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Cash Braddock #1
Cash Braddock
Cash Braddock is a drug dealer. But the classy kind. Pills. She really doesn’t get why people are so uptight about that sort of thing. She has a decent operation, a little business to launder money through, and only a few Mommy issues.
Laurel Collins is the perfect girl for Cash. She wears vintage ties and is totally chill. She doesn’t mind the dealing or Cash’s cat. It’s almost like she’s Cash’s dream girl. Sometimes she’s a little closed off about, you know, life. But who isn’t?
Sadly, the drug game doesn’t always run smoothly. There are dealers who don’t respect boundaries and unreliable customers. And, of course, dealers don’t fly under the cops’ radar forever. Even when they work with dirty cops. Which is a damn shame. It’s not like they’re hurting anybody, right?
Laurel Collins is the perfect girl for Cash. She wears vintage ties and is totally chill. She doesn’t mind the dealing or Cash’s cat. It’s almost like she’s Cash’s dream girl. Sometimes she’s a little closed off about, you know, life. But who isn’t?
Sadly, the drug game doesn’t always run smoothly. There are dealers who don’t respect boundaries and unreliable customers. And, of course, dealers don’t fly under the cops’ radar forever. Even when they work with dirty cops. Which is a damn shame. It’s not like they’re hurting anybody, right?
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2016
15 people are currently reading
296 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Bartlett
16 books43 followersAshley Bartlett was born and raised in California. Her life consists of reading and writing. Most of the time Ashley engages in these pursuits while sitting in front of a coffee shop with her girlfriend and smoking cigarettes. It’s a glamorous life. She is an obnoxious, sarcastic, punk-ass, but her friends don’t hold that against her. She currently lives in Sacramento. (from the author's website)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
February 28, 2024
**'Some writers think that there's nothing wondrous in telling their stories -- while on the other hand, they know that there's a surety or sureness to telling very good stories..'
Good read!
Such a remarkable 1st book in this 'Cash Braddock' series. Good all around chemistry w/ the many assorted characters -- the good, the seedy & the criminal ones.
Recommended book!
Good read!
Such a remarkable 1st book in this 'Cash Braddock' series. Good all around chemistry w/ the many assorted characters -- the good, the seedy & the criminal ones.
Recommended book!
November 14, 2016
I actually liked this book quite a bit more than I thought I would. I wanted to read it because it sounded different. How many lesfic books are about a drug dealer? Yes, a character might be an addict, but a dealer, this was new for me. I also wanted to read one of Bartlett's books for a while, and I must say I liked her writing style.
The story is about Cash, a pill dealer. She doesn't think of herself so badly since she deals pain killers, Xanax, and Adderall, not "hard" drugs in her mind. She has a small business, but it allows her to bankroll her Uncles' farm. Cash, has a hard dating life. Most women run the other way when she tells them her occupation. When Cash meets Laurel, she wonders if she could be the one. Can their relationship survive her dealing, or are they doomed from the start?
Even with Cash not being very moral, she is extremely likeable. Very sarcastic and I appreciated her humor throughout the book. It's not laugh out loud funny, but very witty. If anyone has read Ali Vali's Casey Cain books, even though Cain is a criminal, you still like and root for her, it's the same with Cash. Though Cash is not violent and ruthless like Cain.
I did like Laurel also, but she is more closed off than Cash. The book slowly peels off her layers but you don't know all of them before the story ends. I enjoyed them as a couple, they way they bantered with each other, and the chemistry was obviously there.
The book also had quite a few secondary characters that were really well done. Including a 16 year old neighbor, that Cash is like a big sister to. I really enjoyed their relationship.
My one sort of complaint, about the book, is the ending. It's just ends and leaves a lot of stuff hanging. Bartlett obviously wants to do a series, so I know questions will be answered, I just hate having to wait. Luckily, it is not an ending like someone might be dead or anything that horrible of a cliffhanger. Overall, I am happy though, I want more books with Cash.
I would recommend this to people that want to read something a little different. It has nice unconventional family ties, some romance, a little excitement, and a bit of a bad girl, that you just can't help but like. I hope people will give this a chance so Bartlett will write more in this series. I need to know what happens next.
An ARC was given to me from Bold Strokes Books, for a honest review.
The story is about Cash, a pill dealer. She doesn't think of herself so badly since she deals pain killers, Xanax, and Adderall, not "hard" drugs in her mind. She has a small business, but it allows her to bankroll her Uncles' farm. Cash, has a hard dating life. Most women run the other way when she tells them her occupation. When Cash meets Laurel, she wonders if she could be the one. Can their relationship survive her dealing, or are they doomed from the start?
Even with Cash not being very moral, she is extremely likeable. Very sarcastic and I appreciated her humor throughout the book. It's not laugh out loud funny, but very witty. If anyone has read Ali Vali's Casey Cain books, even though Cain is a criminal, you still like and root for her, it's the same with Cash. Though Cash is not violent and ruthless like Cain.
I did like Laurel also, but she is more closed off than Cash. The book slowly peels off her layers but you don't know all of them before the story ends. I enjoyed them as a couple, they way they bantered with each other, and the chemistry was obviously there.
The book also had quite a few secondary characters that were really well done. Including a 16 year old neighbor, that Cash is like a big sister to. I really enjoyed their relationship.
My one sort of complaint, about the book, is the ending. It's just ends and leaves a lot of stuff hanging. Bartlett obviously wants to do a series, so I know questions will be answered, I just hate having to wait. Luckily, it is not an ending like someone might be dead or anything that horrible of a cliffhanger. Overall, I am happy though, I want more books with Cash.
I would recommend this to people that want to read something a little different. It has nice unconventional family ties, some romance, a little excitement, and a bit of a bad girl, that you just can't help but like. I hope people will give this a chance so Bartlett will write more in this series. I need to know what happens next.
An ARC was given to me from Bold Strokes Books, for a honest review.
June 21, 2019
It was just average until the end. And now I have to read the next one.
Cash is a Sacramento dealer of prescription drugs. Not the bad stuff. Because if there are such things as 'good drug dealers' then she would be in that category. She has an awesome partner, Nate, that helps push the merchandise. Cash meets Laurel at a party and begins to develop scary feelings. But she is sure that her chosen profession will be a deal breaker.
First, I have to say that I grew up near Sacramento. Then lived there later in life for several years. If the movie 'Lady Bird' was a love letter to Sacramento, then 'Cash Braddock' is the wedding. As Bartlett referenced numerous places and streets, it felt like going home. The fab 40s. Midtown. 50. Apple Hill. Second Saturday. Crocker. Faces. The Depot. Etc. So I really enjoyed the setting aspect of this book.
As for the story... It was just OK for 85% of the book. It felt like everything was happening so sequentially that I was just living Cash's life with her. From waking up and drinking coffee, to checking up with the next door neighbors, to getting a hair cut, to doing business with Nate. It all felt a little bit diary-esque without a lot happening to keep interest.
There were a couple of interesting things that happened in that drug world of theirs in regards to competing business. Just not enough to elevate the book into anything spectacular... until the last 15% of the book. I was shocked, for one thing. I had speculated something may be off, but I hadn't guessed exactly what. Then everything that happens with warehouses and counties and jails and trucks in the end had me gripped. And now I HAVE to continue the series to see how everything plays out.
I don't know if I would recommend it. I think that will depend on how the rest of the series goes. This may be a case of having to slog through the development of characters to get to the good stuff? I hope so!
Cash is a Sacramento dealer of prescription drugs. Not the bad stuff. Because if there are such things as 'good drug dealers' then she would be in that category. She has an awesome partner, Nate, that helps push the merchandise. Cash meets Laurel at a party and begins to develop scary feelings. But she is sure that her chosen profession will be a deal breaker.
First, I have to say that I grew up near Sacramento. Then lived there later in life for several years. If the movie 'Lady Bird' was a love letter to Sacramento, then 'Cash Braddock' is the wedding. As Bartlett referenced numerous places and streets, it felt like going home. The fab 40s. Midtown. 50. Apple Hill. Second Saturday. Crocker. Faces. The Depot. Etc. So I really enjoyed the setting aspect of this book.
As for the story... It was just OK for 85% of the book. It felt like everything was happening so sequentially that I was just living Cash's life with her. From waking up and drinking coffee, to checking up with the next door neighbors, to getting a hair cut, to doing business with Nate. It all felt a little bit diary-esque without a lot happening to keep interest.
There were a couple of interesting things that happened in that drug world of theirs in regards to competing business. Just not enough to elevate the book into anything spectacular... until the last 15% of the book. I was shocked, for one thing. I had speculated something may be off, but I hadn't guessed exactly what. Then everything that happens with warehouses and counties and jails and trucks in the end had me gripped. And now I HAVE to continue the series to see how everything plays out.
I don't know if I would recommend it. I think that will depend on how the rest of the series goes. This may be a case of having to slog through the development of characters to get to the good stuff? I hope so!
November 17, 2016
The words which follow this sentence are not a review but are instead a few thoughts made moments after I read the last words in this book.
Beginning was great. Somewhere late in the game everything turned to crap. Then the book ended abruptly with everything unsolved.
I very tentatively rate this as much as 3 stars. I might lower it. At the moment I'm thinking of this as being around 2.75. But I won't put it on that shelf at the moment. Maybe it is a 3. Maybe it is even more than a 3. At the moment? I'm leaning to putting a 1 on this and tossing it out of my life, but that would be unfair, so I tentatively think of it as a 2.75, but only mark it as a 3 star book.
Also, some spoiler things
ETA: This might become a series, it might not. Book did end abruptly. Would I read a sequel? No. Would I read another book by this author? The author has a great ability to write in general and create interesting characters. I'm not sure I can trust the author not to 'betray' me again.
ETA2: One of my greatest problems with the book is that the ending doesn't make any sense.
ETA3:
November 16 2016
Beginning was great. Somewhere late in the game everything turned to crap. Then the book ended abruptly with everything unsolved.
I very tentatively rate this as much as 3 stars. I might lower it. At the moment I'm thinking of this as being around 2.75. But I won't put it on that shelf at the moment. Maybe it is a 3. Maybe it is even more than a 3. At the moment? I'm leaning to putting a 1 on this and tossing it out of my life, but that would be unfair, so I tentatively think of it as a 2.75, but only mark it as a 3 star book.
Also, some spoiler things
ETA: This might become a series, it might not. Book did end abruptly. Would I read a sequel? No. Would I read another book by this author? The author has a great ability to write in general and create interesting characters. I'm not sure I can trust the author not to 'betray' me again.
ETA2: One of my greatest problems with the book is that the ending doesn't make any sense.
ETA3:
November 16 2016
December 20, 2016
I loved it. Caught by surprise even by how much I enjoyed this read. To quote a line from Laurel, “You, Cash Braddock, are nothing like I expected.”
Cash Braddock is a soft drugs dealer. She sells prescription drugs like Xanax and Vicodin to her regular customers and keeps the college kids happy with amphetamines. I am normally against drug use and those who push drugs but Ashley Bartlett gives us a character so endearing she is impossible not to love. Cash is clever and street savvy. She does what she does to support herself and others she cares about. When she and her partner Nate are not working dorm parties she hangs out with her cat Nickels, and trades wisecracks with her neighbours teenage daughter. Andy is fifteen and a baby dyke in training. The scene when Cash takes Andy for her first barber shop haircut (with her mother's blessing) was a sweet example of the friendship these two non conformers share.
Andy also has more success with the ladies than Cash. Her chosen profession tends to scare the good ones away. One night at a frat party she and Nate are working she meets Laurel Collins. They hit it off and Laurel is both charmed by and tolerant of Cash and her lifestyle. Cash cannot believe her good fortune. Laurel does seem to keep things to herself and is slow to reveal a lot of personal information but Cash knows how to be patient.
This story builds and builds until you find yourself unable to stop reading. It is rare that a book told in first person doesn't grate and annoy me but Cash Braddock is the exception. The reader only knows Laurel through Cash. When Laurel is off page she is a mystery. Tension builds because their connection and conversations are almost too perfect. You can't help but wonder how this perfect match for Cash, this “gorgeous dyke” can progress from beers in a bar to helping Cash battle a rival drug dealer. You know something is about to happen. Bartlett excels at keeping the reader guessing while watching Cash act and react to threats on her operation. The author could give lessons on how to write raw emotions. I was so caught up in the lives of these women and their friends and the strong dramatic ending that I look forward to another chance to connect with these characters. There are scores to be settled and explanations to be offered. I can't wait to read what happens next.
5 happy stars
eARC received with thanks from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley for review.
Cash Braddock is a soft drugs dealer. She sells prescription drugs like Xanax and Vicodin to her regular customers and keeps the college kids happy with amphetamines. I am normally against drug use and those who push drugs but Ashley Bartlett gives us a character so endearing she is impossible not to love. Cash is clever and street savvy. She does what she does to support herself and others she cares about. When she and her partner Nate are not working dorm parties she hangs out with her cat Nickels, and trades wisecracks with her neighbours teenage daughter. Andy is fifteen and a baby dyke in training. The scene when Cash takes Andy for her first barber shop haircut (with her mother's blessing) was a sweet example of the friendship these two non conformers share.
Andy also has more success with the ladies than Cash. Her chosen profession tends to scare the good ones away. One night at a frat party she and Nate are working she meets Laurel Collins. They hit it off and Laurel is both charmed by and tolerant of Cash and her lifestyle. Cash cannot believe her good fortune. Laurel does seem to keep things to herself and is slow to reveal a lot of personal information but Cash knows how to be patient.
This story builds and builds until you find yourself unable to stop reading. It is rare that a book told in first person doesn't grate and annoy me but Cash Braddock is the exception. The reader only knows Laurel through Cash. When Laurel is off page she is a mystery. Tension builds because their connection and conversations are almost too perfect. You can't help but wonder how this perfect match for Cash, this “gorgeous dyke” can progress from beers in a bar to helping Cash battle a rival drug dealer. You know something is about to happen. Bartlett excels at keeping the reader guessing while watching Cash act and react to threats on her operation. The author could give lessons on how to write raw emotions. I was so caught up in the lives of these women and their friends and the strong dramatic ending that I look forward to another chance to connect with these characters. There are scores to be settled and explanations to be offered. I can't wait to read what happens next.
5 happy stars
eARC received with thanks from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley for review.
May 9, 2019
This is one of those books that I constantly drop lower on my to-read list. The cover really doesn't appeal to me and I was pretty sure that a drug dealing main character named Cash wasn't going to appeal much either. There is a third instalment imminent and I thought I'd give this one a try and if I liked it, I would skip the second and go straight to the third. Well then, I didn't even stop to review this before diving straight into the second, The Price of Cash. I thoroughly enjoyed both and I'm invested.
Cash deals prescription drugs and meets Laurel one night at a party she's working. With both of them older than the average age of the party-goers, they hit it off and find their interaction wonderfully easy. The more Cash finds herself drawn to Laurel, the more she is conflicted about telling Laurel what she does.
I expected Cash to be a little macho and posturing but she wasn't at all. The first half of the novel is positively domestic and shows such a sensitive and smart side to Cash that it is hard not to like her.
She's quick-witted, clever and emotionally open. Her relationship with her neighbour and her teenage daughter goes a long way to defining what kind of person she is. The story is fast-paced and often humorous with some tension and angst thrown in.
Cash deals prescription drugs and meets Laurel one night at a party she's working. With both of them older than the average age of the party-goers, they hit it off and find their interaction wonderfully easy. The more Cash finds herself drawn to Laurel, the more she is conflicted about telling Laurel what she does.
I expected Cash to be a little macho and posturing but she wasn't at all. The first half of the novel is positively domestic and shows such a sensitive and smart side to Cash that it is hard not to like her.
She's quick-witted, clever and emotionally open. Her relationship with her neighbour and her teenage daughter goes a long way to defining what kind of person she is. The story is fast-paced and often humorous with some tension and angst thrown in.
November 22, 2020
4.25 stars. I had this series on my TBR list for a while now and noticed a new book is to be released soon, so this was a good moment to start and I’m so happy I did! This book is slightly different from the norm with a drug dealer as the main character, but I love a morally grey character. The absolute highlights of this book for me were the dialogues. They are snarky and dripping with sarcasm, it totally worked for me.
Cash is a bit of a loner and prefers to achieve as much as possible with as little effort as possible.
“That’s my girl. Shaky moral compass with just enough laziness to prevent her from behaving badly.” (Clive)
“I didn’t laugh. I had a moral compass. It wasn’t shaky, just had low sensitivity” (Cash)
She’s a drug dealer, but certainly does not live a life of high crime, in fact, her life is pretty ordinary. She loves lying on the couch with her cat and reading poetry or hanging out with her 15-old neighbor Andy and her mother Robin. Being a drug dealer does not work wonders for her love life though, and when she meets Laurel it is like a dream come true, or in Cash’ words:
“This chick was a keeper. She valued my ability to do nothing” (Cash)
Yes, Cash is a drug dealer and she doesn’t take the law too seriously, but she has a heart of gold and you just can’t help loving her. She is the most loyal person you can think of to the (few) people she cares about, I especially enjoyed those moments between Cash and Andy. The beginning of the book starts rather easygoing, but soon Cash’ life is far from quiet and ordinary. I was glued to this book, a great surprise!
Cash is a bit of a loner and prefers to achieve as much as possible with as little effort as possible.
“That’s my girl. Shaky moral compass with just enough laziness to prevent her from behaving badly.” (Clive)
“I didn’t laugh. I had a moral compass. It wasn’t shaky, just had low sensitivity” (Cash)
She’s a drug dealer, but certainly does not live a life of high crime, in fact, her life is pretty ordinary. She loves lying on the couch with her cat and reading poetry or hanging out with her 15-old neighbor Andy and her mother Robin. Being a drug dealer does not work wonders for her love life though, and when she meets Laurel it is like a dream come true, or in Cash’ words:
“This chick was a keeper. She valued my ability to do nothing” (Cash)
Yes, Cash is a drug dealer and she doesn’t take the law too seriously, but she has a heart of gold and you just can’t help loving her. She is the most loyal person you can think of to the (few) people she cares about, I especially enjoyed those moments between Cash and Andy. The beginning of the book starts rather easygoing, but soon Cash’ life is far from quiet and ordinary. I was glued to this book, a great surprise!
December 12, 2016
Cash Braddock by Ashley Bartlett was not going to be on my list of December reads. I scanned the cover and was meh, I have too much to do to add this one. A weekend of terrible weather, and boredom of running the treadmill, I succumbed and picked this one up. Why I gave it a go? Basically, for the fact that Cash is a drug dealer. What an interesting premise in which our main protagonist is actually kind of a bad girl.
Cash Braddock is an educated, smartass that chooses to forgo a big girl job to peddle opiates and benzos to college students and housewives. Anti-establishment, I do what I want attitude, with a side of hippie. While morally bendy, she does have a sense of right and wrong, however, twisted her logic may be. While Cash’s day job is reprehensible, she is also sweet, caring, witty and sarcastic in the best possible way. Imagine a character that goes from peddling Adderall to quoting Plath and Wilde while sipping craft beer all withing the course of an hour. Cash in a conundrum in the best possible ways.
Laurel is Cash’s would-be girlfriend. These two meet and the chemistry is instantaneous. They challenge each other intellectually, open up over past hurts underneath the stars all the while dancing around actually dating. You as the reader, see the beginnings how these two are each other’s other half. True love is in the making. Hold the phone, though, nothing ever worthwhile comes easy, and this is a romance novel, so we are going to have to ramp up the tension. Laurel is super into Cash, but something is holding her back. I’m not telling you, what that something is either. You can read the book and gasp out loud at 1:00AM like I did.
I loved that this book is so different. There were moments I laughed out loud, pop culture references that I adored and parts I cringed because I’m a good girl and Cash is kind of bad. I relished the moments that Laurel and Cash spent alone. These two are really a good match and their chemistry just jumps off the page. Playful, serious and sarcastic all rolled into one harmonious pairing. The story is great, the characters are fantastic and the twist, well I never saw it coming. The ending is kind of abrupt, so I find myself impatiently waiting for the next book in the series, but loving the time I spent with this one. For once, I am actually glad that bad weather kept me inside.
4.25 stars
Cash Braddock is an educated, smartass that chooses to forgo a big girl job to peddle opiates and benzos to college students and housewives. Anti-establishment, I do what I want attitude, with a side of hippie. While morally bendy, she does have a sense of right and wrong, however, twisted her logic may be. While Cash’s day job is reprehensible, she is also sweet, caring, witty and sarcastic in the best possible way. Imagine a character that goes from peddling Adderall to quoting Plath and Wilde while sipping craft beer all withing the course of an hour. Cash in a conundrum in the best possible ways.
Laurel is Cash’s would-be girlfriend. These two meet and the chemistry is instantaneous. They challenge each other intellectually, open up over past hurts underneath the stars all the while dancing around actually dating. You as the reader, see the beginnings how these two are each other’s other half. True love is in the making. Hold the phone, though, nothing ever worthwhile comes easy, and this is a romance novel, so we are going to have to ramp up the tension. Laurel is super into Cash, but something is holding her back. I’m not telling you, what that something is either. You can read the book and gasp out loud at 1:00AM like I did.
I loved that this book is so different. There were moments I laughed out loud, pop culture references that I adored and parts I cringed because I’m a good girl and Cash is kind of bad. I relished the moments that Laurel and Cash spent alone. These two are really a good match and their chemistry just jumps off the page. Playful, serious and sarcastic all rolled into one harmonious pairing. The story is great, the characters are fantastic and the twist, well I never saw it coming. The ending is kind of abrupt, so I find myself impatiently waiting for the next book in the series, but loving the time I spent with this one. For once, I am actually glad that bad weather kept me inside.
4.25 stars
November 16, 2016
Well that was different... but in a really awesome way!
My Review
I actually really enjoyed this book by Ashley Bartlett. Cash Braddock isn’t your standard Lesfic Romance but it was done ever so well!
Cash Braddock is a drug dealer... but don't write her off straight away! She’s so sweet, caring and (by the description) extremely hot... and actually if there was ever going to be someone that deserves your time it’s Cash. She's a second parent and friend to the young girl next door, she's a great friend and when she falls for you, she really falls for you.
So can we look past the drugs?
…I did and I'm glad I picked this book up.
The book is written from Cash’s POV, Which normally I’m not a fan of but it worked for this novel. I especially enjoyed the sarcastic quips from Cash and her girlfriend Laurel, I definitely had a few laugh out load moments; I love a bit of humor and sarcasm in a novel so this was a big tick for me.
I thought all the characters developed well as the story continued and the twist (don’t we all love a great twist) was done well. I had a feeling from the start something was up but when it happens it flips your perspective on more than one character.
If you read my blog you all know I love a good sex scene and this book not only delivered but it was written extremely well. I felt the build up to it was cleverly written, and when it finally happens the reader is hooked.
Ashley Bartlett was able to leave me hanging on every word and then at the end just like a junkie from the book… I was hooked and craving more!
5 stars.
Come on Ashley Bartlett we need know when we can expect our next 'hit' from Cash Braddock...
Quote of the Book:
“I wanted to cause damage, you know? Plus, this kind of ramps up my badassery.”
My Review
I actually really enjoyed this book by Ashley Bartlett. Cash Braddock isn’t your standard Lesfic Romance but it was done ever so well!
Cash Braddock is a drug dealer... but don't write her off straight away! She’s so sweet, caring and (by the description) extremely hot... and actually if there was ever going to be someone that deserves your time it’s Cash. She's a second parent and friend to the young girl next door, she's a great friend and when she falls for you, she really falls for you.
So can we look past the drugs?
…I did and I'm glad I picked this book up.
The book is written from Cash’s POV, Which normally I’m not a fan of but it worked for this novel. I especially enjoyed the sarcastic quips from Cash and her girlfriend Laurel, I definitely had a few laugh out load moments; I love a bit of humor and sarcasm in a novel so this was a big tick for me.
I thought all the characters developed well as the story continued and the twist (don’t we all love a great twist) was done well. I had a feeling from the start something was up but when it happens it flips your perspective on more than one character.
If you read my blog you all know I love a good sex scene and this book not only delivered but it was written extremely well. I felt the build up to it was cleverly written, and when it finally happens the reader is hooked.
Ashley Bartlett was able to leave me hanging on every word and then at the end just like a junkie from the book… I was hooked and craving more!
5 stars.
Come on Ashley Bartlett we need know when we can expect our next 'hit' from Cash Braddock...
Quote of the Book:
“I wanted to cause damage, you know? Plus, this kind of ramps up my badassery.”
April 29, 2023
As the cover of the first book says of our lesbian anti-hero, "Cash Braddock just wants to hang out with her cat, fall in love, and deal drugs. What's the problem with that?" I'm going to struggle to rec this without spoiling, but I can say this: Cash does fall in love, with the woman of her dreams, and that's what just about ruins her life. I don't know quite how to classify this series, but it's well worth your time.
Cash isn't be a particularly moral person, but she has her own code. The money laundered from Cash's dealing of various "light" pills (Adderall, Xanax, etc.) subsidizes her beloved uncle's growing organic farm and pays college tuition for her assistant. She's close friends with her neighbor and the neighbor's awesome lesbian daughter. She's a nice person. If you ignore the illegal business. When she meets Laurel, she's smitten, and Laurel is smitten back. Cash worries that Laurel will eventually decide dating a drug dealer isn't for her. However, as their relationship develops, it starts to seem like Laurel's the one holding back a secret that will break them up.
The first two books of the series revolve around investigations into problems related to Cash's business. They're suspenseful in parts, emotionally raw where it fits - especially at the end of the first book, ow! - but by the end of the second book I felt okay again about Cash's life and even hopeful for her. I loved the importance of friendships here, especially female friendships, and how messy and painful Bartlett was willing to make things for Cash to create conditions for her to grow.
(As a side note, this is a small thing in book two but so emotional: I appreciated the spotlight on how men sometimes don't believe women about other men's violence, and how brutal that is for women.)
The third and fourth books were great, and honestly I think this is one of the most underrated queer series out there.
Cash isn't be a particularly moral person, but she has her own code. The money laundered from Cash's dealing of various "light" pills (Adderall, Xanax, etc.) subsidizes her beloved uncle's growing organic farm and pays college tuition for her assistant. She's close friends with her neighbor and the neighbor's awesome lesbian daughter. She's a nice person. If you ignore the illegal business. When she meets Laurel, she's smitten, and Laurel is smitten back. Cash worries that Laurel will eventually decide dating a drug dealer isn't for her. However, as their relationship develops, it starts to seem like Laurel's the one holding back a secret that will break them up.
The first two books of the series revolve around investigations into problems related to Cash's business. They're suspenseful in parts, emotionally raw where it fits - especially at the end of the first book, ow! - but by the end of the second book I felt okay again about Cash's life and even hopeful for her. I loved the importance of friendships here, especially female friendships, and how messy and painful Bartlett was willing to make things for Cash to create conditions for her to grow.
(As a side note, this is a small thing in book two but so emotional: I appreciated the spotlight on how men sometimes don't believe women about other men's violence, and how brutal that is for women.)
The third and fourth books were great, and honestly I think this is one of the most underrated queer series out there.
December 15, 2016
I loved this book. I have read other books by this author-namely the Luca Bennett series-which I also really liked. I like her characters that are so tough on the outside but actually pretty soft and tender on the inside. This book was full of interesting characters that added to the rich development of the main character Cash. You can't help but like Cash because she's actually a good person (even though she's a drug dealer). The romance was just enough. It does end abruptly, with a lot of stuff unresolved. If this doesn't become a series-I'm gonna be really angry!
Arc received from publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Edit: As mentioned below..I have no idea where I got the idea this author wrote the Luca Bennett series...It was Carsen Taite that wrote that series. Sorry for any confusion...
Arc received from publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Edit: As mentioned below..I have no idea where I got the idea this author wrote the Luca Bennett series...It was Carsen Taite that wrote that series. Sorry for any confusion...
June 22, 2019
4 stars. I enjoyed reading about Cash quite a lot. Sort of an anti-hero vibe going on here and I do so love anti-hero books. The romance here is more of a subplot, the book mostly focuses on Cash's life dealing drugs and avoiding the authorities amongst other things. And while usually it's more of a downside, I didn't mind this time. The plot is engaging and fresh. I hadn't read a book about dealing drugs before.
Still, the book could have used a bit more romance in it. And Cash is a bit too open about her drug dealing with complete strangers. But then she also sells drugs to complete strangers so there's always that risk and tension present.
The plot I thought was really good and ultimately delivered on the premise. It also wasn't overly predictable which has been rare for me lately. And some of the secondary characters are also really colorful and memorable.
Overall, a really engaging read for me.
Still, the book could have used a bit more romance in it. And Cash is a bit too open about her drug dealing with complete strangers. But then she also sells drugs to complete strangers so there's always that risk and tension present.
The plot I thought was really good and ultimately delivered on the premise. It also wasn't overly predictable which has been rare for me lately. And some of the secondary characters are also really colorful and memorable.
Overall, a really engaging read for me.
June 27, 2018
Fun fun fun. And strangely moving.
November 28, 2016
Loved the neighbor and her baby dyke daughter! This was a great set up to a series! At least I hope there will be another book. I want to know what happens next.
November 23, 2016
While a few things were easy to see coming, I really enjoyed the book as a whole. It was refreshing to read Cash's narrative. She is self-aware, yet slightly deluded when it comes to certain things and I appreciated that about her. I also enjoyed reading a book where the main character was relatable in terms of age; So often 30 means either very mature or so immature they may as well be teenagers. The banter made me smile and was a huge part of what I liked about this book.
While I definitely don't agree with Cash's income, she is very likable once you see her as a whole and not just any one label.
Secondary characters were also very well written.
I am looking forward to the sequel!
While I definitely don't agree with Cash's income, she is very likable once you see her as a whole and not just any one label.
Secondary characters were also very well written.
I am looking forward to the sequel!
January 24, 2021
I can see why so many readers have given this book five stars. Yes Cash Braddock is a drug dealer but you cannot help yourself from liking her. She has so many good qualities you want her to win against every obstacle.
The writing is exceptional, especially the dialogue. The wit and nuance interspersed throughout the dialogue kept me reading this in one sitting.
The storyline is intense as it does deal with drug dealing and I do not want to spoil one second of your reading of the novel by explaining the plot.
This is an exceptional read.
5⭐️
The writing is exceptional, especially the dialogue. The wit and nuance interspersed throughout the dialogue kept me reading this in one sitting.
The storyline is intense as it does deal with drug dealing and I do not want to spoil one second of your reading of the novel by explaining the plot.
This is an exceptional read.
5⭐️
March 19, 2024
I had a moral compass. It wasn’t shaky, just had low sensitivity.
3.5 stars. A great start to a series that I think has a lot of potential and promise for me. Not perfect, but really good. Cash is a small-time drug dealer, peddling pills with a farming business as a front, and we follow her as her daily routine gets shaken up by involvement with some new drugs, and involvement with a new girl.
I really liked the casual vibe of the storytelling and all the humour in the writing. The prose is full of Cash's voice, and I fell in love with that pretty much instantly. A lot of snark and sarcasm, which can get a little bit overbearing, but it was nicely balanced out with moments of sincerity and genuineness. She did throw me off with some of her comments about dealing, and her little moral high ground for not dealing in low-class or street drugs, but I have a feeling that that's something that she'll be forced to take a closer look at as the series goes on. The writing didn't quite strike my preferred tone when it comes to its stance on institutions, but I'm hopeful that maybe as the series continues, it'll have more useful things to say. I don't know. I liked Cash a lot, but I would have probably liked her even more if she didn't try so hard to distance herself from ~other~ drug dealers, as if opioids and the like aren't dangerous in their own way (and again, it's clear that she'll look inward some more in upcoming books). I just get touchy about drugs! Buuuut I'm equally touchy about copaganda, lol, so I'm hopeful that it won't lean too hard in the other direction.
The romance was cute! I think I'd like it more if I reread it, but as of right now, I don't feel very deeply about it. I DID love that neither of them were femme, hallelujah. Butch4butch is distressingly rare, so this was deeeelightful to me. (Not that Laurel is really butch, I guess? But she's definitely not femme.) They had some really good banter; dialogue is where the author excels, and it's what their chemistry was built on. Their romance doesn't end here, so I'm hopeful that we'll get even more good development. The relationship that I was most invested in was Cash and her teenage dirtbag neighbour. They were so sweet, in their own bickering snarky way. And seeing Cash be an awesome butch aunt to this baby dyke genuinely had me in my feelings. This was looking to be more of a 3, but it's more of a 4 because of Andy.
The plot was simple but engaging, had its ups and downs. Cash made some decisions that had me wanting to shake her like GIRL WHY, and at times she was a bit frustratingly indecisive. But I really like the way things ended, at a very interesting place for all our characters. I'll continue the series soon, hopefully!
July 10, 2020
Well, well done Ashley Bartlett and Bold Stroke Books - totally conned me out of £7.50 and I'm sure you'll laughing all the way to the bank and don't care about your loyal readers. Book ends without an ending meaning you want me to spend another £7.50 on book 2 which probably... etc etc. Hope you'll proud of yourselves.
April 10, 2018
So ... This book was a disappointment.
The author's writing is great and that's what made me go to the end of the book, but that's how far I'll get in this series. That's the end of the line for me.
Cash is the worst drug dealer I've ever seen in my life. Okay that she's a small drug dealer, but even those who sell marijuana and have a small business know that you don't discuss business matters with a person you barely know!
For me the story could have been perfect if it had not been for that point. It's not realistic and okay, some people may point out and say that this is a work of fiction, but is not it fiction that mimics real life? I understand follies occur in fantasy and supernatural genre stories, but in a book that humans live on earth and must follow the rules imposed by society, I expect realism.
And if that was real ... Well ... How did she manage to stay in business with that naive (or rather stupid) attitude for so long?
Explaining better my irritation with the character ... Cash, the main character in the story, meets a woman. Okay, I was excited about the prospect of romance.
Cash starts dating this woman and then reveals she's a drug dealer ... How long have they known each other so far? A couple of weeks, maybe?
In that I've already been: okayyy ... A little rush, right?
But anyway ... Nothing too weird, I blocked my logical reasoning and went with the tide.
A few days later Cash gets into trouble and she ends up telling some details of her (illicit) business to this woman she barely knew.
At that moment it was already becoming difficult to debate my rationality.
So she reveals even more details about her business network, things she said in the early chapters that she would not reveal about her family and involvement with drugs, to this same woman she knew less than a month from now.
To make matters worse, she discovers that the woman was a cop investigating her (which I discovered early on in the narrative, seriously this was not even hidden) and thinks to herself that she loves her.
Less than a month she knows her. How is she going to love someone she does not know, when she says she does not care about these feelings and commitments?
But anyway ... The story was rush, the developments could be much more genuine if it had a build time between them. And Cash was smarter. Seriously ... Who talks about your illicit business with whom you don't even know?
I just can't get over it.
2.5 stars by merit of the author's good writing, not by the plot. And because the character has a life outside the romance (thank god).
The author's writing is great and that's what made me go to the end of the book, but that's how far I'll get in this series. That's the end of the line for me.
Cash is the worst drug dealer I've ever seen in my life. Okay that she's a small drug dealer, but even those who sell marijuana and have a small business know that you don't discuss business matters with a person you barely know!
For me the story could have been perfect if it had not been for that point. It's not realistic and okay, some people may point out and say that this is a work of fiction, but is not it fiction that mimics real life? I understand follies occur in fantasy and supernatural genre stories, but in a book that humans live on earth and must follow the rules imposed by society, I expect realism.
And if that was real ... Well ... How did she manage to stay in business with that naive (or rather stupid) attitude for so long?
Explaining better my irritation with the character ... Cash, the main character in the story, meets a woman. Okay, I was excited about the prospect of romance.
Cash starts dating this woman and then reveals she's a drug dealer ... How long have they known each other so far? A couple of weeks, maybe?
In that I've already been: okayyy ... A little rush, right?
But anyway ... Nothing too weird, I blocked my logical reasoning and went with the tide.
A few days later Cash gets into trouble and she ends up telling some details of her (illicit) business to this woman she barely knew.
At that moment it was already becoming difficult to debate my rationality.
So she reveals even more details about her business network, things she said in the early chapters that she would not reveal about her family and involvement with drugs, to this same woman she knew less than a month from now.
To make matters worse, she discovers that the woman was a cop investigating her (which I discovered early on in the narrative, seriously this was not even hidden) and thinks to herself that she loves her.
Less than a month she knows her. How is she going to love someone she does not know, when she says she does not care about these feelings and commitments?
But anyway ... The story was rush, the developments could be much more genuine if it had a build time between them. And Cash was smarter. Seriously ... Who talks about your illicit business with whom you don't even know?
I just can't get over it.
2.5 stars by merit of the author's good writing, not by the plot. And because the character has a life outside the romance (thank god).
November 27, 2016
An honest review thanks to NetGalley. This book was amazing; Bartlett has a knack for being able to create characters that just jump off the page and immerse themselves into your heart. I don't think I have read a single book of hers that didn't leave me a little bit teary eyed as I felt for every part of her characters. Cash is amazing in her way, but she says it best with this line, "My moral compass wasn't shaky. It just pointed in a different direction than everyone else's." Drug dealing, love, lust, betrayal, intrigue, and the constant thought of what is right and wrong will follow you in this book. True Ashley Bartlett is my favorite lesbian author, and it feels like I have been waiting for decades for a new book to come out, but I am about to fall apart with the fact that I am going to have to wait this long for the next cash book to come out! You will fall madly in love with this book and if you haven't read Bartlett before, read some of her others, her Dirty series and sex and skateboards are my favorite books of all time!
did-not-finish
April 4, 2018I tried to read it twice but I never reach the end of the first chapter. I don't even remember why :(.
November 25, 2016
*3.5 stars
I actually really liked this book, the dialogue was witty and made each character interaction a joy to read. The secondary characters, especially Andy, were interesting and had great chemistry with the drug dealing protaganist, Cash. Cash is a likeable character, but I wish her motivations were fleshed out a little bit more, same goes for her relationship with Laurel. This relationship was interesting and the pair are well suited, but I guessed where it was going practically from the get go.
I didn't really have a problem with the ending, though it is abrupt, as not everything has to have a tidy ending, but I think there is ample opportunity for a sequel and I would be disappointed if one was not written in order to tie up the loose ends.
I recommend this book, but school your expections if you're expecting it to end simarly to other lesfic.
*an arc was provided by Bold Strokes Books for an honest review
I actually really liked this book, the dialogue was witty and made each character interaction a joy to read. The secondary characters, especially Andy, were interesting and had great chemistry with the drug dealing protaganist, Cash. Cash is a likeable character, but I wish her motivations were fleshed out a little bit more, same goes for her relationship with Laurel. This relationship was interesting and the pair are well suited, but I guessed where it was going practically from the get go.
I didn't really have a problem with the ending, though it is abrupt, as not everything has to have a tidy ending, but I think there is ample opportunity for a sequel and I would be disappointed if one was not written in order to tie up the loose ends.
I recommend this book, but school your expections if you're expecting it to end simarly to other lesfic.
*an arc was provided by Bold Strokes Books for an honest review
February 4, 2020
Ashley Bartlett is a definitely a young author to watch. I can't wait to see how their writing improves. Cash Braddock is YA easy read. The characters are fun and the dialogue is quick. I would have given it a 3.5 but I'm rounding up for potential. The first book in this series runs hot and cold. The strong points of this book all go to Cash Braddock, who feels like exactly the kind of character the reader can route for. Wrong side of the tracks with a heart of gold and basically no social skills that gives them a sexy air of mystery. If this had been 1980's they would have been a smoker or a drinker but since it's now, they are more healthy (but still have the cute cat). Cash is a great character. Laurel has the beginnings of one. We don't really actually learn anything much about her in the first book. I felt Andy was cute, but there was a little to much of the child in the book in the beginning.
(Some light spoilers) - If you are someone who likes angst and romance, this one feels a little off the mark. There are a lot of the promising cliques there (Laurel's a cop! Cash is a drug dealer!) but the reveal comes a little too late for this book to truly get to reveal in the lovely situation the plot sets up for itself. If the first two books were sold together it might make more sense.
Too much of the book is Cash's domestic side, watching Andy and going on cutesy dates that don't allow for any real depth of character and the end which involves the cop reveal and some action feels a bit rushed. The tone is definitely YA
The set up for this is great, it gets points for strong characters but it loses points for a meandering plot that never fires up the heat. I could see future books with these characters being great if dive more into them or invest in their chemistry, but as it stands it's a good first effort.
(Some light spoilers) - If you are someone who likes angst and romance, this one feels a little off the mark. There are a lot of the promising cliques there (Laurel's a cop! Cash is a drug dealer!) but the reveal comes a little too late for this book to truly get to reveal in the lovely situation the plot sets up for itself. If the first two books were sold together it might make more sense.
Too much of the book is Cash's domestic side, watching Andy and going on cutesy dates that don't allow for any real depth of character and the end which involves the cop reveal and some action feels a bit rushed. The tone is definitely YA
The set up for this is great, it gets points for strong characters but it loses points for a meandering plot that never fires up the heat. I could see future books with these characters being great if dive more into them or invest in their chemistry, but as it stands it's a good first effort.
Read
September 3, 2025I was first introduced to this author when I read her Dirty trilogy. I loved that and therefore was fairly convinced that whilst I might have a moral difficulty rooting for a character who is a drug dealer, it was likely that there’d be some ‘get around’ that would work for me. And this provides exactly that in the story being told in the first person from Cash’s POV. Yes, there is some moral ambiguity and self-justification that goes on but in spite of that she is just so likeable. Her relationships with all those close to her: Nate, Robin & Andy next door and her uncle Clive are just delightful. And the relationship she develops with potential new gf Laurel is also really rather sweet. You do have to suspend your disbelief at how quickly she confesses how she makes money, but just go with it and you will be richly rewarded. The writing is crisp and intelligent and the wit sparkling. This is a 4 book series and since I have them all (picked up in Bold Strokes Daily Deals) I went straight on to book 2 after finishing this…
December 25, 2016
I started this book thinking Cash sounded like a bad girl version of Veronica Mars and I wasn't disappointed. Bartlett has a witty way with words that reminds me a lot of that show. Cash is the sort of girl I'd probably really like because she is a bit of an asshole. On the other hand she is way cooler than I'll ever be. She's the drug dealer with a conscious, and she was likable almost immediately.
The romance part of the book is engaging without overshadowing the rest of the story. I like that it took a while for the relationship to really get going, which made it seem more real. The relationship built nicely with a lot of anticipation.
This story has a twist and while I expected a twist was coming, I didn't expect the twist that did happen. The ending from there was a little quick, but sets up sequels nicely while wrapping up this story. Overall I really enjoyed it!
The romance part of the book is engaging without overshadowing the rest of the story. I like that it took a while for the relationship to really get going, which made it seem more real. The relationship built nicely with a lot of anticipation.
This story has a twist and while I expected a twist was coming, I didn't expect the twist that did happen. The ending from there was a little quick, but sets up sequels nicely while wrapping up this story. Overall I really enjoyed it!
January 22, 2021
I surprised the hell out of myself by enjoying this way more than I thought I would. I've been wanting to read this series for quite a while but was a little apprehensive because, well, drug dealer. Not really something I can relate to. Now I'm really glad that I got my head out of my own arse and read it.
April 3, 2019
I couldn't put it down!
I usually read stories that are heavier on romance, but I couldn't put this book down. I'm going to purchase the next book in this series immediately! I definitely recommend it.
I usually read stories that are heavier on romance, but I couldn't put this book down. I'm going to purchase the next book in this series immediately! I definitely recommend it.
May 19, 2019
(3.5) I enjoyed this. I’m so bad at predicting things so I’m always surprised by the reveal even though once it was revealed all I could think about was OF COURSE she would do that.
This ended so abruptly and I’m glad I’m late to the party because now I get to read all the series at once.
This ended so abruptly and I’m glad I’m late to the party because now I get to read all the series at once.
June 19, 2017
Love this author's books and this one is no exception- Fantastic!
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