For over a year Maybe Dolan has been cutting hair at the barbershop (just off a bar) owned by Alexsei Petrov and has been denying her attraction to him the whole time. But Alexsei, out of a serious relationship and tired of chasing women, is ready to step into a relationship with Maybe. 

He's a family-oriented man (even his ex is still a part) while her family is pretty broken up. Her parents never treated her like she was an accepted part while doting all their attention on her sister. After her sister went through a fairly horrific experience, Maybe's parents wanted to wrap her up in cotton while Maybe wanted to help her live life. Her parents hate her for that. 

This was a three-star book except for Maybe's name. Oh good god. This is a cute name when you hear it but when you have to read it and then try to figure out every sentence and that it doesn't start with "Maybe today she would." The process smoothed out for me about 2/3 of the way through the book but that is a long time to wait. 



Two and a half stars

This book comes out January 30th

Followed by Jagged

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. 

Maybe Dolan talks a mile a minute, looks like a punk rocker and takes on the role of protector and caretaker for those she loves.  Aleksei Petrov is a gruff Russian and barber.  He owns Whiskey Sharp the only place in Seattle you can get drink while you get your hair cut.

Maybe has lusted after Aleksei for two years.  Aleksei has finally opened his eyes to the woman right in front of him. He’s determined to win Maybe’s heart and rule her body.  The past has come back to haunt Maybe and it may ruin the life she has carved out for herself and her sister in Seattle.  However, Aleksei is determined to keep his woman safe and happy right where she is. Can he succeed?

Ms. Dane has created a unique setting for her latest series.  Whiskey Sharp is a barber shop that features a bar where patrons can enjoy spirits.  I really enjoyed Maybe’s exuberant personality.  She really is the perfect match for Aleksei.  He is a sexy alpha male with an attractive dominant personality.  Maybe is a force to be reckoned with.  I just loved it when she flustered Aleksei and how she dealt with Aleksei’s ex-fiancé.

Maybe and Aleksei’s relationship is super hot and emotional.  Maybe’s sister and family take on a crucial role in Whiskey Sharp: Unraveled.  Many times, I found my eyes misty and heart aching with worry for these characters.  Aleksei’s family is the perfect balance to Maybe’s.  I absolutely loved them.  Ms. Dane did an excellent job creating the family bond.

Whiskey Sharp: Unraveled is a great contemporary read.  Fans of Author Lauren Dane will be running to the bookstore to add this to their collection.

Maybe Dolan and her sister Rachel bought a house together in Seattle after a tragedy nearly broke Rachel. Maybe picks up a job at Whiskey Sharp, a trendy barbershop/bar. The owner, Alexsei Petrov is sexy as all get out, but since he’s in a relationship he’s off limits. When it turns out Maybe and Rachel bought a place next to his aunt, they’re eventually brought into the family fold. Things are status quo for two years, until Alexsei and his girlfriend break up. Maybe sees her shot to get him between the sheets and goes for it.

Alexsei needed time after his breakup to get his head in the right place, but enough time has passed that he’s willing to jump in with Maybe when she makes a pass. He’s surprised to find he knows so little about her, considering they’ve been working together for years. They have chemistry in spades, but Maybe is skittish when it comes to commitment.

Maybe’s main priority is being with her sister and avoiding her parents. They’ve treated her like crap her whole life and now they blame her for her sister leaving them. They’re pretty abusive and she’d cut them off completely if it weren’t for her sister needing them. She understands what family is, and Alexsei and his are some of the best, but he can be overbearing. After the way her parents controlled her growing up, Maybe can’t deal with any kind of control from her boyfriend.

I liked that Maybe worked hard to overcome her past and get out from under her parent’s thumb. I wish Dane had further explored the reasons for them treating her the way they did. As it was, things were left pretty open. I assume we’ll understand more when we get Rachel’s book, but that part of the book felt unfinished. Despite the issues she had with her parents, Maybe was self-confident and knew her own mind. I liked that she was willing to make the first move with Alexsei and wasn’t afraid to be honest about her feelings.

Alexsei was a great fit for her. Strong and tender at the same time, he was a rock for her and her sister both. Once he claimed them as family, he was willing to stand in front of them, beside them, or behind them as they needed. Though he could be the quintessential alpha-male, he wasn’t afraid to step back and let Maybe handle things herself. They had great chemistry and I loved how they came to mean so much to each other over the course of the novel.

The book ended on something of a cliffhanger. While the romantic elements were mostly wrapped up, a lot of the book was left open. As I said, I’m sure we’ll get more answers in the subsequent books, but this one felt unfinished.

Dane is a fabulous storyteller. I was wrapped up in Maybe and Alexsei from the start. Great chemistry, witty banter and a kickass heroine make this worth reading despite the questions left unanswered. I’m really looking forward to the next book.

3.5 out of 5

Lauren Dane is one of those authors whose style has matured very well. I've loved being able to compare her early work with her later work over the past year. Unraveled is a product of that more mature voice and her trademark strong women and strong female circles is definitely on display. 

Maybe Dolan is having a no-good, very bad life and someone has to step up and make it better. And somehow, that's the problem. Because Lyosha (Alexsei) is just the man to do it. Perfect in every way for Maybe, he's the epitome of "the wind beneath my wings" and that makes him less of a character with depth and more of a fantasy or stereotype. Dane has done better than this with other recent books and it is disappointing to see it here. 

Maybe and her sister Rachel live next door to the wild Russians, the Orlovs. The Orlovs are Russian but could easily pass for stereotypical Italians or Greeks. The wonderful, wholesome togetherness is almost saccharine, and in stark contrast to the Dolans. They all but adopt the sisters and incorporate them into the family. But Maybe and Rachel are broken and they each need very special handling.

I hated what the Dolans were doing to Maybe and Rachel, and it was different for each sister. I just flat out hated the Dolans. There really were no redeeming qualities to them. And there were no bad qualities to the Orlovs. Which, of course, is the problem. It's so ham-handed and obvious that I found it off-putting in the extreme. What? We're not going to get the point if it's done with more finesse? Does it have to be all or nothing? It was the same problem I had with Alexsei. Too perfect. He never messes up, never pushes too hard and has to backtrack. 

Overall, I liked the book and the story. I feel like there this may be connected to one of Dane's other series since I kept feeling like there were things I was supposed to know. The issues Maybe faces are difficult and deeply painful. Her fears and distress are more than apparent on the page. It's absolutely heartbreaking, made all the moreso by who the perpetrators are. But, when I'm reading contemporary, I'm looking for something a little more true to life. This is total fantasy-land.

ARC received for review

Oh the feels....I forgot how much Ms. Dane liked them.

Y'all know I love a strong, sexy Russian man and Alexsei is all that and more, but has a girlfriend when the story starts. She last way too long, but there's no cheating. There was lots of sexy times but so much of her family drama. Her parents are real sh*ts. His family is great especially his cousin, Vic. Now his ex is a piece of work too. 

why just three stars....
Her name just bugs me...Maybe...the explanation of is comes way too far into the story. Then Maybe mentions a kidnapping...one line, and then no explanation of it until chapters later. Did I mention her parents are sh*ts?

Maybe Dolan lived a life with parents who seem to hate her until she escaped at the age of 16. Years later she put herself back in their path to help her older sister. Maybe and her sister Rachel bought a house together and moved in next to Alexsi Petrov's aunt. It wasn't long beforenthey were pulled in to the family fold. Alexsi is the owner of Whiskey Sharp. A barber shop/bar where Maybe works. Two years after meeting and ignoring the attraction between them Alexsi is ready to start a relationship. I liked parts of this book. I loved Alexsi and his family. They take Maybe and Rachel in sensing they need care and making them feel welcome. Alexsi is all for Maybe. Whatever she needs he's there for her. I liked their relationship. What i didn't like was the main female characters name Maybe. It was a nickname and it was cute how she got it but it was confusing. There is some intense stuff that has happened with both sisters. The explanation for what happened with Rachel was only hinted at. It's extremely bad from what we're given but it felt like i missed something.  Something needed to understand what's going on now. We're also left with a cliffhanger and i am not a fan of that. The threat to Rachel and Maybe is not resolved. I think Rachel's book should have maybe came first. I think Maybe's story would have made more sense that way. I'm not sure. Rachel's book is coming up next. Despite the things i didn't like i still feel invested in the characters which is a testament to the writing of Ms. Dane. Hopefully things with Rachel and Maybe will be more resolved in the next book.



Find out more about Lauren Dane and this series here www.laurendane.com

I enjoy finding new series to read and Whiskey Sharp is one that I will continue to seek out. I liked the positive portrayal of an immigrant family who are doing well in America. The romance was believable as the main characters had known each other for two years. The supporting characters were also entertaining, and I look forward to reading more about them in later books.

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!

Maybe Dolan talks a mile a minute, looks like a punk rocker and takes on the role of protector and caretaker for those she loves.  Aleksei Petrov is a gruff Russian and barber.  He owns Whiskey Sharp the only place in Seattle you can get drink while you get your hair cut.

Maybe has lusted after Aleksei for two years.  Aleksei has finally opened his eyes to the woman right in front of him. He’s determined to win Maybe’s heart and rule her body.  The past has come back to haunt Maybe and it may ruin the life she has carved out for herself and her sister in Seattle.  However, Aleksei is determined to keep his woman safe and happy right where she is. Can he succeed?

Ms. Dane has created a unique setting for her latest series.  Whiskey Sharp is a barber shop that features a bar where patrons can enjoy spirits.  I really enjoyed Maybe’s exuberant personality.  She really is the perfect match for Aleksei.  He is a sexy alpha male with an attractive dominant personality.  Maybe is a force to be reckoned with.  I just loved it when she flustered Aleksei and how she dealt with Aleksei’s ex-fiancé.

Maybe and Aleksei’s relationship is super hot and emotional.  Maybe’s sister and family take on a crucial role in Whiskey Sharp: Unraveled.  Many times, I found my eyes misty and heart aching with worry for these characters.  Aleksei’s family is the perfect balance to Maybe’s.  I absolutely loved them.  Ms. Dane did an excellent job creating the family bond.

Whiskey Sharp: Unraveled is a great contemporary read.  Fans of Author Lauren Dane will be running to the bookstore to add this to their collection.

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.