Villains & Vodka

Top Shelf #2

by Alta Hensley

My life is one long fevered dream, balancing between being killed or killing.
The name Harley Crow is one to be feared.
I am an assassin.
A killer.
The villain.

I own it. I choose this life. Hell, I crave it. I hunger for it. The smell of fear makes me hard and is the very reason the blood runs through my veins.
Until I meet her…
Marlowe Masters.
Her darkness matches my own.
In my twisted world of dancing along the jagged edge of the blade…
She changes everything.
No weapon can protect me from the kind of death she will ultimately deliver.

Genres: BDSM, Romance, Dark, Dark Romance, Erotica, Suspense, Contemporary

300 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 2, 2017

About the author

Alta Hensley is a NYT & USA Today bestselling author of dark romance where the villain always gets the happily ever after.

Twisted, clever, and occasionally unhinged, her books deliver morally gray anti-heroes, sharp-tongued heroines, and happily ever afters that taste even sweeter after a little ruin. With a signature blend of grit, wit, and heat, Alta’s stories prove one thing: Villains deserve love too.

Alta lives on the foggy coast of Oregon with her husband, two daughters, and a pair of dogs who think they’re in charge. When she’s not writing redemption for the irredeemable, she’s walking the coastline or sipping craft beer in eccentric little bars that feel like they belong in her books.

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Reviews

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

 
 
Man of man am I LOVING this series. Everything about these books from the f@cked up characters to the fabulous New Orleans setting checks every one of my boxes. Miz Hensley has quickly written her way into occupying a prime spot at my "Favorite Authors" table. Of that, there is no doubt. And to say I am super excited to read about these other twisted f@cks would be the understatement.


 

I found this one to be well written and well paced. It was a quick read that took me around three hours to finish. The plot was engaging and kept me turning the pages. That said, I felt that this one was maybe a tad undeveloped. It was very insta-love with the entire book taking place over one weekend. Personally, I would have liked to have seen more relationship development between Harley and Marlowe. These two both as individuals and together as a couple had the potential for more depth and darkness. I wouldn't say this was particularly angsty and there was no OW/OM drama. The self-harm scene which the author warns you about at the beginning of the book broke my heart but was respectfully done and the emotions that the author conveyed with that scene had me bawling like a baby. The sex scenes (there was only one if I remember correctly) was hot but I couldn't help but wish there had been more of an even darker nature (I love my kink, sue me).


 

One of the best things about this series so far are the secondary characters. I CANNOT wait to read about every single one of these twisted assholes. Victor and his "DOLLS" are up next and I want that book NOW. And I REALLY REALLY REALLY hope that Tennessee will get a book of his own. I ADORE that guy. Both the main characters in this one were likable. As I mentioned above, I felt they were both a little underdeveloped. They both had backgrounds that could have been fleshed out more and that could have come into play in the present. I think I also would have liked to have seen the book play out over a longer period so we would have gotten more relationship buildup. Also, Marlowe forgave Harley way too quickly and easily. I needed more groveling. Last, this was all wrapped up in an OK ending. A weak happy for now. Personally, I would have liked to have seen a little something more for this couple but the author mentions we will see them again in book three, so I wasn't too bothered by that. All in all, this was another cracking read from this author and I look forward to seeing what she has up her sleeve for Victor and Ivy. Therefore this one is getting two solid thumbs up from yours truly. 

[Bex (Beckie Bookworm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌟🌟🌟🌟STARS
Villians & Vodka (TOP SHELF #2) By Alta Hensley was the first thing I have read by this author and It was an instant hit for me.
So I am going to start this review by saying I am loving this whole top shelf vibe, very catchy indeed. This series does have some fabulous titles and also what terrific covers are involved, Totally fangirling here.
So villains & Vodka what did I think?
Well, I went in with my expectations so-so and got a pleasant surprise. This was a very entertaining read that explored aspects of the forbidden and Taboos in a very satisfying way.
In this case, That Taboo was Fear Itself.
This story tells the tale of Harley Crow and Marlowe Masters.
(Gotta say totally adoring these names there so swoon-worthy.)
Harley is an Assasin, a hired killer that's a little Jaded with the job at hand.
Marlowe Is a waitress at spiked Roses (a club Harley is part owner of).
Marlowe watches Harley from afar, totally giving off the stalker-vibe and finally gets her chance to pounce on the latest clubs tasting night.
These evening's all have a theme and as I said earlier the taste of this theme is Fear.
After signing a contract for the weekend they both retire to Harley's amazing home on the bayou for fun and games or in Marlowe's case fun and Fear.
So without giving too much away the weekend is all about Harley getting Marlowe to feel that fear.
It's something he really gets off on, that scared terrified look.
I must admit I did kind of guess where this was going and I was proved right.
That really didn't spoil this for me and I still found this a good solid fun experience.
This was a quite a quick read, everything happening over a weekend and it was also quite insta-love another pet peeve of mine.
I did actually find myself mainly overlooking these facts due to the uniqueness of this tale.
this was also quite low angst and there was no OM/OW involved either.
The two do have great chemistry and even though there is only the one heavy session it is very apparent that these two do just get each other.
But for myself, I really would have liked to have seen some more interaction between the pair as I felt I didn't quite get a full sense of them both. The above are my main reasons for removing a star.
This just needed that extra oomph behind it to push it up a star and it didn't quite achieve the full house from me.
One last observation from me, I really would have liked Marlowe to leave Harley to stew in his juices a tad longer, what he did was unforgivable and I do feel he got off a bit lightly, just my opinion, but I wish she'd made him squirm more.
Villians & Vodka By Alta Hensley gets a big thumbs up and despite being a relatively quick read it packed a big punch.
I must say I am looking forward to the next instalment I'm quite intrigued with Victor and his doll's the mind does boggle.
thank you to the author for providing an ARC.
This is my own free and honest opinion.

Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com

[Natalie ~ The Biblioholic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harley Crow was a man to be feared. No doubt. He was a killer and was most definitely the villain of this story. But Marlowe Masters wasn’t afraid.



Harley kept looking for a crack in her armor, but couldn’t find any. The more he pushed, the more Marlowe pushed back.



Until the heat gets turned up a notch and not only is Marlowe finally afraid, she’s absolutely terrified.



Yeah, I’d say Harley finally scared her ;)

I love the way Alta Hensley writes. Her stories are more plot-driven than anything else. Although I don’t feel like I really got to know these characters in-depth, I knew them well enough to feel their connection. And that chemistry was sizzling. They both craved the darkness. Harley chose to live in it and Marlowe was the first woman he found who could wade through it with him. But she was still full of so much light. He just didn’t know it until he took things too far.

"I was afraid of the man I had become, but even more afraid of the man Marlowe made me want to be."

With Marlowe, Harley could, for the first time, see himself being more than who he was. He could be more than a villain. He could be the only man she would ever need. If you’re a fan of the dark side with a sinful helping of sex, you’ll want to add Villains & Vodka to your library today!

Release Date: December 5, 2017
Genre: Dark Romance
POV: Dual - 1st person
Heat: 4 out of 5
Type: Standalone - Book #2 of the Top Shelf series

[Syndi · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is my first read by Miss Hensley. I have to say, this book is not working for me. Its too weird. Usually i do like dark romance. The characters are off. Hartley claims he is mean and cruel assasin. With how the author develop his character, i do not see the cruelty in him. More like he keeps bragging he is broken and cruel but his action does not speak of that.

Marlowe is also very confusing. I try to understand her,but i just can't.

2 stars

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,8. Não sei o que dizer ainda desse livro. Achei a conexão dos personagens forçada demais. Insta love, mas o livro em si é muito curtinho. Não deu para a autora desenvolvê-los bem.

[Kayleigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mixed feelings, bro paid ppl to kidnap her, then acted like he saved her. BLEH.

[Simply Love Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Harley Crow is a master at his job. Everyone fears him. He's good at what he does. An owner of the club, Spiked Roses, he's another character that we are introduced to with this group of characters (that I am already in love with!).

Marlow Masters sees and wats Harley from afar. She knows she can match him, but working in his club for over a year has made it a point to keep her distance from him. But one night changes it all....

These characters were hot from the beginning. I knew something between these two was going to happen, but man, when it did, fireworks lept off the pages!! These two were dark and the chemistry was amazing.

The only issue in the whole book is how quickly everything transpired. I'm all about instalove and love reading them. However, as quickly as everything happened in this book, the book could have more meat to it with really having this relationship blossom.

I love this series ad everything about it. The connection with the owners as secondary characters that I know we will meet in the next books definitely gives me something to look forward to!!

[Laura Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Villains & Vodka (Top Shelf #2)
By: Alta Hensley
4.5 Stars

It all starts at Spiked Roses in the Tasting Room. Where as long as you negotiate your contract to where all I’s are dotted and all T’s are crossed, you will have a great weekend and Monday have enough in your bank account to make life a whole lot better…

That’s what Marlowe told herself. Contract signed, let the weekend begin…
Harley Crow, everyone at Spiked Roses knows about the co-owner. Dark, feared and an assassin. Bad boys, this is the type Marlowe always falls for. But hasn’t she learned her lesson by now?

Alta has twisted this “Are You Afraid of the Dark” themed night into a Dark, Twisted and a weekend full of Hot Steamy scenes. I was hooked reading this one!!!

Bring on January!!! Cant wait to read about the dolls!


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[Philomena Callan Cheekypee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bastards and Whiskey is book one in the Top Shelf series. Although they are standalone reads I highly recommend you read in order. This series is so good you just don’t wanna miss out on any of them.

Harley Crow is co-owner of Spiked Roses. He’s a deadly assassin and a real bad villain. Marlow Masters works at Spiked Roses. She has wanted Hadley for a while so her dreams come through when she gets to spend the weekend with him.

This is another fantastic dark and twisted read by this author. I loved the storyline and the characters. I’m so looking forward to reading more of this series. I loved it.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harley Crow is a bad man, he's a dark, cruel, heartless assassin. He's also a co-owner of Spiked Roses, but he doesn't take part in the clubs "tasting's". Marlowe Masters has worked in the club for over a year and Harley has become an obsession, she really wants him to notice her and the club has a "tasting" coming up, Harley intends to go, so Marlowe has a chance to catch his eye. But will she be strong enough to deal with his dark, twisted passion.
What happens when pain meets pleasure and villains all at once? A warped tale of danger and lust that feeds Harley and Marlowe's soul. But is it enough for love?
A story not to missed!

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the base of every good story is the villain. That entity that defies logic, creates havoc and lurks in the shadows. Whether human, physical or emotional they make their presence felt. But what happens when the villain and the hero are one and the same? Alta Hensley walks a bit too close to the fire with Harley and Marlowe. The danger is the thrill. Can creatures of darkness step into the light and find love? Villains & Vodka is both a conundrum and a revelation. The puzzle is figuring out which is which.

[Ähmsry · Rating 5 out of 5]

And this one was just wow, really good!

Maybe I should reconsider my vote for book one. It pales in comparison to this

[Shabby -BookBistroBlog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yanno how you keep the best liquor on the top shelf ? Thats how these stories are. In here we get to drink Chilled Vodka, straight up ! Harley Crow is one of the owners of Spiked Roses , bdsm/fetish club . He's as chilled and potent as the vodka he drinks. And there's a girl lusting after him from afar, Marlowe Masters . She gets her chance with him in the Tasting Room and she grabs it!
Her daddy always told her, Never get into a car with a stranger . Yet she does and she pays for it
The story has two Jaw-To-The-Floor surprises. I was like WTF Alta!!!!! There's intense heat , and I found a new toy to play with too😃
Harley is an assassin. Heartless, ruthless, aloof. Nothing touches him, he doesn't touch nobody.
His profession has made him the Devil. To be feared and avoided at all cost.

“Because the first time I pulled the trigger of the gun and stole the life from someone else, I opened the door of Hell and walked through. Once you step over that threshold, there is no way to exit. You are there. You have no choice from that point on to take it back.



When Marlowe gets what she wished for,she's over the moon, but careful ! Wishes can turn into nightmares with a flick of the finger . She does expect some rough sex and some fetishes , but nothing prepares for what lies ahead !

You can’t rattle the cage of the animal and not expect to unleash the fury.

I wanted to read more actually, about Layla, about the Quarrymen , about her journey to New Orleans . Such is her writing ability, nothing is enough and it left me wanting !
I'd say wear your garters and dive in the story. Harley will "Hook" you like nobody else !
4 scars on heart stars
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[Tai Nelson-Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this next installment, we get the higher gun Harley Crow. The man I would be most afraid. He is a killer through and through and makes no qualms about it. He makes no excuse about what he is and how he makes his living. However, he does not want to bring anyone else into it. He knows his life is dangerous and for that purpose, he takes steps so that no one around him can or would get hurt.

Marlowe Masters has her history of the dark and dangerous past. When she decides to take Harley on for a Tasting Room weekend, Marlowe thinks she knows what she is getting. I mean what else can Harley do to her that Marlowe that hasn't already done? Little does she know that Harley's darkness runs deep into his soul.

This book has some twist and turns in it that I did not expect. Kudos Alta!

[Nina DuBois · Rating 3 out of 5]

Villains & Vodka was better than the first book in this series but not by a whole lot. I was expecting to love this book because I was immediately interesting in how dark and dangerous Harley Crow was. He is an assassin and seemed to be into some pretty dark stuff while also being mysterious. I also like Marlowe and his obsession with Harley. She seemed to be a pretty strong character who had experienced some bad things in her life. So when she goes into the Tasting Room to secure a contract with Harley I was very excited. I loved the night they spent together. It was very hot and sexy. I liked finding out parts of their pasts and how Harley became an assassin. That's about all I liked after they spend the night together.

What I didn't like was that these two are in so much instalove/lust its not even funny. They fuck and all of a sudden their in love. WTF? I'm all for a bit of instalove every now and then, but this one was hard to believe. Especially since Harley does something evil to Marlowe like the next day. Nope. Not cool. Then that somewhat strong Marlowe I started to like turned into a puddle of soft pudding. And then the book pretty much ended.

I thought Harley's life as an assassin would come into play, but it didn't. I wanted Marlowe to slowly unmask the man beneath the darkness. I wanted more detail about Marlowe's family. This book was too short to get any real substance out of it. So as much as I like Harley's character in theory, I felt he didn't live up to his hype. And I am a bit disappointed in this series again.

[Alecia (The Staircase Reader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a novel with a good Anti-Hero and Harley Crow is just that!

Harley is a villain...no really...this man is an assassin!
One thing Harley doesn't do is form attachments with people. He doesn't need a weakness nor does he want one.

Marlowe Masters is a very secretive character. She keeps her past locked up tight within herself but from the context of conversations I sensed a darkness looming deep within. When Marlowe is invited to The Tasting Rooms, "Who's Afraid of the Dark?" theme nights she is all for it. Especially when she finds out the main interest in all her fantasies is going to be there. Mr. Crow himself.

Villains & Vodka was a sexy as all hell read. I'm not going to lie, it did have a few trigger warnings that are mentioned at the beginning of the book in the Authors note, If you have trigger's you may want to give the author's note a read.

I really enjoyed the darkness that came with this novel. I have to admit, I ended the novel still hating Harley Crow. Alta Hensley sure knows how to write a Villainous character. You can't help but feel for the character but also hate him at the very same time. I'm completely mind screwed.

As for the reason why I dropped a star. I felt the ending was a bit rushed and I lost connection with the characters. I felt some scenes should have been more drawn out so the sincerity level was greater than what it actually was. Overall though, I really enjoyed this dark and gritty novel.

[April Symes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Villains & Vodka (Top Shelf #2) By: Alta Hensley—WOW WOW WOW… what more can I say. This story will really take you places and have you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. Harley Crow is a bad man-- he's a dark, cruel, heartless assassin. He also co-owns Spiked Roses but he doesn’t partake in the clubs "tasting's".
Marlowe Masters has worked in the club for over a year and Harley has become an obsession with her. She never thought she would get a chance with Harley but what happens when one night changes it all?
This book has it all- Dark Desire. Submission. Domination. Passion. Intensity. Lust. Fear. This story will burn right thru you and leave scorch marks. Alta Hensley writes a book that leaves you trembling and craving more. I loved all the characters in this book, especially Harley and Marlowe. The MC really keep you hooked . They are complex and unique. Dark and Passionate. This series is getting really good. I cannot wait for more.


My Rating: 4.5 stars *****
“I received an advanced copy of this book from the author at no cost to me."

[E.G. Manetti · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Read as part of Spiked Roses: The Complete Top Shelf Series. I have mixed reactions to this story. I found the characters interesting an the premise intriguing. And yet, it dragged. I found myself skimming entire pages that seemed repetitive or predictable.

Definitely dark, but only in that the hero and heroine were dark personalities.

[Nina ~ Meleth Bookaddicted ~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

VILLAINS & WODKA – fitting title, because Harlow Crow for sure is no hero. He’s a messed-up and truly sick assassin, who gives the motto ‘Who is afraid of the Dark’ a whole different meaning… And can I just say I love the uniqueness of the names Marlowe and Harley?

This story is predictable… yet it’s not. It’s kind of insane. And dark. And twisted. These two definitely do not need the help of any potential enemies to destroy themselves or what they could have… Lol.
Oh, and I found it quite interesting that this is a dark romance with insta-love – well, kind of – because at least they are not saying those three little words immediately – and thanks for that.

I just realized my review is hella contradictory and confused. Huh. See? That’s what this book did to me!! My brain all muddled and baffled. Lol.

So… Harley Crow is bad news. A ruthless killer. A deadly hitman. Plus, he is dark, heatless and detached. Nobody really knows him – and that’s just the way it should be. But as one of the co-owners of Spiked Roses, Marlowe Masters, one of the club girls, developed an unhealthy obsession with him – if only he would notice her…
She senses her chance when Harley, who is known for avoiding such gatherings, announces his participation at one of the clubs tastings. As dangerous as he is, he is her fantasy man, but will he do her dreams justice or destroy her instead?

Even after finishing the book I’m not sure of my feelings toward Harley Crow. Ms. Hensley surely knows how to maintain the (anti-) hero’s reputation of a villain. I can’t seem wrap my head around it. And while I still try to figure out what to think, I’m going to end this mess of a review with:

If you’re up for a mind-boggling read with an unusual hero and a dash of darkness and fear, delivered with a tumbler of Vodka, then this is the book for you.

[Erika P · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Bows down to the Author* I highlighted so many passages in this book, it was insane!! Like hypnotic, dark poetry, Harley Crowe is my absolute favorite type of book boyfriend!!

"I felt he would dance naked around my fire with wild abandon. Naked and howling at the moon as he did so. I just needed a chance to show him where I burned."

As always, the limits are pushed, right is wrong, and wrong is right *raises eyebrows* oh so right. I question my sanity when I fall head over heels for a villain, but Harley did not disappoint!! Unexpected, towing the line, and twisted enough to make my little dark heart dance!!

"He was the dark, and I wanted to be engulfed in it. Surrounded in it. Conquered by it."

Not your average turn of events, not even your average couple, but it worked!! They are made for each other, and the Author paints their pasts and weaves them together like it was written in the stars, even when you are screaming at your kindle for them to run in the opposite direction. Again, if you aren't a fan of the dark and twisted, stay out of the pool, but those of you that are fans like I am will absolutely understand the draw that these type of characters have. They entice you right in and hold you hostage....

"My demons danced with his. A morbid tango of torment and terror had occurred that very moment our eyes had locked. He got me. I got him. Flawed in the worst of ways, yet our darkness blended so perfectly."

Yes!! A million times yes!! Nothing is hotter than a vulnerable villain in the hands of a woman he fought to deny, so I am one happy reader with this story!! I thank the Author for providing a copy to review!!

~~~Erika, Book Haven Book Blog

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This was a vast improvement from the first book and I enjoyed it much more. Still I don't think it's all that dark and I had to adjust my expectations.

I really do wonder if this club is as kinky as it keeps claiming to be.

This is not a corny sweet romance but from the beginning we've been told how depraved all its members are and what shameful acts the girls are asked to do. Yet the last hero doesn't partake and Harlowe only is going to a tasting event because it's a big one and all the owners are supposed to show. So far the heroes aren't living up to the hype of how dastardly they can be.

Harley is an assassin but he's got some sort of moral code. We're told by other characters how ruthless he can be but I feel like we're never really shown. I liked Marlowe so much more from Anita from the first book. She is a savvy gal.


Marlowe has been to the tasting room a few times now. Harley buys her for the weekend. While Harley is not a vanilla dude, Marlowe was a bit scared and didn't even know what one of the instruments he pulled out was. Like really? Again it wasn't vanilla but it wouldn't seem extreme for someone who knows how kinky things can get.

There was a twist towards the end that I think was a good pay off.

This series is good if you want a story that isn't completely a sweet romance but still isn't truly dark. It only plays with being dark. At the end of the day the hero might bring out a belt or a knife but ultimately he'll be the romantic love interest that wants to rescue the girl and will have remorse.

[Chasidy · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING!!!

Days later and I am still trying to wrap my mind around this book! Villains & Vodka left me with the book hangover I long for.


Harley Crow will own you from the moment you start the book. He is feared by everyone.

Marlowe Masters moved to NOLA to escape from her past. She has longed for Harley Crowe for almost a year, but he never pays her any mind. What happens when one night changes it all?

Villains & Vodka consumed me! I did not want to put it down. Every time I thought I had the the story figured out, Alta threw me for a loop. This is a MUST read!!! I can't read the next book in the series!!

[Tania · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Harleys dark twisted book.
Full Review to come

[Nene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay
First reading from this Author, the story was kind of slow for me. This is only my
opinion to me I could never see the connection between the main two characters.

[Space Cowgirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never Fall In Love 💘With An Assassin🐺🔪🔫

This is another book in the series about a special gentlemen's club called Spiked Roses 🌹, in New Oleans.

The Man In Black......As Black as his Heart💔.....
Harley🐺🔪🔫 is one of the owners of the club. He is a dead💀 hearted assassin🔪🔫, a dead💀 soul, and at the beginning of this book📙, he recounts one of his "jobs ". The coldness of his personality and work over the years has hardened him to being just a user of young women.

Into the BDSM✋ world of Spiked Roses 🌹 comes Marlowe💋💔, a young woman fleeing her life as a daughter of a MC President. She is a cutter,🔪 but since she got away from her father, she hasn't cut🔪, but she needs to face her boogie man.
Harley🐺🔪🔫 is her living, breathing boogie man. She craves him, she knows what kind of man he is. She needs his darkness. Every night, as she works her job as a waitress at Spiked Roses 🌹, she wants him to see her, pick her.
Her chance comes during a Tasting Event. She is probably getting in way over her head.......
YEHAW! Ride em Bareback🍆, Cowgirl!🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎

This is a dark, erotic novel with crime, people shot and killed, some knife play, choking, abduction, etc. Highly recommend for readers who enjoy this type of novel.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is book 2 in a new series and I’m not sure how I feel about it. I read book 1 so I know the background on the world of Spiked Roses. I did love revisiting the dark playground for the wealthy and elite and it was great meeting Harley and Marlowe.

This installment did not push my boundaries like the first one. That is not to say that it wasn’t dark, but I guessed the twist right away. For obvious reasons I don’t want to spoil it for anyone else, but it was a tad predictable. I did enjoy their first night together and they way they connected to the darkness inside them, but the whole twist was a miss for me since I didn’t fall for it. Also, the ending seemed very rushed. Like a complete 180 in a few pages.

I am curious to meet the dolls in book 3.

Hero 4 stars / Heroine 4 stars / Steam 4 stars / Plot 3 stars / Overall 4 Stars
Keys: Dual POV, MF, Part of a series, dark and twisted.
#MSBB - I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[That1 Creative Lady · Rating 2 out of 5]

Book Review

Humor:
Dry AF✔
Chuckled a bit
Hilarious
LOL/Side-eyed by strangers

Pace:
Snail
Turtle✔
Horse
Rocket

Romance:
Frigid
Luke Warm
Sizzling✔
3rd Degree Burns

Character Depth:
Spilled cup of water✔
Puddles
Lakes
Oceans

Audio Narration:
Monotone
A for Effort✔
Believable
Oscar Worthy Performance

Couldn't have been more obvious. I knew every predictable "twist" and "turn" before it happened. As soon as she mentioned Kidnap Play I knew he would try it to scare her. Which was really dumb. The insta-love was annoying, as usual. Nothing more than physical attraction twisted into a "connection".

[Kym · Rating 3 out of 5]

I spent 80% of the book being oh so disappointed in the characters of this story. From the way Harley is mentioned in Bastards and Whiskey, I expected so much more darkness from him. But boy was I wrong about his twisted mind.

I won’t spoil it so all i can say is i was quite surprised in the end of it all. Everything about this story was COMPLETELY UNEXPECTED!!!!

On another note, i gave it 3 stars because of the ending itself. This was definitely a forced hea. A story like this, that pushed so many boundaries, cannot have a forced ending. Add a few more chapters to ease me into an hea. Don’t just throw it in directly after the game is over!!!

[Saskia · Rating 5 out of 5]

You have books that make it hard to write a review because you don’t how to discribe the book and how it makes you feels. This is one if those. It was such a ride reading this book. Nobody does a mindf**k like Alta Hensley. It will have you clutch a pillow or your pet for comfort and make you yell at the characters..

Harley Crow reminds me of the mc Happy from SoA. And I loved how realistic but also how hopeful Marlowe was. Their interaction were beautiful to watch.

I absolutely loved the book and was sad when I read the end.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 sad stars

3 and a half stars. I really was excited for this read, but after getting into it, I can safely say I seen all this playing out, predicted it even. And even with me saying that I was ok with that, but the ending, not a fan at all, so much was left unanswered, and with the state that they were in at that moment, ugh, I could have physically snapped when I turned that page a seen that was literally the end. Who ends a book on a note like that? Obviously this author