The sweetest reward comes after the longest wait 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. He’ll use every tool in his easygoing arsenal to convince her … 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 violence. She knows she can trust Vic–it’s herself she’s not sure of. She doesn’t want to be caged or controlled, 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’s discovered has a relentlessly steel spine when it comes to her.
And she can’t resist.
more
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Both Vicktor (Vic) and Rachel were great main characters who had great depth to them.
Vic was so tender with Rachel and that was sweet to watch. He challenged her at times but in non-threatening ways. It helps that they were friends first as he then begins to woo her. They finally become lovers but she doesn’t know at first that he’s in love with her and in for the long haul.
Rachel was so multi-talented even though she doesn’t see that at first. She also is suffering from some survivor’s guilt when it came to the women she couldn’t save. It also doesn’t help in that area when she found out about what Maybe has gone through. She puts other people first and feels guilt about not being able to protect her younger sister. I ended up wanting to read Maybe’s story in Book 1.
I also liked that the trauma that Rachel went through is slowly introduced. Also the aftermath is shown clearly as she heads to healing. Rachel’s mother and father sure weren’t helping her when it comes to how they dealt with her and her sister, Maybe. In fact her father is really easy to love to hate. Oh, the trouble he stirs up ! I could hardly wait to see how smart Rachel was going to put a stop to that.
The Orlov family were people who were easy to enjoy. They had their problems but they were tight when it came to family. Rachel and Maybe were lovingly drawn in as a part of the family, no matter what. That was great. You could feel the sense of community and caring from them.
The story has a good ending, plenty of feels and it makes this story a keeper for me.
3 1/2 stars
I wasn’t a huge fan of Rachel in the first Whiskey Sharp book, I thought she was needy and whiny, and a little pathetic, and I was quite disgusted with how naive she was when it came to Maybe and their parents. After reading Jagged, I only like her slightly more. Instead of being pathetic and disgusted, I found her boring, she lacked personality. Via in the other hand had plenty of personality, and was extremely likable. Unfortunately because Rachel was such a dud they chemistry just wasn’t there between them. The one thing that did interest me, was the unfolding of the drama with the parents. Hands down the most interesting thing in the entire book.
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.
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.
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
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.
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