Scoundrels & Scotch

Top Shelf #3

by Alta Hensley

I’ll stop at nothing to own her.

I’m a collector of dolls.

All kinds of dolls.

So beautiful and sexy, they become my art.
So perfect and flawless, my art galleries are flooded by the wealthy to gaze upon my possessions with envy.
So fragile and delicate, I keep them tucked away for safety.
The dark and torrid tales of Drayton’s Dolls run rampant through the rich and famous, and all but a few are true.
Normally I share my dolls for others to play with or watch on display.

But not my special doll.
No, not her.
Ivy is the most precious doll of all.
She’s mine. All mine.

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

300 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 14, 2018

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 3 out of 5]

 
 
I have been enjoying this series a lot and was SOOO looking forward to Victor and his dolls. I was expecting something hot and kinky and dark. Alas, this one while still an enjoyable read overall, failed to quite live up to my high expectations... 





That said, I still really do enjoy this author's writing style, and it continued to be very good with this book. The pace was a bit up and down for me. The first 60% was slow and nothing really happened. I struggled to feel a connection between Victor and Ivy. I was halfway through the book and the only thing Victor cared about was the show and Ivy doing well in it. I honestly didn't feel ANY sexual interest from Victor towards Ivy until they finally do the deed just short of two-thirds into the story. Then finally at 60%, we get some sex scenes and the book went into hyper speed from that point on. This was a fairly quick read and I kind of feel like that author would have been better served tightening up the first 60% and spending more page space drawing out the last 40%. Although even with those issues I still found the plot engaging.


 


I also loved that the author didn't go with the old cliché OW drama when it came to the other dolls. The ones that get the spotlight as secondary characters were all very kind to Ivy. The sex scenes once we get to them were hot if a little all over the place. We get a "daddy" once but that is never brought up again. We get Victor domineering Ivy, then Ivy domineering Victor (which felt a bit out of place with Victor's character). I didn't find this book angsty in the least and like I mentioned there was no OW drama or OM drama. Both the main characters were likable. I would have liked to have seen them both fleshed out more. Especially Victor. He had the potential to be SO dark and kinky. I think for me these books are just a bit too short and it makes them feel underdeveloped and rushed (in parts). Last, this one was wrapped up in an OK ending. I didn't like Victor's decision. I also felt it was rushed, and we were left with a loose end as to who was the baddie ultimately behind the attack. Maybe it will be addressed in upcoming books?

So this one was a bit of a mixed bag for me. Some good things. Some disappointing things. That said, I am still firmly onboard for the next book in the series which sounds like it will be a smokin' hot taboo book. Yours truly is giving this one a solid thumbs up. 

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

🌟🌟🌟🌟STARS.
RELEASE DATE-16/1/18
ARC BOOK REVIEW

I loved this, It was just so god damn freaky and surreal.
Got to admit I was kinda looking forward to this one and it didn't disappoint.
Drayton's Dolls that he keeps in his Dollhouse, oh, what a unique and unusual concept this was.
And one I was practically salivating to get my mitts on.
I could actually foresee an Art show where this fiction could actually be made fact, and It would probably succeed.
Folks will pay through the nose for the strangest of things I find.
So Ivy, after getting the push from Spiked roses gets an offer of employment from Victor himself.
To be the newest Doll in his Dollhouse.
A role that is strange and surreal in its expectations and Lifestyle choices, but also one Ivy is committed to fulfilling 100%
Victor expects perfection, excellence and complete submission from his Dolls.
But maybe Victor doesn't want to share this Doll with the masses, maybe he wants to keep Ivy for his own private collection.
There is also word out on the streets that there is a price on the Dolls heads so great is their renown and fame, another set of issues.
So this was all sorts of wrong and freaky and also all sorts of super flaming hot as well.
Loved Ivy, adored Victor and the only reason this lost a star from me is I don't think this was long enough.
I don't think this was lengthy enough to fully explore the many nuances this tale threw into the mix and I would have prefered to see certain issues dealt with more completely rather than just glossed over.
So Scoundrels & Scotch (Top Shelf #3) definitely delivers in spades and gets a big fat thumbs up from myself people.
I read this in super record time and was glued throughout.
So yeh if you like your fiction weirdly wonderful and freaky give this a go it certainly hit the spot for me.
Thank You to the Author for proving me with an ARC of Scoundrels & Scotch of which I have reviewed voluntary.
All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

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

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

I’ll admit, going into this I expected something dark, twisted and taboo. I think it was all the hype surrounding Drayton’s Dolls in the previous books. Who knows? The idea of them as art was fascinating to me and I was intrigued enough to want to dive into the mind of Victor Drayton and figure out what his inspiration was. While I really didn’t get to delve that deep, and while this wasn’t necessarily a dark and depraved read, I quite enjoyed the journey the author led me on.

This story was more about training Ivy to be a submissive than anything else. Training her to become one of Drayton’s dolls. It wasn’t wholly romantic, even though we did get a chance to discover a connection between her and Victor. It wasn’t as dark or as kinky as I thought it would be but it was more emotional than the previous books in the series. At least on Ivy’s part. I didn’t even realize that Victor had any feelings for her until close to the end. I think that had a lot to do with the fact that most of the story was centered around Ivy’s training and Victor trying to mold her into his vision for his art. So a part of me didn’t jump on board the love train because it wasn’t quite believable. I think that part of the story needed to be explored more.

With the way things ended (or didn’t quite end), I think pieces of this story will appear in future books. At least I hope so because the suspenseful part of the plot wasn’t completely resolved. I’m really enjoying getting to know all of the owners of Spiked Roses and I’m looking forward to the next one ;)

Expected Release Date: January 16, 2018
Genre: Dark Erotica - light BDSM
POV: Dual - 1st person
Heat: 4.5 out of 5
Series/Standalone: Standalone - Book #3 of the Top Shelf series with character crossover

[Alecia (The Staircase Reader) · Rating 3 out of 5]

***arc received for review through L. Woods PR***

3.5 stars

Going into this review, I can honestly say, Scoundrels & Scotch by Alta Hensley is unlike anything I have ever read before. Also a funny bit of news I should also share with you all, I am terrified of dolls. I literally hate them and they scare me. With that said, I had to set my fears to the side and read this as if I were a person that doesn't go running out of the room every time a commercial for a doll toy comes on. As I started reading Scoundrels and Scotch and truly started to get invested in this novel, I found myself becoming more and more intrigued by the storyline. Who wouldn't be intrigued. This man....he has human dolls! That is wicked and honestly, a little terrifying....which instantly caught my attention.

Victor Drayton is an artist with a weird and kinky fetish...he collects dolls..and not just any dolls, he collects woman and turns them into Drayton Dolls and shows them off all around the world in his very exclusive art exhibits.

Ivy Adams is a waitress at Spiked Roses, or should I say was a waitress. After she is fired for failing a drug test, Drayton makes her an offer she can't refuse. He offers to give her a job working as one of his dolls. The only stipulation is she must hand her life over to him for three years and then he will help her to fulfill her dreams and wishes in every way possible.

I didn't really care for Victor Drayton. I really enjoyed reading about his world but as for his character, I expected him to be more dark and edgy. I also wanted a more in-depth look as to why he created this artistic world surrounding around human dolls. I didn't really vibe to well with his character.

However, I was intrigued by Ivy's character and the way that being a sub comes so naturally to her. She needs this job to support her father and her sister back home, so when she says she'll do anything to please Victor, this girl is definitely not lying.

I can honestly say, In my years of reading, I have NEVER read anything like Scoundrels and Scotch. This novel pushed me way past my comfort zone, yet still had me on the edge of my seat wanting more and flipping the pages faster than you can say freak of nature!

I'm very curious to see what Alta Hensley has up her sleeve next. I can't wait to continue on with this serious.

[Shabby -BookBistroBlog · Rating 4 out of 5]

You met Victor Drayton as one of the owners of the Sex Club Spiked Roses in previous books and his own Art Exhibits featuring Drayton Dolls was generating a lot of buzz. I was looking forward to this story very eagerly.



Victor has this hugely popular living dolls art exhibits which garner a lot of attention and invite lots of visitors, his events are sold out shows. To be a Drayton Doll is a privilege and he invests a lot of time and money in them.

Victor was a world-famous and highly renowned artist and gallery owner. What he was the most famous for was his use of human dolls in all his art pieces. People would travel all around the world to attend one of his performance art doll exhibits that spotlighted the taboo and the kinky.

Ivy Adams is the newest Drayton Doll, she has to catch up fast as many Art Exhibits are in the schedule. Milan, Berlin, Japan. It's a fantastic life as a Doll, you get to travel the world, dress up as Dolls and be a part of the exhibits.



But not all is smooth sailing. Soon Harley hears dangerous rumours and suddenly their lives are in danger !! The follow up is deadly and heart changing for the dolls and Victor.
The story was good, had a lot of potential, but it became cookie cutter very soon. I would have loved more about the exhibits itself. What happens there, How they were staged, what did the guests do, what did they touch, etc.
All in all a good story, but I would have loved more darkness and kink
4 stars
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[Anahita · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

[Expresso · Rating 2 out of 5]

I first fell in love with Vicktor after reading the blurb. Then I fell deeper in love with him at the meeting and during his initial job proposal. But then shortly after, I lost Vicktor. The story has so many words without saying much of anything. The characters are lost among the overuse of words.

The plot is excellent but the execution needs work. In this case, excess words does not assist in this story. Excess actually distract from the story. The ending did not “POP” in my opinion as a result of this issue. I believe if the story’s execution is tweaked just a bit, the story will grab and maintain the reader’s attention.

This story is my PERSONAL OPINION of Scoundrels and Scotch. My opinion should have ZERO INFLUENCE with your reading experience. Read the story. Form your own opinion and leave an honest review.

2 stars

[Tai Nelson-Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fuck this one was awesome. Scoundrels & Scotch's idea is so twisted and weird that I had to give it five stars. I mean a guy that makes art out of living women being dolls is just wicked. I LOVED IT!

We all knew what Victor Drayton was into if you read the other two books. Dolls, living, breathing dolls. He gets off turning women into dolls with certain things put in certain body parts. He has a whole building set up to train them. Victor takes this very seriously and makes a living off of it. But when he meets the new woman he wants to turn into his doll things are about to change.

Ivy has been working at Spiked Roses and helping out her family when she is found out to be on drugs Victor takes her on as a doll and moves her into the Dollhouse, where she will have to train and get off the drugs. When Victor takes her on to teach her himself things get heated between the two fast.

[Philomena Callan Cheekypee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book three in the Top Shelf series. Each book can be read as a standalone but why would you wanna go that when these books are so good.

Victor Drayton is a billionaire who collects living dolls. He offers Ivy a job as one of his dolls when she gets fired from Spiked Roses. Victor realises Ivy is different to his other dolls. When Ivy’s life is in danger will Victor do everything he can to save her?

If you enjoy a dark taboo read then this is the read for you. Looking forward to reading more in this series.

[Louise H's Book Thoughts · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'd heard such great things about this series, so jumped at the chance of reviewing this book. Well I'm sorry but I was quite disappointed. Where was the darkness? Where was the domination and submission? Where was the depraved kink? I also got tired of reading about "dildo's" up the doll's bums when actually the description was of a butt plug.

The book started with great promise and the writing hooked me in. What were these secrets the Dollshouse kept? We then had a few kinky scenes - these were really hot and gave us a suggestion that Ivy and Victor fancied each other. We then have a huge load of not much happening, barely warm kink and the main characters managing to fall in love with each other whilst seemingly never being together. I need to be shown their interactions, their passion and their connection, not told. That for me, despite what was otherwise good writing, was the crux of the problem. Too much telling and not enough showing/experiencing.

At no time did I feel any fear, worry or angst from Ivy - she seemed to be having a party, albeit one with no sexual content whatsoever. A little odd for a supposedly dark romance, but hey that's just my opinion. There was also very little character building and Victor's just seemed very confused - I wouldn't be able to pick him out in a line-up.

I got to the end of the book, it wasn't a chore to read or finish it. I just felt "Is that it?". The last few chapters suddenly became romantic suspense and had huge potential that wasn't realised. The ending felt very rushed and again had the barest bones of angst or turmoil.

This just wasn't for me, not kinky enough, not dark enough, not angsty enough for my tastes but you may well enjoy it.

[April Symes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I expected this to be something super twisted and dark but what it ended up being was dark-lite and twisted. Scoundrels & Scotch by Alta Hensley is just a mind bending read. Victor and his dolls are something you will be amazed by in this book. You met Victor Drayton as one of the owners of the Sex Club Spiked Roses in previous books and he also owns his own Art Exhibits featuring Drayton Dolls which garners a lot of attention. To be a Drayton Doll is a privilege and Victor invests a lot of time and money into them. Well, there is a new girl that is part of the doll collection and Ivy Adams is her name. She joined because of the “perks” as being as of the dolls..and because she was fired from her previous job. There is a love story between Victor and Ivy but there is also this taboo thing about the living dolls and its really freaky… not as freaky as I thought it would be but it was freaky enough. When Ivy’s life is in danger, will Victor risk his life for hers to save her?
This is definitely a dark romance read and I will say Victor and Ivy’s romance has its ups and downs. Their chemistry didn’t show until midway thru this read but when it showed, whoo howdy it showed and it was a heady feeling. I would have liked more heat to have shown up sooner but the taboo, freaky dark side of the story was there and I have to say Ms. Hensley has a winner here with latest series that has characters that are tied together –who are bad and who aren’t as bad. I love it and I look forward to the next book in this series.

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

[BookAddict ✒ La Crimson Femme · Rating 4 out of 5]

Returning to world of powerful men and their erotic kinks, Ms. Hensley delivers a smooth sexy read in this third book. Full disclosure, I missed the second book and read this third one just fine. It can also be read as a standalone.

I liked this one more than the first book. Not sure what inspired this story but it did remind me of the song "Coin operated boy" by Dresden Dolls. Which is similar in concept with the main character of this story, Drayton with his deviant Drayton Dolls. Coincidence? *shrug*

What I loved about this book, the dollification is fantastic. I loved how the Dollhouse was designed to train models for Drayton's shows. The dancing, the erotic poses, the concepts of being puppets creating an erotic feast - these were all well written and so sexy. The graphic descriptions of how the girls performed for the special art shows were vivid and so dirty. I love it.

I liked the characters too. Drayton is not really a scoundrel. He's a nice guy with distinctive tastes. He knows what he wants and with a high standard of quality. He is a strict boss who can dole out discipline with spankings! What's not to like? When he brings in the new doll, Ivy, this is when it becomes more personal. Their interactions may be few but intense. I am not sure I buy into her complexity and soulfulness as Drayton sees in her. Still, their chemistry works and Ivy is no pushover. She tries hard and she is a good girl with bad girl tendencies.

The conflict of this story is believable. It just seemed rushed and not enough build up. The ending left me a bit hanging and not sure if it will continue onto the next book or if it is done. Either way, the conflict felt forced. Don't get me wrong, it was needed for the story to flow the way it could for Ivy and Drayton. It just seemed a bit dropped in and then flung right back out.

Regardless, the story is really revolving around the kinky Dollhouse. Ms. Hensley's creative blend of dancing, modeling and kind of adult sex show with taste is well done. It reminds me of burlesque in some ways, but more risque. Definitely more upscale than a strip club. The last piece that I liked about this Dollhouse is how the women were not catty to each other. Instead, it was a sisterhood of women who dedicated to do their best. The deal to work three years with a basically a pot of gold at the end is a terrific deal. This kinky erotica is recommended to readers who enjoy bad boys and good girls mixing it up.

*I received an advanced copy

[Paige Turner · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

I'm a avid reader and love dark romances and settings but thought Scoundrels and Scotch was a little weird.
The concept seemed intriguing but the girls were never vetted. I would guess that he would interview girls before he asked them to give up their life for 3 years.
I say this because he fired Ivy for one infraction at the Spikes Rose then he hired her to be a Drayton Doll.
I love objectification in a bdsm setting but that's only because both are into this. I would suggest reading Safeword: Quinacridone by Candice Blevins for a great example of this.
They also had an immediate "love connection" which I didn't believe.
I love a Daddy Dom /good girl romance but this seemed a little forced. They were trying to hard to be this couple.
Let's not forget that he knew his dolls were I'm jeopardy but he didn't set up extra precautions for his precious girls.
I'm sure a few reviews might have a different take but I struggled to get to the end.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Scoundrels and Scotch
Alta Hensley
3 stars

So this was super weird to me. Draytons Dolls .. a man who collects women and puts them on display for those to do what he wants. The lead female was willing to come in to the life - Ivy. Victor however decides this one - the perfect doll - he may have to keep to himself.

I’m not sure what happened in the previous releases and maybe this is what swayed me to not fall in love with this story but it just wasn’t my cup of tea. The story as well didn’t seem finished.

If you like a very bizarre situation and read then this one is for you. Review to post to Ramblings From Beneath The Sheets - thank you for the chance to read.

[Meredith Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I am new to this author, I went in not knowing what to expect. Holy smokes, I loved it! This story was unconventional, dark and twisted. It had me hooked from the very beginning.

After Ivy gets the boot from her job at Spiked Roses, she is offered a different type of employment by none other than Victor Drayton himself. To become the newest doll in his dollhouse. She had heard stories of this place, but she still accepts 100% committed to fulfilling.

Upon completion of her first show in Milan, Victor realizes that she is different than the rest of his dolls. She is special and one that he is no longer willing to share with the rest of the world. Then word gets out that there is a great demand for his dolls in the black market. As you can imagine, problems arise.

The end of the book kind of leaves you hanging, definitely wanting more and anxiously awaiting the next one.

Thank you to the author for providing me with this ARC of Scoundrels & Scotch, which I have voluntarily reviewed.

[Laila Viking · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book of very good length and well written. Nice storyline and plot. Characters are well described and they develop nicely through the story. Their chemistry is amazing and the passion hot.

I expected more of this book than I got. It could have been a bit more darker and have more depth to it.
The story flows nicely of the pages. The mix of kink, emotions, drama, sadness, romance and more makes it worth the read.

I like it is written in dual POV, which gives the reader both the thoughts and feelings of the main characters. That makes the story even more emotional and captivating. Enjoyable read.

[E.G. Manetti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read as part of Spiked Roses: The Complete Top Shelf Series. The premise behind this is fascinating and despite my doubts, the author made it work. The development of the relationship between the hero and heroine was natural -- or as much as possible in the kinky structure of their life -- and while Drayton has a few alpha-hole moments, for the most part he was reasonable. Ivy had her issues which she worked through without any TSTL angst.

[╰⊱♥⊱╮ღ꧁Kathy,Ahmazing Book Faerie꧂ღ╭⊱♥≺ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok, so can we have a different story line! Please??

So far so similar to the first two books.

I hope the series improves, damn it!

And Ive had enough of Bottom holes!

[Kathy Heare Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’M HERE TO OFFER YOU A JOB—TO BECOME A DRAYTON DOLL

Once again, Ms. Alta Hensley has penned a story that is spine-tingling, on-the-edge-of-your-seat, I can’t look, but I can’t look away page-turning tale. There is a unique cast of characters, some you will hate, some will have you hot and bothered, and some, you just aren’t sure about. The characters and situations are explicated detailed. The story is not for those who want wine and roses with a sweet storyline. The story is raw, edgy, dirty, painful, intense, explicit and erotic. If you don’t like a splash of shock, a dash of taboo, and a heavy dose of sex, then don’t take a sip of this TOP SHELF cocktail.

Ivy Adams calls herself a white trash girl from Mississippi. She had a miserable childhood, with a drunken and abusive father. When she got her chance, she moved away and had been working as a waitress at the Spiked Roses private gentlemen’s club. But a drug test will shatter that dream when she tests positive. Having nowhere to go, sending most of her money to her sister who is caring for their ailing father, she is at her wits end until Victor Drayton makes her an offer, to become one of the famous Drayton Dolls.

Victor Drayton is an artist. “One who pushed to boundaries of taboo, sexual deviance, and hidden desires. Twisted, wrong but delightfully right.” He is also one of the seven managing members of the Spiked Roses club, and they were men who didn’t hide the fact that they were rich, ruthless, dark, twisted, and had the power and resources to do whatever they chose.

The plot will have Ivy going to work for Victor and moving to the Dollhouse where she will undergo rigorous training and choreography of posing, dancing, and becoming a life-size doll. “If I have to be the token white trash broken doll someone bought on clearance at the discount story to travel to exotic places, so be it.” “It’s about the contrast. The are is about the light and dark, the good and the bad, the innocence and tainted.”

“Sex is beauty. Sex is art. You’ll be trained on how sex can also be twisted, dark, taboo. You’ll soon be taught there is no shame in desire, but there is shame in denial of pure and animalistic thoughts and actions. You’ll learn to not only expose your body freely but your soul when you are performing my art. You’ll be trained in how to make your body look stiff like a doll, controlled by a make-believe puppet master, delicate and dainty, but also extremely haunting and eerie.”

“Drayton’s Dolls don’t just ripple through the art society; it is a tidal wave.”

“It’s about structure, discipline, accepting a level of twisted reality, and releasing the woman so you can become the doll. When I tell you to do something, whether it is a command or a request, you are to do exactly as I say. I expect and almost robotic nature in response to everything.”

The story will take the reader into the Dollhouse, the training, the preparations for an art exhibit.
The mindset of Ivy as she transforms into a Drayton Doll. It is also the beginning of a claiming and possession for Victor to know that Ivy isn’t just a doll, she is much more, and he isn’t willing to share. He becomes obsessed with her and not wanting to share her with others. Cancelling her appearance and leaving her behind along with an injured doll and two new dolls that aren’t ready to showcase.

“I had no intention of sharing my doll. She was my toy. And I’d never learned how to share well with others.”

The story will take on a sinister nature of life and death, and not everyone will survive. The story and sex scenes are explicit; the art shows are taboo and detailed. The story has some shock and awe events, and not all of it is good. The fourth story in the series, Devils & Rye will release March 27, 2018.

[Tanaka K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alta Hensley is an amazing author and she brings me a diverse range of books that are super engaging and sometimes a bit out there. She really broadens the scope of my mind. The Top Shelf series has been my favourite series since last year. With a motto like 'If you don’t like a splash of shock, a dash of taboo, and a heavy dose of sex, then don’t take a sip of this TOP SHELF cocktail', you just cannot help but be intrigued. I have fallen in love with the series and the different plots that I have been exposed to. Scoundrels & Scotch totally gives those vibes and more. I was deeply impressed by the strange and deep plot with an explosive and artistic writing. Scoundrels & Scotch will grab you and immense you in a world so disturbing that you cannot help but be transfixed.

Scoundrels & Scotch is the third book in the Top Shelf series and it is one of the weird books I have ever read. I read a lot of unique books but this one was totally mind blowing weird. However, I loved it. It had this evolving and interesting way that engrossed me. Man, I was bewitched. With this series, always expect the unexpected. And Scoundrels & Scotch definitely 100% brought the shock factor. My jaw dropped and I loved the surprise. Totally shows that I truly love the weird wacky. Eerie. Domineering. Dark. Sensual. Scoundrels & Scotch was a bewildering and kinky dark romance that pushed my boundaries. Alta Hensley does that all the time. Here she writes an impeccable book about human dolls. It raises your eyes but it also gives off that intoxicating vibe that you cannot shake off. Alta Hensley just draws you into an abnormal and creepy world with her flawless writing and her ingenious prose. Gosh, what a book.

I was intrigued by Victor Drayton ever since he was introduced more in Villains & Vodka. He is well renowned artist with galleries all over the word and known to be dominant and dark. I found it hard to connect with him sometimes but he was freaky and I love a little bit of freaky in my alpha male characters. I loved Ivy. It is so addictive and captivating when a heroine finds her sexual side and develops it. She was not meek nor weak but she had a certain bite to her that I liked. It was hard to find that chemistry between Ivy and Victor. I felt something was missing between them.

The story was great and engrossing. I just felt that this book needed more. It was rushed in some parts and just needed a lot more flesh. I wanted the intricacies of being a Drayton Dolls. I wanted to know what happens in the galleries. I wanted more dark and more edge. The next book, I want Alta Hensley to not hold back. Give us more kink and dark.

Alta Hensley's books are amazing. Definitely take a step into her dark world.

ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was expecting a lot from Victor Drayton and his dolls. I expected it to be dark and depraved and way more taboo than I usually go for and I didn't get that. I'm not saying this isn't a good read though, because it is and I finished it. However it was lacking some things I guess I came to expect after book 2 with Harley and Marlowe.
Ivy is fired from Spiked Roses and Victor Drayton offers her to be one of his dolls. She has no choice but to accept. She's the sole provider for her ailing father and her sister who cares for him. She'd rather be the financial provider than endure his abuse. Can't say I blame her for that. She tells Victor she will do anything to keep her job and you know she's not lying.
Victor is somewhat mysterious. He puts off a dominating aura, but when it comes to Ivy he's surprisingly almost sweet. The two of them together is hot, but the chemistry is hard to feel until you get closer to the end of the book.
The beginning starts off slow. It's a lot of doll training for Ivy and a lot of butt plug mentioning. It gets a little old after a while, honestly. Finally Ivy starts becoming a better doll and enjoys it. I think this dark/taboo stuff is what makes her become a stronger person. Or just helps calm the storm in her mind so her true self can shine. Once we get toward the middle to end of the book it starts to take off. Action and suspense make you turn the page quickly wanting to know how it all turns out. The HEA is sweet, but I guess I expected more. However it does seem fitting. I hope we find out who the bad guy is in the next book.
There is some inconsistency with a major part in the story. It doesn't ruin the book, but it makes you wonder. I do recommend this read.

[Laura Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scoundrels & Scotch (Top Shelf #3)
By Alta Hensley
3.5 Stars

In this Top Shelf # 3 book, we get to know Victor Drayton and his dolls.
I’m a collector of dolls. All kinds of dolls.
That right there sums up who Victor Drayton is. He’s got quite the collection of well trained, living dolls.

As an artist, Victor and his dolls travel around the world, tickets selling out quicker than you or I can log on to click purchase! Everyone in the ‘dark community’ wants to see Drayton’s Dolls and their performance.

Ivy has been called into the office at Spiked Roses, the exclusive, membership only establishment she works at. She is terminated from Spiked Roses for violating a no tolerance rule. When she is instructed to stay put after all the other owners leave because Victor Drayton wants to discuss something with her, she never imagined becoming a Drayton Doll would be what he proposes.

While I was super stoked about this book coming out, I didn’t get ‘hooked’ like the books before. This is a good book just not as good as the first two in this Standalone Series. Was written well, flowed great, just something was missing to pull me into the doll world that I so much wanted to enjoy!!

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[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally a man that actually lives up to the freaky reputation the men of this club have.

Victor Drayton is an eccentric artist. His art is taking women and making them into one of his "Drayton Dolls." The girls have to live 24/7 as a doll and they live at the "Dollhouse." He then has art exhibitions that even include audience participation. Not all of it is sexual but some of it is.

Ivy becomes a Drayton Doll when she is fired because she fails her drug test. It kind of bugged me how she kept insisting she was no "junkie." As if people who do have a drug addiction don't deserve sympathy.

Other than that I liked Ivy and her journey to becoming a Doll.

We've heard about Drayton's dolls before but I wasn't particularly excited about meeting them. Sure there were all these crazy rumors of what the dolls did. I figured when they would get introduced it would turn out the more extreme rumors wouldn't be true. Oh how wrong I was!

It was all true.

The concept of the Dolls was so strange that it made reading about them fun.

[Joyffree · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had high hopes for Drayton and his perfect dolls especially following Harley's story -though in all fairness it is possible that nothing would come close to satisfying me after reading that story - so it could just be my own expectations were very high
Drayton though could be the perfect book boyfriend - he is extraordinarily creative, a tad eccentric and completely and wholly all Alpha male .. Oh and what that man's mind can devise - panty melting
I enjoyed Ivy to a degree - she is a strong heroine, something that is necessary to be Drayton's personal doll - She is loyal to a fault and a bit naive-which may be where I had trouble connecting with her character
The art was fantastic 😉 and I am looking forward to where this goes after everything that has happened - yes there is bad guys and evil plots and some heartbreak in this one but it is all necessary to get our HEA
This for me was more of a sweet love story - yes it still had its dark elements but it wasn't a wow for me - also I felt we were missing some information regarding background and details within scenes.
I am sure I am going to be in the minority with this review
Would I recommend it - Absolutely
This is currently available in Kindle Unlimited

[G · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the third book in the series, and i was a little disappointed after reading book 2 to this one. From what i had gathered from previous book, Victor and his dolls were out there, quite strange, erotic, etc, etc. However on reading this, i found it quite tame, non the least because a lot of the dolls work was focused on performing, dance routines and a scene of punishment meted out by guards out of sight of main novel.

So yes in that sense i was disappointed, the story of Victor and Ivy itself again mainly revolved around Ivy, and her coming to figure out herself and getting closer to Victor. That was a good story in itself, there is of course violence in this which makes for huge changes in the Drayton Dolls as a whole, and would be interesting to see how this is referred to in the next books.

The writing as usual is good, so no complaints there, i just found for me it lacked that element. Others may find that this is the least dark book in the entire series. i won't class it as dark because it wasn't , it was just a good read.

[⏃ : ✦ villainous_vixen ⏃ : ✦ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m a collector of dolls. All kinds of dolls.

With the Top Shelf series by Alta Hensley, I have been so intrigued about Victor's story and his little dolls. Being one of the owners of the sex club Spiked Roses, he has his own doll exhibit which bring in lots of people. One of the most popular shows around town, its hard to come by a ticket being sold out for every show.

A Drayton Doll is not only a privilege... its an honor.
Victor is not a saint, but he takes care of his girls.

Meet the newest Drayton Doll... Ivy Adams.
She is living the high life, money, clothes, and has the attention of the famous Victor. Things are too good to be true. And they are....

Soon things go from bad to worse with a flip of a switch.


*********************
Why my rating?
I just feel like with every book in the series it falls flat at the 60% mark. What started as a great beginning lost its spark... it was confusing, and creepy to say in the least. Ending felt rushed... there isn't much to say.

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a bit of a different read for me. I’m all about the dark and dirty romances so I had to try it! It was definitely interesting! Lol. Never thought I’d be intrigued by girls pretending to be dolls but the author has a way of drawing you in. It kind of had a Daddy/taboo feel which to be honest isn’t my favorite. I still enjoyed it though. It started off slow and took a bit for the main characters to have sex. There could have been more of that. Just sayin’.. Lol. I also would have liked to get to know more about Victor. I felt like we got a lot of Ivy’s backstory but not much about Victor. The ending was a bit rushed and I felt like it was missing something. I think it could have used another chapter or two but I never want books to end. Haha. Overall, I enjoyed reading it and will continue reading the series!
*I received an ARC. These are my honest thoughts! 😊

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was looking forward to meeting Victor and his Dolls. The concept seemed very intriguing and kinky. They were dominated and very submissive to Victor and his dance coaches and choreographers. The dominance, spanking and clothing was kinky, but I found the constant use of sexual toys silly, and to use them in his art was over the top.
Sadly Victor and Ivy didn’t show any chemistry until halfway through the story as Victor seemed more bothered with his shows and only seemed too noticed Ivy when she performed well. The story trudged along a bit, thankfully when it did start to spark up, their relationship warmed up too.
I certainly enjoy kink and dark in a story, but I was expecting something more from the Dolls.
Still I’m interested to find out who the bad guys are and eagerly await the next book.

[Jaycee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story set up the scene for many attractive reader-elements, as advertised:

Rich, Dominant kinky man. Dark, almost taboo artistry. Sous artistes and willing players. Action and suspense, and of course, romance.

It had all the elements and some moments of almost getting there but somehow, it didn't completely gel for me. It's as if there was no commitment to the various elements specifically, or the whole, generally. It teased, but didn't quite put out.

If a story is meant to be dark, commit to dark. If a story is meant to be kinky-not-quite-taboo-but-certainly-titillating, commit to erotic kink. And commit to the characters as individuals and vis a vis each other. Go there. All-in. With all facets of the characters. Make me understand them to their core and want to take all aspects of the journey with them.

I know it was there. I know what I expected to see and where I wanted the story to go, and while I really enjoyed the possibilities...I wanted...not just the high points, but the depth of the shadows. The nuances. The soul. For me, personally, and this is only my opinion: while on a great track, it felt a bit too...superficial.

[Crissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audible version of this story and it was a good one. This is a series but every book can be read or listened to as a standalone story. This one gives us Ivy and Victors story, along with the infamous Victor Drayton's Dolls. Ivy maybe one of Victor's doll but to him she's so much more. She will be his in every way. I enjoyed learning a little of the process as the dolls and this story was definitely a steamy one. However, it also had a bit of suspense and tragedy. I enjoyed these characters a lot and I definitely look forward to the next story in this series.