My royal blood flows black with twisted secrets.I am a beast who wears a crown.Heir to a modern kingdom cloaked in corruption and depravities.The time has come to claim my princess.An innocent hidden away from my dark world.Till now.Her initiation will require sacrifice and submission.There is no escaping the chains which bind her to me.Surrendering to my torment, as well as my protection, is … me.
Surrendering to my torment, as well as my protection, is her only path to survival.
In the end…
She will be forever mine.
*Beasts & Bourbon is a dark billionaire romance. If you don’t like a splash of shock, a dash of edge, and a heavy dose of dirty, then don’t take a sip of this TOP SHELF cocktail.
more
OMG! This book is amazing! I swear each book gets better than the last! No spoilers here.. But if you like the dark, the twisted.. The what did I just read books.. Read this now!
Alta Hensley has done it again! Beasts & Bourbon is the fifth book in the Top Shelf series and it does not disappoint! I have enjoyed the whole series, but like it tells you in the blurb, if you don’t like a dash of taboo, these aren’t the books for you! Each book can be read as a standalone, but I truly enjoyed reading them in the order they were released in.
This story is about Prince Roman and Cheri and their chance at a happily ever after. These two have a long history with one another. They are supposed to be wed as Cheri was promised to Prince Roman. Cheri left to find herself and to give Roman time to find himself too. He decides that they have been separated long enough and sends Silas on his way to retrieve his future wife.
It’s like these two haven’t been separated all this time though. Cheri and Roman still very much have feelings for one another and Roman lets it be known that he is more than ready to settle down. This will come at a price though. She needs to be approved and initiated into an ancient society Roman was born into. The Iron Colt Brotherhood. This is where this book becomes very taboo and tests Cheri and pushes her to her limits.
Beasts & Bourbon was such a great read and I truly loved the characters. Cheri wasn’t your typical damsel in distress. She was strong and at times stronger than she gave herself credit for. Roman was more tender than he would let on and these two balanced each other really well.
This was so good!
4.6 stars
Out of all the books in this series, this book was by far the best one. From the first chapter, I was hooked. In the fourth book, the Brotherhood and the initiations were introduced. This book further expanded on those initiations and it was way more intense. A couple of the scenes reminded me of The Black Light Series(which everyone needs to read) and is probably why I liked it so much.
This book is a standalone but still reintroduces previous characters in passing. I have been waiting for Roman’s story since the beginning. There was something about me that intrigued me. I was right to have had my interest piqued because he was definitely in a league all his own which says something because all of these men have a darkness to them. I loved Cheri and her feisty attitude and understood her fear. I was disappointed at the epilogue as I wanted to see a little more in the future.
Still, all an all it was a great addition. I am not sure if there will be more included in this series. I hope so and I hope they are more like this.
A great addition to the Top Shelf Series ! Prince Roman and Cheri have known each other since childhood. Roman intends to make Cheri his wife. That means Cheri has to go through initiation… This story is filled with plenty of hot, dirty, taboo sex. There’s plenty of twists and turns that kept me reading. The chemistry between the characters was good. The characters were well described and very likeable. I always enjoy reading Alta Hensley’s books. I read this book as an arc program.
I’m such a #fangirl of Alta love all her books.. Definitely your next 5 star Read..
I have read most of the Top Shelf books by Alta Hensley, but his is my favorite. Roman and Cheri are well written, intriguing characters. We get a brief glimpse at the co owners of the Spiked Rose and learn more about the infamous Brotherhood. You can certainly read these books as stand alone, but they are much easier reads as a series. The book is fast, sexy, twisty read!! Loved It!!
Beasts & Bourbon is the dirty, sexy and somewhat twisted fifth book in the Top Shelf series. It feels like forever ago that we were given a glimpse of Prince Roman and Cheri and I was so excited to dive into their story. These two had enough chemistry that it pretty much sizzled off the pages of my Kindle. I loved the deliciously naughty and captivating journey these two took me in and I was left feeling a bit greedy for more. Beasts& Boutbon was another tantalizing taste off the Top Shelf and I can’t wait for more!
I really enjoyed Cheri and Roman’s story. I kind of hoped for more detail in a couple of places and the ending seemed a bit abrupt but it was a very good read still and I would recommend it.
Beasts & Bourbon the 5th book in the Top Shelf series is a dark, sexy, twisted second chance story that had me flipping pages so fast that I thought my kindle was going to burn up! I love Roman and Cheri’s story! They had been love all their lives so when they got back together their chemistry was explosive! They have many challenges to go through on their way to their hea, but they are strong enough to get through it!
I love all the Top Shelf series books and Beasts & Bourbon is a great addition! I can’t wait for the next book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
In this 5th book of the Top Shelf series, a runaway bride from an arranged marriage is brought back to her betrothed. While you can tell they love each other, she ran for entirely different reasons. The story is quite interesting, and I love all the characters from Spiked Roses. I know this story is supposed to be dark, and in some ways it is, but I feel like Alta Hensley may be playing it a little safe. I honestly wish it was darker, and went further into detailing some of the kink going on, but I overall loved the story.
The storyline was wonderfully written and the characters were so well developed that I was totally glued to my kindle until the turn of the very last page! I was so engrossed in this story that I ended up reading it in one sitting!
Roman and Cherise have loved each other since they were kids. But ten years ago Cheri ran away to find herself. But now Prince Roman is asking her to fulfill her duty. This book was amazing. Roman and Cheri are perfect characters that I fell in love with. This is a great dark read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
CRAFTY—RUTHLESS—HEARTLESS—AND CRUEL AT TIMES
Once again, Ms. Alta Hensley has penned a story that is spine-tingling, on-the-edge-of-your-seat, I can’t look, but I can’t look away page-turning tale. There is a unique cast of characters, some you will hate, some will have you hot and bothered, and some, you just aren’t sure about. The characters and situations are explicated detailed. The story is not for those who want wine and roses with a sweet storyline. The story is raw, edgy, dirty, painful, intense, explicit and erotic. If you don’t like a splash of shock, a dash of taboo, and a heavy dose of sex, then don’t take a sip of this TOP SHELF cocktail.
Prince Roman Cassian and Cherise ‘Cheri’ are back and stronger than ever. They were part of the Royally Mine boxed set in a story called Bad Boys and Bourbon. Now they have their own story in the Top Shelf books, and wow, they will be entered a dark and dangerous world, one where they must succeed or else—and else isn’t among the living.
“I am part of a secret society called The Iron Colt Brotherhood. I was born into it. It’s a society that is made up of old money, new money, royal money, stolen money, and blood money. Unlike some members, I didn’t get to choose to be part of it, but regardless, I am. Once you are a member, you are always a member. There’s no leaving it. This is my world. It’s not all galas, gowns, and tiaras. My world is black, leather, chains, and danger. You need to know what you are getting yourself into if you truly want to be my bride.”
Once Roman sends his man, Silas, to retrieve Cheri from her galavanting, he lets her know in no uncertain terms that the marriage they were contracted into as children will happen. But he will also inform her of a part of the royalty that isn’t discussed, and now she must be initiated into the ranks, and while he will be leading the way, it will be dark, dirty, and unforgiving. Once they enter the mansion, there is no turning back.
“As long as you earn your hundred diamonds, you will come out of this alive. Your prince will be here soon. But remember—in this manor, your prince is dark, cruel, harsh, and unforgiving. In this manor, your prince is not your knight in shining armor.”
“I will be the man who controls every single breath you take and move you make. You will call me Master, my wild kitty. Trust your Master knows best, and you’ll survive this ordeal.”
“Rules of society had ceased existing the minute I walked through the door of the manor. Life as it once was no longer existed for me. My nightmare had become a fantasy, and my fantasies had become this nightmare.”
The story is a dark and wickedly delicious addition to the Top Shelf series, with so many explicit scenes of depravity that both Cheri and Roman must endure, but they will do it together. What happens when they leave to plan their wedding? Will they ever be the same?
“I want adventure, spice, and an excitement in our life that is laced with some dark tinges of taboo. Nothing will whiten our soiled souls.”
Beasts & Bourbon written by Alta Hensley is the fifth book in the Top Shelf Series. I have read all the other books in this series and have enjoyed them all. You do not need to read all the other books in this series, as they can be read independently of one another.
Beasts and Bourbon is Cheri and Prince Roman’s second chance love story. They have a long history dating back to their childhood thru early adulthood. Cheri has left Roman to find herself, but Roman has decided that ten years is long enough to be separated and sends Silas, his right-hand man, to bring Cheri back to him. To make Cheri his own, she must be approved and initiated into the secret, ancient society of the Iron Colt Brotherhood. This is where the book delves into the very dark and forbidden aspects of their journey together. Cheri must submit entirely to Roman’s twisted dominate tastes.
Things I liked and disliked about this book… I loved how strong and intelligent, Cheri was portrayed at the beginning of the book, but she kind of lost herself by the end of the book. I loved how Roman was all sexy and alpha male, but I felt his character was underdeveloped. The two main characters definitely had chemistry, but again I felt Ms. Hensley could have taken them much further as a couple especially toward the end of the book. The storyline was good, but still, I felt like it was hurried and underdeveloped. I would have enjoyed if the Iron Colt Brotherhood component of the story had been developed further.
This was not my favorite book in the series but, I did enjoy it, and look forward to reading future books in this series. Would love the next book to be about Tennessee, I am eager to know more about him. So if you are looking for a book with a bit of darkness and a touch of D/s you have found your next read.
***I kindly received an ARC of this book by way of Booksprout. I was not contacted, asked or required to leave a review. I received no compensation, financial or otherwise. This is my honest review.***
2 likes
A Top Shelf man in action.
The Prince, his promised fiance and many years between the promise and today’s reality.
Cheri, the reluctant bride has fled the country. Her bohemian lifestyle is a far cry from the one she grew up in.
Prince Roman has never given up on the idea of having Cheri as his own. He grew up with her and when she left him, he grew into a man and, following his inclination, into a part-ownership of the Spiked Roses Club.
When he finally decides to exercise his power to get his intended bride back, he sets in motion a series of events that could be life threatening. The first step, introducing Cheri to his secret lifestyle, is a resounding success. But then a very old problem arises and things turn sinister and dangerous.
As all the books in this series this one gives you smoldering hot and frightening cold sizzles all over.
Enjoyable novella that is dark and sexy. Cheri reluctantly agrees to marry Prince Roman. She decides to go through the initiation required by the Iron Colt Brotherhood. Their methods are twisted and not everyone survives it. I was a little disappointed that the story ended rather suddenly. Beasts and Bourbon is part of the Top Shelf series which I have liked. This is a stand-alone book.
Review copy was received for a honest opinion.
This is book 5 in the Top Shelf Series. This is the story of Prince Roman and Cheri’s 2nd chance love story. These characters were actually introduced in the Royally Mine boxed set.
It is the story of Roman and Cheri, childhood friends and lovers. They are supposed to marry each other, but Cheri wants nothing to do with the whole royalty world. They meet again after 10 years apart.
I loved the chemistry and banter Roman and Cheri have when they finally meet again. Cheri has a mind of her own and she has a lot of spunk. Roman is pure Alpha.
Those who have read Alta hensley story in the daddy Demands boxed set will be familiar with the Iron Colt Brotherhood and what takes place in their Mansion. That part was really intense and really test the trust between Roman and Cheri.
I did feel the book felt rushed and underdeveloped after that first night. The relationship between them and Cheri’s feelings and emotions could have been fleshed out more. I would have liked a bit more.
Book 5 in the Top Shelf series, can be read as a standalone. This is Roman and Cheri’s second chance story. Roman is a real life prince, and even being a prince can’t save Roman, and Cheri by extension, from rich, powerful, depraved men. These two are matching pieces. Their long history together shows in their interactions. They can trust each other, work like a team, have sizzling chemistry, and their love underpins the challenges thrust upon them. The writing was smooth like bourbon, and definitely deserves a Top Shelf label. Loved it, and it is now my new favourite in the series.
I am voluntarily leaving my opinion of a review copy of this book.
5 stars – a delightful dark twist
We’ve been waiting a while for expanded story of Cheri and Roman who first appeared in the Royally Mine anthology that inspired the Top Shelf series. Alta delivers with the final book in the series, Beasts & Bourbon. Whereas in the short story from Royally Mine, Prince Roman and Cheri appears to be starting their HEA, in B&B Alta gives us a surprising dark twist.
In the beginning of the story, a retelling from the anthology, Alta’s tongue in cheek humor gives the reader a false sense of a light hearted rom-com. Cheri wakes in the morning with vagabond surfer guy that is not as hot as she remembers from her previous booze induced haze the night before. As she is trying to politely kick him out, Roman summons her home to fulfill her commitment to their royally arranged marriage to him. There is a chemistry to their relationship, and Cheri is not really adverse to the arrangement. Roman was her first kiss and first sexual experience. The real story starts shortly after their engagement goes public when Roman tells Cheri that she must be initiated prior to their marriage, which is required for non-royal bloodlines. Without completing the initiation, Cheri cannot be his partner and could possibly face death.
I loved the twist and the character and could only have wished for a longer story. The final installment to the Top Shelf series is by far my favorite.
Another top notch book! This is Cheri and Roman’s story in the Top Shelf series. We return to the Spiked Roses and the Iron Colt Brotherhood. Cheri and Roman’s destiny together was long pre-ordained, and now Roman is ready to claim Cheri has his. I loved them, from their beginnings to the present. He’s a total alpha Dom, and bringing Cheri to heel with his sweet bossiness was both swoony and hot. Another awesome addition to this series, and it was wonderful to see the characters from other books here as well.