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Top Shelf #4
Devils & Rye
Forbidden fruit tastes the sweetest.
It had been years since I had seen her.
Years since I last saw those eyes with pure, raw innocence.
So much time had passed since I lusted after what I knew I should resist.
But she was so right.
And I was so wrong.
To claim her as mine was breaking the rules. Boundaries should not be broken. But temptation weakens my resolve.
With the pull of my dark desires...
I know that I can't hide from my sinful thoughts—and actions—forever.
It had been years since I had seen her.
Years since I last saw those eyes with pure, raw innocence.
So much time had passed since I lusted after what I knew I should resist.
But she was so right.
And I was so wrong.
To claim her as mine was breaking the rules. Boundaries should not be broken. But temptation weakens my resolve.
With the pull of my dark desires...
I know that I can't hide from my sinful thoughts—and actions—forever.
204 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 27, 2018
About the author
Alta Hensley
95 books1,622 followersAlta Hensley is a USA TODAY bestselling author of hot, dark and dirty romance. She is also an Amazon Top 10 bestselling author. Being a multi-published author in the romance genre, Alta is known for her dark, gritty alpha heroes, sometimes sweet love stories, hot eroticism, and engaging tales of the constant struggle between dominance and submission.
She lives in Astoria, Oregon with her husband, two daughters, and an Australian Shepherd. When she isn't walking the coastline, and drinking beer in her favorite breweries, she is writing about villains who always get their love story and happily ever after.
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She lives in Astoria, Oregon with her husband, two daughters, and an Australian Shepherd. When she isn't walking the coastline, and drinking beer in her favorite breweries, she is writing about villains who always get their love story and happily ever after.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AltaHensleyA...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Alta-Hensley/e...
Website: www.altahensley.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/altahensley
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/alta-...
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@altahensley
Join her mailing list: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
March 26, 2018
~WRITING - PLOT - PACE~So where do I start? Sigh...OK, so I enjoyed this one for the most part but as this series goes on I am left feeling like I need MORE from these stories and these characters. They are just way too short to feel fully developed and the heroes that when first introduced seemed like they were going to be these twisted f-cked up alpha men have gotten weaker each book. I do really love this author's writing, and this one was marginally better than the last, but something was again missing for me.
Like I mentioned above this was a short book that basically took me less than two hours to read. It was told in a dual POV format which is my favorite. The plot was pretty engaging and kept me turning the pages. That said, everything went at breakneck speed. The switch from MaKayla thinking of Alec as "Uncle Alec" to wanting to f-ck him was incredibly fast considering she never even thinks about him that way ONCE until she is drunk. The same with Alec, then they are exchanging "ILYs" hours later. In fact, the entire book takes place over just a couple days. I also thought the whole ritual thing was a bit anti-climactic after Alec made it sound like this "horrifying they'll be lucky to survive" thing.
~HERO~
ALEC...He was OK. His character came across a bit weak to me. I guess I wanted a more twisted and kinky type of hero.
~HEROINE~
MAKAYLA...Lord was this chick too stupid to live. I honestly didn't see what Alec wanted with her other than she was pretty and a virgin. She was unbelievably naïve. She was twenty years old but was scared when she started to have an orgasm (save me). I sort of understood from the way she was raised...but ya, I just never warmed up to her.
~SECONDARY CHARACTERS~
There were basically no secondary characters in this one. Some baddies and MaKayla's Dad pops up briefly, but the focus is on Alec and MaKayla. P.S. I am still holding out hope Tennessee gets a book of his own.
~HEAT LEVEL~
Medium. There was a handful of suitably sexy scenes in this one. Some spanking. Some forced exhibitionism. Anal. Personally, I wanted to see a kinkier Alec, but it was what it was.
~ANGST LEVEL~
Low. There was very little in the way of angst in this one. It's VERY insta everything in regard to the romantic relationship. There is some angst because of the ritual they have to take part in, but that turned out to be pretty tame and never really cause any issues. There wasn't any OW drama or OM drama either.
~IN THE END~
It was OK. I DID enjoy it for the most part. I know my review may not sound like I did, but I did. That said, I feel like these books have the potential to be better. The elements are all there. The plots are intriguing and original. I think they are just too short for me to fully connect with the stories and/or the characters. In any case, I am still hanging in to see what guy we will have the pleasure of meeting next (I am hoping ROMAN the Prince.) And yours truly is going to give this a thumbs up.
March 27, 2018
There’s a secret organization that grants favors, but not without something in return. Names are drawn and trials are endured. Makayla’s name has been chosen and she needs to be protected because her father has no intention of giving her up. That’s where Alec fits in - protector and seducer combined. Makayla has lived a pretty sheltered life and never really got to sample a true taste of freedom, but she’s a know-it-all. No one can tell her what to do. Rather than stay in the safety of someone who has experience with the secret org, nope, this chick tricks him and leaves his protection, running straight into the crooked arms of the men she was to be protected from. And that’s where I lost the plot.
I didn’t love this one as much because I couldn’t connect with these characters or their story. I’m all for a taboo read and I find it hard to resist the whole “daddy’s best friend is so hot” trope, but this one failed to truly pique my interest. Uncle Alec was a big old softie and his so-called niece, Makayla, was a bloody fool. Here’s the thing: I can’t stand when someone who admits to being inexperienced tries to behave like an expert.
I’ve quite enjoyed this series. Each book has provided an original story with such interesting characters and plot lines, each different from the rest. These men could definitely scorch the panties off of any woman, willing or not 😍😍😍
If you’re looking for a steamy, suspenseful read, with secrets and intrigue aplenty, then this just might be the book for you.
Release: 03.27.2018 | Romantic Suspense - Taboo treat | Dual POV - 1st person | Heat: 4 | Standalone - Top Shelf #4
Check out the Release Blitz! https://bit.ly/2DZwouR
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I didn’t love this one as much because I couldn’t connect with these characters or their story. I’m all for a taboo read and I find it hard to resist the whole “daddy’s best friend is so hot” trope, but this one failed to truly pique my interest. Uncle Alec was a big old softie and his so-called niece, Makayla, was a bloody fool. Here’s the thing: I can’t stand when someone who admits to being inexperienced tries to behave like an expert.
I’ve quite enjoyed this series. Each book has provided an original story with such interesting characters and plot lines, each different from the rest. These men could definitely scorch the panties off of any woman, willing or not 😍😍😍
If you’re looking for a steamy, suspenseful read, with secrets and intrigue aplenty, then this just might be the book for you.
Release: 03.27.2018 | Romantic Suspense - Taboo treat | Dual POV - 1st person | Heat: 4 | Standalone - Top Shelf #4
Check out the Release Blitz! https://bit.ly/2DZwouR
Blogger | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest
April 14, 2018
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️STARS
ARC REVIEW COPY.
Release Date-27/3/18
So I enjoyed this instalment in the series, I loved that it featured an age-gap romance.
I've got to admit I am a sucker for this trope.
Mainly because I have been in this type of relationship for the last 23 years myself (20 years age gap for us)
So I was really looking forward to Devils &Rye to see what it had to bring to the table for this series.
It was very much swings and roundabouts for me.
I enjoyed the first half of this book much more than the second.
But I've still given it four stars overall as it still managed to engage me for a good couple hours.
So what I liked.
Well, the age gap obviously.
It was also very engaging, keeping my interest throughout and I did find the relationship between Alec and Makayala believable.
Both characters were extremely likeable individuals and the story was easy to follow and could definitely be read as a standalone.
It was told in dual POV which is my favourite.
I also liked the fact that this wasn't very angsty.
This was also super hot in places and I could definitely feel the emotion between the pair.
that said this was very instalove with Makayla and Alec switching from adoptive family to lust very quickly indeed.
And with this being a short read it kind of lost of lost something there for me also.
I would have loved to have seen this developing relationship explored much more slowly and with more depth.
I also thought Makayla was a little dumb and immature in her reactions at times.
And ultimately I would have liked for this to have been a much darker, I do so love me a dark dominant anti-hero.
Alec was much more lovable and not that dark.
I also thought the end was going to be more shocking, which it wasn't.
So as I said ups and downs.
Ultimately though when weighing things up I did enjoy this and I read Devils & Rye in one sitting.
For me, It was a short and sexy read.
So a thumbs up from me.
Thank You to the Author for providing me with an ARC of (Devils & Rye (Top Shelf #4) of which I have reviewed voluntary.
All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
March 22, 2018
.....And another one gets enticed!
The men of Spiked Roses drink Expensive Liquor and indulge in Expensive Pleasures. It's Alec's turn now. His tastes for Aged Rye and Kinky sex makes it an exhilarating read
Only he's Uncle Alec now. What with his best friend and ex business partner, Rhett's daughter, Makayla, coming in his club, seeking refuge. She's not aware of it but the Iron Colts of Brotherhood have usurped her life. Both her father's and her life has been decided, the verdict written in stone and put in the Ritual Jar.
The ritual is supposed to be symbolic of a society that thrived for decades. To demonstrate power, control, dark desires, and show that there is a price to pay for it all.”
The story is intoxicating, indeed !!
A heady cocktail of Forbidden Lust and violent charades, this is a dangerous game they are playing. The outcome is certain Death and Alex and Makayla, both sacrifice for each other happily.
I was going straight to hell. I shouldn’t be looking, but fuck if I could help it. Jesus Christ she was hot. Smoking hot. Makayla. Sweet, innocent, little Makayla.
It kept me engrossed was a rapid read, very heavy on kinky fuckery.
Keep going Alta, lots of liquors still to be tasted and lots of spankings still to be done.
4 Spanking stars
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The men of Spiked Roses drink Expensive Liquor and indulge in Expensive Pleasures. It's Alec's turn now. His tastes for Aged Rye and Kinky sex makes it an exhilarating read
Only he's Uncle Alec now. What with his best friend and ex business partner, Rhett's daughter, Makayla, coming in his club, seeking refuge. She's not aware of it but the Iron Colts of Brotherhood have usurped her life. Both her father's and her life has been decided, the verdict written in stone and put in the Ritual Jar.
The ritual is supposed to be symbolic of a society that thrived for decades. To demonstrate power, control, dark desires, and show that there is a price to pay for it all.”
The story is intoxicating, indeed !!
A heady cocktail of Forbidden Lust and violent charades, this is a dangerous game they are playing. The outcome is certain Death and Alex and Makayla, both sacrifice for each other happily.
I was going straight to hell. I shouldn’t be looking, but fuck if I could help it. Jesus Christ she was hot. Smoking hot. Makayla. Sweet, innocent, little Makayla.
It kept me engrossed was a rapid read, very heavy on kinky fuckery.
Keep going Alta, lots of liquors still to be tasted and lots of spankings still to be done.
4 Spanking stars
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July 2, 2022
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- Excellent - Highly Recommended
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - A good, solid read
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ - An okay read
2 ⭐️⭐️ - Meh
1 ⭐️ - Not my cup of tea
This book has a quick time line and an insta-love, but it works. I don’t feel like it was rushed. I think the story ran very smooth and everything clicked.
This book is dark. This book talks about subjects and has scenes that could be hard for some to read. If you even doubt that you could read this book, this book might not be for you.
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - A good, solid read
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ - An okay read
2 ⭐️⭐️ - Meh
1 ⭐️ - Not my cup of tea
This book has a quick time line and an insta-love, but it works. I don’t feel like it was rushed. I think the story ran very smooth and everything clicked.
This book is dark. This book talks about subjects and has scenes that could be hard for some to read. If you even doubt that you could read this book, this book might not be for you.
March 27, 2018
Devils & Rye is book four in the Top Shelf series. As these books are so good I do recommend you read them all :)
When Alec is asked and agrees to take care of an old friends daughter, Makayla, he doesn’t know what he’s let himself in for.
I enjoyed this read and read it in one sitting. It wasn’t my favourite of the series but I still enjoyed it. If you enjoy a Insta love read then you’ll enjoy this story.
I’m thoroughly enjoying this authors books and am looking forward to what else she has up her sleeve for us.
When Alec is asked and agrees to take care of an old friends daughter, Makayla, he doesn’t know what he’s let himself in for.
I enjoyed this read and read it in one sitting. It wasn’t my favourite of the series but I still enjoyed it. If you enjoy a Insta love read then you’ll enjoy this story.
I’m thoroughly enjoying this authors books and am looking forward to what else she has up her sleeve for us.
June 19, 2022
With this one I was more than a bit stucked - the trope age-gap presented doesn't appeal to me at all this time, but I'm stayed tune in because the story around it interested me and I wanted to know what's behind it.
Unfortunately, the two main characters don't reach me at all, their desire and realisation in embracing each other lacked credibility for me and I didn’t cared about them and their development to become a couple.
Don’t get me wrong, the writing and telling was as good as ever - maybe really a personal thing that it didn’t get me. To be fair in rating the book, I'll divide it into a general 4-star rating and a personal 2-star rating, which gives it a 3 over all.
Unfortunately, the two main characters don't reach me at all, their desire and realisation in embracing each other lacked credibility for me and I didn’t cared about them and their development to become a couple.
Don’t get me wrong, the writing and telling was as good as ever - maybe really a personal thing that it didn’t get me. To be fair in rating the book, I'll divide it into a general 4-star rating and a personal 2-star rating, which gives it a 3 over all.
August 11, 2018
In Devils & Rye, we meet Alec, who is one of the owners of Spiked Roses. He is surprised when he receives a letter from his old friend Rhett, asking him to watch over his daughter Makayla. It turns out, the past has finally caught up to him. The Iron Colt Brotherhood, a secret society of rich men, has drawn Makayla's name for their yearly ritual. She will be one of six women who are to be sold to the highest bidder as slaves. They are to do as their master commands and for these women, they will endure a life of humiliation and pain. Will Alec be able to save her, and her father too?
This story is a dark, twisted and taboo read, which kept me turning the pages. I thoroughly enjoyed it and can't wait to see what Alta Hensley has in store for us next.
This story is a dark, twisted and taboo read, which kept me turning the pages. I thoroughly enjoyed it and can't wait to see what Alta Hensley has in store for us next.
January 17, 2021
For a series about a sex club we rarely have yet to see much of said sex club.
At least in the book prior we got a hero that was legit freaky.
Alec was tame. I did like the concept of tgis book in the beginning. It's an age gap and dad's best friend trope. Alec's friend writes Alec and asks him to look after his daughter since he is in trouble with some secret society they both are in.
This follows the same formula of other books where the most depraved and kinky acts are done by the villains because the heroes are too nice to do that to their heroines.
Makayla wants to save her father so she allows herself to be used as a sex slave for the Brotherhood's upcoming ritual. Alec shows up and buys her for the ritual. So he does the actual kinky stuff but all the while feeling guilty about it.
Slight spoilers because I gotta rant
So even though Spiked Rose's members were supposed to have the most hardcore kinky perverts around it seems the Brotherhood is portrayed as really sick. The ritual comes and all the ladies have to do is give a blowjob to the men who purchased them. They do have a dildo up their bottoms but after being hyped how awful the ordeal this ritual is gonna be it was pretty anti climatic. There's a scene where he smacks her kitty and is feeling all guilty about it but he has to prepare her for the ritual she's gonna do. 🙄
Like really? I wish we got more of the club because what is going on that is so depraved and so kinky that women were bringing up valid lawsuits because of all the weird stuff they were made to do? Those women must have been overly sensitive or prudes if one of those depraved men who would do unspeakable acts is shown feeling guilty about a few swats to the kitty.
When he does purchase her he does have sex with her in front of the Brotherhood but only to act like he is for real and not being a hero. The "kinky" parts annoyed me in this one.
I guess with having some promise with Victor Drayton I was hoping Alec wouldn't be so normal. Alec and Makayla was really sugary sweet especially at the end.
At least in the book prior we got a hero that was legit freaky.
Alec was tame. I did like the concept of tgis book in the beginning. It's an age gap and dad's best friend trope. Alec's friend writes Alec and asks him to look after his daughter since he is in trouble with some secret society they both are in.
This follows the same formula of other books where the most depraved and kinky acts are done by the villains because the heroes are too nice to do that to their heroines.
Makayla wants to save her father so she allows herself to be used as a sex slave for the Brotherhood's upcoming ritual. Alec shows up and buys her for the ritual. So he does the actual kinky stuff but all the while feeling guilty about it.
Slight spoilers because I gotta rant
So even though Spiked Rose's members were supposed to have the most hardcore kinky perverts around it seems the Brotherhood is portrayed as really sick. The ritual comes and all the ladies have to do is give a blowjob to the men who purchased them. They do have a dildo up their bottoms but after being hyped how awful the ordeal this ritual is gonna be it was pretty anti climatic. There's a scene where he smacks her kitty and is feeling all guilty about it but he has to prepare her for the ritual she's gonna do. 🙄
Like really? I wish we got more of the club because what is going on that is so depraved and so kinky that women were bringing up valid lawsuits because of all the weird stuff they were made to do? Those women must have been overly sensitive or prudes if one of those depraved men who would do unspeakable acts is shown feeling guilty about a few swats to the kitty.
When he does purchase her he does have sex with her in front of the Brotherhood but only to act like he is for real and not being a hero. The "kinky" parts annoyed me in this one.
I guess with having some promise with Victor Drayton I was hoping Alec wouldn't be so normal. Alec and Makayla was really sugary sweet especially at the end.
March 27, 2018
I didn't think anyone could knock Kenneth off my fave alpha in this series, but Alec certainly did. He was everything I wanted in a character. I love Alta draws you into the dark world of Spiked Roses and leaves you begging for more once you've turned the last page. This series keeps getting better, hotter, and just more delicious with every tantalizing sip!
March 27, 2018
Makayla has been sheltered for most of her life. She’s finally ready to be on her own nd has her first job as a hostess at Spiked Roses, thanks to her connection with one of the owners. Before her new life even has a chance to begin, however, the past catches up with her and she is whisked away to to keep her safe from a threat that could end her life.
Alec has known Makayla since she was a child, so when his old friend and business partner reaches out to him to protect her, he has no choice but to do so and ener a life he left behind years ago. As Alec takes Makayla to an old vacation property their families used to share, their taboo attraction grows. While Mackayla may call him Uncle Alec, she’s not a little girl anymore and both are seeing one another as forbidden fruit.
While she may be naive, once Makayla realizes what her father is up against, she decides to throw herself into the fray in hopes of saving him without Alec’s help or permission. What she doesn’t understand is that it’s too late to take her father’s place in a secret ritual and now both of them, and Alec who tries to save her as best he can all all in extreme danger.
What follows is a secret society’s ritual that can only be described as barbaric and deadly. Women are chosen and used and abused as sexual slaves in the worst of ways and mean are forced to play a deadly game of roulette all because they’ve asked for a favor from the powerful members that have made up this secret group for generations. Lives will be put at risk. Relationships will be tested and no one will leave the ritual the same once it’s through.
While the entire Top Shelf series has been dark erotica, I found this to be the darkest book yet. The somewhat taboo relationship was pretty juicy, considering that even though they are not truly related, Alec and Makayla have always thought of one another as family and Alec is truly old enough to be her father. The secret ritual, however, was extremely disturbing. It definitely contained a shock factor I was not expecting.
I didn’t connect as well with Alec and Makayla as I have with other couples in this series. Makayla was ridiculously sheltered and naive, yet threw herself into danger with no assistance from the one man her father sent to protect her. I also felt Alec lacked some of the depth the other owners of Spiked Roses have had in prior books in the series.
If you enjoy a dark erotic thriller, Devils & Rye should be an enjoyable read for you. While it is easily read as a standalone, I do suggest picking up the other books in the series to get the unique flavor and storyline that each presents. 3.5 stars.
Alec has known Makayla since she was a child, so when his old friend and business partner reaches out to him to protect her, he has no choice but to do so and ener a life he left behind years ago. As Alec takes Makayla to an old vacation property their families used to share, their taboo attraction grows. While Mackayla may call him Uncle Alec, she’s not a little girl anymore and both are seeing one another as forbidden fruit.
While she may be naive, once Makayla realizes what her father is up against, she decides to throw herself into the fray in hopes of saving him without Alec’s help or permission. What she doesn’t understand is that it’s too late to take her father’s place in a secret ritual and now both of them, and Alec who tries to save her as best he can all all in extreme danger.
What follows is a secret society’s ritual that can only be described as barbaric and deadly. Women are chosen and used and abused as sexual slaves in the worst of ways and mean are forced to play a deadly game of roulette all because they’ve asked for a favor from the powerful members that have made up this secret group for generations. Lives will be put at risk. Relationships will be tested and no one will leave the ritual the same once it’s through.
While the entire Top Shelf series has been dark erotica, I found this to be the darkest book yet. The somewhat taboo relationship was pretty juicy, considering that even though they are not truly related, Alec and Makayla have always thought of one another as family and Alec is truly old enough to be her father. The secret ritual, however, was extremely disturbing. It definitely contained a shock factor I was not expecting.
I didn’t connect as well with Alec and Makayla as I have with other couples in this series. Makayla was ridiculously sheltered and naive, yet threw herself into danger with no assistance from the one man her father sent to protect her. I also felt Alec lacked some of the depth the other owners of Spiked Roses have had in prior books in the series.
If you enjoy a dark erotic thriller, Devils & Rye should be an enjoyable read for you. While it is easily read as a standalone, I do suggest picking up the other books in the series to get the unique flavor and storyline that each presents. 3.5 stars.
March 22, 2018
Devils & Rye is a bit different than the rest of the past books.
This one is an almost immediate lust/love relationship between Alec and Makayla.
There’s also an added taboo element in this one that I loved!
I loved Alec.
He’s a strong sexy level headed man.
He also is commanding and domineering in his business and his bedroom.
I didn’t really care for Makayla like I did the other heroines in the previous books.
I did try to keep in mind her age and her being sheltered all her life.
But her actions and her constantly questioning Alec’s long cut ties to the Brotherhood didn’t endear me to her.
The problems that Alec and Makayla deal with have nothing to do with Spiked Roses but it’s more of a personal involvement in a Blue Blood brotherhood that has some demented rituals they participate in.
The “actual ritual” that Alex and Rhett were scared to death of having Makayla being forced into wasn’t has shocking or dark as I thought it would be.
What was chilling for me was the ritual the six men had to go through.
I enjoyed the major premises of the plot. I actually do believe these kinds of secret brotherhoods do exist.
Of course the writing is fantastic,it’s pulling and gripping because Ms. Hensley is an outstanding story teller!
Looking forward to the next book 😍
This one is an almost immediate lust/love relationship between Alec and Makayla.
There’s also an added taboo element in this one that I loved!
I loved Alec.
He’s a strong sexy level headed man.
He also is commanding and domineering in his business and his bedroom.
I didn’t really care for Makayla like I did the other heroines in the previous books.
I did try to keep in mind her age and her being sheltered all her life.
But her actions and her constantly questioning Alec’s long cut ties to the Brotherhood didn’t endear me to her.
The problems that Alec and Makayla deal with have nothing to do with Spiked Roses but it’s more of a personal involvement in a Blue Blood brotherhood that has some demented rituals they participate in.
The “actual ritual” that Alex and Rhett were scared to death of having Makayla being forced into wasn’t has shocking or dark as I thought it would be.
What was chilling for me was the ritual the six men had to go through.
I enjoyed the major premises of the plot. I actually do believe these kinds of secret brotherhoods do exist.
Of course the writing is fantastic,it’s pulling and gripping because Ms. Hensley is an outstanding story teller!
Looking forward to the next book 😍
March 27, 2018
Devils & Rye by Alta Hensley is 4TH book in the Top Shelf Series. This is the story of Alec and Makayla. This can be read as a standalone but if you haven’t read the other books in this series, give them a whirl and give them a read.
Alec is part owner in the Gentleman's Club called Spiked Roses. The book gives the backstory on how Spiked Roses got started. Alec’s best friend and ex business partner, Rhett has sent his 20 year old daughter Makayla to his best friend Alec to keep her safe. Makayla has known Alec since she was a little girl but now that she is 20 years old, that little girl crush is so much more. Those feelings are intense and deep. Alec feels the same deep attraction but what is holding him back is his friendship that he holds with her father, Rhett. On top of the budding romance with Makayla, she is in danger and he must protect her at all costs. If you like your romance full of heat and steam, along with action and angst, then you don’t want to miss the latest from Alta Hensley.
My Rating: 4.6 stars *****
“I received an advanced copy of this book from the author at no cost to me."
Alec is part owner in the Gentleman's Club called Spiked Roses. The book gives the backstory on how Spiked Roses got started. Alec’s best friend and ex business partner, Rhett has sent his 20 year old daughter Makayla to his best friend Alec to keep her safe. Makayla has known Alec since she was a little girl but now that she is 20 years old, that little girl crush is so much more. Those feelings are intense and deep. Alec feels the same deep attraction but what is holding him back is his friendship that he holds with her father, Rhett. On top of the budding romance with Makayla, she is in danger and he must protect her at all costs. If you like your romance full of heat and steam, along with action and angst, then you don’t want to miss the latest from Alta Hensley.
My Rating: 4.6 stars *****
“I received an advanced copy of this book from the author at no cost to me."
March 27, 2018
This series just gets better and better!
Devils & Rye by Alta Hensley is book 4 in the Top Shelf series. And this series is A MUST READ!!!
When Alec receives a letter from his old business partner to protect his daughter, Makayla he agrees to hire the innocent young woman. But circumstances change and Alec needs to get Makayla out of harms way.
Uncle Alec as Makayla knows him is 20 years older then her. Yet being together in a secluded cabin has made her have feelings unknown to her.
Alec and Makayla have an instant connection. And let me say watching them was exciting, and enticing! She's everything Alec should not want, yet she's everything he needs.
Devils & Rye has all feels. And is taboo AF!! I found myself once again captivated by the incredible world of the top shelf series. Alta Hensley has a way with her words to draw you completely into her storyline, and gives us these characters we ADORE!!! She continues to be a must read author for me. I highly recommend this series!!!
*I voluntarily read an advance copy from the author. This is my honest review.*
Devils & Rye by Alta Hensley is book 4 in the Top Shelf series. And this series is A MUST READ!!!
When Alec receives a letter from his old business partner to protect his daughter, Makayla he agrees to hire the innocent young woman. But circumstances change and Alec needs to get Makayla out of harms way.
Uncle Alec as Makayla knows him is 20 years older then her. Yet being together in a secluded cabin has made her have feelings unknown to her.
Alec and Makayla have an instant connection. And let me say watching them was exciting, and enticing! She's everything Alec should not want, yet she's everything he needs.
Devils & Rye has all feels. And is taboo AF!! I found myself once again captivated by the incredible world of the top shelf series. Alta Hensley has a way with her words to draw you completely into her storyline, and gives us these characters we ADORE!!! She continues to be a must read author for me. I highly recommend this series!!!
*I voluntarily read an advance copy from the author. This is my honest review.*
March 25, 2018
Devils & Rye by Alta Hensley is book Four in the Top Shelf Series. This is the story of Alec and Makayla. I haven't yet read the other books but feel this can easily be a standalone book.
Alec is part owner in the Gentleman's Club called Spiked Roses but he once was a business partner with Rhett back home. But when danger threaten Rhett left and started a new life and business that became Spiked Roses. Rhett chose to stay behind and they remained friends but now in the present day Rhett has sent his 20 year old daughter Makayla to his best friend Alec to keep her safe. Makayla knows him as Uncle Alec since she was a little girl, but the feeling of seeing Alec again are more thank little girl feelings. Alec too is attracted to Makayla but can he dishonor his friendship with pursing them and most importantly he needs to keep Makayla safe.
Exciting hot read!
Alec is part owner in the Gentleman's Club called Spiked Roses but he once was a business partner with Rhett back home. But when danger threaten Rhett left and started a new life and business that became Spiked Roses. Rhett chose to stay behind and they remained friends but now in the present day Rhett has sent his 20 year old daughter Makayla to his best friend Alec to keep her safe. Makayla knows him as Uncle Alec since she was a little girl, but the feeling of seeing Alec again are more thank little girl feelings. Alec too is attracted to Makayla but can he dishonor his friendship with pursing them and most importantly he needs to keep Makayla safe.
Exciting hot read!
January 8, 2021
Weak 3-stars.
Read as part of Spiked Roses: The Complete Top Shelf Series. This definitely crossed into taboo territory with Alec's history as Makalya's honorary uncle. The author tried, but I couldn't get past he squick factor and skimmed significant sections, including the steamy bits. Also not a fan of Makalya's TSTL behavior that put in the hands of the nefarious secret society.
Read as part of Spiked Roses: The Complete Top Shelf Series. This definitely crossed into taboo territory with Alec's history as Makalya's honorary uncle. The author tried, but I couldn't get past he squick factor and skimmed significant sections, including the steamy bits. Also not a fan of Makalya's TSTL behavior that put in the hands of the nefarious secret society.
April 2, 2018
I loved this series to pieces, each character strongly alpha, and this was no question one of my favorites. The innocence of the female lead, the older man falling helplessly, and as always the action and danger intermingled with the romance. I was held transfixed as I devoured and will lovingly remember each member of the Spiked Roses Club for a long time to come! I thank the Author for providing a copy to review!
~~~Erika, Book Haven Book Blog
~~~Erika, Book Haven Book Blog
March 20, 2018
OMG! I loved it! Some parts were a little shocking but I couldn't stop reading. I was totally drawn in and loved every second of it. This series just gets better and better. Alec is awesome! Dark and dangerous and oh so hot! So intriguing and full of dark delights. You'll definitely want this book!
April 1, 2018
3.5/5
This isn't my first time reading a book by this author and I know it won't be the last. But.... I don't know what to say about this book. I liked the first 40% and then it went downhill. The detail within the story was really good but the characters were utterly annoying more MacKayla than Alec. I might be in the minority but I have to go by what I feel...
I know characters do dumb things but MacKayla just had me shaking my head half the time. Alec's feelings went from not wanting MacKayla to seeing a future with her. It went by too quickly. I didn't know what to make of it.
This isn't my first time reading a book by this author and I know it won't be the last. But.... I don't know what to say about this book. I liked the first 40% and then it went downhill. The detail within the story was really good but the characters were utterly annoying more MacKayla than Alec. I might be in the minority but I have to go by what I feel...
I know characters do dumb things but MacKayla just had me shaking my head half the time. Alec's feelings went from not wanting MacKayla to seeing a future with her. It went by too quickly. I didn't know what to make of it.
March 24, 2018
HERE’S TO THE HOUSE, TO THE LAKE, TO OLD MEMORIES AND CREATING NEW ONES
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.
Alec is one of the owners of Spiked Roses, he has done well for himself, still single, but doing well financially. He is shocked when he hears from his former business partner and longtime friend, Rhett Knox. In a letter, he asks Alec to please take Makayla to their lake house and keep her safe. Makayla, twenty-years-old, had just come to New Orleans and was to start working as a hostess in the club. The letter brings up old demons, ones that Alec walked away from but once again; they have made their presences known and not only will it affect Rhett, but Makayla and her innocence.
It all revolves around the long-standing Iron Colt Brotherhood, which has been around since before the civil war, and most of the well-to-do families were born into it and passed down from generation to generation in families like it was for Rhett and Alec.
“I know that being part of the society can help make every man’s—who is willing to pay the price—dreams to come true. The power of the men involved, the connections, the favors that can be granted. Politicians have gained their positions because of the brotherhood. Investments that have formed multi-billion dollar companies from nothing originated out of the brotherhood. If a member asks for a ‘favor,’ then the favor is granted by the other members of the brotherhood. But no favor comes for free. For every favor you ask, you have to put your name on a rock that goes into a large urn.”
“That every a year, rocks are pulled, and the names on those rocks have to participate in a ritual of some kind. A ritual that could be deadly. “
Rhett will leave his most precious item, his sheltered daughter, Makayla, in the care of Alec because he refuses to allow her to be part of the ritual when her name is drawn and instead, forfeits himself. But will that be good enough?
Alec and Makayla at the lake house are attracted to each other, and he is fighting his desires to claim her. For Makayla, she wants Alec, and their desires will take over. Alec is old enough to be her father, he and her father were business partners, and he should resist, yet she wants this too. What they have at the lake house is sweet, but that is going to change because of her impetuous decision, the very one these men are trying to protect her from.
Makayla can’t let her father’s life remain in jeopardy, and she will take off to try and rescue him, and the story will take on a matter of life and death danger. Now it isn’t only Rhett, but Makayla who will be part of the ritualistic games. Will Alec be able to save them, and what will be the cost of returning to the Brotherhood? Six women are going to be sold off to the highest bidder as slaves, and their Masters are allowed to do whatever they chose, for the women, they will endure a living hell of humiliation and pain.
“There was no Makayla and Alec. There was only Master and slave. It decimated all that was good left inside. All that was left was evil as the demons watching on. All that was left was rape, conquer, demand, hate, and hope. A dark, awful, alluring hope that if we played along, maybe—just maybe we could save my father and walk out of her alive.”
The rituals of the Brotherhood are all a game to many of them, and that is why Alec walked away. The treatment of the six women and six men, one of whom will die, all for greed and power. Will Alec, Rhett, and Makayla survive the ritual and walk away? If they do, what will become of them when this ordeal is over?
“To have to sit at a table and wish for another man’s death turned me into the living and breathing Devil—evil, sinister, and a pure monster.”
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.
Alec is one of the owners of Spiked Roses, he has done well for himself, still single, but doing well financially. He is shocked when he hears from his former business partner and longtime friend, Rhett Knox. In a letter, he asks Alec to please take Makayla to their lake house and keep her safe. Makayla, twenty-years-old, had just come to New Orleans and was to start working as a hostess in the club. The letter brings up old demons, ones that Alec walked away from but once again; they have made their presences known and not only will it affect Rhett, but Makayla and her innocence.
It all revolves around the long-standing Iron Colt Brotherhood, which has been around since before the civil war, and most of the well-to-do families were born into it and passed down from generation to generation in families like it was for Rhett and Alec.
“I know that being part of the society can help make every man’s—who is willing to pay the price—dreams to come true. The power of the men involved, the connections, the favors that can be granted. Politicians have gained their positions because of the brotherhood. Investments that have formed multi-billion dollar companies from nothing originated out of the brotherhood. If a member asks for a ‘favor,’ then the favor is granted by the other members of the brotherhood. But no favor comes for free. For every favor you ask, you have to put your name on a rock that goes into a large urn.”
“That every a year, rocks are pulled, and the names on those rocks have to participate in a ritual of some kind. A ritual that could be deadly. “
Rhett will leave his most precious item, his sheltered daughter, Makayla, in the care of Alec because he refuses to allow her to be part of the ritual when her name is drawn and instead, forfeits himself. But will that be good enough?
Alec and Makayla at the lake house are attracted to each other, and he is fighting his desires to claim her. For Makayla, she wants Alec, and their desires will take over. Alec is old enough to be her father, he and her father were business partners, and he should resist, yet she wants this too. What they have at the lake house is sweet, but that is going to change because of her impetuous decision, the very one these men are trying to protect her from.
Makayla can’t let her father’s life remain in jeopardy, and she will take off to try and rescue him, and the story will take on a matter of life and death danger. Now it isn’t only Rhett, but Makayla who will be part of the ritualistic games. Will Alec be able to save them, and what will be the cost of returning to the Brotherhood? Six women are going to be sold off to the highest bidder as slaves, and their Masters are allowed to do whatever they chose, for the women, they will endure a living hell of humiliation and pain.
“There was no Makayla and Alec. There was only Master and slave. It decimated all that was good left inside. All that was left was evil as the demons watching on. All that was left was rape, conquer, demand, hate, and hope. A dark, awful, alluring hope that if we played along, maybe—just maybe we could save my father and walk out of her alive.”
The rituals of the Brotherhood are all a game to many of them, and that is why Alec walked away. The treatment of the six women and six men, one of whom will die, all for greed and power. Will Alec, Rhett, and Makayla survive the ritual and walk away? If they do, what will become of them when this ordeal is over?
“To have to sit at a table and wish for another man’s death turned me into the living and breathing Devil—evil, sinister, and a pure monster.”
June 5, 2019
Another great installment in this series!
"Wrong or right. Taboo and f*cked up. Makayla was going to be mine."
I'm sure you are wondering how I could headline my review with the word great yet give it 3 stars....the truth is that I rarely give 5 stars (meaning a book has to be edited to perfection and have a storyline that I become obsessed over for days after I put it down). 4 stars are reserved for those books that are edited well and keep me captivated that I can't put it down. 3 stars (like this one) are for those stories that I loved to read but the writing wasn't quite there in terms of finesse for me. Now that I've spilled that onto my review:
Devils & Rye is the 4th installment of the Top Shelf series and in this one we get to know Spiked Roses owner/partner Alec. Alec is a southern gentleman from a blueblood family in GA (old money). Escaping that life, New Orleans was his fresh start. Its not until a little girl who calls him uncle shows up as a sexy siren, all grown up. Her father (his ex business partner) is in serious trouble with a secret society (they are both members) and needs him to keep her safe.
"I would beg for forgiveness afterwards, but for now… For now, I would sin."
Makayla sees her relocation by her father to New Orleans as a chance to have a life. Having been sheltered for 20 years, she finally has a job at Spiked Roses thanks to her Uncle Alec and a new opportunity to create the life of her dreams. But she soon realizes that it's too good to be true when she is forced to the lake house Alec and her dad own together to keep her safe while her dad tries to sort out a mess that risks her life. What neither of them bank on is that their feelings are no longer that of a uncle and niece, but that they have an intense sexual and emotional attraction that it's going to be impossible to resist.
"I was a liar. A f*cking liar. I didn’t see this working out at all. It was not going to be okay."
But when Makayla sees an opportunity to help save her dad's life, she must make the choice to risk her own or stay safe in the arms of the man she's fallen for..and Alec must decide what lengths he's willing to go to save all 3 of them from fate.
This story does end with its own HEA. I did like the pace of this story and the fact that there were rarely any unnecessary parts or fillers. I loved the taboo nature of their relationship and how it proves you can't help who you love.
What I didn't like:
well this one had some editing issues that I hadn't noticed as much in the previous installments. There were also phrases repeated very often (some on the same page ex. "Get used to it was said back to back by the same person). Also (and this might be a personal preference) but anytime an author uses the word musky alone to describe a females private smell, it doesnt get the reaction from me that i think they are going for...a musky smell isnt pleasant so using it to describe an intimate area made me cringe slightly. It is very predictable at times and drama is added at the expense of making the lead characters look like idiots who couldn't find their way out of a situation with an easy solution. I also felt that the end was far to easy. They went to great lengths to put on a ruse in order to save themselves yet abandoned that ruse without anyone so much as questioning or raising suspicion. It also blew my mind that the father was so instantly accepting of the feelings these 2 share without so much as a concern raised.
Final Thoughts:
All in all, it is a good read that I felt could have been done a little better. It's still worth the time and money to read it.
"Wrong or right. Taboo and f*cked up. Makayla was going to be mine."
I'm sure you are wondering how I could headline my review with the word great yet give it 3 stars....the truth is that I rarely give 5 stars (meaning a book has to be edited to perfection and have a storyline that I become obsessed over for days after I put it down). 4 stars are reserved for those books that are edited well and keep me captivated that I can't put it down. 3 stars (like this one) are for those stories that I loved to read but the writing wasn't quite there in terms of finesse for me. Now that I've spilled that onto my review:
Devils & Rye is the 4th installment of the Top Shelf series and in this one we get to know Spiked Roses owner/partner Alec. Alec is a southern gentleman from a blueblood family in GA (old money). Escaping that life, New Orleans was his fresh start. Its not until a little girl who calls him uncle shows up as a sexy siren, all grown up. Her father (his ex business partner) is in serious trouble with a secret society (they are both members) and needs him to keep her safe.
"I would beg for forgiveness afterwards, but for now… For now, I would sin."
Makayla sees her relocation by her father to New Orleans as a chance to have a life. Having been sheltered for 20 years, she finally has a job at Spiked Roses thanks to her Uncle Alec and a new opportunity to create the life of her dreams. But she soon realizes that it's too good to be true when she is forced to the lake house Alec and her dad own together to keep her safe while her dad tries to sort out a mess that risks her life. What neither of them bank on is that their feelings are no longer that of a uncle and niece, but that they have an intense sexual and emotional attraction that it's going to be impossible to resist.
"I was a liar. A f*cking liar. I didn’t see this working out at all. It was not going to be okay."
But when Makayla sees an opportunity to help save her dad's life, she must make the choice to risk her own or stay safe in the arms of the man she's fallen for..and Alec must decide what lengths he's willing to go to save all 3 of them from fate.
This story does end with its own HEA. I did like the pace of this story and the fact that there were rarely any unnecessary parts or fillers. I loved the taboo nature of their relationship and how it proves you can't help who you love.
What I didn't like:
well this one had some editing issues that I hadn't noticed as much in the previous installments. There were also phrases repeated very often (some on the same page ex. "Get used to it was said back to back by the same person). Also (and this might be a personal preference) but anytime an author uses the word musky alone to describe a females private smell, it doesnt get the reaction from me that i think they are going for...a musky smell isnt pleasant so using it to describe an intimate area made me cringe slightly. It is very predictable at times and drama is added at the expense of making the lead characters look like idiots who couldn't find their way out of a situation with an easy solution. I also felt that the end was far to easy. They went to great lengths to put on a ruse in order to save themselves yet abandoned that ruse without anyone so much as questioning or raising suspicion. It also blew my mind that the father was so instantly accepting of the feelings these 2 share without so much as a concern raised.
Final Thoughts:
All in all, it is a good read that I felt could have been done a little better. It's still worth the time and money to read it.
March 26, 2018
Alta Hensley. Oh Alta. What can I say about Alta Hensley that I haven't already said before? She writes books that are dark, delicious, and go down smooth. For me, it's like the very, very best dark chocolate, rich, tasty, and almost black. And I'll take that kind of chocolate any day.
Devils & Rye brings us back to Spiked Roses, the premier gentlemen's club in New Orleans. You can go there to have a nice drink and look at the pretty girls, go there and get friendly with the pretty girls, or participate in a Tasting and play with a pretty girl. Spiked Roses has a very specific set of rules that members must follow, rules set down by the founding members and owners.
Alec, a very successful and powerful man, is one of those founding members. He came from Georgia, but left to get away from his past, and has made his life in NOLA now. When his best friend, Rhett, sent his lovely daughter, Makayla, to NOLA, he arranged for her Uncle Alec to watch over her while she worked at Spiked Roses. The problem is, on her very first day at work, Alec got a letter from Rhett telling him that she isn't safe and that he needed to get her away and hide her at their special place, a house on a lake called Home.
Makayla has been hidden away and sheltered all her life by her father. At almost 21, she's finally been freed and is able to go to NOLA. Of course, she still has to live under the watchful eye of Alec, but she still gets to have some life going on. Tennesee is getting her all dressed for her first night of training when Alec walks in on them with her dress around her waist, and hands her a letter from her father which tells her that she needs to run and hide with Alec so that she can be safe. But Makayla is worried about her father and isn't always the most careful and cautious person out there, which can cause a lot of problems.
OMG, this book was steaming hot for so many reasons. I mean, we have a sneaky, nasty secret society that does sneaky, nasty, and dangerous things. We have a man who tries to be honorable. We have another man who thinks he's a monster but doesn't want to be. We have a young woman who ends up in over her head. We have all kinds of sexy and yummy sex, from sweet and gentle to not sweet and not gentle, and since we're reading an Alta Hensley joint, there's a whole lot of spanking. And lest we forget, there's one very cold lake.
I lost myself in this book from the beginning to the end and had a hard time switching gears when I was finished. Alec and Makayla stuck around in my head, rattling around and having sex, which can be extraordinarily distracting, let me tell you. They are supposed to be Alta Hensley's imaginary friends and talk in her head. I guess this means that I found them to be real, living, breathing people.
This is another one of those books I wish I could give a gazillion stars, because It really deserved it and I loved it. I was almost sad to finish reading it because that means I can never read it for the first time again.
Devils & Rye brings us back to Spiked Roses, the premier gentlemen's club in New Orleans. You can go there to have a nice drink and look at the pretty girls, go there and get friendly with the pretty girls, or participate in a Tasting and play with a pretty girl. Spiked Roses has a very specific set of rules that members must follow, rules set down by the founding members and owners.
Alec, a very successful and powerful man, is one of those founding members. He came from Georgia, but left to get away from his past, and has made his life in NOLA now. When his best friend, Rhett, sent his lovely daughter, Makayla, to NOLA, he arranged for her Uncle Alec to watch over her while she worked at Spiked Roses. The problem is, on her very first day at work, Alec got a letter from Rhett telling him that she isn't safe and that he needed to get her away and hide her at their special place, a house on a lake called Home.
Makayla has been hidden away and sheltered all her life by her father. At almost 21, she's finally been freed and is able to go to NOLA. Of course, she still has to live under the watchful eye of Alec, but she still gets to have some life going on. Tennesee is getting her all dressed for her first night of training when Alec walks in on them with her dress around her waist, and hands her a letter from her father which tells her that she needs to run and hide with Alec so that she can be safe. But Makayla is worried about her father and isn't always the most careful and cautious person out there, which can cause a lot of problems.
OMG, this book was steaming hot for so many reasons. I mean, we have a sneaky, nasty secret society that does sneaky, nasty, and dangerous things. We have a man who tries to be honorable. We have another man who thinks he's a monster but doesn't want to be. We have a young woman who ends up in over her head. We have all kinds of sexy and yummy sex, from sweet and gentle to not sweet and not gentle, and since we're reading an Alta Hensley joint, there's a whole lot of spanking. And lest we forget, there's one very cold lake.
I lost myself in this book from the beginning to the end and had a hard time switching gears when I was finished. Alec and Makayla stuck around in my head, rattling around and having sex, which can be extraordinarily distracting, let me tell you. They are supposed to be Alta Hensley's imaginary friends and talk in her head. I guess this means that I found them to be real, living, breathing people.
This is another one of those books I wish I could give a gazillion stars, because It really deserved it and I loved it. I was almost sad to finish reading it because that means I can never read it for the first time again.
April 17, 2018
Totes my goats...
Before I dive in, I am going to do it - I'm flipping going to say it! Even though I sound like a broken record I have to be honest with you comrades... here be the disclaimer, though if you don't read this series, I will still say you are missing out on the jilling inspiration. Just putting to you straight. But alas, be aware that if you do pick up the Top Shelf Series (which I recommend you do) is a dark romance. It is jammed packed with mouth watering taboo, sexual experimentation that would make a grown woman blush, and steamy violence that only encompasses the questionable moments I find myself turned on when I should probably be a little scared. So I say this as always, if you aren't ready to sit at the bar with me, I understand; but if you opened this, I promise that cocktail shot will be smooth as fuck.
Whew - safety words established, lets get cracking.
I got my wish - thank you Hensley. You are a goddess, you are my everything. I wanted Alec and I got him. After the short mention of him in Scoundrels & Scotch, with his 'not really' niece applying for a job at the lustrous Spiked Roses, I had to know where this would lead. I mean, were they really related? And if so, how turned on weird would I be if this was incest? I mean, lets be serious, I have read VC Andrews, nothing scares me at this point of the possibilities. Seriously, I HAD TO KNOW!
Alec is Makaylas father's best friend, he watched her grow up for many years until losing touch, not coming face to face with the most taboo of situations he wants to admit he lusted for - queue the beaver drool. God did I flipping love Alec. He was different than the others so far. He was a closet sweet heart with a kink to add to the drool worthy sex appeal. Not only was he basically a closet sweet heart, but his compassion and romancing skills was five by five ladies. Southern gentlemen, which was strange after getting the first three men.
Makayla on the other point was just a naive, very much innocent female lead. Up until this point, I feel like all the female leads have had this already established kinky side to them, yet Makayla developed as the story developed. She wasn't afraid to be upfront with her feelings but also her innocence never took a back seat to the romance growth. That is probably why the chemistry worked so well, in my opinion, this time around. Aside from my obsession with the chemistry in Bastards & Whiskey, I haven't felt that the other two books had the flare connection that made the situation so believable.
Let me explain...
Though in book one there was definitely an insta-love/lust connection occurring, the build was beautifully flowed. As for the next following two, I felt the insta-love/lust was more or less overly established too quickly without enough development to the characters themselves. Not that I didn't enjoy in the least bit, just would have preferred more. Now rearing our lustful dirty minds back to Devils & Rye, the chemistry was off the pages sexy as hell. The romance definitely happens steadfast once introduced but there is already an established connection that makes the scenario more believable to the feelings developing. I loved it.
Strictly speaking in terms of the sexual encounters.... from the tension of the wrong verses right conflicts until the point of giving in - I wanted to dive myself into the pages and watch it. Call me a porn lover if you must, but all I could do was sweat myself off the chair and think "Well hot damn..." because it was delicious.
Something else that I have started to notice, which really has no reason nor rhyme of mention to the rating, but the covers! I have every physical copy of this series and I love the covers. I love the rough, rugged bar aged look, the characters plastered on the covers that really convey what might be expected from the personality. I love it. Amazing covers.
Overall, I love this series. I honestly think Alec was just the sweetest version of the owners up until now, and it was a nice change of pace. I highly recommend checking out the Top Shelf Series, you are missing out if you do not start this now!And though you could read them out of order, I will ask to steer away from doing it, read them in order. I promise it makes the evolution of these powerful men working at Spiked Roses so much more, just more delicious. Speaking of which... who do I think might be next? Please give me Roman.
Before I dive in, I am going to do it - I'm flipping going to say it! Even though I sound like a broken record I have to be honest with you comrades... here be the disclaimer, though if you don't read this series, I will still say you are missing out on the jilling inspiration. Just putting to you straight. But alas, be aware that if you do pick up the Top Shelf Series (which I recommend you do) is a dark romance. It is jammed packed with mouth watering taboo, sexual experimentation that would make a grown woman blush, and steamy violence that only encompasses the questionable moments I find myself turned on when I should probably be a little scared. So I say this as always, if you aren't ready to sit at the bar with me, I understand; but if you opened this, I promise that cocktail shot will be smooth as fuck.
Whew - safety words established, lets get cracking.
I got my wish - thank you Hensley. You are a goddess, you are my everything. I wanted Alec and I got him. After the short mention of him in Scoundrels & Scotch, with his 'not really' niece applying for a job at the lustrous Spiked Roses, I had to know where this would lead. I mean, were they really related? And if so, how turned on weird would I be if this was incest? I mean, lets be serious, I have read VC Andrews, nothing scares me at this point of the possibilities. Seriously, I HAD TO KNOW!
Alec is Makaylas father's best friend, he watched her grow up for many years until losing touch, not coming face to face with the most taboo of situations he wants to admit he lusted for - queue the beaver drool. God did I flipping love Alec. He was different than the others so far. He was a closet sweet heart with a kink to add to the drool worthy sex appeal. Not only was he basically a closet sweet heart, but his compassion and romancing skills was five by five ladies. Southern gentlemen, which was strange after getting the first three men.
Makayla on the other point was just a naive, very much innocent female lead. Up until this point, I feel like all the female leads have had this already established kinky side to them, yet Makayla developed as the story developed. She wasn't afraid to be upfront with her feelings but also her innocence never took a back seat to the romance growth. That is probably why the chemistry worked so well, in my opinion, this time around. Aside from my obsession with the chemistry in Bastards & Whiskey, I haven't felt that the other two books had the flare connection that made the situation so believable.
Let me explain...
Though in book one there was definitely an insta-love/lust connection occurring, the build was beautifully flowed. As for the next following two, I felt the insta-love/lust was more or less overly established too quickly without enough development to the characters themselves. Not that I didn't enjoy in the least bit, just would have preferred more. Now rearing our lustful dirty minds back to Devils & Rye, the chemistry was off the pages sexy as hell. The romance definitely happens steadfast once introduced but there is already an established connection that makes the scenario more believable to the feelings developing. I loved it.
Strictly speaking in terms of the sexual encounters.... from the tension of the wrong verses right conflicts until the point of giving in - I wanted to dive myself into the pages and watch it. Call me a porn lover if you must, but all I could do was sweat myself off the chair and think "Well hot damn..." because it was delicious.
Something else that I have started to notice, which really has no reason nor rhyme of mention to the rating, but the covers! I have every physical copy of this series and I love the covers. I love the rough, rugged bar aged look, the characters plastered on the covers that really convey what might be expected from the personality. I love it. Amazing covers.
Overall, I love this series. I honestly think Alec was just the sweetest version of the owners up until now, and it was a nice change of pace. I highly recommend checking out the Top Shelf Series, you are missing out if you do not start this now!And though you could read them out of order, I will ask to steer away from doing it, read them in order. I promise it makes the evolution of these powerful men working at Spiked Roses so much more, just more delicious. Speaking of which... who do I think might be next? Please give me Roman.
March 30, 2018
So much happened with this book so much personal emotions and not all of them good. I honestly do no like writing "bad" reviews or ones that can come off as negative but let me explain as best as I could without it being either. First the book started with a boom, like here is danger let's find a way around it, the chemistry with the main characters was almost instantaneously. Which is fine it's a book it happens, but then one of the characters goes off and does the (what I call) "dumb horror movie move" aka the bitch went to the basement and got herself fucking killed! I'm sorry that move made me want throw my kindle to the floor! Or at the very least stop reading but I dislike half-assing things so I kept reading. This book got dark and it irked the living fuck out of me, so much wrong but the book was intense I'll give the author that. THIS book was taboo as hell, so bravo to her.
Character breakdown;
Makayla; first of all when someone keeps insisting she's grown but then acts so damn naive should never be allowed to be an adult. Lol I'm sorry maybe it's because as a young adult I was too cautious (I had paranoid parents) or that I never claimed to be grown when I acted like a child. But Makayla nearly undid me with her decision, but I pushed on hopefully with this she'll learn not everyone trying to shelter you is doing it for all the wrong reasons. Guess that's good you learn right?
Alec; I kinda liked him at first honorable man doing what he can for his best friend and his daughter. That's awesome but then he decided to become another martyr, self sacrificing is only noble when you how it will have a good outcome (in my opinion) too much gamble taken. I also kinda hoped he wouldn't try to also "take care of" Makayla. She leaves one overprotective father to go with a overprotective boyfriend.
So why did I give the book 4stars? It's more of 3.5 stars despite all I said (which was my opinion on how I saw the book) it might be a good book for those into dark and twisted with bad decision making characters. Up to you I still say give it a shot form your own opinion.
(Also to clarify I love taboo, dark and twisted it's the bad decisions part that made it bitter for me.)
Character breakdown;
Makayla; first of all when someone keeps insisting she's grown but then acts so damn naive should never be allowed to be an adult. Lol I'm sorry maybe it's because as a young adult I was too cautious (I had paranoid parents) or that I never claimed to be grown when I acted like a child. But Makayla nearly undid me with her decision, but I pushed on hopefully with this she'll learn not everyone trying to shelter you is doing it for all the wrong reasons. Guess that's good you learn right?
Alec; I kinda liked him at first honorable man doing what he can for his best friend and his daughter. That's awesome but then he decided to become another martyr, self sacrificing is only noble when you how it will have a good outcome (in my opinion) too much gamble taken. I also kinda hoped he wouldn't try to also "take care of" Makayla. She leaves one overprotective father to go with a overprotective boyfriend.
So why did I give the book 4stars? It's more of 3.5 stars despite all I said (which was my opinion on how I saw the book) it might be a good book for those into dark and twisted with bad decision making characters. Up to you I still say give it a shot form your own opinion.
(Also to clarify I love taboo, dark and twisted it's the bad decisions part that made it bitter for me.)
March 30, 2018
"Devils & Rye was a little different from the first three books and I've read them all. This one was a little difficult to get into. Some parts had me turning the page as fast as I could, but others left me scratching my head. The insta-love usually doesn't bother me, but Makayla went from calling him Uncle to wanting him sexually immediately. It felt rushed and a little unnatural, even for a book. Overall, this book was ok. I kept waiting for the story to pick up, but it never happened. I feel each book in this series has steadily fallen in rating since the first book. Books 1 & 2 were great, but 3 & 4 left something out and I'm not quite sure what that is. Give it a try. You may enjoy it.
" Andrea
This is the first book by this author that I have read. Though the story itself was very good, I felt it moved along to fast and the characters needed more development to them. Also, fact that Makayla and Alec had a "Uncle" "niece" relationship before, after not seeing each other for some time the romantic part between them needed time to develop. I still look forward to reading more of this series, including the books before this one. Dawn
"I received the ARC in exchange for a honest review.
Another great edition to the series! As much as I enjoyed the story, I felt it was lacking characterization. The plot certainly moved along well and super quick. I think it took away from the detail it needed. Makayla and Alec needed more time to grow. She refers to him as an uncle in the beginning but it quickly evolved into a romance that should have taken time to develop. I also think Alec wasn’t as dominant as he should have been. They exchanged “I love you” way too soon. After all, they haven’t seen each other in a number of years. As much as I enjoy this series, I believe Alta could have done a little better on this one. I’ll be looking forward to the next book! " Amanda
" Andrea
This is the first book by this author that I have read. Though the story itself was very good, I felt it moved along to fast and the characters needed more development to them. Also, fact that Makayla and Alec had a "Uncle" "niece" relationship before, after not seeing each other for some time the romantic part between them needed time to develop. I still look forward to reading more of this series, including the books before this one. Dawn
"I received the ARC in exchange for a honest review.
Another great edition to the series! As much as I enjoyed the story, I felt it was lacking characterization. The plot certainly moved along well and super quick. I think it took away from the detail it needed. Makayla and Alec needed more time to grow. She refers to him as an uncle in the beginning but it quickly evolved into a romance that should have taken time to develop. I also think Alec wasn’t as dominant as he should have been. They exchanged “I love you” way too soon. After all, they haven’t seen each other in a number of years. As much as I enjoy this series, I believe Alta could have done a little better on this one. I’ll be looking forward to the next book! " Amanda
March 30, 2018
Makayla Knox thought her life was finally getting started after years of life in the gilded cage her father kept her in. Getting to reconnect with someone from her past is just welcomed plus. But the last thing she expected was the danger that would threaten her life and that of her father.
Alec Shelton walked away from the life he grew up in and never expected to be thrust back into it again. But when his past comes knocking on his door, he'll do what is necessary for his friend and the woman that calls to his soul.
Devils & Rye is a thrilling, heart stopping, provocative read that will keep the reader glued to each page wanting to know what will happen next.
Makayla may has led a very sheltered life up until this point and a little naive at times, but she's got a good head on her shoulders. She's strong, smart, and thoughtful. She loves with her whole heart no matter what. And she be afraid of the certain things, she won't let that stop her from getting what she wants.
Alec is the strong, silent type with rough edges that makes him seem unapproachable, but there's more to him behind that facade. I love how he tries to fights his feelings for Makayla because he feels like he doesn't deserve her, but when he finally stops the fight he's all in and will stop at nothing to claim her.
The heat that burns between Alec and Makayla radiates off the pages and causes readers to overheat. It's dirty, naughty, intense and everything salacious.
So if you are in the mood for a read that's passionate, exhilarating, and tantalizing, then I highly you pick up Devils & Rye.
And if you haven't yet picked up the other books in this series, then do yourself a favor and pick them up and get to know these intriguing gentlemen of Spiked Roses.
Alec Shelton walked away from the life he grew up in and never expected to be thrust back into it again. But when his past comes knocking on his door, he'll do what is necessary for his friend and the woman that calls to his soul.
Devils & Rye is a thrilling, heart stopping, provocative read that will keep the reader glued to each page wanting to know what will happen next.
Makayla may has led a very sheltered life up until this point and a little naive at times, but she's got a good head on her shoulders. She's strong, smart, and thoughtful. She loves with her whole heart no matter what. And she be afraid of the certain things, she won't let that stop her from getting what she wants.
Alec is the strong, silent type with rough edges that makes him seem unapproachable, but there's more to him behind that facade. I love how he tries to fights his feelings for Makayla because he feels like he doesn't deserve her, but when he finally stops the fight he's all in and will stop at nothing to claim her.
The heat that burns between Alec and Makayla radiates off the pages and causes readers to overheat. It's dirty, naughty, intense and everything salacious.
So if you are in the mood for a read that's passionate, exhilarating, and tantalizing, then I highly you pick up Devils & Rye.
And if you haven't yet picked up the other books in this series, then do yourself a favor and pick them up and get to know these intriguing gentlemen of Spiked Roses.
March 27, 2018
ByDonna Lon March 27, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
This book will tear your emotions apart in every way possible.Its dark,raw,
brutal and oozes with forbidden arousal.It was beautiful in its brutality,with
just enough hope for a happy ever after. I felt a mix of emotions while reading
this story.It portrays a dark,shadowy world where death and human deprevity
still exsists and thrives.Alec dark past catches up with him,his best friend asks
him to protect and keep safe his daughter.Twenty year old,Makayla Knox is in
grave danger,she will pay the price for the sins of her father.Alec,once a member
a secret society which originated in Athens,Georgia,will give his life for that of
Makayla's.Alec wisely fled the secret society and was now part owner of a men's
club in New Orleans.Alec only choice is to take Makayla to a safe house and keep
her well hidden.Makayla has grown into a beautiful,sensual women,Alec thoughts
are definitely not those of a surrogate uncle.Makayla is so innocent,untouched,pure.
Alec is going to hell but his attraction for Makayla was too strong,it consumed them.
Makayla craved his dominance,he released her hidden submissive nature,she would
be his.Makayla foolishly puts them all into grave danger and the fight for survival was on.
Can Alec find a way to save Makayla,he knows the chances are slim,the danger is great.
This author never fails to to touch my soul,she has a gift and writes with ease.A good book
is one where once you start you just can't stop or get the characters out of your mind.The
author created a sense of foreboding and a palpable tension from the first scene.Another
excellent read that i can highly recommend.
DONNA L
Format: Kindle Edition
This book will tear your emotions apart in every way possible.Its dark,raw,
brutal and oozes with forbidden arousal.It was beautiful in its brutality,with
just enough hope for a happy ever after. I felt a mix of emotions while reading
this story.It portrays a dark,shadowy world where death and human deprevity
still exsists and thrives.Alec dark past catches up with him,his best friend asks
him to protect and keep safe his daughter.Twenty year old,Makayla Knox is in
grave danger,she will pay the price for the sins of her father.Alec,once a member
a secret society which originated in Athens,Georgia,will give his life for that of
Makayla's.Alec wisely fled the secret society and was now part owner of a men's
club in New Orleans.Alec only choice is to take Makayla to a safe house and keep
her well hidden.Makayla has grown into a beautiful,sensual women,Alec thoughts
are definitely not those of a surrogate uncle.Makayla is so innocent,untouched,pure.
Alec is going to hell but his attraction for Makayla was too strong,it consumed them.
Makayla craved his dominance,he released her hidden submissive nature,she would
be his.Makayla foolishly puts them all into grave danger and the fight for survival was on.
Can Alec find a way to save Makayla,he knows the chances are slim,the danger is great.
This author never fails to to touch my soul,she has a gift and writes with ease.A good book
is one where once you start you just can't stop or get the characters out of your mind.The
author created a sense of foreboding and a palpable tension from the first scene.Another
excellent read that i can highly recommend.
DONNA L
March 28, 2018
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/ab...
Devils & Rye was a good 4 star read.
There is an age group between MaKayla and Alex which I didn’t mind at all.
My emotions were all over with this book as well.
MaKayla is sent to work at the Spiked Rose and Alec has been asked to watch over her. This is the first time that MaKayla has been able to do something on her own and she is excited.
When MaKayla’s safety becomes a concern, Alec has to take her somewhere safe. What they didn’t expect was the instant connection they both had. Alec has conflict because of his friendship with MaKayla’s father and knows he shouldn't have feelings but he can’t help how he feels.
There are some unexpected twists that causes Alec to question who he is. Will he be able to keep MaKayla safe? Can they have more and be happy?
I will warn that there are some dark things that could be triggers and hard for some to read. This was a great story that seemed to fly by once I started reading it. Alta Hensley does a great job of pulling you right in and you won’t stop until your done.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. Reviewed by MAustin from Alpha Book Club
Devils & Rye was a good 4 star read.
There is an age group between MaKayla and Alex which I didn’t mind at all.
My emotions were all over with this book as well.
MaKayla is sent to work at the Spiked Rose and Alec has been asked to watch over her. This is the first time that MaKayla has been able to do something on her own and she is excited.
When MaKayla’s safety becomes a concern, Alec has to take her somewhere safe. What they didn’t expect was the instant connection they both had. Alec has conflict because of his friendship with MaKayla’s father and knows he shouldn't have feelings but he can’t help how he feels.
There are some unexpected twists that causes Alec to question who he is. Will he be able to keep MaKayla safe? Can they have more and be happy?
I will warn that there are some dark things that could be triggers and hard for some to read. This was a great story that seemed to fly by once I started reading it. Alta Hensley does a great job of pulling you right in and you won’t stop until your done.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. Reviewed by MAustin from Alpha Book Club
May 10, 2018
Iron Colt Brotherhood is an antiquated, sadistic society that has been in existence for multiple generations in the South. Both Alec and Rhett have been members through their family connections but Alec walked away years ago. Now, Rhett has to pay the piper for all the favors he called in when his beloved wife, Minka, became ill. He needs to shelter his daughter Mikayla and keep her from having to go through a degrading, painful and what could be fatal ritual. Instead he chooses to sacrifice himself. Rhett sends Mikayla to New Orleans to be in the care of Alec. When Alec takes her to a their lakehouse, a place she spent many happy times in her childhood, the dynamic between them changes markedly. He wants her and she wants him but it all seems to taboo: his best friend's daughter; he's old enough to be her father; and, she's a virgin. When McKayla learns her father's feet after reading a letter sent to Alec, she decides that she will try to rescue him bye going through the ritual so she steals Alec's car and drives to the ritual site, on old plantation. She's chained, degraded, treated roughly all in preparation for the ritual. When it comes time to meet her new owner, imagine her surprise when she finds out it's Alec. He promises to get her out of this mess but only if she does what he says completely. He also promises to try and say her father. Fortunately, for all concerned the matter resolved itself in a win-win situation for them. Alec and Makayla declare their love for one another to her father and now they have a future to look forward to
March 27, 2018
4.5 Brotherhood Stars
Darkness comes in different forms when you least expect it. It takes you by surprise.
This edition was different than the others, but make no mistake it still holds true with the dark, twisted, mind numbing Top Shelf tradition. Devils & Rye takes you out of Spiked Roses, but into a Brotherhood of the unknown.
"This storm was going to be epic and we were about to enter the eye of the hurricane."
Makayla and Alec have known one another for a time, but now McKayla's life is in danger due to her father's vices and it's up to Alec to save her, even if it means going back into a world he once left. McKayla's not the little girl anymore that he's used to, she's all sinful innocent curve now and he can't seem to resist temptation.
"We shouldn't. It's wrong. But it's so hard to stop myself."
These two characters had a wicked innocent factor that was appealing yet taboo in a way. There is a age difference but Alta writes this book so well you don't even notice it. You are drawn back into the dark & salacious world of Spiked Roses that it's thrilling, provocative, captivating and enchanting. Alta's writing lures you in beyond the shadows and within, the greys turn to black which take a hold of you. By the end, you want to stay in the dark, wanting more of her wicked stories!
Devils & Rye, along with the Top Shelf series are powerful and raw. They are filled with pure Alpha, dominant and sinister male characters that will transform your heart! If you have not taken a sip, taste or a gulp of this series, I highly advise you do... I absolutely love this series and I can't wait for more.
**ARC graciously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**
Darkness comes in different forms when you least expect it. It takes you by surprise.
This edition was different than the others, but make no mistake it still holds true with the dark, twisted, mind numbing Top Shelf tradition. Devils & Rye takes you out of Spiked Roses, but into a Brotherhood of the unknown.
"This storm was going to be epic and we were about to enter the eye of the hurricane."
Makayla and Alec have known one another for a time, but now McKayla's life is in danger due to her father's vices and it's up to Alec to save her, even if it means going back into a world he once left. McKayla's not the little girl anymore that he's used to, she's all sinful innocent curve now and he can't seem to resist temptation.
"We shouldn't. It's wrong. But it's so hard to stop myself."
These two characters had a wicked innocent factor that was appealing yet taboo in a way. There is a age difference but Alta writes this book so well you don't even notice it. You are drawn back into the dark & salacious world of Spiked Roses that it's thrilling, provocative, captivating and enchanting. Alta's writing lures you in beyond the shadows and within, the greys turn to black which take a hold of you. By the end, you want to stay in the dark, wanting more of her wicked stories!
Devils & Rye, along with the Top Shelf series are powerful and raw. They are filled with pure Alpha, dominant and sinister male characters that will transform your heart! If you have not taken a sip, taste or a gulp of this series, I highly advise you do... I absolutely love this series and I can't wait for more.
**ARC graciously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**
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