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D R A G O   A C E R B I

I've known his name a long time. You'd have to live under a rock not to know of the heartless and cruel reputation the Acerbi family has established. They are monsters cloaked in suits and ties, or so my colleagues in blue have said. Being on the job, you quickly learn to watch your back, trust no one, and as much as I hate to admit this, sometimes that includes a fellow badge.

But to want to kill your own child for being born? Now that's monstrous. Unjust. And something I will not stand for. I'll take him down before I allow an innocent to be harmed.

Even if that means not only taking on the most dangerous family in Southern California but bringing down the drug lord they're in bed with too.

First published March 22, 2018

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About the author

N.E. Henderson

17 books1,017 followers
I'm an indie author of sexy, contemporary romance. When I'm not writing, you can find me reading some form of romance or playing in the dirt and mud in my ATV.

I live in Mississippi with my husband, son, and Bull Terrier, Xena. I love to hear from readers so if you connect with me on social media or meet me at a signing you can call me Nancy.

Visit my Amazon Author page:
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5 stars
285 (47%)
4 stars
202 (33%)
3 stars
66 (10%)
2 stars
26 (4%)
1 star
23 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
387 reviews
September 16, 2018
DNF. Stopped reading at about 40%. Thankfully this book was free on Amazon so I didn't actually pay any money for it.

I disliked the heroine, Bri, from the first page when she was shopping for lingerie online (while working her shift as a police officer). She was bemoaning her inability to afford the black lace panty set on a cop's salary. From out outset, she just came off as really immature.

From then on, the story just seemed ridiculous. Bri ends up fostering an infant that is left at the police station (like that would ever happen). After several hours into caring for the infant, Bri and her sister are debating whether the infant is a boy. Bri is like, "well, duh, he's wearing blue and only boys wear blue." No, you should know that he's a boy because after that many hours of caring for him you've changed his diaper.

Then she always manages to magically find someone to care for the baby so she can go to work, go do MMA at a gym, and go clubbing. Her sexist boss sends her off undercover to find out if Drago is running drugs. She's allowed to go after one of the biggest crime families in the city with no undercover experience. Sure enough, she gets caught by Drago because she's hanging out in his parking lot writing down the tag numbers of his cars. Sigh.

Bri and Drago later meet up at a club. Bri starts drinking and the next scene is her waking up in Drago's bed. She has no memory of what happened but she's pretty sure they had sex because her well toned thighs hurt. She has no concern for the fact that she's an undercover cop investigating him. Except that I don't know if she's still undercover because she basically gave herself away on day one.

That is when I gave up on this book.
Profile Image for Sandy Alvarez.
Author 58 books1,089 followers
March 13, 2018
I received an ARC copy of this book for my honest opinion.

What an emotional roller coaster!!! I have been anticipating this book for awhile and N.E Henderson once again did not disappoint. All I can say is be ready for a page turner. Just when you think you have things figured out...you don't. Drago is HOT!! Dirty Blue will leave you on the edge of your seat. I can't wait for the next two books in this saga. This book was very well written and I HIGHLY recommend you one-click this baby when it releases. Well done N.E Henderson!!
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews10 followers
Want to read
September 8, 2018
💝💝FREE on Amazon & iBooks today (9/8/2018)!💝💝

From author N. E. Henderson comes an emotionally captivating and thrilling, romantic suspense trilogy. Start Bri and Drago's intense story today!

An oath. A badge. A life. A promise to walk the thin blue line clean. Nowhere in the academy was I prepared for the consequences of falling for the enemy.

DRAGO ACERBI

I've known his name a long time. You'd have to live under a rock not to know of the heartless and cruel reputation the Acerbi family has established. They are monsters cloaked in suits and ties, or so my colleagues in blue have said. Being on the job, you quickly learn to watch your back, trust no one, and as much as I hate to admit this, sometimes that includes a fellow badge.

But to want to kill your own child for being born? Now that's monstrous. Unjust. And something I will not stand for. I'll take him down before I allow an innocent to be harmed.

Even if that means not only taking on the most dangerous family in Southern California but bringing down the drug lord they're in bed with too.
Profile Image for Booksobsessive .
678 reviews19 followers
March 20, 2018
Loved Bri and Drago! Their chemistry is explosive !

This story will keep you in suspense and have you on the edge of your seat !

It’s gripping !

and what a cliff hanger!!! I cannot wait Dirty War!!
Profile Image for Fantasy Land Romance Reader.
2,828 reviews70 followers
March 23, 2018
Dirty Blue is my first N.E. Henderson book. I have to say it took a bit for me to get into this story. I understand to a point on all the 5 stars. This book has heart and a good storyline. But I felt like there was something missing. I didn't feel this story had heat. I felt it when they were at the bar, that was great. But I lost it after Brianna woke up the next day. Something went away. Brianna is great with Gabe, and takes on that role very well, even though she doesn't have to.
Drago is supposed to be this big bad man, at least that is what everyone thinks. But once Brianna gets involved with him we don't really see much of it. Maybe now that we have the ending we have we will see it in the next book.
I did enjoy this story that is why I went with 4 stars. I will read the next one. I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy for my honest review.
July 4, 2021
Dirty Blue is brilliant. You think you know how the story will unfold but, trust me, you will not! N.E. Henderson seamlessly developed a plot filled with suspense, action and steam that grabs your attention from page one. And be ready for hell of a roller coaster ride with unforeseen situations and twists.
In Dirty Blue, book 1 of this trilogy, we meet L.A. detective Brianna Andrews. She plays by the book and believes in facts. But having to investigate the hot and dangerous Drago Acerbi, whose family has been linked to drug trafficking and crimes in the city, will test her endurance and her line of work. Their connection is instant and their chemistry is off the charts making things complicated and blurring lines.
The book ends with a mighty cliffhanger that let me begging for the next book! Can't wait to know how their story unfolds.
Profile Image for Read.Review.Repeat Blog.
5,234 reviews96 followers
March 24, 2018
First, know that this a trilogy so the ending of Book 1 will definitely leave you wanting so much more. Bri is a cop working a case that involves something shady and a baby. A baby that Bri is trying to take care of rather than putting him into the system. Drago is a wealthy man and happens to be the focus of Bri's investigation from a professional and personal standpoint. Personal because he makes her feel things she has never felt before. Drago seems to be just as caught up with Bri as she is with him, but forces around them are closing in and will attempt to destroy their little bubble. I need the second book now because holy hell that ending......
Profile Image for Maria.
209 reviews21 followers
April 9, 2018
I received an ARC copy for an honest review.

Gahhh! Talk about a cliffhanger! I need books 2 & 3 NOW!

This my first book by N.E. Henderson and I am glad Drago & Bri were my introduction!

Drago is a "criminal" technically by association & Bri a detective forced to look into his supposed criminal activity.

One thing Bri & Drago did not count on was falling for each other!
Profile Image for Selena Lanovara-scott.
601 reviews3 followers
March 6, 2018
This book is like a mystery wrapped in suspense. I cant wait to see how this ends. I need to know answers. Drago super HOT and The Football suite HOT HOT HOT

Detective Brianna Andrews new case might be her last. Not only does she think shes dealing with criminals, cover-ups, dirty cops and business men. She's now talking care of a baby who my or my not belong to a crime family. The mother left the child for fear of her life and her sons. Bri is not believing the story of Miss Chasity Carlisle. While Bri is looking into Dragos past and trying to sneak around his business finds herself face to face with the man most fear or want to take down. Not Bri she wants to find the truth even though shes the one lying to everyone for the safety of everyone involved.

Drago Acerbi is trying his best to stay out of family business. His father is well known for his dirty dealings in the past. Now a detective has been looking into his shipments at the docks. He finds out all he needs to know on her. Confronting her on her poor undercover skills. He finding it hard to hate her. The more he sees her the more they start crossing lines.

Who can you trust when it seems like your boss and who you been saddled with seem to only want a man go to jail at any cost. The more she tells on the case the more shes not sure who to trust. Shes already crossed the line with Drago. She never tells him he might be Gabes father but the DNA test told a few who knew. Now the bad guys are coming to collect him to make Drago do business with them.

Will this be it for Brianna

"Sound like your walking on the dirty side if that thin blue line,Houston."







Author 5 books10 followers
March 19, 2018
Detective Brianna Andrews finds herself with a baby, that isn’t hers, and assigned to investigate believed criminal Drago Acerbi all in a day’s work. Oh, and said baby, Gabe, happens to be Drago’s but he doesn’t know... And according to Gabe's mother, he wants them both dead!

Bad boy, Drago, certainly has the image of a “criminal” and comes from a long line, but Bri finds there is more to him than meets the eye. But can she prove it? What begins as “just doing my job” quickly turns into much, much more when the attraction between these two characters becomes more that either ever expected.

Bri finds herself growing closer to Drago and Gabe as the story progresses, but duty binds and eventually leaves her wondering if she should have followed her gut and told Drago about his son. Will having straddled the thin blue line lead to her losing both her job and Drago?

Dirty Blue is an engaging contemporary romance that is filled with drama, passion and unexpected love. The ending is a cliff hanger, BUT it leaves you standing right on the edge ready and willing to swan dive into the next book!
Profile Image for Erica Paré.
464 reviews4 followers
November 3, 2018
Okay so when I first got this book on Kobo I assumed it was going to be about some sexy male cop. Boy was my assumption based off the cover wrong haha
In this book we meet Brianne. She is a kick ass female cop who comes from a wealthy family but doesn’t want anything to do with her father’s money. She has a great relationship with her sister-in-law and a good one with her brother. Bri and her father do not get along; her mother passed away when she was a child. She is put on a case with a male co-worker she cannot stand named Lance. To be honest I absolutely hate Lance. He is such a pig…no pun intended. They are going after Drago Acerbi for being a drug smuggler. But just when Bri thinks that this is going to be a normal case, insert a baby, falling for Drago, some dirty cop business and so much more. The writing makes this for a quick interesting read. I was never bored. Would highly recommend.
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
4,869 reviews180 followers
December 17, 2019
4 star review of Dirty Blue (Dirty Justice Trilogy #1) by N E Henderson

Audio Review

N E Henderson is a new author to me although I have listened to narrator Charley Ongel before. This is a trilogy and NOT a stand alone, so be prepared for it to end on a cliffhanger. You will need to also listen or read book two Dirty War and book three Dirty Sin to get the conclusion.

Drago Acerbi, just his name sounds dangerous to be honest. Detective Brianna Andrews is determined to bring down his father, a notorious drug lord and save the innocents.

This is a raw, gritty romantic suspense story that will keep you on the edge of your seats from the first to the last chapter. Not everything is as it seems as the story, twists and turns. Secrets and lies are all around and Bri has no idea who can be trusted. When Bri meets Drago, the chemistry between them is intense and lines will be blurred.
Profile Image for Heather  Chaotic Creatives.
1,125 reviews51 followers
March 13, 2018
WHAT!!!! I was lucky enough to receive an ARC for my honest opinion.

If you like suspense books with some sizzling sexy times then this book is for you. I will say I knew this is the 1st out of 3 books in this series. If you don't like a cliffhanger then I suggest you wait until they are all out then read them. Yes I know I have no idea what the other 2 are going to be like, but if they are anything like this 1 then it will be worth it.

I love a good mystery and always try to get them figured out. However, N. E. has outsmarted me. The people who you think are bad may be good and the good ones may be bad. I can't wait for the 2nd book to see if I'm even close to figuring it out. This may not be the review you were hoping for, but the blurb tells you exactly what the book is about.
Profile Image for Charity.
231 reviews3 followers
March 18, 2018
Dirty Blue: Dirty Justice by N. E. Henderson is the first book in the Dirty Blue Series. This is a romance/mystery/suspence. It will keep you on the edge of your seat and swiping those pages on your kindle faster to see what happens next. Yep, this book has it all! Oh, and lets not forget all those steamy, scorching hot moments! Brianna is a detective, she is investigating a man she only knows because of his families reputation. She finds herself toe to toe with the legendary Drago. Super sexy and hot as sin Drago. Lines become blurred personally and professionally for Brianna very quickly. Her investigation uncovers unimaginable details. Dirty politicians, dirty cops and crime families all tangled together. Fair warning, this book does end with quite a cliffhanger. I cant wait to read book 2!
Profile Image for Melissa Schaub.
1,581 reviews
March 20, 2018
Ugh, I can’t believe this ending.... you’re really gonna leave us hanging... I’m dying, I need to know what happens next! This book was amazing from start to finish not to mention super intense. I loved the characters and can’t wait to see what else they have in store for us.
Dragon is an alleged criminal with ties to many things but when Detective Bri Andrews takes the case of trying to pin him for these crimes, she has a gut feeling things are not as they seem. Bri and Draco cross many lines when it comes to professional and personal and the only confirmed fact is that the chemistry is off the charts. Both are harboring deep secrets and suddenly it becomes life or death. A race against time, and no one knows who to believe.
This book leaves with a hella cliffhanger but is worth every bit of anxiety and urgency that you feel. I can not wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Tess.
192 reviews5 followers
March 20, 2018
Definitely a must read!!

I’ve read books by Ms. Henderson before and really enjoyed them, but I think this one is her best yet! Even with it ending in a cliffhanger, I loved it. The characters are likeable and real. They have dimension and personalities that you can fall in love with. Bri is snarky and feisty which is the perfect compliment to Drago. And it is steaming hot but still has an amazing storyline that keeps your mind thinking and wondering. Cannot wait for the next one!
444 reviews4 followers
March 11, 2018
I received an ARC of this book for my honest opinion.

N.E Henderson never disappoints! This book was no different. When the book started out I thought I knew who the bad guy was halfway through you realize things are not as they seem. This was incredibly well written. there is a reason N.E Henderson is by far one of my favorite authors! she does an amazing job of tricking the readers
I never read cliffhangers but because this is from one of my favorites I just had to. I can't wait for the next 2 books to come out!!!

Drago and bri may just be my favorite characters N.E. has written!!!!! I loved the combo of hot scenes with mystery. very well written
Profile Image for Cindy Fong.
1,754 reviews
March 17, 2018
First, know that this a trilogy so the ending of Book 1 will definitely leave you wanting so much more. Bri is a cop working a case that involves something shady and a baby. A baby that Bri is trying to take care of rather than putting him into the system. Drago is a wealthy man and happens to be the focus of Bri's investigation from a professional and personal standpoint. Personal because he makes her feel things she has never felt before. Drago seems to be just as caught up with Bri as she is with him, but forces around them are closing in and will attempt to destroy their little bubble. I need the second book now because holy hell that ending......
Profile Image for Crystal Spieker.
136 reviews3 followers
March 18, 2018
Dirty Blue is a book that you will not be able to put down! It’s everything I’ve come to expect from N.E. Henderson with her unique style of writing a character you just can’t help but empathize with and love, even the bad ones! What I did not expect from this read was all the extra emotions that came with it! It was HOT! It was suspenseful! I loved that every time I’d think I had a good guess of how something was going to play out I was thrown another twist. Yes, the ending is a steep, steep cliff, but trust me when I say it’s worth it! I cannot wait for more Drago and Bri!
1 review
March 13, 2018
I can’t control my emotions after finishing this book!!! I thought it was going to be another love story but I was wrong!!! The secrets that left me hanging has me pulling out my hair. I wanna pull my hair out after reading dirty blue, I’m ready to dive into the next book! Pronto
Profile Image for Tara Lee.
Author 30 books287 followers
March 20, 2018
I received this book as an ARC for my honest opinion.
N. E Henderson does not disappoint yet again.
Drago is hot ! Dirty Blue is a page turner and will leave you wanting more.
I can't waif for more. One click this baby people..... can't wait for the next one 😉
Profile Image for Kate ❀.
123 reviews1 follower
May 23, 2022
DNFed at 25%. Just could not get into it, and was not my cup of tea. There was a lot of grammatical and spelling mistakes which I kept picking up on and seemed to read a lot like a fanfic, just wasn’t for me.
Profile Image for Teresa Lara.
3,132 reviews47 followers
May 20, 2019
Loved this amazing addicting beautiful intense emotional broken heart stopping love story of D and Bri❤ready for book 2
Profile Image for Fire65.
193 reviews4 followers
September 16, 2018
Just no

I know I'm the odd woman out but I just cannot continue. I made it to chapter 5 and couldn't go any further. The FMC is not suck a rookie that she would do something that irresponsible to jeopardize the baby, her neighbor, and her career is too unbelievable. It annoys me when you say how smart a character is and have them do something so dumb even a child would know better. Thank goodness it was free.
Profile Image for Jenn Book Ramblings.
591 reviews2 followers
May 16, 2018
Another amazing read from NE Henderson!

This novel had so much suspense and intrigue, that I never knew exactly what was going to happen next. The characters each had so much depth and history to them, that you felt as though you truly got to know them. You heard some about their past, and what had led up to the situations they are in, within present day. Add in the whole "bad-boy" element, and you have a novel that is simply unputdownable.

I highly enjoyed Dirty Blue, and recommend everyone go and buy themselves a copy of it today. You certainly won't regret it.

4.5/5 Stars!
Profile Image for Clara Atkinson.
994 reviews53 followers
April 21, 2018
Beautiful forbidden love 💘 Drago 🔥

Wow what an emotional rollercoaster ride between Bri and Drago. Detective Brianna Andrews is drawn into an investigation when Chasity Carlisle comes into the station claiming Drago Acerbi is the father and is trying to kill her and her infant son who she is there to abandon. When Bri continues to question her she finds her story unbelievable. When she asks her if she wants to press charges she says no and walks out. She to the so-called threat the baby can't be placed in foster care so Bri is now in charge of caring for him. The rumors are the Acerbi's are criminals and dealing in drugs. As Bri begins to investigate she finds that she is becoming increasingly convinced that he is innocent. She is drawn to him and crosses the line and risks her job. Unfortunately as time passes she realizes that she doesn't know who to trust anymore when things happen at work. There are so many twist and turns that will keep you on the edge of your of seat that I didn't see coming. The end of the book holy hell be still my heart I'm dying to know what going to happen next! N.E. Henderson you've gone and done it again! Another magnificent journey you took me on and I'm thrilled it's not over yet! Five 💥💥💥💥💥
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.6k reviews163 followers
March 23, 2018
Dirty Blue is the first book that I've read by the super talented N.E. Henderson, and HOLY HELL! I'M COMPLETELY HOOKED! This is a romantic suspense, so I'm going to try & somewhat describe it very basically so no spoiler douchery takes flight! It all starts when a woman comes into Detective Brianna Andrews precinct, which leads to one crazy ride of a case. See, this woman makes some accusations against a man named Drago Acerbi, whose father was a known criminal. Now, she's assigned to go undercover to get something on Drago, who she feels an insane connection to from the beginning. As this investigation goes on, she has more questions rather than answers, and the line is becoming blurry who she can trust. There, that's it, but trust me, there is so much more that everyone should just go out immediately & read this exciting story. Since it's a suspenseful story, the twists are around every corner, which has my f-bombs dropping everywhere as my mind is trying to figure out what's going on. And along with this heart racing fact, the chemistry is palpable between Drago & Bri, which leads to some very intense, and HOT sexy times that threaten to set whatever room they're in, on fire. Add in some very complicated secondaries, as I don't know who is good or bad, making it a completely amazing story that kept my heart racing like mad. Now, it's the first in a series, so the ending left me hanging, which means that I have to put Ms. Henderson on the list of authors trying to KILL ME DEAD, while hash tagging her #EVILWHORE FOREVERMORE! The next book cannot come out soon enough, but in the meantime, I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews

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