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Vicktor Orlov took one look at the wary gaze and slow-to-trust personality of the deliciously sexy and fascinating Rachel Dolan and knew he wanted more than just a casual friendship. But as a natural protector, he also knew bossiness and overprotective maneuvering would push her away rather than draw her close. He’ll use every tool in his easygoing arsenal to convince her to take a chance on them.

Rachel’s flourishing new career as a tattoo artist has brought color back into a life previously damaged by a series of bad choices and violence. She knows she can trust Vic—it’s herself she’s not sure of. She doesn’t want to be caged or controlled. Doesn’t want to be protected so much she has no ability to make her own choices.

And damn if the man doesn’t know it.

When Vic finally drops all pretenses of “just friends” and focuses all his careful affection and irresistible seduction on her, Rachel knows she’s falling hard for the laid-back pretty-boy Russian she discovers has a relentlessly steel spine when it comes to her.

And she can’t resist.

314 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published March 27, 2018

170 people are currently reading
1167 people want to read

About the author

Lauren Dane

112 books4,996 followers
Lauren Dane has been writing stories since she was able to use a pencil, and before that she used to tell them to people. Of course, she still talks nonstop, and through wonderful fate and good fortune, she’s now able to share what she writes with others. It’s a wonderful life!

The basics: Lauren is a mom, a partner, a best friend and a daughter. Living in the rainy but beautiful Pacific Northwest, she spends her late evenings writing like a fiend when she finally wrestles all of her kids to bed.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
Profile Image for Lover of Romance.
3,712 reviews1,122 followers
February 17, 2019
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

Jagged which is book two in Dane's Whiskey Sharp series is a book I grabbed up from my library and since I hadn't read much of this author I decided to go for book two in the series. I would like to mention that this book would probably be better read after reading book one. There was a big confusion that I had dealing with the heroine and her past that is a major factor in this romance. I catch on pretty quickly but I feel like the author could have done a better job of explaining previous events that happened to the heroine to make more sense for the reader but I am hoping everything will make more sense when I read book one "Unraveled".

Jagged begins with our heroine and hero who are Vicktor Orlov and Rachel Dolan. Vicktor has Russian heritage, his parents having come from Russia and migrated to the states, hoping to make a better life and started their own bakery. Vicktor, took over the responsibility of the Bakery when his brother died from a drug overdose. Vicktor is close to his family but now he has finally decided to take a chance on Rachel, a woman he has wanted to be with for three years but knew she needed the time and space before he made any moves. Rachel, was an agent for the government and loved her work at the time. But then she was kidnapped, tortured by a crazy man, and mentally and emotionally she never fully recovered and still deals with the aftermath of those events. But Rachel has also dealt with emotionally abusive parents who are hassling Rachel and would prefer she be institutionalized and find themselves ashamed of their daughters. Vicktor and Rachel have always had great chemistry, but when Vicktor makes his move on the sexy Rachel, she is more than ready to start something special with Vicktor, a sexy Russian baker who gives her all the warm fuzzies and sees the real Rachel and values her and as they begin in their courtship and find a way to get to their happy ending and help each other find some peace from their tormented pasts.


Jagged, is a story that I found sweet and endearing. I really loved seeing these two characters come together. I did find what happened to Rachel a bit confusing, I was really lost about the events for most of the book so it really distracted me from enjoying this book like I really wanted to. However, the actual romance that develops between Victor and Rachel was enchanting. I loved how open they are to each other and to the romantic relationship they desire for each other.

We do see the fun interactions with Vicktor's family though and I really loved seeing how much they love Rachel and her sister. They accept Rachel with open arms, they know of her past and how her father is tormenting her, but they just love Rachel from the get-go. There is some fun banter and they are such a charming and close-knit family who is hard working and so fun and loyal to each other. Then we see the drama between Rachel and her sister with their parents. And boy her father especially is a piece of work and you really see the strength of Rachel at her core, in how she handles her father and her past. Not everything is easy, but she has such inner strength and courage.

Overall I found Jagged to be a heartwarming romance that gives you plenty of Russian lovin', a story of family ties, and a tale of redemption and healing. SUPERB!











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Profile Image for Dali.
2,087 reviews591 followers
April 9, 2018
Dane continues her Whiskey Sharp series with the tale of sexy Russian baker VIcktor Orlov and ex-FBI agent turned tattoo artist Rachel Dolan.

After a tragic even turns Rachel’s life upside down, putting the pieces of her life back together has been a steady but slow going process despite her parent’s misguided actions. But with the help of her sister Maybe and the support of her friends, she’s gained her independence and confidence, and is almost certain she’s ready to trust a bit more and let people in… almost.

From the moment he met Rachel, Vicktor knew he wanted a lot more than friendship between them, but contrary to his protective nature appreciated that she needed time and an easygoing approach to gain her trust. And when he finally thinks it’s time to get out of the friend zone, he’s is determined to romance her. How can a girl resist flowers, heart shaped baked goods and an alluring Russian?

Both lead characters are likeable, they’re both strong and caring but I must confess I adored Vicktor. He radiates confidence and thoughtfulness which are extremely sexy and is increased by his loved for his family. And even though he’s a natural protector he respects Rachel’s need for self-reliance.

The Orlov clan, whom we’ve met in the previous installment are a loveable group who are in each other’s business but also take care of each other and are painted in a charming light.

Jagged is book #2 of the Whiskey Sharp series by author Lauren Dane and a wonderful addition to the series. Told from both points of view with a happy ending.

3.5 stars

* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via NetGalley. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. *

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Profile Image for Jenea.
680 reviews60 followers
February 27, 2018
After reading the first installment in the series and enjoying the writing and the characters so much, I was pretty anxious to get my hands on the second book. This one picks not too long from where the first one leaves off, but this time we get Rachel and Vicktor’s story. And it was a good one!

We first meet Maybe’s sister Rachel in book one, this girl has been went through something that left both physical scars and mental and emotional scars too. Physical scars heal, but the other takes time, but Rachel wants her life back. She wants normalcy. A career change was a great start for her, if only her parents would see her for who she has become. Their constant interference only stifles her recovery. I do giver her a lot of credit though, she has come a long way and is strong and stands her ground with her father. Man, is he a piece of work! He makes me so mad! I could go on about him…

Visitor Orlev is all aloha male, built and gorgeous, and he bakes. How sexy is that?!?! He has admired Rachel from the sidelines for quite a while, flirting a little here and there, but never pressuring. He watched her growth and determination, which made him want her even more. Their interactions were so funny at times and down right steamy at others. It was so clear how much he truly cared for her and would do anything for her.

Of course, what would this book be without the rest of the big, lovin Orlev family. This family is just amazing! During the course of this, we learn more about the awful event that brought Rachel where she is today. Her memories were frightening, and so emotional and my heart went out to her. Vickor was never far away though, always for her. Their journey together was one I couldn’t get enough of.

Jagged had all the feels. Anger for Rachel’s parent actions, heartache for her pain and some pretty great swoons moments from the slow burning romance. The next installment will be out in May, and will be a couple of characters that were part of both the first and second books. And I can’t wait to read it too. Whiskey Sharp is a fantastic series for fans of contemporary romance.

#WhiskeySharp:Jagged #NetGalley
Profile Image for Simply Love Book Reviews.
7,046 reviews870 followers
March 27, 2018

I loved the first book in this series, Whiskey Sharp: Unraveled, but Jagged was one of the best books I've read in awhile. Rachel Dolan and Vicktor Orlov are two of my favorite heroine/heroes-the damaged, yet strong and resilient heroine, and the easygoing, sweet hero who loves nothing more than taking care of the people he loves. Add in some wicked humor and scorching sex scenes, and this friends to lover (my favorite!) story had me hooked from the start! The Orlov family-a tight-knit bunch of 'crazy Russians' charmed me from the moment we met in Whiskey Sharp: Unraveled. Getting to know them better just made me love them more. The way they welcomed both Rachel and Maybe into their family, giving them the love, affection, and support they never had before was touching, but not sappy. It was perfectly written--all of the good and bad that comes with a large family.

Rachel and Vic have been circling each other for several years, so their transition from friends to lovers felt very natural, inevitable even. We don't get all the details of Rachel's past, which I appreciate- I don't read romance for grisly details of a serial killer-but we do get just enough to understand her. The escalating drama with Rachel and Maybe's family is pretty crazy, but worked given their past behavior. For me, this book has it all-great characters, who I was fully invested in, drama, suspense, humor, heartbreak and tragedy, romance, and some pretty great sex. It was one of those books I didn't want to end. Fortunately, there's a third book, Whiskey Sharp: Torn to look forward to!


Profile Image for Jess.
1,075 reviews158 followers
August 6, 2018
DNF around 50%. Dane just isn’t for me anymore. It happens I guess, a writers style and my reading preferences just stop meshing. Moving on.
Profile Image for Bookgasms Book Blog.
2,863 reviews1,564 followers
February 24, 2018
I have loved Lauren Dane for a few years now and although I love all the genres she writes in, her contemporary books are my absolute favorite, namely her Ink & Chrome series. Now after reading Whiskey Sharp Unraveled and now book two, Whiskey sharp: Jagged - Good Lord..I am hooked. I absolutely loved this book so much. Vicktor and Rachel were such an amazing follow up to Alexsei and Maybe's story. It was just a fantastic portrayal of two people, Rachel and Vicktor and their love story. I loved their chemistry, banter, friendship and families and honestly could not get enough enough of their story.

Whiskey Sharp: Jagged is the second book in this series and while the romance is independent from the first book there is a continuing storyline arc from book one that must be read in order. Plus you would honestly be missing out on so much from book one. Gahh!!! Where to start!? This novel was absolutely amazing. Vic and Rachel's love affair was a slow burn of epic proportions. Namely because it developed for three years. First through friendship and then covert looks of longing and developing feelings we saw in Alexsei and Maybe's book. But when Vic finally made his move - Goddamn was this novel explosive!!

Vicktor Orlev saw who the real Rachel Dolan was inside. Not the victim or the survivor but the Phoenix who was reborn after her horrible ordeal. I say Phoenix because those who have read this novel will know the significance of it and the feeling of freedom that Vic instills in Rachel. I loved that he loved her strength, protectiveness and fully believed she was an independent and capable woman. He thought she was not only gorgeous on the outside but on the inside as well and someone who deserved all the best things in life.

I loved them so much namely because this novel felt like I was coming back to visit old friends. Their love story was sexy and dreamy and just so beautiful to read. I never wanted it to end and seriously can't wait for Cora's story!!!

I woukd like to thank Netgalley and Harlequin for an advanced copy of this book for an honest review. Bravo!! 5 stars!! Ratula
Profile Image for Jess.
3,590 reviews5 followers
April 1, 2018
Sometimes the way Lauren Dane writes dialogue makes me batty, but this was one of the books where those tics were overcome by the romance. Really liked this, really liked Rachel and Vic together. I'd get one of her tattoos. And I like a hero that woos by cooking.

Looking forward to book three based on the sample in this one.
Profile Image for April Symes.
5,013 reviews447 followers
March 28, 2018
I love author Lauren Dane and have been an avid fan of hers since late 2006/early 2007. I love all genres she writes , it’s her contemporary romances that really get me pumped up. This is book 2 in the Whiskey Sharp series , book is Jagged. This is Vicktor and Rachel’s story. They are friends yet there is a chemistry between them, a heat and this intense connection that immediately leaps off the pages.
The story does continue from book 1 Unraveled and the story in book 1 was Alexsei and Maybe's story and it streamlines into bk 2 and Vicktor and Rachel’s story but there are still some lingering issues that will be addressed in book 2. Vic and Rachel's love affair is unique, phenomenal, and heartwarming. Theirs isn’t an insta-love but more of a friends to lovers story that starts off as a slow burn and builds to an epic conclusion. Slow burn because it took 3 years for their relationship to become a relationship. Yet it pays off in a lot of ways and the banter, the heat reflects that. Vicktor really understood who Rachel truly way and he accepted her, didn’t try to change her and loved her for who she was, not what she could bring him or do for him. Anything else is an added bonus in Vicktor’s eyes. Rachel didn’t think she would have love in her life, would ever be in love yet Vicktor shows Rachel what true love is and means. Make sure to keep tissues handy for this read. There are several twists and turns in this story that kept me on the edge of my seat yet it all pays off in the beautiful end. Ms. Dane wrote such a fabulous and stirring romance that I didn’t want the story to end. This was such a great read, now I am praying we get Cora’s story next!!!


My Rating: 4.8 stars *****
“I received an advanced copy of this book from the author at no cost to me."
Profile Image for Pam Nelson.
3,799 reviews124 followers
August 6, 2019
I am glad Rachel and Vic were next up. I was surprised at how well rounded Rachel is after all that she has been through. She is a strong kick-ass character and I am glad she was book 2. I love that Vic didn’t baby her or think she wasn’t capable because she totally was. But also that she comes into her own too. She stands ups for herself and those she loves.

Vic complements her and it was a sweet story of them finding each other.
I did like that we got a little of Maybe and Rachel but I did feel like we were missing some of the sisterly connect we got from book 1.

I liked the narration but didn’t love it Tanya Eby just can’t or didn’t do the Russian accent at all it was off-putting when we are so used to it from book 1.
Profile Image for TinaNoir.
1,890 reviews337 followers
May 7, 2018
Eh. Not a lot here. There are more books in this series coming but I think this'll be my last It just isn't working for me.

Like the previous book, all the drama came from the heroine's family. The actual romance was boring. The hero was the most emotionally available, well adjusted, does and says all the right things person you ever want to meet in a book. IRL this would be great, but in a romance novel -- not so much. I don't need heart rending angst or outright enmity, but I do need some romantic conflict so I can root for the couple to get together and have their HEA. There just was NO conflict. I didn't need to root for them, they were together almost from page one.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
2,512 reviews86 followers
January 20, 2018
ARC received for review

Another yummy Russian and this one bakes. Just as emotional as the previous book, her parents are still sh*ts, but at least we find out more about the kidnapping...kind of.
Profile Image for Jackie.
3,956 reviews128 followers
March 16, 2018
Book Info
Mass Market Paperback
Expected publication: March 27th 2018 by Harlequin Books
ISBN 0373799403 (ISBN13: 9780373799404)
Edition Language English
Series Whiskey Sharp #2
Other Editions (4)
Source:Netgalley EARC

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BOOK BLURB


Vicktor Orlov took one look at the wary gaze and slow-to-trust personality of the deliciously sexy and fascinating Rachel Dolan and knew he wanted more than just a casual friendship. But as a natural protector, he also knew bossiness and overprotective maneuvering would push her away rather than draw her close. He’ll use every tool in his easygoing arsenal to convince her to take a chance on them.

Rachel’s flourishing new career as a tattoo artist has brought color back into a life previously damaged by a series of bad choices and violence. She knows she can trust Vic—it’s herself she’s not sure of. She doesn’t want to be caged or controlled. Doesn’t want to be protected so much she has no ability to make her own choices.

And damn if the man doesn’t know it.

When Vic finally drops all pretenses of “just friends” and focuses all his careful affection and irresistible seduction on her, Rachel knows she’s falling hard for the laid-back pretty-boy Russian she discovers has a relentlessly steel spine when it comes to her.

And she can’t resist.

My Thoughts


Returning to the Dolan sisters felt like catching up with old friends. I thought that Rachel Dolan had made great strides in book 1 but in this book she really manages to shine.

The fact that she is no longer an FBI agent has been something that her overbearing father just cannot accept and his continual insistence that her new life tattooing is not something she can be proud of much less expect her parents to escalates. Once again she is drawn into the man's bid to control her, lawyers become involved as do his fellow law enforcement officers at one point. Only this time she has the full support of the man she cannot get enough of and his entire family as well sending the message in no uncertain terms that Rachel is no longer the frail creature she once was.

This friends-to-lovers romance for Rachel and Vicktor was almost able to top the previous offering with her sister Maybe and Vics cousin Alexsei. Almost, but not quite, as at this point for me books 1 and 2 are both wonderful fulfilling reads in their own way.

Now when book three comes out we see how things have changed with the two couples and get to see another pairing take place in the trilogy as girlfriend Cora finds her own true love. I can hardly wait!

[EArc from Netgalley]
Profile Image for Deb Schwartz.
534 reviews19 followers
January 29, 2018
Jagged>/i> book #2 in the Whiskey Sharp Series is rich with yummy hotness as it is filled with family drama, with a touch of suspense. A brilliant dose of what Lauren Dane does best!
Profile Image for Ruthie Taylor.
3,723 reviews40 followers
March 5, 2018
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~

This is the second book in the series - and actually I think you would be best off reading this before book 1, even though it is set chronologically afterwards. I say this because it makes a bit more sense of Maybe and Rachel's states of mind in the first book.

The romance part of this book is rather lovely, and mirrors Maybe and Alexei's book in an interesting way. Watching Rachel overcome her fears and learn to trust is full of hope. Her strength of character also comes back to her, as she overcomes her father's terrible acts. The support of Vicktor, and all his family, as well as her friends and sister, give her the chance to heal and move forward. I loved the lessons in the kitchen with Irena, and the images of Vicktor working in the bakery.

I would certainly recommend that you read these two books together, as they are really strongly linked, and themes carry on between the two. There are so many threads that at times it can get rather confusing, but there was much to be enjoyed too.


Wicked Reads Review Team
Profile Image for BookAddict  ✒ La Crimson Femme.
6,917 reviews1,439 followers
May 10, 2021
The second book in the Whiskey Sharp series is not to be missed. When it comes to Ms. Dane, I can rely on her to move and seduce me with her characters. The two characters in this story made me fall in love with her all over again. This story is best read after reading the first book. This can be read as a standalone but it is so much better after reading the first one.

Vicktor Orlov a sexy man who runs a bakery with his family. He originally had other dreams in his life, but a tragedy in the family pulled him into the family business. It's a good thing too, because he meets Rachel Dolan in a round about way through his mother and their shop. Rachel is puzzle for him in some ways because she is so strong and left a life he had wanted. Yet she is fragile in ways that only a damaged woman would show. The good thing about damaged people is, they know they can survive. And survive, Rachel does, despite her overbearing parents.

Vicktor's Russian heritage makes me think of him like a big burly bear, ready to charge and defend a moment's notice. Yet his a big cuddly teddy bear when he wants to hold Rachel close to him. Rachel's past life in the FBI ended when she became the hunted. To bring her out of her depression and move on, she started a new life as a tattoo artist. She is really good at it and it brings her a peace of mind that she enjoys. Getting involved with a Russian bakery who may or may not have ties to the Russian Mafia is the last thing she wants. Yet she can not help but be charmed by his gifts of ... sweets.

These two characters are adorable together. I love Vicktor and how he interacts with his family and Rachel. Since his cousin is head over heels in love with Rachel's sister, it is another advantage he uses to pull Rachel closer to him. What he doesn't realize is how far Rachel's parents will go to keep them apart and Rachel by their side.

If a reader read the first book, there is already background knowledge of Rachel's heinous parental units. Her father is a petty tyrant and it comes out clearly why he wants Rachel in his grasps. When Rachel learns more about what her parents did to her younger sister, it breaks her heart and forces her to remove these toxic people out of her life. What surprised me is how much harder her parents pushed and how they really think they are in the right. It baffles me and disgusts me. The way Ms. Dane writes it, I can see it so clearly and it is a fear that any adult would appreciate. It is not unheard of for family to try and declare an adult not towing the line as incompetent and try to commit them. I have always thought this was one of the more abused uses of power. Ms. Dane shows how easily a person can loose control of their life. It's scary, that is for sure. The contrast between Rachel and Vicktor's family only makes it more glaring how terrible her can be.

This story is more than dysfunctional families. The heart of it is what a loving and accepting family can be. The romance and chemistry between these two characters is heartwarming. The scenes where they are intimate are special. The way Ms. Dane brings us along Vicktor's slow and sweet courting of Rachel may make a reader sigh in envy. His old world charm clearly comes through the written word. When it comes to writing moving romance, Ms. Dane is one of the best. This erotic romance is highly recommended to readers who love happily ever afters.

*provided by NetGalley
Profile Image for Xan.
619 reviews264 followers
February 23, 2018
Note: I do not recommend this book for disabled, disfigured, mentally ill, or trauma survivor readers.

At the core, this book felt really weighed down by trauma, which just was everywhere in the story, with very little to balance it. It took up nearly all the space, leaving little room for the deep characterization that I count on Dane for, the foodie stuff I was hoping for. Even the sex scenes, which are usually a joy and full of light and pleasure in her books, felt really overshadowed by the trauma. I finished the book and felt heavy and sad and just tired from reading it.

Read the rest of my review on my blog.

Content Warnings
Profile Image for Christina.
1,238 reviews36 followers
Read
June 18, 2019
DNF at 53%
Featuring the perfect beginning of a relationship, that phase where you're both really excited about how great your relationship is and you're having lots of sex. Realistic, sure, but not especially gripping reading. There's some conflict trickling through it but not enough to be interesting.
I dithered for a hot second about whether to take the plunge and just finish this book since I made it halfway through. But then I remembered how many other books I have to read, some of which may not be boring AF. So I decided to put it down.
Profile Image for Olivia.
3,741 reviews99 followers
March 13, 2018
“Jagged” was a great continuation of the Whiskey Sharp series- however, in this book, we deal with characters who are related to the characters in the first book who work at Whiskey Sharp. This book hardly mentions the unique men’s hair-cutting place. We saw these two characters getting closer in the first book, and it was exciting to see their story in the second book. We follow Rachel, Maybe’s sister and Vic, Alexsei’s cousin, as they begin a relationship. Similar to the first book, the drama in the book is caused by outside forces rather than by the relationship- and I find this super-refreshing. It’s pretty unique to find a book about a functional couple, and so this series really stands out.

The Whiskey Sharp series has also set itself apart by portraying strong, independent women for whom a relationship is just a bonus to the life they have constructed for themselves and men who are respectful and appreciate their boundaries- emotional, physical, you name it. The partners are truly equal and build a strong relationship on a foundation of trust. In both books, the two knew each other before and have both been into each other for a while, so the books begin when they decide to finally start dating.

A plotline which began the first book is now wrapped up (mostly) in this second book. We learned about Maybe and Rachel’s dysfunctional family and the cruelty of their parents to Maybe in the first book. Here, Rachel is forced to continue confronting their parents as they try to control her life. She uses the avenue of the legal system to move this forward, and her background as an FBI agent helps her to understand her target (her father) and anticipate his moves. We also hear more about the event that changed Rachel’s life forever, taking her out of her career with the FBI and into following her passion for art (working as a tattoo artist).

Although the book definitely centers around Rachel, we also get some of Vic’s past, which led him to working at the bakery with his parents and sister. His family’s “drama”- aside from that caused by Rachel’s father- results from that past event. He’s a great character and really fits so well with Rachel. As the quote from which the book’s title was derived says, “All those jagged parts inside seemed to fit against his, clicking into place.” Their relationship was really beautiful and great to see in a romance novel. The only complaint I would have is that the characters seemed very similar in personality to Maybe and Alexsei in the first book, but this might make sense since Maybe and Rachel are sisters and Vic and Alexsei were raised like brothers (although cousins). I’ll be curious to see how the third book evolves with un(family)related characters.

This series is quickly becoming a favorite, and I highly recommend checking it out! While it might help to get some context on the drama from reading the first book, it’s recapped well here and the couple is new, so this book can function as a stand-alone. Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher through netgalley. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Deborah Harrell-jones.
478 reviews3 followers
March 22, 2018
Reviewed by Deborah from Alpha Book Club
description description

I am really starting to want me a hot bearded Russian because of the Whiskey Sharp series that Ms. Lauren Dane is writing about. First, I fell in love with Alexsei from the first book in the series “Unraveled”. That is where we were introduced to the couple in this book Rachel and Vicktor. The chemistry between them was being told through the eyes of Rachel’s sister but now we get to see from their POV. Vic is Alexsei’s cousin and runs the bakery that Rachel loves to eat at with her sister. His family have been like family to the Dolan sisters since they moved next door to his mother. Now they spend even more time together being that Alexsei and Maybe are a couple. Vic has always felt some sort of attraction to Rachel but knew she was not quite ready for his brand of intensity. Now after and incident with Rachel’s father has put him in the line to have more insight into Rachel he feels its time for him to make his feelings known. Of course, Rachel is gun shy about relationships, but she cannot help her attraction to Vic, so she doesn’t fight it so hard. Both Vic and Rachel have a past that has made them into the people they are today. Where Vic is sweet, charming, handsome, and a lover, Rachel is a bird trying to fix her wings that were broken. Rachel is sweet, loving, beautiful and filled with guilt from her past. They both decide to take their relationship one day at a time and all the while there is Rachel’s father in the background trying to destroy what they have started. Can Rachel turn to Vic when the time comes for her to finally face her enemy? That is what you will have to answer when you read this story.

Their story takes you on a journey of Rachel finding out who she is and standing up for her own independence. She wants to finally protect her sister and those she loves because she feels as though she never got the chance to do it. Vic is fighting for Rachel because he feels like she needs someone by her side that is not going to try to control her. They both have things to work through and hope they can come together once it’s all said and done. It’s a beautiful story of coming through a darkness and finding your way through the light with family and friends to last a lifetime. This book will show you how having those relationships can really help you in ways you never thought it could. The Dolan sisters and their Russian family will make you laugh, cry and want to be apart of their everyday life just from reading them. If you read this book you will want to have a hot bearded Russian and his family just from the interaction Lauren has wrote for us in her book.
Profile Image for Sarah.
123 reviews2 followers
February 26, 2018
Rachel Dolan is living in Seattle with her sister three years after having been abducted by a serial killer she was following whist an agent for the FBI. She seems to be adjusting slowly but surely to life, and is finally ready for a relationship with Vic Orlov, her neighbor's sexy son. After more than a year of dancing around each other, they jump right in. Having seen this coming in the previous Whiskey Sharp novel, this didn't feel like a rush into a relationship. I love Vic and his tenderness with Rachel, always seeming to know what she needs--when to push, and when to back off. Rachel also seems to get some of her old spark back which is a welcome surprise, as in the previous book she seemed very fragile. I love the growing relationship between Rachel and Vic, and Rachel with Vic's family, but the Dolan's father was just over the top. He's an abusive asshole who is trying to control Rachel and break Maybe--but it's so over the top is gets really old. Rachel was an FBI agent for god's sake. I know she's been through a lot, but can't she call some old contacts and get this thing under control? That part almost ruined it for me. all in all, it was a good book, but the parental drama was so much that it was kind of off putting.
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.4k reviews543 followers
February 24, 2018
I really liked that Vic decided that now was the time to make his move on Rachel, she was finally ready to move on with her life and it helped that she knew Vic for years. As much fun and it was to see the couple alone, it was just as much fun to see them spend time with Vic's family, who provided a safe and loved environment for Rachel and for the couple to spend time with Maybe and Alexsei. I liked the talks that Alexsei and Vic had about the sisters, knowing that they were close and with one came the other.

The drama with Rachel and Maybe's family, mostly the dad made me angry on their behalf. I was so glad that Rachel was up to the battle and made it go away in a way that the dad understood, leaving her to enjoy her new happy life!
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1,752 reviews
March 21, 2018
Jagged (Whiskey Sharp #2) by Lauren Dane
3 stars
M/F Romance
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.

This is the second book in this series and I definitely recommend reading book 1 so that you understand what's going on.

Vicktor has been watching his neighbor, Rachel for a while. He understands that she's sometimes fragile but possesses a strength that nobody can touch. When it becomes clear that Rachel might be ready to have a real relationship, Vicktor wastes no time in developing and showing Rachel how much he wants her.

Rachel was an FBI agent, but when a case goes sideways, she has to re-evaluate her priorities and figure out if she can continue with that life. When her parents become meddlesome, it's up to her to realize what she wants in life for herself might not match what they want.

These two had some chemistry, but it was more about their relationship and sometimes tip toeing through some land mines that present from each of their pasts. Overall, it was a good read, but seemed a little disjointed in where the story was coming from or going. I think this would have been more successful if we had more of a focus.
Profile Image for The Book Avenue.
400 reviews33 followers
April 11, 2018
Rachel and Vic are intoxicating. The pages of their story are full of compassion, love, and bonds that won’t ever break. Whiskey Sharp is all about family. The family you’re given and the family you choose.

Rachel Dohlan was dealt a huge blow. Rebuilding her life has been a challenge she has risen to with the love and support of her sister Maybe. Rebuilding has also been a revelation. One could say fate, in the form of one very protective Russian named Vic, has finally caught up with Rachel. Vic is the real deal, everything Rachel needs and deserves. After patiently waiting for his opportunity Vic is now ready to claim his love and secure the final pieces of his future.

Jagged is a story you’ll want to sip and savor. Do not miss this series.

-Christine
Profile Image for Lisa.
2,374 reviews48 followers
February 1, 2018
Jagged is book two in this series and I recommend reading book one first. I'm not sure if you could read this as a stand alone, but I didn't and I benefitted from reading Maybe's story first. There was a lot more action in this one. While book one left some things open-ended even though there was a happy ever after for the couple, those things are wrapped up here.

Vic is calm and generous and loyal, and can BAKE. He also comes with an amazing family and stellar bedroom skills. He's like a perfect book boyfriend. Rachel, especially in this book, is becoming so strong and resilient. She's ready to really start living again. If only there weren't her pesky parents. They are AWFUL- and the difference is so much stronger when you see Vic's rockin parents.

I seriously loved this and the quippy little sayings sprinkled throughout. It was a serious romance, had some suspense, with doses of humor and a happy ending. I look forward to more from this group soon, hopefully!
Profile Image for Danielle .
2,565 reviews76 followers
March 5, 2018
3 stars
a little darker than i usually read. it was an ok read for me, not my normal book choice.
Profile Image for Lyndi W..
2,042 reviews210 followers
not-going-there
March 10, 2018
I just can't do it to myself.
Profile Image for Treena.
1,343 reviews83 followers
April 8, 2018
In order to enjoy this book, I would definitely suggest reading book 1 Unraveled first. Book 1 (which is the story between Maybe, Rachel's sister, and Alexsei, Vic's cousin) sets up the background beautifully for Rachel and Vic's story.

Which brings us to this one. And it was great. It's emotional (but not drawn-out or heavy angst), sweet, and romantic --- which is all due, imo, to Vic. Gah! The way he loves Rachel... how he's all about her, taking care of her, protecting her, and being sweet on her.... Man, he is the perfect book boyfriend. AND he bakes and cooks! Gah. Swoon.

I said this in my review of book 1 too --- the H, Vicktor, is the reason for all my stars. He's a sweet, protective, charming alpha. Man, how I love the hot Russian men in this series.
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