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Whiskey & Lies
Curvy. Bold. Reckless.
With wild red curls and a mouth that never knew when to quit, Octavia Moore wasn’t exactly corporate material. But a fake résumé and a little ambition? Turns out, it’s enough to land her a job at Digi Pulse—face to face with the last man she ever expected to see again.
Dominic Callahan.
Powerful. Obsessive. The kind of man who never forgets.
Not the night she poured his whiskey.
Not the way she smiled—like sin wrapped in confidence.
When her résumé crossed his desk, he didn’t hesitate. He hired her. No questions asked. Because Octavia Moore isn't just a woman from his past. She’s the one he’s been watching. The one who got away. And now? She's in his office. In his space. Under his skin.
But Octavia has no idea who Dominic really is.
He’s not just the charming, enigmatic CEO she thinks he is.
He’s darker. Hungrier. Dangerous in ways she’s only beginning to understand.
And when the lies start to unravel, so does his control.
Because Dominic doesn’t play games.
He wins them.
And she’s about to find out exactly what happens when you tempt a man who’s spent his entire life refusing to lose.
With wild red curls and a mouth that never knew when to quit, Octavia Moore wasn’t exactly corporate material. But a fake résumé and a little ambition? Turns out, it’s enough to land her a job at Digi Pulse—face to face with the last man she ever expected to see again.
Dominic Callahan.
Powerful. Obsessive. The kind of man who never forgets.
Not the night she poured his whiskey.
Not the way she smiled—like sin wrapped in confidence.
When her résumé crossed his desk, he didn’t hesitate. He hired her. No questions asked. Because Octavia Moore isn't just a woman from his past. She’s the one he’s been watching. The one who got away. And now? She's in his office. In his space. Under his skin.
But Octavia has no idea who Dominic really is.
He’s not just the charming, enigmatic CEO she thinks he is.
He’s darker. Hungrier. Dangerous in ways she’s only beginning to understand.
And when the lies start to unravel, so does his control.
Because Dominic doesn’t play games.
He wins them.
And she’s about to find out exactly what happens when you tempt a man who’s spent his entire life refusing to lose.
404 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 12, 2025
12 people are currently reading
2450 people want to read
About the author
E.A. Harper
1 book35 followersE.A. Harper lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her husband, four adorable (and occasionally chaotic) kids, two dogs, and a cat who may or may not be plotting something. Fueled by Monster Energy, a little mayhem, Sleep Token, and a steady diet of smut, she finally gave in to the dream of writing books—despite years of doubting she was good enough. When she’s not lost in fictional worlds, you can find her camping and riding quads at the dunes with her family, chasing adventure and stories wherever she goes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
July 31, 2025
I received this as an ARC in exchange for an honest review
I am floored. I read this book in less than 24 hrs. I haven't done that since I was a teen.
Whiskey & Lies is a two person POV, following Octavia, a bartender who has fibbed her way into a marketing job, and Dominic, the CEO of the company and a former customer of the very bar Octavia worked.
Octavia is a curvy, fiery red head, who shows early on that she is as book smart as she is street smart. Dominic is a seemingly confident billionaire with mystery. If this seems like an overdone trope, trust me...it's not.
If you love high passion, high heat as well as touch him/her and die, this is a book for you.
I was hooked from the start and loved every second of the ride. ñ
Something about Octavia spoke to my soul, I felt like I could relate to her. And base elements of the book felt relatable despite the very unreal flair. It's bones spoke to me. I could relate to the base feel of the romance
As always, don't forget to read the triggers!
I am floored. I read this book in less than 24 hrs. I haven't done that since I was a teen.
Whiskey & Lies is a two person POV, following Octavia, a bartender who has fibbed her way into a marketing job, and Dominic, the CEO of the company and a former customer of the very bar Octavia worked.
Octavia is a curvy, fiery red head, who shows early on that she is as book smart as she is street smart. Dominic is a seemingly confident billionaire with mystery. If this seems like an overdone trope, trust me...it's not.
If you love high passion, high heat as well as touch him/her and die, this is a book for you.
I was hooked from the start and loved every second of the ride. ñ
Something about Octavia spoke to my soul, I felt like I could relate to her. And base elements of the book felt relatable despite the very unreal flair. It's bones spoke to me. I could relate to the base feel of the romance
As always, don't forget to read the triggers!
August 6, 2025
I received this as an ARC, and I am very thankful for the opportunity! I really wanted to give this book more stars but there so many things missing for me. I feel like the story was all over the place, and there was no depth to it. Things just happened suddenly with no build up.
I absolutely LOVED all the spice and the author really nailed those spicy scenes 🥵. However, I needed more to the actual story. I was also disappointed with the ending, I feel like the proposal just happened so suddenly. I wanted a whole story behind it, like Dominic planned this big extravagant proposal but instead they just went to the room and he got down on a knee and just asked with no speech or anything.
One thing I also loved was the banter, and Lena and Octavia remind me a lot of my best friend and me! They were so funny! I would also love a whole story on Marcus and Lena! Their relationship cracked me up, I loved how she just does not give a shit and Marcus is “annoyed” but you can tell he really adores her! Hopefully we have a book about them soon!
I do love the way the author writes, I could definitely see myself reading more of her books! I just need a little more build up! I needed more of him being a badass killing off people who wrong him and his company and less of them killing females that make Octavia mad ha ha! I will end saying this is solely my opinion, and there are lots of people that don’t need world building like me so I have a feeling the book will be one that takes off and I’m here for it 🖤
I absolutely LOVED all the spice and the author really nailed those spicy scenes 🥵. However, I needed more to the actual story. I was also disappointed with the ending, I feel like the proposal just happened so suddenly. I wanted a whole story behind it, like Dominic planned this big extravagant proposal but instead they just went to the room and he got down on a knee and just asked with no speech or anything.
One thing I also loved was the banter, and Lena and Octavia remind me a lot of my best friend and me! They were so funny! I would also love a whole story on Marcus and Lena! Their relationship cracked me up, I loved how she just does not give a shit and Marcus is “annoyed” but you can tell he really adores her! Hopefully we have a book about them soon!
I do love the way the author writes, I could definitely see myself reading more of her books! I just need a little more build up! I needed more of him being a badass killing off people who wrong him and his company and less of them killing females that make Octavia mad ha ha! I will end saying this is solely my opinion, and there are lots of people that don’t need world building like me so I have a feeling the book will be one that takes off and I’m here for it 🖤
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2025
One fluffed-up resume later, she goes from bartender to marketing, which just so happens to put her right in the path of a former bar customer: the delicious Dominic. Broody, intense, alpha, and hiding plenty of secrets… nothing suspicious at all.
Octavia is determined, quick-witted, and fierce, with a wicked sense of humor (which I loved). She gives as good as she gets, and their instant chemistry makes working together all the more entertaining.
Especially enjoyed Octavia’s inner commentary. She clearly got a kick out of ruffling Mr. Broody’s (Dominic) feathers. I loved those moments of their back and forth.
This is a fast-paced, dive-right-in kind of story, full of chaos, danger(unaliving), and spice. Dominic is very committed to pleasing his queen. YUM.
As for the side characters-Lena was the best! She’s pure mayhem, a queen of jokes and the ultimate BFF wingwoman.
And a little quote for you to enjoy: “I’m going to fill you up, little minx. Make you take every drop.”
Octavia is determined, quick-witted, and fierce, with a wicked sense of humor (which I loved). She gives as good as she gets, and their instant chemistry makes working together all the more entertaining.
Especially enjoyed Octavia’s inner commentary. She clearly got a kick out of ruffling Mr. Broody’s (Dominic) feathers. I loved those moments of their back and forth.
This is a fast-paced, dive-right-in kind of story, full of chaos, danger(unaliving), and spice. Dominic is very committed to pleasing his queen. YUM.
As for the side characters-Lena was the best! She’s pure mayhem, a queen of jokes and the ultimate BFF wingwoman.
And a little quote for you to enjoy: “I’m going to fill you up, little minx. Make you take every drop.”
July 23, 2025
In Whiskey and Lies, E. A. Harper delivers a seductive, emotionally intense dark romance that grips from the first page and doesn’t let go. Laced with secrets, emotional trauma, and forbidden passion, this novel walks the fine line between love and destruction, trust and betrayal—and does so with haunting beauty.
At its core, Whiskey and Lies is about two broken people who collide under the weight of their pasts. Harper doesn’t romanticize darkness; instead, she embraces it, crafting a love story that is raw, toxic at times, but undeniably magnetic. The chemistry between the central characters is explosive—built not on fluff or fantasy, but on emotional scars, sharp edges, and desperate hope. It's the kind of connection that feels dangerous, addictive, and all-consuming.
Harper's prose is moody and evocative, perfectly capturing the tone of a romance built on secrets and shadows. Every whispered lie, every stolen moment, and every painful truth feels deliberately placed to intensify both the suspense and the romance. The emotional tension is relentless, and the steamy scenes are intense—more psychological than physical, driven by vulnerability and control, guilt and desire.
If you're drawn to emotionally complex, morally gray love stories with heat, edge, and soul, Whiskey and Lies is a must-read. E. A. Harper has written a powerful, hauntingly romantic novel that will satisfy fans of dark romance who crave depth, danger, and intensity in their reads.
At its core, Whiskey and Lies is about two broken people who collide under the weight of their pasts. Harper doesn’t romanticize darkness; instead, she embraces it, crafting a love story that is raw, toxic at times, but undeniably magnetic. The chemistry between the central characters is explosive—built not on fluff or fantasy, but on emotional scars, sharp edges, and desperate hope. It's the kind of connection that feels dangerous, addictive, and all-consuming.
Harper's prose is moody and evocative, perfectly capturing the tone of a romance built on secrets and shadows. Every whispered lie, every stolen moment, and every painful truth feels deliberately placed to intensify both the suspense and the romance. The emotional tension is relentless, and the steamy scenes are intense—more psychological than physical, driven by vulnerability and control, guilt and desire.
If you're drawn to emotionally complex, morally gray love stories with heat, edge, and soul, Whiskey and Lies is a must-read. E. A. Harper has written a powerful, hauntingly romantic novel that will satisfy fans of dark romance who crave depth, danger, and intensity in their reads.
August 9, 2025
I’ve not ever been naturally drawn to dark, spicy romance but jumped at the chance to read this book. I did not know what to expect even though I had been lucky enough to beta read the first couple chapters.
This book far surpassed my wildest dreams in spice and darkness, but was written in such a way that I loved it! There were a couple spots I thought, “no way, I can’t finish this… “ but I kept going and the juice was definitely worth the squeeze!
I can’t wait for more of Octavia and Dominic. More Lena and Marcus.. yes please! These characters are ones I want to hang with because aside from some of the unhinged things they do, I think I would love them all!
Thank you E.A. Harper for writing this story, for introducing us to these brilliantly crazy people, and for sharing with the world this wild ride that lived in your head!
This book far surpassed my wildest dreams in spice and darkness, but was written in such a way that I loved it! There were a couple spots I thought, “no way, I can’t finish this… “ but I kept going and the juice was definitely worth the squeeze!
I can’t wait for more of Octavia and Dominic. More Lena and Marcus.. yes please! These characters are ones I want to hang with because aside from some of the unhinged things they do, I think I would love them all!
Thank you E.A. Harper for writing this story, for introducing us to these brilliantly crazy people, and for sharing with the world this wild ride that lived in your head!
August 12, 2025
Whiskey & Lies by @E.A. Harper | Author
I can’t give this book enough stars. Dominic Callahan, CEO of Digi Pulse. Octavia Moore, the curvy, sassy, new hire at Digi Pulse. The attraction is something both can’t seem to shake off, but Dom has a dark side….Is Octavia scared or is she even more attracted to him? I can’t stress enough how you ALL need to read this to find out. This was my first workplace romance and to make it better, it’s dark 😈 The spice was yummmmmmy!
😈 Good girl
😈 Eyes On Me
😈 Touch her and 💀
😈 Run
This book was EVERYTHING and idk if I can wait for more. I need a follow up STAT! Amazing work! 10/10. Devoured!
I can’t give this book enough stars. Dominic Callahan, CEO of Digi Pulse. Octavia Moore, the curvy, sassy, new hire at Digi Pulse. The attraction is something both can’t seem to shake off, but Dom has a dark side….Is Octavia scared or is she even more attracted to him? I can’t stress enough how you ALL need to read this to find out. This was my first workplace romance and to make it better, it’s dark 😈 The spice was yummmmmmy!
😈 Good girl
😈 Eyes On Me
😈 Touch her and 💀
😈 Run
This book was EVERYTHING and idk if I can wait for more. I need a follow up STAT! Amazing work! 10/10. Devoured!
August 20, 2025
ARC Read
I am typically not a work romance girlie. However, when it's a 1dark romance, I will absolutely take a look, lol. I must say it did not disappoint. I am a sucker for forbidden and touch her and 💀 tropes. And this....this is exactly that. Dominic starts off cold and calculating while octavia kinda sassy and flirtatious. She knew she wasn't qualified to work at his company. lol, what she didn't know is that he didn't really care about her qualifications, lol. He just wanted her close enough to watch over....
She asked him to make her dream about him come true....mhmm
4⭐️ 4🌶
I am typically not a work romance girlie. However, when it's a 1dark romance, I will absolutely take a look, lol. I must say it did not disappoint. I am a sucker for forbidden and touch her and 💀 tropes. And this....this is exactly that. Dominic starts off cold and calculating while octavia kinda sassy and flirtatious. She knew she wasn't qualified to work at his company. lol, what she didn't know is that he didn't really care about her qualifications, lol. He just wanted her close enough to watch over....
She asked him to make her dream about him come true....mhmm
4⭐️ 4🌶
August 12, 2025
✨Arc review✨What a fun, crazy, spicy 🌶️🥵good time. I picked this book up and did not set it down. The characters were fun, the banter and tension were fantastic and the spice was plenty spicy. He’s her boss with a dark side and she finds out she may be just as dark. If I had one complaint, and it’s more of an observation it’s that everything happened super fast, the entire plot of this book took place in less than a week. That being said I absolutely ate this up and highly recommend it. 🖤🖤
August 5, 2025
ARC REVIEW:
Wow…this book was HOT 🔥🥵 I binge read this and loved every word of it. Lots of smut, drama, suspense, and action. This book gets you hooked right from the first chapter and I love that it wasn’t a slow burn, gets right into it and keeps getting more and more intense.
Wow…this book was HOT 🔥🥵 I binge read this and loved every word of it. Lots of smut, drama, suspense, and action. This book gets you hooked right from the first chapter and I love that it wasn’t a slow burn, gets right into it and keeps getting more and more intense.
December 11, 2025
I NEED MORE MORE MORE!!! This is my first ever review on a book. Literally ever. And I’ve been reading since 2012! This book was amazing. Legit laugh out loud funny. SPICY SPICY SPICY. The angst in the first 100 pages (whewwww). Had me giggling like a school girl I swear. I need a Dominic in my life, I love how they didn’t need a big breakup to get any points across. And how did I just realize this all happened within 3 days!?! I don’t even care I still love it. E.A. Harper not only wrote pure gold she sucked me in made me feel like I was a fly on the wall I couldn’t stop reading. And Lena and Marcus?! GIVE ME MORE. Lena is absolutely hilarious. And the whole dynamic her and Marcus started building in the last few chapters sucked me in even farther. I needed their book like yesterday! And honestly I want to know Derek more… I just KNOW he has that shy guy undercover sex god in him. E.A. Harper I hope you see this because I would love to be an ARC reader for any of your future books. Writing spectacular.. plot MWAH… and spice oh man clutching my pearls and sweating!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2025
3.5 This book will get you heated! Unfortunately the plot kind of gets lost.
August 14, 2025
I received this book as an ARC for my honest review.
I read this book so fast! Truly ate this book up!
I wasn't ready for this wild ride into the lives of Dominic and Octavia.
It was seductive, and an emotionally intense dark romance. I
t was such a spicy good time packed with a fantastic plot!
I will patiently be waiting for a sequel as it seems there might be one...
As always check your trigger warnings before diving into this wild ride!
I read this book so fast! Truly ate this book up!
I wasn't ready for this wild ride into the lives of Dominic and Octavia.
It was seductive, and an emotionally intense dark romance. I
t was such a spicy good time packed with a fantastic plot!
I will patiently be waiting for a sequel as it seems there might be one...
As always check your trigger warnings before diving into this wild ride!
August 13, 2025
Holy shizzzzz!!! I am so glad I chose this debut novel to start off the month. 10/5 stars from me. I was literally hooked from the dedication. It was a wild, unhinged, spicy, phenomenal ride from there. You have an OTT possessive & protective CEO and a fiesty, sassy, FMC. I loved both characters so much. Dominic is so swoon-worthy. Octavia is so funny and matches his unhingedness to a T. They couldn't have been a better match. There isn't anything, literally, that they wouldn't do for each other. I also loved the side characters. I gotta have more of Marcus and Lena. Lena is the bestfriend we all strive to have. A true ride or die! I am so glad to have been allowed on this journey and will highly recommend this book to all who love a morally gray dark romance!
August 6, 2025
Thank you to E.A. Harper for an arc of this book.
Ummmm wow! I wasn’t quite sure what to expect but I was very happily surprised!
Whiskey & Lies is a dark romance but also fun and sassy!
This book is about Octavia Moore, a former bartender trying to get a job at a company called Digi Pulse by “exaggerating” her resume. The head of the company, Dominic Callahan, was a regular at the bar Octavia worked. He recognizes her right away, and her exaggerations, but after pining for her for awhile decides to give her a chance. And boy what a decision that was!
I absolutely loved Octavia! She was sweet but very sassy and not afraid to stand up for herself. There are a lot of books where the fmc’s are whiny or just arguing for arguing’s sake, and thankfully Octavia had none of that! She was bad ass! I love that she was curvy too! My perfect female character
Dominic is a very confident, dark man. I liked that even with his confidence, he questioned himself. Also extremely drool worthy!! Both characters seemed very real and down to earth, which I love.
The authors writing sucked me from the first page. I love the way she writes; it’s easy to follow but paints a whole detailed picture.
I loved that this book has equal parts spice and plot. The plot was great!! I loved the twist! It definitely threw me but fit in great with the storyline. Got me even more excited about the story! The spice was written extremely well with no cringy parts! I was rooting for this couple but also them as individuals.
I highly recommend this book! Everything about it had me hooked! For being their first book I am extremely impressed! I hope we get more of the side characters stores like Lena and Marcus! They both were awesome characters and Lena had me laughing whenever she opened her mouth! Same with Marcus although he was much more subtle lol.
Wonderful book, definitely worth 5 stars!
Ummmm wow! I wasn’t quite sure what to expect but I was very happily surprised!
Whiskey & Lies is a dark romance but also fun and sassy!
This book is about Octavia Moore, a former bartender trying to get a job at a company called Digi Pulse by “exaggerating” her resume. The head of the company, Dominic Callahan, was a regular at the bar Octavia worked. He recognizes her right away, and her exaggerations, but after pining for her for awhile decides to give her a chance. And boy what a decision that was!
I absolutely loved Octavia! She was sweet but very sassy and not afraid to stand up for herself. There are a lot of books where the fmc’s are whiny or just arguing for arguing’s sake, and thankfully Octavia had none of that! She was bad ass! I love that she was curvy too! My perfect female character
Dominic is a very confident, dark man. I liked that even with his confidence, he questioned himself. Also extremely drool worthy!! Both characters seemed very real and down to earth, which I love.
The authors writing sucked me from the first page. I love the way she writes; it’s easy to follow but paints a whole detailed picture.
I loved that this book has equal parts spice and plot. The plot was great!! I loved the twist! It definitely threw me but fit in great with the storyline. Got me even more excited about the story! The spice was written extremely well with no cringy parts! I was rooting for this couple but also them as individuals.
I highly recommend this book! Everything about it had me hooked! For being their first book I am extremely impressed! I hope we get more of the side characters stores like Lena and Marcus! They both were awesome characters and Lena had me laughing whenever she opened her mouth! Same with Marcus although he was much more subtle lol.
Wonderful book, definitely worth 5 stars!
August 6, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3.5 rounded up)
So this was definitely a wild ride… emphasis on wild 😵💫🔥
We’ve got Octavia, curvy, clever, former barmaid who lands a high-level marketing job after… let’s just say “embellishing” her CV 📝💅.
Enter Dominic: morally grey, broody zillionaire CEO who used to be a regular at her bar and is now her very intense new boss 😈💼.
Banter? Oh baby, this book has banter for days but full honesty? It sometimes tipped into too much 😬 like “am I watching a chaotic improv skit??” levels of whiplash.
The spice was frequent 🌶️🍆💦 (they’re basically athletes at this point), and I kept wondering how Octavia was surviving with her flora intact. Like girl, are you hydrating? 🥤Taking probiotics?? 😳 I have questions.
But here’s where things really lost me, the morally grey plotline went off the rails 🫣 One minute we’re flirting in the office, next we’re casually helping cover up bodies like it’s part of the job description?? 🧍♀️💀 Her and her bestie just get looped into crime like it’s a girl’s night out! no hesitation, no guilt, just vibes. HUH?? Make it make sense 🫠
That said, I can see the appeal for readers who love OTT drama, alpha men with secrets, and FMCs who dive headfirst into the chaos 💋💣 It’s fast-paced, spicy, and not afraid to be unhinged 🤌🏻 which some readers will live for. I just needed a touch more realism and emotional weight to really connect 🖤
Thank you to the author and publisher for the ARC 💌
So this was definitely a wild ride… emphasis on wild 😵💫🔥
We’ve got Octavia, curvy, clever, former barmaid who lands a high-level marketing job after… let’s just say “embellishing” her CV 📝💅.
Enter Dominic: morally grey, broody zillionaire CEO who used to be a regular at her bar and is now her very intense new boss 😈💼.
Banter? Oh baby, this book has banter for days but full honesty? It sometimes tipped into too much 😬 like “am I watching a chaotic improv skit??” levels of whiplash.
The spice was frequent 🌶️🍆💦 (they’re basically athletes at this point), and I kept wondering how Octavia was surviving with her flora intact. Like girl, are you hydrating? 🥤Taking probiotics?? 😳 I have questions.
But here’s where things really lost me, the morally grey plotline went off the rails 🫣 One minute we’re flirting in the office, next we’re casually helping cover up bodies like it’s part of the job description?? 🧍♀️💀 Her and her bestie just get looped into crime like it’s a girl’s night out! no hesitation, no guilt, just vibes. HUH?? Make it make sense 🫠
That said, I can see the appeal for readers who love OTT drama, alpha men with secrets, and FMCs who dive headfirst into the chaos 💋💣 It’s fast-paced, spicy, and not afraid to be unhinged 🤌🏻 which some readers will live for. I just needed a touch more realism and emotional weight to really connect 🖤
Thank you to the author and publisher for the ARC 💌
August 5, 2025
Octavia! I'm a fan 🫶🏻
Her dark humour? Savage as hell, sharp as a razor. Like she's been hand-fed sarcasm and emotional damage since birth 😅 and now she’s out here casually murdering people with punchlines 😆
When she started comparing Dominic to Batman, I was already choking on my drink. Okay, fine, that fits him, alright? He is mysterious, handsome, and brooding. But then... when she compared his past to a fish picture on Tinder? I nearly died laughing 😆 like, "Swipe left on trauma, but hey, at least it’s fresh catch!" 🤣🤣
And what happened when someone with trauma who uses dark humour to lighten every heavy thing around her met a man with a dark past? They collided like two storms, burning and tearing apart every scar they tried to bury. Only to find out they were the only ones crazy enough to understand the twisted beauty in each other's broken pieces. Together, they were a warzone and a sanctuary all at once 🖤
⚠️ This book comes with emotional side effects 😏: trauma, emotional damage, and characters who cope by using sarcasm like it's a life support machine. There's pain, there's healing, and there's probably a breakdown or two, but don’t worry, it’s all dressed up in damaged souls, dark jokes, and morally questionable choices. If you cry and laugh at the same time? Welcome to the club! I've got tissues and trauma bonding 💀💅
Her dark humour? Savage as hell, sharp as a razor. Like she's been hand-fed sarcasm and emotional damage since birth 😅 and now she’s out here casually murdering people with punchlines 😆
When she started comparing Dominic to Batman, I was already choking on my drink. Okay, fine, that fits him, alright? He is mysterious, handsome, and brooding. But then... when she compared his past to a fish picture on Tinder? I nearly died laughing 😆 like, "Swipe left on trauma, but hey, at least it’s fresh catch!" 🤣🤣
And what happened when someone with trauma who uses dark humour to lighten every heavy thing around her met a man with a dark past? They collided like two storms, burning and tearing apart every scar they tried to bury. Only to find out they were the only ones crazy enough to understand the twisted beauty in each other's broken pieces. Together, they were a warzone and a sanctuary all at once 🖤
⚠️ This book comes with emotional side effects 😏: trauma, emotional damage, and characters who cope by using sarcasm like it's a life support machine. There's pain, there's healing, and there's probably a breakdown or two, but don’t worry, it’s all dressed up in damaged souls, dark jokes, and morally questionable choices. If you cry and laugh at the same time? Welcome to the club! I've got tissues and trauma bonding 💀💅
August 9, 2025
I finished the ARC to Whiskey & Lies by E.A. Harper.
I had to collect my thoughts before posting any review of it due to being completely mindblown and rendered completely speachless. This book literally ruined me for any other dark smutty romance. JFC x 6.
Did I say smutty? It’s a literal 12 out of 5 on the jalapeño scale with an actual plot. Almost unheard of - you get one or the other lately. It is very fast paced but still builds a world for you.
I love that it takes place in Seattle, WA. Seattle is my home (born & raised go hawks), so all of the places named in this book I could actually mentally map out where they were just based off of place descriptions or have strong ideas.
Octavia is a character that you can relate with. She’s witty and sarcastic, she’s not a thin tiny model type - shes curvy and not a weak “woe is me” type girl.
Dom is most girls dream man - he’s rich, hot, and would do anything to make sure you’re safe (and happy).
The friends? They are exactly the type of people you can relate to having - especially Lena. She’s that bestfriend that every girl wants.
I dont want to give too much away - you need to read it for yourself to understand what the rest of us that have read it, experienced… 👀
Don’t walk or run, teleport to read this one!!
Cannot wait for the next book and for something to be lit on fire 👀
I had to collect my thoughts before posting any review of it due to being completely mindblown and rendered completely speachless. This book literally ruined me for any other dark smutty romance. JFC x 6.
Did I say smutty? It’s a literal 12 out of 5 on the jalapeño scale with an actual plot. Almost unheard of - you get one or the other lately. It is very fast paced but still builds a world for you.
I love that it takes place in Seattle, WA. Seattle is my home (born & raised go hawks), so all of the places named in this book I could actually mentally map out where they were just based off of place descriptions or have strong ideas.
Octavia is a character that you can relate with. She’s witty and sarcastic, she’s not a thin tiny model type - shes curvy and not a weak “woe is me” type girl.
Dom is most girls dream man - he’s rich, hot, and would do anything to make sure you’re safe (and happy).
The friends? They are exactly the type of people you can relate to having - especially Lena. She’s that bestfriend that every girl wants.
I dont want to give too much away - you need to read it for yourself to understand what the rest of us that have read it, experienced… 👀
Don’t walk or run, teleport to read this one!!
Cannot wait for the next book and for something to be lit on fire 👀
August 9, 2025
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Whiskey and Lies- E.A. Harper
Boss/Employee dynamic, the chase, the pursuit, the plot, the SMUTT! I mean- these scenes were DESCRIPTIVE 🤤 This book quite literally checked off every single box that I feel a book needs! I fell in love with Harper’s writing style and easy to follow plot! (Needed when juggling a toddler) I felt like I could put myself in this book and visualize the setting and I LOVE that in a book! Domanic and Octavia’s relationship is one you will find yourself fantasizing over. Repeatedly. I cannot wait to read anything Harper publishes next, quite frankly, I’d read her grocery lists.
Harper conveyed the real- life spontaneity of intimacy and how a relationship built on genuine honesty and love can be unbreakable. She will have you drooling not only over the sexy mmc, but also the FMC and her best friends love interest, screaming “BEND HER OVER” various surfaces more than you can count. The storyline follows the MMC and FMC through the difficulties and jealousies of dating post toxic relationship as well as their best friends arranged dating! The ending leaves you craving more, but not hanging off a cliff! Hoping for a Marcus/ Lena book 2 in the future!!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Whiskey and Lies- E.A. Harper
Boss/Employee dynamic, the chase, the pursuit, the plot, the SMUTT! I mean- these scenes were DESCRIPTIVE 🤤 This book quite literally checked off every single box that I feel a book needs! I fell in love with Harper’s writing style and easy to follow plot! (Needed when juggling a toddler) I felt like I could put myself in this book and visualize the setting and I LOVE that in a book! Domanic and Octavia’s relationship is one you will find yourself fantasizing over. Repeatedly. I cannot wait to read anything Harper publishes next, quite frankly, I’d read her grocery lists.
Harper conveyed the real- life spontaneity of intimacy and how a relationship built on genuine honesty and love can be unbreakable. She will have you drooling not only over the sexy mmc, but also the FMC and her best friends love interest, screaming “BEND HER OVER” various surfaces more than you can count. The storyline follows the MMC and FMC through the difficulties and jealousies of dating post toxic relationship as well as their best friends arranged dating! The ending leaves you craving more, but not hanging off a cliff! Hoping for a Marcus/ Lena book 2 in the future!!
August 12, 2025
Fast paced, drama, and spiiiiiicy.
If you want short and sweet, that's this book in a nutshell.
E.A. Harper is a new to me author (this may be a debut, don't quote me on that though) and I want more. The banter, the spice, the over-the-top drama - nailed it all in this book. The tropes fit this book down to a T and if you're someone who likes over-the-top, this definitely the book for you.
Dominic and Octavia play so well off of each other. Truly, if you enjoy banter and laughing out loud while reading a book, look no further. And the spice is spiiiiiiiiicing. There's a lot of spice. A lot. It's truly impressive how Harper manages to switch from morally gray plot points to banter to spice (as always, remember, we're reading romance books, we're suspending disbelief, so like cool it on 'this wouldn't happen in real life').
To top it all off, there's a bit of an emotional throat punch, too.
It's automatically going on the reread list!
🖤 Forbidden Workplace Romance
🖤 CNC
🖤 Somno
🖤 Primal Play
🖤 Morally Gray MMC
🖤 OTT Protective Billionaire MMC
🖤 Feisty & Unhinged FMC
🖤 Trauma Healing
🖤 Revenge
🖤 Touch Her/Him & Die
🖤 Violence as Love Language
🖤 Mutual Obsession
🖤 Haunted Past
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy!
If you want short and sweet, that's this book in a nutshell.
E.A. Harper is a new to me author (this may be a debut, don't quote me on that though) and I want more. The banter, the spice, the over-the-top drama - nailed it all in this book. The tropes fit this book down to a T and if you're someone who likes over-the-top, this definitely the book for you.
Dominic and Octavia play so well off of each other. Truly, if you enjoy banter and laughing out loud while reading a book, look no further. And the spice is spiiiiiiiiicing. There's a lot of spice. A lot. It's truly impressive how Harper manages to switch from morally gray plot points to banter to spice (as always, remember, we're reading romance books, we're suspending disbelief, so like cool it on 'this wouldn't happen in real life').
To top it all off, there's a bit of an emotional throat punch, too.
It's automatically going on the reread list!
🖤 Forbidden Workplace Romance
🖤 CNC
🖤 Somno
🖤 Primal Play
🖤 Morally Gray MMC
🖤 OTT Protective Billionaire MMC
🖤 Feisty & Unhinged FMC
🖤 Trauma Healing
🖤 Revenge
🖤 Touch Her/Him & Die
🖤 Violence as Love Language
🖤 Mutual Obsession
🖤 Haunted Past
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy!
August 6, 2025
I am utterly GASPING because of how GOOD this book is!! E.A. Harper literally crushed this! She is a literal genius and I ate this book up; like devoured it; could NOT put it down! Will 110% get myself a trophy when this is released because it’s that jaw-dropping good!
Whisky and Lies is a fire story between Octavia and Dominic; employee and CEO! Octavia is a curvy, sassy, fiery red head! Dominic is a tattooed, over protective, mysterious hunk of a billionaire! They are both the touch her/him and you die type of characters! They are both two broken people who have dark pasts. They both come together and help heal each other’s scars. Yes, they may do it in a twisted way; but they embrace the darkness; they are real and raw (sometimes toxic at times); but their chemistry is EVERYTHING!! 🔥
This is high passion; very high heat; very addictive; slightly twisted; and dark romance! 🖤
The emotion; the steamy smut; the actual plot behind the story; it’s all 100/10!! From cover page to the end! 🙌🏻
"And for once in my life I don't feel like l'm surviving anymore. I feel like I'm finally living"
Whisky and Lies is a fire story between Octavia and Dominic; employee and CEO! Octavia is a curvy, sassy, fiery red head! Dominic is a tattooed, over protective, mysterious hunk of a billionaire! They are both the touch her/him and you die type of characters! They are both two broken people who have dark pasts. They both come together and help heal each other’s scars. Yes, they may do it in a twisted way; but they embrace the darkness; they are real and raw (sometimes toxic at times); but their chemistry is EVERYTHING!! 🔥
This is high passion; very high heat; very addictive; slightly twisted; and dark romance! 🖤
The emotion; the steamy smut; the actual plot behind the story; it’s all 100/10!! From cover page to the end! 🙌🏻
"And for once in my life I don't feel like l'm surviving anymore. I feel like I'm finally living"
November 5, 2025
Okay, so I've been bouncing back and forth between 3 and 3.5 stars for many different reasons.
Overall, I did like this book. It was true to the dark romance genre with Dominic's vengeful and homicidal tendencies. The spice was fairly well done, and I feel like the plot of the story started super strong and really sucked me in at the start.
What threw me off, however, was the fact that this seemed like it was going to be a workplace romance but we didn't get that at all. Octavia gets the job but we don't really see an extension of the tension throughout her time in the workplace. Everything pretty much happens outside of work. That was a little disappointing because it would have been perfect to have that touched on a little more in depth.
There was also a lot of parts throughout the book that felt a bit repetitive for me. Either conversations between characters, or inner monologue. And there were some formatting issues as well that had me pausing to figure out who was talking.
I also felt a little thrown off by how quickly Octavia fell into becoming a literal killer and murdering someone, and her best friend just kind of joined in on the fun without no hesitation. I could get behind her being okay with Dominic murdering people, but she dove right in there. Like, the girls went from being "them", to literal homicidal besties who think watching people die horrific and gruesome deaths is the bees knees (even if they are the ones doing the killing). I feel like this development in the plot kind of came out of left field and didn't necessarily flow so smoothly for me. The pace of the story changed significantly for me and I had to readjust to the direction the story was taking.
I liked the book, but I think maybe adding more depth in the workplace part of the story, and maybe adding an extra hundred pages, would have made the transition in the plot flow much better. It won't be for everyone, but for a first novel put out by the author, I think she did pretty well!
Overall, I did like this book. It was true to the dark romance genre with Dominic's vengeful and homicidal tendencies. The spice was fairly well done, and I feel like the plot of the story started super strong and really sucked me in at the start.
What threw me off, however, was the fact that this seemed like it was going to be a workplace romance but we didn't get that at all. Octavia gets the job but we don't really see an extension of the tension throughout her time in the workplace. Everything pretty much happens outside of work. That was a little disappointing because it would have been perfect to have that touched on a little more in depth.
There was also a lot of parts throughout the book that felt a bit repetitive for me. Either conversations between characters, or inner monologue. And there were some formatting issues as well that had me pausing to figure out who was talking.
I also felt a little thrown off by how quickly Octavia fell into becoming a literal killer and murdering someone, and her best friend just kind of joined in on the fun without no hesitation. I could get behind her being okay with Dominic murdering people, but she dove right in there. Like, the girls went from being "them", to literal homicidal besties who think watching people die horrific and gruesome deaths is the bees knees (even if they are the ones doing the killing). I feel like this development in the plot kind of came out of left field and didn't necessarily flow so smoothly for me. The pace of the story changed significantly for me and I had to readjust to the direction the story was taking.
I liked the book, but I think maybe adding more depth in the workplace part of the story, and maybe adding an extra hundred pages, would have made the transition in the plot flow much better. It won't be for everyone, but for a first novel put out by the author, I think she did pretty well!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2025
Spicy, Dramatic, and Impossible to Put Down 🔥🧡
NO SPOILERSSS, because that’s just rude 💅🏻
This book is pure adrenaline from page one — fast-paced, dramatic, and spiiiicy in all the best ways. Dominic & Octavia’s dynamic is everything: razor-sharp banter, crackling tension, and the kind of chemistry that makes you read “just one more chapter” until suddenly it’s 2 a.m.
E.A. Harper nails the over-the-top drama while weaving in those gut-punch emotional moments that sneak up and leave you reeling. Dominic is intense, obsessive, and dangerously magnetic — the ultimate morally gray MMC. Octavia is bold, reckless, and impossible not to root for, with enough fire to match him blow for blow. Together? Absolutely combustible.
The tropes? Perfection.
🧡 Forbidden workplace romance
🧡 OTT protective billionaire MMC
🧡 Feisty & unhinged FMC
🧡 Touch her/him & die energy
🧡 Trauma + revenge + mutual obsession
If you love romance that’s equal parts banter, danger, and heat, this one belongs on your TBR — and your reread list. E.A. Harper absolutely NAILLLLED IT! 👏🏼
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
NO SPOILERSSS, because that’s just rude 💅🏻
This book is pure adrenaline from page one — fast-paced, dramatic, and spiiiicy in all the best ways. Dominic & Octavia’s dynamic is everything: razor-sharp banter, crackling tension, and the kind of chemistry that makes you read “just one more chapter” until suddenly it’s 2 a.m.
E.A. Harper nails the over-the-top drama while weaving in those gut-punch emotional moments that sneak up and leave you reeling. Dominic is intense, obsessive, and dangerously magnetic — the ultimate morally gray MMC. Octavia is bold, reckless, and impossible not to root for, with enough fire to match him blow for blow. Together? Absolutely combustible.
The tropes? Perfection.
🧡 Forbidden workplace romance
🧡 OTT protective billionaire MMC
🧡 Feisty & unhinged FMC
🧡 Touch her/him & die energy
🧡 Trauma + revenge + mutual obsession
If you love romance that’s equal parts banter, danger, and heat, this one belongs on your TBR — and your reread list. E.A. Harper absolutely NAILLLLED IT! 👏🏼
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 26, 2025
I went into Whiskey & Lies expecting a dark workplace romance. What I got was… a lot more unhinged than anticipated—and not always in a good way.
In the span of about a week, the story jumps from starting a new job, to sleeping with your serial-killer boss, to suddenly becoming one yourself. The escalation is so rapid it feels less shocking and more baffling, making it hard to stay grounded in the characters or their motivations. I expected dark themes, sure—but not handled in such a rushed, almost casual way.
The biggest issue for me was the repetition. The dialogue and inner monologues loop the same beats over and over, which drains the tension and makes the relationship between the main characters feel predictable rather than dangerous or compelling. Any intrigue that builds early on quickly loses momentum because you can see where things are heading long before the story gets there.
That said, there are moments where the dark humor lands. A few scenes genuinely made me laugh, and the author clearly knows how to lean into an edgy tone. Unfortunately, the same style is used so frequently that it dulls its own impact by the end.
Overall, Whiskey & Lies has an interesting premise and flashes of sharp humor, but the execution—especially the pacing and repetitive writing—kept it from delivering the dark romance I was hoping for.
In the span of about a week, the story jumps from starting a new job, to sleeping with your serial-killer boss, to suddenly becoming one yourself. The escalation is so rapid it feels less shocking and more baffling, making it hard to stay grounded in the characters or their motivations. I expected dark themes, sure—but not handled in such a rushed, almost casual way.
The biggest issue for me was the repetition. The dialogue and inner monologues loop the same beats over and over, which drains the tension and makes the relationship between the main characters feel predictable rather than dangerous or compelling. Any intrigue that builds early on quickly loses momentum because you can see where things are heading long before the story gets there.
That said, there are moments where the dark humor lands. A few scenes genuinely made me laugh, and the author clearly knows how to lean into an edgy tone. Unfortunately, the same style is used so frequently that it dulls its own impact by the end.
Overall, Whiskey & Lies has an interesting premise and flashes of sharp humor, but the execution—especially the pacing and repetitive writing—kept it from delivering the dark romance I was hoping for.
July 30, 2025
🖤 dark & slightly twisted
💜 quippy banter
🖤 “And for once in my life I don’t feel like I’m surviving anymore. I feel like I’m finally living”
I knew I was in for a fun and crazy ride when I saw the content warning list… And this one did not disappoint! The characters are very fully evolved and well thought out. It was so wonderful to see Octavia become so certain of herself. The chemistry between her and Dom was very palpable! I am a sucker for over-protective and he definitely served that on a silver platter. The author has a wonderful cleverness and wit to her writing that can’t be forced. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I can’t recommend it enough!
💜 quippy banter
🖤 “And for once in my life I don’t feel like I’m surviving anymore. I feel like I’m finally living”
I knew I was in for a fun and crazy ride when I saw the content warning list… And this one did not disappoint! The characters are very fully evolved and well thought out. It was so wonderful to see Octavia become so certain of herself. The chemistry between her and Dom was very palpable! I am a sucker for over-protective and he definitely served that on a silver platter. The author has a wonderful cleverness and wit to her writing that can’t be forced. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I can’t recommend it enough!
August 5, 2025
E.A. Harper you Served! I ate it all up and LEFT NO CRUMBS!
Our main girl? Octavia was amazinggggg. Dark humor? Awesomeee. Savage and ruthless as hell. LET US not forget she is CURVY! I love!
There was many points I physically couldn't help but laugh out loud in the middle of the night at her sarcastic remarks. I am sure my husband appreciated that lol.
Dominic was giving everything I love in a book boyfriend. Just ughhhh so goooddd. Just love me an over-protective hunk of a man.
So yeah, E.A. Harper. I’m obsessed. She gave me everything I love in a romance and MORE!
10/10 recommend!
Our main girl? Octavia was amazinggggg. Dark humor? Awesomeee. Savage and ruthless as hell. LET US not forget she is CURVY! I love!
There was many points I physically couldn't help but laugh out loud in the middle of the night at her sarcastic remarks. I am sure my husband appreciated that lol.
Dominic was giving everything I love in a book boyfriend. Just ughhhh so goooddd. Just love me an over-protective hunk of a man.
So yeah, E.A. Harper. I’m obsessed. She gave me everything I love in a romance and MORE!
10/10 recommend!
August 9, 2025
Wow! This book just jumped right in. There was lost of spice!!! And that spice was incredibly written! The in between, I felt lacked some depth. There was room for more story line and context. So much of the book was written around sexual content ( again, not a bad thing) it just made the rest of the novel seem rushed around it.
I really hope that the author will continue to write about the world of Octavia and Dom as there is so much more to explore with this duo! I would love to dive deeper into their chaos!
I really hope that the author will continue to write about the world of Octavia and Dom as there is so much more to explore with this duo! I would love to dive deeper into their chaos!
August 9, 2025
When mutual attraction and obsession collide, you’re in for a wild ride 😈 🥵
Octavia fakes her own resume and lands a job in a big corporate. With no actual experience, she’s made the marketing team at Digi Pulse.
Dominic the owner and boss see’s her resume land on his desk and automatically hires her. He has had his eyes set for her for awhile while she used to be a bartender. He loved how she knew his drink.. Whiskey 🥃
This book has all the spicy elements 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ and thrills. Where you need to question, can you trust this person??
✨ Definitely recommend ✨
Octavia fakes her own resume and lands a job in a big corporate. With no actual experience, she’s made the marketing team at Digi Pulse.
Dominic the owner and boss see’s her resume land on his desk and automatically hires her. He has had his eyes set for her for awhile while she used to be a bartender. He loved how she knew his drink.. Whiskey 🥃
This book has all the spicy elements 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ and thrills. Where you need to question, can you trust this person??
✨ Definitely recommend ✨
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ Thank you for the opportunity of getting an ARC!
I really thoroughly enjoyed this one! E.A. Harper is a fantastic writer. I was not expecting the little twists toward the end at all. For me, the only reason it isn’t a 5 star is that I wish there was just a smidge more with the plot. A lot happens very fast, and I would have loved it to be a little slower paced. Regardless, this was a fantastic read and I cannot wait to read more
I really thoroughly enjoyed this one! E.A. Harper is a fantastic writer. I was not expecting the little twists toward the end at all. For me, the only reason it isn’t a 5 star is that I wish there was just a smidge more with the plot. A lot happens very fast, and I would have loved it to be a little slower paced. Regardless, this was a fantastic read and I cannot wait to read more
September 19, 2025
I think the editor must have gotten distracted by the writing a few times because there were some blatant errors (referring to a female as "him" and "her" in the same sentence). I enjoyed the first part and then it got repetitive. Also, the main character took a quick left turn in sociopathic tendencies way too quickly that it wasn't believable. Also, they were only in the office like 2 days and somehow she got work done? The timeline was unbelievable, too.
September 26, 2025
Well hellooooooo SPICE! 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
It is rare to read a book where the spice is well written, but the author nailed it. I loved Octavia and Lena. Definitely two of my favorite characters and could relate to their sassy personalities.
My only negative feedback was that the timeline felt a bit rushed, and Octavia and Lena never gave "killer" vibes until they were all too excited to carve a girl up. It just felt a bit rushed and unbelievable.
I am excited to see where this series goes!
It is rare to read a book where the spice is well written, but the author nailed it. I loved Octavia and Lena. Definitely two of my favorite characters and could relate to their sassy personalities.
My only negative feedback was that the timeline felt a bit rushed, and Octavia and Lena never gave "killer" vibes until they were all too excited to carve a girl up. It just felt a bit rushed and unbelievable.
I am excited to see where this series goes!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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