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Cash Braddock #2
The Price of Cash
Cash Braddock’s summer started bad and it’s getting worse. Her suppliers keep getting arrested. Her competition is poaching all her customers. Laurel isn’t who Cash thought she was. And her farm is under a microscope, which makes money laundering difficult.
There’s a new dealer on Cash’s turf. When kids start dying from the dealer’s pills, Detective Kallen turns to Cash for answers. Turns out her reputation for selling pills doesn’t make her an expert. It makes her a suspect. Cash preferred it when she knew which cops were bad and good.
Last time, her business and reputation were on the line. Now, she’s got to worry about staying out of jail. And stay alive.
Second in the Cash Braddock series.
There’s a new dealer on Cash’s turf. When kids start dying from the dealer’s pills, Detective Kallen turns to Cash for answers. Turns out her reputation for selling pills doesn’t make her an expert. It makes her a suspect. Cash preferred it when she knew which cops were bad and good.
Last time, her business and reputation were on the line. Now, she’s got to worry about staying out of jail. And stay alive.
Second in the Cash Braddock series.
302 pages, Paperback
First published November 14, 2017
5 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Bartlett
15 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 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 1, 2024
Absorbing read!
This 2nd book in the ongoing 'Cash Braddock' series was such a fascinating engaging plotline from the 1st chapter to the very last sentence -- also well-paced and well written.
Highly recommended book #2 and series!
This 2nd book in the ongoing 'Cash Braddock' series was such a fascinating engaging plotline from the 1st chapter to the very last sentence -- also well-paced and well written.
Highly recommended book #2 and series!
October 23, 2017
This is the second book in the Cash Braddock series. To be honest, I just can’t get enough of this series. I did think book 1 was slightly better, but this book was still really good. If you do want to give these books a shot, I highly recommend reading Cash Braddock first. This book picks up shortly after that book ended.
In this book Cash’s life has been turned upside down. She is worried she lost important people in her life, and worried she might have to distance herself from others. With the cops breathing down her neck, Cash needs to focus on staying out of jail. When some college kids start dying from drug overdoses, Cash knows she must find out who is selling the bad drugs. Can Cash find out who it is before the cops decided she is the murderer?
There are no other series in lesfic like this one. While we have had books with criminals as main characters before, I can’t ever remember a main being a drug dealer. What makes Cash so likeable is she is a criminal with a conscience. She only sells prescription pills, and never to kids. She doesn’t want to hurt people and tries to do the right thing though it is not always easy. She is an antihero, but you root for her anyway. For anyone who was put off because of the drug dealing, consider giving this a chance. I would be shocked if you could read these books without caring for Cash. I really applaud Bartlett for taking this chance and being so different.
There was a big twist in book 1. I’m going to keep this review short and not explain much more. I would not want to ruin the twist for anyone new to this series. I will say these books have fantastic witty/sarcastic dialog. You have a little humor, a little excitement and a little romance. These are the only two books I have read under Bartlett’s name. If her other books are anywhere as good as this series, I really need to read them. This book did not end with as many loose ends as book 1, but there are still storylines open. I expect Bartlett will be writing a book 3. I honestly can’t wait for it and will absolutely be reading it.
An ARC was given to me by BSB, for a honest review.
In this book Cash’s life has been turned upside down. She is worried she lost important people in her life, and worried she might have to distance herself from others. With the cops breathing down her neck, Cash needs to focus on staying out of jail. When some college kids start dying from drug overdoses, Cash knows she must find out who is selling the bad drugs. Can Cash find out who it is before the cops decided she is the murderer?
There are no other series in lesfic like this one. While we have had books with criminals as main characters before, I can’t ever remember a main being a drug dealer. What makes Cash so likeable is she is a criminal with a conscience. She only sells prescription pills, and never to kids. She doesn’t want to hurt people and tries to do the right thing though it is not always easy. She is an antihero, but you root for her anyway. For anyone who was put off because of the drug dealing, consider giving this a chance. I would be shocked if you could read these books without caring for Cash. I really applaud Bartlett for taking this chance and being so different.
There was a big twist in book 1. I’m going to keep this review short and not explain much more. I would not want to ruin the twist for anyone new to this series. I will say these books have fantastic witty/sarcastic dialog. You have a little humor, a little excitement and a little romance. These are the only two books I have read under Bartlett’s name. If her other books are anywhere as good as this series, I really need to read them. This book did not end with as many loose ends as book 1, but there are still storylines open. I expect Bartlett will be writing a book 3. I honestly can’t wait for it and will absolutely be reading it.
An ARC was given to me by BSB, for a honest review.
July 26, 2019
So I thought the first book was just average until the last 85% of the book. I wasn't sure if I would recommend it until I read the rest of the series. I have to say that this second installment was very good. I'm pretty sure it was because book one focused hard on character introduction and backgrounds. Book two is more about story and and relationships.
Oh the relationship between Cash and Laurel is complex. How can something wrong feel so right? But I thought it was cold as ice that Cash was rubbing her 'friendship' with Kyra in Laurel's face. I did feel a bit unsatisfied with that story arc. I wanted more confrontation over it from Laurel. Some kind of conversation to show Laurel how Cash really feels about things in that regard.
I really enjoy how Nate and Cash always play detective with their surveillance tech.
I wish I had one iota of the snark/comedic ability of everyone in these books. Every single person can hold a sarcastic conversation. It is funny and all, but oddly depressing to me because I have zero ability for witty remarks. And reading everyone blessed with this ability seems SUPER unrealistic to me. But Ashley Bartlett must be a really fun friend to hang with if she is on like this all of the time.
Anyhow, I liked this one a lot.
I recommend to people who like reading about forbidden romance, undercover operations, questioning morality, philosophical musings of wrong vs. right, being let down by family, drug dealing, stakeouts, and grapes.
Oh the relationship between Cash and Laurel is complex. How can something wrong feel so right? But I thought it was cold as ice that Cash was rubbing her 'friendship' with Kyra in Laurel's face. I did feel a bit unsatisfied with that story arc. I wanted more confrontation over it from Laurel. Some kind of conversation to show Laurel how Cash really feels about things in that regard.
I really enjoy how Nate and Cash always play detective with their surveillance tech.
I wish I had one iota of the snark/comedic ability of everyone in these books. Every single person can hold a sarcastic conversation. It is funny and all, but oddly depressing to me because I have zero ability for witty remarks. And reading everyone blessed with this ability seems SUPER unrealistic to me. But Ashley Bartlett must be a really fun friend to hang with if she is on like this all of the time.
Anyhow, I liked this one a lot.
I recommend to people who like reading about forbidden romance, undercover operations, questioning morality, philosophical musings of wrong vs. right, being let down by family, drug dealing, stakeouts, and grapes.
December 3, 2017
Ashley Bartlett is a writing goddess. I love her rapid, modern, free flowing prose, a style which describes perfectly the fast-paced life of Cash Braddock. The Price of Cash opens shortly after the dramatic ending to the first book in the series. Stop reading this review if you have not read Cash Braddock. This darker, more introspective second novel can best be appreciated with an understanding of this flawed yet lovable drug dealer.
The Price of Cash opens with Cash feeling betrayed, guilty, angry and bitter. Betrayed by Laurel and not able to reconcile her feelings with the knowledge that she was just another felon Laurel was investigating for drug trafficking.
Guilty that Nate’s education might be lost, that she’s put her neighbours Robin and Andy in harm's way.
Angry at herself, at Laurel, at Henry but mostly at herself for having fallen for a cop.
Bitter at the role she now must play to avoid jail time, CI (Confidential Informant) with Reyes and Kallen as her handlers.
Laurel is miserable. She is under investigation, accused of fraternizing with her CI and distracted from her duties. She still cares about Cash but is powerless to do anything about it.
And now someone is trafficking fentanyl to the same college kids who previously bought uppers and recreational drugs from Cash and Nate. Kids are dying from fentanyl overdoses, kids who are only a couple of years older than Andy. Her heart and her conscience force Cash to work with the police to hunt down these killers. While doing so she examines her own shaky moral compass.
I loved this read. I love these flawed, funny and above all, honorable characters Bartlett has created. I love the tension between Cash and Laurel and the recognition that what they have is so much more than their chosen professions and the expectations of others.
And I totally YouTubed the Top Gun high five because if Andy thinks it’s worth it, so do I.
ARC received with thanks from publisher via NetGalley for review.
The Price of Cash opens with Cash feeling betrayed, guilty, angry and bitter. Betrayed by Laurel and not able to reconcile her feelings with the knowledge that she was just another felon Laurel was investigating for drug trafficking.
Guilty that Nate’s education might be lost, that she’s put her neighbours Robin and Andy in harm's way.
Angry at herself, at Laurel, at Henry but mostly at herself for having fallen for a cop.
Bitter at the role she now must play to avoid jail time, CI (Confidential Informant) with Reyes and Kallen as her handlers.
Laurel is miserable. She is under investigation, accused of fraternizing with her CI and distracted from her duties. She still cares about Cash but is powerless to do anything about it.
And now someone is trafficking fentanyl to the same college kids who previously bought uppers and recreational drugs from Cash and Nate. Kids are dying from fentanyl overdoses, kids who are only a couple of years older than Andy. Her heart and her conscience force Cash to work with the police to hunt down these killers. While doing so she examines her own shaky moral compass.
I loved this read. I love these flawed, funny and above all, honorable characters Bartlett has created. I love the tension between Cash and Laurel and the recognition that what they have is so much more than their chosen professions and the expectations of others.
And I totally YouTubed the Top Gun high five because if Andy thinks it’s worth it, so do I.
ARC received with thanks from publisher via NetGalley for review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2020
These books are so good to read. This is the second book in the Cash Braddock series and there is a continuing storyline, so I would recommend to read them in order. This book picks up right where book 1 ended and Cash has to deal with the reality of all events that happened in book 1. She’s a bit of an emotional mess doubting her friends, family and life choices. Like book one, Cash doesn’t always make the best choices, but I just like her so damn much and keep rooting for her!
The beginning of this book is a bit moodier than the first book and there is some light angst, which fits the situation Cash is in. The dialogues were excellent again, they are a bit less funny and light than in the first book, but there is still plenty of sarcasm, which I love. I won’t go too much into detail as I don’t want to give spoilers, but she gets herself into a bit of trouble on a professional level, which makes for an interesting storyline. I never thought I would become so invested in reading about a drug dealers’ life. I can’t wait to read the third book and see what happens in Cash’ life.
The beginning of this book is a bit moodier than the first book and there is some light angst, which fits the situation Cash is in. The dialogues were excellent again, they are a bit less funny and light than in the first book, but there is still plenty of sarcasm, which I love. I won’t go too much into detail as I don’t want to give spoilers, but she gets herself into a bit of trouble on a professional level, which makes for an interesting storyline. I never thought I would become so invested in reading about a drug dealers’ life. I can’t wait to read the third book and see what happens in Cash’ life.
May 9, 2019
This is just as good as the first in the series. Cash has to deal with the fallout of being a drug dealer which does have her re-evaluating her moral code. Especially when a few young people are overdosing on a dangerous product.
I missed Robin and Andy in this one because there presence is limited but I did like the addition of characters like Reyes, Gibson and the college drug users. A new story line instead of the continuation of Cash's dealing territory woes added to my enjoyment and engagement with this story.
I missed Robin and Andy in this one because there presence is limited but I did like the addition of characters like Reyes, Gibson and the college drug users. A new story line instead of the continuation of Cash's dealing territory woes added to my enjoyment and engagement with this story.
October 10, 2017
Last year when I read Cash Braddock I was floored by the story’s paradox. Cash is a drug dealer with a heart of gold. You cannot help but love her soft heart, funny quips and bucket loads of sarcasm. Her career of choice is reprehensible, absolutely. The thing about this character is she makes you care deeply for her and the predicament that she finds herself in knowing that it is wrong but finding ways to justify her actions. This year, Cash Braddock is back in the Price of Cash. Life has changed immensely for the character and her growth is palatable.
Warning: If you haven’t read the first book and you are thinking that you might. Stop reading this review!!! I’m about to spoil a big reveal in Cash Braddock. Go read it. It’s amazing, I totally promise!
Cash comes back in the Price of Cash heartbroken, pissed and despondent at the curveball life has thrown at her. 100% in love with Laurel all those feelings have to be pushed aside because her dream girl is actually an undercover police officer and now her handler. Cash must also take a good hard look at where her life is going. Is selling soft drugs any better for society as opposed to heroin or cocaine? A moral dilemma of epic proportions and one she will wrestle with throughout the story. Add to it that college students and former customers of Cash’s are now dead thanks to a new drug on the street.
While the book is written through Cash’s POV Laurel remains our other main character. As much as I love Cash, Laurel is the one I am most drawn to her. A stoic, tough law enforcement officer, Laurel struggles with her feelings for Cash. She absolutely wasn’t faking her feelings for her mark, more than anything she struggles with what to do with her attraction and love for Cash. She absolutely should not have these feelings but she cannot stop herself.
The chemistry between Cash and Laurel is fantastic. This match has tension, heartache that pulls you deep into their dilemma. You want them to go for it and damn the consequences. It is so good! The whole book is fantastic, the love story, the crime, supporting cast, really top notch. Ashley Bartlett has written a fabulous follow-up. I cannot say enough good things about this one. I am absolutely hooked on this series!
Warning: If you haven’t read the first book and you are thinking that you might. Stop reading this review!!! I’m about to spoil a big reveal in Cash Braddock. Go read it. It’s amazing, I totally promise!
Cash comes back in the Price of Cash heartbroken, pissed and despondent at the curveball life has thrown at her. 100% in love with Laurel all those feelings have to be pushed aside because her dream girl is actually an undercover police officer and now her handler. Cash must also take a good hard look at where her life is going. Is selling soft drugs any better for society as opposed to heroin or cocaine? A moral dilemma of epic proportions and one she will wrestle with throughout the story. Add to it that college students and former customers of Cash’s are now dead thanks to a new drug on the street.
While the book is written through Cash’s POV Laurel remains our other main character. As much as I love Cash, Laurel is the one I am most drawn to her. A stoic, tough law enforcement officer, Laurel struggles with her feelings for Cash. She absolutely wasn’t faking her feelings for her mark, more than anything she struggles with what to do with her attraction and love for Cash. She absolutely should not have these feelings but she cannot stop herself.
The chemistry between Cash and Laurel is fantastic. This match has tension, heartache that pulls you deep into their dilemma. You want them to go for it and damn the consequences. It is so good! The whole book is fantastic, the love story, the crime, supporting cast, really top notch. Ashley Bartlett has written a fabulous follow-up. I cannot say enough good things about this one. I am absolutely hooked on this series!
October 22, 2017
I love this series. I like the character of Cash. I like the secondary characters. Even though this one wasn't quite as exciting as the first...it was still quite good. I enjoyed getting to know everyone better.
Eagerly awaiting the next!!
I received an ARC of this book by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Eagerly awaiting the next!!
I received an ARC of this book by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 19, 2017
I had a bit of a disconnect with the first book, probably due to my inability to empathize with a drug dealer and the relationship seemed a bit forced, , and I spent most of the book wishing Robin was the love interest. The Price of Cash fixed my issues for the most part.
Cash seems to be trying to turn over a new leaf and debating getting out of the pill business. Her relationship with Laurel also felt more real with the added angst and conflict of interest being a CI brought, fleshed it out more for me. The minor characters were still just as good, the sibling banter of Andy and Cash is just as present but we didn't get to see as much of Robin, Nate was still the dependable brother, but Clive for some reason became unreasonable.
Over all, the series is enjoyable and it should be interesting to see where the next book goes.
*ARC provided by NetGalley.
Cash seems to be trying to turn over a new leaf and debating getting out of the pill business. Her relationship with Laurel also felt more real with the added angst and conflict of interest being a CI brought, fleshed it out more for me. The minor characters were still just as good, the sibling banter of Andy and Cash is just as present but we didn't get to see as much of Robin, Nate was still the dependable brother, but Clive for some reason became unreasonable.
Over all, the series is enjoyable and it should be interesting to see where the next book goes.
*ARC provided by NetGalley.
October 21, 2017
Cash Braddock is back in 'The Price of Cash' by Ashley Bartlett.
This series is like nothing else I have ever read in this genre and it just keeps getting better. It’s a solid storyline that keeps me guessing as to what will happen next. Cash and Laurels emotions are highly charged and you can feel the chemistry brewing between them. I was hooked and kept praying they would just launch themselves at each other.
Check out the rest of my review below:
http://lesreveur.com/2017/10/21/the-p...
This series is like nothing else I have ever read in this genre and it just keeps getting better. It’s a solid storyline that keeps me guessing as to what will happen next. Cash and Laurels emotions are highly charged and you can feel the chemistry brewing between them. I was hooked and kept praying they would just launch themselves at each other.
Check out the rest of my review below:
http://lesreveur.com/2017/10/21/the-p...
October 9, 2017
An honest review thanks to NetGalley. I love Ashley Bartlett, and this book was not a disappointment. You do need to read the first book in the Cash Braddock series; I highly recommend that. I loved how this book went right from the last one, right to Cash working as a CI for Laurel and Reyes. Cash as always is hilarious and amazing; I was a little disappointed to have less with Andy and Robin in this book, I did miss them. I really hope there is a third book in this series as I want to hear what is next with Laurel and Cash, they need a better ending then what was given!
November 7, 2017
I received an ARC from Netygalley and the Publisher
I could not connect with this book because
1. I could not get used to the writing style
2. I didn’t like the drug dealer issues and it didn’t seem believable enough for me
3. The relationship seemed forced to me
4. There were a lot if disconnects in the book.
I could not connect with this book because
1. I could not get used to the writing style
2. I didn’t like the drug dealer issues and it didn’t seem believable enough for me
3. The relationship seemed forced to me
4. There were a lot if disconnects in the book.
April 6, 2019
Loved it!
I'm hooked on these books! Please write a third Cash book. My usual books are a bit heavier on the romance, but I couldn't put these down.
I'm hooked on these books! Please write a third Cash book. My usual books are a bit heavier on the romance, but I couldn't put these down.
September 6, 2025
This second in the quartet sees Cash and Nate ‘helping the police with their enquiries’ when an unscrupulous drug pusher’s produce causes the deaths of a number of young people. There’s a fair bit of introspection by Cash as she ponders the morals of her ‘trade’ and a lot of push and pull between her and Lauren. Both are mutually attracted but the lack of trust (on Cash’s side), power imbalance and unwanted attention from a colleague of Lauren’s makes going forward difficult. Again, there’s a lot of great banter here. Cash’s relationships with those close to her and even with Lauren’s partner Reyes are delightful. Love the pedicure in-joke between them! I’m going to take a short break but will then be back with book 3…
November 3, 2017
This story is told in first person and completely from the heroines point of view. Cash is a likable character and I enjoyed her story.
This is the second book in the series and while I was able to follow the 'bigger story', I must admit it took me a while to come up to speed with who was who.
Definitely worth a read.
Copy provided by the publisher, Bold Strokes Books, via NetGalley.
This is the second book in the series and while I was able to follow the 'bigger story', I must admit it took me a while to come up to speed with who was who.
Definitely worth a read.
Copy provided by the publisher, Bold Strokes Books, via NetGalley.
August 1, 2023
satisfying!
I love Cash and Laurel. Maybe one day they will sort out their issues and just be happy together. In the meantime, these characters are very entertaining. This was an excellent investigation.
I love Cash and Laurel. Maybe one day they will sort out their issues and just be happy together. In the meantime, these characters are very entertaining. This was an excellent investigation.
December 10, 2017
Great read,
I really enjoyed The Price of Cash. I’m glad we got more of the story of Cash. I’m glad she is starting to have second thoughts about her career choice.
I really enjoyed The Price of Cash. I’m glad we got more of the story of Cash. I’m glad she is starting to have second thoughts about her career choice.
April 26, 2018
4.5 stars! Love this series and love this author!
January 22, 2021
There's a little more introspection in this one but it wasn't "bogged down in a mire of angst" like some books can be. Still really enjoying the series.
December 26, 2024
together again
December 24, 2018
Very satisfying follow-up! If you liked the first one, you should keep going with this series.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews