Nikki’s Review:

This series is classic Lauren Dane. Swoon worthy alpha heroes, and sassy smart heroines. Throw in the phenomenal plot lines and brilliant writing...it's just incredible.

I fell a little in love with Vicktor when he hit the pages in book one. I knew he was going to be perfect for Rachel. I knew he was what she needed to continue her journey of healing. He's bossy and overprotective, but not in a take over pushy kinda way. He supports Rachel by being available to help if she needs it.

Rachel has been through hell. Being kidnapped and forced to witness the horrors that she did, has irreversibly changed her. She's forged a new path in life. She's grabbing hold of anything that brings out happiness and her creative side. She's also having crazy sexy times with the Russian next door...yum!

I loved the character development in this book. You really get a sense of Rachel's growth from book one to book two. I think she'll always be cautious and perhaps look over shoulder on occasion, but she's stronger in this book. She's more determined. I was in awe of how she stood up to her horrible parents. It really displayed her strength and drive to get rid things that were hurting her and her sister.

Like any other Lauren Dane novel, you can expect smouldering love scenes. The kind that makes you all tingly and wishing for a delicious Russian of your own. Aside from the steamy heat factor, I loved how sweet Vicktor was with Rachel. Every touch and whispered word was sigh worthy. See, you totally need a hot Russian of your own!

Vicktor's family provides some of my favourite scenes. They're loud, nosy, and so damn lovable. They have taken Rachel and her sister into their fold and made them part of the family. Plus, the bickering always makes me giggle. It's such an authentic depiction of what a big caring family would be like.

I am so excited and anxiously awaiting the next book in the series. There are a number of secondary characters who deserve a book of their own. Hopefully the series will have several more installments!


Rating: 4.5 Stars (A)

Rachel and Vic are intoxicating. The pages of their story are full of compassion, love, and bonds that won’t ever break. Whiskey Sharp is all about family. The family you’re given and the family you choose.

Rachel Dohlan was dealt a huge blow. Rebuilding her life has been a challenge she has risen to with the love and support of her sister Maybe. Rebuilding has also been a revelation. One could say fate, in the form of one very protective Russian named Vic, has finally caught up with Rachel. Vic is the real deal, everything Rachel needs and deserves. After patiently waiting for his opportunity Vic is now ready to claim his love and secure the final pieces of his future.

Jagged is a story you’ll want to sip and savor. Do not miss this series.

Rachel has survived a killer but it left scars. Not just physical ones but emotional ones as well. And she is better. But is she well enough to fight for the future she wants?
Jagged is second in Lauren Dane’s Whiskey Sharp series and all I can say is I LOVED IT! Rachel was battered but not broken. She stared the face of evil down, spit in his eye and clawed her way back into the land of the living. She had issues. Her issues had issues but that didn’t stop her from facing them head on. I love that she stood before her family and did her best to protect them. In protecting others she failed to see just how far she had come. And helping her take that next step was Vicktor. I adored Vicktor. He was sex on a stick but so much more than a gorgeous male with a panty melting accent. He saw Rachel. He looked past her issues to the woman beneath. He had the patience to allow Rachel to grow and become confident in her new reality and the life she is building. I loved his willingness to share his family even while he gives Rachel the space to see how much see has grown. I love this emotional tale Ms. Dane has given us. It is full of laughter, love, friendship and hope. It is well thought out and well written. I am sure it will be a story I will re-read many times in the future.

Dane continues her Whiskey Sharp series with the tale of sexy Russian baker VIcktor Orlov and ex-FBI agent turned tattoo artist Rachel Dolan.

After a tragic even turns Rachel’s life upside down, putting the pieces of her life back together has been a steady but slow going process despite her parent’s misguided actions. But with the help of her sister Maybe and the support of her friends, she’s gained her independence and confidence, and is almost certain she’s ready to trust a bit more and let people in… almost.

From the moment he met Rachel, Vicktor knew he wanted a lot more than friendship between them, but contrary to his protective nature appreciated that she needed time and an easygoing approach to gain her trust. And when he finally thinks it’s time to get out of the friend zone, he’s is determined to romance her. How can a girl resist flowers, heart shaped baked goods and an alluring Russian?

Both lead characters are likeable, they’re both strong and caring but I must confess I adored Vicktor. He radiates confidence and thoughtfulness which are extremely sexy and is increased by his loved for his family. And even though he’s a natural protector he respects Rachel’s need for self-reliance.

The Orlov clan, whom we’ve met in the previous installment are a loveable group who are in each other’s business but also take care of each other and are painted in a charming light.

Jagged is book #2 of the Whiskey Sharp series by author Lauren Dane and a wonderful addition to the series. Told from both points of view with a happy ending.

Vic and Rachel are introduced in the first book in this series and given enough page time to give a good sense about who they might be. I was kind of excited to see where the author would go with these characters. Rachel is former Secret Service which ended when she was abducted by a killer and held and tortured. There is some deep issues in her life in regards to that but she's slowly pushing through and getting better with getting on with her life. Vic, along with his family has been helping a lot with that. Rachel and her sister Maybe own a house together and share parents, particularly their dad who make their lives miserable by insisting Rachel is is harms way living around her sister and Vic's family. This is explained in book one and is more focused in this book. I love how Rachel slowly opens up to Vic and he gives her the time she needs to do that. You can watch her get her power back as the story moves a long. Vic opens up to her in return and watching the two develop as a couple was interesting to see. I can't say which character i like best so far as they are all quite interesting in different ways. There is one more book in this series and a excerpt can be found for that at the end of this book. Of course i read it and am hooked in for book three in this series coming in June. I have not read a lot of Lauren Dane but this series has definitely pulled me in to finding more from this author.



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

Rachel was a control freak.She had been in talk therapy for the last three years.It freed her and gave Rachel the ability to effect change on multiple levels. Sleep often eluded Rachel , but the creative fire in the wake of the events that had shattered her entire life four years ago rarely did. So when she couldn’t find rest she could always find at - each sketch, each movement created a world Rachel was responsible for. Her phone pinged and it was Victor/Vic and he was in her driveway. Vic was gorgeous, sinfully sexy, funny, super smart,and he worked with his hands so he had great forearms and that turned Rachel on also. Rachel and Maybe- her younger protective sister who loved Rachel deeply lived next store to Victor's parents and they had become acquances and then Maybe fell in love with Vic’s cousin and Rachel and Vic became friends. Vic was messy and Rachel could no longer keep him in a box labeled friend. Vic ran his family bakery. Rachel was a tattooist who had been an FBI agent she had been great at research but she had tried to take down a man- Thomas Price - who had killed two women and he kidnapped Rachel and built a special cage for her and tortured her. Rachel had no idea when her turn to die would be when she was with Price.But she did manage to free herself and kill Price after being held for three weeks while he tortured and killed the other women he had. Rachel admitted in her head she wanted something to happen with Vic. and they had major chemistry. The bakery had been a part of Vic since he could walk and he had come back to run it when his brother overdosed and died and his parents were all messed up about that. Vic had a thing for Rachael for over a year and when Vic saw Rachel hurting it meant something to him. Vic talked to his father- Pavel- while they both worked at the bakery and told him he wanted to pursue Rachel. Pavel told Vic “ she came with heartache and sadness”. Vic said so did he. Vic understood it was hard to sit by when someone you cared for dealt with the sort of pain Rachel carried around. Pavel adored Maybe with all her vibrant color and noise. Pavel had definite opinions on how the Dolans treated their daughters. When Rachel was away at college one of Maybe’s coworkers had stalked her and their father had blamed Maybe. Rachel had been devastated when Maybe had been abused and hurt by the stalking and their parents too abused and hurt Maybe. Pavel took Vic he didn’t like those people and what they did to their daughters and how they wanted to control Rachel and say she was still very mentally ill when she had come so far. Pavel also warned Vic to be careful as Rachel’s and Maybe’s father was a very dangerous man. It hurt Rachel she had to take an official step to keep her parents away from her and Maybe. Rachel was still broken but no longer contemplated how to take Vic down if she had to. She trusted Vic not to use his size and strength against her and that made her feel just a little more human.a little more okay every time Rachel was able to take a step back from the dark pit she had been in for so long. Rachel and Vic became lovers and one night they had fallen asleep together and Rachel had a bad nightmare and Vic had soothe and comfort her and she told Vic all that had happened and Rachel had physical scars as well as emotional ones from her time with Price.
I loved this book it was just a great read. I loved the plot and pace. I also loved Vic’s family especially his parents and had they loved and became Maybe’s and Rachel’s adopted parents. I loved the relationship between Rachel and Maybe also Vic and his family. I didn’t want to put this book down and it kept my interest from beginning to end. I felt like I was right there with Rachel, Maybe, and Vic and the rest of the people who ,made up this book and that doesn’t happen that often but is great when it does. I couldn't believe how rachel and Maybe’s parents were and was so happy how things turned out regarding them. There was nothing I could find to criticize in this book and that was absolutely great. I loved the characters and the ins and outs of this book and I highly recommend.

I wasn't enamored of Unraveled, the first book in this series for several reasons. Unfortunately, Jagged doubles down on all those annoyances. Lyosha was perfect for Maybe; Vic is more perfect for Rachel. No missteps, no mess ups, no mistakes. Come on! No, really, and I'm not buying.

The continuing issues with the Dolans, also from the first book, spin wildly out of control into some Twilight Zone-esque insanity. Honestly, the Dolans are so bad I'm having a hard time believing they were written by Dane. Her ham-handed touch in Unraveled has become ham-fisted now. They are insane. There is no other word for it. And when that insanity involves people outside the family unit? Come on! Just stop.

The Orlovs continue to be perfect. Are they more perfect than before? Hard to say, really. How do you improve on perfection. Moreover, how is anyone perfect? Hello, fantasyland. Good bye, reality. The Orlovs are so stalwart and so inspiring it's sickening. Come one, someone have a bad day, please.

And then there's Rachel and Vic. A match made in heaven? And why are Vic and Alexsei suddenly at each other because they want the best for each sister and somehow what is best for one is going to hurt the other? Yikes!

Let's just be honest, this series has a lot of flaws. Do I still want to read Torn, the last book in the series? Yes, I do. Because apparently, I am a glutton for punishment. Really, it's a testament to the world of Whiskey Sharp and not to the dominant plot lines. The levels of crazysauce in these books passed ridiculous and landed squarely in sublime a long time ago.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in the series – and actually, I think you would be best off reading this before book one, even though it is set chronologically afterwards. I say this because it makes a bit more sense of Maybe and Rachel's states of mind in the first book.

The romance part of this book is rather lovely, and mirrors Maybe and Alexsei's book in an interesting way. Watching Rachel overcome her fears and learn to trust is full of hope. Her strength of character also comes back to her, as she overcomes her father's terrible acts. The support of Vicktor, and all his family, as well as her friends and sister, gives her the chance to heal and move forward. I loved the lessons in the kitchen with Irena and the images of Vicktor working in the bakery.

I would certainly recommend that you read these two books together, as they are really strongly linked, and themes carry on between the two. There are so many threads, that at times it can get rather confusing, but there was much to be enjoyed too.


Mary Jo – ☆☆☆
This slow burn romance hits all the right notes. Vic and Rachel have danced around each other for a while now, but with her sister and his cousin becoming an item, it seems the time is right for Vic to make a move. Rachel is receptive and she can't help but notice all the things he does to make her feel safe.

The easy way they relate to each other makes this read all the more special.


Avid Reader – ☆☆☆
M/F Romance

This is the second book in this series and I definitely recommend reading book one so that you understand what's going on.

Vicktor has been watching his neighbor, Rachel, for a while. He understands that she's sometimes fragile but possesses a strength that nobody can touch. When it becomes clear that Rachel might be ready to have a real relationship, Vicktor wastes no time in developing and showing Rachel how much he wants her.

Rachel was an FBI agent, but when a case goes sideways, she has to re-evaluate her priorities and figure out if she can continue with that life. When her parents become meddlesome, it's up to her to realize what she wants in life for herself might not match what they want.

These two had some chemistry, but it was more about their relationship and sometimes tiptoeing through some land mines that present from each of their pasts. Overall, it was a good read, but seemed a little disjointed in where the story was coming from or going. I think this would have been more successful if we had more of a focus.

Jagged by Lauren Dane is book Two in the Whiskey Sharp series. This is the story of Vicktor Orlov and Rachel Dolan. I haven't yet read the previous book so for me this was a standalone book.
Rachel has a lot going on from having abusive type father, kidnapped and leaving her job with the FBI. Now starting a new career as a tattoo artist working on her issues in therapy and just dealing with life. Vic knows he wants more from Rachel than just friendship but is playing is cool until he just goes forward with letting her know there is more from her that he wants.
Vic was so easy to fall in love with and Rachel stole your heart knowing what all she was put through.

Vicktor and Rachel's story is a great continuation of this series!

Loved it! Another great story in the series. I was entranced by Rachel and her backstory. She’s a fabulous, complex character with many layers as well as miseries and triumphs. Likewise Vic is just splendid and just what Rachel needs. Their slow build to love was glorious and sexy. I cannot say enough good things about this series. The barbershop/whiskey bar backdrop is so unusual and wonderful. Can’t wait for the next story.

I love author Lauren Dane and have been an avid fan of hers since late 2006/early 2007. I love all genres she writes , it’s her contemporary romances that really get me pumped up. This is book 2 in the Whiskey Sharp series , book is Jagged. This is Vicktor and Rachel’s story. They are friends yet there is a chemistry between them, a heat and this intense connection that immediately leaps off the pages.
The story does continue from book 1 Unraveled and the story in book 1 was Alexsei and Maybe's story and it streamlines into bk 2 and Vicktor and Rachel’s story but there are still some lingering issues that will be addressed in book 2. Vic and Rachel's love affair is unique, phenomenal, and heartwarming. Theirs isn’t an insta-love but more of a friends to lovers story that starts off as a slow burn and builds to an epic conclusion. Slow burn because it took 3 years for their relationship to become a relationship. Yet it pays off in a lot of ways and the banter, the heat reflects that. Vicktor really understood who Rachel truly way and he accepted her, didn’t try to change her and loved her for who she was, not what she could bring him or do for him. Anything else is an added bonus in Vicktor’s eyes. Rachel didn’t think she would have love in her life, would ever be in love yet Vicktor shows Rachel what true love is and means. Make sure to keep tissues handy for this read. There are several twists and turns in this story that kept me on the edge of my seat yet it all pays off in the beautiful end. Ms. Dane wrote such a fabulous and stirring romance that I didn’t want the story to end. This was such a great read, now I am praying we get Cora’s story next!!!


My Rating: 4.8 stars *****
“I received an advanced copy of this book from the author at no cost to me."

I love these types of stories that add layer upon layer on the previous book creating a relationship with the characters for the reader. Ms. Dane really does this well in her series as readers migrate from one story to the next keeping in touch with characters from previous books as though you are a part of their daily lives. Rachel and Victor met when she was badly wounded in mind and body. His unflinching friendship and support have played a large part in Rachel's recovery. Watch out! he's ready to turn the heat up. After her travails at the hands of serial killer, Rachael has put her old life behind her and creating a new identity for herself with new friends and relationships. The only people who don't seem to be happy with the new Rachael are her parents most particularly her father. The parents are mean and nasty people and definitely not deserving of two bright, beautiful loving daughters.
Victor and Rachael's developing relationship brings a smile not just to the readers but also to Victor's extended family who are avidly watching, aiding and abetting this beautiful courtship. I loved the ordinary moments of the two couples relaxing at home, cooking dinner, enjoying wine or enjoying moments with family and friends. Victor is such a dream boat in how he brings baking delights to Rachael's workplace or just shows up to walk her home.
This book is such a perfect blend of loving tenderness, family angst, some minor suspense and a whole lot of love making it a great choice for readers looking for a perfect romantic getaway from day to day life. While I suppose any book can be read as a stand alone I highly recommend that you read Book 1 before picking this one up. I can't wait to see what the author's going to serve up in the next chapter of the Orloff family.

Rachel is a tattoo artist, wary of men and with violence in her past. Vicktor is a protector but knows he can't overwhelm Rachel with his bossiness and demands. A slow burn develops between the two and heats up into an inferno. Will a relationship between them work out? A wonderful addition to the series.

I received a copy of this book via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

Jagged by Lauren Dane
Whiskey Sharp #2

Viktor Orlov is almost too good to be true. He is the perfect date, book boyfriend, lover and all around good guy. He bakes and cooks and hikes and runs and is strong and handsome and Russian. He loves his family, knows he wants Rachel and is bound and determined to be there for her…forever. He accepts she is damaged from her experience being kidnapped by a psychopath but he also likes and loves her as she is.

Rachel Dolan has a dysfunctional family of which I couldn’t figure out all the pieces. Her father is an abusive bully who wants to get his own way at the expense of any and all. Rachel has had a rough time, left her job with the FBI and is working as a tattoo artist. She is in therapy, definitely has PTSD and yet is coming out of her experiences a strong woman willing to stand up for what she believes in and believes needs to be done for herself and those she cares about.

This is a feel good romance without trouble or angst between the hero and heroine as the main difficulty comes from Rachel’s parents. I was able to pick up on most of the backstory but felt at times I would have been nice to have that information to flesh out this story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin for the ARC – This is my honest review.

3-4 Stars

I didn't mesh with this one, sadly, so I stopped at around 40%. I've heard great things but it just wasn't for me. Since I didn't read the first one, there was a disconnect for me. And, silly as it sounds, the character named Maybe was just too odd for me. I know there's a reason, but I just couldn't get past it.

This is the second book in the author's Whiskey Sharp Series and it was awesome. One reason I like to read books in a series is that we get to see all the characters from the first book, but it also puts the emphasis 0n the characters this book is mostly about, in this case Rachel- Maybe's sister and Viktor Orlov- Alexsei Petrov's cousin, who we read about in book one, when he and Maybe fell in love!

Rachel has had a very hard time for the last few years after being kidnapped by a killer when she was working for the FBI and she has never been the same, after that, but now her life is changing, and she now is a tattoo artist and she lives with Maybe, they share a house. I felt so happy when I read in this book how much Viktor's parents and the whole extended family have taken both girls under their wings and welcomed them into the family.

Viktor has noticed Rachel since they moved in next door to his mother's house, however he could tell how fragile she was and he knew she was not ready for any kind of love or commitment in her life. He has always watched her however in the background whenever she was at his mom's house or whenever she showed up with her sister.

After a big altercation, yet again between Rachel, Maybe, and their father who is still trying to control Rachel and force her to come home, and get her away from Maybe, this time Viktor sees this and that is it, he knows this man is poison to both sisters and Alexsei now lives with Maybe, he is able to start being around more and he starts to woo Rachel!

Their relationship is perfect, he spoils Rachel rotten, his mother gives him food to take to the girls everyday, Rachel starts trusting him and has finally gotten the courage to give Viktor a chance. Maybe is so happy for her sister, and and things are going well until her father threatens to have Rachel committed if she does not do as he says. Things come to a head when her father tries something else to get Rachel away from Maybe and back under his control. Will it work or will Rachel have the strength to fight her father?

Read this book; there is the perfect amount of romance, love angst, danger and touching moments between everybody. I gave this book 5 Stars and can't wait for book 3!

I am really starting to want me a hot bearded Russian because of the Whiskey Sharp series that Ms. Lauren Dane is writing about. First, I fell in love with Alexsei from the first book in the series “Unraveled”. That is where we were introduced to the couple in this book Rachel and Vicktor. The chemistry between them was being told through the eyes of Rachel’s sister but now we get to see from their POV. Vic is Alexsei’s cousin and runs the bakery that Rachel loves to eat at with her sister. His family have been like family to the Dolan sisters since they moved next door to his mother. Now they spend even more time together being that Alexsei and Maybe are a couple. Vic has always felt some sort of attraction to Rachel but knew she was not quite ready for his brand of intensity. Now after and incident with Rachel’s father has put him in the line to have more insight into Rachel he feels its time for him to make his feelings known. Of course, Rachel is gun shy about relationships, but she cannot help her attraction to Vic, so she doesn’t fight it so hard. Both Vic and Rachel have a past that has made them into the people they are today. Where Vic is sweet, charming, handsome, and a lover, Rachel is a bird trying to fix her wings that were broken. Rachel is sweet, loving, beautiful and filled with guilt from her past. They both decide to take their relationship one day at a time and all the while there is Rachel’s father in the background trying to destroy what they have started. Can Rachel turn to Vic when the time comes for her to finally face her enemy? That is what you will have to answer when you read this story.

Their story takes you on a journey of Rachel finding out who she is and standing up for her own independence. She wants to finally protect her sister and those she loves because she feels as though she never got the chance to do it. Vic is fighting for Rachel because he feels like she needs someone by her side that is not going to try to control her. They both have things to work through and hope they can come together once it’s all said and done. It’s a beautiful story of coming through a darkness and finding your way through the light with family and friends to last a lifetime. This book will show you how having those relationships can really help you in ways you never thought it could. The Dolan sisters and their Russian family will make you laugh, cry and want to be apart of their everyday life just from reading them. If you read this book you will want to have a hot bearded Russian and his family just from the interaction Lauren has wrote for us in her book.

Book Info
Mass Market Paperback
Expected publication: March 27th 2018 by Harlequin Books
ISBN 0373799403 (ISBN13: 9780373799404)
Edition Language English
Series Whiskey Sharp #2
Other Editions (4)
Source:Netgalley EARC

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BOOK BLURB


Vicktor Orlov took one look at the wary gaze and slow-to-trust personality of the deliciously sexy and fascinating Rachel Dolan and knew he wanted more than just a casual friendship. But as a natural protector, he also knew bossiness and overprotective maneuvering would push her away rather than draw her close. He’ll use every tool in his easygoing arsenal to convince her to take a chance on them.

Rachel’s flourishing new career as a tattoo artist has brought color back into a life previously damaged by a series of bad choices and violence. She knows she can trust Vic—it’s herself she’s not sure of. She doesn’t want to be caged or controlled. Doesn’t want to be protected so much she has no ability to make her own choices.

And damn if the man doesn’t know it.

When Vic finally drops all pretenses of “just friends” and focuses all his careful affection and irresistible seduction on her, Rachel knows she’s falling hard for the laid-back pretty-boy Russian she discovers has a relentlessly steel spine when it comes to her.

And she can’t resist.

My Thoughts


Returning to the Dolan sisters felt like catching up with old friends. I thought that Rachel Dolan had made great strides in book 1 but in this book she really manages to shine.

The fact that she is no longer an FBI agent has been something that her overbearing father just cannot accept and his continual insistence that her new life tattooing is not something she can be proud of much less expect her parents to escalates. Once again she is drawn into the man's bid to control her, lawyers become involved as do his fellow law enforcement officers at one point. Only this time she has the full support of the man she cannot get enough of and his entire family as well sending the message in no uncertain terms that Rachel is no longer the frail creature she once was.

This friends-to-lovers romance for Rachel and Vicktor was almost able to top the previous offering with her sister Maybe and Vics cousin Alexsei. Almost, but not quite, as at this point for me books 1 and 2 are both wonderful fulfilling reads in their own way.

Now when book three comes out we see how things have changed with the two couples and get to see another pairing take place in the trilogy as girlfriend Cora finds her own true love. I can hardly wait!

[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.