Spiked Roses: The Complete Top Shelf Series

by Alta Hensley

For the first time ever, the bestselling Top Shelf series is available in one collection.
Bastards & Whiskey, Villains & Vodka, Scoundrels & Scotch, Devils & Rye, Beasts & Bourbon, and Sinners & Gin are now in one book! Do you dare take a dark sip?

They are the Presidents, Royalty, the Captains of Industry, and the wealthiest men in the world.

They own Spiked Roses—an exclusive, membership-only establishment in New Orleans where money or lineage is the only way in. It is for the gentlemen who own everything and never hear the word no.

Sipping on whiskey, smoking cigars, and conducting multi-million dollar deals in their own personal playground of indulgence, there isn’t anything they can’t have…

Genres: BDSM, Dark, Contemporary Romance, Romance

Kindle Edition

Published November 5, 2020

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

[Kelly_Reads_Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is absolutely fabulous!
Bastards and Whiskey
This book was a great read and kept me glued to my kindle for the day. Alta Hensley writes books that grab the readers and hooks them. Looking forward to reading Villains and Vodka!
~Villains and Vodka
Another fabulous story! Marlowe and Harley finally found each other in the darkness of their lives.
But it was a bumpy, messed up ride!
~Scoundrels and Scoth
Another great book by Alta Hensley! The imagination of this author to create the dolls was unbelievable! The story was fast paced and hard to put down
~Devils and Rye
Devils & Rye was a great conclusion to this series. Alta Hensley writes engaging stories that capture the reader from beginning to end. The characters she writes are believable and realistic.
~Beasts and Bourbon
Alta Hensley's top shelf series is fabulous and Beasts & Bourbon is probably my favourite one so far.
Prince Roman is such a hot Alpha male who chases his childhood sweetheart Cherise to finally become husband and wife, or rather Prince and Princess. But first they must make it through the initiation. Will their love be enough to keep them together?
Read this fabulous book and see what happens!
I loved this story!
~Sinners and Gin
I loved Matthew's absolute power that he wields over Aria.
He finds her at one of her father's pet parties and takes her as ransom for what was taken from him. But finds a truly submissive and untouched woman. But it's just business for him.
There are some really hot and heavy scenes in this book and I loved it!
I highly recommend this series!

[Julez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book. Some stories I liked others not so much. Two of them were somewhat the same thing about the secret brotherhood. I enjoyed the first story the third story the most. There are six stories on all. The stories are about each member of the club called Spiked Roses who are wealthy men with different backgrounds such as a prince and an assassin. Their lifestyles make them into wealthy men who are not to be messed with and how they found their women. Wish it would have been a bit more darker.

[Kathy Heare Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 aren’t sure about. The characters and situations are explicitly 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. Now, all six stories in the Top Shelf Series are in one book.

Bastards & Whiskey

Her grandparents raised Anita Kyle in a rundown mobile home behind a closed gas station in Nevada's hole-in-the-wall desert town. She is alone now and looks out for an elderly lady, Virgie, the only person she can even call a friend. The only color in her life is the colorful tattoos running down the right side of her body. Virgie decides to send Anita to New Orleans, giving her a chance to find something new in her life. With the help of a housemate, she will be hired to work at Spiked Roses.

The Spiked Roses is an exclusive private gentleman’s club with a very wealthy clientele. For men who enjoy the best in alcohol, cigars, and indulging in various proclivities and taboos, the club has private venues in an area called The Tasting Room, where private contracts are made between the men and women. The deals are contracts, spelled out in agreed-upon terms, proclivities, time frame, and payments, signed and seals with a drop of blood. It definitely isn’t for everyone. It is dark, depraved, humiliating, and the girls give consent to a set timeframe at the mercy of the men buying them.

Anita's plot will leave Nevada and arrive in New Orleans, and get a job immediately at Spiked Roses, a very exclusive private gentlemen’s club. But these men are no real gentlemen when it comes to their various proclivities. Kenneth Saxon, an attorney and one of the club owners, is impressed with the blunt honesty when Anita applies

The Tasting Room will be hosting a very dark opening, with very few girls willing to participate, and newbie Anita is refusing to back down. When Marco Nunez purchases her by consensual contract, it will be out of Kenneth’s hands. She has been warned by Tennessee to read and understand the contract thoroughly.

Anita negotiates the deal, but Marco's cruelty is more than she can take, and she will escape after only hours in his home. Kenneth’s reputation and the club are on the line, and rather than let Marco’s henchmen catch up with her, he will retrieve her himself. It will be a battle of wills as he finds her and takes her back to New Orleans. She has two choices, to return the one hundred thousand dollars, or continue for two weeks with Marco. She refuses to give back the money, and Kenneth has no choice but to turn her back over to Marco.

The story is full of angst, depression, desperation, depravity, and determination. There is a love-hate status between Kenneth and Anita. Things will turn volatile and physical during their return trip to New Orleans, including spankings, non-consensual and consensual sex

Villains & Vodka

Marlowe Masters has reinvented herself from the girl she was, raised by a father that headed up an MC group in Oregon. When she graduated school, she left and never turned back, moving to New Orleans. While she tried to make it playing music, that wasn’t paying the bills, and with the help of friends, she will get a job waitressing at the Spiked Rose, an exclusive gentleman’s club.

Harley Crow is one of the owners of the Spiked Rose and is a man to be feared. He is a known assassin, a killer, the epitome of a villain. He is heavily tattooed and thrives off of the fear he sees in others.

The club is hosting a Tasting, and they require all the owners to be present at this one, whether they chose to participate or not. Harley has never attended before but will appease the other owners and attend. Marlowe has had a secret crush on Harley and will be one of the women available for a contract at the Tasting. She is hoping to catch the eye of Harley Crow.

The plot will have Harley and Marlowe enter into a contract from the Tasting for the “Who’s afraid of the dark?” theme that could include knife play, breath play, ropes, cages, chains, etc. He will push her limits in an attempt to have her safeword, but she surprises him with her stamina for his depravity. For Marlowe, she will open up and reveal things about herself. She hasn’t told another soul because she feels a deep connection with Harley.

Dark, evil, and intense are part of the game, and maybe Harley pushed the limits of the game and the contract. The weekend will turn into a life and death fearful situation. When the truth is revealed, the real pain will shatter her

Scoundrels & Scotch

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 worked 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 cares for their ailing father, she is at her wit's 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. The story will take the reader into the Dollhouse, the training, and the art exhibit preparations. 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. Canceling her appearance and leaving her behind along with an injured doll and two new dolls that aren’t ready to showcase.

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.

Devils & Rye

Alec is one of Spiked Roses owners. He has done well for himself, still single, but doing well financially. He is shocked when he hears from his former business partner and longtime friend, Rhett Knox. In a letter, he asks Alec to please take Makayla to their lake house and keep her safe. Makayla, twenty-years-old, had just come to New Orleans and was to start working as a hostess in the club. The letter brings up old demons, ones that Alec walked away from but once again, they have made their presence known, and not only will it affect Rhett, but Makayla and her innocence.

It all revolves around the long-standing Iron Colt Brotherhood, which has been around since before the civil war, and most of the well-to-do families were born into it and passed down from generation to generation in families like it was for Rhett and Alec.

Rhett will leave his most precious item, his sheltered daughter, Makayla, in the care of Alec because he refuses to allow her to be part of the ritual when her name is drawn and instead, forfeits himself. But will that be good enough?

Alec and Makayla at the lake house are attracted to each other, fighting his desires to claim her. For Makayla, she wants Alec, and their desires will take over. Alec is old enough to be her father, he and her father were business partners, and he should resist, yet she wants this too. They have at the lake house sweet, but that will change because of her reckless decision, the very one these men are trying to protect her from.

Makayla can’t let her father’s life remain in jeopardy, and she will take off to try and rescue him, and the story will take on a matter of life and death danger. Now it isn’t only Rhett but Makayla who will be part of the ritualistic games. Will Alec save them, and what will be the cost of returning to the Brotherhood? Six women will be sold off to the highest bidder as slaves, and their Masters are allowed to do whatever they chose, for the women, they will endure a living hell of humiliation and pain.

The rituals of the Brotherhood are all a game to many of them, and that is why Alec walked away. The treatment of the six women and six men, one of whom will die, all for greed and power. Will Alec, Rhett, and Makayla survive the ritual and walk away? If they do, what will become of them when this ordeal is over?

Beasts & Bourbon

Prince Roman Cassian and Cherise ‘Cheri’ are back and stronger than ever. They were part of the Royally Mine boxed set in a story called Bad Boys and Bourbon. Now they have their own story in the Top Shelf books, and wow, they will be entered a dark and dangerous world, one where they must succeed or else---and else isn’t among the living.

Once Roman sends his man, Silas, to retrieve Cheri from her galavanting, he lets her know in no uncertain terms that the marriage they were contracted into as children will happen. But he will also inform her of a part of the royalty that isn’t discussed, and now she must be initiated into the ranks, and while he will be leading the way, it will be dark, dirty, and unforgiving. Once they enter the mansion, there is no turning back.

The story is a dark and wickedly delicious addition to the Top Shelf series, with so many explicit scenes of depravity that both Cheri and Roman must endure, but they will do it together. What happens when they leave to plan their wedding? Will they ever be the same?

Sinners & Gin

Matthew Price is a businessman, and when Mafia boss, Vittorio Costa, breaks the rules, steals from Matthew, he plans his revenge. He is all about “black and white with no gray.” Now, with the help of his partners at Spiked Roses, he is going to take something precious and guarded against Vittorio, his daughter, his little Mafia Princess.

Aria Costa will sneak into her father’s latest kink party—a kitty party, and while she dresses the part, in disguise, she will stay hidden and then leave. But Matthew Price knows who Aria is, and she is his target. He will go with her to her room and introduce her to his dominance. She is surrendering in her room, and then they are escaping out the window. Now she is his prisoner.

The story will have Matthew taking Arai from her father’s lodge in Aspen and hiding her in his mountain hideaway, along with Tennessee, to cook and help out. What Matthew wasn’t expecting was to learn who Aria really is, not the stuck up Mafia Princess he assumed. The more they are together and talk, the more he realizes she is a prisoner of her father's. But this is business, and he has made a deal---his possessions returned for her. What happens when emotions get in the way? How could they ever have a future?

The exchange happens, and Matthew watches Ara walk away, never turning around. Matthew isn’t a happy, content person since the exchange. Tennessee has worked his magic back at Spiked Roses, but what about helping Matthew? The partners decide it is time for a new tasting party, and after witnessing the scene at Vittorio’s kitty party, that will be the theme for the next tasting. But when Matthew declines to attend, Tennessee won’t allow him, insisting he needs to be present. Is there something Matthew needs to see? You got to love Tennessee and his art of persuasion.

The story is a dark and wickedly delicious addition to the Top Shelf series, with so many explicit depravity scenes that both Aria and Matthew experience during her incarceration. What happens when they separate? Is this the end?

[Zelda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spiked Roses is the name of the gentlemen’s club featured in this series. The stories are about the five billionaire owners of Spiked Roses. I originally read them as standalones, and out of order, so I was thrilled to read them again in a box set. The author has a wonderful writing style, and I found myself reading more than I planned in each sitting.

Bastards & Whiskey-Kenneth and Anita
I love the opening line: “I stood before a table of a$$hole$.” Kenneth is referring to the other six founding members of Spiked Roses, a gentleman's club for the rich and debauched. Too much money and entitlement have led these men to have a “no rules” club. Women are allowed to say no, but if they sign a contract, they better follow through. I found Anita to be a character with an interesting background. From small town Vegas, she has a friend who helps her find colour in her life. Working at Spiked Roses is both intriguing and intimidating for the naive Anita, but friendship and the prospect of some serious cash trumps her unease. Kenneth was so conflicted, I hated his choices and was happy when he made it right. I love the angst in a dominant man, and their struggle to admit their screw ups. I found this book to be really dark, intense, and compelling, and would recommend if you're a fan of dark romance.

Villains & Vodka-Harley Crow & Marlowe Masters
Harley Crow is an assassin. He is quite matter-of-fact about death and quite unemotional. Marlowe is one of the servers in the club. She is drawn to Harley, so when she has a slim chance of connecting with him at a Tasting, she grabs the opportunity. Harley & Marlowe just fit, and Harley isn't coping with his feelings. Loved this story and the huge mind warp in it.

Scoundrels & Scotch-Ivy & Victor Drayton
We met Ivy briefly in Villains & Vodka. We know she's going to get fired and that Victor is going to offer her a job as a Drayton Doll. From previous reading, I thought Victor was just a kinky guy but this story highlights him creating erotic performance art. We watch Ivy learn what it takes to be a doll, and it's a bit of a slow burn for Victor & Ivy. Victor's success comes at a tremendous price-one of my favourite plots in the book.

Devils & Rye-Mayakla & Alec
This is a father's best friend age gap story that keeps you on the edge of your seat for the entire read. It's set away from Spiked Roses, and involves an age old cult. Alec needs to save his best friend Rhett's daughter, but Makayla wants to save her dad. Dangerous and deadly for all involved.

Beasts & Bourbon-Roman & Cheri
This is a second chance story. Roman is a real life prince, and even being a prince can't save Roman, and Cheri by extension, from rich, powerful, depraved men. These two are matching pieces. Their long history together shows in their interactions. They can trust each other, work like a team, have sizzling chemistry, and their love underpins the challenges thrust upon them. The writing was smooth like bourbon, and definitely deserves a Top Shelf label.

I received a copy of this book. My honest opinion is voluntarily provided.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don’t plan on getting a lot of sleep when you start reading this box set!
Bastards & Whiskey, Wow, Kenneth and Anita's story perfectly sets the stage for the Spiked Roses series! I hated Kenneth's reaction to Anita time and time again, and his need to win that put Anita back in a dangerous situation. I wanted to Gibb-slap his head and say "Wake up & smell the roses!"

Villains & Vodka, Harley and Marlowe's story was amazing and heart wrenching at the same time! Harley may be an assassin without a soul until he contracts with Marlowe for the weekend. Marlowe's past makes her not afraid of the dark until Harley destroys her. With a storm advancing on New Orleans will the two be able to ride it out? You have to read to find out and the ending just nails it!

Scoundrels & Scotch, Victor and Ivy's story Wow - just Wow!
Ivy's termination from Spiked Roses brings her a new job opportunity from Victor to join his doll house. What the 2 never suspected is an affinity to one another that can't be denied. Victor's need to keep Ivy out of the limelight may be his undoing.

Devils & Rye, I was intrigued with how Scoundrels & Scotch ended, introducing Alec and Makayla’s story. The intrigue with Alec and Makayla’s father’s past keeps the suspense going as Alec and Makayla get to know one another again in a steamy new light. Will Makayla’s need to help her father, jeopardize everything or will Alec do what he said he would never do again? The suspense is riveting and you will be rooting for Alec to save the day!

Beasts & Bourbon, - Will Cheri survive the beast in Roman?
This is my 5th book by Alta and I love an author who writes in dual point of view. Cheri is living in a small Costa Rican town when she is summoned to return to Prince Roman. Once they were childhood sweethearts, but Cheri left to find herself. But theirs was an arranged marriage which Roman plans to fulfill even Cheri’s initiation into the secret society that he belongs to. Will Cheri be able to pass the initiation for Roman? You have to read to find out and definitely won’t want to put this steamy book down until you finished.

Sinners & Gin - A steamy read that will have you engrossed by the first chapter
Wow, you will be absorbed by Alta’s last in the Top Shelf series about Matthew and Aria. Matthew’s revenge for the theft of his artwork and diamonds by Costa is to kidnap Costa’s daughter, Aria until he gets his precious belongings back. Matthew is drawn to Aria’s submissive side and you can almost feel the sparks fly between the two! I love a strong woman character and Aria excels at being more than just a princess! Great read!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bastard's & Whiskey:
Bastard's and Whiskey is a dark romance between billionaire Kenneth and sweet innocent Anita. Kenneth is a kinky rich, successful lawyer/owner at the exclusive gentlemen's club Spiked Rose in New Orleans. Anita gets hired at the Spiked Rose and her life will never be the same. Alta Hensley can truly write and I am one of her many fans! This book is full of suspense, mystery, danger, kink, and dark romance. A well written story and over the top characters with twisted chemistry.
Villains & Vodka:
Alta Hensley writes the best dark twisted books that pull me into the story holding onto me until the last page. I love the way this author brings the characters to life for the readers. Spiked Roses is a twisted playground for the very rich. Marlowe and Harley are perfect for each other and exactly what the other needed. If you are looking for a dark twisted read full of twists, turns, angst, drama, a lot of naughty and a little nice then Villains & Vodka is the book for you.
Scoundrels & Scotch:
Scoundrels & Scotch is another must read by Alta Hensley This is a well written book with well developed over the top characters that captivated me just like the first two books in this series. Victor and Ivy are amazing characters and I loved Victor's Dolls. This is a dark twisted read full of craziness, suspense, and romance.
Devils & Rye:
Alta Hensley has written another amazing work of art. Devils & Rye is a dark, sexy slightly taboo story full of steam, angst, suspense, secrets, mystery, and a dark romance. Makayla and Alec have intense off the charts chemistry that left my kindle steaming and me wanting more.
Beasts of Bourbon:
Beasts of Bourbon is the fifth book in the Top Shelf series and I loved it! Prince Roman is one of the owners of Spiked Roses and Cheri is the woman who was betrothed to Roman since they were children. I really loved this book and although it's not as dark as the other books in the series it's just as good. I am loving this amazing series and I look forward to reading anything Alta Hensley writes.
Sinners & Gin:
I have been waiting patiently for the next Top Shelf book and Sinners & Gin did not disappoint. Matthew is one of the owners of Spiked Roses and Aria's father Costa is the Mafia crime boss who stole from Matthew. Matthew claims Aria as his to get revenge on her father but he didn't count on falling for her at the same time. This is well written and filled with danger, drama, angst, passion and a delicious love story.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this collection.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bastards & Whisky
New to New Orleans - Anita (FMC) gets a job in a gentlemen's club - Spiked Roses. Its certainly an eye opener. As well as a bit dangerous for her. Kenneth being one of the owners is a big complication for her too especially when sex gets involved

Villain's & Vodka
A dark but very steamy book. Marlowe (FMC) works at Spiked Roses as a waitress and she has her eyes set on Harley. A owner of the club but also a hitman. One that takes no interest in any of the girls there until one night both of their world collide and it opens them both up to their darker sides. Some of which made me jaw drop big time!!! Harley is more of an anti hero but the 2 of them together seem to work

Scoundrels & Scotch
When Ivy (FMC) loses her job at Spiked Roses she gets another job offer from Victor (part owner of the club) To be a Drayton Doll. One of Victor's kinky art creations. This book definitely brings on the kink and the steam too but its a little dark too

Devils & Rye
Makayla (FMC) is the daughter of Alec's friend and near enough family (calling him Uncle Alec) but things escalate when she is sent to him for protection. From a sadistic cult The Iron Colt Brotherhood which her father is involved with. Pretty dark in places. Very steamy between Alec and Makayla too

Beasts & Bourbon
Cheri (FMC) & Prince Roman have had an arranged marriage from when they were children but theres plenty of pretty dark/steamy scenarios. Some of which may upset some folks and Ill be honest half of me is secretly hoping that someone will take down The brotherhood. Fingers crossed

Sinners & Gin
With a score to settle with Aria's (FMC) father she finds herself being kidnapped by Matthew (an owner of the Spiked Roses club). Which brings all sorts of steamy scenarios. I dont think this book is as dark as the others in this box set

A pretty good read about the dominant men of spiked roses and the women they love. Yes the series is dark and some folks may struggle with the content. I did with some of it but if you look past the spanking, sex...........etc you find that at the core of these men is a protective (even if some book dont come across like that right away) and caring (even though to some it might not appear to be). They are all dark, seductive and fast-paced. I couldnt help but love Tennessee. Hes a welcome lightness with everything going on in these books. Just wondering will Lennon get a book too? Or even Tennessee?

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so really enjoyed reading each and every book in this boxed set. Its a set for those who really enjoy a bit of kink, a bit of dirty and definitely a bit of spanking and pain, over 18s only may read.
Six smart men, all rich as they come have invested in a club for men only, but employ females to cater for their wishes, dirty deprived but each man has his own battle to win. Pasts come back to haunt them and with that each women must be strong enough to be able to go though the mens past present and future with them.
Bastards and Whiskey is Kenneth and Anitas story, what a lawyer has to do to protect his club
Villians and Vodka is Harley and Marlowe story, where darkness comes out to play
Scoundrels and Scotch, Ivy and Victor and his famous dolls
Devils and Rye, Alec and Makayla, where Alecs past come back to him to protect his friends daughter
Beasts and Bourban, Roman and Cheri are to be married but have to go through an unusual ritual.
Sinners and Gin, Matthew and Aria story, a mafia princess, a kitten to be tamed.

i really enjoyed all of these stories but the one that stood out to me the most was Harley and Marlows story. Dark and deprived, Harley is an assassin, a killer, until Marlow was obsessed with him and loved the darkness. But once the contract was signed the game whos afraid of the dark become more reality than she really would of liked.

I

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐ONE ENTHRALLING BUNDLE⭐⭐
Holy hotness homer! Alta delivers one unforgettable, intense collection, serving up all the sizzling heat, undeniable desire and unquenchable passion, grabbing your attention from the start and holding you captive until the last word, flinging this jewel to a whole new level. Attentive to the turbulent struggles and explosive triumphs while traversing the deadly twists and stunning turns, reaching deep for every ounce of strength in a fierce surge of determination, hurling this baby to life brilliantly. Each individual story exudes such thrilling suspense, perilous intrigue and intense situations, each different and unique, with a tremendous amount of vivacity and fervor, putting our characters through their paces, melding this gem together seamlessly. The characters, dialogue, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits, adding depth and diversity, transforming into outstanding personalities. The scenes are abundantly descriptive with colorful details that blend and flow, creating a majestic backdrop that's so rich and lively it feels like you can just reach out and touch it. Remarkable job Alta, thanks for sharing this little jewel with us.

[Mary Nikolettou · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent piece of writing by Ms Hensley. This is actually my first read by this author and I'm left quite impressed. All six stories are intense, raw and erotic. Each book and each character was different. This is what I mainly liked about the series, the fact that each story that followed didn't remind me of the last. All six heros co-ownwers of the the club Spiked Roses were dark and dominating and the heroines were no damsels in distress. All the females had an inner strenghth that was admirable. Each one of them had a different background and a different story to tell but they all had Spiked Roses in common. A priate gentlemans club.

I would have to say that Marlowe and Harley were by far my favorite (book 2) couple. I loved how Harley was oblivious to the fact that he was on Marlowe's radar. And as their story progressed, the edge of your seat twist was the icing on the cake. Yep, my favorite story. None the less I enjoyed each one as their journey to love while full of thorns ended in a HEA for all.

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

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great set of this entire series if you are a fan of this author. Each book about each set of characters can be read as a standalone within the same world. All are well written and engaging
Bastards and Whiskey
I enjoyed this book, it captured my attention from the beginning. I liked the characters of Anita and Kenneth and enjoyed the storyline of the book.
Beast and bourbon
I liked the characters of Cheri and although my first impression of Roman wasn't great, I quickly liked him once he showed a more thoughtful caring side to his personality.
The storyline was enjoyable and engaging, however some of the heavier Dominant and submission stuff, personally I didn't find as appealing, particularly in the situation it was in. But that is my taste, rather than a issue with the book.
I felt it ended very quickly and abruptly, would have liked to see more of their relationship development, moving towards the wedding after they had left their experience at the Iron Colt brotherhood behind.

[Elsie Pitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has the WHOLE Top Shelf Series in one! I have read all of these stories individually and the fact that Miss Hensley put these into one box set was great treat for me! You get to meet these Men whom do not take no for an answer! Each story tells of a different couple and the twists and turns that it takes for them to acquire the women that they want. Each story is riveting, gritty, edge of your seat raw, intensely absorbing yet all shine with a brilliance so radiant that you will become enamored with these characters!. Each story has a darkened overcast about it that consumes you. You will not see the light before the ending of each and wholly crap are you in for some TRIGGERS! So if this bothers you IT IS NOT THE BOOKS FOR YOU! Miss Hensley is one of the reigning Queens when it comes to DARK and she is NOT one to be missed!

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

[Kristine Avakian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this Spiked Roses Anthology! I loved the way Alta Hensley writes...drawing me in like right there where the story is taking place! I had previously read one of the books, but not the other five... Was blown away by the whole set. They can be read as a standalone or as a set....I recommend the set since once you read one...you'll definitely want to read all the others!
Spiked Roses is a very upscale exclusive private gentlemen's club in New Orleans with the very best of everything....cigars, whiskey, beautiful women. The members are men with very discerning tastes and appetites. The men are dominant and the women are independent and strong, but subservient. The heat is explosive! I loved all the stories but might be slightly partial to Beasts of Bourbon..maybe because it was the first one I read. If you like dominant men and women who give the men a run for their money, you will love this anthology!

I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[HEATHER · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark and dominant men and plenty of steam!
by sewsummore

I found this book an exciting and dramatic collection of dark and steamy romances that teased the senses and swept the reader into the hidden world of the Spiked Roses Gentleman's Club. Five men who were part owners of the club find themselves falling in love when they least expect. They may not always be good men, but the love they feel towards the women they love is honest and powerful. My enjoyment of the book was heightened by the relationship between the men, all of them friends who had come together to form the club with a stronger and more supportive relationship than many blood relatives. I loved this collection, and I am sure you will also like dark and dominant men and plenty of steam in your reading.

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

[CS · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 1/2 Stars!
I appreciate when authors bundle up their work for binge readers like me.
This complete series focused on dark themes of bdsm, punishment, violence and cruelty within a Mafia life style centered on the Spiked Roses club and Tasting parties.
Moderately paced with a lot of narrative from the dual POVs that broke up the momentum of the storyline at times. In the midst of an intimate punishing scene, the main character’s thoughts would go into a bout of explanation that was a bit off putting.
Full of punishment themes which were cruel instead of erotic. The main couples were supposed to be intensely connected and I accepted that as I read each story, but was never really convinced emotionally.
Pretty dark themes with more painful elements than romance.

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

[Cathylynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are six books in this series. Bastards and Whiskey, Villains and Vodka, Scoundrels and Scotch, Devils and Rye, Beasts and Bourbon, and Sinners and Gin. I really enjoy Alta Hensley books. I own all of these books. These are all dark with twist and her writting style is fabulous. All the stories are from the exclusive gentlemans club where the rich and powerful play. Where the men do not know the meaning of the word no. All the stories are dark and simply a wonderful read, although these books are not for everyone but they are for me. I cannot say how much I really enjoy her writting and her books.

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

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spiked Roses is owned by six dark devious sexy men. These six stories are dark and delicious.

Spiked Roses is an exclusive members only club for the wealthy and elite. Its a pleasure club owned by Kenneth Saxon, Harley Crow, Victor Drayton, Alec Sheldon, Matthew Price, and Prince Roman Cassian. They are alpha as***** jerks that always get their way. That is until they find the women that knock them off their feet.

These stories are full of heat, suspense, darkness, and so much more. It is definitely a must read series.

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

[Ramona · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I signed up to read and review this book by Alta Hensley, I didn't realize it was a box set. Imagine my surprise when I found six stories to read. The stories are Bastards & Whiskey, Villains & Vodka, Scoundrels & Scotch, Devils & Rye, Beasts & Bourbon, and Sinners & Gin were all new to me. This series is about the men who started a special men's club called the Spiked Roses. They each meet their women through the club. The stories are darkly romantic with likable characters with angst and drama that kept me flipping the pages in this intense engaging box set I enjoyed reading and reviewing via booksprout.

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark & Different 4 stars

The stories push the taboo line. If you are looking for romance with intense dominance and submission scenes, this is the book collection for you. The male characters are interesting but not every one of them shows chemistry with the female characters. The scenes may be dirrrty steammmy but outside of the bedroom scenes, it will be hard to tell if they have relationships. Here are my one-word or two-word descriptions of each book.

Bastards & Whiskey: Kenneth & Anita - shocking
Villains & Vodka: Harley and Marlowe - mindf*ck
Scoundrels & Scotch: Victor and Ivy - weird fetish
Devils & Rye: Alec & Makayla - age gap
Beasts & Bourbon: Roman & Cheri - deprived tradition
Sinners & Gin: Matthew & Aria - intriguing

I received an advanced copy and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Vicki Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spiked Roses is a great box set featuring the Top Shelf Series which is one of my favorite series by Alta Hensley. This collection includes six books entitled Villians and Vodka, Sinners and Gin, Bastards and Whiskey, Beasts and Bourbon, and Scoundrels and Scotch. The novels tell the amazing stories of a group of wealthy men who own a private and elite gentleman's club entitled Spiked Roses. Each of these erotic books have well defined characters, a dark storyline, and great writing by this author. I recommend this fantastic and intriguing collection.

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

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drinks are up with Hensley's Spiked Roses! These alphas are intense and will draw you in and have you all caught up in their stories. My favorite is Bastards and Whiskey. This is quite the interesting story. Bastards and Whiskey is centered around a gentleman's club called Spiked Roses for the rich and privilege. Anita goes to this club seeking employment which she obtains. One night she is allowed to be a part of "Dark as Fuck" in The Tasting Room. She did not think this all the way through obviously and here the drams begins. This book is part sinister, part erotic and all drama and intrigue.

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

[Ash J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great series. I had not read any of the stories yet and am glad I got to read them in order. The story was about billionaires who invested in a gentleman's club that had only women working their. Each story was about one of the billionaire's and their personal love story. This series was steamy and a little mysterious throughout each story. I got excited and couldn't wait to finish the series. Alta is definitely one of my favorite authors. I would definitely recommend this series!

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

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great boxset with complete Top Shelf Series in one!
I’ve read some of the stories out of order before and I’m happy I now had a chance to read them all in order.

Each story features a dominant alpha male and strong female that will bring him to his knees. The storylines were a perfect mix of twisted, kinky and taboo with a splash of darkness. Some were better than the others as expected. My favorites were Villains & Vodka and Scoundrels & Scotch. Overall pretty solid collection especially if you’re a fan of steamy kinky reads.

[Theresa Doherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spiked Rose's it's the club where it all happens its definitely not your run of the mill private club this has boundaries that are not boundaries. The men who own it and the women who work there have stories to tell that will blow your mind. I had a love hate feeling for these men and wanted at times to slap the girls but for me this book entertained me like a ful on floor show, the kink and sass the highs and lows, I loved it all.

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

[Jo-Ann Forrest · Rating 5 out of 5]

These dark addictive stories are some of the best you will read. The Spiked Rose is an exclusive gentlemen club, where men are offered everything they might desire and private consensual contracts are being made in The Tasting room. This club will host every proclivities, deprave situation but all of it is consensual and discussed. Reading the stories one after the other will make you understand the world it depicts and the players involved in this dark world.

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

[Billy J Stratton · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a series about Alpha men.

This is a series of books that revolve around seven men that own a Gentlemen’s Club in New Orleans. Each individual book is about one of the owners and them meeting their lovers. The stories are very into heavily handed Alphas into all sorts of activities. I was wondering why the last owner Lennon Wolff doesn’t have a story. The character Tennessee was quite entertaining. Enter with caution cause these stories are heavy handed on these women. Don’t really enjoy the spankings of these women. Not really my favorite read.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Bouquet of Six Dark and Thorny Roses

This is the boxed set of the six Top Shelf novels by Alta Hensley set in the Spiked Roses gentlemen’s club. Here, money talks, buying the acquiescence of those who are chosen to play. These stories are suspenseful, steamy and taboo; certainly not for the easily shocked! I, of course, am somewhat jaded, so of course I loved every dark and deviant word of this series!

[Candy Ottarski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book set was incredible! The six stories which include: Bastards & Whiskey, Villians & Vodka, Scoundrels & Scotch, Devils & Rye, Beasts & Bourbon, and Sinners & Gin, are well worth the amount paid. This collection was hard for me to put down to eat and sleep! Each of these books can be read as a stand alone but trust me you'll want to start with the first book and work your way through. This boxset is a must read and I highly recommend!

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fabulous book contains six separate stories, each concentrating on different main characters. Each of the plots are unique to each other but they are all dark and steamy. I really enjoyed all the books and can’t really pick a favorite. Grab this book up if dark romance is your thing, you won’t be disappointed.

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

[Stacia · Rating 1 out of 5]

Mean Men

Story 1- okay, Story 2 -okay, Story 3 - pretty good, Story 4 - ancient society calls for Heroine. Hero goes in to save her. Pretty good Story 5 - Heroine ask by fiancé to go thru ancient society initiation with him, the things done to her by his hands, sounds like she has Stockholm syndrome by the end. Story 6 pretty good. Story # 5 made me mad & was far beyond play. Would not recommend