REVIEW: Jagged by Lauren Dane

The Whiskey Sharp series has been a surprise to me and Jagged (Whiskey Sharp #2) by Lauren Dane (March 27) 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.

Book Info:

Jen Zorko| 4.5 Stars | HJ Recommends | No |
Publication: Expected publication: March 27th 2018 | Harlequin Books | Whiskey Sharp #2
 
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.