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Shakedown #1

Tough Luck

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Shakedown offers a second chances but only to some…

Ex-con Nathan came to Shakedown to start over, not fall hard for one of their burlesque dancers, Midnight Starr. But who could resist such a woman? She was light and fire and everything good about the world.

He will fight that thudding desire for her. He has to. The MacKenna family, whose son he accidentally killed many years ago, has drawn a target on his back and he won’t drag her into his mess.

Starr, however, isn’t one to give up easily. When she wants someone, she’s all in.

She has no idea what she’s in for.

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Published July 14, 2020

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About the author

Elizabeth SaFleur

35 books516 followers
Award-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

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5 stars
45 (49%)
4 stars
23 (25%)
3 stars
19 (20%)
2 stars
3 (3%)
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1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for Rhonda.
3,280 reviews65 followers
July 3, 2020
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!!!!!
Profile Image for Bonnie Natola.
111 reviews6 followers
July 2, 2020
Shakedown is so much more than just a burlesque club it’s a redemption. And it’s my favorite book that Elizabeth has ever written.
Tough Luck the first book in the Shakedown series is the story of burlesque dancer Midnight Starr and ex con Nathan, it follows their journey to finding happiness and a second chance at having more than the cards they were given. It’s about forgiveness, redemption, moving on, and happiness in the form of love.
Honestly it’s more a story driven book and focuses more on the characters than any other aspect, sex is definitely still in it but it’s not blatantly thrown at you which is a nice change of pace and scenery that Elizabeth takes! It’s such a compelling and gut wrenching tale that will leave you turning pages until you finish and go “now what.”
Between the secrets, character arcs, and story it’s worth the journey to the end. Tough Luck is a read that I wish I could give more than five stars for, it deserves all the glitz and glam! Elizabeth really outdid herself with the start of this series and I’m more than invested to see where she plans to lead us next!
Profile Image for Amber - TBR Book Blog.
1,235 reviews50 followers
July 18, 2020
Work got in the way from reading this whole thing front to back immediately. Which was horrible because this book was so jam-packed (but not overly so), I would have loved to read it all in 1 sitting.

Starr (which I love her stage name) is one in a set of burlesque dancing triplets at a club. Which I used to take pole dancing for exercise and I have MAD respect for burlesque dancers. My thighs still cry LOL. Phoenix and Luna (also stage names) are her sisters and you have never met a closer bunch. They might argue but they have each other's back 100%.

And Nathan. Oh Nathan. I loved that he was an ex-con who really wanted to love Starr but didn't want to taint her with all the darkness surrounding him. But Starr isn't a typical woman and she is NOT going to let Nathan chase her off, even with everything going against them.

I cannot wait to read Phoenix and Luna's stories and how they get their happy endings (I hope!)
Profile Image for Arriesta.
63 reviews19 followers
July 13, 2020
Tough Luck (Shakedown #1) by Elizabeth SaFleur

I am a huge fan of Elizabeth SaFleur’s Elite Dom’s of Washington series, so the best way to describe the difference between the two series would be that the Club Accendos crowd are surrounded by a lot of money and the sexual power dynamics that the stories focus on, which is what attracted me to the series.

Tough Luck and the Shakedown series provide a deep and slightly gritter collection of characters and backstories that are woven together so well. Shakedown is a burlesque club that is provides redemption for the various motley crew of people that work for the club and Declan Phillips.

Nathan is an ex-con just trying to get through probation so as not to land back inside, while Midnight Starr is one of the triples who perform as burlesque dancers. Both have a history of ‘tough luck’ in their past, and the attraction between them both is threatened by the MacKenna family, whom are hell bent on revenge against Nathan’s sins.

This piece features tragic backstories, suspense, great secondary characters which are sure to be featured in following books. I need Declan Phillips and Phoenix Rising like…. Yesterday!

I am so looking forward to the next book Tough Break !

Thank you to both Elizabeth SaFleur and Candi Fox for an ARC in order to review, xoxox you ladies are magical
Profile Image for Tanja OMGReads.
2,026 reviews47 followers
July 17, 2020
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
1,524 reviews
July 2, 2020
This book made me sad but I loved it and read it in one sitting. Nathan is such a good guy and he deserves so much more than life has dealt him, but Starr was the perfect person to give him hope and love and family. The ending was lovely but I am not sure we have seen the last of Ruark and the relationship with Declan was a big surprise. The ending was not quite what I was expecting but I am sure Elizabeth SaFleur will not disappoint at the end of the series.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews4 followers
Want to read
May 20, 2021
��� FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBooks today (5/20/2021)!🎁
Profile Image for Jess MacMillan.
Author 2 books3 followers
July 18, 2020
Latest obsession and binge

My first Elizabeth SaFleur read but it certainly won't be my last. I binged this story so fast, and 5 minutes after finishing I can already tell im going to have a serious book hangover. I fell in love with the complexity of Nathan, a good guy dealt some tough hands. I'm so glad it also shows a guy experiencing PTSD/anxiety in such a real way. Truly makes him all that more dynamic. The way he truly protects Starr but still empowers her to be fierce and sexy on stage... 🔥🔥🔥

Characters: great chemistry, real issues, and dynamic arcs
Romance: just the right amount of steam
Plot: slight twists, suspense, action, and burlesque- you can't go wrong!

Highly recommend 👌
1,477 reviews25 followers
July 6, 2020
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!
Profile Image for Julie Race.
72 reviews6 followers
July 8, 2020
Tough Luck
By Elizabeth SaFleur

Club Shakedown is not just a Burlesque club, they are a family, and families look out for each other.

Ex-con Nathan believes he doesn’t deserve happiness or love, he has been convicted of a crime.  Straight talking Starr has had her own heartache and is the stunning redhead he has fallen in love with from afar.

“So you do like me”, “yeah I like you,  more than...I’m hooked”
“Bewitched”
“Yeah that too, You’re my North Star”

Melt!

Both Nathan and Starr work at the club, he is the bouncer and right hand man, Starr is the dancer,  the story is about their exploration of a beautiful relationship, one you are rooting for all the way through the book.  A second chance romance but so much more.  They both have a past which gives you a story that has twists and turns, secrets and lies along the way. 

It keeps you guessing about what coming next!

This is the first book in the Shakedown Series, and I cannot wait for rest.  
Profile Image for Christina  Thomas.
242 reviews1 follower
July 19, 2020
oo wow this is one of those books/series you cant read once you have to read it at least twice. especially if you read as quick as i do! so many questions yet so many answers. Theses sisters are crazy, amazing and frankly kickass! they have a bond like no other! read and find out!
Profile Image for Amy Dickinson.
1,378 reviews39 followers
July 15, 2020
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.
Profile Image for Kelly Kemmerly.
618 reviews9 followers
June 30, 2020
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!
July 18, 2020
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
Profile Image for Roxs Reads.
726 reviews1 follower
July 17, 2020
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 in the Shakedown series getting everyone excited to see where Declan and Phee end up.
Profile Image for Anne Baker.
756 reviews4 followers
July 14, 2020
For Overcoming His Angel


I just loved this great suspenseful storyline with twists and turns everywhere from the minute you start reading one of the best books, I have read in 2020, by the inimitable Elizabeth SaFleur.
The triplets Phoenix, Lunar, and Starr were absolutely adorable. I loved the soft hearted Nathan, in fact all the family at Shakedown stuck together like glue to protect each other for a crime Nathan and did 9 years in prison for. Roark McKenna wanted revenge will he manage it? Both Nathan and Starr have many hidden dark cold secrets that even Phee and Luna didn’t know about?
I highly recommend this great read thus 5 big stars ⭐️ from me.
I voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving a free copy
Profile Image for Sissy's Romance Book Review .
8,767 reviews16 followers
July 17, 2020
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.
Profile Image for Breen.
1,393 reviews
July 17, 2020
“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.”
Profile Image for Phyllis Lopez.
962 reviews5 followers
July 17, 2020
Earth Shattering!

This story will pull you sl far in, it could break your heart or make you smile. It was. A rollercoaster ride I didn't want to get off. I fell in love with Nathan who was punished for protecting himself and his employer and friend Declan. Star O'Malley a dancer who steals Nathan's heart and soul. And the evil Rauke McKenna who want revenge against Nathan! Read this book, you will love it! I thought book one was amazing this. One hit it out of the park.
492 reviews5 followers
July 14, 2020
I have grown tired of reading stories where the romance is based on lengthy, numerous and explicit sexual encounters. Tough Luck was as far from this type of story as a reader can get and it is my favourite read of the year so far. All the characters had depth and complexity bred into them as a result of both beautiful and harsh experiences and the themes of redemption and both family and romantic love was strong. There were heroes and villains and some truly heart stopping and seriously frustrating moments faced by Nathan and Starr as well as other characters within the story. I can not wait for the other sisters to have their stories written. A truly wonderful and beautifully crafted story that I happily and voluntarily reviewed.
Profile Image for Elaine.
719 reviews4 followers
July 18, 2020
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?
10 reviews
July 12, 2020
Ex-con Nathan has worked for Declan Phillips before he went to prison for saving life. Now he works for him again at Shakedown a Burlesque Club as bouncer and other odd jobs. Nathan is trying to keep his nose clean so he doesn’t end back in prison. Nathan secretly likes one of the Burlesque dancer Midnight Starr. Can they have any type of a future not if the McKenna family has anything to say or do about it!!!
Midnight Star is one of the triplet sisters of Shakedown. She likes Nathan the new bouncer at the club and she knows he just got out of prison. All of that doesn’t matter because her and her sister’s life hasn’t been a bed of roses since their momma died and their father left them with child welfare. Now one of her sisters has found their father and wants to try to be a family. Can Starr tell her sisters that their father is nothing but a low life alcoholic?
I volunteered as a Arc Reader for this book. Elizabeth SaFleur is one my best go to authors. She makes you feel that you are in the story as one of the characters. She always has a great storyline with just enough suspense, love and laughter.
576 reviews4 followers
July 13, 2020
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.
Profile Image for Latifa Morrisette.
2,466 reviews61 followers
July 12, 2020
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.
Profile Image for Melanie Marnell.
3,643 reviews28 followers
July 4, 2020
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.

Profile Image for Book Buddies.
693 reviews14 followers
July 3, 2020
Well, well, well...wasn't Tough Luck the perfect blend of everything I read romance novels for!

Midnight Starr is definitely the kind of feisty, take no prisoners heroine I love and Nathan, is struggling and damaged but certainly has his priorities in order. They are perfect together and compliment the other cast of characters to start this multi-layered romance series.

Starr is one of the triplet sisters that will 'star' in this series, but Shakedown (the burlesque club) is the foundation upon which all of these slightly broken souls will come together to form unshakable bonds and think of themselves as family.

I'm beyond anxious to see where these sisters and the men that love them, take us.
Trust me, this is one you won't want to miss, I couldn't put it down.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
920 reviews
July 4, 2020
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.
676 reviews2 followers
December 18, 2020
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.
Profile Image for Salima Queen.
174 reviews
July 21, 2020
What can I say about this book !!! GAH ... loved it Elizabeth SaFleur has made this become one of my top 10 series ... its book 2 in the Shakedown series and I absolutely love Midnight Starr... she is exactly what Nathan needs ... this poor chap has not been dealt a nice hand in life. Starr gives him exactly what he needs .... I love the back drop of this book set in the Shakedown Club .. Starr is one sister in triplets ... I love that Shakedown gives hope and second chances to people ... like Nathan who was an Ex-Con ... he does all kinds of jobs there and believe when I say that these people in this club have become like a little family ... I cannot wait to hear more stories in this series ...
2,361 reviews5 followers
December 15, 2020
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.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews

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