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The Cask

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I endured the thousand injuries of Omari Fortune as best I could. But when he ventured upon insult, I vowed revenge.

The good-looking businessman knew exactly what he did. And if he thought those broad shoulders and sexy lips were going to smooth things over, he was mistaken. If he thought flirting was going to change things, he was incorrect. If he thought asking me on a date was going to make things right, he was dead wrong.

But his advances gave me an idea.

They say keep your friends close and your enemies closer. And when you want revenge, it’s best that your enemy doesn’t know he’s your enemy. But how close is too close?

211 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 19, 2021

89 people are currently reading
225 people want to read

About the author

Danielle Allen

80 books3,235 followers
Diversity in Romance Advocate.
Life Coach.

XOXO

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5 stars
127 (65%)
4 stars
44 (22%)
3 stars
19 (9%)
2 stars
1 (<1%)
1 star
2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
Profile Image for Tiffany.
Author 4 books65 followers
February 23, 2021
Inspired by “The Cask of Amontillado” by Edgar Allan Poe, “The Cask” is a love story mixed with a bit of duplicity. Ebony Montresor is a hard working business owner of a thriving wine & bar restaurant who becomes vengeful when a similar establishment opens up across the street run by the charming, sexy Omari Fortune. Instantly offended by the competition, Ebony plots to take Omari and his business down even if that means getting closer to him.

Allen has written a fast-paced suspense romance that is not only entertaining, but sexy. The heat between the two main characters is searing hot. Equal parts suspenseful, romantic, and erotic this novel has something unfolding in every chapter to make the reader keep turning the page.

I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy novels featuring enemies to lovers and modern day retellings.
Profile Image for OhhSlimmm.
506 reviews31 followers
February 19, 2021
Fortune Teller

Danielle is such a storyteller!! I love how she can turn a small poem that she was inspired by into a unique and beautiful love story. Ebony wanted to be Omari enemy so bad but Omari was determined and too fine to be anyone’s marked target unless it’s in the bedroom. I loved everything about this enemy to lover storyline and it showed how versatile Danielle can be with her pen. I’d suggest readers read the poem first although it’s not needed, I feel you would get a better visual of the story. Danielle seems to amaze me every time and she’s proving why she’s become one of my favs. Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Tiffany Tyler.
689 reviews2 followers
February 21, 2021
If you aren’t familiar with what is said to be Poe’s greatest short story then please Google, YouTube it, or read the cliff notes version. The Cask is Danielle Allen’s adaptation of a classic “I believe you did me wrong so here’s some revenge” trope and it works perfectly. The three c’s are there: conflict, confrontation and cattiness and just the right amount of romance to make this quite entertaining. Allen has taken Poe’s work and made it fresh and relevant to today. Check it out!
Profile Image for Ashton Reads.
1,266 reviews304 followers
March 10, 2024
Tropes:
~rivals to lovers
~retelling (Cask of Amontillado)
~revenge
~workplace romance

I was excited for an Edgar Allen Poe romance retelling but this fell a bit flat for me. I found the heroine pretty unlikable and her reason for “revenge” to be paper thin. We also had the stereotypical “hero has a woman best friend but she secretly wants him for herself” trope that I don’t care for. And by the end, I thought the hero deserved better and the heroine was way too petty and bitter for basically no reason.

I think I would’ve had a better time if her revenge was against a third party who did something actually heinous, and maybe by getting revenge she helped both herself and the hero. Instead the revenge was against the hero and he never fully understood just how much she had manipulated him, when he didn’t really deserve it imo.
Profile Image for b.andherbooks.
2,357 reviews1,273 followers
March 5, 2021
When owner of The Cask Ebony believes Omari Fortune, head of the new, rival business across the street from her wine bar slights her, she plots out her revenge. But revenge can be tough when you start to catch feelings for your rival.

Whew, this was so sexy and what they did with that cigar my goodness!

The Cask definitely has an HEA but the heroine never tells the hero she was out and actively trying to sabotage his business during the whole story and well, go girl, but also ah! It is a retelling of The Cask of Amontillado, and I'm a bit agog at the ending in kind of the best way.
Profile Image for Skye Moon.
Author 52 books192 followers
October 5, 2021
Honey, I started out liking Ebony to her working my LAST NERVE. Her ambition to ruin Omari was intense, but ultimately I’m glad it worked out the way that it did.

I was iffy about Omari too, wondering if he was intentionally trying to ruin her business but I’m also pleased with the way that turned out.

Kim got every bit of what she deserved!

I loved how informative the book was in regards to wine and running a business. I’m very much looking forward to my next read.
Profile Image for Tajuana.
222 reviews6 followers
March 1, 2021
Cigars are used for more than smoking😳

Cask
By Danielle Allen
I really hope my reader friends is not sleeping on this author's books. You are really doing yourself a disservice and is missing out on some really good shit. This girl writing skills is on fleek, no cap!
Another thing about a Danielle Allen read is once you start, it's extremely hard to put the book down before it ends.
But anyways let me tell you about this one. OK so I pulled up my chair beside Lauren while Grandma gave us the low down on how she once went out for revenge. She had our full attention. I was uncomfortable with grandma confessing the plots she made against her competitor. Who wants to think they grandma could be that scandalous 😳
Anyways.... at first, I thought that granny got way more than she could handle, but ummm I'm not to sure about that now. Granny got everything she wanted and then some🤸🏾‍♀️
So anyways while I was listening to grandma and  she begin to talk about her competitor, I wanted to know, what's the big deal about this cat. And boy did I get an ear full! Seems like Mr. Competitor had my granny swoon from day one. He was one smooth and sexy dude.. Mater of fact, how granny spoke of him, he excluded sexiness. Through her off her game more than once. Yes, she did accomplished what she set out for but she definitely ended up with more than she bargained for😁
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Profile Image for Sunny.
332 reviews44 followers
August 2, 2021
2.5 stars. Business owner, Ebony, of the hottest winery club in town called The Cask is consumed by the need for revenge. After the irresistibly gorgeous Omari Fortune opens a competing club across the street, a series of misunderstandings cause Ebony to set a trap that will change both of their lives forever.

Be warned, this one gets spicy and explicit. That’s the fun part. Overall, it was an ok reimagining of Edgar Allen Poe’s, The Cask of Amantillado. I kept getting annoyed by all the misunderstandings that could have been explained away with the a few words of communication.
Profile Image for Mrs..
6,000 reviews108 followers
March 30, 2021
Ebony eyes

When I read a story about premiere Poe works, I always anticipate how the story ties in with the ancient masterpiece. In this story, I could see the gleam in Ebony's eyes as she plotted her supposed nemesis demise. The man she plotted against only had eyes for her. Omari only saw the good in Ebony. And in the end, the best woman won his heart and stole his soul to keep. Shhhh, don't tell him, she hoodwinked and bamboozled him too.
Profile Image for Gemini.
1,669 reviews
February 21, 2021
Not a Cookie Cutter Romance

This book was steamy and dark. From the very beginning, it was clear that it would be scandalous. I wasn’t a fan of how vindictive Ebony was. It came off as a little mentally unstable. Despite that, her quest for revenge made for an interesting, creative storyline. Omari was so masculine and sexy. He was definitely a top tier Book Bae.
Profile Image for Chichi.
68 reviews
May 24, 2022
This is one amazingly stupid book. I should probably cool off before writing this review, but I'm ready to jump into something else that will scrub this book from my memory.

Why am I giving this book 3 stars then if was so bad? Simple, Omari.

He and Alexis were the best characters in this book, if you ask me. The female mc, Ebony was just too bitter from the get go that I couldn't even bring myself to like her. She was so self absorbed, and despite Omari being practically perfect, (he was kind, considerate, and very accountable) she found fault in the smallest things he did, and never communicated her feelings like a 'mature adult' should. And from the first time she found out that he owned the restaurant across from hers, she just held a vendetta against him for absolutely no reason, for simply existing!

She didn't deserve him one bit, and the fact that she went out of her way to emotionally manipulate him, and to sabotage a business that he worked so hard for, and she literally didn't face any consequences whatsoever missed me tf off.

They got married, and grew old together and he still didn't know what she did. She didn't ever apologize. And Omari was, like I mentioned earlier, very accountable. He never did anything remotely wrong that he didn't apologize for. Even when she set him up on his bar opening night and had someone lock them up in a cellar, he blamed himself and apologized, and she had the nerves to accept his apology. That right there cemented the stupidity of the main character in my mind.

And Kim, despite being one of those characters just placed to cause friction between the love interests (she had no nuance and isn't fleshed out at all) didn't deserve to be fired after she literally saved Omari from the havoc that Ebony wanted to cause him and his business.

The lack of communication, lack of accountability, immaturity, and bitterness of the main character made this book difficult to read, and considering that we were only given her perspective, the author should've done better👎.
Profile Image for martha fountain.
837 reviews18 followers
March 10, 2021
Talented story teller

This is the fourth release of this author that expertly merges Edgar Allen Poe's work with her phenomenal wordsmith and design of a love story. I wasn't sure how she would pull it off but whew she did it flawlessly. Her gift is friends to lovers but now she has added enemies to lovers to her list. Ebony and Omari were everything. Their chemistry was off the charts and the way she connected the beginning to the end were fantastic. She already has a fan in me but this work confirms it.
Profile Image for emilia.
53 reviews4 followers
February 6, 2022
“If I had real competition, he would’ve known your favorite wine and where to get it. So, here’s your favorite. A favorite for my treasure.”

THIS BOOK????? changed my life.

I loved it from beginning to end. It kept me hooked and entertained throughout the whole story. It was funny, exciting, lovely, hot, and cozy in every page.

Even though it’s a short book, there’s nothing I would add or take out of it. It’s simply perfect. The way the story starts with a flashback and ends going back to the present time just made my heart melt.

The author delivered this book with such a smoothness I’ve only seen a couple times in my life. This may be a new comfort read for me, Ebony and Omari’s love story is beautiful; even if revenge got in the way for some time.

This book made me laugh from the first page to the last one. It’s a very well balanced book, something I haven’t been able to see on most of my last reads. There’s no way to praise this book other than reading it and realizing how perfect it is.
272 reviews5 followers
March 2, 2021
Fine Wine Mixed With Revenge

I was so entangled within the pages of this book that I did something I've not done in ten years, I skipped to the to ending. LOL By page 121, I needed to know if Omari and Ebony story ended the way I thought it would...And it did. LOL

Omari Fortune, is a sweetheart! And he's fine too! Ebony, was a thick fine sister, who had it going on too. But she was to smart to be so off base after a ten minute conversation with Omari. Whew! She got on my nerves at times. Yeah, I said it! But I loved them together. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

The Cask, is an interesting and intriguing take on the original by Edgar Allan Poe.
Bravo Danielle Allen!
Profile Image for Catherine Stein.
Author 28 books169 followers
October 19, 2022
I really loved the idea of a romance based on a Poe tale, and it definitely lived up to my expectations. I did have to just go with it and accept that Ebony was going to be all about the revenge, even if it seemed really going overboard. All the little nods to the original short story were great. Ebony's grappling with her changing attitude to Omari (what, feelings? what, I was maybe wrong?) were fun, and the book was really sexy. The book could have used a good line editor, because there were a fair number of typos and occasional places were errors tripped me up as I was reading, but overall it didn't detract from the story. There is a big "other woman" kind of plot thread (unrequited crush on the hero) that I could have done without, so be warned if that's a deal breaker for you.
CW: revenge, intense jealousy from side character, mentions of family members with dementia
Profile Image for Toya  Davis-Stokley.
2,555 reviews100 followers
February 28, 2021
You have done it again! I love that your stories are thought provoking, a bit suspenseful with love and romance. Ebony just dove right in, hating this man just because he opened a similar business across the street from her. Once she had her eyes set on revenge, there was no turning back. I didn't quite understand why she was so angry and set on destroying this man. But Mr. Omari honey was as smooth as they come! He was oblivious to her schemes and really wanted to get to know her! She was really doing the most, when he did nothing to wrong her. Their chemistry and connection was intense and passionate. The story was so well written that I almost forgot, that this was a story, within a story. Another great one ma'am! 👍👍👍
422 reviews5 followers
May 29, 2021
This was a pleasant surprise. Not that I doubted the author at all because I found that I love all the tales that she tells. But I just jumped right in & started reading this one. All I knew was it was going with a theme & since I had read the others, I decided to read this one too.
Ebony is the successful young owner of The Cask wine bar/ lounge. She's fine until she notices a new business opening up right across the street that have the nerve to have some of the same type of offerings that she has. When she goes to check the place out, she's unexpectedly smitten by the owner. But also, insulted by something he says. Now she's in revenge mode while also falling for him.
Profile Image for Coffee&Books.
1,165 reviews108 followers
February 21, 2021
Absolutely enjoyed this novel!

Omari and Ebony are true enemies to lovers: business rivals within throwing distance. Though Ebony hatches a plot to take her competitor out of the running, they're made for each other and can't resist the pull. Add in a nosy best friend and a jealous wannabe and you have all of the makings of one of the best reads of this year.

The rivalry ropes you in...the romance and HOTTT SCENES ties you to the chair.

I think you'll enjoy thus INE, and don't be intimidated by the tie to Poe.. No stuffy pretension needed to GRT ALL THE WAY into this novel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
229 reviews1 follower
February 22, 2021
Perfection!!

Just like all of her Poe work DA didn’t disappoint! This book was exciting, suspenseful, and fun to read. You weren’t quite sure how DA was going to make this story into a romance but the journey to the end was so worth it. The characters were fully developed and the relationships were well thought out. I couldn’t wait to see how this plan played out and what exactly would happen. I did like how it turned out better than the characters could’ve dreamed of. This will definitely be on my reread list!!!
Profile Image for Jaleesa.
403 reviews55 followers
February 23, 2021
The Talent

Let me start by saying, I did not enjoy the EAP section of Language Arts in middle school but the way Danielle puts her spin in these classic tales makes me want read them again. I loved Ebony and Omari as individuals and together. I also wanted to shake both of them at certain points. The story pulls you in from the very first page and you aren’t going to put it down until you finish. Danielle is masterful in the way she weaves this story of revenge with some romance.....and now I’m going to read The Cask of Amontillado again!!
Profile Image for Lovie247.
199 reviews1 follower
April 1, 2021
Eboni and Omari...she's a liar, he's all fire

I can't decide whether or not I liked this book. It took me a while to finish it, so maybe that's the true indicator.

The heroine, Eboni, was awful. Her reason for considering Omari her "sworn enemy," makes NO sense. Omari is actually an incredible man. He's nice, gorgeous, considerate, honest, and gorgeous (which I think bears repeating). Eboni is a conniving liar.

Though they got their HEA, I still think he deserved better than her.
1,635 reviews4 followers
July 18, 2021
Great Read

The cat and mouse game drew me in. I was rooting for this budding romance since the attraction was undeniable. I wanted Ebony to give up on her revenge plot and go with the flow. Or, turn her revenge against Kim, who made herself the enemy. Getting the man and the hea after such trickery would be a terrible way to start a relationship.
I loved how this story was told and it was well written, drawing me in immediately. This was my first read by Ms Allen and I look forward to exploring more of her works.
Profile Image for LaVida Brisco - One Last Page Book Blog.
763 reviews10 followers
February 28, 2021
Omari

I must admit I went into this blind. It was recommended to me and I never read Poe (forgive me I know better now). Anywho this book is a page turner from beginning to end and I was delightfully entertained. Omari and Ebony chemistry was evident from their first meeting and it only got better. This author was new to me and I will gladly be looking into her other works. Kudos Danielle for great storytelling and an undeniable book that people will love!!!
Profile Image for melanatedbookjunkie.
299 reviews60 followers
March 3, 2021
Great read!

Danielle Allen did a great job with this Edgar Allen Poe inspired story! I suggest you read the short story “The Cask of Amontillado” by EAP to get the true essence of the story. Omari was so smitten with Ebony from first sight and which made it difficult to stick to her plan of “revenge”. This book was a lot of fun to read. I enjoyed the character and storyline very much.
Profile Image for Mabell.
144 reviews1 follower
March 15, 2021
Just wow!

I love everything about Ms. Allen’s work. All of the Poe inspired work has really opened my mind because I really try to go read what inspired it from the Poe works. And turning them to love stories is a gift. That Ebony was able to hold that for so long was crazy, I really thought Kim was going to come up missing! You want to not like Ebony but I could not help it! Great read as usual.
Profile Image for T. Meaux.
Author 11 books47 followers
May 9, 2021
Don't play with me!

Danielle Allen's Poe inspired books are always my favorite and this was no different! Baby Ebony was not to be played with. She was so smart and calculated. It's crazy how you love Omari but you still were on Ebony's side. The chemistry between the two was something else and I loved how the story played out. And the sex, good gawd! Danielle Allen did not disappoint at all!
Profile Image for E Raye  Turonek.
41 reviews15 followers
May 14, 2021
Grinning ear to ear..

What can I say about this extraordinarily woven tale? This page-turning sultry, classy, -- romantic thrill ride gave me life. The author brilliantly showcases her talent with this witty revolutionary retelling of Edgar Allan Poe' s Cask of Amantillado. Pulling me in inch by inch I found myself seduced by her words, taken by this tale and pleasantly shocked by its conclusion. I definitely recommend this exceptional one sitting read! Bravo!!!
Profile Image for Felicia Brown.
326 reviews18 followers
June 25, 2021
Amazing

This book had me on edge . I wanted pages 98-100 rewritten with me in it beating Kim down . Read the book and you will see why . Sometimes getting to know a person first will let you know what kind of person they are . Omari showed get to know me before you judge me . Ebony found it out in the long run . But the live was there the whole time she could not fight it . They both won . Get some wine and enjoy the read .
Profile Image for Tonya.
293 reviews
July 7, 2021
Oh what a tangled web we weave

I must say I'm truly emotional right now but that just means Ms. Allen did her job. I read the Cask in high school and this brought back so many memories. But why can't people just be honest with one another and rid themselves of so much drama? Omari was really sincere in his emotions for Ebony but she was too busy plotting and scheming to realize what was right in front of her! But what happened to Kim?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews

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