“Jagged” was a great continuation of the Whiskey Sharp series- however, in this book, we deal with characters who are related to the characters in the first book who work at Whiskey Sharp. This book hardly mentions the unique men’s hair-cutting place. We saw these two characters getting closer in the first book, and it was exciting to see their story in the second book. We follow Rachel, Maybe’s sister and Vic, Alexsei’s cousin, as they begin a relationship. Similar to the first book, the drama in the book is caused by outside forces rather than by the relationship- and I find this super-refreshing. It’s pretty unique to find a book about a functional couple, and so this series really stands out.

The Whiskey Sharp series has also set itself apart by portraying strong, independent women for whom a relationship is just a bonus to the life they have constructed for themselves and men who are respectful and appreciate their boundaries- emotional, physical, you name it. The partners are truly equal and build a strong relationship on a foundation of trust. In both books, the two knew each other before and have both been into each other for a while, so the books begin when they decide to finally start dating.

A plotline which began the first book is now wrapped up (mostly) in this second book. We learned about Maybe and Rachel’s dysfunctional family and the cruelty of their parents to Maybe in the first book. Here, Rachel is forced to continue confronting their parents as they try to control her life. She uses the avenue of the legal system to move this forward, and her background as an FBI agent helps her to understand her target (her father) and anticipate his moves. We also hear more about the event that changed Rachel’s life forever, taking her out of her career with the FBI and into following her passion for art (working as a tattoo artist).

Although the book definitely centers around Rachel, we also get some of Vic’s past, which led him to working at the bakery with his parents and sister. His family’s “drama”- aside from that caused by Rachel’s father- results from that past event. He’s a great character and really fits so well with Rachel. As the quote from which the book’s title was derived says, “All those jagged parts inside seemed to fit against his, clicking into place.” Their relationship was really beautiful and great to see in a romance novel. The only complaint I would have is that the characters seemed very similar in personality to Maybe and Alexsei in the first book, but this might make sense since Maybe and Rachel are sisters and Vic and Alexsei were raised like brothers (although cousins). I’ll be curious to see how the third book evolves with un(family)related characters.

This series is quickly becoming a favorite, and I highly recommend checking it out! While it might help to get some context on the drama from reading the first book, it’s recapped well here and the couple is new, so this book can function as a stand-alone. Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher through netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Great book!! Gonna be a great series too!! This book is about Vic and Rachel, Vic works at his family's bakery he's a tough guy with a nurturing side and he sees something special in Rachel!! Rachel in the beginning is a little wary and passive but she comes out of her shell!! Its a hot heartwarming and heartstopping book!!! It definitely made me want to go back and read Rachel sister maybe book which is the first in this series! Don't miss out on thus book and series!! Its gonna be a good one!! Thank you netgalley and the publishers for sharing this book with me for an honest review and I'm always honest!!

Such a cool series by Lauren Dane. It's a little darker/angstier than I usually read but I loved the first book so I knew I could trust Lauren with this kind of story. I really like the storyline in this one. Rachel is such a strong heroine which I absolutely love! And I love Vicktor! The care he takes while pursuing her knowing what she can handle or not, proves what a perfect complement he is for her.

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

I've been looking forward to this follow up story which can be read as a standalone book. I'm very excited about the author's writing style and that she does not resort to tropes to entertain.

A must read for those who love edgy romance.

3 stars
a little darker than i usually read. it was an ok read for me, not my normal book choice.

Jagged is the second book in the Whiskey Sharp series by Lauren Dane. It is currently scheduled for release on March 27 2018. I highly recommend reading the series in order, because it will explain the tension between Rachel and her parents, and her sister. However, if you are just in it for the romance you might be fine reading it as a stand alone. However, I loved the first book so much that you will only win by reading both.

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, does not 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

Jagged is a heart warming, and steamy friends turned lover romance. Rachel has been concentrating on healing and protecting her freedom and her sister and avoiding romantic entanglements. However, the growing friendship and spark between her and Vic has her inching toward taking the leap. Vic is aware of the struggles Rachel has, and is patient and willing to make changes and put in the effort to make sure he gives Rachel the space and security she needs. I love the combination of a strong man and the respect and care he has for all of the people important to him. Too often the strong hero just rolls over his counterpart, be he really treats all of the women in his circle as equals, as strong individuals in their own right. This is something consistent in Dane's characters, which has made her a favorite of mine. The trouble with Rachel's parents carried over from the first book, Unraveled, and I spent a good chunk of this book waiting for the other shoe to drop, and the anxiety and tension that it created was extremely effective. The story and characters stayed with me well after I finished the book, and I am still itching for more. I am eagerly awaiting more from Dane, and am hoping to go back and read some that I missed from the past- I just need to find the time.

Jagged is another fabulous book by Dane. My biggest problem with the book is how long I will need to wait for Torn, the third book in the series, which does not come out until the end of May 2018. The wait is going to kill me.

After reading the first installment in the series and enjoying the writing and the characters so much, I was pretty anxious to get my hands on the second book. This one picks not too long from where the first one leaves off, but this time we get Rachel and Vicktor’s story. And it was a good one!

We first meet Maybe’s sister Rachel in book one, this girl has been went through something that left both physical scars and mental and emotional scars too. Physical scars heal, but the other takes time, but Rachel wants her life back. She wants normalcy. A career change was a great start for her, if only her parents would see her for who she has become. Their constant interference only stifles her recovery. I do giver her a lot of credit though, she has come a long way and is strong and stands her ground with her father. Man, is he a piece of work! He makes me so mad! I could go on about him…

Visitor Orlev is all aloha male, built and gorgeous, and he bakes. How sexy is that?!?! He has admired Rachel from the sidelines for quite a while, flirting a little here and there, but never pressuring. He watched her growth and determination, which made him want her even more. Their interactions were so funny at times and down right steamy at others. It was so clear how much he truly cared for her and would do anything for her.

Of course, what would this book be without the rest of the big, lovin Orlev family. This family is just amazing! During the course of this, we learn more about the awful event that brought Rachel where she is today. Her memories were frightening, and so emotional and my heart went out to her. Vickor was never far away though, always for her. Their journey together was one I couldn’t get enough of.

Jagged had all the feels. Anger for Rachel’s parent actions, heartache for her pain and some pretty great swoons moments from the slow burning romance. The next installment will be out in May, and will be a couple of characters that were part of both the first and second books. And I can’t wait to read it too. Whiskey Sharp is a fantastic series for fans of contemporary romance.

Rachel Dolan is living in Seattle with her sister three years after having been abducted by a serial killer she was following whist an agent for the FBI. She seems to be adjusting slowly but surely to life, and is finally ready for a relationship with Vic Orlov, her neighbor's sexy son. After more than a year of dancing around each other, they jump right in. Having seen this coming in the previous Whiskey Sharp novel, this didn't feel like a rush into a relationship. I love Vic and his tenderness with Rachel, always seeming to know what she needs--when to push, and when to back off. Rachel also seems to get some of her old spark back which is a welcome surprise, as in the previous book she seemed very fragile. I love the growing relationship between Rachel and Vic, and Rachel with Vic's family, but the Dolan's father was just over the top. He's an abusive asshole who is trying to control Rachel and break Maybe--but it's so over the top is gets really old. Rachel was an FBI agent for god's sake. I know she's been through a lot, but can't she call some old contacts and get this thing under control? That part almost ruined it for me. all in all, it was a good book, but the parental drama was so much that it was kind of off putting.

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. Now after reading Whiskey Sharp Unraveled and now book two, Whiskey sharp: Jagged - Good Lord..I am hooked. I absolutely loved this book so much. Vicktor and Rachel were such an amazing follow up to Alexsei and Maybe's story. It was just a fantastic portrayal of two people, Rachel and Vicktor and their love story. I loved their chemistry, banter, friendship and families and honestly could not get enough enough of their story.

Whiskey Sharp: Jagged is the second book in this series and while the romance is independent from the first book there is a continuing storyline arc from book one that must be read in order. Plus you would honestly be missing out on so much from book one. Gahh!!! Where to start!? This novel was absolutely amazing. Vic and Rachel's love affair was a slow burn of epic proportions. Namely because it developed for three years. First through friendship and then covert looks of longing and developing feelings we saw in Alexsei and Maybe's book. But when Vic finally made his move - Goddamn was this novel explosive!!

Vicktor Orlev saw who the real Rachel Dolan was inside. Not the victim or the survivor but the Phoenix who was reborn after her horrible ordeal. I say Phoenix because those who have read this novel will know the significance of it and the feeling of freedom that Vic instills in Rachel. I loved that he loved her strength, protectiveness and fully believed she was an independent and capable woman. He thought she was not only gorgeous on the outside but on the inside as well and someone who deserved all the best things in life.

I loved them so much namely because this novel felt like I was coming back to visit old friends. Their love story was sexy and dreamy and just so beautiful to read. I never wanted it to end and seriously can't wait for Cora's story!!!

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

I really liked that Vic decided that now was the time to make his move on Rachel, she was finally ready to move on with her life and it helped that she knew Vic for years. As much fun and it was to see the couple alone, it was just as much fun to see them spend time with Vic's family, who provided a safe and loved environment for Rachel and for the couple to spend time with Maybe and Alexsei. I liked the talks that Alexsei and Vic had about the sisters, knowing that they were close and with one came the other.

The drama with Rachel and Maybe's family, mostly the dad made me angry on their behalf. I was so glad that Rachel was up to the battle and made it go away in a way that the dad understood, leaving her to enjoy her new happy life!

In the first book we meet Vicktor as he begins his slow courtship of Rachel under the watchful eye of her sister. He knows sudden or demanding behavior will scare her away but little by little she is falling for him. Strong women deserve strong men and Dane knows how to balance them.

These two keep very opposite hours but it is never a problem. Vicktor works at the family bakery early in the day and Rachel works as a tattoo artist in the afternoon and evening hours. They make time for each other. They make each other a priority.

Rachel's parents made a nuisance of themselves in the first book and have now stepped up to almost unbelievable bad behavior. Vicktor is right there with her not just as protection but as a partner against them.

I don't know what will come from the next book in the series but I already know it will be good.

Another great Lauren Dane book! A sweet romance with a kick-ass heroine.

The Whiskey Sharp series has been a surprise to me and Jagged (Whiskey Sharp #2) by Lauren Dane is just another amazing book to add to the series. Strong, empowered female characters that can stand tall on their own without needing a man to fight their battles, is refreshing, but knowing that there are strong sexy men that have their backs, BONUS. After reading the first book, I had to know what happened in the family drama and dynamic. I will say that if you are going to read this series, start with book 1. Book 2 picks right up where the first book ends. This is the story of Rachel and Victor.

Rachel Dolan has been through a lot. She is a former FBI agent that was kidnapped and held in what can only be described as a dungeon of terror, Fighting to get her life back, she left the FBI, started doing tattooing and lives with her younger sister Maybe. After a few years of living next door to the Orlov's, being treated like family and befriending the very handsome son, Victor, Rachel thinks that maybe she is ready to give love a chance. But with her parents causing problems at every turn, Rachel is gearing up for the fight for her freedom.

Victor Orlov has been in love with Rachel Dolan since she moved in, but he understands that with everything that she has been through, that he needs to give her time, give her space and be patient with her. When the two of them take their relationship from friends to lovers. It is all that Victor can do to stand down and allow Rachel to take the lead in the fight against her parents. But knowing that Rachel has her sister, his cousin Alexei and himself each having her back and ready to stand between Rachel and anything that would come at them makes this amazing story all the sweeter.

What I loved about Victor and Rachel is that they have both been through painful experiences in their pasts, her with her kidnapping and him with death of his brother to drugs. Both have pasts that come back to rear their ugly heads, her with her parents, him with the family of his brother's girlfriend. But what makes this story truly amazing is that Rachel is such a strong character. I mean don't get me wrong, Victor is no push over an does not allow Rachel to walk all over him, but he allows her to stand on her own and make her own decisions, while having her back and lending support where needed. And Rachel will go toe to toe with not only her parents, but with anyone that tries to cause harm to the Orlov family, her new family by choice.

Amazing, empowering and down right romantic. I look forward to more in this amazing series.

I loved the Petal Georgia books, but this series is dark and angsty

This is the second book in the Whiskey Sharp series. The main character's first name is Maybe Dolan, which is an odd first name. She cuts hair by day and plays in a punk rock bank in a bar at night. No mystery, this is just a good romance story

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.


* * * * *



Lauren Dane has been one of my go to authors for years. She tends to write just the right brain candy for me to take a mental vacation. Her characters are always first rate and her heroines are strong women even if they don't recognize their own strengths.



Rachel is no exception. She used to be a FBI agent until she was taken and tortured for quite a long time. She has physically recovered and is working on healing some of the emotional scars. Part of that healing was changing her profession and lifestyle. Rachel is now a tattoo artist and becoming interested in the son of her next door neighbor.


Vicktor is just luscious. Very definitely an alpha personality but one that is patient. He wants to take care of Rachel and it that means taking it slow until she is ready. so be it. And he cooks and bakes! The fact that he is also very good with his hands and other body parts is just icing on the cake.


The characters hooked me immediately even though I was pulled out of the story quite a few times as I tried to figure out who was thinking what. Yes there was a lot of head hopping. There were also some editing glitches that I assume will be corrected when the book gets its final go over.


Even with those issues, the story kept me entertained and reading so I do recommend it to anyone who enjoys a contemporary romance with quite a bit of heat. It does have a few twists and turns but since when is the path to happiness all sweetness and light.


*** I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed within are my own.

Due to the poor quality of formatting done on the arc I received I was unable to read and enjoy this book. Lauren Dane is an author I really enjoy and I will likely purchase this book for myself so I can enjoy it that way.

This book really needed a strong prologue. I feel like the entire thing was set around events that I had not read, I caught on, but it definitely impacted my enjoyment. It took me a while to understand why the main character was considered “broken”. Writing was good, it was just missing a lot of vital information.

When a book has humor in it & 2 great protagonists, what else do you need? Having not read the previous books in the series, I really didn't feel that I missed anything, however I think I will go back now and read the others.

Jagged is book two in this series and I recommend reading book one first. I'm not sure if you could read this as a stand alone, but I didn't and I benefitted from reading Maybe's story first. There was a lot more action in this one. While book one left some things open-ended even though there was a happy ever after for the couple, those things are wrapped up here.

Vic is calm and generous and loyal, and can BAKE. He also comes with an amazing family and stellar bedroom skills. He's like a perfect book boyfriend. Rachel, especially in this book, is becoming so strong and resilient. She's ready to really start living again. If only there weren't her pesky parents. They are AWFUL- and the difference is so much stronger when you see Vic's rockin parents.

I seriously loved this and the quippy little sayings sprinkled throughout. It was a serious romance, had some suspense, with doses of humor and a happy ending. I look forward to more from this group soon, hopefully!