Review: Jagged by Lauren Dane
Title: Jagged (Whiskey Sharp #2)
Author: Lauren Dane
Publication Date: March 27, 2018
Publisher: Harlequin
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Find It: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N, Book Depository
Source: Library
Rating: 2 stars – you are getting very sleepy
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.
This book started off really well for me. A hot Russian baker courts a fiesty former FBI agent turned tattoo artist. Viktor (the hot baker) and Rachel (badass tattoo artist) are neighbors and friends who eventually become more when they finally act on the attraction that’s been simmering between them for years. Viktor is definitely swoon worthy – thoughtful, charming, sexy, and the bearer of baked goods. Sounds like my dream man.
Unfortunately once the initial excitement of the new relationship wore off, the story really slowed down. There were endless conversations where they each told each other how amazing the other person was. They were constantly fawning over each other and the perfection of their relationship quickly bored me. I didn’t feel like there was any conflict to their relationship which lowered the stakes and I lost interest as a consequence.
The relationship between Rachel and her parents was also a bit of a weak spot in the story for me. I felt like I didn’t know enough about them to understand their behavior. The author alludes to how terrible they were to Rachel’s sister, how they blamed her for a scandal with his co-worker, but I didn’t really understand why they would react that way or why they would go to such great lengths to control Rachel’s life. They were painted as these evil people without a lot of context. The conflict would have had more impact if their characters had more depth.
I really liked Viktor’s family though. They were warm and funny, and I really enjoyed all of the food talk. Likewise for Rachel’s friends, who were smart, sassy, and protective of Rachel and her sister. This book wasn’t a home run for me but there were some fun parts to it. It definitely make me want to hit up a bakery afterwards.
Do you have any food/cooking related romances that you recommend? I know I’ve read a few but there must be more out there. I love the idea of combining two of my favorite things – food and romance – into a book. Let me know if you have any recs! Until next time, happy reading!
