Villains & Vodka (Top Shelf, #2)

by Alta Hensley

[Eve1972]

 
 
Man of man am I LOVING this series. Everything about these books from the f@cked up characters to the fabulous New Orleans setting checks every one of my boxes. Miz Hensley has quickly written her way into occupying a prime spot at my "Favorite Authors" table. Of that, there is no doubt. And to say I am super excited to read about these other twisted f@cks would be the understatement.


 

I found this one to be well written and well paced. It was a quick read that took me around three hours to finish. The plot was engaging and kept me turning the pages. That said, I felt that this one was maybe a tad undeveloped. It was very insta-love with the entire book taking place over one weekend. Personally, I would have liked to have seen more relationship development between Harley and Marlowe. These two both as individuals and together as a couple had the potential for more depth and darkness. I wouldn't say this was particularly angsty and there was no OW/OM drama. The self-harm scene which the author warns you about at the beginning of the book broke my heart but was respectfully done and the emotions that the author conveyed with that scene had me bawling like a baby. The sex scenes (there was only one if I remember correctly) was hot but I couldn't help but wish there had been more of an even darker nature (I love my kink, sue me).


 

One of the best things about this series so far are the secondary characters. I CANNOT wait to read about every single one of these twisted assholes. Victor and his "DOLLS" are up next and I want that book NOW. And I REALLY REALLY REALLY hope that Tennessee will get a book of his own. I ADORE that guy. Both the main characters in this one were likable. As I mentioned above, I felt they were both a little underdeveloped. They both had backgrounds that could have been fleshed out more and that could have come into play in the present. I think I also would have liked to have seen the book play out over a longer period so we would have gotten more relationship buildup. Also, Marlowe forgave Harley way too quickly and easily. I needed more groveling. Last, this was all wrapped up in an OK ending. A weak happy for now. Personally, I would have liked to have seen a little something more for this couple but the author mentions we will see them again in book three, so I wasn't too bothered by that. All in all, this was another cracking read from this author and I look forward to seeing what she has up her sleeve for Victor and Ivy. Therefore this one is getting two solid thumbs up from yours truly.