Another absolutely fabulous book by Lauren Dane. Her writing is just so rich with desciption and she makes the characters come alive.

I enjoy getting lost in Lauren Dane's books and this one is no exception. I had a little trouble getting into Maybe's name, but just a few pages in, realized it suited her. She and Alexsei have been dancing around each other for a while. They work together and neither one of them have crossed that line. However, the pull is strong between them and soon things heat up. Maybe is a badass in her own right. She has had to put up with a lot from her parents, but has always had her sister by her side. She's finally learning to let those who love her help her, be there for her, and stand up for themselves. She's learning new ground but one that makes both her and Rachel stronger.
I enjoyed the strong familial ties these characters have and one that helps Maybe and Alexsei charter new waters between them. They have support around them and for them. I liked they had a solid foundation before the romance and that just grew as they built their relationship. These two are so good for each other and it was a joy to see their story play out. I wasn't ready for the book to be over. I recommend this read!

This was a fantastic book. I loved how Maybe and Alexsei came started their relationship. Neither played coy or tried to play off their mutual attraction. They were so hot together. I liked all the supporting characters, and seeing both families interacting with the couple.

The only part that was hard at times to handle was Maybe’s parents. I don’t think I’ve read a more vile creature than Maybe’s father. The words he spews towards her are despicable, and should never be said to another person, much less his own flesh and blood. Seeing his behavior makes it hard to know that I’ll likely be reading more from him in Rachel’s book.

Putting that aside, I still loved the book.

Maybe is such an odd name. It really threw me at first. But man I like that spunky girl. She is fiercely protective of everyone she cares about, she's got her own style, and isn't afraid to stand up for herself. Except when it comes to her freakin awful parents.

Alexsei is poetic and thoughtful. He's alpha and just an all around great guy. Pretty clueless about some things when it comes to women, though. Like how to deal with his ex.

What I liked- the writing was smooth and interesting. The characters were well rounded and the story pulled me in. The secondary people were interesting also which bodes well for future books.

What I didn't love as much- there wasn't a lot of struggle, no angst, no big event to overcome. It was kinda easy for them- the main issues being outside of their relationship.

I do look forward to the next book! Not a cliffhanger but things were left in a way that leads into book two of the series (hopefully!

Unraveled is red hot awesome. Whiskey Sharp is not only the name of the series and the name of the main establishment but also the theme of the whole new series. Alexsei Petrov is the sexy Russian owner of the barber shop/whiskey bar. After hiring and dancing around Maybe Dolan for the last 2 years the time is finally right to make his move. (yes, the name is distracting but you will get over it)

Maybe has a lot on her plate with her sister, their parents, and her attraction to her boss. It looks like at least one of those issues will be resolved, and in a pleasurable way. Her sister Rachel has had some major issues to be continued in book 2 Jagged. Their parents are constantly trying to overstep their bounds and undermine the sister's relationship with each other.

There is so much more I want to say but unless I want to give away major spoilers you will just have to read this for yourself. Jagged, book 2, has already been announced for Vicktor and Rachel. I am waiting eagerly for it and book 3 Torn.

Maybe Dolan is an independent, free-spirited, unattached, very talkative person. She left home at sixteen after being constantly verbally abused by her father. Whiskey Sharp is a vintage-style barbershop and whiskey bar, where the owner is her long time crush. Alexsei Petrov has been attracted to Maybe's blunt attitude and smile since the beginning, and he has been watching out for her for two years before he makes a move. She challenges him and pushes him, he pushes back and get what he wants, her in his life and his bed.

Maybe has been watching out for her older sister since she was kidnapped and tortured by a serial killer during her time at the FBI. Their father blames Maybe for everything that her older sister isn't doing, which is going back to work at the FBI. Instead, Rachel, the sister, is making a life as a tattoo artist and that makes her happy. Rachel seemed like she used to be a strong individual, but she relies on Maybe to take care of her in a lot of ways.

Typically you can count on a Lauren Dane book to be a great addictive read, this one though not only seemed to drag on but it felt like nothing happened. I was 28% done with the book, and it felt like I should be at least 70-80% done. I liked Maybe and Alexsei's characters but at times it seemed like her older sister was forced into the scene and their father wasn't fully explained and just randomly appeared to wreck havoc on the sisters. The book/story just seemed like it was all over the place.

I have been a fan of Lauren Danes for a very long time! I was very excited when I got approved to receive an ARC of this book.

I absolutely LOVED all of the detail that was giving about this barber shop in the very beginning of this book. I felt like I was walking right through the front door. I also loved how strong and self-confident Maybe felt ( that nickname drove me crazy at the beginning of this book, I felt like it made the reading line a little difficult.

I loved how you could feel the attraction to them from the very beginning but I also felt like it was too much to soon. I'm glad to know that they liked each other at the beginning but I didn't need to know what he was thinking from the get go. This book has a lot of drama in it, and a good story line. The things that Maybe has went through would change any of us, and she is strived in the most part. I liked that there was a story line to this book, and not just a lot of sex.

My only downfall with this book was the way they talked to each other, I understand that Maybe likes to talk, but girl, take a breath! I felt like some of their convosations were run ons, and NEVER ENDED.

I say all of that to say this. If you want a book that has a lot of drama and a lot of trauma you would love this book.

Maybe is a free spirit who brings joy to those around her just by being herself. When she gets a job in Alexsei's barbershop she intrigues him but as her boss he thinks he can't pursue her. Two years later they finally realize that they are made for each other and the way they come together is perfect. The interaction with each others families and the way they have each others back makes his tender, red hot love story a great read.

I wanted to like this one so much but it had a dark theme to it that made it more about the trauma and abuse the heroine suffered then the love story being played out which I was looking for. And the ending? It left me somewhat disappointed.

Whiskey Sharp is the first book in a new series by Lauren Dane, with the main characters Maybe Dolan and Alexsei Petrov. Set in Seattle, Maybe starts working at a barber shop/bar owned and run by Alexsei, and also lives with her sister Rachel next door to Alexsei's aunt. The chemistry between the two is there from the start, but they don't act on it for two years. When they first meet, Alexsei is engaged, so I understand that, but when his engagement ends, Maybe watches as Alexsei runs through women like Kleenex for months before finally asking her out. Perhaps I'm old fashioned, but that bothers me, so it takes awhile to get past. There is a lot of back story with Maybe, her sister, and their family that is too much to get into, but it goes to explaining a lot about Maybe and her relationship with her sister.
The book was just ok for me--I found myself much more interested in Rachel and her story--so I'm glad to see that is coming up next.

3.5 stars
good lead/start to a new series. while I didn't love this book, I liked it. It held my attention from start to finish. I will read the next in the series

Amazing book! It was sexy and intense! Read it in one night. Characters were very well developed

Full review to be posted on Literary Escapism (owner will schedule accordingly). But, man what a cliffhanger! I'm dying to know what happens with Maybe and Rachel's father. Another great novel from Lauren Dane!!

What a great way to kick off a series!!! I am a big fan of Lauren Dane's so I was thrilled to dive into Whiskey Sharp: Unraveled!

Maybe Dolan and Alexsei Petrov have been good friends with each other for a long time!! With Maybe and Alexsei finding themselves very single their friendship turns into an attraction. Being that Alexsei is Maybe's boss at the barber shop he owns, they both were a little leery of jumping into a romantic relationship...but some things cannot be denied! Maybe and Alexsei both come from dysfunctional families and they understand each other more than most, but could that also be the obstacle that stands in their way?!!?? Wowzer!!

Lauren Dane always writes the best heroines and Maybe Dolan could quite possibly be my favorite thus far! From the beginning her spunk and sass was apparent, but as I got deeper into the novel I understood what an incredibly huge heart she has as well. Of course Alexsei was such a stand-up guy and I found myself keeping my fingers crossed that they would realize what an awesome thing they have together (and hopefully not mess it up)! I love journey Lauren Dane had in store for them! Whiskey Sharp: Unraveled is a 4 star novel that everyone should check out!! I CANNOT wait for the second installment of this series!!

I adore Lauren Dane's stories and am so glad I had a chance to read Whiskey Sharp! It is just fabulous!
Great characters full of layers and back stories. Beautiful love story that leaves you breathless. And a set-up for what I pray will be book 2 that leaves you more than a little desperate!

The concept of a whiskey bar/men's barbershop was a cool one and I loved that both main characters were barbers, but these things were underdeveloped as the majority of the plot revolved around family drama, trauma, and conflict.

Maybe and Alexei felt a little insta-love despite a two year gap in time between their introduction and relationship, but it was steamy and kept me reading. I felt like I was missing some plot about Maybe's sister's abduction, but perhaps this will be explored further in the next title in the series.

Intriguing, but not sure if I'll keep up with the series.

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC!

Unraveled, Whiskey Sharp 1, Lauren Dane
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre: Romance

I love Lauren's writing, both contemporary and paranormal. This book though has left me with mixed feelings. I really enjoyed it but there are parts I'm a little confused about.
 
It felt for much of the start that I was reading about maybe a spin off book ( and hey, I did that completely unintentionally!) It seemed to me that the characters should have felt familiar to me, that if I'd read another series I'd know them - you know, how in connected books its like reading about old friends, except I didn't know these guys, hadn't met them before so the mix of who was who and how they connected was a bit weird til I got to grips with it. 

I loved the setting, the barbershop/bar and Alexsei's family living next door to Maybe and Rachel. It grounded the characters, gave them a base where they acted naturally and felt very real to me. I was hoping Rada would be more of a b itch...but that's me, love a "good" bad character...
I enjoyed how Alexsei and Maybe sparked of each other, the tension between them, Maybe's unashamed confidence in asking for what she wants, whether its a job, food, a date. Yet when it came to Rachel she was trying to support her but actually hiding things from her, almost taking away choices in her determination to be a good sister, a solid help. There were times when i felt Maybe was a little too abrupt, a bit too in-your-face, but I guess that's a reaction to her past, a need to assert herself. Its either knuckle under or take charge, and she's take charge. 
Alexsei was pretty controlling but not to the point he didn't consider what others needed, what their own wants were, he had a great balance, though I understood why Maybe needed to ensure he wasn't like her father. 

Its an interesting, steamy story, some quite dark issues with Rachel's past attack, and the awful upbringing Maybe had, and the treatment she still got from their parents. I couldn't help wondering - just where did that start and why? Why treat them so differently? I felt for that poor kid Maybe was.
I didn't really see either why Rachel was considered "disabled". Yes, she had a horrific encounter, and its left her with some kind of PTSD, but physically she seems fine, its been three years and though I understood her security fears - I think anyone would, and the lasting mental effects it seemed her parents were still considering her as just out of hospital. Why? 

It was a big, slow built to the end drama, but for me that was over far too quickly, a kind of it's-OK-for-now feeling, but we know there's going to be so much more. I guess that's for book two, and hopefully we'll see more of Alexsei and Maybe there.
I felt a bit underwhelmed though, wanted a little more concrete action for an ending even though there's two more books to come. Its not a cliffhanger, just felt very unresolved. I was even trying to "turn" the page on my kindle seeing if I was missing some pages it felt that unfinished. 

Stars: four, almost a five, a few parts where I was a little confused at the beginning but mainly that ending stopped it 

ARC supplied for review purposes by Netgalley and Publishers

I received an advance copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Lauren Danes' contemporaries have become an insta-read for me. While her heroes and heroines may work in "edgy" fields, their dedication to family and friends is perfect for readers who love the close-knit feeling of small town settings. It has everything I want: well-done supporting characters as well as a steamy romance.

Maybe has been cutting hair and trimming beards in Alexsei's shop for two years. And for two years, they've covertly been casting eyes at each other, through broken engagements and one-night stands. When they finally take that first step, they're already friends, but the attraction between them is far beyond just friends.

What I liked: Maybe cuts hair and is a punk drummer! She loves her sister! Alexsei is bearded and loves his big sprawling extended family, and adores Maybe.
What I didn't like: I felt like the subplot with Maybe and Rachel's family was weird, shoehorned in, and not entirely explained. I'm hoping it's expounded upon more in Rachel's book.

So, in no particular order - my thoughts.
"Maybe" is a quirky name, and I DO love all things odd and eccentric... but having a lot of sentences and paragraphs start with the WORD maybe made for a lot of re-reading to get proper context. I feel like the name was chosen to be eclectic and any other name could be substituted to make reading easier - the back story to the name wasn't that interesting and something else could be just as easily written.
Also, personally, I'm not a fan of the whole hipster scene - so while Alexsei was a fabulous male character, he didn't do it for me the same as Ms Dane's other fine men. I kept picturing a guy in bracers and bowties, meticulously cut hair and skinny pants ... and meh. His ACTIONS were sexy, but every time I pictured him my attraction fizzled. Again, that's totally me.
The main conflict in the story seemed to be a mean Dad. Yeah, that sucks. But in real life, most people would cut their losses, and refuse contact. The end. Dragging out her Daddy issues to 3+ hours was frustrating for me to read, so I didn't find myself terribly enamoured with her, either.
On the other side of the coin, the secondary characters totally tickled my fancy. Wonderfully written, quirky and comfy and witty - pure Lauren Dane - they really stole the show for me. So because most of my issues with Alexsei and Maybe's story were personal opinion I am really interested in reading this series further.

Thank you to Netgalley and publisher for this ARC copy. I read and am giving an honest review.
Lauren Dane is an author of contemporary romance and Unraveled does not disappoint. If you enjoy quick, uncomplicated reads this author is for you! She writes great romance and has another winning series with Whiskey Sharp. Dolan and Alexsei are two spicey characters that you will want to keep reading more about.