Bastards & Whiskey (Top Shelf Book 1)

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. This was a definite 5 star read. Ms. Hensley gave us a dark, drama book that kept us turning the pages while holding our breath to see what would happen next. Her characters were beautifully written and captivating, leaving us with all types of different emotions about them from loving them to hating them and everything in between. Her use of descriptive writing was superb and complete to draw us a well defined picture of the characters and the storyline. This story had steamy parts, drama, pain, intensity and rawness to it. This will be a series to keep reading as it is so superbly written and this book has left me wanting more. I was left with the best king of book hangover. Keep up the wonderful writing Ms. Hensley. One-click you won't be disappointed!

Bastard's and Whiskey is a dark romance between billionaire Kenneth and sweet innocent Anita. Kenneth is a kinky rich, successful lawyer/owner at the exclusive gentlemen's club Spiked Rose in New Orleans. Anita gets hired at the Spiked Rose and her life will never be the same. Alta Hensley can truly write and I am one of her many fans! This book is full of suspense, mystery, danger, kink and dark romance. A well written story and over the top characters with twisted chemistry. I can't wait to read the next book by this author. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

Wow fast paced, dark and highly erotic. Alta Hensley surely delivers an intriguing plot and characters you love to hate but love at the same time. Kennetg is one of the founders of Spiked Roses, an exclusive gentleman's club. Anita who is new in town hot hired by Kenneth. He was intrigued by her. She craves pain but when she signed a contract with one of the members, she got way over her head. Its up to Kenneth to fix this and he wants more than she can offer....love. Beautifully written, the characters are interesting and the chemistry between Kenneth and Anita is off the charts.

Let me start off by saying this book has impressive fantasies and fetishes these sexual scenes were hot I mean burning. As I read this tale, my mind was on fire; which I needed to read all night. Yes, I had to absorb these characters.

The chemistry between these two people had me thinking is this a hate/love relationship. The heroine was a strong, sassy, and was smart enough to owed up to her mistakes. As for the hero who very controlling, found he was not bulletproof when it came to her. Let's just say there was some wonderful WTF moments that left me speechless.

Bastards and Whiskey by Alta Hensley is a must read novel!

This book is definitely HOT!! Do you think you've read it all with Alta's previous books? Well, I thought I did to, until I read this one! You get so much steam and heat, that trust me, you will be fanning yourself whilst reading.

The characters are each so diverse and unique, that I never knew what to expect from them next. They definitely had an undeniable chemistry, but they also had the deeper more intimate connection that made some scenes seem very sensual.

4.5/5 Stars!

Anita feels she lives in a black world and dreams of living in color. When the lady she is a caregiver for pushes her to move to New Orleans and make a new life for herself, she does. She wasn't prepared for the dark and taboo world that awaited her.

Kenneth is a lawyer, and part owner of an exclusive gentlemen's club "Spiked Roses". He has worked hard for everything he has. He has lots of women, but he doesn't need one. He doesn't do emotion and relationships.

Their story is a very engaging one that will have you page turning well in to the night just to see how it all plays out. Interesting characters, good story and a great introduction to the men of Spiked Roses. I can't wait to read the rest of their stories.

Great balls of fire!
Bastards & Whiskey is hotter than "h-e-double hockey sticks"!!
Alta Hensley knows how to bring the fire. She pulls no punches. Her writing is bold, erotic and taboo. What I'm saying is...You really should take heed to the note at the end of the descriptor.....
*BASTARDS & WHISKEY is a dark billionaire romance. If you don’t like a sprinkle of shock, a dash of taboo, and a heavy dose of sex, then don’t take a sip of this TOP SHELF cocktail.

I think this is my favorite story to date of the authors!

Another winner from Alta Hensley, this is the first of a series which was introduced in a short story in the Royally Mine short story collection (Bad Boys & Bourbon). In that story we are introduced to Spiked Roses a very exclusive mens' club which has very elitist membership, the only way to join is to be very rich and powerful. The staff are all women and there are very strict codes of dress and conduct. Kenneth Saxon is an incredibly rich and successful lawyer and he has gathered the members of the board of management together to inform them about all the recent lawsuits the club has faced. These have all been settled but only by paying the plaintiffs millions of dollars. There is a room in the club called the Tasting Room and there are regular parties held there, in this room, basically anything goes any female staff member who wants to take part from now on will have to sign a contract stating what she is going to be doing with whomever she partners (basically she is being bought and the contracts are signed with a drop of blood from both parties). Once the contract is signed and a price agreed between the employee and the member, there is no going back, unless the employee uses a safe word or returns the payment she receives. We are now introduced to Anita Kyle a young woman who grew up living with her grandparents in a trailer behind a closed petrol station in a nowhere place in Nevada. Anita's grandparents have passed away and she is now on her own and works as a carer for Virgie a kind elderly lady who Anita considers her only friend. There is no excitement or colour in Anita's life so she has one side of her body tattooed with brightly coloured flowers and she plays dangerous games whilst walking to work kicking sage brush to see if you can disturb a rattler snake. Virgie can see that Anita is vegetating and insists that she should leave and go to New Orleans and get a job and a life. Virgie arranges for Anita to stay with a friend in a boarding house on Bourbon Street and there she meets some girls who work at Spiked Roses. Anita has an interview with Kenneth and although he has never really got involved or had a relationship, he is intrigued by Anita, she is, tough and honest and edgy but also very naive, he hires immediately to work as a cigar girl in the Humidor Room. Meanwhile Virgie has been placed in a full time nursing facility because her medical insurance doesn't cover full time nursing at home. Anita needs to earn enough money to pay a full time nurse in order to bring Virgie home to end her days in her beloved house. There is no way she can earn enough for this as a cigar girl, so when the next tasting party is announced Anita volunteers to take part. It is explained to her in very clear language what to expect and when she negotiates her contract with Marco a particularly volatile and violent mafia lord she still signs the contract. Kenneth watches and is appalled but cannot interfere because the rules he has put into place for the protection of the club and its members cannot be broken. Anita signs a contract to be owned by Marco for 2 weeks but is so traumatised by him within the first night that she runs, back where she came from to Virgie's house. Kenneth decides to bring her back himself because he knows that if Marco finds her, he will probably have her killed for her disrespect. Kenneth is very angry and tries to persuade Anita to give back the money but she is very stubborn and refuses and he has no choice but to bring her back to Marco. During the journey back the two of them clash in ways which only Alta Hensley can write.
This book is very dark and edgy with taboo subjects which are sometimes hard to read but always very compelling. The characters are deep and complicated but still appealing, at times I wanted to take hold of Anita and give her a good shake and tell her to wake up but also Kenneth is very tunnel visioned and slow to realise the way out of the dilemma. This is not for all but I really enjoyed reading it and look forward to the next two books in the series. I voluntarily reviewed and advance reader copy.

Alta Hensley did another fantastic job. I am hooked on her books after reading Captive Vow. I couldn't wait to dive in and read Bastards and Whiskey. Dark Romance is now my new favorite genre. I am so hooked that i couldn't put it down. Kenneth and Anita were great strong and powerful characters. There was enough of everything. A very well written story line, drama, villains, twists and turns, emotion, heart ache, hot sex and of course love. I Can't wait for the next book in this series! I voluntarily read an advance readers copy of this book.

My first read from this author. But I always give new-to-me authors another chance. Like they say, no two readers read the same book. Or something like that.

This one lacked any kind of emotional response in me. I usually love fast-paced reads, but this one didn't hit the mark. I'm kinda sad because this could've been a solid 4 or 5 star read. I loved the idea with the club and even the special nights... Anti-heroes are my jam! The only character I loved was Tennessee. Girl, write his book, please. Anyway, solid plot, execution not so much. Maybe Harley will lift my spirits, I want to read his book.

Nothing short of AMAZING and FLAWLESS - If you like dark and hard jump right in. From the cover to the very last letter I was hooked. This book oozes wet and wild sex that would make a porn star blush.

Bastards & Whiskey was a gift from the Goddess of kinky and erotic...bow down and read it. Be cautious - wandering fingers and spontaneous panty-ripping may happen with this story.

Come join Anita and Kenneth on their ride...they're waiting for you!

I received an ARC for an honest and voluntarily review.

There are bastards out there and Anita is about to crash into them head on. When she agrees to do taboo and unmentionable things with a mafia bastard for $100k, she is selling herself and isn't sure she can deliver. When Kenneth has to find her, he finds her a little more intriguing than he should and the new rules come into play. I enjoyed this story but it is certainly not for the faint of heart. With some pretty taboo subjects, this will be a trigger story for some but a delightfully dark read for many. 5 stars for Alta!

Kenneth Saxon is part owner of the Spiked Roses Gentleman’s Club.He always gets what he wants and what he wants is Anita, she has just moved to New Orleans and now works at the club.Trying to make some money fast she messes up and signs a contract with Marco for two weeks but after two days she cannot take anymore and flees now Kenneth has to find her and take her back to save the clubs rep.I really liked this it is a fantastic start to the series i cannot wait to read more.

I read this through Kindle Unlimited

Spiked Roses; a rich man's playground whwere anthing goes....for a price. Kenneth Saxon sets up the rules for the club. He hires Anita even though he sees an innocence about her that should have him sending her away. Her need for money makes her reckless and she signs a two week contract with a mafia mobster. When she takes the money and runs, Kenneth retrieves and delivers her back to what surely be two weeks of hell. After all, she did tbe crime so now she has to do the time, right? Or not! Kenneth realizes Anita has wormed her way under his skin and into his jaded heart. Now he must not only get her back but win her heart.

Bastards & Whiskey is an intense, gritty and raw book. It is a dark, painful and often uncomfortable read that is full of sex and kink. I feel I must offer a warning that this book contains content that will not appeal to all including dubious consent and shocking taboo kink. If you enjoy your romance dark and edgy grab a copy now. This is my voluntary review that I'm posting after reading an ARC copy of this book.

What I really, really like about this series is that they start out a little mysterious, and you get a great build up, before realizing that these heroes are actual softies for the ones they end up loving. It seems very dark, and don't get me wrong, there is some taboo, but the honesty, commitment, and caring is also very apparent and I love it. I can't wait to read all the other books in the series.

This was such an interesting read! Although this was a dark read I really enjoyed the book. It was intense and erotic with some very interesting characters of which not all of them I liked. Spiked Roses is an interesting and dark establishment and the blood was a different twist.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

I got into this series after reading an anthology containing part of this story/series. After reading that little bit I NEEDED more. Young, naïve Anita and cunning, ruthless Kenneth make for a wondeful dark story with some hot sexy time.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
This was my first book by Alta. I loved the characters and the story. It was a little dark. I was drawn in at the very beginning and I could not put the book down. I can't wait to read more of Alta Hensley's books.

This started out good, but then Anita became extremely annoying and I couldn’t take it anymore. Who steals that kind of money and is so stupid and childish to just walk away. I kept thinking to just give the money back. She signed the fricking contract but acted like she was completely innocent and wronged. It just went downhill from there.

Fantastic read. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I could not put it down. This is my first book by this author, but it will not be my last. I was provided a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
This was my first book by Alta. I loved the characters and the story. It was a little dark. I was drawn in at the very beginning and I could not put the book down. I can't wait to read more of Alta Hensley's books.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
This was my first book by Alta. I loved the characters and the story. It was a little dark. I was drawn in at the very beginning and I could not put the book down. I can't wait to read more of Alta Hensley's books.

Good beginning to what has the potential to be great series. Amazing characters and definitely not the same ole same ole. It had some components of your spicier reads but the storyline itself was unique. Will definitely be continuing on in this series.

I received and arc in return for my honest opinion. Gentlemen's club where the wealthy men get what they want. Anita is raised by her grandparents and a bit naive to some things comes to New Orleans and works for this club. There is this push and pull between her and one of the partner/owers of the club Kenneth. This book delves into the dark, gritty, edgy, painful parts life can lead for many. This book is a great start to a awesome new series. I can't wait to read the rest.

Plot: 5
Writing: 4
Editing: 4.8
Characters: 4.5
Heat index: 4.8
This is the story of Anita, who grew up in a trailer in small town Nevada, and how, to quench a thirst for color in her life, she pulls up stakes to move to New Orleans. There she finds a job at a exclusive male club, Spiked Roses, where she discovers a darkness dwelling in her soul. One of the founders, Kenneth, finds her intriguing and is angered when she volunteers for the Tasting Room. This is the beginning of an erotic battle of wills.

I loved every sinfully minute of Bastards & Whiskey, I couldn't put it down. It's hot, sexy, intense, and down right seductive. So if you are looking for something a little dark, a little taboo, and a whole lot sexy, then I highly recommend you pick up Bastards & Whiskey today! Can't wait for the next book in the Top Shelf Series! ?
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

Deliciously dirty. Spiked Roses is a place that men can live out their darkest fantasies, if you have the proclivity for it, they've got it. Anita needs a fresh start, she hasn't had the easiest of life and applies to Spiked Roses to work. Even the most cynical of men Kenneth Saxon can't help but be attracted to the diamond in the rough that is Anita. Along the way there is danger, intrigue and a heck of a ride to get on.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a Dark Romance. Kenneth is a rich man with dominance, ambitions, power and a good business sense. Anita is a woman wanting to follow her dreams and do good for the people she loves. When these two meet there is an instant attraction but they do have a love hate relationship. The story is full of angst, depression, desperation, depravity, and determination. There is some scenes that might be triggers for some so be aware.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a Dark Romance. Kenneth is a rich man with dominance, ambitions, power and a good business sense. Anita is a woman wanting to follow her dreams and do good for the people she loves. When these two meet there is an instant attraction but they do have a love hate relationship. The story is full of angst, depression, desperation, depravity, and determination. There is some scenes that might be triggers for some so be aware.

I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
O my this is one great read. I loved it . It had me hooked from the first page . It is very well written with very likeable characters and a great storyline that keeps you interested until the end. There is fantastic chemistry between the characters. Super hot steamy scenes in it. This is one you do not want to miss

Alta couldn't have chosen a better title. Bastards and Whiskey. Could we really ask for more in a dark romance?

For me this book read like a movie. Alta did an amazing job setting the scene. I could picture the powerful men in expensive suits sipping their $300 a glass whiskey. I could smell the wood and leather that surrounded them.

If your looking to be sucked in and devoured by an INTENSE passion then this book is for you. Cheers!

Bastards & Whiskey is the first book I have read by Alta Hensley and I really liked it! This is a dark and erotic with BDSM story about Kenneth and Anita. Kenneth and his partners own Spiked Roses, a unique men's only club. I liked Kenneth and Anita, they were both annoying at times but I did like them. Looking forward to reading book #2!

Love Ms Hensley's writing and she definitely does not disappoint with this story. Anxiously awaiting the next in the series. Characters are interesting with just enough depth to hope everything comes up roses. Read it in one sitting as I had to see where it ends up for these two. Wholeheartedly recommend for anyone looking for a bit of dark romance.

What would you do to make yourself feel alive and help someone else to live a better life? Anita was very certain what she would do to help Virgie live her days out in her beloved home, but could she actually live through the the vile things that Marco would expect? Would Kenneth save her or continue to be the arrogant bastard he seemed to be? Could she find what she has been searching for in her colorless life? If you read the story you may be repulsed and romanced.

Omg! Alta does it yet again with another deliciously, sexy, taboo, page turning book about an exclusive billionaires club where everything goes. There is no such word as no. This book was all kinds of hot and set my Kindle on fire. I loved this book. Can't wait for#2.

I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

I started this book this morning. Had to keep reading it was so good. Alta has a unique way with her words that draw you into the book. This book lived up to it's name. The book had a good story line, mixed in with a little sex and two people who have a hate/love relationship. You need to read it to see what happens with Kenneth/Anita.

Overall, this was a good book. I really loved Anita; she was a strong, determined character. The book has a good mix of dark and light moments. I did find the repeating cursing to get rather tiring after awhile. It seemed overused in an attempt to make Kenneth seem "bad" without making him unlikable.
I received an ARC.

This book is about Kenneth and Anita. A delicious, dark, and sexy romance. Quite a wild ride from this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.