I just could not get into this book.
I've been a fan of Lauren Dane's other contemporaries, but nothing about this one kept my interest.
So disappointed!

Abusive family are not my cup of tea, and this could be the reason why I haven't appreciated this book so much, but it is not bad and the characters have a good chemistry. I will read the next anyway because Lauren Dane is always enjoyable.

Non mi piace leggere di famiglie abusanti e quindi questa puó essere la ragione per cui non ho apprezzato questo libro poi tanto, ma i personaggi non sono male e di solito Lauren Dane mi piace parecchio, quindi leggeró anche il prossimo.

THANKS NETGALLEY FOR THE ARC!

I have read almost all of Dane’s contemporaries so I was really excited to see she has a new series coming out. And that is takes place in a barber shop/whiskey bar sounded really cool. She writes great family stories that tend to span over several couples and several books. Laid Bare was the first M/F/M pairing in a book that I had read and I really enjoyed it. All this to say, I had a lot of hopes and expectations for this book and I am sad to say it fell short.

The blurb alludes to a friends to lovers type of relationship with stating that Maybe had a crush on Alexsei for a long time. The set up is that Maybe gets a job at Whiskey Sharp, the shop that Alexsei owns. Then we flash forward two years and don’t get to see any of their interactions over the two years. It felt like there was a lot of telling. We don’t get to see their friendship and attraction develop, we just have to accept that over the last two years they have learned a lot about each other and now that they are both single, they are into each other and now want to act on their attraction. For me friends to lovers works best when I can see their friendship develop and then evolve into a romantic relationship. It felt lacking here and therefore made me not really invested in their love story. Everything hinged on the being able to see it develop, not just be told about it.

The hero Alexsei is a growly barber living in Seattle for the last sixteen years. His mother sent him and his brother to the US from Russia because of some political issues. He is very close with his his aunt who raised him. Like all Dane contemporaries, family is a strong focus. Whether by blood or chosen family. Although Alexsei is growly, he is also quite kind and loving and is a good match for Maybe.

Our heroine is called Maybe, I had some issues with her name and had to double back several times to see if it was being used as a word or her name. Anyway, Maybe is a hairdresser who left her home in California at 16, has a VERY troubled relationship with her parents, moved to Seattle two years ago with her sister Rachel. Rachel went through some stuff and Maybe is very protective of her. Like borderline annoyingly so as it resulted in Maybe putting herself in situations where she knew she was going to get emotionally hurt. It was nice to see Aleksei call Rachel out for that.

Maybe’s parents are emotionally abusive to her and weirdly abusive to Rachel, but in a very different way. The way dynamic was weird and in my opinion took up entirely too much page time. Seriously, Maybe’s dad was an absolute dick but I didn’t need to spend several chapters reading and seeing it, especially when that page time could have been spent building the friendship over the years between Maybe and Alexsei. And it felt like it too so long for Maybe and Rachel to draw a line in the sand and make their dad go away. There is this whole issue of the parents believing that Rachel is incapable of caring for herself, but she appears to be a fully functioning adult, maybe with some issues, but not in capable of caring for herself. And we learned a little bit about the thing she went through and is dealing with but it didn’t feel like enough to make the parents behave that way. So basically they were just straight up whack-jobs that got too much attention and more than likely will be the conflict/drama when Rachel gets her book.

Another thing that I didn’t care for was the use of Alexsei’s ex-fiance as the stereotypical “bitchy” ex-girlfriend and then being used to cause issues for the couple. Rada, the ex, is still involved with Alexsei’s family as she is bff’s with a cousin. She isn’t interested in Alexsei anymore, she’s just there to cause trouble and be a bitch. I am over that as a plot device.

Overall, I didn’t really enjoy this book. I guess I kept reading because I thought it would get better. Like maybe I would be treated to a flashback of them in their early days. And because I typically really enjoy Dane’s books, I thought things might turn around, but they didn’t. The next book is Rachel’s and I am undecided if I will read it. I will need to read some reviews first.

I enjoyed this contemporary romance with the interesting backdrop of a barbershop/whiskey bar. The main characters, Dolan and Alexsei, were ones that I really liked. I enjoyed their romance. The storyline was interesting and held my attention all the way through. I am looking forward to more in the series. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing a copy of the book in return for an honest review.

Unraveled is one those books that I simply adore, from story behind the characters to the setting, and the writing was just wonderful. It all just pulled me right in, and I think I have found me a new contemporary romance author that will be a must read author.

It all takes place in a vintage barber shop, that even has a whiskey bar attached to it. The surround neighborhood is pretty close knit, everyone knows everyone in one way or another. Maybe and Rachel have moved here to get a fresh start, which is what they both need. Rachel went through a horrific event, and Maybe has been dealing with some other family issues for a long time. When Maybe and her sister, Rachel move in, they welcome both with open arms. Sounds like my kinda town! One of the best parts of this neighborhood is the bakery ran by a little Russian woman, who loves to feed everyone. She was pretty freakin’ fantastic.

Maybe was such an enjoyable character, yes she was blunt and spunky. But I love the ones who just say what is on their minds without thinking. Makes for a fun banter between people. Even though sometimes, it probably irritates people for having such honesty. But o’well. Somehow, this young woman has had parents who treated her, well, like sh*t, but even through it all she has this fire about her to do what makes herself happy. Plus, her sister has needed her and she will stop at nothing to be there and for that I couldn’t help but like her even more. Rachel, the sister, is suffering from PTSD from an event that happened to her while on the job as an FBI agent. Rachel has been through something I can’t eve imagine, but she was strong like her sister. She lives with this everyday, with Maybe by her side she is taking one day at a time, if only their parents could see this and understand.

Now that I’ve told you about the women, let’s move on to the yummy men in the story. Alexsei is definitely an alpha male, but not too overbearing at all. Just the perfect amount. His big, Russian family be a bit loud, bearded and sexy, caring and most importantly loyal. Cristian was such a sweetheart, and he and Seth are just adorable together. Vic was kinda stoic, but he has a softer side.

There are some serious issues that are brought up in both Maybe and Rachel’s lives. For some readers, it might be hard to read. Yes, it was raw and emotional, but it all was handled very well. The sweeter moments between Maybe and Alexsei don’t take over the story, they were a sweet and swwony addition to it. I enjoyed the slow build build between them too and he stood by Maybe. He wanted to knock the crap out her Dad a few times, and so did I. There are several things that took place at the end that still need to be resolved and I’m sure the answers will come in the next book, because it was so easy love these characters, and I can’t wait to see what happens with everything.

Unraveled was a great mix of angst and romance, family issues and PTSD recovery. It was certainly a fantastic start to the series, and I will anxiously be waiting for Jagged to be out.

Read this book now! Ms. Dane starts another emotionally packed series that hits me hard in the heart. I devoured this erotic romance in one sitting. It is a page turning and a must read. Be forewarned, it is angsty and will most likely cause a book hangover.

Always a fan of Ms. Dane, her most powerful romances come from ones where broken families create their own families. This formula works well for Ms. Dane and she does it so exquisitely. In this one, Maybe Dolan's life has been tumultuous as the hated younger child. The cuts Maybe suffers from her parents are so sharp, she bleeds out with no one noticing.

I loved Maybe. She is a character who is strong and a survivor. What she experienced in her family is a disgrace. How her parents could have treated her the way she was treated is unfathomable to me. It is only due to the love of her aunt and uncle she survives her childhood somewhat intact. The scenes between Maybe and her father are infuriating and disturbing. I realize Ms. Dane does not go down the path of sexual abuse from Maybe's father, but I have to say my piece. From an outsider's perspective, Maybe's father is not only one of the worst kind of fathers, but disgusting. My personal take is that he is so terrible to Maybe mostly because he can't handle how sexy his daughter is and that he has sexual desires he can not act upon. So he projects his disgusting filth upon Maybe and completely tries to destroy her. Please note, in this story, there is no incest abuse implied or uncovered. It is my own reading into it.

Despite Maybe's harsh childhood, she is a pretty balanced adult who is doing everything she can to support her sister's huge life change. Learning what happened to Rachel, Maybe's sister, is heartbreaking. I can't wait to learn about Rachel's story. I am sure Ms. Dane will cause me to grab some tissue paper. Maybe is a creative soul who has a great job and does what she loves. Why her parents can not accept this is beyond me. She is easily relate-able and represents a good portion of Americans. The fact that her parents want to crush her under their heel is unacceptable.

Fortunately, Alexsei Petrov feels the same. Alexsei has his own baggage with his family. He too was raised by his aunt and uncle instead of his mother. A different variation than Maybe, but similar enough that they bond over it. Alexsei and Maybe's relationship is complicated and crosses several lines. None of it is insurmountable, yet Alexsei is hesitant. This is what I love about Maybe. Tired of waiting she asks him out and that is all she wrote.

The sexual chemistry between these two is clearly visible. With the support of the family members who matter, they become a couple. I loved the give and take in the relationship. The sex is stellar as Ms. Dane excels with her steamy erotic scenes. There is no kink in this story even if Maybe jokes about not being Vanilla. It is "spiced" Vanilla in my book. Quite tame yet still blazing hawt! The ending of this book is sweet, even if it leaves it a bit of a cliffhanger. Basically, Rachel and Maybe's parents pull a crazy stunt which may be resolved in the next book. I'm eagerly anticipating the next book in this new series already. This erotic romance is highly recommended to all romance readers.

I have loved Lauren Dane for a few years now and although I love all the genres she writes in, her contemporary books are my absolute favorite, namely her Ink & Chrome series. But in all honesty, they might have met their match in the Whiskey Sharp series. Good Lord did I love this book. It was just an amazing amazing portrayal of two people, Alexsei and Maybe and their love story. I loved their chemistry, banter, friendship and families and honestly could not get enough enough of their story.

What happens when Maybe Dolan, a bright, loud and free spirited woman decides that her silent, broody, alpha and commanding boss, Alexsei Petrov, need to finally hook up and cross the line after two years of friendship and dancing around each other? Pure fireworks folks!! I absolutely adored this friends to lovers romance. This author does a fantastic job portraying the organic transition of Alexei and Maybe as they both realize they want to take that step crossing the line into uncharted territory.

Gahhh!! All the feels and butterflies in this book were magnificent!! I loved Maybe's strength and dedication to her sister. She supported those she loved and always placed their well being above her own. The author made this character feel so real and vivid that I wanted my very own Maybe as a best friend in my own life!! And Alexsei!!! How amazing is he?! Lord. He had style and a commanding personality but was such a mush inside. I absolutely loved him so much and the way he cherished and nurtured Maybe when she needed him. He really was the most amazing guy and this novel was so fantastic. I never wanted it to end. All in all this was a brilliant story and I can't wait for Vic and Rachel's book!!

I would like to thank Netgalley and Harlequin for an advanced copy of this book for an honest review. Bravo! 5 stars! ~Ratula

In what I hope is the start of a new series, Whiskey Sharp brings us a family of hot hipster Russian guys! What more can I say, the book felt young and very sexy, but with a lot of heart and a deep roster of characters rich enough for future books. Cannot wait for more!!

Maybe would do anything for her sister. And moving to a new place is the least of it. Meeting and convincing Alexsei isn't something Maybe expected but can she accept the changes he brings?

Unraveled by Lauren Dane is first in her new Whiskey Sharp series. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting Alexsei and Maybe. Both were family orientated and extremely loyal. I loved that Ms. Dane made them friends first. They were so different but it did not matter. Alexsei enjoyed Maybe's quirkiness and loved her all the more for them. And Maybe brought a smile to my face. She was deeper than I expected but she had a way about her that made you happy. I love that Ms. Dane gave us such opposites in Alexsei and Maybe and yet they fit. Seeing Alexsei put Maybe first just made me love him that much more. Ms. Dane gave us a story where the love built slowly but you just know it is meant to last. I can't wait to see where Ms. Dane will take us next in this new series.

This author is an auto read for me, but I really should start reading the book blurb before reading the book. With the series title of this one I sort of thought there would be some sort of whiskey making to the book, so I was a bit confused when things opened at a barber/shaving shop that had a bar and that they guy was Russian. It threw me and I had to wrap my head around it. Another thing that threw me was the main female character's name, Maybe. The story of why Maybe was her nickname was great, but it took me a bit to realize this was a person talking, not about things potentially changing and I have to admit I struggled with it through the whole book.

Despite having those issues with the book, and it was all me, I liked this one. I liked Maybe, loved her quirkiness, loved how she was such a good person. While at first glance you might not like her, she quickly grew on everyone, they all wanted to be around her brightness. I loved the relationship between Maybe and her sister, Rachel. Things here could have been rough, instead these 2 women were there for each other. While I hated the drama they had to go through, especially towards the end, I think they will come out stronger than ever.

I wasn't really hoping for a relationship between Alexsei and Maybe at the start, thought she was a bit too free spirited for him, but that is exactly what Alexsei needed in his life. Maybe challenged him to see things differently, from the way things were at work, to the city they lived and and what he really thought love was. I liked that their relationship wasn't instant anything, instead they had a solid base of friendship. Alexsei seemed to see the best in Maybe and was in her corner when she needed him to be. I liked that when Maybe had issues with Alexsei she talked to him and he was able to see she had a point and changed his behavior.

I loved the role that Alexsei's family playing in things. They were a crazy Russian family who spoke love with food, loved how Maybe and her sister were adopted in before Maybe even knew Alexsei.

I like how there were some stirrings with Rachel and Vic, I really hope they are next up, would love to see Rachel find the same happiness her sister did!

Book Info
Paperback, 384 pages
Expected publication: January 30th 2018 by Harlequin Books
ISBN 0373799381 (ISBN13: 9780373799381)
Edition Language English
Series Whiskey Sharp #1
Other Editions (4)
Source:Netgalley EARC

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BOOK BLURB


The sharpest ache comes from wanting what you think you can't have

Maybe Dolan has lived independent, free-spirited and unattached since leaving home at sixteen. Whiskey Sharp, Seattle's sexy vintage-styled barbershop and whiskey bar, gave her a job and a reason to put down roots. Cutting hair by day, losing herself drumming in a punk rock band by night, she's got it good.

But a longtime crush that turns into a hot, edgy night with brooding and bearded Alexsei Petrov makes it a hell of a lot better.

Maybe's blunt attitude and carnal smile hooked Alexsei from the start. Protecting people is part of his nature and Maybe is meant to be his even if she doesn't know it. Yet. He can't help himself from wanting to protect and care for her.

But Maybe's fiery independent spirit means pushing back when Alexsei goes too far. Still, he's not afraid to do a little pushing of his own to get what he wants her in his life, and his bed, for good. Maybe's more intoxicating than all the liquor on his shelf and he's not afraid to ride the blade's edge to bind her to him."

My Thoughts


From the books killer name with its perfect fit to the alpha male persona of Alexsei, the unconventional but oh so interesting Maybe, her not so fragile older sister Rachel and so many other great characters this was a fine example of how the author manages to draw me back to reading one of her books over and over.

The families she weaves into her stories, both blood members and those chosen as members, are as varied in their differences as they are in their similarities. They do have one major common ground though, when push comes to shove family always comes first.

The conflicting emotions that Maybe had to deal with on behalf of her sister Rachel were some that would have obviously caused her to be cautious in her dealings with others as well. This is something that is very apparent in her slow development of a deeper relationship with Alexsei and is only exacerbated by his tendency to try to overprotect those he cares about. Especially as they grow closer together their strong personalities become one of the couples greatest stumbling blocks to live happily ever after together.

As others have pointed out Maybe and Rachel’s abusive father and passive aggressive mother negative behaviors are a stark contrast to their loving aunt and uncle and the entire Petrov clan as well.

The book is full of references to both and the scenes where the sisters are forced to deal with their father are very wrenching not only to the characters but the reader also.

However as in real life the darkest times were offset by the lighter moments and those more than made up for a lot for Maybe and Rachel too.

I enjoyed living in this world with these characters. It was my pleasure to once again find a group of characters who touched on so many issues that we all can relate to pretty easily. Some more than others of course.

[EArc from Netgalley]


On every book read as soon as it is done and written up for review it is posted on Goodreads and Netgalley, once released then posted on Amazon, Barnes and Nobles as well.

I am and always have been a massive fan of Lauren Dane, I love how she can makes us feel apart of her words with the creativeness of her words and setting she creates.

Whiskey Sharp is simply fantastic, I loved Maybe and Alexsei, there relationship was already set in stone with a beautiful friendship they had already created, with them already working together. I just have nothing but good words, just sitting here reminding myself how much I loved the characters, and Alexsei Russian family. Maybe and her sister are beautiful, there parents are douches, but you will get to that when you read this one.

You can bet yourself a dollar, that you will be addicted to this story, its addictive, sexy and not only that it'll make you feel.

Arc received for an honest review, I am really looking forward to Rachel story and too pick this series up and add them to my book shelves.

When Maybe Dolan applies to be a female barber at the shop/bar Whiskey Sharp, she doesn't realize how attracted she will be to her employer, Alexsei.

Alexsei is used to protecting his family and friends, and he soon counts the feisty, independent Maybe as one of that number. After Maybe makes the first move, they fall in love quickly. While Dane provides her trademark sexy reading, the relationship between these two is lovely to read.

Maybe lives with her sister Rachel, who is trying to be independent after a traumatic incident in her former law enforcement career. It doesn't help that their father insists that Maybe is a bad influence. Alexsei sees how important Rachel is to Maybe but he helps support his girlfriend against her crazy parents.

A terrific and unique beginning to a new series. Can't wait for the next one!
(Goodreads)

I have been looking forward to this new Lauren Dane series. What a cool concept for a business and I love the name. Whiskey Sharp is a barbershop/whiskey bar; who’d have thought? This friends to lovers (Boss/employee) story flowed nicely and I really enjoyed this book.
Alexsei and Maybe were both really great characters. They had incredible chemistry from the get-go and never tried to ignore it which I loved and this of course led to some some super hot and steamy scenes from them.
Maybe is quite a spitfire, I really like her! (must be the name) Even with all she has endured from her mentally abusive father she is strong. Boy do I hate that man!!
Alexsei is a sexy Russian who is protective and so sweet and caring with Maybe. She does have some issues with the protective side of him because she wants to fight her own demons. But his family has also taken her in and there really isn’t much she can do about them. They are funny and well, just great! A bunch of busybodies but in the very best of ways.
This book is full of likable characters, well mostly (see above) and I look forward to the next in the series.

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I do love contemporary romance, but neither character offered much for me to engage with, and thus I was not involved with the romance. Altogether, the story took too long to get going and was formatted in a very distracting manner. I DNF not far into the book and would not check out other titles by this author based on what I read. Kudos on a great cover though!

This book will have you fanning yourself as you read it! Lauren Dane does a great job of portraying Maybe Dolan and her relationship with Alexsei Petrov. I can't want to read more books in the series!

First I had to say that I choose to read this book for the cover and I'm glad I did because it was so good! I loved how Maybe and Alexsei came started their relationship, they didn't try to hide their feelings for each other!Alexsei Petrov is a sinfully sexy Russian! He owns the barber shop, Whiskey Sharp. He's Maybe's boss and friend. Over the course of time that friendship leads to something passionate and intense!I enjoyed it a lot because it was different from what I have read so far!

This is the first book in the Whiskey Sharp series. I really liked this book and the characters. The only thing that I did not like was her dad and how he treated her.

I could not put this book down. I had to know what happened. Plus I connected with a secondary character that I had to look up to see if she gets her own book (she does).

Unraveled is full of flair and flavor. A story about family and the sacrifice and love it can bring.

Alexsei and Maybe are both unique and loveable characters. Maybe is a quirky delight. She delivers a straight-up dose of real. Her selflessness and strength shine brightly even in the unsettling dark moments.

Alexsei is all kinds of sweet goodness. He made my heart flutter more times than I could count. I love that he is so steady and willing to not only accept Maybe into his life and his heart but to appreciate her in ways I think no one else ever has or could. We all need some Russian love.

The setting of Whiskey Sharp is filled with warmth and love. Lauren Dane leaves me feeling fulfilled and happy with her stories while also having me eager for what’s next. I can’t wait for more from this series. Vic and Rachel are sure to light up the pages in Jagged.

4.5