would have been simple for SaFleur to have her characters fall madly for each other early in the story. But she can’t if she stays true to her characters. She crafts Deacon with an infinite supply of grace and patience. He patiently waits for Phoenix. He is the consummate gentleman, and there is an elegance in his craftsmanship. And Phoenix cannot run into a relationship with Deacon given her traumas. To alleviate the torturous cycle of their coupling, SaFleur intertwines some mafia-esque story. This alleviates the pain SaFleur unknowingly (or maybe knowingly) crafts in the slow-burn romance between Deacon and Phoenix. As such, this story feels heavy because it takes much of the story for Phoenix and Deacon to find their resolution. And even at the story’s end, their coupling feels more steadfast than steamy.
I am always in awe of a writer who transcends their usual, who listens to her characters and creates a space for whatever may happen. Elizabeth SaFleur’s Tough Break holds the magic of a SaFleur story, but it is also saturated with an earnestness that feels very different from her other books.
If you’ve been waiting for Phoenix Rising and Deacon’s story, SaFleur certainly doesn’t disappoint, but don’t expect this to be more of what you expect from SaFleur. Instead, be ready for each turn of the page to wrench out your heart, hoping for a happily-ever-after. SaFleur certainly makes you work for it in Tough Break.
November 16, 2020
I've been anxiously awaiting Declan & Phee's story since this series started, and Declan Phillips did not disappoint.
This is a slow burn love that will have your guts churning the entire book. Declan has the patience of a saint when it comes to the beautiful redhead and his patience and persistence brings the ultimate reward.
Phee has so many dragons to slay, you'll wonder throughout who will be the victor. But our girl is a survivor with a huge heart, even after all of the damage, and she fights for the HEA like no one I've ever seen.
So buckle up for the roller coaster ride and enjoy the journey...there is no insta-anything in this story, but you know what, that's ok, this author really delivered a story to make your heart happy.
I've asked Santa for a Declan of my own <3
This is a slow burn love that will have your guts churning the entire book. Declan has the patience of a saint when it comes to the beautiful redhead and his patience and persistence brings the ultimate reward.
Phee has so many dragons to slay, you'll wonder throughout who will be the victor. But our girl is a survivor with a huge heart, even after all of the damage, and she fights for the HEA like no one I've ever seen.
So buckle up for the roller coaster ride and enjoy the journey...there is no insta-anything in this story, but you know what, that's ok, this author really delivered a story to make your heart happy.
I've asked Santa for a Declan of my own <3
November 19, 2020
Tough Break by Elizabeth SaFleur is the second book in the Shakedown series. It is an age gap, emotionally intense story with some mob elements and violence. Declan Phillips was at a point where he was ready to give up on life, but a chance meeting with dancer Phoenix Rising (Phee) led him to rise from the ashes to remake himself so that he can help Phee. While Declan claims that Phoenix saved him, it is actually a mutual experience.
Declan proves himself to be a true gentleman. He is patient, waiting for Phee for the past 6 years to finally open up her heart to him. He's created a successful business from scratch, protects the people who work for him, and just generally wants to improve the lives of people and the community around him. He is quite a loner, with a single minded focus of protecting Phee and her two sisters. Phoenix on the other hand, has suffered through some trauma in her young life (which seems more than her sisters), and finds it difficult to be vulnerable and do not want to depend on anyone. This romance novel is different than most because instead of passion, the love between Declan and Phoenix is a 6 year journey that has its foundation in friendship, mutual respect as employer/employee, and a desire to help others around them. While Declan is more confident of his love for Phoenix, he is willing to wait for her to confront her own past before she can move on. This story is truly about being at the right time and the right place, recognizing the power of an abiding and patient love, and facing your fears and accepting your past so that it no longer controls your emotions and actions.
Declan proves himself to be a true gentleman. He is patient, waiting for Phee for the past 6 years to finally open up her heart to him. He's created a successful business from scratch, protects the people who work for him, and just generally wants to improve the lives of people and the community around him. He is quite a loner, with a single minded focus of protecting Phee and her two sisters. Phoenix on the other hand, has suffered through some trauma in her young life (which seems more than her sisters), and finds it difficult to be vulnerable and do not want to depend on anyone. This romance novel is different than most because instead of passion, the love between Declan and Phoenix is a 6 year journey that has its foundation in friendship, mutual respect as employer/employee, and a desire to help others around them. While Declan is more confident of his love for Phoenix, he is willing to wait for her to confront her own past before she can move on. This story is truly about being at the right time and the right place, recognizing the power of an abiding and patient love, and facing your fears and accepting your past so that it no longer controls your emotions and actions.
November 19, 2020
♦️♦️ONE FANTASTIC ADVENTURE♦️♦️
Holy hell gremlin! Elizabeth drops one helluva rollercoaster ride with this sensational debacle, weaving in false imprisonment, cruel deeds and brutal lessons swirl, keeping you riveted on a razors edge launching this jewel to a whole new level. Toss in the drama, intrigue, turmoil, psychos, spine tingling danger, spiraling suspense and intense situations, you have one jaw dropping experience, melding this gem together flawlessly. Anarchy and mishaps descend in a flurry of clever strategy and cunning maneuvers showcasing the blurred lines, broken perimeters and enforced limitations are expanded and amplified, showcasing the convoluted twists and stunning turns, exposing the dangerous quirks and defying bents, blasting this baby to life spectacularly. The attraction and chemistry collides with such intensity, exposing deep thrilling emotions and undeniable affections, drawing our characters closer, binding them to one another perfectly. The characters, dialogue, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits, blend and flow, transforming into genuinely charismatic personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and graphic descriptions creating an elaborate backdrop that makes the storyline explode. Fantastic job Elizabeth, thanks for sharing this little guy with us.
Holy hell gremlin! Elizabeth drops one helluva rollercoaster ride with this sensational debacle, weaving in false imprisonment, cruel deeds and brutal lessons swirl, keeping you riveted on a razors edge launching this jewel to a whole new level. Toss in the drama, intrigue, turmoil, psychos, spine tingling danger, spiraling suspense and intense situations, you have one jaw dropping experience, melding this gem together flawlessly. Anarchy and mishaps descend in a flurry of clever strategy and cunning maneuvers showcasing the blurred lines, broken perimeters and enforced limitations are expanded and amplified, showcasing the convoluted twists and stunning turns, exposing the dangerous quirks and defying bents, blasting this baby to life spectacularly. The attraction and chemistry collides with such intensity, exposing deep thrilling emotions and undeniable affections, drawing our characters closer, binding them to one another perfectly. The characters, dialogue, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits, blend and flow, transforming into genuinely charismatic personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and graphic descriptions creating an elaborate backdrop that makes the storyline explode. Fantastic job Elizabeth, thanks for sharing this little guy with us.
November 25, 2020
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "TOUGH BREAK" WOW!!!! What a rollercoster ride this story takes you on from beginning to end so full of suspense, intrigue, danger, violence, angst, past horrific abuse, some steam, twists and turns that have you turning page after page.
Declan Phillips is three days out of Prison with a leg injury that never healed properly it's been 2yrs since he's been with a woman that's all he wants, he goes to Maxim's Strip Club then he plans on walking into Patapsco River.
Phoenix Rising is the girl to give Declan a lap dance no pity in her eyes over his leg which he likes she's like a rare tropical-bird flaming red hair milky skin she offers him a free dance when the doorman comes in he has Declan taken out and Declan hears Phoenix being beat up inside.
Phoenix has had enough of men abusing her so her & sister's Starr & Luna go to the new Club Shakedown which is more Burlesque dancing instead of stripping it's when she sees Declan for the first time since their first encounter she knows they'll be safe there, he hires all three they become his headliner girls for the shows the patrons love them sells out every night.
Declan also has problems with the MacKenna Crime Family their connected his mother was sister to Tomas head of the Family she ran away pregnant with Declan wanted no part of the Family so she hid them for years under a different name until she passes away that's when the MacKenna's find him wanting him to join the family he wants no part of.
Declan is very protective of Pheonix and her sister's she saved his life years ago but he's been in love with her since their first encounter but she has some serious issues to work through he's more than willing to wait for her to come around.
I definitely recommend to get this excellently written book with fantastic well developed characters you can't get enough of I so can't wait for the next book in this series "TOUGH LOVE" Carragh MacKenna & Luna O'Malley's story.
Declan Phillips is three days out of Prison with a leg injury that never healed properly it's been 2yrs since he's been with a woman that's all he wants, he goes to Maxim's Strip Club then he plans on walking into Patapsco River.
Phoenix Rising is the girl to give Declan a lap dance no pity in her eyes over his leg which he likes she's like a rare tropical-bird flaming red hair milky skin she offers him a free dance when the doorman comes in he has Declan taken out and Declan hears Phoenix being beat up inside.
Phoenix has had enough of men abusing her so her & sister's Starr & Luna go to the new Club Shakedown which is more Burlesque dancing instead of stripping it's when she sees Declan for the first time since their first encounter she knows they'll be safe there, he hires all three they become his headliner girls for the shows the patrons love them sells out every night.
Declan also has problems with the MacKenna Crime Family their connected his mother was sister to Tomas head of the Family she ran away pregnant with Declan wanted no part of the Family so she hid them for years under a different name until she passes away that's when the MacKenna's find him wanting him to join the family he wants no part of.
Declan is very protective of Pheonix and her sister's she saved his life years ago but he's been in love with her since their first encounter but she has some serious issues to work through he's more than willing to wait for her to come around.
I definitely recommend to get this excellently written book with fantastic well developed characters you can't get enough of I so can't wait for the next book in this series "TOUGH LOVE" Carragh MacKenna & Luna O'Malley's story.
November 11, 2020
This is an emotional read and several times I had tears in my eyes that made reading hard. Declan so deserves happiness, he has done so much for so many and yet he has been made to suffer. Phoenix is the same, she takes care of others at the cost of herself and has suffered so much but she has locked herself away and will not allow herself to acknowledge her feelings for Declan. The reader is pulled into the emotion of the story, feeling everything and willing Phoenix just to trust Declan a little bit and hoping Declan will not give up. There is a lot of heart stopping action as well and Cherry adds a dimension that makes everything bearable as well as an injection of humour and common sense. I am not sure where Naomi will fit in but she is an interesting character. There is a happy ending and a tantalizing hint for the next book. This is a wonderful read, just make sure you have tissues.
November 16, 2020
Ok, I wasn't sure what I was getting with this new author (to me). So, I went and checked out her catalog on Amazon---Ummm, this was quite a bit different. So, appropriately so...this was a delectable slow burn from both the characters' perspectives and the readers'.
From the beginning of the story, Declan gets you in the feels with his heart full of kindness and nobility. His unflinching love for Phoenix in the face of her always keeping him at arms' length and refusing him is, at times, frustrating. He waits and waits for her so patiently. He never pushes, but he is steadfast and immovable in her life, protecting and gently working his way past Phoenix's walls. And it does pay off in the long run.
It would have been cheap and easy to bring these characters together quickly. However, it would have taken so much away from the story of their feelings' actual depth for each other. This story of the oh so different O'Malley triplets is not over, but we do know Phoenix, the fighter, has found her HEA with the noble and swoony Declan.
From the beginning of the story, Declan gets you in the feels with his heart full of kindness and nobility. His unflinching love for Phoenix in the face of her always keeping him at arms' length and refusing him is, at times, frustrating. He waits and waits for her so patiently. He never pushes, but he is steadfast and immovable in her life, protecting and gently working his way past Phoenix's walls. And it does pay off in the long run.
It would have been cheap and easy to bring these characters together quickly. However, it would have taken so much away from the story of their feelings' actual depth for each other. This story of the oh so different O'Malley triplets is not over, but we do know Phoenix, the fighter, has found her HEA with the noble and swoony Declan.
November 22, 2020
Wow Elizabeth SaFleur has done again. She never disappoints.
Declan Phillips had only been out of prison three days when he found himself at Maxim’s. He only wanted a little feminine contact before he took his own life so he wouldn’t end up working for his Mafia family. When Declan gets to Maxim’s he get more than he bargained for in Phoenix Rising.
Declan opens a Burlesque club called Shakedown and employs Phoenix Rising and her two sisters as the main act. He has loved Phoenix from a distance while trying to keep her, her sisters and his other employees safe from his Mafia family. Things are heating up, so to keep Phoenix safe, Declan is going to admit he loves her no matter what happened in her past. Will Phoenix accept what he is offering or will she run?
I volunteered to receive this book as a arc reader.
Declan Phillips had only been out of prison three days when he found himself at Maxim’s. He only wanted a little feminine contact before he took his own life so he wouldn’t end up working for his Mafia family. When Declan gets to Maxim’s he get more than he bargained for in Phoenix Rising.
Declan opens a Burlesque club called Shakedown and employs Phoenix Rising and her two sisters as the main act. He has loved Phoenix from a distance while trying to keep her, her sisters and his other employees safe from his Mafia family. Things are heating up, so to keep Phoenix safe, Declan is going to admit he loves her no matter what happened in her past. Will Phoenix accept what he is offering or will she run?
I volunteered to receive this book as a arc reader.
November 15, 2020
You know when you start a book and it hooks you immediately? Well, this is one of those books. I love this series and I was waiting for Declan to get his own story. He deserved it, and this book tells his story in spades! It is absolutely incredible.
Declan runs Shakedown, a burlesque nightclub and the main attraction are red headed triplets. But one in particular has his interest and has for quite some time. Phoenix Rising is that woman and what a woman she is. She has gone thru things in life no one ever should, but she is strong and determined to show she can do anything. Her attraction to Declan is from afar. She feels no man should ever gain her complete interest, but Declan keeps breaking down her barriers.
These two characters will work their way into your very heart and soul. You can’t help but want them to be together. Declan will do anything for her, even protect her with his life. But Phoenix needs to learn to let go and let herself be with Declan
I loved everything about this book and can’t recommend this series highly enough. You will become as invested in these characters as I have. It’s just utter perfection.
Declan runs Shakedown, a burlesque nightclub and the main attraction are red headed triplets. But one in particular has his interest and has for quite some time. Phoenix Rising is that woman and what a woman she is. She has gone thru things in life no one ever should, but she is strong and determined to show she can do anything. Her attraction to Declan is from afar. She feels no man should ever gain her complete interest, but Declan keeps breaking down her barriers.
These two characters will work their way into your very heart and soul. You can’t help but want them to be together. Declan will do anything for her, even protect her with his life. But Phoenix needs to learn to let go and let herself be with Declan
I loved everything about this book and can’t recommend this series highly enough. You will become as invested in these characters as I have. It’s just utter perfection.
November 24, 2020
Elizabeth is the author that makes you feel in all the ways and her delivery in Tough Break is above all others in terms of feeling. What I love more and more about this series is the moments of redemption that each character goes through, Declan and Phoenix definitely have plenty of trials to be together and they not only defy them but they overcome them. I absolutely love this book and everything it is. It’s a must read and a five star read in every form of the word.
November 30, 2020
Beautiful!
The story of Declan and Phoenix Rising was beautifully written! It was exciting, entertaining and well written. Each page kept you on your toes. There were many unexpected twists and turn. A must read, you will love it! Can't wait for next book in series!!
The story of Declan and Phoenix Rising was beautifully written! It was exciting, entertaining and well written. Each page kept you on your toes. There were many unexpected twists and turn. A must read, you will love it! Can't wait for next book in series!!
November 18, 2020
This is the 2nd book in this amazing series and is Declan and Phoenix’s journey. Declan is the owner of Shakedown, which is a burlesque nightclub, where the starring attraction is red headed triplets, and one of them is his obsession. Phoenix has not had an easy life, but she is a survivor who is strong, cold, and angry. Declan is exceptionally patient, persistent, and protective of Phoenix whom he has loved her from afar for some time. Phoenix’s past trauma has defined her to become the women she is now, and Declan just wants to love her and guide her to move on. This is a well written story which is an emotional roller coaster throughout, as well as having angst, drama, danger, intrigue, suspense, and unconditional love, which all leads to a riveting and addictive page turner. This talented author has done an amazing job in penning this story which is a slow burn and has an intricate and in—depth plot. I look forward to reading more from this author.
November 17, 2020
Elizabeth Safleur's Shakedown series has become a personal favorite and Tough Break has certainly met the high bar set by the previous books in the series. The ongoing problems with harassment from the MacKenna family is persistent and escalating. There may be a shift in the family dynamic and it does not bode well for Baltimore.
Let me just put it out there. I absolutely adore Declan Phillips. His courage, resolve, loyalty to and protectiveness of business colleagues, employees and friends along with the deep understanding of the woman he loves, makes him the ultimate book boyfriend. Phoenix Rising has, for years, remained aloof and kept all males at arm's length especially Declan. Experience has taught to protect her sisters like a mama bear even if it means putting herself in harm's way. Declan sees through her facade too clearly and seemingly understands her a little too well. Maybe it's time to re-examine her attitudes and feelings when it comes to him.
Let me just put it out there. I absolutely adore Declan Phillips. His courage, resolve, loyalty to and protectiveness of business colleagues, employees and friends along with the deep understanding of the woman he loves, makes him the ultimate book boyfriend. Phoenix Rising has, for years, remained aloof and kept all males at arm's length especially Declan. Experience has taught to protect her sisters like a mama bear even if it means putting herself in harm's way. Declan sees through her facade too clearly and seemingly understands her a little too well. Maybe it's time to re-examine her attitudes and feelings when it comes to him.
November 18, 2020
Love Sought
A great read and in depth storyline from the superb author Elizabeth SaFleur. The triplets Phoenix, Starr and Luna who are now at shakedown with their amazing dance acts! There is only Phee who would write her resignation on a napkin!! But she won’t leave without her beloved sisters. But Declan has the biggest crush on Phee and won’t let her resign. Will he get his wish on protecting all the triplets? Will Thomas get what he wants too? I can only but rate this a 5 star ⭐️ read and one I highly recommend. I voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving a free copy
A great read and in depth storyline from the superb author Elizabeth SaFleur. The triplets Phoenix, Starr and Luna who are now at shakedown with their amazing dance acts! There is only Phee who would write her resignation on a napkin!! But she won’t leave without her beloved sisters. But Declan has the biggest crush on Phee and won’t let her resign. Will he get his wish on protecting all the triplets? Will Thomas get what he wants too? I can only but rate this a 5 star ⭐️ read and one I highly recommend. I voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving a free copy
November 20, 2020
Tough Break is a great story. I loved Declan and his protectiveness of Phoenix. Phoenix has been through a lot. These two together make for a very good story. Elizabeth SaFleur really knows how to throw the emotional punches. I felt so much reading this book. I cried and rooted for these two. This is an excellent read!
November 16, 2020
Declan's story is here with Tough Break. He has been the stable fiigure for everyone at Shakedown and to finally read his story in this book has been just absolutely wonderful. As soon as I started this book I was hooked, the club, the characters, the suspense all make for an enticing read that kept me captivated from beginning to end. Declan is a character that you want to win every battle because he is the one that fights for you no matter what. And then there is Phoenix, the fiery redhead that has caught his attention from the very beginning. She has her own demons that she must work through in order to allow Declan to be there for her. To watch these two together, the patience, the love, and finally the acceptance makes for a wonderful read. Can't wait for the next book.
November 19, 2020
Tough Break is a great story. I loved Declan and his protectiveness of Phoenix. Phoenix has been through a lot. These two together make for a very good story. Elizabeth SaFleur really knows how to throw the emotional punches. I felt so much reading this book. I cried and rooted for these two. This is an excellent read!
November 20, 2020
Declan and Phoenix's story was so full on angst. Emotional gripping story of two lost souls who discover happiness in each others arms after a long process of healing and trust. Both led such hard sad lives. This was a real page turner!!
November 16, 2020
This story was heartbreaking in places so once again, I had to get out my crying towel. Elizabeth SaFleur writes stories that punch you in your heart. Of course, by then you can't put it down because you have to know what happens. Phoenix has vowed to never let a man rule her life again. Declan has vowed to make sure that she never gets hurt again. The story is raw, emotional and starts tearing at your heart from the first page. This is a slow burn but it's so worth it. The characters make you FEEL everything they are going through. Another awesome book by one of my favorite authors. Be sure to pick this one up and be prepared to be swept away! Out of 5 stars, this one gets 10 from me!
November 18, 2020
This story was equal parts frustrating and beautiful. Frustrating because, as a result of the brutality that Phee had experienced, she struggled to overcome the betrayals and open herself up to a future full of love and hope. And, beautiful because, the steady, patient and faithful love that Declan had for her eventually gave her the strength to overcome her past. This story is full of love of all the best kinds: love of family, love of self and most of all, love found in a soul mate. I happily and voluntarily reviewed this book.
November 18, 2020
Angsty read. The character of Declan is complicated. He is mission focused on protecting the people around him. Phoenix is a broken girl. She carries many scars and fights back to protect herself. The sibling bond is an interesting concept in the story that guides the emotional blackmail. The relationship between Declan and Phoenix is extremely special and withstands a great test to get to a happy place.
November 16, 2020
Declan and Phoenix are two peas in a pod, with both of them shouldering the burden of taking care of their loved ones. He's had his eye on her for so long, and finally decides to make his intentions known. This was an emotional romance, with suspense and danger lurking at every turn. I loved the two of them finally getting together, but it was almost a little too long and slow in the process. But I love both these characters from the previous books in the series, and I'm so happy to get their story!
November 18, 2020
Once again Elizabeth SaFleur brings a spectacular story filled with action, love and emotionally fantastic characters and intrigue. Finally Declan and Phoenix Rising have their tale. Its filled with heartbreak and triumph. I can't wait for more tales of beauty, love, intrigue and burlesque at Shakedown!
November 17, 2020
What do you get when you cross a roller coaster with a slow burn book? A fantastic story about Declan and Phoenix. No matter what Elizabeth SaFleur writes, she listens to her characters as their stories unfold. And she did it again. Phoenix and Declan must work for their HEA, but that's what makes it real.
November 17, 2020
Declan and Phoenix's story is everything that that I hoped for. I've been anxiously awaiting for their book and I was not disappointed. These two definitely have some explosive chemistry and I loved every minute of it. I can't wait to read more.
November 17, 2020
Elizabeth SaFleur is one very talented storyteller!! This book had all the angst, it pulled at your heartstrings, had your mind reeling, and wondering why people do bad things!! But most of all does love conquer all?
November 15, 2020
Prepare to get caught up. Secrets, lies, heartache and confusion run rampantly through Tough Break. Despite the hot mess of life and love, Declan and Phoenix somehow endure. SaFleur finds hope within hopeless situations. I enjoy that. She never writes victims, she creates survivors.
November 17, 2020
I have been enjoying the Shakedown series from Elizabeth SaFleur and look forward to each new story. The characters all interconnect in some way, which totally adds to the enjoyment of the books. Not only do you get to connect with your favorites from past books, but you get a whole new story while keeping up to date on all the goings-on at Shakedown. These characters are each other’s family. They love each other in their own ways and have each other’s back.
Tough Break really does live up to its title. Both Declan Philipps and Phoenix Rising have had more than their fair share of them. Phoenix has been damaged by her heart-breaking past and continues to keep up her brave and protective front. She struggles with trust and intimacy, but Declan’s gentle patience keeps her grounded.
If you are looking for insta-romance, don’t look here; Declan and Phoenix have a long-standing, platonic relationship. That just adds to the sexual tension and slow-burning fire they are building. Declan has been burned in the past and survived, in no small part by the actions of Phoenix, unbeknownst to her. She saved Declan from his own demons and her very presence keeps saving him every day. As Phoenix fights against her own inner turmoil, Declan is ready and waiting to be the one she can lean against. Their chemistry is electric and follows a slow road to combustion.
Tough Break is a superb story and Declan and Phoenix make an amazing couple. Lots of action happens in this one with new developments on the horizon, so hold on to your hat and get ready for this unpredictable ride. Looking forward to triplet number three, Luna, and her love interest. Ms. SaFleur has certainly hinted at who it is going to be, so let the sparks and fireworks commence!
Tough Break really does live up to its title. Both Declan Philipps and Phoenix Rising have had more than their fair share of them. Phoenix has been damaged by her heart-breaking past and continues to keep up her brave and protective front. She struggles with trust and intimacy, but Declan’s gentle patience keeps her grounded.
If you are looking for insta-romance, don’t look here; Declan and Phoenix have a long-standing, platonic relationship. That just adds to the sexual tension and slow-burning fire they are building. Declan has been burned in the past and survived, in no small part by the actions of Phoenix, unbeknownst to her. She saved Declan from his own demons and her very presence keeps saving him every day. As Phoenix fights against her own inner turmoil, Declan is ready and waiting to be the one she can lean against. Their chemistry is electric and follows a slow road to combustion.
Tough Break is a superb story and Declan and Phoenix make an amazing couple. Lots of action happens in this one with new developments on the horizon, so hold on to your hat and get ready for this unpredictable ride. Looking forward to triplet number three, Luna, and her love interest. Ms. SaFleur has certainly hinted at who it is going to be, so let the sparks and fireworks commence!
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