Lauren Dane’s latest series, Whiskey Sharp is off to a fantastic start with Unraveled. Her talent for creating families, whether by blood or choice, is on full display. Alexsei and Maybe are opposites, but each is oh, so appealing and special in their own way. The characters are interesting and quirky, the story is compelling—I enjoyed every page! ~ Java Girl, Guilty Pleasures
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.”
Sisters Maybe and Rachel Dolan and their small group of friends are very appealing, but it’s Alexsei Petrov’s family, the Orlovs, a
boisterous, nosy, but loving family of Russian immigrants, and next door neighbors of the Dolan sisters, that really sucked me in. The matriarch of the family, Alexsei’s Aunt Irena, not only “adopts” the Dolan sisters into her home and family, but she sends Maybe to Whiskey Sharp, Alexsei’s upscale barbershop and whiskey bar for a job. Alexsei and Maybe have spent two years working together and building a solid friendship before taking their relationship to a romantic level. Friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes, so I was totally onboard. I found Maybe impossible to resist. She’s friendly, chatty, funny, and fiercely protective of her older sister, Rachel. Rachel, a former FBI agent with a very intriguing and somewhat mysterious backstory, is key to Maybe’s story. Maybe’s determined cheerfulness is especially admirable considering her difficult childhood. The Dolan sisters’ parents add drama and conflict to the story, in the bes/worst possible way. As much as I love Maybe, Alexsei is just as appealing. He’s quiet, taciturn, kind of grouchy, but loyal, sweet, and protective of those he loves. He packs quite a punch. I kept picturing him dressed for work in his trousers, button down shirt with his sleeves rolled up and held in place with garters. Damn, Ms. Dane paints quite a picture! I want to go to Seattle, visit Whiskey Sharp, and sit drinking whiskey while watching sexy barbers with Russian accents go about their business. I know they’re not real and Whiskey Sharp doesn’t exist, but Ms. Dane makes me believe otherwise. Alexsei and Maybe are hot, sweet, and very funny. Their story, and their family and friends are very entertaining. I know this is one series I will be re-reading again and again.
4.5 stars
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